</s>FID: 245 (REV. 4:13:00) H. S. E. Bryartment of Justire (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILE) DO NOT ESTROY FEDERIG LITIGATION FEDERAL BUREAU 1740 ENTICE EHE REVIEWED FOR HISTOR AL DO NOT DESTROY HISTORICAL VALUE of DECLASSIFICATION NATIONAL ARCHIVES ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREI/11/01/01 SPILLR/B INVESTIGATION NATIONAL ArchIVES NATIONAL Number: Bureau File Number 44-3886/ Sorch. DO NOT DESTROY PENDING LITIZATION 2158-2-1 See also No. 8. JE1 Deusselippings 14 Velumes 10-10-25 Branco. 20-0 Rue 10-30-73 4-19-7-0-2.2-3.2.3.4.5.6.7.7-6.5-7.9.6-9.5 4-5-68 Anous W.MADE IN: 18-27002 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The documents detail FBI communications regarding investigations into potential weapons transportation linked to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Arthur Hanes, an attorney, is mentioned in discussions about James Earl Ray's alleged involvement in interstate weapon transport to Memphis, Tennessee, for black militant groups. Robert Blow and Claude Cockrell are referenced as individuals connected to stolen firearms from the Woods residence in Birmingham, Alabama. The FBI notes that weapons transported by Cockrell to Memphis were shotguns, not rifles, and mentions the role of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) divisions. There are references to interviews with Hanes, Arthur Bates, and Walter Dean, a deputy sheriff, regarding weapon procurement and potential conspiracies. The documents also include administrative notes about document releases under Executive Order 14176 and requests for returns of invoices related to legal proceedings.  

Key People:  
- Arthur Hanes (attorney involved in discussions about Ray's activities)  
- James Earl Ray (alleged perpetrator of MLK's assassination)  
- Robert Blow (individual linked to stolen firearms)  
- Claude Cockrell (connected to transportation of weapons)  
- Walter Dean (deputy sheriff, informant on thefts)  
- Arthur Bates (former defense counsel for Ray)  

Key Locations:  
- Birmingham, Alabama (central location for legal and investigative activities)  
- Memphis, Tennessee (destination for alleged weapon transport)  
- Gulf Coast ports (Mobile, Alabama; Paraguay, Mississippi; Philippines)  

Key Events:  
- FBI interviews with Hanes and others regarding weapon transportation networks  
- Investigation into stolen firearms from the Woods residence in Birmingham  
- Discussions about potential connections between weapons, black militant groups, and CIA  
- Requests for returns of legal invoices related to MLK assassination case  
- ATF involvement in tracking weapon movements  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)  
- U.S. Attorney's Office (Birmingham, Memphis)  
- District Attorney's Office (Memphis)

MLK Declassified Files

44-bh-1740_729219_10-02-part_1_of_3.pdf

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