</s>FD-36 (Net: 5:22:64) FBI Transmit the following in Date: 1/8/68 (Type in planextor or code) AIR MALL - SPECIAL DELIVERY Via AIRTEL (Priority) To: DIRECTOR, FBI ATVIN: FBI LAB FROM: SAC, BUFFALO (44-37%) MURKIN CR (00 Memphis) Re Buffalo tel, dated 4/8 /68. Memphis is one Xerox copy each of Liberty National Bank Transmitted herewith to Lab. Birmingham, and Dealer Plan Purchaser Statement, obtained from former SA Birl Wilson. The copies furnished each of Liberty National Bank BIRL WILSON, the copies furnished by Xeroxed from a Birl Wilson. The document is formed by Wilson, of the hand- writing on the document is formatted that of the suspect. Dr. ALVIN EUGENE FRENCH. For the information of the Laboratory, Dr. ALIVIN EUGENE FRENGH has been travelling through the Southern states, and has been traveling through the southern through the use of credit cards, some of which have been cancelled. He has a poor credit card history with a number of Buffalo. He is a poor card holder. Some of which he has been Dr. FRENICH reported served for several years in Africa as a Missionary during which he contracted brain fever. He was born under treatment as a mental patient Bureau (Bnc. (AM-SD) Atlanta (AM -SD) Atlanta. (B) (AM -- SD) Jacksonville (AM)-SD) 1 - Memphis (AM-$D) (AM- SD) (Am-SD)" (Am-sd) (ROBE-scan) (AM -- sd) (44)-1987) (Bnco. 1) (am-SD)) (12) CAHRIAN RIPPY Approved: Special Agent in Charge Sent M Per 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The document contains FBI communications and investigative reports from April 1968 related to inquiries into potential threats against Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) and civil rights activities. Key details include fragmented information on suspects such as Dr. Alvin Eugene French, who had a history in Africa and credit card issues, and whose handwriting may match documents linked to MLK’s assassination. John Willard was interviewed by FBI agents in Tupelo, Mississippi, on April 5, 1968, though his whereabouts during the critical period were accounted for. An anonymous letter alleged Edward Gerst, an East German communist in Cuba, as MLK’s killer, prompting FBI verification efforts. A Mobil station attendant in Abilene, Texas, reported a man with Vietnam scars carrying firearms, possibly traveling to Memphis. Robert Borsari’s canceled checks were examined for handwriting similarities to suspects, and Harvey Edward Lohmeyer’s criminal history was linked to Eric Starvo Galt. The document also references earlier FBI files from 1965, including a January 8 threat against MLK tied to Selma, Alabama, and investigations into Donald Walter Pacco, who contacted a Tuscaloosa minister expressing intent to kill MLK. These inquiries involved fingerprint checks, tracking civil rights activists, and administrative notes on document handling and case numbers.  

Key People:  
- Dr. Alvin Eugene French: Suspect with potential handwriting ties to MLK assassination documents; traveled in the South using canceled credit cards.  
- John Willard: Interviewed by FBI in Tupelo, Mississippi, on April 5, 1968.  
- Edward Gerst: Alleged killer of MLK per an anonymous letter; described as East German communist in Cuba.  
- Robert Borsari: Subject of handwriting analysis on canceled checks linked to firearm purchases.  
- Harvey Edward Lohmeyer: Criminal record including robberies and riots; connected to Eric Starvo Galt.  
- Donald Walter Pacco: Alleged threat against MLK in 1965; contacted a Tuscaloosa minister expressing intent to kill MLK.  
- Percy D. Strickland Jr. and Ollie R. Strickland: Resided in Prattville, Alabama; referenced in FBI administrative notes.  
- John Edgar Hoover: FBI Director involved in investigative processes.  

Key Locations:  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Central to investigations, with connections to suspects and documents.  
- Abilene, Texas: Mobil station where a suspect was reported carrying firearms.  
- Tupelo, Mississippi: Site of FBI interview with John Willard.  
- Birmingham, Alabama: Location of FBI office handling document analysis.  
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama: Site of 1965 phone call from Donald Walter Pacco to a minister.  
- Selma, Alabama: Linked to January 8, 1965, threat against MLK.  
- Montgomery, Alabama (Whitley Hotel): Location of civil rights meeting referenced in FBI files.  

Key Events:  
- April 4, 1968: MLK’s assassination; FBI initiates intensive investigation.  
- April 5, 1968: FBI interviews John Willard in Tupelo, Mississippi.  
- April 12, 1968: Anonymous letter alleging Edward Gerst as MLK’s killer is forwarded to FBI for verification.  
- April 12–15, 1968: FBI examines canceled checks of Robert Borsari and Harvey Edward Lohmeyer for handwriting comparisons.  
- April 12, 1968: Mobil station attendant in Abilene, Texas, reports a man with Vietnam scars carrying firearms.  
- January 8, 1965: Threat against MLK linked to Selma, Alabama; investigated by FBI.  
- 1965 phone call from Donald Walter Pacco to Tuscaloosa minister about targeting MLK.  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Central to the investigation, handling document analysis, suspect interviews, and coordination with local law enforcement.  
- U.S. Department of Justice: Involved in administrative and investigative processes.  
- Local law enforcement agencies: Including Memphis, Alabama, and Texas departments, providing witness accounts and records for FBI review.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_02-01-part_3_of_6.pdf

Document Summary

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