(Editor’s note: This is a cable from the files of the State Department that was included in the FBI’s 2009 RYMUR release of documents under the Freedom of Information Act. It was not included in the State Department’s own release, but we have included identifying information for it using the agency’s designations.)
UNCLASSIFIED FBB 447
[Listing of agencies receiving informational copies on pdf]
P 221708Z APR 81
FM AMEMBASSY GEORGETOWN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5482
UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 2058
E.O. 12065: NA
TAGS: CFED, GY
SUBJ: JONESTOWN LITIGATION: DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY DEFENSE FOR TRIAL
1. Defense attorneys have informed the Consul that they are in the process of obtaining official documents from various ministries of the GOG [Government of Guyana]. They are concerned that these documents reach the US in an unbroken chain of custody. They wish to know what arrangements they can make to ensure this.
2. The possibility was discussed that the State Department courier system be used. The Consul informed them that admission would have to be obtained from the Department for the use of the system. If permission is granted, the arrangements for ensuring chain of custody would be as follows: The GOG authorities would wrap and wax seal the documents. A member of the Embassy staff would then pick up the package and bring it to the Embassy where it would be rewrapped and sealed with the Embassy seal. It would then be sent via the classified courier to an officer in Washington, probably CA/OCS/CCS/ARA. After arrival in Washington, arrangements would be made with the defense attorneys to transport them to the place of trial. Action requested: please advise of [if] courier system can
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 GEORGE 02058 221908Z
be used as suggested in paragraph 2. If not, can the Department suggest an alternative solution?
Roberts [George B. Roberts, Jr., American Ambassador to Guyana]