</s>Chief Superintendent T. M. J. Butler, M.B.E. NOTE: Chief Superintendent Butler was written by the Director on 1-16-67 at the time he was awarded the Member of the British Empire. There was nothing derogatory in Buffles concerning him at that time. There is nothing in Bufflies which would precede letters to the other officers named herein. Letter recommended by Legat, London. Butler is the officer who went to the Airport with the fingerprint consultant. He has been involved in the investigation and charged him. Legat Minich advised that his cooperation was outstanding- ing and he would do any investigation requested by Minich. Each of the other officers played similarly important roles and worked as a team which brought about the apprehension. -2- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains fragmented communications and records from the FBI’s investigation into the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on evidence collection, witness interviews, and extradition efforts related to James Earl Ray. Physical evidence examined includes binoculars, a rifle, cartridge shells, and a bullet recovered from King’s body. The FBI coordinated with international agencies like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to trace items such as 7x35 Banner binoculars linked to Ray. Communications include teletype messages between FBI offices, notes on evidence handling, and correspondence involving J. Edgar Hoover regarding a letter from Raymon A. King, II. The investigation also references the shipment of weapons via Japan to California and involvement of officers like Chief Superintendent T. M. J. Butler. A separate RCMP-GRC record details inquiries into maritime unions and shipping companies in Canada, focusing on individuals associated with potential suspects linked to the assassination, including names like RAY, HAY, and FAY. The RCMP sought information through contacts within unions such as the Seafarers International Union of Canada (SIU) and Canadian Maritime Officers Union (CHOU), verifying employment records and addresses at establishments like the Mariners House in Montreal.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray (suspected assassin)  
- CORDRA YORK (linked to binoculars acquisition)  
- J. Edgar Hoover (FBI Director)  
- Raymon A. King, II (correspondent to Hoover)  
- SAC Robert Jensen (Memphis FBI agent)  
- Chief Superintendent T. M. J. Butler (British officer involved in investigation)  
- Legat Minich (cooperating officer)  
- Mrs. Minette Hohmann (contacted regarding RAY/HAY aliases)  
- Captain Cecil Rhodes (Secretary Treasurer, Vancouver)  
- Jack Staples (contact for Upper Lake Shipping, Port Colborne)  
- Captain Walsh (provided information on maritime unions and crews)  
- Mr. Harry Itchie (Manager of Mariners House, Montreal)  
- Dick Graves (contact through Upper Lake Shipping, Fort Greene)  

Key Locations  
- Memphis, Tennessee (evidence collection and affidavits)  
- Tokyo, Japan (weapon shipment tracking)  
- Montreal, Canada (RCMP investigations, Mariners House)  
- Port Colborne, Ontario (Upper Lake Shipping)  
- Vancouver, British Columbia (SIU headquarters)  
- Fort William, Ontario (maritime union operations)  
- St. John’s, Newfoundland (union activities)  

Key Events  
- FBI examination of physical evidence (rifle, binoculars, bullet)  
- Coordination between U.S. and Canadian law enforcement on extradition efforts  
- Interviewing witnesses for potential extradition of James Earl Ray  
- Shipment tracking of weapons via Japan to California  
- RCMP checks on individuals linked to MLK’s assassination  
- Investigation into maritime unions and shipping companies in Canada  
- Verification of employment records for individuals associated with RAY/HAY aliases  
- Contacting unions and companies to identify unlicensed crews or personnel  
- Checking addresses and establishments in Montreal for witness information  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)  
- Seafarers International Union of Canada (SIU)  
- Canadian Maritime Officers Union (CHOU)  
- National Association of Marine Instructors (NAME)  
- Canadian Brotherhood of Railway and Transport Works (CERT) Local 400  
- East Coast Fisheries - Newfoundland (unaffiliated with unions)  
- Various shipping companies (e.g., Anticoastal Shipping Co., Hollisburg Thirine Ltd.)  

Note: The document includes redacted or unclear text, including potential SSNs, which are noted but not included in the summary.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_16-04-part_7_of_7.pdf

Document Summary

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