Log No. 130 – TEXT OF JUNE 26,1978 CABLE FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE IN RESPONSE TO JUNE 6, 1978 CABLE FROM U.S. EMBASSY IN GUYANA
Subject: People’s Temple and the community at Jonestown.
Ref. Georgetown 1815.
1. Department can appreciate the uniqueness of the situation described in ref tel and the problems post has encountered in attempting to deal with this situation.
2. We agree with post’s position set forth in paragraph 6 of ref tel and concur that host government has governmental jurisdiction over U.S. citizens and other aliens residing within its boundaries. Department assumes that both the Guyanese Government and the leader of the People’s Temple are aware that the community is under the jurisdiction of tile GOG and that all members of the community are subject to the laws and authority of the GOG. Department at present of view that any action initiated by the Embassy to approach the GOG concerning matters raised in ref tel could, he construed by some as U.S. Government interference, unless Amcit [American citizen] member or family requests assistance or there is evidence of lawlessness within the community of Jonestown.