[Editor’s note: This is a State Department cable that was included in the FBI’s 2009 RYMUR release of documents under the Freedom of Information Act. It was not included in the State Department’s own release, but we have included identifying information for it using the agency’s designations.
[The FBI deleted the name of Jonestown survivor Tim Carter from this memorandum, but the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms released the name pursuant to a separate request under the Freedom of Information Act. It is indicated below in red type.]
0 301610Z NOV 78
FM AMEMBASSY GEORGETOWN
TO RUEHFB/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE
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UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 4517
FOR FBIHQ
E.O. 11652: N/A
TAGS: N/A
SUBJECT: RYMUR
1) The following weapons, as made available by the Georgetown Police Department on November 30, 1978, were examined at the Guyana Police Station at Georgetown:
1. Smith and Wesson 38 special pistol, two-inch barrel, five shot with serial number J298732. This pistol reportedly is the one that had been in the possession of Larry Layton and with the pistol was noted a Smith and Wesson 38 special hollow point, copper-jacketed bullet which apparently had misfired. This weapon is maintained in the desk of detective [illegible] H.A.A. Providence.
2. Smith and Wesson 38 special revolver, two-inch barrel, five shot with serial number 5J4831. This weapon reportedly was obtained form [from] [name deleted] [Tim Carter]. It is maintained in the desk of Mr. Providence period
3. Smith and Wesson 38 special revolver, three-inch barrel, five shot capacity, Model 36, serial number 6OJ953. This weapon reportedly came [form] from Mike Carter and was found to be maintained in the office of Deputy Assistant Commissioner C.B.B. Augustus.
2) Request NCIC and BAIF check of above weapons.
Burke [John Burke, American ambassador to Guyana]
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