DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
COMMUNICATION MESSAGE FORM
DATE: 11/20/78
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLAS E F T O
PRECEDENCE: IMMEDIATE
FM DIRECTOR FBI
TO ALL FBI FIELD OFFICES IMMEDIATE
BT
UNCLAS E F T O
RYMUR.
Captioned code word is assigned to the Bureau special involving the investigation of the murder of Congressman Leo J. Ryan of California on Saturday, November 18, 1978, by unknown persons in Jonestown, Guyana. Investigation to receive top priority and the Bureau is to be advised of all pertinent developments. Due to the nature and scope of this investigation, all offices may well receive leads which should receive immediate priority emphasis and handling by experienced personnel.
The murder of Congressman Ryan is being investigated by the FBI under the provisions of the Congressional Assassination Statute as well as a foreign police cooperation matter. The
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Government of Guyana has requested FBI assistance and with the concurrence of the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Justice, FBI personnel will travel to Guyana to coordinate with Guyana law enforcement officials and conduct inquiry as deemed necessary.
For the purposes of this teletype, the details, as known, concerning the murder of Congressman Ryan and several others, as well as the subsequent reported mass suicide of members of the Peoples Temple of Christian Disciples of God [Disciples of Christ], will not be restated as they are widely reported through news media accounts. You will be provided a summary of investigation as needed. All press inquiries are to be directed to the Public Affairs Office, FBI HQ.
Armed and dangerous.
BT
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Note: Above teletype advises all offices of ongoing Bureau special in captioned matter instructing that priority investigation be given to any leads assigned. Offices also advised that press inquiries are to be directed to Public Affairs Office, FBI HQ.