Mr. Jenner. That is a book, is it, or an article?
Mr. Oliver. A book by Mr. Meyer published several years ago.
Mr. Jenner. And in turn also, this reasoning of yours is based on the assumption that Oswald was a Communist?
Mr. Oliver. Yes.
Mr. Jenner. You have mentioned neophyte. Would you for my edification if none other, explain to me what is a neophyte Communist, as distinguished from some other kind of Communist?
Mr. Oliver. Well, I was simply using the term in its usual sense, with reference to a person recently admitted to a cult or organization under discipline. And Mr. Meyer makes the point that from the very early stages of a person’s membership in the Communist Party, he is accustomed to the kind of discipline which would make it impossible for him, let us say, to marry or divorce, to change jobs, to do anything of sufficient importance to affect his usefulness as an agent without the permission of his superiors. I should say nobody is going to take it for granted when I cite Frank Meyer’s source that is my only source of knowledge of Communist methods. Let me add that I have read a great deal on the organization and operation of the Communist Party and all of that necessarily goes into my reasoning on this subject.
Mr. Jenner. Then you proceed to, and I am quoting again, “The failure does not reflect on the assassin’s professional training: General Walker happened to turn his head at the instant the shot was fired.”
What is the source of your statement that General Walker happened to turn his head at the instant the shot was fired?
Mr. Oliver. Well, I believe it was published at the time, but there I rely primarily on General Walker himself.
Mr. Jenner. Did General Walker tell you that himself?