</s>DIRECTOR, FBI (44-30861) 5/14/66 SAC, SAN FRANCISCO (178-68) -P- MURKIN CR 00: Namphis Sid E-483 00: HAROLD EDWARD NICHOLS Re: Suspect Enclosed for Memphis is one envelope containing 7 inserts and/or TD302e described as follows: Enclosed to Memphis is an envelope containing 1 (1) Report of Interview with Agent LARRY NEWMAN, U.S. Secret Service, San Fran- (2) Page headed Sas Richard J. MC HULLEN and WILLIAM HUTTON, JR ., in-insert- (3) WILLIAN HUTTON, JR. - in-inspect- 7 Pages: (4) Insert starting with SAE WILLIAM BUTTON, to observe MC MULLEN were able to observe ALLEN, NC MULLENN were able (5) Insert starting wth the words CLARA (6) FRIX, etc. (7) of 2 pages: FRIY, etc ., FRIXY, etc: of-2 pages: (77) TD-302 regarding KATHY SHEETS consisting of-3 pages: consisting of 8 pages. Bureau (2M) (9) Memphis (44)-1987) (KM) (Enel. (Enol. M. H. N.H ., N. H ., M.N ., H.N. N .- 16-66.6-68 - San Francisco (7)) (7)" SEARCHED, INDEXED, SERIALIZED, FILLED, MAY 16 1968 FED, M-MEMPHIS 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The document contains an FBI interview with Harold Edward Nichols (also known as Hal Nichols) regarding his alleged involvement in the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Nichols was interviewed at his San Leandro, California apartment on May 2, 1968. He denied any knowledge of the assassination and stated he had no objection to discussing it. The FBI sought to verify his whereabouts around the time of the murder (April 4, 1968) by examining his gasoline purchase records, telephone calls, and business activities. Nichols claimed he was in Orville, California, on April 4, 1968, but could not provide concrete evidence due to missing records. The FBI also investigated his associations with individuals at the Blue Dolphin restaurant, including Richard J. Mc Mullen and William Hutton Jr., who were linked to anti-Negro sentiments and support for George Wallace. Nichols described himself as a member of the American Independent Party (AIP) and expressed views that the assassination of Dr. King was a setback for the AIP. The document includes fragmented records of telephone calls, gasoline purchases, and interactions with other individuals, but no direct evidence linking Nichols to the murder.  

Key People:  
- Harold Edward Nichols (Hal Nichols): Interviewed by FBI; denied involvement in MLK's assassination.  
- Richard J. Mc Mullen: Associated with Nichols at the Blue Dolphin restaurant.  
- William Hutton Jr.: Linked to anti-Negro sentiments and Wallace supporters.  
- Kathy Sheets: Waitress at the Blue Dolphin who reported conversations about MLK’s assassination.  
- Larry V. Grath: Union official involved in tracking Nichols’ movements.  

Key Locations:  
- San Leandro, California: Where Nichols resided and frequented the Blue Dolphin restaurant.  
- Orville, California: Mentioned as a location Nichols claimed to have visited on April 4, 1968.  
- Memphis, Tennessee: Referenced in context of the assassination investigation.  

Key Events:  
- FBI interview with Nichols (May 2, 1968) regarding MLK’s murder.  
- Investigation into Nichols’ whereabouts on April 4, 1968, using gasoline purchase records and telephone logs.  
- Conversations at the Blue Dolphin restaurant involving anti-Negro remarks and references to MLK’s assassination.  
- Examination of Nichols’ ties to the American Independent Party (AIP) and George Wallace supporters.  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Conducted the investigation into Nichols and related activities.  
- American Independent Party (AIP): Nichols claimed membership, with whom he associated anti-Negro sentiments.  
- Culinary and Martenders Union: Mentioned in context of Larry V. Grath’s employment history.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_76-03-part_5_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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