UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 01 GEORGE 00202 171104Z
[listing of agencies receiving informational copies on PDF]
O 141515Z JAN 78
FM AMEMBASSY GEORGETOWN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC NIACT IMMEDIATE 6040
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE GEORGETOWN 0202
DEPT PASS ARA/CAR/TUMMINIA
E.O. 11652: N/A
TAGS: CASC (STOEN, JOHN)
SUBJECT: W/W JOHN STOEN
REF: GEORGETOWN 0201
1. A complication has developed in the Stoen case within the last 24 hours. Although the litigation for the custody of John Stoen has not been completed, an immigration officer appeared at the hotel of Timothy and Grace Stoen during afternoon of January 13 and told them they must leave Guyana within 24 hours. Officer gave no reason for the expulsion order. Chief immigration officer, when called by Consul, also could give no reason. He stated he was acting under the orders of Minister of Home Affairs, Vibert Mingo.
2. Embassy contacted Foreign Minister Wills immediately to express concern and request him to assist in having the expulsion order lifted. This morning, January 14, Embassy sent a diplomatic note to the Foreign Ministry formally requesting that the Stoens be permitted to remain here until the court case is concluded (see reftel). Foreign Ministry official has since informed Embassy that expulsion order has been lifted. Embassy has confirmed this with chief immigration officer, and is attempting to communicate this to the Stoens, who are now (11:50 AM) en route to airport.
3. Grace Stoen informed Consul on January 14 that her US attorney, Jeffrey Haas, was en route to Washington for consultations with the Department.
4. Embassy is deeply concerned that GOG would issue an expulsion order for the Stoens while the court case concerning the custody of their child is still in progress. In addition to sending the note to the Foreign Ministry, we have expressed orally our deepest concern. We will continue to follow closely all developments in this case.
Burke
UNCLASSIFIED