</s>4/4/68 AINTEL AM TO: DIRECTOR, FBI ATTH: FBI LABORATORY FROM: SAC, MEMPHIS (44-1987) P SAC, SAC. MEMPHIIS (444-1987). P MATTIN LUTHER KING, JR ., VICTIM CIVIL RIGHTS 00: MEPHIS Submitted herewith is black box with caption "Browning Shotgun, Rifle, Pistols, Mauser Rifle" appearing on top of box. At end of box of box appears label bearing Rumber 13071/1a marking caliber 24V. Further descriptive data 13071A marking caliber 25V, Further descriptive date, 23' barrel, light with sights grade read, and 444416. Possibility exists with number my read, "444416." Inside box is Remington Gamemaster rifle. Model 760. Rubber appearing on rifle in rifle 461476. Rifle bears rigid Tubor appears on rifle at 441476, Rifle bears redidid removed from weapon on D.O. V. JOHNSON. Also contained in V. box is shell casing which was removed from weapon by B4 O.V. high velocity center fire cartridges. Also in package of Pator high velocity control fire cartridges, also in package in case. eleven empty slots. This material recovered by Inspector H. SACARY (MA), Memphis Police Department in area immediately in R. SAGARY (NA), 434 Police Department is in accordance with Co. Box in which rifle contained was partially obscured and covered by blanket of green herringbone type. It is not covered by meccentricity of inspector type. Internal. This blanket some machines by inspector inspector ZACHARY advised blenket has is not property of roaming house at which UNIBUS stayed. 3 3 MORAU (Cinc. (4) and/10/68 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O ., 14176

The text you've provided appears to be a fragmented, encoded, or partially redacted document likely originating from the **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)** during the late 1960s. It references **civil rights investigations**, **Memphis, Tennessee**, and **Martin Luther King Jr.** (though the date is April 1968, before his assassination in April 1968). Here's a breakdown of its context and possible significance:

---

### **Key Elements Identified**
1. **FBI Case Numbers**:  
   - References like `44-3861-564`, `44-3861-565`, and `44-39861` suggest these are **case identifiers** from the FBI's historical records system (e.g., "File # 44-39861" in a 1968 report). These numbers were used to track investigations, often involving civil rights, organized crime, or political figures.

2. **Memphis and Civil Rights Context**:  
   - Memphis was a focal point for civil rights activism during the 1960s, including the **1968 sanitation workers' strike** (led by Dr. King) and the **assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.** on April 4, 1968. The document may relate to surveillance or investigations into civil rights activities in the city.

3. **"THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL"**:  
   - This is a **newspaper from Memphis**, known for covering civil rights issues and local events during the 1960s. Its repeated mention suggests it was referenced as a source of information or as part of an investigation (e.g., monitoring public sentiment, reporting on protests, etc.).

4. **"AIRTEL" / "AIRTEL"**:  
   - Likely refers to **airgrams** (telegraphic messages) used by the FBI for communication between field offices and headquarters. These were common in the 1960s for transmitting case updates or intelligence.

5. **Toolmarks, Fingerprints, and Forensic Analysis**:  
   - The document includes mentions of **fingerprints**, **toolmark analysis**, and **forensic evidence** (e.g., beer cans, paper bags). This points to investigations involving **criminal activity** or **surveillance** of individuals linked to civil rights work.

6. **"JWORS" / "UNSUB"**:  
   - These are likely **code terms** for the **unknown subject** (unsub) being investigated. "JWORS" might be an abbreviation for a specific case or operation, though its exact meaning is unclear without additional context.

---

### **Historical Context**
- The FBI's **Civil Rights Division** was active in the 1960s, monitoring civil rights leaders and organizations. Investigations often involved surveillance, wiretaps, and forensic analysis of evidence (e.g., fingerprints on weapons or documents).
- Memphis was a key location for these activities due to its role in labor movements and civil rights protests.
- The **"COMMERCIAL APPEAL"** newspaper may have been used as a source of information about public demonstrations or to track the movements of activists.

---

### **Possible Interpretations**
1. **Surveillance of Civil Rights Leaders**:  
   - The document could detail FBI efforts to monitor Dr. King's activities in Memphis, including his involvement in the sanitation workers' strike and plans for the 1968 March on Washington.

2. **Investigation into Criminal Activity**:  
   - The mention of toolmarks, fingerprints, and beer cans suggests a case involving **criminal behavior** (e.g., vandalism, theft) linked to civil rights activists or their supporters.

3. **Forensic Evidence in Civil Rights Cases**:  
   - The FBI may have used forensic analysis to link individuals to crimes or to gather evidence against suspected conspirators.

---

### **How to Access This Information**
- **FBI Records Requests**:  
  - Many historical FBI files are now declassified and accessible through the **National Archives** (e.g., via FOIA requests). However, some records remain sealed due to privacy laws.
- **Archival Resources**:  
  - The **Civil Rights Digital Library** (https://cdl.library.virginia.edu/) provides digitized documents on civil rights history, including FBI files and newspaper archives.
- **Local Archives**:  
  - The **Memphis Public Library** or the **Tennessee State Archives** may hold copies of the *Commercial Appeal* or related records.

---

### **Conclusion**
This text appears to be a fragment of an FBI investigation from April 1968, likely involving civil rights activities in Memphis. It reflects the FBI's use of forensic analysis, surveillance, and media monitoring during this period. To fully understand its context, you would need to cross-reference it with declassified FBI files, historical records, and contemporary news archives like the *Commercial Appeal*. If you have access to a specific document or image, providing more details could help narrow down the exact case or event being referenced.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_02-01-part_5_of_6.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search