Oswald Political Affiliation Statements
When asked about his political beliefs, Oswald stated he had none but that he belonged to the Fair Play for Cuba Committee, telling Fritz the organization had headquarters in New York and that he had been Secretary for the organization in New Orleans when he lived there. Oswald also stated that he supported the Castro Revolution. During a later interview, Fritz asked Oswald about a card from his purse showing membership in the Fair Play for Cuba Committee, which Oswald admitted was his. He was also questioned about another identification card in his pocket bearing the name “Alex Hidell,” which he said he had picked up in New Orleans while working in the Fair Play for Cuba organization.
Oswald Russia and Mexico City Statements
Agent Hosty asked Oswald if he had been in Russia, and Oswald replied that he had been in Russia for three years. When asked if he had written to the Russian Embassy, Oswald confirmed he had. Oswald became very upset and arrogant with Hosty during questioning, accusing him of accosting his wife two different times, and would hit his fist on the desk when Hosty attempted to talk to him. Oswald explained that Hosty had mistreated his wife when talking with her. Hosty also asked Oswald if he had been to Mexico City, which Oswald denied. Oswald stated he spoke Russian, corresponded with people in Russia, and received newspapers from Russia.
Tippit Murder Showup and Arraignment
Interviews on November 22 were interrupted by showups where witnesses identified Oswald positively as the man who killed Officer Tippit. Showups were held at 4:35 pm, 6:30 pm, and 7:55 pm. At 7:05 pm, Fritz signed a complaint before Bill Alexander of the District Attorney’s office, charging Oswald with the Tippit murder. At 7:10 pm, Tippit was arraigned before Judge Johnston. After reviewing all the evidence pertaining to the killing of President Kennedy before District Attorney Henry Wade, his assistant Bill Alexander, and Jim Allen, former First Assistant District Attorney of Dallas County, Fritz signed a complaint charging Oswald with the murder of President Kennedy at 11:26 pm. Oswald was arraigned before Judge David Johnston at 1:35 am on November 23, 1963, and was placed in jail about 12:00 midnight, then brought from jail for arraignment at 1:36 am.
November 23 Oswald Interrogation
On November 23 at 10:25 AM, Oswald was brought from jail for an interview. Present were FBI agent Jim Bookhout, Forrest Sorrells (special agent and in charge of Secret Service), United States Marshall Robert Nash, and Homicide officers. During this interview, Fritz talked to Oswald about his leaving the building and he told Fritz he left by bus, rode to a stop near home, and walked to his house, with a bus transfer found in his pocket at arrest. Oswald admitted the transfer was given to him by the bus driver. Regarding the cab ride, Oswald confirmed riding a cab due to slow bus traffic and recounted an incident where a lady also wanted a cab and he told her to “take another cab.” Oswald said he reached home by cab, changed both his shirt and trousers, and his cab fare was 85 cents, with the changed clothing placed in the dirty clothes. About his location at the time of the President was killed, Oswald said he ate lunch with some of the “colored boys” who worked with him, including one called “Junior” and another short man whose name he did not know, eating a cheese sandwich and some fruit. He denied bringing the long package described by Mr. Frazier and his sister. Oswald explained living separately from his wife by stating Mrs. Paine was learning Russian, his wife needed help with the baby, and it was a convenient arrangement. He said he did not know Mr. Paine well but thought Mr. and Mrs. Paine were separated a great deal of the time. Oswald stated he owned no car, that the Paines had two cars, and that he had left sea bags with personal belongings at the Paine garage after returning from New Orleans in September.
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