[Editor’s note: One of the subjects of this serial whose name is deleted is Lester Kinsolving. The deleted information from the memorandum – designated by brackets – which is known to the editor has been indicated by red type.]
United States Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Memorandum
Date: 11/21/78
To: Mr. Moore
From: J. O. Ingram
Subject: RYMUR
PURPOSE: To set forth results of a review of all FBI HQ files pertaining to the Peoples Temple and/or the Reverend Jim Jones.
RECOMMENDATION: None. For information.
DETAILS: An indices check was conducted and a review has been made of all files concerning the Peoples Temple and/or this cult’s leader, Reverend Jim Jones. Following listed files have been determined to be identical:
Bureau file 7 – 17487, captioned “Jim Jones, DBA, The Peoples Temple, Unnamed Victim, Kidnaping Matter,” which contains an airtel dated 6/14/78 to SAC, Los Angeles, sending a letter from Senator S. I. Hayakawa concerning allegations by a constituent of Senator Hayakawa’s, one [deleted name] that Jim Jones was coaxing individuals into traveling to Georgetown, Guyana, where they are held against their will for reasons unknown. Los Angeles was instructed to knowledge receipt of this letter and interview the complainant. File contains no reply from Los Angeles.
Bureau file 174 – 2 – 6826, captioned “Unknown Subject, Possible Firebombing of the Peoples Temple, 1859 Geary Street, San Francisco, California, EID.” This serial consists of an airtel with attached letterhead memorandum dated 8/24/73, wherein we were advised by the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) that a three-alarm fire had occurred at the Peoples Temple. SFPD advised the fire was set possibly by a molotov cocktail. SFPD advised approximately $100,000 worth of damage was caused by this fire. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms were advised of this matter. No active investigation was conducted by the FBI.
RDS:hjs
CONTINUED – OVER
Memo to Mr. Moore
RE: RYMUR
Bureau file 62-0-85755, captioned “Richard D. Tropp, Peoples Temple of the Disciples of Christ, P. O. Box 15157, San Francisco.” This miscellaneous file consists of a letter from Tropp dated 4/20/77, who identifies himself as a member of the Temple of the Disciples of Christ, requesting to know if the FBI is conducting an investigation of the Church. By communication dated 5/6/77 over the signature of former Assistant Director Andrew J. Decker, we advised Tropp that our central files at FBI HQ and San Francisco failed to disclose that we have ever had any investigative interest in this Church.
Bureau file 7-15200, captioned “Hearnap,” contains an airtel from the Director to San Francisco, dated 2/20/74, providing information from Reverend [deleted name] [Lester Kinsolving], an Episcopal minister, that Jim Jones should be considered a suspect in the Hearst kidnaping. He was not involved in the kidnaping as far as known to the FBI.
Bureau files 7-15227, 62-115698, and 188-0 show that the Reverend Jim Jones and members of his staff and church have corresponded with the FBI in the past on several matters of possible interest. The correspondence has been complimentary, particularly concerning former Director [Clarence] Kelly and the Bureau has acknowledged these letters.
Bureau file 63-0-37836 provides information that in April, 1976, the San Francisco Office was in contact with one [deleted name] of Ukiah, California, concerning allegations of homicide of church members and alleged stolen property. Matter referred to local authorities. No Bureau violation. [deleted name] during contact with the Bureau, made allegations regarding possible income tax violations regarding Reverend Jones, same furnished IRS Intelligence, Santa Rosa, California, 4/13/76.
Bureau file 63-17034 shows that in October, 1977, the FCC was conducting an investigation concerning [deleted name], an associate of Jones, regarding apparent illegal radio transmissions between the Peoples Temple in San Francisco and Venezuela. It was noted Reverend Jones, who had fled to Guyana, had previous contacts in Venezuela.
Bureau files 157-12680 and 105-318912, show that members of the Peoples Temple had previously been in touch with the Soviet consulate in San Francisco apparently regarding the use of their facilities between the American Russian Institute in connection with a visiting Soviet group. Information described
Memo to Mr. Moore
RE: RYMUR
Reverend Jones as a multi-racial religious sect pastor with headquarters at Redwood Valley, California, who allegedly fled to Guyana with church funds. California, as well as the city and counties of San Francisco, allegedly had outstanding actions of an unknown type (possibly civil actions) against Jones
Reverend Jones is described as a white male, true name Reverend Jim V. [W.] Jones, located at 8461 East Road, P.O. Box 192, Redwood Valley, California 95470, telephone (707) 485-7607.