</s>3/26/69 AIRTEL AIRMAIL TO: DIRECTOR, FII (44-38861) FROM: SAC, SPRINGFIELD (44+561) SUBJECT: MURKIN Re Springfield airtel to Burean 12/6/68. "Commercial News", DAVIS BAIRD, Reporter for the newspaper 3/24/69, Danville Illinois, advised that on STRADER, he was telephonically contacted by ROBERT H. concerning the telephone that he had vital information Illinois, and STRADER related that he Had vital information concerninging the assassination of Doctor MARTIN LUTHER KING. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he was approached by unknown individuals and these individuals attempted to hire STRADEN and related that since that date he had been followed and several attempts have made on his life. STADER told BATES, the "Commerical News" newspaper was interested in his story that the "commerical New" Indianapolis, Indiana, STRADERS attorney, DONALD FOLY, Indianapolis, and for payment for this story, STRADERS requested BAIRD to that STRADer was a "aut" and he doubted if any action would be taken by this newspaper. As noted in reference communication, as well as other communications to the Bureau, the STRADERA has alleged he had information concerning the assassination of KING. no action is recommended regarding contact with STRADERE, of his wife, MARGARET CARMICHAEL STRADDER. 3 - Bureau (44)-3886) - Memphis (44)1987) (Info) 1 - Chicago (44-)1144 (Into) 1 - Springfield (44-(44)-1144) (Info) JAC/S4 (7) 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The text contains fragmented records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) related to inquiries into potential threats against Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). It references STRADER, who claimed to possess information about MLK’s assassination after being approached by unknown individuals in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and later followed. STRADER reported being threatened and sought media attention through reporter BAIRD of "Commercial News." The FBI noted STRADER’s claims but concluded no action was warranted. Additional entries list motel registrations (March 29–April 1, 1968) for individuals in Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, and other states, including license plate numbers and addresses. These records appear to be part of broader investigative efforts but lack direct ties to MLK’s assassination.  

The text also includes administrative lists of names, addresses, license plate numbers, and vehicle details for individuals across multiple U.S. states, spanning March 29–April 3, 1968, and later dates up to April 24, 1969. These entries reference specific locations such as motels in Corinth, Mississippi, and include notes about license types (e.g., "Tennessee license," "Mississippi license"). Administrative markings indicate release under Executive Order 14176 and references to FBI documentation.  

Key People  
- STRADER (alleged informant with information on MLK’s assassination)  
- ROBERT H. (individual who contacted STRADER)  
- DONALD FOLY (STRADER’s attorney)  
- JAMES DEVLIN (Records Officer at USP, Terre Haute, Indiana)  
- FRIED ALEXANDER MICHAELSON (individual confirmed at Leavenworth, Kansas)  
- Hassehall (Arkansas)  
- C. P. Pratt (Georgia)  
- Roy Stremel (Illinois)  
- Robert Wilson (Illinois)  
- Manuel Bolman (Illinois)  
- Forrest Mullin (Indiana)  
- Ronnie Flanagan (Indiana)  
- Walter Couture (Mississippi)  
- George Graham (Alabama)  
- John M. Collins (Alabama)  
- William S. Helms (Alabama)  
- Carl Coley (Alabama)  
- Garwin Drummond (Alabama)  
- H. H. Robbins (Alabama)  
- T. P. Carson (California)  
- Nick Bingham  
- George W. Logan  
- Ross Dyson  
- W. H. Tate  
- Lois Wood  
- Johnny Sparker  
- Barton C. Brooks  
- Bill Gregory  
- Tad Smith  
- James C. Cason  
- Russ Frisbie  
- Peter Knoof  
- Harry Lane  
- Jack Wright  
- Danny James  
- J. W. Hawk  
- Bill Mooney  
- Jerry McGregor  
- R. A. Patricott  
- Dent Brandt  
- William Homola, Sr.  

Key Locations  
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana  
- Birmingham, Alabama  
- Memphis, Tennessee  
- Corinth, Mississippi  
- Little Rock, Arkansas  
- Jackson, Mississippi  
- Tupelo, Mississippi  
- St. Louis, Missouri  
- Hartselle, Alabama  
- Montgomery, Alabama  
- Prattville, Alabama  
- Muscle Shoals, Alabama  
- Birmingham, Alabama  
- Sacramento, California  
- Miami, Florida  
- Orlando, Florida  
- Albany, Georgia  
- Augusta, Georgia  
- Chatham, Illinois  
- Wilmette, Illinois  
- Monmouth, Illinois  
- Centralia, Illinois  
- Jennings, Louisiana  
- Detroit, Michigan  
- Eveleth, Minnesota  
- Jackson, Mississippi  
- Grenada, Mississippi  
- Tupelo, Mississippi  
- Kansas City, Missouri  
- Lincoln, Nebraska  
- Glen Falls, New York  
- Cincinnati, Ohio  
- Chattanooga, Tennessee  
- Nashville, Tennessee  
- Dyersburg, Tennessee  
- Potosi, Wisconsin  
- Stone Lake, Wisconsin  

Key Events  
- STRADER’s alleged contact with unknown individuals in Baton Rouge and subsequent threats  
- FBI investigation into STRADER’s claims regarding MLK’s assassination  
- Motel registration records for multiple locations (March 29–April 1, 1968)  
- License plate data collection for individuals across various states  
- Motel registration records provided by Mrs. Berry (Shirley Smith) and Walter Couture for the period March 29–April 3, 1968  
- Administrative notes indicating release under Executive Order 14176  
- References to FBI documentation and internal agency handling of records  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- United States Penitentiary, Terre Haute, Indiana  
- Commercial News (newspaper involved in STRADER’s case)  
- Motels (e.g., Nite-Fall Motel in Corinth, Mississippi; Cannoneer Motel in Corinth, Mississippi)

MLK Declassified Files

44-ip-563_404058_167-03-part_4_of_8.pdf

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