Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) FBI Circular including Patricia (Patty) Hearst as A Material Witness Dated April 19, 1974.

Washington, DC: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Publisher, 1974. Unbound. Very Good. Item #022615

Single sheet, 10 ½ by 8 inches. Printed on both sides. A circular issued by the FBI four days after the SLA robbed a bank in San Francisco. The circular features photos of Donald David De Freeze, Patricia Soltysik, Nancy Perry, Camilla Hall and Patty Hearst (listed as a material witness). The sheet gives a brief account of the robbery. The reverse is addressed to a doctor (none specified. We speculate this was sent to doctors around the city because of the needs of some for medical treatment). It mentions poor vision and other medical issues some members of the SLA may seek treatment for. Patty Hearst was originally abducted by the SLA in February of 1974. The intent was to hold her for ransom, but like everything else planned by the SLA, it went awry. She eventually agreed to join the SLA, adopting the name Tania, using it when carrying out this April 15 bank robbery. The Symbionese Liberation Army was a far left "organization" in the United States that carried out a variety of robberies, murders and terrorist acts. Perhaps inspired by other leftist groups such as Venceramos, the SLA adhered to a confusing mix of principles and ideals that alienated those on the left and right. The group was responsible for the assassination of Oakland School Superintendent Marcus Foster, but was perhaps best known for the kidnapping of Patty Hearst. Hearst participated in bank robberies with other members of the SLA, but asserted she was drugged and brainwashed by the group. Other members were either killed in shootouts with police, incarcerated or lived lives on the run (eventually being caught). VERY GOOD condition. Minor toning. Minor wrinkling to the piece, with light soiling.

Price: $275.00