II-69
[Handwritten marginal note: “May 29, 1978”]
Debbie T. [Touchette], Maria [Katsaris], and [Mike] Prokes meeting with Clarence Kirton (UPI) that night: Kirton asked for the background on what happened (he had heard nothing) and we gave it. We said she [Kathy Hunter] had been obviously sent here. This led into a discussion of the conspiracy which we try to put in perspective using black elected officials as examples. I had prepared him somewhat for it by discussing the same thing with him at the last Open House we had. He seemed to understand better this time. He told us that we couldn’t be hurt here because we have established a foothold and have the approval and cooperation of the government. He said people have seen what you are doing here and pronounced it as good. He told us to submit certain items to him which were documented and he would pass them on to UPI in New York. He wanted the statements of people who signed our guestbook in Jonestown, statements (signed) of our people (a few of them) who have “Concerned Relatives” in the US. It was good Maria was there to give him her testimony. I think it went over very well with him. He also wants refutations of a few derogatory statements made in the press against car project by Kathy Hunter. (He told us to choose them.)
He emphasized strongly at the end that JJ should come to town strictly for social purposes (to meet people on a social level) because he is the center of the project and people never see him. He said it would do wonders for us PR-wise. He said people need to see JJ and talk with him informally, not about the history or controversy PT, but just friendly social discussion. He said please don’t let his advice be taken lightly (and so many words.)