- oe > + RS nye #4 >. . . ¢ ’ od wv “on oo Constitution State News Editor (Copyright, 1963, by the Atlanta Constitution) A 39-year-old Negro, who has. , been identified as a district orga- inizer for the Communist Party, {USA, is now director of the New York Office of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Southern Christian Leadership Confersiice. He is Jack H. “O'Dell, who re- sides at 488 St. Nicholas Ave., New York City. Dr. King said on Oct. 31, 1962 that O'Dell had resigned from SGLC. He said again on Dec. if that O'Dell was no longer wilfi SULC. And one of Dr. Kingis ‘chy aides told the Constitution on sly 18, 1963 that O’Dell was no longer with SCLC. O'Dell, who works in the New, *York SCLC office at 312 W. 125th | Street, has in recent months been; engaged in fund-raising activities and mailing literature for Dr. King’s organization. Once in December, 1962, and on three occasions in January, 1963, O’Dell registered at the Waluhaje apartments in Atlanta as a repre- sentative of SCLC. ‘in January 1963, O'Dell, tn King and other officials of SCLC flew together to Savannah ona Delta Air Lines plane. d i O’Dell’s expenses. for at least j one of his trips to Atlanta were | paid by SCLC. Among those working out of the | SCLC office in New York is Ben- ijamin Van Clarke, 19, executive secretary of the Chatham County Crusade for Voters and a leader of recent massive night street demonstrations in Savannah. Dr. King announced O’Dell's resignation last fall after news stories appeared in the St. Louis Globe- Democrat and the New By BILL SHIPP 4 | be King said at the time of "Dell had worked briefly anjl temporarily as a technician in SCLC voter registration projects, but “ceased functioning ‘there long before this publicity appeared.” King denied that O'Dell had served as southeastern director af SCLC, “He has never had any adminis- ‘trative post in SCLC,” King said. - O'Dell, born in Detroit, was iden- tified with the Communist Party s late as 1958, O’Den, who also is known fas unter Pitts O’Dell, has ben thentified by Robert Morris, cou self for the internal securities silp- _committee of the U.S. Senate, as an organizer for the Communist Party, U.S.A. in the New Or- leans, La., area. At the time he was an organiz- _ér, O’Dell” was employed as a ° wth eS a gimeR ES re Jena Page 145 waiter in New Orleans. O’Dell also has been identified as a member of the National Commit- | tee of the Community Party, U.S.A. Morris said that O'Dell also; has given directions for Commu- nist activities under the names, John Vesey and Ben Jones. He attended SCLC’s civil rights’ school at Dorchester Center in Liberty County in 1962. que SCLC “Citizenship Wor! f bpok,” used at the SCLC schoo! 4 Dorchester, lists J. H. O’Del’ nent Nov,,20, 1961, announcing! that Jack O’Dell of SCLC would ‘address aveivil rights conference. O’Dell did not show up for the meeting. In July 1958, O'Dell was called to testify before the House Com- mittee on Un-American Activities which was then convened in At- , lanta. ; ENCLOSURE a= pouusliabasiogeeean AEEeO (0 netime Communist Orga nize ev. King’s g Or fie ce ve NY ” 250 | ithe committee, displayed a Com-, ties by SCLC. ,that he was a Communist,” the} ‘inent.” ‘that he had severed all ties with .1962 at which Dr. King was the, if aisle were os -ee - Dell was identified by a ¢ io mittee counsel at the hearing “as ‘dedicated zealot” to the Com- munist cause. At that time, O'Dell gave his employment as an insurance ; agent in Montgomery, Ala. His” name was listed as Hunier Pitts O'Dell. | At the hearing, O’Dell contended “all the immunity the Constitu- tion gives me as a Negro -the First and Fifth amendments and any others” in refusing tu say whether he was a Communist. ! Richard Arens, chief counsel for [anist plan for activities in thy ie for the years 1955 an ‘ sia staff consultant on the Votey; Education Project. i" he Rev. Andrew Young, ad-' ministrator of the SCLC school at Dorchester, said O’Dell re- signed from SCLC last fall, pend- ing an investigation of his activi- “Nothing was found to indicate Rev. ‘Mr. Young said. “But the! resignation was made perma- The SCLC is a tax-exempt or- ganization under Georgia and fed- eral tax regulations. O’Dell said in January of 1942 the Communist Party. O’Dell was an organizer cf a “Freedom Rally” in Macon in, announced speaker. + {he National Guardian, a leftist niwspaper, carried an advertis(- 1156. He said the plan was takdh fiom the premises oecunied ity Dell in New Orleans. , Arens also said O'Dell wes ien- tified in 1957 as the “top man” in Louisiana comimunism since 190 and as a tormer seam: lwho had been expeiied frum the , 1Clo ational Martime Union tur
OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 MAY 1962 EDITION . $010-106 ~ wt _ Kah 7 BSA GEN, REG. NO, y a 2 ele ak FO “UNITED STATES GUMBRNMENT MOLL ices ‘ Casper ———__—___— l , tlahan ——_—— 9 Memorandum “yb\oo. Speented SEIe= vans —————-———— Gale ct ——— To: Myr. W. C, Suliivanv’ “pf DATE: July 30, 1963 Rosen —— ee 3 ulliva l-Mr. Belmont Mw Ds reve! Trotter 1l-Mx. Mohr “) : Tele. Room FROM : Mr. F. J. Baum a: 1-Mr. DeLoach Holmes —__——— y vi ee 1-Mr. Evans _ Gandy . ; 1-Mr. Sullivan A SUBJECT: HUNTER PITTS OtDELL vue Malmfeldt INTERNAL SECURITY - C ~Mr. Brennan 43 INTERNAL SECURITY ACT OF 1950 j<NMzx. patmeardne Awe oH pig . . 1-Mr. Bland ee” ? 1-Mr. Ryan “A fipowenl By letter to the Director dated July 27, 1963, Senator oy Richard B. Russell referred to an articl« in the Atlanta, Georgia,,. 4 4 qv, "Constitution" of July 25, 1963, entitled "Onetime Communist oy Organizer Heads Rev, King! s Office in N.Y." This article concerned a Hunter Pitts O'Dell and identifies him as Dixector of the New York | ALAS Office of King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). HS. $3 a _ The article further states that O'Dell was District Organizer and | $889 a member of the National Committee of the Communist Party, USA rar a Senator Russell requested advice as to whether the fe Ie SER information contained in this article is correct according to FBI SER records afiel whether this information was available to the Director ss, Y when the At toxhey General was advised that "...in your (the Director*s) opifiion there was no communist connection with the Southern_Christian Leadership Conference which is headed by A 5 cond a g880.L0hg hoa-g44 pax, Is 23" Dr. Max tim Luther King." ‘” sap > a a . | m The ‘{nformation in the article in the Atlanta, Georgia, sexs "Constitution": is substantially correct. The Bureau cannot, howeverys gs support=the. statement that O'Dell is currently in charge of the s° § New York Office of the SCLC although in October, 1961, he claimed wes to be in charge of the office and as late as July 24, 1963, was Sa¥§ conducting business on behalf of the SCLC, However, a telephone " $83 call to, the SCLC office in New York City on July 30, 1963, resulted & &'8 in the Beceipt of information from an unidentified female employee Saeed that Hunter Pitts O'Dell was no longer employed by the SCLC, WE fis o/g REC 58 we YYL—- AZ Pg Bs, i gy We have previously furnished the Department copies of 8 8G our investigative repoxts setting out the background and communist Sx & affiliation of OfDell and his connection with the SCLC and with 3.35 Rev. ‘Martin Luther -Kitig. .UBy! ‘Separate communications to the 8 § s Attorney General, the latest dated July 17, 21963, we have kept n3 SS. | the. ‘Attorney General a Mie gd of th continuing relationship of ats i Hunter Pitts O'¥8213widl inighan the “SCLC, tenn me ane a Q' CESS, Merge PR -E3o & 4 AUG 7% lwvse, At #08:358916 _ age + (goal) ai s Ne PBR; DRrercz pw wy q- sah 11) i § Pees SOLO APES OVAn NOR BPN athe an EOC Lena: Puge 146 HW: 55074 Dold: 32989531 Oe eee
, MW 55074 Memorandum to Mr. Sullivan RE: HUNTER PITTS O'DELL 100358916 Although we could, of course, respond directly to Senator Russell's inquiry, such action could well result in the Director's ,being subpoenaed. We believe the Senator's communication should be handled by referring it to the Attorney General for his Paes We have followed this procedure in connection with prior correspondence from members of Congress regarding possible communist activity in the current racial situation. In the transmittal letter to the Attorney General, we are pointing out that the Bureau has submitted investigative reports regarding O'Dell to the Department of Justice and that by letter dated July 17, 1863, and in prior communications: directed to him, we have furnished the highlights and pertinent information regarding » OfDell's Communist Party affiliation and his connections with ..... King and the SCLC, We are also directing a short note to Senator Russell acknowledging receipt of his communication and advising that, in : . : . ; Zine with Department policy, his letter has been transmitted to the Attorney General for appropriate consideration. RECOMMENDATION 3 That the enclosed letters be transmitted. DoclTd: 32989531 Page i147 Le ee
SSC LETTER 10-G6~75 ITEM 8 C pe a di i | MW 55074 Doold:32989531 Page 146 J —
fe an & 4. ’ 3 “omy mca: io: 0 5 : =F _ UNITED STATES GOVERNMMRT ‘@ ake - ‘ lohr Cc Memorandum , he, . | sone EZ Eygns L TO + Mr. Belmon(1}o¥ DATE: — Aupust 1, 1963 Lee Sulliva nn norman ere rem perteter ery rene i a IETS, Tavel , Ti FROM : C, A, pring — oimes - Gandy ~ fo GHC Peete ain nt! BL supject: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JRL bev fe SECURITY MATTER - C : oya-0e- ir se pe Alm bee The Attorney General asked me to see him this morning. On being ‘contacted he handed me a copy of the report in captioned matter prepared by Special Agent Daniel J, Quigley at New York dated July 22, 1963, classified secret, which had been transmitted to the Records Administration Office of the Department by Form 0-6 dated July 29, 1963. ee Re ee Titec ) Gitervind ° ab" The Attorney Gen ral read the synopsis of the report. whichis: "Subject “described as a confirmed, Marxist.-.Leninist.as.cfi June, 1963... Information con- cerning subject's association during 1962, and 1963, with Stanley Levison and Hunter Pitts O'Dell, described as CP members set forth. ™ The Attorney General also referred to the statement on page two of the report under the heading "Evidence of Communist Party Sympathies; Martin Luther King, Jr. has been described as confirmed Marxist - Leninist. (NY yy oH June, 1963. yt fad a aes ; “The Attorney Genéral stated that if this report got up to the Hill at | t his time, he,would be impeached. He noted that if this report got out, it £ would ake wel be allesed the ‘FBI said King was a confirmed. Marxist-—heninisteaslateas AS ep - { June, 1968. - ‘The Attorney General went on to say that the report had been reviewed “in-detail py” Assistant Attorney General Burke Marshall who had told him there / | wasn't" ahything. new here concerning King's alleged communist sympathies but that it was the timing of the report and its possible misuse which concerned him. . The Attorney*General went on to say that he didn't feel he could fully trust every - “Ne, one in the Internal Security Division of the Department. | I pointed out to the Attorney General that first of all this report was | classified secret and was just a summary report to bring our files and that of the Department's up to date. He said that while this was undoubtedly true, the sub- mission of the report at this time in this form ae definite hazards. He a Me, ce SF poe 670 OBL. | ‘. RK AYOLOSURM, “ | wa CAE:pew.; ‘ (7) vy ih Ho PNG ra H i , L - Mr. Mohr (2 4 ot a Pests on as ao iv ay Mr. DeLoach ma re re ms a 1 - Ms. mee a 6 gels yout \G tise and the use ts lim ited BD a2 ff mp content may aut b tat proceedings by 79 mk As nie the express approval: of the Pere dilied to unauthorized nerson. NW S5074 DBoocid? ysvrPaqetto~ att <PGp i reemonienig 1998 meques sh aah fo dissemi~
% ‘ & Mr. Belmont - Mr. Mohr + Mr. DeLoa The Attorney General - 2 Mr. DeLoagh oust 2, 1963 (é um |OO- IO bb 70. “lo ~ Mr. Sullivan ; = Mr. Bland uh .* er Director, FBI - Mr. Forsyth fora Jed foot fored foe a rod ' MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. aOR ® - GHCURTTY HATTER - ¢ *¥ Se-2 purle(e - Ww RACIAL MATTERS VR OO ; Reference is made te your conversation with Assistant Director Courtney A. Evans of this Bureau on August 2, 1963. : sInsopsiq: pezlzoyyneuy, NOLLVNUOANI ALIMNOGS TVNOILVN 7 as Sugy 32 for your information ene copy of a report dated July 22, 1963, concerning captioned . individual, SUOT}OUBG [CUIWIID 0% qootqng This report contains information to the effect that Martin Luther King, Jr., was described as a ‘confirmed Marxist-Leninist _as_of june, 1963, This description ov Kine as a confirmed Marxist-Leninist was made by one man aad Oe Stan ley LEVITS0n, “a New York ai “wttor ney anda businessman 20. "ist.tiha & secret: menber-oF the Conus. Part Ly and @ cicse lose assoerete; tab of King. He made the statement twice, FY) First— air 62~and— again | in 1963. 6 mt in this connection, your attention is invited to Ay” my letter of February 14, 1962) in captioned matter and to wi ny letter of July 17, 1963, captioned "Reauest From Senator Monreney Concerning current Racial Agitation," both of which 7 ‘ contain information to the effect that/Levison has characterized Ss King as ¢ “who lehearted§. ald st whowhaS=STureG- Merete yet believes” in fit bet EnCana wpubhiclmespeusenitebecasse-0F"h!s position.\” et ~» ee st iach ce ; view of the highly sensitive coeition held. by the Suformant. Enghp pyre Pe , ~ hep Als ee NOpiae 100- 1066% bing © fue of LB Batson 7H tye, | | Mohr ——__. BEG, yf OM: - Dyn . 23 ai Casper "Sy a? ! Wey ~ 2, Callahan . qu ie 1964, pore NOTEas, See memo Rland to Siiivan dated august ; ay captioned "Martin, L* ‘ther King, Stine Security flatter Cc," DeLoech Evens Gale ——__--_ mo . p Rosen Wi we Se TDt yea. ET $ way wey f Sullivan mae i 3 . vse i. Tavel A JJ ‘ Excluded from sutomatie “je Trotter me SS . | downsra ff 1d Tele. Roo = “(3) oes) \ 2OWNO LE . Holmes SD ~. Lerlas al Holmes RED dort ) TELETYPE uNtTt— semen treme NW 55074 ‘Docld:32989531", Page 151 - - 7
$010-106 | . 7 ®@ : r ) . feo ly . A . GSA,O34, REG. Nb, 27 . son - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT ag oa car Chie _ x Lyte ' atid Casper " woe mn CallahGn____ Memorandum PO \yqr00 | Spon eae pee Gale TO * Mr. Wl OC, sulfa DATE: August 1, 1963 es Trotter A 1 ~ Mr. Belmont Tele. Room FROM: Mr, J. FL B a 1 - Mr. Mohr Holmes - 1 - Mr. DeLoach a RE- SUBJECT: 1 - Mr. Evans Then r ~ Mr. Blan 1 - Mr. Forsyth We “0 ih Reference is made to memorandum Mr. Evans to Mr! einahe dated August-:1, 1963, captioned as above (attached) setting forth the results of a conversation between Mr. Evans and the Attornev General concerning a statement in a report furnished the Department he on King to the effect that King was described AS mA ont Limed awe Marxist-Leninist. as, of—June.,.. 1963... ae sae oe Pr bet end ae The Attorney General asked that the report be resubmitted to him with a cover memorandum setting forth the exact evidence available to support the statement that King had been described as a confirmed Marxist-Leninist as of June, 1963. ——nenecameeet ETT eae CL a pe 7 “3 se \ a whe s source ‘of. tha information is the highly placed info rma & rris CPUSA “Resetme gs i=) 04? ULULO 720 Una NY_694-S*, who, in a discussion with Lement Ha “functionary, on June 12, 1963""Was iapereea by Harris that~Stanley a F a “oy Levison “had personally: “congratulated-King“on his “Handling of a & 88 i mal particular inciei—andin—odn GASOMST ALMA VOUS ae. sFSs OO real est=heninésts This is how a true Marxist-Leninist; acts, 8. 2° t“ Because of the highly sensitive ‘position held by the informant, S388 TES ts this information was paraphrased in the report of July 22, 1963 in order to protect his identity. 37: [f 8S ss 8 ; The above is not new information. [n a letter to.the Sg se ‘«Attorne General dated February 14, 1962, we reported that Eevisms $ had. char f das b $ 'y ha _characterized King as "a whole hearted Marxist" and as being . 8 so , individual, Wwho.has..studied..Maxxbsm~and-believes in it But-eannotes mS iy A “espouse it because of his, position. Similar information was ere: Gee the Attorney General by letter dated July 17, 19635 it® SBS ane cqnnection with a request from Senator Monroney (D- Oklahoma) | . sea Nf SES of f 3 Pasojes 28anboL gugenhing current racial agitation. . paso g2 ACTION: ar 429 $s. Lite + hyo jor a y C -t Ta accordance »with the “attorney General's request, thene, S : is attached a letter containing as an enclosure a copy of the ss report of dehy 22153 p1963 « ., In the letter we are pointing out c: / “8 Se At stg << Enc. ee . «& MOO - (0 66/0.— hn SSS 100106670 nan AN 4m sss | S97 po SEP 120 1983 3S TDR/nea gy Va a8 8 N 9 (8) Ae < —— — Sok NW 55074 poeta: S2589531 Page 152 I. eR ¢ FRE aE RRL REET! de ORCUTT TRY BP CR RIE SA ATYON OT KY memet ere wen mene erpaptinn nnn I0As) mpnnadntamnnmbeny Ae evs AADH NALD ORR UT CONTA See 2 ‘ ae nek ca eee ee eee tne a eer arurenine A aennennns eyrecemns meme ages
Memorandum for Mr. Sullivan MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. RE: 100-106670 ere ee f ans pth CPs (fit the source of the description of King-as-a-confiixmdd 1 Marxist-Leninist, namely Stanley Levison, a@-Sécret member of the Communist Party and a close associate of King. [In addition, we are drawing his attention to the fact that similar information was made available to him in the lettersof February 14, 1962, and July 17, 1963, mentioned-above. It is believed that this letter and its enclosure \ should be personally delivered to the Attorney General by Mr. Evans.; axuehene ese yan Coen pent  & a NW 35074 Doold: 32999531 Page i155
FD-263 (Rev. 51-50)“ =EDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION - C0’ er “PIT ap OFFICE OF ORIGIN: “* *“f\+floaAteEld th, REPORTING OFFICE INVESTIGATIVE PERIOD wee siestemns emretamnes onennerinena rename, sete a A SERTLLEE TTD D NEW YORK ATLANTA 7/22/63 | 5/7-7/12/63 TITLE OF CASE “| REPORT MADE BY ~~ TYPED BY : DANIEL J, QUIGLEY mbo f 4 Li « MARTIN LUTHER KING) JR. CHARACTER OF CASE oO | Lo Ss . 4 : SECURITY MATTER-C | i ESes | 8 33" ‘ ay Report of SA ROBERT R, NICHOLS at At lanta, LSos “any a ‘ead 5/3/63. eS 8 Keg Report of SA JOHN J. ELLIOT at New Yori, Sezy b\ a, ne ated 4/13/62, Saw ry Bulet to New York, 5/1/62. @ S38 : ggsf a i & oS8o " NI ShSS = » ADMINISTRATIVE: Se 8 é a ren’ SsRs | ¢ This. report is classified "Secret" since informatioré 5 furnished by NY T-1 could reasonably result in the eQee identification of this source, and thus impair the future § ote t effectiveness thereof, which impairment would have an Rass * Ba adverse effect upon the national defense of the United * S35 Jf =N\ States. S29 f 3 Sas : 4 Sg _APPROVED See ARGENT =. 2g 2 COPIES MADE: CBeBureau (100-106670) (RM) - 3eAtlanta (100-5586) Sa l-New York. (100-136585) COPIES HESTROTED SesxarR a= DISSEMINATION RECORD OF ATTACHED REPORT 10: ) Sennen So gle aha htt a ented Dee as ee ee ae - V Ub ; na ny PRINTING OfgtCE ™e 1 107, 7632¢-1 an “62 Je BDoocld: 32989532 _ Page 154 UN : ii ANE i '
NY 100-136585 The following information is being revorted under the administrative data inasmuch as by its | sath nature, said information tends to identify NY 694- Say f a valuable informant, as the source, Unless this - ade: -_ information is obtained from a source other than NY 65k ZS* it is not to be included, even in paraphrased form, - in the invéstigative section of a report: a. “sew On 6/13/63, ie Boifese furnished the following _ information to SA ALEXANDER C. BURLINSON: ; . 63, LEMENT HARRIS, cp, [usa Reserve bay (v) told NY 694=S¥-¢ that in a recent” meéting isons the latter furnish nea itin ‘thé folleying information: ay Q functionary ‘ { { } {ve on The LEVISONS , part ticularly STANLEY, are still MARTIN LUSHER KING's ‘brain trust "-+-now mére than ever before, ut This is so espite..cthe~fact~that ata. es eying of STANLEY Agi (CLEVISON ;~ ROY SVISON, HUNTER PITTS 0! DELL, MARTIN LUTHE fR cans aoe KING and "theNattorney General's cher assistant," the 4 a Attorney General's assistant, pointing to the LEVISONs “i! i. 7 and HUNTER PI?DTs 'DELL, stated 40 } MARTIN LUTHER KING, a "These men are Party menberas jften out for them," ir MARTIN LUTHBR KIN@ did not “bat an eyelash" *. wpon hearing the’ AssiStant Attorney General's remark, i and after the latter lefinthe meeting, those in the group | smided~at-éeach™o other 7 SUnMIgY “TEV ISON said to KING, at this time, "I congratulatéyyou on the way you acted regarding this warping. You aPe a real Marxist-Leninist. ‘ .This is how a true Marxist- Lenin’st acts." | : i Namen eneenitreanin a SEES Everything that KING does Ma first discusses with STANLEY LEVISON and he accepts LEVESON's advice wholehearbédty. ~ Icih NG also” ‘Wholéhesrvedtyraccepts. the / advice of HUNTER PITTS O'DELL as regards matgers “within the lptter's local 1 Jurnisdichi ons. msm a cosnervne ie Nae es of - ; oo -~B- COVER PAGE ‘MW 55074 ; Doeld: 329895316 Page 155 ' yee a) ‘ ‘| wie oT ‘4
{ NY 100-136585 . at fey, : as Pha ; wr ¢ MARTIN LUTHER KING was asked by a group of newspaper reporters whether he takes orders from "the Communists," and also, whetner he took "orders from “ STANLEY LEVISON." KING's response was that he took orders only from God, By reason of the fact that the LEVISONs feel that the Party has done little, if anything, to assist the fight for civil rights for Negroes, and further, since they fee. that the Party, as a result of this “do nothing" attitude, has lost prestige, they will no longer permit the Party to dominate or control their activities in the MARTIN LUTHER KING movement. They are severing themselves financially and in a disciplinary way, from the Party, The LEVISONs and O'DELL are still Party members but” do not desire to be openly "linked up" with the Party. Although they are "disenchanted" with the Party, they aré-not quitting the Party. With respect to the MARTIN LUTHER KING movement, they will act on their own initiative and will not accept instructions from the Party. LEM HARRIS then advised that the Party, however, ~Stillaonrdnit GLOmCOGLO Lab HO--MARTIN<LUTHER, KING 7 movement . BEN DAVES -has:-been -assigned- to~be "liaison.or. intermediary" th the LEVISONs .and. -HUNTER“PEPPS+O1DELL,.- Whether” or not - dthe LEVISONs...and.. O' DEL wiLLomaintain,dieison regarding -- matters concerning the. MARTIN LUTHER. KING movetient is. a”... matter. for-them. #6". decide. ——In.- VLCVAA LEY ISON! 'S.. statement with respect. to. advising. MARTIN TUTHERS KING indépendentiy. of Party-ifistructions, it would séen. that DAVES” “may” not, have any success in maintaining ilaison with. ‘the LEVESONs and _ HUNTER. PITTS.-O!'DELE. “THE LEVISONs and. :0'DELL are aware oF the fact that. BEN DAVIS has been given this assignment by the Party. Soe seers ae oe ene Te pany ahepee owen Fae retire seamen mma eg ree ote Comey oe wee 8 ~C-= ‘COVER PAGE MW_55074  DocId: 32989531, Page 156 ol tat or fee ;
Parry rap NY 100-136585 r me Gein D ye MARTIN LUTHER KING, according to LEM HARRIS, i is referred to by such top Parey"Tanctsonaries, as GUS HALL, ;) - BEN-DAVIS3“TIMIACKSON ata CLACLESTICHTFOOT“as—an/tmue , wy 7) genuine, Harxrst= ‘Teninist from the top oT “antesstead~bon the tips uw his toes," . In-the pars tien repory is (Schat MARTIN ae t. LUTHER ‘KING, is. following. 2 2 Mam st-Leni nist’ tines ; “ SSE SS aa onetNos-« . ty aes a ode gus ie Solas advised that he asked LEM HARRIS whether yé 7 or not, toOtheskatter'’s“KnoviLedge, MARTIN LUTHER ™KENG=-tWa Ss / @ - a member of the CP, .USA-waediMeHARRIS replied that he did .” not 5 knows” . ren Ee, 694-Ska0uised that on that : date GU. ALL, me GGneradmSecret arya PaaS: ApmeStAaced vue HUNTER PITTS O'DSLL is still representing the CP,USA and _that_be <Ls-~stadlior" the Wat lonal Comm: coeeSCPSUSA, HALL. further remarked: SERS ES OUDEES See Ts aaa ecu: st" for "TUTHER KING". ,and is doingan..excellent job. oe ie ee ae’ Minette i ee ee Ne RT roma Bee EM EE “INFORMANTS: ' Tdentity of Source File Number Where Located NY Bo oa. NY. 69 —a : es ES Pie AT G3 s-90918-4T 1@Y) ) NY 3780- -S Wn pang ch aracterization of BEN DAVIS. iy NY T-4 NY T-5 . NY 3580-S*¥ [Rie il ~ ww 36 Sx cule ; NY 3810- | . — . . -D- , COVER PAGE nN 1 ‘ ™ t | | 2 _ | HW 35074 Doocld: 329599531 «Page 157 —¢ . i { t t f whee . Ce ee re ne ene are dindenen enn mend canst: akieakseeialh din Aa ek Ln. dd raaenasane hahaa
7 ra HW 35074 Doold: 32969531 Page ‘ “a, ree fn vary ‘ . - NY 100-136585 4 ¥ identity of Source . = - File Number Where Located NY T-7 SO, ce ALBERT BROUIN.. in ULC ' Chairmans.sColumpia Con F sou * c ‘acterization of CLARENCE JONES, . mere a _ (per request) _ eooeaememeommnnehia “NY 3-8 EDWARD MORAN Assistant Clevk- see “Appellate Drvision lt First Department” NYS SUD Rem eenCourt. Madi-son=avessand 25th Street, “xvoo (per request) ; charac cerization of CLARENCE JONES. The following sources were contacted in May and June, 1963, and had no information concerning the ‘ subject not previously reported: Ko . -~ EX ~ COVER PAGE
FD-204 (Rev. 3-3-59)* “ane . UN:.ED STATES DEPARTMENT OF s STICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Copy to: Report oft DANIEL J. QUIGLEY Office: New Yorl:, New York Date: 7 [22 6 3 Field Office File #: 100-1 30505 Bureau File #: 100~10667/0 Title: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. Character SECURITY MATTER-C ) . re ep OPGATAR UE Cee Fl Afols Synopsis: Subject describe acd 2 “é ME wife ed Mé aif ist-Lenini Eee ot Inne, 1963. intormacviron concerning Subject-s association during T9oe, and i963, with STANLEY LEVISON and HUNTER PITTs BD‘ DELL describea as CP memvers set fortn. - RUC - Deg pssirien ty OS em B/Goe_ i i, N ha NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION ‘ Lv oy M) Unauthorized Disclosure | . » Subject to Criminal Sanctiong This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. MW 55074 Doocld:32989531 Page 159 7 ep
NY 100-136585 DETAILS: AFFILIATION WITH THE COMMUNIST MOVEMENT Aw Evidence of Communist Party Sympathies we x —-MARTINLUDHER-KiNGyedRehasebeenadescriped Wo wis 8 confirmed Mem SteLeni DLs ppc j CE OPE ses ere SO NSHTUE GREE GMA A { v if a ‘ : * Ow . Q /*. Bs_Support of the Communist party (CP) On May 17, 1963, BEN DAVIS wrote a letter to Reverend MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. stating that he completely supports his work, and that he (DAVIS) and his co-workers are 100% for him, DAVIS hopes they can "get together" when KING comes to New York ‘ ded os & 7) ® NY T+2 : ‘. - May 17, 1963 BENJAMIN J. DAVIS 3 BENJAMIN J, DAVIS on May 6, 1962, stated he is National Secretary of the Communist Party, United States of America (CP, USA). NY T-3 Mey 7, 1962 C,. CP Associates f 1. STANLEY LEVISON - A As of February, 1963, STANLEY LEVISON contributed funds to the CP, USA on a was a secret member of the CP, USA and regular basis, ~~ 2. NW 55074 Doold: 32989531 Page 160 a
. a NY 100-136585 ve . : “. NY Tel _ cy 7 February, 1963 4 On March 22, 1962, STANLEY LEVISON stated that MARTIN called him early yesterday morning befor ~ he went to church and told LEVISON that "COBERTA" } had . been invited to go to Geneva by the Women's. Strike ' ° for Peace Convention, KING stated that Mrs. CYRUS EATON would be going with the delegation of about 30 women, most of whom are housewives. LEVISON indicated that KING was concerned~ with idea that the “Communist label wonld be pinned on us," but on the other hand he desired to do everything possible on the question of making evidence of friendship towards the Soviet Union. Om a - NY Tt , . ee ee veoh 26, 1962 a On June 11, 1962, MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. visited the office of STANLEY LEVISON 6 East 390¢h Street, New York City. LEVISON at this time told KING that he was ‘© glad that KING had followed his advice in calling off The 2 planned sit-in demonstration in Atlanta, following the plane crash which took the lives of many prominent Atlantans. KING agreed it was a good idea, a smart move which undoubtedly achieved better feelings toward his group. LEVISON and KING discussed future affairs planned by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). KING detailed one in particular which they planned to hold at the Waldorf Hotel, indicating it would be maled at $25.00 a plate with an expected attendance of 1,000. LEVISON commented that he thought it was priced too high, and thought that 300 would be a more accurate figure for attendance, NY T-5 June 11, 1962 MW 35074 Doold:32959531 Page 161
t NY 100-136585 . . ' On September 10, 1962, STANLEY LEVISON was in contact with CLARENCE JONES, with respect to the church burnings in the south, JONES and LEVISON said that MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. should not be Silent with regard to this matter, but should send some sort of a "hot wire" to "KENNEDY" along the lines that the Government <cannot control a small community. They stated the wire should be indignant and a commarison should be made in the telegram .. that the United States' world-wide obligations are so great that it can not take cdre of a small community. JONES stated that he would suggest the idea of the telegram to MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ” September 10, 1962 CLARENCE JONES CIARENCE“JONES is currently the Acting —_ Executive Secretary of the Ghandi Society 8 for Human Rights, On February 26, 1957, a photograph of CLARENCE JONES as the person whom he knew ‘during late 1953, or early 1954, to be a member of and in a position of leadership in the Labor Youth League (LYL). NY T-7 . February 26, 1957 The LYL has been designated by the Attorney General of the United States pursuant to Executive Order 10450. ~ ho MW 55074 Docld: 32989531 Page 162 ’ — Serene nara terete EN aE OD CAE ECT PO en NA ON A EO RP
NY 100-136585 ‘ On September 13, 1962, source advised that CLARENCE JONES, in filling out an application, listed the fact that he belonged to the Columbia University Chapter of the Young 3. of America (YPA) during 1949- 536 . NY T-8 September 13, 1962 HERBERT ROMERSTEIN, a self~admitted former Communist and YPA member, in testimony before a subcommittee of the Committee of the Judiciary, United States Senate, on “April 12 and June 12, 1951, stated that the YPA was set u up on the basis of the needs of the Communist Party (CP). YPA members were active within the organization as Communists and the organization: was developed along CP lines. ROMERSTEIN also related that YPA leadership was composed of CP members. On February 5, 1963, MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. contacted STANLEY LEVISON in New York City. LEVISON said that he had some notes for KING for tonight (February 5, 1963). KING said that was the reason for his call. KING indicated that he was attending a dinner at the Essex House at 59th Street at about 6:30 p.m. that evening. LEVISON agreed to meetKING at KING's room at the Sheraton-Atlantic Hotel at - 5:00 p.m, at which time LEVISON would give KING the notes, NY P-5 February 5, 1963 i 55074 Doold: 32989531 Page 163 |
MW 35074 .Docld: 32959531 Page 164 NY 100-136585 a On March 6, 1963, MARTIN LUTHER KING, JRV and STANLEY LEVISON had a lengthy discussion in which they discussed an article that KING was preparing for the magazine "The Nation," Among otheritems, LEVISON and KING discussed the President's Civil Rights message. KING said he made a statement after the message came out to the ' effect that "if we can get a significant break- through in voter registration, it will mean a great ; deal.... in the total struggle, but it doesn't go far snough.” KING referred to the schizophrenic | teendof the administration, on one hand it appoints @ THURGOOD MARSHALL as a Federal Judge, and then appoints judges in the south who are outright segwgaticnists, " KING stated that "KENNEDY has often said to me that you can't get this through.... there is no point “ in introducing strong civil rights legislation because : you can't get it through." KING concluded by stating that his contention is that if he (President KENNEDY) would get out and really fight - crusade for it, . it would have a stronger chance of getting through." LEVISON agreed with KING on this observation. i ‘ } | | | } 4 ' NY T-6 March 6, 1963 On March 10, 1963,’ STANLEY LEVISON was in contact with MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. KING stated that he would be in New York sometime next week and wanted ‘to get a group together at Harry's to discuss "this Birmingham thing." KING added "we decided to postpone that thing until the day after the election because BULL O'CONNOR is in the runoff, and we feel that if we make a move before that time, he could use that to his advantage. ~6-
NY 100~136585 KING then told LEVISON that going into Birmingham is going to be a difficult matter; that they are going to do everything they can to destroy the image of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, particularly the Birmingham newspapers, Now, since they played this thing up so much'we were wondering if it would hev- better to continue sending the circulars through the usual channels." LEVISON agreed and conludéd by stating, "There is no sense giving them a timely - red herring," ae nett Cw NY T-6 ; March 10, 1963 / On May 21, 1963, MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. had a lengthy discussion with STANLEY LEVISON. LEVISON inquired of KING as to the feeling of the Birmingham community to the expulsion of Negro students by the Birmingham Board of Education. KING replied that he thought "we" could hold them together. He does not, in his opinion, want to follow an unwise act on the part of the Board of Education, with an unwise act on "our part." KING believes that (EUGENE) "BULL" O'CONNOR, City Commissioner of Public Safety, is doing this to provoke the Negro community to the point that they will do something to so confuse the situation that it will upset the agreement now in effect. LEVISON suggested that KING issue a statement that he will not be trapped by these tactics. KING stated that he had made it very clear that this was a temporary move and that it would be unwise to move without looking at the total situation, LEVISON told KING that he had a discussion with CLARENCE JONES, Chief Counsel, Ghandi Society of Human Rights, concerning setting up temporary educational wo - JT =-- WW 55074 Docld:32989531 Page 165
Doold: 32969531 NY 100~130585__ KING stated that in all probability, he would get a call from Washington, suggesting that sizice the President is leaving for Evx rope shortly, it would be embarrassing for him, LEVISON commented that because of the President's trip to Europe, he wil nave to pay attention. He again suggested that a press conrerence would have a real impact, but suggested that PHIL" should be advised herorehand, . KING said that such an undertaking would require a reali job of mobilization and people would be needed Tuli time. LEVISON said tne eftect of such an announcement will "tip" tne President towards Civili Rignts ven ator and tnis uew legislation"wii. be a powert'ul Lever KING suggested that either LEVISON or JONES see “PHIL and "two ot you work out the statement along tue lines of tne new militancy tnroughout tne country. KING telt tnat sucn undertaking would take six to elgnt weexs to organize, ‘ LEVISON said that the summer can ve a ractor as many organizations are on vacation. It was indicated tnat CLARENCE JONES nad attended a meeting at which the National Council of Churches had expressed an interest in KING's "direct action" approach and had specifically mentioned a march on Washington, LEVISON asked JONES if it would be possible to quote individuals without mentioning names who had attended the aforementioned meeting, as "this is new when White Church leadership is looking for something in the way of direct action." He said this would give it the biggest, broadest front ever as "you can see the effect of Negroes joined by the National Council of Churches and not just the Negro churches," -i11- Page 169 ao . ay ae ew et » Cd : et nee pore neem mene yeni seoppteinnat fete mest areemee a eee, nner yet renin ' au Uet Mar Sabha nah intoanteentaaae tenetadeknhe anata Loca ineloce aden Sa an eae
NY 100-136585 When JONES demurred to LEVISON's proposal, LEVISON agreed that perhaps it would be inadvisable, LEVISON asked KING if he would poMaiiing to | appear on a television program with JAMES BALDWIN, tt the writer, KING was not enthusiastic about the idea ' because he felt that BALDWIN was uninformed regarding his movement. KING noted that BALDWIN, although considered a spokesman of the Negro people, by the press, is not a civil rights leader., . NY T-6 = a June 1-2, 1963 On June 4, 1963, MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. was in corfact with STANLEY LEVISON. LEVISON and KING discussed an article about KING that was to appear in the next issue of the "Saturday Evening Post." LEVISON and KING also discussed an appearance by KING on some television program in New | York City. NY T-5 June 4, 1963 On June 6, 1963, STANLEY LEVISON had a discussion with MARTIN LUTHER ICING, JR. KING inquired if LEVISON had had an opportunity to talk with PHIL, LEVISON replied that CLARENCE JONES reached PHIL in Chicago, and that PHIL in general, liked the idea regarding amass march on Washington that would bring nation- wide attention to the cause of the Negro, According to . LEVISON, PHIL wants to discuss this matter with KING personally, In view of the fact that PHIL's organization had planned a similar march in the fall, and that if ~ 12 ~ NW55074 Docld: 32989531 age = |
% » 4 ’ és . . ~ . NY 100-136585 _ any kind of march on Washington is to take place now, - it would make the march in the fall by PHIL's organization ' anti-climatic., It was PHIL's opinion that perhaps the march by his organization, and that proposed by KING could be coincided in the immediate future, LEVISON suggested that KING attempt to contact PHIL as soon as possible in order to discuss this matter in detail. KING asked LEVISON if LEVISON, along with JACK O'DEL.L (HUNTER PITTS O'DELL) would be able to get some statistics on the annual Negro income of the average Negro family, as against the annual income of the averags: white family on a national level, and then for some southern states, like Alaoama, where "we" are now working. KING would like tovgse these statistics at a luncheon in New York City on June Ile, 1963, LEVISON stated that he wuld attempt to get the statistics along with JACK O'DELL, and pointed out that the main poiht of these statistics is that the gap between Negro and white income today is greater _ than the gap that existed between Negro and white income during the Depression days. KING and LEVISON made arrangements to discuss these and other matters later in the week, NY T-6 June 6, 1963 HUNTER PITTS O'DELL In July, 1962, HUNTER PITTS O'DELL was considered by the CB, USA as @ member of its National Comittee, NY T-1 ; July, 1962 NW 55074 Docld:32989531 Page 171 ener