Nikola Tesla FBI Files - Page 127

Lt. Col. A. J. Maclaran

        A memo dated October 17, 1945, from our New York Office said that at that time Dr. Tesla 's effects remained at the Manhattan Storage Warehouse in some 75 packing boxes and trunks under seal by the New York Department of Taxation. The rental for this storage, approximately $15 per month, was being paid by Charlotte Muzar, 134 Last 63rd Street, New York, New York, who was listed as an agent for Sava Kosanovich, Dr. Tesla's nephew and administrator of his estate. (65-47953-14)

        On October 26, 1945, [REDUCTED] a young scientist who had been Tesla's protege, called in person at our New York Field Office. With him were [REDUCTED] and [REDUCTED] from a research development unit at Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. These men carried a letter signed by [REDUCTED] requesting that the FBI alloy the bearers of the latter access to the effects of Nikola Tesla. (65-47953-15)

        It was explained to [REDUCTED] that the FBI had no jurisdiction over Tesla's effects, and they were referred to the Office of the Alien Property Custodian. Bureau files do not indicate whether the men ever examined Tesla's belongings. (65-47953-15)

        The Tesla effects remained in rooms 5J and 5L of the Manhattan Storage Company. In the 1950s, FBI Agents were told by company management that the only recorded visit had been made by "Federal authorities" in January, 1943. [REDUCTED] recalled that the men had taken numerous photographs. His description of the equipment used would tend to show that a microfilm reproduction was made of the papers of the deceased. (65-47953-27)

        Our files do not reflect any pertinent information on the Tesla materials since that date. Their current whereabouts or condition are not reflected in our files.

        For further information regarding this matter, you may wish to contact the Office of the Alien Property Custodian and the other Federal agencies mentioned above.

        I hope that we have been of assistance to you.

                                                       Sincerely,

                                                       Roger C. Young
                                                       Assistant Director in Charge
                                                       Office of Congressional and Public Affairs

                                                             (CONTINUED - OVER)