DEFENSE COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20305

IN REPLY REFER TO: [handwritten] Scientologists

3 January 1966

MEMORANDUM TO CHIEF, SECURITY DIVISION

SUBJECT: Unwilling Registration in a National Cultist Group

1. The purpose of this memorandum is to explain the circumstances surrounding an unintentional attendance at the Scientology Congress, Washington Hilton Hotel, on Saturday, 1 January 1966. To understand the circumstances surrounding this situation it is necessary to explain the background starting with my initial meeting with [REMAINDER OF PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]

[PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]

[BEGINNING SEVERAL LINES OF PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT] When we went down we were told that [BLACKED OUT]ad registered us for the Scientology Congress and to go on in to the meeting.

[page 2]

SUBJECT: Unwilling Registration in a National Cultist Group

4. I sat in on a film showing of the leader giving a lecture. From the information presented, it soon became apparent to me that this was certainly a weird organization. They stated or implied that they were against police authority, did not believe in any religion, and said among other things that the government's sole responsibility was to kill people. After listening about 45 minutes, I explained to [BLACKED OUT] that I had not planned to spend any time away from my children on that day and I excused myself that way as politely as possible and left.

5. I do not know whether or not this organization is listed as subversive, but in my estimation it is a very weird activity which, as I see it, could conceivably evolve into one if it, in fact, is not now classified as such. Copies of the material passed out at the meeting were delivered by me to [BLACKED OUT] of the Security Division this morning.

[SIGNATURE BLOCK BLACKED OUT]

2

[LETTER HEAD INFO BLACKED OUT]

June 29, 1966

Federal Bureau of Investigation
Department of Justice,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

I am enclosing literature I have been receiving recently which is self-explanatory.

I did not subscribe for or solicit this information, and don't understand it, am also very suspicious of its content and intent.

I do not know whether this is a Communist Front Organization or a "far out" religious sect. However, I would appreciate an investigation by your department and a reply as to the result of such an investigation.

Very truly,
[SIGNATURE BLOCK BLACKED OUT]

[ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT]

Dear Mr. [BLACKED OUT]

Your letter of June 29th and enclosures have been received.

Although I appreciate your interest in contacting this Bureau, based on the material you forwarded, there has been no violation of Federal law coming within the investigative jurisdiction of the FBI. Your enclosures are being returned.

Sincerely yours,

John Edgar Hoover
Director

Enclosures (14) NOTE: Correspondent is not identifiable in Bufiles. He forwarded fourteen bits of literature disseminated by Ron Hubbard's Dianetic Research Foundation, Inc., now called Scientology, 1812 19th Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C. 20009, which has been known to the Bureau since 1951.

DCL:vab
(3)

(See NOTE next page)

[page 2]

[BLACKED OUT]

This is an alleged science which supposedly instills self-confidence and assists individuals in removing mental problems and obtaining human ability. His wife, suing him for divorce in 1951, described him as being hopelessly insane and the Washington Times-Herald stated that "competent medical advisors recommended that Hubbard be committed to a private sanitarium for psychiatric observation and treatment of a paranoid schizophrenia." Copies of correspondent's enclosures are not necessary for retention in Bufiles.

- 2 -

[handwritten letter]

Nov. 16th 1966

Dear Sirs:

We are very concerned about our son and family and hope you can help us by explaining to us what Scientology means. Our daughter-in-law is taking some Scientology courses in Minneapolis but they are not allowed to tell us anything. They do not even write to us at the present time and we are not supposed to write to them or see them or call them on the phone. Why all these secrets? They also go by the name of Founding Church of Scientology.

They have cut themselves off from her parents too and all other relatives.

Thank you.

[SIGNATURE BLACKED OUT]

(over)

[next page]

We were wondering if all this is on the level or if they are being swindled out of some money.

[ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT]

Dear Mrs. [BLACKED OUT]

The letter of November 16th from you and your husband has been received.

In response to your inquiry, information in our files must be maintained as confidential pursuant to regulations of the Department of Justice. I am sure you will understand why I cannot comment as you desire.

Sincerely yours,

[stamped] J. Edgar Hoover
John Edgar Hoover
Director

NOTE: Lafayette Ron Hubbard, the founder of "The Founding Churches of Scientology" has been known to the Bureau since 1951; however, neither Hubbard nor the organizations headed by him have been investigated by the Bureau. "Scientology" is an alleged science which instills self confidence and assists individuals in removing mental problems. (62-94080)

Correspondents are not identifiable in Bufiles.

LCH:des (3)

[ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT]
November 20, 1966

Mr. J . Edgar Hoover
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. Hoover:

As a private citizen I do not know whether or not it is permissible to ask you for information. If so, I would like to so impose upon you if I may. If not, please disregard.

My particular concern pertains to a man by the name of "Ron Hubbard." He is an originator of something called "Scientology." As head of such an organization or whatever you may call it, he once directed this practice from Washington, D.C. Some time ago, however, after some sort of "claimed investigation" by the Food and Drug Administration, he changed his headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Kent, England. Since I have close relatives (California state) involved in this practice and, based on my observations from them of its theories, the belief that it is not all that it proclaims to be, I suspicion his reasons for leaving Washington, D.C. Also, I question the "miracles" of this practice from the standpoint that if it is all it claims to be and in this length of time has had ample opportunity to prove its greatness, why hasn't a recognizable organization or institution adopted its theories? Therefore, would you mind to tell me what you know, if any, on this man and this organization. I realize you are very busy, but if not too great an imposition, it would do me a lot of good to know.

Your cooperation will be very much appreciated.

Sincerely,

[SIGNATURE BLOCK BLACKED OUT]

[ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT]
Dear Mrs. [BLACKED OUT]

Your letter of November 20th has been received.

In response to your inquiry, I would like to point out that information in our files must be maintained as confidential pursuant to regulations of the Department of Justice. I am sure you will understand why I cannot furnish the information you desire, and I hope you will not infer either that we do or do not have material in our files relating to the individual or organization you mentioned.

Sincerely yours,

[stamped] J. Edgar Hoover

NOTE: Bufiles contain no record identifiable with correspondent. L. Ron Hubbard is the subject of Bufile 62-94080. This individual is the founder and president of Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation, Inc., which was established for the purpose of furthering Hubbard's Theory of Scientology, an alleged science which instills self-confidence and assists individuals in removing mental problems and obtaining human ability. He 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 the 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."

EFT:tlc
(3)

FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-64)

F B I

Date: 2/7/67

Transmit the following in ____________________
(Type in plaintext or code)

via ___AIRTEL_________________________
(Priority)

TO: DIRECTOR, FBI

FROM: LEGAT, LONDON (163-2106) (P)

LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD
FPC

Subject believed to be a U.S. citizen, born 3/13/11.

Legat, London indices reflect file references to subject which have now been destroyed.

Subject is currently in East Grinstead, Sussex, at St. Hill Manor, operating some type of religious organization.

[PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]

The Bureau is requested to furnish this office with any information known concerning subject.

3 - Bureau
1 - Liaison (sent direct)
1 - London
ACM:vw
(5)

Approved: ________________ Sent _____________M Per_____________
(Special Agent in Charge)

[very bad xerox copy]

1 - Name Check
1 - W.F. Woods

LEGAT, London (163-2106)

February 21, 1967

LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD
FPC

Reurairtel dated February 7, 1967.

No investigation has been conducted by the Bureau concerning captioned individual. However, Bufiles reveal that Hubbard was the founder and president of the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation, Incorporated, which was incorporated in New Jersey during April, 1950. The December 5, 1950, issue of "Look" magazine contained an article entitled "Dianetics - Science or Hoax?" which related that L. Ron Hubbard was an obscure writer of pseudo-scientific pulp fiction prior to the publishing of his book entitled "Dianetics." Hubbard's book asserts that "the creation of dianetics is a milestone for man, comparable to his discovery of fire and superior to his inventions of the wheel and the arch ... the intelligent layman can successfully and invariably treat all psychosomatic ills and inorganic aberrations," according to Hubbard. "These psychosomatic ills, uniformly cured by dianetic therapy, include much varied maladies as eye trouble, bursitis, ulcers, some heart difficulties, migraine headaches and the common cold." According to the article, Hubbard's book has "outraged scores of psychiatrists, biochemists, psychologists, physicians and just-plain-ordinary scientists, who look upon the astounding claims and the growing commercial success of this strange new phenomenon with awe, fear and a deep disgust ... Hubbard's greatest attraction to the troubled is that his ersatz psychiatry is available to all. It's cheap. It's accessible. It's a public festival to be played at clubs and parties."

During March, 1951, the Board of Medical Examiners, State of New Jersey, had a case against the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation (HDRF) scheduled for trial on the grounds that the organization was conducting a school, teaching a branch of medicine and surgery, without a license.

In 1951 the HDRF established national headquarters at Wichita, Kansas, and sponsored the Allied Scientists of the World, which organization had as its avowed purpose "to construct and stock a library ... in an atomic proof area where

WFW:blk
(5)

[page 2]

Lafayette Ronald Hubbard
FPC

the culture and technology of the United States could be stored in a state of use by science and preserve it in case of attack."

The April 24, 1951, issue of the "Times Herald," Washington, D.C., revealed that Hubbard's wife charged in a divorce 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."

Allegedly, during 1952, Hubbard formed the Hubbard Association of Scientologists, an Arizona corporation, and reverted "dianetics" back to its original name, "scientology." Thereafter, offices were opened in New Jersey; London, England; and Australia.

During the early part of 1956, HDRF, Silver Spring, Maryland, was circulating a pamphlet entitled "Brain-Washing, A Synthesis of the Russian Textbook on Psychopolitics." According to the book, psychopolitics is the "art and science of asserting and maintaining dominion over the thoughts and loyalties of individuals, officers, bureaus, and masses, and the effecting of the conquest of enemy nations through mental health.'"

In the past Hubbard has corresponded with this Bureau and Department of Justice on several occasions for various reasons, including complaints about his wife and about alleged communists. In one lengthy letter in May, 1951, it is perhaps noteworthy that Hubbard stated that while he was in his apartment on February 23, 1951, about two or three o'clock in the morning, his apartment was entered. He was knocked out. A needle was thrust into his heart to produce a coronary thrombosis and he was given an electric shock. He said his recollection of this incident was now very blurred, that he had no witnesses and that the only other person who had a key to the apartment was his wife.

Numerous inquiries have been received by this Bureau concerning Hubbard and the various organizations established by him.

- 2 -

[page 3]

Lafayette Ronald Hubbard
FPC

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 "Saturday Evening Post" thereafter carried an article regarding this seizure and Hubbard, and described Hubbard as having become wealthy from the proceeds of his church and stating that he received ten per cent of all fees generated through examinations conducted by persons trained in use of his "E-meter" machines.

In November of 1965, a citizen provided a copy of a pamphlet entitled "What Everyone Should Know About Scientology." The citizen provided this pamphlet inasmuch as his granddaughter had become a member of the organization. Page four of this pamphlet has a caption "Scientology As A Religion," which states as follows:

"Philosophy dealing with the individual as a spirit is normally classed as a religion. The same type of material as Scientology was attempted about [?-possibly 3],500 years ago by one Gautama Siddhartha and became the world's oldest civilized religion, known as Buddhism. Laws of life, exteriorization and other materials of Buddhism are similar to Scientology. Scientology however, is able to achieve results even in early stages that Buddhism could not. This does not make Scientology Buddhism but it does place it firmly in the area of religion.

"Theosophy, organized as a body of knowledge similar in text to Scientology has been declared a religion by U.S. Federal Courts.

"Scientology is therefore a religion. The only question was whether or not its organizations should be formal churches and auditors ministers. Some Scientology Organizations have become Churches, some as in Australia have remained simply religious fellowships. There has never been any serious question of Scientology being a religion since by definition knowledge and study of man as a spiritual, rather than an animal, being is of course religious."

- 3 -

[page 4]

Lafayette Ronald Hubbard
FPC

In January of 1966, the Defense Communications Agency provided a copy of a memorandum submitted by Colonel Charles C. Mack of the United States Air Force after he had unintentionally attended the Scientology Congress at the Washington Hilton Hotel on Saturday, January 1, 1966. Colonel Mack advised that he had sat in on a film show of the leader giving a lecture. He advised that they stated or implied that they were against police authority, did not believe in any religion and said, among other things, that the Government's sole responsibility was to kill people.

On September 13, 1963, Captain Dean Phillips, Seattle, Washington, Police Department advised that on September 11, 1963, William J. Fisk, Seattle, Washington, head of a religious mystical church was shot to death before members of his group in the Seattle headquarters of the Church of Scientology of Washington State. Russell Edward Johnson surrendered to the Seattle, Washington, Police Department. He was charged with the premeditated killing and his apparent motive was his belief that his wife's estrangement from him resulted from the instructions given to this group by Fisk. Literature and correspondence in possession of the deceased was obtained by the Seattle Police Department and indicated that the group was affiliated with the Founding Church of Scientology, also known as Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, Founder, Hubbard Association of Scientologists International.

There is attached a copy of FBI Identification Record 244 210 B concerning LaFayette Ronald Hubbard who appears to be identical with the subject of your inquiry.

Enclosure

- 4 -

OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10
MAY [?] EDITION
GSA GEN. REG. NO. 27

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Memorandum

TO : Director, FBI (83-2361)

DATE: 3/13/67

FROM : Legat, London (163-2106) (P)

SUBJECT: LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD
FPC

ReBulet 2/21/67.

Information contained in referenced letter has been furnished to [BLACKED OUT] and they have asked if they can be furnished with a copy of subject's fingerprints It is noted he has FBI No. 244210B. [BLACKED OUT] would also appreciate knowing disposition of the two arrests on this Identification record, (1) for petty theft 8/17/48 by Sheriff's Office, San Luis Obispo, California, and (2) 12/16/52, U.S. Marshal, Philadelphia, Pa., for bankruptcy.

This case will be pending awaiting Bureau reply.

3 - Bureau
1 - Liaison (sent direct)
1 - London
ACM:vw
(5)

Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan

[old, many-times-copied file, apparently sent to London in response to request]

6-22-61

PLAIN TEXT

BUREAU RADIO

DEFERRED

[BLACKED OUT]

REURRADIO 6-20-61. LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD, SUBJECT OF YOUR INQUIRY, POSSIBLY IDENTICAL SAME NAME, FBI 244-210-B. SIMILAR DESCRIPTION, BORN 3-13-11, AT TILDEN, NEBRASKA. OUR IDENTIFICATION FILES SHOW HUBBARD FINGERPRINTED 8-17-48 BY SHERIFF, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, PETTY THEFT - CHECKS, ARRESTED FOR LOS ANGELES COUNTY, RELEASED ON BOND. ALSO ARRESTED 12-16-52, UNITED STATES MARSHALL, PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, HIS NUMBER 11833, CHARGE BANKRUPT, BAIL $1000. COURT.

HOOVER

JGC:jcj:jb
(4)

NOTE: Subject of radiogram from [BLACKED OUT] is probably L. Ron Hubbard, on whom the Bureau has received numerous inquiries and complaints concerning the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation Inc., the Hubbard Association of Scientology International and the Academy of Scientology, all organizations with which Hubbard has been connected. In a divorce suit in 1[?] his wife accused him of insanity and competent medical advisors recommended he be committed to a sanitarium for psychiatric observation and treatment of paranoid schizophrenia. Previous correspondence in this matter handled by Domestic Intelligence Division. (Bufile 62-94080) File in 62-94080 "Scientology"

[?]-3 [REV. 1-27-66]

DECODED COPY

AIRGRAM X CABLEGRAM RADIO TELETYPE

STATE 003
URGENT 4-11-67
TO DIRECTOR
FROM LEGAT LONDON NO. 32

LAFAYETT RONALD HUBBARD, FPC.

REBULET FEBRUARY 21, LONLET MARCH 13, AND BUREAU ROUTING SLIP MARCH 24 WITH FINGERPRINT AND ARREST RECORD ENCLOSURES. [BLACKED OUT] TO BE INFORMED OF DISPOSITION OF TWO ARRESTS OF SUBJECT ON AUGUST 17, 1958 AND DECEMBER 16, 1952. PLEASE EXPEDITE REPLY.

FBI NUMBER OF SUBJECT IS 244210 B.

RECEIVED: 8:15 AM MKW

CC MR. TROTTER
3RD CC MR. BRENNAN

If the intelligence contained in the above message is to be disseminated outside the Bureau, it is suggested that it be suitably paraphrased in order to protect the Bureau's cryptographic systems.

4/11/67
PLAINTEXT
TELETYPE DEFERRED
1 - Liaison
1 - Mr. Flemister

TO SACs LOS ANGELES
PHILADELPHIA

FROM DIRECTOR FBI

LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD, FPC.

SUBJECT'S FBI RECORD NUMBER TWO FOUR FOUR TWO ONE ZERO B SHOWS AN ARREST ON AUGUST SEVENTEEN, ONE NINE FOUR EIGHT FOR PETTY THEFT (CHECK) BY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, UNDER ITS NUMBER C-ONE THREE NINE SIX, AND AN ARREST ON DECEMBER SIXTEEN, ONE NINE FIVE TWO FOR BANKRUPT BY UNITED STATES MARSHAL, PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, UNDER MARSHAL'S NUMBER ONE ONE EIGHT THREE EIGHT. NO DISPOSITIONS ARE SHOWN FOR THESE ARRESTS. [BLACKED OUT] BUREAU DETERMINE DISPOSITION OF EACH ARREST. RECIPIENTS HANDLE AND [?]UTEL FOLLOWED BY LETTERHEAD MEMORANDUM.

HCF:rab
(4)

NOTE: Foregoing request per Legat, London, cable to Bureau 4/11/67.

FBI WASH DC

FBI LOS ANG.

121 OPM URGENT 4-12-67 WJZ

TO DIRECTOR ATTN: LIAISON SECTION

FROM LOS ANGELES (163-NEW)

LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD. FPC.

REBUTEL TO LOS ANGELES APRIL ELEVEN LAST.

REGARDING HUBBARD'S ARREST AT SAN LUIS OBISPO ON AUGUST SEVENTEEN, NINETEEN FORTY EIGHT, ON CHARGE OF PETTY THEFT (CHECKS) THE CASE WAS DISPOSED OF IN SAN GABRIEL TOWNSHIP JUSTICE COURT ON AUGUST THIRTY ONE, NINETEEN FORTY EIGHT, WHEN HUBBARD PAID TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS FINE. LHM FOLLOWS.

END

B/P

FBI WASH DC

P

FBI WASH DC

FBI PHILA

347PM URGENT 4-12-67 MCS

TO DIRECTOR

FROM PHILADELPHIA (163-262) (P)

LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD, FPC

REBUTEL TO LA & PH, APRIL ELEVEN LAST.

REVIEW OF BANKRUPTCY DOCKET FILE NUMBER TWO THREE SEVEN FOUR SEVEN, USDC, EDPA, INSTANT, REFLECTS SUBJECT ARRESTED BY USM, PHILA, DECEMBER SIXTEEN, FIFTY-TWO, FOR PURPOSE OF APPEARING AT BANKRUPTCY HEARING. HE TESTIFIED ON DECEMBER SEVENTEEN AND DECEMBER NINETEEN FIFTY-TWO AND WAS DISCHARGED. LETTERHEAD MEMO FOLLOWS.

END

WRD

FBI WASH DC

176-200:

[this is 180-187, inclusive. I've tried to send them for a couple of days, but since I haven't seen your collection posted, I assume you didn't get them. If you already rec'd them, ignore this.]

[a form, reproduced as best as possible]

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20537

[signed] J. Edgar Hoover
Director.

The following FBI record, NUMBER 244 210 B, is furnished FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY.

_______________________________________________________

CONTRIBUTOR OF    NAME AND NUMBER    ARRESTED OR   CHARGE    DISPOSITION
FINGERPRINTS
RECEIVED
_______________________________________________________

Federal           Lafayette Ronald    inquiry
Communications    Hubbard             January
Commission                            22,1943

Police            Lafayette Ronald    applicant
Department        Hubbard             finger-
Los Angeles                           printed
California                            December
                                      31, 1947

Sheriff's         Lafayette Ron       August        petty theft
Office            Hubbard #C-139      17, 1948      (checks)
San Luis Obispo
California

United States     Lafayette Ron       December      bankrupt
Marshal           Hubbard #11838      16, 1952
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
________________________________________________________

Information shown on this Identification Record represents data furnished FBI by fingerprint contributors. Where final disposition is not shown or further explanation of charge is desired, communicate with agency contributing those fingerprints.

Notations as indicated by * are NOT based on fingerprints in FBI files but are listed only as investigative leads as being possibly identical with subject of this record.

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : [illegible form number]

FD-36 (rev. 5-22-64)

FBI

Date: 4/13/67

Transmit the following in _________________________
(Type in plaintext or code)

Via _______AIRTEL_______ _______AIR MAIL _________
(Priority)

TO: DIRECTOR, FBI _ATTN: LIAISON SECTION_

FROM: SAC, LOS ANGELES 9163-1123) (RUC)

SUBJECT: LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD
FPC

ReButel dated 4/11/67, and Los Angeles teletype 4/12/67.

Enclosed are the original and five copies of a letterhead memorandum containing results of investigation conducted in captioned case.

Investigation at San Luis Obispo, California was conducted by SA [BLACKED OUT] Investigation at Alhambra and San Gabriel, California was conducted by SA [BLACKED OUT]

The indices of the Los Angeles Office contain no pertinent information regarding LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD in addition to that set out in Los Angeles airtel to Bureau dated 4/5/60 captioned "Dr. L. RON HUBBARD, JR., aka Lafayette Ronald Hubbard, Jr.; [BLACKED OUT] ITSP," LA 87-11733.

4 - Bureau (Encs. 6)
1 - Los Angeles

JRS:cea
(5)

Approved: ________________ Sent __________M Per _________
Special Agent in Charge

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Los Angeles, California
April 13, 1967

LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD
_also known as L. Ron Hubbard_

[PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]

[LINE BLACKED OUT] on April 12, 1967, advised that there was a Justice Court in San Gabriel until 1951 when the Justice Court of the San Gabriel Township was consolidated with the Alhambra, California, Municipal Court.

Records of the Alhambra Municipal Court were checked on April 12, 1967, and found to contain the records of the Justice Court - San Gabriel Township. Docket No. 10045 was examined regarding L. Ron Hubbard and found to contain the following information: This case originated when John Baldwin, 3429 East Colorado in East Pasadena, California, on August 5, 1948, charged L. Ron Hubbard, 1644 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, on or about July 10, 1948, at 3429 East Colorado, East Pasadena, San Gabriel Township, committed the crime of petty theft, a violation of Section 484, California Penal Code.

[page 2]

RE: LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD

A complaint was filed, want issued and bail in the amount of $500 was set on August 5, 1948, and the case was turned over to the Sheriff's Forgery Detail.

On August 19, 1948, Hubbard was arraigned in the San Gabriel Township Justice Court where he entered a plea of not guilty, waived trial by jury and trial was set for August 31, 1948. On August 31, 1948, Hubbard withdrew a plea of not guilty and entered a plea of guilty. He waived time for sentence and the disposition is given as $25. fine which was paid.

The court record notes that on March 16, 1955, the file was destroyed.

-2*-

[ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT]
September 6, 1967

Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D.C. 20535

Dear Sir:

We have recently come in contact with a person who states that he is a member of a religion called Scientology. This individual claims that the correct title of the organization is the Church of Scientology with headquarters in Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead, Sussex, England, Great Britain. I understand this church is a world wide organization and that there are several centers in this country (i. e. Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Minneapolis, New York City, Washington, D.C., etc.).

We have received information of a limited nature from their Seattle, Washington center of the Church of Scientology of California. However their information appears to be ambiguous. Of course the information received is largely promotional.

Inasmuch as the information received appears to be ambiguous, please send any information you may have concerning this religion (providing the information is not privileged, classified or against the best interests of the United States) - if possible. Thank you.

Sincerely yours,

[SIGNATURE BLACKED OUT]

FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-64)

F B I

Date: 4/14/67

Transmit the following in _________________________
(Type in plaintext or code)

Via _______AIRTEL______________AIR MAIL _________
(Priority)

TO: DIRECTOR, FBI
Attn: Liaison Section

FROM: SAC, PHILADELPHIA (163-262) (RUC)

SUBJECT: _CHANGED_
LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD, aka
L. Ron Hubbard
FPC

__________________

Title is marked to reflect the name L. RON HUBBARD as used by subject when bankruptcy proceedings were held in Philadelphia, Pa., in December 1952.

Re Philadelphia teletype to Bureau 4/12/67.

Enclosed herewith are the original and five copies of an LHM setting forth the results of inquiries by the Philadelphia Division.

Also enclosed for the Bureau is a copy of an Affidavit in Support of Trustee's Application Under Section 10 of The Bankruptcy Act, in the matter of The Hubbard Dianetic Foundation, Inc., dated 12/16/52 and a copy of an order dated 12/19/52 signed by Judge ALLAN K. GRIM dismissing subject.

[PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]

[LINE BLACKED OUT]

3 - Bureau (Enc. 8)
1 - Philadelphia (163-262)

BFM:PSM
(4)

Approved: ________________ Sent __________M Per _________
Special Agent in Charge

[old file, apparently submitted to Bureau from Philadelphia SAC]

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA

UNITED STATES

vs. In Bankruptcy
Cause No. 23747

L. RON HUBBARD

_ORDER_

AND NOW, to wit, December 19, 1952, it appearing to the Court that the above named defendant has heretofore entered his recognizance before the Clerk of this Court in the sum of $1000.000, conditioned for his appearance before this Court, and as security thereon there was deposited the sum of $1000.00 in cash, which is now in the Registry of this Court; and it further appearing that the said defendant did appear and was dismissed and the bail exonerated, it is

ORDERED that the Clerk of this Court, pay from the Registry of the Court the sum of $1000.00 to L. Ron Hubbard, whose address appears on the bond as Explorer's Club, New York, N.Y.

BY THE COURT,

[signed] Allen K. Grim, J.

[old file, badly xeroxed, apparently submitted to Bureau from Philadelphia SAC]

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE
EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA

In the Matter of In Bankruptcy
THE HUBBARD DIANETIC FOUNDATION, INC. ) Ancillary Proceedings
Bankrupt ) No. 23747

AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF TRUSTEE'S
APPLICATION UNDER SECTION 10 OF
THE BANKRUPTCY ACT

________________________________

BERTRAM K. WOL[?-either P or F]E being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that the following affidavit is made and filed in support of the Trustee's Application for the arrest of E. [sic] Ron Hubbard pursuant to the provisions of Section 10 of the National Bankruptcy Act and that the following facts are averred by deponent from information received by him by letter from McDonald, Tinker and Skaer, Wichita, Kansas, Counsel for the Trustee in the above entitled matter and deponent's correspondent.

L. Ron Hubbard was the founder and in complete control of the bankrupt corporation which operated in Wichita, Kansas during 1951 and part of 1952. L. Ron Hubbard is the former pulp magazine writer who wrote a book on "dianetics" and which was published by a reputable book publisher and became a best seller. Since then he has travelled throughout the country and in London and Egypt preaching the theory of "dianetics", which appears to be mainly a method of practicing psychiatry without having the required medical training. He came to Wichita, Kansas from Elizabeth, N.J., where he had been the dominant control of the

[next page]

Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation, Inc., a New Jersey corporation. He moved to Wichita and set up the bankrupt corporation when the New Jersey corporation became financially unable to pay its debts. After the Kansas corporation went into bankruptcy Hubbard opened what he called "Hubbard College" in another part of Wichita, Kansas and when creditors began claiming against this establishment he moved to Phoenix, Arizona and set up another organization there. It now appears that he is following the same procedure in Philadelphia.

Throughout his dianetic career Hubbard has displayed a fine talent for profiting personally although his firms and institutions generally fail. As indicated by his previous migratory nature there is every reason to believe that he will leave Philadelphia as soon as he has accomplished his ends, all of which is in utter contempt of the orders of the United States District Court for the District of Kansas.

[signed] Bertram K. Wolfe [or Wolpe]

Sworn to and subscribed
before me this 16th
day of December, 1952.

[signed] Eleanor Johnston
Notary Public

My commission expires:
NOTARY PUBLIC
My Commission Expires May 19, 1953

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

April 14, 1967

LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD,
Also Known As
L. Ron Hubbard
_____________________

[PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]

Review of Bankruptcy Docket, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, reflected the Hubbard Dianetic Foundation, Inc., filed for bankruptcy on December 16, 1952, under No. 23747.

A perusal of the bankruptcy file, 23747, located at the Federal Records Center, 5000 Wissahickon Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., revealed that a warrant was issued on December 16, 1952, for L. RON HUBBARD to bring him forthwith before the court for examination in Ancillary Proceedings in Bankruptcy. The warrant was signed by Judge ALLAN K. GRIM, executed by the U.S. Marshal and bail was allowed in $1,000.

HUBBARD who is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hubbard Dianetics of Kansas, wrongfully withdrew $9,286.99 from his bankrupt corporation. On December 17 and 19, 1952, he was examined before the bankrupt court and agreed with the Ancillary Receiver to make restitution. Judge GRIM then discharged HUBBARD.

The bankruptcy file also contains information that HUBBARD was the founder and in complete control of Hubbard Dianetics Foundation, Inc., of Wichita, Kan., during 1951 and part of 1952. He wrote a book on "dianetics" which appears to be a method of practicing psychiatry without having the required medical training. He has traveled through the United States, London and Egypt preaching his theory of dianetics. The file - also indicates that HUBBARD moved to Wichita, Kan., from Elizabeth, N.J., and set up the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation, Inc., after his New Jersey corporation was unable to pay its debts.

[page 2]

LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD,
Also Known As
L. Ron Hubbard

_______________________

After the Kansas Corporation went bankrupt he opened the "Hubbard College" in Wichita, Kan., and when creditors began claiming against this establishment, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona. The file went on to say that it appears HUBBARD displays a fine talent for profiting personally although his firms generally fail.

-2*-

OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10
MAY 1962 EDITION
GSA [illegible] 141 CP[illegible] 101-11.

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Memorandum

TO: [handwritten, illegible]

DATE: 1-16-68

FROM L E Short

SUBJECT: L. Ron Hubbard

The attached publication has been received in the Records Branch, appropriately initialed, and indicated for file. By use of instant transmittal memorandum, all necessary recording and indexing will be accomplished. It is to be noted this form is for internal use only within the Records Branch, principally by the Routing Unit where bulky material not accompanied by memorandum is usually received.

The enclosure, if bulky and not usually filed with other papers in file, may be detached but this action should be clearly noted under the word "Enclosure."

September 15, 1967

[ADDRESS INFORMATION BLACKED OUT]

Dear Mr. [BLACKED OUT]

The letter of September 6th from you and [BLACKED OUT] has been received.

In response to your inquiry, this Bureau is strictly an investigative agency of the Federal Government and, as such, neither makes evaluations nor draws conclusions as to the character or integrity of any organization, publication or individual. Therefore, I am sure you will understand why I cannot comment as you desire.

Sincerely yours,

[stamped] J. Edgar Hoover

NOTE: Bufiles contain no record of correspondents. The Church of Scientology has not been investigated by the Bureau. Scientology is the alleged science which instills self confidence and assists individuals in removing mental problems.

BGH:mjb
(3)

CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

MEMORANDUM FOR: Federal Bureau of Investigation

SUBJECT: Referral of Correspondence

The enclosed correspondence is forwarded for consideration, appropriate action, or direct reply to the writer who has not been notified of this referral. Information copy of your reply is not requested.

[PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]

Joseph C. Goodwin
Assistant to the Director

January 10, 1968

CIA
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

I am enclosing a notice of a meeting to be held in Washington. I have read some of this groups [sic] publications and am confused as to whether it is a political, religious, or social group. Do you have any public information available on them or could you tell me what department of government to contact.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely yours,

[SIGNATURE BLACKED OUT]

P.S. Their official letterhead reads: The Founding Church of Scientology The Hubbard Scientology Organization in Washington DC

1812 19th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009

Trustees are John Fudge, President, Natalie Fisher, Vice President, Donna Reeve, Sec.

[copy of envelope is attached at bottom, with RETURN ADDRESS BLACKED OUT; addressed to: C.I.A., Washington, D.C., and postmarked Chicago, Ill., Jan10, 1968, PM]

[this appears to have been a double-sided, double-folded pamphlet; apparently sent to the CIA and forwarded by them to the FBI; it is not clear which should be the first pages so pages are transcribed in order of appearance; it is unfortunate that all the various type faces and sizes cannot be reproduced in this transcription]

RON'S
JOURNAL
67

This is a communication from Ron. He wanted you to know what he was doing, the discoveries he had made and what the future holds.

In the first half of this year Ron faced the biggest thing he has had to confront in all the research of Scientology and broke through what he has called "The Wall of Fire"..

The goal so long dreamt of is achieved. Our final technology above Clear is complete.

Ron's Journal 67 tells you how it happened!

[next page]

DON'T
MISS
THIS

RON'S
JOURNAL 67 -

a 45 minute tape

In his Journal, Ron talks about his experiences at the levels above Clear and describes the "Wall of Fire" he had to break through.

He indicates the source of suppression on this planet, explains the great mission that Scientology is embarked upon, and how the new Sea Organization is assisting him with the rescue of this planet.

This is a milestone in the history of Scientology Expansion.

This is Ron's talk to you.

He wants you to come and hear it now. There is no charge.

Reserve tickets for yourself and your friends now - in advance.

[next page]

RON'S JOURNAL 67

_RESERVATION FORM_

If you are near - book by phone. Telephone No. 232-6296-7, 232-0223 (3 lines)

Or send this Reservation Form to: 1812 19th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009.

Please reserve me _______ seats for the playing of Ron's Journal.

NAME ____________
ADDRESS ______________
____________________________

Nursery Facilities will be available for children.

[next page]

FREE
45 MINUTE PROGRAMME

There is information vital to new-comers to Scientology and old-timers alike .....

RON'S JOURNAL 67

BOOK YOUR SEATS TODAY

SCIENTOLOGY IS THE ROAD TO TOTAL FREEDOM

[next page]

BRING YOUR
FRIENDS
TO HEAR

RON'S
JOURNAL

WHEN:
SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 1968

WHERE:
THE GRAND BALLROOM OF THE MAYFLOWER HOTEL, CONNECTICUT AVENUE AND DESALES STREET, IN D.C.

REGISTRATION WILL BEGIN AT 10 A.M. AT THE BALLROOM ENTRANCE.

NURSERY FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE.

[next page]

RON'S
JOURNAL
1967

A 45 MINUTE PROGRAMME

[three quarters profile photograph of L. Ron Hubbard]

Come and hear the tape Ron made for You

January 24, 1968

[ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT]

Dear [BLACKED OUT]

Your letter and enclosure addressed to the Central Intelligence Agency have been referred to the FBI and were received on January 22nd.

In response to your inquiry, information in FBI files must be maintained as confidential pursuant to regulations of the Department of Justice. I hope you will not infer either that we do or do not have material in our files relating to the organization you mentioned.

Sincerely yours,

[stamped] J. Edgar Hoover

NOTE: Bufiles contain no record identifiable with correspondent. Lafayette Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Founding Church of Scientology has been known to the Bureau since 1951. Neither Hubbard nor the organization headed by him has been investigated by the Bureau. Hubbard has been described as being "hopelessly insane" by his wife in connection with divorce proceedings. Hubbard's theory of "Scientology" is an alleged science which instills self-confidence and assists individuals in removing mental problems. In August, 1966, the Department requested information

EFT:bjr (3) NOTE CONTINUED

[page 2]

[BLACKED OUT]
Note continued

concerning the Founding Church of Scientology, inasmuch as the Tax Division is involved in litigation as to whether or not the alleged Church of Scientology is exempt from Federal income taxation as a religious organization. Pertinent information contained in Bufiles has been provided to the Department. This organization has also been investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Internal Revenue Service and the Army (62-94080;83-2361)

- 2 -

[a check-box form, requesting a name check]

THE WHITE HOUSE EXPEDITE MEMORANDUM
Washington

DATE: February 21, 196[?]

TO : Mr. Cartha D. DeLoach, FBI

FROM :Mildred Stegall

SUBJECT : FBI Investigation

Subject's Name____ Academy of Scientology______

Date of Birth ___________ Place of Birth ___________

Present Address ___ Headquarters are in Washington, D.C.______

__MARVIN WATSON_________has requested:

Copy of Previous Report

X Name Check

Full Field Investigation

The person named above is being considered for:

White House staff position

Presidential appointment

Position with another Agency

ATTACHMENTS

SF 86 (in duplicate)
Sf 87, Fingerprint Card

Biography

REMARKS:

_______________________________________
REPORT SHOULD BE DELIVERED BY FBI TO: MILDRED STEGALL

February 26, 1968

BY LIAISON

Mrs. Mildred Stegall
The White House
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mrs. Stegall:

Reference is made to your name check request regarding the Academy of Scientology, Washington, D.C.

The Academy of Scientology, also known as the Founding Church of Scientology and the Hubbard Scientology Organization, 1812 19th Street, Washington, D.C., was founded by Lafayette Ron Hubbard. Neither Hubbard nor the organization headed by him has been investigated by the FBI. He has been described as being "hopelessly insane" by his wife in connection with divorce proceedings several years ago. Hubbard's theory of Scientology is an alleged science which instills self-confidence and assists individuals in removing mental problems. In August, 1966, the Department of Justice requested information concerning the Founding Church of Scientology as its Tax Division was involved in litigation as to whether or not the alleged Church of Scientology was exempt from Federal income taxation as a religious organization.

According to FBI files, in 1962, Food and Drug Administration officials raided the Washington, D.C., Headquarters of the Academy of Scientology in connection with alleged misrepresentations regarding "E-meter" devices used by Hubbard's organization. (62-94080)

Attached is a copy of FBI Identification Record Number 244 210 B which may be identical with Hubbard.

A copy of this communication has not been sent to the Attorney General.

Sincerely yours,

1 - Mr. DeLoach (sent direct)
1 - Mr. Gale (sent direct)

Enclosure
JMM:roc (7)

OPTIONAL FORM NO. 10
MAY 1962 EDITION
GSA [illegible form info]

TO : DIRECTOR, FBI

DATE: 2/28/68

FROM : SAC, NORFOLK (100-New)

SUBJECT: SCIENTOLOGY
IS - MISCELLANEOUS

[TWO FULL PARAGRAPHS BLACKED OUT]

[BLACKED OUT] advised that he and his roommate had been approached by [BLACKED OUT] another [BLACKED OUT] at the [BLACKED OUT] who is resigning to travel to England for training with captioned group. [BLACKED OUT] explained that literature he has read concerning the group indicates that its theory is that human beings are occupied by intelligent beings sent here from another planet and that Scientology can make them into superior beings.

[BLACKED OUT] stated that the group was founded by L. RON HUBBARD who wrote a book on dynetics [sic] sometime ago and now resides in England. After his contact with [BLACKED OUT] attended a banquet where two representatives of the group from Washington, D.C. [BLACKED OUT] and [BLACKED OUT] attempted

2 - Bureau
2 - Norfolk
JLT:mej
(4)

Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan

[page 2]

NF 100-New

to recruit him into the group. He has subsequently been contacted by mail by PEM. WALL, Organizational Secretary for Eastern United States. He has subsequently been contacted by another man and woman and has been impressed by the fact that the group, which has membership in all levels of society, pays special attention to Government employees, employees of Government contractors, and military individuals. He based this on personal observations of the composition of a group at a banquet where only two out of approximately fifty in attendance when introducing themselves gave occupations in other categories.

[BLACKED OUT] produced two letters under the letterhead: "The Founding Church of Scientology; The Hubbard Scientology Organization in Washington, D.C., 1812 - 19th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, Telephone Adams 26296." The letterhead indicated that JOHN FUDGE, NATALIE FISHER, and BONNIE TURNER were officers or trustees. [LINE BLACKED OUT] He stated that he is personally curious and plans to travel to Washington, D.C. for an interview with the group 2/24/68, after they have continuously contacted him offering him a position with the group. He stated he does not intend to accept the position but will go only out of curiosity.

[BLACKED OUT] described most of the members of the group he has met as "crackpots," and in this connection Norfolk notes that [BLACKED OUT] himself is a young man from a rural community who gave some indication of being naive and immature himself.

_REQUEST OF THE BUREAU_

The Bureau is requested to advise whether or not captioned organization, its founder - L. RON HUBBARD, officers JOHN FUDGE, NATALIE FISHER, and BONNIE TURNER or [BLACKED OUT] and PEM. WALL are known to the Bureau as potential threats to the internal security of the country.

2

SAC, Norfolk

3/11/68

1 - Mr. B.A. Wells

Director, FBI (62-94080)

SCIENTOLOGY
IS - MISCELLANEOUS

Reurlet 2/28/68.

The Bureau has not investigated Scientology. It was founded by Lafayette Ron Hubbard who created it for the purpose of furthering his theory of "Scientology," an alleged science which instills self-confidence and assists individuals in removing mental problems.

The April 24 , 1951 issue of the Washington Times Herald" carried an article indicating that Hubbard's wife in suing him for divorce, had claimed that he was "hopelessly insane." According to this article, "competent medical advisors recommended that Hubbard be committed to a private sanatorium 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 in Washington, D.C., 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 treating various types of illnesses.

[PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]

BAW:jms
(4)

3/1/68

DIRECTOR, FBI (25-535596)

LEGAT, LONDON (25-199) (RUC)

[BLACKED OUT]

ReLONlet 12/8/67 and Bufile 62-94080, captioned LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD."

HUBBARD is currently heading up an organization known as Hubbard's Association of Scientologists, International. [REMAINDER OF PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]

Above submitted for information.

3 - Bureau
1 - Liaison (direct)
1 - London
ACM:ims
(5)

FD-36 (Rev. 5-22-64)

F B I

Date: 2/5/68

Transmit the following in ____________________
(Type in plaintext or code)

via ___ AIRTEL_________________________
(Priority)

TO: DIRECTOR, FBI

FROM: LEGAT, LONDON (163-2106) (P)

LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD
aka
[BLACKED OUT]

Re investigation conducted in early 1967 by Bureau, culminating in Phairtel 4/14/67.

[PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]

The avowed purpose of this organization is not too clear but it would appear it is a religious-type cult. The police are not in any way disputing the religious aspect of this organization but are now concerned because of the "extra curricular" activities of the organization. [REMAINDER OF PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]

Police also state that individuals who become members of this organization bare their entire life history to the organizers and there is an extreme proclivity to blackmail. It is estimated there are approx [REMAINDER OF PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]

3 - Bureau (Enc. 1)
1 - Liaison (direct)
1 - London
ACM:ims
(5)

Approved: _______________________ Sent _______M Per __________
Special Agent in Charge

[page 2]

LON 163-2106

In order to assist the police in preparing a report assessing the organization, as it exists, they have asked that the name of the organization as well as the names of individuals on the enclosed list be searched through Bufiles and Ident. Records Section. In this regard, the list has been restricted to U.S. male citizens born prior to 1940, and Bureau is requested to search only those which have been marked on enclosure.

- 2 -

1 - Name Che[?]
1 - Foreign Li[?]on
(Detached)
1 - W.F. Woods

Legat, London (163-2106) February 16, 1968

Director, FBI (62-94080)

LAFAYETTE RONALD HUBBARD; AKA
FPC

Reurairtel dated February 5, 1968, regarding captioned individual, et al. Of the 52 names searched through the indices, it was determined that there is no pertinent information which can be identified with any of them.

There is attached a Xerox copy of the names you submitted along with copies of Identification Division records. They may be identical to six of the individuals of interest to [BLACKED OUT]

Relative to the Hubbard Association of Scientologists, International and Mr. Hubbard, you are referred to Bulet to you dated February 21, 1967, your same file number and to letterhead memorandum dated at Los Angeles, April 13, 1967, forwarded to you April 19, 1967, and letterhead memorandum dated at Philadelphia, April 14, 1967, also forwarded on April 19, 1967.

No additional information available concerning captioned individual and others.

Enclosures (7)

WFW:wdd
(6)

[newspaper clipping, from "THE PEOPLE", London England, 2/21/68, by Len Adams, submitting office: London; xerox is in poor condition and partially illegible]

---it's the craziest cruise on earth!

AHOY THERE

By Len Adams

HEAVE TO, me hearties, while I tell you a seafaring tale. A tale, me dears. Of queer goings-on aboard ship and of swift and strange promotion on the high seas.

The world of Scientology--the mind-bending cult that has set up home in Sussex--is a crazy world, indeed, with its preposterous jargon of "comms," "cleats" and "orgs".

When its leader, Mr. L. Ron Hubbard, took over the 3,300-ton Royal Scotsman and set sail two months ago with 50 of his faithful, one could only imagine the maritime burlesque that must be taking place...

[?] Mr. Stanley Churcher, seaman, late of the Royal recounted something of life aboard, surely, the strangest ship afloat.

When the Scotsman sailed from Southampton under a Sierra Leone flag, [?] ship's carpenter. By the time she docked in Valencia, later, he was the ship's chief officer!

[next page]

Now Mr. Churcher, back home in Fareham Hants, after being sacked for so-called "mutinous conduct," has revealed to me that he was one of only a handful of professional seamen aboard, including a chief engineer and a boatswain.

"But there were seven officers of this Scientology lot who used to swank about in blue-and-gold-braid uniforms," he said. "I reckon they knew next to nothing about seamanship. Four of them were women."

Certainly the captain of the vessel was none other than Mr. L. Ron Hubbard himself--a wartime officer in the United States Navy. "He called himself commodore and had four different types of peaked cap," said Mr. Churcher.

Floating college

Mr. L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the cult which has been described in Parliament as "potentially harmful," has claimed to have visited Venus and Heaven.

This time his travels were less ambitious. After a call at Monaco and Sardinia, the Scotsman was docked at Valencia, where it is a floating college for men and women Scientology students, mostly American.

Mr. Churcher, who is 24, had no idea what sort of vessel she was when he joined the Scotsman at Southampton.

"I began to suspect things were a bit odd the minute I met this captain," he said. "He told me he thought I was a reporter and at first refused to have anything to do with me. Only when he checked my seaman's log book did he take me on."

That same log

[two column heading: The chief officer was a carpenter and the skipper says he's been to Venus]
[full face, head shot photograph: Mr. L. Ron Hubbard]
[full face, head shot photograph, Mr. Stanley Churcher]
[photograph caption: Mr. Stanley Churcher (right) found many things unusual on the Royal Scotsman, captained by Mr. L. Ron Hubbard (above), head of the Scientologists]

now records Mr. Churcher as a "Chief Officer."

Mr. Churcher found that the passengers also were very unusual.

"Every day they went below for lectures but we seamen were never admitted," he said. "It was all so blooming mysterious I tried to find out more."

"I offered to give them seamanship lectures and they were so pleased at these that they gave me a free beginners' course in Scientology.

"I was given a test on their E-meter, a sort of lie detector, and a woman officer asked me a lot of personal questions, including details of my sex life.

"I could never make head or tail of their instructions but I played along because it made life easier."

All the time, the Scotsman was sailing through the Mediterranean in the hands of Almighty God--and Commodore Ron Hubbard.

Then, however, Mr. Churcher's co-operation was rewarded--by promotion to chief officer.

"I had once taken a course in navigation so I set the course mostly," he said. "Hubbard's wife, who has now had an officer's uniform made for her, often used to send my instructions

[next page]

[photograph, full figure of woman in uniform standing in front of a boat] [photograph caption: Believe it or not but you are looking at the "third officer" of the 3,300-ton Royal Scotsman (tied up in the background at Southampton)> She is Jill van Staden, anther disciple of the Scientology cult.

down to the engine room. She seemed to enjoy playing sailors.

"When we reached port, a pilot would come out and take over."

Most of the students were young. "Some paired off in romances," said Mr. Churcher. "But the oldest student was a woman of 75 who told me she was convinced that Mr. Hubbard would fix her up with a new body when she died."

Scientology has its own grades of punishment. Said Mr. Churcher: "Some students who hadn't done their homework were placed in what is known as a Condition of Doubt."

"Mutinous"

"Others were put in a Condition of Non-Existence. This meant they had to sleep on the floor instead of a bunk and were forbidden to talk to anyone."

And eventually, at Valencia, where the Scotsman took on some Spanish seamen, the strange Scientology discipline fell on the British seaman.

Mr. Churcher was in a "Condition of Doubt" for "defying an order, encouraging desertion, tolerating mutinous meetings, and attempting to suborn the chief engineer."

His friend, the boatswain, was placed in a "Condition of Enemy" for "undermining the Spanish crew, habitual drunkeness, holding nightly and morning meetings and derogating Scientology."

Said Mr. Churcher: "By this time we had had enough of their mumbo-jumbo. I told them what I thought of them. I was sacked."

A Board of Trade officer told me: "As the Royal Scotsman is technically a foreign vessel we have no jurisdiction over it or its crew."

Then it is time someone, somewhere, DID have some jurisdiction over this daft sect who are seeking recruits among Britain's young people.

At sea and in Sussex, the sooner Scientology is in a Condition of Non-Existence the better.

[newspaper clipping, from "NEWS OF THE WORLD", London England, 2/25/68, submitting office: London; xerox is in poor condition and partially illegible]

SCIENTOLOGISTS TO BE SUED

THE Church of Scientology of California, the British-based mind-training cult founded by a former science-fiction writer from America, is being for [pounds]1,190 by a Londoner who says that he took their instruction courses for five years.

Mr. Robert Michael Bay[?]ord, of Belsize Park Gardens, Hampstead, has issued a High Court writ claiming the sum which, he alleges, he paid to the organisation for "a consideration which has wholly failed."

Scientology was founded by Lafayette Ron Hubbard and has its headquarters at Saint Hill Manor, a Georgian mansion near East Grinstead, Sussex. Followers from many parts of the world go there to take courses.

BROCHURE

The cult claims to be "the road to total freedom." An organisation brochure calls it "an applied philosophy dealing with the study of knowledge which through [?] application of his technology, can bring about desirable changes in [?] conditions." [illegible line] [pounds]131 for a Hubbard Professional Auditor course, which is said to qualify people to apply Scientology processes to others.

For a Saint Hill Special Briefing Course, which according to the brochure provides the professional auditor with the "facilities, precision and velocity necessary to progress further in Scientology," he claims [pounds]285.

COURSE

For the Power Processing Grade V course he claims [pounds]180. This course is meant to "release a person from deeply occluded areas of hidden problems and produce a being who can be truly aware of power and who can handle life and livingness at a much higher cause level than before."

Lastly, Mr Bayford claims [pounds]75 for Mark IV and Mark V meters and electrodes. Hubbard E-meters are electronic aids "for measuring the mental state and change of state of individuals."

No date has been set for the hearing.

Mr. Hubbard is believed to be at sea in one of a flotilla of ships he has bought in the last few years to make up what he calls his "sea org."

FD [illegible form info] 5-22-64)

F B I

Date 3/14/68

Transmit the following in ________________________
(Type in plaintext or code)

Via ___AIRTEL__________REGISTERED_________
(Priority)

TO: DIRECTOR, FBI (62-94080)

FROM: SAC, NORFOLK (100-6641)(C)

"_CHANGED_"
SCIENTOLOGY:
[SEVERAL LINES BLACKED OUT]
IS - MISCELLANEOUS]

The title is marked changed to reflect addition of names of [BLACKED OUT]. Title previously carried, "SCIENTOLOGY, IS - MISCELLANEOUS."

Re Norfolk letter to Bureau, 2/28/68; and Bureau letter to Norfolk, 3/11/68.

Enclosed for the Bureau are the original and 8 copies of an LHM reflecting contents of referenced communications for dissemination purposes as directed in referenced Bureau letter.

3- Bureau (Enc.- 9)(RM)
1- Norfolk
JLT:kfk
(4)

Approved _______________________ Sent _________M Per ___________
(Special Agent in Charge)

[page 2]

NF 100-6641

[BLACKED OUT], advised of nature of Scientology as contained in referenced Bureau letter.

Investigation in enclosed LHM conducted by SA [BLACKED OUT]

2

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Norfolk, Virginia

March 14, 1968

In Reply, Please Refer to File No. NF 100-6641

RE: SCIENTOLOGY
[SEVERAL LINES BLACKED OUT]

On February 20, 1968, [BLACKED OUT] contacted the Newport News Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and advised that he had received information from [BLACKED OUT] concerning captioned organization. Arnold stated that [BLACKED OUT] reported contacts by several members of this group, and the individual contacting him appeared more interested in his duties at the [BLACKED OUT]

Arnold advised that he referred the information received by him from [BLACKED OUT] in view of the fact that Musser felt the representatives of the group known as Scientology who had approached him were interested more in his employment than in himself personally, [REMAINDER OF THE PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]

[BLACKED OUT] appeared at the Newport News Resident Agency of the FBI. He advised that he resides [BLACKED OUT]

[page 2]

RE: SCIENTOLOGY;
[BLACKED OUT]
ET AL

[PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]

[BLACKED OUT] he and his roommate had been approached [BLACKED OUT] at the [BLACKED OUT] who is resigning to travel to England for training with captioned group [BLACKED OUT] explained that literature he has read concerning the group indicates that its theory is that human beings are occupied by intelligent beings sent here from another planet and that Scientology can make them into superior beings.

[BLACKED OUT] stated that the group was founded by L. Ron Hubbard who wrote a book on dynetics [sic] sometime ago and now resides in England. After his contact with [BLACKED OUT] attended a banquet where two representatives of the group from Washington, D.C. [BLACKED OUT] and [BLACKED OUT] attempted to recruit him into the group. He has subsequently been contacted by mail by Pem. Wall, Organizational Secretary for Eastern United States. He has subsequently been contacted by another man and woman and has been impressed by the fact that the group, which as membership in all levels of society, pays special attention to Government employees, employees of Government contractors, and military individuals. He based this on personal observations of the composition of a group at a banquet where only two out of approximately fifty in attendance, when introducing themselves, gave occupations in other categories.

[BLACKED OUT] produced two letters under letterhead: "The Founding Church of Scientology, The Hubbard Scientology Organization in Washington, D.C., 1812 19th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. [illegible zip code] Telephone ADams 262[?]." The letterhead indicated that _John Fudge_, Natalie Fisher, and _Bonnie Turner_ were officers or trustees. [BLACKED OUT] stated he could furnish nothing specific to make the organization a possible threat to internal security except their apparent interest in [BLACKED OUT] and in Government-related individuals. [BLACKED OUT]

2

[page 3]

RE: SCIENTOLOGY;
[BLACKED OUT]
ET AL

curious and plans to travel to Washington, D.C., for an interview with the group February 24, 1968, after they have continuously contacted him offering him a position with the group. He stated he does not intend to accept the position but will go only out of curiosity. Musser described most of the members of the group whom he has met to date as "crackpots."

Scientology, which has not been the subject of investigation by the FBI, was founded by Lafayette Ron Hubbard, who created it for the purposes of furthering his theory of "Scientology," an alleged science which instills self-confidence and assists individuals in removing mental problems.

The April 24, 1951, issue of the "Washington Times Herald" carried an article indicating that Hubbard's wife, in suing him for divorce, had claimed that he was "hopelessly insane." According to this article, "competent medical advisers recommended that Hubbard be committed to a private sanitorium 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, Washington, D.C., 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 treating various types of illnesses.

[BLACKED OUT] advised that [BLACKED OUT] had apparently left [BLACKED OUT] since he had terminated his employment at [BLACKED OUT] advised that reports from the area where [BLACKED OUT] worked indicate that the literature concerning Scientology which had been prevalent in the apartment while [BLACKED OUT] was there was no longer being seen and it was to be assumed that [BLACKED OUT] was the sole source of the literature. [REMAINDER OF PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]

3

[page 4]

RE: SCIENTOLOGY
[BLACKED OUT]
ET AL

[PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]

This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency.

4*

[LETTERHEAD INFO BLACKED OUT]

April 2, 1968

Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

Is it possible for you to give me information on the following?

"Scientology
1812 19th Street, N.W.
Washington 9, D.C.
Adams 2-6296
Scientology is the study of life
increases potential ability,
mental and spiritual
Personal Effeciency [sic] Foundation
Hubbard Guidance Center
Academy of Scientology
The Founding Church of Scientology

The above was on a card given out by people at this address and in going to this address, they would not give out any information at all. In fact, when they are asked questions, they hush up, so to speak.

As young people further their education, their parents talk with my husband, since he is a minister and pastor, and they want to know where their children can get the best training in the category of their interest.

Families and different individuals have tried in vain to find out in detail as to what type of training is being given to a person taking "SCIENTOLOGY". There are so many indications that this is a cover-up for something that is undesirable. There should not be any secret as to their course they offer. If it is on the up and up, we should know what it contributes to a better life.

My husband and I cannot find any _"one"_ individual who can get information as to the type of training a student receives and the purpose in the course. I do know they have a representative to make personal contact, then the student goes there, and then goes to England.

I do hope and trust you can find out the truth, because it may save other young people from being misguided.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[SIGNATURE BLACKED OUT]

[ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT]

Dear [BLACKED OUT]

Your letter of April 2 has been received.

In response to your inquiry, information in our files must be maintained as confidential pursuant to regulations of the Department of Justice. I hope you will not infer either that we do or do not have material in our files relating to the organization you mentioned.

Sincerely yours,

[stamped] J. Edgar Hoover

NOTE: Bufiles contain no record of correspondent. Lafayette Ron Hubbard the founder of the Founding Church of Scientology has been known to the Bureau since 1951. Neither Hubbard nor the organization headed by him has been investigated by the Bureau. He has been described as "hopelessly insane" by his wife in connection with divorce proceedings. His theory of "Scientology" is an alleged science which instills self-confidence and assist [sic] in removing mental problems. In August, 1966, the Department requested information concerning the Founding Church of Scientology, inasmuch as the Tax Division is involved in litigation as to whether or not the alleged Church of Scientology is exempt from Federal income taxation as a religious organization. Pertinent information contained in Bufiles has been provided to the Department. This organization has also been investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Internal Revenue Service and the Army. (62-94080)

ED:lkm (3)

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