Section IV is the most volatile part of the dossier: «Прошу, чтобы меня приняли в гражданство Советского Союза» — “I Ask to Be Granted Citizenship of the Soviet Union.”
It covers Lee Harvey Oswald’s years inside the USSR, October 1959 – May 1962.
Below is a faithful English translation of the section as it appears in the 2025 edition, rendered in modern, neutral prose while preserving the bureaucratic tone.
Section IV — “I Ask to Be Granted Citizenship of the Soviet Union.”
(pp. 224 – 259)
Editorial note
The following materials are drawn from the archives of the Soviet Foreign Ministry, the Committee for State Security (KGB), and the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
They trace the stay of the American citizen Lee Harvey Oswald in the Soviet Union from October 1959 to May 1962 — his arrival, petitions for citizenship, employment in Minsk, contacts with Soviet authorities, and departure with his Russian wife Marina Prusakova.
1.
(October 31, 1959 – translation from Russian file)
“I, Lee Harvey Oswald, born 1939 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, ask the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR to grant me citizenship of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
I arrived in the USSR with the intention of becoming a Soviet citizen and contributing to the struggle for peace and socialism.
I do not wish to return to the United States, a country of exploitation and injustice.
I request permission to remain in the Soviet Union permanently.”
A handwritten note in the margin by an Intourist official reads:
“The foreigner Oswald attempted self-harm after being informed his visa had expired. Hospitalized in Botkin Hospital. Requires observation.”
2.
(November 2, 1959)
“An American citizen Oswald L. H., age 20, arrived in Moscow from Helsinki on October 16 this year. After his tourist visa expired, he refused to leave. Declared intention to renounce American citizenship and requested to remain in the USSR.
Upon being informed of the refusal, he attempted suicide with a razor and was taken to hospital.
According to our information, Oswald served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a radar operator, stationed at Atsugi Air Base, Japan, where American U-2 aircraft operate.
Given his knowledge of military matters, his request for residence requires cautious consideration.”
Resolution in blue pencil: “Let him stay temporarily. Observe.”
3.
(November 13, 1959)
“In view of the applicant’s unstable psychological state and lack of grounds for granting citizenship, refuse the petition.
Permit temporary residence in the USSR on humanitarian grounds.”
4.
(January 1960)
“To avoid undesirable publicity in Moscow, recommend transfer of Oswald L. H. to the Belorussian SSR, city of Minsk, and employment at the Radio-Engineering Plant.
To be provided with a single-room apartment, monthly stipend 700 rubles, and supervision by Comrade Sidorov of the local KGB office.
Contacts with citizens to be limited.
Report monthly.”
Marginal note (handwritten): “Agreed. Keep him occupied.”
5.
(February 1960)
“I am grateful to the Soviet Union for allowing me to stay and work. I have found life here honest and peaceful. I desire to study Marxism-Leninism and become a worthy citizen. I again ask for citizenship of the USSR.”
Response (typed note): “Application deferred. No political activity permitted.”
6.
(October 1960)
“Oswald L. H. continues work at the plant, fulfills tasks satisfactorily, reads Marxist literature, attends lectures of the Society for Cultural Relations.
Shows signs of self-isolation; complains about lack of friends.
Expressed interest in joining a hunting club; request denied.”
7.
(March 1961)
“Oswald married citizen Marina Prusakova, born 1941, employee of the Institute for Research in Medicine. Marriage registered in Minsk on April 30.
Couple placed under observation. Wife considered loyal, apolitical.”
8.
(May 1961)
“Given the American’s improving conduct and family circumstances, it is considered possible to permit him to remain in the USSR for an indefinite period. However, granting citizenship remains inadvisable.
The foreigner remains under discreet control. He has not shown hostile intentions but maintains a ‘romantic view of Soviet life.’”
9.
(June 1961, copy held by KGB)
“I wish to inform you that I am married to a Russian citizen and intend to return to the United States with her when possible. Please advise on the procedures for regaining my U.S. passport.”
Handwritten KGB note: “The American’s mood has changed. Possible desire to return home. Monitor.”
10.
(May 1962)
“Upon his request, Oswald and wife Marina received exit permission.
Left the USSR on May 28 1962 via Moscow–Helsinki–London–New York.
Personal file closed. Surveillance discontinued.
Conclusion: during his stay the foreigner did not engage in espionage or subversive activity. Displayed psychological instability and immaturity of judgment.
The experience confirms the need for caution in allowing residence to foreign defectors of military background.”
Editorial commentary
This set of documents demonstrates that the Soviet authorities regarded Oswald not as a valuable intelligence asset but as a potential liability.
He was kept under observation, provided minimal support, and quietly encouraged to leave.
The materials included—letters, medical notes, and internal memoranda—were later examined by the Warren Commission through U.S.–USSR diplomatic exchange in 1964.
For the first time, this publication reproduces them in full from the original Russian files.
(End of Section IV, pp. 224 – 259.)
