</s>0-4a (Rev. 1-19-67) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION WASHINGTON, D. C. 2035 July 29, 1968 DATE: Re: MURKIN CR TO: SAC, Memphis (44-1987) Invoice of Contents Q392, Q993, X487 and the resubmitted glass slides Crypt-Trans. Document P & C 7160.56 Radio Engineering LFPs MAILED 23 AUG1-1968 LPI B-1-68 REGISTERED COMM-FB1 MSC Special Instructions: Mail Room: Show shipment date and registry number, FBI File No. 44-38861 Shipping Room: Shown shipment date, bill of lading number, initial invoice: return to Section checked in block; after initialing in block, invoice to be placed in administrative file. 7/29/68 PC-80455 IZ. 51 AUG-5 1968 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains FBI records detailing operations related to James Earl Ray’s extradition from the United Kingdom to the United States following his arrest in connection with the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). It outlines logistical arrangements for Ray’s transport via Andrews Air Force Base to Lakehead Air Base in London, including communication protocols between U.S. and British authorities. The text references FBI file numbers (e.g., 44-38861), dates (July 18–29, 1968), and coordination with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and Memphis authorities for Ray’s return to the U.S. A list of individuals associated with Shelby County, Tennessee, is provided, including their names, birthdates, addresses, and FBI case numbers, indicating involvement in handling Ray post-extradition. The document notes that Ray was extradited on July 19, 1968, and would face prosecution for MLK’s murder. Additional records include FBI communications from July 1968 discussing threats against judicial figures, such as a postcard sent to Memphis Judge W. Preston Battle referencing MLK’s death and potential federal extortion violations. The FBI also monitored harassment calls targeting Arthur Hanes, MLK’s attorney, and reviewed cost data for the MLK investigation through June 30, 1968, including personnel expenses, overtime hours, and vehicle mileage. Photographs of Ray’s incarceration at Shelby County Jail and interactions with officials like Sheriff William N. Morris Jr. are included. A dry cleaning list from Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri, obtained from Mrs. Cecil Bonas, is referenced as part of the investigation. The document also notes James Earl Ray’s prior criminal history involving forgery and burglary charges.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray (MURKIN)** – Suspect in MLK Jr.’s assassination; incarcerated at Shelby County Jail.  
- **John C. Cuskelly** – FBI Special Agent coordinating extradition operations.  
- **Minich** – Liaison handling extradition logistics.  
- **Vinson** – Involved in communication with INS and Memphis authorities.  
- **Sheriff William N. Morris Jr.** – Shelby County official interacting with Ray during incarceration.  
- **W. Preston Battle** – Memphis judge who received a threatening postcard referencing MLK’s death.  
- **Arthur Hanes** – Attorney for James Earl Ray, subjected to harassment calls.  
- **Mrs. Cecil Bonas** – Provided dry cleaning list data to the FBI.  

Key Locations  
- **Andrews Air Force Base (U.S.)** – Origin of Ray’s extradition transport.  
- **Lakehead Air Base (London)** – Destination for Ray’s extradition.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee** – Central location for judicial figures and Ray’s trial preparations.  
- **Shelby County Jail** – Site of Ray’s incarceration; photographs taken of cell block and interactions with officials.  
- **Illinois, Indiana, Missouri** – Locations associated with the dry cleaning list investigation.  

Key Events  
- **Coordination of Ray’s extradition from the U.K. to the U.S.** – Involving FBI, INS, and British authorities.  
- **Threatening postcard incident** – Sent to Judge W. Preston Battle referencing MLK’s death and potential federal extortion violations.  
- **Harassment calls against Arthur Hanes** – Received by Hanes’ wife and secretary during Ray’s absence.  
- **Review of dry cleaning list data** – Obtained from Mrs. Cecil Bonas for investigative purposes.  
- **Cost analysis of MLK investigation** – Estimated expenses through June 30, 1968, including personnel and resources.  
- **Photographic documentation of Ray’s incarceration** – Including interactions with Shelby County officials.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)** – Central to all operations, including extradition coordination, threat monitoring, and cost analysis.  
- **Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)** – Involved in Ray’s extradition logistics.  
- **Shelby County Jail** – Managed by Sheriff William N. Morris Jr., site of Ray’s detention.  
- **National Institute of Dry Cleaning** – Mentioned as a source for dry cleaning list data.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_20-04-part_2_of_6.pdf

Document Summary

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