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: Labeled in part “July 30”
Date cues on tape: 30 July 1978 (note on tape box)
People named:
Fidel Castro, leader of Cuba
Bible verses cited: None
Summary:
In this short tape, Jim Jones reads news stories generated by Radio Moscow. The stories include items on a Soviet hijacker finding sanctuary in the United States (and what that reveals about US hypocrisy in its policy on hijackers) on an assembly of the Organization on African Unity, on a Cuban Youth Festival, and on the Non-Aligned Conference.
The news is pro-Soviet in slant, and Jones acknowledges that twice in the short broadcast. Once, after reading the USSR’s defense against US allegations of human rights violations, Jones says, “We give you the Voice of America, we give you the British Broadcasting Company, we give you Guyana Broadcasting Studios, and we give you for a bonus also Radio Moscow.” He then adds, “You can interpret news for yourself.”
Jones offers little other commentary, except to interject the word “Interesting” after two news items. The tone and pace of his broadcast suggest that he is seeing the material for the first time as he reads it.
Jones also apparently has a head cold, since his voice is congested.
FBI Summary:
Date of transcription: 6/26/79
In connection with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 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 June 5, 1979, Special Agent (name deleted) reviewed the tape numbered 1B100-11. This tape was found to contain the following:
Three minutes and fifty‑seven seconds of additional news by Reverend JIM JONES.
Differences with FBI Summary:
The summary is accurate and meets the FBI’s purposes.
Tape originally posted June 2006