Mr. Snyder. It is usual.
Representative Ford. In other words, you, in your capacity, would not normally contact a Soviet official about someone such as Oswald?
Mr. Snyder. That is right; yes, sir. In other words, there is nothing at that stage of the game which—for which I would have any reason to go to the Soviet authorities.
Representative Ford. Even the fact that he had a visa 5 days overdue?
Mr. Snyder. Well, of course, I am already aware in a sense and am acting under my awareness that he is living under controlled circumstances. He is not simply living in a hotel and nobody knows about it. That he is in contact with Soviet authorities, and is there with their knowledge and consent. So that——
Representative Ford. It is implied consent, even though it may not be official as far as the documents are concerned?
Mr. Snyder. Well, actually, the document itself is quite eloquent on this subject, I think. There is the very negative fact that his visa is 5 days overdue, and he is still there—that speaks pretty loudly for the fact that he is living there without a valid visa, at least without a valid visa in his passport, with the knowledge and consent of the Soviet authorities. It could hardly be otherwise.
Representative Ford. Mr. Dulles, we have a quorum call over on the floor of the House. I will have to leave. Will you take over as Chairman? I will be back shortly.
Mr. Dulles. Very gladly. I have one or two questions.
(At this point, Representative Ford withdrew from the hearing room.)