One of the functions of the Public Affairs Office within the U.S. State Department is to monitor and report on how the agency \u2013 especially in its embassies\u2019 role as a representative of the U.S. around the world \u2013 is perceived by both domestic and foreign news media.<\/p>\n
The State Department issued at least two bulletins summarizing press coverage of Jonestown. One, dated November 29, 1978, reported on foreign press coverage of the deaths of November 1978, since that media coverage often reflects or at least informs the opinions of the foreign governments themselves. And while the deaths took place in the South American country of Guyana, it was considered \u2013 both by U.S. and foreign commentators \u2013 as a distinctly American event.<\/p>\n
The second, dated January 15, 1979, \u00a0reported on \u201cthe 65 newspapers PA [Public Affairs] regularly monitors\u201d with a focus on two issues: \u201c(1) the Department’s responsiveness to complaints about the situation in Jonestown and its responsibility for the welfare of Americans abroad; and (2) the responsibility taken for removing the bodies from Jonestown and who should bear the cost.\u201d<\/p>\n
State Department Bulletin on Foreign Press Coverage<\/strong><\/a>, November 29, 1978<\/p>\n