</s>F.D .- 248 (REV. 4:13:40) Juggingation of Justire H. S. Department of Justirre (MATERIAL MUST NOT BE REMOVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILD PENDING LITIGATION DO NOT DESTROY FIELD OFFICE FILE FEDERAL BUREAU FOIPA FROESSOL. ENTIRE FILE REVIEWED FOR HISTORICAL of DECLASSICATION FOIPa REQUEST ALL INFORMATION CONTRAILED KREIM IS LACASIETED Do Not destroy Prior to/4/4989 KREIN IS LASLASSETED (170/0-ME-4445) INVESTIGATION Volume Number: Scotiab. Bureau File Number 44.38861 Se Matt Section 140 HAT FROESTROY: See also No. SEE VOL 1 FOR LITIZATION See Nast 4 DO NOT DESTROY HISTORICIAL VALUE HISTOFTAL ARCHIVES 7.7.082 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI communications and investigative activities related to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on George McMillan’s interactions with federal authorities in 1974. McMillan, an author based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was contacted by the FBI regarding his access to files on James Earl Ray’s involvement in the case. McMillan denied having seen any FBI records and claimed Tennessee state officials held “FBI files” for their prosecution of Ray. The FBI noted McMillan’s reluctance to engage without legal counsel and his references to rumors about Gerald Frank and William Hue accessing materials. McMillan canceled an interview with FBI agents in Boston, citing travel plans to Tennessee.  

The documents also reference Glen Ballaw, who confessed to murdering Dr. King in a letter dated May 4, 1974. The FBI sought verification of Ballaw’s identity and mental stability, noting his return address linked to a hospital. Shelby County Attorney General’s Office confirmed that FBI files related to the case remained sealed for ongoing legal proceedings.  

Separate communications from the FBI Memphis SAC mention Robert Livingston, an attorney representing James Earl Ray in a legal battle against Tennessee. Livingston alleged a conspiracy involving a white male hired killer paid $250,000 to assassinate Dr. King, with Ray being set up as a fall guy. The FBI was informed of potential suspects, including Clifford Andrews and Raymond Curtis, who allegedly escaped from Georgia State Prison. Livingston claimed the killer’s identity was known to the FBI but not yet linked to the case.  

Key People  
- George McMillan (author, Cambridge, Massachusetts)  
- James Earl Ray (accused of assassinating Dr. King)  
- Glen Ballaw (confessed killer of Dr. King)  
- Robert Livingston (attorney representing Ray in legal challenges)  
- Clifford Andrews (suspect linked to conspiracy discussions)  
- Raymond Curtis (alleged escaped prisoner; criminal history referenced)  
- William Hue (individual mentioned in FBI communications)  
- Gerald Frank (author allegedly with access to FBI files)  
- John T. Williams (attorney for McMillan, Boston)  
- Bernard Fensterwald, Robert Henry Haile (attorneys involved in Ray’s defense)  

Key Locations  
- Memphis, Tennessee (FBI and Shelby County offices; location of assassination)  
- Cambridge, Massachusetts (McMillan’s residence)  
- Boston, Massachusetts (FBI interviews)  
- Georgia State Prison (Redeville, Ga.) (Curtis allegedly escaped from this facility)  
- Nashville, Tennessee (legal proceedings)  

Key Events  
- FBI attempts to interview George McMillan regarding access to files on James Earl Ray’s case (April–May 1974).  
- Glen Ballaw’s confession to murdering Dr. King and FBI verification of his identity.  
- Shelby County Attorney General’s Office confirming FBI files remained sealed for legal proceedings.  
- Livingston’s claims about a hired killer, financial motives, and the legal battle over Ray’s conviction.  
- FBI efforts to gather information on suspects, including Andrews, Curtis, and others.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Shelby County Attorney General’s Office (Tennessee)  
- U.S. Department of Justice  
- State of Tennessee (prosecuting Ray in the murder case)  
- Georgia State Prison  
- Legal firms in Boston (Hauserman, Davidson & Shattuck)

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_87-03-part_1_of_7.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search