chapter II. With the assistance of Agent in Charge Sorrels of the
Chapter II investigates and debunks numerous rumors and speculations that circulated after President Kennedy’s assassination, addressing claims about Sheriff Decker’s radio dispatch, Dallas police surveillance, Oswald’s alleged activities, and various conspiracy theories. The chapter then transitions to Appendix XIII, presenting a detailed biography of Lee Harvey Oswald, beginning with his mother’s early life, marriages, and the family’s circumstances leading to the placement of the Oswald children in the Bethlehem Children’s Home.
Sheriff Decker’s November 22 Radio Dispatch
Sheriff E. J. Decker of Dallas County transmitted a radio dispatch on November 22 ordering officers to respond to trouble at the Texas School Book Depository. The Dallas Times-Herald reported that Decker came on the air at 12:25 p.m., but the official radio log shows his message was issued 40 seconds after 12:30 p.m., with no messages logged between 12:20 p.m. and that time.
Dallas Police Surveillance of Integration Supporters
A claim that Dallas police on November 22 had placed supporters of school integration under surveillance was investigated. The Dallas Police Department reported that the only person under surveillance in connection with the President’s visit was at the Trade Mart, and the Commission found no evidence that integration supporters were surveilled.
Oswald’s Dallas Shooting Range Visits
A rumor that Oswald was seen practicing with a rifle at Dallas-area shooting ranges was examined. Marina Oswald stated her husband mentioned practicing in March or April 1963, and witnesses reported seeing him at ranges in October and November 1963, but investigation could not confirm the man seen was Oswald.
Oswald’s Driving Ability and License Status
Despite speculation that Oswald could drive and was seen in cars, the Commission found that Oswald did not have a driver’s license. Both Marina Oswald and Ruth Paine testified he could not drive, and there is no confirmed evidence of his driving; however, Mrs. Paine did give him some short driving lessons.
Rumor of Oswald’s Western Union Money Receipts
A claim that Oswald collected money via Western Union telegraph before the assassination was investigated. Employee C. A. Hamblen initially claimed to have seen Oswald collecting wire transfers but could not confirm the identification. Western Union records showed no money orders payable to Oswald or his known aliases, and an official concluded the allegation was unfounded.
Rumor of Oswald’s Alice, Texas Job Application
A rumor that Oswald stopped in Alice, Texas, on his return from Mexico City in October 1963 to apply for a radio station job was investigated. The Commission found that Oswald traveled by bus, arriving in Dallas on October 3, and the bus did not pass through Alice. On October 4, he applied for jobs in Dallas and stayed at the Paine residence. Since Oswald did not own a car and likely could not drive, he could not have been in Alice on October 4.
Rumor of Oswald’s Prearranged Airplane Getaway
Claims that Oswald or accomplices had arranged an airplane getaway were found to be entirely unsubstantiated. The Commission found no evidence of any prearranged escape plan following the assassination.
Rumor of Money Found in Oswald’s Beckley Room
A rumor that $150 was found in the dresser of Oswald’s room at 1026 North Beckley Avenue was investigated. The Commission found no money was discovered there; Oswald had left $170 at the Paine residence in Irving, and only $13.87 was on his person at arrest.
Rumor of Castro Sympathizer File Boxes in Oswald’s Room
A claim that Dallas police found seven metal file boxes containing names of Castro sympathizers in Oswald’s room was examined. Police inventories of property from the Beckley Avenue room do not include file boxes, and the small file boxes from the Paine residence contained letters, pictures, books, and literature—most belonging to Ruth Paine—with no lists of Castro sympathizers.
Rumor of Oswald Receiving Help With Letters
Speculation that Oswald’s letters varied too greatly in quality for one person to have written them was investigated. The Commission found no evidence of outside help in the United States. His wife and mother testified he wrote multiple drafts of important letters, and even his better letters contained distinctive spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors common to his poorer efforts. His diary noted that his October 16, 1959, letter to the Supreme Soviet received help from Intourist Guide Rima Shirokova.
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