DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
COMMUNICATION MESSAGE FORM
DATE: 11/28/78
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLAS
PRECEDENCE: IMMEDIATE
FM DIRECTOR FBI
TO FBI COLUMBIA IMMEDIATE
FBI HOUSTON IMMEDIATE
FBI MEMPHIS IMMEDIATE
FBI SAN FRANCISCO IMMEDIATE
BT
UNCLAS
RYMUR
For the information of receiving offices, on November 28, 1978, FBI fingerprint technicians have positively identified Lawrence [Laurence] Eugene Schacht, date of birth October 2, 1948, as among the deceased members of the Peoples Temple.
Houston should continue efforts to interview Schacht’s parents, brother, and sister to fully identify Schacht, determine whether he was a medical doctor, where he received his education, employment history, background concerning his involvement with the Peoples Temple, and identity of any
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associates who could provide further information concerning Schacht’s involvement in the mass suicide and conspiracy to kill Congressman Ryan.
Columbia interview [deleted name] as outlined in Houston lead and further determine Schacht’s role in preparing for the mass suicide, including but not limited to acquisition of cyanide poison, identity of medical assistants, the extent of his participation in the conduct of the mass suicide, and any involvement in the conspiracy to kill Congressman Ryan.
Memphis, during the conduct of the next scheduled interview of Mark Lane, determine the same information requested of Columbia and Houston.
Additional leads concerning Schacht forthcoming upon completion of FBI HQ file reviews. Receiving offices should note that FBIHQ files indicate Schacht’s parents, [deleted name], white female, date of birth [deleted] and Ezra Leonard Schacht, white male, date of birth June 6, 1919, formerly associated with the Communist Party USA.
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BT
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Note:
Designated offices are being advised that Lawrence Eugene Schacht has been positively identified by FBI is among the deceased returning program, and instructions being set forth to further identify Schacht and determine his involvement in the mass suicide and conspiracy to kill Congressman Ryan.