Skip to main content

Peoples Temple Collection; Box 8, Virtual item 11, Q157, Jones announces discipline guideline during news tape

 Digital Record
Identifier: ms-0183_08.11

Dates

  • Digitized: June 6, 1978

Creator

Summary Note

In connection with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 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 May 24, 1979, Special Agent (name deleted) reviewed the tape numbered 1B68-7. This tape was found to contain the following: A speech by an unknown male regarding teaching, education and discipline of children within the community. A reading of news and current events also was contained on this tape. The remaining portion of the tape was either blank or contained music. This tape was reviewed, and nothing was contained thereon which was considered to be of evidentiary nature or beneficial to the investigation of Congressman RYAN. In announcing “a socialist practice, a moral and humane practice,” Jones informs the Jonestown community about new discipline rules and guidelines which include a means by which previous instances of bad behavior can be expunged from the records of residents who can stay out of trouble for six months following their last crime against the community. The announcement also rearticulates and refines the system for maintaining order and punishing miscreants in Jonestown, which results in assignments to work details. Finally, Jones outlines the leadership’s definition of what constitutes an “extreme” crime – although they are imposed at his discretion – and include “cruelty… violence, theft, destruction of the people’s property.” Full summary of the recording available at Alternative Considerations of Jonestownwebsite, along with the tape transcript.

Rights Statement Note

The copyright interests in these materials have not been transferred to San Diego State University. Copyright resides with the creators of materials contained in the collection or their heirs. The nature of historical archival and manuscript collections is such that copyright status may be difficult or even impossible to determine.  Requests for permission to publish must be submitted to the Head of Special Collections, San Diego State University, Library and Information Access. When granted, permission is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical item and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder(s), which must also be obtained in order to publish. Materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials.

Physical Description Note

Original audio cassette recording digitized and made available as .mp3 audio file.

Publisher Note

Publisher: The Jonestown Institute

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections & University Archives Repository

Contact:
5500 Campanile Dr. MC 8050
San Diego CA 92182-8050 US
619-594-6791