</s>COPIED FOR H. Departurent of Justice 44-HC-38891 STATES 6954-6105 (MATERIAL MUST NOT NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FI COPIED FOR F JUL 7 1977 BY DY ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED FOR HISTORICAL DECLASSIFICATION FEDERAL BUREAU DO NOT DESTROY HISTORICAL VALUE NATIONAL ARCHIVES of CLASSICATED DY.ON ENCLOSED 88 88 INVESTIGATION ATTENTION SECTION 8: BEFORE CHANGING CLASSIFICATION OR PROCESSING ANY DOCUMENT FROM THIS FILE FOR RELEASE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC, CONTACT FO/PA SECTION UNIT D, EXT. 5767. FBI/DOJ USE DARE IN HANDULING THIS FIL COPIRED FOR FoTansfer-Call 3421 JUN 20 1977 EY 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document details FBI investigations into alleged connections between individuals associated with Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, focusing on interactions at Pete's Bar in Atlanta during 1967 and subsequent interviews in 1976. Claude Powell Jr., son of Leon Owen Powell, claimed he was approached by an unknown individual offering $25,000 to kill MLK, later increased to $50,000, with a briefcase containing $100 bills presented as payment. The unknown person described themselves as a professional (possibly a lawyer) and referenced plans to pay "fifty more" after King's burial. Powell denied involvement in the assassination but stated he did not report the encounter due to fear of becoming a suspect. The FBI conducted polygraph examinations of Powell and Arnold Ray Godfrey, who may have facilitated contact with the unknown individual, though Godfrey refused participation. Investigations also included verifying Powell’s presence in Atlanta during the alleged meeting, reviewing witness testimonies (e.g., Diane Brady), and coordinating with federal agencies like the DOJ and FBI divisions in New York, Memphis, and El Paso. Administrative memos from the FBI and DOJ referenced ongoing inquiries into assassination plots against MLK, noting preliminary investigations were completed unless further directed.  

Key People  
- **Claude Powell Jr.**: Subject of interviews; claimed to have been offered $25,000–$50,000 for assassinating MLK.  
- **Leon Owen Powell**: Father of Claude Powell Jr., mentioned in connection with the alleged meeting and financial offer.  
- **Arnold Ray Godfrey**: Musician and Atlanta City employee potentially linked to facilitating contact with the unknown individual.  
- **Unknown individual**: Described as a white male with specific physical traits, allegedly offered payment for MLK’s assassination.  
- **Ralph (unidentified)**: White male who approached Powell and Godfrey at Pete's Bar, inquiring about proceeding with the plan and mentioning payment terms.  

Key Locations  
- **Pete's Bar** (Atlanta): Site of alleged 1967 meeting between Powell, Godfrey, and Ralph.  
- **Midland, Texas**: Location of FBI interview with Claude Powell Jr. on January 8, 1976.  
- **Scottish Inn Motel**: Where Powell was located during interviews.  
- **FBI Atlanta Office**: Site of polygraph examinations and initial investigation.  

Key Events  
- **Alleged meeting at Pete's Bar** (fall 1967): Powell claimed an unknown individual offered $25,000–$50,000 to kill MLK, with a briefcase containing $100 bills presented as payment.  
- **FBI interview of Claude Powell Jr.** (January 8, 1976): Conducted in Midland, Texas, to verify details of the alleged meeting and financial offer.  
- **Polygraph examinations**: Conducted on Powell and Godfrey; results were inconclusive due to lack of physiological responses.  
- **Ralph’s inquiry about payment terms**: Ralph mentioned plans to pay "fifty more" after King's burial but did not specify exact amounts.  
- **Coordination with federal agencies**: Including DOJ and FBI divisions in New York, Memphis, and El Paso; administrative memos referenced completed preliminary investigations.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted interviews, polygraph examinations, and coordinated interagency efforts.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)**: Involved in reviewing the case and managing administrative memos.  
- **Civil Rights Division (CRD)**: Requested involvement in investigating alleged assassination plots against MLK.  
- **General Investigative Division (GID)**: Mentioned in reference to administrative records related to the investigation.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_28-06-part_1_of_7.pdf

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