The RFK file ‘release’ has not drawn the media attention the earlier JFK releases did, nor have there been extended remarks from RFK Jr. on the release. Of course what we are now seeing going online are relatively routine FBI RFK Name files, basically correspondence directed the FBI – much of it calling for an investigation of Sirhan in terms of communist or radical Arab or Palestinian influence. There are also requests from LAPD for routine background checks on individuals and copies of LAPD investigative materials and evidence (including autopsy photos) – as well as newspaper coverage of the trial.

This is the sort of thing we would expect given that the FBI was simply supporting LAPD in a criminal investigation, not itself ‘working’ the crime. As to the evidence itself, and the extensive LAPD investigative files, much of it has been available at the California Archives, Dartmouth and other institutions (including the Mary Ferrell Foundation) for many years. https://www.maryferrell.org/pages/RFK_Assassination_Documents.html

Its not that the RFK releases don’t give us further insight into the context of the crime, but primarily they simply broaden our historical view. We are not seeing brand new investigative files with the RFK materials, we are seeing history – history from bulk files (many simply copies from LAPD or elsewhere) not withheld or secret, simply from FBI records setting in the National Archives.

But is that really all there is?

Anyone reviewing the press coverage of Sirhan, or the witness statements made at his trial would have found ample indications of his Palestinian advocacy, of his hatred of Israel, and his negative view of his experience in America. He had made no effort to conceal those feelings. There were also LAPD reports of Sirhan in the company of others – young people of apparent Arab descent – both before the assassination and at the Ambassador Hotel the evening of the crime. And the FBI and the CIA were well aware of activist Arab, pro-Palestinian student groups in the U.S. – including groups Sirhan might have encountered during his two years at Pasadena City College.

The FBI and CIA were also aware that foreign nation’s intelligence services were actively working in the United States – working to counter opposition from expatriates and students studying in American colleges. Perhaps the most active of those was Iranian intelligence, known as SAVAK. Inititially established with CIA assistance to support the newly installed Shaw of Iran. SAVAK was particularly active in its overseas missions. https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP81M00980R000600050015-5.pdf

Click to access Meisels-Eitan_SNR-Thesis_web.pdf

In that regard we know that a series of reports given to both the FBI and LAPD identified the Khan family of Iran as being associated with Sirhan immediately before the assassination (the family being ex-patriots with their own problems with the Shaw and SAVAK).

All of this raises the question of whether any element of the American Intelligence community – CIA, FBI, NSA – held files which might have been relevant to foreign involvement in the RFK assassination. Files which would have pointed towards potential influence, contact or even influence over Sirhan – provoking or otherwise taking advantage of his own publicly stated political views (which testimony showed he was never hesitant to express to friends and acquaintances).

LAPD certainly collected numerous leads and reports which would have had at least suggested the possibility of foreign involvement in the crime. While they, and the LA District Attorney, ultimately chose not to pursue the question of influence and conspiracy at trial, did the American intelligence community choose to ignore it as well? Or are did relevant files exist which might truly expand our view of the murder of an American Senator and Presidential candidate?

If so, bringing something new to the RFK assassination is going to take more than simply scanning bulk files at NARA. Someone with major authority would have to order an actual search for such files – files the CIA in particular would have not been anxious to share back in the 1970’s – or even now.