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even the things that we joked about were deadly serious -- using the term “deadly” literally.

I guess, to deal with your question more directly, I don't remember precisely when I started getting this peculiar feeling that the Muslims may not have been alone in this assignment to be rid of Malcolm. I don't remember when.

Did you ever have any impression, from your talks with him or with others, that it might have been the drug traffickers, or at least they might have been in collaboration in some fashion?

I don't remember that. No, I'm -- my clearest recollection was his concern that the Muslims felt that it was necessary to get rid of him because he had broken so clearly with Elijah Muhammed. By the way, he didn't initiate the break, as you know. The break came from Muhammed's reaction to his statement about the asssination of Kennedy. Jack Kennedy.

Incidentally, did you know Elijah Muhammed personally?

No. I've never met him.

Have you ever been at any rally or function where he--?

-- never saw him, to my knowledge. Never heard him.

My contact with the Muslims was exclusively with Malcolm and the people who were around him in New York City.

A somewhat related question, perhaps -- I believe you made