Nikola Tesla FBI Files - Page 48

July 5, 1973   

Honorable [REDUCTED]
United States Senate
Washington, D. C. 20510

Dear Senator [REDUCTED]:

        This is to acknowledge receipt of your communication dated June 26th enclosing a letter from your constituent, [REDUCTED] who is temporarily employed in Alaska.

        In response to [REDUCTED] inquiry, central files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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 Dr. Tesla's belongings, I am unable to furnish the information you desire.

        I am returning your enclosure as you requested.

                                                       Sincerely yours,

                                                       William D. Ruckelshaus
                                                            Acting Director

Enclosures

1 – Portland - Enclosures (2)
1 - Congressional Services Office - Enclosures (2)

NOTE: Bufiles reveal prior cordial correspondence with Senator [REDUCTED]. [REDUCTED] is not identifiable in Bufile Bufile 100-2237 reflects that Dr. Tesla was a world-famous electrical inventor, and at the time of his death, all of his personal papers and effects were believed dangerous to the country security if they fell into unauthorized hands. The book, "Prodigal Genius," by John J. O'Neill, alleged that the FBI took over a cert safe and opened it, appropriating his property. Bufiles clearly indicate that it was the Office of Alien Property of the Department which did so, and the above reply is forwarded in answer to inquiries.