</s>7/18/68 airtel 1 - Name Check TO: SAC, Memphis (44-1987) FROM: Director, FBI (44 -38861) HURKIN Reurlet July 17, 1968. Pursuit to your request, Buffles have been reviewed and contain no pertinent derogatory data concerning any of the names listed in retail other than data which appears in your files. Under date of July 18, 1968, AAG Vinson furnished a list of 25 local officers who will be responsible for Ray's security, with a request for check of Bullies. For your information, there is enclosed herewith a copy of Mr. Vinson's request, together with a copy of the Bureau's reply thereto dated July 18. 1968. The above is for your information. Enclosures (2) Tollon REC. 22 40-2861- MILED 23 Mall- JUL 18 1968 JUL 23 1968 LOT Carpenter Corded Control COMM-FB1 Reisen Travel 5.3JUL 3019688 MAIL ROOM TELETYPE UNIT 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
James Earl Ray, charged with the murder of Martin Luther King Jr., was returned to the United States from London on July 19, 1968, following extradition proceedings initiated by the Shelby County Grand Jury. FBI agents accompanied him on a nonstop U.S. Air Force flight from London to Memphis, Tennessee, arriving at 4:37 a.m. EDT. Upon arrival, Ray was transferred to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in Memphis. The FBI coordinated with the Department of Justice and the Attorney General to manage press releases, which were issued in a subdued manner to avoid public overreaction. Ray was held in custody pending prosecution by local authorities.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Charged with MLK Jr.’s assassination; extradited from Britain to Memphis.  
- **J. Edgar Hoover**: FBI Director, confirmed Ray’s extradition and stated he waived further British judicial proceedings.  
- **Ramsey Clark**: Attorney General, announced Ray’s return to the U.S.  
- **W. Preston Battle**: Criminal Court Judge in Memphis presiding over Ray’s trial; referenced in legal complaints regarding courtroom conduct.  
- **Cliff Sessions**: Departmental Public Information Officer, involved in press release coordination.  
- **Harold Light**: FBI escort crew leader, reported Ray’s behavior during transit.  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of Ray’s extradition arrival, custody, and trial.  
- **London, England**: Departure point for Ray’s flight to the U.S.  
- **Shelby County Jail, Memphis**: Temporary detention facility for Ray.  
- **Memphis Naval Air Station**: Arrival point for Ray’s flight from London.  

Key Events  
- **July 19, 1968**: James Earl Ray returned to the U.S. after extradition; press release issued by the FBI and DOJ.  
- **April 1967**: Ray’s escape from Missouri State Penitentiary, cited in extradition proceedings.  
- **May 7, 1968**: Shelby County Grand Jury indicted Ray for first-degree murder in MLK Jr.’s assassination.  
- **Trial Preparation**: Judge W. Preston Battle was assigned to preside over Ray’s trial; legal complaints about his courtroom conduct were noted.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Oversaw Ray’s extradition, transport, and coordination with DOJ.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice**: Managed press releases and legal proceedings.  
- **Shelby County Sheriff’s Office**: Custody of Ray upon his arrival in Memphis.  
- **Memphis Police Department**: Involved in local law enforcement actions related to the case.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_20-03-part_1_of_3.pdf

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