[Editor’s note: One of the subjects of this serial whose name is deleted is former Temple member Tim Stoen. The deleted information from the memorandum – designated by brackets – which is known to the editor has been indicated by red type.]
0 30238Z NOV 7[8]
FM SAN FRANCISCO (89-250) (P)
TO DIRECTOR (89-4286) IMMEDIATE
MEMPHIS IMMEDIATE (89-110)
BT
UNCLAS
RYMUR, 00: SAN FRANCISCO
Re Memphis teletype to FBI HQ, November 30, 1978.
In answer to the leads set out in retel, the following is submitted:
[Name deleted] is residing in the People’s Temple (PT) in San Francisco and she, along with other residents of the PT, have declined through PT attorney Charles Garry to be interviewed by the FBI. [Name deleted] has claimed, however, through Garry that there are neither plans to kill anyone nor does she have any personal plans to kill anyone.
San Francisco is in the process of compiling list of current and former members of the PT. However, it appears
PAGE TWO SF DIOAWIP UNCLAS
that it will be some time before a comprehensive, accurate list will be completed.
To the best of our knowledge, no written hit list exists. Not one person interviewed to date, including former high functionaries of the PT, has said a written list exists. Also, in Mark Lane’s telephone call to William G. Hunter, United States Attorney, Northern District of California (USA NDC) he indicated Terri Buford denies its existence but states a “verbal” hit list exists which is the product of many discussions over several years.
Attempts are being made to obtain photos requested in retel and will be furnished to Memphis.
As noted, Lane called USA NDC this date. This information was nonspecific and type of information given was nonincriminating. Lane identified client as Terri Buford. Lane stated USA NDC is on verbal list. This is believed to be a ploy on Lane’s part to pressure USA NDC to issue immunity to obtain the specifics. USA NDC, however, knows [name deleted] [Tim Stoen] (a central figure in the group of defectors) well, having worked with him [line of information deleted]
PAGE THREE SF 89-250 UNCLAS
in San Francisco.
Strategy at this point is for AUSA Robert Dondero (AUSA handling RYMUR) to call Lane, advise him the information furnished is not enough to even consider immunity and it appears too early at this point to issue anyone immunity in view of the fact 80 possible eye witnesses – survivors now in Guyana have not even been interviewed. Terry Buford will then be invited, with Lane if necessary, to San Francisco for a more specific debriefing.
Armed and dangerous. Suicidal tendencies.
BT