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

Oswald’s Life in Minsk, 1960–1962

According to the “Historic Diary” and Soviet-supplied documents, Oswald resided in Minsk from January 1960 until June 1962. His life in Minsk is the portion of his life about which the least is known, with primary sources being his own writings and Marina Oswald’s testimony.

Verification of Oswald’s Presence in Minsk

Evidence establishes beyond doubt that Oswald was in fact located in Minsk on at least two occasions. The Commission obtained two photographs taken by American tourists in Minsk in August 1961 that show Oswald; the tourists did not know or speak with him. Oswald was also noticed in Minsk in the spring of 1961 by a University of Michigan student traveling with the band on a tour of Russia. Oswald corresponded with the American Embassy in Moscow from a Minsk address and wrote letters from Minsk to his family in the United States. He and his wife had many photographs showing Minsk backgrounds and identifiable residents. After returning to the United States, Oswald conversed about the city with Russian-born American citizens familiar with it, and Marina Oswald was also familiar with it. The Commission independently verified the existence of many of the acquaintances Oswald and his wife said they knew in Minsk.

Oswald’s Income, Benefits, and Cost of Living in the Soviet Union

After being accepted as a resident alien, Oswald received considerable benefits beyond those of ordinary Soviet citizens in his position. Upon being informed he could remain and being sent to Minsk, he was given 5,000 rubles (about $500) by the Soviet “Red Cross” for expenses; he used 2,200 rubles to pay his hotel bill and 150 rubles for a train ticket, leaving him feeling “like a rich man.” Although he did not receive the free quarters the “Mayor” of Minsk had promised, about six weeks after arrival he was given a pleasant apartment for 60 rubles ($6) per month—considered “almost rent free.” He received a job at the Byelorussian Radio and Television Factory, where his piecework pay ranged from 700 to 900 rubles ($70–$90) per month, which Marina Oswald said was average for his occupation and good by general Soviet standards. In addition to his salary, Oswald regularly received 700 rubles ($70) per month from the Soviet “Red Cross.” His only recorded complaint was that there was “no place to spend the money.”