</s>3/20/74 AIRTEL TO: DIRECTOR, FBI (44-38861) FROM: SAC, MEMPHIS (44-1987) (P+) SUBJECT: MURKIN 1/9/74. Re Memphis airtels to Bureau, 12/28/73 and Enclosed herewith for the Bureau are 2 copies of a petition for a writ of habens corpus filed in U.S. District Court, Nashville, Tennessee, on 12/24/72. Also enclosed for Bureau is a newspaper article appearing in "Washville Banner" 3/15/74." For information of the Bureau, the complaint, pre- vouly forwarded to the Bureau of referenced Memphis airtel dated 12/27/73, charging of State RAY'S civil rights, JAMES H. ROSE with violation of JAMES EARL RAY's civil rights. and which complaint was filed with the USDC, Nashville. Tenm, straining order, which also provided furnished to the Bureau by airtel, 12 /28/ 73, has now been acted upon by USDJC L. CLURE MORTON. Memphis airtel was previously advised by referenced As the Bureau was dated 1/7/94, Judge MORTon did act on the airtel to the bureau dated 1,7/44, Judge Morton did then took the complaint under advised by JAMES RAY and he viously reported did not make any action on that complaint during the month of January in view of his being on annual leave for the entire duration of January, 1974. 3-Bureau (Inces.3) 2-Memphis (7) 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI and RCMP communications regarding James Earl Ray's legal proceedings related to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). Key points include:  
- On February 20, 1975, James Earl Ray filed a motion in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee seeking a new trial, citing exhaustion of state court remedies. The State of Tennessee prepared to contest the case if ordered by the court.  
- The FBI and RCMP exchanged information about evidence retention, with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) holding some materials related to Ray’s case. The U.S. Department of Justice advised that federal interests in the evidence were minimal.  
- On December 27, 1973, Ray submitted a petition to the U.S. District Court in Nashville, alleging conspiracy in MLK’s assassination and seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent his transfer from Tennessee State Penitentiary to a federal facility. The court denied the motion on January 2, 1974, citing lack of constitutional violations.  
- Ray’s complaint included claims about legal representation by Percy Foreman and alleged connections to a Mid-East organization due to MLK’s public support for Palestine. However, the documents state the complaint failed to disclose specific evidence or identities of conspirators.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Convicted of MLK’s assassination in 1968; pursued legal appeals and claims of conspiracy.  
- **J. Clyde Mason**: Assistant Attorney General for Shelby County, Tennessee; involved in handling Ray’s case.  
- **Judge L. Clure Morton**: U.S. District Judge who denied Ray’s motion for a temporary restraining order.  
- **Percy Foreman**: Legal counsel for Ray, accused of negligence in investigating potential conspirators.  

Key Locations  
- **Tennessee State Penitentiary (TSP)**: Where Ray was incarcerated; subject to transfer considerations.  
- **Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division**: Court where Ray’s legal motions were filed.  
- **Montreal, Toronto, and West Toronto**: Locations tied to exhibits and evidence handling by RCMP.  

Key Events  
- **December 27, 1973**: Ray submitted a petition to the U.S. District Court in Nashville alleging conspiracy in MLK’s assassination.  
- **January 2, 1974**: Judge Morton denied Ray’s motion for a temporary restraining order, citing insufficient evidence of constitutional violations.  
- **February 20, 1975**: Ray filed a motion for a new trial, prompting Tennessee to prepare for potential legal challenges.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Coordinated with RCMP on evidence and legal proceedings.  
- **Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)**: Retained some evidence related to Ray’s case; advised that federal interests in the materials were minimal.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice**: Issued guidance on evidence handling and legal jurisdiction.

MLK Declassified Files

190-hq-709_bulky_231_sec_008_ser_231_only-part_10_of_12.pdf

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