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ir, Radwaree 0.2... r. Pyar ix. Foxwwarth ....... -Giavim ee. . Rarbo ...20.-..+ JRLVHCE September 15, 1956, With reference to the request made of you sone weeks ago by Btate's Attorney Courtney of Chicago for inforwuation in the pos- session of the PBI concerning the persona responsible for the per- petration of th . Valentine massacre in Chicago February 14, 1929, you will recall that I-mmrormed you that iton had fur- nished ue certain information relative to thie matter, In discussin: this matter with you, it was my understanding that you felt that this investigation should be conducted by the Bureaus that is to eay, that we should proceed with the location of the various sub- jecta who were involved in this massacre and when located and evidence gathered, then it would be time to determine the procedure to be taken relative to presenting it to State's Attorney Courtney. My purpose in bringing this again to your attention is due to the fact that the Federal Statute penalising unlawful flight to avold prosecution was dated May 14, 1954, whereas the crime was coumitted, of course, on February 14, 1920. In memorandum received from the Department under date of June 2§, 1984, the FBI was in- structed that the Departmental interpretation was that this statute did not apply to past transactions but covers only actions which have been in violation of this law after it becane effective, Consequently, I would appreciate being advised as to whether, in view of thie in-~ terpretation, it is still believed desirable for the Bureau to pro- ceed with an investigation of this zatter, The Bureau has no objec- tion to conducting thie investigation, but ay only doubt is as to our furisdiction, RECORDED & INDEXED John Edgar Hoover, rere Director.