D-2-D-1A
Dear Dr. Jagan:
It is a sad fact, but one that we feel should not be kept from your attention, that there are certain elements in the United States who are attacking Peoples Temple and Rev. Jim Jones as a result of our open support of Socialism in the U.S. and throughout the Caribbean. California’s Lt. Governor Mervyn Dymally, who has freely praised Peoples Temple and the move to Socialism in the Caribbean with particular enthusiasm since his visit to our agricultural project here last December, is likewise under attack. The head of a law enforcement agency who knows our dedication and our complete integrity has himself said that the localised move against us is all because of our support for the Marxist Leninist principles which we are practicing in Guyana.
The States’ white, moderate press has in the past given the agricultural project the same good coverage it has customarily given our human service programs, and of course the black press has been totally supportive of us all along. But now, our large scale move to expand our settlement has caused embarrassment among certain segments of the establishment, and the reactionary press has moved in to attack. As I’m sure you can well understand, it engenders a loss of fact to say the least, to recognise that a sizeable number of people who have always worked for human justice within the existing social structure have become so disillusioned with U.S. materialism that they have chosen to relocate in a developing country where we can help to bring about a just Marxist society. Those who can’t admit that good people would make such a move are using the right wing press, recently showing its true character more and more, to whip up the bigotry that is always present to one degree or another within the U.S.
We wouldn’t say the press has ever given a totally accurate picture of Peoples Temple’s work or the role Jim Jones has played in stimulating the conscience of many in our stateside community. Essentially, the dimensions of Rev. Jones’ work are so broad that the media, with its space and time limitations, inevitably fails to encompass them Nevertheless, I’m enclosing some articles, reprinted in the States, that are a fair selection of past media coverage of our programs.
These oft-mentioned programs are clearly the proper function of a church fulfilling the true teachings of the New Testament, appropriate for any group which cares about people, and in fact are part and parcel of our Marxist-Leninist orientation – for which we have faced constant harassment and now, outright attack. It is sad there are still so many who have not yet captured the Socialist understanding of the New Testament’s message. But progressive church leaders in ourState, and even on a national scale, have all recognized the outstanding quality of Rev. Jones’ ministry and his extraordinary accomplishments and meeting people’s needs while standing like a tower with high level of commitment to social justice. You’ll notice sprinkled through these articles highly complementary statements by individuals like the District Superintendent of the Methodist Church, the minister of the second largest congregation (next to ours) in our city, as well as popular State representatives of both black and white races. We’ve received hundreds of calls from supporters from all segments of the community who stand resolutely with us in the face of the reactionary conspiracy organized against us. Just a few of the statements publicly made on our behalf during this period of persecution are included on the attached sheet. It’s amazing that we have the support of politicians even out of our voting districts, particularly in view of the clear fact that we are emigrating abroad. The fact of our emigration also explains the current attack, because some people see us as no longer useful in meeting their needs. Our being in transition between two parts of the world, far separated by thousands of miles, emboldens bigots to feel that they can lie with impunity, feeling we’ll have no money or time to sue.
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However even the most scurrilous press reports have had to admit that Jim Jones and Peoples Temple have never done anything but for the good of the people. In time, we trust that the judgement of even-minded people will thoroughly wash out the outrageous lies and distortions now being bandied about. We are proud to make Guyana our new home, and we have already had many good experiences here. Our settlement near Port Kaltuma, which is completely integrated with Guyanese nationals (and many of our members have adopted Guyanese children from all racial backgrounds) is fulfilling our highest expectations. Our people are making the utmost of this new opportunity to live cooperatively and productively on Guyana soil.
We hope you won’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or comments about our presence here. On our part, we are looking forward to more and more friendly relations with the people of Guyana, and anticipate a very happy life here.
Sincerely yours,