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 “Cuba & Barbara W. [Walters]”
Date cues on tape: likely early July 1978; language quirks of Jones consistent with tape Q 324, which was made July 9 or 10, 1978
People named:
Christopher Columbus, Spanish explorer
Tomas Estrada Palma, Cuban ruler in early 20th century
Fulgencio Batista, Cuban dictator overthrown by Castro
Fidel Castro, Cuban leader
Angel Maria Bautista Castro y Argiz, father of Fidel Castro [by reference]
Lina Ruz Gonzalez, mother of Fidel Castro [by reference]
María Argota y Reyes, Castro’s father’s first wife [by reference]
Mirtha Diaz Balart, wife of Fidel Castro
Huey Newton
Mike Prokes
Bible verses cited: None
Summary:
In June 1977, ABC correspondent Barbara Walters conducted an interview with Cuban leader Fidel Castro for the network’s magazine program, 20/20. In this tape, Jones presents the program to the residents of Jonestown, prefacing it with a brief history of
the Cuban nation and a biography of Fidel Castro.
Jones interjects commentary on several occasions during the program that follows, but it is most unintelligible.
The program ends with Barbara Walters offering her own opinion about the freedoms in Cuba – as Castro has spelled them out – in contrast to her own definition. Jones then offers a brief analysis of his own, and his own rebuttal to Walters, in which he sides with Castro’s vision. “We’ll take Dr. Castro’s freedom,” he says in conclusion. “Freedom from fear is the most important thing on earth. That socialism alone can provide.”
FBI Summary:
Date of transcription: 6/1/79
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 1, 1979, Special Agent (name deleted) reviewed the tape numbered 1B93-49. This tape was found to contain the following:
A history of Cuba is discussed by JIM JONES followed by a recording of an ABC television program wherein FIDEL CASTRO is interviewed by BARBARA WALTERS.
Differences with FBI Summary:
The summary is accurate and meets the FBI’s purposes.
Tape originally posted January 2020.