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Warren Commission Hearings: Vol. IX - Page 106« Previous | Next »

(Testimony of Ilya A. Mamantov)

Mr. Mamantov.
Yes, sir; for the American Geophysical Union, quite extensively in 1959, 1960, and 1961, and I think--yes--1961 I finished.
Mr. Jenner.
And have you also done any interpreting or translating for any law enforcement agencies?
Mr. Mamantov.
Here in the States?
Mr. Jenner.
Yes.
Mr. Mamantov.
Let me think a little--no, I don't remember. I have translated minor papers, you see, like Soviet Union's marriage certificates and birth certificates for our local courts connected with divorces, and I might be of a help to a group of Latvians, people here in town, when they received their citizenship, so much, but this is the first time for the police department.
Mr. Jenner.
All right. I'll get to that. Have you ever been called upon by either any agency of the Government of the United States or of the State of Texas or the City of Dallas to do any interpreting or translating?
Mr. Mamantov.
Yes, I was called by the police force for the City of Dallas around 5 o'clock, November 22.
Mr. Jenner.
What year?
Mr. Mamantov.
Of 1955, on 2 or 3 minutes' notice.
Mr. Jenner.
It was 1955 or 1963?
Mr. Mamantov.
Excuse me, 1963.
Mr. Jenner.
I got from what you have said, then, you had no prior notice?
Mr. Mamantov.
No; sir.
Mr. Jenner.
You were called by some official of the city police department?
Mr. Mamantov.
Yes; I was called by Lt. Lumpkin. I think he's Lieutenant--they call him Chief.
Mr. Jenner.
And you repaired then to the Dallas City Police Station?
Mr. Mamantov.
Excuse me, I was called by somebody else, a couple of minutes ahead of Lumpkin--is it important?
Mr. Jenner.
I don't know--you might state what it is.
Mr. Mamantov.
All right. I was called by Mr. Jack Chrichton, C-h-r-i-c-h-t-o-n (spelling)--I don't know how to spell his name right now, but I guess it is that, but I can find out in a day or two.
Mr. Jenner.
And who is he?
Mr. Mamantov.
He is a petroleum independent operator, and if I'm not mistaken, he is connected with the Army Reserve, Intelligence Service. And, he asked me if I would translate for the police department and then immediately Mr. Lumpkin called me.
Mr. Jenner.
All right, that was your first----
Mr. Mamantov.
This was a period of five minutes, I would say, maximum.
Mr. Jenner.
This, then, was your first contact with or connection with this tragedy?
Mr. Mamantov.
That's correct.
Mr. Jenner.
And you then came to the Dallas City Police Department, did you?
Mr. Mamantov.
Right. However, I called FBI about half an hour before the police called me. You see, I was in the dentist's office when I heard Lee Oswald's name, and when this name appeared on the radio, I felt it is my duty to notify the FBI that I know of him and knew fairly well his background here in Dallas.
Mr. Jenner.
And you so advised the FBI?
Mr. Mamantov.
Yes.
Mr. Jenner.
That was a half hour ahead of the time----
Mr. Mamantov.
This was approximately, I would say----
Mr. Jenner.
4:30?
Mr. Mamantov.
4:30.
Mr. Jenner.
I'll get into that background in a little while, Mr. Mamantov.
You did go, then, to the Dallas City Police Station?
Mr. Mamantov.
They sent a police car.
Mr. Jenner.
To pick you up?
Mr. Mamantov.
To pick me up--it was quite disturbing because there was sirens and red lights and the neighborhood was quite disturbed.
Mr. Jenner.
Where did you reside at that time?
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