Originator: FBI
To: AG
Document date: 26/4/77 00:00
Document type: PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENT

## Page 1

File #:

62-117290

SECTION 1Z

Serial Scope:

1051 THRL 1056

1059 THRL

1061

1062

1063

1069

THRU 1066

TARU

10.79

1108/

108/X2

+081X611081X7

1STUR 1081X9, 1082

DO NOT

DESTROY

FOIPA#

NA

HH

55004

DocId:32989737

Page 1

---

## Page 2

Airsel

7/26/78

MAILED

JUL

1078

To: SAC, Memphis (66-2197)

From: Director, FBI (62-117290)

1 - Mr. Foster

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE

ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

Reference your airtel dated 7/19/78, which furnished

Iull description of files and subfiles delivered to FBI

yo fian on

Headquarters (FBIHQ) on 7/20/78.

This airtel is to confirm that three boxes containing

Memphis files 170-70, 170-117, 170-1019, 170-1022 and

170-1040 were reproduced at FBIHQ on 7/20,21/78. Files were

aboard American Airlines, Flight 552, departing National

Airport at 7:00 p.m. and

scheduled to arrive at Memphis

7:58 p.m. on 7/21/78.

Enclosure

JTA /pfm

"'(4)

7

- 113

NOTE: By letter dated 5/23/78, the HSCA asked for access

to Memphis Field Office files of five informants who reported

on activities of the Invaders, a Memphis youth gang.

denied access to these files.

However, by letter dated

1/5/781

the HSCA Chairman requested the Attorney General

resolve the matter and it is expected the files will

eventually be made accessible to the HSCA. Therefore, files

were brought to FBI Headquarters to begin processing, since

Xeroxing capabilities of the Memphis Office prevented

reproduction there.

REC-40

117290-1051

Assoc. Dir.

Dep. AD Adm. -

Dep. AD Inv. _

Asst. Dir.:

Adm. Servs.-

Crim. Inv. -

dent. -

ntell. -

Laboratory

Legal Coun. _

Plan. & Insp. _

Rec. Mgnt. _

Tech. Servs. -

BUt AUG 1 4 1978 | 1B

Telephöne Rm.

Director's Sec'y -

MAIL ROOM E

MW 55004

DocId: 32989737

Page

2

23

AUG 1 978

W24S8S2

-..218\86

FBI/DOJ

---

## Page 3

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

TRANSMIT VIA:

Teletype

Facsimile

AIRTEL

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

[ Immediate

I Priority

• Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

• TOP-SECRET

I SECRET

• CONFIDENTIAL

DEFTO

I CLEAR

7/27/78

Date

TO: RAK

DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

SZA (ATTN :

UNIT CHIEF GEORGE J. FOSTER,

CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT,

ROOM 8988)

FROM:

SAC, ST. LOUIS (62-5097)

0.

SUBJECT: HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

Enclosed for FBIHQ is one copy of 3/19/74

memo of SA HOWARD C. KENNEDY, captioned

"SL

3167-PCI.

lip.

EX LD,

B- Bureau

1 - St. Louis

JTH: đmn

(4)

ii,

REC-4062-117290-1052.

20 JUL 29 1978

1i

Đồc.

-2|u/00

Aported: UG 1 4 1978

HH 55004

DocId: 32989737 Page 3

comachaer.

Transmitted

(Number)

(Time)

Per

FBI/DOJ

---

## Page 4

OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10

- MAY 1002 EDITION

GSA FPME (41 CFR) 108-11.8

UNITED STATES GO

RNMENT

Memorandum

TO

DATE: 3/19/74

FROM

SUBJECT:

SA HOWARD C. KENNEDY

SL 3167-PCI

This informant, who was contacied in the area

ing so strictly on a confidential basis, and he would never

under any circunstances testily to any of this information:

UNSUBS;

Theft of sterling silver busts of

CHARLES A. LINDBERGH, Sterling

silver bust of AN MARIE LINDBERGa;.

ITSP - MAJOR TREFT

SL 87-21859

In early 8/73, as he was moving into a new busi

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

Louis, he and an associate vere engaged in setting up

& new

described

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 Meisser.

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 50-35,

6°, 170 pounds, handsone,

wearing a business suit. The woman

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

dress and accessories, Both were described as having a very

Iine bright or golden brown complezion.

Wishin two or three daysitime, as the associate

was alone in the shop, she was approached by a white mad,

whose identity was later learned as RUSSELL BEYERS, 9329

Frederick, Ladue, Mo.»

St. Louis,

s..

1. 1110-

1052.

UNCLOSURE

ATTI

H S50B Bfa:3299973

banachau

Page 1

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## Page 5

SL 137-16185

known, and he inquired about & small item in the store

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

in the St. Charles area.

He offered to pay $15 for the

item, exhibiting considerable interest in and knowledge

of antiques.

he lett the store without buying anytaing,

but within a day or ino returned to the store, also meeting

informant, and still having interest in the piece he had

previously looked at.

This nas the first meeting with in

formant. This individual brought with him a small pottery

tea set, described as golden brown, with a set of 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 him

self as RUSSELL BEYERS. He is belived to be a very intelli

gent, perceptive person.

No business was transacted. On

that occasion, however, BEYERS "opened up" with informant,

advising that

he is personally represented by Attorney MURRAY

that he and RANDALl are very close personal friends.

& RAYAt, are very close

He said

he had inquired of an individual at OK Novelty Co.,

St. Louis,

also inquiring of informant as to "what kind ef guy" was

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

informant, advising further that it was his understanding

that informant was not a "snitch"

He also advised that he

had personally sent the aforementioned black 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 from him.

He asserted that

if there was anything in St. Louis that intormant vanted to

buy, he would have it stolen and seil it to hin at the right

price. He came into in omant's shop at least once or twice

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

tioned second meeting in the shop, BEYERS told informant that

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

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

but would sell it to informant for $5,000.

Infornant advised

he personally contacted his lawyer, inquiring as to whether

it would be

reasible to buy the painting and seit 1t to an

insurane company.

Reportedly, this lawyers not identified

by informant, made some inquiries and found that the involved

insurance company was not interested in paying that amount

.. 2

• .

HIT

55004 DooId:32989737 Page 5

---

## Page 6

SL 137-16185

for sane. A few days later, BEYERS again came to the shop

offering to sell the

painting for 53,000, and then made

a final offer to sell it for $2,000.

BEYERS then said that

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, MO., in

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

about visiting a lawyer in st. Louis county, now deceased,

not turther Identilled, 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 linp. Later, wicha

gard 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 be had declined

accept this contract.

to

He did remark thatthis laryer

ha.d

Confederate flags and other items about the house that might

indicate that he was "a real

rebel".

BEYERS also conmented

that he had

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

KING.

Sometime later, informant talked to JOSEPH "J00"

OLIVESTRO, a known fence, with whom he is acquainted.

This

individual advised informant that BEYERS truly is a "vary

treacherous guy", cautioning him to stay away fron him if

he wanted to stay out of trouble.

About two or three months ago, BEYERS telephoned

hin at 7:00 on night, probably a Monday

night, date not.re

called, advising that he was

going to kill a

man, indicating that the man had "snitched at orts st. Louis

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

At 10:00 P.M.

the same night, BEVERS again called him, ad

vising that

"the job is done".

The next day, nformant read

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

in North St. Louis, further details not recalled.

.. 3

HH 55004 DocId:32989737 Page 6

---

## Page 7

."

SL 137-16185

At about that same time, informant recalled that

BEYERS inquired as. to whether. he knew anyone by the name

Of EUGENE ZIGLER who lives somewhere in west St. Louis

County.

BEYERS referred to him as an old man, believed

by him to have stolen some 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 from him.

About one month prior to the date of the reported

burglary of the Jelferson Memorial, St. Louis, in which sev-

eral items of Lindbergh trophies were taken, exact date not

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

terested in buying any articles from the Jefferson Memorial,

commenting specifically that he had in mind some

"commemox&

tive pieces" that were included in the Lindbergh trophies.

informant said he told him this would be "too hot to bandle"

whereupon BEYERS said they could be used to "set up enemies"

by "stashing them in the trunk of somebody's car".

Informant

said he told BEYERS he was not interested in that kind of.

job since he had been in trouble once (robbery of lour 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 Memorial and the theft of several

items there.

A day or two after that publicity, BEYERS came

to informant's shop,

advising that "now I've got my hands

full - I've got a lot of problems". Informant recalled that

it appeared BEYERS had not shaven for several days. Ordi

narily, BEYIRS is a very conservadie, well-dressed

person.

BEYERS never again mentioned the Jefferson Memorial

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

recent publicity.

He firmly believes that BEYERS at one time had

both these items and the Norman Rockwell painting and may

still have

same.

He does not believe that BEYERS would ever

confess to anything, BEYERS having told him on one occasion

that the police would never get anywhere with him since he

absolutely would never talk, even if confronted with informa

tion from other sources attributed to him.

BEYERS is further described as follows:

.. 4

H# 55004 DocId:32989737 Page 7

---

## Page 8

SL. 137-16185

Race

Sex

Age

Height

Weight

Build

Hair

Clothing

Miscelianeous

White

Male

4748 years old

5'9" to 5:10"

170 lbs.

Slightly stocky

Black curly, graying

Usually dressed in sport

jacket and slacks or

suit with tie

Wearing dark horn-rimmed

glasses

BEYERS is married to a sister of JOHN PAUL SPICA,

an ex convict involved several years ago in the MYZAK murder,

and hasseveral children®

BEYERS drives two different auto-

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

with dark blue vinyl top and a 1973 Oldsmobile two door or

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

BEYERS

gives the appearance of a successful jewelry businessman. He

is believed to be engaged in contacting custoners 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 21-

rested many times, BEYERs acasing Informant that he bad a

"long Hoover sheet".

Informant advised he will imnediately furnish any

additional information received concerning these matters.

5

MY 55004 DocId:32989737 Page B

---

## Page 9

LAO04 1 19603457

00 HQ ME

DE LA

15 Ju fella: 55=

AE/EIVED

FE "O

OF

'"!,

REAU

LATION

COMMUNICATIONE SECTION

0 15 0345Z JL

78

Assoc. Dir.

Dop. AD Adm.

Dep. AD Inv.

Asst. Dir.:

Adm. Serv.

Crim. Inv.

Ident.

Intell:

Laboratory

Legal Coun

Plan. & insp.

Tech: Servs.

Training

Public Affs. Off.

Telephone Rm.

Directores Sec'y

FM LOS ANGELES

(62-7841) ( (3) (P)

TO DIRECTOR

62 - 117290)

IMMEDIATE

MEMPHIS IMMEDIATE

BI

UNCLAS EFTO

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

RE BUREAU IEL, JULY 14, 1978.1008

ON JULY 14, 1978, FINUS EDWARD BETHEL, FORMER ME 292-R,

WAS CONTACIED AT HIS CURRENI ADDRESS, 3939 ROXANNE, APARTMENT

1, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, 902D8, TELEPHONE (213) 296-393D.

BETHEL WAS ADVISED OF THE NATURE OF THE INQUIRY AS

OUTL EURO IN SERERENCEO TRUTURE, AM EASE HE dO - 1053

NOT, REPEAT NOT, EX-IONS IDENTITY DISCLOSED

BETHEL STATED HE WANTS HIS PRIOR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION TO REMAIN STRICILY

BA AUG

1974

CONF IDENTIAL.

A FD -302 REGARDING THE INTERVIEW WILL BE PREPARED

BY LOS ANGELES.

- do

4-00

54 AUG3 2 1978

")

D: 09110/84

HH 55004

DocId: 32989737 Page 9

---

## Page 10

"MEODDA 1981800Z

00 HQ

DE ME

17JL78 18/172

RACEIVED.

0 1981800Z JU 78

FEDERSE VEREAL

OF INVESFIGATION

CONHUNICATIONS SECTION

FM MEMPHIS (66-2197) (P)

TO DIRECTOR (62-117298) IMMEDIAIE

BT

Assor. Dir._

Dop. AD Adma,

Dep. AD Inv.

Asst. Dir.:

Adm. Serv.

Crim. Inv.

Ident.

Intell.

Laboratory

Legal Coun.

Plan, & Insp.

Rec. Mgnt. HT3

rech. Servs

Training

Fublic Affs. Off.

Telephone Rm.

Director's Sec'y

UNCLAS EFT O

ATTENTION CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION.

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA) .

RE BUREAU TELETYPE DATED JULY 14, 1978. 1008

ON JULY 15, 1978, THE SOURCES LISTED BELOW WERE CONTACTED

AND ADVISED OF THE NATURE OF THE INQUIRY AS OUTLINED IN REFERENCED

TELETYPE. EACH OF THEM STATED HE DOES NOT WANT HIS IDENTITY

DISCLOSED IO HSCA. EACH EMPHATICALLY STATED HE WANTS HIS FORMER

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FBI TO REMAIN STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

SOURCES CONTACTED ARE AS FOLLOWS:

FORMER ME 352-R, CATO JOHNSON, JR.

FORMER ME 339-7, ALLEN YANCEY, UREG4Q 117210-1054

+-11)-290-1054

AN FD-302 REGARDING THE INTERVIEW OF THESE INDIVIDUALS

123 AUG 4 1978

:: (09-191099-17

54AUG2 3 1978

---

## Page 11

PAGE TWO

ME 66-2197

UNCLAS E

FT O

WILL BE PREPARED AND COPIES SUBMITTED TO THE BUREAU.

BT

#

JIN 75004 DocId: 32989737

Page 11

---

## Page 12

PG 001,207 1825z

PP HQ KC

Assc.

зіг.

Do. iD Adm.

DE PG

•26 JuL78 18 49z

P 26 1825Z JUL 78

RECEIVED

FM PITTSBURGH (62-3697) (RUC)

SUREAU

OF INVESTIGATION

COMMUNICATIONS SECTION

TO DIRECTOR (62-117290)

PR IOR ITY

-

Cri*. in.

Initi

La

KANSAS CITY PRIORITY

17.

Rec. M JHABHaR

Ter'

Trair:"

Publi

Teleph

Directe

BT

UNCLAS E F TO

HOUSE SELECI COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

1039

RE BUREAU TELETYPE TO PITTSBURGH DATED JULY 25, 1978,

AND PITISBURGH TELCALLS TO THE BUREAU, JULY 26, 1978.

THE FOLLOWING INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED AT PITTSBURGH,

PA. IN EFFORI TO LOCATE ALEXANDER GEORGE BEN EDMONDSON, AKA

ALEX BORMANN:

INVESTIGATION CONDUCTED AT RUST ENGINEERING, 600 GRANT

STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA., DETERMINED THAT THAI COMPANY IS NOW

PART OF A COMPANY KNOWN AS WHEELABRATOR-FRYE INC., AND THAT

EMPLOYMENT RECORDS FOR ALL FORMER PERSONNEL OF RUST ENGINEERING

ARE LOCATED IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA. REC-40 62-11>

ON JULY 26, 1978, EP SALIND CLAY, PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT,

2

-1055

pinacpace

4 antenn

NAR

JiS!

54 AUG? 2 1978

HN 55004 DocId: 32989737 Page 12

66137-7738

dear sun made de

---

## Page 13

PAGE TWO,

PG

62-3697, UNCLAS EFTO

RUST ENGINEER ING, BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, ADVISED THAT ALEX BORMANN

WAS EMPLOYED AS A PROJECT ENGINEER FROM MAY 16, 1966, UNTIL

JANUARY 15, 1971, WHEN HE RESIGNED. THIS IS CURRENTLY AN

INACTIVE FILE AND THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT BORMANN EVER RESUMED

HIS EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY. RECORDS INDICATE THAT AT

THE TIME OF HIS RESIGNATION, BORMANN WAS EMPLOYED AT THE PITTSBURGH

OFFICE AND WAS RESIDING AT 721 BRIGHTON ROAD, APARTMENT 403,

PITTSBURGH, PA•

A REVIEW OF COLE'S DIRECTORIES FOR THE YEARS 1978 THROUGH

1978, WERE REVIEWED AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ANYONE BY

THE NAME OF ALEX BORMANN OR ALEXANDER GEORGE BEN EDMONDSON

RESIDING AT 721 BRIGHTON ROAD, APARTMENT 403, PITTSBURGH, PA.

ON THIS SAME DATE, WILLIAM CAVANAUGH, CHIEF, BUREAU OF

CRIMINAL IDENTIFICATION, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PROTECTION,

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PITTSBURGH, PAO, ADVISED THAT A REVIEW OF HIS

RECORDS FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY RECORD OF ARREST IDENTIFIABLE

WITH THE NAMES EDMOND SON OR BORMANN.

ON JULY Z6, 1978, RONALD SHAULIS, OFFICER IN CHARGE,

IDENIIFICATION SECTION, PITTSBURGH POLICE DEPARTMENI,

PITTSBURGH, PA., ADVISED THAT A REVIEW OF HIS RECORDS FAILED

---

## Page 14

PAGE THREE, PG 62-3697, UNCLAS EFTO

TO DISCLOSE ANY RECORD OF ARREST IDENTIFIABLE WITH EDMONDSON OR

BORMANN•

ON JULY 26, 1978, SPECIAL CLERK NICHOLAS S. SCIOTTO OF THE

PITTSBURGH OFFICE ADVISED THAT HE WAS THE INDIVIDUAL WHO HAD

ORIGINALLY TALKED WITH EDMOND SON, AKA BORMANN, WHEN HE APPEARED

AT THE PITT BURGH OFFICE IN AUGUST, 197D. SCIOTTO RECALLS

EDMONDSON ADVISING HIM THAT HE HAD WORKED FOR RUST ENGINEERING

IN MONTREAL, CANADA, PRIOR TO SERVING A TERM IN THE MISSOURI

STATE PRISON. UPON HIS RELEASE FROM PRISON PENDING AN APPEAL

OF HIS ARMED ROBBERY CONVICTION, EDMONDSON HAD BEEN REHIRED BY

RUST ENGINEER ING AND WAS ASSIGNED TO THE PITTSBURGH OFFICE.

SCIOTTO RECALLED THAT EDMOND SON RETURNED TO THE PITTSBURGH

OFFICE SOMETIME LATER AND ADVISED THAT HIS APPEAL HAD BEEN

OVERTURNED AND THAT HE WOULD NOW HAVE TO RETURN TO PRISON.

SC SCIOTTO ALSO RECALLED THAT ABOUT A YEAR AFTER EDMONDSON°S

INITIAL APPEARANCE IN THE PITTSBURGH OFFICE, HE SAW AN ARTICLE

IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER INDICATING THAT EDMONDSON WAS IN THE

MISSOUR I STATE PRISON. THIS ARTICLE FURTHER' INDICATED THAT

EDMONDSON WAS ON A SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL RELEASE PROGRAM AND WAS

ATTENDING COLLEGE WHILE FULFILLING THE TERMS OF HIS SENTENCE.

NN 55004 DocId: 32989737 Page 14

---

## Page 15

PAGE FOUR, PG 62-369

UNCLAS EFTO

DI SCREET INQUIRIES AT WHEELABRATOR-FRYE INCO, LOCATED ONE

INDIVIDUAL WHO RECALLED BORMANN AS BEING EMPLOYED BY RUST

ENGINEER ING • THIS INDIVIDUAL HAD AN OLD COMPANY DIRECTORY

WHICH CONTAINED THE NAME OF ALEX BORMANN AND A PICTURE OF THIS

INDIVIDUAL• INDIVIDUAL CONTACTED HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT HAD

HAPPENED TO EDMOND SON, AKA BORMANN WHEN HE LEFT RUST ENGINEERING.

BASED ON INVESTIGATION CONDUCTED IN PITTSBURGH, IT WOULD

APPEAR THAT EDMOND SON LEFT THE PITTSBURGH AREA IN 1971 TO

RETURN TO MISSOURI STATE PRISON TO SERVE THE REMAINDER OF HIS

SENTENCE ON THE ARMED ROBBERY CONVICTION. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE

TO INDICATE I HAT EDMONDSON EVER RETURNED TO THE PITTSBURGH

AREA.

END

BT

ARMAN BATTES ONSEEN

HH 55004

DooId: 32989737 Page 15

---

## Page 16

LOUIS STOKES, OHIO, CHAIRMAN

RICHALOSEN PREYER, N.C.

SAMUEL L. DI

іОнІо

WALTLA E. FAUNTROY, D.C.

YVONNE DRATHYALE BURKE, CALIF.

STEWART B.

INEY, CONN.

CHARLES THOR

•'EBR.

CHPISTOPHER J. DODD." CONN.

HAROLD S. SAWYER, MICH.

HAROLD E. FORD, TENN.

FLOYD I. FITHIAM, IND.

ROBERT W. EDGAR, PA.

(202) 225-4624

2 buce.

Lelect Committee on Assassinations

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

U.D. House di Representatives

3331 HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING, ANNEX 2

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515

July 26, 1978

Rac 5/2/8

The Honorable Griffin B. Bell

Attorney General of the United States

U.S. Department of Justice

Washington, D.C.

20530

Attention: Mr. Robert I. Keuch

Deputy Assistant Attorney General

Criminal Division, Room 2113

Dear Mr. Attorney General:

In connection with the investigation by this Committee

into the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr. Martin

Luther King, Jr., it is requested that the Federal

Bureau of

Investigation assist this Committee by providing us with

certain material.

The attached memorandum refers to a racial conference

which was held at FBI Headguarters in early 1968. Counter-

intelligence proposals directed at Martin Luther King were

apparently disucssed at that conference.

The House Select Committee on Assassinations requests

that we be provided with all documents in existence per-

taining to süch conference and any action taken, as a resuit

thereof.

Your response should also include any documents

relating to the scheduling of the conference.

appreciated.

coat earliest

attention to this matter would be greatly

REC-40, 62-112290-1056

Sincerely,

1. Robes Blabou

1 AUG 8 1978

G. Robert Blakey

Chief Counsel and Director

62-117290

HH

ENG/OSURI:

GRB: Kmy

Enclosures:as

ресті пов2 3121а

Do 298974 eye16

---

## Page 17

6. Vol1. 011

Bill Offce-Cointelpe

Nationälist

Hate Greup's

3/12/68

SAS JACKSON (257-9097)

SECTION CHIRE GECREE E, MOORE

RACIAT INTELLIGENCE, S0E

WASHRIGTON SPRING PROJECT

P"T, I.

L..

216/84..

At 5 FM, 3/11/68, GEORGE C. MOORE, Section Chief,.

Racial Intelligenca, Division 5, SOG, advised ASAC ELMER E.

LINBERS and SUDELVISDI JAMES D. LAGRAH AS FOlLOWS:

= ==

Spinacprie

He advised that the followig proposal has sent to

the Director:

The raciel conference at the St discussed the

Washington Spring Project headed by MARTIN LUtHEr Kuf and

recommended that the facts about the Project be brought to

the attention of possible participants through a rubor campaign.

He would use out informants, without their knowledge, to spread

the story about lack of tunis and organization.

Fears of

econonic reprisal and personal safety should dissuade potential

participants. We would point out also that the Project is

SIZiCELY FOI MARTIN LUTHER KUNG's benefit which is actually

the case, He thinks he cen regain lost prestige by tais

demonstration. Some suggested rumors sould consist of:

The participants would be told that their nares

would be taken in Hashington and welfare checks from the

Goverarent discontinued.

Possible threats of violence and bodily haru to the

(participants would be spread. Also information showing that

The Hashington Negro Conunity Is incensed and Furious wich

nespect to this narch on Washington by outeide Negroes.

.. The above are a few of the type at rumors that cai be

used and jor should tie in any rumor of this nature to your local.

problem, Also think of other counterintelligence rathods and

secure telepholic approval. from the bureau prior to utilization

2: 157-9097.

60117.199

# 515865223

HH

55004

{D0Id992989737

• Counter telence Black NatioisE

BA MA21 1 1968

---

## Page 18

36 (Rev. 3-24-77)

TRANSMIT VIA:

• Teletype

• Facsimile

AIRTEL

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

• Priority

Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

• TOP SECRET

• SECRET

• CONFIDENTIAL

DEETO

I CLEAR

Date

7/25/78

TO:

DIRECTOR, FBI

(62-117290)

(ATTN :

CONGRESSIONAI INQUIRY UNIT,

RECORDS MANAGEMENT. DIVISION)

FROM: RA SAC, SI. IOUIS 162-5097)

SUBJECT Y

HOUSE

SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

(HSCA)

Re Búreau

teletype to Chicago and St. Louis

dated 7/25/78.

Enclosed herewith is one copy each of Serials 1

through 34 in St. Louis file 137-16185, plus a copy o1 the

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

A copy of instant communication will also be

added to 137-16185.

Bureau

2 - St. Louis

(1-62-5097)

(1- 137-16185)

JE'S : kmt

(4)

(Enc - 35)

ENCLOSURE

9162=112290-1059

(REC-34,

5 JUL 27 1978

Approved,

55004

DocId: 32989737 Page 18

Stant

Dur. if

Transmitted -

(Number)

DOC.

Per

(Time)

FBI/DOS

---

## Page 19

SL0014 2072136

PP HQ

DE SL

26 JuL 78 72

FEELE HEREAU

OF INVESTIGATION

COMMUNICATIONE SECTION

P 262008Z JUL 78

Assoc. Dir.

Dep. AD Adm

Dep. AD IT.

Asst. Dir.!

Adm. Serv.

Crim. Inv.

Idast

Inte'l

Laboratory

Legal Coun.

Plan. & Insp

Rec. Ment.

Tech. Servs!

Publicits, off.

Telephone Rm.

Director's Sec'y

FM ST• LOUIS (62-5897)

IO DIRECTOR (62-117290) PRIORITY

Cy BI

UNCLAS EFT O

ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION,

ROOM 8988, FBIHQ

POUSE 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 3167-0)

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 DISSEMEGTED OR OTHERWISE ACTED

UPON. .

REC72 67-1173-10-1060

6 AUG & 1073

Juk

TO METTER COATESD

FIED

Jur?,

54AUG1 & 1978

N₩ 55004 ' DocId:32989737 Page 19

---

## Page 20

KCO012: 2072342Z

RR HQ

DE KC

R 2623D0Z JUL 78

7.7 JUL 78 00

07z

FL: INCO

A BUREAU

NE 182SE SATION

COMMUNICATIONS SECTION

Assoc. Dir.

Dep. AD. Adm.

Dep. AD Inv.

Asst. Dir.!

Adm. Serv,

Crim. Inv.

Ident.

Intell.

Laboratory

Legal Coun

Plan, & Insp,

Rec. Mgnt. Hi

Tech. Servs

Training

Public Affs. Off,

Telephone Rm.

Director's Sec y

FM KANSAS CITY (175-64)

TO DIRECTOR (62-117290) (ROUTINE)

BT .

UNCLAS

PO USE SELECI COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS.

RE PITTSBURGH

TELETYPE TO BUREAU AND KANSAS CITY

JULY 26, 1978.1055

ON JULY 26, 1978, PAT PARKER, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY,

MISSOUR I BOARD OF PROBATION AND PAROLE, ADVISED THAT GEORGE

BEN EDMONDSON'S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS WHILE UNDER PAROLE

SUPERVISION IN MISSOURI, WAS 115 NAGOGAMI TERRACE, ROLLA,

MISSOUR I, IN UNIVERSITY HOUSING, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI -

ROLLA, WHERE HE WAS A STUDENT AND INSTRUCIOR, BUT HAS NO

RECORD OF HIS ADDRESS SINCE SEPTEMBER 5, 1972, WHEN HE WAS

DISCHARGED BY COURT ORDER FROM PAROLE SUPEKVISION.

PARKER STATED SHE WAS INFORMED BY DICK

FORMER

PAROLE OFFICER OF EDMONDSON, THAT AS REGHREE

2-1172÷0

MONTHS AGO,

HE HAD HEARD IN ROLLA

THAT EDMONDSON WAS WORKING AS AN

113H1222

COPYFILED.IN

-1061

EZ AUG "

1978

1:

1s.

DATERI

_BYS

NA 55002 11 US

Pistoress CC 137-7738

DocId: 32989737

Page 20

---

## Page 21

PAGE TWO

46 175-64 UNCLAS

ENGINEER IN BELGIUM, CITY NOT SPECIFIED, FOR AN UNNAMED

CONSTRUCT ION COMPANY.

FBIHQ MAY CONSIDER HAVING REVIEW OF PASSPORT RECORDS

FOR EDMONDSON DONE.

BT

HH 55004

DocId: 32989737 Page 21

---

## Page 22

• fi

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Memorandum

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Dep. KilAin

Dep. AD Inv..

Asst. Dir.:

Adm. Servs. -

Crim. Inv. -

Ident. -

Intell. -

Laboratory

Legal Coun

Plan. & Insp.

Rec. Mgnt.

Tech. Servs.

Training

Public Afts. Off. _

Telephone Rm..

Director's Sec'y -

DATE: 7/27/78

FROM: D. Ryan

SUBJECT:

GHOUSE SELECI COMMITTEE_ON

ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

1

- Mr. Adams

Mr. McDermott

1

Mr. Boynton

- Mr. Mintz

(Attn: Mr. Heller)

1 - Mr. Bassett

1

- Mr. Bailey

1

- Mr. Foster

PURPOSE: Io provide background information regarding

Russell George Byers and his allegation concerning the

assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King,

JI., which was

contained in "The New York Times" articlë by Nicholas M. Horrock,

of 7/26/78 (copy attached).

SYNOPSIS: During a file review conducted in an unrelated

matter, St. Louis informant file 137-16185 was reviewed

Contained therein was a contact memorandum dated 3/19/74,

which, in one paragraph, described a meeting between a

St. Louis informant (SL 3167-C) and Beyers (later determined

to be Russell George Byers) in the Fall of 1973. Byers

told informant of a meeting with an attorney from St. Louis

County and another unidentified individual during which an

offer was made to Byers to kill'Dr. King for §10,000 or

$20,000. Byers stated to the informant that he refused this

offer.

By teletype to the Bureau 3/13/78/. St

Louis Office

advised of the above and that there was no

indication that

this information was

ever diss REC92 62-117210-1062

By letter from Director,

FBI, to Assistant Attórney

General, Criminal Division,

Attention:

Mr. Robert L. Keuch,

dated 3/24/78, the information referred to above was furnished

in letterhead memorandum (LHM) dated 3/13/78 for dissemination

to the HSCA. Attached also was an IHM dated 3/20/78, which

reflected background information regarding Russell George

Beyers, telephonically furnished by the St. Louis Office to

FBIHQ to facilitate the HSCA's evaluation of the information

obtained by Beyers (copies of the transmittal letter and

curatened test te intone i wan

two LHM's are attached).

8S AUG * 1978

No FBI investigation into the information fun. shed

by the St. Louis Office was undertaken pursuant to the

policy set forth in Director, FBI, letter to the Attorney

Enclosures

ДК3 1 2 1978 175

4945882 m

CONTINUED - OVER

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

55004%

DocId:32989737

Paue 22

FBI/ DOJ

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## Page 23

Memorandum to Mr. Bassett

RE: HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

General, dated 4/28/77, and confirmed by letter from

no bite toK, ch, deced un 2 open attorney General,

By teletype dated 3/23/78, St. Louis Office

set forth details of Byers' informant status with Bureau.

Byers was opened 10/3/75 and closed 11/22/76, having furnished

information on several "87" and "92" matters.

of previously mentioned contact memorandum had been placed

in his St. Louis informant file; however, there was no

indication that he was ever questioned concerning this

information.

800-13503

The HSCA requested, by letter of 6/5/78, all

files on Russell George Beyers.

A search at FBI Headquarters

(FBIHQ) revealed only one Interstate Transportation of Stolen

Property (IISP) reierence, of which the Committee was advised

oy letter of 6/9/78. It has been determined that the

St. Louis Office furnished incorrect spelling of "Beyers"

instead of "Byers"

and, subsequently, Bureau file 137-42744,

as well as several additional Interstate Transportation of

Stolen Motor Vehicles (ITSMV) references, was located. No

information regarding Byers' possible connection with the King

assassination case (MURKIN) was found in the Bureau's informant

file on Byers.

the Bureau hotter dated 104175, e sCA requeted that

furnished information regarding Byers to determine if

(1) he would agree to submit to interview by the iSCA,

and (2) whether he would execute a waiver allowing for release

of his informant files to the Committee.

St. Louis Office

advised this informant was closed and he had moved to

Chicago.

Chicago Office has been advised of the above

and an attempt is being made to locate former St. Louis infor-

mant. This matter is being handled by separate communication.

SAC, St. Louis, has advised that both the Agent

and supervisor who handled SI 3167-lEftired in February, 1977.

By teletype dated 7/26/78, St. Louis advised review

of 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.

-2-

CONTINUED - OVER

HH 55004 DooId:32989737 Page 23

---

## Page 24

Memorandum to Mr. Bassett

RE:

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

DETAILS: The 7/26/78 edition of "The New York Times"

contains an article by Nicholas M. Horrock, entitled

"Report by a

Missouri Man Suggests Plotters Sought Murder

of Dr. King."

This article sets forth information regarding

an HSCA investigation into an allegation by Russell G. Byers

that he was offered $50,000 to kill DI. Martin Luther King, JI.,

in 1966 or 1967 bý two men from Imperial, Missouri. The

article states that the FBI had discovered the information

regarding Byers during a file review in the St. Louis Office,

and this information was subsequently transmitted to the

HSCA in March of this year.

The article states that this

information provided the basis for the HSCA inquiry.

The information alluded to in "The New York Times"

article was discovered during a file review conducted in

the St. Louis Office for background information on Russell

George Byers, who was a suspect in a recent St. Louis museum

burglary.

Byers was referred to in a contact memorandum

dated 3/19/74, located in St. Louis file 137-16185.

This

memorandum, in addition to having information regarding

sèveral criminal matters, contained a paragraph in which

it is reflected that Beyers advised SL 3167-C, in the Fall

of 1973, that he had met with an attorney from St. Louis

County and

an unidentified individual who offered him

$10,000 or $20,000 to kill Dr. King. Byers told the

informant that he rejected the offer. By teletype dated

3/13/78, the St. Louis Office advised FBIHQ that this

information had been located and that there was no indication

that it was ever disseminated.

By airtel dated 3/13/78, the St. Louis Office

transmitted an LHM to FBIHQ which set forth verbatim the

above-mentioned paragraph.

By letter from the Director,

FBI, to Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division,

Attention:

Mr. Robert. L. Keuch, dated 3/24/78, the information

contained in the contact memorandum was furnished by LHM

dated 3/13/78

for dissemination to the HSCA. In addition,

an IHM dated 3/20/78 was attached which reflected background

information regarding Russell George Beyers, which was

telephonically furnished to FBIHQ by the St. Louis Office

at the request of the Congressional Inquiry

Unit, Records

Management Division. This data was provided to facilitate

the HSCA's evaluation of the information regarding Byers

furnished by SL 3167-C. St. Louis, in communications with

-3-

CONTINUED - OVER

HH 55004 DooId:32989737 Page 24

---

## Page 25

Memorandum to Mr. Bassett

RE:

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

FBInd, advised that last name was "Beyers"; however, it has

been determined that the correct spelling is "Byers.

No active FBI investigation into the information located

by the St. Louis Office regarding Byers and his possible

connection with the MURKIN case has been undertaken pursuant

one cat it ond contined ty letter

from Robert L. Keuch, Special Counsel to the Attorney General,

to Director, FBI, dated 8/3/77. As set forth therein,

à 8/3777

without a specific request from the Department, the FBI is

not to further investigate any allegations regarding the

King or John F. Kennedy assassinations. No request has

been received from the Department regarding this matter.

The St. Louis Office, by teletype dated 3/23/78,

furnished details of Byers' informant status.

He was

having furnished

information on several "87"

opened 10/3/75 and closed " 2d "92' matters. The Department

had been previously advised that he had furnished information

of value to this Bureau in our letter of 3/24/78. A copy

oI the previously mentioned contact memorandum had been

placed in Bvers'

St. Louis informant file; however, there

was no indication that he was ever questioned concerning

this information.

The HSCA requested, by letter dated 6/5/78, all

files pertaining to Russell George Beyers.

A search

conducted at FBIHQ located only one ITSP reference, of

which the Committee was advised by memorandum of 6/9/18.

Subsequently, a search conducted using the last name of

"Byers" resulted in the location of Bureau file 137-42744;

however, the four serials contained therein did not pertain

to the MURKIN

case.

This search also resulted in two ITSMV

file references pertaining to Byers.

By letter dated 7/4/78, the HSCA requested that

the Bureau contact the St. Louis informant (SL 3167-C)

who initially furnished the information regarding Byers

to determine if (1) he would agree to submit to interview

by the isCA, and (2) whether he would execute a waiver

allowing for release of his informant file to the Committee.

The St. Louis Office telephonically advised that this

informant was closed in May, 1975, and he has since moved to

Chicago, Illinois.

By Bureau teletype dated 7/25/78,

-4-

CONTINUED - OVER

55004 DocId:32989737 Page 25

---

## Page 26

Memorandum to Mr. Bassett •

RE: HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

Chicago was requested to immediately attempt to locate

this informant, identified as Richard Francis O'Hara,

and question him regarding

the HSCA's request. This

matter is being handled separately.

on 1/26/18, SAC Roy B. Klager, Jr., St. Louis,

advised that SA Howard C. Kennedy was the Agent who handled

St. Louis intormant SL 3167-C. Kennedy retired 2/28/11.

SA Robert I. Bender was the St. Louis Field Supervisor

whose initials appear on the contact memorandum of 3/19/74.

Bendér retired 2/25/77.

By teletype dated 7/26/78, St. Louis advised review

of 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.

RECOMMENDATION: In view of the retirement of SAs Kennedy

and Bender, no administrative action is recommended concerning

the failure to disseminate the information received from

Byers and our St. Louis informant.

Additionally, in accordance with the agreement

between the Department of Justice and the Bureau concerning

allegations in the King matter, no investigation be undertaken

in this matter concerning the statements made by Russell

George Byers.

pur

god

HND

MH 55001 DocId:32989737 Page 26

---

## Page 27

'CITY EDITION

Metriantitan asto mearher: Chaste

tas: tri tonighe sunny lomatone.

Temperatire

randes

68.90

posterday ?1-79

Incalle on page I1k

The New Work Cimes

"All the ivews

That's Fit io Print"

HH

55004.

DocId: 32989737

Page

27

20 CENTS

- NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, JULY 26. 1978

anted mats to tad too

VOLCXXVI...NO.44,013

Report by a Missouri Man Suggests

Plotters Sought Murder of Dr. King

He Tells of Spurning $50,000 Offer to Arrange Death

and of Link to the Prison Where Ray Was Held

The following aricle is based on reporting by Nicholas M. Horrack, Anthony

Morroond Wendell Rowls 3r. I1 was wrillen by Mr. Horrack.

supacial do The sir Your Thies

5T. LOUS, Daly 25 - 1 16-yexr-old 'expiorations theo the deaths ol Dr. Kine

man here has toid the House assassina.

and President Joken F, Kennedy.

eson commillet thal lalo in 1866 or earls

declined to

in 1867 be surred down an Oller ot 850,000

comment on the allegallons of Mr. Byers,

20 arrange the death of the Rev. Dr. Mar.

but it a cler. from interviews with some

of the perzons that they have questioned,

and from sume of the pubis recorus that

they are known to have chocked, that

they are trying lo derermine whether the

Information adds up to a true conspiracy.

or unbelber tbey bave merety come acroc,

cold the committer that too men from

Mo...

had offered him

men to kill the civil rights tedaes.

who

Aprll 1, 1808. Boch

The account has spurred an intense in

Law, John SpIca, was serVing a coutdeT

term al the lime of the alleged offer in the

stale

penilenliary,

tng. Dr. King.

was also a prisoner. The

Locin Pest to Mr. Rury as a retali of the

вует тероть.

Says the deftcred Offer

• Mr. Byers cold The Tires that be bod

reloctod the proposal sod had not to

Dr. King's life might have reached raen

taside the prison through alher roules

A Ebret-month

savestigation by tbe

House commiiee, and an independent un.

quiry by a team of reporters for the New!

York Times, have uncovered a cries o

ciroumstantal connections loading thorr

Mr. Eyers and the two men from imperi.

"Mr, Blay to serving a spycar prisor

Tennessee

for the murder of

ibe murder, has more

recenily

denied!

blame on others whose lontity has sol?

el many conspiracy allegaltons that beads

"Aircatty tito the Missour prison. Ai the!

¡ prison, ll was widely rumored in 1866 and

1967 that a conservalive business group

we wiline to my a larre sum of mone

o anyone who would murder Dr. Kind

House investigators art reporiod t e

gand this trail of evidence as one of the

, man tangible avenues el inquiry in thelt

---

## Page 28

181-10171

DA Sine

_офітаери

42-117290-1062

ENCLOSURAJ

HH 55004

DocId: 32989737 Page 28

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## Page 29

THE NEW YORK TIMES,

JESDAY, JULY 26, 1978

Mitesouri Man's Report Suggests Conspiracy in Assassination of Dr. King

Continuad From Page Al

a chain oi casual acquainlanceships in &

amin? 14417

ms. Byurs, who has beer. granted im

munity

ne sue te nao veen to "5001e am

luis ano in onlicia: o the soutner.

group. One legal collea gue said Mr. Sulh

Des no me tora mar 1 1 mm 01

mn1ion4e Mt.

F.B.A..

sculpture

cold the

soccer Non

Records al the Missour

ames

OIVI TO THE TRISH ANA TURNO

---

## Page 30

#das1stant attorney General

Ittention: Hr. Robert I. Louch

March 24, 2973

Ur. Belley

Ат. а. б. Робы

Legal Counsel Frizlon

CAtEn:

N5. Boardon)

HOUSE SELECT COMMITIEE OR ASSASSINATIONS

U. 8. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

In connection with the EsCA's investigation into

tba assassination of kertin Lutber KInB, JI., the VBI feld

or at count tee dated tered titorsation not

previously dissoninated concerning this matter had been

surfaced. This InfOrRAtIOn vas runished tO UBI HeRdquarters

In a senorandun fron the 8t. Louls field Office dated

March 13, 1978, maich was recelved by the Congrersional

Inquiry Unit, Records Kanagesent DiVisIon, on March 16, 1978.

Additional Infornation soncerning this satter ma telephonically

rumished by the st. Louls Orfice on harch 11, 1970, walcr

1s contalned in the attached senorandun dated Harob 20, 1978.

russell Beorge Beyers, mentioned In the attached

enoranduRs, rumished infornation of value to this Bureau

Iron October, 1975, to Morember, 1976.

Inclosed are en original and one copy each of tuo

menoranduns dated March 13, 1978, and March 20, 1978, which

sontain infornation of Interant to the Cormittee. It la

requested that you furnish coples of the enclosed senoranduns

to tbe asca.

InclOsures (4)

TWB: pfa (8)

XOTE: By teletype dated March 13, 1978, St. Louls adrised

ale revlon ol SL 137-16185, Buffle 131-36945, ravealed

Inforuation not prevIously disseninated concerning possible

sunpact in the Martin Luther King assassination.

8t. L0418

Bernished th1s Information In letterhead senorandus f0r

dated March 13, 1978.

01011 Rights Division

•Office of Professional Responslbillty

Ms. Michael E. Shaheen, J5.)

AT, T.

отпастия

BEE NOTE PAGE E

ENCLOSURE; 42-117210-1067

55004 DoeId: 32989737 - Page 30,

---

## Page 31

HOUSE: SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

on Karch 11, 1978, special Agent dim laggerty,

St. Louls Flell Supervisor, kas contacted regarding, additional

Information concerning this matter.

Haggerty advised that

St. Louis informant had spoken with Russell George Beyers

who 1s a fence in the st. Louis area..

Beyers was opened

as a source (st 137-16541: surile unknown) on October 3,

1975: ana closed Movember, 1976. A copy of the oripinal

source contact remorandum has placed in Beyers' Informant

sile and an 87-f1le, however, there 18 no evidence that Beyers

ras ever questioned about the meeting, with the deceased

St. louls attorney. Maditionally, there 18 no evidence that

this information was ever acted on or disseminated outside the

St. Louls Office.

Beyerg kas arrested approximately tho

weeks ano by the

St. Louls Police Department as suspect In

a it. Louis museur. burglary and this precipitated the

rile review which surfaced the information in question.

Harrerty stated that both the arent and supervisor who handled •

orivinal contact rerorandur i1th St. Louis Informant have

retired.

The orlainal St. Louls Informant (SL 3167-C; Bufile

137-36345) to whor Beyers spoke has been closed as an Informant

and 18 residinp, in Chicaro, I111n018.

Responsc reparding, reyers' Informant status kas

coordineted with Special Arent Jeff Jamar, Criminal Informant

ünst, D1V1s1on S1x.

A search was made of the central record& index for

Russell Beorge Beyers.

The only reference to Beyers was in

Euffle 87-129497-11, khich concerned Beyers' possible

involvement in fencing the proceeds from a St. Louls museum

theft.

lio Bureau Informant Ille was located.

Orfainal St. Louis letterhead memorandum dated

riarch 13, 1378, contained Informant symbol number, and

St. Louis and Bureau iniormant file nunbers, and was, thererore,

retyned with this information deleted.

As the liSCh 18 expected to have an Intense Interest

1n thie Information, 1t 18

being. furnished in memorandum form

throust: the Department to the committee.

(2)

HH 55004 DocId: 32989737 Page 31

---

## Page 32

1 - Mr. Balley

1

- Mr. G. J. Foster

- Legal Counsel Divis10n

(Attn: Mr. Coulson)

March 13, 1978

i:.

is. the courec of a file ravlew conducted at the

it. inuls PiT fIsce in. an unrelated matter, e it. 10218

intomart fIle ke3 reviciel.

•Tile Isle container a contact

veroranuur ceted March 1?. 197k, which set forth Information

relatir. to several

cririnal mettere and also contaired the

followla" barerrar!.

Jurir: thie Fall of 1373. five or six monthe ago

aste rot recalle?. levors care to the shor Inquirine as

to metier the: could set torether to talk, and they later

I18 80

it Plaza and Cream. Clayton. M18s0ur1. In the area

or a rpnar.. "ran Paint itore, there Informant has traveled

or buBIreaR.

rejere talreu

freely about himself an his

bueinese. and the: later went to informantis rouse inere

terers told e ator; acout rialtins a lorier 1n st. Louls

county, now lectesed, riot further identified, sio had

offere! to rire him e contrect to 1:1l1 "artin iuther rins.

"e aala that alno present vee a short, stocky Ian: who

nglio1 a1th o 11.r.

lieter, With resarn to the latter

1r.B1V1JUe] eyrI8

corterited that this ran was actually

the Individual who nade the rayoff of James Farl lay after

tie 11ll1no.) Leyero sal te tad declined to aocert this

cortract.

He din remart that this laryer hed confederate

flars and other lters shout the houre that might Indicate

that he tal

•s real rebri'.

reyers also cormerited that

he tarl been offered either $10.000 or 120.000 to 1121 Y1n8.

"xteneive further research in the at, Louls IndIcen

and pules falled to revenl tils information wag In any way

ciseeminated ard the Inforration ainply reposer in the Informant

rale.

TV.P.: pfr. (2)

62-117230

: 212284 -

apimemice..

ORIGINAL, AID OUT. SENT TO ASSISTANT ATTORNTY GENERAL,

CRIMINAL DIVISION, ATTENTION: UP. RORFFT L. KEUCH!

NOTE: See Director, FEI, letter to Assistant Attorney General,

Criminal Division, Attention:

Pobert L. Keuch, dated

March 24, 197?, captioned as

above.

1 - Assistant Attorney General

(C1V11 Richts DIVIsION)

1 - Office of Professional Pesponsiblllty

(Attn' Mr. Michael F. shaheen, Jr.)

ENCLOSURET

HH 55004 Do0Id:32989737 Page 32

48-111290-10622

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## Page 33

Belley

- 45.8. S. Poster

- Lagel Counsel DITISION

CAttA:

Ar. Coulson).

March 20, 1978

HOUSE SELECT COMMITIBE ON ABSASSINATIONS

U. B. HOUSE ON NAPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

In connestion with the NacA's investigation Into

the assassination of Kartin Luther King, dr., the st. Louls

office of the YBI surfaced inforsation during a f1le perlon

In an unrelated matter miah 1t 18 bellered 18 of Interest

to the comalttee.

T018 InfOrMatIOn COnCerAInE & St. LouIs

Informant d180488108 With (fIrst name not furnIshed) BayerS

several Individuals no say have Intornation gernane to the

ASCA'& InTeStIgAtIOn Mes SUrnIshed tO YBI Headquarters, In the

attached sonorandun dated Marab 13, 1978.

In order to sacliltate the committee's evaluation

of the infornation contained in above-mentioned senorandun,

the st. Louis Offlee vas asked to turnish baokeround deta

on Bayers.

on haron 11, 1918, the st. boule orriee

selephonseally turnished the callowing:

MANE: 2a88011 deorge Boyers

DOB: August 19, 1931

FBI NUHBER: 201-321E

1122/2/80

The information contained in the senorandun of

Marob 13, 1918, nas discorered as a sesult of a sile reviou

sonducted for background data on Beyers uno vas recently

arrested by the 8t. Louls Pollee Department for his alleged

partialpation in the burglary or a 8t. Louls maser.

there Infarnation 18 not provided, It 18 because

It 18 not retrievablo or 18 not being rumished purauant to

the Mesorandu of Understandine.

62-217290

ТИВ: рб (8)

ORIGINAL AND ONE SENT TO ASSISTANT ATTORNNY GENERAL,

CRIKINAL DIVISION, ATTENTION: MR. ROBERT L. LEUCH

NOT?! See Director, TBI, letter to Analutant Attorney Doner.

rainal DivIsIon, Attention:

Mr. Robert 1. leuch, dated:

Marab 24, 1970, captioned as abore.

11,3

Assistant Attornoy General

101+12 RIghts DITISION)

l - Office of Professional Responslbility

(Attn: HT. Mlebael E. Shaheen, Jr.)

EFCLOSURE 62-17247062

WN.55001- DocId:32989737. Paue,33

---

## Page 34

AUG 3 191.

Robert I. Keuch

Special Counsel to the Attorey General Rutinal

House select Committee on ABBasBinations

•DirectoI

Federal Bureau of Investigations

This 18 in partial response to your remorandur

of April 28, 1977. In that memorandum you informed

the Attorney General that the Bureau would refer

all allegations relating to the investigations of

the assassinations of DI. Martin luther King, JI..

and President John 1. Kennedy, for Departuental

consideration as to whether any investigation is

required of the IBI. As you are aware those matters

relating to the President Kennedy assassination are

refaried to the Criminal Division, (while those matters

rolatod to DI. King's ansassination are referted

to the Civil Rights Division and the Office of

Professional Responsibilityl] all such reporte, hoever.

are directed to ny attention in addition to this

distribution.

This 18 to confira that, absent a specific

request from the department, alther by the Civil

Rights Divisios, the Crininal Division, the Office

of professional Responsibility, or myself, so

further Investigation of the allegations which you

are reporting relatad to thesa tho assassination

Investigations 18 required or requested by the

Department. I have discussed this procedure personally

vith representativos of the Civil Righte Division

and the Office of Professional Responsibility and

confira that this procodure is understood by and

satisfactory to that Division and Office, as vell

as to the criminal division.

sjll84

ENCLOSURE

Spamere

1062

+62-117 290-141

HH 55004 DocId: 32989737

Pare

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## Page 35

are Attornes foierül

1 - Mir. Held

1 - Mr. Adams •

Apr11 2ä. 1977

1 - Mr. Fehl

- Kir. Peelman

- Mr. Lawn

- Mr. Mintz

1 - bir. Daly

•dIereneo 1n Eude lo ny leiter dsteú farch 11, 1577,

with crolozure, under the caption resuscination ci Preslient

Jobr: F. Kennedy, Hovesber 22, 1963, Jallos, Texes, In rici the

Ensictance of the jcjartiert es durtice vas recuested in

coxjdr1s0n furioses.

MINICHEC lE LIO MECC to Dy letter Cetod April 5,

13TT, undco the cEption iRGELIIUStIOn of Kortin intaes IInE, 5I.,.

1n. wilch the assistance of the Departsert of JuLtiCe REEln vEa

reguerICE iN OUtzlninE trDI LUe LUCA all InfOrcEtIOn erailablo

certainIlE to en alleration recelted dy the laCA Iron a coraer

Lou1au1lle pollce cificer no allegodly adrised that te received

En CITET PrO.; ERI Arents

end pollce officers to x111 kartin Luther

11:8:85.: sor 6500,060.

The LoCh alé not Uriri tids ellcERtion perteIninE tO

It. illi to the uttertion of the fil of to the jepertrent, ser bas

tie reeult ur lte irregilration been tarmiched tó the separteent.

It the recuest en the cureau, the hitorney Geaeral authorised the

Fil to attent to intestien

the Indiridual the nede there

allerEllOris.

je refuses to le interilened aid teminated contect

'I'Il nay 1t all to the house costittee."

In SCruTInE, tO Rale aTEllable the Inforaation recelTed

Ly the lucs portainiir to tils alleration, an list been requested

the CrI-Grel IltIcIOn, Depariment of ünsticE, tie HOCA has

rae til continucs to coorerte sit:. tir lisca an ecklti.

laci uefor, co in Etrearient IcAcleu

catérial etallacle to the tici

10 10le volumer contelilit clarent Investiration. In

JCL:sas

(15)

210)6

HH 55004 DooId:32989737 Page 35

"Posa (). 11. 1067

'ENGLOSORE;

---

## Page 36

the Attornag General

However, while the FBI continues to cooperate fully •

with the HSCh, both of these matters, as set out in the referenced

letters, remain unresolved, continue

to Impinge upon our Inves-

tigative responsibilities, and in essence: raise the question of

this Bureau's continuing criminal jurisdiction in these

investizations.

As you are avare, in hovember, 1903, the fBi initiatea

an immediate Investigation

Into the assassination of President

John P. Kennedy based upon a request from President Lyndon B.

Johnson to former Director John Eagar Hoover.

Prior to the

assassination, no Federal statute existed concerning the killing

of, or assault on the President.

Mr. Hoover, In testimony before

the President's Commission on the Assassination of President

Kennedy (Warren Commission) stated that President Johnson

communicated with him within 24 hours of the assassination and

requested the FBI to Investigate.

(Hearings before the President's

Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy, Volume 5,

Page 98.)

Although the Bureau's Investigative responsibilities

concerning the assassination of President Kennedy would have

logically ended with the termination of the Warren Commission,

Director Hoover, In his testimony before the Commission, agreed

with a statement by a Commission Member, Representative Gerala R..

Ford, that the responsibility to conduct the Investigation is not

an authority with

a terminal point, but an authority that goes

on Indefinitely. (Hearings before

•the President's Commission on

the Assassination of President Kennedy, Volume 5, Page 100.)

FBI has continued to Investigate and report to the Department

any new allegations or Information received concerning the

assassination.

In reference to this Bureau's criminal jurisdiction in

the investigation of the assassination of Martin Luther King, by

nemoraniu.: dated April 4, 1255, Assistant Attorney General

stepnen o. ?0112l, Civil Finits

Division, requested that this

bureau calco i ut1 invesci,ution into a possible violation of

mile ló, cction 24l,,ü. s. Sode, ii connection with the shooting

of Kins 1i: Kennnis, on thet dare.

:risuiction was baser on

:conspirici to riclate the civil rights of

King, had traveled

comenones: on Mirál 3, 1oi6, cror Aularba. to tale port in a

$, 1963

=?-

HH 55004 DooId:32989737 Page 36

---

## Page 37

The Attorney General

On April 16, 1968, the Attorney General authorized the

f111ng of a complaint

charrine Galt with violation of Title 18.

Section 241, U.S. Code,

for conspiring to Interfere with the

constitutional rights of king.

On April 17, 1968, Federal process was obtained and Galt

was charged with conspiracy

(Section 241) In that he and an

individual whom he alleged to be his brother, entered into e

conspiracy in Birmingham on March 29, 1968, by reason of their

purchase of the rifle later used in the shooting of King.

On March 10, 1969, In State Court, Memphis, Tennessee,

James Earl Ray entered a plea of guilty to charges of murder

and received a 99-year sentence.

Federal process against Galt was dismissed on December 2,

1971, by U.S. Commissioner Hacy Taylor, Northern District of

Alabana, based upon a motion filed by Ray's Attorney,

Bernard

Fenstervald, Jr.

In Dècember of 1975, the C1V1l Rights Division began

a revier of the FRI's Investigation of the King assassination and

thls revier was recently completed by the office of Professional

Responsibility (OPR), U. S. Department of Justice. The OPR

Issued a report of its review and reported, among other things,

that "... the sum of all the evidence of Ray's guilt points to

•him so exclusively that it most effectively makes the point no

Task Force to Review the FBI Martin Luther King, Jr., Security

• and Assassination Investigations, Page 109.)

Since the time of the Kennedy and King assassinations,

the FBI has continued to investigate various allegations concerning

these assassinations and has furnished the results to the

Department.

No viable information has been developed to negate

the

original findings of the FBI or the, subsequent conclusions of

the warren Commiscion or the OPR.

During the HSCA review and Investigation Into these

assassinations, additional allegations regarding these assas-

sinations have

been receiver.

The FBI has continued to attempt to

investigate all of inose additional

allegations; horever, the FBI

has found in Several Instances that the lSCA conducted independent

and parallel investigations, the results of which are not available

to the FBI:

- 3-

H# 55004 DooId:32989737 Page 37

---

## Page 38

Melted Chi!!

Mile this Bureau perains unabare that the Fal's

criminal curiosiccion pertainine to these tro investications has

ieen auroctoi: the positior talen i the jepartnent of Justice,

not obtainin" authority for the Ful citrer to vain access to the

oullets in th: John F. Kennes assascination Investigation or

to outain fron the Hsch the Information pertaining to the alleged

involvement of lul personnel in a conspiracy to kill tartin Luther

ring: aprears to support the position of the HSCA that "primary

Investigative responsibility" rests with that Committee.

Therefore, In order to avoid duplication of investigative

effort and the attendant problers between the FBI and the HSCA

that could arise in the future, and until the jurisdiction o1

this bureau in these investitations 1s delineated by the department,

unless you advise to the contrary, the FBI will refer all

allegations relatine, to these investigations to lir. Robert L. Keuch,

Special Counsel to The Attorney General, for departmental

consideration as to whether any investigation 1s required of the

FBI, or whether the Department desires to furnish these allegations

directly to the lich. Copies of communications concerning

allegations regarding the king assassination will also be furnished

to the Civil Rights Division and the OPR.

1 - Deputy Attorney General

1 - Assistant Attorney General

Criminal Division

1 - Assistant Attorne! General

Civil Rients Division

1- Office of Professional Responsibility

1 - office of triolative Arrairs

- 1:

IN 55004 DocId:32989737 Page 38

---

## Page 39

121

8/2/78

UNCLAS

#FI2LURR SINDE HQ N0121 215€H0YUOR 022113Z AU *G ?8

ROUTINE

FM DIRECTOR FBI {62-117290}

: TO FBI SPRINGFIELD ROUTINE

ATT, T

/ UNCLAS

Фреріе

CO HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSIMATIONS IHSCAL

BUDED AUGUST 9, 1978•

Spinacpare

THE HSCA• WHICH IS INVESTIGATING THE ASSASSINATIONS OF

JOHN F. KENNEDY AND MARTIN LUTHER KINGS JR. BY LETTER DATED

, JULY 24, 19781 REQUESTED ACCESS TO ALL INFORMATION IN BUREAU

¡FILES AND SPRINGFIELD FIELD OFFICE FILES REGARDING THE ROBBERY

OF THE LEBANON TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK, LEBANON, ILLINOIS, ON

OCTOBER 31, 1969.

THE BANK ROBBERY REFERRED TO ABOVE IS CAPTIONED MUNSUBA

LEBANON TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK, LEBANON, ILLINOIS, 1031691

LB. R., 00: SPRINGFIELD", BUREAU FILE 91-34673, SPRINGFIELD FILE!

91-4669.

IN RESPONSE TO ABOVE REQUEST, SPRINGFIELD SHOULD FURNISH

EX-136

4BpR/2

I - MR

MINTZ

ATTN: MR.

HELLER

MR. BAILEY

MR. FOSTER

-MR. BUSCHING

REB

P.4731

RCB: PFM

{2}

8/2/78

6988/4

: 3686

REGT2

62-111220-1063

FSDEAL BUREAU DE INVESTAGATICN

COMMUNICATIONS SECTION

18.1 AUG '8 1978

AUG 0 3 1978

0248z02

ALL INFORUNTION CONTAINED*

TELETYPE

DATE 215/86

UG 17 1978

HH 55004

DocId: 32989737

Page 39

---

## Page 40

ELTARTE O3 NUNCH

TARABODEN 000.4.50.70:00

2

2222

PAGE U*TWO DO 0121 UNCLAS

IFBI HEADQUARTERS EFBIHQS TWO LEGIBLE COPIES OF EACH SERIAL OF

THEIR FIELD OFFICE FILE INVOLVING 91-4669. SUBMIT ONLY FIRST

PAGE OF ANY SERIAL THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN FORWARDED TO THE

BUREAU.

ALL MATERIAL SHOULD BE FORWARDED BY COVER AIRTEL TO

FBIHQ, ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGE-

iMENT DIVISION.

IBT

HH 55004

DooId:32989737

Page 40

00101

---

## Page 41

3 AUG78 1 9 43

RECEIVED

FEDERAL BUREAU

nid

ferstignos

OF INYESTIGATION

COMMUNICATIONS SECTION

Tr:

Frans

Sultier.

non;

Baill

Gar,

RECH

ADH4D

triE

30971

Oliver telet comme intons

maisier

Assoc. Dir.

D."

1314

Asst. tir.:

""1"

- Crian. ii

Ici:

Hier:

T...

TIr

Риболі

Telephone

Director's S

J. Rin8,

Jure

értiate E.eeer99159.

Ferie Hendling Insinctions:

2FEETAT, - KONDZAREY DO AUUNESSEL

KLASS.

.? ч

CX 136

REC-72

62-117212-1064

22 AUG 8 1978

l Hasse

ENGLOSURE

ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED :

HARETH TO WICTASSAFIED

PAl: 21084

_котастке

54 AUG 1 7 1978

NN 55004 DocId: 32989737

Page 41

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## Page 42

1-17.85.1

(Mauri Clipsing in Spoco Beior?

Byers Knew Of Fayoll,,

FBI Was Told

nole Brench. But the misneyendum

Mi010-880 praga, tiene

HASKINOTOX - THe Fed:Tal Burezu

de lasestigation researo infaristin in

1S7Ò 1ES1 Russell & Suera a sermes sio

jante dralor and poire claracter iro

Burre accusslim, seported ly ati

informan!, is conianis in en anterael 51.

Merable Federsond a the Pas Dis.

Ast.

The memesandum, ahiris teri un-

• lano, dir's 178 dist tha narre di the

De man pa "a short, direty mis the

Kalhad Bilis a limp."

Mis deserino, claras Sufren lave

10le 1hie Pusi-Disparch, dues dehn R.

Kantimino, a prelime se0adba0des of

dise Commiline shas Haullaisan snó

3021n 84

susheriand, bith por

cred.

pas cher man Suuna the descalon

cuuló nos de suita aut da the person

desrtabed in the memorandum ile

senad rion mis discrimed bo se louis

Mi mi en angunanan d Salarian

Bose kednesdar nighe. He sard 1lse

mile pal 01011119911.

is she sea disilanes

ke raredully

1921988 10o sone of the tal mos mp

arrido 701718859087 alas 110 7301135

Mis alegalere are serronio lider

a resers bo die Bando 6680)811908 8157

ll.a9109 d0099001104990908 lilid

la llegal Mole Molea9 Dild 1021

lican die Moo Sol In lo asiras

1aa cifras cubres Alein: se Sie, 000 80

kil Ning."

Ma sgras solo diano balconetami dens

Hatimana Fid Saltriard, à Laley

arrans: king's murder.

The memurai sum, dased asarch 1si,

1996, MAS MTHET & SI. MINIS SECT 01

the FBl en l barlo ol ináoradon

"'Te the lall el 1843." the memoranda

ritos,

missaplled in tht mesnel tailed (reely

than sumall and has bisirass, sad dy

lasse piens m (sers delegin by FBI)

nori Britos lico a story almai visiling.

matano, nu Mhe tamnin neu had

terra) in gra him a conraci to kill

anin lusher King. He sad that ale

presuns mas is shore, sialá mas, dibo

estles sith a limp."

The retratandum then coatinuos selin

tais aralesce, carloced in pinerheses:

"Lates,

uinh regaro 1o ster: laser

indiridual. Begins sammenitil that lois

man was arquall the indurdum who

made the pastal di James Bari Ray alier

las killing.)

serryal sourcti bale sold lbe porr.

Dlinaca char Naufimana sas share.

meraright and malled Mut a marind

lima stri taire, injured in tn suiomabit

trident seseral pears prior lo the

Ments discribid hy Biyers.

The miles man durag that discriptio.

ST. IOUIs

POST-DIGATCH

ST. LOUT:, NO

Dais: 8/3/78

tantis

13011c

Aulhoo.

Tilla.

chararia:

Cinemas S1, 6ö-9097

!1..

Callelne lore aldealel

Halther 11l, an alornes fi

Biers:

ren losee the el the who. mas

los sople aled le ipods descomens

talles sand de tras mart brand de the

coner mar ball the time de lucis

islandy de 1014 101h00010l1arsles

AUL I2

F

518u -

Dimenice

All premes but that al lores diera

•ces dom de 11 mermando ly

M 1500en Qoc1dn30989797Y Page 42

ENCLOSURE

02 117290-1044

---

## Page 43

rianisi, and and appeared in 5i

frequenaly to sinode se91e00

Anann to ben been acquairied mits

The pian is furier barisa so le cindeiy

1 King's meder in 399 aas is serarg *

Sayer phan she 10 Pelos, jes

Since pesding soilly, better, Rai has

and has stuch a mari tras.

ksuffmenn, & intrime secrkbretes

cão mas convicied in the late i9ãn ol

selling 50 den ampiramina pilla so a

ReJeres 20808, died in 1518. Mis Mife,

saia C4577731165

alr salted will a limp," has palad dil

Ware lana dith to interrogan

mrs. nauitmann to 34910-0196355 1h

matter, hanging up on e reposer

Wadoraly night.

The memorandant's accras el listes"

sta5 jites in die our ene delal! - the

aroset is monty insolent - with an

НН 55004 Do0Id:32989737

Page 43

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## Page 44

()

MNLED T

Assistant Attorney General PIDURAI GOVERNETI

Criminal Division

Attention: Fix. Robert I. Keuch

Dircetor, FBI

August 7, 1978

1 - Mr. Mintz

Attn: Mr. Heller

1 - Mr.

Bailey

HOUSE SELECE COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

1 - Mr. Foster

U, S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

Reforonce is made to the lotter to the Attorney

Assistant Attorncy

fir. Robert I. Keuch, dated

June 9, 1978, which, In connection

with the ASCA's Investiration into the Dr. Martin Luther

King, Jr., assassination, pertained to certain information

concerning Russcll Ccorge Beyors and others.

This is a supplemental response to the initial

ISCA letter referenced above.

this letter resulted from the

discovery of the misspelling of "Beyers"

• The last name

should be spelled "Byers"

Based on the correct spellings

sevoral additional file references woro located.

rerun li response to the above refereneed letter,

arc an original and one copy of a memo

It 1s

requested that you deliver a copy of this remorandun to the

HISOA.

neLogures (2)

FWB:pfm (6)

62-117290

, teletype

information relating to Russell George Beyers which was of

interest to the ASCA. The Committee requested, by letter of

6/5/78, all files on Beyers.

Subsequently, correct spelling

Assoc. Dir.

of "Byers" was ascertained and new search of FBI Headquarters

Dep. AD Adm..

-(FBIHQ) indices was conducted resulting in additional references

Dep. AD Inv. -

Asst. Dir.:

being located, as follows:

07-146911: 26-347717; 26-352231-4:

137-42744. HSCA is being advised that additional references

Adm. sers. have been located, processed, anchargavailable for review

Ident..

-at FBIHQ. The Committee is not being

Intell..

Laboratory

Legal Coun.

Plan. & Insp.

Rec. Mgnt.

Tech. Servs. -

23

AUG 9

Training

Telephone Be a i d

Public Affs. Off. -

Director's: Secly

1H 55004 DooId:32989737 Page 44

Diaspos

і котастк

FBI/DOJ

---

## Page 45

Assistant Attorney General INDIRAI GOVERNMEN?

Crininal Division

Attention: Mr. Robert I. Kouch

Director, FBI

Aurust 10, 1978

1 - Mr. Mintz

Attn: Mr. Heller

1 - Criminal Investigative

POUSE SELECH COMMITTEE OlI ASSASSINATIONS

Division

Attn: Mr. J. J. Jamar

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (ISCA)

1 - Mr. Bailey

1 - Mr. Foster

Reference 1s made to letter to the Attorney General

Iron l. Robert Blakey, Chief Counsel and Director, ASGA, dated

Tune 20, 1979, which, in connection with the lices investi

ation into the assascination of Martin Luther King, ux.:

requested certain infornation from FBI leadquarters files and

that several FBI arents be made available for interview.

Enclosed are an original and one copy of a memo-

randum in response to referenced letter.

It 15 requested

that

you furnish a copy of the enclosed memorandum to the HSCA

Enclosures (2)

ATTA : SIm

(7)

62-117290

MAILLO%

спастки

NOTE:

By Legal Counsel memorandum to the

Assistant Director,

Administrative Services Division, agents named in HSCA letter

were cleared from their employment are a 12210-1066

has

Informant A 18 SL 1215-REle Field of emerie

been

destroyed. Informant B is LA 7932-PC.

The Congressional Inquiry Unit (CIU) believes

11 AUG LA 1978

file of KC 644-C should be made available because heasah

informant during period of HSCA interest.

Further, the HSCA's

inyestigation has focused on allegations that an assassination

conspiracy could have occurred in the Missouri State Penitentiary.

During our King assassination investigation, informant stated

Assoc. Dir.

he knew James tarl Ray as ray Curtis, 'having sened time

Dep. AD Adm..

_with him at the Penitentiary

and in jail in springfield

Dep. AD Inv. -

Asst. Dir.:

Inrits request of June 20, 1978,' (enclosure not

Adm. Servs.

attached),

Crim: Inv. _

the HSCA states it must determine if any, individual

Ident. -

Are organ 2a5184

including the FBI, was involved-in

assassination

the'""

and that 1f the b'BI

Intell.

was involved, It would

Laboratory

be through direct contact with Ray by

an agent

or informant.

Legal Coun.

Plan. & Insp. -

We previously made informant files, with identifying data excised,

Rec. Mgnt.

available to the Chief Counsel and

Director, ESCA, only.

Tech. Servs. -

Training-

Public Affs. Off. -

-SEE NOTE PAGE TNO. ! "! 'S

Telephone Rm.

Director's Sec'y —

MAIL ROOM

FBI/DOJ

IH 55001, ENCLOSURE 737

Page 45

---

## Page 46

JOUAE DELECT COMITUIT ON ASSAGGIIATIONS

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENCATIVES (ISCA)

In that case thore was aldo on allogation against the FBI.

that our agento actod ar arent provocatours in

Instirntino volenco, caustar lansi to roturn to l'omphia uneso

no was killed.

Acceso to this file will bo givon only to Mr. Blakey

and in the prosence of a representative of the CIU. A11

Identifyinr data will be excisod.

¡his natter has buon coordinatod with SA J. J. Jamar,

Top Icholon and. Criminel Investigative Division. and

SA Ron Heller, Criminal Affairs and Legol Ilaison Unit, Legal

CounseL DiviDion•

APPROVEL

Director

As5OG. DiT.

Dep. AD Adm In

Dep. AD'IRV

Oilm. inik.

Ident.

mtell.

Laboratory-

Rec Mgnt

Trech. Sers

Traing

PubiC Affs. Off_

... --

!

. 2.

HW 55004

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## Page 47

1 - Mr. Mintz

Attn: Mr. Heller

1 - Criminal Investigative Divisior

Attn :

Mr. J. J. Jamar

1 - Mr. Bailey

1 - Mr. Foster

August 10, 1978

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

Reference is made to letter to the Attorney General

from 4. Robert Blakey, Chiof Counsel and Director, HSCA,

dated

June 20, 1978.

Roferenced letter furnished a list of Special

Agents of the FBI believed by the HSCA to have been involved

in the unlawful flight investiration of James Earl Ray, prior

to the denth of Martin Luther King, ir,, and requested

these

agonts be made avallable ror interview by the fiscA.

This

letter is to confirn that all agents except Rowen B. Ayers

(deceasod), have beon cleared fron their employment agreement

and are available for HSCA Intervlew.

Arrangements for

Interviews can be made through contact with representatives of

the Congressional Inguiry Unit (CIU), Records Management Division,

FBI Headquarters (FBIHO).

Referenced letter furnished a list of over 500 names

of known and probable associates and possible contacts of

Janos Earl Ray. The FBI was requested to determine the numbor

of informants, operatives or sources on this list and attempt

to ascertain if any such Individual would consent to interview

by the HSCA. In addition, it was requested that files of any

such individual be prepared for review by the HSCA's Chief

Counsel and Director.

reparea for

On July 13, 1978, HSCA Staff Member

Michael Eberhardt modifled this request to include fleld office

files concerning any such person identified as an informant,

oporativo or source.

According to a search of FBIHO files,

three Individuals

11st0d 1n

referenced HSCA letter were identified

• as present

or former

FBI informants, operatives or sources.

These are as

Assoc. Dir.

Dep. AD Adm..

Dep. AD Inv.

Asst. Dir.:

Adm. Servs._

Crim: Inv..

5.06H.10

Ident.

Intell.

Laboratory

Legal Coun.

Plan. & Insp. -

Rec. Mgnt.

62-117290

em (7)

GRIGINAL AND ONE SENT TO ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL

CRIMINAL DIVISION, ATTENTION: MR. ROBERT L. KELCHA

NOTE: See Director, FBI, letter to Assistant Attornex General,

Criminal Division, Attention:

Mr. Robert I. Keuch, dated

August I0, 1978, captioned as above.

Tech. Servs.

Training -

Public Affs. Off. _

42268186

ітеріка

Telephone Rm. -

Director's Sec'y -

MAIL ROOM

H# 55004 DocId: 32989737

ENCLOSURE 62-117390-11

Paue 47

---

## Page 48

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSIITATIONS

U, S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

Informant A (probable associate). This Individual

advised on July 19. 1978. that he did not desire to be inter-

vowed or contaciod under any circunstances by anyone from the

Since this individual was operated as an informant from

to April, 1966, and thore are no documents in his file

April, 1966, this informant file is deemed outside

the period of FSCA intorest and is not being made available.

Informant B (probablo associato). This individual

was contacted on July 19, 1978. and stated ho does not want

his confidential relationship with the FBI revealod to the

HSCA

HSCA. Since this Individual was not opened as an informant

until August, 1972, and closed in March, 1973, his file 18

also belleved to be outoide the period

of HSCA interest

and i0 not boing, made available.

Informant @ (probable associaie). Efforts by two

field officos of the IBI to locate this former Informant have

bech nogativo.

Is was last reported to have loft the United

States for Europe, exact addross unknown.

Since this informant

was oporated for a brief perlod in 1968, and was an inmato of

Missouri State Penitentiary, Jefferson City, Missouri, his

FBIHO Informant file will be made available

to the HSCA's

Chief Counsel and Director.

All information tending to

idontify this informant will be excised in accordance with tho

cmorandum of Understonding. Arrancoments for reviou by

fr. Blakey should be coordinated with the CIU, Records Manorc-

REVIEWER

ment Division, ГвІн.

Informant's field office filo at the

Kansas City Flold Office was destroyed during routine f1lo

Buse, 1e/38

destruction on January 7: 1978.

The HSCA should also note

that this individual was

intervlowed during coursc of FBI's

Mitis

Investigation of the ling assassination and results of interview,

along with informant's identity, was reported in FBIHA

assassination investigative file, which has been made avallable

to the HECA.

This lotter complotes response to HSCA's: request?of,

June 20, 1978.

-2-

NW 55001 DocId:32989737 Page 48

---

## Page 49

LOUS STONES. OF

КНАТОРО

141707, 0€

nato 1. 11114, 800,

кожеят и, сосля, ра.

окине, ото

мскінигу, сою.

чития, мюн.

(202) 223-8626

Earlect Committee on Assassinations

E1.E0. Ihouse of Representatibes

8331 HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING, ANNEX 2

WASHiNGTON, D.G, 20515

June 20, 1978

4/26/78

4:08 PM

•.:

;:

The Honorable Griffin B. Bell

Attorney General of the United States

Department of Justice

Washington, D.C. 20430

Attention:

Mi. Robert I. Keuch

Deputy Assistant Attorney General

Criminal Division, Room 2113

Dear MI. Attorney General:

Pursuant to the mandate under which the House

Select Committee on Assassinations operates, it is

incumbent upon us to ascertain not only the individual

culpability of those individuals possibly involved in

the assassination of DI. Martin Luther King, JI., but

also the direct or indirect responsibility of any organi-

zations so involved.

Inasmuch as this portion of our

mandate does not differentiate between governmental and

non-governmental entities, the FBI

is one of those

organizations whose possible complicity in the assassi-

nation of DI. King must be examined. Such an examination

must proceed on some fundamental assumptions:

if James

Earl Ray killed Dr. Martin Luther King, JI., and the FBI

were involved then such involvement could have been effec-

tuated only by direct FBI agent contact with James Earl

Ray or through indirect contact by means of an FBI operative,

through indirec

informant or individual with whom the FBI had some type

of source relationship.

In order to analyze the question of possible direct

contact it will be necessary to interview certain FBI

agents who either were stationed at the office serving

Missouri State Penitentiary, Jefferson City, Missouri

during 1960-1967 or were involved in the unlawful flight

investigation of James Earl Ray prior to the death of

DI. King.

A prior request by this Committee has sought the

identity of some of these agents.

While a list of such

agents is not yet complete, it would be helpful if the

ENCLOSUR 6211) 290-1016

HH 55004 DocId: 32989737 Page 49

---

## Page 50

The Honorable Griffin B. Bell

Page Two

FBI were to arrange interviews by the Committee for

the following identified agents:

UFAC - Robbery First - Case Agents

Kansas City,

Missouri

SA Joseph I. Kissiah

SA Thomas H. Weaver

SA Rowen B. Ayers

Chicago, Illinois SA Robert F. Pevahouse

Springfield,

SA Mack W. Oliver, JI.

Illinois

SA Arthur Lee Woods

SA Robert C. Haines

St. Louis,

Missouri

SA Cletis B. Bidewell

To analyze the question of indirect FBI involve-

ment through informants, it is requested that the FBI

the names of any FBI informant, operative or source.

that the FBI provide the House Select Cormittee on Ass-

assinations with the number of

informants, operatives or

sources in each of the three lists and make an attempt to

ascertain whether. any such individuals would consent to

an interview by the Committee.

the files on any such individual be prepared for review

Pies en an

It is also requested

that

by myself personally.

i represent an

effort to establish priorities in what is

recognized to

be a consuming process on the part of the bl.

It is re-

quested however that this review be completed by August

15, 1978.

Very truly yours,

7. Robert Beady

G. Robert Blakey

Chief Counsel and Director

..

GRB :meh

Encls: as

XC: Danny O. Coulson

La 55001 DREId: 32989737. Page, 5Q

---

## Page 51

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

TRANSMIT VIA:

Teletype

Facsimile

AIRTEL

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

[ Priority

• Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

• TOP SECRET

7 SECRET

CONFIDENTIAL

EF TO

• CLEAR

Date

7/31/78

TO: DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290) (ATTN: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT,

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION) •

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

HOUSE SElECI COMMITTEE

ON ASSASSINATIONS

,033

ReButel to St. Louis 7/28/78.

Enclosed herewith are three copies each of FD-3025

reflecting interviews at St. Louis, Missouri, on 7/28/78 with

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

KENNEDY, former FBI Agent.

ill

3- Bureau (Encs. JAJOST

"1 - St. Louis 4

RBK:n1n

(3)

REC-50

EX-125'

::2/s/84-

spinepre

62-117292-1069

4 AUG $ 1978

"CLOSURI ITACHED

and Beind

auf retamed din,

0988200

Approved:

pitter.

Transmitted -

(Number)

1H 5531448202 19780737 Page 51

Beerke

Tutt

Per -

(Time)

FB/DOJ

---

## Page 52

62-117290-1069

Ww 5500gFocTdT32989757 Pâje 52

---

## Page 53

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

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Dote of transcription_ 1/31/78

Mr. HOHARD C. RENNEDY resides at 55 Harneyvola Drive,

Ferguson, Missouri 63136, residence telephone number (314)

521-8221 .

Ur, PaNtEDy is presently self-employed as a private

investigator and polygraph examiner.

Re retired fron FBI service

on 2/23/77-

Prior to his retirement he was assigned to the

Si. Iouis Division of the rEI fxon 1954 to the date of his

retirenent. During 1974 he was assigned to general criminal

matters and worled as a Spacial Agent under the supervision os

Field Supervisor ROBER I. BENDER.

Mr - KENNEDY was intervieved at the St. Louis FBI Office,

at which place he voluntarily appeared.

MI. KENNEDY was exhibitod 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 hin while he was an FBI Agent:

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

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

The

actention of Mr. KENNEDY was directed to a menorandum in this

file dated 3/19/74 Izon him to the SÀC, St. Louis.

this memorandun

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 rolated that from his review of this memorandum

it reflecis the results of a contact by him with O'HAR at which

tine O'HARA furnished him several pieces of information.

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

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

1973

..," and ending with "

... $20,000 to kill KING."

ME= KENNEDY stated that upon having his nemory refreshed

by reading the above nemorandan, he vaguely recalls receiving

the information.

He has no recollection, however, of having

disseminaied the information contained in the above-cited

paragraph or that the information was othervise acted upon.

He can cite no reason for such fallure other than inadvertence.

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

concerning the information about MARIIN LUTHER KING, as contained

Interviewed on

7/28/78

"St. Iouis, Missouri

_File #_ST: 62-5097

by-

SAC ROY E. REAGER, IRe/nn

_ Date dictated _ 7/31/73

This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBl. It is the property of the FBl and is loaned lo your agency;

it ond its contenis are not to be distributed outside your agency.

1. 7.

HH 55004 DocId: 32989737 Page 53

21516e

Должетке

---

## Page 54

SI 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

I 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*

NH 55004 DocId: 32989737 Page 54

---

## Page 55

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

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Date of transcription-

7/31/78

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

Ferguson, Missouri 63136, residence telephone number (314)

521-8221.

Mr. 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.

MI. 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 Si. Louis Division of the FBI. The

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

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

This memorandum

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

1973

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

MI. KENNEDY stated that upon having his memory refreshed

by reading the above memorandun, 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 can 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

HH

Interviewed on.

7/28/78

_o_St. Louis, Missouri

_File #

SI. 62-5097

by-

SAC ROY B. KIAGER, JR-/nin

_Date dictated

7/31/78

This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBl. Il is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency;

il and its contents are nol to be distributed outside your agency.

55001 DocId: 32989737 Page 55

2i58ie

---

## Page 56

SL 62-5097

in the memorandum, and he shared this information with no

other personnel in the office.

MI. 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 RUSSEL. 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 handwiitten 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*-

HH 55004 DocId: 32989737 Page 56

---

## Page 57

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

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Dote of tronscription -

7/31/73

IT. ROBERT I. BENDIR resides at Route 1, Box 308, Chesterficia,

Missouri 63017, residence telephone number (314) 301-6518.

NIC. BINDER is presently unenployed, having retired fron IBI

sorvice on 2/29/77. Prior to his tetirement he was assigned to

the St. Louis Fiold Division of the FBI fron 1953 to the date of

his reilconent.

Additionally, he served in tho capacity of

Ficld Supervisor in the St. Louis Division of the riI for approz

inatoly nine yoars prior to ana until the date of his rotirement.

He supervised general crininal natteri

Nt. SENDER was intervined at the St. Louis FBI Office, at

which place he voluntarily appeared.

II, BOUDER vas exhibited surficiont portions of a closed

Sc. Louis file 137-10105 to onable him to identify it as a natter

which vas at one tine under his supervision and assigned to an

Agent under his supervision by tho none of HOWARD C. KENNEDY.

the filo in this instance portains to one RICIND E. D'IARA,

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

that instance

the attention of Nr. BIDER was directed to a nonorandun in

this file datca 3/19/71 to the SAC, St. Jouis, from Special Agent

HOWARD C. KENNEDY A

This nomorandun is identified as secial 5 oi

the file. Mic. BINDIR was permittod to road this nesorandum in

ordor to refrash his nenory concorning its contents. Although

he had no indevendent recollection of the menorandun or its contents,

aiter reading it he concluted that the menorandun had crossed his

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

hanäuriting on the memorandum.

directed to paragraph 2, page j of the menorandur, which paragraph

begins, "During the fall of 1373,o," and ending with

* = $20,000

to kill KIao."

II. BINDER relatod that he had no independent recollection of

the pacagragh in question; horever, upon reviewing the entire

memorandur datod 3/19/74, he found no evidence that the information

contained in the above-cited paragraph was eithor acted upon or

Interviewed on_

7/20/75

-"-Si, Iouis, Missouri

_File # _

625997

by-

_ Date dictated_

7/37/78

This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBl. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency;

it and ils contents are

not to be distribuled outside your agency.

HH 55004 DocId:32989737 Page 57

2\5186

"рітастке

---

## Page 58

SIr 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 l 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 memorandur.

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 nemorandum of 3/19/74

should have been acted upon.

-2%-

HH 55004

DocId: 32989737 Page 58

---

## Page 59

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

-

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Date of transcription

7/31/78

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

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

MS. 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 Erom 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.

ME. 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 E. O'HARA,

a former informant of the St. Iouis 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

HOWARD C. KENNEDY. 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

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

handwriting on the memorandum.

BENDER's attention was further

directed to paragraph 2, page 3 of the memorandum, which paragraph

begins, "During the fall of 1973...," and ending with "... $20,000

to kill KING."

ME. BENDER related that he had no independent recollection of

the paragraph in guestion; however, upon reviewing the entire

memorandum dated 3/19/74, he found no evidence that the information

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

Interviewed on_

7/28/78

-St. Louis, Missouri

_File # SI 62-5097

by SAC ROX B, KLAGER, JR./nln

_Date dictated 7/31/78

This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. Il is the property of the FBi and is loaned to your agency;

it and ils contents ore not lo be distributed oulside your agency.

2/0\86

formacmike

thie

55004 DocId: 32989737 Page 59

---

## Page 60

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

i into re killing." upon readin

the memorandum in detail,

it was BENDER's conclusion that this handwritten notation dic

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*=

HW 55004

DocId: 32989737

Page 60

---

## Page 61

JNODD3 214 0715Z

RR HQ

2 AUG 78 16 1621,

Fine * 791

COMMUNICATi Ni SEUTICN/

Assoc. Dir.

Dep. AD Adm.

Dep. AD inv.

Asst. Dir.:

Adm. Serv.

Crim. Inv._

ident.

Intell.

Laboratory

Legat Coun.

Plan, & insp.

Rec. Mignt. 1K7

Fech. Servs.

Training

Public Affs. Off.

Telephone Rm.

Director's Sec'y

R D1 23DDZ AUG 78

FM JACKSON (62-544) (P)

TO DIRECTOR FBI (62-117290) ROUTINE

ATTENTION CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENI DIVISION

BT/

LUNCLAS

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA); BUDED:

ALG USI. 4, 1978.

1034

!.;.

RE DIRECTOR TELETYPE JULY 28, 1978, CAPTIONED AS ABOVE.

REVIEW OF DEATH RECORDS, STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, AUGUST 1, 1978,

REFLECTS FORMER JN184-R NOW DECEASED.

BI

REC-JU

EX-125

62-117290-1070

2 AUG 8 1978

Busleßa

ATI INTO--

41919? 3 1978

HH 55004

DocId: 32989737

Page 61

---

## Page 62

FD-36 (Rev. 7-27-76)

TRANSMIT VIA:

[ Teletype

• Facsimile

& Airtel

FBI

PRECEDENCE:

• Immediate

• Priority

• Routine

CLASSIFICATION:

• TOP SECRET

I SECRET

• CONFIDENTIAL

D CLEAR

Date

8/4/78

_AIR MAIL

TO

: DIRECTOR, FBI (62-117290)

ATTN:

CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DIVISION

FROM : SAC, MILWAUKEE (62-1835) (RUG)

SUBJECT: HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON

_ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA) ;

BUDED:

878/78

1019

Re Butel to Milwaukee, dated 8/1/78.

Enclosed for the Bureau are two copies each

of the following: Milwaukee airtel to Bureau, dated

7/26/78, captioned "MURKIN" (MI 44-388-378),

and

Milwaukee memo of SA DON H. MARTIN, dated 8/12/68,

captioned "MURKIN" (MI 44-388-380).

For information of the Bureau, a review of

Milwaukee indices did not reflect any identifiable

information with ROBERT FRANKLIN SANDERS, DPOB 11/18/27,

Lenoir, North Carolina.

A review of MI 44-388, captioned "MURKIN" from

questioned serial, Charlotte airtel to Bureau on 7/17/68,

only reflected two communications where ROBERT FRANKLIN

SANDERS' name was mentioned.

These communications are

being furnished aEX-125

enclosures.

REC-50

62-112242-1071

/ ENCLOSURE

- Bureau (Encs. 4) (RM)

- Milwaukee

JAS/bjt

2 copies maintaied

(3)

i km 8988

RCB

11 AUG

1978

ALL INFOTTTTOY CONTATNED

Darz 215

Dad.

Approved: + PO

HH 55004 DocId: 32989737

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Transmitted -

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Per

(Time)

GPO: 1977 0-225-539

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## Page 63

7/26/68

AIRTEL

AIRMAIL.

TO: DIRECIOR, FBI (44-38861)

FROM: SAG, MILWAUKEE (44-388) (P)

SUBJECT: MURKIN

Re Charlotte airtel to the Bureau 6/17/68, Milwaukee

airtel to the Bureau 6/29/68, and Bureau airtel to Milwaukee

7/2/68.

The following investigation was conducted by

SA JOHN L. DUFFY:

At Racine, Wisconsin

On June 27, 1968, Mes. MARIKA FOXIE, 1940 Mead Road,

advised she had no further

information to furnish and that to

the best of her knowledge,

the information previously furnished

iby her was true. She mentioned that she has maintained a close

check on all telephone calls originating from Union Grove, Wis.,

in the event the unknown caller in question repeats his calls.

Mes. FOXIE again expressed her strong desire to

renain completely anonymous regarding this matter.

The following investigation was conducted by

SA DANIEL E. BRANDI:

At Milwaukee, Wisconsin

On July 9, 1968, contact was made with ROBERT WENZEL,

General Security Supervisor,

Wisconsin Telephone Company.

208

Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee,

Wisconsin.

He was requested

tO

3 - Bureau (AM)

- Charlotte (44-1365) (Info) (AM)

- Memphis (44-1987) (AM)

- Milwaukee

bod

(8)

•alie 84

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-78

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## Page 64

MI 44-383

attempt to locate long distance toll records for three calls

made irom an unknown telaphone number,

Union Grove, Wisconsin,

to the following telephone numbers in Lenoir, Norch Cacolina,

on June 11, 1968:

704-758-2908;

704-754-4930;

704-758-2100.

locate any toll calls reflecting calls to tha above numbers.

Ha said. that if the calls were made on a collect basis or if

a credit card was used, the records would ba found in North

Carolina.

It is noted that in the original intervier wit

Yes, FOXIE, she advised that the unknown caller paid for

his phone calls and also apparently was calling from a coin

operated telephone.

LEADS

MLLWAUKEE DIVISION

At Kenosha, Racine, and Union Grove, Wisconsin

Will conduct credit and criminal checks on the name

Of ROBERT FRANKLIN SANDERS.

=2-

HH 55004 DocId:32989737

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## Page 65

TO

FROM :

SUBJECT:

OPTIONAL FORM NO, 10

MAY 1562 EDITION

GSA FPMR (11 CFR) 101-11.8

• UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Memorandum

SAC, MILWAUKEE (44-338)

ATTENTION: SA WILLIAM Y. DORAN

DATE: August 12, 1968

SA DON H. MARTIN

ALL TUFOCANTON CONTAINED

MURKIN

Re Milwaukee airtel to the Bureau, July 26,

1968.

by SA TOLBERE

The following investigation was conducted

by SA TOLBERT I. GREENWOOD, at Union Grove, Wisconsin:

H# 5500€

He stated that a ROBERT ANDERSON, date of birth

December 13, 1942, of Box 26M, Kansasville

was cited for speeding on September 29, 1967. He

Wisconsin,

stated that he is not familiar with anyone by either

name.

On August 1, 1968, JERRY VETTMAN, Village

Clerk, Union Grove, advised

that his files contain no

listing for either name.

August 1, 1968, HERMAN DAHL, Postmaster,

J. S. Post Office, Union Grove, advised that a ROBERT

ANDERSON lived on

Highway 11 near Union Grove. ANDERSON

is approximately 40 years of age and has been in the

area for at least 10 years. He stated that he did not

know any subscribers by the name of SANDERS. He stated

that a Negro family by the name of SAUNDERS Or SANDERS

resided at the old Hemp Mill on Highway 11.

The following investigation was conducted by

SA DON H. MARTIN:

On dates indicated, the following individuals

caused searches to be made of their respective files

and advised that they could locate no identifiable reference

of record for ROBERT FRANKLIN SANDERS:

On August 5, 1968, EDMUND JAKOBOWSKI,

Records Bureau, Racine, Wisconsin, Police

Department.

44-388-380

Milwaukee 44-388

DHM: ps

(2.)

62-117-298-1111

cIa 28973 Bu gus. Savings Bonds Rezularl on the Payrall Savines Plan

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## Page 66

(

44-388

DHM: ps

On August 6, 1958, Lt. ABE TOIGO, Records

Bureau, Kenosha, Wisconsin, Police Department.

In August 6, 1968, Deputy JOE KOBALSNIK,

Records and

Identification, Kenosha County

Sheriff's Department, Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin.

On August 6, 1968, Deputy NAT CACCIOTTI, Records

and Identification, Racine County Sheriff's

Department, Racine, Wisconsin.

On August 6, 1968, MARION STEINMETZ, Manager,

Credit Bureau of Kenosha, 815 - 5/th Street,

-₴-

NH 55004 DocId: 32989737

Page 66

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## Page 67

Mr - Robert I. Keuch

Special Counsel to the Attorney General

August 4, 1978

1 - Mr. Mintz

Director, FDI

EDERAT SUNWAS

Attn: Mr. Heller

1 - Criminal

Investigative

Division

HOUSE SELECI COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINAZIONS

Attn: Mr. J.J. Jamar

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (USCA)

1 - Mr. Bailey

1 - Mr. Foster

resexence de made to your letter dated day ai, 1st

captioned "Ilouse Select Cormittee on Assassinations Request

for lenphis Ficld Office Files."

MR. KEVEN

In rasponse to your request in referenced letter,

Hemphis Ficld Office files of five informants, who reported

COqNEZANT

on activities of the Invaders, are being processed by the

Congressional Inquiry Unit (CIU), Records Management Division FIE

FBI Headguarters (FBIIQ) •

As indicated in referenced letter,

excised versions of these files will be made available only

to III. G. Robert Blakey, Chief Counsel and Director, HSCA.

You will be advised when file processing is completed.

Files involved total 47 sections.

1978

MAILED 7

In refcrenced letter, you advised you shared the

FBI's concern regarding the release of these files.

Based

on this concern and believing your position to be sound, a

representative of the CIU, subsequent to receipt of referenced

waring intormally furnished you a list of points against

these files availabig

REC 4562-117290-1072

133

arguments and found then

vecision as outlined in referenced letter was the best course

of action in this natter. However, you desired to use our

anguments in responding to letter to the lictorney General Iron

Congressman Louis B. Stokes, Chairan, USCA, dated JulY 571978.

rist

You asked that this information be furnished you on a

fornal

basis.

222 AUG 10 1978

Assoc. Dir.

Dep. AD Adm.

Dep. AD Inv. -

In accordance with your request, the following points

Asst. Dir.:

derived from decisions at FBIEd and a review oi congressman

Adm. Sevs. Stokes' letter dated July 5, 1978, are submitted:

Ident.-

Intell. -

PE CLOSURE

Laboratory

=

Legal Coun.

SEE NOTE PAGE 6'

Plan. & Insp.

Rec. Mgnt.

(7)

Tech. Servs..

Training

Public Affs. Off.

elephone Rm

AT THE CHECK CONFADED

IN LANNED

55004

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Page

67

лє все вкрастиі

FBI/DOJ

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## Page 68

Mr. Robert I, Keuch

Special Counsel to the Attorney General

As stated in our letter to Congressman Stokes

dated June 13, 1978, if it becomes general knowledge that FBI

being openca to outside parties, informant

privilege is threatened and our informant development progran

can be severely hampered.. Despite the ESCA's statement in

the letter Exom Congressnan Stokes that it is not seeking

informants' identities at this time, this is not the

The central issue is the principle

of opening a field office informant file to outside parties.

2.

The HSCA was provided access to IBIIIQ files

concerning informants who reported on the Invaders.

Although the HSCA feels these were administrative in

nature, the policy of the Bureau at that time required that

all incornation of a substantive nature be furnished to FBIHQ.

Data such as informant's travel, amount of payments and a

summary of background material

• are examples of such infor-

nation provided to BIll.

Therefore, FBIIIQ feels that its

files contain significant information concerning the operation

of any informant.

3. All information of substance concerning the

Invaders organization furnished by these informants would

be

reported in the Invaders file at FBIIQ.

the HSCA has had

access to this file since December, 1977.

The HISCA has

shown no interest in reviewing the Memphis Field Office

file concerning the Invaders, a file which would contain

all reports from informants covering the Invaders.

would appear logical to examine this file in detail prior

to pressing for files of informants, none of whom were

even menbers of the Invaders at the

time of or prior to

King's assassination.

4. Review of FBIIQ informant files was restricted

to ME. G. Robert Blakey, Chief Counsel and Director, ISCA,

and not to his staff because, since the staff had access

to the Invaders file at FBIHQ, their knowledge of the

organization could possibly result in identification of

informants through a cross checking of the files. Subsequent

to Mr. Blakey's review of the informant files, the FBIRQ

Invaders file was delivered to the HSCA on July 6, 1978. Now

-2-

HH 55004 DocId:32989737 Page 68

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## Page 69

Mr- Robert In Keuch

Special Counsel to the Attorney General

tic, Blakey himself has access to the substantive Invaders

file, and, similarly, his possible new knowledge could result

in source identification if allowed access to field office

Illes.

on July 17 and 18, 1978, all five informants

vere contacted to determine if they would permit disclosure

of their identification to the ISCA. All declined.

Following his review of FBINQ files on

May 19, 1978, Mr. Blakey told agents present that he found

no evidence that any of our informants acted as "agent

provocatcurs. "

Ho furnished notes taken during his review

tO FLINQ

and

requested the notes be maintained by the FBI

for possible future use in writing into his final report a

paragraph to the cileci he had found no evidence that any of

those informants had instigated violence.

Re made no request

at that time to review field office informant files. It is

possible that Mr. Blakey is satisfied with the review of

FDIIQ informant

files.

7. The FBI desires to maintain consistency

with rogard to our position in this matter. In our letter

to Congressnan Stokes dated June 13, 1979, access to these

files was denied.

This position was decided upon after

caccful deliberation between interested divisions in the

FBI and, in our view, the ISCA has provided no basis to cause

a change of this position.

8. Providing the HSCA access to field office

infomant liles, although excised, could serve as an

undesirable precedent for other outside groups to review

9. Because of the large number of excisions

in these files to protect the identities of informants,

it is unlikely the ISCA will be satisfied with its review,

if granted, It will probably ast: for fewer excisions and/

or the identities of the informants.

- 3m

IN 55004 DocId:32989737 Page 69

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## Page 70

Mr. Robert I. leuch

Special, Counsel to the Attorney General

10, Finally, the letter Erom Congressman Stokes

dated July 5, 1973, has been analyzed at FBIHQ and, generally,

it is not believed it contains additional information giving

substance to the allegation that our informants acted as

Specifically, the folloving points are

noted:

The letter states (pages 1 and 4) that the

ISCA had access to relevant Dureau personnel and has conducted

extensive interview among those who may also be subjects of

this aspect of the Committee's investigation.

The Committee

claims need to review the files to determine if the written

Iccord supports or refutes the oral testimony on the relevant

questions.

Howevel, the letter offers no specific results

of interviews of personnel or others concerning the basic

allegation.

It has not identified any specific individual

who has furnished infornation bearing on this allegation.

The letter states (page 4) that based on

field interviews with former members of the Invaders and

This is not new information.

The I'BINQ file concerning the

Invaders and media reports issued then and more recently verify

the Invaders culpability regarding violence during the march,

letter also states (page 4) that "it is universally

bolieved that the Invader followers who caused the violence

were paid FBI operatives." The FBI considers this statement

a sweeping generalization and again the Committee offers

no specific identities of individuals who believed those

causing violence were I'BI infornanis.

Other than articles

appearing in "Newsday" magazine in 1976 and, more recently,

Statements by Mark Lane and possibly former members of the

Invadors, who olse shares this belief?

The letter from

Congressman Stokes identifies no one.

This letter states (page 4) that the "Memphis

Field Office had prior knowledge of impending violence (a

fact memorialized in FBI documonts)."

this staterent

implies the FBI new of violence because its informants

HW 55004

DooId:32989737 Page 70

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## Page 71

Mir. Robert I. Keuch

Special Counsel to the Attorney Ceneral

were instructed to instigate violence. lowever, as shown

in our files, FBI knowledge of impending violence was based

on intormation tron various informants and officials,

resulting fIon a tense situation brought about by the

Sanitation Workers Strike, all of which made knowleüge of

impending violence rather obvious.

The letter states (pages 4 and 5) that "nembers

of the Invaders were observed by agents of the FBI exhorting

the crowd and readying weapons from signposts (a fact later

testified to under oath by these agents)."

A review of the

Invaders and informant files at FBIHQ disclosed that none

of the informants were members of the Invaders at the time

violence occurred. Only one of these five informants was

over a member and

that was subsequent to the assassination

The letter states

(page 5) that "Professor

Blakey's review of the files revealed that at least one

informant subsequently joined a more violence-prone

organization.

It is assuned this statement is to demonstrate

the informant's propensity for violence.

However, the FBI

believes that king's death and

the rioting that followed

intensified racial feeling and tended to make some organiza-

more violent.

therefore, it is logical that whatever

organization our informant was

redirected into, it would be

more violence prone.

HH 55004

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71

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## Page 72

Mr. Robert L. Keuch

Special Counsel to the Attorney General

NOTE: This matter concerns HSCA request to review Memphis

Field Office files of five informants who reported on

activities of the Invaders,

a Memphis youth gang. The HSCA

is trying to resolve an allegation that our informants

instigated violence which caused King to return to Memphis

where he was killed. We granted access to Headquarters

tIles of the intormants to Mr. Blakey only, but denied his

subsequent request for similar access to field office files.

In letter to the Attorney General dated 7/5/78, Congressman

Stokes requested a conference to

resolve the issue.

Mr. Keuch's

letter of 7/24/78 stated his position, which is to provide

Blakey access to the files, excising all identifying data.

While we agree that Mr. Keuch's position is sound, our

arguments against release are being provided him formally,

per his request.

Full background and details regarding this matter

were set forth in D. Ryan to Mr. Bassett memorandum dated

7/28/78, which recommended a letter to Mr. Keuch be sent

listing our arguments against release of the files. This

memorandum has been approved by the Director.

APPROVED: "-

Diractor

Angos. Dir.

Adm. Sir,_

Crits. in.

Carat Corin.

Tilan. & Insp.

wis

inial.

Laboratory

ror:

- 6-

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## Page 73

OPTIONAL FORM HO. 1O

JULY IOTA ADITION

OSA F8AR (A1 CFRS 101-11.8

UNITED STATES GOVI

MENT

Memorandum

JUL 2 4 1978

TO

The Director

Federal Bureau of Investigation

DATE:

FROM

SUBJECT:

Robert L. Keuch

Special Counsel to the Attorney General

House Select Committee on Assassinations

Request for Memphis Field Office Files

RLK: mal

By letter dated July 5, 1978, directed to the Attorney

General, the Select Committee has

repeated its request for

access to the Memphis, Tennessee, field office informant files

concerning informants in the Invaders, a black militant group

judgment, as Special Counsel for the

Attorney General, that it is necessary to provide access to

excised versions of the requested files to Committee Chief

1, of the requested

Counsel, Professor G.

Robert blakey. let

request

that this task be completed as soon as possible and that

ProfeSSor Blakey be provided access to the processed

files.

As you are aware, we had, by letter of June 13, 1978,

previously refused the request of the Committee. I

concurred

in that action and believe it was correct based on the fact

that, in our view, the only need demonstrated by the Committee

for access to the field office files rested on naked allega-

tions which had been denied in the past.

In the Committee's

Latest demand, presented by the July 5 letter, the Committee,

on pages 3, 4, and 5 of the letter, outlines in greater detail

the justification for its request.

While it may be our juag~

ment that the information set forth by the Committee is not

sufficient to substantiate the allegations

made about the

activities of the informants at issue, it is equally clear

that we can no longer take the position that the Committee's

legislative and investigative needs are based on pure specula-

tion and/or naked allegations.

That being the case, the

limited access outlined above should be granted in response

to the Committee's request.

I am, of course, aware of the deep concern held by the

Bureau concerning any indication that we are willing to

disclose informants or release information which will lead

to their disclosure. I share that concern and my decision

in this matter has been reached only with the greatest

possible consideration of that concern.

cit

CC:

The Attorney General

Keuch

Calhoun

BOID-ITO

HH 55004

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62-117210-107

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

ENCLOSURE

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## Page 74

- 2 -

In addition to the further justification submitted by

the Committee for their request, I believe there are other

factors

which support my conclusion that we should provide

the limited access discussed. An important factor is that,

if the response to the Committee's latest request is a complete

refusal, the Committee will issue subpoenas for the informant

files.

The only way we could respond to such subpoenas other

than by providing the requested information would be to seek

to have them enjoined by a federal court. While this type

of confrontation may ultimately be necessary during the course

of the Committee's proceedings, it does not appear wise to

take this step without first offering limited access. This

is so for two reasons.

First, in contrast to the limited access we will offer

the Committee, a subpoena would request access to the informant

files by the entire staff thereby increasing the possibility

that the informants could be compromised through the knowledge

of the members of the staff who have studied the other files

in the matter in greater detail and, in any case, would broaden.

the number of individuals who could

learn the identity of the

informants.

Secondly, if we are to prevail in the litigation, a

possibility which, in my judgment, is remote given the subject

matter of the Committee's inquiry and the allegations and

information that formed the basis of their request, we can

only win if we show a reasonable posture to the court. An

absolute refusal to comply would not do that.

An attempt

to meet the Committee's needs while protecting our interests

by providing limited access to excised files would do that.

Further support for the procedure of providing limited

access stems from the very nature of the Committee's investi-

gation. Unlike the normal Congressional investigation and/or

lawsuit, the Bureau and the Department of Justice are targets

*Dureau nate bac

or subjects of the investigation.

Under such circumstances

our obligation to be as cooperative as reasonably possible

with the

Congress

is obvious.

The public conception of our

cooperation is going to be a very important factor in the

acceptance or lack of acceptance of the Committee's efforts

and determinations in these investigations.

To put ourselves

in a posture of confrontation with the Committee

over this

particular issue without first attempting some

accommodation

of competing interests would only serve

to revive all the

allegations

and criticisms of us and our actions concerning

the assassinations.

HH 55004 Do0Id:32989737 Page 74

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## Page 75

-3 -

It is regrettable but inescapable that the timing of

this demand by the Committee makes our decisions much more

subject to public comment and criticism. The present interest

in, and repeated stories related to, the allegations in the

case of Mr. Rowe makes this one of the worst times to come

to a-point of absolute refusal in the face of the justifica-

tions advanced by the Committee. If and when we reach the

ultimate confrontation over the possible disclosure of

informants, our position will be extremely strengthened by

any steps we can take consistent with our needs to protect

our informants to provide the Committee with necessary

evidence and information.

That balance, at least at this

stage, is best struck by offering the limited access under

Since the Committee's last request was directed personally

to the Attorney General by the Chairman of the Committee, the

Committee is preparing for public hearings in the near future,

and has delayed issuing subpoenas for these materials based on

my representations that we were making immediate efforts to

• .

respond, we should not delay our response to the Committee.

Therefore, I am sending a

I copy of this request to the Attorney

General.

If the Bureau

disagrees

with my determination and

decides not to comply with my decision, your response should

be directed to the Attorney General so this matter can be resolved

quickly.

HH 55004

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## Page 76

FEDERAL COVERMNONI

Assistant Attorney General

Criminal Division

Attention: Mr. Robert I, Keüch

Director, FBI

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

August 8, 1978

1 - Mr. Mintz

attn: Mr. Heller

1 = Mr. Bailey

1 - Mr. Poster

Reference is made to letter to the Attorney General

. *)

roquested delivery of criminal arrest records of John Larry

Ray and Jerry W. Ray.

Inclosed are an original and one copy of a memorandum

in response to referenced HSCA letter. It Is requested that

you furnish a copy of the enclosed memorandum to the HSCA.

Enclosures

(2)

• 62-117290

• 1

g'STA: DEM

(6)

NOTE: Access to Identification Division records of John and

Jerry Ray was provided based on HSCA request of 3-9-77. These

individuals are brothers of James Eary

REC-45 1,7

111712 - 1023

2 AUG 169 1079

Assoc. Dir.

Dep. AD Adm.

Dep. AD Inv.

Asst. Dir.:

Adm. Servs.

Crim: Inv.

Ident. -

Intell. -

Laboratory

Legal Coun.

Plan. & Insp.

Rec. Mgnt.

Tech, Servs.

Training -

Public Affs. Off. _

Telephone Rm. -

Director's Secy -

MAIL ROOM

HH 56001 DocId: 32989737

MAILED 7

RUS 91876

FET

Page 76

.. 2/8/84--

Spinacar

FBI/DOJ

---

## Page 77

1 - Mr. Mintz

Attn:

Mr. Heller

I - Mr.

Bailey

1

- Mr.

Foster

August 8, 1978

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTED ON ASSASSINAIIONS

U.S, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

Reference Is made to letter to the Attorney General

from G. Robert Blakey,

Chief Counsel and Director, HSCA

dated August 2, 1978,

which, in connection with the ASCA's

Investigation Into the assassination of Martin Luther

King,

John

Jr,, requested delivery of criminal arrest records of

This letter 1s to confirm that records requested

In referenced letter were delivered on August 2, 1978, to

HSCA Staff Member Dean B. Webb at FBI Headguarters,

This

letter completes

response to HSCA request of August 2, 1978.

02-117290

'(6)

ORIGINAL AND ONE SENT TO ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL,

CRIMINAL DIVISION, ATTENTION: MR. ROBERT L. KEUCH.

NOTE: See Director attent letter to Assistant Attorney General,

criminal Division,

Mr. Robert I. Keuch, datec

August 8, 1978, captioned as

above.

Assoc. Dir.

Dep. AD Adm.

Dep. AD Inv.

Asst. Dir::

Adm. Servs.

Crim: Inv..

Ident.

Intell.

Laboratory

Legal Coun.

Plan. & Insp.

Rec. Mgnt.

Tech. Servs.

Training -

Public Affs. Off. _

Telephone Rm. _

Director's Sec'y _

WW 55001 ' DocId: 32989737 Page 77

62.110290-11

FBI/DOJ

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## Page 78

LOUIS STOKES, OHIO, CHAIRMAN

MICHARDSON PREYER, N.C.

SAMUEL LIVING, ENO

WALTER E, TAUNTROY, D-G.

STEWAR

ICKINHEY, COMIN

YVONNE BRATHWAITE DUNKE, CALIF.

CHARLE

NI, NEOR.

CNISTOPHEM JADODO, CONN.

HAROLD

TWYLA, MICH.

1OF, FORD, TENT.

FiENDS. FITHILN, IND.

ROBETT V. KODAR, PA.

(202) 225-4524

Select Committee on Assassinations

M.S. House of Kepresentatites

3331 HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING, ANNEX 2

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515

August 2, 1978

The Honorable Griffin B. Bell

Attorney General of the United States

U.S. Department of Justice

Washington, D.C.

20530

Attention:

Mr. Robert I. Keuch

Deputy Assistant Attorney General

Criminal Division, Room 2113

Dear Mr. Attorney General:

By letter dated March 9, 1977 to the Attorney General

it was requested that the Federal Bureau of Investigation

provide arrest records on certain individuals.

It is now requested that the Federal Bureau of

Investigation deliver to the House Select Committee on

Assassinations the criminal arrest records of the following

individuals, as per the March 9, 1977 request:

a. John Larry Ray

d.0.b. February 14, 1931

b. Jerry W. Ray

8.0.b. July 16, 1935

Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly

appreciated.

Sincerely,

M. Robes Bleake

G. Robert Blakey

Chief Counsel and Director

CC:

Ron Heller

GRB : ghy

;.

"."

62- 117-270-1815

(HH 55004 DocId: 32989737

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## Page 79

"AT GOVERNHENT

(*

Assistant Attorney

General

Criminal Division

Attention: Mr. Robert I. Keuch

Director,

FBI

August 8, 1978

1 - Legal Counsel Divisior

Ittn: Mr. Heller

1 - Mr. Bailey

Foster

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

10,0:3

Reference is made to the letter to the Attorney

King, Jr., requested that the FBI contact an informant who

had furnished information regarding Russell George Byers and

inquire as to (1) whether he would submit to interview by

Committee, and (2) execute a waiver releasing all his Head-

quarters and field office informant files to the HSCA.

Enclosed are an original and one copy of a memorandum

in response to the above-referenced FISCA letter. It 1s requested

that you deliver a copy of this memorandum to the HSCA.

Enclosures (2)

62-117290

2/0i84

Гратасраке

(6)

1042

NOTE:

MAILED Y

By teletype to

7-25-78. Chicago was requested

contact former SL 3167

and inquire as to points set forth

rain

ASCA Letter reteng taboREG-45 62 11921»- 1074

AUG

By

airtel to

Bureau. 7-30-78,

Chicago advised that

attempts had

been made to contact SL 3167-C, identified as

Richard Francis O'Hara.

Contacting Agent arranged for meeting

with O'Hara on 7-27-78: however, on that date, O'Hara refused

to talk with Agent without his attorney being

present.

Assoc. Dir.

Dep. AD Adm..

on 7-28-78, the Agent arranged for a meeting between

Dep. AD Inv. -

-O'Hara, his attorney,

and the Agent.

O'Hara did not appear

Asst. Dir.:

at the meeting against the advice of his attorney. The

Adm. Serys. -

-attorney stated that he could not convince O'Hara that the

Crim: Inv. -

Ident. -

- FBI was not planning to

cause some kind of a problem for him.

Intell..

The attorney

gave no indication that O'Hara had revealed

Laboratory

Legal Coun. .

- to him the confidential relationship that had existed between

Plan. & Insp. -

him and the FBI, and, for this reason, no further attemots were

Rec. Mgnt.

-made to contact

O' Hara.

Tech. Servs..

Training

Public Affs. Off. _

Telephone Rm.

SHE NOTE PAGE TWO. . .

Director's Sechy

HH 55004

DooId:32989737 Page 79

FBI/DOJ

---

## Page 80

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

on 7-31-78, Michael Fberhardt: HSCA Staff Member,

was orally advised that the FBI had been unable to question

the informant concerning the two points in above-referenced

letter due to his unwillingness to discuss anything with the

FBI.

IT 55004 DocId: 32989737 Page

80

---

## Page 81

1 - Legal Counsel Division

Attn:

Mr. Heller

1 - Mr. Bailey

1 - Mr. Foster

August 8, 1978

HOUSE SELECT COMNITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

U. $. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (ISCA)

Reference is made to the letter to the Attorney

General from &. Robert Blakey, Chief Counsel and Director, ,

nseA, dated July 14, 1978s which, in connection with the.

HSCA's Investigation into the assassination of

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., requested that the TBI contact

an Informant who had furnished Information regarding

Russell George Byers and Inquire as to (1) whether he would

submit to interview by Committee, and (2) execute a waiver

releasing all his Headquarters and fleld office Informant

files to the

ASCA.

Ihis memorandum is to confirm a conversation between

FISCA Staff Member Ilichael Eberhardt and Special Agont

Tron W. Brekke on July 31, 1978, during which Mr. Eberhardt

was informed that the FBI

had been unable to pose the two

questions set forth above to the formor st. Louls intormant

due to his adamant refusal to meet with or talk to the con-

tacting Agent.

In view of the above, no further action is being

taicen by the FBI to contact the

former informant.

62-117290

'TWB: im (6)

ORIGINAL AND ONE SENT TO ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL,

CRIMINAL DIVISION, ATTENTION: MR. ROBERT L. KEUCH.

NOTE:

FBI,

Criminal Division,

see Directo Attention:

letter to Assistant Attorney General,

Mr. Robert I. Keuch, dated

August 8, 1978, captioned as

above.

Assoc. Dir. -

Dep. AD Adm. -

Dep. AD Inv. _

Asst. Dir.:

Adm. Servs.-

Crim: Inv. -

Ident. -

Intell. _

Laboratory

Legal Coun..

Plan. & Insp.

Rec. Mgnt. -

Tech. Servs.

Training

Public Affs. Off. _

Telephone Rm.

Director's Sec'y -

HH 55004

DooId:32989737

Spinacnice

ELON

11731"

/il

FBI/DOJ

Page 81

---

## Page 82

> 9002 2021914

RR HQ

• 21 JuL78 19 37z

DE SL

R 211542Z JUL 78

FEDERAL BUREAU

OF INVESTIGATION

COMMUNICATIONS SECTIÓN

FROM ST• LOUIS (62-5097) (C)

TO DIRECTOR (62-117290) ROUTINE

BT

UNCLAS E F T O

Assoc. Dir._

Dep. AD Adm.

• Dep. AD inv.

Asst. Dir.:

Adm. Serv.

Crink. Inv._

Ident,

Intell.

Laboratory

Legal Coun.

Plan, & Insp.

Rec. Mignt. te

Tech. Serv$:

Training_

Public Affs. Off.

Telephone Rm.

Director's Sec'y

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA).

,035

RE BUTEL TO KANSAS CITY, LOS ANGELES, AND SI. LOUIS JULY 18% 2P

1978.

PER RE BUREAU TELETYPE FORMER SL 1215-C WAS INTERVIEWED AND

ADVISED THAT HE DID NOT DESIRE TO BE INTERVIEWED OR CONTACTED UNDER

ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BY ANYONE FROM HSCA. FORMER SL 1215-C WAS ADVISED

OF ALL OF THE CONTENTS IN RE BUREAU TELETYPE AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT

FBI WOULD DO ALL IN IIS POWER TO PROTECT HIS IDENTODY, HOWEVER HIS

FILE COULD HE SUBJECT IO CONGRESSIONAL SUSPEN 812-117290-1075

SI • LOUIS INDICES REVIEW AND FILE CHECK SHOWS ALL SI. LOUIS

FILES RE FORMER SL 1215-C HAVE BEEN DESTROYED.

BT

37 AUG

1270

AUG 14

1878

4 gene

₫0 1

54AUG24197BECORDS: CC/37-6583

DocId: 32989737 Page 82

.TI

INTORENITON

---

## Page 83

{с03 30921387

RR HQ

DE KC

R 192100Z JUL 7,8

FM

19 Ju 78. 21

45 ₴

FEÇEIED

FEDERLI DUREAU

OF LNVESTIGATION.

COMAUNIMATIONS SECTION

TO

KANSAS CITY (175-64)

DIRECTOR (62-117290) (ROUTINE)

BT

UNCLAS EF TO

ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGE-

MENT

DIVISION.

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA)

REBUTEL JULY 18, 1978. 1835

KANSAS CITY FILE 137-4907 RELATING TO ALEXANDER

GEORGE BEN EDMONDSON WAS DESTROYED DURING ROUTINE FILE

DESTRUCTION JANUARY 7, 1978 AND INDICES PURGED.

INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM SPECIAL AGENT FAMILIAR

WITH EDMONDSON INVESTIGATION REVEALS EDMONDSON FORMER

AsSOC. Dir.

Dop. AD Adm.

Dep. AD Inv.

Asst, Dir.:

Adm. Serv. ==

Crim. Inv.

Ident,

Intell.

Laboratory

Legal Coun.

• Plan, & Insp.

Rec. Mgnt.

Tech. Servs.

Training

Public Affs. Off.

Telephone Rm.

Director's Sec'y

TOP TEN FUGITIVE, HAD ESCAPED FROM JEFFERSON CITY, MO.

IN EARLY 1968'S AND AS SUBSEQUENTLY PRECED TE SAMADA 2 220 - 1076

AS FBIHQ IS AWARE, DURING MURKIN INVESTIGATION,

ST:126

AUG 4.

1978

ALL INTORRATTON CONTATIED

HLADIN

вкАрАмасіля

escorded Copy Filed

HH

55004

54122 0 1978

REcorDs: 62 137-77381

DocId: 32989737

Page 83

AUG 14 1976.

---

## Page 84

PAGE TWO KC 175-64 UNCLAS EFT O

EDMONDSON WAS INTERVIEWED RELATIVE TO THE EASE WITH •

WHICH AN INDIVIDUAL COULD OBTAIN FALSE IDENTITIES IN

CANADA BASED UPON HIS OWN EXPERIENCE AS A FUGITIVE

RESIDING IN THAT COUNTRY.

REVIEW OF RECORDS, JEFFERSON CITY PENITENTIARY,

REVEAL EDMONDSON WAS PAROLED JUNE 1, 1972, AND RECEIVED

FINAL DISCHARGE SEPTEMBER 5, 1972. CURRENT WHEREABOUTS

UNKNOWN.

BT

NH 15004 DocId:32989737 Page 84

---

## Page 85

LA0369 20220527

DE LA

21 JUL 78 20 57z

P 212052Z JUL 78

RECEIVEG

FEDERAL BUREAU

OF INVESTIGATION

FM LOS ANGELES (62-7841) (P) (POMMUNICATIONS SECTION

DIRECTOR (62-117290) ROUTINE

ASSOC. Dir.

Dep. AD Adm

Dep. ADI

Asst. Dix

Adm. Serv.

Crim. Inv.

Ident.

Intell.

Laboratory

Legal Coun

Plan, & Insp.

Rec. Mgnt. J

Tech. Servs,

Training

Public Affs. Off.

Telephone Rm.

Director's Sec'y

(BT

UNCLASE FIO

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS (HSCA).

RE BUREAU TELETYPE, JULY 19, 1978-1035

ON JULY

. 19, 1979, JOHN MARSHALL BEFFEL, JR., USING THE

NAME JOOHN' MARSHALL ROBERIS, FORMER LA 7932-PC, WAS

CONTACIED. HE RESIDES AT 5499 MOCO LANE, LOS ANGELES,

TELEPHONE (213) 463-0941, AND IS EMPLOYED AT AUSSTIN AND

ASSOCIATES REALTORS, 1689 NORTH VINE, SUITE 309, HOLLYWOOD,

CALIFORNIA, TELEPHONE (213) 467-6181.

BEFFEL WAS ADVISED OF THE NATURE OF THE INQUIRY AS

ST128 REC50 62-117290-1077

OUTLINED IN REFERENCED TELETYPE, AND HE STATED HE DOES

NOI, REPEAT NOT, WANT HIS 137 FILE PROVIDED TO THE ASCA.

BEFFEL DID STATE, HOWEVER, THAT APPROXIMATELY THREE OR

FOUR MONTHS AGO HE WAS INTERVIEWED IN LOS ANGELES BY TWO 1

AUG 4 1?78

INDIVIDUALS WHO HE RECALLS REPRESENTED THEMSELVES AS

ALL INFORATTON CONTAINED

FIREIN IS UNCLASSINIED

_BY

Dimasprie

5441611378

4

HU8771202

JAKAR

1H 75001 DocId: 32989737

AUE 14

197₴

RECORDS CC 137-30700

Page 85

---

## Page 86

PAGE

TWO

CLA 62-7841

UNCLAS E F TO

INVESTIGATORS FOR THE MSCA. HE SSTATED THEY DISPLAYED

PHOTOGRAPHS OF JAMES EEARL RAY AND ASKED VARIOUS QUESTIONS

REGARDING THE KING ASSASSINAT ION.

LOS ANGELES WILL PROVIDE ONE OOPY OF BEFFEL 'S FILE,

LA 137-19611, AS REQUESTED BY THE BUREAU.

BI

HH 55004

DocId: 32989737 Page 86

---

## Page 87

FEDERAL, GOVERNNENT

Assistant Attorney General

Criminal Division

Attention: Fir. Robort I. Kouch

Director, FBI

August 4, 1978

1 - Legal Counsel Division

Attn: Mr. Heller

1 - Mr. W. L. Bailey

1 - Mr. G. J. Foster

HOUSE SELECT CONNIETEE ON ASSASSINATIONS.

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

Reforence is made to the letter to the Attorney

sonoral from G. Robert Blakey, Chiel counsel and Director;

ISCA, dated July 27, 1978, which requested, in connectior

the HISCA's Investiration Into the Dr. Martin Iuther

King, Jr., assassination, that delivery be made of photo-

craphs of items of cvidence labelled 1-19 and A-25 found in

the bully exhibit folders of that case.

Enclosed are an original and one copy of a memo

randun in response to the above-referenced letter. It is

requested that you deliver a copy of the memorandum to the

ESCA.

Enclosures (2)

TWB :bfm' (6)

62-117290

NOTE: On 8/2/78, Gerald Hamilton, HSCA, requested expeditious

handling of above request.

Same date, one copy of the photo-

graphs of evidentiary items Q-19 and Q-25 "The Commercial

IREC-34

62-117-250-1078

Assoc. Dir..

Dep. AD Adm..

Dep. AD Inv. -

Asst. Dir::

Adm. Servs..

Crim: Inv..

Ident. -

Intell..

Laboratory

Legal Coun.

Plan. & Insp.

Rec. Mgnt. -

Tech. Servs.

Training _

Public Affs. Off. _

Telephone Rm. -

Director's Sec'y -

MAILED 13

41078

MH 55004

it 1978

MAIL ROOM L/

DocId: 32989737

GOR

EX 10

122 AUG 8

1978

trih

-FBT/DOJ

Page 87

---

## Page 88

1 - Legal Counsel Division

Attn: Mr. Heller

1 - Mr.

W. I.

Bailey

1 - Mr.

G. J. Foster

August 4, 1978

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINAJIONS

U.S, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

Reference is made to the letter to the Attorney

Goneral from G. Robert Blakey

Chief Counsel and Director,

ason, dated July 21, 1970, which requestods in connectior

the ASCA's investigation into the di

Martin Luther

itons of evidence labelled 1-19 and 1-25 found In

the bulky exhibit folders of that case.

This nomorandum is to advise that the two photo

praphs montioned above were delivered to Dean Webb, ASCA

3raft benber, on August 2, 1970.

This completes the

cosponse to the above referenced HSCA letter.

ONE

TWB: pIm'' (6)

62-117290

ORIGINAL, AND ONE SENT TO ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL,

CRIMINAL DIVISION, ATTENTION: MR. ROBERT I. KEUCH.

NOTE: See Director, EBl, letter to Assistant Attorney General,

Criminal Division,

Attention: Mr. Robert L. Keuch, datec

August 4, 1978, captioned as above.

1. 918/84-.

Assoc. Dir. -

Dep. AD Adm..

Dep. AD Inv.

Asst. Dir::

Adm. Servs..

Crim: linv..

Ident. -

Intell.

Laboratory

Legal Coun.

Plan. & Insp..

Rec. Mgnt.

Tech. Servs..

Training -

Public Affs. Off. _

Telephone Rm. -

Director's Sec'y -

Ene tolet AAGICID 8478

MAIL ROOM A HAN6/28/405/17%2

HH 55004 Do0Id:32989737 Pade

88

62-117259-1%i

ENCLOSURE

FBI/DOJ

---

## Page 89

053

100763

l does relent sid

P

8/1/78

UNCLAS

$FO53ORR MINDE HQ MOO53 213÷AEYUER 011431Z AUG 78

ROUTINE

FM DIRECTOR FBI {62-117290}

TO_TO FBI MILWAUKEE ROUTINE

BT

ALL THECT TATTON CONTANED

UNCLAS

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS_ CHS.CAJ

BUDED AUGUST &. 1778.

THE HSCA, WHICH IS INVESTIGATING THE ASSASSINATIONS OF

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

LJULY 17, 1978, REQUESTED ACCESS TO ALL BUFILES AND SUBFILES

• PERTAINING TO ROBERT FRANKLIN SANDERS. INCLUDING BUT NOT

LIMITED TO THE MURKIN FILES FROM THE MILWAUKEE FIELD OFFICE.

THE LETTER NOTED THAT SANDERS IS REFERENCED IN THE BUREAU

MURKIN FILE 44-38861-4669•

BUFILES REFLECT THAT SERIAL 4699 IS AN AIRTEL FROM

_CHARLOTTE TO BUREAU DATED JULY 17, 19681 AND CAPTIONED "MURKIN".

COPY OF THIS AIRTEL WAS ALSO SENT TO MILWAUKEE, FIELD

OFFICE FILE 44-383: 1

THE REFERENCED COMMUNICATIONS IN THIS:

19101

1H3/DR/1P2X

I - MR. MINTZ

ATTN:

MR.

HELLER

- MR. BAILEY

-

MR. FOSTER

- MR. BUSCHING

fion

8/1/78

X-13988/4

IREC-34

+2-117 280-1079

I AUG 8

1978

In AS 2 3 1978

HH 55004 DocId:32989737 Page 89

---

## Page 90

PAGE TARZZ E*DE HQLUNCLAS

AIRTEL EXPLAINED HSCA'S INTEREST IN SANDERS.

SANDERS WAS BORN NOVEMBER 1O- 1927. AT LENOIRT NORTH

INCAROLINA.

IN RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE REQUEST, MILWAUKEE SHOULD REVIEW

I LINDICES TO IDENTIFY ALL RETRIEVABLE INFORMATION IDENTIFIABLE

WITH SANDERS AND FURNISH FBI HEADQUARTERS EFBIHQ TWO LEGIBLE

"_COPIES OF EACH SERIAL.

ALL MATERIAL SHOULD BE FORWARDED BY COVER AIRTEL TO FBIHQ,

¡ATTENTION: CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY UNIT, RECORDS MANAGEMENT

_DIVISION.

I BI

-

HH 55004

DocId: 32989737 Page 90

---

## Page 91

« "

SI0Ü33 1942÷55

R HQ

DE SI

CyR 132855Ë JUL 7'8

FI SPRINGFIELD (62-2567) (P).

TO DIRECIOR (62-117296) ROUTINE

59 z

_UREAU

OF f:24, GATION

COMMUNICA IOUS SECTION

Assoc. Dir._

Dep. AD Adm.

Dep. AD Inv.

Asst, Dir.:

Adm. Serv.

Crim. Inv._

Ident.

Intell.

Laboratory

Legal Coun.

Plan. & Insp.

Rec. Mant. _H&

Terh. Servs.

Training —

Public Afts. Off.

Telephone Rm.

Directorás Sec'y

T..

UNCLAS

PiOUSE SELECI COMMITTEE ON ASSASSIWATIONS (HSCA)

RE bUREAU TELETYPE TO SI. LOUIS DATED JULY 12, 1978.

INDICES SEARCH REGARDING RHONDA GIBSUI, ALSO KNOWN AS VERUNICA

STROTHERS, DATE UF BIRTH JULY 19, 1947, NEGATIVE.

BI

ST-137

REC-66

62-11) 270-1081

AUE 1 *378

ALL INFCRRATION CONTINED

53 AUG 2 4 1978*

HH 55004 DocId: 32989737

---

## Page 92

FEDERAL GOVERNIERE

1 - Mr. Mintz

Attn: Mr. Heller

1

- Mr. Bailey

1 - Mr. Foster

July 14, 1978

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

Former Special Agent IcRoy W. Sheets was interviewed

1978, and thereafter furnished a memo

randum reflecting that Interview as f011ows:

грмастке.

MAILED 8

107

AUG

!

Assoc. Dir.

Dep. AD Adm..

Dep. AD Inv..

Asst. Dir::

Adm. Servs.

Crim: Inv.

Ident. -

Intell.

Laboratory

Legal Coun.

Plan. & Insp.

Rec. Mgnt.

Tech. Servs.

Training -

Public Affs. Off. _

Telephone Rm..

Director's Sec y

MAIL ROOM

mOodC ball 18780737 Page 92

"On May 22, 1978, LeRoy W, Sheets, Retired Special

Agent, FBI, 2725-37 East F1r, Mount Vernon, Washington,

was Interviewed by a team of

Interviewers from the Select

Committee on Assassinations, U. S. House of Representatives,

Washington, D. C.

This team of Interviewers consisted

of Thomas Sacco,

Staff Counsel, Jerome A. Cullings, Staff

Investigator, and Robin Lindley, Attorney/Researcher.

The questions propounded were general in nature to

determine if the FBI conducted a thorough investigation to

determine if a conspiracy existed in the murder of

Martin Luther King.

They were assured by Sheets that every

effort was made to

identify the killer or killers of King

and that at all times the question of a possible conspiracy

was considered during the course of the investigation,

Sheets emphasized that all leads were followed to thoir

logical conclusion and at no time was the intensity of

the

investigation lessened during the period of time he

was

assigned to the case. -137

REG 762 11729.1081X7

Questions were asked as to what procedure was followed

when cortain leads were developed, They were told that all

leads regardless of how insignificant they might seem were

Investigated to their fullest to identify the killer of

killers of king.

It was pointed out that therexistence of á

conspiracy was considered at all times by the FBI In 1te

Investigation.

KX. AUG 30 1978

During the course of the Investigation fullings.

attempted to elloit Information concerning the COINIEL

program as it related to the King caso,

He was advised

that Sheets was not there to discuss the COINIEL progran

and would not answer any questions recarding same."

JIWB: pIm (6) ORIGINAL AND ONE SENT TO ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL,

62-117290

CRIMINAL DIVISION, ATTENTION: MR. ROBERT L. KEUCH.

NOTE: See Director, FBI, letter to Assistant Attorney General,

Criminal Division, Attention:

Mr. Robert I. Keuch, dated

July 14, 1978, captioned as above.

070(52

1.C.0

FA -E21÷N

FBI/DOJ

---

## Page 93

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20535

July 14, 1978

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

Former Special Agent Leroy W. Sheets was interviewed

by the HSCA on May 22, 1978, and thereafter furnished a memo-

randum reflecting that interview as follows:

interviewers from the Select

Committee on Assassinations, U. S. House of Representatives,

at Washington, D. C.

This team of interviewers consisted

of Thomas Sacco, Staff Counsel, Jerome A. Cullings, Staff

Investigator, and Robin Lindley, Attorney/Researcher.

The questions propounded were general in nature to

determine if the FBI conducted a thorough investigation to

determine if a conspiracy existed in the murder of

Martin Luther King.

effort was made to identify the killer or killers of King

and that at all times the question of a possible conspiracy

was considered during the course of the investigation.

Sheets emphasized that all leads were followed to their

logical conclusion and at no time was the intensity of

the investigation lessened during the period of time he

was assigned to the case.

Questions were asked as to what procedure was followed

when certain leads were developed. They were told that all

leads regardless of how insignificant they might seem were

investigated to their fullest to identify the killer or

killers of King. It was pointed out that the existence of a

conspiracy was considered at all times by the FBI in its

investigation.

During the course of the investigation Cullings

attempted to elicit information concerning the COINTEL

program as it related to the King case.

He was advised

that Sheets was not there to discuss the COINTEL program

and would not answer any questions regarding same."

FBI/DOJ

HH 55004 DocId: 32989737

Page 93

---

## Page 94

0-70 (Rev. 3-28-72)

•E. * LINITED STATES GUVERNMENT

Memorandum

TO

: Assistant Attorney General

Criminal Division

FROM : Director, FBI (62-117290)

SUBJECT: HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

File Copy

"Wife

DATE: August 24, 1978

ATTENTION: MR. ROBERT I. KEUCH

:

Reference is made to

- memorandum dated

(your file -

a letterhead

There is enclosed one copy ofxtur repertof saris Arent memorandum

dated 7-14-78

-at Washington, D. C.

a full vest This covere the prelimina investigation an be further action concerning

B. [ The investigation is continuing and you will be furnished copies of

reports as they are received.

C. [ The investigation requested by you has now been completed. Unless

advised to the contrary no further inquiries will be made by this Bureau.

D. [ Pursuant to instructions issued by the Department, no investigation will

be conducted in this matter unless specifically directed by the Department.

E. • Please advise whether you desire any further investigation.

developments.

F. This is submitted for your information and you will be advised of further

G. Ex This is submitted for your information and no further investigation will

be conducted unless specifically requested by the Department.

H. [ This covers the receipt of a complaint and no further action will be

taken by this Bureau unless the Department so directs.

Enc. (1)

Just

ALL, INSCRATIC! CONTAINED

HERBIN IS UNCLASSIWIED

DATE 2/S,84

FBI/DOS

NW 55001 DocId:32989737 Paye 94

---

## Page 95

1 - Mr.

G.

J. Foster

1 - Mr. D. Ryan

1).

FEDERAT GOVERNMENT

July 20, 1978

GHOUSE SELECT COMMITTER ON ASSASSINAIONS

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

On July 13, 1978, Special Agent (SA) David Ryan

was interviewed by Mr. Kenneth S. McHargh, Attorney,

on Assassinations (HSCA). The interview lasted from 10:06 a.m. *

until 12:46 p.il., and was held in the annex of the House

Office Building at 3rd and D Streets, Northvest, Washington,/

D. C.

Mr. McHargh advised the purpose of the interview

was to develop information relating to the security investi-

gation or Martin Luther King, Jr., and particularly as regards

so-called Cointelpro-type activities which were taken by the

ib in an effort to discredit or to neutralize kings: 4-1081440

SA Ryan advised the chElle members that he was

not assigned to the security investigation of king and,

although during the period of the king security investigation

he was assigned to Cointelpro-type operations, these did not

involve King and to Ryan's knowledge he never

was involved

in approving or periecting any operation relating to king.

Ine Committee stati members exhibited to Ryan a number of

documents reiating to the Ring investigation and Cointelpro

activities.

They were particularly interested in a document

MAILED 19,

ening the Cointelpro effort against black extremists which

ag south black

AUG 251

was prepared by Ryan and why the Southern Christian Leadet AUG 28 1978

ship Conterence (stLe) was included as a target in this

CointeLpro eLtort.

They were advised SA Ryan had initiated

the original opening instructions in the Black Extremist

Gointelpro upon instruction and the suLc was included as

target in this program based on instructions

he received from

Dep ADAd. either the Racial Intelligence Section or other officials of

Dep. ADIrv.-the Intelligence Division whom he was unable to specifically

Asst. Dir.:

Adm. Serv. -

recall.

Ryan was questioned as to why his name was included

Crim. Inv. -

as recelving a copy oi a memorandum relating to a Cointelpro

Fin. & Pos-action directed against King in 1968.

Ryan advised the stafs

Intell. -

ALL INFORMATION CONTATNED

Laboratory -

HEREIN IS UNCLALS ELL

Legal Coun _ 62-117290

040(5)

(en)

DATE 2151,16

1- AAG-crim.

Pical 1 - Personnel file, SA David Ryan

Spec. Inv. -

Toch, Sorus. DR: 1£j|f'

Training -

Pand of L 191378

Tue: fim

8-24-7-1

Director's Sce'y-

MAIL ROOM

HW 55004

DocId: 32989737

TELETYPE UNIT C

Page

95

FBI/DOJ

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## Page 96

House Select Committee on Assassinations

U. S. House of Representatives

(HSCA)

members that as indicated by the mencrandum, a copy was

disseninated to hin because at the time he vas the coordina-

tor for the Intelligence Division's "lass liedia Program."

The staff menbers exhibited great interest in this program

and its purpose and administration was described to them in

some detail.

The stact menbors persistently questioned kyan

regarding his opinion, "Icelings," or viows as rolates to the

FBI's past investigation of Martin Luther King, JI.

advised he did not believe his opinions were significant or

important to tho Conmittoo's inquiries or mandatc, but the

staff ncbers responded that they vere trying to devalop the

atmospherc in which the investigation was conductod. Ryan

advised in his mind there was 20 question that King warranted

investigation because of his close association with a signifi-

cant communist and because, as the bureau subscquently acci-

dently determined, ot his hypocritical and

• apparent opportunist

character.

The staff members acknowledged that they had read

considerable infornation regarding both King's association

with a key communist

and his private life.

They vere advised

by Ryan that he would not pursue the formor becausu of the

sensitivities involvod, nor the latter

becauce he felt enough

had been said alrcady rolating to King's moral activitios and

philosophy.

The staff members asled a number of questions seek-

ing Ryan's knowledge or opinion relating to the continued

investigation of King. Ryan statod that he had no opinion

regarding the duration of the investigation except to point

was, during the 1900s, carciully

following all areas of possible violence, including demonstra-

tions, and thus they would be interested

in any area where

King was engaging in activitios which would involve large

denonstrations.

SA Ryan is of the bolick, based on the questions

asked and the conments solicited, that the three staff menbers

of the HSCA were endeavoring to substantinte their already-

dovoloped conclusions relating to FBI activities in comec-

tion with the investigation of Hartin Luther King, JI.

Anons

- 2 =

HH 55004 DocId:32989737 Page 96

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## Page 97

та т

House Select Committec on Assassinations

U. S. House of Representatives (HSCA)

others, these are: (1) that J. Edgar Hoover had a personal

vendetta secking to discredit and neutralize King and that

the Direetor of

the IBI abused his authority in this rogard;

(2) that the FBI improperly furnished information relating to

the private life of Martin Luther King, JI., to media and

private individuals; (3) that the ISI continued its security

investigation for a prolonged duration; (4) that the EBL

disseminated false and misleading information in an effort

to discredit King; (5) that the activitios of the FBI in

connection with the security investigation of King contrib-

uted to an atmosphere which resulted in the King assassination.

- 3-

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## Page 98

Assistant Attorney General

REDEE MInE

July 14, 1978

Criminal Division

Attention: Hir. Robert I. Keuch

I - Mr. Mintz

Director, FBI

Attn: Mr. Heller

1 - Mr. Bailey

GHOUSE SELECT COMMINUE ON ASSASSINATIONS. 1

1 - Mr. Foster

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

Reference is made to letter to the Attorney General

delivery of certain naterial from the files of the FBI.

Enclosed are an original and one copy of a menorandum

In response to the above letter.

It Is requested that you

furnish a copy of the enelosed memorandum to the HSCA.

Enclosures (2)

62-117290

NOTE: FBI Information furnished Senate Select Committee

on Intelligence (SSC) was requested in January, 1978. This.

material was provided the FBI on February 6, 1978, by SSO

and processed

for HSCA access.

June 5, 1978, request asked

for delivery. Legat access folder maintained at FBI Headquarters

(FBIHQ) •

Memphis Field Office files/King Security case, Atlanta

Field Office files/King Security Case,

Sanitation Workers Strike,

and, Invaders files have all previously been prepared for HSCA

açcess at FBIHQ.

ST:226

REG-33

62-117-290-108142

FINT AUG 28 1978

Assoc. Dir.

Dep. AD Adm.

Dep. AD Inv..

Asst. Dir::

Adm. Servs.

11!

1307

Crim: Inv. a

Ident. -

Intell.

Laboratory

"I'd

Legal Coun.

Plan, & Insp.

Rec. Mgnt.

Tech. Servs.

Training

HB

Public Affs. Off. -

Telephone-Km.

H."1

Directo's Sedy er

MALL ROOM

HH

55004

Do Id: 32989737 ENGLISE

ATT. T

in Tire

-212/84--

Sprapare

MR. Helle

1m 3657

Jitn

FBI/DOJ

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## Page 99

1 - Mr.

Mintz

Attn: Mr.

Heller

1 - Mr.

Bailey

1

- Mr.

Foster

July 14, 1978

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

Reference is made to lettor to the Attorney General

Investigation into the assassination of wartin Luther King, Jr,

dellvery of certain material from the files of the FBI.

On June 29, 1978, HSCA Staff Member Michael Eberhardt

orally restricted the time perlods of dellvery for the

Memphis and

Atlanta Field Offices to March 1, 1968, through

April 15, 1968, and September 1, 1967 through April 15, 1968,

respectively.

This is to confirm delivery of the Memphis Fleld

Office file/King Security Case to HSCA Staff Member Mack Flanagan

on July T, 1978; Atlanta Fleld Office files/King Security Case

to HSCA Staff Member Ilsa Berlow on July 12, 1978; Sanitation

Workers Strike files to HSCA Staff Member Lisa Berlow on June 28,

1978; Invaders files to HSCA Staff Member Mark Flanagan on

July 6, 1978; and Senate Seloct Committee on Intellicence

material to HSCA

Staff Member Lisa Berlow on June 16, 1978.

It was also requested that the Bureau check the status

of three earlier requests.

The HSCA was notified that these

requests were completed and ready for HSCA access at FBI

Headquarters,

Where Information 1s not provided in response to

the above, it is either not retrievable or is not beine furnished

pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding.

This letter completes response to HSCA request of

June 5, 1978.

Assoc. Dir.

Dep. AD Adm.

-62-117290

Dep. AD Inv..

Asst. Dir::

Adm. Servs..

JUMN: BEM

ili

(6)

2\5\84

spinaemor

Crim: Inv. -

Ident. -

- ORIGINAL AND ONE SENT TO ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL,

Intell..

CRIMINAL DIVISION, ATTENTION: MR. ROBERT L. KEUCH.

Laboratory

Legal Coun..

NOTE:

Plan. & Insp..

See Director, 'FBI, letter to the Assistant Attorney General,

Rec. Mgnt.

Criminal Division,

Attention:

Mr. Robert L. Keuch, dated

Tech. Servs.

Training

Public Affs. Off. -

July 19, 2978 estioned es stova,

Telephone Rm.

62117088-1

Director's Sec'y _

MAIL ROOM

ENCLOSURE,

..

FBI/DOJ

MH 55004 DooId:32989737

Page

99

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## Page 100

KOETS STONES, EATS, DIAPE

SENATORES FILTHY ANS

STITANT I HE FIANCY, CHAN

JUSTONE DANTANTI PUNKE CALM, CHATES THONE, PETRIA

DIMITOMER LEDOL, EDE

DIOTS 2. 157752446, 140,

FENCAT H, ROCHE, FA

0050 23.0021

Stlect Committet on Assassinations

E.E. House of Representatives

Zi HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING, UMEZ 2

MASHINGTON, D.C, 20515

June 5, 1978

Jetter f1

The Honorable Griffin B. Bell

Attorney General of the United States

Department of Justice

washington, D. C. 20530

Attention: MI. Robert L. Keuch

Deputy Assistant Attorney General

Criminal Division, Room 2113

Dear MI. Attorney General:

In connection with the Select Committee's investigation

into the circumstances surrounding the death of DI. Martin

Iuther King, II-, the following FBI files previously prepared

for access are now requested for delivery:

Memphis Field Office Files/Ring Security Case

B. Atlanta Pield Office Files/King Security Case

C. The Sanitation Strike

D.

The Invaders

E. Senate Intelligence Committee Materials

In addition, it is also requested that the Bureau

check the status of our earlier reguests in connection with the

following:

1) All personal and confidential files related to

Samuel B. Kyles.

2)

Response in reference to the Memphis Field Office

files on Calvin Taylor and Ronala Ivy.

3)

Memo dated 8/25/67 from the Director of the FBI to

23 SACS initiating the Black Nationalist COINTELPRO

ProgIam (not included in the COINTEL response

previously received).

602-117280

ORIGINAL

* =

" WW 55004 DocId:32989737

Page 100

6201178741

ANELOCURE,

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## Page 101

The Honorable Griffin B. Bell

June 5, 1978

Page 2

Your prompt attention in this matter is greatly

appreciated.

Sincerely,

1. Ostet Blahg

G. Robert Blakey

Chief Counsel anâ Director

GRB: bid

Cc: Danny Coulson

• 17 55001 DoeId:32989737

Page 101

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## Page 102

0-70 (Rev. 3-28-72)

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Memorandum

TO

: Assistant Attorney General

Criminal Division

FROM

:Director, FBI (62-117290)

SUBJECT: HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

File Copy

DATE: August 24, 1978

ATTENTION: MR. ROBERT I. KEUCH

Reference is made to

(your file

_ memorandum dated

dated

a letterhead

There is gnelosed one copy ash an a memorandum

Washington, D.

A. [ This covers the preliminary investigation and no further action concerning

a full investigation will be taken by this Bureau unless the Department so directs.

B.[ The investigation is continuing and you will be furnished copies of

reports as they are received.

C. [ The investigation requested by you has now been completed. Unless

advised to the contrary no further inquiries will be made by this Bureau.

D. [ Pursuant to instructions issued by the Department, no investigation will

be conducted in this matter unless specifically directed by the Department.

E.

• Please advise whether you desire any further investigation.

F. This is submitted for your information and you will be advised of further

developments.

G. L This is submitted for your information and no further investigation will

be conducted unless specifically requested by the Department 2 - 117.210-

H. [ This covers the receipt of a complaint and no further action will be

taken by this Bureau unless the Department so directs.

NOT RECORDES

23 SEP 15 157u

Enc. (1)

ENCLOSURE

248882

ATL INNOT TRION CONTATED

56 SEP 22 1978

HH 55004

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Feí/DOs

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## Page 103

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20535

July 20, 1978

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ASSASSINATIONS

U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (HSCA)

On July 13, 1978, Special Agent (SA) David Ryan

was interviewed by Mr. Kenneth S. McHargh, Attorney,

Mr. Ronald B. Adrine,

Attorney, and Ms. Barbara Robinson,

Researcher, all of the staff of the House Select Committee

on Assassinations (HSCA) •

The interview lasted from 10:06 a.m.

until 12:46 p.m., and was held in the annex of the House

Office Building at. 3rd and D Streets, Northwest, Washington,

D. C.

Mr. McHargh advised the purpose of the interview

was to develop information relating to the security investi-

gation of Martin Luther King,

so-called Cointelpro-type activities which were taken by the

and particularly as regards

FBI in an effort to discredit or to neutralize King.

SA Ryan advised the Committee members that he was

not assigned to the security investigation of King and,

although during the period of the King security investigation

he was assigned to Cointelpro-type operations, these did not

involve King and to Ryan's" knowledge he never

in approving or pertecting any operation relating to king

and entering

was involved

The Committee staff members exhibited to Ryan a number of

documents relating to the King investigation and Cointelpro

activities.

They were particularly interested in a document

opening the Cointelpro effort against black extremists which

was prepared by Ryan and why the Southern Christian Leader-

ship Conference (SCLC) was included as a target in this

They were advised SA Ryan had initiated

the original opening instructions in the Black Extremist

Cointelpro upon instruction and the SCLC was included as a

target in this program based on instructions he received from

either

the "Racial' Intelligence Section or other officials of

the Intelligence Division whom he was unable to specifically

recall. Ryan was questioned as to why his name was included

as receiving a copy of a memorandum relating to a Cointelpro

action directed against King in 1968. Ryan advised the staff

245852

215184-

==

рутастка)

ENCLOSURE

62.117290

H# 55004 DocId: 32989737

Page 103

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## Page 104

House Select Committee on Assassinations

U. S. House of Representatives

(HSCA)

members that as indicated by the memorandum, a copy was

or Ior the Intelligence Division

The staff members exhibited great interest in this program

its purpose and administration was described to them in

some detail.

advised he did not believe

important to the Committee's inquiries or mandate, but the

staff members responded that they were trying to develop the

atmosphere in which the investigation was conducted. Ryan

there was no question that King

warranted

investigation because of his close association with a signifi-

cant communist and because, as the Bureau subsequently acci-

dently determined, of his hypocritical and apparent opportunist

character.

The staff members acknowledged that they had read

considerable information regarding both King's association

with a key communist and his private life.

They were advised

by Ryan that he would not pursue the former because of the

sensitivities involved, nor the latter because he felt enough

had been said already relating to King's moral activities and

philosophy.

s involved, elating

The staff members asked a number of questions seek-

ing Ryan's knowledge or opinion relating

• to the continued

investigation of King. Ryan stated that he had no opinion

regarding the duration of the investigation except to point

out that the fBl, based on pressures Irom the White House and

the Department of Justice,

was, during the 1960s, carefully

rollowing all areas of possible violence, including demonstra-

tions, and thus they would be interested

in any area where

King was engaging in

activities which would involve large

demonstrations.

SA Ryan is of the belief, based on the questions

asked and the comments solicited, that the three staff members

of the HSCA were endeavoring to substantiate their already-

developed conclusions relating to FBI activities in connec-

tion with the investigation of Martin Luther King, JI. Among

- 2 -

HH

55004 DocId:32989737 Page 104

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## Page 105

House Select Committee on Assassinations

U. S: House of Representatives

(HSCA)

others, these are: (1) that J. Edgar Hoover had a personal

vendetta seeking to discredit and neutralize King and that

the Director of the FBI abused his authority in this regard;

(2) that the FBI improperly furnished information relating to

the private life of Martin Luther King, Jr., to media and

private individuals; (3) that the FBI continued its security

in an effort

to discredit King;

(5) that the activities of the FBI in

connection with the security investigation of King contrib-

uted to an atmosphere which resulted in the King assassination.

- 3-

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Assoc PL

Dep. AD Adm. -

Dep. AD Inv. _

Asst. Dir.:

Adm. Servs. -

Crim. Inv.

Ident. -

Intell.

Laboratory

Legal Coun.

Plan. & Insp

Rec. Mgnte

Tech. Servs.

Training

Public Affs. Off. -

Telephone Rm.

Director's Sec'y -

FBI/DOJ

---

## Page 107

d..!!

TO

:

FROM :

SUBJECT:

27-1978.

OPTIONAL FORM NO, 10

JULY 1073 EDITION

682 FEMA (41, CFR) 101-11,8

UNITED STATES GOI

INMENT

Memorandum

MEDERAL GOVERNMENI

The Director

Federal Bureau of Investigation

DATE:

JUL 2 4 1978

Qbert L. Keuch

Special Counsel to the Attorney General

(ouse Select Committee on Assassinations

Request for Memphis Field Office Files

RLK: mal

By letter dated July 5, 1978, directed to the Attorney

General, the Select Committee has repeated its request for

Tennessee; field office informant files

concerning informants.in the Invaders, a black militant group

in that city. It is my judgment, as Special Counsel for the

Attorney General, that it is necessary to provide access to :

excised versions of the requested files to Committee Chief

Counsel, Professor G. Robert Blakey. I have made an oral

request

to have the files processed and this is to request

that this task be completed as soon as possible and that

Professor Blakey be provided access to the processed 5i1ea1

As you are aware, we had, by letter of June 13, 1978,

previously refused the request of the Committee. I concurred

in that action and believe it was correct based on the fact

that, in our view, the only need demonstrated by the Committee

for access to the

field office files rested on naked allega-/

tions which had been denied in the past.

In the Committee's:

latest demand, presented by the July 5 letter, the Committee,

on pages 3, 4, and 5 of the letter, outlines in greater detail

the justification for its request.

While it may be our judg-

ment that the information set forth by the Committee is not

legislative and investigative needs are based on pure specula-

tion and/or naked allegations.

That being the case, the

limited access outlined above

to the Committee's requests 18)

REC-66.

I am, of course, aware of the deep concern

Bureau concerning any indication that we are willing touchpo 1978

disclose informants or release information which will lead

to their disclosure.

I share that concern and my decision

in this matter has been reached only with the greatest

possible consideration of that concern.

Bisit

CC: The Attorney General

мені Кушн

7128/286

ITA: Mel

62-117290

UG 2 4 1978 Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan.

3010-110

55004 DocId:32989737 Page 107

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In addition to the further justification submitted by

the Committee for their request,

I believe there are other

factors which support my conclusion that we should provide

the limited access discussed.

An important factor

is that,

if the response to the Committee's latest request is a complete

refusal, the Committee will issue subpoenas for the informant

files.

The only way we could respond to such subpoenas other

than by providing the requested information would be to seek

to have them enjoined by a federal court.

While

this type

of confrontation may ultimately be necessary during the course

of the Committee's proceedings, it does not appear wise to

take this step without first offering limited access. This

is so for two reasons.

First, in contrast to the limited access we will offer

the Committee, a subpoena would request access to the informant

files by the entire staff thereby increasing the possibility

that the informants could be compromised through the knowledge

of the members of the staff who have studied the other files

in the matter in greater detail and, in any case, would broaden

the number of individuals who could learn the identity of the

informants.

Secondly, if we are to prevail in the litigation, a

possibility which;

in my judgment, is remote given the subject

matter of the Committee's inquiry and the allegations and

information that formed the basis of their request, we can

only win if we show a reasonable posture to the court.. An

absolute refusal to comply would not do that. An attempt

to meet the Committee's needs while protecting our interests

by providing limited access to excised files would do that.

Further support for the procedure of providing limited

access stems from the very nature of the Committee's investi-

gation. Unlike the normal Congressional investigation and/or

lawsuit, the Bureau and the Department of Justice are targets

or subjects of the investigation.

our obligation to be as cooperative as reasonably possible

with the Congress is obvious.

cooperation is going to be a very important factor in the

acceptance or lack of acceptance of the Committee's efforts

and determinations in these investigations.

To put ourselves

in a posture of confrontation with the Committee over this

particular issue without first attempting some

accommodation

of competing interests would only serve to revive all the

allegations and criticisms of us and our actions concerning

the assassinations.

55004 DooId:32989737

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## Page 109

-3-

It is regrettable but inescapable that the timing of

this demand by the Committee makes our decisions much more

subject to public comment and criticism.

The present interest

in, and

repeated stories related to, the allegations in the

case of Mr. Rowe makes this one of the worst times to come

to a point of absolute refusal in the face of the justifica-

tions advanced by the Committee. If and when we reach the

ultimate confrontation over the

informants, our position will be extremely strengthened by

any steps we can take consistent with our needs to protect

our informants to provide the Committee with necessary

evidence and intormation. That balance, at least at this

stage, is best struck by offering the limited access under

discussion.

Since the Committee's last request was directed personally

to the Attorney General by the Chairman of the Committee, the

Committee is preparing for public hearings in the near future,

and has delayed issuing subpoenas for these materials based on

ny representations that we were making immediate efforts to

respond, we should not delay our response to the Committee.

I am sending a copy of this request to the Attorney

If the Bureau

disagrees with my determination and

decides not to comply with my decision,

your response should

be directed to the Attorney General so this matter can be resolved

quickly.

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