</s>G.M. J. McDermott, Jr. 64, L.C. L. COTTON 10414-14 UNITED STATES ERNMENT Assess. D.V ., Memorandum Dap. AD Adn .- Dep. AD A.M .- A.D. D-A. Corp. Syn. Camp. Sy. To : Mr. Cochran DATE: 3/2/76 Fills & Cen. Man. Ben. Man. Man. Man. Laboratory FROM : J. J ., McDermott Laboratory SUBJECT: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <loc_611>. . . <loc_611>.<loc_612><loc_348><loc_611><loc_348><loc_611><loc_345><loc_611>. . <loc_611>- <loc_618><loc_351><loc_618><loc_354><loc_611><loc_355>. <loc_611><loc_354>.<loc_611><loc_354><loc_610><loc_354><loc_611><loc_352>.<loc_611><loc_351><loc_613><loc_611><loc_611><loc_611>- <loc_611> <loc_611> <loc_614><loc_611><loc_614>. <loc_611> <loc_614>

Summary  
The documents detail a series of legal and administrative interactions between the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and individuals such as Harold Weisberg and James H. Lesar regarding access to records related to the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The FBI provided ballistics test results, spectrographic analyses, photographs of suspects (limited to James Earl Ray), and materials from the white Mustang abandoned near the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. The DOJ acknowledged releasing certain records under directives from Deputy Attorney General Harold R. Tyler but withheld others citing FOIA exemptions, including privacy protections for FBI personnel. The FBI emphasized that no additional tests or evidence were available beyond what was disclosed and charged fees for reproduction and search costs. Legal disputes centered on the scope of FOIA compliance, with references to a 1975 civil case (Civil Action No. 75-1996) involving protective orders for records. The FBI also noted that no further suspects were identified beyond James Earl Ray and that all photographic evidence depicted only him.  

Key People  
- **Harold Weisberg**: Requestor seeking access to assassination-related records.  
- **James H. Lesar**: Attorney representing Weisberg in FOIA disputes.  
- **James Earl Ray**: Identified as the suspect in King’s assassination, referenced in FBI and DOJ records.  
- **Thomas L. Wiseman**: FBI agent who authored responses to interrogatories and provided ballistics data.  
- **Harold R. Tyler, Jr.**: Deputy Attorney General overseeing FOIA compliance directives.  
- **Clarence Kelley**: Former FBI Director referenced in internal memos.  
- **Joseph H. Gamble**: Special Agent involved in a 1975 conspiracy complaint against Eric Sturvo Galt.  
- **Quinlan J. Shea, Jr.**: Chief of the DOJ Freedom of Information and Privacy Unit.  

Key Locations  
- **Washington, D.C.**: Headquarters of the FBI and DOJ; location of legal proceedings and administrative offices.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of Dr. King’s assassination at the Lorraine Motel.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Location of a 1975 FBI conspiracy complaint against Eric Sturvo Galt.  
- **Atlanta, Georgia**: Site of the white Mustang abandoned after the assassination.  

Key Events  
- **April 4, 1968**: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.  
- **December 1, 1975**: Deputy Attorney General Harold R. Tyler modified the FBI’s initial denial of Weisberg’s FOIA request, granting access to certain records.  
- **December 2–29, 1975**: Corrections and clarifications on ballistics test documentation; payment for copies of documents and photographs related to the case.  
- **FOIA Legal Dispute (1975–1976)**: Controversy over disclosure of sensitive materials, including photographic evidence and scientific analyses.  
- **Civil Action No. 75-1996**: Legal case involving protective orders for FOIA requests; court denied motions for such protections.  
- **April 17, 1975**: Conspiracy complaint filed by Special Agent Joseph H. Gamble in Birmingham, Alabama, against Eric Sturvo Galt.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted ballistic tests, maintained photographic evidence, and provided responses to FOIA requests.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)**: Oversaw legal compliance with FOIA requests and managed the 1975 civil case.  
- **Freedom of Information and Privacy Unit (FOIA/Privacy Unit, DOJ)**: Handled disclosure requests and administrative challenges related to the assassination investigation.  
- **U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia**: Jurisdictional venue for the civil lawsuit involving FOIA compliance disputes.

MLK Declassified Files

190-hq-709_sec_009_ser_231_only-part_8_of_9.pdf

Document Summary

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