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[Listing of agencies receiving informational copies on PDF]
R 151215 MAY 78
FM AMEMBASSY GEORGETOWN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6785
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E.O. 11652: N/A
TAGS: CPAS, GY
SUBJECT: PEOPLES TEMPLE COMMUNITY
REF: STATE 118668
1. Consul verified through Guyanese Immigration Service records that all US citizen applicants for Guyanese naturalization are over 21 years of age. Consul determined informally through official channels that Minister of Home Affairs has discretionary power to waive majority age requirement as a prerequisite for naturalization.
2. Consul on May 10 met with several of the individuals who have applied for Guyanese nationality. They explained that they applied for Guyanese citizenship because the People’s Temple organization wishes to incorporate itself as a legal entity in Guyana and as such Guyanese law requires that 51 pct of the Executive Board must be Guyanese citizens. Consul explained that under those circumstances their act would be considered by him to be voluntary and for economic benefit, thereby bringing them within the purview of Section 349 (A) 1 or 2.
3. Consul suggested that instead of American members
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becoming Guyanese, they might consider inviting a number of Guyanese to join the board. Consul emphasized it was their decision to make but if they chose to follow up their plans to acquire Guyanese nationality, they would almost assuredly lose their American citizenship.
4. Consul also determined that one of the five individuals is a British national; however, the other four are American citizens.
Burke
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