Testimony of Anna N. Meller

The testimony of Anna N. Meller was taken at 9 a.m., on March 25, 1964, in the office of the U.S. attorney, 301 Post Office Building, Bryan and Ervay Streets, Dallas, Tex. by Mr. Wesley J. Liebeler, assistant counsel of the President's Commission.

Mr. Liebeler.

Come in, Mr. and Mrs. Meller, and sit down. Before we start I want to make a statement for the record and for your information. Mrs. Meller, my name is Wesley J. Liebeler. I am a member of the legal staff of the president's Commission investigating the assassination of President Kennedy. Staff counsel such as myself have been authorized to take the testimony of witnesses by the Commission pursuant to authority granted to the Commission under the provisions of Executive Order 11130 dated November 29, 1963, and Joint Resolution of Congress No. 137. Last week, I believe Mr. Rankin sent to you, Mrs. Meller, a letter and told you I would be in touch with you this week and he sent with that letter copies of the Executive order and of the Resolution I just referred to as well as copies of the rules of procedure related to the taking of testimony. You did receive copies of those documents with that letter?

Mrs. Meller.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Liebeler.

We want to take your testimony this morning, Mrs. Meller, concerning your knowledge of the Oswalds that you obtained as a result of Marina Oswald living with you in your home for a period in October or November of 1962, and whatever other knowledge you may have concerning the background of the Oswalds or any facts relating to the assassination and the subsequent death of Lee Harvey Oswald.

Mrs. Meller.

Yes.

Mr. Liebeler.

Would you rise, Mrs. Meller, and please raise your right hand? (Witness complying.) Do you solemnly swear the testimony you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?

Mrs. Meller.

Yes.

Mr. Liebeler.

Would you state your full name for the record, please?

Mrs. Meller.

Anna N. Meller.

Mr. Liebeler.

What is your address, Mrs. Meller?

Mrs. Meller.

5930 1/2 La Vista Drive, Dallas 6.

Mr. Liebeler.

Where were you born?

Mrs. Meller.

I was born in Russia in 1917.

Mr. Liebeler.

In what town in Russia were you born?

Mrs. Meller.

Belgorod, something like Fort Worth; it's not Belgrade like in Yugoslavia. It's B-e-l-g-o-r-o-d [spelling].

Mr. Liebeler.

What part of Russia is that in?

Mrs. Meller.

It's first town in Russia, town after Ukraine.

Mr. Liebeler.

That would be in southern Russia then?

Mrs. Meller.

Yes, but we will say first town going north it starts Russia after.

Mr. Liebeler.

Ukraine?

Mrs. Meller.

Yes, after Ukraine.

Mr. Liebeler.

Are you now an American citizen?

Mrs. Meller.

I am an American citizen since 1959.

Mr. Liebeler.

How did you come to the United States?

Mrs. Meller.

As a refugee.

Mr. Liebeler.

When?

Mrs. Meller.

In January 11, 1952.

Mr. Liebeler.

When did you leave Russia?

Mrs. Meller.

I left Russia around 1943.

Mr. Liebeler.

In 1943?

Mrs. Meller.

Yes.

Mr. Liebeler.

You left Russia at the time the German Army retreated?

Mrs. Meller.

Yes, the corps of Germans.