EE-1-I&J-63
Report of meeting with Gregory Gaskin from Lee Ingram
10-12-77
Re visit w/ Gregory Gaskin by Sarah [Harriet Sarah Tropp] and Lee [Ingram]
He was cordial and helpful about getting info and person’s name for us to see about burial plot
Then invited us to his home for lunch w/he and his wife (the fool also has a maid)
He talked about the lack of spontaneity in our people – he’s been here several times says he’s heard say thing each time he’s come [I’ll cut short some of this since Sarah by this time has given blow by blow account] Gaskin thinks there’s much regimentation and an authoritarian structure that prevails he asked us about background and why we followed was it because of some charisma – we countered that but he persisted w/how loose were we in terms of relations did Jim fuck around – countered w/ loyalty to his wife and he’d be better asking Jim, Jim could speak for himself. Claims he wants to come up and visit for a week – probably bullshit but looks like he was coming on to Sarah or wherever she might lead for some pussy or a dick! Not necessarily in that order
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EE-1-I&J-64
His Gaskin’s approach was cool, cordial and always inquisitive even sadistic in regards to conversation around sexual freedom in front of his very pregnant wife.
Also asked if we’d been infiltrated like Panthers – strange question – we should’ve asked why he’d expect us to be infiltrated – but we said that it would be a possibility-
His emphasis was on sex even got in a joke sideways about sex while in middle of conversation totally unrelated his wife didn’t get too loud even when he was out of room – she spoke only about artsy-craftsy cultural program for children of region and how nice it’d be for some of our people to hook up w/her to create some programs.
Anyhow the fool Gaskin suggested a visit around 2nd week in Jan. And a visit by several of his staff towards the last of Jan.
He’s a testy and cocky son of a bitch that’s up to some shit – it’d be good to get the punk over a barrel and use some of his juice (influence) maybe even have some of us join GNS, or people’s militia – to have some accessibility to auto – weapons
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EE-1-G-23
[Acknowledgement of receipt of letter from the Ministry of Economic Development to Harriet Tropp]
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EE-1-k-17
Letter to Harriet Sarah Tropp from Guyana government official, October 1977
[Letterhead of Ministry of Economic Development, Guyana]
12th October, 1977
Ms. Harriet Sarah Tropp
Administrative Assistant To Bishop Jim Jones
People’s Temple Agricultural Project,
Port Kaituma,
North West District.
Dear Madame,
Many thanks for your letter dated October 8, 1977.
Since I have a strict regard for accuracy, I must point out that I never made any suggestion that you apply for any permission to have your school “accredited”, as you allege in the first paragraph of your letter.
On Saturday, 1st October, 1977, in the course of my conversation with Mr. Touchette (as I believe the gentleman’s name to be), I inquired what arrangements had been made for the education of the large number of children whom I saw at the People’s Temple project near Port Kaituma. One of Mr. Touchette’s colleagues volunteered the information that the project had its own school which it had brought from the United States of America. I remarked that the establishment of schools in Guyana was governed by legislation and expressed the hope that there had been due compliance with our laws. To say that I suggested that you make formal application for permission to establish a school is both inaccurate and misleading.
In response to a request from Mr. Touchette (or one of his colleagues), I asked the Regional Development Officer, Cde. Wyatt, to let Mr. Touchette have a copy of the relevant legislation. I am reminding him by way of copy of this letter.
With kindest regards.
Yours cooperatively,
/s/ H.D. Hoyte
H.D. Hoyte
Minister of Economic Development
cc: Cde. Minister of Ed.,SD & C
RDO, NWD
Cde. Regional Minister, NWD
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Harriet Sarah Tropp Note on Uglification of Jonestown
EE-2-s-13a – 13b
To: Jim
Subject: The uglification of Jonestown
From: Sarah
I hope this doesn’t sound like an “I told you so” document but here goes.
Before we started the fiasco of beautifying Jonestown for upcoming guests, advice was given on several different occasions, advice that was the product of several meetings and consultations with people who have lived here for several years, as well as Guyanese, to the effect that any attempt to fix the road or haul pines in for the paths would only result in a worsening of the situation if done during the rainy season.
Notwithstanding this advice, we decided to go ahead (and I certainly participated in that decision) and try it anyway because – Dad wants it done – and “there must be a way.” Well, there wasn’t a way. If you look at the road now, it is worse looking than when we started. If you look at the area by the garden shed, you will see we have managed to put manganese pines on a path that didn’t look bad in the first place, at the expense of destroying what was once one of the prettiest parts of the project. We just may be able to haul enough dirt in there to patch it up, but probably not before [Don] Freed comes, and certainly it will not be done properly because of the weather. We have created more ugliness in the attempt to beautify, simply because we went against all the experience and sound advice regarding such projects being attempted in the rainy season. (It was pointed out, as well, that the manganese would result in a mess from being tracked all over the place in the wet weather. Again we ignored that advice.)
I think the above just serves to highlight a problem we have in decision making. That is, if you say you want something done, we ignore any advice we’ve been given and we go against our own judgment, and go ahead. I know you think that this should not be, but despite what you may think about it, this is what happens. We may raise objections, but naturally, because we all follow the proceedure [procedure] of collective decision-making, once a decision is made, even if the wrong one, we try to make it work. But the truth of the matter is that no matter how much you, me, or anyone wants something to happen, there are times when it cannot be done because of objective conditions.
The cardinal objective condition in the tropics is the weather. You can’t fight it. I’m sorry if any of this sounds intemperate, but I am extremely upset at the ugly mess I see we’ve made of this project, especially with guests coming. And it was all unnecessary, if we’d just followed advice.
All of this coming on top of the legal mess (which we created for ourselves by opening our fat mouths on the radio) really has me upset. I mean, we can kick ourselves about it now, but I know that the next time a similar situation comes up – where its [it’s] a choice between a phone call and passing sensitive legaal [legal] stuff over the radio – you, we, will opt for putting it over the radio. And think we can make it O.K. by coding it. Bullshit. I think the essence of the problem, or at least one aspect of it, is that no one is willing to oppose your opinion in certain matters. And I frankly think that some times you are wrong, and no one is willing to say so. I realize this is quite a volatile statement, but I think it is one factor in the dynamics of how this organization functions that gets us in trouble.
Well, enough.
Sarah
EE1-T-53
Typed self-analysis letter from Harriet Sarah Tropp to Jim Jones from May 1978.
4/May/78 [handwritten]
JIM:
FROM: SARAH
You asked for a kind of analysis of what each of us would do vis a vis your death and our understanding of committment, and responsibility. Rather than give the typical statements of bravado and zeal (granted, some very sincere) I think this is the appropriate time to say a few things that have been on my mind and that may be relevant.
I know that there is a standard view that those who take violent stands (assassination etc.) are subject to the charge of having done such acts because they are “failures”, “misfits” or “losers” in the system they oppose. Thus it is ironic that when I consider doing such acts (against TOS [Peoples Temple attorney turned adversary Timothy O. Stoen] etc.) I have to face I may be doing so because I am a failure in a system I support– this organisation. In other words, because I consider myself a failed person, I have to contend with the temptation to commit one of those “redemptive” actions designed to restore my opinion of myself, and not an objectively analyzed revolutionary act.
I do consider myself a failed person. This statement is not made to elicit reassurance from you, sympathy, or whatever– I’d consider that an insult. Nor is it a statement of self-pity, or that kind of bourgeois self-psychoanalysis that I despise. I am a failure because the lack of certain objective characteristics that I see as essential to being a “success” in revolutionary terms:
— I have no follow through
— I am disorganized
— I am not a steady, clear, logical thinker
— I am too emotional, argumentative
— I am not creative in terms of offensive actions
— I am too paranoid & am easily threatened by the competence of others.
(These come most easily to mind.) In short, I am an “anarchistic, fragmented personality.” This is not an “instant analysis” I have recognized these factors since I was about 18 or even younger. By now, I consider any drastic changes hopeless. However, having lived so long with this perspective, I have learned that such a view is not incompatible with functioning or loyalty. In other words, after over ten years I certainly have no intentions of either jumping off a bridge or becoming catatonic [Handwritten addition: “or going anywhere.”]
Keeping in mind all the above, I realize that there are certain things that I am not and will not be asked to participate in, or
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EE1-T-54
contribute to, and there will be limitations on how we interact—not because of any subjective mistrust on your part, or personal dislike necessarily– but because I lack the objective characteristics required. I’m not talking about “bravado” acts or intrigue stuffs merely– I think I am mature enough to know that most of the really “revolutionary things” are not of that nature.
Finally, I know the response to the above self-analysis is “O.K.– change it.” However, I have lost track of all the “new beginnings” I’ve made, and, as I said before, after all these years, I’ve concluded its hopeless.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to die with a reason, because in the last analysis, I am a failed person who sees her death as a means of giving meaning to a wasted life. Maybe it is this very understanding about myself and my sense of hopelessness that will insure that my intentions have the potential for sucess, more so than one who views herself as a “revolutionary” making brave statements about what she will do, and all the while not knowing how to even shoot a gun. I hope so.
[Transcriber’s note: Following paragraph is handwritten.] Jim- I wrote this (as you can see) before Debbie [Layton] left. I still think it is a valid analysis. I wasn’t going to give it to you, but with Debbie’s defection, I think you have a right to know how we see ourselves. I’ve always said to myself that I am at least consistent in failure – its just that my criteria for what is “success” keeps changing…
Sarah
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EE1-T-89
Typed statement from Richard D. “Dick” Tropp to be read over HAM radio from Jonestown to press conference in San Francisco on April 17, 1978. The conference was held in the offices of Peoples Temple attorney Charles Garry, the aim being to discredit abuse allegations made by the Concerned Relatives. The document is heavily edited by handwritten text, effectively rewriting with Harriet Sarah Tropp’s biographical details in place of her brother’s. An audio recording of the press conference (Tape Q736) features Harriet Tropp reading a later draft of this statement (document EE1-T-93 below). Edith Roller’s journal entries indicate Dick Tropp was in Georgetown at the time of the press conference. As Jonestown’s unofficial scribe, Dick Tropp was likely initially intended to read this statement over the radio, but was swapped out for his sister when business took him to Georgetown.
The handwritten notes are in red; the original typed text is in black. The original text is also entirely in caps.
TO BE READ OVER RADIO AT PRESS-CONFERENCE SUBMITTED FOR CLEARANCE
My name is Richard Harriet Tropp; I am an English professor I have a degree in law, and principal of am currently teaching at the Jonestown Community High School. I have a statement to make on behalf of Peoples Temple in response to the grossly false and malicious statements that continue to be made about our community her in Guyana. [Transcriber’s note: This entire paragraph was scribbled out.]
INSERT ON MERCENARIES
Our community is a dramatic expression of our deep desire to build a meaningful future for mankind, based on co-operation and sharing, and the eradication of class and caste division.
Our contribution has been recognized by many, many people who have come to visit our community socialist co-operative. Teachers, workers, government officials, people from all walks of life in Guyana, as well as representatives from nations the world over have come and congratulated us for what is being accomplished. For the example of co-operative living and diligent development of this beautiful region. [Two illegible handwritten lines.]
Just today this week, 35 educators from the McKenzie School District, together with a select district delegation of the most outstanding students from a region several hundred miles away in the entire nation, visited us, unannounced, and spent the day. with us. They were overwhelmed by what we are doing. We are making hosts of friends here, building good will, providing a constructive presence that can only enhance hemispheric co-operation and counteract negative stereotypes of North American people.
Our medical department is known far and wide for its excellent services to the region, and many lives have been saved. Programs in agriculture, livestock development, a complete school system, and a host of community projects are flourishing.
News media have visited here. recently, a wire service story carried in many newspapers across the United States, told how we accomplished a caesarian delivery at our medical clinic with assistance from consultants over the amateur radio – a remarkable achievement. Just a few days ago, representatives from one of the largest news agency in the world spent several days with us. Other Representatives from Caribbean media have other news agencies have been to the project as well, and have pronounced it a remarkable, accomplishment impressive achievement. * *
Young people here are finding wonderful, productive, joyous new lives, free from the pitfalls of inner city environments that would have caused a large percentage of them to become involved in one form of anti-social behavior or another, which would have cost U.S. taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. The good that is being accomplished here is overwhelming.
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EE1-T-90
We hope that people of conscience and good will in the United States will rise up in indignation about the attempts to destroy our community. We are tired of seeing people who and organizations that are trying to develop constructive alternatives, to build co-operative life=styles, being harassed unmercifully, lied about, falsely accused of crimes, and, in many cases, brought down. In recent months alone there have been several examples of this in the Bay Area.
Here in Guyana we have come to build a community for a significant number of people — now over a thousand — who have been hurt, and angered, alienated, and victimized by adverse conditions that prevail in the decaying inner cities of advanced western societies. Many who were not in such desperate circumstances have also come to join us and build, because of the peaceful, natural environment, ideal weather, and the challenge to serve. The vast majority of our members remain in the United States, and are perfectly free to do so.
Finally, Finally we would like to address ourselves to a point that has been raised, it seems, about some statement, supposedly issued officially by Peoples Temple but whose authorship we, here, are unaware of, to the effect that we prefer to resist interminable harassment and persecution, even if it means death.
Those who are lying and slandering our work here, it appears, are trying to use this statement against us. We are not surprised. However:
It would seem that any person with any integrity or courage would have no trouble understanding such a position. Since, it is clear, that the persons who are actively plotting to destroy our organization have neither integrity nor courage, we are not at all surprised that they would find it offensive.
Dr. Martin Luther King reaffirmed the validity of ultimate commitment when he told his Freedom Riders “We must develop the quiet courage of dying for a cause,” and then he later said, “Though I hope no-one will have to die as a result of our struggle…if anyone has to, let it be me.”
And we, likewise, affirm that before we will submit quietly to the interminable plotting and persecution of this politically-motivated conspiracy we will resist —actively— putting our lives on the line if it comes to that. This has been the unanimous vote of this congregation collective community. We choose as our model not those who marched submissively into gas chambers
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EE1-T-91
but the valiant heroes who resisted, in who resisted in as of the Warsaw ghetto. Patrick Henry captured it when he said simply, “Give me liberty or give me death.”
If people cannot appreciate that willingness to die if necessary, rather than to compromise the right to exist free from harassment and the kind of indignities we have been subjected to, then they will never understand the integrity, honesty, and bravery of Peoples Temple, or nor the depth of commitment of Rev. Jim Jones to the principles he has struggled for all his life.
But It is not our purpose to die: we believe deeply in the celebration of life. It is the intention of Jim Jones — and always has been — to light candles rather than curse in the darkness, to find and implement constructive solutions rather than merely complain about problems.
But under these outragous attacks, we have decided to fend the integrity of our community, and are pledged to do this. If necessary with our lives. We are confident that people of conscience and principle will understand our position. We make no apologies for it.
END
EE1-T-93
Revised, typed statement from Harriet Sarah Tropp, which she read aloud through a HAM radio from Jonestown to a press conference in San Francisco on April 17, 1978. Her and Peoples Temple’s intent was to counteract abuse allegations leveled by the Concerned Relatives. An earlier draft of this statement (EE1-T-89 through EE1-T-91) was written by Harriet’s brother, Richard D. “Dick” Tropp, with his biographical data in place of hers. Edith Roller’s journals indicate Dick Tropp was in Georgetown at the time of the press conference, and thus his sister apparently spoke in his stead.
Tape Q736 is an audio recording of the press conference, featuring Harriet reading the statement.
The handwritten notes are in red; the original typed text is in black. The original text is also entirely in caps.
My name is Harrit Tropp. I have a law degree and am currently teaching at the Jonestwon Community School. I have a statement to make on behalf of Peoples Temple in response to the grossly false and mllicious statements that continue to be made about our community here in Guyana.
Individuals participating in a self_styled group of “Concerned Relatives” have no publicly threatened to hire mercenaries to illegally enter Guyana and use whatever means necessary, including armed attack and kidnap, to capture members of the Peoples Temple communinty. These threats were made public in a California newspaper. Peoples Temple has already alereted the president, the U.S.S. State Department, and appropriate government officials in Guyana.
The group of Concerned Relatives is a cruel, monstrous hoax. The threat to send mercenaries: hired guns who will violates laws, and resort to killing and mayhem to fulfill their contract reveals again the real nature of the efforts of the “Concerned Relatives”. We demand to know where the money is coming from to get hired killers. We also demand that the media, which has shown such eagerness to attack our organization, show equal vehemence in condemning this criminal effort, and exposing its perpetrators.
Actually, this is not a new tactic in the moves against the Guyana community-armed agents have already been sent in illegally, and have tried to assassinate Jim Jones and others, as well as kidnap people. (Those efforts have been (Those attempts have been successfully thwarted.)
We hope that the public will see the cruelty and evil behind the pious masquerading of these public liars. The people involved have been brought t together, and given assurances that they would be backed up in whatever they would try to do against Peoples Temple.