[Editor’s note: This document was released both as a State Department cable as part of its 1981 FOIA release, and as Serial 1421 of the FBI’s RYMUR release.]
UNCLASSIFIED FBB 807
[Listing of agencies receiving informational copies on pdf]
0 261200Z DEC 78
FM AMEMBASSY GEORGETOWN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8556
UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 04436
E.O. 12065: NA
TAGS: CARR, GY (LAYTON, LARRY) (PEOPLES TEMPLE)
SUBJ: W/W ARRESTS: LARRY LAYTON
REF: GEORGETOWN 4433
1. Preliminary inquiry into the deaths of Congressman Ryan and four other Americans was continued on Dec 22. Neville Annibourne, the Ministry of Information official who accompanied the congressional party to Jonestown on Nov 17, gave his account of the facts at Port Kaituma on Nov 18. Annibourne was then cross-examined by senior defense counsel Rex McKay. Detective Assistant Superintendent Eustace Kendall, the Guyana police firearms expert, testified concerning a .38 caliber revolver using the shooting and expended ammunition found at the airstrip. Jai Naraine Singh, counsel for the defense, cross-examined Kendall. A Guyanese Defense Force pilot who transported the bodies on Nov 19 from Port Kaituma to Georgetown then testified briefly. Defense declined cross-examination.
2. Inquiry is scheduled to resume Dec 27.
Burke [John Burke, American ambassador to Guyana]
UNCLASSIFIED