00-09-08          0700    Morning routine.  …..

            In a conversation with Cst. COOPER yesterday, it was learned that he is trying to determine the details of the cargo, in particular the amount and value of diamonds and other valuables on board.  It seems that Vic GERDEN wants to give a press release regarding the diamonds, etc. to eliminate some problems that have surfaced in the media.  So, COOPER met with Cpl. Brian LONDON yesterday to try to find out the details and where they might be in E&R.  It seems that this was never a task for anyone in the back office.  No one ever fully investigated the cargo on board the aircraft.  Needless to say, COOPER is rather embarrassed in having to inform the TSB that we don’t really know what was on board the aircraft, particularly with regards to the diamonds, something that is very high profile.  In speaking with John GARSTANG, they simply went by the manifest that was provided, as they had no reason nor was it their job to question the validity of the list.  But he was surprised to learn that we had not questioned it.