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[listing of agencies receiving informational copies on PDF]
O 151355Z FEB 78
FM AMEMBASSY GEORGETOWN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6231
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DEPT PASS ARA/CAR TUMMINIA
E.O. 11652: N/A
TAGS: CASC (STOEN, JOHN)
SUBJECT: W/W JOHN VICTOR STOEN
REF: STATE 39014
1. Consul discussed case with Clarence Hughes, Stoen’s local attorney, on Feb. 14. Hughes advised Consul that month’s delay not rpt not unusual in such cases. As in other countries, court calendars here are extremely full and it is not rpt not unusual for a judge to take up to several months before completing research and draft of his written opinion in a particular case. Hughes remains optimistic judge will rule favorably on his (Hughes) motions.
2. Since Stoen’s attorney does not believe delay is excessive because he continues to feel that pressing magistrate could be counterproductive, Embassy believes an official inquiry on our part re delay would be inappropriate at this time. FYI – Hughes mentioned to Consul that he has had no word from his clients since they departed Guyana in January. End FYI.
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3. Consul has appointment with Minister of Justice Feb. 16 at which time he will discuss in general terms Guyanese law covering custody cases and attempt to obtain information re what additional legal steps may be required of the Stoens in this matter and what legal recourse may be available to Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple should they challenge an award of custody. FYI – as Department may be aware Jones has claimed to be the natural father of John Victor in conversations with the Consul and other Emboffs. He has recently given the Embassy photocopy of an affidavit allegedly signed by Stoen which acknowledges Jones’ paternity of the child. Copy being pouched to the Dept. End FYI.
Burke
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