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FBI FILES ON L. RON HUBBARD |
3/28/55 DIRECTOR, FBI (65-3184) SAC, PHOENIX (100-4813) [BLACKED OUT] SM - C Re San Diego letter to Bureau, 3/9/55. Mrs. L.R. HUBBARD, JR., one of the operators of the Hubbard Association of Scientologists, International, with offices at 616 N. Third Street, Phoenix, Arizona on 3/15/55 advised [BLACKED OUT] that [BLACKED OUT] enrolled in the Hubbard Professional College at 410 and 403 E. Roosevelt Road, Phoenix, on 11/15/54. Except for an absence of about three weeks around Christmas 1954 when subject returned to his home in California, he has been in attendance at the college continuously since that time and is about to complete a beginner's course, which ordinarily extends over a period of two months. According to Mrs. HUBBARD, subject's studies will equip him for handling consultations as an "auditor" in the Association of Scientologists which have for their purpose instilling self-confidence and assisting individuals in removing mental problems and accomplishing specific goals. Mrs. HUBBARD stated that subject's residence is listed as [BLACKED OUT] and apparently plans to return there upon completion of his course. Mr. FERNANDO ESTRADA, of the Hubbard Association of Scientologists, International, 616 N. Third Street, on 3/16/55 advised [BLACKED OUT] that subject resides in [BLACKED OUT] while attending the Hubbard Professional College. This rooming house is rented by the Hubbard Association of Scientologists, International, to accommodate students who are attending the Hubbard Professional College. With regard to the Hubbard Association of Scientologists, International, attention is directed to Newark letter to Bureau dated 3/21/51 entitled "HUBBARD DIANETIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC., IS-R" wherein the following is reported: JSA:slb [page 2] PX 100-4813 In November 1950, C. PARKER MORGAN, Secretary and General Counsel of the above foundation, with offices at 275 Norris Avenue, Elizabeth, New Jersey, reported the foundation was set up about May 1950 to further the work of L. RON HUBBARD, auditor, whose book entitled "Dianetics" had been published about two years previous and had been very well received by the public. According to MORGAN, "Dianetics" is a new approach to the treatment of many physical and mental illnesses without the use of drugs or medicine. MORGAN stated the foundation is anti-Communist in its work and had been criticized in Communist Party publications. The publication entitled "The Golden Dawn", issue 1-0A (no date), published by the Church of Scientology, reports its business office in Phoenix at 616 N. Third Street and meeting place in Phoenix at 403 E. Roosevelt. It also notes "the Church of Scientology operates on its own creed. It is completely independent of the Hubbard Association of Scientologists, International". This issue of "The Golden Dawn" is contained in Phoenix file 105-117-25. Photostatic copy of a letter dated 6/12/54 to the Better Business Bureau, Phoenix, Arizona, on letterhead of the Hubbard Association of Scientologists, International, Phoenix, by JOHN GALUSHA, Secretary, reveals in parts, "Scientology is described as a science of knowingness. It is actually a modern approach, using mathematics and physics, to the philosophic subject of episteomology [sic], the goal of scientology is to bring about greater capabilities in human beings, such as increases in recognition, memory and reaction time. Such a science would of course address various phenomena such as psychosomatic illness, aberration and behavior. "In November 1950, HUBBARD became convinced that the corporation (Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation of Elizabeth, New Jersey, formed 6/1/50) was not sound and that it would not attain to its professed goal of helping people. He attempted to withdraw his name from it and was variously inveighed against. He had only one vote in seven. Forced to leave it in possession and continued use of his name, he retired in December to Palm Springs, California, where he set up a modest research laboratory. Although he did not seek them, many people began to come to him in Palm Springs. This seriously impaired the business of the foundations such as that in Los Angeles for HUBBARD charged nothing. - 2 - [page 3] PX 100-4813 "After resigning, HUBBARD came to Phoenix to visit his parents, liked the city and with his wife MARY SUE whom he married early in 1952, settled here. He opened a quiet office which became that fall (1952) the Hubbard Association of Scientologists... "This organization was founded by some five hundred people in various parts of the world who had long been interested in HUBBARD's work. Publishing a few books locally and issuing twice a month, the Journal of Scientology, the HAS has continued a quiet career in Arizona. It has opened up branch offices in Camden, New Jersey and London, England. The association exists to publish material related to behavior and to train qualified people in Scientology..." The above photostat letter of 6/12/54 was furnished by the Cincinnati office having been made from originals received by that office on 1/10/55 from [BLACKED OUT] On 3/23/51, [BLACKED OUT] Chicago, Illinois, and [BLACKED OUT] Chicago, were interviewed by agents of the Chicago office as complainants in regard to possible use of the Hubbard Dianetics Research Foundation and individuals connected with it for influencing "patients" to join the Communist Party. They explained that the foundation's function is to treat by means of "psycho-therapy" and added that the treatment has been extremely successful. The treatment is administered by "auditors" trained by the Hubbard Foundation who have audiences with the patients over a period of time. The complainants expressed the opinion that the "auditors" are influential with the patients especially when the treatment is successful, and opined that if the "auditors" are Communists, they could conceivably influence the patients along Communist lines. Complainants noted, however, in their opinion, the national office of the foundation is attempting to weed out Communists. - 3 - [page 4] PX 100-4813 Information concerning the Hubbard Association of Scientologists, International, and the potential presented for subject to dispense Communist Party propaganda and influence, if so inclined, is set forth for information of San Diego. Since it appears subject's residence in Phoenix is temporary, it is suggest San Diego continue as Office of Origin. No further action is contemplated by Phoenix. RUC FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #128 CARL HAYDEN, ARIZ., CHAIRMAN RICHARD B. RUSSELL, GA. STYLES BRIDG[?] DENNIS CHAVEZ, N. MEX. LEVERETT SAL[?] MASS. ALLEN J. ELLENDER, LA. MILTON R. YOUNG[?]K. LISTER HILL, ALA. WILLIAM F. KNOWLAND, CALIF. HARLEY M. KILGORE, W.VA. EDWARD J. THYE, MINN. JOHN L. MC CLELLAN, ARK. JOSEPH R. MC CARTHY, WIS. A. WILLIS ROBERTSON, VA. KARL E. MUNDT, S. DAK. WARREN G. MAGNUSON, WASH. MARGARET CHASE SMITH, MAINE SPESSARD L. HOLLAND, FLA. HENRY C. DWORSHAK, IDAHO JOHN STENNIS, MISS. EVERETT MC KINLEY DIRKSEN, ILL. EARLE C. CLEMENTS, KY. CHARLES E. POTTER, MICH. EVERARD H. SMITH, CLERK United States Senate May 11, 1955 Mr. J. Edgar Hoover Dear Mr. Hoover: I have received a request from a member of the Arizona State Legislature for information about the background of the organization known as the Church of Scientology, whose local address is listed as East Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, Arizona. I am further informed that an organization with the above name was said to be listed in the local Phoenix, Arizona, newspaper as being connected with communism. I would be obliged to have whatever information your office may have about this organization and its activities. Yours very sincerely, U.S.S. Carl Hayden P.S. Please address reply to me; sending me original and one copy. FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #129 May 17, 1955 PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL Honorable Carl Hayden My dear Senator: Your letter dated May 11, 1955, has been received. Your courtesy and interest in referring this matter to my attention are indeed appreciated. While I would like to be of assistance in connection with the request directed to you by a member of the Arizona State Legislature, I can only inform him that information contained in the files of this Bureau is maintained as confidential in accordance with a Departmental regulation. I am sure he will understand my position as well as the necessity for this regulation, and no inference will be drawn because of my inability to be of assistance that we do or do not have in our files the information he has requested. As of possible assistance to you and for your confidential information only, no investigation has been conducted by this Bureau concerning the Church of Scientology. Sincerely yours, [stamped] J. Edgar Hoover cc - Phoenix SAC, PHOENIX: Senator Hayden's letter states: "I have received a request from a member of the Arizona State Legislature for information about the background of the organization known as the Church MJR:fmb (See page 2) [page 2] of Scientology, whose local address is listed as East Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, Arizona. "I am further informed that an organization with the above name was said to be listed in the local Phoenix, Arizona, newspaper as being connected with communism. I would be obliged to have whatever information your office may have about this organization and its activities." Bufiles reflect that the Church of Scientology is mentioned in your letter dated 3-28-55 entitled [BLACKED OUT] NOTE ON YELLOW Afore-mentioned Phoenix letter reports that the Church of Scientology has a business office located at 616 North Third Street, Phoenix, and a meeting place at 403 East Roosevelt Road, Phoenix. Furthermore, the Hubbard Association of Scientologists, International, whose headquarters are at 616 North Third Street, has a school located at 403 East Roosevelt Road. Literature of the Church of Scientology claims that it is completely independent of the Hubbard Association of Scientologists. An official of the latter organization stated that the organization has for its purpose the instilling of self-confidence and removal of mental problems in individuals. Another official reported that the foundation is anti-Communist and has been criticized in Communist publications. The files reflect that Senator Carl Hayden, Chairman of Senate Appropriations Committee, regards the Bureau highly. In April, 1955, he asked [BLACKED OUT] to remind the Director of the assistance that Senator Hayden rendered in securing funds to start the Identification Division. Although review of Bufiles failed to substantiate this information, a cordial letter in that connection was sent to Senator Hayden. (94-4-1227-24) Salutation per Reading Room. It is noted that correspondence does not pertain to appropriations committee business. An original and copy of letter being sent to Senator Hayden in view of the note on his letter that original and copy be sent. - 2 - FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #130 1826 R St. NW TO THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF
INVESTIGATION FROM L. R. HUBBARD SUBJECT Further information on attack on Hubbard Assn of Scientologists of Phoenix, Arizona Ref. First report of last week. Information has just been received here that one of the major contributing factors in the attack upon and collapse of the Hubbard Assn. of Scientologists in Phoenix Arizona was an accountant. Named "Jerry" Rahn this accountant first came to the organization in March volunteering to assist in accounting and income tax matters. A tax return was given him for filing with the IRS. This tax return was then reported by the IRS as never having been filed and was then filed again by registered mail. His presence insisted upon by Wm. Burke Belknap as Assn president, this Rahn proceeded, in the absence of the treasurer and without her permission, to delve into the books of the Assn. On the pretext that they were in serious error. He pretended to discover many omissions and cast a serious shadow on the organization directors except Balknap [sic]. Many rumors were started by this Rahn which had no foundation in fact. Finally Rahn brought into the picture a Mr. Brewer reputed to be from the IRS. Before employees in several visits Mr. Brewer alleged that I, while a director, was actually engaged in some dark and underhanded activity and had used the organization as a blind and that I was in serious trouble with the IRS which, in consulting the main office, is apparently not the case, there being no reason for it. Panicked by this Rahn and Brewer the organization directors, Belknap, and one Carol Hadley spent little time on their actual duties and spent some six weeks involving themselves with this Rahn and Brewer, which by reason of such inattention, cut the organization off from immediate income and stopped all outgoing correspondence and activity, quite sufficient in this case to destroy it which is what happened. I have had to act to preserve what few assets and activities the organization had for with its local credit destroyed and without activity to its membership [page 2] its finances, already involved in the Humphrey suit collapsed. As no reports were due to the government until October 10th, 1955 and as adequate time remained and is being used to make these reports, the introduction of a strange accountant against the wishes of the absent treasurer and the interjection of a supposed IRS agent - who may very well be an IRS agent in Phoenix - and the rumors and threats made by these men, it can be seen that this contributing factor was important. The attack made by psychiatrists using evidently Communist connected personnel on the Elizabeth NJ Foundation in 1950 and 51 and the attack made on the Wichita Foundation in 1952 all ended on the same note of reports to IRS and much rumor concerning what the IRS would do. However, so far as anyone knows, the IRS itself took no real notice of the 1950, 51 and 52 attacks and when contacted by myself did not seem to know anything about the matter. The current attacks on these organizations however is known to the IRS for the IRS has mildly interviewed me concerning matters. However the panic caused by the wild accusations and insinuations of this Brewer, prompted evidently by Rahn (pronounced, I think, "Ran") are new and strange to my experience with the IRS. However, the accountant at the Elizabeth N.J. Foundation in 1950 was continued in employment by one John Maloney and D.G. Purcell until mid-1951 when I, demanding better security and demanding a review of the books as Chairman of the Board, the post I occupied in 1951 with the Wichita Foundation, was refused. I insisted on, then, a lie detector check being made on personnel of whom I was not sure. One D.H. Rogers, an officer of the Elizabeth and the Wichita Foundation registered positive on Communist leanings. The registrar (a Cole Alyneck (Sp?)) refused the test and disappeared. The accountant whose service had extended over both Foundations became very nervous, refused the test and disappeared. His name is not now known to me. Thus we have a continued parallelism in these attacks on Dianetics and Scientology in accountancy. Accountancy was a target in 1950, 1951 and 1955 by accountants strange to the organization or of suspicious circumstance. There might have been some parallelism in the public relations department if the organization now maintained one for the 1950 and 51 public relations man, Charles Leonard, registered positive on Communism in the police check [page 3] at Wichita in or around April of 1951, possibly May. In 1952 and A.E. van Vogt, a writer from Canada naturalised in the US and living in Los Angeles and a heavy foe of Dianetics and Scientology for years although pretending to be involved with it and an associate of Gene Benton, Sara Hollister and others of stated Communistic leanings, made the statement in writing many times that the IRS was after me and the organization, a thing which a call to the IRS failed to disclose. Thus the pattern of reporting to the IRS or spreading rumors about the intention of the Internal Revenue Service has been continued and confirmed and is at this time evidently the contributing factor in ending the life of the Hubbard Association of Scientologists. To the best of my recollection the accountant "Jerry" Rahn appeared in the organization about three days after the first despatch [sic] was sent to the Department of Defense, by wire, concerning a solution to brain washing. I can establish this more accurately when I obtain, if I can, possession of my files and accounts. [signed] L. Ron Hubbard Note: To the best of my knowledge and belief and having seen lately copies of its accounts and seeing to an audit of them at this time, there is nothing whatever in error about or suspicious about these accounts. They are the ordinary routine accounts of a business of the type the Association is engaged in. LRH FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #131 [This posting dedicated to Keith Henson and Grady Ward] L. RON HUBBARD, D.D, PH.D. Box 242 TO THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF
INVESTIGATION Gentlemen: Having gotten on a somewhat more even keel after the collapse of the organization in Phoenix, Arizona (the HASI) and having begun operation in the East with more public success and enthusiasm than I am used to, I have a better perspective on what occurred in Phoenix. The attack on the HASI, like the attacks on the 1950 Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation found psychiatry and Communist connected personnel very much in evidence and both active with defamation and very unreasonable - and unsuccessful - attack. But something has now occurred which seems strange at this juncture and entirely too pat. I have received from an unimpeachable source an invitation to go to Russia. I have been told that this would be as easy as taking a taxi to the airport. But the oddity of this invitation is that the person extending it, evidently on behalf of the Russian government, would not know anything about the trouble in Phoenix. He obviously has no connection with anything or anyone in Phoenix. Further, he knows little or nothing of Dianetics and Scientology and their organizational history and would not know, by any usual means, what occurred in Phoenix. Out of the blue, on an acquaintance with me from many, many years ago he locates me here, is very quiet and casual and then gradually works into the Russian situation and finally, with a burst of enthusiasm confides in me that in view of the state of my organizations in the United States (about which he would really know nothing in fact) and in view of the fact that I "am a cinch to be ruined by all the people who hate me in Internal Revenue" there is "really nothing left for it but to accept this Russian offer." [page 2] L. RON HUBBARD, D.D., PH.D. In the greatest spirit of friendship and comeraderie [sic] it seems that I can go to Russia as an advisor or a consultant and have my own laboratories and receive very high fees. And it is all so easy because it has already been ascertained that I could get my passport extended for Russia and all I had to do was go to Paris and there a Russian plane would pick me up and that would be that. Indeed I suppose that that would be that. This is my third invitation to go to Russia. The first was extended to me by a member of Amtorg in New York in 1938 who knew of my work in the field of the mind. The second occurred less directly in 1948 after some personal difficulty. This third has come when the Phoenix organization has been collapsed and it would not be known that it did not influence my own affairs as much as it might be thought. With this some of the personnel connected with the recent Phoenix trouble has now drifted into Washington. Shukrie Marinus, the girl connected with Jackins in Seattle has arrived here. Wm. Burke Belknap, although an officer in Phoenix seems either the effect of that activity or assisted it and is here, busy on the phone eight hours a day with local calls in an area where he has never lived. Carol Hadley Bryans, also an officer in Phoenix, has likewise arrived and is likewise busy on the phone but neither of these last two seem prone to do any work but are very busy spreading disquiet amongst the personnel connected with me here. Two young men, also strangely connected arrived here and were sent home by me quickly - Bernard McKnown and Jim Henry both formerly of Hollywood - they arrived anxious to discredit the better people in the organization. One Jack Horner has come here and has many rumors with which to upset Washington personnel - Horner will be recalled as the minister recently deported from England by the Home Secretary; I have just stopped Horner from further defiance of English law on behalf of his "fiance" in London and further discrediting of Scientology in the English papers. In short I have my hands a little full but unless such people actually can stir up great trouble we will survive easily and well. I am trying to disperse them from the area. I suppose when the Russian-inclined "friend" finds that [page 3] L. RON HUBBARD, D.D., PH.D. my desires to travel in and work in Russia do not exist, I can expect more violent measures. I have not given you the name of this contact because he is a little too highly placed on the Hill and because it may be that he is acting in an entirely friendly way and it may be, as I sometimes learn, that the fate of Scientology and its adventures has good word of mouth. I would not submit you an irresponsible report which then might find me under the TV cameras telling one of this man's committees why I reported him as a Communist because I do not know that he is - I only know that he and his influence has been quite liberal and in all the smoke of the Summit he may be carried away with enthusiasm. But he did know, when no possible reasonable way existed for him to know too much about the activities of a subject about which he professes to know nothing and he has made several allusions to my possible fate in the United States, rather benign threats. [signed] L. Ron Hubbard FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #132 L. RON HUBBARD, D.D, PH.D. Box 242 TO THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF
INVESTIGATION Gentlemen: A series of sudden insanities and disturbances in Dianetic and Scientology groups reached seven last week on the West Coast. In Atomic Energy's Richland, Washington a young boy who had never been treated with Dianetics or Scientology but whose father Verne mcAdams [sic] is the local Scientology group leader in Richland suddenly and mysteriously became insane, so suddenly and so thoroughly that the head of the institution for insane in Richland, evidently of good security, suspects the use of LSD, the insanity producing drug so favored by the APA. Two of our ministers in that area at my request went further into the situation and by means we will not detail recovered from the boy information of which his family had been entirely ignorant. On instructions to find the "other psychiatrist" our ministers by this means located an unsuspected one in Atomic Energy's front yard, a man who had been the construction company doctor during the building of Richland and who had then turned psychiatrist and whose name strangely enough is Menkowski (sp?). The boy had evidently had some association with this man before this sudden onset. With this information not yet cool long distance from San Francisco Bay Area notified us of the sudden and inexplicable descent into insanity of one Wanda Collins. She is ravingly insane and yet was completely sane a day ago. Her people and our people cannot account for missing nine hour period just before this onset. You should be interested in this because Wanda Collins resigned from the Communist Party some time ago, foreswore it and tried to make amends with Scientology and would be a logical candidate for an LSD attack. Concurrently with this in Phoenix, Arizona [page 2] L. RON HUBBARD, D.D., PH.D. our Mr. Edd Cark was suddenly arrested "for practicing medicine without a license", and this is very odd because he is the first Dianeticist or Scientologist in five years of world wide operation to be so accused. He could not have been practising medicine because Dianetics and Scientology seek only to assist able people to improve their talents and have no interest in sickness or insanity. He was arrested and without and search warrant all his papers and letters were seized even down to blank typewriter and were carried away, a fact which places this matter quite solidly in the field of the F.B.I. Mr. Clark is a half-blind deaf old man. He was once a chiropractor but has long since ceased to be one. He was told by the County Attorney that the County Attorney meant to "get to the bottom of this thing about Hubbard and Scientology." The "bottom of the thing" can be found in "Who Knows and What" and "Who's Who in the East" in the local library or from bookstores which carry my books. My own life is about as hard to investigate as a white rock on a summer's day. It is not uncommon in the past five years to have judges and attorneys mad-dogged at about what a terrible person I am and how foul is Scientology. Persons never named or available step in, spread violent tales and accusations and vanish. This mad-dogging has evidently been done at this County Attorney to prompt such a foolish action. This makes the third civil official in that area to off half-cocked about Scientology. When it is all done and Scientology has been neatly ruined by the newspapers in the area and when all the charges have been quashed there is no on from whom any recompense can be drawn. "It was all a mistake". In 1950 the Dianetics Foundations were violently attacked and discredited. The 200 Foundation employees, when screened, yielded 35 Communist-connected persons. That done the commotion stopped. After three quiet years in the Phoenix area we forwarded to the Defense Department data on brain-washing. Instantly [page 3] L. RON HUBBARD, D.D., PH.D. we became the subject of violence. Four people were seized by psychiatrists in that area to date and to this day so far as I know are still being held, their sanity shattered. After we so informed the Defense Department about brain-washing technologies in our hands and offered them, we have been in a state of siege. Understand that we accuse the D.D. of nothing. Psychiatrists as far north as Seattle have said they were "out to get every Scientologist." An Internal Revenue official has used those very words before witnesses and said he was going to get to the bottom of this thing in Phoenix. People in suspicious condition were sent from one place in Southern California to be "treated by Scientology" for insanity and yet we have no interest in treating anyone, especially the insane. Now two more people go suddenly and inexplicably insane in widely different places both the same way. All manner of defamatory rumors have been scattered around about me, questioning even my sanity which is fortunately a matter of good record with the Navy as by statement "having no psychotic or neurotic symptoms whatsoever." I have a wife and three little kids. I have a good many thousand people scattered around the world trying to help their fellow man and I am responsible for these people. I am trying to turn out some monographs on matters in my field of nuclear physics and psychology for submission to the government on the subject of alleviating some of the distress of radiation burns, a project I came east to complete. This lawless and brutal attack on Scientology now spreading evidently to three states will probably not end until a great deal of injustice and human suffering has occurred. Would you please discover for me or for yourselves the exact names and whereabouts of the persons whose statements inflamed the County Attorney in Phoenix in arresting a half-blind old man and seizing all his books and papers. If we have those names and if we trace them back we will have someplace to start on this madness [page 4] L. RON HUBBARD, D.D., PH.D. which now reaches us into three states. Can you do this for us? I am getting additional copies of the material which was offered to the Defense Department since that agency has not acknowledged or returned anything shipped to it about brain-washing and when I have these copies I will send one to you for this is the only starting place I know about for this outbreak and the matter, while far from conclusive at least tells me that something went astray which was dangerous in the wrong hands. Could you please have your Phoenix office obtain the names of the people who defamed us to the County Attorney? Your Bay Area and Richland offices have already been apprised of the incidents in those areas. [signed] L FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #133 The Hubbard Association of Scientologists International (Incorporated in the State of Arizona, U.S.A. and registered in England) BRUNSWICK HOUSE, 83 PALACE GARDENS TERRACE, LONDON, W.8. CABLES: SCIENTOLOGY LONDON. TEL: BAY 5780 AND 4294 16th December, 1955. Federal Bureau of
Investigation, Gentlemen: We are enclosing our printing of what appears to be a Communist manual on Psychopolitics. This was compiled from Communist sources for use of our research department and people. It may that we will also use this in anti-Communist campaigns. As there is evidently a copy of Psychopolitics in full view in the Library of Congress, you evidently do not classify this subject.. We have been seriously hurt by Communists and Communism and we see nothing wrong in our using their tactics against them. Should you run into this manual on how to brainwash people you will now be able to recognize it as printed and distributed by an anti-Communist group for their research. Yours very truly, [signed] L. Ron Hubbard LRH:mvt L. RON HUBBARD - MARY SUE HUBBARD - RALPH SWINSON - KENNETH BARRETT - WM. BURKE BELKNAP, JR. Resident in Great Britain authorised to accept service of processes and notices: GEO. WINCHELOW, 20 CHEPSTOW VILLAS, LONDON W.2 FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #134 [LETTERHEAD INFO BLACKED OUT] [ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT] February 3, 1956 Federal Bureau of Investigation Gentlemen: Recently we received in the mail a copy of the pamphlet entitled Brain-Washing: A Synthesis of the Russian Textbook on Psychopolitics. This was sent to us by an organization entitled The Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation, Box 242, Silver Spring, Md. According to a letter received from the same organization, a copy of the pamphlet had been sent to the FBI, and this resulted in an urgent "governmental request" that all copies of the pamphlet be recalled. A subsequent letter stated that "authorization" had now been received to release the book to "trusted members" for "research purposes." This Church has no connection with the above-named foundation or with the subject known as "Dianetics", nor have we had any prior knowledge of this publication. We note that among its contents are various references to Christian Science, but we have no means of evaluating the contents of the book beyond judging it as any well-informed, intelligent citizen might do. We never heard of the editor, Charles Stickley. It occurs to us that, since the name of your organization has been invoked by the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation, you might wish to have the above information. If you can do so with propriety, we should be glad to receive any information from you that would throw light on the authenticity or lack of authenticity of this alleged document. This would be especially helpful inasmuch as it is possible that we may have future inquiries about it, in view of the references to Christian Science it contains. Very truly yours, [SIGNATURE BLOCK BLACKED OUT] FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #135 February 10, 1956 [ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT] Dear [BLACKED OUT] Your letter dated February 3, 1956, has been received, and I sincerely appreciate your interest in writing. In the very near future, a representative of our Boston Office will contact you concerning the matters mentioned in your communication. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover cc - Baltimore, with copy of
incoming ATTENTION SAC, BOSTON: You will note that the copies of correspondent's letter indicate that L. Ron Hubbard has used the name of the FBI in letters to the correspondent. This use of the name of the FBI is unauthorized since, although L. Ron Hubbard did send a copy of the pamphlet mentioned in correspondent's letter to the Bureau, no acknowledgement was made to Hubbard relative to the pamphlet. The stated purpose of the Foundation is to "study and conduct research in the field of human mind and of human thought in action" through the medium of "dianetics," which may be likened to psychotherapy with certain differences as to method and concept. In regard to Hubbard himself, an inquiry was initiated on February 26, 1951, after information was received that he had been arrested in Chicago for kidnaping his wife and daughter and taking them out of the State of California. The U.S. Attorney, Los Angeles, instructed that no investigation should be undertaken. The Los Angeles CEM:jfm:jap (7) [page 2] Letter to [BLACKED OUT] February 10, 1956 ATTENTION SAC, BOSTON (Continued) "Times Herald," in its issue of April 24, 1951, related that Hubbard's wife accused him of subjecting her to scientific torture experiments. The news story reported that Mrs. Hubbard, in a divorce suit, claimed that Hubbard was "hopelessly insane." Hubbard has contacted the Bureau on several occasions to make complaints concerning his wife and the staff of his organization, stating that he believed them to be communistically inclined. Allegations have also been made that the Foundation was of particular interest to sex perverts, hypochondriacs, and curiosity seekers. You should have an Agent contact [BLACKED OUT] and thank him for his communication. He should be advised that no information can be given to him in this regard because of the confidential nature of Bureau files. The originals or copies of letters written by Hubbard to [BLACKED OUT] should be obtained and transmitted to the Bureau. Submit reply to reach Bureau no later than February 24, 1956, under the caption of "L. Ron Hubbard, The Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation, Box 242, Silver Spring, Maryland, Research (Crime Records)." For your information, Bufiles contain no reference to [BLACKED OUT] NOTE: Information relative to Hubbard and his organization obtained from Bufile 62-94080. A copy of the information furnished to the SAC at Boston is being furnished to the SAC at Baltimore in the event contact with Hubbard is deemed necessary at a later date. Followed-up made for February 28, 1956 [above line crossed out and below it hand-written] Killed by Boston letter 2-20-56 FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #136 [badly xeroxed and faint copy] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 TO : Director, FBI DATE: 2/20/56 FROM: SAC, Boston (94-493) SUBJECT: L. RON HUBBARD ReBulet to Boston, 2/10/56 On February 13, 1956 [BLACKED OUT] was contacted by Special Agent [BLACKED OUT] [?] Boston Division. [BLACKED OUT] referred to [illegible word] [BLACKED OUT LINE] as the one who had prepared all the correspondence concerning the captioned subject. The Director's thanks for bringing the current matter of subject HUBBARD to the attention of the Bureau were conveyed to [REMAINDER OF PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT] [BLACKED OUT] was advised that Bureau regulations did not permit disclosure of information appearing in its files, and he was requested to maintain as confidential, the fact that the Bureau was at all interested in HUBBARD. [BLACKED OUT] advised that should further correspondence be received from HUBBARD, it would be brought to the attention of this office. For the Bureau's information, (Boston file 100-0-41487) a pamphlet called "SCIENTOLOGY - Hand Book for Preclears", written and copyrighted in December 1951, by L. RON HUBBARD, was turned over to the Boston Office on January 28, 1954, for the information of this office. This pamphlet, together with photostat copies of correspondence, mentioned above, are being forwarded to the Bureau for whatever use may appear warranted. N[?]A l[?]m FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #137 [copy in poor condition, it appears sections were originally blacked out and subsequently released] DIRECTOR, FBI March 8, 1956 SAC, CHICAGO (47-5275) RAN [sic] HUBBARD [BLACKED OUT] on February 29, 1956, stated that she is presently employed in the office of [BLACKED OUT] In connection with the letter she directed to this Bureau at Washington, D.C. under date of January 9, 1956, she stated that her brother [BLACKED OUT] visited her in Chicago on January 7, 1956. He was in Chicago only the one day and it was the first time she had seen him in [?] years; that they correspond rarely, and then only postal cards. During her visit with him, she "noticed his consuming interest in Dianetics." He spoke of a Mr. HUBBARD and said that he, her brother, had gone to Washington, D.C. in July, 1955, because Mr. HUBBARD had gone to Washington, D.C. to be "at the foot of the FBI." She asked him if the FBI actually consulted with HUBBARD and he replied "Yes." She said he also told her that he had just left Washington, D.C. and was on his way "west." He also mentioned having worked for an express company, and for the United States Post Office in Washington, D.C. during the Christmas rush. [BLACKED OUT] stated that her brother also said that HUBBARD was considering organizing as a church, but not in the sense of a religious group. He also mentioned a term similar to psycho-politics and said the purpose of "HUBBARD's movement was to keep the Communists from driving people insane." She said HUBBARD mentioned that a unit was located in Elgin, Illinois, but gave no specific address. [BLACKED OUT] stated that since writing to this Bureau at Washington, D.C. she had visited some bookstores and had located a book by L. RON HUBBARD entitled "Science for Survival," which she said dealt with Dianetics. 2-Bureau [page 2] [DIRECTOR, FBI] In addition, [BLACKED OUT] stated that since she had never heard of L. RON HUBBARD or Dianetics until this recent visit with her brother she had thought it "crackpot" and so told him and he became very much upset. She now believes that he might have brought in the FBI to impress her. She hastened to say, however, that she did not question the honesty or patriotism of her brother. She added that at the time of their visit she wondered if he might be mentally unbalanced in view of his statement, but now thinks it was only his great interest in the subject of Dianetics. According to [BLACKED OUT] her brother, [BLACKED OUT] married [BLACKED OUT] Illinois, 4 1/2 years ago, and she understands they were recently divorced in Los Angeles, California. She stated her brother had never had a regular occupation. She furnished the following physical description and background information: Name [BLACKED OUT] - 2 - [page 3] [DIRECTOR, FBI] [REMAINDER OF BLACKED OUT INFORMATION CONTINUES] [BLACKED OUT] stated that the two people she referred to in her letter as adversely affected were her brother and his wife [BLACKED OUT] She also stated she now regrets having written the letter as she would not want to cause her brother any difficulty. On March 5, 1956, [BLACKED OUT] telephonically contacted the Chicago Office and advised as follows: Since she was contacted by a representative of this Bureau concerning her letter of January 9, 1956, she had learned her parents had received a communication from her brother [BLACKED OUT] and learned his present address is [BLACKED OUT] California. She directed a letter to him telling him of her letter to the FBI, her purchase of a book by L. RON HUBBARD, and being contacted by a representative of this Bureau. She said that on March 5, 1956, she received a reply from him in which he stated that "the Hubbard Association has no connection with the FBI and does not claim any". Also that he had made the remark concerning the FBI merely to impress her in view of her lack of interest in the subject he was discussing and he had no idea it would go beyond her. [BLACKED OUT] stated she had not at any time questioned the integrity of her brother and that in his letter her brother had said he would welcome - 3 - [page 4] [DIRECTOR, FBI] an interview with a representative of this Bureau in order to clear up the matter completely. The Los Angeles Office is requested to contact and admonish [BLACKED OUT] concerning his representations to his sister [BLACKED OUT] January 7, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, with reference to the FBI. A copy of the letter dated January 9, 1956, to the FBI, Washington, D.C., [BLACKED OUT] and Bulet dated January 20, 1956, to the Chicago Office instructing the Chicago Office to interview [BLACKED OUT] are enclosed with copies of this letter to Los Angeles. Since there is no further investigation in this Division, this case is being considered RUC. - 4 - FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #139 Office Memorandum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: 4/6/56 FROM : SAC, LOS ANGELES SUBJECT: COMMUNIST STRATEGY On March 22, 1956, a booklet entitled "BRAIN-WASHING, A Synthesis of the Russian Textbook on Phychopolitics [sic]," was received for examination from [BLACKED OUT] California, in which she reported that her husband, [BLACKED OUT] had received this booklet through the mails and she wanted the Federal Bureau of Investigation to have it. She was of the opinion that her husband was affiliated with the Hubbard Dianetics Group. This booklet has been photostated, a copy of which is being furnished to the Central Research Section with the request that it be read and examined and that this office be advised of the authenticity if known, of the information contained therein. It is further suggested that it might be used to good advantage in connection with the [BLACKED OUT] Program - particularly in interviews with those individuals who are idealists and became involved in the Communist movement primarily for that particular reason. The Bureau's analysis and comments of this booklet with respect to its authenticity and possibly value in interviewing CP members will be appreciated. 3 - Bureau (ENCL-1)
(REGISTERED) (4) FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #140 April 9, 1956 [ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT] Dear [BLACKED OUT] I have your letter of April 1, 1956, with enclosure. I am returning herewith the enclosure in accordance with your request. I appreciate the interest which prompted you to write and the good wishes which you extended. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Enclosure cc - 1 - Houston (Info) NOTE FOR SAC, HOUSTON: Bufiles reflect no derogatory information re [BLACKED OUT] He has corresponded in the past offering his services. Correspondent's enclosure is a pamphlet entitled "Brain-Washing - A Synthesis of the Russian Textbook on Phycopolitics [sic]" by Charles Stickley, New York City, 1955. [BLACKED OUT] Bufiles contain copy of this pamphlet which was sent to Bureau by L. Ron Hubbard, the Hubbard Association of Scientologists International (incorporated in State of Arizona), by letter dated 12-16-55, ARJ:ss (NOTE CONT'D ON PAGE TWO) SEE NOTE ON YELLOW PAGE TWO_ [page 2] Letter to [BLACKED OUT] NOTE FOR SAC, HOUSTON (continuation): in which he states he may use the pamphlet in anti-communist campaigns. This pamphlet was also issued under the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation, Box 242, Silver Spring, Maryland. The stated purpose of the Foundation is to "study and conduct research in the field of human mind and of human thought in action" through the medium of "dianetics," which may be likened to psychotherapy with certain differences as to method and conception. In regard to Hubbard, an inquiry was initiated on February 26, 1951, after information was received that he had been arrested in Chicago for kidnapping his wife and daughter and taking them out of the State of California. The U.S. Attorney, Los Angeles, instructed that no investigation should be undertaken. The Washington "Times-Herald" newspaper, in its issue of April 24, 1951, related that Hubbard's wife accused him of subjecting her to scientific torture experiments. The news story reported that Mrs. Hubbard, in a divorce suit, claimed that Hubbard was "hopelessly insane." Hubbard has contacted the Bureau on several occasions to make complaints concerning his wife and his staff, stating that he believes them to be communistically inclined. Allegations have also been made that the Foundation was of particular interest to sex perverts, hypochondriacs and curiosity seekers. NOTE: Information re pamphlet and Hubbard and his organization obtained from Bufile 62-94080. - 2 - FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #141 1 - Section tickler SAC, Los Angeles April 17, 1956 Director, FBI COMMUNIST STRATEGY Reurlet dated April 6, 1956 Captioned booklet has been read and reviewed by Central Research Section. Several copies of this booklet have been previously received at the Bureau from various individuals, including L. Ron Hubbard, author of Dianetics, The Modern Science of Mental Health." Hubbard has identified this booklet as being issued under the Hubbard Dianetics Research Foundation, Box 242, Silver Spring, Maryland. The stated purpose of the Foundation is to "study and conduct research in the field of human mind and of human thought in action through the medium of dianetics," which may be likened to psychotherapy with certain differences as to method and theory. The authenticity of this booklet seems to be of a doubtful nature since it lacks documentation of source material and communist words and phrases. Also, there are no quotations from well-known communist works as normally would be used in a synthesis of communist writings. In addition, the author himself admits that he cannot vouch for the authenticity of this booklet. By definition, psychopolitics is the art and science of asserting and maintaining dominion over the thoughts and loyalties and individuals, officers, bureaus, and masses, and the effecting of the conquest of enemy nations through "mental healing." In order to achieve success, psychopolitics makes use of such techniques as electric shock, drugs and hypnosis. It is to be noted that these techniques are in general use in reliable mental instititions [sic] in this country. JMS:mjh [page 2] Letter to SAC, Los Angeles In the editorial notes in this booklet, the author expresses a concern over the fact that there is "no law against driving anyone insane." He also expresses concern over the use of a new drug, LSD, "one-millionth of an ounce of which can create insanity." In addition, the author calls for legislation which would take the treatment of mental patients out of the hands of "European Indoctrinated practitioners." According to the author, treatment of the insane should be placed in the hands of ministers. It appears from these statements that the author is expressing primarily a dissatisfaction with methods of treatment of mental patients in this country. [TWO LINE PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT] The April 24, 1951, issue of the Washington Times-Herald reflected that the wife of L. Ron Hubbard, "dianetics founder," charged that Hubbard was "hopelessly insane" in her petition for divorce filed April 23, 1951, in Los Angeles. [TWO LINE PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT] NOTE: L. Ron Hubbard has corresponded with the Bureau on several occasions and his recent letters have been unanswered. [REMAINDER OF NOTE BLACKED OUT] - 2 - FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #142 Office Memorandum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI DATE: 8/21/56 FROM : SAC, San Francisco (105-new) SUBJECT: THE HUBBARD DIANETIC
RESEARCH FOUNDATION [PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT] [BLACKED OUT] exhibited to Agent a pamphlet entitled, "Brain-Washing" "A Synthesis of the Russian Textbook of Phychopolitics. [sic] a letter appearing in the front of the pamphlet reads as follows: "The Hubbard Dianetic Research
Foundation "Dear Member, Thank you for helping us to cooperate with the governmental request that the text on Russian Brainwashing not be released publicly. Almost all of the previously released copies have been recovered. "Our most trusted members may retain copies for research work to cure effects of brainwashing. For this purpose we are issuing this volume to you. "Note that SLP Issue Eight provides the fastest cure of brainwashing. Anyone who has been fully and correctly PWM:MLW [page 2] audited on SLP Issue Eight can not be brainwashed. "Very best regards, "H.D.R.F "No. [BLACKED OUT] [BLACKED OUT] stated he never heard of this organization and did not know how they acquired his name. He mentioned that during the election campaign, the newspapers carried his name as [BLACKED OUT] and that probably this organization obtained his name out of the newspaper. [BLACKED OUT] related that he had never subscribed to the pamphlet "Brain-Washing", but that it appeared as though a record was being kept of the individuals to whom the pamphlet was directed, inasmuch as No. [BLACKED OUT] appeared with the name, [BLACKED OUT] at the bottom of the letter in front of the pamphlet. [BLACKED OUT] stated he wanted to go on record with the FBI to the effect that he did not subscribe to this pamphlet and that he had no connections with the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation. [REMAINDER OF PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT] [BLACKED OUT] advised SA [BLACKED OUT] on 8/9/56 that one LAFAYETTE RON HUBBARD was president of the HDRF and the Allied Scientist of the World in 1951; that these organizations in 1951 had headquarters at 211 W. Douglas Street, Wichita, Kansas and a communication office at 941 - 17th Avenue, Denver, Colorado. Informant further advised that the HDRF was evidently a "crack pot" organization - 2 - [page 3] PWM:MLW The Bureau, Baltimore, Kansas City, and Denver Offices are requested to check their indices and advise this office of any subversive information regarding "The Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation", Box 242, Silver Springs, Md. or LAFAYETTE RON HUBBARD. - 3 - FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #143 [extremely poor-quality xerox] 1[?]ction tick[?] September [?]1, 1956 BLACKED OUT FOUR SHORT LINES] [BLACKED OUT] Reference is made to your letter dated August [?] 1956, bearing your stamp number [?]580, wherein you requested that you be furnished information available in the files of this Bureau regarding "The Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation" and the American citizens who are connected with that organization. According to the records of the Bureau, "The Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation, Inc.," was incorporated on June 1, 1950, in the State of New Jersey for the alleged purpose of furthering the work of La Fayette [sic] Ron Hubbard, an author whose book, "Dianetics," ha[?] been published in 1948. In 1951 the organization moved to Wichita, Kansas, later to Phoenix, Arizona, and within the recent past to Silver Spring, Maryland. The foundation has reportedly encountered difficulty with the police authorities in New Jersey, Detroit, Michigan, and Washington, D.C., for allegedly conducting a school in these areas, in which school a branch of medicine and surgery was taught without a license. In regard to Hubbard himself an inquiry was initiated by this Bureau on February 26, 1951, after information was received that he had been taken into custody in Chicago, Illinois, for kidnapping his wife and daughter and taking them out of the State of California. No investigation of this alleged violation was conducted, however, since United States Attorney at Los Angeles, California, state[?] that this was a family matter and did not warrant invest-[?] 62-94080 [?] - Foreign Liaison Unit (detached) CAM:lmn SECRET [page 2] Letter to [BLACKED OUT] The Los Angeles, California, "Times Herald" in its issue of April 24, 1951, related that Hubbard's wife accused him of subjecting her to scientific torture experiments. The news story reported that Mrs. Hubbard, in a divorce suite, claimed that he was hopelessly" insane. Her complaint stated in part that the Hubbard Dianetics Research Foundation did more than a million dollars worth of business in 1950. No information is available in the records of this Bureau to indicate that the booklet entitled "Brainwashing" has at any time been banned or restricted in the United States. Actually the authenticity of the booklet appears to be of a doubtful nature since its lacks documentation of source material and contains no quotations from well-known communist works which would normally be used in a synthesis of communist writings. In addition the alleged author of the publication admits he cannot vouch for the authenticity of the booklet. No data identifiable with [BLACKED OUT] was located in the files of this Bureau. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover - 2 - SECRET FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #144 Office Memorandum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: 8-28-56 FROM : SAC, PHILADELPHIA (62-0) SUBJECT: HUBBARD DIANETIC
RESEARCH FOUNDATION ATTENTION RESEARCH SECTION [BLACKED OUT] attorney, [BLACKED OUT] on 8-21-56 contacted SA [BLACKEDOUT] and advised that a female client, who prefers to remain anonymous, had received the original of the enclosed letter accidentally and believed that it indicated possible CP interest on the part of the addressee, [BLACKED OUT] [BLACKEDOUT] advised that his client had come to him for advice on the matter. [BLACKED OUT] made available a photorecord copy of the original letter which is furnished to the Bureau for information. It is the recollection of SA [BLACKED OUT] that a science fiction writer by the name of HUBBARD several years ago received wide publicity over his discovery of a new "science" of the mind which he termed "dianetics". It is also the recollection of SA [BLACKED OUT] that the medical profession at the time scoffed at "dianetics" as a form of quackery. [BLACKED OUT] No further action is contemplated in this matter. 2 - Bu (RM) (3) FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #145 Cromer SAC, San Francisco Director, FBI (62-94080) THE HUBBARD DIANETIC RESEARCH
FOUNDATION Reurlet August 21, 1956. Bufiles contain no information of a subversive nature regarding captioned organization or its president, Lafayette Ron Hubbard. For your information, the April 24, 1951, edition of "The Times Herald," a Washington, D.C., daily newspaper, contained an article which reflected that Hubbard's wife was suing him for divorce. According to the article, she charged that Hubbard was "hopelessly insane," and that "competent medical advisors recommended that Hubbard be committed to an private sanitarium for psychiatric observation and treatment of a mental ailment known as paranoid schizophrenia." cc - Baltimore (Information) cc - Kansas City (Information) HC:mag (6) FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #146 THE HUBBARD Dear Member, Thank you for helping us to cooperate with the governmental request that the text on Russian Brainwashing not be released publicly. Almost all of the previously released copies have been recovered. Our most trusted members may retain copies for research work to cure effects of brainwashing. For this purpose we are issuing this volume to you. Note that SLP Issue Eight provides the fastest cure of brainwashing. Anyone who has been fully and correctly audited on SLP Issue Eight can not be brainwashed. Very best regards, H.D.R.F. NO. __________ [BLACKED OUT] SSM FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #147 [undated, from place in the files appears to be late 1956] _HUBBARD ASSOCIATION OF The names and addresses of the President and Secretary of the Corporation, together with those of the incorporators are listed as follows :- _President_: _Secretary_: _Incorporators:_ The following are excerpts from the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation disclosing the objectives, purposes and the general nature of Corporation's business. "To establish a religious fellowship Association for the research in to [sic] the spirit and human soul and the use and dissemination of findings. "To have and enjoy all the powers and privileges granted by law to non-profit corporations organised under the laws of the State of Arizona; to conduct and carry on any and all scientific research and most particularly the dissemination and advancement of knowledge of the human mind in mental psychosomatic and allied fields; to conduct schools and classes; to adopt and establish the constitution and by-laws of this incorporation and make all rules and regulations necessary and expedient for the management of [continuing page or pages missing] FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #148 FD-36 (Rev. 12-13-56) FBI Date: 11/26/63 Transmit the following in
________________________ Via _______AIRTEL___________________AIR
MAIL_____________ TO: DIRECTOR, FBI FROM: SAC, JACKSONVILLE, (62-NEW) SUBJECT: SCIENTOLOGY ACADEMY On 11/21/63 [BLACKED OUT] who is currently staying in room [BLACKED OUT], appeared at the Ocala Resident Agency and furnished SA [BLACKED OUT] with the following information: [BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH] [BLACKED OUT] he attended the Scientology Academy located at 1812 Northwest 19th St., Washington, D.C., and that he plans to pursue the field of Scientology and intends to leave for England for additional research under the founder of the Scientology Academy, Mr. L. RON HUBBARD. [BLACKED OUT] stated he hopes to become a Scientology auditor and to devote his life to this field. He stated his present plans call for him leaving for England as soon as his business is finished in [BLACKED OUT] Fla. 3 - Bureau Approved: ____________ Sent
___________M Per ________________ [page 2] JK 66-NEW He stated, however, he recently learned from one [BLACKED OUT] of [BLACKED OUT] N.J. who is also a scientology auditor that Federal Agents had either raided the academy or had conducted some type of investigation concerning the academy and Mr. HUBBARD a few years ago. He stated [BLACKED OUT] indicated the academy cooperated with this investigation and made various tapes available to the Agents and nothing further was heard from the investigation. [BLACKED OUT] pointed out that while he is completely sold on the idea of Scientology, he does not desire to pursue it further such as traveling to England to study in the event the academy or its founder is under investigation or if this is not a legitimate organization. He pointed out that [BLACKED OUT] in advising him of this investigation was rather vague and he felt this should be brought to the attention of the FBI since the FBI might have been the agency who conducted this supposedly [sic] investigation of the academy a few years ago. The Bureau is requested to advise Jacksonville of any background information concerning the scientology academy or L. RON HUBBARD and to advise what if any of this information can be made available to [BLACKED OUT] since it is anticipated that he will recontact the Ocala RA concerning this matter. - 2 - FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #149 SAC, Jacksonville 12-4-63 Director, FBI SCIENTOLOGY ACADEMY Reurairtel 11-26-63. Bufiles contain considerable information regarding Lafayette Ron Hubbard. This individual founded the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation, Incorporated (HDRF), in New Jersey in 1950. This organization was concerned with the treatment of psychosomatic illnesses through "dianetic therapy," which was allegedly a system of healing involving no drugs or surgery. In 1951, the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners filed charges against HDRF for teaching a branch of medicine without a license. Hubbard subsequently moved HDRF to Wichita, Kansas, and in 1952, formed the Hubbard Association of Scientologists in Arizona. Thereafter, he established offices of this Association in New Jersey and London, England. Hubbard claims that "scientology" is a new science which instills confidence in individuals and assists them in removing mental problems and bolstering their capabilities. The 4-24-51, issue of the "Washington Times Herald" contained an article indicating that Hubbard's wife, in suing him for divorce in Los Angeles, had claimed he was "hopelessly insane" and had subjected her to "scientific torture experiments." According to this article, "competent medical advisors recommended that Hubbard be committed to a private sanitarium for psychiatric observation and treatment of a mental ailment known as paranoid schizophrenia." In January, 1963, the Food and Drug Administration directed a raid against the Academy of Scientology at 1812 19th Street, Northwest, Washington, in which machines used by the Academy in the practice of scientology were seized. It was alleged that these machines, known as "Hubbard Electrometers," were falsely advertised as being effective in diagnosing and treating various types of illnesses. Hubbard has corresponded with the Bureau on several occasions for various reasons, including complaints against his wife and about alleged communists. We have not conducted an investigation of him or his organizations. See NOTE on Page 2 ELR:ca[?] [page 2] Letter to SAC, Jacksonville In the event [BLACKED OUT] recontacts the Ocala, Florida Resident Agency, concerning this matter, he should be advised that we cannot assist him as Bureau files are confidential. [REMAINDER OF PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT[] NOTE: Jacksonville requested that background data concerning Hubbard and the Scientology Academy be furnished that Office and that they be advised as to whether this information could be furnished to [BLACKED OUT] since it was anticipated he would recontact that Office. - 2 - FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #150 OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: 12/30/63 FROM : SAC, JACKSONVILLE (62-566) (C) SUBJECT: SCIENTOLOGY ACADEMY Re Jacksonville airtel to Bureau 11/26/63; Reference Bureau letter dated 12/4/63. For information of the Bureau on 12/18/63, [BLACKED OUT] reappeared at the Ocala RA, concerning information regarding the Scientology Academy. At that time, [BLACKED OUT] was advised that Bureau files are confidential, and the FBU could not assist him in this matter. [BLACKED OUT] indicated he planned to go to Washington, D.C. soon to do some additional checking on his own, and stated he may call at the Bureau Headquarters in person concerning this matter. It was further pointed out to [BLACKED OUT] that no assistance could be rendered him even if he did appear at the Bureau in person. Jacksonville is taking no further action concerning this matter and is placing this case in a closed status. 2 - Bureau FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #151 [LETTERHEAD INFORMATION BLACKED OUT] Jan. 3 L964 [sic] Dear Sir: I have recently come into contact with a group of people who claim to be able to cut the time of psychoanalysis by means of a machine called an ohm meter. These people call themselves Scientologists. I would like to believe that this can help me with my problem, but I would like to know that these people are honest and that there is some reason to recomend [sic] them. Thank you for any information that you can give me on the validity of thier [sic] claim . Sincerely, [SIGNATURE BLOCK BLACKED OUT] FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #152 February 10, 1964 [ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT] Dear Miss [BLACKED OUT] Your letter of February 4th has been received. In response to your inquiry regarding Scientologists, the FBI is strictly an investigative agency of the Federal Government and, as such, does not make evaluations nor draw conclusions as to the character or integrity of any individual, publication or organization. Please do not infer from my inability to be of aid either that we do or do not have data in our files regarding the subject of your inquiry. Sincerely yours, [stamped] J. Edgar Hoover NOTE: Correspondent is not identifiable in Bufiles. She is probably referring to a group which at one time was known as the Academy of Scientology, founded by Ron Hubbard. In late 1962, officials of the Food and Drug Administration raided Hubbard's headquarters in Washington, D.C., inasmuch as his club was misrepresenting claims as to what their "machines" could do. Hubbard was described as being "hopelessly insane" by his wife in suing him for divorce in 1951. (105-55601 DCL:rsp (3) FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #153 OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10 5010-106 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Mr. DeLoach DATE: 3-20-64 FROM : M.A. Jones SUBJECT: FOUNDING CHURCH OF
SCIENTOLOGY On the afternoon of March 18, 1964, [BLACKED OUT] and [BLACKED OUT] all affiliated with the captioned group, visited Bureau Headquarters and spoke to SA [BLACKED OUT] of the Crime Research Section. Their spokesman, [BLACKED OUT] said that their purpose in visiting the Bureau was to determine how they can tell a communist from any other individual. [BLACKED OUT] indicated that she feels that the only agency of the Federal government which is not infiltrated by communists is the FBI. She feels most people in America are being brainwashed" to accept communist ideas and that they would like to combat this trend through their church. They advised that their church has a system of psychoanalyzing through the use of their "E-meter" machine which will help to determine who are subversives and who are not. They were informed that such a matter should be left to the jurisdiction of an appropriate agency, the FBI, and the loyalty program was explained to them in detail. They had a number of questions regarding communism and were advised that the best thing they could do would be to educate themselves on the nature of communism. They were referred to the Director's books in this regard and were advised that no private individual should come to conclusions with respect to whether or not another person was a subversive. They were informed concerning the role of the FBI as an investigative agency and that the Bureau had been in this field for a number of years. They were told that when any other Federal agency requested information concerning individuals they were furnished with whatever was pertinent in FBI files. It was clearly indicated that the FBI makes no decisions nor does it evaluate the character of any individual, publication or organization. Bufiles reflect that this group has prompted numerous inquiries of the Bureau. It was founded in New Jersey in 1950 by Lafayette Ron Hubbard and it has been described as being concerned with the treatment of psychosomatic ills through "Dianetic therapy" which is allegedly a system of healing involving no drugs or surgery. It claims JWO'B:smg [page 2] M.A. Jones to DeLoach Memo to be a science which instills self-confidence and assists individuals in removing mental problems and maintain human ability. Hubbard, the founder and president, has been described as "hopelessly insane" by his wife in suing for a divorce and the "Washington Times Herald" of 4-24-51, in mentioning the divorce proceedings, stated that "competent medical advisors recommended that Hubbard be committed to a sanitarium for psychiatric observation and treatment of a mental ailment, paranoid schizophrenia." On January 4, 1963, representatives of the Food and Drug Administration seized "E-meter" devices from the District of Columbia headquarters of Hubbard's organization. The meters were seized on the grounds that they were misbranded. The current issue of "The Saturday Evening Post" contains an article regarding this seizure and Hubbard who maintains headquarters in England. It described Hubbard as having become wealthy from the proceeds of his church and he receives 10 per cent of all fees generated through examinations conducted by persons trained to use his "E-meter" machines. _RECOMMENDATION:_ For information. - 2 - FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #154 April 28, 1964 Federal Bureau of Investigation Dear Sir: About a year ago, your department "raided" the Scientology Center in Washington D.C. of its E meters, books, etc. As my husband was and still is, an active member (he resides in New York) I would be interested in knowing just what action has been taken against this ridiculous group of oddballs. I, personally, am very much against Scientology, and after much persuassion, [sic] took some processing in New York. Certainly would like to know what is being done to halt this dangerous and outrageous "fad". Not only are the ignorant being taken in by their soap box speeches, but those of a higher intelligence. Any information you can give me regarding this particular cult and what is progressing in the case, will be greatly appreciated. I would be more than glad to supply what information I could regarding Scientology, although I'm certain you have plenty of testimonies. Sincerely, [SIGNATURE BLOCK BLACKED OUT] *** May 1, 1964 [ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT] Dear [BLACKED OUT] I have received your letter of April 28th. The raid on the Scientology Center in Washington, D.C., and the seizure of certain books and equipment was not carried out by the FBI, but was conducted by Deputy U.S. Marshals at the request of the Food and Drug Administration of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. In view of this, I am forwarding a copy of your letter to that Department. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover NOTE: Bufiles contain no record of correspondent. On 1-4-63 Deputy U.S. Marshals raided the Scientology Center in Washington, D.C., and seized certain items pursuant to a request of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology is well known to the Bureau and has been described by his wife as being "hopelessly insane." Copy of incoming sent by form to the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. RR:mlk (3) FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #155 April 29, 1965 Mr. DeLoach: In connection with the Senate Subcommittee on Administrative Practice and Procedure (mail cover and wire tapping) hearings held today, the following individuals testified: Oscar H. Brinkman, Attorney for Church of Scientology, Washington, D.C. Wayne Rohrer, Minister at Church of Scientology, Washington, D.C. Irwin L. Hubbard, President, American Dietaids Co., Inc., New York City Winton B. Rankin, Assistant Commissioner, FDA, Washington, D.C. Dr. Carlton Fredericks, Nutritionist, New York City There was no mention of the Director or the Bureau during today's testimony. The only references to the use of secret electronic recording devices were made in connection with Mr. Hubbard's testimony concerning a factory inspection of his premises in New York in 1962, and Attorney Brinkman's allegation that although he had no proof, he was sure that Agents of the FDA used such devices in connection with the raid on the Church of Scientology in Washington, D.C., in January of this year. Mr. Brinkman's testimony for the most part pertained to allegations of "Un-American and Gestapo" like investigations conducted by the FDA in connection with a raid on his client's property, Church of Scientology. Mr. Rohrer's testimony was restricted to an explanation of an electronic device used by the church in its services to register emotional responses of members of the church who are being interviewed by its ministers. Mr. Brinkman advised that the FDA went so far as to have one of their inspectors pose as a student, and attended their Academy of Scientology for a number of weeks. Brinkman noted that they have grounds to believe that electronic equipment was used and that there was a possibility of a mail cover being placed on their correspondence since their mail was delayed. He noted that in his 45 years of legal practice he could not recall when the Federal Constitution was so flagrantly violated by a Federal agency. Mr. Hubbard related his experience with FDA by telling about a case involving his company, American Dietaids Co., Inc., of New York City, in which an inspector, during the course of a "factory inspection" of Dietaids premises, carried 1 - Mr. DeLoach Continued [page 2] Informal memo to Mr. DeLoach a recording device in his briefcase. He testified that upon learning that this Agent had a recording device, he confronted the Agent with this information and was advised by him that it was standard operating procedure for FDA Agents to use such a recording device in connection with factory inspections. Hubbard stated that as a result of his subsequent suit against FDA, instructions have been issued by that agency to its inspectors that they are no longer permitted to carry such recording devices in connection with making a factory inspection. At this point in the hearing, Chairman Long raised the following question: Have you noticed that any small investigative agency who has been given any power at all, tends to allow such power to go to its head and has little concern for the rights of the citizen? Mr. Hubbard answered in the affirmative. Mr. Rankin's testimony at this point was merely to refute statements made yesterday by Mr. Kirkpatrick W. Dilling, attorney, for the manufacturer and distributor of vitamin supplements in Chicago, Illinois. The next witness was Dr. Fredericks (Ph.D. from New York University) who related how he has been "hounded and persecuted" by officials of the FDA since 1949, when he had the audacity to disagree with them in his radio program concerning nutritional foods. He alleged that, from that time on, through FDA's influence with the Federal Communications Commission and the press, his radio programs, that were once carried over some 72 stations, have been cut back to some 20 stations. Dr. Frederick's comments made no mention of any secret recording devices. This series of hearings on the FDA were recessed with a brief statement from Chairman Long in which he severely criticized some of the Gestapo investigative techniques used by FDA. He noted that it appears that FDA inspectors attempt to prosecute individuals at any cost, being completely indifferent to the individual's rights in using "snooping devices." He expressed the opinion that the American public, as a whole, would greatly benefit if FDA investigators would refrain from such actions as bugging schoolteachers, raiding churches and harassing small business firms, and direct their attention to the larger firms who have, in the past, produced and sold harmful drugs. These hearings have been recessed until May 5, 1965, at which time hearings on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will begin. You might be interested in knowing that Senator Javits of New York, a member of this committee, made his first appearance of the week for approximately 15 minutes, and then excused himself due to another commitment. M.A. Jones - 2 - FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #156 [LETTERHEAD INFO BLACKED OUT] Federal Bureau of Investigation Dear Sirs: We keep receiving mail from this organization although we have requested that they drop us from their lists. We did not give our names to them in the first place. What sort of an organization is it? We note that they have an office in Washington, D.C. Many years ago a friend loaned us one of their books, which we read, and attended a meeting they held in Athol, Massachusetts. But that was easily ten or fifteen years ago. It struck us then that they were a bunch of gooney-birds, and nothing we've read in their advertising since has made us change our minds. Are they communists, or just odd? We live in a very small town, and aren't too happy about the stuff we receive from them as most of [?] can be opened and read. It just seemed to us it might be a good idea to inquire as to what type of an organization it was. Sincerely yours, [SIGNATURE BLOCK BLACKED OUT] FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #157 [envelope, postmarked MIAMI, FLA., no date legible; this and the following apparently enclosures included with letter in FBI #156] _SCIENTOLOGY (Return requested) BE A SCIENTOLOGIST [ADDRESSEE INFORMATION BLOCKED OUT] *** [poorly xeroxed] RU3H [sic] NOTICE! SPECIAL FREE OPEN HOUSE --- open to all on SUNDAY 18TH July at 4 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. at Scientology, 47 SW 11th
Street, We are very pleased to announce a complete NEW CYCLE, and a new star[?] and re-organization of the Scientology central organization Florida at 47 SW 11th Street, Miami. L. Ron Hubbard has just appointed as HCO Executive Secretary - Elizabeth Williams, HSS, Class VI St. Hill, who has just recently been Power processed to 2nd stage Release and keyed out OT, and had received special organization training at St. Hill. Elizabeth has flown over here is now on post. She had a long interview with L. Ron Hubbard before she left St. Hill concerning the Miami area. Elizabeth has been in Scientology since 1953 and is well known in Australia for her work in setting up and working with the Scientology organizations there with great success. There are many new plans afoot and good things that mean a lot to each of us as beings and to our own personal advancement as individuals. Come and hear the good news. There will be a short talk and you will be able to meet the staff, Elizabeth, and hear the new plans. Coffee and pastry will be served. Just be there at 4 p.m. Sunday. Note: We will be holding the free open evening every month from now on - on the FIRST SUNDAY in every month - 4 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. at the above address. There will be a lecture or perhaps a tape, news of interest and coffee and pastry will be served. YOU ARE WELCOME No need to reply, just come. Dress informal. FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #158 July 21, 1965 [ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT] Dear Miss [BLACKED OUT] Your letter of July 16th, with enclosures, has been received. With respect to your inquiry, information contained in our files must be maintained as confidential in accordance with regulations of the Department of Justice. I trust you will understand the necessary reasons for this policy and why I cannot comment as you suggested. Sincerely yours, [stamped] J. Edgar Hoover NOTE: Correspondent is not identifiable in Bufiles. Regarding the Academy of Scientology, in late 1962, newspapers indicated that Food and Drug Administration officials raided the Washington, D.C. headquarters of Ron Hubbard to whom correspondent refers, inasmuch as his club was misrepresenting claims as to what their "machines" could do. Hubbard runs the Academy of Scientology, and he is the founder and president of the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation, Inc., for the purpose of furthering Hubbard's theory of "Scientology," an alleged science which instills self-confidence and assists individuals in removing (Continued next page) DFC:ejc [page 2] [BLACKED OUT] mental problems and obtaining human ability. Hubbard has been described as being "hopelessly insane" by his wife in suing for divorce and the "Washington Times Herald" of 4-24-51, in mentioning this divorce proceeding, stated that "competent medical advisors recommended that Hubbard be committed to a private sanitarium for psychiatric observation and treatment of a mental ailment known as paranoid schizophrenia. At the time FDA was confiscating books and these wonder "machines" found in Hubbard's headquarters, he was allegedly in England. No arrests were made. (105-55601) - 2 - FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #159 [handwritten letter] [BLACKED OUT] Gentlemen: I read of a report that the F.B.I. had arrested an organization by the name of Scientology previously organized by the name of Dianetics - by Ron L. Hubbard [sic] - Were they ever brought to trial and what was the outcome of the case - Will they also be arrested in all countries belonging to the League of Nations - + will there be any assistance for the Victims? Sincerely, [SIGNATURE BLACKED OUT] *** [ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT] Dear Miss [BLACKED OUT] Your letter of September 24th has been received. With respect to your inquiry, the raid on the Scientology Center in Washington, D.C., and the seizure of certain books and equipment was not carried out by the FBI, but was conducted by Deputy U.S. Marshals at the request of the Food and Drug Administration of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. In view of this, I am forwarding a copy of your letter to that Department. Sincerely yours, [stamped] J. Edgar Hoover NOTE: Bufiles contain no record of correspondent. On 1-4-63 Deputy U.S. Marshals raided the Scientology Center in Washington, D.C., and seized certain items pursuant to a request of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology is well known to the Bureau and has been described by his wife as being "hopelessly insane." Copy of incoming sent by form to the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. DTP:ems FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #160 TRUE COPY [BLACKED OUT] Oct. 2, 1965 J. Edgar Hoover, F.B.I. Dear Mr. Hoover: I recd., this date, a booklet from: "Scientology - 1012 19th St. N.W. - Washington 9, D.C. It is a small 66 page pamphlet. The pages are about the size of a schoolbook. Perhaps, the size of a First Grade Reader. The Auther [sic] is L. Ron Hubbard. The company is called: The Hubbard Association of Scientologists International Limited. There are offices in London, Washington, Melbourne, Johannesburg, Aukland, Durban, Los Angeles, Paris, Berlin and Hubbard Communications Office Ltd. The London address is: Hosi Ltd., 37 Fitzroy St. London, W.I. It reads in doubletalk! It is so far left in [sic] turns quite orange and into red! It appeals to the average person. Middle Class, middle age, medium intellect and stirs the heck out of them! It may help the weaker ones. It will stir up a stronger mind to a keen interest. Perhaps the weaker mind will go out, sign up for a better education at some night school and go on to a better job. On the other hand, the stronger mind, if he is unhappy in his lot in life, will cause a real uproar in his circle. Mostly because this booklet "puts down" the young aggressive worker who might be _in charge_ of an older group. [page 2] It says "in short" that there is no room for experienced run-of-the-mill workers with very little education. We know that this type of person is the backbone of our country. Why should they be plegued [sic] with doubts about their younger boss? This booklet breeds contempt which leads to hate. We all know what hate can do! (The Consultants are: THE FOUNDING CHURCH OF SCIENCOLOGY [sic] WASHINGTON THE CHURCH OF SCIENCEOLOGY [sic] OF CALIF.) In good old "American English" they are trying to cause a "fire in the hold!" Oddly enough, I had a "creepy" feeling when I opened. A dark, gray taste, although the day was bright and cheerful. Now I must explain the circumstances of my receiving this through the United States Mail. I recd. A "book-page" size piece of paper in the mail on Sept. 21, 1965. It is white paper with a black edge. It reads: "Here is a book that does what you don't expect a book to do. It tells you HOW. It tells you the basis of things, and the most basic of things is life itself. This then is a book about Life." (Then, in an inner black box) THE PROBLEMS (To continue) "Just _get it, read it, try
it,_ and THE DISTRIBUTION CENTER, INC. DO IT TODAY ___ I wrote to Maryland and recd. this from Washington. Now, the back page of the booklet tells me to write to London and send - 2 - [page 3] £2. Thus far, I have sent no money but would like to send to London to receive "Dienetics [sic]: The Modern Science of Mental Health" and "The Extension Course." if for no other reason, then to explode their theory. Number 1. it must be against some law to ask for English Funds in the U.S. Number 2. it must be against some law to do this through the U.S. Mail. Number 3 it should be against some law to send this type of literature through the U.S. Mail, marked book when it's a pamphlet. It is not worth the $1.25 asked for it. It is worth about 50c [cents]. Number 4 it should_ be against some law to be doing all of this through the name of "Science"! (This is a science of "drip-water-system-" A science of undermining people's mind. An evil science.) I was quite surprised when I opened this package! I thought it would be "a book of Morman [sic]" because I have ventured, verbaly [sic], to a couple of "oddballs" this past week, my desire to Read the Book of Morman. I had an interesting talk with a young man (from the Navy) on the Morman [sic] Theory and wanted to read it and understand it for myself before I condemned it in my own mind! If what this young man says is true, the Morman's [sic] should jolly well find themselves another vision or two and another land. Say like Russia or someplace close by. (Make a hell of their own someplace else!) I would be highly honored if you would answer this letter. I have not recd. an answer to any letters I have written to any of our U.S. Officials, yet, I write to an oddball outfit like this & receive prompt attention! I sent a letter to two of our local (U.S. State) official [sic], one a couple of months ago - during the Watts riot and one last week - (State-official) and no answers. I am not prone to this type of letter but have a great fear for our wonderful Blessed Soil! I will await an answer for one week. Then I shall write this letter to "Lady bird," our beloved President's wife. He is so busy & he is a man. She is a woman and (no matter how you men think) women are strong. - a lot stronger than this evil pamphlet. - 3 - [page 4] I can not tolerate any hint of social, yellow, red, black, pink or anything less than pure red, white & blue! Sincerely, [SIGNATURE BLACKED OUT] Please take that booklet apart with a fine tooth comb. Note entroduction [sic], note 1st paragraph in each chapt. and not [sic] how each chapt. twists the truth out of the first sentences. This was wrtten [sic] by a crafty mind. Note the large case words. Note the _last chapters! - 4 -
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