United States Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Memorandum
Date: 11/22/78
To: Mr. Moore
From: J. O. Ingram
Subject: RYMUR
Michael E. Abbell, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice, who has been designated by the Department as the Departmental Attorney Liaison with this Bureau Special, advised Deputy Assistant Director Ingram at 4:10 p.m., he had just completed a meeting wherein Warren Christopher, Number Two Man in the U.S. State Department, met with the Guyana Ambassador [Laurence] Mann and two other unidentified members of the Guyana Government at State Department Headquarters. Mr. Christopher outlined the cooperative spirit of this matter with the Government of Guyana (GOG), and requested that the GOG reconsider its decision allowing a small team of FBI Agents to travel to Guyana. The purpose would be to photograph and process the evidence presently in Guyana, as well as observe any illegal U.S. arms exported to Guyana, obtaining serial numbers and other evidence related to the firearms. The on-site presence would allow the U.S. Government to assist them in processing any evidence for future use by both governments. The FBI team would also review material in the possession of Peoples Temple which could give cause for future search warrants in the United States.
Mr. Christopher stressed the on-site presence of FBI would benefit both governments in facilitating and coordinating exchanges of pertinent information.
Mr. Abbell stated Ambassador Mann appeared to be amenable to the recommendation but he stated he would immediately contact appropriate authorities in Guyana and relay the U.S. position to these officials. Ambassador Mann emphasized that his country intended to prosecute all individuals who are involved in the killings. Mr. Christopher outlined the investigative jurisdiction the U.S. Government also in the shootings.
I asked Abbell if the subject of extradition was discussed and he said it was not.
JOI:emb (8)
CONTINUED – OVER
Memorandum to Mr. Moore
Re: Rymur
Ambassador Mann stated it was his understanding that Jones resisted Ryan’s visit from the very beginning but when he did eventually agree to the visit he was shocked when so many of his followers began to ask to accompany Ryan back to the United States and this led to the assassinations.
Ambassador Mann indicated he would immediately advise Mr. Christopher when he received a reply either positive or negative to his request. The FBI will be advised promptly of the decision.