Oswald’s Post-Marriage Plans to Return to the U.S.
In late June 1961 (according to the diary) or between May and July (according to Marina’s recollection), Oswald told his wife he was anxious to return to the United States; she was “slightly startled” but encouraged him to do as he wished. Embassy records show Oswald notified the Embassy in a letter received May 25 that he was married and that his wife would seek to accompany him to the United States. The Oswalds began making inquiries in Soviet offices about exit visas. During this period they enjoyed their new life together, taking most meals at cafes or restaurants where they worked, and going boating, to the opera, concerts, the circus, and films, occasionally gathering with friends for cooperative meals. Oswald’s Russian improved but he retained an accent and never learned to write or speak grammatically; he read the English-language Daily Worker and books on Marxism and Leninism, along with some Russian newspapers.
Oswald’s Rejection From Patrice Lumumba Friendship University
Before marrying Marina, and presumably before February 1961, Oswald had applied for admission to the Patrice Lumumba Friendship University in Moscow. On May 3, 1961, the university sent a letter apologizing for the delay and rejecting his application on the ground that the institution had been established exclusively for students from the underdeveloped countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Oswald expressed his disappointment to Marina.
Oswald’s Correspondence With Family After Marriage
On May 5, Oswald reopened his correspondence with his family by writing a friendly letter to his brother Robert, mentioning his marriage, his job as a “metal-smith,” and that he was living well, while asking for their mother’s address and encouraging Robert to visit Minsk. Robert answered quickly, and on May 31 Oswald wrote again expressing pleasure at hearing from his brother, declining an offer of aid while suggesting Marina might like a small wedding present. In the letter he stated he did not know whether he would ever return to the United States, citing the need for Soviet exit permission and assurances against U.S. prosecution, and mentioned he was in touch with the Embassy in Moscow. Around this time Oswald also wrote to his mother.
Return of Oswald’s Passport and Marina’s U.S. Visa Process
Having heard nothing from the Embassy since March about his passport, Oswald appeared without warning at the Embassy on Saturday, July 8, 1961, when the offices were closed, and reached Snyder by house telephone. Snyder came to the office, spoke briefly with him, and suggested he return Monday. Oswald called Marina, who arrived Sunday, July 9, and they took a room at the Hotel Berlin. On Monday, Marina waited outside while Oswald was interviewed by Snyder, who examined his Soviet papers and questioned him closely about his life in Russia and possible expatriating acts. Oswald stated he was not a Soviet citizen, had never formally applied for citizenship, taken an oath of allegiance, or joined the factory trade union, and had never given Soviet officials confidential Marine information—though some of these statements were almost certainly false, as he had applied for Soviet citizenship, been disappointed when it was denied, and possessed a union membership card. Oswald expressed anxiety about possible prosecution; Snyder informed him informally that he knew of no grounds for prosecution but could give no assurances, noting Oswald seemed to have matured and had “learned a hard lesson the hard way.” Because his passport would expire September 10, 1961, Oswald filled out a renewal application and questionnaire reiterating his American nationality. On the basis of Oswald’s statements, Snyder concluded he had not expatriated himself and returned the passport, stamped valid only for direct travel to the United States. The following day, accompanied by Marina, Oswald returned to the Embassy to initiate procedures for her immigration to the United States, undergoing a routine interview with McVickar, Snyder’s assistant, before returning to Minsk three days later. On the same day, Oswald wrote to Robert reporting he had his passport back and that he and Marina were doing everything possible to leave the Soviet Union, the letter’s tone of firm purpose reflecting his attitude thereafter.
The original text of this work is in the public domain. This page focuses on a guided summary article, reading notes, selected quotes, and visual learning materials for educational purposes.