</s>Memo Mr. Conrad 6/11/68 W. D. Griffith MURKIN The General Investigative Division advised this morning of a request from the Department for a portrait parle (photograph) comparison between certain pictures of the subject James Earl Ray. Specifically, the comparison certain pictures in the subject Earl Ray, specifically, the Golf. purportedly taken in early 1968 in connection with Earl Ray's attendance at a bartender school in California and prison photographs of James Earl Rey taken in 1960 and 1966. The requested comparisons have been made at a We have determined definitely that the Easti's S. Galt Photograph is actually good a photograph of the same person depicted in the James Earl ray prison photograph of the person described in the Jones Earl Ray prison General Investigative Division. Assistant Director Rosen advises he has furnished the results of the examination to Mr. Pollak in the Department and Mr. Polak has requested the Laboratory. The Pollak is in preparation and Mr . Pollak has requested a Laboratory. In accordance with the preparation of the Mr. Maurice A. Roberts subsequently contacted me and requested assistance in the technical wording incident to the preparation and the affidavit. We are complying with this Department request and will execute the affidavit after it has been prepared and the wording has been determined to be technically accurate. ACTION: None. For information. 44-38861 1-Mr. Mohr 1- Mr. DeLoch Mr. Rosen 1-Mr. McGowan 1-Mrs. Conrad 1- Mr. McGriffith 1- Mrs. Shaneffelt 1-MR. Mortimer WGD.mb (9) UCCD-UN2E1 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document details U.S. government records from June 1968 concerning the investigation into Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination and the arrest of James Earl Ray in London, England. Key elements include Ray’s arrest on June 8, 1968, at London International Airport under a Canadian passport (Ramon George Snyder), charges of illegal entry and possession of a concealed weapon, and FBI coordination with British authorities, the Department of Justice, and the White House for extradition proceedings. The FBI sought photographic comparisons between Ray’s prison photos and a portrait allegedly taken during his attendance at a bartender school in California. Legal challenges arose over extradition timelines and U.S. officials’ ability to inspect London prisons. Physical evidence, including bullet fragments and rifle components from King’s assassination site, was analyzed by the FBI Laboratory. Ray’s movements in London were documented, including stays at New Earl's Court Hotel and Pax Hotel, with notes on alleged possession of a syringe and torn paper. Unrelated investigations referenced Sheyd (possibly a typographical error for Ray) and African mercenaries via Brussels addresses. The document also references ongoing FBI efforts to track Ray’s passport usage, including Canadian and Portuguese issuances, and coordination with the Secret Service on case developments.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray: Suspect in MLK Jr.’s assassination; arrested in London under a Canadian passport.  
- Martin Luther King Jr.: Victim of the assassination; physical evidence (bullet fragments, rifle) linked to his murder.  
- J. Edgar Hoover: FBI Director overseeing the investigation.  
- Attorney General (AG): Oversaw legal proceedings and coordination with DOJ.  
- Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Christopher: Involved in extradition discussions.  
- Assistant Attorney General (AAG) Pollak: Coordinated legal efforts for Ray’s extradition.  
- Robert Jensen: FBI special agent in Memphis who provided affidavits and evidence.  
- Mr. Tolson, Mr. DeLoach: Recipients of memos related to the case.  
- Legal Attache Munich: Coordinated with British authorities on Ray’s detention.  

Key Locations  
- London, England: Site of Ray’s arrest; locations include New Earl's Court Hotel, Pax Hotel, and Wandsworth Prison (subject of inspection disputes).  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Location of MLK Jr.’s assassination and Ray’s alleged rifle purchase.  
- Washington, D.C.: U.S. government offices and White House involved in extradition coordination.  
- Ottawa, Canada: Passport issuance for Ray under the name Ramon George Snyder.  
- Lisbon, Portugal: Second passport issuance for Ray.  
- York Arms Company: Mentioned in context of binocular shipments linked to Ray’s activities.  

Key Events  
- Arrest of James Earl Ray in London on June 8, 1968, under a Canadian passport.  
- FBI photographic analysis comparing Ray’s prison photos with a portrait from his alleged bartender school attendance.  
- Extradition delays due to disputes over document delivery timelines and U.S. officials’ ability to inspect London prisons.  
- Physical evidence handling: Bullet fragments and rifle components recovered from King’s assassination site analyzed by the FBI Laboratory.  
- Hotel activities: Ray’s stays at New Earl's Court and Pax Hotels, including alleged possession of a syringe and torn paper.  
- Mercenary investigations: Unrelated inquiries into Sheyd’s contact with African mercenaries via Brussels addresses.  
- Legal proceedings: Affidavits prepared for extradition, including statements from SAC Robert Jensen and Ralph Carpenter (institutionalized in Tennessee).  
- Press release issued by the Crime Records Division after DOJ approval, announcing Ray’s arrest as a major case.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Conducted forensic analysis, coordinated affidavits, and monitored the case.  
- U.S. Department of Justice: Oversaw legal proceedings for extradition.  
- British Home Office: Confirmed Ray’s extradition status.  
- Scotland Yard: Investigated Sheyd’s activities in London, including hotel stays and potential narcotics use.  
- Canadian Government: Involved in passport issuance and Royal Canadian Mounted Police coordination.  
- Secret Service: Advised on case developments and legal protocols.

MLK Declassified Files

190-hq-709_sec_012_ser_231_only-part_06_of_11.pdf

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