Letter from Walter Thain, August 5, 1978
x-2-n-1(2) (better copy at x-2-n-1(6))
Date Aug. 5, ’78
Dear Jim:
Enclosed, is letter sent to Mr. Marshall Kilduff in answer to his letter, dated, July 21, ’78.
Last night, via Radio; I talked to Millie [Cunningham] who was running Trf. to Lillie at S.F. I asked her if I should respond to query of letter from Mr. Marshall Kilduff. Later, she called me back and told me, ‘above all to do so.’
Please inform me if you received this letter and contents. I will monitor WB6MID/8R3. Please extend to Dr. Schact [Larry Schacht] and your wife Marceline; my very best wishes, as well as, to my sincere friends at the Mission.
God Bless you all in your work you’re doing in His Name.
Best Regards,
Walter H. Thain
Dr. Walt.
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Letter to Marshall Kilduff from Walter Thain, August 5, 1978.
[Editor’s note: Minor spelling errors have been retained.]
[Letterhead of Pan American Cancer Cytology Society]
August 5th, 1978
Mr. Marshall Kilduff
4229 26th Street
San Francisco, Calif.
Dear Mr. Kilduff:
Thank you for your letter, dated, July 21st, 1978; received, as of above date.
Yes, indeed; I was a guest of Laurence Schact [Schacht], M.D. at Jonestown, Guyana whom I had talked via Amateur Radio for Medical cosultations with other Physicians state-side. These were Medical emergencies to resolve. I was introduced to Bishop Jones and was asked to be his guest, also. I did accept and remained at the Mission a week. During my visit I toured the Agricultural Medical Project; escorted & unescorted. To me, it seems incredible how they carved out of the Jungle a town with all of the public utilities comparable to towns in USA. The health care in the community is fantastic; there is an Orphanage, as well as, an accredited-primary school.
Since my return to the States; I’ve received anonymous letters and xerox copies of periodicals [illegible words] the image of Bishop Jones. The accusations are mind-boggling & horrendous. I must say; anyone visiting this Mission as I have would know that it’s completely untrue. I just cannot explain why I’m sent these anti-feelings against the Church, or Bishop Jones.
All my photographs takened at the Mission are in color; most were of Medical Personal. May I suggest to you that you can obtain B&W glossy prints; as well as, a Booklet “…A feeling of fredom” by writing to the People’s Temple: P.O. Box-15023, San Francisco, Calif. This Booklet contains many B&W prints of the entire Mission & Staff.
If I can assist you in the future; please write or phone (305)-392-6622. I’m in my office: 11:am to 4:pm.
Most sincerely,
/s/ Walter H. Thain
WALTER H. THAIN, Ph.D.
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Letter from Marshall Kilduff to Walter Thain, July 21, 1978.
July 21, 1978
Walter Thain
2401 N.E. 5th Avenue
Boca Raton, FLA
Dear Mr. Thain:
I am a freelance writer for New West Magazine and I am in the midst of preparing a sequel to an earlier story published last year on Rev. Jim Jones.
We are particularly interested in the Guyana farm where Jones and many of his followers are currently based. A fellow ham radio operator of yours, Larry O’Toole in Pennsylvania, suggested to me that you had visited the jungle outpost and taken pictures.
The magazine, along with many other news outlets, has had little luck obtaining independent information about the Guyana program. Your thoughts as well as photos would help us a great deal, and the magazine would be willing to pay you for the photos, I believe.
Please let me or magazine editor B.K. Moran know if you can help us.
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I can be reached at home 415-826-7762. She can be contacted at 415-986-5196. Phone collect in either case, and Ms. Moran is unavailable, ask to speak with Rosalie Wright or Phil Tracy at the San Francisco office.
Thank you for your consideration, and we are looking forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
/s/ Marshall Kilduff
Marshall Kilduff
4229 26th Street
San Francisco CA 94131