United States Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Memorandum
Date: 12/9/78
To: Mr. Moore
From: J. O. Ingram
Subject: RYMUR
On 12/9/78, Mike Abbell, Departmental Attorney, advised he was contacted by a representative of the U.S. Department of State (USDS) who requested they be provided today a copy of the transcript of the tape recording of Jim Jones and followers recorded just prior to their mass suicide. Abbell stated the Department had previously agreed USDS would be provided a copy of the recording when duplicated. Abbell was advised that the only transcript presently available is a rough draft of a preliminary transcription, and a final, accurate transcription is not yet completed. Abbell then requested a rough draft transcription be provided to USDS, noting the request was presumably made in response to a 12/9/78, “Washington Post” article allegedly describing the contents of the tape recording.
SA [Name withheld], case coordinator, was contacted and instructed the transcript not be provided to USDS at this time as it is being held as possible evidence, it contains nothing of present interest to USDS and the transcript is in an incomplete form.
[Name withheld], USDS, advised he was calling per the USDS request of Mr. Abbell and requested a copy of the above transcript. This request was respectfully declined for the reasons stated by SA [Name withheld]. Mr. [Name withheld] was informed Mr. Abbell was being advised of the reason for denial and USDS would be immediately advised of any change.
Mike Abbell was recontacted and advised of the above stated reasons for not disseminating the transcript at this time. Mr. Abbell stated a copy of the transcript should be provided when reduced to final form, but need not be provided at this time. Mr. Abbell stated he will so advise Mr. [name deleted].