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

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.