Mr. Martello. It would only be vaguely at this time, but it was in the general areas of leadership of the President in comparison to the leadership of Khrushchev, how each was leading the various countries, and again an analogy or comparison of the two forms of government, which one he thought was running it the best, but we didn't go into this at any great length.
Mr. Liebeler. Well, your recollection is quite clear that, in spite of the fact that Oswald demonstrated a general inclination to favor the Soviet Union and its institutions, he did in spite of that indicate a preference for President Kennedy as opposed to Premier Khrushchev?
Mr. Martello. That is correct, sir.
Mr. Liebeler. And that he in no way demonstrated any animosity or ill feelings toward President Kennedy?
Mr. Martello. No, sir; he did not. At no time during the interview with Oswald did he demonstrate any type of aggressiveness in any way, shape, or form, other than his demonstration on Canal Street with the picket sign.
Mr. Liebeler. Did you consider whether Oswald was prone to violence or was a violent kind of person?
Mr. Martello. No, sir; I did not, for the simple reason that when he had made the friendship of the people with the anti-Castro groups in the city and offered them assistance, and when they saw him on Canal Street with pro-Castro signs they became insulting and abusive to the point of becoming violent toward him, and he never reacted to the action that was being directed toward him.
Mr. Liebeler. These anti-Castro characters attempted to provoke Oswald into some kind of physical conflict, did they not, as a matter of fact?
Mr. Martello. That is correct, sir.