FBI MEMPHIS FBI LOS ANG. 817 PM DEFERRED 2/6/69 VLB TO: DIRECTOR (44-38861), MEMPHIIS (44~1987) AND NEW ORLEANS (144-1067) FROM: LOS ANGELES (44)-1067), 2P MURKIN RE LA TEL FEBRUARY FIVE LAST AND NO TEL FERUARY SIX INSTANT. REVIEW OF LA MURKINS FILE REVEALS CHARLES STEIN/RESIDED WITH SISTER, RITA RODE, VIVE SIX SIX STIX FRANKLIN AVENUE, LOS ANGELES, DURING PERTINENT PERIOD OF INVESTIGATION. SUBSEQUENTLY BOTH MOVED. REVIEW OF TOLL CALLS FROM RODE'S HOME REVEAL CALLS TO NEW ORLANS ON FEBRURY TWELVE, ONE NINE SIX EIGHT TO NINE FOUR SEVEN - ZERO NINE THREE ZERO AND ON FEBURARY TWENTY ONE - TWENTy THREE AND APRIL FOUR, ONE NEINE SIN EIGHT to NINE POUR FIVE - SEVEN THREE ONE TWO. REVIEW TO TOLL CALLS FROM LOSE ANGELES PHONE OF ERIC S. GALT REVEAL NO CALLS MADE TO NEW ORLEAN. END PAGE ONE 44-1987-Suk M3777 SEARCHED INDEXED C. SERIALIZED/FILED FEB 6 1969 FEB MEMPHISHIS M

Summary:  
The text includes an interview of Reverend James Bevel by Jay Silva regarding his claims about the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Bevel states he has evidence proving James Earl Ray's innocence and offers to represent him without charge. He mentions sending a telegram to Ray offering legal assistance but notes that Ray’s attorney, Perry Forman, rejected the offer. Bevel asserts he would only present his evidence if allowed to defend Ray. The FBI is referenced as an investigative agency not involved in prosecution, with Bevel advised to share evidence with authorities if it pertains to Ray’s innocence. The text also includes administrative notes about document classification and declassification dates, referencing FBI interactions and SCLC involvement.  

Key People:  
- Reverend James Bevel (SCLC leader)  
- James Earl Ray (accused of King’s assassination)  
- Perry Forman (Ray’s attorney)  
- Jay Silva (interviewer)  
- Ronald Miller (announcer)  
- Ralph C. Hammer, Edward M. Cole (FBI agents)  

Key Locations:  
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Bevel’s residence)  
- Memphis, Tennessee (location of King’s assassination)  
- Atlanta, Georgia (SCLC headquarters)  

Key Events:  
- Bevel’s interview discussing Ray’s innocence and legal representation offer  
- FBI correspondence regarding the investigation and declassification status  
- Telegram sent by Bevel to James Earl Ray offering defense services  
- Discussions about SCLC’s role and financial transactions (e.g., $500 check from Atlanta)  

Key Organizations:  
- Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Philadelphia television station VCAU (CBS affiliate)

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_86-06-part_1_of_3.pdf

Document Summary

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