Report of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy

November 24 Morning Interview: Map and Religious Views

At 9:30 AM on November 24, Fritz showed Oswald a map of Dallas recovered from his North Beckley room that bore a marking near where the President was shot. Oswald denied any connection to the assassination and said the map had been used to locate buildings where he sought employment. Inspector Kelley questioned Oswald about his religious views, to which he responded evasively, disagreeing with certain religious philosophies; when asked directly about belief in a Deity, Oswald declined to answer.

Questions on Post-Kennedy Cuba and Continued Denials

A federal officer asked Oswald whether Cuba would be better off following Kennedy’s assassination. Oswald responded that someone else would likely assume the presidency, perhaps Vice-President Johnson, whose views would largely mirror Kennedy’s. Fritz again questioned Oswald about the gun and the rifle photograph, prompting continued denials of any knowledge of the picture or rifle. Oswald denied ever living on Neely Street, dismissing friends’ claims as mistaken. During this interview he declared himself a Marxist, stating “I am a Marxist, but not a Leninist-Marxist,” identified the New Orleans radio station as one that carried Bill Stakey’s program, again denied knowing Alex Hidell in New Orleans, and reiterated his support for Fair Play for Cuba.

Preparations for Oswald’s Transfer to County Jail

Chief Jesse E. Curry arrived to confirm readiness for Oswald’s transfer to the County Jail, and arrangements were made for security in the basement after Fritz objected to cameras obstructing the jail door. Oswald’s original shirt had been sent to the Washington crime lab, and he was permitted to select a replacement shirt from his belongings, ultimately choosing a black Ivy League style shirt over a T-shirt. Despite Fritz’s suggestion that a hat might camouflage his appearance during the transfer, Oswald declined. Officer J. R. Leavalle handcuffed Oswald’s left hand to his right, and the group departed for the transfer.

Notes on Interrogation Conditions and Report Limitations

Fritz noted that the report was prepared from rough notes and memory, acknowledging that questions attributed to particular interviews might actually belong to separate sessions. He described the adverse conditions of his 9-foot 6-inch by 14-foot office, which had only one front door and forced the prisoner through crowds of hundreds of people over approximately 20 feet during each transfer to the jail door. The office was surrounded by large glass windows with officers working nearby, lacked record-keeping facilities, and Fritz was frequently interrupted to speak with witnesses or gather information from other officers.

FBI FD-302 Report: Initial November 23 Interview with Oswald

FBI Special Agents James P. Hosty Jr. and James W. Bookhout entered Captain Fritz’s interview room at 3:15 PM to find Oswald already being interviewed. After being advised of his rights, Oswald adopted a hostile attitude toward the FBI and made uncomplimentary remarks; he requested that his handcuffs be moved from behind his back to in front, which Fritz accommodated. Oswald denied owning a rifle but mentioned observing Mr. Truely display one at the Texas Schoolbook Depository, and denied any visits to Mexico except Tijuana. He admitted residing in the Soviet Union for three years with many friends and relatives of his wife. He acknowledged being secretary of the New Orleans Fair Play for Cuba Committee, receiving a Marine Corps marksmanship award, living at 1026 N. Beckley under the name O. H. Lee, and being employed at the Texas Schoolbook Depository since October 15, 1963. He claimed to have eaten lunch on the first floor, gone to the second floor Coca-Cola machine, been on the first floor when the President passed, gone home by bus, changed clothes, and attended a movie, while carrying a pistol because he “felt like it.” He admitted fighting the arresting officers and denied shooting Officer Tippit or President Kennedy; the interview concluded at 4:05 PM when Oswald was removed for a lineup. The document bears File # DL 89-43 and was dictated on 11/23/63.