A formal complaint charge between Buck Coe and Judge Richard Cantrell, related to a cattle sale between Cantrell and the Rajneesh Foundation. The complaint is based on violation of ORS Chapter 244. A timeline of events brought into question is outlined. County records, a newspaper article written by Austin Abrams for the Dalles Chronicle covering the investigation, cattle transportation certificates and personal notes exchanged between Judge Cantrell and Coe are all included in the formal complaint as evidence. Also attached is D.D. Hodge's Department of Agriculture Officer report, and formal affidavits from Buck Coe, Austin Abrams, D.D. Hodges and Madras Auction Yard worker Lauren Corwin. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
Letter from Stanton F. Long, a Deputy Attorney General of for the state of Oregon, to Betty Reynolds, the Executive Director of the Oregon Ethics Commission. Stanton confirms with Reynolds that the Department of Justice will not be undertaking a criminal investigation into the accusations made against Wasco County Judge Richard Cantrell, which related to a cattle sale between him and the Rajneesh Foundation. The anti-Rajneesh group 1000 Friends of Oregon had alleged that the sale constituted a bribe. Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel, Bob Oliver, is courtesy-copied on the letter. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver.
A letter from James M. Habberstad, the attorney for Oregon's Wasco County Judge Richard Cantrell, to Governor Atiyeh. Habberstad writes regarding a memorandum compiled by an anti-Rajneesh group, the 1000 Friends of Oregon. The group alleged that Cantrell's sale of cattle to the Rajneesh at an elevated price constituted a bribe in exchange for assistance in incorporating the city of Rajneeshpuram. Habberstad responds to the allegations, refuting the possibility of any ill-intent behind the cattle transaction. He writes that Judge Cantrell will be running for office, and accusations of this sort are an attempt by the 1000 Friends of Oregon to influence the election. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
A letter to Governor Atiyeh from Henry R. Richmond, Executive Director of 1000 Friends of Oregon, which was an anti-Rajneesh group. Richmond requests a full-scale investigation of a cattle transaction between Wasco County Judge Richard Cantrell and the Agents of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. The 1000 Friends of Oregon believed that the sale may have constituted a bribe. Richmond discusses the evidence presented in the affidavits by attorney Mark J. Greenfield's memorandum as grounds for an investigation. The letter urges Governor Atiyeh to exercise his power to involve the Attorney General, and launch the investigation. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
Memorandum from Mark J. Greenfield, the staff attorney for the anti-Rajneesh group 1000 Friends of Oregon, to Henry R. Richmond, director of the same group. Greenfield provides information on the Wasco County Court's ruling approving the petition that would incorporate the city of Rajneeshpuram. He writes about a cattle sale between County Judge Richard Cantrell and the Rajneesh. The 1000 Friends of Oregon thought that the sale could constitute a bribe. Evidence in the memorandum shows the transaction began prior to the court date. Other affidavits suggest the 1000 Friends of Oregon would have grounds to argue 'bribe receiving' and general misconduct had been committed by Judge Cantrell. Also included are sources, various testimonies, and a recommendation that Governor Atiyeh be contacted for a full-scale investigation. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
Excerpts from a small booklet also called a green 'Oasis' book, related to the Rajneeshpuram community in Oregon. It includes sayings of the community's guru, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, who was later known as Osho. The booklet covers the general teachings and outline of Bhagwan sermons to his followers. Also included is information regarding the original construction of the Rajneeshpuram Ashram, their education system, and businesses run by Rajneesh followers. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
Legal papers for the Rajneeshpuram community's lands in Wasco County, Oregon. Included is the mortgage, promissory note, loan agreement and maps of purchased lots all executed by the Rajneesh Investment Corporation. The mortgage agreement outlines the present property and excepted property. Also included is a loan agreement containing conditions the Rajneesh had to comply with in order to receive the mortgage. A map and listing of lots within the collection of documents displays the location of land allocated to the Rajneesh within Wasco-Jefferson County and the general layout of that land. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
A draft of the 'Executive Order to declare Martial Law in Oregon,' which was prepared for Governor Atiyeh to sign in case of a violent incident with the Rajneesh. Following the bombing of Hotel Rajneesh in Portland by a radical Islamic militant group, the Rajneeshpuram Peace Force acquired and displayed semi-automatic weapons. This show of force resulted in heightened tension and fear within the community. Governor Atiyeh kept a copy of the order with him when he was travelling in case of an uprising, but he never had to sign it. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
A telegram from a branch of the United States Department of State to criminal investigator Thomas M. Casey regarding the Rajneesh organization. The telegram reports on the status of an ongoing investigation into its leader, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. It states that the Rajneeshee Ashram failed to meet previously set goals that allowed tax exemption. Another report included in the telegram discusses how followers were asked to pay a high initiation fee. Other notes suggest that Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh may have fabricated medical problems, committing fraud in order to obtain a visa. The Department of State recommends that the Ashram be reported to the IRS and Rajneesh provide proof of medical treatment in the United States to justify his need for a visa. This item was a part of the papers of Bob Oliver, Governor Atiyeh's legal counsel.
Proclamation and executive order unsigned by Atiyeh and carried with him at all times. These documents would activate the National Guard to help stabilize the escalating tensions of the Rajneeshpuram community.
Certificate awarded to Governor Atiyeh from Major R.R. Moine of the Oregon State Police, and other members of the Rajneeshpuram Task Force for the successful conclusion of the investigation of the Rajneeshpuram community.
News article from the Oregonian on the timeline of the Rajneeshpuram community, including the rise of the influence of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, police investigation of the community, and the court trials of community leaders.
News article from the Rajneesh Times, a newspaper developed for the community of Rajneeshpuram in rural Wasco county, Oregon. A note from Atiyeh is included with the article stating the Governor, contrary to what the paper reported, never visited the ranch or negotiated with community leaders.
Part of a binder that was compiled for Governor Atiyeh with reports and memoranda on the Rajneeshpuram community. The several thousand residents of this community followed a charismatic leader named Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and attempted to form their own utopian city in rural Wasco county, Oregon. This section includes status reports, police log, and miscellaneous documents that relate to the community from September to October, 1985. During this period, their guru had left the commune under pressure from the government, and several other leaders had either been arrested or were under investigation. Notably, several leaders were suspected of having poisoned hundreds of people in The Dalles by spraying salmonella at a salad bar. Followers were leaving the Rajneeshpuram ranch.
Part of a binder that was compiled for Governer Atiyeh with reports and memoranda on the Rajneeshpuram community. The several thousand residents of this community followed a charismatic leader named Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and attempted to form their own utopian city in rural Wasco county, Oregon. This section includes police reports from August to September, 1985. During this time, the guru leaves Oregon under pressure from government investigations, and the commune begins to dissolve.
Part a binder that was compiled for Governor Atiyeh with reports and memoranda on the Rajneeshpuram community. The several thousand residents of this community followed a charismatic leader named Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and attempted to form a utopian city in rural Wasco county, Oregon. This section includes background information on officials of Rajneeshpuram; a 'Rumor Control' center; the Rajneesh's bussing in of homeless people in order to register them as voters in the November 1984 election; and other events of 1984.
Part a binder that was compiled for Governor Atiyeh with reports and memoranda on the Rajneeshpuram community. The several thousand residents of this community followed a charismatic leader named Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and attempted to form their own utopian city in rural Wasco county, Oregon. This section coverrs events inside the commune from 1983-1984. It includes a brief history the of Rajneesh in Oregon; Oregon State Police surveillance reports from inside the commune; documents related to alleged environmental and land use violations; reports on the Rajneesh's recruitment of homeless people to register to vote in Wasco County and subsequent 'dumping' of these people in other communities after the election was over; and other material.
Oregon Magazine issue with editorials on the town of Antelope, Oregon and the Rajneeshpuram community. Also includes an interview with Atiyeh on the burdens of the Governor's Office.
Part of a binder that was compiled for Atiyeh with reports and memoranda on the Rajneeshpuram community. The several thousand residents of this community followed a charismatic leader named Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and attempted to form their own utopian city in rural Wasco county, Oregon. This section includes investigative reports on the community by the Oregon State Police and others during November to December, 1985. During this time period, the guru had left Oregon under pressure from the government, and other leaders had been arrested or discredited. Several members of the community were being investigated for having poisoned hundreds of people in The Dalles by spraying salmonella at a salad bar. Many followers of the Rajneesh had already left the commune, and the community was quietly dissolving under the eyes of the State Police. A statement from a former mayor of Rajneeshpuram, Swami Krishna Deva, also known as David Berry Knapp, is included.
Victor Atiyeh served as governor of Oregon from 1979-1987. This is one part of an oral history interview that was originally recorded on over 60 cassette tapes by the Oregon Historical Society. It is accompanied by a typed transcript. This portion covers: Review of political career; thoughts on Neil Goldschmidt; successes as Governor: avoiding gas shortage, dealings with the Rajneesh, relieving Oregon of the recession; reflections on Governorship: Oregon Food Bank, preservation of the Columbia River Gorge, Northwest Power Planning Council, rebalancing of budgets, Deschutes River, racial and religious harassment.
This is one part of an oral history interview that was originally recorded on over 60 cassette tapes by the Oregon Historical Society. It is accompanied by a typed transcript. This portion covers: Rajneesh incident in Oregon, mid-1980s; Oregon Investment Council, mid-1980s; Roger Meyer and the buy-out of Fred Meyer by KK&R, mid-1980s; State Treasurer Bill Rutherford, mid-1980s. Victor Atiyeh served as governor of Oregon from 1979-1987.
Victor Atiyeh served as governor of Oregon from 1979-1987. This is one part of an oral history interview that was originally recorded on over 60 cassette tapes by the Oregon Historical Society. It is accompanied by a typed transcript. This portion covers: Governor’s performance audit, mid-1980s; bills vetoed in 1985: Shield bill, video display terminal, limited police authority; reflection of last Legislative session as Governor, 1985; Rajneesh incident in Oregon, mid-1980s.
'A Visit to Rajneeshpuram' article written by a Neo-Nazi group for their newsletter. This newsletter was apparently photocopied and sent to Governor Atiyeh for his files, possibly by a staff member.
The Victor Atiyeh Papers contain materials from his business, political, and personal activities, dating from 1923-2012, as well as collected materials and family papers predating the primary body of the collection. The bulk of the materials pertain to his campaigns for and his service in political office, particularly his two terms as Governor of Oregon, 1979-1987, and to the international consulting business he established after leaving office in 1987. Collection materials include appointment books, audio cassettes, awards, budgets, campaign materials, certificates, correspondence, directories, memoranda, memorabilia, notes, photographs, poll results, posters, press clippings, publications, receipts, reports, schedules, scrapbooks, speeches, and video tapes.
