</s>(1 - P.T. Blake) (review) 1 - Mr. A. J. Becker (Route Through For (Attn: T. Besson) Review) August 2, 1976 1 -Mr. T. W. Leavitt 1 - Mrs. J . Decemant MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 2 Mr. S. F. Phillips General Observations In order to expandite the considerable effort required to implement the Attorney General's instructions, and because of this involved processing necessary in making decisions and certain flexibility is made available to us in processing the material. For example, some administrative markings on conformations, the process is to be completed. be excised. Puritan, to expedite this material, we will for the most part of the duplication by the Xeroxing process documents which themselves are Xeroxes. As a consequence, some of the which themselves and Xeroxos, as the consequence, soma of the Departments' cover communication to the King estate should point out this matter and invite the King, estate to request clearer enticipated. Will be few, the would then locate in our exhibits, and will be able to obtain the end reprocess them for use only activities called to the Sendad to Select King Estate on Intelligence Activities (SSC). To will not include material to which the SSC only and access for review purposes. Identification of FM Personnel Names as well as initials) of all F.M. personnel below the rank of Section Chief of excloded. Section Chief level position chosen as no deformation as this is consistent exclusions in material made public by SSG, noting additionalally that SSC has already made public identities of some history in accordance with the terms of this agreement very serious recognition was made by this agreement, very publicizing names of FM personnel, who themselves, or talk families, might thus become targets for physical or other abuse. SP:jdp (125) ENGLOUTH 14/3/01/20- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary: The documents detail the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) internal investigation into the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on coordination with legal teams, ethical handling of sensitive information, and administrative challenges. Key themes include FBI surveillance operations in Memphis, Tennessee, prior to the 1968 assassination; internal debates over potential involvement in or obstruction of justice; and a 1976 Department of Justice review led by Fred G. Folson Jr., which examined the FBI’s handling of the case. The documents reference James Earl Ray’s conviction for King’s murder, restrictions on access to Stanley David Levison’s file, and ongoing reviews of allegations involving Edward Redditt, a Memphis police officer removed from King’s security due to misconduct. They also highlight tensions between public transparency, national security, and privacy concerns in high-profile investigations.  

Key People:  
- **James Earl Ray**: Convicted killer of MLK; central figure in the investigation.  
- **Stanley David Levison**: Attorney for King’s estate; his file was restricted for limited review.  
- **Edward Redditt**: Memphis police officer removed from King’s security due to alleged misconduct.  
- **Fred G. Folson Jr.**: Led DOJ review of FBI investigative practices related to the case.  
- **O. Richard Hamilton**: FBI agent interviewed about case details.  
- **Harry Wachtel**: Attorney for King’s estate, involved in reviewing documents.  
- **Steve Blackhurst**: FBI Intelligence Coordinator, key to negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).  

Key Locations:  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of MLK’s assassination and Redditt’s involvement.  
- **Atlanta, Birmingham, Memphis, Mobile**: FBI field offices involved in the investigation.  
- **Buffalo**: Location referenced in the document (context unclear).  

Key Events:  
- **1968 Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.**: Investigated by the FBI and later reviewed by the DOJ.  
- **James Earl Ray’s Conviction**: Ray pleaded guilty to King’s murder on April 4, 1968.  
- **1976 DOJ Review**: Led by Fred G. Folson Jr., addressing allegations of FBI misconduct in the case.  
- **Restrictions on File Access**: Levison’s file was limited for review by Task Force personnel.  
- **FBI Surveillance Controversy**: Internal debates over potential involvement in or obstruction of justice.  

Key Organizations:  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted surveillance and investigation into MLK’s assassination.  
- **United States Department of Justice (DOJ)**: Oversaw review of FBI practices via the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).  
- **Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR)**: Led the 1976 DOJ review of FBI investigative conduct.  
- **Civil Rights Division (CRD)**: Coordinated with the FBI during the DOJ review.  
- **Congressional Select Committee**: Mentioned in context as investigating MLK’s assassination (implied but not detailed).

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_29-03-part_4_of_5.pdf

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