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

Oswald’s Political Activities Upon Return

Oswald’s Political Activities Upon Return After returning from the Soviet Union, Oswald had dealings with the Communist Party, U.S.A., the Socialist Workers Party, and the Fair Play for Cuba Committee, plus minor contacts with at least two other politically interested organizations. To determine whether any of these provided advice, encouragement, or assistance in planning or executing the assassination, the Commission fully investigated the nature and extent of Oswald’s relations with them, and also investigated whether persons and organizations hostile to President Kennedy had any connection with Oswald or the shooting.

Communist Party and Socialist Workers Party Contacts

Communist Party and Socialist Workers Party Contacts In August 1962 Oswald subscribed to the Worker, a Communist Party publication, and wrote to obtain pamphlets.[C6-404][C6-405] He attempted further dealings with the Communist Party but received limited response, including a letter from Arnold S. Johnson stating the party had no “organizational ties” with the Fair Play for Cuba Committee.[C6-406][C6-407] In September 1963 Johnson suggested Oswald contact the party after relocating to Baltimore, and replied to Oswald’s inquiry about operating “underground” that “often it is advisable for some people to remain in the background, not underground.”[C6-408][C6-409] A November 1 letter from Oswald reporting his move to Dallas and asking the party’s view of the ACLU was not received until after the assassination.[C6-410] Oswald also offered his photographic services to the Worker and the Hall-Davis Defense Committee but was never called upon.[C6-411] On his Cuba visa application in Mexico City, Senora Silvia Duran noted that Oswald claimed Communist Party membership and displayed documents, though she likely misunderstood because some papers were in Russian and further investigation indicated he was not a member.[C6-412][C6-413][C6-414] Oswald also carried on limited correspondence with the Socialist Workers Party, attempting to join in October 1962 (rejected because there was no Dallas chapter), offering poster assistance, and subscribing to the Militant in December 1962.[C6-416][C6-417][C6-418] A March 1963 letter and clipping sent to the party cannot be located.[C6-419] Investigation produced no plausible evidence of other significant contacts; FBI and federal security agencies, along with numerous confidential informants, found no such evidence.[C6-420] Arnold S. Johnson of the Communist Party, James T. Tormey of the Hall-Davis Defense Committee, and Farrell Dobbs of the Socialist Workers Party all testified under oath that Oswald was not a member of their organizations.[C6-421]