Oswald in Minsk

[David Lifton]

The book in question is Oswald: Russian Episode. The author is Professor Ernst P. Titovets, who was a medical student when he met LHO. According to the back cover blurbs on my signed copy, LHO described him in the "historic diary" as "my oldest existing acquaintance ... a friend of mine who speaks English very well." Both Edward Epstein and Norman Mailer have confirmed this characterization -- for whatever that's worth. The book is published by Mon Litera, located in ... wait for it ... Minsk.

I haven't read it yet, but when I do it will be with my deep politics radar on "HIGH" setting.

BTW, Robert Webster told a personal acquaintance of mine -- one of his care givers in a New England medical facility during the 1970s -- that Marina had been his wife.

Several months ago someone called me out of the blue asking if he could send me a copy of this book. Not wishing to offend I said yes. So I too have a copy but have not read it. I was waiting for some reviews before I dived in as it instinctively struck me as a disinfo book.

Dawn

". . . it instinctively struck me as a disinfo book. . "

So sorry, Dawn Meredith, but your instincts are wrong.

Ernst Titovets' book - OSWALD: Russian Episode--is a meticulously assembled (and very nicely written) account of Lee Oswald during a 20 month period in the USSR, from the day Ernst first met him around September 24th, 1960, until the last day he saw him, just prior to May 22, 1962.

If you want an accurate account of Lee Oswald after he returned from the USSR, one must read the manuscript of George DeMohrenshieldt. And if you want a comparably accurate account of Oswald in the USSR, this book is a must read.

So set aside your prejudices and attempt, find a comfortable chair, and prepare to read a really interesting account of what Lee Oswald was really like, as seen by his best friend in the Soviet Union.

You know when I first realized how bright Oswald must be? It was over 40 years ago, when, thumbing through the 26 volumes, I came across a letter that Titovets had written Oswald in late October, 1963. It was the second of two letters, and its in the 26 volumes. But here's the first:

"This summer I was in the Crimea. The most exciting experience I had was the underwater sport. I used to go with an aqualung this time. It was wonderful underwater.

"I saw Inna and gave her your regard(s) She is OK. Still unmarried.

Our friends . . .always ask me about your letters and [send] their regards to you.

So: All the best.

Your friend,

Erick.

Then came this letter, dated October 28, 1963 (FBI Item D-120) which probably arrived around November 10, plus or minus. Ernst wanted two textbooks in molecular biology, and sought Lee's help in obtaining them in America:


October 28, 1963

Dear Aleck,

I hope everything is O.K. I mean, Marina and you. It seems to me that I must ask you to look for these two books.

1. Szent-Gyorgyi, A.
Introduction to a Submolecular Biology. . .

2. White and Handler
Principles of Biochemistry
McGraw-Hill, New York 1959

I think I'll be able to recompense you (somehow) for your efforts.

My best regards to Marina and June, and. . . ? (Ernst knew another baby was on the way).

Hope to meet you soon.

Your friend,
Erick

(See CD 1066 for the FBI reports on these letters).

These letters were found by Detective Stovall of the DPD in Ruth Paine's home (or garage) and to those DPD thick-heads, probably suggested subversive activity. But I was struck by the fact that the books that Titovets was requesting were used in graduate courses at Cornell. And I remember thinking: Oswald must have some pretty bright friends to be requesting the same books I saw fellow students using just a few years back.

And I have never changed my mind on that subjectespecially when it came to Ernst Titovets.

Of course, I did not have the benefit of your wonderful "instincts," Dawn; and to quote you again:

"". . . it instinctively struck me as a disinfo book. . "

Oh, sure, Dawn; Of course. Obviously. And where, may I ask, are you getting these "instincts" from, counselorthe Jim DiEugenio School of Molecular Biology, perhaps?

DSL
6/21/13; 2:50 PM PDT
Los Angeles, California