Cointelpro White Hate Groups Part 03

FOIPA COVER SHEET FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PRIVACY ACTS SUBJECT: (COINTELPRO) WHITE HATE GROUPS SUB 2 157-9 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION NOTICE THE BEST COPIES OBTAINABLE ARE INCLUDED IN THE REPRODUCTION OF THE FILE. PAGES INCLUDED THAT ARE BLURRED, LIGHT OR OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO READ ARE THE RESULT OF THE CONDITION AND OR COLOR OF THE ORIGINALS PROVIDED. THESE ARE THE BEST COPIES AVAILABLE. I7 5 1 - Mr. Ryan V' KLUX KLAN IDNCOPORATED) Relulet 9/2/64. The lenders ot ei ral &mall Klan or eaisations in 1063 fermed a group called the NatipW Kap gn of tbe Ku X .. laoi ijacorprralgti_ NK) whiebl- a tos ever- imes lear. . - 'Tie purroe of this organiu tl.n i to attee t to unite the vwasrous Flan groups to gain tr agth and to inmrove cOop ration between the various Elams. To date this erganizatio has not bees efctiv, malnly bmase of disagreeoets betwreb variau.3 leaoers as to wheb would lead the NEKE. Jame R. Ve1ble, an Atlanta attrney, is allegedly the ational chairean of laeri a Wlsard of the organizaties. Veoable sad his supporters have doisgnated Trokor, Georgia, as headquartes fer the new group. It io ioperative that. eountriatelligcaoe stegs hs taoen to eoeludve any alitleatle or co@soldatio et Klan organizatt In. Tou are iustrueted to prmptly furpiih to the Bureau an analysis of the present satus O fh WIU. Iocludc ' recomeadntions for omnterintelligenace act to poseo and discredit this organiation. ou should spoolitialy eeari PUNn a knoVn st01genBsm usiting among the 16adewo t the KNEIw ithin their a organisations ad alsd tith leaders eof other launs. Consider meas to egpitalie tar oouaterttelligon r purposes upon a"- existing matagosm. DR: rm f .- (5) I["nt .. :In*o --- rI S.r F11 . ,..* d.....**Z Zlon __ -. Ie roranda,,t To : DIRECTOR, FBI (157-9-Main) DATE: 9/16/64 FRo AThL ANTA (157-826) (P) suJcr: COUtERINTEL_LCGgCEpROGRAM INTERIAL SECURITY - - DISRUPTION OF HATE GROUPS 7UNITED KLANS OF A ERICA, INC., KIGHTS OF THE KU KLUX KLAN) ReBulet 9/2/64. In 1960, a comparatively small group of Klansmen Dulled out of U. S. Klans, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, Inc., and formed a new Klan group called Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, Inc. -t*' e of this new group was tL of Jonesboro, Georgia. In the Summer 0I -1, O_'ing a ettrt~een and officials of United Klans of America, Inc., Knign-s of This page appears to be the cover sheet of an FBI document related to COINTELPRO operations concerning "White Hate Groups." The text is primarily printed, with the title "FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PRIVACY ACTS" prominently displayed, followed by "SUBJECT: (COINTELPRO)" and "WHITE HATE GROUPS." Below this, "SUB 2" and the designation "157-9" are visible. A circular emblem, possibly indicating the Freedom of Information Act, is present near the bottom center. The phrase "FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION" is printed in large letters at the very bottom. There are no photographs, handwritten notes, stamps, forms, logs, charts, or redactions visible on this page. Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, Inc., and formed a new Klan group called Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, Inc. -t*' e of this new group was tL of Jonesboro, Georgia. In the Summer 0I -1, O_'ing a ettrt~een and officials of United Klans of America, Inc., Knign-s of the Ku Klux Klan (United Klans), the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, Inc., were merged into Un' d Klans and was given the position o of Unit a held at Birminha fi j0 o nmin an e emoved as or Georgia. 0 no commit himself - f-s uu' 7 oi he would thin 7 over and notify him when - h _ / ad reached 2 .deck 1 7 ,O 2-.'- urgeau (RM) - V".: rt, T,'Atlanta (2 - 157-826 o .. f1 :1,7-Eeeb m o . ,.5 •4 SE:. 17 1964 - -, 1 This situation appears to offer an opportunity to capitalize upon the personal conflict of two Klan leaders. e proptse the following action: .i PTe IPureau is requested to authorize the above acticn. 2.- .. " ) ,AC, Atlanta (157-826) Beptember 9, 1964 1.Erector WI (157-9-2) --$O . L re 'I c D trt - l - - 1 - Mr. Belmont 1 - tr. Sullivan 1 - Mr. Baumgardriei COUNTERINTELLIGENCE PROGRA.a 1 - Kr. Gray INTERJPAL" VSIRITY DISBUPTI OF HATE GROUPS9 1 an (UNITED KLANS OF AMERICA, INC.) . ReATlet 9/16/64. Advise the Bureau of any positive results of this effort and be alert to submit follow-up counterintelligence :, recommondations. 1- Atlanta NOTE: See memorandum Baungardner to Sullivan, same caption, dated 9/28/64, p epared by DR:lm:rlm. DR:lmm:1atl / (9) B a - U a u " D , . , s.ur. F .OMM-FBI Tlt ; 1 *ti i r J T"- CT 8C, Atlanta 9/23/64 1 - Mr. Gray Director, FBI (157-9-2) 1 - Mr. Ryan COUMRIEINTELLIGENC PROGRAM INTERNAL ECURITY DISRUPTION VF HATE GROUPS (JAN38 3. VENABLE) IteBulet 9/2/64 and Bulet 9/15/64 (National fnights of the Ku Klux Klan, Incorporated) relating to this program. Relet dated 9/15/64 pointed outthe leaders of several nsmr'Klan organizations in 1963 formed a group U-S called th 'National Eights ofthe_u.luxz Klan IncorporatOd, ( )hici h eeti iveral times a year. the purpose of t K is to unite the various Klan groups and to improve cooperation between the flans. To date the organisation's intention has not been effective, mainly This page consists of a text-based notice, with no other visual elements such as photographs, handwritten annotations, stamps, or forms. The text is centered on the page and presented in a large, bold font. The content of the notice specifically addresses the quality of reproductions within the file, stating that any blurred or illegible pages are due to the condition of the original documents. There are no redactions or visual evidence of surveillance methods on this page. This page from a declassified FBI document contains typed text that appears to be an operational directive regarding "COUNTERINTELLIGENCE PROGRAM INTERNAL SECURITY - DISRUPTION OF HATE GROUPS (NATIONAL KNIGHTS OF THE KU KLUX KLAN, INCORPORATED)." It includes handwritten annotations, such as a file number "157-9-2-1" at the bottom right, and "MCT. MY" above the "REC" stamp. There are also official stamps, including one that reads "REC" followed by a date, and "MAIL ROOM," "COMM FRI," and "FILE PREASE." The document also contains a list of names, "1 - Mr. Gray" and "1 - Mr. Ryan," indicating recipients or individuals involved. Forms with rubber-stamped information are visible, relating to mailing and internal processing. There are no photographic images of individuals or facilities present on this page. in 1963 formed a group U-S called th 'National Eights ofthe_u.luxz Klan IncorporatOd, ( )hici h eeti iveral times a year. the purpose of t K is to unite the various Klan groups and to improve cooperation between the flans. To date the organisation's intention has not been effective, mainly because of disagree- ments between various leaders as to who: would lead the NK . James R. Venable, an attorney is allegedly the National Chairman or Imperial Wizard of the NKIE. Tenable And his supporters have designated Tucker, Georgia, as headquarters for the new group. Bulet 9/15/64 requested you consider counterintel- ligence techniques for the purpose of frustrating the objectives of the NEKK. NC0 LCfCA ( I' The Bureau also desires that you ~diately afford counterintelligence attention to J_a gp!, ap1ble, who is also the Legal Counsel of the United Klans of erica, Incorporated You should consider all possible exposure, disruptive,neutralizing and embarrassing tactics for application against Venable. Submit your comments and specific counterintelligence recommenda- tions to the Bureau for authorization prior to initiating action. .1 - Atlanta (157-37o0) REC 47/ 7.:3 - 1 - 157-1628 ..- NOTE: --enable, born 1/15/05 in Georgia, resides on VFW Drive, -tone Mountain, Georgia and is an attorney with offices at 100 , , -Hunter Street, Southwest Atlanta, Georgia; he is known to suffer - -- ~,aom high blood pressure. :." i•8194 I . (7j)f,. aft I r -K 'AF~r~l-- j S-. 9/25/4 - 1 - Ur, Belsont ARItRL 1 - .rl era 1 - fr. eLsacb 1 - Mr. Sullivan as .AC, Atlanta (157-826) - -- Mrr , RB,a g W a,r Sdmni e t r h --- 1 - Mr. Ryan From: -Difector, BI (157-9-2) 1 - Mr. Gray CNTRNAL SECURITY a DIBRjTIO OF! ATE G.ROU.... (PUILIifT)T Seurairtel 9/17/64, same caption, and Butelcall to I' ASAC Stewart 9/24/84 advising of approval of counterintelligenoe operation suggested by re tirtel. 7 Enclosed are the original and one copy of ounter-t intelligence material regarding the Elan prepared by the Bureau. The original of this document is for passage to . .The copy should be retained in your files, Ton a ou avse tbhat when be gives this material to for possible use in the "Saturday Evening Post" taricle, he Bureau must not be revealed as the source. should understand that under no oiroumstances can sources be t. revealed or made available to substantiate the information This FBI document is a memorandum dated September 16, 1964, from the SAC of Atlanta to the FBI Director concerning the Counterintelligence Program and the disruption of hate groups, specifically the Ku Klux Klan. The document contains heavily redacted sections, indicated by solid black bars, obscuring significant portions of the text. There are handwritten annotations in the margins, including check marks, circled numbers, and notes like "67D" and "07c". Official stamps and typing indicate that the document originates from an FBI field office. Visible typed sections describe the formation and merger of Klan groups and reference individuals potentially involved. There are no photographs of individuals or facilities present. in your files, Ton a ou avse tbhat when be gives this material to for possible use in the "Saturday Evening Post" taricle, he Bureau must not be revealed as the source. should understand that under no oiroumstances can sources be t. revealed or made available to substantiate the information this document contains. ++-. It should be tactfully suggested to .tht he may find any of the material not actually used b I helpful in connection with hbi syndicated newspaper column, The Bureau appreciates your alertness and interest in suggesting $b A counterintelligence operation, Advise the Bureau of posntVe6 rgsults of your action and be alert to submit follow- p Odnterintelligence recommendations. AEnclosures 31) 0 7 MAILE(1 AW/ow + l -. -7r SEP 2 1964 9 :G.lwh £ 'RAT: COCMMA ,-- e hevr aimorandum F. J. Raumgardler to W. C.. Sullivan, :.on,. dated 9/25/64, same caption, prepared by AiO:mac, nFTY r ,• '.. + - , , , , THE KU KLUX KLAN TODAY 'there is a current revival of the Ku Klux Klan in the United States. In early September, 1964, the largest Klan organization in the Nation, thoed Klans of America, held its National Klonvokation at the Dinkler-Tutwiler Hotel in .. Birmingham, Alabama. This is the largest and one of the best hotels in that city. A feature of the KIonvokation was a banquet attended by some 600 men and women from every state in the Deep South. Robert .(elton, the Imperial Wizard, bl head of the United was e-e at this Klonvoibation. , hs current revival of the Klan is undoubtedly attributable to two events in particular. The first was the Supreme Court decision of May 17, 1954, which held that segregation in public schools is unlawful. The second was the enactment ,r of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. While the vast majority of the people in the South .:i accept the law of the land, there are, in a frustrated fringe, some who are willing . to condone violence and some who are willing to commit violence, in an effort to prevent integration. Thus, the Klan tradition of advocating "white supremacy" still lives in many parts of the South. The Klan's main hate target is, of course, the Negro. A secondary hate target in the Klan's opposition to integration is Jews. Equating Jews with communists, the Klan has contrived a "Jewish-communist conspiracy" to which it The provided page is a scanned document with significant portions redacted. It displays a typewritten message and several blacked-out sections. A handwritten annotation "670" appears on the left side of the page, and a handwritten number "3." is present in the bottom right corner. There is also a page number "- 2 -" in the bottom center. The top portion of the page contains several circular ink marks, potentially from a binding or rubber stamp. The overall impression is that of a heavily censored internal memorandum or report. Klan tradition of advocating "white supremacy" still lives in many parts of the South. The Klan's main hate target is, of course, the Negro. A secondary hate target in the Klan's opposition to integration is Jews. Equating Jews with communists, the Klan has contrived a "Jewish-communist conspiracy" to which it attributes a plot to use the colored races as a pawn in order to "mongrelize" the 16. white race everywhere. The conspirators would, in this Klan-conceived plot, take~ over the' world after the rest of the white race has been degraded by desegregation. (157-168-254) . . the.r Klan targets are Roman Catholics and the foreign born. Thus, despite sanctimonious claims to worthy aims, superpatriotism, and the promotion of the best interest ofthe community, state, and nation, the Klan is based on bigotry. Its real aims and purposes are to subjugate, in one way or another, all those in the United States who are not white, native-born Protestants. In an effort to accomplish this objective, it promotes segregation, anti-Semitism, anti-Catholicism, and a limitation on immigration. Thus, the traditional Klan intolerance remains udchanged-- antagonism toward Negroes, Jews, Catholics, and the foreign born. (Pamphlet, "Is the KKK Guilty of Patriotism") The current revival of the Klan has brought its membership to a total somewhat less than 10, 000. Even so, it is far from its peak of the 1920's, when it numbered four million. The actual total is also far from the claims of its leaders. In June, 1964, for example, Robert Shelton stated that the man membership in Alabama alone was in the "neighborhood" of 65, 000. About the same time, a Klan leader in Mississippi claimed that Klan membership in that state totaled nearly 100,000. ("NY Times," 7/6/64, Mag. Sect., p. 8; "The National Observer," 7/27/64," p. 5) From 1915, when William Joseph Simmons formed the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan as a revival of the original Klan of the Reconstruction Period, until 1944, the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan virtually dominated all Klan activities. After this organization suspended operations in 1944, because of United States Governmeht claimr for delinquent taxes totaling nearly $700, 000, the Klan splintered into a number of independent organizations. (KKK monograph, S ection, II, p. 2) -2- Altoibugh 17 Klan organizations are currently in existence, only one was formed more than ten years ago. The closest to an extensive, unified Klan orga iz- tion delinquent taxes totaling nearly $700, 000, the Klan splintered into a number of independent organizations. (KKK monograph, S ection, II, p. 2) -2- Altoibugh 17 Klan organizations are currently in existence, only one was formed more than ten years ago. The closest to an extensive, unified Klan orga iz- tion is Shlton's United Klans. With an approximate membership of 4,625 in seven states, United Klans accounts for approximately half of the national Klan membership. Other leading Klans include the Original Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan of Mississippi, United Florida Ku Klux Klan, Association of South Carolina Klans, Dixie Klans, Association of Arkansas Klans, and U. S. Klans. (157-370, 105-71801, 157-1552, 157-395, 105-38068, 157-92, 157-470) From time to time, since, 1944, working agreements have been reached between the heads of various Klans looking toward a consolidation of Klans. The most recent steps to unite the Klans have been taken by the National Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, headed by James Venable of Stone Mountain, Georgia. Up to now, however, all attempts to establish a national union of Klan organizations under a single leadership have been unsuccessful, because of the inability of the leaders to agree on a single leader for such a group. Shelton has indicated, for example, that he already has the largest Klan in the Nation and he can see no reason to turn it ovet to Venable. (157-168-259, p. 4) Actually, Klan leaders are ambitious, opportunistic, ruthless promoters and publicity seekers who are constantly vying with each other for control of ihe various Klans. Each Klan organization is virtually a one-man dictatorship. Klan sources of income are many. One source is the initiation fee, or Klektoken. The Klektoken for one Klan is $15 for men and $10 for womeb, and -3- 65 per cent of-the Klektoken must be forwarded to the man headquarters. Another source Ip mnembe ship dues. The Louisiana realm of the United Klans, for ezample, tranemitsaJ cents per member each month to Robert Shelton. The Imperial Dragon of another Klan receives between $1,900 and $2, 500 per month from the klaverns. Of this amount, he paye his wife $200 per month to handle the man's correspondence. (157-168-159, p. 6; 157-370-33-47; 105-71801-238) Revenue from the sale of robes enhances the treasuries of most klaverns. In most instances, the robes sell for $10, from which a substantial profit This document appears to be a COINTELPRO memo from the FBI's Atlanta field office, dated September 29, 1964. It concerns the "INTERNAL SECURITY DISRUPTION OF HATE GROUPS (UNITED KLANS OF AMERICA, INC.)". Notable visual elements include handwritten notes and additions, such as the number "670" in the top left, and modifications to the typed text. There is a stamp that reads "MAILED 25, SEP 29 1964, COMM-FBI". Several lines of text are heavily redacted with black marker, obscuring sensitive information, particularly in the top right and middle sections of the page. The document also contains a list of names with numbers next to them, possibly indicating distribution or surveillance assignments, and a date stamp "OCT 1, 1964". per month from the klaverns. Of this amount, he paye his wife $200 per month to handle the man's correspondence. (157-168-159, p. 6; 157-370-33-47; 105-71801-238) Revenue from the sale of robes enhances the treasuries of most klaverns. In most instances, the robes sell for $10, from which a substantial profit is derived, especially if the robes are made by the wife of a Klan member. An official of one klavern incurred the displeasure of his members by making too fat a profit. 'He bought the robes for $5 and sold them for $15. Not satisfied with this, he also sold the members small Confederate flags, at $1 each, to be sewn on the sleeves of the robes. (157-370-8-168, p. 10) Shelton's United Mans has launched a new fund-raising scheme. It has established a corporation known as Heritage Enterprises, Incorporated. Principal subsidiary of this corporation is the Heritage Insurance Agency of Bessemer, Alabama. United Klans owns 51 per cent of this insurance agency and.certain Alabama financial backers own the remaining 49 per cent, Shelton has stated that each Klansman will be a salesman for this agency, which sells a complete line of insurance, such as casualty, life, hospitalization, disability, income, accident, and group, (157-370-2-183, 194; 157-370"8-77; 157-370-61, 66) Another source of Klan funds is rallies which present an opportunity for "passing the hat." Recently, a Klan held a public rally during which the Collection S4- :! I~ filled severalt-uckets. When the rally was over, one of the filled buckets Fwas mist S(1 157-370-8-168, p. 30 ) -. isappropriation offunds by Klan officers and members is commonplace and has frequently caused dissenbion within klaverns, and even their disintegration. One klavern was in a tate of consternation when it was learned, following the Exalted Cyclops' departure from the hrea for the summer, that the treasury had been depleted and ihe financial records were missing. More than one Klan has been the victim of misappropriation of funds. Several years ago, the morale of a Klan suffered a severe setback when a mnember, who happened to be a minister, absconded with some funds. (157-395-295, p. 1; 105-65374-283, p. 27) The mental aberrations of many Klan members are exemplified in a 4 recent incident involving the Kennedy half dollars now in circulation. Members of a Itklavern were told that whenever they received such a coin, they ,should drilhahole - in Kennedy's head and put the half This page is a typewritten FBI document with several handwritten annotations. It contains official routing codes and stamps, including a "9/23/64" date stamp in the upper right and a "13 SEP 23 1964" stamp at the bottom right, along with file numbers like "REC-47/57-9-2-3". There are also marginal notes, such as "NO LOCATION" written in the middle of the page, and handwritten entries on what appears to be a form in the bottom left, including a date "69 SEP 28 1964." A prominent vertical stamp on the far right reads "INRECORDED COPY FILED IN". There are no photographs or visual depictions of individuals or locations present on the page. This page is a typed memorandum with several handwritten annotations and official stamps. There are no photographs or visual evidence of surveillance methods. Handwritten notes include "btw" and "bid" on the left margin, and a series of numbers and letters "157-9-2-4" in the center. Official stamps include "9/25/64" at the top right, and a rectangular stamp with "SEP 25 1964" and "COMM-FBI" at the bottom right. There is also a handwritten date stamp "67 OCT 1 1952" at the bottom left. Several sections of text are blacked out, indicating redactions. The document also contains a list of names with numbers next to them on the right side of the page, likely indicating distribution. 1; 105-65374-283, p. 27) The mental aberrations of many Klan members are exemplified in a 4 recent incident involving the Kennedy half dollars now in circulation. Members of a Itklavern were told that whenever they received such a coin, they ,should drilhahole - in Kennedy's head and put the half dollar back in circulation. The purpose for so doing, of course, is to force the United States Government to recall all of the Kennedy half dollars. (157-92-327, p. 4) Just what type of person does the Klan attract? Most Klansmen have , medibcre backgrounds, limited educations, and extremely narrow, fanatical outlooks and interests. Except for the Negro, they are usually at or near the bottom of the social ladder. This lack of social status may Well account for their insecurity, -- I:- I frustration, discontent, and longing for revenge. Thus, recognition from fellow Klansmen lowUQig participation in Klan activity acts as a substitute for the recognitienwithheld by society. (157-370-8-100; 100-7801-4509, pp. 932-934:. 157-1522-73) In the case of many Klansmen, their stability of mind is questionable, their integrity susp6ct, and their morality and personal conduct deplorable. A former patient of New York City's Bellevue Hospital, where he was confined following a nervous breakdown, is the head of a small Klan group. The head of an "inner-terror" group was discharged from the United States Army for mental instability.. He has a past arrest record for soliciting for prostitution, for fighting, and for manslaughter. (157-219-36, p. 13; 157-1480) An Imperial Wizard became an alcoholic and a drug addict and misappropriated all the funds in the treasury of his Khn. One Exalted Cyclops is a moral reprobate who was divorced by his first wife because he struck her and further abused her; his second wife also left him for similar reasons. I is alleged that he will not have a girl work in his office unless she is willing to submit to his advances. He, together with two other men, reportedly photographed a woman in the nude. He is also said to have performed an abortion on her. (157-168-22; 157-92-5) A lawyer who has devoted his entire life to the Klan movement is James ienahbelea,d of the National Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. Venable is If also President of the Defeniive Legion Registered Americans, a Klan front -6- organization&ihich produces phonograph records of a viciously anti-Negro and - - anti-Senltic natare. several years The document appears to be a typewritten report with handwritten annotations. A title "THE KU KLUX KLAN TODAY" is underlined. There are several handwritten notes in the margins, including "USA.", "NO LOCALITY", and a numerical sequence "157-9-2-4". A large black redaction is present in the middle of the page, obscuring part of a sentence. There are also some smudges and ink marks visible throughout the document. The overall appearance suggests a declassified government report with added notes from field agents. devoted his entire life to the Klan movement is James ienahbelea,d of the National Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. Venable is If also President of the Defeniive Legion Registered Americans, a Klan front -6- organization&ihich produces phonograph records of a viciously anti-Negro and - - anti-Senltic natare. several years ago, Venable declared that the tise bad come to hang al-w people-;both white and Negro--in order to let people know that the Klan meant business. Venable has also advocated hanging some Negroes on college campuses. Separftd from his wife, Venable shared his home in Stone Mountain, Georgia, with a close associate, til N recently, when he requeste~ to leave because of the latter's drinking. (157-1628-1 B. API I aged63, has had i ii'i6ii dainking problem for b-years, although he is said to have joined Alcoholics Anonymous at one time. Prior to and following World War E was well known and made considerable money as a radio and television announcer in New York City and Philadelphia. However, he "blew it all in," took to drink, and eventually lost his professional standin and nections. (157-560-2,9,13, etc. ) SMan u use ob 1T -speaking voice, has narrated recordings produced by Defensive gion t2agtsteree . ericaa , of which he is Secretary. These recordings are bitterly denunciatiy of iegroes, 'Jews, and Catholics, even to the extent of advocating-violent action by whites to protect their way of life against Negro encroachment. (157-560-14, 16, 17, 19, etc.) Klansmen live in a make-believe world of their own with its peculiar titles, mystic ceremony, terrorist activities, shared hatred, and hoods which -7- act to conceal theit identities. Klan activities are associated in the minds of most wth t~iQz!ts, terror, shotguns, mutilations, and tar and feathers, While Klan leaders may now say that they are opposed to the use of violence, they also make inflammatory statements which incite Klansmen and promote violence on their part. (157-1522-13) Of even greater potential danger to society than the resort to violence by individual Klansmen, with or without the authorization of their leaders, ist he existence within the Klan of so-called "action groups. " Known variously as "Holy Terrors," "Knock Off Groups," and "Killer Squads," these secret "action groups" consist of three to ten Klansmen in a klavern who do the illegal work of the Klan. (157-168-281) At a Klan demonstration of how to dispose of an interloper, several uniformed armed guards shot The document page is predominantly text, with no photographs, forms, surveillance charts, or evidence of surveillance methods. There are no official stamps visible, but the page does contain handwritten marginalia in the form of a number "8" in the bottom right corner. There are also several small, circular or oval shapes scattered across the upper portion of the page, which appear to be ink blots or smudges. The page also includes small, faint markings that could be individual dots or speckles of ink, consistent with old documents. " Known variously as "Holy Terrors," "Knock Off Groups," and "Killer Squads," these secret "action groups" consist of three to ten Klansmen in a klavern who do the illegal work of the Klan. (157-168-281) At a Klan demonstration of how to dispose of an interloper, several uniformed armed guards shot three times in the direction of the pretending intruder, who fell to the ground as the guards closed in. One ripped open the "victim's" shirt with a knife, simulating slashing open his stomach, then the guards threw the man into a creek (100-7 801-49-55) Robe rel, Alabama Grand Dragpn of the United Klat told members ino ne klavern that "if you don't want to get out and 'bust-ass' and killNiggers,' get out of the organization." (157-370-4-152 p. 7) Floggings head the list of Klan incidents of violence. One particularly Sbr utal case took place in the Spring of 1961 in Alabama. Late one evening, a -8- group of white men *ent to the home of a white couple. Their 14-year-old son admitted the men into the house. The husband was blackjacked; the telephone torn fromithe wall; and both the husband and wile taken from their home in their night clothing to a wooded area, stripped, and severely beaten.with a leather whip.- They were left alone'in'the woods. The assailants told the couple that they had been beaten because they had allegedly permitted their son to be whipped by a Negro for a crime he had committed. Seven men were arrested and convicted for this crime. All of them admitted membership in the Klan, but none would admit that this incident was at the insti ation dirr etion of aor zation. (LHM r In April, 1964, a reporter for a television station in New Orleans, was seized by armed lOanamen as he attempted to film a meeting of the Klan in a heavily wooded area nerr Jackson, Mississippi. His camera was seized, and he was forced to remove his trousers and lie in a poison ivy patch, where he was whipped about 20 times with a "holster.belt. " He was then forced to crawl into a small enclosure in the back of a pickup truck. After he had been in the truck for five minutes, he was ordered out and struck another nine or ten times. When he was freed, the Klanemen