Nikola Tesla FBI Files - Page 162

AN EDGAR HOOVER
    DIRECTOR

Federal Bureau of Investigation
United States Department of Justice
Washington, D. C.

January 11, 1943

JEL:ed

MEMORANDUM FOR MR. LADD

        RE: UNKNOWN SUBJECT:
                EXPERIMENTS AND RESEARCH
                OF NIKOLA TESLA (Deceased)
                ESPIONAGE - M

        In a teletype from the New York Office dated January 9, 1943, the Bureau's advice is requested as to what action should be taken in connection with this matter. It is to be noted that Tesla died January 7, 1943, and resided at the Hotel New Yorker. He was one of the world's outstanding scientists in the electrical field and has been conducting many experiments in connection with wireless transmission of electrical power and what is commonly referred to as the "Death Ray".

        Save Kosanovich, a distant relative intensely disliked by Tesla, is taking steps to get possession of these important documents and plans. Kosenovich on January 7, 1943, with George Clark, in charge of the Museum and Laboratory for RCA, and Kenneth Swezey of Brooklyn, New York, entered Tesla's rooms in the Hotel New Yorker and, with the sid of a locksmith, broke into a safe containing some of Tesla's valuable papers, including important electrical formulae, designs, et cetera.

        Tesla is reported to have completed and perfected his experiments in the radio transmission of electrical power and to have conceived and designed a revolutionary type of torpedo not presently in use by any nation. It is reported that Kosanovich may possibly make this material available to the enemy.

ACTION:

        I called Mr. Donegan of the New York Office at 12:30 P.M. and pointed out the apparent burglary violation on the part of Kosanovich. I told him this matter should be discreetly discussed with the State's Attorney in New York City with a view to locating Kosanovich and apprehending him on a burglary charge in order to determine the nature of the material he took from Tesla's safe. I pointed out the necessity for the State's Attorney keeping any action most secret in view of the highly confidential nature of the plans involved. I also suggested that the New York Office contact the Surrogate Court in order that Tesla's effects as well as the contents of his safety deposit boxes might not be entered without the presence of a Bureau Agent in order that we may endeavor to preserve the secrecy of any plans or items essential to the conduct of the war and  national security.

                                                       Respectfully,

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