</s>FD-36 (Rev. 5:22:44) F.B.I Date: 6/4/68 Transmit the following in (Type in plantexst or code) Via AIRTEL (Priority) AIRTEL To: SAC, MEMPHIS (44-1987) FROM: SAC_, CHARLOTTE (44+1365) (P) SUBJECT: MURKIN Re Memphis airtel to all offices dated 4/19/68, regarding MURKINS costs. Following are the costs for the Charlotte Division for May, 1968: 1. MAN HOURS SPENT ON CASE Regular Overtime Total (a) Special Agent Special Agent 244 Total (b) Clerical 112 35 112 391 2. TOTAL MILEAGE 2,150 miles 3. UNUSUAL OR OUT OF ORDINARY COSTS 3. Telephone Calls (Toll) Telephone calls and photographic $125.00 Supplies $125,00 Photographs and photographic 43.00 Supplies $168.00 4. PEAK NUMBER OF SPECIAL AGENTS WORKING ON CASE IN MAY ON Agents 4. 4. - Memphis 2 - Charlotte 3 - SEARCHED, INDEXED, 2. SEARCHER, 2-Filed, 2, CLW-Jw JUN 6 1968 (44) JUN6 MEMPHYS Approved: Per Special Agent in Charge Sent 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

The documents detail FBI investigations into James Earl Ray’s activities in 1968, focusing on his alleged involvement in the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The Memphis and Mobile Field Offices conducted surveillance on Ray, monitoring his movements through rooming houses, laundries, dry cleaners, and other establishments without success. The FBI sought assistance from Eastman Kodak Company to track Ray’s potential use of purchased camera equipment (Instamatic M8 and M9S projector), requesting notifications if he accessed these items. Administrative records include file management notes, indexing procedures, and tracking of suspects, alongside unrelated tasks like driver’s license checks and death certificate reviews. Investigations also involved passport application reviews linked to Ray’s alleged 1967 prison escape, collaboration with the Department of State and Passport Office, and analysis of "Black Book" subscription records. A 1968 magazine article ("Bronze Thrills") featured Ray as a fugitive with a reward. An industrialist in Chicago mentioned contact with someone who had previously employed Dr. Martin Luther King’s chauffeur, discussing potential threats to King’s safety.  

Key People  
- James Earl Ray (MURKIN): Suspect in MLK’s assassination; monitored by FBI for movements and financial records.  
- Walter McKennith: Rooming house manager who reported interactions with MATALIK (likely a code name for Ray).  
- Mrs. Keva McKennith: Spouse of Walter McKennith, noted Ray’s presence at the rooming house.  
- Frances G. Knight: Director, Passport Office, Department of State; coordinated passport application reviews.  
- Robert J. Johnson: Deputy Director, Passport Office.  
- Paul Scott: Freelance writer contacted by Knight regarding Ray’s status.  
- Charles Barr: Standard Oil of Indiana executive in Chicago; mentioned contact with someone who employed MLK’s chauffeur.  

Key Locations  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Central FBI SAC office for tracking Ray and managing files.  
- Mobile, Alabama: Field Office involved in monitoring Ray’s movements.  
- Rochester, New York: Headquarters of Eastman Kodak Company, which provided equipment details.  
- Chester, Pennsylvania: Address linked to "Black Book" subscriber Mr. Ray.  
- Chicago, Illinois: Location of industrialist and Barr’s residence; discussed threats to MLK’s safety.  
- Washington, D.C.: FBI offices and Senator Wallace Bennett’s location.  

Key Events  
- Surveillance by Memphis and Mobile FBI offices to locate James Earl Ray.  
- FBI request to Eastman Kodak for tracking Ray’s potential use of purchased camera equipment.  
- Review of 700,000 passport applications linked to Ray’s alleged 1967 prison escape (project halted June 6, 1968).  
- Examination of "Black Book" subscription records for ties to James Earl Ray.  
- FBI inquiry into TCR-1 form data for financial records, restricted by statute.  
- Publication of a 1968 magazine ("Bronze Thrills") featuring Ray as a fugitive with a reward.  
- Industrialist in Chicago mentioned contact with someone who had employed MLK’s chauffeur, discussing threats to King’s safety (April 3, 1968).  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Conducted surveillance, interviews, administrative tasks, and interagency collaborations.  
- United States Department of State: Coordinated passport application reviews with the FBI.  
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Provided TCR-1 form data for financial records, though disclosure was restricted by statute.  
- Eastman Kodak Company: Supplied equipment details and tracking assistance for Ray’s camera purchases.  
- "Black Book" publisher: Located in New York City; examined subscription records.  
- "Bronze Thrills" magazine: Published in Fort Worth, Texas; featured Ray as a fugitive.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_71-04-part_3_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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