LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
PAGE 01 GEORGE 03869 222014Z
[Listing of agencies receiving informational copy on PDF]
P 221800Z NOV 78
FM AMEMBASSY GEORGETOWN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8141
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE GEORGETOWN 3869
AIDAC
FOR OFDA
E.O. 11652: N/A
SUBJECT: DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO GUYANA
1. According to available sketchy and conflicting information is possible that there are some 300-500 people who have fled jungle area of Northwest Guyana at site named Jonestown following murder/suicide of approximately 400 persons that location. These people are believed to have fled jungle refuge, floated down rivers in makeshift rafts or possibly have found temporary safe haven in remote, isolated villages in general area around Jonestown. They, hopefully, will emerge from jungle or whatever temporary sanctuary they have found once reassured it is safe to make appearance. GOG presently mounting combined search psychological operation to locate and assist these people as humanitarian act.
2. To facilitate assistance to this group, they will have to be centrally located and provided food and shelter on an emergency temporary basis while relocation efforts are being made by the GOG. In my view,
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE
PAGE 01 GEORGE 03869 222014Z
the situation warrants emergency disaster assistance of a limited nature for the basic human needs of men, women and children survivors. Accordingly, I have made a determination that a disaster exists which warrants US assistance.
Burke
LIMITED OFFICIAL USE