</s>Routing Slip Fd4 (Rev. 4-28-67) Date 1/7/79 To: Director 24-38361 File ST 44-561 Att: SAC Title MURKIN ASAC Supv. Agent SE Agent SE RE: Bureau airtel 1/77/69. CC Steno CC Rotor #: Correct Return file Detailne Search and return Deadline passed Search and Return Dedeline See as Delinquent Service Recharge Recharge Recharpe ReReturn Expedite Send to Send to File Submit new charge out File information Submit report by Handle Initial & return Type Lead need explanation or notation as to action taken. Return will be submitted as soon as STUMM Ioented. Return will to locate HENRY STUMN negative to date. LEW WILL be submitted to soon as StUMM ioented." File See reverse side TROY COLEMAN Office SPRINGFIELD 4/4-35-01- NOT RECORDED 2 JAN 14 1969 54 JAN21 1969 --- 6TJANTRI9RO 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The document contains a routing slip dated January 7, 1979, referencing an investigation into the murder of Martin Luther King Jr., noting speculation about James Earl Ray’s potential guilty plea for the state charge of murder. It references inquiries made to Phil M. Canale, State Attorney General for Shelby County, Tennessee, regarding a Memphis newspaper article. Hugh Stanton is identified as co-counsel appointed by Judge W. Preston Battle for Ray, with a trial scheduled for March 3, 1969, in Memphis. The text also includes excerpts from Joachim Joosten’s unpublished report titled "THE JAMES EARL RAY HOAX," which alleges a conspiracy involving Southern politicians, the KKK, Minutemen, and George Wallace’s American Independent Party to assassinate Dr. King. It claims Ray was not an escapee but released with forged fingerprints by prison authorities, serving as a decoy for a CIA operative who fled abroad. The report further connects Ray’s case to the JFK assassination, suggesting a cover-up involving the FBI and CIA.  

The document includes fragmented communications from the FBI and other agencies regarding investigations into MLK’s assassination, referencing a brochure titled "James Rayl Rayl Hoax" sent to Warden Harold B. Swenson of the Missouri State Penitentiary and forwarded to FBI Special Agent Raymond B. Howe. The brochure is described as a critical analysis questioning the official narrative, attributing the assassination to a conspiracy involving Southern politicians, KKK-affiliated businessmen, and others. It claims Ray was an "ideal fall guy" for the real assassin, who operated under a false identity. The text also mentions FBI efforts to track Ray, including his alleged release from prison with forged fingerprints and his purported involvement in a double life with another individual. Interviews with Henry Stum, allegedly connected to Ray, are detailed, where Stum denies any association with Ray or Nazi-related activities. Administrative notes about file references, FBI procedures, and requests for copies of publications critical of the official investigation are included.  

Key People:  
- James Earl Ray (alleged assassin of MLK)  
- Joachim Joosten (author of "THE JAMES EARL RAY HOAX")  
- Phil M. Canale (State Attorney General, Shelby County, Tennessee)  
- Hugh Stanton (co-counsel for Ray)  
- Raymond B. Howe (FBI Special Agent)  
- Harold B. Swenson (Warden, Missouri State Penitentiary)  
- Henry Stum (individual interviewed regarding Ray’s activities)  
- Ralph Smith (attorney representing Stum)  
- Michel Bacon (Montreal resident interviewed by RCMP)  
- Mrs. Joanne Lemoing (Harley Apartments clerk)  
- Mr. Hitchie (Mariner’s House contact)  

Key Locations:  
- Memphis, Tennessee (scene of MLK’s assassination and trial)  
- Missouri State Penitentiary (Ray’s incarceration)  
- New Orleans (linked to JFK assassination plot)  
- London, Toronto, Lisbon (sites of Ray’s alleged movements and passport acquisition)  
- Alton, Illinois (Stum’s residence and workplace)  
- Hartford, Illinois (Leather Tannery)  
- Montreal, Canada (RCMP investigations, interviews with journalists)  
- Ste-Catherine East, Montreal (police raids referenced in RCMP documents)  

Key Events:  
- Speculation about Ray’s guilty plea for MLK’s murder  
- Trial scheduled for March 3, 1969, in Memphis  
- Alleged conspiracy involving Southern politicians, KKK, Minutemen, and CIA to assassinate MLK  
- Ray’s release from prison with forged fingerprints  
- Double arrest of Ray and the real assassin (CIA operative) in London  
- Extradition hearing in Bow Street Court, London  
- Investigation into MLK’s assassination by FBI and other agencies  
- Distribution of "James Rayl Rayl Hoax" brochure questioning official narratives  
- FBI interviews with Henry Stum regarding his potential ties to Ray  
- RCMP investigation into connections between MLK’s murder and a Montreal-based journalist named HUE, referencing a *LOOK* magazine article  
- Interviews with individuals in Montreal to verify claims about Raymond “Raoul” and his alleged visits to the Mariner’s House and Top Tailors  
- Efforts by RCMP to confirm whether a photographer from the Montreal Star was involved in documenting interactions with Ray or Raoul  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)  
- State of Tennessee (via Phil M. Canale)  
- Memphis courtroom (trial proceedings)  
- Ku Klux Klan (KKK)  
- Missouri State Penitentiary  
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)  
- Montreal Star (newspaper referenced in RCMP inquiries)  
- Brown Shoe Company (employer mentioned in Stum’s employment history)

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_23-04-part_3_of_6.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search