SOF FOLLOWING FILE MATERIAL OL 100 - 223-7 /56 pages Re cere nice s G6 pages ; ASQ lorne [a6ES XXXXNNNXNAXANKNANAY, XSNNNY : g NO DUPLICATION FEE ¥ SNSXSX SAN FOR THIS PAGES SONAARRANARNNARONNN |Naw Lavesri¢anve Fice (Sle pages3 ‘ f , Gz: 6, TT «/2/:2 Department of Justice, Atten, Mr. G. Edgar Hoover, Washington, D.C, ALL SSFORMATION CONTAINED “IN IS UNCLASSIFIED, Dear ir. Hoovers 22.85 BYLAA em fa? ‘The appended article was printed in sulle Times issue of fu nw) septouver 22, 1940 and Sf based on proven facte yshould be of vital importance to « N ‘War Department as well as to that ef other nations mow esutrollea oy insane dictate! If san the author statesythe telefores has com perfected by MikolaTeslay/ would be a monsure of feresightedness te insure kis constant guarding ageinst his bi aolested ,ponsibly kidnapped and tertured,by alien euenies for the purpose of seit: ‘the secret of such an invaluable instrument ef war ani/er defense ‘The feregeing is offered just in ense the article amt ite inferences have no deen called te your attention, Yery truly yours yD RLS & pe, boRY Tam ES rv [47 “Death Ray” for Planes ket of Daten ‘would be built round the country Seninet any attempted attace by a8 fgtemy: air fores, wo muatiar’ bow age ae of att Malt pettle ant beat woyie eit ny ence, feaniee Dine or fuaciestae, Eeccpud Se ge ects stacse Sgtiat te coud be Beton, Se ENS a Sat pti ah penertg. : ‘igh Vacoum Eiiminetad de state, votes oon oF oie os epics. wets i sa wordt asa contin th Sonne with ‘ihe euetruction of Sis Aalatorce plant BUCH & Device “Invaluable ara, $2080.00 wold bec Sapo oiaaa Se ode alt Lattaved woudl be tral nat | Not oaly would ft Mow planed for aie Thprernesisagulst tay aretase ut itfwoult alo save euacy or Sona prepay iat would fatter Now trong ta defonoeg 3 fi wtioean curves evente in Bapene SE Mae ellss Hees oh. Es a Latter dated Septeader 24, 1940, together with Ate 4 ‘maloaure. 7 oe : Your eoortesy sad interest in Winging = this inforsation to ay attention are indeed appreciated, and you may be assured your letter ‘Will receive appropriate consideration. ‘Bincerely yours, John Bigar Beever . aL INFORMATION CONTAINED “TEIN IS UNCLA ; “iE ee BVA Qon fe ” é COMMUNICATIONS SECTION q MAILED * OCT 1 1940 &- ey ae I Vv ates na é * ace mabionertns by oi sage ig b Yr Vie Tencryre rer wc t= 12-43 11-06 PH DIRECTOR UNSUBS ~~~ EQUIPMENT, EXPERIMENTS AND AESEARCH OF CEASED, -aagmmmx ESPIONAGE - M, RETEL ANDER ABOVE HEADING T( Fnom This oFFic! D JAN MINE LAST. INQUIRY DEVELOPS THAT TESLA BIE JAN EIGHT, RATHER THAN THURSDAY, JAN SEVEN, AS STATED IN REFERENCE TELETYPE. ON THE WIGHT OF JAN ELGHT, SA SANOVICH, GEORG CLARK, AND KENNETH-SWEEZEY WISITED TESLA-S ‘HOTEL WITH A’ REPRESENTATIVE OF SHAW WALKER CO. IN ORDER TO OPEN THE SAFE IN THE ROOM OF TESLA, KOSANOVICH LATER REPORTED TO WALTER GORSUCH, OFFICE OF ALIEN PROPERTY CUSTODIAN, NYC, THAT ME WENT INTO THE ROOM tn ORDER TO SEARCH FOR A WILL OF TESLA. KOSANOVICH AND THE OTHERS MADE THE SEARCH OF THE SAFE IN THE PRESENCE OF THREE ASST MANAGERS OF HOTEL NEW YORKER AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES OF THE YUGOSLAVIAN CONSULATE, IDENTITIES OF LATTER NOT YET KNOWN. AFTER THE SAFE WAS OPENED, 'SWEEZEY TOOK FROM THE SAFE A BOOK CONTAINING TESTIMONIALS SENT TO TESLA ON fur OCCASION OF HIS SEVE TY FIFTH BIRTHDAY. THIS BOOK WAS ARRANGED FOR TESLA BY SWEEZEY. KOSANOVICH TOOK FROM THE ROOM THREE PICTURES OF TESLA, TWO BEING EN- LARGED NEWSPAPER PICTUREX. ACCORDING TO MANAGERS OF oTEL AND KOSANO- VICH HIMSELF, NOTHING ELSE WAS REMOVED FROM THE ROOM OR SAFE. THE SAFE WAS THEN CLOSED UNDER A NEW COMBINATION, WHICH COMBINATION IS NOW IN POSSESSION OPEBUMINEGEX KOSANOVICH, ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON, JAN NINE AGORSUCH AND BMMMMEX FTIZGERALD OF ALIEN PROPERTY CONTROL WENT TO HOTEL AND SEIZED ALL THE PROPERTY OF TESLA, CONSISTING OF ABOUT Two TRUCKLOANDS OF MATERIAL, SEALED ALL ARTICLES AND TRANSFERRED THEM TO THE MANHATTAN STORAGE AND WAREHOUSE CO. NY, WHERE THEY ARE NOW LOCATED AT THAT SaMWBX TIME THERE WERE ALSO IN THIS WAREHOUSE APPROXIMATELY THIRTY BARRELS AND BUNDLES BELONGING TO TESLA WHICH HAD BEEN THERE SIN ABOUT NINETEEN THIRTY FOUR. THESE HAVE ALSO @MMMMFX BEEN SEALED AND ARE NOW UNDER ORDERS OF ALIEN PROPERTYCUSTODIAN. IN VIEW OF FACT TESL IS A US NATURALIZED CITIZEN, ALIEN PROPERTY CUSTODIAN FEELS THAT ITS JURISDICTION OVER PROPERTY ts DOUBTFUL BUT R@MMWK FEELS THAT NO OTHER AGENCY WILL BE ABLE GET @m@mK TO THIS PROPERTY FOR AT LEAST TWO DAYS COPLES DESTRO’ Ito, ‘ALL Ti TORMATIORVEB RMA TED REIN 1g, Re /p!ke coPtt nN ReDger es pecersews ° 022392 : , JAIPAGE TWO AFTER THAT TIME IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR WILL BE APPOINTED FOR THE PROPERTY WHO MAY TAKE THE PROPERTYINTO HIS CuS- TODY. TESLA ALSO HAD SOME PROPERTY, AMQPOGUMNINK ALLEGED BY INFORMANT FITZGERALD IN THIS CASE, To BE A WORKING MODEL OF AN INVENTION IN A SAFE DEPOSIT BOX IN GOVERNOR CLINTON HOTEL IN NY. INQUIRY SHOWS THAT THIS WAS PLACED KERE BY TESLA IN NINETEEN THIRTY TWO AS SECURITY FOR FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS OWED MOTEL. THIS BILL IS STILL OWED AND HOTEL APPEARS UNWILLING TO RELEASE THIS PROPERTY TO ANYONE AT LEAST UNTIL MMR DEBT IS PAID, BUT THIS OFFICE WILL BE ADVISED IF ANYONE ATTEMPTS TO PAY BILL AND OBTAIN ‘RROPERTY. CONCERNING TESLA HOTEL MANAGERS RE- PORT HE WAS WRX VERY ECCENTRIC IF NOT MMMM MENTALLY DERANGED DURING PAST TEN YEARS AND 1T IS DOUBTFUL IF HE KAS CREATED ANYTHING OF VALUE DURING THAT TIME, ALTHOPRIOR TO THAT RE PROBABLY WAS A VERY BRILLIANT INVENTOR. THEREFORE, ANY NOTES OF VALUE WERE PROBABLY THOSE MADE PRIOR TO THAT TIME. KOSANOVICH IS A NEPHEW OF TESLA WHO DESCRIBED HIMSELF AS FORMERLY QUOTE YUGOSLAV MINISTER OF STATE UNQUOTE AND NOW QUOTE PeBROMNNK PRESIDENT OF EASTERN AND CENTRAL PLANNING BOARD REP- RESENTING YUGOSLOVIA, CZECHOSLOVAKIA, POLAND AND GREECE, UNQUOTE. SWEEZEY IS A WRITER FOR POPULAR MECHANICS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS ¥HO IS SMMMNEX DESIROUS OF PUBLISHING A BIOGRAPKY OF TESLA AND THERFORE WOULU LIKE To OBTAIN CONTRQL OF HIS NOTES FOR THIS WORK. CLARK IS EMPLOYED BY RCA AND WOULD ALsepROvIDE STORAGE ROOM FOR TESLAS EFFECTS IN ORDER TO USE THEM IN WRITING A BIOGRAPHY. TESLA AT ONE TIME REPORTED TO BE WORKING ON EXPERIMENTS FOR YUGOSLAVIAN GOVERNMENT IN EXILE, IT 1S DESIRED THAT BUREAU ADVISE IMMEDIATELY WHETHER IT IS INTERESTED FURTHER IN THIS PROPERTY FOR PURPOSES OF TAKING CONTROL OF IT, SUGGEST THAT, IN VIEW OF FACT THAT THE NOTES AND OTHER MATERIAL WOULD BE KIGHLY TECH NICAL IN CHARACTER AND FOR THAT REASON WRK COULD NOT BE REVIEWED Fr WHR EXCEPT BY A TRAINED PERSON THE OFFICE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH DEVEL- OPMENT MIGHT BE INTERESTED. FOXWORTH END NYC S2 WHS HOLD WA R 2 RSG Le ; Tr ins Pee nee Ne an ;, Re DAT Oe pecersews11-30 PM D SIRECTOR AT UNKNOWN SUBJECTS. AN, EXPERIMENTS ANI TESLA, DECEASED. ESPIONAGE = Ma NIKOLA TESLA, OM! STANDING SCIENTISTS IN THE ELECTRICAL FIZLD, DIED TEEN FORTY THREE AT THE ROTEL NEw YORKER, § LIFETINEG, HE CONDUCTED MANY TRANSMISSION OF ELECTRICAL Po I GAT THE DEATH RAY. ACCORDING TO INFORMATION FURNISHED SE SIX FIFT! AVENUE, NEW YORK CITY, THE NOTES Ay EXPERIMENTS AND FORMULAE TOGETHER WITH DESIGNS OF VITALTZE THEM ARE AMONG TESLAS PERSONAL EFFECTS, Al TAKEN TO PRESERVE THEN 02 TO KEEP THEM FROM FALLING UNFRIENDLY TO THE Wak EFFORT OF THE UN L TO SPA! ZL, A DISTANT RELATIVE OF TESLA, NAMED q , wAS INT: LY DISLIKED BY TESLA, IS TAKING STEPS Tq SESSION OF THESE IMPORTANT DOCUMNTS AND PLANS, SPANEL BELIEVS HERE IS A TRAT KOSANOVICH WILL MAKE THIS MATERIAL AVAILAE L ADVISED § TWO HEADIUARTERS IN WASHINGT. hy A THE DEPARTKENT OF JUS IN WASHINGTON, CONCERING SPANZL WAS ALSC Ii CATION WITH @@MMK Di Db LOZADO, ONE OF THE ADVISORS TC VICE PRESIDENT WALLACE ¢; CERNING THIS. PATTER, AND LOZADO TOLD SPAKEL ‘filmes: ThaT THE GOVERNMENT UaS VITALLY i THE EFFECTS OF TESLA EQUESTED SPANEL TC LOSE No TI ¢ ALL HE COULD TC PRESERVE MN ELOYCE Fitzs= CAL ENGIN: WHO HAD BEEN QUITE CLOSE To TESLA DI NEW YORK OFFICE THAT ov JANUARY SEVEN’ STOR OSANOVICH, GEORGE CLARK, WHC Is IN cuahcr OF Tur it AND LABORATORY FOR RCA, AND KEI TK EZEY OF ONE SIX THREE é: TREET, BROOLKY! NY, WENT TO TESLAS ROOMS IN THE NEW YORKER OF & eOONNMIMI LOCKSYITH BROKE INTO A EE ICH TESLA MS IN WHICH HE KEPT SOME CF HIS VALUABLE PAPERS, INCLUDIN: IMPORTANT A ELECTRICAL Fort LAE, DESIGNS, ET CETERA. WI PAST MONTH, TESLA aged $licoepals That HIS EXPERIMENTS IN Co:NECT BIRELESS TRANSMISSYON OF ELECTRICAL POWER HAD BEEN COMPLETED ari ito - B 1 ayer s : Nor Fork Best Copy Avan ablePAGE Two JZLIZSERALD ALSO KNOWS THATTESLA HAS CONCEIVED AND A_REVOLUTIO! ‘RY TYPE OF TORPEDO WHICH IS NOT PRESENTLY IN USE THE NATICNS. IT IS FIT2GERALDS BELIEF THAT THIS DESIGN HAS NOT AVAILABLE TO ANY NATION UP TO THE PRESENT TIME, FROM STATE! TO FITZ- GEARLD BY TESLA , HE KNOWS THAT THE COMPLETE PLANS a ATIONS ND EXPLANATION OF THE BASIC TI! RIES OF THESE THIN PLACE IN THE PERSONAL EFFECTS OF TESLA, HE ALSO KNOWS THAT A WORKING MODEL OF TESLAS WHICH COST MORE THAN TEN THOUSAND ‘0 BLILD IN 8 SAFETY MmMMUMIFSHBRK DEPOSIT, BOX BELONGING TO TESLAy EOVERNOR CLINTON HOTEL, AND PEMOWWNK FITZGEARLD ¥ ‘RIS MODEL HAS TO DO WITH THE So GALLEDE DEATH RAY OR THE WI. ISSION OF ELECTRICAL CURRENT. TESLA HAS ALSO TOLD FIT2GEARL B CONVERSATIONS THAT HE HAS SOME EIGHTY QW TRUNKS INDIFFEREMMMMNES CONTAINING INS HAVING TO DO WITH EXPERIMENTS 5 ‘D BY HIM. BUREAU IS REQUESTED TO ADVISE IMMEDIATELY WHAT, IF ON SHOULD EE TAKEN CONCERNING THIS MATTER BY THE NEW YORK FIE iow. FOXWORTH CORRECTION- THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE TELETYPE THE NAME THAT SHOULD APPEAR 15 sible NOT FITZGERALD agg AS IT SOMETIMES IS SPELLED HOLD et Olt Reoncrions Bee Copy vailable qet ESaR WO A ee eee svomegdan woven : ‘ Mr E.A. Tap rrpmecron : Mr. Clete, , ‘ ederal Bureau of Investion ee United States Bepartment of 2 Mr. Nichols Mashington, B.C. Mr. Roses, art Fs wt careea go rae ne Mr. Kramer Ole Hf WeGus i" Bevbe WO 9 a A ite Quine Fax Tele. Room__ OBLied “MIKOLA 73 Mr. Nense SHOES E Mise Bess Miss Gandy Nikola Tesla, one of the worldte ovtets lectrical field, died st his residence in th Sty, on January 7, 1943. In the course? neny experinents with respect to # rays avi what ig consonly celled theDDeath Rey respect to the wireless trersnission of electrical boon ort ileted anf perfeated, aid Tesla had alse eo revolutionary type of ternedo wiles te pot Am u tines the apeci*icutions, exinnations of 1 rte do with his experinerts ee well es @ workinc model of 8 developierts in tie sefetz’ deposit box at the Jevernor C: teformctinn concermtng/Testate grperinent Tore offseo bt. Sf sornei Tare Bloc sitageralMe toe Toceer. an electrical wo hed been ofits sicer to tetial pote of thece indiviante seve indicated thet ro steps heve been taxen to preserve Teelate records ani models or to keep vier from elling inte the hansa of inavideale, aympacnetie to tbe poceres es Tesla hes a Gistont relative by the name of SevafFosanovich, wion he {|sf intensely disliked. Vortnovich is reported to be taking sfevs to cet nocsession of shese Sapertant’coctmente and pans, and Bpanel believed thers fee settee Livelitoce nev foeanovion will wake och inforaction evatlasie to tte enews On fanuary 7, 1943, Fosenovic’ aveompenise pe seorae\plarhy in cherge of wre S Sisoum and Leueratory for HOA, eat Feaneth Brezey ct Rrsokivay How tore, oste Teslats moat at c+ Covel ew Yorvor whores with the eed ef a locket # broke ines a safe in wich Teele Kept cone of AbDOMBIDIS peoeres gles OS Anmportant elestrice! formulse, designe, ot eeterne HO 40-ga9] -3 wusrters of the Military Intellizefce Division, avr Yorkin of the Dopartuent of Justice in Teshington, efd[>r.JANLAGo1943s of the advicors to Vice President “eLlece, Lozado afvhsed Sparel theyre Governnent was Vitelly interseted in the oftrcte of fosin and requangad cast, 10Yeucrandux for the Direotor ‘The New York Office was instructed to dis: with the State's Attorney in New York City with the Kopanovich inte custody sm a burglary charge and ob which Kosanovich is reported to have taken from Tee out thet any activities oursued by the State's Atto: e most secret fashion in order to avoid any publics inventions, The New York Of ice wae also instructs, Gourt in order that stops could be plncel egeinst hic hotel and any other voirtr, in particular, the have in order thet no onc may enter tien witout @ Present and every precaution taken to preserve the secrecy Tae New York CPfice is to keer thesBureau adviced of all d kee the matter up ‘possibly taring the varione pevers Me. It was pointed d be hardled in oct to Tesla’s b the Surrogate Pespectfully, Bed Copy AveLable fof Tecia both in abate‘int son is aa a mn mooven : Lot cee tase ur. Bederal Bureau of Investigation Mr. United States Department of Justice be Bashington, B.C. ue Mr. Me Mr. Mr. MEMORANDUM FOK MR. LADD Mr Mr. Mr Tele. Room__ Mr. Nease. Miss Beabm, On Friday, January @th, Wr. Le Me Co Sasth called me (ies py tn connection with the death of NtkoldTeala. He ad. vised me that he was concerned about the possidilt of eneny agents confiscating some of the trunks 0, Tesla, who had dted on January 7th. He understood the War Department was interested in this matter and that apparently the Alten Property Custodian's office was téking some action. He desired to know whether the Bureau would take some steps to refrain relatives of Tesla from taking the contents of hts trunks and whether the Bureau would setze possesston of the trunke. Ur. Snith indicated that he was talking to the Alien Property Custodtan along the eame lines. I told him that in view of the fact he was going to handle the matter with the Alien Property Custodian's. office, there did not appear to be any action which the Bureau could or should take. EAT: DS January 12, 1963 atGy w) : (6, 194E ALL UNFORS MATION CONTAINED HEREIN, 2s SSSI D In. ff Hom JED Nah Cs ES Waka aig aici eae iar Me SL oe aoe : an oe sow i iz 2 Bich Gosle, aumdiaeTiodd 7 7 6 5 Lunt BOY a Ko Bow ee eee ene ne nara, wetein Lowe SS Ff Chg fag wets on Bu ene ‘Teee Z 7 a anne BT dE gid a Fr ma, ie war Big een Y Phe : eae r 13) ° BE cenipheenE ol ral ALO ake om ete owl Bf at ttn 2 fr foe aoe en of AG coe on ee [OE of arcines Dene LL on™ of bear phate Bk ay LK cee cMneyeee Ee go ae Ue a ae reg fie” aes Ft Z C A A ae ce ert ff Pepe E Set F- wd ae Renee ome lis a aa 4 oi yore Lh HF oA LL riled ofan, Ln EP he gy pe ‘i‘been A statton ; ‘Bisse fates = eee eee eee wpe A: fmoeree S itUNIGATIONS. SECTION | AILED 8 ‘a apr 2) 1943 PM,Apet 3, 1950 ae AE.LINFOR MATION CONTAINED “EREINIS UNCLASSI | DATE La £08 ia seeety rary od $e ager 162097 axy'23) 4 . 27 = (@ 437 Base SS oe oye! comm 631 “ ube AE ve WWi. 1 : ge “it jaya EE elt ae 34433 alt ti : Med Sgn < eta stages ial hit a ayatt 3u2h- abbas EE ey er Stel i) Ma ; 2 yatage G4%ed S Spgcsddpet? | i i hk eee Hazy SHS etd yfath: tay, gga SAC, Now York Dixeetor, FBI {Wisse alts: geasgny? ee aa & a es 01 83 Hayate yamination man Wp 3965 fms 's BAVA IDSANOVICH; Experiments & Researeh ‘Sls (Disceased), Rapiomage-te It should be mted that the Puresu was informed of the ¢: toned above by New York letter (with attactments) dated Octeter extitled UNMIONS SUBUECT; i WOT RECORD! MB > 2G / 99-291. nftte’ \ £Ce i TNNED cow XE ATIONC Rg une SS eat ANFOR! 65-1290 93:88 BEM SIC 105-1391 \7Istter to Diredbr, FAI Wr 15-2992. WR. POTTS stated thet no inquiry had teen received ty Munbatten fren SAVA Ne MOSAMOVICH, wor bad Manhatten informed kia, in any way, that an amination ef the TESIA effecte had been made by anyone. In fact, added POTTS, the only correspondence relating te the TESLA estate hes een in form of bills for storage. ‘Mi, POTTS stated that any personal inquires regarding the estate would af necessity be directed to hia, and to date no such inquiries have been made, sto Interviewing agents explained te MR. PO as mentioned stove, was not instigated ty the Bureau, mor had the Buresu taken part in that examination. ‘Urileen stvised to the contraxy, this investigation is being placed in office. CLOSED. creFederal Bureau of Investigation Department of Records Washington, D. G. Gentlemen: In 8 manner of introduction, I wish to etate that _T am working toward @ degree in Electrical Engineering at the Institute of Technology of the University of Minnesota. For several years, I have been engaged in a study of extensive Compass and detail concerning the researches and writings of the late, world renowned scientiet, Dr. Nikola Tesla. At con— siderable expense, I have acquired an extensive collection of Rateriale relating to Dr. Tesla and his worke which includ 2) Personal lettere written by Tesla to hie close friend. 2) Numeroue periodicals, sone of which are to be found in only a few libraries throughout the United State. 3) A few rare books which have now become “collector! ie items", 4) A collection of issued patents. Although the items listed are considerable in number, the spe- cific information desired is lacking. As I understand 11, because of the nature or Dr. Tesla's role in scientific developments, all research papers, patent applications, etc,, were aecured by the Federal Bureau of Ingest igation at the time of Dr, Tesla's death in January of 3. The puroose of this seizure, as described in numerous article was to determine whether these pavera contained suggeations leading toward advancements in the field of actence. 100 PA8T. RECORDED - 68 | RP oe . ‘ b - - ;Now it seeme that sufficient time has elapsed for an invee— tigation of this kind. If Dr, Tesla'e Estate hae been relessed by the department in charge, any records that can be made available for examination will be welcomed. A letter from Harold I. Baynton, Assistant Attorney General, Director, O:fice of Alien Property, informed me that the Library of Congrees listed @ertain works, writings and research etudies prepared oy the late Dr. Tesla. However, a letter addreased to the Library failed to bring reeulte as the Library "has no files on the researches of Tesla". A eimilar result was obtained from te Bureau of Naval Research and the Department of Commerce, I om egvectally interested in the reeearch work in which Tesla was engaged in his l.ter yeare. ‘There are various unpublished works, such as a l0-page typewritten statement presented in 193? at a meeting of several well-known editors outlining his discoveries and giving a resume! of his work 1n the fields of gravity ané cosmic ray research, etc. Also, Tesla prepared Various papers, one of which was in effort to secure the Pierre Gutzman Prize from the Institute of Rrance. My inquiry 1s in effort to determine whether any of these docunznte, aa well as others, are at this time available. I will greatly aporecitate any information in regard to any records which you may have. Very truly youra, 20Avquat 36, 1957 With réference to your letter of Auguet 16, 1952, our files diaclose that the effects of Nikola Tesla were taken iato custody at the time of Ata death by the Office of Alten Property, and y this Bureau. Consequently, you may wish to communicate further with that agency, which may de addressed as follows: (65-47953) Aaesetant Attorney General Rewlond 7. Kirke Director, Office of Alten Property Unt ted Stotes Department of Justice . 202 Indians Avenue, ¥. ¥. » = Yashington 25, 2. Co s Stacerely yours, o i + Yekn ragar Zoover gg ‘ “aC Director co ~ 1 = Aastotand 462@Pmdy general (with copy-d, Rowland F, Kirke e a) Director, “Office of Alten Property United States Department of Justice | 102 znétana Avenue, ¥. CET fs aye e71089 ahington 25, nC.) “PS mse ae on 8) ee - @ FINE yin 6 100-8937 : “op ¢ 0 NOTE: Wo reference Bureau files on correspondent ae i ta Minnesota,, 8-22-52... per Y SEF du Woz a : be nna alINDEXFly oe MAK ea rene * Office saetsted + UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT mom thy Ly be eee NIKOLA TESL, TAFCR ATION Ct (Deceased) OLR ING 2 3 outs AME v8 that he had been reading @ book entitled, NG Prodigal Genius - The Life of Nikola Tesla’ by John Je N gue whom described as a science writer for a New rk newsparer (publisher = Ives jashburn) noted in this book that Bureau arents went to Tesla's ro foing his death on Janusry 7, 1943, opened his safe, examined his papers, an took over his personal files. MY 5015 this onveared on rose arr. stated that Tega 48 tic satner of modern powerengineering, beinc responsible sor the invention of the + C. generator, motor transmission, and other electrical engineering fects, He ingutred (1) if the pepets and works of Tesla were in tie posscesion of the fureau, enc (2) if so, were they available for revi-w in view of their Scientific Importance, I told that the statenent concerning the Bureau's my taking Tesla's not seen very logical but that I would cheek on tie matters) i ve @ The Burec:.'s files reflect that shortly ofter the death of Tesla in his hotel room in New York City on January 7, 1943, & Sava Kosanovichy a distant relotive, and other individuals entered iis room and opened the safe, exanining certain mcterials which he possessed. On January 6, 1945, Ur. L. U. C. Snith of the Departnent advised Hr. Tann that he was concerned about the possibility of enemy agents confiscating song of the trunks of L fo Tesla and apoarently the Office of Alien Property Custodian was taking sone action regarding these effects. Since the matter uss! being handled by the Office of Alien froperty Custodian, the Baneau did not maice any inquiries into this situation. (65-47952-6, It is noted also thet the received a letter dated April ec 1948 ‘rom DIcining tae he os ec waukee School of Engineering a JOO“ 7 engineering af ene 2 @ B, tehols em Q2was interested in the 1ife ond vorks of recta, MBPs voree that he underetoce ct tie tine of Tesla's death the Bureau touk Nis nenuseripts und easerivent data for national security. the Bureau on Apri 22, 1948, advised QM that she effects of Tesla were handled b: tne Office of Alten Property anc not by the FSI»(65-47953-18) 1 colies QM: is morning and told hin that it wos the office of Alien Property and not tie F3I uhich took over the effects of Tesla folloving hts death. Accordingly, I suggested that night wish to conaunicate with the office of Alien Property for further informat.on cancerning this matter, The book “Prodigal Genius ~ The Life of Nikole Tesla” is not in the Bureau Library. A cory is being obtained fron the Library of Congress, Ii will be ezanined to deternine specifically te reference ncce to the Bureau's taking these porers, At thst tine a determination cen be nade as to what furt.er action should be tazen. pee ADDEND, Lbbpmer 5-14-53 Page 277 of the "Prodigal Genius ~ The Life of Nikola Tesla,” describing Tesla's death, contains the following statement: "Operatives fron the Federal Bureau of Investigation cane and opened the safe in his room and took the papers it contained, to examine then for a reported important secret invention of possible use in the wor.” : Since this work was published in 1944, tt is not felt that any particular purpose would be served by raising an odjection with the publishers at this tine, > the individual who raised the question, has been set straight ana, therefore, tee action is being taka. iUffice M.. xoramdeom ~ eves. 18s Governuent To "ED : 7 proms x 2 pHEQRMATIO' ‘ 4 sumer: "US UNCL kr, GEORSE E, SOEIEEF, ord ochelle, Nev. York, advised thet he received tro letters fran as i Avenue Southeast, Minveasol fs, | of mbich are furntehed tae Bares te . , Tesia and its aehie SPR RDC eC ST Ue Tae ere ene arene RAE CcE I CUESL Sa See Ot str ar Wit caer el Pane e nee ees ine cer Sec ee ea Cera ene ee Tee aT ts E CeaR eae a SCAU DSR Oc CT SEN Se ered poe Ee CUUeta OCS Men cs aera ee eeN EES Crea SC Se Caen tg ae CSCC ere teCrany ees ee CCE cern eee eres SOC o a Cmts Sara few cases obtained a nuaver of i Sort seater CLE Le os ae SCS ele eee ponerse eee Pera res ceaet Eo eer) RC Ltt oP Cas Onset eT Eee eae Ce ere eer ere ee a cE eee eee rd ACO att a Seer Tae ed eee eat Nee Seer eres Cae Cet phase eRe SCOTT Os Tae Sea Toe a ene aed ie taneee eect Emenee SC a este at renee naner ie eee ze Cs StU Ra aes EPSTEIN nN Potro east ries gear eRe eei iM hae Le Ens Or RT. Usa N oS 0g- OC Re a ees a PESUAO MRSS Sern arom COC an ee Trel ae Ste a on are SC cor ret eter ar Sereenes Rr Lepe en cre aea tees Poured Rostra! as rere) pit por Cicer Sem ty eae es Ca eer eke as Ce re te ae ee Umss cr Peace cee CTE rs great American for +. eC Cea te Cater anne ae BSC Cetera a Cerner ea ae COs aieeanesde aer eres 10 lesics armaSenn Ste ae pera NL a eve STE Ceeces met Sa4 ee | Pn Cee rey ues a Ee eeeety Ferrers Pe mma pe eg a ee ee Tesla... I have initiated an uniertaaing © feel tuat tn all right and justice suact! ria es econ a ae SCNT ree Canes eee crs ee aes ese Ure ae eee Leer ences RoC es ters pana eee Rinoe Use SSL oC aT ee eS i ce Le ee Ors a a ars ce Ce a een : ees eer ea Prorct stress Cac aes Tirwe ae Seas per eeersaaores ray Eee Pree eS ee eee es eee erritt, Kenneth Swezey RSS SUer mes Urn we ereas Soe esa cae UT ese a eer irae Ca RE OC ea Serra Poatetsaet PCr era Penta eee Lies aces CL rae ane fi eae mse Stee . ome Cees eae Petters Pore ee ee ete q Rpt eSt S7 Paes Oem cone or Ove an Saes Give Yr. O'Net.i ner sarhied name — eRe Cae a ae or acc Oa ae ses ee es tainly ve lajortant to icsat: can Serr raed aoe we nana Reet Eee Ce et Ta rrr! ccc RUee set eerie Pere eee) ue eae aren tat) crrereury revroduced for fear of eventun! loss. Cte ae CeCe TT ane CeCe eo eter es SE arr Screens Oe SCENT Tara Ta foe ecm Core tecied aan crete) G8. I sare tuts eo.wetion vith Mra,Taree Lae ey Cece aera cate Sent Ter Rone eon css tr eee Se tes ee SS atone ear ae Reset anne ee eensFehr a tare coamnye ee er erst cass Pe ee2 = s > = S m s < m zWD I. AXDERSOS ite 1p aay eeeers FAL oe Nor an Fer! at ' _ REDAGIOY MTSCKLLAMOUS, DerEMUL mcr = ry t ir y 4 | meet, Daren ee bree eta f te. the Daren, ony Poon ened tat ware at two lottars fen nadersen org, Feceived and mde available to your offise by George X- ettiee fils, . ie é a yroneTeneng HEREIN “ yD DATE Za so Z, Bea 32cr Q) ¢ go / tt ‘[heoes tfrefe Rl A. Orafoon AO KENNETH M.SWEZEY ‘“RMATION CONTAINED 2163 Milton St; 1S UNCLASSIF! Brooklyn 22, EZ2-"o B - kr. J. Edgar Hoover Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington, D.C. a Back in 1943, the local En Custodian searched through ape belongings of the late electrical inventor, Nikol: stored in the Manhattan Storage Warehouse in Wew York City. Tesla had been 4 naturalized American for more than fifty years, so I believe that the search was made on the grounds that the property was to be sent to Yugoslevie, through one 5 - Kosanov: Dear Kr. Hoover: nephew and heir, lir. Sava Kosanovié been Minister of State under the King's government, later became Ambassador to the United States from the present government, and is now a Minister serving in Belgrade). According to the attorney who handled the Tesla estate, Hr. PhilipRi the Alien Property Custodian assured hig nothing had been held, I have a letter from the Office of Alien Property, dated March 15, 1955, which confirms this statement. ny In gathering material to help in a nation-wide comemoration of Tesla's hundredth birthday next year-—-which will be participated in by leading scientific and engineering societies, museums, and universities---I have just discovered, however, that Tesla's solid gold Edison Medal somehow vanished during that search. As a friend who had kmown Tesla well | during his last twenty years, I was with Ur. Kosanovié Tesla's room in the Hotel Wew Yorker on the day he dicg/AL A safe expert was called in to unlock Tesla's safe. its contents were several honorary degrees, a volume of greetings which I had gathered for him on his seventy-fifth birthday, a bunch of keys, and the Edison Medal. We kept out the book of greetings (I mentioned this at the time to the assistant manager of the hotel and later to a ir. Gorsuch of the Alien Property Custodian's office), but everything else, including and the keys, was medal replaced and the safe was hles. RECORDED - & / £0 993. SL ty + 2rBxcept when it Ms sANDEIa Ry wie tolian, the safe was never reopened engi Ht c O72 EtHpRoOS writ 1955 gf? /b) 27 4955 g 2 Property Cus Ob he 6c 33arrived in Belgrade (where Tesla's property was to be installed in a special Tesla Museum) and was there opened by Mr. Kosanovié. According to his former secretary, both the bunch of keys and the medal were missing. The keys were later found in a tin box outside the safe; the medal was never found. I learned of the disappearance of the medal only by accident. lr. Kosanovi¢ had asked his former secretary to get permission from the American institute of Electrica Engineers (who gave Tesla the Medal) to have it duplicated This was given, but the cost, it turned out, would be abou four hundred déllars. in the meantime, the Tesla Museum, in Yugoslavia, is quietly trying to raise the money to pay ‘or it. The irony of this situation is more disturbing than the money involved. By giving us a system which made electric power universally available, Tesla---probably more than any other one man-—helped’ put America on top of the world. At the time he died, his gold Edison ledal was the only material evidence left of this country's appreciation. That this last token should have disappeare =--to have to be replaced by his materially poor countryne: overseas for whom . had done nothing---seems a tragic xq finguenent. PE bs "TER Pegd ind th dicta WIE BS ee Johnse'Nes2: ae Bis biography of Tes4, states that the Fol trond into Resla's saree the day he died, and an article in the current (June) Coronet repeats this. I / {fmow this isn't true. I did hear, however, that the FBI somehow lent a hand to the Alien Property Custodian during the latter's search in the warehouse. If that is so, i thought that perhaps some of your men might remember the conditions under which the search was made and therefore might have a suggestion as to what coul have happened to the medal. After this long time, I have no hope that the medal can actually be restored, and I am already trying to interest Americans in making a replaceme But future biographers might be spared a lot of wild guess and wrong blaming if some hint could be obtained as to whether the original got lost, strayed, or stolen-~-and wh might have been responsible. With best regards and sincere appreciation for any hell you can give, Sincerely, A a + Srna Kenneth M&Swezey h/ P.S. I am enclosing an Kenneth MASWes Yast month's POWER magazine which outlines Tesla's contribution to the electr: power industry. | ae 44Ao somes enon ay yess eranisnes in Strange Genius AD 89 stour of power mento tame those who laid the foundation for today’s electrical generation and distribution. You'll wind up with an impressive lit—~ Edison, Brush, Thomson, Westinghouse, many others. But there is almost sure to be a significant omission. Yet this forgotien man conceived the polyphase ac mo- tor—still basic—and devised = suitable system of geo- eration and distribution for applying it. To grasp the magnitude of this costribution, we must turn back to the 1880's when the electrical era’ was being bora, and the “battle of the systems” held sway. Arc lights and motors were being operated on constant: ‘current series systems. Edison's Pearl Street generating station had opened in 1882, supplying incandescent lamps and, later, de motors on a constant potential system, Un- der the leadership of Westinghouse and Stanley, the advantages of ac distribution were demonstrated. But there was no successful ae motor. In May, 1889, a young YogoSlay engineer, but four yeara in the United States, rend a paper before the Amer: atitute of Electrical Engineers. In it be described tem. Ite heart was the induction motor with it basic and beautiful concept of the rotating magnetic field. The man was Nikola Teal, the system be described was destined to sweep the field. With characteristic vision, George Westinghouse resl- ized the fundamental importance of the polyphase ac system and acquired the basic patent. Its frst impact on the general public was at the Chicago World's Fair of 1893. There a 2phase generator supplied motors and lnrops, and, through rotary converters and motor.gen- cerators, a variety of de equipment. i CONTAINED . tsege A ae But it remained for the Nisgara Falls power project to demonstrate in the most dramatic way possible that poly- phase ac was the system of the future. Since 1886 when a charter to develop its power bad been granted, the eyes ‘of the world hed been on Niagara, An international com- mission, headed by Lord Kelvin, had reviewed 17 pro- posals, found none acceptable. Later, just five years after ‘Teale's ATE. paper, it was officially decided to use the polyphase eystem. In August, 1895, Niagara power was delivered to the first industrial customer and in 1896 ac transinssion to Buffalo, 22 miles away, was begun. By that time, the ‘team turbine had been introduced in America and the modern age of electric power had truly opened. For Nikola Tesla, these far-reaching inventions were but a beginning. Still to come was,briliiant work in high frequencies, thinking basic to much of today’s radio art. Yet by the time of his death in 1943, both he and his ‘work had begun to slip into obscurity. Why? ‘A man of flashing insights and enormous brilliance, ‘Tesla was largely indiferent to the development of his fdeas. This he left to others while he followed the lure of new challenges. In later years, his projects became amore grandiose, his ways more mysterious, his pronounce: ments more Olympian. And working alone, as he did, hhe formed none of the institutional ties that help to per. etunte a record of accomplishment. Next year—luly 10, 1956—will be the 100th anniver: sary of Nikola Tesle’s birth. It would be fiting for our engineering societies to commemorste this occasion, to acknowledge our debt to this strange and lonely genius ‘who changed our world for the better. 700-225 7-9 (REPRINTED BY PERMISSION) as Power + may 1955Fy Ameen gancii THE AMERICAN. SRBOBRAN \ Second Claas Mail Privdages Authorized at Pizaburgh, Pa. | 7 ances Sopa ann bany METER ER | ae aah ae panes a TA cs eee ety “RECOGNITION FOR TESLA ~ ' Largely thru a young American engineer's efforts, the é world today is re-scanning the record and achievements of our inventive genius, Nikola Tesla, Of late, even the big-tite magazines have devoted space to the amazing caret and fas- inating character of the pioneering electrical wizard, The man behind this belated recognition for the one-time] Serbian immigrant boy who made millions but died almost a| pauper is Leland & "Andean, head of the ‘Teal Society, which has Readguarters at the University of Minnesota. Thru travels, correspondence and detailed research, Mr. Anderson has dug up many friends of the late genius and in- duced them to join in his noble work. A good.many of these are American-Serbians, They serve Mr. Anderson and he serves them, with information issued thru his TESLIAN pub- lication. This is, at present, a mimeographed publication issued amonthly which caste new light on the known life and record of the late Dr. Tesla The latest issue (March-June) informs of progress plans| to honor Dr. Tesla even more. It also presents an account of al fascinating editorial, “Strange Genius", by the POWER ma azine of the powerful McGraw-Hill publishing line. This edi 4. torial traces the introduction of Dr. Tesla’s polyphase system, described by Mr. Anderson, as the “most tremendous event ___ tll engineering history. Editorialist Louis N\Bowler, according to the TESLIAN. answers the perplexing question why, in view of Tesla’s im- portant discoveries, he fell short of the comparative popularity 4 won by Edison and Bell. Then in closing, he suggests: “It ‘would be fitting for our engineering societies, in commemora- tion of the 100th anniversary of Nikola Tesla's birth (July 10, 1956), to acknowledge our debt to thie etrange and lonely! genius who changed our world for the better.” ‘This appears to be jyst what Mr. Andersan was waiting : for, For now. in the same issue of his TESLIAN, he has pre- pared a form to petition Postmaster General Arthur E. Sum- merfield to issue a Teala commemerative stamp mex? year. aA + % INDEXED-59 138 UL 21 1955, (CAN SRBOBRAN 29, 1955 feburgh, Pennsylvania b» 3bmN. + mbcoros ‘ Office Memorandum + owxrep states GOVERNMENT To 1k. 7. BOARDLAN * -fy Dara: June 29, 1955 7 Pen CONTANIE TERENAS ny Tole yom +4, a, BELSON: ton ° DATE 72-92 ie sonyect: KOLA TESLA EZA-_B Sie MISCELLANEOUS - INFORVATION CoORRNING (ESPIOWAG. Be Nikola Tesla, a native of Yugoslavia, was a famous electric inventor who died in Wew York City tn 1943 where he had lived for man; ars, In attacked letter to Bureau dated 6-25-55 Kenneth M. Swezey, rooklyn, New York, advises he te gathering xatertal to help in a nation-wide commemoration of Tesla's hundredth birth anniversary in 1956. Swezey-relates he wos present when Tesla's safe was opened by friends after,hts death and advises the contents were thereafter replaced and then tupounded by the United States Alien Property Custodian, Later the safe was removed to Belgrade, Yugoslavia, to be installed tb Tesla Museum. Missing from Tesla's effects is a gold Edison medal he hod been awarded. Swezey te seeking to locate the medal and has been advised by the Office of Alien Property (OAP) that OAP held none of Tesla's property. Swezey states he has heard the FBI assisted OAP in handling Tesla's effects while in storage, ond accordingly, he asks whether Bureau could asstst him in locating the Edison medal. Ke FBI's assistance to OAP Swezey mentions that in the Tesla biography ("The Prodigal Genius” - 1944) by John O'Neill it was stated FBI broke into Tesla's safe the doy he died (1-8-43 to protect contents from enemy hands}, Swezey notes this some comment appears tn article ("Phe Genius Who Walked Alone”) by Alfred H. Sinks tn the June "Swezey says he knows FBI did not do thi Bureau did not enter into Tesla safe men idvice tt was being handled bj Bureau aware of comment tn O'Neill's book. In 1945 Sinke requested for his use as author data re Bureau's microfilm procedure. Was advised no auch data avatlable for publicati Enclesuretecch 6-90 -5- ae 100-2237 i i co - 1 = 65-47953 b ‘ Picklers = Mr. Bird Mr. Belmont RECORD © 19.9 - JAIL = ir, Boardaan sressooptt™ pre teas fy, THR 6. suc Phtibs Pree antes KAS byMemorandum For Mr, Boardman RECOMMENDATION? That the attached letter be sent to Swezey advising Bureau dig not participate tn the handling of Tesla’s effects and that the matter was handled by OAP. Therefore, Bureau unable to be of Gasistance; that no action be taken relative to Sinks’ comment in Vv ago oe 38Tickler -M. Bird ppd Belmont “We. Boardras June 30, 1955 "FORMATION CONTAINED “IS UNCLTSIFJED tea tien ater” (ornate 22-00 Oye alt tee a ree rent Decr Mr. Swezey: Since me td not partict pete ta the Aendling of Ur, Tesla's effects, we are unable to } supply the taferaation you reques Sincerely yours, Rese dcver 60-2237 Jenn Eégor ‘ 4 Directoy o- Li reete, REDORDD «ES IIS ‘HOTE: WOOD - 2 we JUL 1 1955 = 4A cover menorandun Bion Belmont te-beeifaan wae prepared by ETB: jaa on 6-29-55 TE Eonnection with thie eutgotng mail. » Bufiles contain no derogatory data-ne conges- Pondent; reflect only that he was close friqnd ant vf admirer of Tesla. oS Ao 7 3 © x \ © JUN 3.01955 MABED 25 37ar: August 1, 1955, Mr. 5, Edgar Hoover, Federal Sureau of Investigation, Washington, D.c. Dear “r, Hoover: oO In his book, "prodigal Genius", The Life of ijtkola Tesla, ur. io’ © Oeil says, on vege 277, thet the F.B.I. went to Tesla's hote room, openeé his steel safe and removed from it, the papers it contained. Yas there ever amy publication of what these papers contained? I inform me where I might obtain a copy of such If there was no publication of the Safe's content, after more th it be improper to publish them? publication of ths safe's content, but there wer no particula> secrets found there in, could you inform me where might learn whet the safe contained? ny information ox this matter “ill be appreciated. Thank you for your trouble.gf GEE PIF HE vo Mupuat 11, 1955 wh ? i : ce ie p ue a neounrycntTanD ae = REIN 1S UNCLI : é pate 22 By Lad 7 ay Your letter doted Anguet 2, 2985, aaa been receti tn response te your tngetry, 7 would Itte te edvies that our files reflect that a ae ects of Nikola Peale were taken inte eustedy i ta death by the Ofstee af Alten Property ond ae Oy thts Rureau. i fe Since we did not narttetrate tn the handling ef Wr. Teslo'a effects, we are unable to sunply the tnformation you requested. Sincerely yours, John Kigar Heover Director WOTE: Buftles reflect no record en corr type of reply uttltged by Internal Securtt Dtotal Br Tian —] Jcnewering stutlar {ngutryes on 6/30/55. ‘Ybsnarsss-so)” Fontan [Cover weno from Mr. Belmont to Boorduan dated 6/29/55 set out background of thie matter which concerned the death of Tesla, a famous slettrical taventer, ‘Bureau was not involved tn thts matter, and the epenti 9 the safe men- ttoned wae done dy the arfice of Aiten Property. Tb as Vtree ion from esla Property Department - File I am told thet office d, ax property 25 1 began > beceuse it s O'neill Ten y i trouble. ° RECORDED-t2 6 /¢¢-2237- G¥oRECOM.» " NDEXED-I2 } % MW (@) 60-BQ37- OKA ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED, 1-2 FD oor a: DATE 22.52 _B aossuk? 7 MUE Teeatved your letter dated September 20, 95565 . 4s you were advised by ay letter ef Auguet 11, 1955, this Bureau wos not connected in cay respect with the acquisition or custody of the effects of Htkola Tesla, and tt ta therefore net posatdle to furated you any Additional tnforaatt 7 Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director %e) $y NOTE: By letter 8-11-55) we referrec to the Office of Alien Property, which Office was reported to have aaguned custody of Tesla's effects subsequent to his dea (65-47953-6) 43— -_* RECOGNITION FOR TESLA ~~ (Please fl out this form and mail to the address appearing belew.) University Staton BOR TSS Minneapolis 14, Minnesota THETESLA SOCIETY (date) (city & state) Hon. Arthur E. Summerfield Postmaster General, Postoftice Dept ‘Washington, D.C. contributions to,seience, induitry, and to his adopted country have greatly inspired engineering progress. His elecirical sys- tems helped create an American conomy of world pre-eminence. ‘We respectfully request ssuance of a 1956 commemorative stamp to be issued on the centenniat of Tesla’s birth (1886-1942), a Gy INDEXED.50 6C 22.13 1985 “¢etgnedy ————____ = AMERICAN SRBOBRAN” dime 29, 1955 Pittsburgh, Fennsylvan! 2237.4 i NOT RECORDED BBE UL 4 1955 44eta a resis ORS cere et or erate mee en (Oetraze Svea ung. Sees Rae Soren Rone ea Coo aan SST ag en care CR roe es Pore me eee Sr eee a ee ee ce ere ota Tee ea Para Srna! prs arent fed Terr er) ne an ea pericet ce ints Tea Oe ree een ener) Sees rare eee te cece pire aren een Pee eee ccc oer Ta reWniled Biates Senate Sune 26, 1973 Respectfully referred tot i" Congressional Liaison \ Federal Bureau of Investigation : Department of Justice Washington, D. C. 20530 Because of the desire of this office to be responsive to all inguiries and communications, your consideration of the attached is requested. Your findings and views, in duplicate form, along with return of the enclosure, will be appreciated by ; —e | 6 ATTN @ ae az | ENCLOSURE :20 duns 1973 Bear Senstor QB Thouch in Alaska temporarity wor) ing oi # mi coniragi, I sth07. eonsider ay resident, hence i is to you thay Tort fess ys at WMP correse, t deers inftrobwes ina coves festa, Professor Tesla emicratyi og tet cents dn Teves, eid did some of his most origineU ideo, Tesla hal s pasuliar hen’ of mind, in hs younger days he was often calted : 4, Hid not publish ot US. Host torial 1s in vitrarglatad Ceech, Tesla wot, houaver vance that upon his death, ‘hone of nis Thor. discascin; re Ibs thogit tt miean pesiod oor: \ waet all of Ur, Teslats rates wore eonfiseated i noses on physics pad clectrieity ean in oa, b seems that lr, Noover in his zeal, haa ¢ . anereas: indleation that me) * ecncrracd prroack to tire thesry. wot: 25 that have oven our greatest sc Derg, et ale 33 n 2aches, fic aivonces i codera times, Twaz wondering if your offico nizht be chlo to determine if these papers are still extant, and if so, see to it that the public har acces: to thems It would be a share to see all of Micolai. Teslss work to have boon in vain, Mloace excuse my typing, in all the thousaiis of words I typed trying to get a Liveral education, T never did master tie tyreeriter. ) 00 - ars7- TENCLOSURE 47July 5, 1973 1.105 REC 15 1287-2 2 400-7 aa Ff TAINED a Undead. States Senate HEREIN 1S Ut py pale (\ , Washington, D.C. 20520 p DATE 228-22 Dear Senator 2 Thie 1 icknowledge receipt of your communication dated June 26th dnclor ‘a letter from your constituent, ae sl Se ae, In response to inquiry, central files cf the Pederal Burea: of Tnvestiga indicate that the effects of Dr. Nikola Tesla were impounded after his death by the Office of Alien Property of the Department of Justice and not by the FBI. Since we did not participate in the handling of pr. Tesla's belongings, X am unable to furnish the inforration you desire. I am returning your enclosure as you requested. Sincerely yours, william D. Ruckeisbaus: William D. Rockelshaus Acting Director losures (2) 6 Services Office - Enclosures (2) G rior cordial correspondence with Senator is not identifiable in Bufile Sacre urite 100 x. Tesla was a world~famous iil electrical /invdnfor, and at the time of his death, all of his ‘et—— personal a"effects were believed dangerous to the count iiwee— security e11 into unauthorized hands. The book, "Prodic Tisken—— Genius," J. O'Neill, alleged that the PBI took over a ce ned it, appropriating his property. Bufiles clearl’ t was the Office of Alien Property of the Depar’ @ the above reply ig forwarded in answer to r+ i= WammmaQ Oy we ¢,SR ps Fem ASR MRR ay ae antes FEDERAL BUREAU OF messrveaTich Washingten, D.C. ~:37=5"— Dear Sire Tg hes sone te ty setention sper Micsiifesta, the founder 3 wedera 4.0: ment eines hie desth, would like te coe informed as te whe was, and is responsible fer keeping the 114 en these recerds, K weuld alae 1iké te ney vhere they are osy, T de bepe you enjoy a geod Laugh ever the aparent’ nitevicy ef such a request as this, but it is a rather strange atcuacien te exiet in a country Like thie, that a man ef euch genius and achievement eeuld be systematically ut out of ‘blatery Deeks. and that the facts about his works seuld be eonsesied te the degree they have been. I wish te ebtain aeons te ell these eld recerds which have ‘doen “eenceated fez ‘thirey appreciate yeur kind “eena ideation and attontlen te this. ers 23bene! Go ~~ duly 19, 1973 RY 4 - DABIP- B) . , een cna ae " FIED CEREALS UNCLES ei ie OM ‘ire 7-3-2 8 £X-105 Dear Sy : Your letter was received on July 16th. In response to your inquiry, the effects of Dr. Nikola Tesla were impounded, after his death, by the Office of Alien Property of the Department of Justice and not by the PBI. Since we did not participate in the handling of or, Tesla‘s belongings, I am unable to furnish the information you desire. A copy of your communication and of this reply have been referred to the Department of Justice. Sincerely yours, D..M. Kelley WANED @ 1 291973 Fat Clarence M. Kelley Director NOTE: Bufiles contain no record of correspondent. (Bufile 100-22: reflects that Dr. Tesla was a world-famous electrical inventor, anc at the time of his death, all of his personal papers and effects were believed dangerous to the country's security if they fell intc unauthorized hands. The book, “Prodigal Genius," by John J. O'Neil leged that the FBI took over a certain safe and opened it, appropriating hif property. Bufiles clearly indicate that it was the Office of Alien Property of the Department which did so, and the above ry is forwarded in answer to related inquiries. Copy of letter fefttsed to the Assistant Attorney General, Civil Divisic of Dear bent.) hu x @ @ : saw oon ere wr 2 o £0ik cennected, I wish te understand that: extentongmeg LM FRE ET AORN I RY eo Ge RR EEE SIN ee te1 / yn 8/20 - 72 37- AG sugust, 1973 si? “AL ERMATION CONTAINED 8 HEREIN IS LTC -f £ 23-80 ~ ad fo ‘Your letter, which was received on July 30th, has been reviewed and I would like to point out that FBI Agents were not involved in removal of papers from the safe of Dr. Nikola Tesla, nor did we at any time have custody of his property. T realize there have been some written accounts that our Agents acquired Dr, Tesla's belongings; however, these accounts are simply not true. You can be assured we were abso- Intely not responsible and there was no impersonation involved. Sincerely yours, GM. Kelley, Clarence M, Kelley Director NOTE: Correspondent had written in mid-July and asked about the effects of Dr. Tesla and he was advised that the Office of Alien Property had participated in removing his effects from his hotel room. A copy of his communication was referred to the Department of Justice. Bufiles indicate clearly that after Dr. Tesla's death some relatives opened the safe in his hotel room with the help of a locksmith and, thereafter, the Office of Alien Property confiscated all of his belongings. Bufile 100-2237 mentions : that the FBI was advised of the existence of this property; however, inasmuc as the Office of Alien Property was handling Dr. Tesla's effects, the Bureau had absolutely no hand in the entire matter, b ese 53June 9, 1975 Federal Bureau of Investigation U.S. Department of Justice Washington D.C, 20535 Sirs: We recently contacted the San Francisco "St office and a review of their files revesied.- Perera information concerning the scientist Nikol@resla — or his papers which we understand to have een impounded. If you could make a thorough investigation Of 311 files and materials available to you, we would greatly appreciate the correspondence of any information that might be discovered. Thank you, ~ 100 - BABT- 26 CLG 54Suly 7, 1975 mean MATION ea \TAINED it, “4§ UNCLAS ae , ry 100-2237 - 26X owt 2 —_ % ‘This will acknowledge your letter of June 9th. In response to your inquiry, the 2 of Dr. Nikola Tesla were impounded, efter his Otzice of Alien Propacty'ef tim Departumt ef scotia” Sincerely yours, QM Kelley Clarence M. Kelley Director ~Metention:—susen—HrHewser NOTE: Bufile 100-2237 indicates that Dr. Tesla was a world famous electrical inventor, and at the time of his death his personal papers and effects were impounded by Office of Alien Property for national security reasons. Since Tesla's death in 1943 the Bureau has received numerous inquiries about the disposition of his technical papers. The above reply is forwarded in answer to these inquiries. Bufiles tain no information identifiable with requesters. aun, vw SS 3 sro ss WanEDT JUL? 1975% 13 November 1975 @ Mrs Clarence Kelley al Fector SEAR ATION 0-9, FAB. IF TIO: CONTA D Washington, D.C. 20535 ONS UCLASSITIED ATE 2580 BY lat Deer Mr. Kelley: - In reply to the letter of 10 November from your offiee: I restate that I was not asking about the existen Ron-existenee of any investigative information but on his teshnical papers seized on his death ‘in 1943 ana reported in the p Jour effiee, the P tion en Tesla's papers makea ni in reply te my inquiry, The thttd paragraph stating the conditions under which a search will be 1a 2 clear bureaueratie circumvention ef the Freedom ef Informetion Act and an ei og,the part of the individual handling my request forsdoing any work b: yond the drafting of @ letter. will it be the decision of your office to let the situation stand like this? As I stated in my first letter, I am following up the Tesie data for a magazine article, I am tempted to have Hi your reply of the 16th printed and run nationally os ’ an example of how bureaucratic manceuring 1s used to get around the FOIA. Does the bureau need more of this type of publicity? It 1a disheartening to see an agency entrusted to uphold the law using its resources to moek the law. " Sincerely, as & 5 jee @thesy a Ge -2ABI-BT7 “Hf MEORMATION CONTAINED 8 » TT ERLS UNCLASS'FIED = g DATE 23-04 B) Doar CE: ©) ‘his will acknowledge receipt ef your letter ‘to the Bureau on Movember 1éth. . In response to your inquiry, the papers of Dr. Nikola Tesla were impounded, after his death, by fhe office of Alien Proparty of’ the Department of justice. Sovember 26, 1975 Sincerely yours, c. M, Belles Clarence M. Kelley Director 1 - the ity Attorney General - Enclosure Attention: Susan M, Hauser NOTE: Bufile 100-2237 indicates that Dr. a World famous electrical inventor, and at of his death his personal papers and effects were impounded by Office of Alien Property for National Security reasons. Since Tesla's death in 1943 the Bureau has received numerous inquiries about the disposition of his technical papers. The above tories — reply is forwarded in answer to these inquiries. a 4 . 7 Piysoon reeresom az erosan gst i yey 57—-_! “ROUTING AND TRANSMPLTAL SLIP Alan McCreight Rm. $435 - JEH Do NOT wee this form as « RECORD of isapprovals, clearances, and similar ections ne ee "70/21/78 Susan M. Hauser Pt 2145 5%I~ Freedom of Information Act Recuest Deputy Attorney General U.S, Depertment of Justice eerrrenenes: Washington, 2 D.C. 20535 Gentlemen: I am writing an article for a magazine on early twentieth century inventorg end want to obtain information on some Papers of Nil that were seized by the FBI on his a+) YA. TH Tesla invented a number of elecfrical devices and because /? of the war and because Tesla was born » Yugoslavian national, it was probably considered a measure of preventitive safety / to hold in safekeeping papers that might have any bearing on national security. I would like to find out: 1) if the PBI still has the papers; 2) if they do have the papers, what must be done to see them; 3) if they do not have the papers, who does have them or what happened to them? 100-2237- 28 I would be very grateful for your help with thii Reg Sincerely, ET FORMATION on ) 17 TNS UNCLASS pate 2589 BYP 4Yin pote —_ 54en le nin Fe TC ne ae pore renee en COC Ras Nee Ta cesta Sa a SCOT a ae ean ae nc Cee ree orien ene Peer Eee ee Spee een a NL ee ne ee Sian Se ee anes eh RS Ons TCR oe Selene Tl So eae eae Core rearenr eet erm aren ee a carr ioe ea see Corona eee nena) coe ane tea a RCD RL oS RCT ana UO Scrat ee cn Se A ee oe Peet fl eS oe a ON ar ar er a i eee CD ee ey anon Pa eT oth ted ie fore EN corer Derr rom ean Torna PUR Tea ra tl i tree SST CS Gee Latin Gest ian stuat ie suas hive suntan Ty even ian See ne a Soe ee ee a oro Suen Sa Ee ee eRe er ee ea ee ea H icer ran ae ee PCC RSL NTR 5 \ Oe en nee rt f a SURTOC Ean ata] tha coe Nae 5 hameelen r een) enc oe cree meee eT cee ins eee Seo eeeea tee Re ee et | ent cee Penna fe heen anti vn eS ir aera er Sere ME EN Renta en Ce aT een ane ee Mens Lalgon stat at Sree ee erat in ME te es ree ena nto ; Se Mee cco oe Pere ee ear ee Cea ets ee rec ce Rota OD Soran no cea ere POs ao aT ce re Dae cits ee ee LS TRON near reat ee i SUSE a a an a SORE Tce Lee Te Pear prea neet ma ah iecrt Dee See a eee eee) cnFn Sac cee eC ee are ee ee mene Eres er bue) sc MN Teena ee ae PL OC OR eC Pens ear eS Ce Seen eee tt ee Co HA eI OO OO aL Le nem ene in petra epee ee eee RATER) Senna encnere a! ene re ne coo eet On OE een ee ee an nar ene ee RT en ea es Oren Seem Aare ee eMC eC Conner ores cern) Area perk er Ferrans ee Pare eRe Pe ee ae va nec eer rE SLC FL en in ee tae RO ree Treen] nae OTe ee LS . ere GAMO Ce UCC ny eee eC Toee e eee een oe Oa Ay era ame reese POENR rs a oman ran etna SOO Pere ECeran earns rcs rh ee Re e a Peeters EE re te enn eer Cre CT rence me ca Re eee eee ee ee La Pere er itets NRMIeS FerraR eed eo ees mm ( Freres tamara ere OE See eee [ eatin Tee ee eT rereeeiantes MURR nce Ta Seta cornea i eer ear ce Oeork a eee Pe cnenearet ea Perth tea Scare aie acon Pree naan rr f c _ a rans Loran a este cars FP vinnenun we a ee eee ny F an rn ear in} ‘ "RECOGNITION FOR TESLA | At long Inst Serbiaris—American and |. acted to honor the memory and achievements of one of , "Bis aretet vo sons, ci 7 Nina sed bate ea ork sour Serbs on this Continent lan to-erect a bust statue of ‘Steps Igoking towards that end were talen at the resent SNFgenvention following the reading af by President adakovich from His Grace, Bi icolai. Ae the yai- : Tena churchman stat wie = monument, by Serbians, would forever nemiod other Serbs of the honor and glory of Dr. Nikola Tesla ...c..And that he -was a SERBIAN, son of a SERBIAN ORTHODOX. dargy- man, born in the SERBIAN SELO of Smiljam in Lika. Further, His Grace urged that the undertaking be a joint * . one and’ representative of ALL the Serbian orgaillieatic the United States and Canada® He naturally looked to the SF | for leadership, and the greatest monetary contribution. Buifhe| alto besought the help of the Serbian Nat'-Defense and Jedinstvo beneficial society. Y2S The Convention voted $1000 for the project nda | WZ hand collection was taken wp among the: delegates. ae = te, Mil jevich of Joliet; HL, giving cod feo, inwmen Mian eh. bee ~ Will be raised thru public good-will offerings and 3 cash gifts of the other two organizations mentioned. ‘ 3 And after a suitable bust has been erected for'Dr. Tesla, oO Bishop Nicolai suggest¢dsrvimilar-like monument honor the 2 \ | memory of Dr, ise fopin, also n world-renowned sciehtiat, é puthor and educator Bt ' “This is a subject near and dear to all good Serbian hearts! + — & te ae yo 22374 Soptenter 28, 1955, INDEXED . 35 Pittebargh, Pas "ae meow * TE - pe LOE FU CO ocr? toce 0 .