Peoples Temple Collection; Box 7, Virtual Item 10, Q49a-Jonestown meeting

Digital Record

Identifier: ms-0183_07.10

Staff Only

Digital Object (mixed_materials)

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Dates

Digitized: early Spring 1978

Creator

Peoples Temple (Organization)
Jones, Jim (Jones, James Warren) (Person)

Summary Note

In connection with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) investigation into the assassination of U.S. Congressman LEO J. RYAN at Port Kaituma, Guyana, South America, on November 18, 1978, a tape recording was obtained. This tape recording was located in Jonestown, Guyana, South America, and was turned over to U.S. Officials in Guyana and subsequently transported to the United States. On June 24, 1979, Special Agent (name deleted) reviewed the tape numbered 1B60-3. This tape was found to contain the following: JIM JONES instructing members in correct responses to anticipated newsmen questions concerning the settlement. Then further instruction on the socialist viewpoint on history (Nazi action in World War II), movies, current events. He advised the members a written test was scheduled on Tuesday concerning tonight’s meeting. Part of Side A and all of Side B was blank. The bulk of this tape consists of Jim Jones questioning different people about living conditions at the Jonestown commune and, later, about the news. The tape has numerous edits, some lasting for more than a few seconds. It is impossible to know how long the pauses are, although in some cases, they seem short, in that Jones is on the same subject and his tone of voice is about the same. At other places, the community is discussing a new subject when the tape switches back on. Nevertheless, it seems to be all from one session. The questions in the beginning seem to anticipate the arrival of outsiders -- news media, embassy officials, and/or relatives -- as Jones coaches them through their answers, with suggestions on how to reply to the questions he poses. The questions focus mainly on the work day in Jonestown, how long and how hard they work, whether children or seniors work, and whether Jones himself does physical labor. He mentions his miracles in a passing reference, but urges people not to mention those. In answering questions about religion, he says that that is not an important part of life there, that everyone practices their own beliefs. Towards the end of the tape, he asks in a more candid tone, "How many know, from their heart of hearts, that this is far better than anything you've seen in the States?" Full summary of the recording available at Alternative Considerations of Jonestown website, along with the tape transcript.

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