</s>BU 444-374 identified his father as GEORGE SNEYD and his mother as GLADYS KILNER, which are the correct names for the real SNEYd's parents. The real SNYD said he has lost no identification. The MFPD is in the process of searching SNEYDI's residence on a consent search and interviewing SNEYID in depth. THEY HAVE ASKED THAT SNEY'd NAME BE KEPT UNDER WRAPS. On 6/4/68, when the RCMP tried to obtain the original negative from the Arcade Photo Shop, the woman wanted $5. On recontact 6/6/65, she wanted $20. RCP is going to seize it by search warrant. ASAC CAMPBELL said that because of restrictions on the use of the SNEYO name open inquiries are handicapped. a valid bid certificate in that name. ASAC CAMPELL noted that the fictitious SNEYI now has He requested that a photograph of RAY'S fingerprints received from the Bureau this date is sent special delivery to RCMP headquarters, attention inspector CARL DOEY, 3 Sullivan St. Toronto, Ontario, Canada, which was done. ASAC CANPEL requested that the Laboratory be telephonicians call the following letter the results of the companion to the handling of the SNEYD wrote to the travel bureau with RAY's handwriting. A telephone call was placed to the Laboratory and SA WILLIAM D. GRIFFITH advised that a positive identification had been made by the Lab showing that the person who wrote this letter was the name of SNEY D. to the travel bureau is identical with JAMES EARTH RAY. He said to be the traveler was process. SA GARFFITH said the Bureau was "builing out all stops" on this phase of the information that that were out information RAY was going to Rhodesia. He Said that if there were any policy questions whatsoever there should be no hesitation in telephoning the Bureau and talking to Mr. ROSEN or Mr. MALLEY (ph.) or Mr. MC GOWAN. -3- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail an FBI investigation into James Earl Ray’s alleged involvement in the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. Ray, also known by aliases such as Eric Starvo Galt and W.C. Herron, is linked to forged Canadian passport documents obtained through fraudulent means, including a false birth certificate issued by Canadian authorities. RCMP agents searched his Toronto residence, recovering items like film reels, maps, and personal effects, while a travel bureau agent confirmed Ray’s use of a counterfeit passport. Forensic analysis by the FBI Laboratory connected a letter to Ray, suggesting identity fraud. The investigation also explored potential escape routes through Canada and connections to Rhodesia. Additional documents reference broader inquiries into alleged conspiracies involving MLK’s assassination, including claims by Taylor Caldwell (identified as Janet C. Reback) about plots targeting prominent figures, such as MLK and political leaders. Rewards totaling at least $100,000 were offered for Ray’s capture, with instructions to maintain confidentiality. The FBI also examined inconsistencies in Caldwell’s accounts, noting her history of intermingling fact with fiction. References to other events include the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, and discussions about targeting figures like Malcolm X (implied via references to Carmichael).  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray** (also known as Eric Starvo Galt, W.C. Herron, Earl James, Harvey Lowery)  
- **Raymond George Sneyd** (subject of investigation linked to Ray via forged documents)  
- **Lillian Spencer** (manager of Kennedy Travel Agency in Toronto, provided testimony on Ray’s travel records)  
- **Taylor Caldwell** (novelist and self-described investigative letter writer, identified as Janet C. Reback)  
- **Marcus Rebach** (husband of Taylor Caldwell, former U.S. Immigration and Nationality Service official, allegedly attacked by armed individuals in 1967)  
- **William Kunstler** (New York lawyer associated with the case)  
- **Robert Watkins** (described as a potential suspect in an alleged plot against a prominent Negro woman in New York City)  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee** (site of MLK Jr.’s assassination on April 4, 1968)  
- **Toronto, Ontario, Canada** (Ray’s residence and travel bureau connections)  
- **New York City, New York** (alleged plot locations and Caldwell’s residence)  
- **Dallas, Texas** (site of JFK assassination on November 22, 1963)  
- **Buffalo, New York** (FBI office involved in handling communications and investigations)  
- **New Jersey** (implied location for Robert Watkins’ potential ties)  

Key Events  
- Search of Raymond George Sneyd’s Toronto residence for evidence.  
- Verification of forged passport applications and travel records linked to James Earl Ray.  
- Forensic analysis confirming Sneyd’s identity as James Earl Ray.  
- Investigation into potential escape routes through Canada and connections to Rhodesia.  
- Analysis of Taylor Caldwell’s claims about assassination plots, including targeting MLK Jr. and political leaders.  
- Examination of inconsistencies in Caldwell’s accounts and her interactions with government agencies.  
- Distribution of rewards for information leading to James Earl Ray’s capture.  
- References to broader inquiries into conspiracies involving JFK’s assassination and other civil rights-related activities.  
- Mention of an alleged break-in at Taylor Caldwell’s residence on March 20, 1967, involving armed individuals.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Central agency conducting investigations into Ray’s background, travel records, and alleged conspiracies.  
- **Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)**: Coordinated searches of Raymond George Sneyd’s residence and provided evidence handling protocols.  
- **Canadian authorities** (including Toronto police and passport offices): Involved in verifying forged documents and travel records.  
- **U.S. Army**: Mentioned in Ray’s military service record.  
- **Internal Revenue Service (IRS)**: Referenced in administrative context, though not directly tied to the MLK investigation.  
- **John Birch Society**: Implied through references to Caldwell’s correspondent’s associations.

MLK Declassified Files

44-bf-374_sec_003_ser_150-289-part_8_of_9.pdf

Document Summary

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