</s>Ray vacationed, beginning July 30th, at the July 30- August 5 Gray Rocks Inn on Lake Quimper in the Laurentian Mountains seeking, according to Ray, contact with a respectable woman to voucher for him on a passport application. He was "picked up" by a female Canadian Government employee and her girlfriend and spent the next few days with them before leaving on August 7th: The two women followed, stayed overnight with Ray in August 7 Montreal on August 17th, and then returned to their residences in Ottawa (Hule, pp.51-53), 5042). On August 9th, she purchased by money order a formula for August 9 making glass for a two-way mirror (219). Then, on August 19 August 19th, Ray visited the government employee in Ottawa, but did not importure her to assist him on his passport application (Hute, p.54). During the approximately two and one-half "Raoul" months of Ray's stay in Canada he relates meeting an contact dates July 18- underworld character named "Raoul", after negotiations, Aug. 8 & through Aug. 18 Ray stated to author Huile, that he engaged in smuggling operations with "Raaul" and then proceeded to Birmingham to meet "Raul" at the latter's direction. Meanwhile, Aug. 18-20 he stayed at the Town and Country, Motel, Ottawa, from August 18th to August 20th (5502). Whatever may be -68- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document synthesizes multiple declassified government records to analyze James Earl Ray’s alleged involvement in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, his legal proceedings, physical evidence, conflicting narratives, and FBI surveillance of civil rights leaders. Key elements include Ray’s 1969 guilty plea, forensic findings linking him to the crime scene, contradictions in his accounts of Raoul and FBI conspiracy, passport fraud, and international movements. It also details FBI surveillance on MLK from 1961–1963, focusing on Communist Party connections, internal FBI debates over surveillance justification, and tensions between Director J. Edgar Hoover and Assistant Director William C. Sullivan. The text underscores Ray’s direct involvement in the assassination based on evidence, while noting unresolved questions about family ties and FBI operational shortcomings.  

Key People  
- **James Earl Ray**: Suspected assassin of MLK; admitted guilt during trial, had criminal history, racist attitudes, and financial motives post-prison escape.  
- **John Ray**: Brother of James; visited him in prison, potentially provided support, and was linked to his activities in St. Louis.  
- **Jerry Ray**: Brother of James; visited him in prison, may have lied about interactions with James, and had contact with him after his escape.  
- **Carol Pepper**: Sister and business partner of John Ray; received a money order from an inmate for James Ray.  
- **Ima Morales**: Mexican woman who witnessed Ray’s racist remarks and possession of a pistol in Puerto Vallarta.  
- **Dr. Mark Freeman**: Psychologist who assessed Ray as having sociopathic tendencies and potential for violence.  
- **J. Edgar Hoover**: FBI Director; oversaw surveillance on MLK and approved directives for domestic intelligence operations.  
- **William C. Sullivan**: Assistant Director, Domestic Intelligence Division; produced reports analyzing Communist Party influence on African Americans.  
- **Alex Rosen**: Assistant Director, General Investigative Division; informed Hoover about lack of prior FBI investigation into MLK.  
- **Robert F. Kennedy**: Attorney General; expressed concerns over Communist Party ties to civil rights leaders.  

Key Locations  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP)**: Where Ray was incarcerated; inmates reported his racist behavior and threats against Black prisoners.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Home to John Ray; location of a money order sent to Carol Pepper.  
- **Chicago, Illinois**: Where Jerry Ray resided; Ray purchased a car here in 1967.  
- **Puerto Vallarta, Mexico**: Location where Ima Morales encountered Ray.  
- **Birmingham, Alabama**: Final destination for Ray after escaping prison; his travel and financial activities were unclear.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of MLK’s assassination and FBI investigation into the crime.  

Key Events  
- **Ray’s escape from Missouri State Penitentiary (April 22, 1967)**: Marked the start of his flight to Alabama.  
- **Incarceration at MSP**: Inmates reported Ray’s racist behavior, threats against Black prisoners, and potential involvement in a prison riot.  
- **Financial activities post-escape**: Ray spent money on cars, photo equipment, and other purchases, suggesting external support.  
- **Work at a restaurant in Illinois (1967)**: Earned $6,664; employers noted calls from a man claiming to be his brother.  
- **Family interactions**: John and Jerry Ray visited James in prison, with evidence of financial transactions and post-escape contact.  
- **FBI investigation**: Led to Ray’s capture via fingerprint match; concluded he acted alone, though family involvement was not fully explored.  
- **May 22, 1961**: Assistant Director Alex Rosen informed Hoover that Dr. King had not been investigated by the FBI.  
- **Early 1962**: FBI intensified surveillance on MLK and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).  
- **August 23, 1963**: William C. Sullivan presented a report analyzing Communist Party influence on African Americans.  
- **September 16, 1963**: Sullivan recommended increased coverage of communist influence on the Negro population; Director Hoover rejected the proposal.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted surveillance on MLK, investigated Ray’s activities, and managed domestic intelligence operations.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice**: Oversaw legal proceedings and coordination with the FBI, though internal communication issues were noted.  
- **Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)**: Civil rights organization linked to MLK; targeted for FBI surveillance due to alleged Communist Party connections.  
- **Communist Party, USA**: Referenced in FBI reports as a potential influence on African American leaders.  
- **Senate Select Committee**: Investigated FBI activities related to civil rights and surveillance operations.

MLK Declassified Files

66-me-2189_sec_001_ser_1-part_3_of_6.pdf

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