</s>FD-36 (Rev. 3-22-64) FBI Date: 6/27/68 Transmit the following in Date: (Type in plantext or code) Via ATRTEL ATR MATTI (Priority) TO: SAC, NEW YORK (44-1640) FROM: SAC, LOS ANGELES (56-156(P) SUBJECT: KENSALT 00:Los Angeles Information was received on 6/18/68, from Mr. PAUL G. HOUSTON G. Los Angeles Times (that he recalled seeing ALISTAIR COOKIE, the well-known English television announcer, along with other news media people, at the Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles, at about the time of the shooting of Senator ROBERT F. KENNEDY, CSLA 4679-C advised on 6 /26/68/68 that ALISTAIN COOKIE resides at 1150 5th Avenue, New York City, New YORK, and apparently currently currently is located in New York. The New York:Office is requested to locate and interview ALISIAIR COOKE for any information he may possess concerning this matter. 2- New York 2 - Eps Angeles RMW/as1 (4) 44-160-830 SEARCHED IMEXEDED SERIALIZED FILED 23 JUL 1 1968 FB-NEW YORK. Approved: Special Agent in Charge Sent M Per 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary:  
The document details FBI communications regarding inquiries into Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination. On June 18, 1968, Paul G. Houston of the *Los Angeles Times* reported seeing Alistair Cookie (likely a misspelling of "Alistair Cooke," a British broadcaster) at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles around the time of RFK’s shooting. The FBI requested that New York offices locate and interview Cookie, who was noted to reside at 1150 5th Avenue, New York City. Subsequent communications reference file numbers (e.g., CSIA 4679-C) and repeated requests for information on Cookie’s potential knowledge of the assassination. Later entries mention Susanna Gross contacting the FBI about Ida Schleifer’s desire to contact Joan Weidner in Pasadena, California, though this appears unrelated to RFK. Other fragments reference Gerald Robert Amster, a "Fiesta Time at the Tropics" event on Ventura Boulevard (May 26, 1968), and Sirhan B. Sirhan (possibly conflated with the actual assassin). The documents also include administrative notes about file handling, redactions, and release under Executive Order 14176.  

Key People:  
- Paul G. Houston (Los Angeles Times reporter)  
- Alistair Cookie (likely Alistair Cooke; British broadcaster)  
- Susanna Gross (District Assistant to Congressman William Fitz Ryan)  
- Ida Schleifer (individual seeking contact with Joan Weidner)  
- Joan Weidner (resident of Pasadena, California)  
- Gerald Robert Amster (individual referenced in "Fiesta Time at the Tropics" context)  
- Sirhan B. Sirhan (possibly conflated with actual RFK assassin; name appears in fragmented text)  

Key Locations:  
- Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles  
- 1150 5th Avenue, New York City  
- Westover Hotel, New York City  
- Pasadena, California  
- Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles  
- Washington, D.C. (Washington Field office)  

Key Events:  
- RFK’s assassination at the Ambassador Hotel on June 5, 1968  
- FBI requests to interview Alistair Cookie regarding potential knowledge of the assassination  
- Susanna Gross’ communication about Ida Schleifer’s contact with Joan Weidner  
- Mention of "Fiesta Time at the Tropics" event (May 26, 1968)  
- References to press coverage of RFK’s campaign, including Bruce Page and Anthony Clifton of *London Sunday Times*  

Key Organizations:  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Los Angeles Times  
- United States Congress (Congressman William Fitz Ryan)  
- British Broadcasting Company (BBC)  
- London Sunday Times

RFK Declassified Files

44-ny-1640_sec_002_ser_89-226-part_7_of_7.pdf

Document Summary

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