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Original vintage circa 1964 wirephoto of a page from Lee Harvey Oswald's self-styled "Historic Diary," 8 x 9, recording his early days in the Soviet Union in October 1959. The diary was Oswald's handwritten account of his life in Russia, and he describes his difficulties applying for Soviet citizenship and his attempted suicide. Oswald was met in Moscow by a representative of 'Intourist,' the state tourist agency, and taken to the Hotel Berlin, where he registered as a student. His guide, a young woman named Rima Shirokova, took him sightseeing the next day, and almost immediately he told her about his plans to become a citizen of the Soviet Union. On the morning of October 21st, he was interviewed by an official concerning his application for citizenship, but later that day he was notified that his visa had expired and he would have to leave Moscow within two hours. Oswald responded to the news by cutting himself above his left wrist, in an apparent suicide attempt.
This image boasts Oswald's entries from October 16th to 21st, documenting these events. In part: "Oct. 16. Arrive from Helsinki by train; am met by Intourist Repre. and in car to Hotel 'Berlin.' Reges. as 'student' 5 day Lux tourist Ticket. Meet my Intourist guied [sic] Rimma Sherikova. I explain to her I wish to appli. [sic] for Rus. citizenship. She is flabbergassed [sic], but agrees to help…
Oct. 17. Rimma meets me for Intourist sighseeing [sic] says we must contin. with this although I am too nervous she is 'sure' I'll have an anserwer [sic] soon. Asks me about myself and my reasons for doing this. I explaine [sic] I am a communist, etc. She is politly [sic] sym. but uneasy now…
Oct. 18. My 20th birthday, we visit exhib. in the morning and in the afternoon The Lenin- Stalin tomb. She gives me a present book "Ideot" [sic] by Dostoevski…
Oct. 21. (mor) Meeting with single offial [sic]. Balding stout, black suit fairly good English, asks what do I want? I say Soviet citizenship. He ask why I give vague answers about 'Great Soviet Union.'… He says he shall check and let me know weather [sic] my visa will be (extended it exipiers [sic] today). Eve. 6.00 Receive word from police official. I must leave country tonight at 8.00 P.M. as visa expires. I am shocked!! My dreams! I retire to my room. I have $100 left. I have waited for 2 year to be accepted. My fondes [sic] dreams are shattered because of a petty offial [sic]; because of bad planning I planned to much! 7.00 P.M. I decide to end it. Soak rist [sic] in cold water to numb the pain. Than [sic] slash my left wrist. Then plaug [sic] wrist into bathtub of hot water. I think 'when Rima comes at 8 to find me dead, it will be a great shock.' somewhere, a violin plays."
In fine condition, with old adhesive residue on the reverse. Encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder as an authentic 'Type III' photograph.
