</s>- 19 - OUT-OF-TOWN INVESTIGATIONS On July 8, 1975, investigators traveled to Washington, D. C. to interview Mr. Bernard Fensterwald and Mr. Ken Smith. The primary purpose of the trip was to secure whatever documentation these gentlemen might have to substantiate their belief in Byron Watson's allegations. An extensive conversation was conducted in Mr. Fensterwald's law office. During this discussion, it was learned that Mr. Smith had spent a significant amount of time in Atlanta attempting to collect concrete evidence to substantate Watson's story: however, it could produce that Mr.' Smith had not spent key points raised by Watson, Mr.Smith did furnish investigators with a series of corre- spondence between himself and the Watsons, dating from March through May of 1975, the intermittent period between Byron's arrest and sentencing for Distribution of Cocaine. Copies of this correspondence are now now on file and are and are of primary importance in that they clearly illustrate the Watson's belief that the con- spracy information is presented to the proper authorities, will substantiate Byron's claims that he was framed by "federal gangsters." in one such letter, Mrs. Watson lists the following individuals as recipients of the 42-page document: Representative Stewart B. McKinney Governor George Wallace Senator Charles Jackson Senator Edward Kennedy Senator Edward Kenney Mark Lane Bella Abbay Senator George Church Senator George McCoveren Representative Henry Gonzalez Representative Henry Gonzalez Mr. Fenstewald stated that he has was firmly convinced of the existence of a 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

The documents detail multiple FBI investigations into conspiracy allegations surrounding Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1968 assassination, spanning interviews with individuals like Robert Byron Watson, James Earl Ray, and others between 1975–1976. Key figures included Bernard Fensterwald, who alleged a broader conspiracy involving drug smuggling and federal agents; Edna Matthews, linked to Ray and Magellanes; and William Arnette, accused of FLQ ties. Investigations focused on locations such as Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C., with interviews conducted by FBI agents like W.W. Dohruler. Polygraph examinations were used to assess credibility of claims, with results indicating interviewees denied involvement in conspiracies. The FBI concluded that Watson’s allegations lacked evidence, while other inquiries referenced historical records, FOIA requests, and administrative delays tied to sensitive presidential matters.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Convicted assassin of MLK; questioned about drug trafficking and interactions with Raoul in Canada.  
- **Robert Byron Watson**: Alleged victim of federal framing; claimed involvement in a smuggling ring linked to Magellanes, gold bullion, and narcotics.  
- **Bernard Fensterwald**: Lawyer and investigator; alleged conspiracy in King’s assassination and Kennedy’s death, tied Ray to drug smuggling.  
- **Edna Matthews**: Linked to Ray and Magellanes; reportedly connected to smuggling operations.  
- **William Arnette**: Alleged FLQ member; claimed hired by U.S. sources for King’s assassination.  
- **Walter Alfred Jack Youngblood**: Suspected associate of Ray, linked to Cuban gun-runner Castro associates.  
- **Harold Eugene Purcell**: Former diver associated with Magellanes; described as a "con man" involved in relic hunting.  
- **A. Richard Evans**: Commissioner of Atlanta; referenced FBI involvement in the investigation.  
- **W.W. Dohruler**: FBI Special Agent in Charge overseeing part of the inquiry.  
- **Clarence H. Kelley**: Director of Deputy Attorney General’s Office; handled FOIA requests related to the case.  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Focus of Ray-related investigations and interviews with Thompson and Livingston.  
- **Nashville, Tennessee**: Site of Tennessee State Penitentiary where Ray was interviewed.  
- **Atlanta, Georgia**: Center for discussions involving Watson, Matthews, and Magellanes operations.  
- **Washington, D.C.**: Location of FBI offices and interviews with Fensterwald and Ken Smith.  
- **Shiloh Battlefield, Savannah, Tennessee**: Site of relic hunting activities by Purcell and Bayne Culley during King’s assassination.  
- **Cape Hatteras**: Mentioned in context of Blockade Runners’ Civil War-era activities.  

Key Events  
- **July 21–23, 1975**: FBI conducted interviews with Magellanes associates and performed polygraph examinations on Watson and Purcell.  
- **1968 Assassination of Dr. King**: Central focus of Watson’s allegations; no credible evidence linked suspects to the event.  
- **August 18, 1962 (possibly erroneous date)**: Case referred to FBI, though this conflicts with the assassination occurring in 1968.  
- **FOIA Request Delays**: Warned about potential delays due to sensitive presidential information tied to the investigation.  
- **Investigation Closure**: FBI determined Watson’s claims lacked credibility and found no substantiated conspiracy connections.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted primary investigations, including polygraph exams and interviews with suspects.  
- **Magellanes**: Alleged smuggling operation linked to narcotics, gold bullion, and Civil War relics; associated with individuals like Jerry Adams and William Arnette.  
- **FLQ (French Liberation of Quebec)**: Terrorist group allegedly hired by U.S. sources for King’s assassination.  
- **DEA**: Mentioned in Watson’s allegations as part of a "government within a government" involved in narcotics smuggling.  
- **Atlanta Police Intelligence Section**: Oversaw part of the investigation, verifying claims related to King’s assassination.  
- **City of Atlanta Law Enforcement Agencies**: Collaborated with FBI on conspiracy inquiries.

MLK Declassified Files

44-at-2386_hs1-852715321_164-01-part_6_of_6.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search