Page:1965 FBI monograph on Nation of Islam.djvu/34

 a statement on December 1, 1963, characterizing Presideut John F. Kennedy's assassination as an instance of "the chickens coming home to roost." He had told a cheering NOI audience in New York City that this did not make him sad, it made him glad. Elijah feared the publicity resulting from Malcolm's virulent statements would present to a sorrowing Nation an image of his cult which might lead to trouble for him. A few days later, therefore, he announced that, because of Malcolm's statements, he would not be permitted to make further public speeches. For a month, many furtive conferences were held between Malcolm and members of Elijah's hierarchy. Differences became more pronounced, and in early January, 1964, Elijah removed Malcolm as minister of Temple No. 7, in New York City. Malcolm, on March 8, 1964, publicly announced his complete break with Elijah and the NOI.

On many previous occasions, Malcolm had gloated over disasters to white people without incurring censure from Elijah for his remarks. For example, on the occasion of the crash of an airliner in France killing 120 Georgia tourists, Malcolm spoke of the tragedy as "a beautiful thing that has happened." There are indications that Malcolm's remark made following the President's assassination was not the real cause but rather the excuse for Elijah to expel Malcolm, who may have been acquiring an NOI stature that made Elijah jealous and uncomfortable.