Nikola Tesla FBI Files - Page 82

November 27, 1962

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Dear [REDUCTED]

        Your letter of November 21st has been received.

        In response to your inquiry, I would like to point out 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 this Bureau did not participate in the handling of Dr. Tesla's effects, I am unable to supply the information you desire.

                                                       Sincerely yours,

                                                       John Edgar Hoover
                                                          Director

NOTE: Bufiles contain no record identifiable with correspondent. Bufile 100-2237 shows that Dr. Tesla was one of the world's outstanding scientists in the electrical field, and at the time of his death, all of his personal papers and effects were believed dangerous to the country's security if they fell into unauthorized hands. The book, "Prodigal Genius," by John J. O'Neil, alleges that the FBI took over a certain safe and opened it, appropriating Dr. Tesla's property. Bufiles clearly indicate that it was the Office of Alien Property of the Department which did so, and the above reply has been forwarded in answer to related inquiries. Dr. Tesla was born in Yugoslavia and died in New York City 1-7-43.

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