DRAFT ~ 9/12/63 TO: J. Edgar Hoover ~ . Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation FROM: Burke Marshall a re. . ‘Assistant Attorney General “SUBJECT: Hunter Pitts O'Dell ; This relates to your letterhead memorandum of September 5 to t he Attorney General, relating to Hunter at ° wu ok “ Q € Pitts O'Dell and therelated prior memorandum. FE appreciate ¥£ . At yourhaving sent copies of these to me, . i ry Typ 1 CMeULOQ & This matter had been brought to the attention . ’ of Dr. King some time ago by me, but in accordance with ea conversations which the Attorney General had with Courtney = Evans, it was not felt to be wise in view of the sources ‘S38 are of the Bureau's information to state that I knew O'Dell ee to be under Communist control at any time, I did inform ; S88 Dr. King and two members of his organization -- Reverend aid Andrew Young and Reverend Wyatt Walker -- some time ago -- a ° that since O'Dell was believed by many people to have had 2 Communist connections, his association with their S. organization was not in the best interests of the organiza- tion, ona are UORIOE FEBMOs Ky Sa 4 a “= — At that time, inconclusive steps were taken to remove O'Dell, and his job with the Southern Christian 3d Uvrpod gup SEL no, eed, © “y Of prpule f Jou sp pun F seek ves ib gy GUBULR Tou vy A 2 fy Lilli wad HERS fi 03 asitud : gonrbot Uio Dot EE pele dys is BO =bidase . a " bs 7 HT anna soationdltitadisahaseemestan sanedentememnetianeee-mememnnenneeemaee ee a TS . : ON nae inet, 7,
al -2- Leadership Conference was changed. In response to direct questions whether I had hard evidence of O'Deli's Communist connections, however, I replied that. 1 was not in a position to give any. -Following further conversations with Mr. Evans in June, however, I brought the matter to the attention of Dr. King very explicitly in my office on the morning of June 22 prior to a scheduled meeting which Dr. King had with the President, This was done at the direction ‘of the Attorney General. Later that morning both the Attorney General and the President separately strongly “urged Dr. King thatthere should be no further connection between ‘O'Dell and the Southern Christian Leadership “Conference. . Dr. King stated that the connection’ would be ended, Thereafter, theAttorney General and I both received copies of the attached letter, dated July 3, 1963, from Dr, King to O'Dell. On the same occasion, I also informed Dr.King that our information was that Stanley Levison was a secret member of the Communist Party. This was also done after conversations with Mr. Evans prior to the meeting with Dr. King, and was done at the direction of the Attorney we HW 55083 Docld: 32989540 Page 24
3 “General and the President. Prior to that time, again based upon talks between the Attorney General and Mr. Evans at which I was present, it had been decided that it was not in the best interest of the United States to inform Dr.King that we had any firm information that 'Levison was under Communist control. I had, however, on a previous occasion, warned Dr. King about any association with Levison, basing the warning upon doubts about Levison's - loyalty to the United States. . | I thought you should have this additionaleinforma- “tion for your file. ’ fe . ., BM ea
: BURT 1 PITTS ¥ _O1DE ; 5 eo rape A os cpupeners ° DBT ecancaend Pow bS ek & vd: » 2£863,- inforsation | ea ‘928 ‘set forth regarding Eunter pitts O'Dsli's possible -- 7: ' _a@ssociatiscn with the Reverend Hartin Luther C20, SLes : etl and information regar Ging Eevereng King ng* S statenens = — se . indicating O'peii, 23 of June 25, 2985 SS, was uO Longer. oo... 2 on Reverend King's starz. © we ek wr Dee. . " Qn Augvust 30, 1963, at 7:25 PLM., O'Dell was - 0 UU obs baerved bby Crceial fronts oF this Euresu entenins the — building lceatod at 312 pane L258th Street, Hey York, "0 sl" Row York. O'Dell rennined in the building in eacess ew et - of one hour, The Southern Christian Les gership Confereaco ca :occupies ons of the ‘several orzices which ar are located am 77 that buiiding. OS te hot lag Oy To, hel nn 4 “a .« % oe a are Me . en Meet « - “FL? 7 . : . eS wis toh an Por ey he ¥ ' att 3 x on -¥e will continue to suraish you any. pertinent os as _ Anforsats don developed. rogar rainy ss ne attere ree me alee ceeasteitatamea sie ali demeaieni tliat setl ated aoa aE sod th Tintint omen anon enarronseanadn tae oo The Deputy’ Attorney Gonoral : Loa, . | faut. ; ; ~Lje Hr, Burke Marshal mae ee } : ; fone Assistant’ Attorney Goneral Soe, Stat be | . - . ary . - co . - * ne ar fe ¥ - oe 4 rn ee “ - . dew , ‘ : , . . - ao, * . “. ‘ ' . -. . . 7 . ' we * . ” . ee pe gt WS Sate “ss . og ou a an ~ ~ ay Tan els mew d . 2 ~ ae = | 7 ~ . . a 7 ay . * . “ . 74 et a 4 ; f ‘ soe This document ts prepared in response to your remuest oe in he ‘. as. Bat i; 3 ‘> . a outeit =m COi nt mittee, Lage 03 De. 43 ree a * - nae * Ce ore? oe andl th a ontees mer and i? ¢. eh Bed te epactnoy cee pet Bulls | : i 7. * ~ 4 iu ore Hine FS OTE " . sl ; ™ -nel without tle express appi% val of the F PBI ‘ wy a - - rr 7 “as ae . ‘ . . a we Swe . t ' f . “ _ 7 “ane TS ~ - 5 Ss ™ to * > . . 5 « I t i Bet a
RNAVE., NET | my : “ \ 3, GE0RGIA tJ. Soutnern Christian LeauerMip Conference INE 524-1378 artin Luther King Jr., President. . . Wyatt Tee Walker, Executive Director y July 3, 1963 . a 1p lRoea an Perc onise | | | soasxet OSSD fry 1g1@ Attorney General Robert Kennedy Department of Justice Washington 25, D. C. e ~ Dear Mr. Kennedy: : Dr. King asked me to send you the enclosed, copy of a letter which he has just sent to Mr. Jack O'Dell, an ; Sincerely yours, : v f= URBAN EMEA REET RT pS ee (Miss) D. McDonald Secretary enc on Se “4 AGS NS Sf meee et f RECE! iv \ ia \ cae f 402% fr yh oS jouw \ ce . . . can a eee Mev Ce : . Phis dnerwmen 32 BRD ihe in response to your request ant is pat for Aesemi- eetiog ctl: wenp COnmatites) Tio roo ia Baits. ta afflelel none Noas by vorr Cou’ | 2 aad the ecxturt iney aot 0+ Cloclescd to unautioi iced person- nel without the express aporoval of the FDI . . . a a . « HW 55083 DBocld:32989540 Page 27 snr) nets “4 Lf if. —— 17 hard
‘ . - * . < ‘ t « . : a , “23 . . a . we F « . ca . - * we, "¢ % . "y - a eh - aw, July 3 . - ’ . ° . ~ ee . 5 ‘ ay Sos Joe : - vane . o- t . : y utr ' “” . tae wy, goog i we ’ a = * -" My, Jack H, O'Dell -/ inv” 488 St. Nicholas Avenue Apartment 5-S ; New York, New York 7 Dear Jack: Several months ago you submitted your resignation pendingan © oS. (ee - . investigation of your alleged affiliation with the Communist wo oh . . party, as was suggested by an article to this effect in the- TS ee Birmingham and New Orleans newspapers. We accepted this -. ea ‘temporary resignation because of SCLC's firm policy thatno .° |. ..:-0. Communist nor Communist sympathizer can be on our staffor wv te in our membership. We felt that it was imperative to conduct ee ee an immediate investigation. As you know, we conducted whatwe “f° ’ felt to be a thorough inquiry into these charges and were unable =... 0.) _ to discover any present connections with the Communist party on “ “c-" - Le ote The situation in our country is such, however, that any allusion . “"“"\"- ¢9 the left brings forth an emotional response which would seem ~-« pF. to indicate that SCLC and the Southern Freedom Movementare =. .. aan -Communist inspired. In these critical times we cannot afford to 7 ; ' isk any such impressions. We, therefore, have decided in our . uo Administrative Committee, that we should request you to make ae your temporary resignation permanent. , . ar Nt We certainly appreciate the years of unselfish service which you . c+. “' have put into our New York Office, and regret the necessity of eos - pote your departure. Certainly, yours isa significant sacrifice come oe mensurate with the sufferings in jail and through loss of jobs “ me : under racist intimidation. We all pray for the day when our ta nation may be truly the land of the free. an - = - - ~ =e =. yy ’ This doerment is. prenaredlt2 reenorse to aur reqirest end #3 not for di-semé- prbion avtehts vovr Commitice, [tg eee da Fisted tx nfitelal nrocecdings by gegen Cope ce got tee coi! hagas pas be Cisclosed to-weaukorized pexcoil- ° ; jel without ihe express approval of thevFBI-. +. a ~ ot * ® . 4 a - . . - . 77 OTe a a fo cee ne ae soa Sat . = Z uf if fe ye . ~ - . . . . aad ~ - ~ « r oe ” * ° 3 oa . . : . . . _ : . an : . . wet, . “ ary or see .of - . - rw . : i ~ — Nee ten ren, » ~ ww © ry . i wen, * i” al ial . 3 . * ee wT Re . cay . > wen . ~ HW 55083 Docld:32989540 Page 28005 9° 1 et we tes ——— = on atte . - . 2 . ae vel tte we ne, a ‘ er
o vo d o Mi _ 5. —G ~ - 3 A 25 | 2 8 8 (<3) ra g OF g > & & e ¢ & 6 gf a $ a @ < A &. 4 red . a 3 fd a A, i wt Ge | ES Ss . <“—m Es mS 3 Ee 760 =o ea aa TL PELE alti “* m oes Dike ett nna RRR ERE RETO NE! Aare ys geen) This document ts prepared’ & reenouse to your regirest avd is pat for descent ration autel*> sour Committee, Its ese as Unite? to offieal acoecedivas by yoo Como" -e ard the wontent way eel 0° Cicelesed to untae torised persoii- nel witievt the express approvel of tho "Pl, wn HW 55063 DBocld:32989540 Page 30 |
~ und svaves veparrment or rics. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION ~ . WASHINGTON 25, D. Cc. In Reply, Please Refer to . . ne . . File No.100-1.06670 SS * . * 100~3-116 7 mo, cL roe October 7, 1963 Ss - + MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL -RE: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ~ " .. SECURITY MATTER -- - COMNBRIST . COMRUNIST INFLUENCE IN LT. RACIAL HATTERS ce Martin Inther King, Jr., resides at 563 Johnson Avenue, Northeast, Atlanta, Georgia, and is president of the Southern Christian Leadership Confrence (SCLC The New York office of the SCLC is located at 312 West L25th Street, Kew York City. He is closely associated with ° Ve aywt | | ; Stanley Levison, a concealed member of the Communist Par CY », ab i i” | who has studied Harri sm, believes in a agrees witli — } ais , but because of his being a minister of religion does not—.. Pe ea dare tc es pouse it pubi. ici Yat in view of the possible r . ° communist influenge in the racial situation, it is requested /- i that authority be granted to place a technical surveillance oa H :;0n King at his current address or at any future address to i ;Which he may move, . USA, Levison has described King as a wholehearted Maras bine f, BY pele A : . It is further requested that authority be granted to place a technical surveillance on the SCLC office at the current New York address or to any other address to which “~ _ it may be moved, CO Le ee . -s Respectfully, NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION A Gebepru EB Xgninies - . Unauthorized Disclosure (| iNCLosuRR Subj ect to i, i), Wepnm Edganlloover | . A] coe. Direc toxbele ae | Ay ro - 7, . io, Tee Tae . Popacaziet marsnse pea, erp oY, rd ji : i ihe, , oa! APPROVED fhe puss § Novy i963 7 DF DATE fo Lsfef . a ret = psscin ? % nee wal! a 7 . . . i\ po. » Sateen aetna snpisewnstn Oracinncuonee d Ne 85 i i ratid f 7 eh \ OO i t {NW 550863. DocId: 32989540 55083. Docla: 32989540 Page 31
Memorandum gaithe, ise shi ornor: SAL ‘Form NO. io . : : . . . Tolson UNIvED STATES COVERNN)? Y . Cth ‘Ape cA loach Hy mnsh> yt gine a ‘eo Eypens TO: Mr. Belmonts S55 swe og DATE October 10, 1963 ee : Z-Autiivan 0 NTS. f, Tay vel . Trotter JUNE Tele. Reom ens Holmes « Sandy SUBJECT: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. , ae _ SECURITY MATTER - C Le | 4 i ot ae The Attorney General was contacted at his request this after - noon. He had before him our memorandum of October 7, 1963, requesting | authority for technical surveillances on Martin Luther King at his residence at Atlanta and at the office of the Southern Christian Leadership Conferen FKOM : C. A. Evans ce 2 of which he is president,at New York City. - a | bv ¢ ! The Attorney General said that he recognized the importance of . this coverage if substantial information is to be developed concerning the relationship between King and the Communist Party. He said there was no question in his mind as to the coverage in New York City but that he was worried about the security of an installation covering a residence in Atlanta, . Georgia. He noted that the last thing we could afford to have wouldbea- ? discovery of a wire tap on King's residence. - .o* aaT Ca rs I-pointed out to the Attorney General the fact that aresidence was involved did not necessarily mean there was any added risk because of ‘the technical nature of the telephone system. He was informed that the Bureau‘had had years of experience in this field and that we continually ¥ ; reviewed our-procedures to insure that every measure possible to secure such installations was taken, It was nevertheless noted that of necessity : we had to deal with established contacts in the telephone company to get the . * necessary leased lines, but once again we had procedures, % ynlohaniniggized ste the risks to the nth degree. Re; G. 29 aE \ - ween 7 tw 4063 ov '% 163 ree _ Ss After this discussion the Attorney General said he felt we ny: von é should go ahead with the technical coverage on King-orra trialbasis, and to _ continue it if productive results were forthcoming. He said he was certain rN that all Bureau representatives involved would recognize the delicacy of this <« | wh Bon wdagis SEY oe fm eA developed. regarding King" s communist connections. DONNY ¢ an i { ‘y" “ue cay nf paw gos et Yoo? ad FUL Ea eth Enclosure STHR TC Ee 1d, yllsy Aa te 2 ww rows" geque eat 4° 6 1 - Mr. Donohyes© proved in, response 10 0 en atte! 19 are 5 eauy ES 1943 1943" This coon is a ronn at wee, mye at be diseles< at Hap RTS at te 090 31 a * We é pa GEE “762 al of the Pv the * . HW 55063 Docld: 329399540 pine * ehor" 4 particular matter and would thus be even more cautious than ever in this oS ‘assignment. He asked to be kept advised of any pertinent information v" "% » As x . . Our apy - ol.'5 : ; . L= Mr. sullivan os Syl het + a spe i074 men
Memorandum to Mr. Belmont Our memorandum requesting authority for this surveillance was signed by the Attorney General and handed to me, It is attached. v @ : 4 ~, 7 £ « 9) p& nae fe. “ Yo f } nae rae jl? grr ea » f ANee of “yl 7 . “yr le st Lp A Bhp LED gh De RY per” ll? 9 EO Le LE Do t% Vv. HW 55083 DocId:32989540 Page—33
‘ & TONAL FORA NO. 10 7 1 ~ m 4 | Tolson TT:  ] . | csp mont —Y AV “Mohr — “UNITED STATES GOVERNM “Memorandum | cae A at Se ai TO +: Mr. Betmont(/! pare: October 21, 1963 eee. . Mivas C 9 Tavel FROM: C. A. Evans) JUNE W ( Tele: Reon O Gandy. SUBJECT: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. . at ; _ SECURITY MATTER - COMMUNIST i ven PO a” “ wo Ue COMMUNIST INFLUENCE IN } | ‘PA - RACIAL MATTERS f DV pha: t & | . (a (el} 2 The Aitorney General spoke to.mne with reference to pur i i 1, Rg memprandum of October 18, 1963, recommending a technical surveiilanze A 4 g { on the office of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference at Atlanta, a is. BEA; Georgia. It is noted that last week the Attorney General authorized ai S as similar coverage on the residence of Martin Luther King, Jr., President 8 a "| of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. a a 2 . : e Os i The Attorney General is apparently still vacillating in his Be poSition as to technical coverage on Martin Luther King and his organization, 4 3 i a. “Ht being recalled that he had initially suggested such coverage and then ae iss? changed his mind and felt it might be inadvisable. vy et ot ba The Attorney General said that he is still uncertain in his own mind about this coverage. I reminded him of our previous conversation, wherein he was assured that all possible would be done to insure the security fot this operation. The Attorney General advised that he was approving the _ a a x E oy, ay ot een . . £ Te 3 3 King's residence by evaluated at the end of 30 days in light of the results UNVECORDED CUPY Tunn dav .f is October 18, 1963, memorandum but asked that this coverage and that on x y ~# #secured so that the continuance of these surveillances could be determined » ts at that time. This will be done. mS a : ! N “ v . Set BY ‘The original of our October 18, 1963, memorandum was handed na ‘se Ato me by the Attorney General. It is attached hereto. odes “Sg HEN . yee? : Na)” SYinclosure er ors Be re i OF 3° at - ‘Mr. Sullivan ; By i de mL rade fe if ) ee, ee ; ae \ : 4 Mr. Donohue i aor nea Stead Xs | Pale Goyer. ‘oe | CAE; va d e: rencred espénsd Kort your request and is 7 for dissemi» Fe Oh Bit Me) vag Vane rom fond Half a “ob Its use ig Uenite! ta @ fii st for nas by | en? ~~ ney DUP NOD ad the comtont meu nok, be Cisclused to aagse horized person | R id a vtueed nel NOW: Bll anurovel of the ‘FEI . : ; i ran : , : 132989540 Page 34
OFFICE OF Aa =< o tl = bed oO =a S fod bt x = ang pons ol ate te area Rn te A (mr eA hi ee ay tte A A CE a A NCC AOR ARES RL rR ES a ee gp 132999540 Page 35 Doclda HW 55063
svat seammamspeains a : ORAL FORM NO. 10 : ‘ rand ” ‘over @ e* 2 ptem Ye i ro son ENT ‘ f “4, elment . UNITED STATES GOVER ” . £ . - 7 Mohr ————~ », Memorandum > SSeS pe onrad | \ . « Del.ooeh Ya — TO : MR, BELMONT pate: October 25, 1963 EE ad PRM Geron oor ~ 78 a —) FROM : Cc, A. EVANS HEREIN IS UNCLASSTREED er Teen oom va aleLo 2.1 ED Holmes suysct: COMMUNISM AND THE SPD S, A y he yo! Gp dyed NEGRO MOVEMENT The Attorney General telephoned at approximately 10: 15 a. m. te Fe Th ‘ . 238 He advised that he had tried to call the Director who was temporarily out of al ott & ¢x)the building. The Attorney General stated he had just learned that the Army, #1" =. a SS had received a copy of a report submitted to the Attorney General about the Git SE8 communist activities of Martin Luther King. . The Attorney General was refesring *” fs to the report captioned "Communism and the Negro Movement ~- A Current, “Tr oe EY BS Analyses, * dated October 16, 1963, There is no question this is the report: pre 4 < S to which he is referring, although he persisted on calling it the report on the ‘Sg communist background of Martin Luther King, he! an £°3 ow “hs ‘ ™ 8 fa The Attorney General said he would like to know what.other an ‘Ss 5 \dissémination was made of this report in addition to the Army and the purpose’ m mt wor such-dissemination. He was obviously irritated. He went on to ask if the 28 Army got copies of all reports submitted to him. I told the Attorney General that fe obviously the Army did not get copies of all reports we sent to him personally, ff Econ that there were hundreds of reports that did go to the Army that did not :,.concern matters of sufficient importance to warrant the Attorney General's personal = attention. I pointed out to him that we regularly submitted some type of reports o soi Be sin matters of current interest under our Internal Security jurisdiction, and that , ; _ | . dissemination of these summaries was made to the military authorities as well .- . +) " gas other top governmental officials because of responsibilities they have in this _ ‘“ Ni reconnection. tAp SOF Ms No. ce “kan vel -withous the eapnege sero, The Attorney General asked what responsibilities the Army had in ‘\\_ ° elation to the communist background of Martin Luther King. Itold the Attorney ; , eneral the report went beyond this and that the Army had an interest in communist . i] " Ayus gocumeut is gvcmered tn response ¢ to pour n Pequest and is i207 onteie' vor Comes yi itea, 3 SG s activities particularly in relation to racial matters because the military had to ben, a aS called on if civil disturbances arising out of such matters went beyond the ability ™s ~ “of the civilian authorities. REC- 27 So [LO n-3BAL ~S ¥. ai This explanation seemed to serve no purpose.’ The Attorney General =I said he still could not understand why we sent a report to the Army on King's pat’ communist activities. He reiterated his request for information as to the disseminays ; tion of the report in question and the purpose fOr it,  +e-ces munsssi smrrensan ~~ 1-Mr. Mohr 4 °’. 1- Mr. Sullivan qq Rov 8 1963 \ ere 1 ~ Mr. DeLoach - XExOX 1- Mr. Rosen (Cm 5 H CA -' NOV 8 1963 ag SEOs E: db / WE HW 55083 _ Doc CSo9s95a0 +, Page 36 Y at. \ UNRBECCRDED
Memorandum to Mr. Belmont, ' RE: COMMUNISM AND THE NEGRO MOVEMENT ACTION TO BE TAKEN: . We are getting together the facts regarding the dissemination of this report and the basis therefor which will be incorporated in a memorandum for the Attorney General. ° 7 f vves tab vt 2.94, ars dn. wo SI ( HW 55083 Docld:32969540 Page 37 ‘ vs
€ . “ ornonat rou No. 10° P ’ eh... ~ mg , oo ne ‘ . . m @ . Tolson +* URITES sTATEs GOV) . Belmont WZ Mo TO +; Mee Belmon¢\ DATE: 11-1-63° be bn ee Fa ‘Memorandum | : | fe FEMOR 16 7 a “ nie . ALD THPORMATION CONTATHED Trotter {U4 FROM: Cc. A, Evans HEREIN I By LASSIPIEQ Tote. Room DALE JO no BLS Paci Hel, Gandy supjecr: COMMUNIST INFLUENCE IN Baer race ee 2, THE NEGRO MOVEMENT. —— “A i. “ Cc: yr: 4h. C8 »Y 4, € ‘ Bes This document is prenured ass nation. outside vour Co hes bh MATER ras : Le of, | aw i/ t Assistané' Attorney General Marshall was contacted wi reference to the letter which had been drafted to Senator Russell for the AG's Signature. The undesirable language in this letter referring Oe sensitive FBI sources was discussed with Marshall. He said that he 3 could see our point but that since this was the AG's letter which had already been discussed with the President, he thought we _Should go up and see the AG about it. Be te for dissemt- tal proceedings by person unauthorized oan The AG read the letter with the proposed deletions and Seid he was not certain that it would accomplish the purpose, : He called the President and told him that I had come into his office with Burke 7} ph Marshall about the Letter and objected that it might result in the f ‘fp idisclosure of a very valuable Bureau source. He read the revised Letter to the President Who was not Satisfied, . The AG and Burk i: Marshall then redrafted the letter three times. AS each draft was — .2{completed, the AG telephoned the President and read the proposal _ to im. None of the drafted letters were apparently acceptable, afte the -onclusion of the last telephone conversation, the AG said the . iWresident had advised that an innocuous letter should be sent to - © Senator Russell which should be delivered by Assistant AG Marshall and - sme, At:the time the letter was delivered, Marshall was to furnish Sache Senator orally with the detaiied information as to the Department' s = fhontacts with Martin Luther King. I was merely to assure the: Senator. “fas to the sensitive position of our informant and the fact that Essar from this informant of a continuing nature was vital to ; ghe country's welfare. / i limited to offic e disclosed L29 b We BEE ea ww & (i rv response to your request and is not f*3 vg is my fee, J the car tone may 20 cer : After the AG left for Boston, apparently as a result of urther instructions from the President, it was decided Deputy sG : SKatzenbach would be substituted for Burke. Marshaljl as Katzenbach | knew = 8the Senator, An appointment with the..Senator’was- made for 5:00 P.N., ovember 1. =e ; 8. © wf . i ee . On arrival at Senator Russell's Office, he received us ordially. Katzenbach delivered the letter to him, thereafter, he orally explained the nature of the contacts which the Department had had with King. It was unnecessary for me to say anything other than pr fo confirm Katzenbach's statement about fhe Sensitiveness of our Soupee; fs Boll en - , ties ¢ 1 - Mr. Sullivan REC 27 [win — | 4 f ee: ” Ll - Mer ew rj/ amas wis AOS, 5. | pE ne Sdioach NOV 19 1963 HW S5OHR: ReeTag 79969540 / PhweLag’ 515 374 your Conwns”’ @ ar i & mm X Se ‘SOORRSR COPY FILED IN — we
a - - - a TT . . o " * t ~ é w + ' - % id ¥ 1 @ “ ws L . - . RE: COMMUNIST INFLUENCE IN THE NEGRO MOVEMENT Memorandum to Mr. Belmont | er | Senator Russell stated that he had/intended to cause an i issue over this matter. He pointed out that the "Atlanta wt Constitution," which he described as a newSpaper more liberal than the "Washington Post" and the "New York Times" together, had published an article stating that Hunter Pitts O'Dell to be a communist, The Senator related that he had written a letter to .the Director asking him about this. He said all he expected was that the Director just call him on the phone and discuss the matter. Instead, he received a letter from Mr. Hoover |} (ers Senator stressed that he received this letter immediately) ;in which Mr.’ Hoover said that he had referred this matter to the i | fAG, Russell went on to say that he waited and waited and did not I | lhefir anything from the Department, S=2=eerseert He then got a : little angry and dispatched a follow-up communication to the eG asking him whether the AG had severed relations with the ESAs Katzenbach apologized for the delay and ORD oie that at Ppveouny 7 | the Beng cor had good cause 3G, Pipi aera eed tet Sh orl \ Newt” - | y Alveraatye Yah ayn) Lar ind a oe ppcaiit: Wi wat a c GS - | Senator Russell\ ae A he nes not ico MANES | ‘ Imuther King himself was a communist, but thad obviously the Negro Movement was ready made for exploitation by the Communist Party. It was on this badis that he made inquiry to find out whether, in fact, O'Dell is a communist. He indicated complete satisfaction with the explanation given to him by Katzenbach and said he did not intend to make any speech on the Senate Floor about this. In leaving Senator Russell's Office, he was still ina very friendly mood and joked with Katzenbach about his TV performance in the confrontation with Governor Wallace at the University of Alabama, \ It would appear that if the AG had been more prompt in i handling Senator Russell's inquiry, this matter would not have i been magnified into proportions finally reached. | I a HW 55083 Docld:32969540. "Page 39
sat. MAY 1962 EDITION GSA GEN. REG. NO. 27 ; ; : ‘ f \ ; Cetin _ UNITED STAT a ‘(NMENT : €@ Cong “Betnon ¥- \ Mohr Memorandum a we ‘ett eit yvaas 2 Gate TO: Mr. Belwiont” | PATE: January 31, 1964 (hie . oé Taye o 7 eM RIS conrtnTHED . Trotter FROM : . TOKE saeron Tele. Room C. A, Evans) AEREII i TEN Bi bdegiyr Gant SUBJECT: TESTIMONY CONCERNING 0 Dont thine it ods MARTIN LUTHER KING BEFC2% THE an ss, re: HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE “a iy _— ,) a The Attorney General called and stated that during the course of his testimony yesterday on the Justice Department appropriation, he learned that there had been previous testimony before the Committee concerning the sub-~- versive affiliations of Martin Luther King. He said something was mentioned about a report having been withdrawn and he asked whether this had anything to do with the report he had discussed with the Bureau some ‘time ago. He wanted to know if there was anything on the record with regard to such testimony. After checking with Mr. Mohr, the Attorney General was informed that there was absolutely nothing on the record insofar as the Bureau was con- cerned in regard to this matter. It was pointed out that the House Subcommittee } had been concerned about some film which USIA was. going to distribute abroad, in which Martin Luther King played a particular part, and because of this the Director had been asked akout King's background. The comments in this regard, however, were.off the record, The Attorney General seemed completely satisfied with this, as he " | said just to forget he ever asked about it. \ i - Mr. Mohr A . vt ft = 1 - Mr. DeLoach ea EE ‘ 1 - Mr. Rosen Nemes CAE:vap [ je : r - . (~G70O — ma REC- 16 700 =f OC! [Os : ih ae aoe f sp D COPY Fi ses - wa 1964 3 J «a é: he 6 FEB @ 5 a 4 ce J we ao e7on4 03 HO “Oo / 1? g ’ ‘a f ¢ e . 4 aa This Gnere amen ot ts Prepared iar asronae ¢ ae, 2-1 { \: : ‘£ : CST ORNEC rev 1 ra: ‘eit sp Clones oo. Joo oe Jo pore geet wed 48 4 (3 Close, + | 4) 0” Fe Co ee Se exakent aeenys moe ne hea “a Bree. vets CG nol wort the gupress an: sroval of te an a losed to tad thorized 5 arson HW 55063 ,Docid: 32969540 Page 40 : = ip
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSLICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION WASHINGTON 25, D. CG. In Reply, Please Refer to FileNo. 1OQ«L06670 duly 28, 1963 csek p by HEYORANDUE FOR THE ATTORNEY GENER RES oar EVTHER KING, dR. ELOURETY MARTE = COB SORES? pncberg- on Mextin lather King, die, resides ay 663 Johnson 4venue, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia, ani is the Presidont o¢ the S#athorn Christian Leadership conzerence, avG AUDUPH “venue, \ . Atlanta, Georgia, He ig closely asseciated with otaniey ste Levison, a coucealed member of the Coawunis 3% Party, USA, ae 4 . .hevison has deseribed Ling as oneartod ! arxist 9 - (a ; . 3 : oe gt who has studied liavxism, believes in it, agrees with ae * TETEUEEOE Te -hekenmchoter of PerEgIOn OGs ne t “ fe we ge eee o¥ Pursuant to your vequcst that in view of the possible communist ingiuonce in the vacant situation con~ to placing «= technicnl surveillance on sideration be given ragquested that authority be granted to place a ~ his evrrent residence or King, it is Et 2s xurther technical survelllance on ding 2 at any future addcess to which ho may move, requested that authorit by Be granced | ta place @ technical suvveillance on the Southern Christian Leadership Couserence of which King is President or at any future address to which it may be moved, Respectivuily , 4, 2 Peer d on hdges Hoover Director i -  ABBD nOVED PATTON vA r secu x POPC ESE AL MEE IRD 4 EITY. Th TG 2 ‘ DATS Sul Neck ra) ) Ceimineg Sanctiong HW 55063 Docld:329899540 Page 41
suger o UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDZRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION In Reply, Please Refer to WASHINGTON 25, D. C. File No. 100~106670 July 23, 1963 3 apes ” MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL = } Pa RE: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR, a SECURITY MATTER - COMMUNIST Ss Martin Luther King, Jr., resides at 563 Johnson , Avenue, N,E., Atlanta, Georgia, and is the President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, 330 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia. He is ciosely associnted with Stanley ltE Levison, a concealed member of the Communist Party, USA. 1g &4 Levison has described King as being a whoiehearted Marxist © lege? : who has studied Marxisn, believes,..LNedéigwiErees™vELtN it , ca parte t put heCause"Of “HIS helnea-ninistermdierebhigton=dces=not Fs" dare to espouse it publicly. ~. possible communist influence in the racial: situation con- Sideration be given to placing a technicai surveillance on King, it is requested that authority be granted to piace a technical surveillance on King at his current residence or at any future address to which he may move, It is further requested that authority be granted to place a technical surveillance on the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of which King is President or at any future address to which Pursuant to your reouest that in view of the it may be moved, < Respectfully, | ; A Deegan | a + J¢hn Edgax\ Hoover | f { Director | A - % V4 . f (- i “GOPROVED NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION + _—_—_——— Unauthorized Disclosure : a 3 DATE Subject to Criminal Sanctions i i {he ? f es GROUP Y | y, Excluded from Sutomatic downgradif declassif . , ; fo" ff Vy : Pe ere «eee me ENCLOSURE /*° 3__Docld:32969540 Page 42
oPnhHar fon HO. 10 + ~ . 6 . Tolson UNETEG STATES oovernais nT te Belmont “4 ‘ . Casper ~ Mentorandum 4 he el . DeLoach Evans - TO Mr. Belpion ” DATE: me 25, 1963 ’ aaa » Sullivan ; He fees FROM : ee JUNE Tole. Room ava coor — lolmes \ . Gandy 6. 7 _ a fa j It , (SUBJECT: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. Be a . \ r & a} W bow . HW 55063 en, Mt vie oe" The Attorney General orally informed me today that hé (1. been considering the request he made on July 16, 1963, for a technical surveil- lance on Martin Luther King at his home and office and was now of the opinion that this would be ill advised. : et is At the time the Attorney General initially asked for sucha = surveillance, he was told there was consideratle doubt that the e productivity of the surveillance would be worth the risk because King 25 travels most of the time and that there might be serious repercussions ~E g should it ever become known the Government had instituted this coverage. xa 3 These were the very thoughts that the Attorney General expressed today E =o) in withdrawing his request. ae ES With reference to the other technical surveillance requested at the same time, namely, the one on Clarence Benjamin Jones, the Attorney General felt this was ina different category and we should go forward with this coverage. It is noted that this was previously approved KY in writing by the Attorney General. The memorandum we sent to the Attorney General on July 23, 1963, requesting authority for the King surveillance has been netrieved and is attached. L- ACTION ‘ro BE TAKEN: ~ : SMe will take no further action to effect technical coverage on Martin Luther King, either at his home or at his office at the Southern ; Christian. .Leadership Conference, in the absence of a further request “an frotmethe Attorney General. aes ; Enclosure -t ‘ . . . ad tal + 1 - Mr. Sullivan 7 “PAS, ames mare of Bi 1 + Mr. Rosen sie AUG 6 1963 OL CAE: vap th Hatter net prepared in Téinerse to Ueeeadegauest a aye oi Wbr4 for. dissenui- » (8) Ww CL Ook ete Te sony Conn! ites, Tis wae ta 95 cial procecdings by . AAgAC a “ey a Ocs.. ise and the earient paee cast bx Cisel ‘oscd io unestiorized person- incl withoit the expres 8 approval of the FSI, Docld:32989540 Page 45
j HW 55063 Docld:329899540 Page 44 Ls OFRIe=tr <r THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BT jor “ LE eae “SO: f | f ‘ ENCLOSURE