Summary prepared by Fielding M. McGehee III. If you use this material, please credit The Jonestown Institute. Thank you.
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FBI Catalogue: Jones speaking
FBI preliminary tape identification note: One Olympic MC-60 microcassette marked in part “Paul Robeson” /Side A blank
Date cues on tape: Tape contents consistent with identification note
People named:
People Temple members:
Jim Jones Jr.
Marceline Jones
Stephanie Jones (by reference)
Suzanne Jones
Richmond Stahl
Other names:
Bible verses cited: None
Summary:
Jim Jones talks about his work with Peoples Temple, primarily during his years in Indianapolis, in an informal setting with a small number of people with him. Between the quality of the recording and the duplication of the tape resulting in accelerated speech, the audio is marginal. It contains very little new information about Jones’ life.
FBI Summary:
Date of transcription: 3/14/79
In connection with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) investigation into the assassination of U.S. Congressman LEO J. RYAN at Port Kaituma, Guyana, South America, on November 18, 1978, a tape recording was obtained. This tape recording was located in Jonestown, Guyana, South America, and was turned over to U.S. Officials in Guyana and subsequently transported to the United States.
On March 6, 1979, Special Agent (name deleted) reviewed the tape numbered 1B47 #5. This tape was found to contain the following: Numerous discussions between JIM JONES and unidentified individuals.
Nothing was contained thereon which was considered to be of evidentiary nature or beneficial to the investigation of Congressman RYAN.
Differences with FBI Summary:
The summary is accurate and meets the FBI’s purposes.
Tape originally posted June 2023