</s>FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-64) FBI Date: 1/31/69 Transmit the following in (Type in plantext or code) AIRTEL (Type of plantext) or code] Via (Priority) AIRMA IL To: AIRTIL TO: DIRECTOR, FBI (Priorit) FROM: SAC, ATLANTA (44-2386) (P) MURKIN 1/30/69, and Bureau telephone call to Atlanta, 1/30 /69. Re Atlanta teletype to Bureau and Memphis dated Enclosed for the Bureau are five (copies of LHM and to Memphis are two (2) copies of LMH captioned "ASSASSINATION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AT MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, APRIL 4, 1968). D.M.T.TIMPTON CONTAINED ALL THIPTON CONTAIED From 664, 1968 From 654, 1968 D.S.Y.TAMPTON COMTINED 2- Bureau (Cnc. 5) (2). Memphis (Inc. 2) 2) ENEROLINE Memphis - Atlanta ORH: vsc - Atlanta - 38/8/L-5531 (7) REC 101 4 FEB 3.1969 C.B. Bistiop 4 FEb 3. 1969 From C-04, C-05, C.C.R.Bistiop Lipe C-09, C/C-04.C-01, CTY/CY/CYRICTRIGHTS UNTTY UNTY FED 3, 1968. Approved: 62 FEB 1 Speedy Agent in Charge Sent M Per .13 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The text comprises fragmented FBI records from late 1968 and early 1969 detailing investigations into James Earl Ray’s alleged role in Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination on April 4, 1968. Key elements include tracking Ray’s movements, phone numbers linked to his activities (e.g., 482-5751 associated with the Louisiana State Police barracks in New Orleans), and efforts to locate informants like Charles Stein, who allegedly possessed a handwritten note from Ray. The FBI also references "Look Magazine" articles detailing Ray’s alleged rendezvous with an individual named Raul in New Orleans, tied to conspiracy theories about a potential "Gang of Four." International collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is noted in efforts to identify Raul. Robert Gaines, a man with schizophrenia and alcoholism, is mentioned as having made unreliable claims about MLK’s death. The documents reflect ongoing scrutiny of Ray’s actions and lingering questions about potential conspiracies, though official records confirm his conviction in 1969.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Convicted of assassinating MLK; central figure in FBI investigations.  
- **Ralph Abernathy**: MLK’s close associate mentioned in context of the assassination.  
- **Robert Gaines**: Claimed to have evidence about MLK’s death but dismissed due to mental health issues.  
- **Lloyd Shearer**: Editor of "Parade" magazine, referenced in FBI investigations.  
- **Jack Anderson**: President of "Paradise magazine," mentioned alongside media coverage.  
- **Charles Stein**: Informant allegedly possessing a handwritten note from Ray.  
- **William Bradford Riley** (possibly misspelled): Author of a 1968 article detailing Ray’s alleged activities.  
- **Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)**: Involved in international efforts to identify Raul.  

Key Locations  
- **New Orleans**: Site of Ray’s alleged rendezvous with Raul; associated with the Louisiana State Police barracks.  
- **Nashville**: Mentioned in context of disinformation rumors about "black voters" and telephone operators.  
- **Greyhound Bus Station**: Linked to Ray’s instructions via a handwritten note.  

Key Events  
- **MLK’s assassination (April 4, 1968)**: Central event under investigation.  
- **FBI surveillance on MLK**: Conducted under J. Edgar Hoover’s directive, later declassified.  
- **Tracking phone numbers**: Investigation of 482-5751 and other numbers tied to Ray’s movements.  
- **"Look Magazine" article (1968)**: Detailing Ray’s alleged collaboration with Raul.  
- **Robert Gaines’ claims**: Dismissed due to his mental health instability.  
- **RCMP involvement**: International cooperation in identifying Raul.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Primary agency conducting surveillance and investigations.  
- **Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)**: Collaborated with FBI on international aspects of the case.  
- **"Parade" magazine**: Mentioned as a subject of FBI scrutiny due to its editor, Lloyd Shearer.  
- **"Look Magazine"**: Referenced in media coverage and alleged conspiracy theories.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_23-06-part_1_of_5.pdf

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