Document date: 00/00/0000
Document type: PAPER-TEXTUAL DOCUMENT

## Page 1

File #:

62-5L-5097

Serial Scope:

10, 13, 14,16-19, 21,23, 30-32

35-55, 57-62, 69-73,75-78,

80-148,150-157

Rereaned ander one dear E. Kennedy

2d2 Sorteooter 208 c8 2922 144 TES 223

2-29-2÷2-

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## Page 2

FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Panel Focuses On South St. Louis

As Scene Of Plot To Kill Dr. King

44-776*

42-5097*

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

Front Page,

St.

Louis Post-Dispatch,

St. Louis, Missouri

win hanDopyrigh: 19/3, St: Load Post-Dhopatch

WASHINGTON - The House Assassi-

nations Commiltee is focusing on a small •

group of southySt. Louis segregationists'

- most off them now dead - in its

investigation of the murder of the Rev.

Dr. Martin/ Luther King, committee

sources say.

Committee investigators say the group

may have been the link. between James

Earl Ray, who pleaded guilty of the

murder, and a St. Louis lawyer who may

have wanted King killed.

Crimittee sources, say they consider

this avenue of investigation the most

prymising explanation of a conspiracy

theory in the assassination of the civil

rights leader in Memphis in April 1968:

But they. acknowledge that thus.far they

have little hard evidence to prove it.

The theory revolves around St. Louis

members of the Citizens Council and the

George Wallace for President campaign

of 1968. Investigators have learned that

members of those groups lived and

worked in the vicinity of the former

Grapevine Tavern In the 1900 block of

Arsenal Street. The tavern; which went

out of business in December 1968, was

operated: by. John Larry Ray, a-brother

of James Eari Ray.

Investigators believe that John H.

Sutherland, a St. Louis patent lawyer

This article was prepared by

William Freivogel, Gerald M. Boyd

and Louis J. Rose of the 'Post-Dis-

patch Staff.

and segregationist, contacted a south St.

Louis man involved with him in several

right-wing groups conveying a money

offer for King's murder..At the time the

man was canvassing businesses in the

neighborhood.of the Grapevine for the

wallace campaign.

The committee's theory is that the

man could have mentioned the offer to

John Larry Ray, who could have passed

it on to his brother. John Larry Ray

denied to the Post-Dispatch that any

such proposal was-made. Sutherland and

the other man are dead.

Gordon Baum, of St. Louis, field

director of the Citizens:Council, has been

subpoenaed to testify before the commit

tee, and sources said other subpoena.

are likely.

Baum, who was active in the work of

the council and the Wallace campaign in

1968, confirmed in an interview that the

committee appears to be scrutinizing

persons who were connected with both

groups in that period

Date: 10/1/78

Edition: 5 Star Final

Author:

Editor:

Title:

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office:

• Being Investigated

1C615.0.47-1577

OCT : : 8378

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Page 2

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## Page 3

He accused the committee of

"'a

systematic purge of right-wing groups in

St. Louis."

The committee has held hearings on

the King assassination and plans to

continue them. in November. The panel

has heard testimony from Russell G.

Byers of Rock Hill that Sutherland and

another man offered him. $50,000 in 1967

to arrange for King's murder. Byers said

he turned down the offer.

Investigators believe that Sutherland

then contacted his acquaintance with the

Wallace campaign, who was canvassing

around the Grapevine.

The committee also has learned that a,

woman who was a top official of the

Citizens Council and the Wallace cam-

paign lived in the 2100 block of Arsenal

Street, within 100 yards of the Grape-

vine.

The woman, who also is dead, often

had planning meetings of the two groups

at her home. The Wallace canvasser was

a good friend of hers and together the

two shouldered most of the responsibili-

ties of the Wallace state headquarters.

The woman generally ran the office,

near Gravois Avenue and Morganford

See KING, Page 12

King

• FROM PAGE ONE

a Road, in the day and the man ran it at.

i hight.

as an elector

John Ray acknowledged in an inter-

Some Citizens Council members told

the Post-Dispatch that they

view Friday that he had often gone to believe that Sutherland was well ac

this headquarters to pick up Wallace

quainted with the man and woman, who

6.3

, literature for himself and friends, but

said he did not remember meeting the

Coman or the woman there or anywhere

« He said he recalled seeing Wallace

MUNIDEG

signs on the woman's home down the

street from the tavern, but did not

remember going in the house. He said

that Wallace workers who had been at

the house often came into his tavern, but

said he could not remember their names.

He said he did not remember to whom he

had given his contribution for the Wal

lace campaign.

Ray said he had never been proposi-.

tioned on the King assassination by

anyone he met in the Wallace campaign.

The committee believes that the Wal-

• lace Canvasser may have conveyed an

offer from Sutherland to Ray for these

The first meeting of the council was

Oct. 10, 1964 in the Electrical Workers

Hall on Elizabeth Avenue. Sutherland

presided and 125 attended. A news

account says Sutherland condemned the

Supremé Court and Congress for deseg-

regation actions.

At the second meeting, Sutherland

brought his friend Thurman Sensing to

town to speak. Sensing was executive

director of the Southern States Industrial

Council on which Sutherland served as

board member. The group; now. called

the United States Industrial Council;

opposed civil rights laws in addition to

lobbying for industry legislation.

Sensing was an ultra-conservative who

said in a speech after King was assassi-

nated that the resulting rioting was the

treasons, sources say:

ms The man, an engineer, had a cordial

relationship with Sutherland. Both were

active not only in the Citizens. Council

and the Wallace campaign but also in the

John Birch Society

The man was one of the most radical

§participants in the Citizens Council meet-

mgs. He often brought right-wing movies

Showing blacks rioting in the streets. He

would make provocative speeches link-

This lanes to keaction to stop treng

*: A police source who attended some of

G. 4

the meetings described him as a shrewd,

well-educated man who knew how to

Well known segregationists Sheriff

James G. Clark of Selma, Ala., and

Lester Maddox of Georgia, followed

Sensing to town to speak to the Council.

Baum says that Sutherland began

dropping out of Citizens Council affairs

'in 1965, but committee sources say he

A police intelligence source. supports

Baum's version. The initial meeting of

the Council in 1964 had been composed of

middle-and upper-class persons, the po-

licemen said, but by 1967 and 1968 most

of the membership was working›class

Sutherland did not feel as. comfortable

manipulate a crowd.

4=* Sutherland was the driving force be

hind the formation in 1964 of the Citizens

Council in St. Louis, a race-oriented

organization opposing civil rights laws.

He was its first president. In 1968 he was

active in the Wallace campaign; serving

'But Sutherland was deeply involved in

the Wallace campaign in 1968. Most of

the top positions in the Missouri Wallace

campaign were held by Citizens Council

some: of whom also were

members of the Birch Society.,

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## Page 4

VZCZCHQO113

• RR KC SL S.I:

DE HQ 0113 2720034

ZNY EEEEE

R 292146Z SEP 78 •

FM DIRECIOR, FBI

TO FBI SI. LOUIS ROUTINE

FBI SPRINGFIELD ROUTINE

FBI KANSAS CITY ROUTINE

UNCLAS EF TO

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA), U.S. HOUSE OF •

• REPRESENTATIVES ..

REBUTEL TO SI. LOUIS AND SPRINGFIELD DATED AUGUST 4,

1978 ;

ENTITLED. "JERRY RAY; POSSIBLE 0OJ."

ALSO REBUTEL. TO ST. LOUIS, SPRINGFIELD AND KANSAS CITY

DATED AUGUST 4, 1978, ENTITLED "JERRY RAY, NELSON STONEY, AKA;

UNSUB, AKA;: BANK ROBBERY SUSPECTS:"

ON :SEPTEMBER 27, 1978, THE DIRECTOR RECEIVED A LETTER FROM

ROBERT BLAKEY, CHIEF COUNSEL AND DIRECTOR OF CAPTIONED

COMMITTEE ALLEGING THAI THE BUREAU IN HANDLING INFORMATION FUR-.

NISHED BY THE COMMITTEE ENDANGERED. THE SOURCE. WHO FURNISHED THIS

let criso

67 - 1097-150

C

,88

9-24-78

SEP 30 1978.

BI-ST. LO

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Page

4

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## Page 5

• PAGE TWO DE HQ DI13 UNCLAS EF I O

INFORMATION TO THE COMMITTEE:

- THE NECESSARY BACKGROUND INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER

WILL BE FOUND IN THE REFERENCED TELETYPES.

• SACS SI. LOUIS, SPRINGFIELD AND, KANSAS CITY ARE REQUESTED

TO INTERVIEW ANY SPECIAL AGENTS WHO HAD ACCESS TO THE INFOR-

MATION FURNISHED IN REFERENCED TELETYPES AS- TO ANY MEDIA

CONTACTS REGARDING THIS INFORMATION. ANY EMPLOYEE HAVING SUCH

CONTACI WITH THE MEDIA CONCERNING THIS INFORMATION IS TO FURNISH

AN AFFIDAVIT AS TO THE DETAILS OF THE CONTACT. •

SACS ST. LOUIS AND SPRINGFIELD ARE REQUESTED TO HAVE

AFFIDAVITS SUBMITTED BY THE SPECIAL AGENTS WHO CONTACTED (OLIVER.

PATTERSON AND CLARENCE HAYNES REGARDING ANY CONTACT WITH MEDIA

REPRESENTATIVES. THESE AFFIDAVIIS SHOULD ALSO COVER WHETHER

DURING THE INTERVIEW WITH PATTERSON AND HAYNES THE COMMITTEE WAS

IDENTIFIED AS THE SOURCE OF THIS INFORMATION. THE INTERVIEWING

AGENTS ARE ALSO REQUESTED TO COMMENT ON WHETHER PATTERSON'S NAME

-WAS MENTIONED AS ALSO BEING IN DANGER DURING THE INTERVIEW WITH

HAYNES AND DURING THE INTERVIEW OF PATTERSON WHETHER HAYNES®

NAME WAS MENTIONED. IF SO, REASON FOR DOING SHOULD BE FURNISHED.

IT IS TO BE NOTED THAT THE COMMITTEE ADVISED PATTERSON THAT

177-)

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## Page 6

PAGE THREE DE HQ DI13 UNCLAS EF T•O

THE BUREAU WOULD CONTACT HIM, PRIOR TO HIS CONTACT BY THE

INTERVIEWING SPECIAL AGENTS. THESE INTERVIEWS ARE IO BE GIVEN

EXPEDITIOUS HANDLING.

ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS MATTER ARE TO BE HANDLED

TELEPHONICALLY WITH SA GEORGE KEENAN, CRIMINAL INVESTIGA-

TIVE DIVISION, EXTENSION 4195.

BT

D113

NNNN

HOLD"

NW 55215 DocId:32989797 Page 6

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## Page 7

/D:86 (Rev. 3-21-77)

TRANSMIT VIA:

• Teletype

• Facsimile

Airtel

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

[J Iminediate

• Priority

• Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

O TOP SECRET

D SECRET

E] CONFIDENTIAL

DEFTO

D CLEAR

Date _ 9/19/78

TO:

DIRECTOR, FBI

(62-117290)

(ATTN:

CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT,

RECORDS

MANAGEMENT DIVISION)

FROM:

SAC, ST. LOUIS

(62-5097)

SUBJECT: HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE

ON ASSASSINATIONS

BUDED: 9/21/78

Re Bureau teletype dated 9/14/78 and Bureau

telephone call on 9/18/78.

Enclosed herewith are xerox copies of all serials

(total of 7) in St. Louis file captioned " INTERFERENCE BY

ACTION WITH VEILED PROPHET PARADE, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI,

10/2/65; RACIAL MATTERS, SL file 157-1513"•

It is noted that

Serial 2 of this file is an LHM dated 10/4/65 which refers to

a release on page 2 of the IM.

That release is not completely

legible and, accordingly, there is also enclosed a typed copy

of that

release.

Also enclosed are xerox copies (total of 12) of all

serials in file captioned "DEMONSTRATION BY ACTION AT VEILED

PROPHET

BALL, 10/6/67, AND PARADE, 10/7/67, ST. LOUIS,

MISSOURI, RACIAL MATTERS, BUfile 157-6-42,

St. Louis indices contain no information concerning

the Veiled Prophet. The only such references are to the

Veiled Prophet Ball. (SL 157-1513) and the Veiled Prophet

Parade and Ball (SL

157-5823).

2 - Bureau (Enc - 24)

1.= St. JOUlS

JES: Kmt

(3)

SRANCHED

PUZO But

FLED -

62-5097-153

Approved:

NW 55215 DocId:32989797 Page 7

Transmilted

Per -

(Number)

(Time)

FBI/DOJ

---

## Page 8

SI 62-5097

St. Louis files contain no rosters of igents

assigned to the office for the years 1967, 1968, and 1974

not support personnel for the year 1974.

At the request

of the Bureau, a compilation of such information from data

available to the St. Louis Office has been made and, noting

that this compilation may not be all inclusive, there is

enclosed :4 lists titled as follows,

"Special Agents

Assigned to the St. Louis Field Office During the Calendar

Year 1967", "Special Agents Assigned to the St. Louis Field

OfIce During the Calendar Year 1968", "Special Agents

Assigned to the St. Louis Field Office During the Calendar

Year 1974", and "Support Personnel Assigned to the St. Louis

NW 55215

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97

Page

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## Page 9

SPECIAL AGENTS ASSIGNED TO THE ST. LOUIS

FIELD OFFICE DURING THE CALENDAR XEAR 1967

THOMAS J. GEARTY (Special Agent in Charge)

EDWARD J. KRUPINSKY (Assistant Special Agent in Charge)

EDMUND C. WELTON

GEORGE M. PEET

CLETIS B. BIDEWELL

WILLIAM K. BOCK (retired, effective 8/25/67)

PATRICK W. BRADLEY

EARL E. BROWN

JOHN J. BUCKLEY

LOUIS F. CAPUTO

HAROLD R. DOBSON

KENNETH N. DELANOY

JAMES A. DUFFEY

JACK J. FISHER

KELLY E. GIBBONS

WILLIAM G. HARRY (resigned, effective 11/9/67)

WALTER A. HILGENDORE

RICHARD T. HRADSKY

S. T. JOHNSON

WALTER C. JOHNSON

HARRY C. JUNG

HOWARD C. KENNEDY

JAMES E. LINDSAY

J. ROBERT MEIGS

EDWARD M. MORELAND

DONALD R. NORIE

AUBREY D. PARK

SPURGEON J. PETERSON

DOUGLAS ROSENBERGER

ALBERT J. RUSHING

CLARK S. SMITH (departed 6/13/67, transferred to Seattle)

BAILEY M. STANFIELD (resigned, effective 12/29/67)

ROBERT S. STEWART

JAMES A. TALLEY (retired, effective 6/16/67)

FRANKLIN J. WALLS (departed 6/17/67, transferred to San Diego)

ROBERT J. WILKISON

KENNETH A. WILLIAMS

WILLIAM R. BURTON

JACK A. FRENCH

ROBERT A. HESS

THOMAS JOHN DONOHUE (departed 6/7/67, transferred to Columbia)

RALPH J. ESPOSITO (departed 8/19/67,

transferred to WFO)

A. JAMES FISHER (departed 9/2/67, transferred to Dallas)

JEROME S. MURPHY (departed 5/8/67, transferred to Indianapolis)

JAMES M. PAIGE (departed 11/17/67, transferred to Detroit)

PHIL K. WALTER (departed 12/20/67, transferred to Sacramento)

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

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62-5097-1544

SEARCHED

SCHALIZEO T

INDEXED

FILED

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## Page 10

SPECIAL AGENTS ASSIGNED TO THE ST. •LOUIS

FIELD OFFICE DURING THE CALENDAR

• YEAR 1967

(CONTINUED)

JOHN K. ROSS (departed 1/4/67, transferred to Boston)

PAUL D. GIAMANCO (resigned, effective 3/18/67)

BERNARD W. CASHDOLLAR (retired, effective 3/24/67)

ALLEN H. SMITH (retired, effective 3/24/67)

GERALD J. WOLTEMATE (departed 3/31/67, transferred to Memphis)

TOM E. CHAPOTON, JR. (departed 4/6/67, transferred to San Antonio)

MELVIN E. DE GRAW (arrived 4/24/67, transfer-in)

WILLIAM R. DUNCAN (arrived 5/15/67, transfer-in)

HOWARD G. SLACK (arrived 5/24/67, transfer-in)

THOMAS L. BUCKLEY (arrival date unknown, transfer-in)

WALDEN L. GREEN (departed 7/3/67, transferred to Dallas)

MARVIN R. DORAN (arrived 6/19/67

MARTIN JOHN WEBER (arrived 7/24/67, transfer-in)

JAMES T. DEARBORN (arrived 10/5/67,

LAWRENCE B. CURTIN (arrived 10/19/67, transfer-in)

PETER J. STANKOSKI (arrived 10/30/67, transfer-in)

ALAN E. MC ELWAIN (arrived 12/1/67, transfer-in)

JORI O. TRETHEWEY, JR. (arrived 12/9/67, transfer-in)

JOSEPH A. DUBYAK (arrIved 12/21/61.

MICHAEL M. WILLIAMSON (arrived 12/27/67, transfer-in

NN 55215 DooId: 32989797

Page

10

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## Page 11

SPECIAL AGENTS ASSIGNED TO THE ST. LOUIS

FIELD OFFICE DURING THE CALENDAR YEAR 1968

JOSEPH H. GAMBLE (Special Agent in Charge:

arrived 8/19/68,

transfer-in)

THOMAS J. GEARTY (Special Agent in Charge: retired,

effective 8/26/68)

EDWARD J. KRUPINSKY (Assistant Special Agent in Charge)

EDMUND C. WELTON

GEORGE M. PEET

ROBERT I. BENDER

CLETIS B. BIDEWELL

PATRICK W. BRADLEY

EARL. E. BROWN (resigned, effective 7/12/68)

JOHN J. BUCKLEY

LOUIS F. CAPÜTO

KENNETH N. DELANOY

HAROLD R. DOBSON

MARVIN R. DORAN

WILLIAM R. DUNCAN

JAMES A. DUFFEY

JACK J. FISHER (resigned, effective 6/28/68)

KELLY E. GIBBONS.

RICHARD T. HRADSKY

S. T. JOHNSON

WALTER C. JOHNSON

JAMES E. LINDSAY

J. ROBERT MEIGS

EDWARD M. MORELAND

DONALD R. NORIE

AUBREY D. PARK

SPURGEON J. PETERSON

DOUGLAS ROSENBERGER

AUBERT, J. RUSHING (resigned, effective 7/5/68)

RICHARD BOYD. SMITH

ROBERT S. STEWART

ROBERT J. WILKISON

KENNETH A. WILLIAMS

THOMAS I. BUCKLEY

WILLIAM R. BURTON

DONALD S. DE FONCE

MELVIN E. DE GRAW

JACK A. FRENCH

ROBERT A. HESS

LAWRENCE B. CURTIN

JAMES T. DEARBORN

JOSEPH A. DUBYAK

i

CHARLES S. DUKE

62-5097-153

SEARCHED

INDEXED.

- NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 11

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## Page 12

SPECIAL AGENTS ASSIGNED TO THE ST. LOUIS

FIELD OFFICE DURING THE CALENDAR YEAR 1968

(CONTINUED)

ALAN E. MC ELWAIN

HOWARD G. SLACK

JOHN O. TRETHEWEY, JR.

WILLIAM H. WARFIELD (departed 7/10/68, transferred to Los Angeles)

PEMBROKE WASHINGTON

MARTIN JOHN WEBER

F. JACK WILLIAMS

MICHAEL M. WILLIAMSON

PETER J. STANKOSKI (resigned, effective 1/24/68)

EAN R. SHUMWAY (reappointed, effective 3/6/68

OHN M. DUNAY (arrived 7/3/68, transfer-in

LEO T. CONNOLLY (arrived 8/6/68, transfer-in)

LEO R. MORRIS (arrived 8/2/68, transfer-in)

ROBERT I. COLEMAN (arrived 11/25/68, transfer-in)

JOHN S. WILLIS (arrived 11/26/68, transfer-in)

HARRY C. JUNG

HOWARD C. KENNEDY

THOMAS

I. BUCKLEY

WALTER A. HILGENDORF (retired, effective 2/28/68)

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## Page 13

SPECIAL AGENTS ASSIGNED TO THE ST. LOUIS

FIELD OFFICE DURING THE CALENDAR YEAR 1974

WESLEY T. WHALEY (Special Agent in Charge)

ROBERT J. MC CARTHY (Assistant Special Agent in Charge)

ROBERT I. BENDER

LOUIS F. CAPUTO

JACK A. FRENCH

WILLIAM R. BURTON

C. JAMES CHRISTY

LEONARD V. DAHL

DONALD S. DE FONCE

MELVIN E. DE GRAW

MARVIN R. DORAN

WILLIAM R. DUNCAN

DOUGLAS A. DUNNAM

JOSEPH T. FOX, JR.

JOHN R. HAWKEN

ROBERT. A. HESS

RICHARD T. HRADSKY

WALTER C. JOHNSON

DONALD E. JONES

HOWARD C. KENNEDY

EDWARD M. MORELAND

AUBREY D. PARK

MARVIN R. PENNINGTON

DOUGLAS ROSENBERGER

JAMES E. SNIEGOCKI (departed 11/21/74, transferred to Louisville)

ROBERT S. STEWARI

ROBERT J. WILKISON

DAVID I. CUNNINGHAM

JOHN M. DUNAY

JAMES T. HAGGERTY

JOSIAH L. HUGHES

JAMES R. LUMMUS

DEAN R. SHUMWAY (departed 11/8/74, transferred to Milwaukee)

MARTIN JOHN WEBER

F. JACK WILLIAMS

WILLIAM J. AHLER, JR.

LARRY B. BEAN

BENJAMIN L. CAGLE

JOHN N. CAMPBELL

MICHAEL S. CLAPP

MICHAEL E. CROWLEY

WILLIAM A. DEAL

MARSHALL P. GORHAM

JOHN C. HALL

RICHARD W. HERMAN

62-5097-152

SEARONED

INDEXED

FILED

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 13

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## Page 14

i

SPECIAL AGENTS ASSIGNED TO THE ST. LOUIS

FIELD OFFICE DURING THE CALENDAR YEAR 1974

(CONTINUED)

KEVIN R. ILLIA

BARRY A. JONES

REGINALD J. JOSEPH

STEPHEN D. KETTNER

THOMAS T. KUBIC

JAN A. LINDSEY

GEORGE A. MILLER

JEFFREY D. MOSS

MICHAEL N. MURPHY

HERMAN S. NICHOLS

RUSSEL JAY NIELSEN

RONALD W. PARKER

THOMAS R. PARKER

JAMES J. REINAGEL (died 8/6/74)

PAUL E. RITZ

ALLAN J. ROGERS

CARL A. SCHULTZ

JOHN W. STRICKLAND, JR.

PETER B. SYMONDS

I. RICHARD O. VAN MATRE

WARREN B. WYMAN

LEON J. CANTIN (departed 8/27/74, transferred to Minneapolis)

PHILIP GRIVAS

STEPHEN M. LARGENT

ROBERT J. LA VERE (departed 10/12/74, transferred to New York Office)

JEFFREY A. MEYER

DOUGLAS B. MOKE (departed 7/1/74, transferred to New York Office).

MICHAEL E. NEZ

RICHARD W. RITTER

IVIAN C. SMITH

MICHAEL E. STAPLETON

MARSHALL C. WELDY

THOMAS F. WESTBERG

S. T. JOHNSON

KENNETH A. WILLIAMS

JOSEPH E. GERBER (arrived 1/9/74, transfer-in)

GEORGE E. BLOUNT (departed 1/14/74, transferred to San Francisco)

LARRY D. CORDELL (departed 1/19/74, transferred to Detroit)

JOSEPH T. WOODALL (departed 1/2/74, transferred to Washington Field

CLAUDE H. HILDRETH (departed 1/30/74, transferred to Los Angeles) Office

DONALD H. TAYLOR (arrived 3/11/74,

transter-in)

MICHAEL J. IRWIN (resigned, effective 2/8/74)

JOANNE E. PIERCE (departed 2/22/74, transferred to Pittsburgh)

LEON RAY FUTRELL, JR. (departed 3/4/74, transferred to Chicago)

2

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## Page 15

SPECIAL AGENTS ASSIGNED TO THE ST. LOUIS

FIELD OFFICE DURING THE CALENDAR YEAR 1974

(CONTINUED)

JOSEPH G. A. GLOVER (departed 2/28/74, transferred to Chicago)

FLOYD W. RATLIFE, JR. (arrived 4/22/74, transfer-in)

HERBERT

NORTHCUTT, JR. (arrived 7/15/74, transfer-in)

DONNA LYN PRICE (arrived 10/21/74, transfer-in)

3

NW 55215

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Page 15

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## Page 16

SUPPORT PERSONNEL ASSIGNED TO THE ST. LOUIS

FIELD OFFICE DURING THE CALENDAR YEAR 1974

KEITH

D. CONWAY

RICHARD 2. BUTTON

JOSEPH N. HURST

SHIRLEY E. GEISLER

MARK C. NIPPER

WILLIAM J. EBERT

JOSEPH O. ELDER, JR.

GLORIA M. FRIGO

ROBERT: IVAN HARSH '

, GEORGE T. JENKINS"

NORMA I. NELSON

LENORE H. CAMPBELL

MICHAEL I. HOLT

ANTHONY E. MEADOWS (reinstated March 25, 1974)

JOHN I. SINGLETON:

DAVID R. SKELTON

KAREN I. BUB

JOAN T. CLAUS

TERRY LEE COFF

WILLIAM R. FARHAT

JEAN ANN GOEBEL

ROSEMARY C. GRUBB

•BRUCE. G. HORSEALL

VIRGIL JOHNSON, JR.

BEVERLY A. KAIMAN

PEGGY R. KERNER

ANN THERESE LA VERE (departed October 12, 1974, transferred to

New York Office)

MARY JEAN LENTZ

SHARON M. SEDOVIC

VICKI I. SIMPSON

WANDA B. SUKOVSKY

PAMELA DIANNE PIERCE

JANET E. TUCKER

SHIRLEY F. WAGNER

CHRISTINE A. WANGLER

CAROL S. KIIMME (departed July 5, 1974, transferred to Belleville,

Illinois, Resident Agency)

GREGORY J. DIFANI

KATHERINE M. FRIGO

JANICE M. GODEFROID

LOIS ANN JOHNSON

62-5097-151

SEARCINED

FILED

NW 55215 DOOId 32989797 Bage 16

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## Page 17

SUPPORT PERSONNEL ASSIGNED TO THE ST. LOUIS

FIELD OFFICE DURING THE CALENDAR YEAR 1974

CONTINUED

MARGARET E. LUEPKER

KATHLEEN C. MC VEY

PATRICIA J. MEADOWS

ETHEL LEE MIX

DIANE M. NEWBY

TERRY JOHN OLLIGES

JOYCE L. RUDD

CHARLES F. SCHALLER

GLORIA A. SHIDLER (entered on duty, January 7, 1974)

DIXIE L. SLAZINIK (departed October 5, 1974, transferred to Springfield

KATHLEEN M. THOMAS

DEBORAH LYNN VOELKER (entered on duty, March 25, 1974)

MARSHA K. BARGE

BOBBIE JEAN BLUM

LYNDA J. BUCHER (entered on duty September 30, 1974)

PAMELA C. BAKER (entered on duty September 30, 1974)

CONSTANCE M. ANTOFF (entered on duty October 21, 1974)

ROBERT J. FARHAT (entered on duty June 23, 1974)

JOHN M. HOCHSTATTER

CYNTHIA A. KRIER (resigned March 29, 1974; reinstated July J, 1974)

LINDA L. SCHVARTZ (entered on duty, March 18, 1974)

MARY ANN TUCKER

VIRGIL D. WOOLLEY, JR. (entered on duty March 4, 1974)

M. SUSAN MURABITO

MARY CLAIRE KORTE

JUDITH M. STEWART (resigned February 1, 1974)

MARSHA K. HALLEMANN (entered on duty

LINDA S. LINDSEY (resigned August 2, 1974)

so gust Ey 10rc) 23, 2974)

MARY LOU LAGEMANN (resigned August 21, 1974)

JANIE LEE WARD (arrived December 2

, 1974, transferred in)

KATHLEEN A. MC HUGH (entered on duty November 25, 1974)

2

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## Page 18

VZCZCHQ0 106

AR SL

•DE HQ 8186 2580150

ZNY FEDEE

• R. 14205EZ SEP 78

FM DIRECTOR. FBI (62-117298)

TO FBI ST. LOUIS ROUTINE

BT..

UNCLAS EF TO

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA) :

BUREAU DEALINE SEPTEMBER 21, 1978.

THE HSCA, 'HICH IS INVESTIGATING THE ASSASSINATIONS OF .

PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY AND MARTIN LUTHER KING: JR.; BY LETTER

DATED SEPTEMBER 3, 1978; REQUESTED ACCESS TO ALL AVAILABLE

REFERENCES AND FILES, BUREAU FILES AND FIELD OFFICE, ON A .

SI. LOUIS ORGANIZATION NAMED THE VEILED PROPHET. THE LETTER

ALSO REQUESTED ACCESS TO ANY ROSTERS OF AGENTS FOR THE ST, LOUIS

FIELD OFFICE FOR THE YEARS 196T, 1968 AND 1974.

•PARTIAL SEARCH' OF BUREAU. INDICES REVEALS THAT THE VEILED

PROPHET APPEARS iO BE A PRIVATE ORGANIZATION MADE UP OF

INDIVIJUALS

IN THE HIGHER SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL STRATA OF THE

ST. LOUIS AREA:

62-5092-158

C0T 1

1973,

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 18

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## Page 19

PAGE TWO DE HQ CIES UNCLAS EFT O

IN RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE REQUEST, SI. LOUIS SHOULD REVIEW

INDICES TO IDENTIFY ALL RETRIEVABLE INFORMATION IDENTIFIABLE

WITH THE VEILED PEOPHET AND FURNISH FBI HEADQUARTERS (FBIHA) ONE

LEGIBLE COPY OF EACH SERIAL.

ST. LOUIS SHOULD ALSO FORWARD ANY RETRIEVABLE ROSTERS OF

AGENTS FOR THE REQUESTED YEARS.

ALL. MATERIAL SHOULD BE FORWARDED BY COVER AIRIEL IO FEINQ

ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT

DIVISION•

BT

2126

MINN

NW. 55215

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19

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## Page 20

Indices' Search Slip

FD-160 (Rev. 3-23-71)

TO: CHIEF CLERK

Subject

THE VEILED

Allases

Address

Date

Social Security Account#

PROPHET

Birth Date

Birthplace

Race

Exact Spelling

JMain Criminal Case Files Only

Restrict to Locality of

All References

_Criminal References Only

_Main Subversive Case Files Only

_ Main Subversive (1§ no Main, Iist all Subversive References)

_Subversive References Only

File & Sertal Number

Main Criminal (11 no Main, list all Criminal References)

Remarks

File & Serial Number

Remarks

THE VEILED PROPHET PARADE

157-1513

THE VEILED PROPHETPARADE + BALL

157-5823

Sex

•Male

•Female

Requested by

Searched by

Consolidated by

Revlewed by

Squad

Extension

File No.

1 = identical

NI - Not Identieal

NN 55215 DocId: 32989797

File Review Symbols

Unavallable reference

Page 20

(date)

(date)

(date)

#G.P.O. 1 9720471-961

---

## Page 21

• VZCZCHQ0.106

RR SL

DE HQ D106 2580150

ZNY EEEEE

. R 142050Z SEP 78

FM DIRECTOR FBI (62-117290)

TO FBI ST. LOUIS ROUTINE

• BT

UNCLAS EF TO

62-5097

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA).

BUREAU DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 21, 1978:

THE HSCA, WHICH IS INVESTIGATING THE ASSASSINATIONS OF

PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY AND MARTIN. LUTHER KING, JR., BY LETTER

DATED SEPTEMBER.8; 1978, REQUESTED ACCESS TO ALL AVAILABLE

REFERENCES AND FILES, BUREAU FILES AND FIELD OFFICE, ON A

ST. LOUIS ORGANIZATION NAMED THE VEILED PROPHET. THE LETIER

ALSO REQUESTED ACCESS TO ANY ROSTERS OF AGENIS FOR THE SI. LOUIS

FIELD OFFICE FOR THE YEARS 1967, 1968 AND 1974.

PARTIAL SEARCH OF BUREAU INDICES REVEALS THAI THE VEILED

• PROPHET APPEARS TO BE A PRIVATE ORGANIZATION MADE UP OF

INDIVIDUALS IN THE HIGHER SOÇIAL AND FINANCIAL STRATA OF THE .

SI. LOUIS AREA.

9/14/18

60-5897-150

197

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## Page 22

PAGE IWO DE HQ DIDE UNCLAS E F TO

IN RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE REQUEST, SI. LOUIS SHOULD REVIEW

INDICES TO IDENTIFY ALL RETRIEVABLE INFORMATION IDENTIFIABLE

WITH THE VEILED PROPHET AND FURNISH FBI HEADQUARTERS (FBIHQ) ONE

LEGIBLE COPY OF EACH SERIAL.

SI. LOUIS SHOULD ALSO FORWARD ANY RETRIEVABLE ROSTERS OF

AGENTS FOR THE REQUESTED YEARS.

• ALL MATERIAL SHOULD BE FORWARDED BY COVER AIRTEL TO FBIHQ

• 'ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT

DIVISION.

BI •

$106

• NNNN

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 22

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## Page 23

AIRTEL

XX

9/7/78

TO

: DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

FROM

: SAC, SI. LOUIS (62-5097)

SUBJECT : HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE

ÓN ASSASSINATIONS - MURKIN

Enclosed herewith are four copies of an LHM'

setting torth the results of a telephone interview

between former SA CLETIS B. BIDEWELL, and MICHAEL EBERHARDT,

Staff Attorney, House Select Committee on Assassinations,

Washington, D. C., On 8/31/78.

Former Agent BIDEWELL had previously been advised

in late July, 1978, by SA JAY ALDHIZER, FBIHQ, that

former Agent BIDEWELL might be contacted telephonically

by MI. EBERHARDI of the House Select Committee on

Assassinations.

Former Agent BIDEWELL, On 8/31/78, received a

telephone call at his home, 1116 Culverhill Drive,

Webster Groves, Mo.

63119, telephone #962-0972, from

an individual who identified himself as MICHAEL EBERHARDT,

-

requesting an interview by telephone.

2 - Bureau (Enc. 4)

K - St. Louis

130 pom

SLARCAIU

EMALIKED I

INDEXED.

MED

62-5097-148

NW 55215 DocId:32989797 Page 23

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## Page 24

St. Louis, Missouri

Septenber 7, 1978

HOUSE SELECT CONMITTEN ON ASSASSINATIONS.

Former Agent Clotis B. Bidewell advised on

questioning that he had on at least one occasion inter-

viewed Carol Pepper, sister of James Earl Ray, suspect

In the assassination of Doctor Martin Luther King in

Memphis, Tennessee.

At that. time, Carol Pepper was

residing in Maplewood, Missouri, and the unlawful flight

to avoid confinement case against James Earl Ray,

resulting fron his escape from the Missouri State

Penitentiary, Jefferson City, Hissourt, was assigned to

Special Agent (SA) Bidewell in the St. Louis Division.

At this time, no information had been

• developed indicat-

ing that James Farl Ray was a suspect in the murder of

Doctor Ring.

The interview with Carol Pepper was most

frustrating since it appeared she was completely un-

cooperative in furnishing any information concerning

• the

possible whereabouts of Janes Earl Ray.

To the best

of his recollection, SA Bidewell advised that no other

Agent accompanied him on this interview and two or three young

children, presumably children of Carol Pepper, were in the

home at the time of the interview.

Kith respect as to how the lead to interview

Carol Pepper was obtained, it was recalled by SA Bidewell

that the lead was developed as a result of background

information furnished by the Kansas City Division,

office of origin in the unlawful flight to avoid confinement

case. To the best of his recollection, SA Bidewell advised

that no information was obtained through the interview of

This document contains neither reconmendations 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.

4 - Bureau

1- St. Louis (62-5097)

CBB: kam

1522cm

NW 55215 DocId:32989797 Page 24

Stiers.

SEALALIZED MAN~

-INDEXED.

62=5097-1417

---

## Page 25

HOUSE SELSCI COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

Pepper as to the possible whereabouts of her brother

John Ray. Forner SA Bidewell advised that investiga-

tion conducted by him failed to develop any information

indicating that James Earl Ray had been in the St. Louis

area subsequent to his escape fron Hissouri State

Penitentiary in Jefferson City, Missouri,

SA Bidewell further recalled that shortly

after his interview with Carol Pepper, James Earl Ray

became the prime suspect in the Doctor Ring nurder and .

the case on James Earl Ray was reassigned to an Agent

who could give full time to this matter and no further

investigation was conducted in this matter by sA Bidewell,

other than to cover an occasional minor lead which was

developed during the course of the investigation.

28

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25

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## Page 26

FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Carl

Rowan's

- CARL ROWAN.-

JÄMES EARL RAY, the FBI and DR. KING

3.

WASHINGTON. Attorney Mark Lane's verbal blasts

.at Rep. Louis Stokes (D.-Ohio) and other members of 62-5097*

the House Select Committee on Assassinations might

lead you to think that Lare really considers his client,

James Earl Ray, 'to be the greatest victim of political

oppression since Anatoly Shcharansky:

But don't be misled by Lane's frequent cries of

"McCarthyism" or his assertions that House members

were heaping onto the confessed killer of Dr. Martin

Luther King Jr. the worst abuses "in the history of

Congress."

'Understand that

Mark Lane?'s

Can ben de of to a mine i coins about it

conspiracies. He took Ray before-this. committee in the

hope of convincing the American public, if not the

Five,

Congress, that Ray was coerced into confessing that he

murdered King and into accepting a 99-year term in

person, and that Ray was a pawn in an FBI plot to kill

the noted Black civil rights leader.

There was a stormy suspension of Ray's testimonÿ,

partly because,

for all of Lane's voluble interruptions;

he and his client were faring badly.

Lane arrived at the hearings surely feeling that,

millions of Americans, especially the Blacks in

Congress, were predisposed to believe that former

FBI director J. Edgar Hoover was somehow behind

King's killing. After all, hadn't the Rev. Jesse Jackson

just stated publicly that he didn't think Ray pulled the

trigger?

But under intense questioning from Stokes, 'Ray

and his testimony dealt a blow to any notion that he

was an innocent patsy in a government conspiracy to

kill King.

Ray said he had lied deliberately to newspaper

reporters, TV interviews, book writers and even his

own lawyers. But now he wanted the committee and

the world to believe him when he

said that his

mysterious partner in crime, "Raoul," probably shot

Dr. King:

indicate page, name

ewspaper, city and state

p12

st. Louis Argus

Ste Louis, Mo.

Date: 8/31/78

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office:

0 Being Investigated

6275097146

A juan d

tom:

S5? 1:811

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## Page 27

The problem was, Ray left many who believe in a.

on i shie that be as thrown this

If" Lane's. theory was to be that "Raoul" was the

hired killer of the FBI, Ray gave him a blow because it

takes almost no. skepticism to conclude from Ray's

testimony that there is no "Raoul."

separate campaigns to destroy Dr. King-as a nationa

force. The FBl tried, with futility, to prove him

financial crook, a tax: cheat; a tool of the Communists:

The FBI bugged his hotel rooms, his office, tapped his

telephone, cooked up dirty schemes to alienate him

from other Black leaders,.or to break up his marriage.

The FBI even tried tô induce Dr. King to commit

suicide."

This, and.a lot more, will surely come out when. the

Assassinations Committee gets around to probing the

FBI's work in finding, the killer of Dr. King. We ma

et answers as to why, with Ray's fingerprints all ove

the gun and other things found near the scene of

the murder, it took so long for the FBi to establish

the involvement of Ray.

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## Page 28

FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Spaco Below)

Jesse Jackson, Coretta King Agree

Conspiracy

(Indicate page, name of

In King

FRONT FA%.and state.)

St. Louis Argus

St. Louis, Mo.

Killing

Suspected:

icine

-CORETTA KING

JESSE JACKSON

8/31/78

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title: HOUSE SELECT

COMMITTEE ON

ASSASS INATIONS

Character:

or

Classification:

62-5097

Submitting Office:

• Being Investigated

62-5097445

Rom

borr

-N- 55215-Do

d+32989797 Page 28

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## Page 29

•i BY KARL

* ANZZ

ARGUS Washington

forrespondent

Washington--"With all the

, plots, all the continuous sur-

, vellance and all the sophisti-

• cated methods used by the

CIA and the FBI,"' the

widow of the Rev. Dr. Martin

¿ Luther King said Monday, "I

cannot believe that they had

ti about to be assassinated jas

Thus, Mrs. Coretta

Scott

tHing joined the list of other

prominent civil rights lead-

'ers, including Rev. Jesse

Jackson, who have publicly

expressed some doubt as to

whether they are convinced

'that James Earl Ray was.

involved at all, and that they

emphatically believe there

was a conspiracy to kill Dr.

King.

James Earl Ray appeared

'kefore the House Assassina-

•tons Committee for three

i am to meis ars and the

public what he

Jackson in a letter one we-

before he testified: "I dilli

nọt • kill King."

- Mrs. King's opinion of the !

FBI was buttressed in recent i

weeks by a report concerning 1

an alleged plot to asgassinate l

King received by the FBI's!

St. Louis field office. The

report remained unchecked!

for five years because a St..

Louis FBI agent "disregard-

"ed" a basic regulation con-i

cerning the dissemination ca

criminal information, accorl!

ding to bureau officials.

The allegations, transmit-i

ted to the St. Louis bureau in

1973 by an informer, were

basically that Russell G..

Byers, -a former auto parts,

dealer in St. Louis, had said'

he was offered $50,000 in

1966 or 1967 to arrange for!

the murder of Dr. King.

The agent, whom FBI offi-

cials refused to identify, Ip-

portedly prepared a repot!

confan and Section Pana i :)

-Conspiracy

placing one copy in a file on

the informer and another on

Byers. Bureau officials said

the agent, however, failed to •

• follow a regulation requiring

agents to forward any infor-

mation about a specific crime

to agents working on the

The information remained

•buried in St. Louis FBI files

until about four months ago

when an FBI agent checked

the file on Byers, who had!

be a style tem in the thut,

the theft!

museum.

NW

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## Page 30

FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Spaco Below)

Assassination Panel 'Spy' To

Meet With Congressman

By JO MANNIES

"Of the Post-Dispatch Staff

Oliver Patterson, the Black Jack man

no contends that he was hired to spy

for the House Assassinations Commit-

tee, will discuss his allegations tomor-

row, in Washington with a member of the

House Administration Committee.

• Rep. Mendel J. Davis, D-S.C., con-

firmed on Monday that he will meet with

Patterson tomorrow. "But l'd rather not

say what we will talk about," he said.

• Davis noted, however, that a subcom-

mittee of which he is a member is re-

• Viewing the Assassinations Committee's

request for an additional $8C0,000, which

roembers contend is needed to compiete

inquiries into the killings of President

John F. Kennedy and the Rev. Dr. Mar-

tin Lucher King Jr.

Last month, the Administration

Committee decided to: postpone consid-

stacommi the has investigate a Paupes

son's allegations.

Patterson, 34, of 12350 Old Halls Fer-

ry Road, said Monday that he had tele-!

MORIGINAL

to is goo

9-6-78

WW 55215 DocId:32989797 Page 30

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.i

P9C

St. Louis Post-

Dispatch

St. Louis, Mo.

Date: 9/5/78

Edition: Final

Author:

Editor:

Title: HOUSE SELECT

COMMITTEE ON

ASSASSINATIONS

Character:

Classification: 62-5097

Submitting Office:

• Being Investigated

52-5097-144

• Fear

---

## Page 31

**Patterson said" he is scheduleó to

"Tions""without the prior knowledge of

1. meet with House investigators Sept. 15.

the person whose conversation is baing

in New York to discuss the allegations.

recorded." Wiretapping and electronid

at the 'Assassinations Committee's ex-

surveillance also are prohibited

pense.

Patterson said he had once been an

informer for the Federal Bureau uf In-

gative staff.

. vestigation and was employed in recent

months by the Assassinations Commit-

tee to spy on Jerry Ray, a brother of

'answers' — some false — for his official

James Earl Ray, the convicted assassin testimony.

"Taterson said his duties inclided

The news conference here was con

tape-recording telephone conversations

ducted by Mark Lane, attorney fo

• with Jerry Ray, sifting through Ray's

Rules adopted by the committee last - spite his guilty plea, he is innocent.

year forbid tape recording conversa

• .

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## Page 32

DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

ATTENTION:

CONGRESSIONAL:

INQUIRY UNIT.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION.

8/31/78

SAC, ST. LOUIS (02-5097)

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE

ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

Re Bureau teletype to St. Louis 8/31/78.

Enclosed for FBIHQ are Xeroxed copies of serials and

lAs contained in St. Louis file 76-4797 captioned, "JOHN LARRY

RAY; EFP; 00:

St. Louis".

- Bureau (Enc. 30)

- St. Louis

CJC/sfm/Isn

(4)

16-4797

- 62-5097

SEARCHED

SERIALIZED

INDEXED →

FILED

62-5097-143

'NW 55215 DogId: 32989797 Page 32

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## Page 33

SAC, ST. LOUIS (183-117)

• SA ROBERT R.. KAEMPFER

STEVEN FINER;

• MARTIN FINER;

RICO

P

8/31/78

On 8/30/78 SIDNEY FINER telephonically advised

FINER advised them he had not known BYERS then

except to see him occasionally at Finer Metal Company when

BYERS apparently was visiting SID's bröther ALBERT aka

ASH FINER (now deceased).

Investigators stated they were going to

see ALBERT's widow NORMA FINER.

The above is furnished for the information of

the file:

- 183-117

@ = 62-5097

RRK: s fm

(3)

62-5997÷142

SEARCHED

SEARCHED RAIN 1

AUG :3 1 1978

FBI-ST. LOUIS

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

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## Page 34

=

VIC CH20113

RR EL

DE HQ

6113 2430249

ZNY SEEDE

R 3E2217Z AUG 78

Fi DIRECTOR FBI (52-117290)

TO FBI SI. LOUIS ROUTINE

"UNCLAS EF IO

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

dIscA)

• BY LETTER AUGUST 23, 1973, THE NSCA REQUESTED THAT THE FEI

FUELSH A CUPY OF THE STO LOUIS RELO OFFICER GiAN THE

SECEST FUGITIVE CASE INVOLVING JOHN LAKRY RAVIARASE DETERMINE

TO BE ENTIILED "JOHN LARRY RAY: EFP (A); 00: SI. LOUIS

(SL 75-4794)".

PENTIONED FILE INVOLVING JOHN LARRY RAY AND PROVITE IT TO-FSI

HEA QUARTERS, ATTENTIONS CONGRESSIONAL BRUINY QUIT, SECO?3S

MANAGEMENT DIVISION BY CLOSE OF SUSINESS SEP A 3, 1978.

ET

0113 •

6x-5097-141*

F'fr

142

AUG S1 1978 Hom

4191

WW 55215 •DocId: 32989797

Bage

34

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## Page 35

FD-350 (Rev. 11-:1-75)

(Mount Clipping in Spaco Below)

Ray says House group, press

tried to 'nail us to the cross'

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

P6A,

St. Louis

Globe-Democrat.

St. Louis, Mo.

• NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - James EarkRay said in

a letter that the House assassinations committee, aide

oy reporters, distorted evidence and tried to "nail us t

the cross."

Last week, federal marshals took Ray to Washingtor

to testify before the committee about the killing of civil

rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As he has for nearly a decade, Ray recanted his 1969

quilty plea

name pleasi, ring heed by his d mer lysterous ar

erced by the rigors of his confinement.

NA LEITER written on Brushy Mountain Penite

lary stationery and addressed to The Associated Pres

here, Ray said: "Concerning the hearing, apparently

they had

Mandel Davis,

mittee." The spelling and grammar are Ray's.

in Memphis. There were suggestions that Ray stalked

• Dr. King through Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee.

The committee produced a laundry ticket purported-

ly placing Ray in Atlanta April 1, a day Ray says he

was driving through Mississippi toward Memphis to

me Thier

"THEY CAN SURPRISE you with documents that

you have not viewed for years and thus give a fals

impression of the evidence, " Ray wrote in his letter. "j

• was in Mississippi April 1, 1908, but 1 may have a prob

• lem proving it now.'

ray also alleged that the committee paraphrased:

letter he wrote in 1968 about his inability to sieep in

Memphis jail cell, and turned its emphasis around

The committee's investigation of Dr. King's death

resumes this winter.

Date: 8/26-27/78

Edition: Sat.-Sun.

Author:

Editor:

Title:

Character:

or

Classifcation:

Submitting Office:

_ Being Investigated

¡ SEARCHED

62-5097-140

INDEXE!

AUG ?. 9 1978

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Furt. Burian

3978}

---

## Page 36

(Mount Clipping in Space Balow)

"Hay Won Battle,

Apparendy Lost Wor

WASHINGTON (UPI) - James Earl Ray was back:

behind bars saturday and, barring an abrupt turnabou

whin his congressional "trial" resumes in November,

appears destined to serve his full 99-year sentence for

killing the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.

The House Assassinations Commities took Ray dut

of his Tennessee prison and gave him the public forum

¿ he has sought for years to plead his innocence despite a

formal confession of guilt. But it also disclosed new

evidence that Ray and his attorney, Mark Lane, found

"most damaging."

Two surprise developments Friday dealt severe

blows to Ray's contentions — a retired British police-

man's statement that Ray boasted of kiling ring short-

ly alter his arrest in London in 1968, and the admission

of another witness that his support of Ray's alibi was

fabricated.

Lane responded angrily to the written statement

from the policeman, saying he understood the officer

had been charged with corruption and fired in disgrlice.

That forced the delay until November in further cues.

tioning of Ray.

Scotland Yard later said the officer - Alexander

Anthony Eist, now a pub owner - was found innocent of

a That would conflict with Ray's claim that he yps

linanced by a insterious crony named "Raoul"

and

te page, name of

possibly explain where he got the money to buy a car

aper, city and state.)

ind travel extensively.

- Agreement by Ray that he had been offered a deal

by a member of the committee for a lighter sentence if

he could name anyone involved in a conspiracy to kill

King. No names came either from Ray or Rep. Rarold

S. Tawyer, R-Mich., who said he made the offer.

_ Finally,

Friday's blockbuster, from Scolland

Yard's Eist, a sergeant on the famed Flying Squad who

guarded Ray while the prisoner was awaiting extizadi- i

tion to the United States,

10p=07

Rep. Samuel L. Devine, R-Ohio, read aloud the tran-

script of an interview with Eist that he said the commit-

ter obtained just two weeks ago.

Of Ray's role in the King killing, Eist said: "Duling

the course of conversation, he definitely - he diin't

actually come out with it — but it was there in the ron-

versation that he done it. He was quite proud of it."

Eist's statement concluded: "If you want an impres

sion of James Earl Ray, and from what he told me,

Pg. 6А

ST. LOUIS

POST-DISPATCH

ST. LOUIS, MO

8/20/78

, corruption in a trial earlier this year.

When Ray reappears before the committee in No-

vember, questioning is expected to locus on whether ne

*was part of a conspiracy rather than a lone killer. The

• committee holds hearings in September on conspiracy

theories about the killing of President John F. Kennedy.

The three days of hearings produced:

— Testimony that Ray left Los Angeles in 1968 and,

paralleling King's movements, went to Selma, Ala.,

Atlanta, and finally to Memphis, Tenn., where the civil

rights leader was killed by a bullet from the rifle Ray

admits he bought.

- Evidence that Ray was in Atlanta on April 1, 1968.

* *7

gentlemen, for what it is worth: I haven't any doubt in

py mind that he did that on his own. For whatever

mason he did it, he did it on his own. If it had been any-

thing or anybody behind him on that particular job,

during the days of many conversations that I had wilh

him, it would have come out."

"It's false," said-Ray. Both he and Lane said the ":

statement was the most damaging evidence yet pre :

sented.

so "a trie

Tue:

HSCA

In an outburst that made his attorney wince, Ray

told the committee that if anyone could show that he

¿ was in Atlanta on April 1, "I'll just take responsibility

, for the King case right here on TV." The committee

produced a woman, now 75, who said from a wheelchair

that she had made out laundry and dry-cleaning re

ceipts to a man calling himself Eric Galt, an alias used

'by Ray, in Atlanta on that day.

— An admission of lying from the only living sup

porter of Ray's alibi that Ray was at a Memphis serv-

ice station when King was killed.

• "This story is completely false," said Dean Cowden,

who had first corroborated Ray's alibi. Cowden, a

commodity dealer, said he was more than 400 miles

Character:

or

Classifcation: SL 62-509.7

Submitting Office:St. Louis

• Being Investigated

62-5097-139

Pert

away at his Port Neches, Texas, home at the time and

had given false information to help a friend who was an

investigator for one of Ray's earlier attorneys.

i*14

- Fingerprints connecting Ray to a $600 bank rob.

bery in London June 1, 1965, shortly before his arrest,

and committee indications that there is evidence link-

in, fay to a stil-unsolved 32,00, bank robbery at 4.

NW

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(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

-Ray brother puis on show in Ation

James Earl Ray's younger brother, Jerry, came to!

Ray told reporters that he was working at a country

Alton with an entourage of television cameras Friday, in l

hopes of dispelling accusations that he was involved ing

club in Northbrook, Ill. at the time of the robbery and

has not been in Alton since 1961.

the 1957 holdup of the Bank of Alton.

But he was given a cold shoulder by police and bank

officials, some of whom called Ray's visit a publicity

Ray. arrived at the Bank of Alton about 10 a.m. and

said he would like bank employees who witnessed the

robbery to see if they could identify him.

"I didn't rob this bank or any other banks," Ray said.

"I have been accused on national television of being a

robber, and I want to clear myself."

PAUL'UTTERBACK, president of the bank, told Ray

the witnesses were.no longer employees of the Bank of

"I'"as very surprised Mr. Ray came to the bank,"

Utterback said. "I really don't know why he did it, or

what he hoped to accomplish."

"The whole thing was a publicity stunt," said another

bank official. "The cameras were rolling, so it was a

perfect stage for him to say what he wanted."

Ray was implicated in the July 13, 1967 robbery in

statements made by Rep. Floyd J. Fithian, D-Indiana,

during testimony'by James Earl Ray before the House

Assassinations Committee Thursday, Fithian said the

convicted killer of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

and one of Ray's brothers may have been the two

•stocking-masked men who robbed the bank of $36,000.

The congressman said Jerry and James Earl Ray had

met in Chicago shortly before the holdp, and evidence

fromathe robbery was found

1½ blocks from their

uncle's Alton home.

ACCORDING TO ONE theory, James Earl Ray could

have used the loot to elude authorities for more than a

year. That would discredit Ray's contention that he was

paid by a mysterious conspirator named Raoul.

After a brief stop at the bank, Jerry Ray and a

television crew went to the Alton police station to deny

his involvement in the robbery. Alton authorities told

The Globe-Democrat Thursday that the Rays were not

• suspects in the holdup.

Rav told Lt. Walter Conrad that he was willing to

waive the expired statute of limitations on the robber!

and submit to a polygraph test. Conrad said that if Rajl

did fot intend to admit to the robbery, there was no

need to question him.

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

14A

SI. LOUIS

GLOBE-DEMOCRAT

Date: 8/19-20/78

Edition: Weekend

Author:

Editor:

Title:

HSCA

Character:

or

Classification: SI 62-5097

Submitting Office:St. Louis

• Being Investigated

62-5097-138

55215

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Fud. Burns 8/21Ti8,

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## Page 38

(Hount Clipping in Spaco Bolon)

Ray alibi witness

edmits lying

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

3A

ST. LOUIS

GLOBE- DEMOCRAT

ST. LoUIS, Mo.

Date:

8/19-20/78

Edition: Weekend

Author:

Editor:

Title:

HSCA

James Earl Ray: "That's probably the most damaging state-

ment that's been made against me...admitting guiit on a mur-

„der chage...it is false."

. — AP Wirephoto

Character:

or

Classification: SL 62-5097

Submitting Office:St. Louis.

] Being Investigated

62-5099-137

file

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page

38

Ted, Bruse 8/21) 78.

---

## Page 39

By DENNIS J. McCARTHY

InGlobe Democrat Staff Writer

WASHINGTON - An abili witness .

for James Earl Ray admitted under

oath Friday that he had lied when

he said he saw Ray at a Memphis

¿ service station at the time Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr. was shot to

Coy Dean Cowden testified before

the House assassinations committee

that. he was actually in Beaumont,

400 miles from Memphis,

wlien Dr. King was slain April 4,

RAY, WHO IS serving a 99-year

• sentence for Dr. King's murder, has

-said that at the time of the shooting

he was at a

Memphis to have a tire repaired on

his white Mustang.

Mark Lane, the attorney for Ray

• at the committee hearings, had said

• in a 197'7 book titled "Code Mark

L.- Zorro" that Cowden claimed to have

seen Ray at the station at the time

of the assassination.

"This is completely false," Cow-

den testified during questioning by

*Rep. Robert Edgar, D-Pa.

!: Cowden said his part of the alibi

story was rehearsed with Reniro

Hays, a private investigator, who

.. gave the same story to the National

Enquirer newspaper last year.

ON THE WITNESS stand, Cow-

den; who testified that he was a

former mental patient, said Hays

"make' a million

dollars" out of the Dr. King case.

"I let Renfro lead me into this,"

*-Cowden-said. "I-didn't-have-to-go-

along with it, but I did."

Cowden was asked by a commit-

tee member whether Lane had

realized that his story was false.

• "He bought it hook, line and

¡ sinker," Cowden replied.

. "That seems like appropriate

equipment for Mr. Lane,"

ed Rep. Harold Sawyer, R-Mich.

LANE TOLD The Globe-Democrat

later, "I don't know when Cowden is

telling the truth... He lied before in

talking about the matter. Now he

says he's telling the truth."

Cowden's testimony dealt another

• blow to the 50-year-old Ray's claim

that he did not kill Dr. King. He

pleaded guilty to the shooting in 1959

but repudiated the plea several days

• later. For years he has sought a new

trial.

Ray insists that he was framed by

a mystery man known only as

Raoul.

Other testimony introduced Fri-

day alleged that Ray had indicated

that he had killed Dr. King when he

Jalked with & Scotland Yard inspec

for shortly aiter his arrest in London

in June 1968.

NW 55215. DocId: 32989797 -Page 39--

Tina 24→ *u*f3

_ RAX, HOWEVER, denied to the

committee that he had made such a

confession while awaiting extradi-

tion to the United States.

"That's probably the most damag-

ing statement that's been made

against me... admitting guilt on a

murder charge... It is false," Ray

declared.

His attorney contended that the

allegations by former Inspector Al-

exander Anthony Eist, who is now

retired, are unreliable.

Rep. Samuel L. Devine, R-Ohio,

read aloud a report on a recent

interview of Eist by the committee's

DEVINE QUOTED Eist as saying

that he was one of Ray's guards

during the weeks of his incarcera-

tion in London and that Ray often

confided in him.

Committee investigators asked

Eist, who now, has a pub in Cam-

bridge, England, whether. Ray had

admitted killing Dr. King.

"Oh, no, no, no," Eist replied. "He

didn't actually.come out with it, but

it was there in the conversation that

he had done it."

At one point, Eist was asked,

he express hatred for blacks?'

"Yes," Eist replied. "There

wasn't any doubt at all ... He said

he was trying to get to Alrica to

shoot some more."

EIST SAID Ray's ego was such

that he began describing the assassi

nation of Dr. King.

atHe told me about a gun. He sail!

he threw it away. He told me he had

left this place (where the shooting of

Dr. King occurred); saw a police:

man, panicked and threw away the

Eist also said Ray boasted that he

could only be convicted of conspira-

cy — that authorities couldn't prove

that he had fired the weapon that.

killed Dr. King.

The former inspector quoted Ray *

as saying that he thought he would

be sentenced to one to 10 years in

prison on a conspiracy charge. Eist

said Ray was happy about this

prospect, and hoped that it would be

concurrent with a 20-year sentence

he had been serving in Missouri.

RAY ESCAPED from the Missouri

State Penitentiary April 23, 1967. He

had been convicted of robbing a St.

Louis supermarkt of $191 in 1959.

Eist-also quoted Ray as saying

that "For him to have shot a black

man of note in. certain parts st

American would make him a nation-

al hero... He seemed absolutely

mad about publicity. He really

wanted it."

Ray predicted, according to Eist,

that he would receive $250,000 to

$500,000 for killing Dr. King because

---

## Page 40

"o-he would "have no shortage of

frienus, no shortage of fund-raisers.

He wood gette bose on TV and .

After Davine read the interview

report, Ray charged that it showed

that the assassinations committee

: "intends to crucity me."

ABOUT THAT TIME, Lane re-

turned to the hearing room after

being away briefly and said he had

• made a call to a British lawyer.

He said the lawyer described Eist

as corrupt and "a disgrace to the

English police force,"

and that he

had been forced to leave his job.for

unlawful conduct.

In London, a

Scotland Yard

spokesman said later that Eist was

charged in 1976 with conspiracy to

= pervert justice in connectier-siti a

jewel robberies but was found inno

sent of the charges earlier this year.

When Lane was asked after the

hearing how dependable the British

lawyer was, Lane replied, "How do

I know! I don't know the guy."

ACTING

COMMITTEE

ChairmanRichardson Preyer, D.

N.C., promised that the committee

would explore the issue of Eist's

redibility. It was announced tha

Eist would be called as a witness

Walter Fauntroy, the District of

Columbia delegate, asked that Ray

"be excused indefinitely while other

witnesses were heard.

Preyer granted the request and

said it was likely that Ray would rol.

be recalled until November.

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## Page 41

ED-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

12A 91. Enuis Globe-Demarral Aug. 19-20, 1978.

Kelley says nothing

new in Ray's testimony

KANSAS CITY (AP) - Former FBI

Director Clarence Kelley said testimony,

and that conspiracy theres were only

by James Earl Ray, convicted murdere?

speculation.

of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr,,

Kelley called the news conference to

had shown no new evidence of any coit-

announce he would not run for mayor of

spiracy in the 1968 slaying.

Kansas City. But he said he would ac

"He (Ray) did it. He did it alone. We

cept an appointment to the city's Police

have no showing of any conspiracy,"

Board if it were offered

Kelley, whose agency investigated the

killing of the civil rights leader, said

"MY COMMITMENTS are so

Friday.

demanding I could not gire it the time

the job of mayor takes," Le said.

"I AM OF THe opinion that the story

Kelley said he was committed to

is as it was investigated by the FBI,"

Kelley said at a news conference.

work with a private management con-

additional leads come up, they tradition-

sulting firm, to lecture monthly at the

ally have been pursued. But there has

University of Alabama in Birmingham

been nothing to counter the original and

and to make other speeches around the

definite conclusion that Martin Luther

country.

King was slain by James Earl Ray."

"I had hoped my lifestyle would level

off when I left the FBI, bit instead I am

. The FBI has been under fire in the

more deeply enmeshed than ever belore

case, with civil rights leaders and Ray's

and cannot forsale comnitments made

attorney charging the federal agency

long ago," he said.

was behind a conspiracy to kill Dr. King. 7

He said he surned down offers to be

¿ But kelley said Ray's testimony be-

police chief in four difierent citieg; in-

ore the House assassinations subcom-

cluding Los Angeles, ater he lefti the

mittee had not supported those charges, g

FBI.

Ray's brother

granted parole

WASHINGTON (AP) - John Larry Ray, a

brother of convicted assassin James Earl Ray,

has been granted a parole from a federal prison

in Marion, Ill., where he is serving a bank rob

bery sentence, the Justice Department said Fri-

day.

Ray was granted parole effective Sept. 18 by

the U.S. Parole Commission.

He was originally scheduled for parole June

14, but that was rescinded while the commission

looked into a complaint about possible perjured

testimony before the House assassinations com-

mittee.

The complaint was made by the committee,

which is investigating the assassination of civil

rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

James Earl Ray; who pleaded guilty to the slay-

ing but later recanted, is the key witness in cur-

rent committee hearings.

John Larry Ray was sentenced to 18 years ill

prison in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in 1971.

He was convicted of robbing the Bank of St. Pa.

ters in St. Charles County on Oct: 26, 1970.

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

8/19-20/78

Weekend

ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT

HSCA

Character:

or

Classification: SL 62-5097

Submitting Office: St.Louis

• Being Investigated

62-5097-136

But kit

NW 55215

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Fed Been 8158784

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## Page 42

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Winesses Expected To Refute

Ray's Service Station Alibi. (

By GERALD M. BOYD

the London bank robbery and the rob-

(Indicate page, name of

A Washingion Correspondent

hery of a Bank of Alton, 1li., to financel

newspaper, city and state.)

of the Post-Dispatch

lis travels and other activities from

WASHINGTON — The House Assassi-

Ajoril-1957 to his capture in connection

nations Committee has witnesses from a

with theKing killing about 15 months

1A

later.

ST. LOUIS

POST-DISPATCH

Memphis service station who are pre-

The committee members, through de-

pared to testify that James Earl Ray

was not on the premises when the nev.

stalled questions Thursday, suggestid

Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinat-

¡that Ray not only murdered King bụt."

ed, the Post-Dispatch has learned.

acied alone. However, the grilling, which:

continued today, gave no suggestion ase

The testimony, considered crucial,

would directly contradict both the alibi

te a motive for Ray to kill King.

Ray has used to contend that he was not

I"A" motive is the hardest thing to

involved in the murder of the civil rights

crove," one cmmittee staff attorney said

sleader and his testimony under oath to

if the end of the hearing. "What we are

¡ the committee:

trying to do isito present the facts, &nd I

A source said Thursday that th

guess you will have to decide on the

witnesses were in Washington and would

motite yourself."

testify if Ray completed his appearance

The day long questioning of Ray was

before the committee today, when the

repeatedly interrupted by his attorney

public hearing ends. If not, they are

Mark Lane. Lane, who has been critical

expected to be called by the committee

of the colimittee's investigation, said at

• in November when it resumes its public

several"points that the session was

sessions on the King assassination.

The witnesses, the source said, worked

• at the Memphis service station where

Ray says he was getting a tire repaired

about the time-King was-killed-April 4,

1968.

His sworn statement to the committee

Wednesday said he was at the station,

although he could not name it.

The witnesses, whom the source would

not identity, are expected to be a part of

the committee's attempt to discredit

Ray's account of his role in the King

assassination. Detailed questioning by

the committee on Thursday raised sever-

ai doubts about May's story and left him

seemingly shaken. Committee members

appeared openly skeptical.

Evidence offered by. the committee

showed that Ray visited at least foul

sities where King was present in thi

he '50s..v:

'In his first public statements on tre

assassination, Ray testified under oath

Wednesday that he did not kill King aud

that he had been framed by a man whom

After the two men met in Montreal in

August 1967, they engaged in several

smuggling ventures and in many south-

em cities, the last time in Memphis the

day of King's murder, Ray said.

In relätionship to the. King assassina-

tion, Ray-said Raoul had on different

occasions, instructed him to purchase a

higg-powered rifle, a pair of binoculfirs

and to register in the rooming house; in

Melaphis from which the shot that killed

King is believed to have been fired. 'y

Rep. Louis Stokes, D-Ohio, said neither

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title: HSCA

8/18/78

Bulldog

Character:

or

Classification: SI 62-5097

Submitting Office: St. Louis

• Being Investigated

ponths before the assassination. Raji

Cenied the implication that he yas

Stalking King

+62-5097-136

The committee, for the first time,

presented documents that showed that a

Ray thumb print had been found on a

mote that was used in a robbery of a balik

in London when Ray was in that country

• a committee member, Reo. Flora J.

Fithian, D-Ind., suggested while ques-

toning Ray that Ray might have used

NW 55215 DooId: 32989797

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Jud, Bureau 8/18%.

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## Page 43

*federal authorities nor committee inves

¡ tightors have ever been able to find"

anyone who might be Raoul. The com-

-mittee, through files, witnesses state-,

ments and other documents, then at

" tempted to establish that Ray's account |

* of events was doubtiul or, in some

instances, false.

Ray's possible involvement in the

i Alton bank robbery, raised by Fithian,

I drew a heated objection from Lane, and

• a quick no from Ray about having a role

in the crime.

Through questioning, Fithian estab-

lished that Ray had been in Alton on July

14, 1967, the day the holdup occurred.

The bank was robbed of $27,000 by two

men, and the case has gone unsolved,.

Fithian said.

Fithian said clothing and several items

used in the robbery were found by

authorities about a block from the house

of a Ray relative living in Alton at the

time. In addition, he said, one of Ray's

_brothers, Jerry, who was then working in

•Chicago, had been off work on the day of

the holdup.

Fithian noted that Jerry Ray and

another brother, John, had been arrested

in 1970 for the robbery of another banli.

• Helsaid John Ray had been involved in

four other bank robberies during 1969

; and 1970.

Fithian's implication is that the bank

I robbery could have given Ray money to

live on for several months. Fillowing

that line of thought, he then iniroduced

evidence that showed that R&y might

have robbed the London bank, when ne

fled the country after King's.death.

Ray said he knew nothing about the

• London bank holdup, in which about $250

* was taken.

But Fithian said a note demanding

"money had Ray's thumbprint on it and

-

: Fithian said that, il Ray was making

aired by the commitice.

¡false statements on the robbery, other

karts of his téstimony might also be

untrue. "-'

'",

But Ray noted that British authorities

had never charged him with the crimes.

although he said two other charges were

filed at the time of his capture.

""If they had something. why didn't;

they charge me with it?" he asked.

Fithian said that authorities were

more concerned about having Ray extra-

dited to the United States to stand trial

for the King killings. And alter his guilty

plea, no reason &xisted to pursue the

nater since he had been given a 99-ycas

sentence, Fithian said.

Farlier Thursday, the committel

heird evidence that showed that Ray

Tras in at least four cities at the saine

Eme as King. Ray said that fact was

only a coincidence.

• Stokes submitted evidence that showed

that Ray had been in Los Angeles,

Selma, Ala., Atlanta and Memphis dur-

ing the same time periods as King.

Lengthy questioning by Stokes attempted

to challenge accounts that Ray has given

• to the-committee under oath and in

newspaper and television interviews

about his visits to those sites.

Stokes, at one point, asked Ray wheth-

er he had planned to go to Atlanta when

he left Los Angeles in February 1968.

Ray had told the committee Wednesday

thit his original destination had 'been

Niw Orleans but.that he changed his.

plins when en route there.

After answering "no" Thursday, Ray

seemed shaken as Stokes introduced into

evidence a change-of-address form filled

out by Ray in Los Angeles and showing

that his mail should be forwarded to

Atlanta general delivery.

The form said the mail should be

forwarded until April 25. It was signed

by an Eric S. Galt. Galt is one of sevefal

allases Ray has said he used during the

ypar he was free after escaping from the

Missouri State Prison in Jefferson City

"Stokes asked Ray whether he had

known that King had been in Los Angeles

while Ray was there. He said that he had

NN 55215

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## Page 44

not.

- Persisting, Stokes then asked Ray to

trace his travels after leaving Los

Angeles and Ray said that he had gone

to New Orleans and then to Birmingham

and finally to Atlanta. His statement

says that after leaving Los Angeles he

went to New Orleans, to meet the person

• named Raoul.

Ray said that he arrived late and was

instructed to go to Birmingham. After

meeting Raoul, the pair went to Atlanta,

Ray said.

Stokes, however, pointed out that on

the automobile trip from New Orleans to

Birmingham Ray had spent the night in

a hotel in Selma, Ala. A map offered into

" evidence showed that Selma is not on one

of two direct routes between the two

• cities.

„Stokes then showed newspaper articles

that pointed out King had been in

i Canden, Ala., which is near Selma,

about the same time that Ray was in

¿ Selina.

Ray said, in response,

that he had

• taken a wrong road after leaving New

Orleans and had decided to spend the

night in Camden because it was dark.

In perhaps the most damaging evi-

dence offered, Stokes offered testimony

and a cleaner's receipt that indicated

that Ray was in Atlanta at leas until

April 3. The evidence contradicted Ray's

sworn statement that he let: Allanta on

March 28 to drive to Memphis.

One document that Stokes offered was

a statement from the owner of a rooming

house in Atlanta that Ray had given him

a week's rent in advance on March 31. In

addition, Stokes showed the cleaner's

receipt indicating that articles of clotte

ing had been left by an Eric Galt on

April 1.

Ray

has admitted picking up the

clothes the day after King was assassi-

nated and has said that he fled then to

Canada.

I rying to emphasize the significance of

Ray being in Atlanta in early April,

Stokes read from the transcript of a

television interivew with Ray in which

Ray said that such evidence would be

damaging..

"If I left Los Angeles planning to

return to the Deep South, then I will take

responsibility for the King assassination

right now," Ray said, in a "60 Minutes"

television interview. Ray told the com-

mittee that he could not recall why he

had made that assessment.

Stokes assailed Ray's statement to the

committee that Raoul had never handled

the 30-06 rifle that is believed to have

been the weapon used to kill King.

Ray said he had bought the weapon for

Raoul in Birmingham, Ala., for what hey

thought was a gun-running scheme.

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 44

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## Page 45

James Earl Ray

during committee testimony

Ray accused

of robbing

Alton bank

• By DENNIS J. McCARTHY

Globe-Democrat Staff Writer

• WASHINGTON = A House investigator

tried to show Thursday that James Earl

Ray's travels for nearly a year after he

escaped from a Missouri prison were not

financed by a mystery man named

Raoul but by a bank robbery in which

Ray and one of his brothers allegediy

were involved.

Rep. Floyd

J. Fithian, D-Ind., a

member of the House assassinations

committee, cited what he called a $27.000

• robbery of a bank in Ray's birthplace,

Alton, Ill., on July 13, 1967, while Ray

was in the arca.

(Alton police records show that $36,00)

was taken in the robbery of the Bank of

Alton on that date.)

TRAY TOLD Fithian he did not partic.

Pite in the Alton robbery.

His exchange with Fithian came on the su

(mount Clipping in Spaco Below)

second day of his appearance belure the

committee so give restimony abnut the

essassination of Dr. Martin LutherKing.

Jr., on April 4. 1968, in Memphis.

Ray, 50, pleaded guily in 1959 10

shooting Dr. King and is servingl's 99.

year sentence for murder. But lie repu-

diated his guilty plea shortly alter

making it and for years has been seeking

a new trial.

IN PREVIOUS restimony before the

committee, Ray said he supported him-

self by part-time jobs, by the $1,700

robbery of a pimp in Montreal and on

moncy paid to him by Raoul for the

smuggling of contraband.

Ray has contended that he was framed

for Dr. King's slaying by Raoul.

Fithian and committee staff members

also produced evidence that Ray was

• involved in a London area bank robbery

June 4, 1968, a few days before his,

* capture.

THE CONGRESSMAN said a right

lumborint found on a pader bag afte

he robbery matched Ray's, according to

Scotland Yard, the FBi and an independ-

ent.firm hired by the assassinations

committee.

"Ray's attorney Mark Lane objected

that such evidence was irrelevant.

icierring to the allegation about the

Bank of Alton robbery, Lane told Fithiar

"I would add that you shed your

congressional immunity for five minutes

so we might later settle this in court...

that was an outrageous statement."

AT THIS POINT, acting committee

chairman Rep. Richardson Preyer, D.

N.C., asked Fithian, "How is this

ndicate page, name o

ewspaper, city and state.

1A

ST. LOUIS

GLOBE- DEMOCRAT

vide substantial evidence of what I just

" said (about the Bank of Alton)."

(in Alton, Capt. John Light, assistant

police chiel, said that after Ray was

implicated in Dr. King's slaying, police!

and rBI agents were tipped by informa

ants that Ray was involved in the banky

hoiltup there. But Light said no evidence

wai found to support the tips and the

cast is still carried on the records as

unsolved.)

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

8/18/78

Daily-Final

HSCA

Character:

or

Classification:SL 62-5097

Submitting Office: St. Louis

I Being Investigated

SEARC

62-5092-1341

tent

too sit the

TIGi

wti;

Driel: Bureau 8118/18

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 45

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## Page 46

Ray is accuse

of robbing bank

AT ONE POINT in his questioning of

It also exhibited evidence aimed at

Ray, Fithian asked, "Are you awark that

showirg that Ray was in Atlanta, ust

101) July 13 (1967), the Bank of Allos was

before the murder.

rebbed by two masked gunmen.

one

THE COMMITTEE displayed an in-

Cattrying a shotgun, of $27,000, any that

largement of two laundry tickets that

remains unsolved to this day? That the

showed "'Eric S. Galt," the alias whteli

robbers were two white males?"

Ray admitted using, had put clothing in

"No, sir," Ray replied.

1 ,

the Piedmont Laundry in Atlanta on

"Vere you in the St. Louis area on

April 1.

July 13?" Fithian asked.

Ray said he was

certain that he

"No," replied Ray

checked the clothes into the laundry on

I. -FITHIAN established during the quas.

March 25. He said the laundry records

tioning that Ray met with one of his

were either forged or the wrong date had

brothers, Jerry W. Ray, in Chicago after

he

been written by a cierk.

escaped from the Missouri State

Previously, the committee had pro-

duced a motel receipt showing that Ray

•Penitentiary April 23; 1967, and before

stayed in Selma on March 22, the day

he Alton bank robbery.

Are you aware the bank was robbed

alter King was there.

RAY CLAIMED he merely got on the

¿n Jerry's day off in Chicago?" Fithian

vrong read while driving from New

•easked.

Orleans to Atlanta, wound up in Selma

"No.

" Ray replied.

and spent the night in that city.

IN LATER questoning. Fithian asked

The committee also displayed a blown-

Ray, "Are you aware that some physical

•up of a postal change-of-address card

.. evidence in the (Alton) bank robbery.

proving that Ray was wrong when he

clothing and the shotgun, were found 1,2

testified under oath that he thought he

blocks from your uncle's Alton home?"

was going from Los Angeles only to New.

My uncie's home?" asked Ray. "1

Orleans — not Atlanta.

didn't know where he lived."

After the committee hearing was re-

cessed until Friday morning, Lane told:

reporters,.

"Ray's a crook, not a truthful

crook - he. lied about the crimes he's :

of a Lis Angeles newspaper was disg

playedito show that King had been in

that city on the same date.

committed. Of course, he may be lying :

before the committee, but what's at issue

is whether or not he pulled the trigger

(on the rifle that killed Dr. King)."

IN OTHER developments at Thurs-

day's hearing session,

the committee

produced evidence which suggested that

•Ray stalked Dr. King through three

other cities before the Memphis slaying.

* Ray said the evidence was wrong.

Ray declared he would take the blame

. for the assassination "right here on

television" if the committee could prove

he was in Atlanta on April 1, 1958, three t

¿ days before King was slain.

ON APRIL 1, the civil rights leader

wis in Atlanta, his headquarters.

The committee submitted evidence :

Ray was in Selma, Ala., the diy

after Dr. King-visited there two weeks

& before the assassination.

.....i

NN 55215 DooId: 32909797 Page 46

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## Page 47

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Ray Recounts Travells

Meetings Before,

After Dr. King's Killing

By a Washington Correspondent

Of the Post-Dispatch

Oct. 6, 1967-Reached by Raoul's ap. | Chose the name of John Willard as an

* WASHINGION-Here is the chrovolo

parent representative. Leit Birmingham

saligs. Checked into the rooming house

to meet Raoul in New Orleans. After

the next day.

gy given by James Earl Ray. to the

making telephone contact en route, was

Apil t, 1968-Met Raoul at the room-

TrasHouse Assassinations Committee con-

*told to instead travel to Nuevo Laredo,

ing House. Was told to bring some

sc. iceming his travels and his meetings with

Mexico, and was given a name and

personal items from the Mustang to the

-diwiRaoul:

address of a motel to check into. Met

room and to buy a pair of binoculars.

‚boic" April 23, 1967-Escaped from the Mis-

Raoul at the hotel. With Raoul, smuggled ! Followed both instructions. Went to a

¿Qiesour State Prison in a bread box. Took a

Contraband across the Mexican-U.S. bog-

tavern, then to a restaurant and had a

ww freight train to St. Louis and later

cer, and returned to Mexico. Left Raonl

flat tire fixed. Returned, saw police in

boarded a bus in Edwardsville for

the next day and was given $2,000. Was

the area and fled in the car. Later

"rid Chicago. Worked as a dishwasher until

also given another New Orleans contait

learned that King has been assassinated.

Drelate June and drove to Montreal in a

number. Traveled through Mexico Ick/ Never saw Raoul again.

ai chewly purchased automobile after stop-

April 5, 1968-Drove to Atlanta. Took a

is rping in several places. While in Mont-

the following weeks, spent most bf his

bus: to Detroit, then went to Toronto

: S1:700.

isreal, robbed a pimp of approximately

time in Puerto Vallarta.

lov. 15, 1967-Left Mexico for the

Later went to London, Lisbon and bach,

• " July 1967-First met Raoul at a tavern.

United States. Arrived in Los Angeles

to Lendon; captured there.

After a couple of meetings, was told that

Nov. 19. Sought several jobs there,

Raoul could get him a forged passport in

including employment with the Internal

return for his help in moving contra-

Revenue Service. Also tried to find ways

7A

band.

to leave the United States without a

ST. LOUIS

POST-DISPATCH

August 21, 1957-Smuggted three pack-

passport.

ages with Raoul across the Canadian

December 1967-Telephoned New Or-

• border to Detroit. Received $1,500 in

leans number given by Raoul and was

payment from Raoul instead of the

told to travel to the city in late

travel documents.

December. Met Raoul after arriving

August 28, 1967-Went by bus to

there and was told that Raoul warlted

Birmingham, Ala., to meet Raoul. Was

help in transporting rifles into Mexico.

then traveling under the alias of Erix S.

Received $500. After the meetingyre-

Jait. Was told by Raoul to buy a lite-

tumed to Los Angeles.

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

8/17/78

*** Final

model automobile. Found a white Nus

February 1968-Received letter from

lang, which was purchased the next day

HSCA

Rabul setting up a meeting in New

with $2,000 from Raoul. Gave Raoul a set

of keys to the car and received $500 for

• Orleans in March to plan a tripito

Atlanta. Arrived late and was told ly

§living expenses and $500 for camira

equipment. Also received a telephone

number in Baton Rouge, La., where a

message could be left for Raoul.

relephone contact to go to Birmingham.

" Mel Raoul there and proceeded to

Atlanta. They rented a room there.

About a week later, drove back to

Birmingham with Raoul and bought a

rifle on Raoul's instructions. After the

purchase, was given the name of a

Memphis hotel to deliver the gun and

was told to meet Raoul there April 3,

Character:

or

Classification: SI 62-5097

Submitting Office: St. Louis

[Being Investigated

625097-133

foot

1908

April 2, 1968- Arrived in Memphis und

"Ii:

necked into hotel. Raoul arrived ano

said'to take a room for a few days in a

rooming house near the Lorraine Hotel.,

rod. Busan 8/18/78.

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47

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## Page 48

FD-350 (Rov. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Bolow)

unel Puts Ray In Four Cities!

By GERALD M. BOYD

A Washington Correspondent

of the Post-Dispatch

With King

WASHINGTON-The House Assassi-

'by a Eric S. Galt. Galt is one of several

nations .Committee has submitted

evi-

Palias Ray has said he used duringithe:

- dence that shows that James Earl Ray

year-period he was free after escaping.

was in at least four cities at the same

¡from the Missouri State Prison in Jefferg

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

time as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King

ison City.

Jr. in the months prior to the killing.of

King.

Stokes asked Ray if he had known

that King had been in Los Angeles while

1A

Testifying under oath today, Ray

Ray was there. He said that he had not.

ST. LOUIS

POST-DISPATCH

denied that the evidence was any more

Persisting, Stokes then asked Ray to

than a coincidence. The last city there

-trace his travels after leaving Los An. •

the two were in together was Meniphis,

gles and Ray said that he had gone to

Tenn., where King was assassinated

New Orleans and then to Birmingham

April 4, 1908

And finally to Atlanta. His statemer!

§ Ray, the confessed assassin of King,

came under slow and detailed question-

ing in an apparent attempt by commi-

tee members to dissect a carefully pre-

scated him in the assassination.

y pared 40-page statement that he hid

. Ray said that he arrived late and was.

delivered Wednesday.

nstructed to go to Birmingham. Afer

Ray appeared nervous at several

points in the questioning and his attor-

ray said.

meeting Raoul, the pair went to Atlaria,

ney, Mark Lane, repeatedly objected to

the way some of the questions were

Stokes, however, pointed out that on

the automobile trip from New Orleans to

phrased.

Birmingnam Ray had spent the night ir

Committee chairman Louis Stokes,

a hotel in Selma, Ala. A map offered int

D-Ohio, who did all of the questioning,

submitted evidence that showed that

evidence showed that Selma is not on

Ray had been in Los Angeles,

Selma,

E done of two direct routes between the two

97 cities.

Ala, Atanta and Memphis during tie

s" Stokes then showed newspaper arti-

same time periods as King. Lengthy

#cles that pointed out King had been i

questioning by Stokes attempted to chat-

i lenge accounts that Ray has given to tHe

u Camden, Ala., which is near Selma,

" sabout the same time that Ray was in

7Selma.

committee under oath and in newspaper

and television interviews about his visits

soli. Ray said, in response, that he had ;

Lo those sites.

taken a wrong road after leaving New

wOrleans and had decided to spent the

Stokes, at one point, asked Ray if he :

Date:

8/17/78

Edition: *** Final

Author:

Editor:

Title:

shad planned to go to Atlanta when he left

S'night in Camden because it had gst

I"dark.

• Los Angeles in February 1968. Ray had

told the committee Wednesday that his

3t. In perhaps the most damaging evi-

HSCA

• dence offered, Stokes offered testimony

original destination had been New Or-

'and a cleaner's receipt that indicated

leans but that he changed his plans when,

wathat Ray was in Atlanta at least until

en route there.

After answering "no" today, Ray

*2 April 3. The evidence contradicted Ray's

sworn statement that he left Atlanta on

seemed shaken as Stokes introduced into

evidence a change-of-address form filled

in March 28 to drive to Memphis.

19' One document that Stokes offered

out by Ray in Los Angeles and showing

that his mail should be forwarded to

suwas a statement from a the owner of a

isrooming house in Atlanta that Ray had

Atlanta general delivery.

The form said the

mail should be

"'given him a week's rent in advance on,

forwarded until April 25. It was signed

March 3l. In addition, Stokes showed the

• Ecleaner's receipt indicating that articles

Character:

or

Classification: SL 62-5097

Submitting Office: St. Louis

Being Investigated

62-5097-1321

Pir

of clothing had been left by an Eric Calt

don Aprill.

gRay has admitted picking up the

w'clothes the day after King was assalsi-

s'nated and has said that he fled then to

two. Barac

18/18/78°

*NW 55215 DocId 32989797

Page 48

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## Page 49

F. Canada.

Belore 'lie could" respond to Stokes'

questions about the Atlanta-related evi-

dence, the committee recessed

Junch.

Irying to emphasisize the signifi-

cance of Ray being in Atlanta in early

April, Stokes read from the transcript of

" a television interview with Ray in which

Ray said that such evidence would be

damaging.

"If I left Los Angeles planning to

return to the Deep South, then I will take

• responsibility for the King assassination

" right now,"' Ray said, in a "60 Minutes"

television interview. Ray told the com-

mittee that he could not recall why he

Khad made that assessment.

Ray, who pleaded guilty to the mur-

Ger of King in March 1969, has contended

since then that he did not commit the

crime.

Wednesday's testimony was the first

* time that he had given statements under

oath about the assassination. During

• that appearance, he said that he had not

* killed King and had been the victim of a

complicated plot that involved the mys-

terious Raoul. He said that Raoul had

steered nim to memphis under the guise

or smuggling guns and that he had left

Raoul at the rooming house from where

King is believed to have been killed

¡shortly before the shots were fired. Dur-

-ing his testimony today, Ray refused to

tray from his story about Raoul. But

2., Stokes said the committee had been .

done sonin, indent.

NW 55215

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Page 49

1-7-1-147039

unable to find anyone who saw the pair"

together.

chees assailed Ray's statement to

the committee that his unfound and

never fully identified accomplice had

never handled the .30-06 rifle that is be-

lieved to have been the weapon used to

kill the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

on April 4, 1968.

Ray said he had bought the weapon

for a man named Raoul in Birmingham,

Ala., for what he thought was a gun-

running scheme. Ray said he and Raoul

had worked together for months, from

Canada to Mexico, in various smuggling

Ray said that if he had killed King,

his fingerprints never would have been

found on the murder weapon.

"I would have wiped my fingerprints

off the rifle if I knew it was going to be

used in a serious crime," Ray said. He

insisted that even as a petty criminal he

was too smart to leave his prints behind.

It was suggested that he did not have

time to wipe his prints off the rifle be:

cause he was-in-a-hurry to flee the scene

jof the shooting.

"Usually you do that (remove the

prints) beforehand — before the crime,"

---

## Page 50

serious crime.

"I used flesh-colored Band-Aids (to

prevent fingerprints) in the past," he,

said.

Ray's fingerprints were found on the

aile when it was recovered near thei

shooting scene. Ray contends he had

given it the day before to the man he

knew only as "Raoul."

"When we think about the fact that

Raoul's fingerprints don't exist on thai

• rifle at all, doesn't that indicate that

Raoul doesn't exist a! all?" Ray was

• asked.

"It doesn't to me," Ray replied.

Ray admitted earlier today that he

*had given conflicting stories to House

investigators, but said these "small

errors" do not dispute his denial that he.

shot King.

Ray said the initial testimony he gave

to, committee staff members at Brushy

Mountain Prisonin Tennessee was not

based on a thorough review of the case.

"It

was my intention to tell the

truth," Ray said. "I wanted to be as

factual as possible because of the prob

lem of (my) credibility. There have been

some small errors in details. Some con-

_fusion in dates."

Ray said in his opening testimony

Wednesday that he never shot King and

was several blocks away from the mur-

der scene having his car serviced at a

Agas station at the time King was killed.

3 Ray told investigators in Tennesseel

that he returned the first rifle to a sport;

ung goods store and bought a second one

"Wich Kaoul inspected. But in his initial

testimony Wednesday, Ray said Raoul

• inspected the first rifle, but never ap

proved the second one

"Where I had the problem was that I

tought I had purchased the second rile

the same day as the first," he said.

"When I saw government documents

that I bought the second rifle the next

day, I realized I had made an error."

Ray had testified earlier that he

drove from Birmingham to. Memphis,

gave no id rife in ay before time

fun again.

Stokes noted that Ray had told tlie

Committee's stalf in an earlier interviey

that Raoul had in fact handled the .30-0s

rifle."

WW. 55215: DocId: 32989797

Page 50

Ray conceded that he had said this.

*At first, at the staff interview, l

" thought it was exchanged the same dal

said Raoul would have been there," Ray

Ray's faulty - il not selective

memory was attacked over, and over.

Why had Raoul never been found? Who

" could have seen them together? Why

couldn't Ray furnish more descriptive

information about Raoul, such as his

real name?

Ray had no hard answers. "Possibly

a barmaid in Birmingham. Possibly a

waitress in Jim's Grill in Memphis" had

seen him in Raoul's company, he said

"But he couldn't be sure. And he men-

tioned no one in Montreal, where he al-

fleged he had met the man. •

"Mr. Ray, I say to you, this comra

inttee has reviewed every FBI doçu.

ment relative to this case, every other*

investigative document, and nowhere l

; there a referencé to a man named

Rajul," Stokes said.

To that, Ray replied only that per-

haus not all documents had been fourd

in the matter.

Stokes: "If we can't find Raoul, we

can't help you very much, can we?"

Ray:

"I think the only thing that

• could help me is a judge."

Q: Don't you think if we had more

information about Raoul, we might be

able to locate him?

A: If 1 had gone to trial in 1968, he

most likely would have testified against

me anyhow.

The proceedings were interrupted

and delayed over and over when Ray's

attorhey, Mark Lane, a longtime postu-

lator of conspiracy theories in the King

and "John F. Kennedy assassinations,

objaited to the course of the questioning.

Lane repeatedly complained of not

naving transcripts and other documents

related to the interrogation. "This is not

an investigation by (the late) Sen. Ja

seph R.) McCarthy's hearing," he cried.

"We demand the common courtesies due

any defendant in a court of law."

The panel accorded Lane the papers

he asked for, but Rep. Richardson Prey.

er, D.N.C., the acting chairman, ap

peared to be losing patience with Lane's

tactics. "This is not a court of law." he

said." Your role as counsel is simply to

advise your client of his constitutional

rights.

Bit Lane pressed on, accusing t/e

* committee of trickery and unfairness.

• Preyer threatened to have him ejectedit

- he persisted.

---

## Page 51

toma

STAR WITNESS: James Earl Ray (right) testifying before the

his attorney, Mark Lane. Ray is serving a 99-year sentence for

¿House, Assassinations Committee on Wednesday, Beside, him isir.!

the killing of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. (UPl Telaphoto)

-NW 55215 DooId: 32989797 Page 51

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## Page 52

(Hount Clipping in Spoco Below)

How Roy escaped

Missouri prison

By DENNIS J. MCCARTHS

Globe-Democrat Staff Writer

WASHINGTON - James Eary Ray I

gave details Wednesday about his

escape from the Missouri State Peniten.

tiary and told how he obtained a pistol

from a South St. Louisan known as the

"Cat Man" after the breakout.

In a statement which he read to the

House assassinations committee, Ray

identified the man first as "Jack Gor-

win" but later referred to him as "Jack.

Gowrin."

He said Gorwin got the pistol for $200

from "a fence in East St. Louis."

Ray, the star witness in the commit.

tee's hearings on the April'4, 1968,

assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin

Luther King Jr., gave this account of his

escape from the penitentiary in Jefferson I

City: '

•"'SEVERAL DAYS prior to the escipe,

I fashioned a board approximately 3x4

feet which would fit inside a box used to

transport bread outside the príson."

He said that earlier he had used a

hammer and nails to punch holes in the

box.

"On April 23, 1967, I entered the prison

kitchen early - I worked afternoons -

at approximately 8 a.m."

Later, he said, he got into the box and

• covered himself with the board he had

prepared. Then another prisoner filled

the box with bread and the box was

placed on a truck, he said.

Ray said the truck was stopped at the ..."

prison security gate and a guard looked

in the box but "all he would see was

bread."

"AFTER PASSING through the prison

gate, I got out of the box. After the truck

crossed the Missouri River bridge near

te prison farm, it stopped belore

turning into a road leading to the farm.

When the truck stopped, I disembarked."

ci he found hen a rurate night in a sink -

At this time, he said, he had with him

several candy bars, some bread he lad

taken from the truck, $250 in cash, a

radio and a Social Security car in the

le said he began walking the nex

light. His shoes finally fell off and h

"had to make a forcible entry into a

Ray said he was heading in the genera

prection of Kansas City, but on the sixt

train to St. Louis.

i made my ay to South St. Louis, to

the residence of an individual who called

fuimself 'Cat Man' (Jack Gorwin)," Ray

¡fontinued.

HE SAID GORWIN wasn't at home, So

le took taxis to East St. Louis anj

edwardsville and then a bus to Chicago.

He arrived in Chicago April 30 and

worked there for two months as a

a ta man at one wound it.

Ray had been sentenced to 20 years in •

he penitentiary after being convictes ol

irst-degree robbery in December 195) i

connection with a $191 holdup of a

Kroger store at 3417 Ohio Ave. inSt.

louis on Oct. 10 that year.

Ray also was convicted Aug. 7, 1959, J

robbery of Vincent's IGA Food Markets

1102 Park Ave., St. Louis. A seven-year

sentence for that robbery was to rul

simultaneously with the 20-year term.

RAY, ONE OF 10 children, was born

March 10, 1928, in Alton, Ill.

Probation records show that his family

moved several times during his early

years, first to Quincy, Ill., and then to.

Ewing, Mo. He quit school after the ninth

grade.

Ray joined the U.S. Army in 1946 and

spent much of his service in West

djermany. In 1948 he was discharged

'§bility to military service."

cause i apes ed lack of adapt

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

13A

SI. LOUIS

GLOBE- DEMOCRAI

Date:

8/17/78

Edition:

Daily-Final

Author:

Editor:

Title:

HSCA

Character:

or

Classification:

SL 62-5097

Submitting Office: St. Louis

_ Being Investignted

62-5097-131

70G 1. 118

a ree to.

Fit. Baireän 8/18/18.

NW

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## Page 53

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

# +4+47-41 958599

Judge issues order

to protect Roy

From Globe-Democrat

-News Services

• WASHINGTON - A court order to

protect James Earl Ray, the convicted

killer of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,

from prison abuse while he is waiting to

testify at sessions of the House assassi-

nations committee was issued Wednes-

day, his attorney said.

Earlier the attorney, Mark Lane, had

accused guards at the Federal Correc-

tional Institution at Petersburg, Va., of

beating Ray Monday night and putting

him in a tiny punishment cell where

lights burned 24 hours a day.

"The lights will be out in Ray's cell

tonight so he can sleep," Lane said after

won an order from U.S. District

Judge William B. Bryant here for Ray

"to be taken out of the hands of prison

officials and put in the hands of U.s.

marshals." .

LANE SAID government lawyers

had opposed issuance of the order.

U.S. Marshal J. Jerome Bullock, in

charge of holding Ray

for the House

committee testimony, said his

under-

standing was that three marshals will

. now have to watch Ray themselves rath-

er than leave him under the care of pris-

on officials.

Bullock said this did not necessarily

mean that Ray would have to be trans-

ferred from the Petersburg prison -

only that marshals must watch him di-

rectly whether he is kept there or some.

where else.

•Ray was taken to the federal prison

from Brushy Mountain State Prison in

Petros, Tenn., where he is serving a 99-

year sentence for the slaying of Dr. King

on April 4, 1959, plus an additional one-

to two year term for escape.

LANE SAID RAY told him that he

was beaten at the Petersburg prison,

where he is being held under the name?

' "Michael Brewer,.

" because he objected l

to being photographed.

Ray

balked at being photographed

because he was wearing old clothes at

the time and didn't want photos of him to

be "sold to the press," Lane said.

The attorney said that when someone

- tried to take a picture, Ray jumped to

Mark Lane

...Ray's.attorney

his feet and two prison guards grabbed

"One gave him a rabbit punch in the

back of the neck and another ripped his

shirt," Lane said.

The attorney said a federal marshal

pulled both guards away.

Lane quoted Ray as saying he had not

eaten in 24 hours because he feared that

officials would put something in his food

"to deter the function of his mind" in

advance of his public testimony Wednes

day before the House committee.

THE ATTORNEY SAID Ray also

told him that he couldn't sleep because

of the burning lights in his cell and a

headache from being puncled.

Bullock denied that Ray had been

beaten. He said Ray resisted a routine

fingerprinting procedure and marshals

insisted that he must submit to it.

But there was no scuffling or beating

during the incident, Bullock said.

Michael Aun, a spokesman for the

federal Bureau of Prisons, denied that

• Ray had been injured. Aun said an offi-

cer was kicked and another elbowed in

the mouth during a struggle with Ray.

Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.

13A

ST. LOUIS

GLOBE- DEMOCRAT

Date: 8/17/78

Edition: Daily-Final

Author:

Editor:

Title:

HSCA

Character:

or

Classification: SL 62-5097

Submitting Office: St. Louis

7 Being Investigated

62-5097-30

SEARCHED

_INDEXED

SEMALIZED SPAL FILED

ANG T 1978

Föi-

NW 55215

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Jud-Buean 8/18/78.

---

## Page 54

*337

indicate page, name o

eispaper, city and state.

1A

ST. LOUIS

GLOBE-DEMOCRAT

і поліником

James Earl Ray takes the oath before the House assassinations

committee Wednesday.

—AP Wirephoto

Ray blames guilty plea

on pressure from lawyer

By DENNIS J. McCARTHY

.Globe-Democrat Staff Writer

WASHINGTON - Convicted assassin

James Earl Ray swore Wednesday that

if he had been given a trial, he would

have testified that "I did not shoot

Martin Luther King Jr."

Ray told the House assassinations

committee that he "could have offered

conclusive proof in support of the deni-

al."

He is serving a 99 year prison sentence

in Tennessee for the slaying of Dr. King

Ray's Missouri escape. . .134

3

April 4, 1968, in Memphis. Three days

after entering a guilty plea in 1969, Ray

recanted - but his statement before the

committee was the first time he had

gutlined his case publicly under oath.

"In respect to the guilty plea... it is

not a difficult matter for an attorney to

maneuver his client into a guilty plea

... especially when the attorney has the

active cooperation of the judge and

prosecutor,

" Ray testified as eight feder-

al marshals stood around him.

The 50 year-old Ray, in a soft Southern

staccato, spent more than an hour

reading a 38-page prepared statement in

which he declared his innocence in the

shooting of Dr. King, but admitted his

guilt in a series of other crimes including

• robberies and smuggling.

HE OFFERED AS conclusive proof of

innecence his oft-repeated declaration

that he was at a service

station in

Memphis, having a tire repaired, at the

time Dr. King was gunned down on a

balcony in front of Room 306 at the

Lorraine Motel.

Ray hinted in his statement that a mai

he identited as "Ravul" may have been

the killer of Dr. King, an allegation hey

has made before.

He said he and Raoul met in a tavern

in Montreal in July 1967, about three

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_ Being Investigated

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"Continued from Page lA"

months after Ray escaped from the

• Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson

Cisy, where he was serving a 20-year

• sentence for first-degree robbery.

Ray said Raoul indicated he could

obtain papers for Ray to leave Canada

, for Europe or Africa. But first, Ray said,

Raoul asked for his help in smuggling

certain items" of contraband which

Ray did not specify.

He said that he and Raoul smuggled

contraband from Canada into the United

States, and from the United States into

102085553

Hyat the 40

Ray said his first lawyer, Arthur J. •

Hanes Sr., "had me enter into a series of

literary contracis with him and William

Briord Huie... in order, it. fanes

said, to finance a jury trial...

In November 1968, Ray' said, his ;

brother, Jerry W. Ray, visited him in

prison

and told him that Huie had:

offered $12,000 "if I would not take the

witness stand."

Ray quoted Huie as saying any trial

testimony (by Ray) would "destroy the

literary value of the book" on the King

slaying which Huie was writing at the

RAY SAID THAT early in 1968, Raoul

told him to buy a rifle as a sample for a

"Consequently," Ray said, "when Per-

gun-running operation into Mexico, and

cy Foreman, a member of the Texas bar,

appeared at the Memphis jail a few days

that he bought a rifle in Birmingham,

later and visited me, I agreed with Mr.

• This rifle, Ray testified, was later

Foreman's suggestion that 1 fire Mr..

exchanged by him for a 30.06 Remington

Hanes and hire Foreman."

rifle identified by authorities as the

* Ray said Foreman "then promised me,

and later the trial judge, that it 1

nurder weapon.

retained him in the case, he (foreman)

Ray said he and Raoul met in Mem-

¿would not become involved with Huie."

"phis the day before the assassination,

said, was of a

Uand that Raoul took the rifle — saying he "short duration."

• "wanted to show it to possible Mexican

IN JANUARY 1969, Ray continued,

Foreman gave him a $5,000 check frome

That was the last time he saw the rifle,

Ray restified.

He said Raoul instructed him to rent a

room at 422½ S. Main St., the rooming

house from which Ray is accused of

Shooting Dr. King.

Raoul was to meet him there at 3 or 4

. p.m. April 4, Ray said.

RAY SAID HE RENTED the room and

•Raoul arrived sometime after 4 p.m.

April 4.

He said Raoul sent him to buy a pair of

binoculars the possible customers want-

: ed to see and that he had a sandwich in a

Huie for endorsement and told Ray he

needed the money to hire a lawyer to

assist him.

Ray said that in February 1969, Fore-

man got another $5,000 check from Huie.

"This time," Ray said, "he did.not

bother to have me endorse it. He just

forged my name to it and cashed it in

complicity with Planter's Bank of Mem-

phis."

by a shot from the rifle fired from

athroom window about 20 feet from th

foom which Ray had rented, according

i to the FBI and Memphis police

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#+8+9-58-774489

( Preston Battie) wanted a guilty ple

Tea Ray wore a blue-and-tan plaid sport ?

ecause he was concerned that blac

jacket, shirt and tie, and tan slacks in,

might burn the town down."

his appearance before the assassinations

RAY SAID FOREMAN 'also told him

committee.

- that Ray's brother Jerry might be'

Wednesday's hearing had been.sched-

arrested "under some type of conspiracy

uled to end at noon, but it was announced"

,charge."

that it would continue until 5 p.m. After

Ray also said Foreman told him the

a recess, Mark Lane, attorney for Ray, *!

FBI "would most likely arrest my

requested that the hearing not continue..

father, George Ray, who was then near

70 years of age, and have him returned?

because Ray had been forced to sleep

with lights on in his cell and his hands

to the Iowa state prison wherein he had

were shaking,.

escaped in the 1920s.

does."

"something he never.]

... Foreman convinced me he would

Lane's request was granted and the n

'throw'. the case if I managed to force

hearing was recessed until Thursdal

him to trial."

morning.

is italine

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(Mount Clipping in Spoco Below)

Ray's Lawyer Soys His Client

Was Beaten By Prison Guards

Complied From News Serricts

hours because he feared that officials would put some-

WASHINGTON - James Earl Ray's lawyer charged

thing in his food "to deter the function of his mind" at

today that federal prison officials and guards beat his

the hearing. He said Ray told him he could not sleep

client and put him in a hot, tiny punishment cell with

because of the lights and suffered a headache from

the lights on 24 hours a day.

being punched.

Attorney Mark Lane said the incident occurred

Lane said that a Memphis attorney would file a writ

Monday night at a federal penitentiary some distance

of habeus corpus today to have Ray removed from the

from Washington. A spokesman for the U.S. Bureau of

federal prison cell where he is being held.

Prisons acknowleuged a struggle had taken place and

The writ, he said, will charge that Ray "is being held

said the lighting problem had been solved, but denied

in a punitive, solitary confinement cell with lights on

that Ray had been injured.

him 24 hours a day. Lane said the writ would also con-

Ray, who is serving a 99-year state prison term in

tend that "the temperature in the cell seemed to be

Tennessee for the slaying of civil rights leader Martin

excess of 90 degrees."

Luther King Jr. in 1968 and an additional 1- to 2-year

Lane said U.S. marshals had told Ray he would not

term for escape, testified today before the House assas-

have to be photographed but prison officials did so

sinations committce under high security.

anyway and Ray objected.

Lane said in an interview that he visited Ray at the

Michael Aun, a spokesman for the Bureau of Pris-

prison Tuesday night and that he was "pale and shak-

ons, denied that Ray was injured. He said that one offi-

ing and looked haggard, as if he had not slept at all."

Lane said Ray told him that prison officials and "

cer had been kicked and another elbowed in the mouth

during the struggle.

guards had punched him in the back of the neck,

The identity of the prison where Ray is being hell

knocked him to the ground and tore his shirt when he

i, has not been disclosed. That prison has a policy of pher

lobjected to being photographed, then put him in the

tographing and fingerprinting all inmates with a hists

ry of escape, but the processing of Ray was halted after

He said Ray also reported that he had not eaten in 24

the scuffle, Aun said.

page, name of

er, city and state.!

15A -

ST. LOUIS

POST-

DISPATCH

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title: HSCA

8/16/78

*** Final

Character:

or

Classification: SI 62-5.097

Submitting Office: St. Louis

[Being Investigated

-62-5097-48

Fried Buener 8/18/78.

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Didn't Kill Kimg,

Was Framed

Ray Testifies

1A

By GERALD M. BOYD

and PAUL WAGMAN

Of the Post-Dispatch Staff

WASHINGTON - Convicted assassin

James Earl Ray

has told a House

committee that he did not kill the Rev.

Dr. Martin Luther King and that he was

the victim of a complicated web involv-

ing a mysterious man who apparently

tramed Ray.

In his first public statement on the

case, Ray today recanted his March 1169

guilty plea at a public hearing of the

House Select Committee of Assassina-

He said he had been pressed int

pleading guilty by two attorneys whi

represented him, including one who sail!

that he would not present an adequate

defense if Ray pleaded not guilty.

Following closely a prepared state-

ment for more than an hour, Ray care-

13ly laid open a complicated scenago

that began when he escaped from the

Missouri Penitentiary in Jefferson City

in April 1967 and ended with his guilty

plea 2 years later.

LAWYER SAYS Ray was beaterby

prison officials and guards. Page

During that period, he said, he had

assumed several false identities, trav.

eled to Canada, Mexico and several U.S.

cities, and had met a mysteriouss figure

Mêmed Raoul who hired him for severa!

illegal activities. It was Raoui who ulti-

rately led him to Memphis on April 3

wilder the guise of accompanying him on!

a gun-purchasing mission.

In implicating the Raoul character if

the assassination plot, Ray said he hail

left Raoul in a rundown boarding house

Jin Memphis. The house is in back of the

Lorraine Motel, where King was assassi-

nated.

Ray said that he had gone to dinner,

leaving Raoul in a room he had rented,

and that when he returned he noticed

scores of policemen in the area. Fleeing

in a late-model white Mustang, Ray saig

he had heard about an hour later that

King had been shot and that police wer

Yooking for a man driving a car similar

this.

That was his first knowledge of the

assassination attempt on the promineit

Kack civil rights leader, who was killed

on April 4, 1968, Ray said.

Ray, who was dressed in a blue and

brown plaid jacket, testified

under un-

usually tight security. He was accompa-

nied by hisarpine: developmen

surprise development, the

committee adjourned its hearing, sched-

uled to run all afternoon,

shortly after

lunch. The hearing had recessed for

Junch with Ray starting to answer quer

tons from committee members, affer

his prepared statement.

• The adjournment came after Laile

complained that Ray was tired and hid

not had any sleep over the last 48 hours.

At an impromptu press conference at

lunch, Lane said that federal marshals

had kept lights on in Ray's cell whill; he

was being kept at Memphis (on his ivay

to Washington) and Ray had been!un-

• able to sleep.

Originally, Ray had been scheduled;

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

ndicate page, name oi

lewspaper, city, and state

ST. LOUIS

POST-DISPATCH

8/16/78

*** Final

HSCA

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"to testily until 5 p.m. The committee

him in the assassination. He said, for".

held a quick meeting and decided to

adjoum.

example, that Raoul had asked him to

buy a pair of binoculars on the day as-

"We didn't want it to be said that he

sassination,

and also had him register

(Ray) was not fresh and able to testify,"

under a fictitious name at the rundown

said Rep. Walter E. Fauntroy, D.-Dis- - boarding house.

A Ray fingerprint was also found on

Ray is scheduled to continue his testi..

the binoculars, and a man at the board-

mony tomorrow and Friday.

ing house identified Ray as having fled

Among the statements made by Ray

from the house shortly after King was

this morning in his prepared text were:

shot. Ray said he had left several per-

sonal items, including a blanket, in the

- That he had escaped from

rooming house with Raoul when he left

Missouri prison alone and without the

for dinner.

help of anyone outside. Ray said he had

Several black civil rights leaders and

hidden in a bread box and had left the

persons close to Ray who have soughi a

prison in a truck that was making a de-

new trial have contended that Ray could

livery.

• not have fled from Memphis and jour-

- That he had $250 in cash when he

neyed to Canada, England and Lisbon

, escaped, and that alter stopping briefly'

without outside help.

His escape has

in St. Louis he had gone to Chicago

given rise to the possibility of a conspir-

where he worked as a dishwasher for

acy.

several months.

- That he purchased a car and drove

But during his testimony, Ray denied

having any assistance in his escape. He

to Canada from Chicago, staying

said after leaving Memphis he went to

Montreal. It was in Montreal that he

Atlanta, where he boarded a bus for

first met Raoul, who indicated that he

Detroit. He then took another bus to

could obtain for Ray illegal passport

Toronto, where on his own and using i

documments in return for Ray engaging

false identity, he managed to obtain

• 'in smuggling activities for him.

• — That the subsequent association

Canadian passport.

The passport, he said, enabled him ti

with Raoul included meetings in several

fly to London and later to Lisbon. He.

U.S. cities including Atlanta, Birming.

unsuccessiully sought to journey to.

ham and New Orleans. The final meet-

Rhodesia, but could not obtain the neces-

ing, Ray said, took place in Memphis the

day before King was killed.

At that point, Ray said, he returned

Ray, who read rapidly from the pre-

to London, where he was arrested.

pared statement, seemed to embrace a

Ray, during the 90 minutes of his tes-

conspiracy theory behind King's assassi-

attempted to explain why he

nation, in which he said he had no part.

had pleaded guilty by harshly criticizing

He said that Raoul had paid him to pur-

his first two lawyers.

• chase a high-powered rille in Birming

After his arrest in London, he had

•, ham, supposedly to show some "par.

retained Arthur Haynes of Birmingham,

ties" in New Orleans who were intérest-

but before his scheduled trial date he

'ed in gun smuggling.

dismissed Haynes and retained Percy

Ray said alter buying the rifle, he

Foreman of Houston, Texas. Haynes and

gave it to Raoul and never sasy it again

Foreman, Ray said, were involved in a

Ray's fingerprints were found on a high-

contract with a writer who was doing a

poivered rifle, which is believed to have

book on the King assassination. Ray said

bein the murder weapon.

Ray offered explanations for several

Dith was dess had tod him that a guilt!

plea was desirable for the book.

, other elements that seemed to implicate

Ray said that Foreman had told hing

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that the press already had convicted

him and that the government had a wit-

ness it had bribed who would say that

Ray had been seen leaving the boarding

house after the shot was fired.

Foreman argued also, Ray said, that

unless he pleaded guilty, Ray's brother,

Jerry, would be arrested on a conspira-

cy charge, and his father, George, would

have to return to prison. Ray's father,

who Ray said was 70 at the time, had

escaped from an Iowa prison in 1930.

The testimony began in a verbal

exchange between Ray's lawyer, Lane,

and several committee members. Lane

has accused the committee of trying to

present evidence that would show Ray

guilty of the crime in an effort to cover

up involvement by the Federal Bureau

M Investigation.

Lane said that Ray had been beaten

oy lederal marshals before leavin:

Memphis for Washington yesterday. A

committee member, however, said such

charges were out of order and were not

related to Ray's testimony.

During his testimony, Ray said sever-

al times that he thought the FBI had

arranged

King's assassination. He of-

fered no evidence, however:

in another development, Lane, con-

tinued his attacks Tuesday on the HOuse

committee, calling for the disbarment of .

ils general counsel, G. Robert Blakey,

and of its deputy counsel, Michael

Eberhardt.

Lane told reporters that Blakey,

Eberhardt and Conrad Baetz, a staff

investigator who is based in Madison.

County, Ill., had "suborned perjury,

criminally

received

stolen

property,

monitored and tape-recorded telephone

-conversations and violated their own

rules....

The charges were similar to those

Lane made recently in St. Louis at a

a Black Jack, Mo., man who says that he

stole some letters sent to Jerry Ray by

James Earl Ray, and even stole strands

of Jerry Ray's hair — all at the behest of

Baetz.

The allegations prompted Blakey co

• begin an investigation. Last week, he

announced that the preliminary finding

was that committee staff had done noth-

ing illegal.

committee a id Tuesdad with the

Fersons making the allegations - Pat-

terson, himsell or Susan Wadsworth, a

Florissant woman who says she partici-

pated with Patterson in some of his ac-

tivities. Therefore, Lane said he was

mystified by the clean bill of health. In

addition, Patterson said Tuesday he had

taken — and passed — a polygraph test

• on all his statements. He said he hild

requested the test last week of Chis

Gugas, whom he identified as fornier

head of the american Polygraph Associ

ation.

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FD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)

TRANSMIT VIA:

E Teletype

Facsimile

FBI

6925

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

• Priority

* Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

O TOP SECRET

O SECRET

O CONFIDENTIAL

DEFTO

I CLEAR

Date

8/16/78

FM ST. LOUIS (62-5097) P

FM DIRECTOR (62-117290I ROUTINE

UNCLAS E PTO

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA) •

RE ST. LOUIS TELETYPE TO BUREAU, AUGUST 8, 1978, AND BUREAU

TELEPHONE CALL FROM SA TRON W. BREKKE TO ST. LOUIS, AUGUST 14,

1978.

IN REFERENCED TELEPHONE CALL ST. LOUIS WAS ADVISED THAT BASED

ON A FOIA REQUEST, HOWARD C. KENNEDY'S MEMORANDUM DATED MARCH 19,

1974, AT ST. LOUIS, MO., WAS DESSEMINATED WITH PORTIONS DELETED.

ALSO, THAT PAGE TWO OF THE MEMORANDUM REFERRING TO OK NOVELTY AND

"SNITCH" HAD BEEN DELETED IN ITS ENTIRETY.

TO DETERMINE EXACTLY WHAT OTIS KING GREIF, JR. SAW IN THE

POSSESSION OF RUSSELL BYERS ON AUGUST 7, 1978, ST. LOUIS

RECONTACTED GREIF ON AUGUST 15, 1978. GREIF STATED THAT BYERS HAD

SEVERAL PAGES OF MATERIAL. GREIF ONLY READ THE PART OF THE

MJIN; IjS:

INDEXED

62-5097-12160

R

Approved:

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(Number)

2/33

(Time)

Per

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FD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)

TRANSMIT VIA:

Teletype

Facsimile

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

[Immediate

• Priority

• Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

• TOP SECRET

• SECRET

7 CONFIDENTIAL

JEFTO

• CLEAR

Date

PAGE TWO SL 62-5097 UNCLAS E FT O

MATERIAL WHICH CONCERNED BYERS BEING DESCRIBED AS TREACHEROUS.

GREIF SAID THAT HE (GREIF) HAD BEEN ASKED BY BYERS ABOUT RICH

O'HARA SEVERAL YEARS AGO, BUT HE HAD NOT SEEN ANY REFERENCE ABOUT

THAT IN THE MATERIAL IN BYERS' POSSESSION. GRETF SAID THAT HE DID

NOT SEE ANY REFERENCE TO OK NOVELTY OR "SNITCH" IN THE MATERIAL.

GRETF SAID HE WOULD CONTACT THE. FBI SHOULD BYERS CONTACT HIM

AGAIN.

ST. LOUIS FURTHER DETERMINED THAT NO DISSEMINATION WAS MADE

BY THE ST. LOUIS OFFECE UNDER A FOIA REQUEST CONCERNING THE

KENNEDY MEMORANDUM, MARCH 19, 1974.

BT

#

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FD-350 (Rev. 10-19-77)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Will James Earl Ray

say anything new?

From Globe- Democrat

Neers Services

WASHINGTON - How much does

James Earl Ray really know about the

events leading up to and away from a

moment of violence in Memphis April 4,

1968? And will he talk?

Those are the most tantalizing ques

tions among many that will be on the

minds of

congressional investigaters

Wednesday when Ray is scheduled to

testify in public for the first time about

the 10-year-old murder of the Rev. Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr.

IN 1869, RAY pleaded guilty to the

murder and is serving a 99-year term at

the Brushy Mountain Penitentiary in

Tennessee. But he was brought to wash-

ington under heavy guard for his public

appearance before the House Select

Committee on Assassinations.

It is possible, however, that Ray's

testimony, which is scheduled for three

days, will be cut short. Since his plea of

guilty, Ray has been insisting on his

innocence and has been struggling des.

perately to reopen his case and obtain a

new trial.

~ It Ray chooses only to make a state

ment defending himself and declines to

answer the detailed questions commit-

lee members have prepared, staffers

ONE LOCATION IS the second-nilor

fathroom of a rooming house in Mer-

•phis across the street from the motel

balcony where Dr. King was standing

when he was killed by a single rifle shot.

The other is a bushy area about 10 fest

. from the rooming house.

Ray was in the rooming house bath-

room at the time of the shooting, accord-

Jing to witnesses. Most law enforcement

officials who worked on the case have

concluded that the fatal shot came from

there.

- But Ray has now recanted his contes-

sion, and his attorney, Mark Lane, has

suggested that the shot might have com

from the bushy area. Baden's testimon

leaves open that possibility.

*. Accordingly, Lane was elated at the

end of tuesday's hearing, where Baden

was the only witness.

"They've given

away their whole case," Lane told re

porters. "They can't prove that the shot

came from the bathroom."

Some members of the committee and

the committee's counsel,

Blakey, write reporters a ter Rebert. :

sion not to emphasize the uncertainty,

bout the source of the fatal shot. "We'll

• have more evidence proving this came

Irom the (bathroom) window later on,"

spid Rep. Samue! Devine, R-Ohio.

have indicated he many not be permit-

•ted to testify.

.. • Tuesday, a criminal pathologist told

the House committee that medical evi-

dence cannot determine precisely where

"the shot that killed Dr. King was fired

from.

• Dr. Michael Baden, a prominent

pathologist who examined medical re-

cords in the King case for the assassina-

tions committee, testified in public hear-

ings on the assassination that, based on

his findings, the assassin might have

shot from one of two places.

A SUCH EVIDENCE apparently will.

not be forthcoming for at least thrie

months. Under the committee's schei-

ile, the King hearings will run through

this week and then be reconvened sh

mid-November.

Testimony for the remainder of this

week should raise further questions

about the case because the only sched.

wed witness is Ray. In Ray's testimony,

which will be televised beginning at &

a.m. St. Louis time Wednesday on public

bigadcasting, the convicted assassin-is

_ expected to argue that he was framed.

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

5A

ST. LOUIS

GLOBE-DEMOCRAT

ST. LOUIS, MO..

Datinia

Date: 8/16/78

Edition: Daily-Final

Title: HSCA

Character:

0r

Classification: SI. 62-5097

Submitting Office:St. Louis

62-5097-196

IW 55215-DooId:32589797

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Ray has submitted a long statement

• to the committee lor its approval. And

* Fane, who has made a career out if

Investigating the murders of Dr. King.

and President Kennedy, is insisting that,

the committee has ceen trying to dis.

credit Ray and that Ray should be fres

• to testify howaver he chooses.

Rep. Harold Ford, a

• committee

However Democrat who represents

the Memphis district in which Dr. King

i was killed, said Tuesday that he expects

*Ray to testity extensively "no matter

what Lane says.

Ford added, "It will be hard to keep

• Ray from talking for the whole three

days."

BUT THE QUESTION is whether

Ray, who has been interviewed for-26

hours by the committee staff, will say

anything new.

Ever since Ray pleaded guilty and

sopped his own trial, many have been

a hand in the conspiracy,

Ray has told writers and investiga-

tors he didn't fire the shot that killed Dr.

King, but was framed and used as patsy

by the conspirators. But aside from the

name "Raoul,"

whom Ray has said

helped him in the purchase of the rifle

and in his escape, he has refused to .

name those who framed him.

The most important question is

whether Ray will supply the names or

* details that could lead to the conspira-

tors — if they exist at all.

RAY HAS WRITTEN to Dr. King's

closest friend, Dr. Ralph D. Abernathy,

a Press

The possibility of helping him get a trial

it, during his testimony, he names those

who helped him, insinia inside

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(hount Clipping in Space Below)

Expert Reconstructs

Dr. King's Killing

By PAUL WAGMAN

. been instructed by investigators Conrad

Of the Post-Dispatch Stall

Baetz, a former Madison County, III.,

sheriff's deputy, and Melvin Waxman to

WASHINGTON - The shot that killed

tell Ray and the other man that he had

the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King could

been subpoenaed and that they would

have been fired from a bathroom win-

probably be subpoenaed, too. Lane said

dow of a rooming house across the street

the man flew to Atlanta to meet with the

from King's motel or from a bushy area

pair and to learn whether they would

in a yard behind the house, a pathologist

plead the Fifth Amendment, who their

told the House Select Committee on

lawyers were, and other information.

Assassinations today.

Lane, also an author, showed a re-

Dr. Michaei M. Baden, the patholo-

porter a copy of a check written to the

gist, said there were no medical tests

St. Louis man which carried the identifi-

which would be precise enough to rule

cation "U.S. House of Representatives."

out either site.

The bathroom window has been cited

Lane showed the reporter the check only

on the condition that the man's name not

by prosecutors of James Earl Ray,

be disclosed. He said that the man did.

King's convicted assassin, as the site

not want publicity.

from which Ray was alleged to have

The check was for $69. Lane said the

!

shot King as he stood on the second-floor

man was paid $50 plus $19 expenses.

balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Mem-

Earlier this month, Lane created a

phis, Tenri., on April 4, 1968.

small uproar when at a St. Louis press

However, according to some other

theories that have arisen

about the

conference he and Oliver Patterson of

Black Jack accused the committee of

murder, the fatal shot was fired by

commissioning Patterson to spy on Jer-

someone other than Ray from the back

y kay. The alleged spying include

yard of the rooming house.

alleged illegal taping of telephone con

In another development, Mark Lane,

versations.

Ray's attorney, raised new questions

The allegations led to an investiga-

about the Assassination Committee's

tion by the Assassinations Committee. %

investigatory techniques. Lane said he

Last week, chief counsel G. Robert Bla- /

• had evidence that a St. Louis-area man

key reported that "on the strength of a

had been paid by two commitee investi

preliminary investigation the committee i

: figators to lie to Jerry Ray, James Earl

categonically denies each and

every

Ray's brother, and to another man in an

allegation of wrongdoing."

effort to learn how they would respond

to a subpoena from the committee.

Loday, Lane said he was mystified by,

Lane said the St. Louis-area man had

Makey's statement, because, he said,

its asimo cavisiese

• the committee had never interviewel

any of the people making the allegu-

dions: himself, Patterson

Susan

" Wadsworth, an alleged participant in

* some of the improper activities.

Teday's testimony by

Dr. Baden

• came in the second day of the commit-

fee's public hearings into King's death

Rames Earl Ray is scheduied to testily

Comorrow. Ray arrived in Washingtal

Monday night under tight security troyn

¡Brushy Mountain, Tenn., State Prison, *

Indicate page, name o

newspaper, city and state.

IA ST. LOUIS

POST-DISPATCH

ST. LOUIS, M0.

Date: 8/15/78

Edition: *** Final

Author:

Editor:

Title:

HSCA

Character:

ог

Classification: SL 62-5097

Submitting Office:St. Louis

_ Being Investigated

62-5092-134

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 65

Tavo. Bureau 8/16/18.

---

## Page 66

Baden, chiel medical examiner for

New York: City, was one of three pathol-

ogists picked by the committee to an-

swer a variety of questions.

Among

Them was whether King received proper

medical care in the ambulance and in

• the hospital emergency room, and

whether the bullet wound could be used

to determine the origin of the fatal shot.

The other pathologists, Dr. John I.

Coe, chief medical examiner of Henne-

• pin County, Minn., and Dr. Joseph H.

Davis, chief medical examiner of Dade

•County, Fla., did not testify. Baden said

there were no disagreements among

Illustrating his testimony with draw-

ings and photographs, Baden said that

King had been killed by a single 30.06 -

rifle shot which entered his right check ]f

alcout an inch from his mouth.

| The bullet then passed through King's

right jaw and exited from his body be-

fore re-entering it on the right side of his

neck. Then it passed through the neck

before lodging on his left side near the

collar-bone.

The high-velocity rifle blast fractured

the civil rights leader's jaw, two verte-

brae and two ribs. It also did major

damage to the spinal cord and large

blood vessels, including the carotid arte-

ry, which brings blood to the brain.

Death, Baden said, resulted from the

injuries to the blood vessels and the

spinal cord.

Baden said that he had been im-

pressed with the "vigorous medical at-

tention" that King received after reach-

ing St.

Joseph's Hospital emergency

room. He did not testify about the ambu-

lance care.

He said King's heart was still beating

when he arrived at the hospital at 6:15

ip.in. But that King's brain had already

been "irreparably damaged."

The pulse stopped within minutes, but y

Baden said physicians continued to work

on King until 7:04 p.m., when they pro

nounced him dead.

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

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## Page 67

I-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Denies Illegal Methods

Were Used In King Inquiry

By GERALD M. BOYD

A Washington Correspondent

of the Post-Dispatch

WASHINGTON - The staff director of the House

Select Committee on Assassinations has denied a charge

that a committee investigator used illegal methods in

attempting to gain information for the committee's

inquiry into the assassination of the 'Rev. Dr. Martin

Luther King Jr.

But director G. Robert Blakey confirmed that Oliver

Patterson of St. Louis, who made the charge, had

testified to the committee.

"On the strength of a preliminary investigation, the

committee categorically denies each and every allega-

tion of wrongdoing," said Blakey, who is directing the

committee's $4.5 million inquiry into the murders of

King and President John F. Kennedy, at a news

conference Thursday.

Facing criticism from members of Congress con-

cerned about Patterson's charge, Blakey broke a news

blackout that had been in existence since he became the

committee's chief counsel in June 1977. But after issuing

a-four-paragraph- statement, he refused further-com-

ment and declined to answer questions.

At a news conference in St. Louis on Monday,

Patterson accused an investigator of attempting to gain

information about King's assassination by using Patter-

son's triendship with Jerry Ray, brother of james Earl

Hay, in prison for King's death. The charges generated

vijusual attention, because Patterson said he had

worked for the committee for the last. few months and

had once been an informant for the Federal Bureau of

Investigation.

Blakey said Patterson had never been an employee of

the committee. He implied that Patterson and Rays

atiorney,

Mark Lane,

who was

also at the news

scorterence Monday, were attempting to discredit th

two-year inquiry.

"The committee is determined that the American

people will not be misled by attempts to discredit the

committee and its investigation," he said.

Patterson, who had not been publicly linked to the

assassination investigation before Monday's news

conference, cited a series of questionable and possible

illegal actions that he said he had performed for the

committee. He said an investigator, Conrad Baetz, had

requested the acts.

Baetz, he said, asked that he illegally record Jerry

Ray's telephone conversations and sift through his

delongings for letters from his jailed brothe:. On

another occasion, he contended, Baetz attempted to

have him arrange a news conference to discredit Lane

sand to offer further evidence of Kay's guilt.

NIW

55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 67

" Ray pleaded quilty of the April 1968 murder of King gage, name of

and is serving a 99-year term in Brushy Mountain State

r, city and state.)

o testify for three days next gyeel

source close to the committee said Thursday that h

sas uncertain whether Ray would be a cooperative

vitness. He said that although the subpoena would foice

штж

11A

ST. LOUIS

POST-DISPATCH

ST. LOUIS, MO.

Date:

8/11/78

Edition: *** Final

Author:

Editor:

Title:

HSCA

Character:

or

Classification: SL 62-5097

Submitting Office: St. Louis

→ Being Investigater

62-5097-123

But te

Tra Birena 8-16-78

---

## Page 68

A dispute could arise, he said, over the points on

which the committee wants Ray to testify and what,

, instead, he might want to tell the committee. Ray's

attorney, Lane, has long contended that King's assassi-

nation was arranged by the FBI, for example. He has!

accused the committee of attempting to cover up that

fact and of attempting to use the investigation to

establish that Ray was the assassin.

If Ray refuses to answer questions, the source said, !

the committee could release its file of about 28 hours if

• tabe-recorded conversations with him; transcribed, the

tapes fill about 1,500 pages. The source, for the first

tinte, confirmed that the committee has talked with Rag

and said that the interview would probably be made

public with the committee's final report.

2 de tales

•=:

Jesse Jackson Doubts Ray Killed King

PETROS, Tenn. (UPI) - The Rev. Jesse Jackson

fin Bell on Tuesday of next week in a real effort to chal-

has emerged from a face-to-face talk with James Earl

Ray with a "profound doubt" that Ray is the killer of

lenge the Justice Department to take a new look at the

evidence," Jackson said.

the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Pointing to years of FBI harassment of King and

• Jackson, who was with King when he was killed by a

Ray's contention that he was pari or a conspiracy,

' sniper in Memphis in 1968, said he called the Justice

Jackson accused the agency of complicity in King's

Department on Thursday before he leit Brushy Moun-

death.

tain Penitentiary to back Ray's demands (or a new tri-

"The very thought of a conspiracy is what compels

me to file for a new triál," he said. "The FBI followed

Ray, who confessed to the killing and is serving a 99.

Dr. King 24 hours a day. The motives of the FBI are far

, year sentence, now maintains that he is innocent.

greater than this man's (Ray's) motives."

Jackson, president of Operation PUSH and one of

" America's most prominent black leaders, said he came

away from the unprecedented three-hour meeting

doubting that Ray fired the bullet that killed King.

"I am convinced that he was involved but was nit

asjassination.

"We're seeking to meet with Attorney General Grif-

alone. It may very well be that Mr. Ray was a diversion

in a grander scheme," Jackson said.

NW 55215-

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## Page 69

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Di King Seemed To Expect

Assassination, Abernathy Says

note.)

By GERALD M. BOYD

A Washington Correspondent

of the Post-Dispatch

WASHINGTON - The Rev. Dr.

Martin Luther King was probably aware

that he would be assassinated and un-

derwent severe periods of depression in

the months preceding his murder, the

Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy, his chief lieu.

tenant in the civil rights movement, has

testified.

Abernatny said that, over the last

four months of his life, King showed a

marked change in his mental state,

which seemed to indicate that he knew

that he would be killed.

He said that King had been harassed;

constantly by the Federal Bureau of

investigation and that neither the FBI

nor other police authorities provided

adequate security for King, even though

they had been told that King was con-

stantly receiving death threats.

The charges against the FBI and the

description

King's

months

emerged as the key elements of Aberna-

thy's remarks today at a public hearing

of the House Select Committee on Assas-

sinations.

Under continuous questioning from

the 11-member committee, Abernathy

said he had no evidence to substantiate

his belief that King knew that he would

be killed. But he said that he was certain

that King did know.

the testimony of Abernathy, which

included a moving description of King's

Jast hours, came at the start of five days

of hearings on the civil rights leader's

death. King was assassinated in Mem-

phis on April 4, 1968. James Earl Ray

was later arrested and confessed to the.?

assassination.

Since his confession, Ray has denied:

committing the murder. He has sought a

naw trial and said that he movid tell the

"real" story if a new trial ever was held.

Abernathy is the current head of the

Southern Christian Leadership

Confer-

ence - the group King founded. He had

been a constant companion and friend of

he was fatally shot.

Ke was tae 1y Sand was with king wagn

Today's testimony represented iu

attempt by several committee members

to determine King's relationship with

the FBI and to determine whether the

agency knew about the assassination

plan in advance or failed to adequately

pursue leads in the case.

One committee member, Rep. Sa-

muel L. Devine, R-Ohio, said he hoped

the committee was not attempting to

dwell on the FBi at the expense of pursu-

ing other angles of the assassination.

Abernathy said that King was reluc-

tant to report death threats to the FBI.

He said that the slain civil rights leader

was aware, as early as 1955, that he was

a target of telephone tapping, electronic

bugging and other surveillance methods

of the FBI and other government agen-

cies.

"The FBI was aware of some of the

- threats," Abernathy said. "We did not

report all of them, because we believed

that the FBI was not interested in doing

anything about them. Some of the FBI,

agents were from the Deep South and

11A

ST. LOUIS

POST-DISPATCH

ST. LOUIS, MO.

Titanin

_

Date: 8/11/78

Edition:

*** Final

Author:

"Just because you take a person and

Editor:

put a badge on him doesn't change his

heart."

Title:

HSCA

Abernathy said that King was aware

that then FBI director, J. Edgar Hoover,

had called him "the most notorious liar

Character:

in America."

1

•or

On the day before the assassination,

Classification: SI 62-5097

Abernathy said, a plane King was riding

on was delayed for about an hour while

Submitting Office: St.

Louis

it was searched. Abernathy said he had

_ Being Investigated

no idea who had ordered the precaution,

but that no special security had been

available after King's party reached

Mempnis, either from the FBI or frcm

62-5097-192

local police.

Several committee members also

questioned Abernathy about a group of

Memphis blacks called the "Invaders."

Abernathy said they had been paid FBl

+ 17,51

Fick Burea 816/18.

55215

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Page 69

---

## Page 70

informants. He said that they had dis-

rupied & march led by King on March

18.

King had originally gone to Memphis

'at the invitation of local black leaders to

lead a non-violent march to aid striking

*ity refuse collectors. The first march

ended in violence, but King and other

Southern Christian Leadership Confer-

ence officers returned to Memphis a

week later to conduct a secord march.

He was killed on the return trip.

Abernathy Said that King had learned

on April 3, when he returned to Mem-

phis, that the Invaders were paid FBI

informants. Efforts were made, he said,

to shield King from them because of

concem for his safety.

"We were aware that they might

impose a threat to Dr. King's safety, and

that is why we insisted that he not see

them," Abernathy said. "Before he died,

he was aware that they were FBI infor-

The committee is apparently examin-

ipg the Invaders in an attempt to deter-

mine their relationship with the FBI.

One committee member said, for exan:-

ple, that some persons in the group nai

rented a room at the Lorraine Motel,

where King had been staying.

Abernathy's most dramatic testimo-

ny dealt with his relationship with King

and King's mental-condition during the

last four months of life. When asked how

he knew that King believed he would be

assassinated, Abernathy said that he

had no direct knowledge, but that after

January 1968 the civil

rights leader

seemed more concerned about his death.

"His attitude was altogether differ-

ent," Abernathy said. "He seemed more

troubled, more nervous and a more

worried person."

At one point, he said, the two took a

trip to Acapulco, Mexico, in an attempt

to get King to relax. But all the time,

Abernathy said, King seemed to be con-

cerned about problems.

During that period, Abernathy said,

King turned over to him more duties as

vice president of the Southern Christian

Leadership Conference than ever before.

And King authorized the organization's

pyraws to say that Abernathy should

replace him in the event of his death.

"Before 1968, he wasn't talking Ike

that," said Abernathy, who- noted that

the Southern Christian Leadership Con-

=.

ference was busy at that time organizing

aa national "Poor People's Rally.". in:

Washington. "Eut then he was a differ,

see is that he keels would re

dia a sinclair i

NW 03215

DocId: 32989797 Page 70

---

## Page 71

SAC, ST. LOUIS (137-16523) (C)

SA MARTIN JOHN WEBER

FORMER SL 3549-PCI

8/10/78

Former SI 3549-PCI telephonically contacted

the St. Louis FBI office 8/7/78 stating that he was

contacted on 8/7/78 by RUSSELL BYERS.

BYERS had with

a copy of a "FBI memo which had portions inked

out", and which may be a copy of a memorandum.of

HOWARD C. KENNEDY dated 3/19/74.

BYERS' copy said

that BYERS contacted someone at OK Novelty Co. in

St. Louis regarding an unnamed individual. The

unnamed individual was identified by BYERS as RICH

O'HARA.

The memo further said that the person at

OK Novelty vouched for O'HARA as not being a "snitch".

Former SL 3549-PCI identified himself as

the person at OK Novelty contacted by BYERS about O'HARA.

He had known O'HARA through O'HARA's past ownership of

the Pirates Cove Tavern, in which OK Novelty had a

vending machine. He said that BYERs was trying to

identify the source of the information in the same

memo who refered to BYERS as "A very treacherous guy".

He said he told ByErs he could not identity who may

have characterized BYERS in that manner.

He said he

had absolutely no knowledge of BYERS possible connection

in the assassination of Dr.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.,

but

wanted to notify the FBI Of BYERS contact with him.

• GREIF is the owner of OK Novelty Co., a

St. Louis vending machine Company from 8/21/75 to 3/3/77.

Bureau 137-43581, SL 137-16523.

A review of SL 137-16523

fails to reflect any reference to Dr. KING's assassination

or RUSSELL BYERS.

2 -

(1-137-16523)

(09-62-5097)

MJW/pig

(2)

62-5097-1124

that.

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 71

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## Page 72

FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Abuse Allegations Put

Cloud On King Inquiry:

By PAUL WAGMAN

• Patterson, 34, of 12350 Old Halls Fer-

Oi the Post-Dispatch Staff.

• ry Road, said Monday that his duties as

an informant to

WASHINGTON - A House adminis-

the Assassinations

tration subcommittee has held up con-

Committee had included tape-recording

sideration of additional financing for the

telepone conversations. with Jerry. Ray,

House Assassinations Committee partly

James

• Earl

because of allegations by a Black Jack,

through Jerry Ray's belongings for let-

ters from his, brother,

Mo., man that he engaged in illegal in.

vestigatory techniques on behalf of the

assassinations panel.

Patterson asserted also that he-had

been told by Conrad Baetz, a staff inves.

Without the additional financing, the

Assassinations. Committee

maintains

tigator for the committee; to tell the

panel that "I had seen Jerry Ray carry

that it cannot finish its inquiries into the

deaths of President John F. Kennedy

and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.

- Under rules adopted by. the assassina-

The committee will run out of money

tions. panel last year. in the,midst of an-

by mid-September unless it'is allocated

other controversy,

"noi conversation. of

about $800,000 more through the end of

committee members or staff with. ang

the calendar year, Rep. Samuel L. De-

person shall be recorded without the

vine, R-Ohio, maintained yesterday. The

prior knowledge and / or. written consent

committee's investigations into the as-

of the person whose conversation is to he

sassinations of Kennedy and King are

"there shall be no

scheduled for completion by Dec. 31.

lance or wiretapping of any person."

But the House subcommittee believes

that the assassinations panel has enough

Baetz, à Madison County, Ill., sher-

money to last through September,

iff's deputy who is reportedly on leave

staff source said this morning. And the

for. a year, was said to'be closeted with

subcommittee was also disturbed about

committee officials Tuesday. A repre

allegations made Monday in St. Louis, by

sentative of the committee quoted him

Oliver Patterson; the Black Jack man,

as saying he could make no comment.

and by Mark Lane, the attorney for

The assassinations panel was given

James Earl Ray, King's convicted kill-

$2.5' million by Congress last spring to

conduct its work through the end.of the

er "The sultommittee wants to know it

year. The panel said at the time that

they (the allegations) are true or not

that was not enough and that it would be

true," the source said.

asking for more. On July 18, it requested

• To find out, the source said; the sub-

an additional $790,000.

committee plans to ask Rep. Louis

The subcommittee could still recom-

Stokes, D-Ohio, chairman of the assassi-

mend to grant. the committee the addi-

nations panel, to testify before it in Sep-

tional funds when it reconsiders the

tember.

matter, probably in September.

If the allegations are true, the source

By that time, a staff source said, the

said, it would mean that "taxpayers' -

committee should have been able to

money had been used for illegal purpos-

appraise the accuracy of Patterson's

allegations. In addition, it will have had

Meanwhile, the assassinations panel

a chance to judge the quality of the

i plans to conduct its own inquiry into

committee's entire effort, because the

Lane's and Patterson's allegations. A

committee will begin holding its public

spokesman for" the committee refused

, hearings Monday. The hearings are

today to say when the investigation

currently being held in secret.

would start or make-any further com-

"Then we may have the whole pies

ment regarding the inquiry.

ture," the subcommittee source said

NW

55215

DocId: 32989797

Page 72

ndicate page, name o

ewspaper, city and state

2A ST. LOUIS

POST-DISPATCH

Date: 8/9/78

Edition:

*** Final

Author:

Editor:

Title:

HSCA

Character:,

or

Classification: SL 62-5097

Submitting Office:

Being Investigated

SEARCHED

62-5092-120

_INDEXED

SERIALIZE PINE FILED Ei

AUG 10 1978

FBI-ST. LOUIS

---

## Page 73

(Mount Clipping in Spaco Bolow)

Charges House Panel Hired

By JO MANNIES

Of the Post-Dispatch Staff

the attorney for James Earl Ray,

convicted assassin of the Rev. Martin

Ray Case SPI

Luther King Jr., says House investiga-

tors hired a Black Jack man to spy on

Ray's brother.

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

And, said attorney Mark Lane, inves.

tigators for the House Select Committee

on Assassination then gave the

"spy"

answers — some false - for his official

1A

ST. LOUIS

POST-DISPATCH

Lane was in St. Louis on Monday for

something of a three-ring circus of dis-

closures and allegations. In addition to

the charges about spying, Lane:

- Accused the committee staff of

using illegal means to gain evidence,

including wiretapping and theits, all as

part of a "conspiracy" to prevent a fair

investigation into King's death.

- Engaged in a mild shoving match

with a New York Times reporter and

accused the Times of being an unwitting

"transmission belt" for false disclosures

about the, King murder. Lane main-

tained that committee investigators had

intentionally leaked the information to

the Times to discredit Ray's contention

that, despite his guilty pica, he is inno

cent.

Lane said he decided to make his alle-

gations public because,

"Members of

Congress have not the faintest idea that

they are being betrayed by their own

staff."

A spokesman ior the committee sal

Monday

night only that the stait is

aware of Lane's contentions and that

"we consider them serious. We will be

investigating." Ray is expected to testh

ty publicly betore the committee late.

this month, the spokesman said. •

U.S. Rep. Harold Sawyer, D-Mich., al

niember

the committee,

denied

Lane's contention that Ray was offered

volved. "" "

Sawyer defended the proposal.

jery prosecutor in the country does this

at times to gain information," he said.

Sawyer said, because Lane

leliberately blown it" by discussing it

publicly.

The news conference was held in St.

"iLouis at the Hilton Inn near Lambert

Field. Its primary aim, Lane said, was

alleged undercover agent for the com-

• mittee who said he had become disen- •

chanted with his job.

Patterson said he had once been an

informer for the Federal Bureau of In-

vestigation and had been employed for

the last few months by the House special

committee to spy on James Earl Ray's

prother, Jerry, a friend of Patterson's

for several years.

He said his duties included tape-re-

curding telephone conversations with

Jerry Ray, sifting through Ray's belong-

his freedom in exchange for an admis-

sion of guilt.

But he said Ray had been told that

authorities in Missouri and Tennessee

would be asked to consider a reduction

in Ray's sentence if Sawyer was given

"hard evidence that others were in-

Ray's hair.

before the

dercover work. "During that testimony,

*I was asked questions by a lawyer for

•the committee named Michael Eber-

hardt, and on several occasions I was

handed written "answers' to the ques

- tions by Conrad Baetz, a staft investiga-

tor."

Other staff members appeared to be

aware of what was happening, Patterson

said, but "the stenographer apparently

took the answers down as my own."

Patterson said he was told by Baelz

to say that "I had seen Jerry Ray carry

a gun — which is not true" and "10 day

" something nice about" J.B. Stoner, an

(advocate of white supremacy.

Baetz, who lives in Madison County

und is'a sheriff's deputy there, could nöt

| be reached for comment.

ST. LoUIS, MO.

-

Dale:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

3/8/78

*** Final

HSCA

ita:

at stards

Character:

or

Classification: SI

62-5097

Submitting Office:

• Being Investigated

SEARCHED

62-5097119

Film

1978

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page

73

Two. Biere 819178179

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## Page 74

* * The spying continued, Patterson said,

feptil he was told by an FBI agent and

*Ilaetz that Lane had somehow learned of

" the undercover work. "I was toid that

Jiane or Ray might take retaliatory ac-

¿tion against me or my family, " he said.

Patterson said he was advised by

* Baetz to hold a news conference Sunchy,

, where he was to accuse Lane of being a

• homosexual and contend that his under-

cover work had reinforced James Earl

Ray's guilt,

The conference was postponed, Pat-

terson said, after he and Baetz learned

of Pope Paul VI's death. Alter a meeting

;With Lane, Patterson said he had a

change of heart and decided to "tell the

" whole truth about the secret operation."

Patterson said he was displeased

• with the job, because the committee

jowed him $900 and was "just going to

• dump everything on me - the illegal

wire taps, the opening

of

mail,

the

l thefts, everything. I'm willing to take a

lie detector test, too," he said.

•* To lend credence to Patterson's sto-

ry, Lane displayed an armload of tapes,

• said to be recordings of conversations

: with several persons, including Baetz

" and a New York Times reporter. Lane

i said Patterson had been instructed to

*. '"leak" false iniormation to the Times

E during a St. Louis interview schequled

"gor Monday.

But instead of a being given a private

interview, limes reporter Anthony J.

larro found himself walking into a hotel

i room full of news cameras and report-

ers. Marro pushed his way out of the

r.00m, saying that ne was being used.

Lane followed Marro out into the hall,

shouting,

truth?"

"Don't you want to print the

Lane believed that the incident' sup-

ported his contention that "the staff of

the House committee panicked when

they learned that I was aware of what

was going on. So they decided to set up a

secret meeting with The New York

Times and discredit me."

Patterson said he knew nothing of

recent reports by Russell E. Byers of

Rock Hill that Byers had been offered

• money by two Imperial, Mo., men to

arrange King's killing.

Marro, whose newspaper brok! By.

ri allegations, reported that Patterson

"hild never been reached by the Times

and had never provided the paper-with

any information

concerning

the King

assassination prior to Monday."

WW 55215_ DocId: 32989797 -Page 74

In a brief telephone interview, Marro

added, "We chase a lot of-leads. Some

are good — some aren't. I'm going to

Washington to chase a few more.

Lane said he was disturbed with his

findings. An assassination buff who hits

written two books - "Rush to Judg

ment" and "Code Name Zorro" _ about

the murders of King and President John

F. Kennedy, Lane contended that "it

seems impossible for anybody te now

take the House Select Committee on

Assassinations seriously."

Patterson, a self-proclaimed gypsy

salesman who says he has sold every-

thing from real estate to geraniums,

says he now has other matters to worry

about.

Because hè fears for his life, he said,

he was to leave the St. Louis area Mon-

day night. "I don't know where I'll go,"

he said. "But when it comes to knuckles,

I think mine are going to get slapped."

In a related development, FBI direc

tor William H. Webster said Monday

that the 1974 FBI report containing an

informant's statement about a payoff

made to Ray after King's killing was

neyer turned over to federal investiga

tors because of "simple inadvertance."

*This document came to light last

March, along with an earlier documeri,

which was an FBI report that Byers had

told two lawyers that he had turned

down a $50,000 offer to arrange King's

'death. The FBI here had been checking

into Byers after he had become a prime :

suspect in the two break-ins at the St.

Louis Art Museum. Charges against

Byers were.sibsequently dropped.

The second document quoted an in-

former as saying he was told by Byers

that a Missouri businessman was "the

individual who made

the payoff to

James Earl Ray after the killing" on

April 4, 1968.

Webster said that the second docu-

ment constituted "heresay three times

removed." In New York to address the

American Bar Association's national

convention, Webster said that although

an investigation by his office concluded

that the report's misplacement was a

mistake, it was not overly significant

• because

"it has not yet been verified

lat the informant spoke the truth."

Although the document, as censorec

when it was made public, did not specily

who Byers said had paid off Ray. Tise

report contained the first allegation that

money was actually paid to Ray.

The #1 142-4866-891

---

## Page 75

Tucs., August 8, 1978 ST.LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

NO JOKE: "Aloney M

ramant i

"Attorney" Mark " Lane (enter)"" Patterson" of Block Jack and Susan Wad.

A making a joke at an otherwise serious press

sworth, a friend of Patterson's. (Post-Dispatch

conference here Monday. With him are Oliver

Photo by Karen Elshout)

NN 55215

DocId: 32999797

Page_75

---

## Page 76

FD-350 (Rev. 10-19-77)

NW 55215

'Broker named

as conspirator

in FBI memo

WASHINGTON (AP) - An FBI agent was given a

second-hand account by an informant several years

after the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther. King

Jr. that a St. Louis stockbroker was "the individual who

made the payoff of James Earl Ray," according to the

agent's report released Thursday.

The stockbroker and a lawyer who also was impli.

cated in the claimed conspiracy have died. Their wives

deny their husbands had any such involvement.

* THE FBI AGENT, whose name has not been re-

leased, wrote a memo for his own files in March, 1974,

after a wide-ranging interview with an unnamed infor-

mant. Among the criminal matters they discussed was

the intormant's claim that he had been told the previous

year by Russell G. Byers, a former St. Louis auto parts

dealer, or a conspiracy by the lawyer and the stockbro.

ker to murder King.

According to the informant, Byers said he originally

was offered $10,000 to $20,000 by the lawyer, subse.

quently identified as John Sutherland, to kill King him

selt, but that Byers declined.

i Byers said another man, subsequently named as !

Stockbroker John H. Kauffmann; was present when the

murder. contract.was offered, and that he (Kauffmarin)

was the man who later paid Ray an unspecified amount

for the actua] killing.

Ray is serving a 99-year sentence for King's killing:

He pleaded guilty,-but now says he had no part in the

shooting.

The agent did not forward his report of the interview

to FBI headquarters and it was not discovered until last'

March, during a review of St. Louis bureau files on an

unrelated matter.

THE AGENT'S report was dated March 19, 1974,

*Kauffmann died less than three weeks before, on March

1, 1974.

Top FBI officials say that on learning of the episode,

they immediately forwarded the document to the Jus-

tice Department and the House Select Committee on

Assassinations. The committee called Byer's to testify

in closed session.

Some elements of the story were publicized last

week, when Byers. himself disclosed he had told the

committee he was offered $50,000, rather than the less-

er figure mentioned in the FBI report, to kill King:

But in an.interview with The New York Times, By-

ers said nothing about á Kauffmann payoff to Ray, and

there has been no indication from official sources that

he offered any corroboration of that allegation to the

DocId: 32,919mittee. Page 76

Indicate page, name o

newspaper, city and state.

Date:8/4/78

Edition: morning

Title: "Broker named

as conspirator in

FBI memo"

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office:

62-5097-118

S& RCHED

ANGERED

SE MALIZED. RatFILED

AUG "7 1978

PB:TSI. LOUIS

FBI/DOJ

---

## Page 77

3657

FD-36 (Rev. *3-24-77)

TRANSMIT VIA:

EX Teletype

3 Facsimile

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

I Priority

& Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

[J TOP SECRET

• SECRET

• CONFIDENTIAL

DEFTO

D CLEAR

8/8/78

Date

FM ST. LOUIS (62-5097)

TO DIRECTOR (62-117290) ROUTINE .

BT

ITTO UNCHAS EFTO

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA) •

FOR THE INFORMATION OF FBIHQ, OTIS KING GREIF, JR.

TELEPHONICALLY CONTACTED THE ST. LOUIS FBI OFFICE AUGUST 7, 1978,

STATING THAT HE WAS CONTACTED ON AUGUST 7, 1978, BY RUSSELL BYERS.

BYERS HAD WITH HIM A COPY OF A "FBI MEMO WHICH HAD PORTIONS

INKED OUT" AND WHICH MAY BE A COPY OF A MEMORANDUM OF HOWARD C.

KENNEDY DATED MARCH 19, 197A. BYERS' COPY SAID THAT EVERKS

CONTACTED SOMEONE AT OK NOVELTY COMPANY IN ST. LOUIS REGARDING AN

UNNAMED INDIVIDUAL. THE UNNAMED INDIVIDUAL WAS IDENTIFIED BY

BYERS AS RICH O'HARA. THE MEMO FURTHER SAID THAT THE PERSON AT

OK NOVELTY VOUCHED FOR O'HARA AS NOT BEING A "SNITCH".

GREIF IDENTIFIED HIMSELF AS THE PERSON AT OK NOVELTY CONTACTED

BY BYERS ABOUT O'HARA. GREIF HAD KNOWN O'HARA THROUGH O 'HARA'S

- ST. LOUIS

1

- 62-5097

137-16523)

62-5097-117

SCARAKED

MJW: 1jS

(2)

1

Approved:

WW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 77

Transmitted

2106

(Number)

(Time)

---

## Page 78

FD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)

TRANSMIT VIA:

• Teletype

Facsimile

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

• Priority

• Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

• TOP SECRET

J SECRET

7 CONFIDENTIAL

JEFTO

CLEAR

Date

PAGE TWO SE 62-5097 ARIO UNCLAS EFFO

PAST OWNERSHIP OF THE PIRATES COVE TAVERN, IN WHICH OK NOVELTY

HAD A VENDING MACHINE. GREIF SAID THAT BYERS WAS TRYING TO

IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE INFORMATION IN THE SAME MEMO WHO

REFERRED TO BYERS AS "A VERY TREACHEROUS GUY". GREIF SAID HE TOLD

BYERS HE COULD NOT IDENTIFY WHO MAY HAVE CHARACTERIZED BYERS IN

THAT MANNER. GREIF SAID HE HAD ABSOLUTELY NO KNOWLEDGE OF BYERS

POSSIBLE CONNECTION IN THE ASSASSINATION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING,

JR. BUT WANTED TO NOTIFY THE FBI OF BYERS CONTACT WITH HIM.

GREIF IS THE OWNER OF OK NOVELTY COMPANY, A ST. LOUIS

VENDING MACHINE COMPANY. GREIF IS FORMER SL 3549-PC1 OPERATED FROM

AUGUST 21, 1975 TO MARCH 3, 1977, BUFILE 137-43581, ST. LOUIS FILE

137-16523. A REVIEW OF SL 137-16523 FAILS TO REFLECT ANY

REFERENCE TO DR. KING'S ASSASSINATION OR RUSSELL, BYERS.

BT

Approved:

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 78

Transmitted

Per

(Number)

(Time)

FBI/DOJ

---

## Page 79

FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Report on King

killing called

only hearsay

NEW YORK (AP) - A 1974 FBI report alleging a

Conspiracy in the murder of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther

King Jr. was filed away for four years instead of being

turned over to federal investigators because of "simple

inadvertence,"' FBI Director William H. Webster said

Monday.

However, Webster downplayed the significance off

the slip-up, saying the report contained "hearsay three

times: removed" and that it was written long after the

original investigation was concluded.

The recently released document quotes an informer

as saying he was told a Missouri businessman was "the

individual who made the payoff to James Earl Ray

after the killing." Ray is serving a 99 year term in

Tennessee for the 1088 murder of the civil rights leader.

The report "would normally have been filed with the

King investigative file. This was not done," Webster

said in an interview.

"It hasn't been verified that the informant spoke the

truth. It hasn't been verified" that the informant was

netiatine of co charent when asked we thet the re

tion.

NW 55215

DooId: 32989797

Page 79

Indicate page, name o

lewspaper, city and state

_5A ST. LOUIS

GLOBE- DEMOCRAT

-

Date:

8/8/78

Edition:

Author:

Daily-Final

Editor:

Title:

Character:

HSCA

or

Classification: SL 62-5097

Submitting Office:

• Being Investigated

SEARCHED

62-5092-116

1978

FBI-ST. LOUIS

---

## Page 80

• Ray is serving a 99-year sentence for King's killing.

Hopleaded guilty, but now says he had no partin the

shooting.

The agent did not forward his report of the interview.

to FBI headquarters and it was not discovered until last

March, during à review of St. Louis bureau files on an

THE AGENT'S report was dated March 19, 1974

Kauffmann died less than three weeks before, on Marcl

1, 1974,

Top FBI officials say that on learning of the episode

they immediately forwarded the document to the Jus

in closed session.

Some elements of the story were publicized last

week, when Byers himself disclosed he had told the

committee he was offered $50,000, rather than the less-

er figure mentioned in the FBI report, to kill King:

But in an interview with The New York Times, By

ers said nothing about a Kauffmann payoff to Ray, anc

there has been no indication from official sources that

he offered any corroboration of that allegation to the

cgramittes.

NW 55215

DocId: 32989797

Fage

30

---

## Page 81

FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Broker named

as conspirator

in FBI memo

WASHINGTON: (AP): - An FBI agent was'given a

second-hand account by an informant several years

after the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King.:

Ir. that a St. Louls stockbroker was "the individual who

made the payoff of James Earl Ray, according, to the

agent's report released Thursday:

The: Stockbroker. and' a lawyer who also was impli

cated'in the claimed conspiracy have died. Their wives

deny their husbands had any such involvement.

THE FBI AGENT, whose name has not been re

leased,, wrote a memo for his own files in March; 1974.

after a wide ranging interview with an unnamed infor

mant. Among the criminal matters they discussed was.

the informant's claim that he had been told the previous

year by Russell GaByers; a former St. Louts auto parts

dealer, of a conspiracy by the lawyer and the stockbro

ker to murder, King

According to the informant; Byers said he originally.

was offered $10,000 to $20,000 by, the lawyer, subse

quently. identified as" John Sutherland, to kill King him

self; but that Byers declined:

Byers: said another man, subsequently named, as

stockbroker John H: Kauffmann, was present when the

murder contract was offered; and that he (Kauffmann):

was the man who later paid Ray an unspecified amount:

for the actual killings,

india pay 2o ts,

, St. Louis

Globe-Democrat,

St. Louis, Mo.

-

Date: Aug. 4, 1978

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office:

Being Investigated

62-5097-115

fine."

13408

2744

62-5097

NW

DocId: 32989797

Page

81

---

## Page 82

FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Byers Knew Of Ray

Payoff, Informant

Told FBI In 1973

SPASHINGTON - The Federal Bureau:

of Investigation received information in

1973 that Russell G. Byers, a former aute

parts dealer and police character from.

Rock Hill, Mo., knew who "made the

payoff of James Earl Ray" after the as-

sassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin

Luther King Jr

Byers' accusation, reported by an

informant, is contained in an internal St.

Louts FBt office memorandum made

avallable Wednesday to the Post-Dis-

patch under the Freedom of Information

Act.

The memorandum, which went un

noticed for tour years in the wrong file in

St Louis; does not give the name of the

man identified by Byers. But it describes

the manas. "a shert, stocky man who

walked with a limp."

This description, several sources have

told the Post-Dispatch, fits' John R:

Kauffmann, a one-time stockbroker of

Imperial, Mo. Byers has reportedly told

investigators for the House Assassing.

tions. Committee that Kaullmany and

John He Sutherland; both now dead,

asked Byers to arrange King's murder,

Byers refused to comment on the FBL:

• memo when reached at his Rock Hill-

home: Wednesday, night. He said the

House committee had asked him not to

make punic ptatements,,

Byers was keenly Interested, however;

in the new disclosures: He carefully

analyzed the copy of the FBi memo

released: Wedhesday, And, while hum.

ming a tune, he read through a New

York Times story about the memo.

Byers' allegations are currently undet

scrutiny by the House Committee on

Assassinations A committee source told

the Past-Dispatch Wednesday night that

the committee was still trying to assess

thesigndicance of Byers storyse

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

Front Page, St.

Louis Post-Dispatch,

St. Louis, Mo.

Date: Aug. 3, 1978

Edition: 3 Star Final

Author:

Editor:

Title:

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office:

_ Being Investigated. •

62-5097-114

17н

WN 05215

Docid: 32989797

Page

82

---

## Page 83

All names: but that.of Buprs wers

"deleted from the FBI memorandum by

the Freedom of information Privacy

Acts: Branch

But the memorandum

discussed a meeting among; Byers and

two men in which; Byers said he had;

been offered either: $10,000 or 520,000 ta

kill.Kinge,

"Sources have told the Post Dispatch

that. Byers told House investigators that

Kauffmanh and Sutherland, a-patent

Intormation or uns stord was

providediby Paul-Wagman: Robert

Adams, Gerald-Ma Boyd, William

Freivogel and J. Pulltzer, all of the

Post-Dispatch stafts,

lawyer, also from Imperial, asked him to

arrange King's murder:

The memorandum; dated Märch 19;

1974, was written by a St. Louis agent of

the FBl, on the basis of.intormation

supplied by an Informant.

"In thenfallion 1973, the: memorandum

reads, Beyers (the name is consistently

misspelled In the memo): talked freely

about himselt and his business; and they

later went to (short deletion by. FBI.

where. Beyers told a story about visiting.

NW 55215

DodId: 32989797. Page 83

a lawyer in St. Louis County, now

deceased, not further identified; who had

present was a Short, stocky man;, who

The membrandum then. continues with

this sentence, enclosed in parentheses:

with regard to the latter

individual, Beyers commented that this

man was actually the individual who,

"made the payoff of James Earl Ray after.

the killings)

Several sources have. told the Post-

Dispatch that Kautfmann was shörty

overyeight and walked. with a marked

imp after being Injured in an automobile:

accident several years prior to the

events described by Byers.

:One :source: said.thatcaccident: also

seemed to have mpared: Kauttmam

mentaily re was, a completely, differ

ent man after that" In tact, when Kauf-

mann was arrested In 1967 for selling

:500:000 amphetamine: plito/a: federal

agentie asked his attorney. if he could

plead innocent by reason of insanity, the

source. said. Thatyidea was: abandoned,

nawever, and Kauffmann was convicted,

Kaufmann a stockbroker and business.

man; died in 1973.

His: wife Beulah G. Kaulfmann testi

fied for about, three hours last week, be

fore the House select committee

The committee did not ask her about

the: allegation that a"short; stocky man

who walked with a limp," had paid off

Ray, the Post-Dispatch. was told: byrad

source familar with her interrogation.

Mrs: Kautman refused; to discuss the

See BYERS, Page 8

---

## Page 84

Byers

"FROM PAGE ONE

matter; hanging up on a reporter taking Byers' story. One committee

Wednesday night.

source told the Post-Dispatch that the

The memorandum largely sibes with

panel is undecided

an account Byers gave about the same

"We're just working on it," the source

•time to a reputable St. Louisan:

, said: "We haven't come: to any conclu

In about 1974, the St: Louisan: told the

sions as to how serlously to takeit"

Post-Dispatch, Byers told him that a

The source-noted, however, that the

stockbroker whothad lost his license was

intensity Of the committee s, efforts

a involved in offering,Byers $50,000 for.

shows that the panel considers.the.story.

*King's murder.. The stockbroker appar-

well worth investigation:

sently was Kauffmann:

"Certain'things' appear to corroborate:

The: 350,000 figure differs rom the

the story,!" the source said, without

* $10,000 to $20,000 figure cited in the FE

elaborating: "But at: this' point, weire:

memo. Byers said he never intended to

just following up all angles

Basically,

go through with the plot, but followed

we take anything like this seriously until

along fox awhile out of curiosity.

we prove otherwise."

• Byers allegations have led investiga-

Byers' allegations have focused atten.

tors to, speculate that his brother in-law,

tion on 'Kauffmann and' Sutherland,

* John Paul Spica, might have conveyed

whose names had not been mentioned:

word, of the bounty to Ray at the

publicly.in connection with the King case

Missourt Penitentiary, where both were

until last week.

serving sentences at the time of the

The: FBi memorandum went unnoticed.

alleged offer:in late 1966 or early: 1967.

by, investigators looking into: King's

Spica, who now runs a fruit stand in St

assassination for four years because it

Louis, has denied having any, dealings

ee Membes of the House committee have

NW 55215

DocId: 32989797 Page 84

---

## Page 85

A well-placed source said drug agents

est in earles this yate St LouisArteplated sachan drafts

dents, but no evidence was developed:

dum as a "very treacherous guy."" The

description apparently.came from an

Inking any co-defendant to the shooting:

associate: of the EBF Informant, who

'In addition two, St. Louis. County,

cautioned the informant "to stay from

, policemen who, investigated: said they

him if hệ wanted to stay out of trouble"

and federal drugagents had questioned:

One of the investigators on the staffof

the. Hose committee: was the federal.

the authenticity.ot Leap's.Story:

drug agent who if years ago led the.

Leap told county police that a car

investigation into Kautfmann's illegal

blocked his-path on Sulphur Springs

sale of amphetamines. Kauffmann was

Road on his way back home; after.aplate.

convicted in 1967. -

night meeting Sept 22, 1967, with the;

The investigator Harold D. Leap; has

informant; who.had.helped make the

been on the committee staff since last

case against Kaufmanh. The informant,

. year: That indicates that he. was not just

Dallas Barr, had taken active part in:

hired to follow up on the Kaufman

Kauffmann's illegal: amphetamine.operas

-angle, which was disclosed to the com-

mittee in March,

While heading: the successful'effort to

prosecute Kauftmann and seven co.

defendants, Leapt was wounded in a

shooting onsa/country road In Sf Louts

County:

No arrests were ever made in the.

Shooting:

Leap said he struggled outside his car

with two men from the other car before:

being shot in the head by his own pistole?

"The" wound was. superficial and he soon

regained consciousness,

Leapcrefused to comment on his work:

-with the.assassinations;committee.or, the

shooting;

NW 55215

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Page- 85

---

## Page 86

TO

FROM

SUBJECT:

OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10

JULY 1073 EDITION

GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6

UNITED STATES GOVURNMENT

Memorandum

: FILE (62-5097)

SAC ROY B. KLAGER, JR.

HSCA

DATE:

8/4/78

-

Attention is directed to two FD-302s in this file,

reflecting interviews conducted on 7/28/78 and 8/4/78,

respectively, by me, of former SA HOWARD C. KENNEDY.

Particular attention is directed to the interview with

KENNEDY on 8/4/78 as it pertains to dissemination of

information by him, which information is reflected in

serial 5 of St. Louis file 137-16185. In this interview

of 8/4/78, KENNEDY stated that he recalls with reasonable

certainty

• that certain information was disseminated by him

to the St. Louis Police Department.

In order to document such dissemination, this is to

record that I personally searched our dissemination control

file, 66-2340, for the months of April through July of 1974

and

found no record of such dissemination having been made.

It should be noted that the volume of 66-2340 for the

month of March, 1974, and prior months are no longer maintained

as they have been destroyed under the file destruction program.

There is no FD-159 (dissemination form) concerning this

matter contained in 137-16185 or the related file 87-21859.

(4)

62-5091-113

-

1:3

19/5

8010-110

Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page

86

---

## Page 87

X AIRIEL

8/4/78

TO:

DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

(ATTENTION: COHGRESSIONAI INQUIRY UNIT,

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION) •

FROM:

SAC, ST. LOUIS (62-5097)

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

Re St. Louis telephone call to Bureau 8/4/78.

Enclosed herewith are three copies each.of an FD-302

on interview of former SA HOWARD C. KENNEDY and a memorandum from

SAC ROY B. KLAGER, JR.

Bureau (Encs.)

i,

St. Louis

RBK: nin

(4)

62-5097-112

SEARCHED

SERIALL

Горі. .

NW 55215 DocId:32989797 Page 87

---

## Page 88

FD-448 (Rev. 9-1-76)

Transmit attached by Facsimile - CLEAR

PRIORITY

Precedence

To:

DIRFER, COnCRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNITpio:

8/3/78

From:

SAC, ST. LOUIS

EOUiS88462-5097)

Time: Transmitted : 1901

Subject: HSCA

Initials -

MD

I Fingerprint Photo Fingerprint Record

Д Map

@ Artists Conception

# Other —

Special handling instructions:

SPECIAL - HANDCARRY TO ADDRESSEE

[X) Nowspaper clipping [ Photograph

62-5097-181

SEARCHED

SERIALIZED

INDEXED

Lent

FILED

-*FBI/DOJ

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 88

---

## Page 89

FD-302 (REV, 11-27-70)

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Date of transcription_ 8/4/78

MI. HOWARD C: KENNEDY resides at 55 Harneywold Drive,

Ferguson, Missouri 63136, residence, telephone number (314)

521-82.21.

Mr. KENNEDY is presently self-employed as a private

investigator and polygraph examiner.

He retired from FBI

service on February 28, 1977. Prior to his retirement he

was assigned to the St. Louis Division of the FBI from 1954

to the date of his retirement. During 1974 he was assigned

to general criminal matters and worked as a Special Agent

under the supervision of Field Supervisor ROBERT L. BENDER.

+ 0 в 2.

My. KENNEDY's recollection was refreshed regarding an

interview with him at the FBI Office in St. Louis, Missouri,

on July 28, 1978, by SAC ROY B. KLAGER, JR., concerning a

of that file. Mr. KENNEDY recalled having read this serial.

1978, concerning a notation appearing on the above serial

which states, "Notify locals of info re killing", and his

earlier reply thät in his recollection this cömment pertained

to a matter appearing on page 2 of the memorandum and unrelated

to the MARTIN LUTHER KING information.

Mr. KENNEDY was asked if he did in fact disseminate the

information in keeping with the above-cited handwritten

He related that he recalls with reasonable certainty

that he did disseminate the information appearing on page 2

to someone in the St. Louis Police Department whose identity

he does not now recall.

Mr. KENNEDY called further attention to the last paragraph

of page 3 of the memorandum in question which refers to another

killing, unrelated to the MARTIN LUTHER KING matter. He

volunteered that this additional unrelated information was also

disseminated, to the best of his recollection, to the st. Louis

Police Department; however, he similarly does not recall to

whom this information was given.

Interviewed on.

8/4/78

St. Louis, Missouri

File # SI 62-5097-111

Date dictated,

8/4/78

This document contoins neilher recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. Il is the properly of the FBI and is loaned to your agency:

it and its contents are

not lo be distributed outside your agency.

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 89

---

## Page 90

FD-350 (Rév. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Byers Knew Of Payoff,

FBI Was Told

WASHINGTON - The Federal Bureau

"f Investigation received information in

1973 that Russell G. Byers, a former auto

darts dealer and police character irom

Rock Hill, knew who "made the payoff of

ames Earl Ray" after the assassination

luf the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Byers' accusation, reported by an

informant, is contained in an internal St.

Louis FBI office memorandum made

•ivailable Wednesday to the Post-Dis-

patch under the Freedom of Information

Act.

The memorandum, which went un-

noticed for four years in the wrong file in

st. Louis, does not give the name of the

nan identified by Byers. But it describes

the man as "a short, stocky man who

walked with a limp."

This description, several sources have

told the Post-Dispatch, fits John R.

Kauffmann, a onc-time stockbroker of

Imperial, Mo. Byers has reportedly told

investigators for the House Assassina-

tions Committee that Kauffmann and

John H. Sutherland, both now dead,

asked Byers to arrange King's murder.

However, one source said that at least

one other man fitting the description

could not be ruled out as the person

described in the memorandum. The

second man was described by St. Louis

police sources as an avowed segregation-

ist and an acquaintance of Sutherland's.

Byers refused to comment on the FBI

memo when reached at his Rock Hill

home Wednesday night. He said the

House committee had asked him not to

make public statements.

Byers was keenly interested, however,

in the new disclosures. He carefully

analyzed the copy of the FBI memo

released Wedresday. And, while hum-

ming a tune, he read through a New

York Times story about the memo.

Byers' allegations are currently under

scrutiny by the House Committee on

Assassinations. A committee source told

the Post-Dispatch Wednesday night that

the committee was still trying to assess

the significance of Byers' story.

All names but that of Byers were

deleted from the FBI memorandum by

ww 5521 t

of Information Privacy

Docid: 32989797

Page

90

Acts Branch. But the memorandum

discussed a meeting among Byers and

two men in which Byers said he "had

been offered either $10,000 or $20,000 to

kill King."

Sources have told the Post-Dispatch

that Byers told House investigators that

Kauffmann and Sutherland, a patent

lawyer, also from Imperial, asked him to

arrange King's murder.

The memorandum, dated March 19,

1914, was written by a St. Louis agent of

the FBI on the basis of information

supplied by an informant.

*In the fall of 1973," the memorandum

reads, "Beyers) (the name is consistently

misspelled in the memo) talked freely

about himself and his business, and they

later went to (short deletion by FBI)

where Beyers told a story about visiting •

a lawyer in St. Louis County, now

deceased, not further identified, who had

offered to give him a contract to kill

Martin Luther King. He said that also

present was a short, stock man, who

walked with a limp."

The memorandum then continues with

this sentence, enclosed in parentheses:

"Later, with regard to the latter

individual, Beyers commented that this

man was actually the individual who

made the payoff of James Earl Ray after

the killing.)

Several sources have told the Post-

Dispatch that Kaufmann was short,

overweight and walked with a marked

limp aiter being injured in an automobile

accident several years prior to the

events described by Byers.

The other man fitting that description,

nowever, is known to have testified

before the subcommittee in April. Roy A.

Walther III, an attorney for Byers,

refused to say whether the other man

was implicated in Byers' testimony.

Walther said he had never heard of the

other man until the time of Byers'

testimony before the House committee.

St. Louis Police Department sources

-

Redsate pa ca, and state.)

1A

ST. LOUIS

POST-DISPATCH

ST. LOUIS, MO.

Date: 8/3/78

Edition: Bulldog

Author:

Editor:

Title:

Character:

or

Classification: SL 62-5097

Submitting Office: St. Louis

Being Investigated

62-5097-110

3

---

## Page 91

said the man was an avowed segrega-

known to have been acquainted with

Sutherland.

he man is turther known to be closely

associated with Ray, who pleaded guilty

'of King's murder in 1969 and is serving a

99-year prison sentence in Petros, Tenn.

Since pleading guilty, however, Ray nas

denied full responsibility for the shooting

and has sought a new trial.

auffmann, a one-time stockbroke

ho was, convicted in the late 1960s

selling 500,000-amphetamine pills to a

Select Committee:

The committee did not ask her about

he allegation that a "short, stocky man

who walked with a limp," had paid off

lay, the Post-Dispatch was told by :

source familiar with her interrogatior

Mrs. Kauffmann refused to discuss the

matter, hanging up on a reporter

Wednesday night.

he memorandum's account of Byers

tory jibes in all but one detail - th

mount of money involved - with al

ccount Byers gave at about the sam

time to à reputable St. Louisan.

NW 55215

DocId: 32989797

Page

91

---

## Page 92

* AIRIEL.

7/31/78

TỌ :

FROM:

SUBJ:

DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

(ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL, INQUIRY UNIT,

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION).

SAC, ST. LOUIS (62-5097)

SI 3567-PC

ReButei call to St. Louis 7/28/78.

By way of retelcall, Unit Chief GEORGE J. FOSTER,

Congressional Inquiry Unit, Records Management Division,

directed that a Xerox copy of the entire St. Louis file 137-16541,

pertaining to captioned subject, be transmitted by mail to the

Congressional Inquiry Unit.

A Xerox copy of the file requested above is enclosed

herewith.

- Bureau (Enc.)

D-st. Louis (1 - 62-5097; 1 - 137-16541).

RSK : nin

(M)

ADDEN DUM

¡ = SAC, ST. LOUIS:

On 7/31/78, Unit Chief FOSTER Of

the Congressional Inquiry Unit was reminded by SAC ROY B. KLAGER,

JR. that the transmittal of an informant file through the mail,

identifying the informant with his symbol number and other

identifying data, is in violation of current Bureau regulations.

FOSTER instructed that the file be mailed anyhow.

62-5097-10.9

NW 55215. DocId: 32989797 Page 92

---

## Page 93

*. AIRTEL

7/31/78

TO:

DIRECIOR, FBI (62-117290)

FROM: SAC, ST. LOUIS (62-5097)

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE

ON ASSASSINATIONS

(ATTN: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT,

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION) •

ReButel to St. Louis 7/28/78.

Enclosed herewith are three copies eạch of FD=302s,

reflecting interviews at St. Louis, Missouri, on /28/78 with

ROBERT I. BENDER, former FBI Field Supervisor, and HOWARD C.

KENNEDY, former FBI Agent.

Bureau (Encs.)

St. Louis

RBK: nIn

pom

62-5097-108

NW 55215. DocId: 32989797 Page 93

---

## Page 94

FD-302 (REV. 11-27-70)

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Date of transcription.

7/31/78

MiC. ROBERT I. BENDER resides at Route 1, Box 388, Chesterfield,

Missouri

63017, residence telephone number (314) 391-6518.

Mr. BENDER is presently unemployed, having retired from FBI

service on 2/28/77.

Prior to his retirement he was assigned to

the St. Louis Field Division of the FBI from 1953 to the date of

his retirement. Additionally, he served in the capacity of

Field Supervisor in the St. Louis Division of the FBI for approx-

imately nine years prior to and until the date of his retirement.

He supervised general criminal matters.

MX. BENDER was interviewed at the St. Louis FBI Office, at

which place he voluntarily appeared.

Mr. BENDER was exhibited sufficient portions of a closed

St. Louis file 137-16185 to enable him to identify it as a matter

which was at one time under his supervision and assigned to an

Agent under his supervision by the name of HOWARD C. KENNEDY.

The file in this instance pertains to one RICHARD F. O'HARA,

a former informant of the St. Louis Division of the FBI.

The attention of Mr. BENDER was directed to a memorandum in

this file dated 3/19/74 to the SAC, St. Louis, from Special Agent

This memorandum is identified as serial 5 of

the file. Mr.. BENDER was 'permitted to read this memorandum in

order to refresh his memory concerning its contents. Although

he had no independent recollection of the memorandum or its contents,

after reading it he concluded that the memorandum had crossed his

desk on or about 3/19/74, as attested to by the appearance of his

handwriting on the memorandum. BENDER's attention was further

airected to paragraph 2, page 3 oI the memorandum, which paragraph

begins, "During the fall of 1973...," and ending with "

... $20,000

to kill KING."

MX. BENDER related that he had no independent recollection of

the paragraph in question; however, upon reviewing the entire

memorandum dated. 3/19/74,

he found no evidence that the informatior

contained in the above-cited paragraph was either acted upon of

Interviewed on

7/28/78

_a Ste Louise Missouri

_File #_ SI 62-5097-107

SAC ROY B. KLAGER, JR./nln

_Date dictated-

7/31/78

This document contoins neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBl. It is the properly of the F8l and is loaned lo your agency;

is ond ils contents are nol lo be distribuled outside your agency.

WA Sacroo

---

## Page 95

SL 62-5097

disseminated beyond the file in which the memorandum is located.

He did note that there is a handwritten notation in his hand-

writing on page 1 of the memorandum which states, "Notify locals

of info re killing." Upon reading the memorandum in detail,

it was BENDER's conclusion that this handwritten notation did

not apply to the above-cited paragraph but, instead, applied to

an unrelated matter of interest to local authorities appearing

on page 2 of the memorandum.

MI. BENDER stated that he has absolutely no recollection

as to why the information contained in the above-cited paragraph

on page 3 of the memorandum in question was not disseminated

or acted upon. He can only assume that such failure was through

inadvertence.

He can make no judgment whatsoever concerning

the credibility of the information as a possible reason for

not acting on it.

BENDER related, however, that because of

his long association with the FBI in St. Louis, he does recall

an individual by the name of RUSSELL BYERS as a well-known

thief and fence.

At the conclusion of interview, Mr. BENDER stated that in

retrospect and in light of today's climate, the information

concerning MARTIN LUTHER KING in the memorandum of 3/19/74

should have been acted upon.

- 2*-

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 95

---

## Page 96

FD-302 (REV. 11-27-70)

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Date of transcription_ 7./31/78

Mr. HOWARD C. KENNEDY resides at 55 Harneywold Drive,

Ferguson, Missouri 63136, residence telephone number (314)

521-8221.

MX. KENNEDY is presently self-employed as a private

investigator and polygraph examiner.

He retired from FBI service

on 2/28/77•

Prior to his retirement he was assigned to the

St. Louis Division of the FBI from 1954 to the date of his

retirement.. During 1974 he was assigned to general criminal

matters and worked as a Special Agent under the supervision of

Field Supervisor ROBERT I. BENDER.

Mr. KENNEDY was interviewed at the St. Louis FBI Office,

at which place he voluntarily appeared.

Mr. KENNEDY was exhibited sufficient portions of a closed

St. Louis file 137-16185 to enable him to identify it as a matter

which was at one time assigned to him while he was an FBI Agent.

The file in this instance pertains to one RICHARD F. O'HARA,

a former informant of the St. Louis Division of the FBI.

The

attention of Mr. KENNEDY was directed to a memorandum in this

file dated 3/19/74 from him to the SAC, St. Louis.

This memörandum

is identified as serial 5 of the file.

He was permitted to read

this memorandum, in order to refresh his memory concerning its

contents. KENNEDY related that from his review of

this memorandum

it reflects the results of a contact by him with O'HARA at which

time O'HARA furnished him several pieces of information.

KENNEDY's attention was further directed to paragraph 2, page 3

of the memorandum, which paragraph begins, "During the fall of

...," and ending with "... $20,000 to kill KING."

MT. KENNEDY stated that upon having his memory refreshed

by reading the above memorandum, he vaguely recalls receiving

the information.

He has no recollection, however, of having

disseminated the information contained in the above-cited

paragraph or that the information was otherwise acted upon.

He cán cite no reason for such failure other than inadvertence.

To the best of his recollection, no action was, in fact, taken

concerning the information about MARTIN LUTHER KING, as contained

Interviewed on

7/28/78

St. Louis, Missouri

File $ =

SI, 62-5097-10%

by

_SAC ROY B. KLAGER, JR./nIn

=Date dictaled.

7/31/78

This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. Il'is the property of the FBI ind is loaned to your agency:

it and ils contents are nol lo be distributed outside your agency.

NW 55215 DooId: 32989797 Page 96

---

## Page 97

SL 62-5097

in the memorandum, and he shared this information with no

other personnel in the office.

Mr. KENNEDY was unable to provide an evaluation of the

information and he is sure that no other information concerning

KING was furnished to him by O'HARA. He can make no comment

with regard to the credibility of the information at this late

date. He does not believe, however, that credibility of either

O'HARA Or BYERS entered into any decision or lack of decision

with regard to dissemination of the information concerning KING.

KENNEDY recalls, however, from his many years of service

in the FBI at St. Louis that RUSSELL BYERS was a well-known

fence.

KENNEDY

reiterated that he has

no idea or reason for the

failure to disseminate the information contained in paragraph

2 of page 3 of the cited memorandum as it relates to MARTIN

LUTHER KING.

He noted that there is nothing written on the

memorandum to indicate such dissemination was made or action

taken otherwise.

Mr. KENNEDY's attention was further directed to a hand-

written notation on the first page of the memorandum which

states, "Notify locals of info re killing." He identifies

this notation as being in the handwriting of his former Supervisor,

ROBERT I.. BENDER.

Upon reading the memorandum in detail, it

was KENNEDY's conclusion that this handwritten notation

did

not apply to the above-cited paragraph but, instead, applied

to an unrelated matter of interest to local authorities

appearing on page 2 of the memorandum.

At the conclusion of interview, Mr. KENNEDY stated that

in retrospect, the information concerning MARTIN LUTHER KING

in the memorandum of 3/19/74 should have been acted upon.

- 2*

NW 55215

DocId: 32989797

Page 97

---

## Page 98

ED-448 (Rev. 9-1-76)

Transmit attached by Facsimile - CLEAR

Precedence

IMMEDIATE

To:

From:

Subject:

DIRECTE, FUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE)

SAC, ST. LOUIS

(62-5097)

HSCA

7/26/78

Time: Transmittod - 2030

Initials -

SDF

O Fingerprint Photo . Fingerprint Record

/ Artists Conception

→ Map

X*Nowspaper clippings Photograph

• Other

Special handling instructions:

SPECIAI, - HANDCARRY TO MR. I. J. HARRINGTON, JR.,

ROOM 7222, JEH

62-5097-105

sar.

CEr.

Tea anxes

FILEU-

NW 55215 DocId:32989797 Page 98

FBI/DOJ

---

## Page 99

VZCZCHQ0894

00 SL

DE HQ DD94 2091955

ZNR UUUUU

0 281910Z JUL 78

FM DIRECIOR FBI (62-117290)

TO SI. LOUIS IMMEDIATE

UNCLAS

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA).

REBUTELCAL TO ST. LOUIS DATED JULY 28, 1978.

BY AIRTEL TO BUREAU DATED MARCH 13, 1978, SI. LOUIS ADVISED

THAT INFORMATION RE POSSIBLE CONSPIRACY IN MARTIN LUTHER KING,

JR., ASSASSINATION HAD BEEN LOCATED IN ST. LOUIS FILE 137-16185.

INFORMANT (SL 3167-C) HAD BEEN CONTACTED IN MARCH, 1974, AND

INFORMATION RE CRIMINAL MATTERS, INCLUDING THE ABOVE, PLACED IN

CONTACT MEMORANDUM MARCH 19, 1974, AND APPARENTLY NEVER

DISSEMINATED OR ACTED ON.

SI. LOUIS IS DIRECTED TO IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AGENT AND

AGENI SUPERVISOR WHO HANDLED SL 3167-C (IDENTIFIED BY ST. LOUIS

OFFICE AS FORMER SPECIAL AGENTS HOWARD C. KENNEDY AND ROBERT L.

BENDERS AND THOROUGHLY INTERVIEW THEM RE THE ABOVE. ORIGINAL

file ce

Distrayed

68-5092-105

1975

WW 55215 DOOId:32989797

Page

---

## Page 100

PAGE IWO DE HQ B894 UNCLAS

CONTACI MEMORANDUM MARCH 19, 1974, FROM ST. LOUIS 137-16185

SHOULD BE SHOWN TO FORMER SPECIAL AGENIS KENNEDY AND BENDER TO

FACILITATE COMPLETE RE CALL OF ALL CIRCUMSIANCES RE THIS

MATTER.

POINTS TO BE COVERED DURING INTERVIEWS INCLUDE, BUT ARE

NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:

SPECIAL AGENT KENNEDY:

1. RECOLLECIION OF INFORMATION OBTAINED IN MEMORANDUM.

2. CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING RECEIPT OF THAT INFORMATION.

3. EVALUATION OF THAT INFORMATION.

4. ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FURNISHED BY ST. LOUIS

3617-C RE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., ALLEGATION.

5. EVALUATION OF INFORMATION, I.E., CREDIBILITY.

6 EVALUAIION OF RUSSEL GEORGE BYERS.

7. REASON FOR FAILURE TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION.

8. ANY ORAL DISSEMINATION TO OTHER SPECIAL AGENTS IN

SI. LOUIS, BUREAU OR OTHER FIELD OFFICES.

SPECIAL AGENT BENDER:

1. RECOLLECTION OF INFORMATION IN MEMORANDUM.

2. REASON FOR FAILURE TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION.

_N 55215 Docid: 32989797

• Page 100

---

## Page 101

-

...=

PAGE THREE DE HQ D094 UNCLAS

RESULIS OF INTERVIEWS SHOULD BE TELEPHONICALLY PROVIDED

TO CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT (CIU), FBI HEADQUARTERS (FBIHQ),

EXTENSION 3685, AND CONFIRMED IN FD-302 FORM BY AIRIEL TO

FBIHQ, ATTENTION GIU, RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION.

BI

0094

NNNN

209 19552 SL 1

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 101

---

## Page 102

FD-350 (Rev. 10-19-77)

(Mount Clipping-in-Space Below)

Area Man Allegedly

By J. PULITZER

Of the Post-Dispatch Staff

A 46-year-old Rock Hill man has told

the House Select Committee on Assassi-

nations that he was once offered $50,000

to kill the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King

Jr., the New York Times reported today.

Pussell G. Byers, a former auto parts

dealer who was implicated last January

in the theft of several statues trom the

St. Louis Art Museum, said he turned

down the offer in late 1966 or early 1967,

according to the Times. King was Shot to

death on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tenn.

The Times story said Byers told the

committee that two men from Imperial,

Mo., had offered him the money in

behalf of a group of conservative busi-

nessmen to kill King. Both are now dead.

Got Offer

To Kill

King

Sources said Byers' testimony has

spurred an inquiry by committee investi-

gators because his brother-in-law, John

Paul 'Spica, was then serving a life

hort time worked together in the priso

sentence for murder at the Missouri

State Penitentiary with James Earl Ray,

who later pleaded guilty in the death cf

King.

King.

cicentrating on a theory of conspiraus

y the conservative business group men-

Ản FBI spokesman in Vashington told

the Post-Dispatch that the St. Louis

office of the FBI had received "certain

information" about the King assassina-

tion in 1973, but would not confirm' it

came from Byers.

He said the information was never

investigated and was placed in the wrong

file, and then was turned up by accident

Hast March. The spokesman took pains to

suggest the information may not have

been considered reliable.

A Post-Dispatch reporter who attempt-

ed to interview Byers at his residence in

the 9300 block of Fredric Court was told

that Byers was out of town and was not

available for comment.

The Times account of a three-month

investigation by the House committe®

ridicated that investigators suspected

that word of a contract offer on King's

life had reached the prison through

Spica. But Byers said he had told Spica

of the offer only recently, according to

the Times.

Records from the State Penitentiary

indicate that Spica and James Earl Ray

shared the same cell block, and for. a

if they did not leave, the Times said.

Spica could not be reached by the Post-

Dispatch Tuesday night.

Byers also told the House committee)

that he had told an informer for the

Federal Bureau of Investigation about

the $50,000 offer to kill King, the Times,

said.

Byers.said the FBI office in St. Louis

had been given details of the offer, but

had never investigated, according to the

Times report.

A source ,close to the St. Louis FBI

office told the Post-Dispatch that he had

never heard of the information on thef

alleged approach to Byers.

In Washington, FBI spokesman Homer

Boynton told the Post-Dispatch that

"certain information relating tothe mar-

tin Luther King assassination" was

furnished to the St..Louis FBI office in

1973

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

PIA, St. Louis Post

Dispatch, st. Louis,

Missouri

Date:

7/26/78

Edition:

Bulldog

Title: HOUSE SELECT

COMMITTEE ON

ASSASSINATIONS

Character:

or

Classification: 62-5097

Submitting Office:

SL

LEGARGITED-

SERIALIZED.

-INDEXED

104

AUS 2 1978

FBI - ST. LOI

FBI/DOJ

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 102

---

## Page 103

Ai

"We're not saying that it was reliable

thi at the committee would investigate i

information," he said. "We're just say-

ing certain information was furnished."

sus an leads unless the panel asked thee:

* FB 'I for help.

He declined to say whether the informa-

4" member of the House committee'

tion came from Byers.

stal if in W'ashineton said it was commit.

Boynton said the information was i

never investigated by the

tee policy not to confirm or deny reports

St. Lou's,

abor ut matters related to the King and

@ Ilice: He said itwas not cross-indexed

Kennedy assassinations. He said the

under the Martin Luther King file, as it

com: mitter's findings would be contained

should have been.

, in it: § final report to Congress, which is

Last March, Boynton said, St. Louis.

I duel sy the: end of the year.

FBI agents discovered the material

"I

just can't comment," the staff

more or less by accident.

mem ber said:

"They were reviewing a file in connec- |

The Tines story said House investiga-

tion wit anther master. he said, "and

tors li earned that Byers believed the offer

as a. result of tht, they found the.

to hir n had been an effort to recruit a

information and realized that it had

"fall

guy" who would

not

actually

* never been properly indexed. And' they

comn. lit the murder, but who would be'"

immediately advised FBI headquar

arrest 'ed for it.

* ters."

A St Louis Police Department captain

i boynton said the T. Louis field office

who ir Ives tigated the Art Museum thefts

then sent the information to FBI head-

shid he had heard recently that Byers

• guarters in Washington. FBI headqua*-

testifie id before the House committee.

tersiin turn gave it to the Department of

Othe r officers in the Police Depart-

Justice, i over De are house Selece

ment's " intelligence unit said Byers was

turned,

over to the House Select

seen fi requently at Spica's fruit stand:

Committee on Assassinatyions, Boynton '

Byers had been charged in connection

said was just put in the file," Baynton

with tize Art Museum thefts, but the

charge: s were later dropped by the .St.

said.of the 1973 information.

"Nothing,

Louis ci Ircu it attorney's office.

further was done with it," until it was

The a lidow of one of the men alleged to

found' last March.

have ap pro ached Byers with the offer. on

Asked whether the 1973 tip should have

King's

life: denied such a thing had

been investigated, Boynton said he was

happened, the Times said. She was

not going to second-guess the juogment

quoted is saying. that Byers had proba-l

of the FBI agent in St. Louis who

bly conc coctied the whole story, to

'"help'

handled it.

himself

"ge't out of the art case," the

"It's kind of hard to tell what judg-

Times said.

ment the agent and the supervisor made

The woman told the Post-Dispatch

- about the reliability" of the information,

Tuesday night that her husband knew

Boynton said. "In the Kennedy investiga-

Byers thi sough a business associate, but

tion, we checked out thousands and

would not: elaborate. She insisted that the

thousands of these. Some of them were

allegation about her husband was "a

very,bizarre. And many of them ended in

glaring m istiake."

absolutely nothing. And it could have

The wisdow of the other man from

been the judgment of the agents that this

Imperial refused to talk to the Post-

was hot worthy of following through on."

Dispatch or the New York Times be-

" Boynton said he could not discuss the

cause she.is to-operating with the House?

specifics of the allegations as reported in

committee, a cording to her attorney.

the, Times.

The Times

report said that Byers had

He said the FBI is not currently, been granted immunity from prosecution i

investigating the information that was

in King's d'eath for his sworn testimony

funtiskss in 1973: He said the ageney had

before the louise commitige in Washing-

an agreement with the flouse committee,

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 103

Russell G. Byers

Questioned in King inquiry

---

## Page 104

FD-350 (Rev. 10-19-77)

(Mount Clipping in Space:Below).

Byers Was Implicated In

By BECKY MCREYNOLDS

'Of the Post-Dispatch Staff

Russell G. Byers has been in the news

Museum Thefts

frequently in recent months in connec

tion with the theft of seven Statues in two

Byers was charged in the art muse

separate incidents from the St. Louis Art

um burgiary after police said Creashaw

Museum.

led them to the first statue to be reco

Byers was described by police = for

a "while — as the "mastermind" behind

the first theit of four statues, including

Frederic Remington's "Bronco Buster."

Jan: 29. Three other statues, all by the

French sculptor Francois Auguste Ro-

din, were taken in a second burglary.

Feb. 20.

However, all charges against Byers

were: dropped atter the statues were

recovered. Police had received anony-

mous phone calis leading them to the

locations of the missing statues.

Byers nad been implicated by anoth

fer suspect-in-the-trefts, John A. Cren-

shaw, 25. On Feb. 28, police raided the

Byers home in the 9300 block of Fredric

Court, Rock Hill. None of the stolen stat-

rues was recovered, but 138 other items,

believed to be stolen, were confiscated.

Since the first burglary, two men be.

vered and implicated Byers as a middle.

ma. The chan to d. Could Arat

Attorney George S. Peach that he would

not testify against Byers.

• Byers was charged with receiving

stolen goods in connection with the litho

graphs found in the raid. That charge

was dismissed on May 25 after county.

prosecutors said their case was rot

strong enought to proceed,

, Byers' wife was seeking the return of

tiree Oriental rugs, eight lithographs

and 22 antique objects police confiscated

as stolen. Police said the all of the.other

items taken in the raid were already

returned. An attorney for the Byers i

family said the police. häd.no. right. to

release the goods without a court deter-

mination uf proper ownership.

lieved to be associates of Byers and

Crenshaw, and also believed to have

been involved in the first museum theft,

have met violent deaths.

ba'.

On Feb. 17; the body of Charles H.

Gunn, 29, was found behind the 5900

Jock of Hamilton Terrace. Gurn, who

had been identified by: Crenshaw as an

accomplice, had been shot in the head:

On June 11, the body of Samuel Ern-

est White, 42, was found in a field in

Madison County. He had been shot three

times and his bony was severely burned

When Byers was arrested March 2,

he gave-his occupation-as.a.vending

machine dealer. Police records show

many arrests for him in St. Louis and St.,

Luuis County since, 1950.

He was convicted in U.S. District

Court here in 1965 of conspiracy to

commit auto theft. He was fined and

placed on probation.

In March, Byers' wife and, daughter

filed suit in St. Louis County Court seek-

ing recovery of the items taken frem

their home and, in addition, $75,000 in

damages from St. Louis Police Chief

Eugene J. Camp and County Police

Superintendent G. H: Kleinknecht to

compensate for the loss of the goods,

The suit is pending..-

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page

104

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.

P6A, St. Louis Post

Dispatch, St. Louis,

Missouri

Date:

Edition:

7/26/78

Bulldog

Title: HOUSE SELECT

COMMITTEE ON

ASSASSINATIONS

Character:

Classification: 62-5097-103

Submitting Office:

SEARCHED.

SERIALIZED.

INDEXED_

VILED

A!& 2 1978

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## Page 105

FD-350 (Rev. 10-19-77)

(Mount_Clipping in Space-Below)

Spica In Jail 10 Years, Paroled

John Paul Spica was paroled from the

State penitentiary in October 1973 at the

age of 36 after serving 10 years of a lite

sentence in the fatal shooting of an

*Uplands Park real estate dealer in 1962.

In Killing

John J. Myszak, 50, the real estate.

dealer, was shot four: times from an

automobile as he stood in the drives y

of a friend and business associate in

Normandy.on the night of June 8, 1962.

Spica, then 25, was accused of arrang

ling the killing after he was approached

(Indicate page, name o

newspaper, city and state.

P6A, St. Louis Post

Dispatch, St. Louis,

Missouri

by. Marie Myszak, the dead man's wife,

who wanted her husband murdered.

During the sensational case, which was

given much publicity here, the 48-year-

old widow admitted plotting the killing*of

her husband with Spica. However, she

said she told Spica to call off thei deal

about three weeks before the mürder

-

because she couldn't raise the $3,000

Spica demanded.-

Mrs. Myszak_said she wanted her

husband killed because she was "fed up"

with the repeated beatings-he-had given

her. She also was the beneficiary of

akout $165,000 in life insurance carried

by him.

Spica, although never accused as the

actual killer, was convicted by a St.'

Louis County jury in May 1963 of

conspiring to murder Myszak and sen-

tenced to life in prison. Before his

conviction, Spica had been arrested In

investigations of several burglaries, but

had never been convicted of a felony.

But at the time of his arrest in the!

Date: 7/26/78

Edition:

Bulldog

¿ Myszak case, police detectives described

him as a "well-known St. Louis hood.

lum. 9e

Spica began serving his life term in the

State Penitentiary on July I; 1963.

*I Mrs. Myszak was acquitted by a'St.

Louis County jury, in January 1964 of the

murder of her husband

While Spica was serving his sentence,

he, pleaded guilty to charges of second:

degree burglary in connection with-a

break-in at a Wellston jewelry store in

Title: HOUSE SELECT

COMMITTEE ON

ASSASSINATIONS

Character:

or

Classification: 62-5097-

Submitting Office:

SL

loàn

1962, and stealing over $50 by deciet.sn

an automobile deal. He was sentenced to

two years on each conviation, the sen-

SEARCH =

SERIALZED BAD FILE

tences to run concurrently with his life

sentence.

Spica Is the son of Paul: J, Spica, y

clerk in the county magistrate courts

and former Democratic politician. Paul

Spica is a former Democratic commit.

teeman from Normandy Township, John!

AUG 2 1978

FBI-ST. LOUISE

Spica lives with his father in Normandy.

FBI/DOJ

LM 55215

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Page_105

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## Page 106

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Confirms Byers Told Of King Offer

By WILLIAM FREIVOGEL

and CARTER STITI

01 the Post-Dispatch Stalf

A reputable, St. Louisan confirms that

Russeil G. Byers told him that he had ,

been offered $50,000 by two Imperial,

Mo., men to arrange the deati of the

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.

Byers twice mentioned the piot, first in

generalities shortly after the assassina-

sion in 1963 and later in more detail in

about 1974, the St. Louisan told the Post-

Dispatch. He said that in the latter

conversation Byers told of a stockbroker

taking him to the Imperial farm of a

"patent lawyer to discuss the plot.

¿ Byers did not use names, the promi-

nent citizen said, but he apparently vas

relerring to stockbroker Jehn R. Kaufi-

Amann and lawyer John H. Sutherland,

whom he has accused of the plot in

recent testimony to the House Assassina-

tions Committee.

Previous accounts of the alleged assas!,

sination plot have said that Byers hag

said that he told two lawyers and other

unidentilied persons about it some years

ago. But this is the first direct confirma-

tion from one of those persons.

In another development, a Clayton

lawyer, who has been questioned by the

House Assassinations Committce staff,

told a reporter he had seen Byers and

of revealed on dries is pre

paper not even identify his .

apparently because he feared reprisis

from Byers or other.

The House Assassinations Committee

is conducting an intensive investigation

into Byers' allegations. It held ciosed

hearings on them last week. Byers was

reported to have told the committee that

he turned down the offer from Suther-

land and Kauilmann, which he says was

made in late 1956 or early 1907. Suther

and died in 1970, and Kautiman died li

1973.

The St. Louisan said that Byers told

him shortly alter the King assassination

En 198 it, and he a the Ki Kis Kiting

some organizatich was behind it

" "That's all he said. I thought it was

just street talk," the St. Louisan said

Later, in abour 1974, Byers mentioned

the plot again. The St. Louisan gave this

account of what he said: A stockbroker

who had lost his license, apparently

Kauffmann, approached-Byers with the

$50,000 offer. Byers asked him whom he

lad to kill. Kaulimann took Byers 10 a

st. Louis patent attorney who lived on i

earby farm in Imperial who said Kin

ras the target. Byers said he never nar

"intended to follow through on the plot but

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

1B

--

ST. LOUIS

POST-DISPATCH

ST. LOUIS, MO.

Kauffmann meeting several times in the

late 1960s. The lawyer represented both

Date: 7/30/78

Edition:

Sunday

{matters.

Kauffmari and Byers on separate legal

The lawyers said Kauffinann hid

a introduced him to Byers during a lunch

gin about 1966. He got the impression tiat

Byers and Kauffmann knew each other

from

growing up in the same part ot

south St. Louis and that they had sime.

kind of business dealings in the 1960s./

Byers was particulariy close to Kaufi-

mann's late brother Gil Kaufmann, who

was a deputy St. Louis County coroner

before his death in 1962, the lawyer said.

Asked whether Byers had told him

about the alleged assassination offer, the

lawyer said he could not respond be-

cause the confidential relationship be.

tween ar attorney and his client. He said

he had give the same answer so the

House committee's stall.

The lawyer's account adds new detail

Imperial home. Sutherland was a segre-

gionist and the organizer of the Citi

ens Council in St. Louis, a states rights

group formed in 1964 that distributed

auti-black lirerature.

"he st. Louisan said his recollection or

• the conversation with Byers differed in

one way from the recently published

accounts of Byers' testimony to the

House committee.

"Froin what l read, Byers seems to be

saying now that he thinks Ray (James

Earl Ray, who pleaded guilty to the King

assassination) is a fall guy. But that!s

not the impression I got then. I thougat

Russell thought they probably ap-

priched Rüy through some friend/of

Kaufimann, a doctor who worked at she

prison."

Tille: HOUSE SELECT

COMMITTEE ON

ASSASSINATIONS

Character:

or

Classificalion: SL 62-5097

Submitting Office: St. Louis

62-5097-102

GENERO

about Byers' relationship with Kaalf-

mann.

Both sources agreed to talk with the

Post-Dispatch only after they were givan

JUL B

1977 bu/bas

assurances that their names would not

7,3

NN 55215 DooId: 32989797

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Fü'sh, Bureau >=3-7:8

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## Page 107

• Pr. Hugh W. Maxey, the former chiet.

physician at the Missouri State Peniten-

500.000 amphetamine pills. In the 19405,

tiary, was a friend of Kaufmann.

by contrast, Kauffmann had been fin

he st. Louisan said Byers had not

aircraft executive, stock broker aid

mentioned his brother-in-law, John Paul

member of the St. Louis Stock Ex-

• Spica, who was serving a murder sen.•

change. But when he died his estate was

tence in the Penitentiary at the time Ray

worth only $10.000.

escaped from the institution. Byers 100,

Kauffmann made his living in the 1960s

in his recent statements reportedly told

by selling so-called "penny stocks," the

the House committee that Spica was not

lawyer recalled. For example, Kauff.

involved. But press accounts have specu-

mann would start a company with

lated whether he could have transmitted

capital of about one-cent per share and

word of the $50,000 offer to Ray.

then sell stock for $1 per share.

1. The St. Louisan said he believed Byers

There was nothing illegal about that

in 1974. "I mean you do believe someoni

when Kauffmann was involved, the law-

if you don't have, any reason to think

yer said, but changes in the securities

ther lied," he said. But in the. wake of

laws in later years put an end to penny

Byers arrest in connection with thefts of

stocks and to Kauffman's main source of

statues from St. Louis Art Museum last •

income.

# 39-29839

The lawyer said he always found Byers

winter, he said he wondered whether .

to be truthful and could see no advantage

Byers might then have been in trouble

to Byers in telling about the alleged plot.

too and put out the assassination story to !

The lawyer said he thought the plot was

get the rederal Bureau of Investigation i

plausible. He represented Byers in a.

vor the police to ease off him. Byers was

civil case about five years ago.

not prosecuted for the museum thefts.

So far, there has been no corroboration

The St. Louisan refused to say whether

of Byers" allegation or any credible link

the House committee has questioned

to Ray. The wives of both Sutherland and

him.

Kauffmann have told the House commit-

The Clayton lawyer knew Kauffmann

lecithat they knew nothing about suchia

quite well in the late 1950s and early,

plot and branded as incredible the idea

1960s when Kauffmann was a stockbrok-

ast timer husbands could be involved lin

er in Clayton and a client. Kauffmann

a scheme to assassinate Dr. King.

Palso entertained the lawyer at his Jeffer-

ison County home.

The lawyer said thi Kaufmann, long

yacuve on the periphery of Democratic

politics in St. Louis and Jefferson coun-

ties, had been involved in the presiden-

tial campaign of Alabama Gov. George

C. Wallace in 1968. Sutherland also was a

leader of the Wallace campaign here.

The lawyer said he thought only money

" or the promise of it

would have

motivated Kauffmann to get involved in

wallace's campaign or the King ploti

"John was not a racist," he said.

' ""He was growing

old and a little;

scared, maybe,

and he wanted money,

• the lawyer said. He said the same fears

nay have led to Kauffmann's federal

conviction in 1987 for illegally selling

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page '107

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## Page 108

t5. riley, 10-19-771

(Mouns Clipping in Space Below)

Byers, Spica have been

in the headlines before

Russell G. Byers and John Paul Spica,

whose names are now in the spotlight in

-connection with a House investigation

into the death of the Rev. Dr. Martin

Luther King Jr., have made front-page

headlines here in the past.

he the wo char stad with burglare it.

the st

•couis Art Museum Jan. 29. One of the

statues was the famous "Bronco Buster"

ov Frederic Remington.

THREE OTHER STATUES by Auguste

•Rodin, the French sculptor, were stolen

in another museum burglary Feb. 20.

John A. Crenshaw, 25, a transient

laborer, was also charged in the Jan. 29

burglary and is now in jail awaiting

trial. •

Charges against Byers were dropped

sapril 27 by circuit Attorney George

Peach after Crenshaw said he wouldn't

•testify against Byers.

Spica was sentenced in May 1963 to life

imprisonment-after being-convicted of

Kirst-degree murder in connection wit

the fatal shooting of John T. Myszak, 50,

a prominent St. Louis County real estate

dealer, in June 1S62.

SPICA TESTIFIED during his trial

that he made demands for money on

Mrs. Marie Myszak, the victim's wife,

but they represented attempted extortion

and not murder.

Mrs. Myszak was indicted on charges

of arranging the death of her husband

but was acquitted in January 1964.

She made a statement.to county police

that she had discussed with Spica the

possibility of getting rid of her husband,

but had changed her mind and told him

to drop the matter.

Mrs. Myszak died in October 1971 at,

the age of 56.

Spica was, paroled from the Missari

•State*Penitentiary in Octöber 1973. He

„Row lives in Normandy.

(Indicate page, name of

nelyspaper, city ana state.)

P3A, St. Louis

Globe Democrat,

St. Louis, Missouri

Date:

Edition:

7/27/78

Title:

HOUSE SELECE

COMMITTEE O'

ASSASSINATIONS

Character:

or

Classification: 62-5097~

Submitting Office:

SI j0j:

NW 55215

DocId: 32989797

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ariginal formalis

" SLARCHED.

SERIAL 1ED

I Bureal

n/21/18-

_ INDEXED.

LEILED

JUL 27 1978

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## Page 109

FD-350 fier. 10-12-771

(Mount Clipping in Spaco Bolow)

Ared men named

in King inquiry

The affairs of a convicted Jefferson

"tiary almost a year before Dr. King was

County drug dealer and a St. Louis area

shot in Memphis.

segregationist, both dead, are under

SPICA WAS sentenced to life imprison

investigation by the

nent in 1963 after being convicted of

House Select Com-

first-degree murder in connection with

mittee on Assassi-

the fatal shooting of St. Louis County

nations looking into

real estate dealer John T. Myszak. Spica

the murder of the

was paroled in 1973.

Rev. Dr. Martin

Byers told the New York Times in an

Luther King Jr.,

nterview that he turned down the $50,000

according to au-

offer to kill Dr. King and said he did not

thorities.

tell Spica about it. However, he said he.

The drug dealer

thought word of the offer might have

was John R. Kauff-

circulated through the penitentiary

mann, who authori-

grapevine.

Byers

ties say was about

One federal official described Byers as

73 when he died in

a "very, very unreliable person."

3974. The segregationist was John H.

Sutherland, a patent attorney, who was

84 when he died in 1970.

committee,

meyer, an inest tor do house

RUSSELL G. BYERS, 46, who was

learned, went to Sutherland's former

residence near Imperial, Mo., Wednes-

allegedly involved in the theit of several

statues from the St. Louis Art Museum

day, seeking information on the late

attorney.

last January, has told the House Com-

mittee that Sutherland and Kauffmann

THE WIDOWS OF Sutherland and

Kauffmann could not be reached for

offered him $50,000 in late 1966 or early

comment.

1967 to kill the Rev. Dr. King. Burglary

charges against Byers in the Art Mu-

According to the New York Times, the

House committee plans to give Ray a lie-

seum case were dropped.

detector test as a result of the Byers

Byers, of the 9300 block of Frederic

report to the committee.

Court, Rock Hill, is a brother-in-law of

A Globe-Democrat reporter confirmed

convicted murderer John Paul Spica, 40,

a Times statement that probate records

I who for a short time lived in the same

in the Jefferson County courthouse con-

I cell block with James Earl Ray in the

cerning Sutherland's estate contain a

Missouri State Penitentiary.

note which reads: "Do not destroy this

Ray is serving a 99-year sentence in

file — may be subpoenaed by Congres

Tennessee for the slaying of Dr. King in

sional Committee (Select Committee or

April 1968.

Assassinations.)" The note is dated May

He escaped from the Missouri penitell

- 20, 1978.

indicate page, name o

ewspaper, city and state

St. Louis, Missour:

Date:

Edition:

7/27/78

Tille:

HOUSE SELECT

. COMMITTEE ON

ASSASSINATIONS

Character:

or

Classification:

62-5097-

Submitting Office:

SI,

100

SERIALIZED

orgenal

"on

Burea

to

1/21/78-fal

_INDEXED

SUL 27 1978

FBI-ST. Le

NTW

§5215

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## Page 110

L1)-356-4807- 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Spoco Bolow)

Rays' Testimony Sought

In Alleged Plot On Dr. King

By GERALD M. BOYD

and I. PULITZER

Of tlie Post-Dispatch Stsfi

VASHENGION - A House commit-

s investigating the assassination of the

Sev. Dr. Martin Luther King is seeking

the testimony of James Earl Ray ay a

result of allegations by Russell G. Byers

: of Rock Mili that Byers was offered $50,-

OK to kil King, the Post-Dispatch has

icarned.

Sources ciose to tie investigation said

thai testimony this spring by Byers, 46,

of the 9300 block of Fredric Court, had

questions among

members of ons piracy to kil Kims

committe,

But Mark Lane, an attorney for Ray;

said Ray had never had any dealings

with Byers and that the Byers' allega-

tions were leaked to promote the idea of

a conspiracy anc-thus shift attention

from the Federal Bureau of Investiga-l

tion, which Lane contends is involved in

the King killing.

Rav is serving a 99-year prison sen-

tence alter pleading guilty. to the shoot-

ing death ot King on April 4, 1998 in

Memphis, Tenn. Since pleading guilty,

nowever,

Ray has denied responsiblity

for King's assassination and has asked

repeatedly for a new trial.

# Byers testified that he turned cowI

re olfer by two men from imperia.

No., in late 1966 or carly 190%, sources

stid. Byers said the men offered him the

money in behalf of a group of conservi:

tive businessmeg who wanted king si-

lenced as a civil rights leader, the sourc-1

es said. Boch men implicated by Byers

are dead

The Post-Dispatch was told that the

committee might never have heard tram

"Byers had he not become implicated in

last winter's burglaries at the St. Louis

Ait Museum. A routine check of his fije

atithe Si. Louis FBI office tumed up a

version of Byers' allegations written

five years ago and inadvertently mis-

filed, sources toïchite Post-Dispatch.

The file search on Byers was request.

ed byfocal officials investigatmgshe Art

Museum burglaries,

sources told the

Post-Dispatch. An FBI spokesman in

Washingion said it was forwarded in

March to the Washington ofice for use,

•b the House Select Commitee on As-

sessinations,

King's death.

which is investigating

Lane, reached at his home in Venice,

Calif., said he was present last May

When four members of the House com-

mittee interviewed Ray at tie Tennes-

see state prison where Ray is incarcer-

ated. No questions were askrd at that

time, or at other, interviews were Lane

-was present, concerning Byersor other.

individuals implicated by Byes in thê

• alleged offer to kill King, Lane said.

"I don't think James (Ear. Ray)

kilows anything about them,

" Lare said

"It's a deliberate selective leak'of al-

leged evidence to make it seen like

James got some money while trying to

cover up the fact that the FBI wa in-.

volved somehow in the morder."

flane said James i. Wolf, deputy

chief counsel of the House selèct cora-

mittee, had informed him Wednesday

• that Ray must take a lie-detector test (0

determine whether his statements weie

i true.

Woif, reached in Washington, would

inot comment on Lane's charges and

would not confirm or deny talking to

Lane. He said, however, that under pia

fedural rules of the select committee,

polygraph tests

were voluntary and

were not a condition for giving restimis

ny. Wott refused to confirm that Ray

would testify before the committed,

saying that the information was still

confidential.

Lane said that making Ray taise a lie-

detector test was an attempt to cast

doubt on Ray's credibility in the event

that his testimony should implicate the

FBI in King's assassination. .

Sources close to the select committed

gaid members were concerned about tha

-nye- year delay in obtaining the FBI

informant's account of the alleged offer

"o Byers....

regenal founded

to Bureau on

UN 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 110

PIA,

Louis

Post Dispatch,

St. Louis, Missouri

Date:

Edition:

7/27/78

Bulldog

Author:

Editor:

Title: HOUSE SELECT

COMMITTEE ON

ASSASSINATIONS

Character:

Classification:

Submitting Office:

_ Being Investigated

62-509194

SERINNIZED

_INDEXED

CELLED

JUL 27 1978

FEU-SI.

LU

---

## Page 111

* Homer Bovnton, an FBI spokesman

in Wasntligion, told the Post-Dispatch

Wednesday that the bureau's St. Louis

plating rece Ved in ther King an.

sassination" in 1973.

But that information was filed onfy

under the names of the informant ard

Byers, sources said, and never cross-

incerer nger the King file. was. dis

'covered only by accident in checking

Byers' file on request from local au-

thorities investigating the Art Museum

thefts, sources said.

Boynton said that the agent who haj

thistlled the intormation had retired an 1

that no internal inquiry was planned. r

also refused to identify the agent.

• Other FBI sources told the New York

Times that the agent had violated bu-

reau rules by not notifying other agents -

or authorities investigating King's

death.

: 3

"He may have thought it was a frivo

i lous allegation, but that wasn't his deci-

sion to make," an FBI source told the

Times. "The information was supposed

to go to a supervisor or some agent wlio:

had worked that investigation for them

to evaluate.":

Byers' allegations have led House

"investigators to his brother-in-law, John

Paul Spica, who at the time of the al-:

leged offer to Byers was serving a life-

sentence for murder-at-the Missouri

State Penitentiary.

Prison records indicate that Spica:

and James Earl Ray were housed in. the

same cell block at that time, and that

. they worked in the prison bakery togeth-

er for. a period. Authorities have specu-

"¿lated that word of a bounty on King's lie.

may have reached the prison from Sth

Byers,

however,

told the House

committee that he had not informed

• Spica of the offer until recently, sources

said. But Byers speculated that word of:

tie. bounty on King's lifesnight have

nached inmates there from other sourc-

es) in his- testimony to the House select

conmittee, the sources said.

Spica, inho was paroled in 1973, nour

operates, a fruit stand at Vandeventer

and Shaw avenues. He said in an inter-

view Wednesday that he knew nothing of

à bounty on King's life.

"Byers is a liar," Spica said. "At no

•time did.I ever convey an offer of $50,000

to, James Earl Ray to kill Martin Luther

King Jr. Byers never told me abolit.

thát."

Spica said he and-Ray were prisoners

in the Missouri Penitentiary as the same

time, "but we never worked together in

"the same section.

NW 55215

DocId: 32989797 Page 111

** "I did see him from tme to time, but

I didn't larow anything about any con-

tract to kill Martin Luther King," Spica

said.

"The investigators

in Washington

- knoly all about Byers' story and they

have checked it out and they know

thege's no truth in it," Spica said.

He said that a House investigator had

talked to him, but had informed him that

he would not be called io testify before

the House committee.

Spica appeared nervous and shaken

and said he was worried that news sto

ries about Byers' allegations would de.

stroy his present hite.

I| "You know I'm out on life parole or, a

murder case, and this'll blow it," Spita

said: jive-besn working in this stand 12

to 15 hours a day for twọ years without a

vacation. I've been going with a very

nice girl who doesn't know all my backy

'ground, and it'll blow that, too."

'I guess I'll just have to close uji

because I won't have any business any

more," Spica said.

In his testimony, Byers speculated

that he was offered the $50,000 to ar-

range King's death so that he would be a

"fall guy"

who would not actually

commit the murder, but who could be

blamed for it later because of the al-

leged offer, sources said.

Authorities familiar with Byers de-

scribed him as a "middle man" in crim-

inal dealings and generally believed thit

hel would not be approached as a hirtd

"eyers was charged with burglary in

connection with the theft of several stat.

ues from the Art Museum last January,

but the charges. were later dropped by

the St. Louis circuit attorney's office.

The New York Times account of

Byers' appearance before the House

committee said that he had been grant-

ed immunity from prosecution in King's

assassination in return for his sworn

- A widow of one of the Imperial, Mo.,

men implicated by Byers in the offer to

kill' King said her husband knew Byers,

such offer. She said she believed tha

Byers had concocted the whole story "I

Times said.

...

* The woman told the Post-Dispatch

"Wednesday tat her husband" knew By:

"ers through a business associate, but

wguld not elaborate. She insisted that

"paring mist aeo- her husband /as a

"faring mistakie."

tify before the House commiuce. À

spokesman for.the committee would not

confirm or deny the report.

The widow of the other man implical-

ed by Byers has refused to grant inter-,

views to the New York Times or the

• Post-Dispatch because she is cooperat-

ing with the House committee, her attor-

ney said.

THer attorney said, however, that the

wisman told House investigators that the

allegations about her.husband were.a

complete surprise to her.

A spokesman for U.S. Rep. Walter E

Fauntroy, D-District of Columbia, chair-

man of the House subcommittee investi-

gating King's death, said reither he nor

other committee members or staff

members would have any comment on

(the New York Times story.

He noted that the full House Select

Committee on Assassinations is sched.

• uled to begin public hearings .Aug. 1g

1le assassinations panel has two sub-

committees. The other subcommittee.is

• locusing on the assassinations of. Presi-

dent John F. Kennedy in 1963 and his

brother, IS Sen Robes F. Kegnedy, in

---

## Page 112

TO

:

FROM

SUBJECT:

SA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Memorandum

SAC, ST. LOUIS (62-5097)

DATE:

7/25/78

CLERK W.R. FARHAT

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON

ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

Instant date at 10:00 PM this office was contacted by

Bob Kelly, St. Louis Post Dispatch. Mr. Kelly was seeking

a comment from SAC Roy B. Klager in reference to Russell

G. Beyers, who is presently being questioned by the (HSCA) •

Mr. Kelly further stated that the New York Times Newspaper

would be carrying a front page story concerning this matter

on 7/26/78, and that Mr. Boyton, FBI, Washington, D.C., had

already made a comment concerning this matter.

'SAC Roy B. Klager was advised of the above information and

stated he wouldn't make any further comments concerning this

matter since Mr. Boyton had already commented on this issue.

Mr. Kelly was contacted by writer and advised that SAC Roy

B. Klager would stand on Mr. Boyton's comment.

Above being submitted for information purposes.

62-5097.98

-

JUL 2S 1978

F-NOT. LOUIS

11771

Bay U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan

5010-110

NW 55215

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## Page 113

AIRTEL

7/25/78

TO:

FROM:

SUBJECT:

DIRECTOR, FBI

(62-117290)

(ATTN:

CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT,

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION)

SAC, SI: LOUIS (62-5097)

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

(HSCA)

Re Bureau teletype to Chicago and St. Louis

dated 7/25/78.

Enclosed herewith is one copy each of serials i

through 34 in St. Louis file 137-16185, plus a copy of the

Criminal Informant Review Sheet (FD-237) for the same file.

A copy of instant communication will also be

added tó 137-16185.

- Bureau

(Enc - 35)

St to -5

62-5097)

1- 137-16185)

JFS: kmt

(4)

lis.

62-5087-97

ANW 55215 DooId: 32989797

Page 113

---

## Page 114

-

VZCZCHQ0098

00 CG SL

DE HQ 0098 2061940

ZNY EEEEE

0 251827Z JUL 78

FM DIRECTOR FBI (62-117290)

TO FBI CHICAGO IMMEDIATE

FBI ST. LOUIS IMMEDIATE

BI.

UNCLAS EF TO

-62-5097#

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

FOR INFORMATION OF CHICAGO, SI. LOUIS ADVISED ON MARCH 13,

1978, THAT DURING A FILE REVIEW OF SL 137-16185, FOR AN UN-

RELATED MATTER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT SL 3167-C FURNISHED

INFORMATION REGARDING RUSSELL GEORGE BEYERS. BEYERS, IN THE

FALL OF 1973, MET WITH SL 3167-C AND TOLD HIM OF A MEETING WITH

• AN ATTORNEY IN SI. LOUIS COUNTY, NOW DECEASED, AN? ANOTHER

INDIVIDUAL, AND OF THEIR POSSIBLE INVOLVEMENT IN THE ASSASSI-

NATION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. APPARENILY, IHIS

INFORMATION WAS NEVER DISSEMINATED OR ACTED ON.

THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DISSEMINATED TO THE ISCA. HSCA

REQUESTED, ON JULY 14, 1978, THAT THE INFORMANT REFERREO TO

6275097-96

JUL 8.:: 1978

For-di. LiUis

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 114

---

## Page 115

PAGE TWO DE HQ DD98 UNCLAS EF I O

(SL-3167-C) BE CONTACTED AND REQUEST BE MADE OF HIM TO

(1) SUBMIT TO INTERVIEW BY HSCA, AND, (2) THAT HE AGREE IO

EXECUTE WAIVER RELEASING ALL FBI HEADQUARTERS (FBIHQ) AND FIELD

OFFICE (SL) FILES FOR REVIEW BY HSCA.

ON JULY 21, 1978, ASAC JOHN SHANLEY, SI. LOUIS, ADVISED

THAT FORMER SL-3167-C HAD MOVED FROM THE ST. LOUIS AREA TO

CHICAGO. HE IS CURRENTLY SUSPECT IN CASE ENTITLED "UNSUB,

THEFT OF $25D, DOD WORTH OF ARI OBJECTS, AMERICAN ART GALLERIES,

LTD., 4828 NORTH SHERIDAN ROAD, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, NOVEMBER 6,

1976; ITSP-MAJOR THEFT; DD: CG (CG 87-45634)". HE IS ALLEGEDLY

OWNER OF CONNOISSEUR GALLERIES, 72D NORTH WELLS, CHICAGO,

• ILLINOIS, AND MAY RESIDE ABOVE HIS BUSINESS. FORMER INFORMANT

DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

NAME: RICHARD FRANCIS D'HARA

DATE OF BIRTH: DECEMBER 14, 1941

HEIGHT: 6°

WEIGHT: 190

HAIR: BROWN

CHICAGO SHOULD CONTACT O'HARA AND OBJECTIVELY INQUIRE

AS TO HIS WILLINGNESS TO BE INTERVIEWED BY THE ASCA CONCERNING

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 115

---

## Page 116

PAGE THREE DE HQ 8098 UNCLAS EF I O

THE ABOVE INFORMATION RELATING TO DR. KING. O'HARA SHOULD

BE TOLD THAT HE HAS NO GUARANTEE FROM THE FBI OR ASCA OF

IMMUNITY OR CONFIDENTIALITY; THAT THE FBI IS NOT RESPONSIBLE

FOR WHAT RESULTING ACTION THE HSCA MAY TAKE FOLLOWING INTERVIEW;

THAT SINCE THE COMMITTEE MAY ALREADY KNOW HIS IDENTITY, HE

COULD BE SUBPOENAED TO TESTIFY; AND, THAI IF HE DOES NOT WANT

TO BE INTERVIEWED, THE FBI WILL DO EVERY IHING WITHIN IIS POWER

TO PROTECT HIS IDENTITY.

IF O• HARA AGREES IO HSCA INTERVIEW, HE SHOULD BE FURNISHED

NAME OF HSCA STAFF MEMBER MIKE EBERHARDI, (202) 225-8791, AND

IOLD TO CALL HIM COLLECT REGARDING MAKING ARRANGEMENIS FOR IHAT

INTERVIEW.

CONTACIING AGENI SHOULD ALSO INQUIRE WHETHER O'HARA WILL

EXECUTE A WAIVER ALLOWING FOR REVIEW OF ALL FBIHQ AND FIELD

OFFICE INFORMANT FILES BY HSCA. IF HE AGREES, WAIVER SHOULD BE

OBTAINED WORDED SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE FBI TO RELEASE ANY AND

• ALL FILES (FBIHQ AND FIELD OFFICE) CONCERNING THIS INFORMANT TO

THE HSCA, INCLUDING THOSE RECORDS PERTAINING TO ANY CONFIDENTIAL

RELATIONSHIP THE INFORMANT MAY HAVE HAD WITH THE FBI. THE

WAIVER SHOULD ALSO STATE THAT THE INFORMANT UNDERSTANDS THAT

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 116

=

---

## Page 117

PAGE FOUR DE HQ AD98 UNCLAS E F I O

THESE FILES WILL DISCLOSE TO THE SCA ANY CONFIDENTIAL

RELATIONSHIP INFORMANT MAY HAVE HAD WITH THE FBI.

CHICAGO TELEPHONICALLY FURNISH RESULIS OF CONTACT WITH

O HARA TO SA TRON W. BREKKE, CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT,

RECORDS MANAGEMENI DIVISION, FBIHQ, EXTENTION 3685, AND FOLLOW

WITH AIRTEL INCLUDING ORIGINAL OF WAIVER IF HE AGREES TO

DISCLOSURE.

SI. LOUIS SHOULD PROMPTLY FURNISH ONE XEROX COPY OF

ST. LOUIS 137-16185. ALL SERIALS SHOULD BE REPRODUCED IN THEIR

ENTIRETY. THIS MATERIAL SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY COVER AIRTEL

1O FBIHQ, ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS

MANAGEMENI DIVISION.

BT

0098

• NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 117

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## Page 118

FD-350,(Rev. 10-19-77)

(Mount Cliepina in Space Below,

Got Offer To Kill

King, County

Man Says

By J. PULITZER;

. Ot the Post-Dispatch Stalt

# 16-year-old Rock Hill man has told,

the House Select Committee: on Assassi

nations that he was once:offered $50,000

* tớ kill the:Rev, De. Martin-Luther King

IF., the New York Times reported today,

Russell G. Byers, a former auto parts:

dealer who was (mplleated last. January:

In the theft of several Statues from the

St: Louls Art Museum, sald he turned®

lown the offer.in late:1966 ofearly. 196%

according to the Times. King, was shot 1p

death on: April 4, 1968, In Memphis, Terr

The Times story said: Byers told the

committee that two men from Impertal,.

Mo.,

had ottered him the-money in

behalf of a: group of conservative: busl.

"nessmen to kill King. Both are now dead;

Sources sald: Byers' testimony has.

spurred an inquiry. by.committee.investi

•gators because:his:brother-in-law, John

Paul Spica, Was then serving a life

sentence for murder at the Missour;

tate Penitentiary With James EarloRay

Nio later pleaded gullty-in the death.i1

The a noy serving aide, your calty.

term in Tennessee: Since pleading sulty;

Ray-has repeatedly denied his guilt;in

the King, murder and has requesteara

new trial:

An FBI spokesman: In Washligton told.

the: Post-Dispatch that the st

Louis,

office of the FBr had recelved "certain

Information" about-the King assassina.

Hon In:1975; but: would not confirm it

came from Byers.

He sald the Information was hever

it March. The spokesman took pains te

uggest the information may not hay!

been considered reliable.

Byers retused to (alk to a Post)

DIspatch reporter Who lolted his house

In the 9300 block of. Fredric Court last

night and another who walted outside for

several hours today, At about 10:30 a.ma,

twosmen Who said they were Byers.

attorneys entered the house and tes

mained there for more than two. nours,

•Shortly before.noon,.one of them came

Moutside to announce that Byers. hap

-In an Intervlew with a Post-Dispatch

reporter today, Spica dented any knowij.

edge of the matter.'

The Times account of a three month

Investigation by the House committee

indicated, that investigators suspected.

that: Word:of a contract offer on Kings

lite had reached the prison through

Spica, But Byers said he had told.Spica

of the offer. only recently, according to

the Times;

Byer bald, however that he suspected.

pintormation about the bounty on King's

We may have teached men inside the

Missourt prison "through other routes,

the Times reportedl

According fo the. Times; Byerg said.he

was so shocked by the alleged offer that

he told two lawyers and two other

unnamed persons about it after King. was.

shot So fat, Byers has not provided any

documentary evidence to support his

story, the Times said,

Records from the: State Penitentiary.

Indicate that Sp/ca; and James: Earl Ray.

shared the came cell-block, and for a

Investigated and was placed In the wron;

pitile, and then was türned up by, accidest

Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.

Pg . 1A, St. Louis

Post-Dispatch, st.

Louis, Missouri

-

Date: 7/26/78

Edition:

***Final

Title:

"Got Offer To

Kill King,

County Man Says"

Character:

SL 62-5097

Classification:

Submitting Office:

62-5097-95

•JUL 87 1978

DOS

NW 55215

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118

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## Page 119

SL 62-5097

short time worked together in the prison

bakery. Ray escaped on April 23, 1867,

almost a year before the fatal shooting of

King.

The Times said investigators are now

concentrating on a theory of conspiracy.

"by the conservative business group men-

toned by Byers in his testimony.

it i Spica, 40, interviewed by a Post-

Dispatch reporter this morning, said,

"Byers is a liar."

Interviewed at the fruit stand he

operates at Shaw and Vandeventer ave-

nues, Spica said, "At no time did I ever

convey an offer of $50,000 to James Earl

Ray to kill Martin Luther King Jr. Byers

never told me about that."

Spica said he and Ray were prisoners

in the Missouri Penitentiary at the same

time, "but we never worked together in

the same section.

"I did see him (Ray) from time to

time but I didn't know anything about

any contract to kill Martin Luther King,"

"The investigators in Washington know

" all about Byers' story and they have

checked it out and they know there's no

truth in it," Spica said.

he said that an investigator had talked

to him but had informed him that he

would not be called before the House

Spica, who was paroled in 1973, ap-

peared nervous and shaken and said he

' feared news stories about Byers' allega-

tions would destroy his present life:

"You know I'm out on a life parole on.

a'murder case, and this'll blow it," Spica

said. "I've been working in this stand 12

to 15 hours a day for two years without a

vacation. I've-been going with & very

background, and it'll blow that, too.

"I guess I'll just to close up because I'

won't have any business any more,"

Spica said.

Byers also told the House committee

that he had told an informer for the

Federal Bureau of Investigation about

the $50,000 offer to kill King, the Times

Byers said the FBI office in St. Louis

had been given details of the offer, but

had never investigated, according to the

Times report.

A source close.to the St. Louis FBI

office told the Post-Dispatch that he had

never heard of the information on the

alleged approach to Byers

In. Washington, FBl Spokesman Homer

Boynton told the Post-Dispatch that

"certain information relating to the Mar-

tin Luther King assassination" was

furnished to the St. Louis FBI office in

"We're not saying that it was reliable

information," he said. "We're just say-

ing certain information was furnished."

He declined to say whether the informa-

Boynton said the information was

never investigated by the St.

office. He said it was not cross-indexed

under the Martin Luther King file, as it

should have been.

Last March, Boynton said, St. Louis

FBi agents discovered the material

more or less by accident.

"They were reviewing a file in connec

tion with another matter," he said,

as a result of that,

they found the

information and realized that it had

never been properly indexed. And they

immediately advised FBI headquar-

• Boynton said the St. Louis field office

then sent the information to FBI head-

quarters in.Washington. FBI headquar

ters in turn gave it to the Department of

Justice, and the Department of Justice

turned it over to the House Select

Committee on Assassinations, Boyntor

'It was just put in the file," Boynto

aid of the 1973* information. "Nothin

further was done with it," until it was

Asked whether the 1973 tip should have

been investigated, Boynton said he was

of the FBI agent in St. Louis who,

handled it.

"It's kind. of hard to tell what judg-

ment the agent and the supervisor madet

about the reliability" of the information;

Boynton said, "In the Kennedy Investiga

tion, we checked out thousands and

thousands of these. Some of them were

very bizarre. And many of them ended in

absolutely nothing.

And it could have

been the judgment of the agents that this

was not worthy of following through on."

Boynton said he could not discuss the!

specifics of the allegations as reported ini

the Times.

He said the FBI is not currently

investigating the information. that was,

furnished in 1973. He said the agency had

an agreement with the House committee

that the committee would investigatel

such leads unless the panel asked the

A member of the House committee's

staff in Washington,said it was commit-

tee policy not to confirm or deny reports

about matters related to the King and

Kennedy assassinations, He said thê

committee's findings would be contained

O in its final report to Congress, which is

due by the end of the year.

"I just can't comment," the staff

The Times story said House investiga-

tors learned that Byers believed the Offer

to him had been an effort to recruit a

"fall guy" who would not actually

commit the murder, but who would be

who investigated the Art Museum thefts

said he had heard recently that Byers

Byers had been charged in connection

with the Art Museum thefts, but the

charges were later dropped by the St.

Louis circuit attorney's office.

NW 55215

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## Page 120

SL 62-5097

The widow of one of the men alleged tof

have approached Byers with the offer on

king's life dented such a thing; had

lappened, the Times said. She 'was

quoted as saying. that: Byers had proba.

bly concocted the whole story to "help

himself get out of therart case," the:

Times said.

The woman told the Post-Dispatch

Tuesday: night that:her husband knew

• Byers through a business associate;, but

would not elaborate. She insisted that the,

allegation about her husband was

slaring mistake."

The widow of the othet man from

Impertal refused to talk to the Post

Dispatch or the New York. Times bes

cause she is co-operating with the House.

committee, according to her attorey.

Her attorney, said, however, that thet

woman told House investigators that the,

,allegations, about her husband-were a

complete surprise to fier and she was

/dumbfounded by the charges

The Times, reportsald that Byers had

been granted immunity from prosecution

in King's death for his sworn testimon?

fore the House commitee.in, Washing:

A Spokesman fox Rep. Walter E.

Fauntroy, D-D.C., The chairman of the

House subcommittee Investigating the

King murder; sald neither. Fauntroy non

the subcommittee would have any com-

ment on the New York. Times reports

"The committee's policy is not to

comment on the investigation or.any

_aspect of it," the spokesman said

He noted that the full House Select

Committee on Assassinations is sched-

uled to start public.hearings, Aug. 14.

James Earl Ray is to.be one. of the

witnesses.

"If this story is true, l'imagine It will "

come out: at. that time,

" the,spokesman,

said.

The assassinations panel has two sub

committees. One:of the subcommittees

which kep. Launtroy heads, is focusin

on the King assassination

NW 55215

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Russell G. Byers

Questioned in King inquiry

---

## Page 121

-.

SAC, ST. LOUIS (137-16185)

(ATIN: SA JEFFREY h. MEYER)

SA HOWARD C. KENNEDY

3/19/74

SL 3167-ECI

This infornent, who was contacted in the arez

of Manchester and Chouteau, St. Louis, Ho., on 3/13/74, Eur

under any circumstances testily to any of this information.

UNSUBS;

Theft of sterling silver busts

CHARLES A. LINDBERGH, Sterling

silver bust or ANNE MARIE LINDBERGH;

ITSP • MAJOR THEFT

SI 8721859

In early 8/73, 85 he vas noving into a new busi

ness location in the area of Ringshighway and Mayland, St.

Louis, he and

an associate were engaged in setting up & new

shop when they were approzched by & black couple,

described

as looking like van aifluent doctor and his wife, who pro

ceeded to walk through the shop examining various articles

and requesting information about a small broken item, in

quiring as to whether it was Dresden or Meissen.

They were

Informed that it was believed the item was a small piece of

Dresden, and that it was for sale for $10. They left the

shop within a few minutes. The man was described as 30-35;

6°.

170 pounds, nanasome, wearing a pusiness suit.

The woman

described as 30 years old, 5'6", and well dressed in a

dress and accessories.

Both were described as having & very

fine bright or goiden

brown complexion.

Vithin two or three days une, as the assemate

was alone

in the shop, she was approached by amite man,

whose identity was later learned as RUSSELL AZORSE 9329

Frederick, Ladue, 10., an employee ot Ramiee vending co.s

St. Louis, 110.

At the time, however, his identity was not

SEARCHED.

SERIALIZEDI

St. Louis

(1 = 137-16185)

12

• 8721859)

FSI

9131

SAINT LOU!S

HCK: pIk

(3)

81°

27859-29

21, 2,3,4,5

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 121

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## Page 122

SL. 137-16185

known, and he inquired about o suall item in the store

that had been priced at about $50, but purchased for $15

in the St, Charles area. lle offered to pay $15 for the

Stem, exhibiting considerable interest in and knowledge

of antiques. He leit the store wichout buying anything,

but within& day or two returned to the store, also neeting

Informant, and still having interest in the plece he had

previously looked at.

This was the first meeting vith in

Sormant. This individual brought with him a small pottery

i rotten

dea set, described as golden brown, with a set oi cups and

saucers, pitcher, sugar, and creamer, having a gold brown

shiny glaze.

The set was believed to be worth about $100,

but he offered to sell it for $300. He then identified his

sell as RUSSELL BEYDRS.

He is beliered to be a very intelli

gent, percepoive person. No business was transacted. On

that

occasion, however, BEXERS "opened up" with informant,

advising

that he is parsonally represented by Attorney bUlBA

RANDeL (lomer attorney, USDS, and corner Ausa, bone), ano

That he and RANdalL are very close personas friends. he saio

he had inguired of an individual at oK Novelty co.

Sto Louis,

also inquiring o1 informant as to "what kiud of guy" ras

the

Intormant. He said he had learned that he could talk to

Informant, advising lurther that it was his understanding

that informant was not a "snitch"

He also advised that le

had personally sent the aforementioned birei couple into

informant's shop to "have him knocked off",

but that after

learning that he could be trusted, he had advised the black

couple against taking anything fron hin. He asserted that

al there was anything in. St. Louis that informant wanted to

buy, he would have It stolen and sell it to him at the right

brice. He cane into informant's shop at least once or twice

for the next several wekks, and shortly after the aforemen-

Cloned second meeting in the shop, BEYERS told informant that

he had a painting recently stolen, referring to it as the

"Norman Rociwell". He said he intended "to have it on ice",

but would sell it

to intormant for $5,000.

Informalit advised

he personally contacted his lawyer, inquiring as to whecher

¡i would be teasiblo to buy the painting and selt it to an

insurane company. Reportedly, this lawyer.

not identified

by Injormant, made some inquiries and sound

thai the involved

insurance company was not interested in paying that amount

WW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 122

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## Page 123

SL 137-16185

for same. A lew days later, BEYERS again came to the shop

offering

to sell the painting for for 000, and then made

• Linal offer to sell it for $2,000.

BEYERS then said thai

the painting was "going into cold storage" BEYERS has

never again mentioned this painting.

During the fall of 1973, live or six months ago,

date not recalled, BEYERS came to the shop inquiring as to

whether they could get together to talk, and they later did

so at Pizza and Cream, Clayton, Moos 2n

the area of a Brod-

• Dugan Paint Store, where informant had traveled on business.

BEYERS talked freely about himself and his business, and

they later went to informant's house where Beyers told a story

bout visiting awyerin su couls county, now deceased,

not further identified, who had offered to give him a contract

TO kIlI MARTIN LUTHER KING.

He said that aiso present was a

short, stocky man, who valked with a limp.

Later, with a

arter the killing. BLYERs said he had declined to

-ricept this contract. he did remark thatthis lawyer had

Confederate flags and other items about the house that might

indicate that he was "a real rebel"

• BEYERS also commented

that he had been offered either $10,000 or $20,000 to kill

KING.

Sometime later, infornant talked to JOSEPH "JOD""

OLIVESKRO, & known fence, with whom he is acquainted.

This

mundiyidust advised intormant that BEYERS truly is a "very

treacherous guy", cautioning him to stay away ixon bin ai

he wanted to stay out ol trouble.

About two or three months ago, BEYERS telephoned

night, date not ie

• St. Louis

He said

BEVERS could have said that the man had "snitched of drugs".

about a man being killed at his home or in front of his house

In North St. Louis, further details not recalled.

3

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## Page 124

3L 137-16185

At sboutchot same time, intomant recalled that

BEYERS inquired is to whether he knew anyone by the name

O2 SUGING ZIGZIR who lives somewhere in West st. Louis

County.

Bunchs referred to him as an old man, believed

by him to nave stolen sons paintings in Florida.

BEYERS

said he intended to find out whether the man had the paint

•Ings and if so, he intended to have them stolen ison him.

About one nonth prior to the date of the reported

buxglary of the jefferson Memorial, St. Louls, in which sev

exal items of Lindbergh trophies were

taken, exact dete not

recalled, BuYERs came to his shop asking him if he was in

crested in buying any articles from the Jefferson Memorial,

commenting specilically that he had in mind some "commemora

Give pieces" that were included in the Lindbergh trophies.

Informant said he told him this would be too hot to handle!

Whereuyon BEYERS said they could be used in "get up enemies"

by "stashing

them in the trunk of somebody's car.

Informant

said he toid BYERS he was not interested in that

kind Ot

job since he had been in trouble once (robbery of Four Seasons

Antique Shop) and did not care to get in that kind of trouble

again. Within several days, informant heard the news of the

breakin of the Jefferson Menorial and the theft of several

A day or two alter that publicity, BEYERS came

to informant's shop, advising that "now l've got my hands

Iull - I've got a loc of problens". informant recalled that

li appeared BEYERS had not shaven for several days. Ordi

naxily, BEYIRS is & very conservatite, well-dressed person.

BEYERS never again mentioned the Jefferson Menorial

Items, and he never mentioned same to BEYERS, despite the

recent publicity.

He Lirmly believes that BEYERS at one time had

both these items and the Norman Rockwell painting &nd may

still have same. He does not believe that BEYERS would ever

contess to anything,

BEYERS having told him on one occasion

that the police would never get anywhere with him since he

absolutely would never talks, even if confronted with informa-

tion iron other sources attributed to him.

BYERS is further described as follows:

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page

124

---

## Page 125

SL 237-16185

Race

Sex

Age

Height

Weight

Build

H21Y

• Clothing

Nascellaneous

Hhite

MEIe

47-48 years old

599" 80 5910"

170 1bs.

slightly stocky

Black curly, graying

Usually dressed in sport

jackey and slacks or

suit with tie

Wearing dark horn-rined

glasses

BEYERS is married to & siSter of JOIN PAUL SPICA

An Or COnViCt InVolved several years ago in the MiLAK murder,

and hasseveral children.

BEYERS drives to different auto-

mobiles, including a 1972 or 1973 skyblue four-door Chevrolet

wich dark blue vinyl

top and a 1973 Oldsmobile two-door or

Sour-door sedan, gray brown with light cream vinyl top.

BEYERS

gives the appearance of a

successful jewelry businessman.

не

is believed to be engaged in contacting customers for Raiffee

Vending Co. equipment.

informant has not had any contact with BEYERS in

any way whatsoever for the past month or more.

Most recently,

BEYERS was talking about pulling a burglary at the Hollander

Galleries, St. Louis County, where there are more than $200,000

worth of paintings stored.

Reportedly, BEYERS has been ar

rested many times, BexeRs acusing intormant that he had &

"Iong Hoover sheet".

informant advised he will immediately furnish any

additional information received concerning these

matters.

-

5

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 125

---

## Page 126

SAC, ST. LOUIS (137-16185)

3/19/74

SA HOWARD C. KENNEDY

SL 3167-PCJ

This informant, on 3/11/74, who was contacted on

concerning this matter, advised

operating daily & 1972 Cadillac El Dorado, bearing Missouri

license ZEI-910.

This automobile, he said, is usually parked

at sometime during the day in front of the 71 Club, a night-

club location that is currently being rebuilt by A.J.

CERVANTES, JI., who intends to open it as a new club

in

about one

nonth.

on 3/11/74, infornant advised that the estranged

girlfriend of VOLISON, ZIGRID LEE TUCCI, is now living with

her family in the Jennings, Mo., area.

Her former husband,

KIM TUCCI, a waiter now employed at the new Rich and Charlie's

plaCe In BallWin, 10., 81SO lives

is an associate of A.J. CERVANTES,

in jennings, no.

WOLESON

ito, whose

car is usually

parked in a bus zone directly across Maryland Ave. Iron Straub's

license LAJC.

Records of the Marriage License Bureau, St. Louis

County, Clayton, M0., disclosed on 3/11/14, that ZIGRID LEE

TILLEY, residing 5726 Mclaran, Jennings, Mo., & divorcee,

on 3/31/68, was married at Clayton, Ho.,

by Judge WEINSTEIN

tO JOHN KIM (KIMBROUGH) TUCCI, 10555 Longford, St. Louis, 110.,

born 1/3/41.

TILLEY waS born 5/10/48.

The foregoing information was supplied on 3/11/74,

tO SA C. JAHES CHRISTY, for use in investigation pertaining

to the aforementioned stolen Cadillac automobile.

24-38787-239

- Sto. Louis

ACK: Drk

(2)

137-16185)

2638787)

Christy

NN 55215 DooId: 32989797 Page 126

---

## Page 127

FD-448 (Rev. 9-1-76)

Transmit attached by Facsimile - CLEAR

Precedence

PRIORITY

To:

From:

Subject:

DIRECTOR, FBI

Date:

7/28/78

Initials -

vys

[ Fingerprint Photo Fingerprint Record

D Artists Conception

ap Nowspaper clipping E Photograph

< St. Louis memorandums

xJ Other -

Special handling instructions:

SPECIAL - HANDCARRY TO UNIT CHIEF, GEORGE J. FOSTER

CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRE UNIT 62-5097-941

ROOM 8988, JEH

Caen2yer2

Sailia an

Approved:

copine

F1220

FBI/DOJ

NW 55215 DooId: 32989797 Page 127

---

## Page 128

XX

AIRTEL

7/27/78

TO:

DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

(ATTN: UNIT CHIEF GEORGE J. FOSTER,

CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT,

ROOM 8988)

FROM:

SAC, ST. LOUIS (62-5097)

SUBJECT: HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

memo of SA HOWARD C. KENNEDY, captioned

Enclosed for FBIHO is one copy of 3167-PCI-

3 • BureaU

1 - St. LOUIS

JTH: đmn

(4) Ain

62-5097-93

SACRAM

NW 55215

DooId: 32989797

Page 128

---

## Page 129

TO

:

FROM

:

OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10

JULY 1073 EDITION

GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Memorandum

SAC, ST. LOUIS

(62-5097)

SUPERVISOR JAMES T. HAGGERTY

DATE:

7/27/78

SUBJECT:

HOUSE SELECI COMMITIEE

ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA

on 7/27/78 at approximately 3:45 P.M., Unit Chief

SEORGE FOSTER, Congressional Inquiry Unit, advised that a

teletype would be coming to St. Louis requesting the SAC or

ASAC to interview retired Bureau supervisor ROBERT I. BENDER

and retired SA HOWARD C. KENNEDY.

Mr. FOSTER requested a xerox copy of the original

document (SA KENNEDY's memorandum) which was forwarded by

airtel on 7/27/78.

St. Louis

TH: kmt

(2)

SPINNED,

68-5097-92

JUL 27 1978

FE-ST. LOU

-

Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan

5010-110

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 129

---

## Page 130

FD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)

TRANSMIT VIA

XX Teletype

= Facsimile

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

[] Immediate

XX Priority

• Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

O TOP SECRET

D SECRET

O CONFIDENTIAL

XXIEFTO

I CLEAR

Date

7/26/78

4449

EM ST. LOUIS (62-5097)

TO DIRECTOR (62-117290) PRIORITY

BT

UNCLAS E FIO

ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION,

ROOM 8988, FBIHQ

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS •

REFERENCE BUREAU TELEPHONE CALL TO ST. LOUIS, JULY 26, 1978.

ST. LOUIS FILE 137-16185 ON RICHARD FRANCIS O'HARA (SL 3167-C)

AND ALL FILES LOGICALLY RELATED THERETO, INCLUDING MURKIN MAIN FILE,

ALL FAIL TO REVEAL ANY INDICATION AS TO WHY INFORMATION PROVIDED BY

O'HARA CONCERNING MURKIN WAS NOT DISSEMINATED OR OTHERWISE • ACTED

UPON.

SPECIAL

- St. Louis

(1)

62-5097-91

SEARCHED

SERIALIZED

INDEXED

FILED

014

Approved:

pyr

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 130

Transmitted

2136

(Number)

(Time)

All 14S

per digh

FBI/DOS

---

## Page 131

TO

FROL:

SUBJECT:

UNITED STATES GOVERMMIENT

Memoranuum

DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

DATE:. 7/24/78

SAC, ST. LOUIS (62-5097)

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS -

MURKIN

Enclosed herewith are 4 copies of an LHM in which

the results of an interview of former SA HAROLD R. DOBSON

(1941 - 1972), who was case agent in captioned matter, by

staff

employees of the House Select Committee on Assassinations

in Washington, D. C. on 6/28/78, are set out. The interview

was voluntary

on the part of Mr. DOBSON, in accordance with

current cooperative Bureau policy and was conducted by MICHAEL

EBERHARDT, Assistant Deputy Chief Counsel to the Committee. An

unknown female in her mid to late 20s was in the room during

the interview. She was originally introduced by EBERHARDT but

no mental note as to her name was made as it was assumed she

was a stenographer.

She was later observed to be taking notes

In longhand, from which it was presumed she was

another staif

attorney.

The interview was preceded by a conference with SA

JAY ALDHIZER, and a legal briefing by SA RON HELLER, at the

Bureau.

SA ALDHIZER was telephonically given a summary of

the interview immediately upon its compietion.

No indication was given that Mr. DOBSON would be

requested to appear before the Committee in executive or

public session.

- Bureau

(Enc - 4)

- St. Louis

HRD: kmt

13% But

copy fletto VLHI

Forward to rolLabsor 63133."

18831. Bracker Curdlo,

+0 725-78-762

662-5097-90:

Buy W.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan

8010-110

NIL 5521520870:32289727

mabage..tsk

---

## Page 132

In Reply, Ploase Refer 10

File No.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTICATION

St. Louis, Missouri

July 24, 1978

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

Former Special Agent Harold R. Dobson (1941 - 1972) ,

residence: 8831 Bracken Circle, St. Louis, Missouri

63123,

who was St. Louis case Agent on the M. L. King - James Bard Ray

case in 1968, was interviewed, not under oath, by Mr. Michael

Eberharat, Assistant Deputy Chief Counsel to the House Select

on Assassinations, at the offices of that committee,

Room 3386, Second and "D" Streets, Southwest, Washington, D. C.,

from 2:00 P.M. to 2:45 P.M. on the afternoon of June 28, 1978.g

at which time he furnished the following information in response

to direct questions:

Dobson served as a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau

of Investigation from October 20, 1941 to retirement on June 30:

1972, being assigned to the Boston, Newark, St. Paul, and St.

Louis Divisions.

He was in St. Louis from 1947 until retirement.

He was assigned to the Security Squad from 1948 to retirement,

concerned primarily with investigation of the Communist Party

• and

its menbers, nationalistic tendency, espionage, sabotage, and

Security Of Government Employee cases.

comparatively

little knowledge or experience regarding New Left, racial and hate

authorization as supervisor for personal reasons.

Dobson was generally aware of the existence of the

Cointel Program in St. Louis, but was unable to recall any

specific activities, objectives, or accomplishments of same.

Dobson was unable to suggest why the case was assigned

to him, except that he had the first st. Louis lead in the case,

to trace the weapon used through officials of Browning Arms

Company, with whom he had continuing liaison, and for the further

reason he had been utilized in an administrative capacity on

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.

62-5097-89

SEA20S

Iris."

Firman

Zipw

NW 55215 DoeId: 32989797

Page 132

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## Page 133

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

virtually every major case of national importance in the St.

Louis Division beginning with the surveillance and apprehension

of St. Louis Communist Party leaders in 1952. Another Special

Agent since retired handled the Ray penitentiary escape-case

prior to the assassination.

Special Agent in Charge Thomas Gearty supervised the

King case in St. Louis.

coordinate the investigation, handle the resulting "mountain of

nvestigation, n

It was Dobson's responsibility to

paper", see that obvious, logical, reasonable, or merely

desirable leads or avenues of investigation were appropriately

assigned (with Special Agent in Charge approval), promptly and

adequately covered, and properly reported, and to keep the

Special Agent in Charge, Bureau, Memphis, and other interested

offices promptly advised of pertinent developments.

Until the true identity of Ray was established, every

Special Agent in the St. Louis Division was assigned exclusively

to the case.

mandatory.

Twenty-four hour coverage of all leads was

Developments of the day were discussed, and "brain

busting" sessions were held at nightly conferences

of all

Special Agents, at which most new assignments were made. All

employees clearly gave of their best efforts.

Dobson was unable to recall specifically what efforts

were made to determine the whereabouts of John. Ray on the day

of the assassination. He suggested the file would be the best

evidence in this regard.

He believed the possibility of John

Ray's

involvement was undoubtedly recognized and that appropriate

steps were taken to resolve.

Dobson was unable to recall any surreptitious entries

to Ray's relatives' premises.

St. Louis had no technical

surveillances on relatives.

Requests for authorization for

same may have been made, but if so, were without his knowleäge.

To the extent of his knowledge, the St. Louis Division

had never placed a technical surveillance on king..

Toll call records of relatives were obtained in

accordance with a then current Bureau policy subpoena process.

Relative bank accounts were monitored and results set forth in

reports with a statement that the information would only be

available after issuance of a subpoena duces tecum. Coverage of

relatives consisted of this, plus personal interviews and contacts

2

•NN 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 133

---

## Page 134

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

with informants, sources, neighbors, and associates, ana

available public records.

Relatives were initially uncooperative in varying

degrees, but subsequently became generaily cooperative,

although Dobson never fully trusted any of them. He was unable

to recall any evidence developed that Ray was ever in St. Louis

territory, or in contact with any relatives there, subsequent to

his peritentiary escape.

He doubted financial contributions to

Ray by them, as their combined incomes and assets, in nis

estimation, were insufficient to support the life

style Ray

apparently enjoyed following his escape.

Dobson had no knowledge or any information as to the

source of Ray's income following his escape.

He conjectured

the same would have logically had to result

from successful

criminal activity or be contributed by an unknown persor or

group.

He recognized Ray's record stamped him as

a "loser",

but opined it was not beyond the realm of possibility access

to an excellent prison library and association with convicts

less unsuccessful than himself could have enhanced the quality

of Ray's thought processes to a point where he could have

conceived and carried out a successful supermarket or other

similar robbery.

At least his escape was successful.

He

considered Ray's technically proper preparation and filing of a

motion for a new trial, which was pending at the time of his

escape, as evidence of

this possibility.

as a Missouri prosecutor prior to entering the Bureau, he had

uniformly recommended alternative punishment for non-habitual

criminals, as the Missouri Penitentiary, even then, was generally

considered a

"finishing school for criminals"

Supermarkets

offered the possibility of being almost as lucrative as banks,

without the disadvantage of incurring Federal jurisdiction. He

feels sure major police departments in the St. Louis territory

had been contacted to determine if Ray could be a logical

suspect in unsolved supermarket robberies.

He recalled some

indication Ray might have been involved in a bank robbery in

Alton, Illinois and that the Springfield, Illinois Division had

been so advised, but he had no knowledge as to the outcome of

investigation there.

Dobson was generally aware of the existence of white

hate organizations, but was of the opinion members of such

organizations in St. Louis territory lack sufficient organization,

3

NW. 55215 - DogId: 32989797

Lage

134

---

## Page 135

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

intelligence, and financial capability for significant

involvement in the King killing.

Such organizations, in his

estimation, should have been able to reasonably foresee

King's death would elevate him to the status of a martya,

which would have been counterproductive to their aims and

purposes.

He was of the further opinion that any intelligent

co-conspirator would undoubtedly have eliminate Ray as a

security measure.

He suggested that, if then current rumors

that king had become a liability to the Southern Christian

Leadership Conference were true, that organization had the most

to gain from King's demise.

All St. Louis informants, potential informants and

sources regarding criminal, security, racial, hate group, or

other matters, were under continuing instructions to immediately

report even the slightest information which they could obtain

or which might come to their attention regarding the King case.

Dobson recalled John Gawron as an elderly, self-

• confessed habitual criminal, who had lived with Ray's mother

several years until her death.

He never met, saw, or talked to

If Gawron was initially carried as a ICI, but later

appeared openly, Dobson was unable to recall why, but suggested

Gawron may have initially indicated some potential for

furnishing information regarding current criminal matters and

was later found incapable of doing so.

Having lived with Ray's

mother, Gawron was undoubtedly able to furnish some factual

personal history and background information as to the family

in the past, but it was Dobson's impression that Gawron was not

fully trusted by them and was capable of furnishing only

conjectural information as to their then current activities.

According to Agents handling Gawron, he would start with a half-

truth or conjecture, and embroider upon it, and therefore was

considered generally to be unreliabie.

St. Louis Agents contacting released fellow inmates

were instructed to not only obtain all possible information as

to Ray's whereabouts, but all possible information as to their

degree of association with him, his sentiments, his plans, the

identities of any associates or friends either in or out of

prison, and the manner of his escape.

4

NW 55215 DogId:32989797 Page 135

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## Page 136

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

Dobson was unable to recall any telephonic.contacts

with the Memphis case agent, although there may have been one

I two. he was in Irequent telephonic contact with the

hicago Assistant Special Agent in Charge, who was handlin‹

the case there, as Jerry Ray made at least one trip to visit

St. Louis relatives.

Dobson never met, saw, or spoke with any Ray relatives,

with the exception of Jerry Ray who contacted him telephonically

on two or three occasions during a visit to St. Louis pursuant

to instructions from the Chicago Division.

Dobson had no idea as to the basis for any friction

which may have existed between Director Hoover and King.

Hoover never confided in Dobson and never sought his advice.

5*

NW

DorId: 32989797

Page 136

---

## Page 137

FD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)

TRANSMIT VIA:

I Teletype

Facsimile

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

[ Priority

Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

• TOP SECRET

SECRET

• CONFIDENTIAL

DEFTO

• CLEAR

Date

7/21

241266

FROM ST. LOUIS (62-5097), (C).

TO DIRECTOR (62-117290) ROUTINE

UNCLAS E PT O

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA) .

RE BUTEL TO KANSAS CITY, LOS ANGELES, AND ST. LOUIS JULY 18,

1978.

PER RE BUREAU TELETYRE. FORMER SL 1215-C WAS INTERVIEWED AND

ADVISED THAT HE DID NOT DESIRE TO BE INTERVIEWED OR CONTACTED UNDER

ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BY ANYONE FROM HSCE. FORMER SL 1215-C WAS ADVISED

OF ALL OF THE CONTENTS IN RE BUREAU TELETYPE AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT

FBI WOULD DO ALL IN ITS POWER TO PROTECT HIS IDENTITY, HOWEVER HIS

FILE COULD BE SUBJECT TO CONGRESSIONAL SUBPOENA.

ST. LOUIS INDICES REVIEW AND FILE CHECK SHOWS ALL ST. LOUIS

FILES RE FORMER SL 1215-C HAVE BEEN DESTROYED.

BT

62-5094.888

DAM: m,t

(2),

Frand

RK

Approved:

Transmitted

(Number)

1914

(Timé)

Per

oih

FBI/DOJ

Page 137

---

## Page 138

Indices Search Slip

FD-160 (Rev. 3-23-71)

TO: CHIEF CLERK

suber Honey B. Gownslig

Allases

Address

Exact Spelling

AlL References

¡Main Subversive Case Files Only

Subversive References Only

File & Serial Number

Homer Gwish

137-6590-57

134-7135-14

Date

7/19/78

Social Security Account #

Birth Date

Birthplace

Race

Main Criminal Case Files Only

Criminal References Only

Main Subversive (If no Main, list all Subversive References)

_Main Criminal (18 no Main, list all Criminal References)

Remarks

File & Serial Number

_Restrict to Locality of

Remarks

Sex

@Male

@Female

112°

Homer Buse Grass

137-7328

Requested by

Searched by.

Consolidated by

Revlewed by

ates

1 - Identical

NI

- Not identical

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

File Review Symbols

¿ : Noavable reference

Page 138

Squad

Extension

1/19/78

(date)

(date)

(date)

#G.P.O. 1 972-471-961

File No.

62-5097

---

## Page 139

VZCZCHQ0133

RR KC LA SL

DE HQ

• 8133 2000324

ZNY EEEEE

R 182228Z JUL 78

FM DIRECTOR FBI (62-117290)

TO FBI KANSAS CITY ROUTINE

FBI LOS ANGELES ROUTINE

FBI SI. LOUIS ROUTINE •

UNCLAS EF TO

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA 62-5097

BY LETTER TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DATED JUNE 2D, 1978, THE

HSCA ADVISED II MUSI DETERMINE IF ANY ORGANIZATIONS AS WELL AS

INDIVIDUALS WERE INVOLVED IN THE ASSASSINATION OF MARTIN LUTHER

KING, JR. THE FBI IS ONE OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS. THE COMMITTEE

IS PROCEEDING ON THE ASSUMPTION THAI IF THE FBI WAS INVOLVED, IT

WOULD HAVE BEEN EFFECTED BY DIRECT AGENI OR INFORMANI CONTACT

WITH JAMES EARL RAY. THE ASCA ATTACHED TO THIS LETTER A 34-

PAGE LIST OF KNOWN, PROBABLE AND POSSIBLE CONTACTS OF RAY AND

REQUESTED THESE NAMES BE SEARCHED TO DETERMINE IF ANY OF THESE

1097,87

PERSONS IS A PRESENT OR FORMER INFORMANT, SOURCE OR OPERATIVE OF

gifts

GERIALIZED -

JUL 19 1978

y ST. LOUI

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 139

---

## Page 140

PAGE IWO DE HQ D133 UNCLAS E F TO

THE FBI. IF SO, THE HSCA REQUESTED THAI THE EBI DETERMINE IF

THAT INDIVIDUAL WOULD BE WILLING TO BE INTERVIEWED BY THE COM-

MITTEE AND THAT HIS INFORMANT FILE BE PREPARED FOR REVIEW BY

THE HSCA'S DIRECTOR AND CHIEF COUNSEL.

A SEARCH OF FBI HEADQUARTERS (FBIHQ) FILES DISCLOSED THAT

ONLY THREE INDIVIDUALS ON THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED LIST COULD BE

IDENTIFIED AS PRESENT OR FORMER FBI INFORMANTS. THESE THREE

INDIVIDUALS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. ALEXANDER GEORGE BEN EDMONDSON, FORMER KC 644-C, WHITE

MALE, LAST KNOWN TO BE AN INMATE OF THE MISSOURI STATE PENITEN-

TIARY, JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI. INFORMANI WAS OPERAIED DURING

1958-1959 AND REOPENED FOR A BRIEF PERIOD IN 1968. INFORMANT

IS SUBJECI OF BUREAU FILE 137-7738, KO FILE 137-4907. DURING

INVESTIGATION OF KING'S ASSASSINATION, INFORMANI FURNISHED

INFORMATION REGARDING THE MEANS ONE COULD UTILIZE IN GAINING

ENTRY INTO CANADA, PROCURING PASSPORTS, CONTACIS FOR PASSPORIS,

AND METHODS OF TRAVEL BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA WHILE

IN A FUGITIVE STATUS.

2. JOHN MARSHAL BEFFEL, JR., ALSO KNOWN AS JOHN R.

BONELLI, JOHN R. BONNELLI, FORMER LA 7932-PC, WHITE MALE, BORN

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 140

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## Page 141

PAGE THREE DE HQ B133 UNCLAS EFT O

DECEMBER 5, 1932. INFORMANT WAS OPERATED FROM 1972-73, BUREAU

FILE 137-30709, LA FILE 137-10611. FILE INDICATES INFORMANT

LASI RESIDED AT 2700 NEILSON WAY, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. IN

1967-68, ACCORDING TO ASCA, INFORMANT WAS EMPLOYED AT THE SULTAN

ROOM, RABBII•S FOOT LOUNGE, LOS ANGELES.

3. HOMER B. TOWNSLEY, FORMER SL 1215-C, WHITE MALE, BORN

MAY 6, 1923. INFORMANI WAS OPERATED FROM 196D-66, BUREAU FILE

137-6583, SL FILE 137-7328. WHEN LASI CONTACIED, INFORMANT

OPERATED THE NEIGHBORHOOD BAR, 1929 HICKORY STREET, SI. LOUIS.

FBIHQ FILES REVEAL NO KNOWN CONNECTION OF INFORMANT IN THE KING

ASSASSINATION INVESTIGATION.

FBIHQ FILES CONTAIN NO INFORMATION REGARDING CURRENT WHERE-

ABOUTS OF THE ABOVE THREE INFORMANTS.

RECIPIENTS LOCATE AND INTERVIEW ABOVE-LISTED INFORMANTS,

RESPECTIVELY, TO DETERMINE IF THEY HAVE ANY OBJECTION TO THEIR

IDENTITIES BEING DISCLOSED TO THE HSCA AND IF THEY WOULD BE

WILLING TO BE INTERVIEWED BY A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HSCA.

INFORMANTS SHOULD BE OBJECTIVELY TOLD OF THE HSCA INTEREST AS

OUTLINED IN PARAGRAPH 1• INFORMANTS SHOULD BE TOLD THAT IF THEY

AGREE TO DISCLOSURE, THEY HAVE NO GUARANTEES FROM THE FBI OR

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 141

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## Page 142

PAGE FOUR DE HQ D133 UNCLAS EFT O

THE MSCA OF IMMUNITY OR CONFIDENTIALITY; THAT THE FBI IS NOT

RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT RESULTING ACTION THE HSCA MAY TAKE; AND

THAT TO DATE THE FBI HAS NOT ADVISED THE ISCA OF THEIR FORMER

INFORMANI STATUS, AND THAT THE HSCA MAY HAVE INFORMANIS' IDENTI-

TIES BASED ON A REVIEW OF THE FBI'S ASSASSINATION INVESTIGATION

FILE.

IF INFORMANIS ARE AGREEABLE TO DISCLOSURE, A WITNESSED,

SIGNED WAIVER SHOULD BE OBTAINED, WORDED SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE

FBI TO RELEASE ANY AND ALL FILES (FBIHQ AND FIELD OFFICE) CON-

CERNING THEMSELVES TO THE HSCA, INCLUDING THOSE RECORDS PERTAIN-

ING TO ANY CONFIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIP THEY MAY HAVE HAD WITH THE

FBI.

IF ANY OF THE INFORMANTS DESIRES HIS IDENTITY NOT BE DIS-

CLOSED, HE SHOULD BE TOLD THAT THE FBI WILL DO ALL IN ITS POWER

TO PROTECT HIS IDENTITY: HOWEVER, HIS FILE COULD BE SUBJECT TO

CONGRESSIONAL SUBPOENA.

RECIPIENIS SUTEL RESULTS OF CONTACTS WITH INFORMANTS AND

FORWARD WAIVER, IF OBTAINED, BY SEPARATE COMMUNICATION. IF ANY

INFORMANI HAS RELOCATED, SET FORTH APPROPRIATE LEADS TO EFFECT

INTERVIEW.

NW 55215 DocId:32989797 Page 142

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## Page 143

PAGE FIVE DE HQ B133 UNCLAS EF I O

IN ADDITION, RECIPIENTS FURNISH FBIHQ ONE LEGIBLE XEROX

COPY OF THESE FILES. ALL SERIALS SHOULD BE REPRODUCED IN THEIR

ENTIRETY ANY SERIALS OR ENCLOSURES WHICH CANNOT BE REPRODUCED

SHOULD BE DESCRIBED IN DETAIL IN THE COVER PAGES TRANSMITTING

THIS MATERIAL TO FBIHQ. THIS MATERIAL SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY

COVER AIRTEL TO FBIHQ, ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT,

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION. IF ANY FILES HAVE BEEN DESTROYED,

SET FORTH DATE AND BASIS OF DESTRUCTION.

BT

B133

NNNN

!

WW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 143

_____^

---

## Page 144

Airtel

7/13/78

TO

: DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

(ATTN:

CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION)

FROM : SAC, ST. LOUIS (62-5097) (RUC)

SUBJECT: HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE

ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA):

BUDED: 7/18/78

Re: Bureau teletype dated 7/12/78.

Enclosed for the Congressional Inquiry Unit are

tio copies of four serials which comprise entire St. Louis

file 157-4529 entitled "RHONDA GIBSON, RM-NSRP".

Review of St. Louis indices reflect only reference

to RHONDA GIBSON or VERONICA STROTHERS is enclosed main file.

Review of St. Louis destruction record reveals

that St. Louis file 91-5121 destroyed 11/19/77 bursuant to

file destruction program.

3-Bureau

(Encl. 8)

Ist. Louis

(4)

602-5097-8860

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 144

SEARCHED

SERIAUIZED

INDEXED

FILED

---

## Page 145

—

VZCZCHQO071

RR SL CG SI

DE HQ 0D71 1932203

ZNY EEEEE

R 121840Z JUL 78

FM DIRECTOR FBI (62-117290)

TO FBI SI. LOUIS ROUTINE

FBI CHICAGO ROUTINE

FBI SPRINGFIELD ROUTE

BT

UNLAS EF T

HOUSE SLECT COMMITEE ON ASSSSINATIONS (HSCA) 62-509M*

BUDED JULY

i 18, 1978.

THE HSCA WHICH IS INVESTIGAIING THE ASSASSINATIONS OF

JOHN F. KENNEDY AND MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., IN A LETTER DATED

JULY 5, 1978, REQUESTED PRIORITY ACCESS IO ALL INFORMATION IN

BUREAU FILES AND RELATED FIELD OFFICE FILES PERTAINING TO

RHONDA GIBSON, AKA VERONICA STROTHERS, DATE OF BIRTH JULY 19,

1947, FOR THE PERIOD 1965 TO THE PRESENT. BUREAU FILES CONTAIN

ONLY ONE REFERENCE TO A RHONDA GIBSON AND THAT IS A TELETYPE

FROM ST. LOUIS TO THE BUREAU, CHICAGO AND SPRINGFIELD DATED

602-5097-85

JUNE 11, 1978, AND CAPTIONED "UNSUBS; TWO, LADDONIA STATE BANK,

1101%

Reo

A

SERIALIZE

JUL 1? 1978

FBI-ST. LOUIS

Nonchutt

NW 55215 DocId:32989797 Page 145

---

## Page 146

6-1650

Charle

151-452945

PAGE TWO DE HQ DOTI UNCLAS EFT O

LADDONIA, MISSOURI, JUNE 11, INSTANI, BANK ROBBERY, OFFICE OF

ORIGIN SI. LOUIS." SI. LOUIS FILE NUMBER IS 91-5121. A

RHONDA GIBSON IS MENTIONED IN THE LAST PARAGRAPH OF THIS

TELETYPE. NO OTHER RETRIEVABLE INFORMATION IN BUREAU FILES.

RECIPIENT OFFICES ARE REQUESTED TO REVIEW THEIR FILES

FOR ANY INFORMATION REGARDING RHONDA GIBSON, AKA VERONICA

STROTHERS, DATE OF BIRTH JULY 19, 1947.

FURNISH FBI HEADQUARTERS (FBIHQ) TWO COPIES OF ANY SERIAL

OR SERIALS REGARDING GIBSON. ALL COPIES SHOULD BE CLEARLY

LEGIBLE AND SENT REGISTERED MAIL TO THE ATTENTION OF THE

CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION.

RECIPIENT OFFICES HAVING NO INFORMATION REGARDING GIBSON

ARE TO SO NOTIFY FBIHQ.

BT

DD71

destinged

1419191

NW 55215

DocId: 32989797

Page 146

---

## Page 147

XX

6/30/78

TO:

DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

(ATTN: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION).

FROM:

SAC, ST. LOUIS (62-5097)

RUC

SUBJECT: HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

BUDED: 7/6/78

Re Bureau teletype, 6/28/78.

Enclosed for Congressional Inguiry Unit are two.

copies of serials 46-73 of SL 157-582 which is entitled

"White Citizen Council, RM."

It is noted that serial 71 does not appear in the

tale and, therefore, has not been provided.

St. Louis files

has failed to reveal fate of this document.

It is also noted that not all of enclosed serials

fit criteria set forth in referenced teletype, but are being

furnished to provide continuity.

Büreau (Encs. 54)

ISt. Louis

HN: itc

(.4

62-5087-84

A SATCHED

SERIALIZED

ofe

INDEXED

FILED.

File Strippel

7/"/28

piec

NW 55215

DocId: 32989797 Page 147

---

## Page 148

-

VZCZCHQO 146

RR NO SL

DE HQ 0146 1780005

ZNY EEEEE

R 272127Z JUN 78

FM DIRECTOR FBI (62-117290)

TO FBI NEW ORLEANS ROUTINE

FBI SI. LOUIS ROUTINE

BT

UNCLAS EF TO

62-5097.

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

BUDED JULY 6, 1978.

THE HSCA, WHICH IS INVESTIGATING THE ASSASSINATION OF

JOHN F. KENNEDY AND MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., REQUESTED BY

LETTER DATED JUNE 19, 1978, ACCESS IO ALL BUFILE MATERIAL, NEW

ORLEANS AND SI. LOUIS FIELD OFFICE FILES PERTAINING TO THE WHITE

CITIZENS COUNCIL FOR THE PERIOD 1966- L968.

NEW ORLEANS AND SI. LOUIS FURNISH FBI HEADQUARTERS TVO

COPIES OF ANY COMMUNICATIONS MEETING ABOVE CRITERIA. ALL COPIES

SHOULD BE CLEARLY LEGIBLE AND SHOULD BE SENT REGISTERED MAIL,

MAILED TO THE ATTENTION OF THE CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT,

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION.

CRIALIZLL

BB T

0146

ufic

JUN 8Ố 19/1

FEI-ST. LU.

MORTICNTEW

62-5097-83

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 148

---

## Page 149

----

6/16/78

FMI

CHICAGO (62-7385) (RUC) (SQ 15)

TO DIRECTOR (62-117290)

ROUTINE

KANSAS CITY

ROUTINE

ST. LOUIS (AIRMAIL)

BT

UNCLAS E F TO

69-50%>

ATTN: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

RE BUREAU TELETYPE TO CHICAGO AND ST. LOUIS, JUNE 2, 1978,

AND CHICAGO TELCALLS TO BUREAU AND KANSAS CITY, JUNE 16, 1978,

REGADING FILE CAPTIONED "JAMES EARL RAY - FUGITIVE; UFAC -

ROBBERY FIRST; 00: KC. "

CHICAGO INDICES NEGATIVE REGARDING ABOVE CASE. INQUIRY OF

KANSAS CITY DETERMINED CG FILE NUMBER WAS 88-11505. AND CHICAGO

FILE DESTROYED IN APRIL, 1978, UNDER FILE DESTRUCTION PROGRAM.

BI

(1 St. Louis (AM)

RWG: jk

(2)

62-5097-82

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 149

---

## Page 150

FD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)

TRANSMIT VIA:

I Teletype

0 Facsimile

FBI

99a€.

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

D Priority

Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

• TOP SECRET

O SECRET

• CONFIDENTIAL

DEFTO

Dato 6/15/28

TEM ST. LOUIS 762-509758

TO DIRECTOR (62-117290) ROUTINE

UNCLAS

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA) .

REVIEW OF THE GENERAL INDICES OF THE ST. LOUIS FIELD OFFICE

FAILED TO LOCATE ANY REFERENCES TO THE "SOUTHERN STATES INDUSTRIAL

COUNCIL. "

62-5097-81

SEARCHED

SERIALIZED

INDEXED

FILED

Approved: _ RBK124

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 150

Transmitted

2010

(Number)

(Time)

Norter h

Per .

вір

FBI/DOS

---

## Page 151

--==

VZCZCHQOD85

00 AT BH JN KX LS ME MM NO SL WF

DE HQ 0D85 1652235

ZNY EEEEE

0 142026Z JUN 78

FM DIRECIOR FBI (62-117290)

TO FBI ATLANTA IMMEDIATE

FBI BIRMINGHAM IMMEDIATE

FBI JACKSON IMMEDIATE

FBI KNOXVILLE IMMEDIATE

FBI LOUISVILLE IMMEDIATE

FBI MEMPHIS IMMEDIATE

FBI MIAMI IMMEDIATE

FBI NEW ORLEANS IMMEDIATE

FBI SI. LOUIS IMMEDIATE

FBI WASHINGTON FIELD OFFICE IMMEDIATE

BT

UNCLAS EF TO

842-5097*

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

HSCA, BY LETTER. DATED JUNE 12, 1978, REQUESTED THAI THE

FIELD OFFICE FILES ON THE SOUTHERN STATES INDUSTRIAL COUNCIL®

FOR THE PERIOD 1956-1978 FROM ATLANIA, BIRMINGHAM, JACKSON,

02=5097-80

life. It

1378

Nantutte

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 151

---

## Page 152

PAGE TWO DE HQ 0085 UNCLAS EF TO

KNOXVILLE, LOUISVILLE, MEMPHIS, MIAMI, NEW ORLEANS, SI. LOUIS,

AND WASHINGTON FIELD OFFICE, BE PROVIDED ON A PRIORITY BASIS.

RECEIVING OFFICES ARE REQUESTED TO SEARCH FOR ANY FILES

OR REFERENCES ON THE SOUTHERN STATES INDUSTRIAL COUNCIL FOR THE

PERIOD 1956-1978. ANY MATERIAL LOCATED ON THIS SUBJECT SHOULD

BE DUPLICATED AND ONE COPY FURNISHED TO FBI HEADQUARTERS,

ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT

DIVISION, BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS JUNE 19, 1978.

BT

- DB85

NNNN

NW 55215 DooId:32989797 Page 152

---

## Page 153

x

6/9/78

1.

TO:

DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT,

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION

FROM: •

SAC, ST. LOUIS (62-5097) (P)

SUBJECT: HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE

ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

BUDED: 6/12/78

Re Bureau teletype 6/5/78.

Enclosed for the Congressional Inquiry Unit are

62 (two copies each of 31) serials from the following

St. Louis files pertaining to request in captioned Bureau

teletype:

105-4027-53

157-5839-3 and 4

157-5818-1 through 28

'Not enclosed are the following St. Louis files

relating to Dr. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR', Or the S.C.I.C.:

"MURKIN", SI 44-775, Bufile 44-38861;

"MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., SM - C"; SL 100-17801,

Bufile 100-106670;

"Communist Infiltration of Southern Christian

Leadership Conference; IS - C", SI. 105-4027;

Bufile 100-438794.

It is suggested that the Congressional Inquiry

Unit review the enclosed serials in order to determine if

each serial meets the requirements in referenced Bureau

teletype.

62-5097-78

2 - Bureau (Enc. 62). (RM)

21- St. Louis

(DÁM/15n

(4)

SEARCHED®

SERIALIZED

INDEXED

FILED

+773

6/9.128

0114

NW 55215

DocId: 32989797 Page 153

---

## Page 154

6/5/78

FLA CHICAGO (62-7385) (P) (SQ. 5)

1O DIPECTOR (62-117290) ROUTINE

SI. LOLIS AIRMAIL

BT

UNCLAS

ANTU CONGRISSIONAL ILIQUIRY UNIT AND RICORDE MATAGENENT

DIVISION.

LOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE OU ASSASCINATIONS.

RE BUREAU TELETYPE TO CHICAGO AND ST'. LOUIS, HAT 30,

1973.

CHICAGO INDICLS REFLECTS ALL RIFERLNCES TO CAROL

PLPPLA, JOHN RAY AND/OR JERRY RAY ARE CONTAINED IN

TIIS FILL DOLS NOT ELFLECT ANY EVIDLICE OF SURREPIITIOUS

EITRY AT ANY OF IUE RLSIDLNCES OR PREISES ORNED OR LEACED

BY FUL ALOVE PERSONS.

st. Louis (Ii1)

62-5097-77

Russign to

Kulue

6/9/78

Nonther?

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 154

---

## Page 155

PAGL: TWO CG 62-7385 UNCLAS

THERE WIS AT FD-302 IN THIS FILE WHICH REFLECTED

THAT PAYROLL RECORDS WERE LEGITINATELY OBTAINED FROM RAY'S

EMPLOYER, HARVEY A. KLINGIAN, WINNETKA, ILLINOIS, ON

AUGUST 23, 1968. COPIES OF THIS ID-302 BEING FURNISHED

TO THE BUREAU AND ST. LOUIS BY SEPARATE AIRIEL.

ST. LOUIS ADVISED AM COPY

Saw 55215

DocId: 32989797

Page 155

---

## Page 156

6/5/78

TO

: DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

(Attention:

Congressional Inquiry Unit

!

Records Management Division)

FROM : SAC, CHICAGO (62-7385) (SQ. 5) (RUC)

SUBJECT: HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE

ON ASSASSINATIONS

ReButel to Chicago and St. Louis dated 5/30/78, and

Chicago teletype to Bureau and St. Louis dated 6/5/78.

Enclosed for the Bureau and St. Louis is one copy of

FD-302 of HARVEY A. KLINGEMAN of Winnetka, Illinois.

= Bureau (Encl. 1)

St, Louis (Enci. 1) Y

CHC: jeo

(5)

62-5097-7168

Dras whe

Nonchutt

NW 55215 Doore:

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## Page 157

FD•302 (Rer, d-15-64)

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

8/30/68

Date.

On August 23, 1968, Mr. HARVEY A. KLINGEMAN and Mrs.

were interviewed jointly in the conference room at the Winnetka,

Illinois, Police Department, after being introduced to the

interviewing Agents by Chief DON DERNING (NA), Winnetka,

Illinois, Police Department.

who is the author of "Three Lives For Mississippi"

was accompanied by Mr. (First Name Unknown HANSEN, who is

a photographer for "Look" magazine. Mr. HUIE exhibited

letters which he claimed were from JAMES EARL RAY and were

addressed to a Mississippi attorney. These letters

purportedly given to HUIE by the attorney.

HUIE told them

that he had obtained all conmercial rights to RAY's story

and for

this he has agreed to underwrite the costs of RAY's

detense in the forthcoming murder trial in Memphis, Tennessee.

The aforementioned letters were writted on half sheets of

yellow legal toolscap and both of the KLINGEMANs stated that

they recognized the handwriting on these papers as that of the

subject ral, whom they knew under the name of JOHN RAYNs. At

this point, the KLINGIMANs were exhibited several photographs

of the subject, JAMES EARS RAY, along with other photographs

and they both positively identified JAMES EARL RAY as a man

employed by them from May 3, 1967, to June 24,1967,

dishwasher and cook's helper. The KLINGEMANs verified the

foregoing statement by furnishing to the interviewing Agents

their payroll ledger sheet. A review of the ledger sheet

reveals the foliowing information:

Name

JOHN L. RAYNS

Address

2731 Sheffield, Chicago, Illinois

Occupation

Cook's helper

Social Security

JEK Act 6 (3)

Number

Rate

$2.10 per hour

On_

8/23/68

¿ Winnetka. Illinois

SA RAMON

W. STRATTON

_Fil# 44-1124 - 37

SA RENE

J. DUMAINE

RJD/mr

8/28/68

by-

_Date dictated-

• This document contoins neither recommendalions nor conclusions of the FBI.Il is lho property of the FBl and is loaned in your ogency:

"l and its contenis are not to be distribuled outside your agency.

NW 55215 , DogId: 32989797

Page, 157

---

## Page 158

CG 44-1114

Number of

Exemptions

1

Marital Status

Single

In addition, the KLINGEMANs also made available the

Employee's Withholding Exemption Certificate made out in the

same name and address and Social Security Number as set forth

above, dated May 10,1968.

They also made available the following listed

payroll checks all drawn

on the Winnetka Irust and. Savings

bank bearing the identification in the upper left-hanc

corner of Indian Trail Restaurant, Inc., 507 Chestnut Street,

Winnetka, Illinois, 60093, made out to either JOHY L. RAYNS

OI. JOHN RAYNS. and signed by HARVEY A. KLINGEMAN. The checks

are endorsed by JOHN L. RAYNS OI JOHN RAYNS, two of which have

the address 1648 Lunt,

Chicago, underneath the signature.

These checks. are as follows:

NUMBER

4838

4913

4987

5058

AMOUNT

DATE

$57.69

May 7, 1967

$84.89

May 14, 1967

$84.89

May 21, 1967

$84.89

May 28, 1967

. 5130

5283

5357

$89.63

June 1i, 1967

$95.19

June 18, 1967

$77.53

June 25, 1967

The foregoing checks total $664.34.

Mr. KLINGEMAN advised that to the bast of his

recollection at this time, the last check, Number 5357, was

mailed to RAY's brother,

name unrecalled, in Northbrook,

Illinois, at RAY's request since he left his employment

prior to receipt of the check, stating that he was going to

work on boats with his brother. As Mr. KLINGIMAN recalls,

he received a letter from RAY requesting that the pay due

sent to his brother.

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 158

---

## Page 159

CG 44-1114

Both, of the KLINGEMANs characterized JAMES EARL

employment.

They did recall that during the subject's

calls from a male individual who stated that he was RAY's brother.

believe that they would recognize this person's voice if they

heard it again.

In conversation with Mr. HUIE, the KLINGEMANS

received the following information on a

• confidential basis and

advised that they were rather reluctant to divulge it,

but felt that it was their duty as citizens.

They requested

that this intormation bemaintained on a considential basis within

the FBl.

They advised that they contacted Chief DERNING

because of his reputation and are now following his advice in

furnishing this information to the Fbl:

Mr. HUIE sowed the KLINGELANs letters from RAY in

which RAY listed employment at the Indian Trail Restaurant.

(It should be noted that this restaurant is an old, large,.

upper class restaurant, of excellent reputation. Chief

DERNING advised that the KLINGEMANs themselves have an

excellent reputation within the community and that he holds

them in very high regard). HULE told them that RAY had

served seven years of a twenty-year sentence at Jefferson,

Missouri, prison, during which time he had eight visitors,

which one.

oich one wait to hot escape ever had stashed a identity

a razor, green prison trousers

which had been dyed black, and

2 hersey bars in anticipation that he would have to go

without food for, some time.

RAY also had $300 in his shoe.

he escaped in a bed truck and walked to Chicago, Illinois,

from Jefferson City;

Missouri, which took him about eight

days. The KLINGEMANs do recall that when the subject first

appered at the restaurant, his feet were swollen and that

their sister-in-law gave hin two Ace bandages to use which he

returried three or four days later... This supposedly was

mentioned in the letter in Hul!'s possession).

Thereafter, RAY read the advertisement in the

Tribune wherein the KLINGEMANs had advertised for help in the

restaurant.

HulE said that the subject in the letter

& NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 159

---

## Page 160

CG 44-1114

mentioned that the employment at. the Indian Trail Restaurant

was the "high point of his life".

HUIE mentioned that RAY had had only three jobs

in his life, one of which was in a shoe factory outside of

bast St. Louis, Illinois, which is prior to his going to

prison the last time.

He also said that during the time RaY

was employed at the restaurant, he was "tapped on the shoulder"

by an individual who recognized him and who threatened to

revea: his identity to the policé and cause RAY's return to

Prison if he, RAY, did not work for this person. HUIE said

that RAY was given $1,200 during the initial contacts, by. the

alieged conspirators, and was ultimately paid $15,000, but

was due to receive more.

Again, according to HUIE, RAY was told to go to

Canada to investigate the difficulty of crossing the border.

Supposedly RAY made two trips through the Detroit Tunnel into

Canada. He also made a third trip to Canada, date and

sequence not given, and "was instructed' to obtain a 40-year-

old newspaper, get

the names of the males born that ate,

and search the current phone directory for similar names.

He was then to surveil the individuals with similar names to

determine whether or not his physical description was

similar to theirs.

Thereafter, he telephoned persons of his

like description,

utilizing a pretext, and thereby found a mair

who had never applied for a passport. RAY then applied for a

passport in this name.

The KLINGEMANs advised that they were not sure that

they were furnishing this intormation in its proper

sequence, but that to the best of their recollection, the

information preceding and following was given to them in this

order by HUIL. Thereafter, RAY was given more money to

purchase a mustang which was to be driven to Acapulco, Mexico,

for the purpose of obtaining a tourist sticker.

drove through Mexico to the West Coast and hid out there to

receive further instructions from the other individuals in

the alleged conspiracy. HUIE sated that RAY was flown to

As no action he let set bat the tame ornia.

but the time was not fe was also

there

told to be in Mississippi at a certain time and plaçe.

Supposedly Reverend MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. was at a. Holiday

Inn Motel in Atlanta, Georgia, when RAY was flown there.

WW 55215 DecId: 32989797 Page 160

---

## Page 161

CG 44-1114

Subsequently, RAY was given money to obtain binoculars

and a shotgun and was to go to Memphis to be somewhere at

3 p.m. in room 312 or 113. Supposedly there were other

individuals who also came to this room and there was a

Negro male who purportedly called KING out to the balcony.

According to HUIE, the actual murderer of KING was not RAY,

although RAY was present and at a later time (probably the trial)

RAY will identify the murderer. RAY did pick up the rifle, ran

to his car, and sped to a rendezvous in Atlanta,

Georgia.

He was supposed to pick up a "bundle of money", however,

the

conspirators did not appear.

RAY allegedly spent several days

or hours at this apartment in Atlanta, Georgia, awaiting the

arrival of his "fellow conspirators".

According to HUIE, the plan was for RAY to go to

Mexico, but immediately fly north to throw off pursuit and

to steer all investigation to Mexico.

However,

the conspirators did not appear in Atlanta, RAY fled to. Carda

thereafter utilizing his knowledge to obtain a passport and

fled to England.

The KLINGEMANs advised that the rest of HUIE's story

substantially follows the newspaper accounts which appeared

after subject RAY's arrest in England. They did note that

HUIE stated that RAY did rob a bank in London because he

"got real low on money". HUIE at no time identified the

alleged fellow conspirators of RAY. He did swear the KLINGEMANS

to secrecy and told them that he would mail the "Look"

proots on september 10,1968, and the story would be in the

issue of look magazine.

Both Mr. and Mrs.

make these proofs available to

te interviewing Agents for review.

The KLINGEMANs advised that RAY began working for

them as a dishwasher and because of his excellent attitude

was advanced to cook's helper. During the time he was in

their employ, they did not observe him in a car, nor did they

know him to own, an automobile. He had no visitors, he did

not wear glasses, he had no women friends, nor did

he make

any advances toward the female personnel employed at the

restaurang and they noted that his hair was "less bushy" during

the time he was at the restaurant than shown in the

photographs.

They are not sure how he came to work from his

apartment, but believe hemight have been met at the Eden's

Expressway by WILLIE PERRY and FRED BURNS, who were also

employees at the restaurant.

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 161

---

## Page 162

CG 44-1114

His conduct was excellent and they cannot recall

him making any comments one way or another about members of

the Negro race and specifically no comments whatsoever con-

cerning MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. RAY made no reference to his

previous employent, but did mention that he

Brimerhaven, Germany, during World War II.

They advised that

when RAY received the phone call's during his last week of

employment he seeined to be disturbed and that his

concentration on his work was not as good as it usually was.

They then recalled that according to HUIE, that when

JAMES EARL RAY left England, he was going to Lisbor

to get to

Africa, however, he was unable. to do so which is when he returned

to England and held up a bank receiving about $200 in loot.

They again stated that the information furnished to them by

HUIE came from.letters which RAY had written to his attorney, who

in turn turned them over to the author.

Also Mr. KLINGEMAN

i stated that in one of the letters which he believed was to

the attorney from RAY, while he was in London; England, there

was a drawing identifying a location which appeared to

Diversey Street and Sheffield Avenue in Chicago, Illinois.

At the conclusion of the interview, the Klingemans

again requested that this information be maintained in

confidence and expressed a willingness to co-operate with

the FBI in ay way possible.

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 162

---

## Page 163

x

Airtel:

6/6/78

TO

: DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

FROM : SAC, ST. LOUIS (62-5097) (P)

SUBJECT: HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON

ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

Re Bureau teletype dated 0/2/78.

A review of St. Louis indices and files re JAMES EARL

RAY determined St. Louis has no file "JAMES EARL RAY - FUGITIVE;

UFAC - ROBBERY FIRST, 00:KC, BUFILE 88-41730."

St. Louis has two serial referencés to RAY in addition

to the following two main files:

"MURKIN" - SL 44-775; Bufile 44-38861.

"JAMES EARL. RAY; UFAG - ESCAPE, 00:KX" - SL 88-10663.

UACE, St. Louis will not furnish any copies of files

regarding RAY.

2 - Bureau

@ - st. Louis

DAM: edr

(4)

getr

42-5097-70

SEARCHED

SERIALIZED

INDEXED _

SLED

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 163

---

## Page 164

FD-36 (Rev. 3-24-77)

TRANSMIT VIA:

I Teletype

0 Facsimile

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

• Priority

@ Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

O TOP SECRET

O SECRET

O CONFIDENTIAL

DEFTO

I CLEAR

Date

6/2/18

5614

FM ST. LOUIS (62-5097) P

TO DIRECTOR (62-117290) ROUTINE

BT

UNCLAS

ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

RE BUREAU TELETYPE, MAY 30, 1978.

MAY 30. - JUNE 2, 1978, REVIEW MADE OF ST. LOUIS MURKIN FILE '

AND FILES RELATING TO CAROL PEPPER, JOHN RAY, AND/OR JERRY RAY, AND

THE GRAPEVINE TAVERN REVEALED NO INFORMATION PERTAINING TO

SURREPTITIOUS ENTRY OF RESIDENCE OR PREMISES OWNED OR LEASED BY

AFOREMENTIONED INDIVIDUALS.

ST. LOUIS ELSUR INDICES CHECKED BY SA THOMAS T. KUBIC WERE

NEGATIVE REGARDING THIS MATTER.

BT

62-5097-722

JLH: kyw

(1)

017

SEARCHED

SERIALIZED

INDEXED

BILED

RK

Approved:

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 164

Transmitted

SEARCHED

SERIALIZED.

_INDEXED _

_FILED.

JUN

0 19/8

FBI-ST.

LOUIS

Dubic Th

(Number)

0121

(Time)

Per KACe

FBI/DOJ

---

## Page 165

an airs.

VZCZCHQO 119

00 CG SL

DE HQ 0119 1532140

ZNY EEEEE

0 022114Z JUN 78

FM DIRECTOR FBI (62-117290)

TO FBI CHICAGO IMMEDIATE

FBI SI. LOUIS IMMEDIATE

BT

destro

J. E.RAY

88-10163

UNCLAS EFT O

- 62.5097.

HOUSE SELECT COMMITIEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

(HSCA)

HSCA, BY LETTER DATED MAY 25, 1978, REQUESTED THAT FBI

HEADQUARTERS (FBIHQ) FURNISH THE COMMITTEE WITH A COPY OF THE

CHICAGO AND ST. LOUIS FIELD OFFICE FILES CAPTIONED, "JAMES+ 88-10663

EARL RAY - FUGITIVE; UFAC - ROBBERY FIRSI; DO KC" (BUFILE

44-775

87-21859-27

88-41730) ALL MATERIAL REGARDING THIS FILE AT FBIHQ WAS CON-

SOLIDATED INTO THE MURKIN FILE (BUFILE 44-38861).

ADDITIONALLY, THE COMMITTEE REQUESTED THAT THE ST. LOUIS

91-7597-

23

OFFICE PROVIDE THE NAMES OF ALL SPECIAL AGENTS WHO HANDLED

COVERAGE OF THE MISSOURI STATE PENITENTIARY, JEFFERSON CITY,

MISSOURI, BETWEEN JANUARY, 1968, AND MAY, 1967.

RECEIVING OFFICES ARE REQUESTED TO SEARCH FOR THEIR FILE 6Y -5092-71

• * St ouis diregad per FBIHA

SEARCHED

SERIALIZED

Supervisor Tom

Brekke,

5:56 pm 6/v/18

JUN

8 1978

Mitter

BI-ST. LOUI

WW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 165

•See ASAtC

---

## Page 166

PAGE TWO DE HQ D119 UNCLAS EF TO

ON ABOVE-MENTIONED UFAC CASE INVOLVING JAMES EARL RAY. ANY

MATERIAL HOARDING THIS MATTER SHOULD BE DUPLIEATED AND ONE (cuing

COPY FURNISHED TO FBIHQ, ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY

UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION, BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS

JUNE 12, 1978.

ONLY THE FIRST PAGE OF ANY SERIAL PREVIOUSLY

FURNISHED FBIHQ IN THIS MATTER SHOULD BE PROVIDED.

THE ST. LOUIS OFFICE SHOULD ALSO PROVIDE THE NAMES OF

THOSE SPECIAL AGENTS WHO HANDLED COVERAGE OF THE AREA WHERE

MISSOURI STATE PENITENTIARY, JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI, IS

LOCATED FOR PERIOD SET OUT ABOVE.

BI

0119 * See note page 1.

NNNN

wW 55215

DocId: 32989797

Page 166

---

## Page 167

VZCZCHQOD85

RR AL AT BA BH BS BU CE CG CI CV DN DE HO IP JN JK KC LA

ME MM MI MP MO NK NH NO NY OM PH PX PG PD RH SC SL SD SF SE SI

IP WF

DE HQ 0085 1562356

ZNY EEEEE

R @52105Z JUN 78

FM DIRECIOR FBI (62 117290)

TO FBI ALBANY

FBI ATLANTA

FBI BALTIMORE

FBI BIRMINGHAM

FBI BOSTON

FBI BUFFAL O

FBI CHARLOTTE

FBI CHICAGO

FBI CINCINNATI

FBI CLEVELAND

FBI DENVER

FBI DETROIT

FBI HOUSTON

FBI INDIANAPOLIS

FBI JACKSON

FBI JACKSONVILLE

66/5/18

lupt

62-5092 -70

SEARNEO RS AN IL.

SERIALIZED_

JUN 5 1978

RIMU M

NW 55215 DocId:32989797 Page 167

---

## Page 168

PAGE TWO DE HQ

FBI KANSAS CITY

FBI LOS ANGELES

FBI MEMPHIS

FBI MIAMI

FBI MILWAUKEE

FBI MINNEAPOLIS

FBI MOBILE

FBI NEWARK

FBI NEW HAVEN

FBI NEW ORLEANS

FBI NEW YORK

FBI OMAHA

FBI PHILADEL PHIA

FBI PHOENIX

FBI PITTSBURGH

FBI PORTLAND

FBI RICHMOND

FBI SACRAMENTO

FBI SAN DIEGO

FBI SAN FRANCISCO

D885 UNCLAS E F I O

wwwwca@@ooetecegong.o0

---

## Page 169

PAGE THREE DE HQ OD85 UNCLAS E FI O

FBI SEATTLE

FBI SPRINGFIELD

FBI SI. LOUIS

FBI TAMPA

FBI WASHINGION FIELD OFFICE

BI

UNCLAS E F T O

62-5087

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

BUDED JUNE 12, 1978.

RE: BULET TO ALBANY, ET AL, AUGUST 25, 1967, CAPTIONED

157-5888%

"COUNTERINTELLIGENCE PROGRAM, BLACK NATIONALIST-HATE GROUPS,

INTERNAL SECURITY" AND "BUAIRTEL TO ALBANY, ET AL, MARCH 4,

1968, CAPTIONED "COUNTERINTELLIGENCE PROGRAM, BLACK NATION 157-58187

ALIST-HATE GROUPS, RACIAL INTELLIGENCE"•

THE ASCA WHICH IS INVESTIGATING THE ASSASSINATION OF

JOHN F. KENNEDY AND MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., NOTING THAT

REFERENCED COMMUNICATIONS ASKED RECIPIENT OFFICES TO MAKE

PERIODIC REPORIS TO THE BUREAU, HAS REQUESTED THAT RECIPIENT

FIELD OFFICE FILES BE SEARCHED AND ALL REPORTS, LETTERHEAD

MEMORANDA, AIRTELS, LETTERS AND TELETYPES CONCERNING

NW 55215

DocId: 32989797 Page 169

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## Page 170

PAGE FOUR DE HQ 0085 UNCLAS E F I O

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., OR THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE (SCLC) SUBMITTED PURSUANT TO REFERENCED

COMMUNICATIONS UP TO AND INCLUDING DECEMBER 31, 1968, BE

PREPARED FOR DELIVERY.

THE ASCA REQUESTED THAT OUR RESPONSE IN THIS MATTER BE

GIVEN TOP PRIORTY OVER ALL OTHER ASPECIS OF KING INVESTIGATION.

FBI HEADQUARTERS (FBIHQ FILES HAVE BEEN PARTIALLY.

PROCESSED IN RESPONSE TO A SIMILAR REQUEST, BUT TO INSURE

COMPLETENESS AND THOROUGHNESS, EACH RECIPIENT OFFICE FURNISH

FBIHQ TWO XEROX COPIES OF ANY COMMUNICATION MEETING ABOVE

CRITERIA. COPY SHOULD REACH FBIHQ BY JUNE 122 19782

ALL COPIES SHOULD BE CLEARLY LEGIBLE AND SHOULD BE SENT

REGISTERED MAIL, MAILED TO THE ATTENTION OF THE CONGRESSIONAL

INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENI DIVISION, ANY QUESTIONS CAN

BE RESOLVED BY CONTACTING SUPERVISOR RICHARD C. BUSCHING,

EXTENTION 3685.

RECIPIENT OFFICES HAVING NO COMMUNICATION MEETING CRITERIA

ARE TO SO NOTIFY FBIHQ.

BT

D085

Aw 55215 Docid: 32989797 Page 170

---

## Page 171

VZCZCHQ0D38

00 CG SL

DE HQ

0038 1501918

ZNY. EEEEE

0 3018387 MAY 78

FM DIRECTOR FBI (62-117290)

TO FBI SI. LOUIS IMMEDIATE

FBI CHICAGO IMMEDIATE

BT

UNCLAS E F

02-5097*

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

HSCA, BY LETTER DATED MAY 17, 1978, REQUESTED THAI A

DETERMINATION BE MADE AS TO WHETHER THE ST. LOUIS OR CHICAGO

FIELD. OFFICE "MADE ANY ATTEMPIS AI SURREPTIIIOUS ENTRY, OR IN

FACT SUCCEEDED AT SURREPTITIOUSLY ENTERING THE RESIDENCES OR

THE PREMISES OWNED OR LEASED BY CAROL PEPPER,

JOHN

RAY, AND/OR

JERRY RASS.

88-10663-2,41619

ON MAY 24, 1978, MIKE EBERHARDI, STAFF MEMBER, ASCA,

ADVISED THAT THE COMMITTEE IS INTERESTED IN RESOLVING AN

ALLEGATION THAT ENTRY WAS MADE TO OBTAIN FINANCIAL RECORDS OF

JAMES EARL RAY'S FAMILY OR TO INSTALL ELSUR OR MISUR. PREMISES

MENTIONED REFERS IO GRAPEVINE TAVERN, SI. LOUIS.

2 he net

62-5097-109

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 171

*91

MAY $ 0 1978

Fai-ST. LoUis

sies

---

## Page 172

PAGE TWO DE HQ DD38 UNCLAS EFT O

RECEIVING OFFICES ARE REQUESTED TO REVIEW RESPECTIVE

MURKIN OR APPROPRIATE FILES FOR ANY INFORMATION REGARDING ENTRY

BY FBI OF RESIDENCES OF ABOVE THREE INDIVIDUALS OR THE GRAPEVINE

TAVERN. ANY PERTINENT INFORMATION SHOULD BE DUPLICATED AND ONE

COPY SHOULD BE FURNISHED TO FBI HEADQUARTERS, ATTENTION:

CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION, BY

CLOSE OF BUSINESS JUNE 9, 1978.

BI.

0038

NNNN

NW 55215

DocId: 32989797

Page 172

---

## Page 173

RAY, JOHN

dUL 64

b. $ 6-9-15, Budapest, Hungary

163-95#

RAY, JOHN®

JUN

1977

88-10663-2

1982 Arsenal, St. Louis, Mo.

Brother of James

Earl Ray

00: KX

RAY, JOHN

:"."

.....

aka Fred Wi111ams

FBI# 1 617 279

APR 66

26-28118*

Deptraped

NW 55215 DocId:32989797 Page 173

---

## Page 174

Liter

105-1564-563

RAY, JERRY

NO DESC

RAY, JERRY

5/71

APR

FBI 862 651 A

white male D'3: 7/16/35

5'9" tall weightin 160 Ibs.

91-5279%

1971

RAY, JERRY

6/77

88-10663-2, 6,

Orchard Country Club, Longerove, Ill.

or 591 Cherokee, St.

Louis, Mo.

00: KX

RAY, JERRY

6/77

88-10663-4

father of James Earl Ray

2025 Bellview, Mapleood, Mo.

00: KX

NW $5215

DocId: 32989797

ROGE

---

## Page 175

4/5/78

TO

: DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

(ATTN:

CONGRESSIONAI, INQUIRY UNIT,

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION)

FROM

:SAC, ST: LOUIS (62-5097) (RUC)

SUBJECT: HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE. ON ASSASSINATIONS

(HSCA)

Re Bureau. teletype to St. Louis 3/31/78.

St. Louis telcall to Bureau 4/5/78.

A review of the St. Louis Murkin file (SL 44-775)

revealed that all information re financial and/or bank

records pertaining to JERRY RAYNES was forwarded to the

Bureau in St. Louis réports. of SA HAROLD R. DOBSON dated

5/10/68 and 6/25/68.

On 4/5/78, SA TRON W. BREKKE, Congressional Inquiry

Unit, Records Management Division, telephonically advised

that since requested information was already at the Bureau

it would not be necessary for St. Louis to forward duplicate

material.

gew:mt

YN(3)

Strippe

62-5097-62

SEARCHED

STRiALIZED

-LED

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 175

---

## Page 176

VZCZCHQO132

RR SL

DE HQ 0132 0910644

ZNR UUUU

R 312210Z MAR 78

FM DIRECTOR FBI (62-117290)

TO FBI ST. LOUIS ROUTINE

UNCLAS

62-5657

HOUSE SELECI COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA).

RE INVESTIGATION INTO ASSASSINATION OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.,

HSCA BY LETTER DATED MARCH 27, 1978, REQUESTED BANK AND/OR FINANCIAL

RECORDS WHICH WERE OBTAINED BY SI. LOUIS OFFICE FOR JERRY RAYNES,

JAMES EARL RAY'S FATHER, IN CONNECTION WITH MURKIN INVESTIGATION.

ST. LOUIS SHOULD SEARCH THEIR MURKIN FILE (SL 44-775> FOR

FINANCIAL AND/OR BANK RECORDS PERTAINING TO JERRY RAYNES AND FURNISH

COPY OF THESE RECORDS TO ATTENTION OF CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT,

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION, BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS APRIL 7, 1978.

SEARCHED

RAINDEXED

BT

$ 132

silentley 4/578

Re O

SERIALIZECCAS

Fili ext

APR 1 1978

FBI-ST. LOUIS

M. W/LIAMS T

I776

622-5097-61

TaxaTile 10887-97-

Paya 1176

---

## Page 177

FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-76)

TRANSMIT VIA:

[X Teletype

D Facsimile

D Airtel

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

I Priority

• Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

O TOP SECRET

O SECRET

O CONFIDENTIAL

DEFTO

O CLEAR

Date

9967

3/23/78

FM ST. LOUIS (62-5097)

TO DIRECTOR (62-117290) PRIORITY

BT

UNCLAS E FT O

ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

REBUTEL CALL TO ST. LOUIS, MARCH 23, 1978; ST. LOUIS TEL TO

BUREAU, DECEMBER 22, 1975, CAPTIONED "SL 3567-PC; TECIP"; ST. LOUIS

LETTER TO BUREAU, MARCH 31, 1976; ST. LOUIS LETTER TO BUREAU, JULY

29, 1976; ST. LOUIS LETTER TO BUREAU, NOVEMBER 22, 1976.

SL 3567-PC OPENED OCTOBER 3, 1975, AS PCI. ON OCTOBER 30,

1975, INFORMANT PROVIDED INFORMATION ON FOLLOWING CASES:

"UNSUB; THEFT OF 68 CASES OF CIGARETTES, JUNE 8, 1975; TFIS;

ST. LOUIS FILE 15-18872 (CLOSED)"; "UNSUB; BURGLARY OF RESIDENCE

OF MRS. KING; ITSP; ST. LOUIS FILE 87-21548 (CLOSED)"; "RICHARD

O'HARA; ITSP; ST. LOUIS FILE 87-23087 (CLOSED)"; "RAY SCHARF;

BENJAMIN GOINS; AR - HOBBS ACT; MF; ST. LOUIS FILE 92-2104

(PENDING)".

62-5097-60

JTH: pdp

(2) polo

ce placed in

137-16541

SEARCHED

SERIALIZED

INDEXED

FILED

008

Approved:

Transmitted

2330

(Number)

(Time)

Per

GPO : 1977 0-225-539

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 177

---

## Page 178

FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-76)

d...

TRANSMIT VIA:

• Teletype

• Facsimile

• Airtel

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

• Priority

/ Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

• TOP SECRET

SECRET

CONFIDENTIAL

EFTO

O CLEAR

Date

PAGE TWO SE 62-5097 UNCIASE FIÒ

ON DECEMBER 17, 1975, INFORMANT PROVIDED INFORMATION ON

THE FOLLOWING CASES: "ST. LOUIS AREA CRIME CONDITIONS; ST. LOUIS

FILE 92-702"; "RAY SCHARF; ET AL; RICO; ST. LOUIS FILE 92-2104

(PENDING)"; "JOHNNY TOLIVER; AR - HOBBS ACT; ST. LOUIS FILE

92-2828 (CLOSED)".

ON FEBRUARY 11, 1975, HE PROVIDED INFORMATION ON THE FOLLOWING:

"RAY SCHARF; ET AL; RICO; ST. LOUIS FILE 92-2104 (PENDING)".

ON MARCH 8, 1976, HE PROVIDED THE FOLLOWING: "RAY SCHARF;

ET AL; RICO; ST. LOUIS FILE 92-2104 (PENDING)"; NORMAN OWENS, AKA;

ET AL; ITSP - MAJOR THEFT; CONSPIRACY; RICO; ST. LOUIS FILE

87-23091 (PENDING) " .

ON MARCH 26, 1976, AND JUNE 29, 1976, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PROVIDED REGARDING RAY SCHARF; ET AL; RICO.

INFORMANT CLOSED BY LETTER TO BUREAU, NOVEMBER 22, 1976.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

COPY OF PREVIOUSLY SET FORTH MEMORANDUM DATED MARCH 19, 1974,

IS SHOWN IN INFORMANT FILE VIA CORRELATION MEMO DATED OCTOBER 7,

1975. INFORMANT FILE REVIEWED MARCH 16, 1976, BY INSPECTION STAFF.

BT

Approved:

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 178

Transmitted

(Number)

Per

(Time)

GPO: 1977 0 - 225-539

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## Page 179

XX

3/13/78.

TO:

DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

CATIN: CONGRESSIONAL. INQUIRY UNIT,

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION)

FROM:

SAC, ST. LOUIS (62-5097) C

SUBJECT: HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

Re St. Louis telêtype to FBIHQ, 3/13/78.

Enclosed for FBIHQ are the original and three

copies of LHM captioned as above.

action being tag hung fuznished for information and no

2- Bureau (Encs.

4):

* st. Louis

JTH: jtc

(3) Tu

• NW 55215 DocId:32989797 Page 179

Close-y

U200979

SEARCHED

SERIALIZED

walt

INDEXED

FILED

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## Page 180

Saint Louis, Missouri

March 13, 1978

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

In the couse of a file review in an unrelated

matter, SL, 3167-C, St. Louis File 137-16185, Bureau File

137-36945, was reviewed.

This file contained a contact

memorandum dated March 19, 1974, which contained information

relating to several criminal matters and also contained the

following

paragraph:

"During the Fall of 1973, five or six months ago,

date not recalled, Beyers came to the shop inquiring as

to whether they could get together to talk, and they later

did so at Pizza and Cream, Clayton, Mo., in the area of a

Broad-Dugan Paint Store, where informant had traveled on

business. Beyers talked freely about himself and his

business, and they later went to informant's house where

Beyers told a story about visiting a lawyer in St. Louis

County, now deceased, not further identified, who had

offered to give him a contract to kill Martin Luther King.

He said that also present was a short, stocky man, who

walked with a limp. (Later, with regard to the latter

individual, Beyers comnented that this man was actually

the individual who made the payoff of James Earl Ray after

the killing. Beyers said he had declined to accept this

He did remark that this lawyer had confederate

flags and other items about the house that might indicate

that he was 'a real rebel'. Beyers also commented that

he had been offered either

: $10,000 or $20,000 to kill King."

Extensive further research in the St. Louis indices

and files failed to reveal this information was if any way

disseminated and the information simply reposes in the informant

file.

4- Bureau

I- St. Louis

(62-5097)

JTH: j.to E{5)

This document contains neither recomnendations 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.

62-5097-58

SEARCHED

Keen't

SERIALIZED

INDEXED

FILED

NW 55215

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Page 180

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## Page 181

FD-36' (Rev. 7-27-76)

TRANSMIT VIA:

X] Teletype

• Facsimile

@ Airtel

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

[x] Priority

• Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

0 TOP SECRET

• SECRET

[ CONFIDENTIAL

DEFTO

O CLEAR

Date

3/13/78

1051

FM ST. LOUIS (62-5097)

TO DIRECTOR (62-117290) PRIORITY •

BT

UNCLAS E FT O

ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT

DIVISION

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

RE ST. LOUIS TEL CALL TO BUREAU, MARCH 13, 1978.

IN THE COURSE OF FILE REVIEW IN AN UNRELATED MATTER,

SL 3167-C, ST. LOUIS FILE 137-16185, BUFILE 137-36945, WAS REVIEWED.

THIS FILE CONTAINED A CONTACT MEMORANDUM DATED MARCH 19, 1974,

WHICH CONTAINED INFORMATION RELATING TO SEVERAL CRIMINAL MATTERS

AND ALSO CONTAINED THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH:

"DURING THE FALL OF 1973, FIVE OR SIX MONTHS AGO, DATE NOT

RECALLED, BEYERS CAME TO THE SHOP INQUIRING AS TO WHETHER THEY

COULD GET TOGETHER TO TALK, AND THEY LATER DID SO AT PIZZA AND

CREAM, CLAYTON, MO., IN THE AREA OF A BROAD-DUGAN PAINT STORE,

WHERE INFORMANT HAD TRAVELED ON BUSINESS. BEYERS TALKED FREELY

402-5097-557

- 62-50.97

- 137-16185

1

- 44-775

JTH: pdp

(3)

SEARCHED

''-?

SERIALIZED

INDEXED

FILED

RiOrA

Aags

0

Approved:

KBK

17H

Transmitted

202,2

(Number

(Time)

Per siat

GPO: 1977 0 - 225-539

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 181

.4

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## Page 182

FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-76)

TRANSMIT VIA:

[J Teletype

• Facsimile

@ Airtel

F B.I

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

• Priority

@ Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

• TOP SECRET

SECRET

CONFIDENTIAL

EFTO

CLEAR

Date

PAGE TWO SL 62-5097 UNCLAS E FT O

ABOUT HIMSELF AND HIS BUSINESS, AND THEY LATER WENT TO INFORMANT'S

HOUSE WHERE BEYERS TOLD A STORY ABOUT VISITING A LAWYER IN

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, NOW DECEASED, NOT FURTHER IDENTIFIED, WHO HAD

OFFERED TO GIVE HIM A CONTRACT TO KILL MARTIN LUTHER KING. HE SAID

THAT ALSO PRESENT WAS A SHORT, STOCKY MAN, WHO WALKED WITH A LIMP.

(LATER, WITH REGARD TO THE LATTER INDIVIDUAL, BEYERS COMMENTED

THAT THIS MAN WAS ACTUALLY THE INDIVIDAL WHO MADE THE PAYOFF OF

JAMES EARL RAY AFTER THE KILLING.) BEYERS SAID HE HAD DECLINED TO

ACCEPT THIS CONTRACT. HE DID REMARK THAT THIS LAWYER HAD

CONFEDERATE FLAGS AND OTHER ITEMS ABOUT THE HOUSE THAT MIGHT

INDICATE THAT HE WAS 'A REAL REBEL'. BEYERS ALSO COMMENTED THAT

HE HAD BEEN OFFERED EITHER $10,000 OR $20,000 TO KILL KING."

EXTENSIVE FURTHER RESEARCH IN THE ST. LOUIS INDICES AND FILES

FAILED TO REVEAL THIS INFORMATION WAS IN ANY WAY DISSEMINATED AND

THE INFORMATION SIMPLY REPOSES IN THE INFORMANT FILE.

ABOVE IS BEING FURNISHED FOR INFORMATION AND NO ACTION BEING

TAKEN UACB. LETTER AND LHM FOLLOW.

BT

Approved:

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 182

Transmitted

(Number)

Per

(Time)

GPO: 1977 0 - 225-539

---

## Page 183

12/2/77

TO

: DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

FROM : SAC, ST. LOUIS (62-5097) (P)

SUBJECT : HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE

ON ASSASSINATIONS.

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Enclosed for the Bureau are four copies of an IHM

rerrecting Interviews of SA WILLIaM R. DUNCAN, St. Louis

Division, by Committee staff members on 11/21

and 29/77

and his testimony before the sub-committee on 11/30/77.

2 - Bureau (Enc. 4)

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St. Louis, Missouri

December 2, 1977

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIOUS,

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

INTERVIEW OF SPECIAL AGENT WILLIAM R. DUNCAN,

ST. LOUIS DIVISION, BY STAFF INVESTIGATORS

ON NOVEMBER 21 AND 29, 1977, AND RIS

IISTIMONY BEFORE THE

SUB-CO:MITTEE

ON NOVEMBER 30, 1977

At approzinately 3:00 p.M., November 21, 1977,

Special Agent (SA) William R. Duncan was interviewed by

ors. shella lee and hi. michael everhart, attorneys tor

the house select Committee on Assassinations, at the U.S.

House of Representatives, Annex lumber Iwo, Washington, D.C.

SA Duncan was told his name came up as having made an

offer in the Louisville Police Department to kill Dr. Martin

Luther ring in 1965.

Duncan told them he was assigned to the

Louisville Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Exon February, 1952, until May, 1967, and had responsibilities

as Liaison Agent with the Louisville Police Department during

most of this period.

The allegation involved an incident which allegedly

took place at a roll-call tine in the First District Office

sometime in the fall of 1965. Reportedly making the allega-

tion was Clifton Baird, white male, 50, a retired Louisville

police officer who retired in 1975 after 27 years of service.

Also present was Chief of Detectives, Major Robert Gregory,

Captain Priest 11. Fry, formerly Chief of Detectives and possibly

the Captain of the First District; Lieutenant James Bibb, a

uniformed First District Lieutenant; Sergeant Brent Hardin, a

Third District Sergeant; possibly Herman Mitchell, Homicide

Squad; Licutenant Vernon Austin;

and possibly Robert E. Peters

(SA), formerly of the Louisville Division of the FBI.

Duncan sas asked what he knew about the allegation ad

he related that in late llarch or early April, 1977, he received

in the FBI mail an Associated Press clipping about a clifton

Baird naking an allegation that FBI Agents and police made hin

This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions

of the FDI. 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 02-5097-54 ARE

4 - Bureau

- St. Louis (62-5097)

: DEXED

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HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS,

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

INTERVIEW OF SPECIAL AGENT WILLIAM R. DUNCAN

an offer to kill DI. Martin Iuther King.

The clipping came

in the regular FBI mail and Duncan stated he did not know who

sent it to him.

A few days later, while on the phone to ex-FBI Supervisor

Robert E. Peters in Louisville regarding a social engagement,

Duncan asked him about the clipping and who Clifton Baird was

and what the clipping referred to.

Peters said Baird was a

tall, heavy-set man who was in the Vice Squad for a while and

that Duncan should have known him from seeing him in the Vice

Sguad while Duncan worked with the Detective Bureau in Iouis

ville.

Approximately April 25, 1977, FBI Headquarters sent a

communication to Louisville and St. Louis FBI Offices request-

• the present locations of former Special Agent in Charge of

Louisville, Bernard C. Brown; Supervisor Robert I, Peters;

and SA William R. Duncan as

they were named by former Police

Officer Clifton Baird alleging improprieties in the Martin

Luther King assassination case.

SA Duncan initially had no recollection of the incident

and he called former SA Peters at Louisville and asked him if

he knew anything about this.

Peters replied that he hau no

idea.

Duncan later called

retired Police Captain John Hampton

of Louisville, a close personal friend, to determine if he

Knew anything about this.

Hampton advised he did not know

but would ask and find out what he could and call Duncan.

later called back and gave the names of some police officers

who had been interviewed and named former Major Priest M. Fry:

former Major Robert Gregory; Lieutenant James Bibb; Sergeant

Brent Hardin and Lieutenant Vernon Austin. Hampton apparently

talked to Austin and advised that he had learned that the event

was supposed to have taken place in the First District offices

sometime in 1964 or 1965.

Duncan called Ljeutenant Vernon

Austin, whom he had known for 25 years, and asked him about the

matter.

Austin related to Duncan who the Committee had asked

about and generally who was supposed to be present when the

alleged offer took place.

Duncan told the investigators that he had no recollection

walked the floor a number of nights for approximately ten days

William Baker of the first District Vice squad met him in the

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HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE OT ASSASSINATIONS,

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENIAIIVES,

INTERVIEW OF SPECIAL AGENT WILLIAM R. DUNCAN

second floor hallway sometine in the afternoon and asked

Duncan to help him vith a joke with a couple of officers

at the First District. Duncan was told to go to the roll-call

at roll-eall time and say that he had heard that there was a

$250,000 or $500,000 reward for the death of Di, Martin Luther

King and was to add to or verify something that

• had already

been said. Duncan recalled going down to the area and making

the general statenent that he had heard that there was a

$250,000 or $500,000-priCe On DI. Martin Luther fing from

either the Ku Klux Klan or the Comnunist Party.

Duncan added

if verification was wanted, one should contact Bob Peters or

B. C. Brown of the FBI.

Duncan did not Iccall who was there except several

uniformed officers who were coming and going and that there

were several in the area.

There were a number of questions

regarding whether it was a big roll-call area or the Captain's,

Sergeant's, Lieutenant's offices or a hallway.

Duncan was

asked whether or not there were three or a dozen people present

and Duncan replied that there could have been between three

and twelve people, exact number unrecalled.

Duncan was asked whother Eob Peters was there. Duncan

said ho did not Iccall his being there, otherwise he would

not have made the statement that "if you want to verify the

price on DI. Martin Luther King contact Bob Peters or B. C.

Brown."

Duncan identified one person he thought was therc as

• Blaire (because puncan had heard that he was supposed to

have been there from the questions asked). Duncan Iccalled a

younger, red harred ofticer with a crew-cut or brush-cut.

Duncan said he had talked to Blaite and possibly his partner

in connection with a fugitive nurder case that Duncan was

working.

Duncan was asked about his relationship with Robert Peters

and also with Fry, Hardin, Gregory, Bibb, Austin, Herman

Mitchell, John Mitchell and B. C. Brown of the fBI.

The Cormittee Investigators apparently could not under-

stand why Duncan could not remember who was at the meeting.

They asked duncan about an attempted bombing of Sergeant Brent

Hardin's car and if Duncan worked on the case.

Duncan recalled

a borb being placed on Hardin's car but that it apparently did

not go off. Duncan recalled it was possibly in connection with

=3-

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## Page 187

LOUSE SELICS COSITEESE Oi ASSASSILIANIONS,

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESETATIVES,

INTERVILI OF SPECIAL AGENT WILLIA'I R. DUNCAN

an clection regarding sons of the police organizations.

Duncan did not recall whether the Fill worked on the case

at all othor than to offer the FBI Laboratory facilities:

however, Duncan did not work on the bonbing of the car.

Duncan was asked about the Iouisville Chapter of the

Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and if it was a racist or a

white-hate group. Duncan replica he did not know, but he

did roceive a plaque and an honorary life-tine nonbership

in the Louisville Chapter of the FOP for cooperation with

the Louisville Folice

Department when he transferred from

Louisville in 1267 anJ that this plague was signed by Licu-

tonant Ico Joseph, then secretary and also sccretary to the

Chiet of Datectives.

Duncan was asked if the ku Klu. Flan was active in

Louisville and if any IBI Agents or Louisville Police Officers

balonged.

Duncan replica that he has little knowledge of tho

Eu Klux Flax at that time.

He heard in later years after he

loft Louisville that it did becone active in Kentucky.

At this point the Investigators reguested Duncan to wait

a while. Subsequently they cano back and took Duncan to

another room and introlaced Duncan to HI. Idward M. Ivans,

chief Investigator for the Committoe, and II. Robert J. Ichner,

Deputy Chief Counsel for the Cormittee. They thon asked sore

of the sane questions, incluling wao was at the allegod meeting.

lix. Ichner said that the Louisvilic Police Officers were

"stonewalling" the issue and mayse when they wore put under

thore tOKe TOnG

Virgil White anl a John Hitchell. Duncan recalled that he vas

acquainted with Virgil mito, who was a vice Squad Detective,

but did not recall John Mitchell, but did Iccall Detective

Herman Mitchell.

Duncan was asked if he know Dr. King and lIt. Hoover's

relationship and Duscan said no, excopt what he had heard in

the neuspaper and other media sources.

Duncan was asked if he knew pr. lartin Iuther king and

Duncan replied that he nover recalled sceing hin in person.

Durcan was asled if he knew King's brother, the Raverend A. D.

Williams King who livel in Louisvillo. He was told that Duncan

NN 55215 DooId: 32989797 Page 187

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## Page 188

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS,

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESSUTATIVES,

INTERVIEN OF SPECIAL AGEST WILLIAM R. DUNCAN

met him in 1963 with the then-Special Agent in Charge when Duncan

was to drive them and Attorncy Genaral Robert E. Kennedy, when

Kennedy came to Louisville to speak to a group on the 100th

Anniversary of the signing of the Inancipation Proclamation.

Duncan met Rev. A. D. Millians King with the Special Agent in

Charge at his church as he net everyone else who was to appear

on the platform with Attorney General Kennedy as Duncan wanted

to be personally acquainted with everyone on the platiorn.

Duncan was asked if he knew Aaron Duke, Arlic Blaire's

partner, and Duncan replied that he did not recall hin.

Duncan was asked if he had been the subject of any dis-

ciplinary action as a result of this matter and he replied

that he had not.

Duncan was asked if he had brought this incident to the

attention of any of his supervisors and, if so, when. Duncan

replied that it was brought to the attention of SA Danny o.

couLson, PBIll, when he knew that he was to be called to the

Committee for interview.

Duncan was asked if he ever surveilled Dr. King and if

he knew of any telephone taps regarding DI. King. Duncan

replied that he did not surveil him and

he had no personal

knowledge of any telephone taps.

Duncan was asked if he thought the matter was a joke

and if he could see anything funny in it and Duncan replied

that at the time it was meant as a joke, but at the present

time it was a nost serious and stupid thing, particularly in

light of events subsequent to 1965..

Duncan stated he would

take a polygraph examination to verify that what he was saying

was true.

Duncan was asked if he knew that DI. King was a frequent

visitor in Louisville during the racially troubled period.

He advised that he recalled the racially troubled times Ically

clinased after 1967. Duncan was asked if he would know Arlie

Blaire's voice and

Duncan replied he did not think he would.

Duncan was then told that he was to appear before the

Sub-Conmittee to give sworn testinony on November 30, 1977,

and would a subpoena be necessary. Duncan advised a

subpoena

would not be necessary.

Duncan was given the phone number

of the Committee and told to contact tir. Everhart should he

recall anything else.

-5.

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## Page 189

LOUSE SELECT COSMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS,

U. S. HOUSE QE REPRESENTATIVES,

INTERVIE OF SPECIAL AGONY WILLIAM R. DUNCAN

On November 29, 1977, Duncan again contacted Committee

Staff Members Mrs. Sheila Lee, Mir. Ifichael Everhart and Mi.

Hillian Hebb.

Duncan told them that he had recalled that he might have

know Aaron Duke, Arlie Blaire's partner.

Duncan recalled a

person described as a white nale, in his late 30's or early

10's as of 1965 or 1960, stocky, not rat, with gray cropped

hair, approximately 5' 10" and 180-185-190 pounds.

Duncan advised that he had no first-hand knowledge of

DI. King and Mr. Hoover's difficulty but that he had heard

runors about it and had a faint Iccollection that he may have

mentioned this at the time he told of the luflux Rlan and/or

the Cormunist Party rumor in the First District Police area.

Dincan told them that he did not tell soncone of his

recollection as a joke earlier because when the communication

was received from the Burcau, it was pointed out that he would

be contacted regarding the matter by the Comnittee Investiga

tors and that he would at that time be briefed by legal persomel

from FBINQ.

Duncan was asked if he had discussed this matter with

anyone outside the Bureau and his family. Duncan told them

he had talked one time with Lieutenant Vernon Austin by phone

and he did not discuss the joke other than ask if it could

have been a joke.

Duncan told then he had discussed it with

Robert Peters at lcast on three occasions. Once when it came

to his attention fron a newspaper clipping, once when he re-

ceived a communication from FBI Headquarters, and one tine after

he realized that it wàs a joke, at which time he told Peters

that he (Peters) and B. C.

Brown had nothing to do with it.

Duncan was asked about their get-together for the football

ganc on Lovember 11-12, 1977.

Duncan told them that Duncan

and Peters seriously considered not getting together for this

year's football game but decided since they had known each

other for 25 years and had plans to attend this football gaue

for over a year, that they would gà ahead and get together.

They agreed not to discuss the natter, however.

Duncan also told them that when he realized that it was

a joke and that he was involved, he contacted a long-time

personal friend and lawyer to assist in the analysis and action

regarding the entire matter.

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## Page 190

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS,

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

INTERVIEW OF SPECIAL AGENT WILLIAM R. DUNCAN

The Investigators asked if Duncan would be represented

by Counsel before the Committee and Duncan replied he would

not.

On the night of November 29, 1977, Duncan went back to

the Washington National Airport to pick up his luggage.

While there, a flight from louisville came in and he saw

his long time triend, P.M. Fry, with whom he shook hands.

Accompanying Fry was

Lieutenant James Bibb whom Duncan did

not recall for a minute, and former Police Officer Arlie

Blaire. Blaire came up to duncan and at this time was

recognized as being a former Louisville Police Officer. At

this time SA DUNCAN realized BLAIRE was not the red-headed

person he thought that he had remembered at the First District

office.

Blaire volunteered to Duncan that he knew Duncan only

professionally and that he had been discharged for being an

alcoholic, that he had cured himself without going to Alço

holics Anonymous and he was there at the request of the

committee.

He was asked by Duncan if he ever recalled working

on the Nashan Lane murder case.

He did recall this.

He was

asked what his partner, Aaron Duke, looked like and

he gave

a description meeting the one Duncan had recalled. He also

advised that they rode in car 102 rather than car 101.

On November 30, 1977, Duncan brought the aforementioned

airport meeting to the attention of Mr. Michael Everhart and

Mr. Edward Evans of the Committee staff.

Duncan appeared before the House Sub-Committee on

Növember 30, 1977. The Committee members present part or

full time were Mr. Louis Stokes; Mr. Walter E. Fauntroy;

Mr. Robert W. Edgar; Mr. Samuel I. Devine; Mrs. Yvonne

Brathwaite Burke; and possibly Harold I. Ford.

Mr. Michael Everhart of the Committee staff questioned

Duncan.

At this time Duncan asked Mr. Fauntroy if he would be

out of order if he asked when this incident was supposed to

have taken place and who was present. Ir. Fauntroy advised

that he would be out of order.

Duncan was asked how long he had been in Louisville,

Kentucky, and if he knew P. M. Fry, Robert Gregory, James Bibb,

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ROUSE SELICT COITILITEE OR ASSASSINATIONS,

U. I. ROICS OF REPRESENTATIVES,

INTERVIET OF SPECIAL AGRITE WILLI R. DUNCAII

Brent Hardin, Arlic Dlaire, Clifford Balra, Eernan Mitchell,

Robert I. Peters, B. C. BrOwn and Warrch Walsh.

lie gave .

then a sinilar reply as he had given tha Investigators.

Ile

told then that ko did not recognize or know Clifton Baird

for sure until he saw him coning out of the cormittee room

on Novomber 30, 1977.

Ic was asked if he know a Sergeant Millian Baker and

if he was lanown to pull jolsos.

Duncan said "yes". He was

Duncan was asked if he ever pulled any jokes and the

anster was "on occasion", and he gave one example. lic was

asked in great detail about where the meeting or jokc was

pulled and how he was to know who he was to toll the story

to. Dunsen did not rocall except that he thought there were

two officers from the district and unloubtedly one of then

would have been Baird, otherwise Baird would not have told

the story. He was asked. how the statement was made and if

there was

anything olse sais.

Duncan replied that thore could

have been a question asked and he could have replied something

about Mr. licover and DI. King's relationship.

He was asked about the racial clinate in Louisville anj

replied that he thought it was fairly calm until after 1967.

He also pointed out that the Louisville City School System

was one of the few in the United States that was integratod

without incident but that the County School Syaten soveral

ycars later hau difficulty.

He was asked about Dr. Martin

Luther Fing and M. D. Millions Hing again. le again gave the

he was

at the Zion Baptist Church, his brothor's church;

and again on December 10, 1905, at the Zion Baptist Church when

he spoke to the kentucky NAACP Group on civil rights.

He was again asked about Dr. King and Mr. Hoover's trouble

and if DI. Fing was surveilled every time he came to a town

and

who put the tolophone taps on hin. Furcher, if they hay

people fion louisville or people that went around the couatry

putting on tolephone taps on DI. Ring.

he haû no knowlodge of any surveillances or any telephone taps

On DI. King.

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## Page 192

HOUSE SELECE COMTIATES O' ASSASSINATIONS,

U.S. HOUSE CE REPRESSITATIVES,

INIERVIEM OF SPECIAL AGELE MILLIAY R. DUNCAZ

He was asliel if he ever was a supervisor, citics in

Iouisville or st. louis, if he had workol on the bonbing

of Sergeant Brent Hardin's car, and if he worked on a civil

rights case concerning Clifton Baird. Dancan replica neija

tirely to all thase questions.

Duncan was given a statonent which allegedly was a trans-

cription of a recording betwoen Arlie Blaire and Clifton Baird

which discussel blacks and king in derogatory terus, and there

MaIC sORo ICfcIences made to an offer.

He was asked if this

was typical of the Louisville police feelings at that time.

He alvisal that he did not know and that he had never heard

this discussed.

The transcription was signed by Clifton Baird

on November 30, 1977, and the recoruing was supposed to lave

taken place on Septezber 29, 1965.

Dancan was asked if he know about the assassination of

Nalcoln & and he roplied that he had probably hoard about it.

Kc thought it was a Black kuslin killirg in Chicago.

1C 125

tols that it was a

Dlack Muslin killing in New York.

To was asked about the Iouisville Division's participa

tion in the cointcipro.

Dunsan alvised that he had no know

ledge of any progran, fointing out that he was a Criminal In

vestigative Agent. He was asked who handled racial type invos

tigations in Louioville and if ho has informants. Duncan ad-

vised hin that Warrch Halsh fornarly hanüled theso kini of

matters and he was then asked if George Hutcaison also worked

these cases. Duncan replied "yos", but that he did not know

Walsh's informants but unsoubtedly ho did have informants.

Duncan vas guestionci ly Connitice mosbors ani asked

generatly nhat guidelines ho has bech given by the lat to ansver

quostions He roplied that he las given complete alcarance to.

discuss any matter concorning the dr. Martin Iuthor King nattcr.

lie was asked concerning the description of sergeant Bill Bakor.

Duncan told the Committec membors that he was instructed by

the F3I to toll tho truth at all costs.

Duncan was asked how many times he nade the "offci" or

the statement and was it nade on more than one occasion and

on two different dates. Duncan roplica that he only recallel

the ose time and the one date.

hie. Sawyer nile the rcnark. that

he had the unpleasant experienzo to be present to hoar the late

Dircator J.. Edgar Hoover say some very bittor things regarding

DI. King.

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## Page 193

HOUSE SELECT COMITTEE ON ASSASSINARIONS,

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENRATIVES,

INTERVILI OF SPECIAL AGIT MILLIAN R. DUNCALI

Dancan was asked if he thought that the incident was

an offer by the FBI to kill DI. King. Duncan replied that

It definitely was not. However, it vas in poor taste and

soncthing that should not have occurred. He was asked his

definition of a joke and Duncan gave his definition of a joke

as something nade in fun.

ing the anonynous manspaper clipping suddenly ampearing in the

EBI mail, and was this not a crack-pot way of doing things.

He added

that Congressien freguently receive anonynous itens

in the mail also.

lt. Stokes asked if SA DUICAN Knew that Di. King had won

the lobel Peace Prize and that he preached peace uncrever he

went. Duncan replied he did know, but did not know the date..

Stokes stated that he thought the American public should

hear and judge this matter.

Duncan was asked where he was assigned and where he was

physically the date that Dr. King was killed. He replied he

was assigned to the st.

Iouis Division and at the Mexico,

Missouri, Residont Agency•

Mr, Everhart of the staff summed up the questioning by

asking

if it was possible that P.M. Fry, Vernon Austin,

Robert Gregory, Brent Hardin, Herman Mitchell, Arlie Blaire,

and Robert Peters could have been present when the matter was

discussed regarding Dr. King.

Duncan replied that it was pos-

sible, but he had no recollection of any of them, especially

Peters.

SA Duncan acknowledged linited participation as described

in instant incident, but stated this was done on his own ini-

tiative spontaneously and wanted it known the FBI as an organ-

zation had no involvement whatsoaver.

Further, that he would

cooperate fully in resolving this matter satisfactorily.

Ar. Lohner requested Duncan not to contact any of the

police officers or discuss his testimony with any of them.

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## Page 194

xx

2/10/78

TO:.

DIRECIOR, FBI (62-117290)

(ATTN:

CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT,

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION)

FROM:

SAC, SI. LOUIS (62-5097) (C)

SUBJECT: HOUSE SELECI COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

Re Bureau teletype to St. Louis, 2/10/78, captioned

as above.

Enclosed under separate cover för Headquarters

is a Xerox copy of each serial in SL 170-1767 and SL 170-1767

Sub A as was requested in retel.

Also enclosed is destruction

memoranda concerning SL 1495-E (former) substantive file.

Case closed in St. Louis.

3- Bureau

(1 - via package) (Enc. 1)

St.

Louis

• 62-5097)

(I- 170-1767)

JLV : jtc

(5) • Tw

Plone-4

17H

File Stripped

3/14/г8

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## Page 195

HQ0D77 0410225

RR SL

DE HQ

R 100045Z FEB 78

FM DIRECTOR (62-117290)

TO SI. LOUIS ROUTINE

BT

EFTO

62-5047

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

REFERENCE BUREAU TELETYPE TO ST. LOUIS DATED

JANUARY 25, 1978; ST. LOUIS TELETYPES TO BUREAU JANUARY 27,

1978, AND JANUARY 31, 1978.

ON FEBRUARY 8, 1978, G. ROBERT BLAKEY, CHIEF COUN-

SEL. AND DIRECIOR, HSCA, ADVISED HIS STAFF HAD CONTACIED

FORMER SL 1495-E, WHO HAS AGREED TO COOPERATE WITH THE

HSCA. ON FEBRUARY 9, 1978, STAFF ATTORNEY MICHAEL

EBERHARDI, HSCA, ADVISED THAI SL 1495-E HAS EXECUTED A

• SIGNED WAIVER AUTHORIZING HSCA ACCESS TO ALL FBI INFORMA-

TION CONCERNING HIM, INCLUDING THAT PERTAINING TO HIS

INFORMANI ACTIVITIES.

62-5097-52

219/18

WAK

Vermernel

eW men boston 32082797 Rage. 195

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## Page 196

PAGE TWO 62-117290 EFIO

SI. LOUIS PROMPILY FURNISH FBIHQ ON XEROX COPY

OF EACH SERIAL IN INFORMANT'S MAIN FILE AND SUB A FILE

(170-1767) AND ONE COPY OF ANY VOUCHER OR DOCUMENT WHICH

CONCERNS ANY ASPECT OF SOURCE'S OPERATION AND ANY PAY-

MENT WHICH WAS MADE TO HIM. ADDITIONALLY, PROVIDE FBIHQ

WITH ONE COPY OF ANY MAIN FILE OR REFERENCE IN YOUR

OFFICE WHICH MAY BE IDENTIFIABLE WITH INFORMANT.

THIS MATERIAL SHOULD BE FORWARDED BY COVER AIR-

TEL TO FBI HEADQUARTERS, ATTENTION CONGRESSIONAL

INQUIRY UNIT,

RECORDS MANAGEMENI DIVISION. UPON RECEIPT AT

FBIHQ, THE MATERIAL WILL BE PROCESSED FOR ACCESS OF EE STAFF

MEMBERS OF HSCA, PROVIDED THE WAIVER DESCRIBED AS ABOVE

IS RECEIVED.

BT

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## Page 197

FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-76)

TRANSMIT VIA:

• Teletype

• Facsimile

_ Airtel

FBI

9467

PRECEDENCE:

[ Immediate

[ Priority

Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

0 TOP SECRET

• SECRET

• CONFIDENTIAL

DEETO

D CLEAR

Date L131/15

FM ST. LOUIS (62-5097) €

TO DIRECTOR ROUTINE

BT

CLEAR

ATTENTION CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION.

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA) •

RE ST. LOUIS TELETYPE TO BUREAU, JANUARY 27, 1978, CAPTIONED

AS ABOVE.

BY LETTER RECEIVED THIS DATE AT ST. LOUIS OFFICE FROM

SL 1495-E (FORMER), SOURCE ADVISED HE HAS "CHANGED HIS MIND" ABOUT •

BEING INTERVIEWED BY HSCA. SOURCE NOW UNWILLING TO BE INTERVIEWED

AND WANTS "TO BE KEPT OUT OF IT."

CASE CLOSED BY ST. LOUIS.

BT

File Strippea

23/78.

DJIV: edr

(1)

#3 Rota

ect0 170-1767

dove

42-5097-51

SEARCHED

SERIALIZED

INDEXED

FILED

who

Approve: HCL111

Transmitted

(Number)

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0430

(Time)

+477099

Per

OPO: 1977 0 - 225-539

---

## Page 198

FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-76)

. TRANSMIT VIA:

in teletype

• Facsimile

[ Airtel

F BI

9665

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

D Priority

Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

• TOP SECRET

O SECRET

O CONFIDENTIAL

O CLEAR

Date

159023

FM ST. LOUIS (62-5097) (C)

TO DIRECTOR ROUTINE

BT

EFTO

ATTENTION CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION.

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

RE BUREAU TEL TO ST. LOUIS, JANUARY 25, 1978, CAPTIONED AS

ABOVE •

SL 1495-E (FORMER) CONTACTED THIS DATE. HE WAS ADVISED OF

HSCA'S EXISTENCE AND ITS DESIRE TO INTERVIEW HIM CONCERNING CONTENTS

OF LHM DATED MAY 28, 1971, CAPTIONED "NATIONAL STATES RIGHTS PARTY,

RM - NSRP".

SOURCE (FORMER) WAS ADVISED THAT HSCA HAS INTERVIEWED OTHER

INDIVIDUALS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MATTER AND WILL BE ISSUING SUB-

POENAS. INITIAL REACTION OF SOURCE WAS THAT HE HAD NO STRONG

OBJECTION TO BEING INTERVIEWED BY HSCA.

WAS THEN ADVISED THAT CONFERENCES WITH NSCA

SOURCE (FORMER

File Stripped

2/1/28

cc.to170-1767

St. Louis

IV : CW

(1)

SEARCHED

SERIALIZED

INDEXED

FILED

62-5097-50

0

Approved:

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

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Transmitted

2150

(Number)

(Time)

Per

GPO: 19770 - 225-539

---

## Page 199

FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-76)

, TRANSMIT VIA:

ME Faletype

D Facsimile

• Airtel

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

[ Immediate

• Priority

• Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

I TOP SECRET

• SECRET

CONFIDENTIAL

EF TO

O CLEAR

Date

PAGE TWO SL 62-5097 E F T 0

AND DOJ WOULD BE UNDERTAKEN TO WORK OUT DETAILS RE PROTECTION,

CONFIDENTIALITY, LOCATION AND SCOPE OF INTERVIEW.

IT IS NOTED THAT SOURCE (FORMER) UNDERWENT MAJOR HEART AND

ABDOMINAL SURGERY DURING OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER, 1977, IS CURRENTLY

RECOVERING AND UNDER DOCTOR'S CARE. HE RESIDES 12350 OLD HALLS

FERRY ROAD, FLORISSANT, MO., (314) 355-1500 AND IS UNEMPLOYED.

BT

Approved: -

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 199

Transmitted

Per -

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(Time)

GPO: 1977 0 - 225-539

---

## Page 200

aginal +0 170-1767-131174ke

274-10267

62-5097-49

JAN 3 1 1978

ro.-sr. LOUIs

NN 05215

DocId: 32989797

Page

200

---

## Page 201

12350

Old Hell, Kevey

Florianon?", M0.23035

Jemencry

48,1978

Jin Meet, -

Si. Loui, M..

Dear Trin-

do pier orse

concuraction et the

about whe the

willin to tell te erady abont

Can ocean

355-15770

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 201

---

## Page 202

ater

HQ0D67 0252212

RR SL

DE HQ

R 252151Z JAN 78

EM DIRÉCTOR

TO ST. LOUIS (ROUTINE)

+ 5562-5097%

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

REFERENCE SI. LOUIS AIRTEL AND LHM TO BUREAU DATED

MAY 28, 1971, CAPTIONED, "NATIONAL STATES RIGHTS PARTY, RM-

NS RP."

THE HSCA IS CURRENTLY CONDUCTING INVESTIGATION INTO THE

ASSASSINATION OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. IN THAI CONNECTION,

VARIOUS DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING REFERENCED COMMUNICATION, HAVE

BEEN MADE AVAILABLE FOR HSCA REVIEW.

• ON JANUARY 23, 1978, G. ROBERI BLAKEY, CHIEF COUNSEL AND

DIRECTOR, HSCA, ADVISED THAT THE HSCA DESIRES TO INTERVIEW THE

FBI INFORMANT WHO PROVIDED INFORMATION IN REFERENCED LHM.

BLAKEY REQUESTED THAT INFORMANT BE CONTACTED AND ADVISED OF

THE HSCA'S INTEREST IN ORDER TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT •

INFORMANT. HAD ANY OBJECTIONS

TO BEING INTERVIEWED BY

rel 1/77/78

Intervena

Resides: 11350 01d Nell ZerRd.

62-5097-48

71or, mo

355-1500

sie

goo

а ж

Two fore

55215

DocId: 32989797

Page 202

JAN 2 J 1978

FBI -ST. LOUIS

Vermench

---

## Page 203

PAGE. TWO EF I O

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MSCA•

INFORMANT IS SL 1495-E (FORMER), WHO WAS OPERATED FROM

JANUARY, 1978, TO APPROXIMATELY SEPTEMBER 1971. INFORMANT

WAS PRIMARILY TARGETED AGAINST WHITE-HATE GROUPS AND WAS

SUBJECT OF BUREAU FILE 134-19686 AND ST. LOUIS FILE 170-1767.

ON JANUARY 24, 1978, SUPERVISOR JAMES HAGGERTY DETERMINED

THAT INFORMANI IS LISTED IN THE CURRENT ST. LOUIS TELEPHONE

DIRECTORY AND THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CONTACI WITH INFORMANT

SINCE HE WAS CLOSED IN 1971. •

ST. LOUIS PROMPTLY CONTACT FORMER SL 1495-E. ADVISE HIM

OF THE HSCA'S EXISTENCE, AND

ITS DESIRE TO INTERVIEW HIM

APPARENTLY CONCERNING THE CONTENTS OF REFERENCED LHM:

ADVISE HIM

THE ISCA HAS INTERVIEVED OTHER INDIVIDUALS IN

CONNECTION WITH REFERENCED LHM AND WILL BE ISSUING SUBPOENAS

IN CONNECIION WITH THIS MATTER. DETERMINE AT THIS POINT ONLY

HIS INITIAL REACTION TO BEING INTERVIEWED BY REPRESENTATIVES

OF THE HSCA. IF. HE HAS NO OBJECTIONS TO AN INTERVIEW, HE

SHOULD BE TOLD THAT CONFERENCES WITH THE HSCA AND DEPARIMENT

OF JUSTICE WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO WORK OUT ADDITIONAL DETAILS

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 203

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## Page 204

108-1100

PAGE THREE E F I O

RÉGARDING THE EXIENT OF PROTECTION AND CONFIDENTIALITY

THE NSCA IS WILLING TO EXTEND AS WELL AS DETAILS REGARDING

THE LOCATION AND SCOPE OF INTERVIEW.

SUTEL RESULTS TO FBIHQ, ATTENTION CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY

UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION.

BT

B2522 16Z SL 2

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 204

---

## Page 205

FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-76)

TRANSMIT VIA:

X7 Teletype

• Facsimile

O Airtel

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

3 Priority

Ly Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

• TOP SECRET

• SECRET

• CONFIDENTIAL

DEFTO

XX CLEAR

Date

1/10/78

4287/9282

FM ST. LOUIS (62-5097) (RUC)

TO DIRECTOR (62-117290) ROUTINE

BT

CLEAR

ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE

DIVISION

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA) ; BUDED JANUARY 13,

1978.

REFERENCE BUREAU TELETYPE DATED JULY 27, 1977.

(1) FORMER SPECIAL AGENT HAROLD R. DOBSON WAS CASE AGENT AS -

SIGNED TO MURKIN INVESTIGATION, ST. LOUIS FILE 44-775, BUREAU FILE

44-38861, IN ST. LOUIS DIVISION. FORMER SPECIAL AGENT DOBSON WAS

ASSIGNED TO SECURITY SQUAD AND HANDLED SECURITY TYPE CASES PRIOR TO

HIS INVOLVEMENT IN MURKIN INVESTIGATION.

(2) ST. LOUIS FILE 157-5818 ENTITLED "COUNTERINTELLIGENCE

PROGRAMS, BLACK NATIONALISTS, HATE GROUPS, RACIAL INTELLIGENCE" WAS

OPENED AS A PENDING INACTIVE STATUS CONTROL FILE

ON AUGUST 29, 1967.

SEARCHEN

SERIALIEr"

INDEXED

FILED

1) - St. LOuIS

(1) Oma

old

Stunt Be

62-5097-47

005

Approved: ACkya

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 205

---

## Page 206

FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-76)

TRANSMIT VIA:

Teletype

Facsimile

• Airtel

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

Priority

Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

• TOP SECRET

• SECRET

CONFIDENTIAL

EFT O

CLEAR

Date

PAGE TWO SL 62-5097 CLEAR

ON FEBRUARY 27, 1968, THROUGH JANUARY 8, 1969, WAS ASSIGNED TO

SPECIAL AGENT JACK A. FRENCH OF SECURITY SQUAD AT ST. LOUIS DIVISION.

HIS ASSIGNMENT IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THIS CASE ASSIGNMENT WAS TO

HANDLE SECURITY TYPE CASES.

ST. LOUIS FILE 100-17801, BUREAU FILE 100-106670, ENTITLED

"MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.; SECURITY MATTER - C" WAS ASSIGNED TO

FOLLOWING AGENTS: FORMER SPECIAL AGENT RICHARD B. SMITH, JANUARY 15,

1965, THROUGH JANUARY 19, 1965, FEBRUARY 3, 1965, THROUGH APRIL 10,

1965; SPECIAL AGENT ROBERT S. STEWART, APRIL 28, 1965, THROUGH

APRIL 28, 1965; FORMER SPECIAL AGENT WALTER A. HILGENDORF,

NOVEMBER 11, 1965, THROUGH NOVEMBER 12, 1965, AND JUNE 14, 1966,

THROUGH JUNE 17, 1966; FORMER AGENT RICHARD B. SMITH, OPENING DATE

UNKNOWN THROUGH JULY 6, 1966, AND MARCH 25, 1967, THROUGH MARCH 27,

1967.

ST. LOUIS FILE 105-4027, BUREAU FILE 100-438794, ENTITLED

"COMMUNIST INFILTRATION OF SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE;

RM; IS - C" WAS ASSIGNED TO FOLLOWING AGENTS: FORMER AGENT WALTER A

HILGENDORF, SEPTEMBER 23, 1964, THROUGH DECEMBER 10, 1964, AND

MARCH 21, 1965, THROUGH APRIL 19, 1965; SPECIAL AGENT JACK A. FRENCH,

JUNE 3, 1965, THROUGH JUNE 16, 1965; FORMER AGENT WALTER A.

Approved:

NW 55215

DocId: 32989797

Page 206

Transmitted

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(Number)

(Time)

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---

## Page 207

FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-76)

TRANSMIT VIA:

[ Teletype

• Facsimile

• Airtel

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

• Priority

• Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

• TOP SECRET

• SECRET

• CONFIDENTIAL

DEFTO

O CLEAR

Date

9282

PAGE THREE SL 62-5097 CLEAR

HILGENDORF, FEBRUARY 24, 1966, THROUGH DATE UNKNOWN; SPECIAL AGENT

JACK A. FRENCH, JUNE 6, 1969, THROUGH JULY 23, 1969. THE ABOVE

AGENTS AND FORMER AGENTS WERE ASSIGNED TO ST. LOUIS DIVISION SECURITY

SQUAD DURING PERTINENT PERIOD.

A REVIEW OF ABOVE FILES DISCLOSED NO INSTANCES WHERE COUNTER-

INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES WERE CONSIDERED OR CARRIED OUT AGAINST KING

OR THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE.

Approved:

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## Page 208

HQ0D24 3612154

RR AT BH CG LA LS ME MM NO SL

DE HQ

R 272010Z DEC 77

FM DIRECIOR (62-117290)

TO ATLANTA (ROUTINE)

BIRMINGHAM (ROUTINE)

CHICAGO (ROUTINE)

LOS ANGELES (ROUTINE)

LOUISVILLE (ROUTINE)

MEMPHIS (ROUTINE)

MIAMI (ROUTINE)

NEW ORLEANS (ROUTINE)

ST. LOUIS (ROUTINE)

BT

EF T•O

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA), BUREAU

DEADLINE JANUARY 13, 1978.

THE HSCA IS CURRENTLY CONDUCTING INVESTIGATION

INTO THE

ASSASSINATION OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, UR MURA SORT LETTER

DATED DECEMBER 13, 1917, THE ASCA REQUESTED TATEWAR

THE FOLLOWING:

DEC & T 1977

WW 55215 DocId:32989797

Soonie at tickle

Raga ben 1/1728

in Done fo

1768

---

## Page 209

PAGE TWO EFTO

(1) IDENTIFICATION OF FIELD OFFICE CASE AGENI(S)

ASSIGNED TO THE MURKIN INVESTIGATION IN ALL ABOVE LISTED

OFFICES (EXCEPT LOUISVILLE). INCLUDED SHOULD BE THE

DIVISION, SECTION OR SQUAD OF ASSIGNMENI AND THE NATURE OF

THE AGENT•S ASSIGNMENT IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO HIS INVLVEMENT

IN THE MURKIN INVESTIGATION.

(2) IDENTIFICATION OF FIELD OFFICE CASE AGENT(S)

ASSIGNED TO COUNTERINTELLIGENCE (COINTELPRO) EFFORTS DIRECTED

AGAINST KING AND THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

(SCLC) DURING THE PERIOD 1965-1968 IN ALL ABOVE LISTED

OFFICES. AS ABOVE, INCLUDED SHOULD BE THE DIVISION, SECTION

OR SQUAD OF ASSIGNMENI AND THE NATURE OF THE AGENT'S

ASSIGNOPT IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO HIS INVOLVEMENT IN THE

COINTELPRO, KING AND SCLC INVESTIGATIONS...

BECAUSE MOST COUNTERINTELLIGENCE ACTIVITY AGAINSI KING

AND SCLC WAS HANDLED IN THE SUBSTANTIVE INVESTIGATIONS, YOU

SHOULD IDENTIFY THE CASE AGENT(S) INVOLVED IN THE SECURITY

INVESTIGATIONS OF KING AND SCLO, AS WELL AS THE COINTELPRO.

THIS REVIEW SHOULD INCLUDE INSTANCES WHERE COUNTERINTELLIGENCE

ACTIVITIES WERE EITHER CONSIDERED OR CARRIED OUT AGAINST

KING AND SCLO.

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 209

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## Page 210

PAGE THREE EF TO

RESPONSES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY TELETYPE TO THE

ATTENTION OF THE CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, SPECIAL

INVESIIGATIVE DIVISION, BY JANUARY 13, 1978.

UNDER CURRENT OPERATING PROCEDURES EXISTING BETWEEN

THE DEPARIMENT OF JUSTICE AND THE HSCA, DISCLOSURE OF ABOVE

AGENT INDENTITIES TO THE HSCA CANNOI BE PREVENTED. HOWEVER,

THE LEGAL COUNSEL DIVISION OF FBIHQ IS NEGOTIATING WITH THE

HSCA IN EFFORT TO LIMIT PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF NAMES OF ANY

AGENT PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN THE COINTELPRO ACTIVITIES. SUCH

AGREEMENT WOULD FOLLOW PRECEDENT OF THE SENATE SELECT

COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE WHICH IN ITS REPORT DURING 1976

DID NOT LISI THE NAMES OF ANY FBI PERSONNEL' BELOW THE POSITION

OF SECTION CHIEF.

BT

28627240

IRONIEL

---

## Page 211

St. Louis, Missouri

October 25, 1977

The Honorable Griffin R. Bell

Attorney General of the United States

U. S. Department of Justice

Washington, D. C.

Dear Mr. Bell:

By letter dated October 7, 1977, Mr. G. Robert

Blakey, Stafi Director for House select committee on

Assassinations, requested Mr. Robert I. Keich, Special

Assistant to the Attorney General, authorize my inter-

view by Committee Staff personnel.

I understand this

interview will concern alleged improprieties on the part

of Bureau Agents with regard to the assassination of

DI. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I am requesting that the Department authorize an

attorney of my choice at Departmental expense to repre-

sent ny interests and the interests of the FBI during

this interview.

Very truly yours,

Milliam R. Duncan

Special Agent

FBI, St. Louis, Mo.

:

2 - Addressee

1 - St. Louis

(62-5.097)

WRD :n1n

(3.).

til

62-5097-445

SERIALIZEO EX

INDEXED

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 211

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## Page 212

10/25/77

AIRTEL

AIR MAIL

TO: DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

ATTENTION;

DANNY O. COULSON, LEGAI. COUNSEL DIVISION)

FROM: SAC, ST. IOUIS (62-5097)

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

* U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Re Bureau phone calls to St. Louis 10/19/77.

SA WILLIAM R. DUNCAN, St. Louis Division, to the Honorable Griffir

• R. Bell, Attorney General of the United States, requesting

that.

the Department of Justice authorize an attorney of his choice to

be paid for by the Department to represent him during an interview

by Committee Staff members.

2

- Bureau (Encs.)

~ St: Louis

WRD: nIn

(3)

o Stripped

4/H17

62-5097-44

SEARCHED

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INDEXED

'FILED

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 212

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## Page 213

xx

10/5/77

TO:

FROM:

SUBJECT:

9/22/77.

DIRECTOR, FBI

(ATTN: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT,

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION)

(ATTN: SUPERVISOR J. T. ALDHIZER)

SAC, SI. LOUIS (62-5097)

RUC

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE

ON ASSASSINATIONS

Re Bureau teletype, 8/18/77, and St. Louis airtel,

Enclosed for Bureau are two copies of serial

44-775-483.

3- Bureau (Encs. 2)

Ist. Louis

62-5097-4433

SERIALIA A

givi

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 213

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## Page 214

-

XX

9/22/77

TO:

FROM:

SUBJECT:

DIRECTOR, FBI

CATIN:

CONGRESSIONAI INQUIRY UNIT,

SPECIAL INVISTIGAIIVE DIVISION)

SAC, ST. IOUIS (62-5097) (RUC)

et in ?

HOUSE SELECT COLMITTEE

ON ASSASSINATIONS

BUDED:

9/23/77

Re Bureau teletype, 8/18/77.

Enclosed under separate cover for Bureau are two

boxes each containing a sèt of documents prepared as out-

lined in referenced teletype concerning Si 44-775 entitled

"HURKIN".

4 - Bureau

(2 via packages)

V- st. Louis

(5)

ligh

62-5097-42

PARCHED

SERIALI

INESSE

911.8

зейй

sonotdestoy

- NW 55215 DocId:32989797 Page 214

= 10 701 *x

File Stripped

1/23/27

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## Page 215

Following is list of items contained in SI 44-775-1A.

Items with asterisk are attached.

1A (1)

Photographs of tee shirts and slacks bearing laundry

mark.

1A (2)

1A (3)

Photographs of artist conception of assailant:

Artist conception photos from description of Memphis

and. Birmingham.

1A (4)

Photos of artist conception furnished by witnesses

at Memphis, Tennessee.

1A (5)

iA (6)

*IA (7)

Composite of UNSUB, aka ERIC STARVO GALT.

1960 photos JAMES EARL RAY.

Guest. Registration Card #5737, Allstate Ins.,

Columbia, Missouri.

IA (8)

1A (9)

1A (10)

1A (11)

IA (12)

1A (13)

Photo WALTER T. RIFE.

Photo JAMES, EARL RAY with WALTER T. RIFE.

Photo JAMES EARL RAY.

Photo copy Death Certificate LUCILLE MARY RYAN.

Photo RUSSELI LEE MARTIN, MSP #08014.

Photos JAMES EARL. RAY, 1966 Mo. Dept. of Corrections.

1A (14)

Photos JAMES EARL RAY taken 1967 Mexico.

LA (15).

1A (16)

*IA (17)

Photos GEORGE FREDERICK BRASS.

Photos ROBERT DALE PORTER.

Copies 0i 86M0. State Penitentiary Release

Fingerprint Card re ROBERT DALE PORTER.

1A (18)

IA (19)

1A (20)

Photos ROY EUGENE WARREN.

Photo LEE HOLLAND PARKER.

MSP Photo JAMES EARL RAY.

1A (21)

Photo JACK EUGENE GAWRON.

-I-

NW 55215

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## Page 216

*IA (22)

*IA (23).

*1À (24)

*IA (25)

1A (26)

1A (27)

1A (28)

1A (29)

1A (30)

1A (31)

1A (32)

1A (33)

Copy: of Mo. Dept. of Liquor Control license for

CAROL PEPPER.

3 Registration Cards of McArthur Hotel.

Xerox copies Application for Tenancy at 1982

Arsenal St., St. Louis, Mo.

Xerox copy of lease for 1982 Arsenal St., St.

Louis, Mo.

Photo ROBERT DALE PORTER.

Photos JAMES EARL, RAY (taken 1968 in Calf.)

Photos JAMES EARL RAY.

Photos JAMES EARL RAY and JAMES OWENS.

Photo JAMES EARL RAY.

Photos of laundry marks on shirt and bed linen.

Photò JAMES LOMA OWENS.

Photo JAMES LAONA OWENS.

*1A (34).

*IA (35)

Signature card of JAMES CARI, O'CONNOR.

Application for rental of 1912 California (10/9/67)•

*IA (36)

*IA (37)

*IA (38)

Copy of rental check from JOHN RAY.

Copy of bank record re checking account of JOHN RAY.

Copy of bank record re account of JAMES CARL O'CONNOR.

1A (39),

Photo of KeNNETH LEE WADE.

*IA (40) • Telephone toll tickets re CARMEN PATTON.

*IA (41;)

Telephone toll tickets re phone JErRY RayNES.

*IA (42)

Telephone toll tickets re phone J. D. DAILY.

*IA (43)

Xerox copy toll tickets. JERRY RAYNES.

*IA (44)

Xerox copy toll calls from PR 6-3540

-2-

• NW 55215

DocId: 32989797 Page 216

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## Page 217

• .

*1A (45)

*IA (46)

IA (47)

1A (48)

1A (49)

1A (50)

*IA (51)

*IA (52)

*IA (53)

1A (54)

Toll tickets on LaFonts Service Station.

Toll info on phone J. D. DAILEY #379-3136.

Photo of OWEN I. FOX.

1967 Photo of JAMES H. CARPENTER.

Photo of JAMES DAVID DAILEY.

Photos of VINCENT JOSEPH WALKER.

Exemplified copy of armed robbery sentence of RaY.

Xerox copy of toll calls re TO 5-0449.

Copies of invoices.

List of members and non-members of National Institute

of Dry Cleaners furnished by Baltimore Division.

-3-

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 217

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## Page 218

HQ0D77 2300204

RR AT BH .CG LA MM NO SL

DE HQ

R 18011DZ AUG 77

FU DIRECTOR

TO ATLANIA (ROUTINE)

BIRMINGHAM (ROUTINE)

CHICAGO (ROUTINE2

LOS ANGELES (ROUTINE)

MIAMI (ROUTINE)

NEW ORLEANS (ROUTINE)

ST • LOUIS (ROUTINE)

CLEAR

• 62-5217+

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS; BUREAU DEADLINE

SEPTEMBER 23, 1977

THE HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA),

WHICH IS INVESTIGATING THE ASSASSINATIONS OF JOHN F. KENNEDY

AND MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., HAS REQUESTED ACCESS TO INVESTI-

GATE FILES OF THE ABOVE FIELD OFF CE FILES CONCERNING OUR

62-5097-441

SEARCHED

INDEXED

SENALIZEDX

A FILED.

ASG 1 ÷ 197

OR-THELOUS

FRANKI

NW 55215 DocId:32989797 Page 218

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## Page 219

PAGE TWO CLEAR

MURKIN INVESTIGATION (ASSASSINATION OF KING) .

AT A MEETING WITH HSCA OFFICIALS ON AUGUST 16, 1977,

CHIEF COUNSEL ROBERI G. BLAKEY AGREED THAI, TO AVOID DUPLICATION,

IT WOULD BE NECESSARY FOR HIS STAFF TO REVIEW ONLY THE

FIRST PAGE OF ANY FIELD OFFICE DOCUMENT WHICH WAS DIRECTED

TO OR RECEIVED FROM FBI HEADQUARTERS OR THE MEMPHIS FIELD

OFFICE (FBIHQ FILES HAVE BEEN PROCESSED AND MEMPHIS FILES

ARE CURRENTLY BEING PROCESSED FOR THE SCA). THIS FIRST PAGE

WILL PROVIDE THE HSCA A CHRONOLOGICAL ACCOUNTING OF ALL

SERIALS IN THE FILE. ALL SERIALS NOT DIRECTED TO OR

RECEIVED• FROM FBIHQ OR MEMPHIS WOULD HAVE TO BE REVIEWED IN

THEIR ENTIRETY.

THE HSCA ALSO DESIRES TO SEE ALL NOTATIONS IN THESE

FILES

UNLESS

THE NOTATIONS ARE FOR INDEXING PURPOSES OR

GRAMMATICAL CORRECTIONS. THEREFORE, IF A FIELD NOTATION

APPEARS IN OTHER IHAN THE FIRSI PAGE OF A SERIAL THAT

EXISTS IN THE FBIHQ OR MEMPHIS FILE, COPIES OF THAT PAGE

WILL HAVE TO BE REPRODUCED AND FORWARDED TO FBIHQ.

EACH RECIPIENT, EXCEPT MIAMI, USING THE ABOVE CRITERIA,

FURNISH FBIHQ TWO XEROX COPIES OF YOUR MURKIN INVESTIGATIVE FILE.

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 219

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## Page 220

PAGE THREE CLEAR

FILES SHOULD REACH FBIHQ BY SEPTEMBER 23, 1977. IF YOUR

FILE CONTAINS ANY EXHIBIT, PHOTOGRAPH OR DOCUMENT WHICH. CANNOT

BE REPRODUCED, SET FORTH A DESCRIPIION AND LOCATION OF THAT

ITEM IN THE COVER PAGES OF YOUR COMMUNICATION TRANSMITIING

THE FILES TO FBIHQ.

ALL COPIES SUBMITTED SHOULD BE CLEARLY LEGIBLE AND

SHOULD BE SENT REGISTERED MAIL, MARKED TO THE ATTENTION OF

THE CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION.

ANY QUESTIONS CAN BE RESOLVED BY CONTACTING SUPERVISOR

J. I. ALDHIZER, EXTENSION 3685.

• SINCE MIAMI PREVIOUSLY FURNISHED A COPY OF ITS MURKIN

FILE DURING REVIEW OF THE KING CASE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF

JUSTICE TASK FORCE, IT WILL NOT BE NECESSARY TO REPRODUCE

YOUR FILES IN LINE WITH THE ABOVE. HOWEVER, FILES SHOULD

BE REVIEWED FOR PAGES NOT PREVIOUSLY FORWARDED FBIHQ

WHICH MAY CONTAIN NOTATIONS• ADVISE FBIHQ RESULTS OF YOUR

REVIEW, FURNISHING TWO COPIES OF ANY PAGE CONTAINING NOTATION

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EV E5215 Dorzd:32588797 Fage 220

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## Page 221

PD-350 (Rev. 11-12-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Brother 'Goes Public' With Detaily

What Ray Told

(Indicate page, name of

ewspaper, city and state.)

Assassinations Panel]28, st. Lou's

Post-Dispatch,

St. Louis, Missouri

-

Jerry

•Ray

& James "wanted to be cleared"

BY SAKE MCCARTHY

Of the Post-Dispatch Staff

Copyright 1917,94. Lona Post Disparicka

James Earl Ray and his brothers

have decided to "go public" with the

story of now they say Ray was

drawn into the events surrounding

the assassination.of the Rev. Dr.

Martin Luther King, Jr., In Mem-

phis, t'enn., on April 4, 1968.

Jerry Ray, 42 years old, of Long

Grove, Illo, told the Post-Dispatch

vesterday that he and another broth

er, John Larry Ray, now an in.

Il, Federal

mantent try, Mardon ded suraderal

reveal to the Post-Dispatch what

James Earl Ray has told the U.s. i

Jouse of Representatives Select

Committee on Assassinations. A

spokesman for the committee yes-d

Date: 6/28/77

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

62-5097

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office: SL

Being Investigated

62-5092-40

SEARCHED

INDEXED -

SERIALIZED

J':: §i: 1977

Prehen

THAT

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---

## Page 222

irday refused any comment un tha

Lage.

A number of the assertions have

never been made public

before,

Including the contention that james

Fari Ray posseases the teleptione !

numbers in Now Orleans that were

his link to a mysterlous figure called

"Raoul."

But some of the information sup.

plied the Post-Dlapatch by Jarry

May is diametrically opponed to..

previous statements attributed to

tilm on the subject of Jamel sall

Ray's involvement in the Rev. Dr.

King's murder,

Jerry Ray was previounly quoted

ns saying that "Racul"' was "just a

story Jimmy made up for (William

Bradford) Hule," James Earl Ray's

blographer. And Jerry Ray has

proviously been quoted as saying,

"The whole thing about Raoul and

ruining drugs from Canada was a ®

lie."

- The quirations are contained in a

nay book on the king assassination

written by George McMillan. Ex-

coits from the book "The Making of

an Assassin," appeared ii the Post-

Dispatch earller this month. Jerry

Ray filed suit in January againt

Melillan, charging him with likel in

the book:

Raoul and James Earl Ray's

involvement in complicated smug

Biting oporations are central parts of

the atory jerry Ray told the Port.

Dlipatch yesterday.

Raoul'e involvement in the events

surrounding tho Rey. Dr. King'a

murder first was alleged in letters

Ray wrote to Hule while Ray was in

• Jail in Memphia, Raoul's Identity!

NW 55215

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Page 222

and indeed, his very existence, have

leen debated for more than eight

ypars:

Ray has maintained that he

#ught the gun that killed the Rey.

Dr. King and rented the room from

which the fatal shot was fired at

Raoul's direction. The phone num-

bers purportedly linking James Bar

Ray to Raoul have been copied by

Jerry Ray and are in swo satety

deposit boxes belonging ta Jerry

Ray and his sister, a St. Louts

rendent, Jerty kay now days

"He (James) gave us the numbers

and said even If something hap

pened to him in prison, he wanted t

da cleared someday,". Jerry said

James Earl Ray, according to hia

brother, said that the day of the

Rey. Di. King's killing he discoy.

ered a bustness card stuffed Into the

eat of the white Mustang in whicky

he fled from Memphis, an automo

bile to which three people including

Ray and Raoul had keys.. The

business card bore the penclled

name of one

Randy

(the last name is

known to the House panel) wha,

says Jerry Ray, has dropped out of

sight. James Earl Ray's attorneys

have been unable to track him down

without the power of subpena.

They have met a similar deaderd

in trying to trace two telephone

numbers that Ray says he used to

reach Raoul in New Orleant.

Jimes Earl Ray, says Jerry Kay,

wat involved with Raoul in deliver.

ing cars to cites im various parts of

---

## Page 223

the United States and Mexico "at $1000 to

$2000 per trip." Said Jerry Ray: "James

assumed he was delivering dope or some

other kind of contraband."

"James is a crook," said Jerry Ray.

"He's been one since he got out of the

Army, to make money without working.

He thinks being a thief is an honorable

profession, but he never wanted to be

Now, says the brother of the man

convicted of assassinating the Rev. Dr.

King, James Earl Ray fears that if he is

transferred to federal custody after his

• short-lived escape

state prison recently,

"he will be sent to

the federal medical facility. at Spring:

field (Mo.), given shock treatments, die

of'a heart attack in three years, and the

case will be closed."

Here is the story Jerry Ray told the

Post-Dispatch of how James Earl Ray

" found himself in Memphis at the time the

Rev. Dr. King was killed:

"After he escaped from the Missouri

Pénitentiary in 1967, he came to Chicago

and called me," said. Jerry Ray. "He

• later told me he didn't escape in a bread

truck as the story goes. He climbed over

the wall on somé pipes, like he did in

"When they found he was

, they thought he was hiding inside the

prison as he had done on a previous

attempt. This gave him some valuable

time to walk along the railroad tracks

and get away. They put out the bread

truck story because James was working

in the bakery and they just figured that

'"I met him in Chicago when he got

there. He never once mentioned King or

doesn't give a damn about politics. He

never cared who was governor or who

was running the country. If you're

racist in prison, where he was, you're in

carried around pictures of Hitler and

stuff, that's a lot of bunk. He's not

violent. When he was arrested on an

armed robbery charge in St. Louis in

1959, he had a gun but didn't use it. Even

the black prisoners in Tennessee think he

When Ray arrived in Chicago, said his

other, "he took a job as a dishwasher

a restaurant in Winnetka. After a

couple of days he was promoted to the

line.

He worked there six

seeks until he got enough money to get

out of the country, because he was 'hot.

"He went to Montreal and started

langing around some sleazy bars and le!

t be known that he was a thief and wa!

ooking for a way to make some moneyl

That's where he met Raoul.

"He knew Raoul was a phony name

'bụt he was using one, too.

He used last

names like Willard, Lohmyer, Eric Galt

and finally Sneyd. If you're a crook, you

'What's your name' or, 'what's

in the car?' They'll think you're a cop or

a-stool pigeon and they wouldn't hire

• "After a while, James came back to

Chicago and I could tell he had some-

thing good. He asked me to come to

Chicago by-train because he wanted to

give me his car. He said I should get new

"license plates because the old ones were

hot. He said he was going to take a bus

to Alabama for 'a good job.' He said

"Raoul told him to establish residence in

Birmingham and gave him $2000 to buy a

car. He bought a Mustang.

- Raoul operated out of New Orleans.

From there he started sending James out

across the country and into Mexico to

deliver cars. All over — Puerta Villarta,

Acapulco, the West Coast, New Orleans.

He was getting paid $1000 or $2000 a trip.

He figured the cars might be full of dope

'but he didn't ask any questions. All he

cared about was that he had a job and

was getting paid good. It was better than

being in Jeff City, he told me. James told

me.Raoul never talked politics, either."

•James Earl Ray has said that a gun he

purchased was probably the one used to

kill Dr. King. This is his brother's

"James tells me that one day Raoul

asked him to buy a gun in Alabama and

bring it to Memphis. At this point James

thought Raoul might also be in the gun-

running business. He brought the gun to ai

Raoul. He said it wasn't the right kind.

So James went back and bought another

me. Raoul said that was the right kind

He picked it up from James at the new

Rebel Motel just across the Mississippi

"Then Raoul told James to move into a

Hoarding house in Memphis. In this job

James was always doing what he was

told. The money was good. James had

only been to Memphis once before in his

life. He kept getting lost there. He rented

the room in the name of Willard.

"Raoul came to the boardinghouse and

sent James out on several other errands

- to buy some binoculars and other

things. The afternoon Dr. King was shot,

Raoul told James he wanted to use the

Mustang that night.

"There were three keys to it. James

had one, Raoul had one, and he (James)

didn't know who had the third one.

-James told him he would have to go get

a tire fixed because he had had a flat

"He drove to a service station nearby

and they were busy. He talked to two

attendants for awhile. When he was

driving away he saw all this commotion,

police cars everywhere. He heard on the

radio that Dr. King had been killed.

When he heard they were looking for a

white Mustang, he realized he had been

set up:"

In the Mustang, James Ray discovered

a card stuffed into the seat, says Jerry

Ray. The front part was crossed out. The

back bor a name, Randy R-, with a

telephone number on it.

"Only James and my sister and myself

have known this name up to now," said

Jerry Ray.

"Plus the Assassinations

Committee. James kept this card.".

It was discovered by attorneys for

James Earl Ray that Randy R--

had homes in Miami and Gulfport, Miss.,

and that he was subsequently apprehend-

ed in New Orleans and convicted on a

dope charge, says Jerry Ray. '

"But

whether he ever served any time.or not,

we can't find out, and after that he

dropped out of sight. He is said to have

been an informant for the FBI," Jerry

Ray said.

James Earl Ray drove to Atlanta,

abandoned the Mustang, and took a train

to Montreal. "He knew he was hot. The

people born around the same time he

was.

NW 50215

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## Page 224

"One was named Ramon George

Sneyd. James found him in the phone

book, called him-up, said he was from

had nation, udas the ithe had ever

i had a passport. When the man said,

He still had plenty of money from:

driving cars.across country for Raoul.

He flew to.England.

"From there: he went. to Portugal, but

he couldn't speak the language-and he

was beginning to run out of money. He

wanted to get a ship somewhere to a

placé like: Rhodesia. But he had to wait.

Now he was down to $200. He has told me

if he had still'had his contacts, he would

still be going.

"But meantime the U.S: had asked

Mexico and Canada to check passports

for somebody. that looked like James

Earl Ray. They had-a picture: of him.

Canada saidithey had one named Sneyd.

that looked like James. When James

flew. back.to: London, they arrested him.

While Ray was:on the run; things wére

happening:in.Memphis. In the boarding-

house from which the fatal shot was

fired, a woman resident saw:the fleeing

killer: Her name, said Jerry Ray, is

Grace Walden: She was shown a picture

of James Earl Ray, he said, and

declared that it: was: not the man. Grace

faid:the-man who ran had fair.hair, not

lark hair like James. James EArl, Ray

has described Raoul as a blond Latin:

Says Jerry Ray: "They took her arid

James Earl Ray

NW 55215

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224

put her in a nuthouse, where no one could

find her. In.case:she was ever.-called 'te

testifi?:

they could say|she: was mentally

"ill.?"

A Sbokesman for attornew Mark:Lane

who.has recently,written a.book.about

the Ray case, told the Post-Dispatch

Yesterday, that the woman, under the

name Grace Stephens,, was. committed.to

Ya mental institution in Tennessee in;1968

"under suspicious circumstances"" ard

was still confined. Her attorney,

, C. M.

Murphy of Memphis; has charged that

/ she is "being sedated and her mind is

being destroyed," according to Lane's

spokesman:

"She was living in the rooming: house

with a guy named Charlie Stephens;"

Jerry, Ray told the Post-Dispatch. "This

is a flophouse and he was a liquor:head.

He, was supposed to see the killer

running down the steps. This is theirs

other witness. The facts wehave found?

jout-are that.ahalf-houribefore.Dr..King

was killed, this.man called a'cab.to take

Chim to the liquor store. He was so drunk

the cabbie refused to take him. This is

" the key-witness?"

When the killer ran out, says Jerry

"Ral the:placed a bundlesin a park near

the rooming house. "He didn't:put itin a

trash, barrel or in his car. It: contained:

the gun, some beer cans, and the

binoculars wrapped in a bed spread.

? They all had James's fingerprints on

them,

"Well", James doesn't drink beer. He

doesn't smoke either. They, found ciga-

rette: butts in the ashtray of his Mustang:

They found clothes in the car-that didn't

fit him.

This is the car Raoul and

somebody. else.had keys to."

Said Jerry. Ray: "When James was

apprehended In London, he wanted Ar.

thur Hanes, 'a former major of Bir-

mingham, Ala., to represent him. Hanes

went there and said it would cost money,

but he brought contracts with him for a

book to be done: by, William: Bradford

Hule, and if James would sign the

contracts, the proceeds would pay for.-his

defense.

"James signed them, then had me'fly

to Huntsville, Ala, to meet Hule. Hule

toldimes that if James told him his story,

he this lie no have led to the stor

and twould.ruin.the. book sales.

"He offered'$12;000 from the,proceeds.

to-either me or my sister or anybody

---

## Page 225

lames wanted if I would go to James

ind tell him not to call Huie on the

stand. Hute told me, 'I control Hanes.'

"I saw James two days later and toid

Thim about this. I said "You oughta get rid

of Hanes.' He toid me to look around for

another lawyer.

"I asked another lawyer, Richard:

Ryan, and he said, "It's too big for me.*

So 1 decided to call Perey Foreman. I'd

read his name a lot. Nobody told me to.

He said, 'Tell James to write me a letter

asking me to be on the case,"

"But James said he'd rather have &

Tennessee lawyer so he could talk to him

every day. I called Foreman again.

He asked it l had copies of the contracts

with Huie. I did. He flew to Memphis. Me

and John Ray met him and he said, T

can break these contracts.

"He took the

case. He has admitted

that he was in

touch with Attorney

General Ramsey Clark all through this

time. He wanted James to plead guilty,

telling him he would get

the death

penalty if he didn't. James didn't want

to. Foreman wanted me and John to talk

him into it. We wouldn't. Two days

before the trial, James sald he wouldn't

plead guilty; The night before, Faremar

himself said he didn't think James would

plead guilty. 45: 2

*The judge knew James wanted to fire

Foreman but he told him it he did, he

would not get any more continuances

and would have to use a public defender.

The day of the trial, Fereman got up and

began to praise the FBI and said there

was no conspiracy./

"James stood up. Everybody thought

he was going to tire Foreman but instead

he agreed that he would enter a guilty

plea. But he said he would not agree that

there was no conspiracy. The next day

he wrote a letter asking for a new trial."

James Earl Ray has subsequently filed

several motions seeking a new tria). All

have been denied.

Jerry Ray visited James Eart Ray In

the Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary

Tenn., four days before his

"James told me, 'All my appeals have

run out. If they abandon the Assassina

ions Committee, I don't have any hop

ft. I'll have to get out a different way.

"When I heard about the escape, I

thought either it was legitimate or he

was tricked into it. James usually works

by himself or with one other person. We

were scared he might be killed when he

escaped. It he was tricked, he would

probably wind up dead. We were thank-

ful one of the prison guards capturea

him. There are a lot of people wha would

like to see him silericed," Se

Jerry Ray has been employed since

* 1973

as a night watchman at Twin

Orchard Country Club in Long Grove.

Ill., outside Chicago, but was laid off

after his brother's escape "because of

the notoriety."

Said Jerry Ray: "Critics are always

saying to me, 'Why don't you finally put;

up or shut upt. But we don't have

subpena power to find out about those

telephone numbers. We have given our

Information to the House assassinations

group but it's a one way street. We tell

them what we know, but they wan't tell

us anything. But one of its members,

Walter Fauntroy from Washington, D.C.y

told me, 'Before this is over,, we will

solve this case."

"James is pretty rational about it all,

He doesn't make any wild charges. If the

Fipi or the Justice Department wasn't in

Fighting so hard against having a ma le

And out what really happened. He juit

Assassinations

and that they hadn't learned anything

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## Page 226

FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

"Conspiracy' Talk Is Mush

James Earl Ray's latest escape caper

was engineered by agents who wantedio

should prove to the satisfaction of everyone,

mow him down and silence him forever-has

Doubting Thomases included; that the talk of,

been proved equally, silly. Ray is a daring

him being a victim or beneficiary.of "con-

man wha: wilt take Chances to:gain: liberty. He

Spiracy" Is so much mush:

may try the same stunt again, glven the

Quite. likely there.was laxity on the.part of

opporturity:

some individuals in charge of security at the

The mindless: "conspiracy! chatter from:

Tennessee state prison.from which Ray and,

some sources merely. serves to undermine:

his pats fled. There may even have been

contidence of citizens in their government

payofts to guards to look the other way while.

and in law enforcement authorities

the fugitives went over the wall: That's a

Based on, what is known, there is no

matter for Tennessee: authorities to investl

evidence of a plot linking anyone else to:

gate thoroughly.

Ray's activities:

The quick capture of. Ray, and the, ather

The unfounded rumors about plots sur-

convicts: shows that they were not aided in

rounding the assassinations of Dr, King;

any meaningful: way by anyone from the

President John t. Kennedy and Senator

outside.

Robert. F. Kennedy cause suspicion and

If the confessed slayer.of Dr. Martin Luther.

•King Jr. was depending on anyone to whisk

distrust between races and between: govern-

ment and the people:

him oft to safety, he certainly was let down

There should be a stop:to all,the nonsensi

with a thud. Atter 55 hours of roaming. in

• ical assassination inquirles, and theories abou

rattlesnake infested country, Ray probably

James Earl Ray. A bloodhound named Sands

welcomed the bloodhound that tracked him

and an expert handler have proved that Ras

Sidown:

lis no Superman, nor is he a tool of siniste

The other conjecture that Ray's escape

agentse..

Indicate page, name o

ewspaper, city and state.

P14A, St. Louis

Globe-Democrat,

St. Louis, Missouri

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

6/16/77

62-5097

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office:

SL

Being Investigated

72-30%2

SEARCHED _

_ INDEXED -

SERIESE TIE

1 1 7 1977

LOUIS

51

WW 55215 DOCTA: 32983797 Page-226=

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## Page 227

• FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Kay Conspiracy Theories Tenuous

BY WILMAM FREIVOGEL

of the Post-Dispatch Staff

PETROS, Tenn., Jine 16. Little evi-

dence supports the notion so popular last

Saturday that James Earl Ray's escape

from Brushy Mountain Penitentiary in

Tennessée was the resilt of an elaborate

conspiracy aimed at silencing him,

Rather the escape Eriday evening

appears to have been an old-fashioned

"over-the wall" jailbreak planned by a

lew convicts with expertise in unsched

uled exits from prisons.

Ray did recelve outside help. The Post-

Dispatch learned yesterday that the $291

found on Ray when he was captured

Monday Included a $i00 bill and two $50

bills that would have had to come fray

outside the penitentiary. a

But prison officials believe that friend

news analysis

least seven tieses in the lasauthorities at

east seven times in the last 20 years.

The evidence supporting the conspir

y theory was considerably more com

pelling just after the break Friday

evening.

It was well known that Ray had spoken

five times.in recent weeks to investiga-

tors of the House Select Committee on

Assassinations, which is investigating

whether others were involved in the

assassination.

* Itt addition, the escape itself was

ingenious, some aspects of it initially

defying explanation. How did the con-

victs construct and conceal the make-

shift ladder used to scale the wall? And

how could Ray and the others have

scaled the 14-foot prison wall, avoided

two lengths of electritied barbed wire

and jumped to the other side before ever

drawing a shot from prison guards.

Five of the seven men who tried to

escape already were in the woods put of

sight of guards when the first shots were

fired, wounding the last man trying to

escape. That man was returned to the

prison with minor wounds.

And finally there was the intriguing

uestion of why the telephones in the

as on a song the un to king si

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

•1-6, St. Loul

Post-Dispatch

St. Louis, Missouri

or relatives could have got the money to

Ray through the mail, which is uncen-

sored, or during visiting periods.

The offictals note also that little else

about the prison break supports the

theory of an elaborate conspiracy, They

note that:

(1) There was nothing elaborate about

Ray's desperate J3-hour attempt to es-

cape by loot from the densely wooded

Tennessee mountains that surround the

i prison. Clever conspirators could have

extricated Ray from the woods, they say,

(2) The curlous occurences that coin-

cided with the escape, such as the loss of

telephone service in the prison town of

Petros, have been explained satisfactor

y. These occurrences fueled speculation

hat the Federal Bureau of Investigation

or the Central Intelligence Agency was

Involved in the escape, just as there had

been suspicion that one or both of those

agencies was involved in the assassina-

tion of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King

for which Ray was in prison.

(3) Ray was not killed as supporters of

the conspiracy theory had suggested he

would be. it had been suggested that

because Ray was implicating others in

the killing of the Rev. Dr. King, he would

(4) Ray and three of the five prisoners

who escaped with him had tried pre.

*viously to escape from jails, Ray himself

tactic the FBI or the CIA would use:

perative explained it this way:

Immediately after the escape a huge

steam whistle at the prison sounded the

warning that there had been an escape.

A large number of the town's inhabitants

picked up their telephones to see what

had happened. The circuits were imme-

diately overloaded and the main breaker

in the telephone office opened just as a

circuit breaker opens in a house with an

overload.

The Petros office of the telephone

company is unmanned so there was a

delay while a serviceman from a nearby

town was sent. The serviceman closed

the circuit breaker but it immediately

popped again because the lines still weje

overloaded. At that the seryiceman

arbitrarily: disconnected some of u

telephones in Petros to remove the

overload. Service was restored.

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

6/16/77

62-5097

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office:

SI

• Being Investigated

62-5097-38

SEARCHED

_ INDEXED

JS 17 1977

Kaden i

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227

i

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## Page 228

Eew reporters doubted the explam

lion. On Sunday, when reporters were

calling in their stories, the same: think

happened. The Highland company is ar

independent telephone firm not connect-

ed with American Telephone & Tele-

graph Co

How the sprisoners.had: circumvented

the electritied barbed wire proved a

knottier.problem..At-firstiprison.officias

said: that the convicts had slipper

hrough. a one toot space between the to

of'the wall: and the barbed wire that run

above it, a feat that appeared to require

But later officials said that scratch

marks showed that the men escaped

where there is a five-foot section of wall

with no barbed wire. One.of the walls of

the.prison.yard meets.a sheer.rock.cliff

in this section, the cliff forming the

fourth side of the prison yard. Over the

years the rock on the cliff'has worn away

from the end of the barbed: wire, leaving

an area without coverage.

Prison ofticials still have not fully

explained haw all seven convicts scaléc

the wallebefore.guards.fired.at them.

of course, other prisoners staged a

fight to distract the.guards and; another.

prisoner faked a leg injury. But attention

'focuses on guard: Floyde Hooks, who was

responsible for the corner of the wall

over which the convicts escaped:

A fellow guard; Lemwood. Butler has

criticized Hooks for reacting too slowly.

It was Butler who fired the first shots at

the escapees.

"Warden Stonney, Lane: said yesterday

that, he.knew Hooks personally and tound.

it unbelievable thạt Hooks had intentially

"permitted the convicts to escape. "Pene

TW 55215 BoeFd:32989797-Page_228

said: Hooks might have been negligent

The ladder used to scale the wal

turned out,to have been made of piece

of pipe taken from a prison renovation

project by one: of the men who escaped

with 'Ray. Officials still do not know

where the ladder was concealed just

before the escape.

It: the escape from the prison was

elaborate, the escapees. next actions

were not. Tennessee mountain-men say

they themselves. would.have trouble

•finding.their.way.out ofthe.mountains on

foot as Ray and the others.triedsto dde

Ray,was.capfured only seven:miles from

the prison. But the authorities noted that

if Ray.had been supported:by-powerful

have happened:

-A helicopter could have landed at a

fire station on top of the mountains

behind the prison and: whisked Ray away

before the search for him was under

sway.

-À four wheel drive vehicle courd

have been hidden in; the mountains with

-which Ray could, 'have escaped by

following old:roadsibuilt.by.coal/.compa

Ray escape, so new information maybe

---

## Page 229

• FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below).

No evidence found

Ray got outside aid

By Associated Press:

there was any aid from the outside,".

WASHINGTON-House Assassina:

Robert Lehner, deputy chief counsél

stions.committee.investigators.-said

of the King assassination investiga-

tion, toldi the committee: "No evi

monday they did not know if James

carl Ray.received/outsiderhelp.in

dence:of aid from the outside has:

his prison escape during the week-

been found?"

'end"

"One possibility is that he acted.

They reported that Ray's brother,

alone,* Lehner said: "Another possi.-

Jerry, visited the prisoner the week.

bility is that there was outside help.

end before the escape but. that

There: is: even a,possibility, he was a

latecomer to the escape."

James EarloRay apparently.had.no

"money or ieapons on him when he

The chief investigator for. the

was captured Monday:

committee's King assassination in.

Chairman Louis Stokes, D-Ohio,

quiry,

"Edward. Evans

told the

said: Tennessee Gov. Ray, Blanton

committee Ray's brother visited:at

told him that a full investigation of

the prison the weekend before the

prison, security will be, made, partic:

escape:

ularly whether "there was any.

But, Evans, said "there is: no,

-laxity in the security' for Ray:

evidence he (James Earl Ray) had

two committee investigators went

any:funds or arms."

to Tennessee's Brushy. Mountain

"Evans said. the investigators tried

State Prison Saturday because.of

to find out if there. was any previous

the: committee's. interest in the

convicted killer of ciyilrights leader

association between. Ray, and the

other escapees. He said: they found:

the: Rey. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr;

""T cannot report to you whether

tone except that one was Ray's

Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

P9A, St. Louis

Globe-Democrat,

St. Louis, Missouri

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

6/14/77

62-5097

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office:

SL

• Being Investigated

62-5997-37

SERIALIZES D

JUN 16 1977

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## Page 230

FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Gregory's suspicions aroused

By MILES CORWIN.

before the killing of the: Rev..Dr. King.

Globe Democrat Stäff Writer

"This: is a man who has never been

James Earl Ray?siescape from Brushy

smart: in regards.to crime.and now.he

Mountain State Prison, Tenn., is linked

escapes.from a nearly inescapable pris

to a conspiracy. surrounding. the assassi-

on. There had to be

other people

nation of the Rev. Dr. Martin, Luther

About 200-inmates staged a fight to

King, said Dick Gregory at a press.

conference Sunday at:the Bel Air Hilton

enable Ray and five others to escapé,

Hotel.

Gregory said.

Gregory, an entertainer who frequent-

"IT'S IMPOSSIBLE for só many peo-

ly is involved in political and soclal.

ple to be involved without the warden

issues, recently.co-authored.a.book ex-

knowing aboutrit. And, 'how many.con

ploring the King assassination.

victs in their right mind wouldsescape

"There is no way the escape could:

"with a man as famous as Ray?"

'have,been successfül unless there were-

Gregory believes Ray was aided in.his

outside forces who could benefit from

escape from the Missouri State. Peniten

Ray's disappearance;" said Gregory,

who:was reared in:St. Louis.and attended

tiary, by persons involved in a conspiracy

to assassinate King and place the glame

Sumner. High School:

on Ray. It's: suspicious, he said, that the

RAY ESCAPED from the Missouri;

Missouri prison warden andithe:FBI sent

State Penitentiary in Jetterson, City io

out the wrong fingerprints immediately

yéar's go. Anyone who has.ahistory.of"

after' Ray's escape;

escape attempts, Gregory said, would be

under close surveilance.

Ray hadina histoky of violenticrime:

With Ray's notoriety, it?s hard to

Itsunlikely he would have.committed

believethe was able to'slip out of prison.

one of the most notorious: murders of ther

Gregory added:

century, 'Gregory, said: Suspicious inci

• Ray was an incompetent criminal;

dents after the assassination point toa

cover-up, he added:

agcording to Gregory. While: doing re-

search. for his. book,

'Gregory learned

Ray had been caught in less than 30*

minutes after every crime he committed

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

P13A, St. Louis

Globe-Democrat,

St. Louis, Mo.

-

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

62-5097

6/13/77

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office: SL

• Being Investigated

SEARCHED

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JUN 1 4 1977

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## Page 231

Ray's brother was arrested on a phony

bank robbery charge, Gregory said,

perhaps to keep him quiet.

A young man who overheard a plot to

assassinate King a week before it hap.

pened and talked to the Justice Depart-

ment, was recently given a six-year jail

terms. Gregory said a shipment of heroin

had arrived at the young man's house,

indicating somebody wanted the man

discredited and jailed.;?

GREGORY'S THEORY Is that agents

of the FBI, Justice Department and

possibly the CIA were involved in the

King assassination.

. "They thought if King was killed, riots

and killings in 50 or 80 cities would have

resulted. In order to regain order,

martial law would have been declared

and the Constitution could have been

suspended. Certain forces could have,

tried to overthrow the government under

the guise of protecting the people.'

**.:

Gregory believes the King tiling has:

connections to the assassinations of

President John F. Kennedy and Sen

Robert F. Kennedy:

oTher authorities better keep a close"

eye on Sirhan Sirhan.*

There had to be other people involved.]

_a.

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FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Ray didn't seem to be

racist, ex-warden says

• By Associated Press

looking into the King assassinationas

JEFFERSON CITY - A former war-

well as the assassinations of President

John F. Kennedy and his brother, Robert

đến: sàys he told congressional: investiga-

tors he lad no-reason to believe:that

In an interim report, the panel quoted

James Earl/Ray, convicted of assassi-

Ray's fellow inmates as saying Ray told

nating Di. Martin Luther King Jr., was a

. them he intended to kill"King "if the

racist while he was an inmate: at the

price is.right.

Missouri State Prison:

The report quoted the inmates-as

Ray. escaped from the prison in April,

saying Ray claimed he would look for a

businessmen's association." that he had

1967, one year before the civil rights

leader was gunned down in Memphis.

heard was offering: $100,000 for King'

"I never had any reason to believe that:

death. The report said the panel intended

-to determine. the:validity.of those:stati

he was a racist but there are some things

you may not know, of course," said

ments...

Harold Swenson, warden at the time.of

Ray's escape.

Swenson met with two investigators

from the U:S. House 'Assassinations

Committee Tuesday:

The current warden; Donald Wyrick,

said the investigators were starting

interyiews. Wednesday with people who

knew. Ray before he escaped: from the

penitentiary where he was serving a 20-

year term for robbery. Wyrick.said. he

had identified eight to:10 inmates for the

pair to interview as well as six prison.

employes

Weire not allowed to make any;

comment,"said Shelat Lee, one of the

investigators

The congressional panel has beer

(Indicate page, name of

neispaper, city and state.)

P3A, St. Louis

Globe-Democrat,

St. Louis, Mo.

Date: 6/9/77

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

62-5097

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office: SI

• Being Investigated

62-5097-35

SEARCHED

if this firt

JUN 1 0 1977

BITNI.LOUIE

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PD:350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

State To Give

Details On Ray

JEFFERSON CITY, June 6 (UPI). - Investigators

from the House Assassinations Committee, Plan to:

interview inmates and employe's, at the State, Peniten

tiary this week. concerning.James-Earl Ray's-escape

from the prison a decade ago.

Prison warden Donald Wyrick said he was asked last:

week to set up interviews with those who knew Ray

during his seven years in the prison.from 1959-1967.

Ray is the, convicted assassin of the Rev. Dr. Martin

Luther King Jr. The committee is conducting secrets

investigations into the April 4; 1968 King slaying in

Memphis: and the 1963 assassination of* President. John

F. Kennedy In Dallas:

Ray escaped from the Jefferson City prison on April

‹23, 1967, almost one year before the King assassination.

according to: a state, investigation, Ray escaped.by

hiding in a bread truck that left the main penitentiary to,

si deliver supplies to a nearby-prison farm.

"Former warden Harold Swenson, who was in charge

when Ray escaped, was the only. specific-person.the

investigators. asked. to. interview, Wyrick said:

"They said they wanted to interview several inmates

and employes," he said. "I don't have a specific,

number. They said if they talked to some they might

need to talk to some others.

"They sald they'd be here about a week, beginning the

early, part ot this week;"

The committee stait in

Washington refused to

comment on the interviews, except to say no members

of the.committee would attend.

Committee investigators have interviewed Ray:on

four separate occasions recently in the Brushy Mountain

State Prison in Tennessee, where: he is serving a :99,

year sentence for the assassination. Those interviews:

haye also been secret.

"Swenson in 1968 described Ray as a loner who:

presented no special problems; although in 1966 he

escaped from his cell and spent several chilly nights

hiding in the: prison's ventilating system before he was

found:

A-book by treelance authon George McMillan pub-

'lished last, year said Ray had financed the assassination

the Rey Dr. King by selling, drugs when in the

Missourt prison:: Former.prison system.director George

Camp said he investigated and could: findino evidences a

support McMillan's claims:

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

P12B, St. Louis

Post-Dispatch,

St. Louis, Missouri

-

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

6/6/77

62-5097

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office: SL

• Being Investigated

02-5017-32

SEARCHED:

Pete be ito ge

JUN Y 1977

BI-ST. LOUI

Lawren

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233

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## Page 234

•*2.

HQO 041 1152240

PP AT BH LR LS NY SL IP

DE HQ

0 25215BZ APR 77

FM DIRECIOR (62-117298)

IO: ATLANTA (IMMEDIATE)

BIRMING HAM (IMMEDIATE)

LITTLE ROCK (IMMEDIATE)

LOUISVILLE (IMMEDIATE)

NEW YORK (IMMEDIATE)

ST. LOUIS (IMMEDIATE)

TAMPA (IMMED ATE)

CLEAR

PERSONAL ATTENTION

HOUSE SELECI COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

REFERENCE FBIHQ TELETYPE TO ALL SACS AND LEGAIS DAIED

NOVEMBER 24, 1976.

RECENTLY THE HSCA, RELATIVE TO THEIR INVESTIGATION INTO

THE ASSASSINATION OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, REQUESTED THAT FBIHQ

FURNISH THE PRESENT WHEREABOUTS OF THREE FBI PERSONNEL WHO WERE

ASSIGNED TO THE LOUISVILLE DIVISION IN 1965. THESE INDIVIDUALS

ARE BERNARD C. BROWN, FORMER SAC RETIRED; SA WILLIAM ROBERT

62-5097-31

SA Duncan adried of

contents. KRI

fw.

i:

Duncani

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 234

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## Page 235

PAGE TWO

CLEAR

DUNCAN, CURRENTLY ASSIGNED IN THE ST. LOUIS DIVISION;

ROBERT EDWARD PETERS, FORMER SA RETIRED.

THE COMMITTEE HAS INDICATED THAT. THIS REQUEST IS RELATED

TO THEIR RECENT RECEIPT OF INFORMATION FROM A FORMER LOUISVILLE

POLICE OFFICER WHO ALLEGED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED AN OFFER FROM

UNNAMED FBI AND POLICE PERSONNEL TO KILL MARTIN LUTHER KING.

FBIHQ HAS REQUESTED THAT THE DEPARIMENT OBTAIN FROM HSCA ALL

INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THIS ALLEGATION, BUT TO DATE THE

COMMITTEE HAS NOT ACCEDED TO THIS REQUEST.

ADDITIONALLY, HSCA HAS REQUESTED THE IDENTITIES OF ALL

SACS WHO SERVED IN THE BIRMINGHAM DIVISION BETWEEEN DECEMBER,

1962, AND DECEMBER, 1969. THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE: RAYMOND L.

FAISSI, FORMER SAC RETIRED; EVERETT J. INGRAM, FORMER SAC -

DECEASED; JAMES L. MCGOVERN, FORMER SAC RETIRED: GEORGE W. HALL,

FORMER SAC RETIRED; JOSEPH H. GAMBLE, FORMER SAC RETIRED; RALPH. JO

MILES, FORMER SAC RETIRED. EACH OF THESE SURVIVING FORMER

EMPLOYEES IS TO BE CONTACTED IMMEDIATELY BY SAC OR ASAC WHERE

FEASIBLE, AND ALERTED THAT HE MAY BE APPROACHED BY

HS CA

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 235

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## Page 236

PAGE THREE

CLEAR

REPRESENTATIVE FOR INTERVIEW. EACH SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT IN

THE EVENT HE IS CONTACTED HE MAY DESIRE TO CONTACT THE BUREAU'S

LEGAL COUNSEL DIVISION BY COLLECI CALL FOR FULL INFORMATION

PERTAINING TO HIS OBLIGATIONS AS TO CONFIDENTIALITY OF

INFORMATION ACQUIRED AS AN FBI EMPLOYEE.

SA DUNCAN, ST. LOUIS DIVISION, SHOULD BE INSTRUCTED TO

IMMEDIATELY ADVISE SAC, SI. LOUIS, AND FBIHQ, ATTENTION

CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION, IN

THE EVENT HE IS CMNTACTED BY THE COMMITTEE.

THE INFORMATION REQUESTED BY HSCA IS BEING MADE AVAILABLE

THROUGH THE DEP ARIMENT.

IN THE EVENT A FORMER EMPLOYEE NO LONGER RESIDES IN YOUR

TERRITORY, SET OUT LEADS TO OTHER OFFICES WITH A COPY TO FBIHQ.

ATLANTA: JAMES L. MCGOVERN, 2689 CANNA RIDGE CIRCLE,

ATLANIA, GEORGIA •

BIRMINGHAM: RALPH J. MILES, 1126 MOUNTAIN OAKS DRIVE,

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA•

- NW 35215

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Fage

236

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## Page 237

_"PAGE FOUR

EAR

LITTLE ROCK: RAYMOND L. FAISST, 113 CAMBRIDGE PLACE,

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS.

LOUISVILLE: BERNARD C. BROWN, 69D4 WYTHE HILL CIRCLE?

PROSPECI, KENTUCKY; ROBERI EDWARD PETERS, 412 IRINITY HILLS LANE;

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY •

NEW YORK: JOSEPH H. GAMBLE, 24 GREYSTONE ROAD, ROCKVILLE

CENTER, NEW YORK..

SI. LOUIS: SA WILLIAM ROBERT DUNCAN.

TAMPA: GEORGE WO HALL, 5598 TRELLIS LANE, FORI MYERS,

FLORIDA.

BT

1152248Z SL 1

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## Page 238

+76-591997

FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

*Let The Congress Act;

Let The Truth Be Known'

Marlin: Luther ten Euther

King,

Jr, the greatest Mark Lane: and, Dick Gre-

tory. was murdered on will

April: 41968: James Earl

-evidence:

Ray wast arrested, charg

•same explosives informa-

aged and pleaded guilty to tion that prompted Cons

the crime:

gress

in September of

In the nine years since

1976: to form

an special:

the brulal assassinations commitee to investigate

and: prafoundly.diss

turbing;

the murder of Dr. King;

evidence.

- tiâs:

Mark

"Lane"

and;Dick

come, to light- evidence Gregory reconstructithe

poses.

frightening.,cvents,

proceeding the:

questions aboutithe muc

murder of dr. King.and

der and subsequentine ottera step-by step

analysis ofthe/crime.and

3h:" CODE NAME ZOR- ils

RO: : Thể Murder of Mar-

chillings. raise

Fadings.

WW. 55215

DocId:32909797

Page 238

(Indicate page, name of

, newspaper, city and state.)

P6, St. Louis

American, St. Louis,

Missouri

Date: 4/21/77

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

Character:

or

62-5097-30

Classifcation:

Submitting Offico: SI

Being Investigated

APR 25 1971

•FBI-Sr. Loug

---

## Page 239

many

unanswered ques-

rounding

the asassina.

ions: What unusual cir-

tion? And why diche Jus-

umstances led Dr. King• tice Departmentassign

p Memphis and the Lor:

same FBI quad to

aine Motel? Why was the

investigate the mider of

ten i man security:

force

Do. King:: (whot they

assigned to Dr. King by

code named. Zor

he Memphis lonce Der.

29'") that for Edgar

partment suddenly strip. Hoover had

priviously

was Eds selected to "desoy" Dr.

Reddittone of there King Veteran. il agent

maining; two Memphis Po-fArti

hut Murtaugl

ed that during a tief con

stertously removed from

versation he hachad with

he murder seene shortly..

In Atlanta

" this agent jumped for

riled to other fire.

tions on the day of. the

the atf, yelling;

literally leapeds in

murder?

why was

Torrol They gat. ne

Grace * Stephens, one, of

of a bitch. I hope hedies

the fewer eyewitness, in:

Did James

from, hot home by Meng

from,

taken, therA

Ein

really

murder. Maitin

ohis, a anthorities.

eard

assassidation

placed in a mental risti

tution? i

From an extra dinary,

The official Investiga- assemblage of endence,

tion into the, murder of

documents and exclusive

Or. King was far from sa- taped interviews includ-

hisfactory. Why has

по :

ing hours of in-depth ins

pursued the iny-

terviews with lanes Earl

Raoul, perhaps: Ray). Land and Gregory

the key to many of the un-

move inexorably.towards

answered questions sur- a singular apd grim con-

clusion,

NW 55215

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Page 239

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## Page 240

FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Ássassinations committee |)

to check on Ray's activities

By EDWARD W. O'BRIEN

escaped until he was identified as Dr. King's assassin a

Globe Democrat Washington Burean Chiet

year later, and whether any official agencies deviated

from their normal practices for pursuing a fugitive."

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

WASHINGTON - The House assassinations commit-

A RECENT JUSTICE Department task force report,

tee plans to investigate whether anyone helped James

•the House committee said, "relied heavily on state.

Earl Ray escape from Missourt State Penitentiary or

ments by Ray's former prison cellmates (at Jefterson.

P4A, St. Louis

elude recapture before he killed Dr. Martin Luther King

City) and acquaintances that he hated blacks generally.

Globe-Democrat,

Dr. King in particular, and intended to collect a bounty

The committee also told the House it must ascertain

St. Louis, Mo.

for killing him."

the source of the money for Ray's spending from the

"The department report, however, fails to note that

time of his escape from the Jetferson City prison until

almost every one of these statements points at the same

his arrest in Europe 13 months later.

time to the existence of a conspiracy," the committee

MYSTERY STILL engulfs several such key questions

said.

despite previous investigations by federal, state, and

Another "significant" mystery, the committee said, is

local agencies, the committee said in a 14-page report to

the source of the money - estimated at between $5,500

the House. 296204

and $9,500 - which Ray spent as a fugitive from the

The embattled committee; seeking & renewed. House

Missouri prison.

clarten and a $2.8 million appropriation, promised a

The only known source of cash was the 9584 which Ray

"horough, professional investigation" of the assassina-

earned as a dishwasher in a Chicago suburb during the

tins of Dr. King, the civil rights leader, in Memphis on

first eight weeks after his escape, the committee said.

April 4, 1968, and of President John F. Kennedy in

The committee "has uncovered evidence that suggests

Dallas on Nov. 22, 2963.

that Ray, between April 1967 and June 1968 "received

In the report summarizing its findings so far, the

assistance from a person or persons presently un-

committee claimed to have "new information" in both

known," the House was told.

investigations. It said it has made contact with

THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT report said. Ray was

witnesses who were never interviewed or did not testify

helped as a fugitive by "at least one family member."

previously.

Within 15 days of the King murder, the committee

In the King case, the committee recalled that Ray in

aid the FBI made un its mind that Ray was the kille

his escape from the Missouri prison on April 2u, 190%,

thereafter, the committee said, the FBl failed to ched

"allegedly concealed himself in a large bread box which

out every allegation of conspiracy "to the ultimale

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

3/29/77

was carried onto a truck from the prison bakery and

degree."

driven out of the prison."

«THE COMMITTEE intends to investigate whether

anyone aided Ray in his escape and whether this

assistance was connected to the assassination of Dr.

King," the report went on.

"It should be noted that a fellow Missouri inmate

related that Ray allegedly said while in prison that he

would kill Dr. King 'if the price was right' and that Ray

intended to find a 'businessmen's association' which

allegedly had offered $100,000 for Dr. King's murder.

"Whether Ray ever made contact with such a group

either during or after his imprisonment in Missouri, is a

question which has never been resolved.

"The committee intends to resolve it

'The committee must investigate how Ray, whe

fllegedly had made unsuccessful escape attempts in the

past, was able to escape, remain at large more that a

rear, and travel thraughout the United States and four

preign countries.

"The committee also will investigate what officil

actions were made to apprehend Ray from the time he

62-5097

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office: SL

• Being Investigated

62-5097-23

'FARCHED

SERAIZEO EAR ENEM

MAR 3 0 1977

FBI-ST. LOUIS

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## Page 241

FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Ray Contends He Was Set Up To Take

Blame For. Dr. King's Assassination

WASHINGTON, March 16 (AP)-James

Earl Ray contended in-an interview broad.

cast. nationally. last. night that.he had been

sent.to have a tire:fixed when the Rev..or

Martin Luther King: Vr. was assassinated,

(Indicate page, name of

nelspaper, city and state.

(setting him, up to take theiblame:

Ray, convicted of killing the Rev. Dr. King,

said. investigations by.people-representing

me" were producing evidence that he thought

would clear him in a.new.court proceeding:

But Ray shed no rew light on who killed the

P16A, St. Louis

Post-Dispatch,

St. Louis, Missouri

Rev. Dr. king if he did:not, or why. He said;

as he has before; that his only contact with

the murder was through a Latin named

Raoul: He said he thought Raoul was

conducting a gun-running operations.

Ray,-appeared on the CBS-TV program

"Whots Who." It was his first television

interyiew. since the assassination April 4,

1968, in Memphis,

Ray'S attorney, Jack Kershaw, saiditoday:

that Ray would give preliminary depositions

to the House: Assassinations: Committée next

week. Kershaw said the session would be

conducted by the committee's deputy chief

counsel and two court reporters at the

•Brushy Mountain: State Prison In Petros;

Tenn. Ray is serving a 99-year sentence

'there.

Last night, Dan Rather, a: CBS reporter

told Ray that many viewers obviously would›

think he:was just making.up. a.story. to get

3/16/77

himself out of prison, and Ray, replied that he

nad always thought people would not beller

anything he said in an interview.

Giving-newv details: about. his story: about

Raoul and a conspiracy, Ray said he deliv

ered a rifle to Raoul shortly before the

assassination in, what he thought.was part:of

the gun-running operation, He said Raoul

then sent him to have a tire fixed.

He said the attendants ata,service Station

told him they were too busy.to.fix the tire

because of the hour. The Rey, Dr. King was

killed: shortly before 6 p.m., the traffic rish

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

62-5097+21

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office:

]Being Investigated

SI

pray said in the inerview that he yas

certain he was not in the rooming house from

which the rifle was fired at the Rev. Dr. King

*ACHED

IND XED

after:5:30 p.m.

Ray-said: Raoul lad been directing him in.

gun-running activities for a year. He said

there was nothing to distinguish-Raoul excep

that he had auburn hair, not black hair like

most: Latin people he knew:

MAR 1 7 1977

FBI-ST. LOUIS

• But Ray said he and Raoul had never

discussed killing the Rev. Dr. King and so ne

udid not know the reason for the assassination.

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FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clippina in Space Below)

Rep. Gonzalez, Fiery Texan,)

Is Classic Capitol Hill Story

By LYNN ROSELLINI

1.7977. Washmato S10r

WASHINGTON

IT WAS 1963, and Represen-

ative, Henry B. Gonzalez

Dem.), Texas, was shaking

vith rage as he walked onto

he House floor and ap.

roached a colleague.

"I might pistol-whip you,'

le loudly told Representative

agar F. Foreman (Rep.),

exas.

"Why don't you get about

:?" Foreman replied calmly.

Gonzalez took a swing at Fore-

lan's head, Foreman ducked and

onzalez hit his shoulder. "Hen-

11 replied Foreman in amaze

lent. "I think you have lost your

ind. I can't imagine an intelli-

Int adult pulling this kind of

induct in the halls of Congress.".

This week - 14 years later - a

of people were saying the same

ing about Henry B. Gonzalez.

As the Texas Democrat lay ill

ith the flu in his San Antonio

me, his colleagues on the House

sassinations Committee mut

red angrily over the chairman's

cision to quit the beleaguered

"It's been an embarrassment

all of us," said one stunned

mmittee member, who didn't

unt

his name used. " Another

mmittee member, who

also.

quested anonymity, said: "It

ises the entire committee look

ompetent. It's made us an ob

t of ridicule

among other

mbers."*

But nobody who knows Gonza-

was surprised by his recent.

ions, In fact, they call it "vin-

e Gonzalez," starting with the

d with chief counsel Richard A.

ague, the pubic name-calling,

firing and finally Gonzalez's

‹ resignation

IFTER 15 YEARS in Congress,

try B. Gonzalez, 60 years old, is

wn as a quick tempered, stub-

I, combative man who loves

Rep. Henry B. Gonzalez

"focuses in on conspiracies."

vendettas, "This man can scream

louder and get in more controver-

sy than anyone you've ever seen,"

said Jim Demept, a San Antonio

businessman knowledgeable about

local politics.

Gonzalez has been unavailable

for comment for more. than a

week. But the story of Henry B.

Gonzalez, as pieced together by

those who know him, is a classic

tale of Capitol Hill.

Gonzalez was elected in 1961 as

a fiery Mexican-American liberal,

a crusader for human rights. But

when he got to Washington, he

never quite lived up to that poten-

He was the kind of Congress

man who would periodically intro

duce legislation to bring back the

penny postcard. He pushed for a

world's fair for San Antonio in 1968

— aided by Lyndon B, Johnsan,

whose home was in Gonzalez's

district.

GONZALEZ'S 1983 QUARREL

with Foreman erupted when Gon-

zalez claimed that the conserva-

tive Texas Republican had called

him a "pinko."

' Afterwards, he re-

fused to shake hands with Fore-

wan,

But on the House floor, Gonza-

lez was best known for his long:

winded crusades and "conspira-

cy" theories on San Antonio-relat-

ad matters. He used the Congres newspaper, cay and state.

sional Record as a forum, once'

inserting 50 separate items on the

failure of the Sharpstown Bank of

• Rouston.

"He focuses in on conspiracies,

the weird angles of things," said a

source lamiliar with Gonzalez's

P3L

. St. Louis

Post-Dispatch,

St. Louis, Mo.

career. "He can't see the public

issues. Once he gets involved in

something, he shakes it by the

throat until it's dead."

But his biggest interest was

assassinations.

GONZALEZ WANTED a con-

gressional investigation. And he

wanted to chair it.

"Some people had reservations)

but they never spoke them," sail

a committee member. "There is !

reluctance to violate a traditiona

courtesy," So the hot-tempered

Texan took control of one of the

most sensitive congressional in-

vestigations since impeachment.

As everyone knows by now,

Gonzalez inherited a

"night-

mare," clashing immediately with

Sprague, whose arrogant,

take.

charge manner had already alien-

ated much of the House. "He

treats me like dirt," Gonzales

used to confide to committee col-

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

3/4/77

leagues.

IN REACTION, Gonzalez dealt

with Sprague just as he deals with

San Antonio politicians that he

dislikes. To the mortification of

his committee colleagues, he pub

licly called his chief counsel a

SI

"rattlesnake" and a "scoundrel."

"It's sort of vintage Gonzalez,"

said Douglas Harian, a political

science professor from San Anto

nio. "The Assassinations Commit-

tee thing is made to order for him

It's combative and spectacular."

Friends

say Gonzalez was

Character: 62-5097

or

Classification:

Submitting Office:

~ Being Investigated

62-5097-18

LARCHED

INDEXED

ERIALIZED V

FILED

for

MAR 7 1977

stunned when the committee

turned against him on the issue of

Sprague's firing, "I think he took

it as a personal matter," said a

BI-ST. LOUI

Kewher

committee member. "Apparently

he was deeply hurt and angered."

WN 05215

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242

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## Page 243

FD-250 (Rov. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Spaco Bolow)

Mrs. King Challeng

Groups To Furthei

Probe Husband's

Slaying

Meanwhile

the

BY LILYANN J. MITCHELL,

Apparently disillusioned

and still firmly convinced that

her late husband's brutal

murder on April 4, 1968 in

Memphis, Tenn. was the plot

of a well planned conspiracy,

Mrs. Coretta Scott King said

of the recent committee's

report that, James Earl Ray

acted alone:

"I have no knowledge as to

how comprehensive this re-

port was. Therefore, I can

draw no firm conclusion. I

would still like for some

agency, group or organization

to research and disclose what.

the task force was doing and

how it was conducting this

investigation, so that others

may judge for themselves

how the Justice Department

conducted their investigation

- and in 'what manner they

drew up their conclusions,"

aMrs. King stated from

prepared press statement to

the ARGUS from her office in

Atlanta.

NW 55215 DocId: 32989797

Page 243

the Martin Luther King fr

slaying case, and said he

would like

"personal to conduct e

rights aion. of the late divi

murder, but the convicted

inmate claims he is taking. the

fuil rap in a conspiracy to

murder Dr. King. His appeals?!

for a hearing to re-open the

erase have been denied.

arias.

Indicate page, name of

neispaper, city and sinte.)

P1.- St. Louis

Argus, St. Louis,

Missouri

Date:

Edition:

Author:

Editor:

Title:

3/3/77

Character: 44-775

or

E2091

Classication: e

Submitting Office:

L Being Investigaled

62-5097-X

• MISCHED

_ INDEXED

MAR 4 1977

31-ST. LOU

Lawhen TikN

---

## Page 244

caesarit

MIRS. CORETTA KING.

A special report from the

Department of Justice to the

media this week reads in

part:

The purpose of the study

was to examine FBI activities

involving Dr. King

and to

evaluate the effectiveness of

the assassination investiga-

tion. "The report concluded

that the FBI had conducted a

painstaking and successful

investigation of the 1968

assassination in Memphis,

Terin. The task

force

also

found no evidence of FBI

complicity in the murder,"

the statement to the ARGUS

said.

However, the report further

stated,

"The

FBI's

COINTELPRO - type harass-

ment of. Dr. King

and

efforts to drive him out of the

civil rights movement were

(found to have been clearly

improper. The task force re-

commended no disciplinary

"action because the chief FBI

-NN- 55215_DocId:32989797

Page 244

officials responsible

for the

s: interview that he and

harassment are dead or re-

another Black officer, W.E.

tired, but proposed outright

richmond, were the onl

prohibition of COINTELPRO-

¡etecuves assigned to polic

type

activities

against

detail on April 4, 1968. Fle

domestic

intelligence

stated that when police

subject."

officials in Memphis learned

Di. King's widow, his

of the many threats against

Martin

Dr. King's life they "slashed

Luther King Sr., other family

security from 10 men to two

members and

civil rights

men, instead of beefing it up.

leaders have called the latest

"When

Dr. King

was

report from the house com-

murdered I was miles away -

mittee "unacceptable'' to

and another officer on duty

them.

with me that day (W.B.

Shortly after this re-inves-

Richmond) was missing from

tigation into the King slaying

the scene," Redditt said.

officially opened, it was re-

Redditt said despite his

ported by the media that

protests that he had a job to

numerous documents perti-

do, he was ordered home and

nent to the King slaying case

Holloman (then the director

were missing

from

the

of the Memphis Police anc

government's file.

Fire Department) called in

Last week human rights

two burly police officers ti

activist

Dick

Gregory,

escort him there and standi

announced that he will

guard over him.

resume his hunger fast until a

Redditt further stated that

"thorough and true" investi-, it appeared, 'as if the guards

gation into Dr. King's slaying

were trying to keep me in the

is initiated - which should

house, rather than protect

include the necessary FBI and

me."

other legal government and

Attorney General Bell said

official documents on the

at a recent news conference,

King case.

although the report found no

In addition to this, the U.S.

evidence of FBI involvement

District Judge John Lewis has

in the 1968 inurder case of

ordered the FBI to file with

Di. King, the case was not

the National Archives all of

closed for the Justice Depart-

its tapes and documents

ment.

growing out of buggings and

• wiretaps of Dr. King. Accord-

He said a final decision wi

ing to the judge's

previous

be made when the House

records, these materials could

Select Committee completes

not be made available to the

its investigation of the killings

public for at least 50 years,

of both Dr. King and Pre-

except by court order.

'sident John F. Kennedy.

A couple of months ago, Ed

Of a possible meeting withi

Redditt,

ex-police

Ray, Bell stated: "I'd either

detective in Memphis told the

go or send someone in whon!

National Inquirer Magazine in

I have absolute confidonce."

---

## Page 245

FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

King Family

Dissatisfied With

Report Findings

BY LILYANN J. MITCHELL

"Not satisfied,"

is.a two-

word summary of the state-

ments made by those close

the the late Black Prophet,

the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther

King Ji, relative to the

recent.concluding report from

the House Select Committée

on Assassination's that, "Ray

apparently acted alone,"

thus;

ending. their most

recent inquiry into the King

flaying case.

Mrs: Coretta

Scott King;

widow of the slain civil rights

leader, and his father, the

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King,

"St.,

both stated in a

news

announcement this week that

the investigation was not.

thorough enough and said

they would "not accept this

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

1 (Second Section)

St. Louis Argus

Date: 2/26/77

Edition: VOl. 66, No.

Author: LILYANN J.

Editor:

MITCHELL

Title:

Character: (62=5997

Classification:

Submitting Office: SL

• Being Investigated

62-5097-17

FEB 28 1977

DICK GREGORY

(Mount Chil as the final answef." MFs.

King, Dr. King. Sr., the Rev.

Dr. David Abernathy, Hon.

Jessie

Andrew Young, Rer Dick

L.. Jackson,

Gregory, members of the

Congressional Black Caucus,

and a long list of other

notable Black and white

citizens and organizations,

have pushed over the past

years for a complete re

investigation into Dr. King's

brutal slaying.

"There is no doubt in my.

mind that

conspiracy

existed,"'

said Mrs. King.

- U:S. Ambassador to the UN,

Andrew Young, said he, would

do all he could to have Dr.

King's documents on the

slaying case reviewed more

thoroughly.

"If the true story was told

wold blow the did of had

better be ready to face what

the outcome of this ke

investigation

will bring,

human rights leader, Gregory.

told members of the CBC and

some 4,000 dinner guests.

during their last annualevent

in Washington,

D:C. about

six months ago.

Shortly after

this

Te:

investigation into the King

slaying officially opened, it

was reported that numerous

documents pertinent to the

King case were missing from

the government's file.

week,

Gregory

announced that he will

resume his hunger fast until a

"thorough and true" investi-

gation into Dr. King's slay-

ing is investigated - which

should include the necessary

FBI, and other legal govern-

glaying.

ment documents on the Kin

In other King develop

ments, 'U.S: District Judg!

John Lewis has ordered: the

55215

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Page 245

---

## Page 246

-2-

-=

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---

## Page 247

FD-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below)

Attorney general wants

to see James Earl Ray

By GLENN ELSASSER.

said: he:probably stole it, but-Bell: said

Globe-Democrat=

there is no evidence of this.

Chicago Tribune News Service

FURTHERMORE; Bell questioned

WASHINGTON = Attorney: General-

whether Ray was: knowledgeable enough

#Griftin: B: Bell wants to talk personally

to get the passports he used to trayel

with James Earl Ray to clear up doubts;

abroad äfter the assassination.

that Ray,

acted

alone in the slaying:

of Di Martin Lu-

ther King Jr., Belt:

said. Thursday,

Bell- said: the

"lead carefully" a

special Justice De

partment task force

report on. the King

assassination, is=

sued last week, and

"puzzled over the:

case."

¡Bell:

THE REPORT found no. evidence of

since: the assassination that he: was "a,

'fall'guy," in a conspiracy to murder Dr.

King. The: U:S. Supreme Court in Decem--

ber refused to review his guilty plea

Asked whether he thought some gov.

emment agency might: have been ins

volved in the assassination, Bell replied:

• "Oh, not at all."

When asked.whether hezas-attorney.

general would give Ray any "special'

consideration" it he believed. Ray Si

story, Bell said this would have to sp

worked. out with Tennessee official

because Ray is a state prisoner.

FBI involvement in the 1968 murder t

Dr. King, but Bell said the case: was not

closed for the Justice Department:

Aitinal decision will be made, lie said;

once the House Select: Committee: on

Assassinations.has completed its investi-

gation of the killings. of Dr. King: and

President Kennedy.

"I had-it.way in the backsof.my.mind:

to do a little more," Bell toldia breakfast.

meeting of reporters.

Speaking of a possible meeting with

Ray, Bell said:

"Id either go or

someone I have absolute confidence in

woltd:"

he attorney general. mentioned tha

Indicate page, name o1

lelvspaper, city and state.'

15 A

St. Louis Globe-

Democrat

Date: 2/25/77

Edition:

Author: GLENN ELSASSER

Editor:

Title:

Character: <62-5097

or

44-775

Classification:

Submitting Office: SL

• Being Investigated

62-5097-16

FEB 28 1977

:=-57. LL

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---

## Page 248

==

RD 300 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Space Below).

New Policies

Restrain FBI,

Kelley Says

Compiled From News Services

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 - Federal Bureau of Investi

!!

Kelley expressed great satisfaction that a Justice

Department task force found the FBI had made a cred-

sitable and thorough investigation of the King assassina-n

Ition in 1S68.

"There are portions of tue report which described

ohjectionable actions on the part of the FBI," Kelley

Said, referring to the task force's criticism of the FBI'S

a'tempt to "neutralize" the, Rev. Dr. King's role as a

ovil rights leader.

A Justice Department task force investigating the

death of the Rev. Dr. King says evidence that James

Earl Ray was a lone assassin is convincing, although

his motive remains elusive.

In the report made public Friday, the task force

praised the FBI's original investigation of the Rev. Dr.

King's death in 1968, but said the Justice Department

failed to exercise proper supervision over the agency's

work.

The report said also that former FBI Director J.

Edgar Hoover inspired an improper and at times illegal

harassment campaign against the Rev. Dr. King in the

¡last five years of his life. But it recommended against

prosecutions in the campaign because Hoover and his

top aids are dead or retired.

Ray was acting alone on April 4, 1968 when he

gunned King down on a motel balcony in Memphis, the

report concluded. It said that FBI agents checked out. |

conspiracy theories but found them groundless.

"The task force is satisfied that the FBI did a credi-

ble and thorough job in attempting to identify any possi-

ble conspiracy. In all the years following the assassina-

tion, the investigation has failed to reveal any connec-:

tion. between any alleged conspirator and James Earl

Ray..

7.

NW

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12A

ST. LOUIS

POST-DISPATCH

SIMO.

Date: 2/20/77

Edition: Sunday

Author:

Editor:

Title:

44-775

Character:

or

62-5097m/4

Classification:

Submitting Office:

Being Investigated

SEARC!:

FERE: 17

inch

---

## Page 249

But the report's authors list two loose ends, lack of a

clear motive for the shooting and an inabilty to learn

how Ray supported himself for a year before the Reva

pr. King's death.

"pay's apparent hatred for the civil rights move

ment, his possible yearning for recognition and a desire!

•for a potential quick profit may have, as a whole, pro

'vided sufficient impetus for him to act and act alone,"

the report said.

Imprisoned in the Missouri State prison until his

escape in 1967, Ray took part in inmate speculation

¡about a bounty on the Rev. Dr. King's head. But the

report found no evidence proving that a bounty pay-

ment was actually offered.

Meanwhile, an attorney for Ray accused the Justice

Department of attempting to whitewash the investiga-

tion. of the killing. Robert I. Livingson of Memphis,

Tenn., also charged the Justice Department with trying

to thwart a planned investigation of the assassination

by a House committee.

Livingston said he knew of two persons willing to

festily before the panel, but that they could not because

the committee was having internal problems. Robert

¡Kennedy, while serving as attorney general, failed

badly by maintaining FBI surveillance on the Rev. Dj-

King, the task force said.

The report found that during Ray's imprisonment in

Missouri he told inmates he "hated Negroes." It said he

vowed on several occasions to kill the Rev. Dr. "if the

(price was right.",

Livingston said he never had placed any faith'in the

investigation.

"Since that investigation started, I felt they would

approve everything the FBI has said and done in con-

nection with the Dr. King murder. I knew they would

find: no fault whatever with (late FBI director). Mr.

John' Edgar Hoover, I knew they would find no fault

+ With anyone remotely connected to it.

"The only thing I'm surprised at is that they haven't

recommended Hoover for sainthood."

"The forces behind the assassinations are working

-full time to see that nobody anywhere investigates these

Assassinations," he said. "There are forces at worl

trying to destroy the select committee of Congress t

investigate the assassinations.

"There are people in this world who don't want any

for these investigations continued."

NW 55215 Docid: 32989797 Page 249

---

## Page 250

FN-350 (Rev. 11-11-75)

(Mount Clipping in Spoce Bolow)

Tip from Missouri inmare

led to Ray's arrest

By EDWARD W. O'BRIEN

+ break in picking up Ray's trail,"

the

Globe-Democrat Washington Bureau

report said.

Chief

"At 9:30 p.m. on June 1, 1908, the Fl

WASHINGTON - A tip from a former

attache in Ottawa called Washington to

Missouri Penitentiary cellmate of James

advise that after reviewing some 175,000

Earl Ray provided the crucial clue that

applications, the mounted police located

led to Ray's arrest for the assassination

a passport issued April 24, 1968, under

. of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a

the name Ramon George Sneyd which

Justice Department report has disclosed.

contained a photograph very definitely

The cellmate remembered that Ray, as

similar to Ray.

a prisoner at Jefferson City, had talked

The passport application was traced'

" about "the ease with which a person

back to a Toronto travel agency. From

living in Canada could obtain a false

passport," the report said.

there, Ray left a trail of ticket purchases

to London, Lisbon, and back to London;

• UNTIL THE interview with the uniden-

where he was.apprehended June 8 as lie

tified prisoner, the FBI had been able to

sought to take a plane to Brussels.

"follow Ray's trail only as far as Atlanta,

*where he had driven immediately after

The disclosure about'the Missouri tip,

• the Memphis murder April 4, 1968.

as well as many other inside details, •

-As then-FBI Dírector J. Edgar Hoover

came in a 149-page report by a Justide

admitted in a memorandum for then

Department task force of five attorneys

Attorney General Ramsey Clark, the

and two analysis on their study of they

trail was cold beyond Atlanta, despite a

King case.

massive manhunt.

AFTER REVIEWING more than 200,-

By then, the FBI had zeroed in on Ray

as the probable killer and had obtained

000 documents from FBI headquarters

photographs of him. But their man had

and field offices in St. Louis, Springfield, •

vanished.

Ill., and other cities, and interviewing 40..

The

Missouri tip triggered a new

witnesses, the team concluded:

search. At the FBi's request, the Royal

—Ray, who had served seven years of

Canadian Mounted Police in Ottasya

a 20-year sentence for armed robbery

began searching passport application

• when he escaped from the Missouri

files since Ray's escape from the prison

prison, acted alone in assassinating Dr.

April 23, 1967.

King, the civil rights leader.

"THOUGH THE search went through

a staggering number of applications and

—There is no evidence of a conspiraly

was based on comparison of Ray's

between Ray and anybody else. "Inderd"

photograph to those submitted with the

i the overwhelming evidence indicates

application, it proved to be the necessary

y that Ray was almost totally alone durug

(Indicate page, name of

newspaper, city and state.)

6B

ST. LOUIS

GLOBE-DEMOCRAT

ST. LOUIS, MO.

Date: 2/19-20/77

Edition:

Weekend

Author:

Editor:

Title:

A27

Character:

or

Classification:

Submitting Office:

- Being Investigated

62-509713

SErs.

реж

NW 55215 Docid: 32989797 Page 250

---

## Page 251

• J. Edgar Hoover'

. the trail was cold

the years after his escape from (pris-

on.

-There was no complicity in the

murder by the FBI or the Memphis

Police Department.

—FBI INVESTIGATION of the killing

was thoroughly, honestly, and success

fully conducted.'

The task force also found that FBi

: harassment of Dr. King to several years

52250777

James Earl Ray

false. passport

before his death was "clearly impro-

per."

The FBI had conducted what it called

a "no-holds-barred" campaign to dis-

credit Dr. King and drive him out of the

civil rights movement. The FBI's rea-

sons were its belief that Dr. King was

*being influenced by Communist aavisers

and that he had unfairly criticized the

NW 55215

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Page 251

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## Page 252

by the statute of limitations. Disciplinary

faction would be too late because the

for living expense

The FBI speculated that Ray commil

future harassment of domestic intelli-

i gence targets.'

Much of the report focused. on Mis-

souri, through Ray as a prisoner at

Jefferson City, his movements in the

state, and family associations.

Through interviews with cellmates and

...other prisoners, the FBI pieced together

Ray's motive as hatred of blacks.

"It seems clear that Ray

openly

displayed a strong racist attitude toward

blacks," the report said.

"While in prison Ray stated he would

kill.Dr. King if given the opportunity...

"RAY'S APPARENT hatred for the

"Civil rights movement, his possible

ycarning for recognition, and a desire for

a potential quick profit may have, as a

whole, provided sufficient impetus: for

him to act - and to act alone.".

There were widespread rumors at the

Missouri prison that a group of business-

men had raised $100,000 to $1 million "as

a bounty on King's head," the report

said, and there were also rumors that

"Ray was' supposed to have killed three

bla mator mystery remains to this day.

Neither the FBI nor the Justice team

was able to discover the source of the

"money for Ray's extensive travel after

his prison escape; for purchases of cars,

photo equipment, and dance lessons, and

HE DID EARN $664 as a dishwasher in

i money out of the Missouri prison by

money order to a fictitious company. But

nothing else could be established about

how Ray obtained several thousand

dollars, which he spent between his

escape and his arrest.

One expenditure was $269 on July 14,

1967, for purchase of a Plymouth automo-

The FBI was criticized for alleged?

failure to follow a lead which she report;

described as "suggesting thät one ori

both of Ray's brothers were in contact.

with him after, and in aid of, his escape

in 1967 from (prison)."

The lead was not unearthed until after

Ray's arrest, and the FBI downgraded

the information as. "made sterile by

intervening events,"' the report said. The

tip was that Jerry Ray may have seen

his brother James lat a pre-arranged

meeting piace in St. Louis shortly after

his escape," the reports said.

"By hindsight, the task force helieves

Jerry and John Ray could have been

their Know tag. i and or James Ban

Ray's plans, his finances, and whether

they hesped him after King's death," they

report said.

NW 55215

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## Page 253

FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-76)

TRANSMIT VIA:

[x] Teletype

C Facsimile

D Airtel

FBI

5594

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

Priority

[& Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

• TOP SECRET

C SECRET

• CONFIDENTIAL

EX CLEAR

Date

2/8/77

FM ST. LOUIS (62-5097) (P)

TO DIRECTOR (62-117290) ROUTINE

BT

CLEAR

ATTENTION: GENERAL INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION, CIVIL RIGHTS SECTION,

CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT.

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS, BUDED: FEBRUARY 11, 1977.

REBUTEL, FEBRUARY 4, 1977.

ST. LOUIS FILE ON MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ASSASSINATION

(MURKIN), ST. LOUIS FILE 44-775, HAS NOT BEEN DESTROYED.

BT

=

OR SEN

St. Louis

(I)

62-5097-10

SEARCHED

SEACH WIK

INDEXED

FILED WIK

001

Approved:

WW 55215 DocId: 32989797 Page 253

1725 1

(Number)

(Time)

Per

bih

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