LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
PAGE 01 GEORGE 02028 201939Z
[Listing of agencies receiving informational copies on PDF]
P 201855Z JUN 78
FM AMEMBASSY GEORGETOWN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7060
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE GEORGETOWN 2028
E.O. 11652: N/A
TAGS: CASC (MAITLAND, CYRIL M.)
SUBJECT: PROTECTIVE SERVICES: CYRIL M. MAITLAND; DPOB: AUG. 29, 1928 UK
1. Maitland bearer of US passport number G2561566 came to the Embassy today (June 20) accompanied by companion Gordon Lindsay UK citizen seeking advice and/or assistance to remain in Guyana longer than the initial period (24 hours) allowed by Guyanese immigration. Consul after ascertaining that Maitland had been initially given only 24 hours by immigration inspector on June 18 at the point of entry, and that his subsequent request for an extension have been denied, informed him that he could not protest the action since he had been treated in accordance with the established GOG regulations governing entry and departure of aliens.
2. Maitland explained that he and his colleague were journalists for the National Inquirer newspaper who had come to Guyana to do a story on the People’s Temple. However, they had been unable to contact representatives of the Temple in Georgetown and a subsequent effort through the Ministry of Information was equally unsuccessful. He stated that his editor had told him to remain in Guyana beyond his allowed period in an attempt to some-
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
PAGE 02 GEORGE 02028 201939Z
how complete their story including photographs of the People’s Temple agricultural mission. Consul advised Maitland against such action. He explained that should Maitland be arrested all that Consul could do for him was normal protective services in such cases. Consul also emphasized that local prison facilities were in general not very comfortable.
3. After mulling over various options both journalists appeared to opt for normal departure today. Lindsay mentioned that he was sure People’s Temple was behind the GOG decision not to permit him to remain. Consul did not comment on this statement but suggested that in the future they should make prior arrangements with Peoples Temple representatives and the Guyanese Embassy in the U.S. to facilitate their program. Consul reiterated that should they be deported this could complicate any plans for an early return.
4. Consul cited Privacy Act when both journalists requested his assistance in arranging meeting with People’s Temple. He indicated that he could inform People’s Temple by letter of their presence and their desire to meet with representatives of the church. However, because of the journalists’ time constraints this would not be a suitable arrangement at this time. Meeting was then concluded.
5. Comment: Consul had amicable meeting with journalists and offered normal advice to Amcit [American citizen]. He did not comment about People’s Temple nor did the journalists question him about the organization. Consul had learned of problem on June 19 when Lindsay telephoned him to
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
PAGE 03 GEORGE 02028 201939Z
seek advice. Later on the 19th Consul, during a conversation with Acting Chief GOG Immigration officer, learned that both would have to leave within 24 hours since the appropriate authority had denied their request for an extension of stay.
Burke
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE