Mr. Martello. That is correct, sir.
Mr. Liebeler. And Oswald did tell you that, did he not?
Mr. Martello. Yes, sir.
Mr. Liebeler. We have down here a statement, on the one hand, that as far as Oswald is concerned the system in Russia, to use his word, "stunk," and, on the other hand, he said that he hated America and had indicated a desire to return to Russia. Do you remember how he presented these ideas, and did he seem to be equally convinced as to both these propositions, or did he display any emotion concerning either one of these propositions, or just what was his general attitude?
Mr. Martello. His general attitude was, he stated that he believed in a socialistic form of government and that in choosing between America and Russia, he gave me the impression that he would choose the lesser of the two evils, in his opinion.
Mr. Liebeler. Did he indicate which, in his opinion, was the lesser of the two evils?
Mr. Martello. From the way he spoke, the impression I received, it appeared to me that he felt that Russia was the lesser of the two evils.
Mr. Liebeler. Did he express this idea with great forcefulness, or just sort of a "pox on both your houses" fashion, that really it was just too ridiculous, and that sort of thing?
Mr. Martello. With a nonchalant attitude. He was a very cool speaker. I don't know too much of his formal education. I read an account in the newspaper about it, but from the way he spoke, it was quite obvious that he had done a heck of a lot of reading in his lifetime, and his approach was academic, more or less theories but with no aggressiveness or emotional outbursts in any way, shape, or form. It was just a very calm conversation we had, and there was no emotion involved whatsoever.
Mr. Liebeler. Did he show any hesitancy about expressing these ideas to you as a member of the police department?