May 24, 1940
Mr. L. Ron Hubbard
243 Riverside Drive
New York, New York
Dear Mr. Hubbard:
I wish to acknowledge receipt
of your letter dated May 16, 1940, for which I am most appreciative.
I am referring this matter to
Mr. P.E. Foxworth, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of
Investigation, United States Department of Justice, 607 U.S. Court
House, Foley Square, New York, New York, who will have an Agent of that
Office call upon you in the near future to determine whether the
information in your possession indicates the violation of a Federal
Statute coming within the investigative jurisdiction of this Bureau
Very truly yours,
John Edgar Hoover
Director
CC - New York (with copy of
incoming)
***
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Form (?-illegible)
THIS CASE ORIGINATED AT NEW
YORK, NEW YORK NY FILE NO. 65-243 ERL REPORT MADE AT NEW YORK CITY |
DATE WHEN MADE 8/7/40 | PERIOD FOR WHICH MADE 7/5, 17/40 | REPORT MADE
BY [BLACKED OUT] (b)(7)(c) | TITLE WALTER FAST L. RON HUBBARD -
INFORMANT | CHARACTER OF CASE ESPIONAGE |
SYNOPSIS OF FACTS:
Subject reported steward at
Knickerbocker Hotel and to have sympathies with the Nazi cause. His
sister is alleged to be a member of the Gestapo in Germany. Efforts
to locate the informant unsuccessful. Subject has no credit rating
NYC.
DETAILS: AT NEW YORK CITY
This investigation is based
upon a letter received at the Bureau from L. RON HUBBARD dated May 16,
1940 which sets out that WALTER FAST is a German whose sister is a
member of the Gestapo in Germany and that in times of national emergency
he might constitute a menace to this country.
Subject is reported to be
anti-American in his discourses which are not for publication but among
friends in private. He is a steward at the Knickerbocker Hotel, 120
West 45th Street, New York City, and said hotel is reported to support
an almost entire German staff. Subject was reported to have entered the
country illegally and in the opinion of the informant, he is definitely
"fifth column."
APPROVED AND FORWARDED B.E.
SACKETT SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE | DO NOT WRITE IN THESE SPACES |
65 - 11118 |
COPIES OF THIS REPORT
5 - Bureau
1 - Washington Field (Info)
2 - New York
[page 2]
65-2437
An effort was made to locate
the informant at 243 Riverside Drive, the address which appears at the
top of the communication he forwarded to the Bureau. It was learned at
the said address that informant moved out on or about June 1, 1940,
stating he was moving to Washington, D.C. He left no forwarding address
and it was further learned that the mail carrier had no forwarding
address. When inquiry was made at the apartment house located at 243
Riverside Drive if there had been any other address whereby informant
might be reached, it was learned that the informant was a writer, but
there was no indication as to his employer or his address.
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
No effort was made to conduct
investigation in the vicinity of the Hotel Knickerbocker as subject
would be immediately apprized of such investigation.
In view of the indefinite
nature of the complaint and the inability to locate the informant in
this case, this case is being closed.
- C L O S E D -
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #2
[undated; cir Oct 1956]
The Congress of Scientologists
INVITES YOU TO
The Clearing Congress
WE WILL PRESENT, HERE IN LOS
ANGELES, DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST, THE FILMS IN COLOR AND WITH SOUND,
OF THE ORIGINAL CONGRESS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
THE EXACT DATES WILL BE
ANNOUNCED IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE, IN FACT AS SOON AS THE PROCESSING OF
THE FILMS IS COMPLETE.
THERE WILL BE SEMINARS AND ALL
OTHER REGULAR FEATURES OF THE CONGRESSES, FOR YOUR BENEFIT IF YOU COULD
NOT ATTEND THE ORIGINAL.
DO PLAN TO ATTEND.
Hasi
547 S. HARVARD, L.A. 5
DUNKIRK 3-6604
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #3
STANDARD FORM NO. 54
Office Memorandum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : DIRECTOR, FBI (62-94080)
DATE: 10/8/56
FROM : SAC, SAN FRANCISCO (105-4760)
SUBJECT : THE HUBBARD DIANETIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION INTERNAL SECURITY - X
Re Bulet dated 9/4/56
Inasmuch as the Bureau,
Baltimore, Denver, and Kansas City advised that they had no subversive
information regarding "The Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation" or
LAFAYETTE RON HUBBARD, the pamphlet entitled "Brainwashing" "A Synthesis
of the Russian Textbook on Psychopolitics" is being returned to [BLACKED
OUT] and no further investigation is being conducted by this Office.
2 - Bureau (62-94080)(Reg.)
2 - San Francisco (1 - 105-4760)
PWM/jr
(4)
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #4
[BLACKED OUT]
Oct. 27, 1956
Dear sirs.
Will you please send me any
information you have about the Academy of Religious Arts and Sciences
and the Hubbard Guidance Center in Washington, D.C.
I am interested in attending
the school but must know that it is cleared through you before I do.
Thank you
Sincerely
[BLACKED OUT]
***
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
WASHINGTON 25, D.C.
MEMORANDUM FOR: The Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
10th & Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington 25, D.C.
SUBJECT: [BLACKED OUT]
The enclosed correspondence
from [BLACKED OUT] is being forwarded as a matter of possible interest
to your Bureau.
A copy of our letter to
[BLACKED OUT] advising of this referral is attached for your
information.
FOR THE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL
INTELLIGENCE:
[BLACKED OUT]
***
[BLACKED OUT]
Dear [BLACKED OUT]
This is to acknowledge your
letter of 27 October 1956, inquiring whether or not the Academy of
Religious Arts and Sciences, and the Hubbard Guidance Center in
Washington, D.C. are cleared by this Agency.
By specific statute this
Agency has no internal security functions. As your question involves
such considerations, your letter has been forwarded to the Federal
Bureau of Investigation which has cognizance over such matters.
If we can be of service in the
future, please advise.
FOR THE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL
INTELLIGENCE:
[BLACKED OUT]
ENCLOSURE
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #5
STANDARD FORM NO. 54
Office Memorandum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : DIRECTOR, FBI
FROM : SAC, PHOENIX
SUBJECT: THE HUBBARD DIANETIC
RESEARCH FOUNDATION
IS - X [this is an "R" crossed out by hand]
On 10/13/5[?-probably 6]
[BLACKED OUT] furnished [BLACKED OUT] with a copy of "BRAIN WASHING, A
Synthesis of the Russian Textbook on Phychopolitics" [sic] which he
stated formerly was the property of one [BLACKED OUT][BLACKED OUT]
advised [BLACKED OUT] and one [BLACKED OUT] are employees of his, and
that they were attempting to convert a third employee whom [BLACKED OUT]
did not name since [??] was not involved. When the third party left
[BLACKED OUT] employ, he left this publication in his desk, and [BLACKED
OUT] took it. [BLACKED OUT] furnished this booklet for whatever use the
FBI could make of it, but requested it be returned to him when no longer
needed.
This booklet is being forwarded
herewith, and the Bureau is requested to determine if it is of any value
in any investigation being conducted by this Bureau. If copies of it are
desired, it is requested that it be photographed and returned to Phoenix
so that it may be returned to [BLACKED OUT]
2 - Bureau (Encl.) REGISTERED
1 - Phoenix (105-117)
?SJ/bje
(3)
ENCLOSURE
***
_arrington
SAC, Phoenix (105-117)
November 26, 1956
Director, FBI (62-94080)
THE HUBBARD DIANETIC RESEARCH
FOUNDATION INTERNAL SECURITY - I
Reurlet dated November 9, 1959
The booklet "Brain-Washing, A
Synthesis of the Russian Textbook on Phychopolitics" [sic] is being
returned as the Bureau has copies of same. Bufiles contain no
information of a subversive nature regarding captioned organization.
Enclosure
JTH:prh
(4)
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #6
STANDARD FORM NO. [??]
Office Memorandum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
DATE: January 24, 1957
TO : Mr. A. H. Belmont
FROM : Mr. F. J. Baumgardner
SUBJECT: THE ORGANIZATIONS
OF AMERICA (OOA)
INFORMATION CONCERNING
(INTERNAL SECURITY)
CITIZENS OF WASHINGTON, INC. (CWI)
INFORMATION CONCERNING
(INTERNAL SECURITY)
No caption Memorandum from Mr.
Nichols to Mr. Tolson, 12/17/56, set forth results of information
telephonically furnished to Mr. Nichols by [BLACKED OUT] concerning
captioned organizations. [BLACKED OUT] advised that OOA has for its
function the certifying of the loyalty of organizations while the CWI,
which is certified as to loyalty and patriotism by OOA, has for its
purpose the securing of voting rights for DC citizens. Mr. Nichols
thought we should get a line on these organizations through WFO. WFO was
requested by Bulet 12/19/56, captioned as above, to discreetly ascertain
background concerning captioned organizations and their incorporators;
that no investigation was to be conducted regarding this matter; and
that inquiries should be limited to review of WFO files and available
public source material.
WFO by letter 1/11/57 advised
that offices of OOA and CWI are located at 1621 Connecticut Avenue,
N.W., Washington, D.C.; that inquiries reflected no full-time employees
at these offices; that the incorporators of OOA are Donovan G. Crandell,
William J. Fisk, and Robert E. Nichols, while the incorporators of CWI
are Ken Salmen, Donovan G. Crandell, and William J. Fisk; that the
Certificate of Incorporation of OOA was received at the Office of
Recorder of Deeds on 7/20/56 (Corporation No. 14725), and the
Certificate of Incorporation of CWI was filed by Office of the Recorder
of Deeds on 11/29/56 (Corporation No. 15781); that the objects of OOA
"shall be to coordinate and serve the activities of social, private and
public organizations interested in public welfare and to publish
directories and lists and papers, books and booklets expressing their
opinions and the desires of their members and to be supported by
contributions and booklet sales";
105-55601
105-55600
cc - Mr. Belmont
cc - Mr. Nichols
cc - Mr. Baumgardner
cc - Mr. Kleinkauf
[page 2]
Memorandum for Mr. Belmont
Re: The Organizations of America; Citizens of Washington, Inc.
105-55601
105-55600
and that the objects of the CWI
shall be "the education of citizens and residents of the District of
Columbia in good citizenship and in the duties of a citizen, and to
conduct all manner of movements and projects for the betterment of the
District of Columbia as a place in which to live and not for profit."
WFO letter also
advised that Salmen is a student at the Academy of Scientology, 1812
19th Street, N.W., also known as the Academy of Religious Arts and
Sciences; that Fisk is currently an instructor at this school; that
Crandell is the Registrar of the school; and that Dr. Richard F. Steves,
who attends to the offices of captioned organizations, is Director of
Training at this school. WFO letter also advises that the indices of
that office contain no information identifiable with captioned
organizations or any of the afore-mentioned individuals. Bufiles contain
no additional information concerning captioned organizations. Bufiles
contain no information of a derogatory nature identifiable with any of
the aforementioned individuals.
ACTION:
None. For your information. No
investigations are being conducted concerning captioned organizations.
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #7
STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
DATE: 1/11/57
TO : DIRECTOR, FBI
FROM : SAC, WFO
SUBJECT: _CHANGED_
THE ORGANIZATIONS OF AMERICA
INFORMATION CONCERNING
(INTERNAL SECURITY)
WFO 100-33645
CITIZENS OF WASHINGTON,
INCORPORATED
INFORMATION CONCERNING
(INTERNAL SECURITY)
WFO 100-33646)
Re Bulet to Washington Field
dated 12/19/56.
The title is being marked
changed to show the current name of the Organizations of America as
reflected by its incorporation papers at the Office of the Recorder of
Deeds, 6th and D Streets, N.W., Washington, D.C.
The following information was
either obtained through public sources or through the utilization of
proper pretexts by SA [BLACKED OUT]
The public records of the
Officer of the Recorder of Deeds, 6th and D Streets, N.W., as reviewed
on 12/31/56, reveals incorporation papers for subject organizations as
follows:
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
CITIZENS OF WASHINGTON, INCORPORATED
"We, the undersigned, all
citizens of the United States of America and a majority citizens and
residents of the District of Columbia, of full age, desiring to
associate ourselves as an educational corporation pursuant to the
provisions of Title 29 of Chapter 6 of the District of Columbia Code
(1951) as amended, do hereby certify as follows:
"FIRST: The name or title by
which this corporation shall be known in law shall be: Citizens of
Washington, Incorporation. [sic]
4 - Bureau
2 - WFO
CMG:pfi
(6)
[page 2]
WFO 100-33645
100 33646
"SECOND: The term for which it
is organized shall be: Perpetual
"THIRD: The particular
non-profit business and objects of said corporation shall be:
"The education of the
citizens and residents of the District of Columbia in good citizenship
and in the duties of a citizen, and to conduct all manner of movements
and projects for the betterment of the District of Columbia as a place
in which to live and not for profit.
"To promote the objectives set
forth above, and not in limitation of the general powers conferred or
permitted by law, this corporation shall have the following specific
powers:
"1. To do all such acts as are
necessary or convenient to attain the objectives herein set forth, to
the extent not forbidden by law or by this Certificate of Incorporation,
to the same extent and as fully as might be done by a natural person;
and to establish, maintain, assist, operate, and terminate associates,
affiliated, subsidiary and/or supplemental organizations, incorporated
or unincorporated.
"2. To charter, conduct,
establish, and support lectures, seminars, classes, and schools as
necessary or desirable to the furtherance of the objectives herein set
forth.
"3. To publish books,
pamphlets, tracts, and periodicals, and to train personnel as necessary
or desirable to the furtherance of the objectives herein set forth.
- 2 -
[page 3]
WFO 100-33645
100-33646
"4. To conduct, promote, and
maintain the activities herein set forth, within or without the District
of Columbia, and within or without the United States of America.
"5. To acquire, receive
rent, charter, lease and/or own such facilities and equipment, within or
without the District of Columbia and within or without the United States
of America as may be necessary or desirable to the objectives herein set
forth.
"6. To acquire, take,
receive, hold, lease, charter, and/or own and convey all manner of real
and personal property the income of which shall be applied to these
purposes; and to lease, mortgage, execute deeds of trust on, and sell
and convey title to all such real and personal property.
"7. To accept fees and
donations for the objectives herein set forth, and for the acquisition
and maintaince [sic] of the facilities and real and personal property
used in support thereof, and for the payment of the salaries of
personnel employed in connection therewith.
"8. To issue bonds, notes,
debentures and other evidences of indebtedness, and to secure same by
mortgage, deed of trust, or otherwise; to contract; to sue and be sued;
and to do all other things permitted by law in the furtherance of the
objectives of the corporation.
"9. To engage in all other
activities and to enjoy and exercise all the powers conferred by the
laws of the District of Columbia upon such non-profit corporation.
-3-
[page 4]
WFO 100-33645
100-33646
"FOURTH: The number of
directors of this corporation for the first year of its existence shall
be: Three (3). They shall direct the affairs of the corporation, and
shall succeed to the powers and duties of the incorporators, including
but not limited to the power of election of officers and agents.
"FIFTH: The directors shall
not receive compensation for their services as such, but may be
compensated for such other services as they may render the corporation,
and may receive reimbursement of expenses.
"SIXTH: The directors,
incorporators, and officers of the corporation shall never be chargeable
with the debts of the corporation except as may be specially provided by
law or as they may contract to be so charged.
"SEVENTH: Should the
corporation ever be dissolved, the directors shall have power to make
disposition of its property real and personal and its other assets,
after discharge of all its debts and obligations, as may in their sole
judgment best further the objectives herein set forth.
"EIGHTH: The directors shall
have power to establish, through by-laws or otherwise, such membership
and classes thereof as in their sole judgment will best further the
objectives of the corporation, and to admit thereto such persons as in
their sole judgment shall be deemed desirable.
"NINTH: This corporation shall
have the right to amend any of the provisions of this certificate of
incorporation in any manner provided by the laws of the District of
Columbia.
-4-
[page 5]
WFO 100-33645
100-33646
"TENTH: The time of
commencement of the affairs of the corporation shall be the time of
filing of the Certificate of Incorporation.
"In TESTIMONY whereof we have
this 29th day of November, 1956, hereunto set our hands and seals as
incorporators:
"/s/ KEN SALMEN
1627 19th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.
"/s/ DONOVAN G. CRANDALL
1915 N Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.
"/s/ WILLIAM J. FISK
7901 Garland Avenue,
Takoma Park, 12,
Maryland
"District of Columbia, SS
"I, HERMAN JACOBS, a Notary
Public in and for the District of Columbia, do hereby certify that KEN
SALMEN, DONOVAN G. CRANDALL and WILLIAM J. FISK, Parties to a certain
Certificate of Incorporation bearing date on the 29th of November, 1956,
and hereunto annexed, personally appeared before me in the said
District, the said KEN SALMEN, DONOVAN G. CRANDALL, and WILLIAM J. FISK
being personally well known to me as the persons, who executed the said
Certificate of Incorporation, and severally acknowledged the same to be
their act and deed.
"Given under my hand and seal
this 29th day of November, 1956.
"/s/ HERMAN JACOBS
Notary Public in and for the District of Columbia
"My commission expires December
14, 1960."
-5-
[page 6]
WFO 100-33645
100-33646
The above Certificate of
Incorporation was filed by the Office of the Recorder of Deeds on
11/29/56, and assigned Corporation Number 15781.
The records of the Recorder of
Deeds also contained corporation papers regarding the Organizations of
America as follows:
"CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
"We, the undersigned, all
citizens of the United States and a majority citizens and residents of
the District of Columbia, of full age, desiring to associate ourselves
as a corporation pursuant to the provisions of Title 29 of Chapter 6 of
the District of Columbia Code (1951), do hereby certify as follows:
"FIRST: The name or title by
which this corporation shall be known in law shall be THE ORGANIZATIONS
OF AMERICA.
"SECOND: The term for which it
is organized shall be perpetual.
"THIRD: The particular business
and objects of said corporation shall be to coordinate and serve the
activities of social, private and public organizations interested in
public welfare and to publish directories and lists and papers, books
and booklets expressing their opinions and the desires of their
memberships and to be supported by contributions and booklet sales.
"FOURTH: The number of its
trustees, directors or managers for the first year of its existence
shall be 3.
"In TESTIMONY WHEREOF, we have
this 19th day of July, 1956, hereunto set our hands and seals:
-6-
WFO 100-33645
100-33646
"/s/ DONOVAN G. CRANDELL
"/s/ WILLIAM J. FISK
"/s/ ROBERT E. NICHOLS
"I, DOROTHY L. SMITH, a Notary
Public in and for the District of Columbia, do hereby certify that
DONOVAN G. CRANDELL, WILLIAM J. FISK and ROBERT E. NICHOLS, Parties to a
certain Certificate of Incorporation bearing date of the 19th of July,
1956, and hereunto annexed, personally appeared before me in said
District, the said DONOVAN G. CRANDELL, WILLIAM J. FISK and ROBERT E.
NICHOLS being personally well known to me as the persons who executed
the said Certificates of Incorporation, and severally acknowledged the
same to be their act and deed.
"GIVEN under my hand and seal
this 19th day of July, 1956.
"/s/ DOROTHY L. SMITH
Notary Public
"My commission expires April
14, 1960."
The above Certificate of
Incorporation was received by the Office of Recorder of Deeds on
7/20/56, and was assigned Corporation Number 14725.
The current District of
Columbia Telephone Directory contains no listing for either of subject
organizations; however a check with information of the telephone company
reveals a listing in the name of Citizens of Washington, Incorporated,
1621 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., telephone North 7-7439.
It is noted that the mailboxes
servicing 1621 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., lists the following names on
the same mailbox:
"Citizens of Washington"
"Constitutional Administration Party of America"
"Organizations of America"
-7-
[page 8]
WFO 100-33645
100-33646
It is noted that there is no
record for the "Constitutional Administration Party of America" at the
Office of the Recorder of Deeds.
On 1/2/57, a pretext interview
was conducted with [BLACKED OUT] at the building located at 1621
Connecticut Avenue, N.W. It was determined that subject organizations
maintains [sic] office space consisting of two rooms on the fourth floor
of this building, and this office space has been maintained by these
organizations since about October, 1956. There are no full-time
employees at this office; however, a Mr. STEVES (ph) attends to the
office in the mornings once or twice per week.
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
On 1/4/57, literature
regarding the Academy of Scientology, 1812 19th Street, N.W., which is
available to the public, was obtained. This school is also known as the
Academy of Religious Arts and Sciences. It was determined that WILLIAM
FISK currently is an instructor at this school.
The pamphlet obtained from
this academy regarding matriculation, which included names of teachers,
reveals that DON G. CRANDELL is the Registrar of this academy. Dr.
RICHARD F. STEVES is the director of training at this school.
This pamphlet contains a group
photograph which lists among others, the names of the following men:
-8-
[page 9]
WFO 100-33645
10033646
W. FISK and R. NICHOLS
This pamphlet also contains a
photograph of the following instructors at this academy:
K.D. BARRETT
R.E. MORLEY
D.G. CRANDELL
R.F. STEVES
Indices of WFO reflect no
information identifiable to either subject organizations, moreover the
indices of WFO reflect no information identifiable to KEN SALMEN,
DONOVAN G. CRANDELL, WILLIAM J. FISK, ROBERT E. NICHOLS or the
Constitutional Administration Party of America.
WFO indices are negative of
information regarding Dr. RICHARD F. STEVES and the Academy of
Scientology.
WFO indices reflect no
information identifiable to the Academy of Religious Arts and Sciences.
An information bulletin
obtained from the Academy of Scientology described the term
"Scientology" as "that branch of psychology which treats of human
ability."
A check at the D.C. Public
Library, New York Avenue, N.W., and the Library of Congress revealed no
information regarding subject organizations.
It would appear from the above
that the incorporators of both subject organizations are either teachers
or students at the Academy of Scientology and the individual servicing
the office of subject organizations at 1621 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., is
apparently Dr. RICHARD F. STEVES of this academy.
No further action is
contemplated by the WFO regarding this matter. C.
-9-
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #8
STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : Mr. Nichols
DATE: February 27, 1957
FROM : M.A. Jones
SUBJECT: HUBBARD DIANETIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION
LAFAYETTE RON HUBBARD
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION BY SENATOR STYLES BRIDGES
By letter dated February 22, 1957, addressed to Assistant to the
Director, Louis B. Nichols, Senator Styles Bridges of New Hampshire
enclosed a letter from one [BLACKED OUT] of [BLACKED OUT] letter
expressed concern over the fact that one of her sons has apparently come
under the influence of "Ronald Hubbard" through the so-called art of "Sciencology,"
[sic] at one time called "dianetics." In his letter Senator Bridges
states that he would appreciate getting a report on the "cult" which he
could pass along to [BLACKED OUT] in connection with her inquiries.
Bufiles indicate cordial relations with Senator Bridges, and there has
been correspondence with [BLACKED OUT] who wrote to the Director in 1946
expressing appreciation for the work of the FBI and voicing her hope
that Charlie Chaplin would be dealt with firmly for his insulting
remarks regarding "the American Gestapo." (100-127090-7)
Although Bureau records do not show that we have investigated the
Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation, there have been numerous inquiries
concerning the activities of this organization on the part of private
citizens and law enforcement agencies both in this country and abroad.
The Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation, Inc., was incorporated on June
1, 1950, in New Jersey for the purpose of furthering the work of Hubbard
whose book "Dianetics," had been published in 1948. In 1951 the
organization moved to Kansas, then to Arizona and recently to Silver
Spring, Maryland. The Foundation has encountered difficulty with police
authorities in New Jersey, Michigan and the District of Columbia for
allegedly conducting a school in those areas in which a branch of
medicine and surgery was taught without a license. Bufiles contain a
newspaper clipping from the "Washington Times Herald" for April 24,
1951, with a date line in Los Angeles relating that Hubbard's wife, in
suing for divorce, claimed that he was "hopelessly insane" and had
subjected her to "scientific torture experiments." (62-94080-30)
On the occasion of a similar request for assistance from former
Senator Homer Ferguson in 1953, a letter was prepared setting forth for
him data available in Bufiles which was derived from or verifiable by
public sources.
Enclosure
RGE:lms
(2)
[page 2]
Jones to Nichols Memorandum
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
Bufiles indicate that Hubbard has written a number of letters to the
Bureau which were not acknowledged because of their rambling,
meaningless nature and lack of any pertinence to Bureau interests. An
appropriate notation concerning Hubbard is maintained in the Crime
Records Section. (62-94080)
_RECOMMENDATION_
That attached letter be sent to Senator Bridges marked "personal and
confidential" setting forth data from public sources regarding Hubbard
and the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation.
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #9
United States Senate
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
CARL HAYDON, ARIZ., CHAIRMAN
RICHARD B. RUSSELL, GA. ----- STYLES BRIDGES
DENNIS CHAVEZ, N. MEX. ----- LEVERETT SALT[____]L, MASS.
ALLEN J. ELLENDER, LA. ----- MILTON R. YOUNG, [__] DAK.
LISTER, HILL, ALA. ----- WILLIAM F. KNOWLAND, CALIF.
JOHN L. MCLELLAN, ARK. ----- EDWARD J. THYE, MINN.
A. WILLIS ROBERTSON, VA. ----- JOSEPH R. MCCARTHY, WIS.
WARREN G. MAGNUSON, WASH. ----- KARL E. MUNDT, S. DAK.
SPESSARD L. HOLLAND, FLA. ----- MARGARET CHASE SMITH, MAINE
JOHN STENNIS, MISS. ----- HENRY DWORSHAK, IDAHO
LYNDON B. JOHNSON, TEX. ----- EVERETT MCKINLEY DIRKSON, ILL.
JOHN G. PASTORE, R.I. ----- CHARLES E. POTTER, MICH.
EVERARD H. SMITH, CLERK
THOMAS J. SCOTT, ASST. CLERK
February 22, 1957
Mr. Louis B. Nichols
Assistant to the Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington 25, D.C.
Dear Lou:
I do not know how much there is to the enclosed letter but I thought
it was something which might bear looking into. You undoubtedly know all
about this cult and I would appreciate getting a report from you at your
convenience which I could pass along to the writer of the letter.
With best regards,
Sincerely yours,
[signed]
Styles Bridges
SB:MTA
Enclosure
***
[BLACKED OUT]
My dear Senator Bridges:
[BLACKED OUT SEVERAL PARAGRAPHS]
The so-called "Art" is labelled "Sciencology" [sic] and at one time
was called "Dianetics" - the head of it is an old guy supposedly named
"Ronald Hubbard" - and I heard just a little of his chatter on a tape
recording
[page 2]
Senator Bridges -2- February 21, 1957
wherein he griped' about our Government, its lack of this and that,
and comments unfavorable about it - until I became so irked that I just
walked out of the place. His methods are now being given thru the guise
of sort of "religious" ideas - they even send their co-called [sic]
students diplomas indicating they are some sort of "Divinity students"
......gosh, I am not sure what they think they are doing, but they even
try healing methods, and that sort of thing - and work on the minds of
their clientele - which I think is terribly wrong!!
[BLACKED OUT SEVERAL PARAGRAPHS]
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #10
February 28, 1957
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL [last word crossed out]
Honorable Styles Bridges
United States Senate
Washington, D.C.
Dear Styles:
Your letter of February 22, 1957, with enclosure, has been referred
to me by Mr. Nichols, and I appreciate your interest in bringing this
matter to our attention. For your personal information, the FBI has
received numerous inquiries concerning Lafayette Ron Hubbard and the
system of "dianetics" which he apparently originated, but no allegation
of a violation within the jurisdiction of this Bureau has been received
and, consequently, no investigation of this matter has been conducted by
the FBI.
Corporation records for the State of New Jersey show that the Hubbard
Dianetic Research Foundation, Inc., was incorporated on June 1, 1950,
for the alleged purpose of furthering the work of Hubbard, whose book
entitled "Dianetics" had been published in 1948. The Foundation has
reportedly encountered difficulty with police authorities in New Jersey,
Michigan and Washington, D.C., for allegedly conducting schools in those
areas, in which a branch of medicine and surgery was taught without a
license.
"The Washington Times Herald" for April 24, 1951, carried an article
captioned "Wife Accuses Mental' Expert of Torturing Her." According to
this article, Mrs. Sara Northrup Hubbard, age twenty-five, filed a suit
for divorce against L. Ron Hubbard in which
NOTE: See Jones to Nichols memorandum dated February 27, 1957,
captioned "Hubbard Dianetics Research Foundation, Lafayette Ron Hubbard,
Request for Information by Senator Styles Bridges, " RGE:lmh
RGE:lmh
[page 2]
Honorable Styles Bridges
she claimed he had subjected her to "scientific torture experiments."
She claimed that he had tortured her through denial of sleep, beatings,
strangulations and suggestions that she kill herself. As a consequence,
she stated that she considered Hubbard, then forty years of age,
"hopelessly insane." According to the article, "Competent medical
advisers recommended that Hubbard be committed to a private sanitarium
for psychiatric observation and treatment of a mental ailment known as
paranoid schizophrenia." It was also alleged that the Hubbard Dianetic
Research Foundation, which dealt with the "modern science of mental
health, " did more than one million dollar business in 1950.
I am returning [BLACKED OUT] letter which you enclosed since you may
have further use for it, and I hope the above will be of some assistance
to you in this connection.
Sincerely,
Edgar
Enclosure
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #11
26 March, 1957
The Hubbard Association of Scientologists International
37, Fitzroy Street, London, W.1., England.
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
The association claims that at the present time, in Washington, D.C.,
selected personnel are being taught and trained by Association staff for
the United States Government that they may be utilised as a hard core of
instructors in the U.S. Armed Forces, so as to reduce the risk among the
armed forces of alienated loyalties and subversive activities.
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #12
3 - orig & 2
- yellows
1 - Boardman
1 - Belmont
1 - Huelskamp
April 5, 1957
THE HUBBARD ASSOCIATION OF SCIENTOLOGISTS INTERNATIONAL
[BLACKED OUT] A check of our records reflects the following
information concerning captioned organization and its founder L.
(Lafayette) Ron Hubbard.
L. Ron Hubbard was the founder and president of the Hubbard Dianetic
Research Foundation, Inc. (HDRF), which was incorporated in New Jersey
during April, 1950/ (62-94080)
The December 5, 1950, issue of "Look" magazine contained an article
entitled "Dianetics - Science or Hoax?" which reflected that L. Ron
Hubbard was an obscure writer of pseudoscientific 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 invention 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
such 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." (62-94080)
During March, 1951, the Board of Medical Examiners, State of New
Jersey, had a case against the HDRF scheduled for trial on the grounds
that the organization was conducting a school, teaching a branch of
medicine and surgery, without a license. (62-94080)
1 [BLACKED OUT]
1 - Foreign Liaison Unit
NOTE ON SECOND PAGE
BLH:awj (10)
62-94080
[page 2]
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 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." (62-95972)
The April, 24, 1951, issue of the "Times Herald," Washington, D.C.,
reflected that Hubbard's wife charged in a divorce suit 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." (62-94080)
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 and London, England. (62-94080)
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.'"
NOTE:
Bufiles reflect that Hubbard appeared at the Bureau and was
interviewed on March 1, 1951. Hubbard furnished information regarding
alleged communist infiltration into his organization. Thereafter, he
corresponded with the Bureau re individuals in his organization whom he
believed to be communists. Attached to Hubbard's July 11, 1955, letter
is a notation [BLACKED OUT] This letter and subsequent letters were not
acknowledged. Bufiles also reflect numerous inquiries made of the Bureau
and by the Bureau concerning Hubbard's activities. (62-94080)
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #13
STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Me[_____]dum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO Mr. D. J. Parsons
DATE: September 20, 1957
FROM: A. K. Bowles
SUBJECT: L. RON HUBBARD
ACADEMY OF SCIENTOLOGY
SECURITY MATTER - X
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
[BLACKED OUT] that the Academy of Scientology, operated by L. Ron
Hubbard, offers several courses of instruction. About three hundred
people attended a convention held by this Academy in July. At the
convention Hubbard made several speeches and made "cracks about our
Government, enough to plant discontent in the minds of the people."
[BLACKED OUT] furnished this information to Bureau in confidence in view
of the possibility this outfit may be engaged in subversive activities.
There are many Bureau file references to Hubbard and Academy of
Scientology. Search slips are attached.
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
_ACTION:_
For attention of Domestic Intelligence Division.
Enclosures - 2
AKB:mb
(5)
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #14
STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Me[_____]dum - UNITED [______] GOVERNMENT
TO: Mr. D. J. Parsons
DATE: September 25, 1957
FROM: A. K. Bowles
SUBJECT: L. RON HUBBARD
ACADEMY OF SCIENTOLOGY
SECURITY MATTER - X
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
[BLACKED OUT] brought in today Auto-Stats of two publications
"Ability" and "Problems of Work" put out by Hubbard. The originals of
these publications were obtained by [BLACKED OUT] from the [BLACKED OUT]
Washington, D.C.
_ACTION:_
For attention of Domestic Intelligence Division, inasmuch as [BLACKED
OUT] furnished this information to the Bureau because of possible
subversive activities on the part of Hubbard and Academy of Scientology.
Enclosures - 2
AKB:mb
(6)
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #15
SCIENTOLOGY, UNITED STATES
The Academy of Scientology
October 8, 1957
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Penna. Ave., at 19th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.
Dear Gentlemen:
It has come to my attention that one Harvey Jackins purporting
himself to be a Dianetics Auditor and representing himself as someone
connected knowing the Science and doing this work, is located in
Seattle, Washington.
Mr. Jackins has no association with this organization or any other
Dianetic or Scientology organization of any kind. It is our desire that
this gentleman be investigated as to Communist activities; whether or
not he stirred up or caused the labor disputes in that area is not for
me to say.
I would appreciate your action on this matter.
With best regards,
[signed]
Richard F. Steves
Organizational Secretary
RFS/hes
Cable Address
Sientology [sic]
Washington, D.C.
Please refer to: The Academy of Scientology
1812 - 19th Street, N.W., Washington 9, D.C.
[down the side of this letterhead are listed the following groups:
Founding Church of Scientology of Washington; Founding Church of
Scientology, New York; Church of American Science; The Academy of
Scientology; Society of Consulting Ministers; Hubbard Assn. Of
Scientologists, International; Hubbard Guidance Center; Scientology
Consultants, Inc.; Congress of Eastern Scientologists; Hubbard Dianetics
Research Foundation; Hubbard Research Foundation; American Society for
Disaster Relief; Scientology Consultants to Industrial Efficiency;
Committee of Examination, Certification and Services; Hubbard
Communications Office; ABILITY Publications; Distribution Center, Inc.]
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #16
[illegible form information]
Office Mem[______]um - UNITED [______] GOVERNMENT
TO : Mr. L.V. Boa[__]man
DATE: October 11, 1957
FROM: Mr. A.H. Belmont
SUBJECT: THE ACADEMY OF SCIENTOLOGY
INFORMATION CONCERNING
INTERNAL SECURITY
On 10-9-57 the Bureau received a letter dated 10-8-57 from Richard F.
Steves, organizational secretary, The Academy of Scientology, 1812 19th
Street, Northwest, Washington 9, D.C. Steves states on Harvey Jackins is
purporting himself as someone knowing the "Science" and doing this work
in Seattle, Washington. Steves continues that Jackins has no association
with this organization or any other Dianetic or Scientology
organization, and it is the Academy's desire that Jackins be
investigated as to communist activities.
The Academy of Scientology has not been the subject of investigation
by the Bureau. It is operated by L. Ron Hubbard. Hubbard has either
operated or been connected with organizations pertaining to Scientology
and Dianetic [sic] for a number of years. Dianetic [sic] has been
described as a modern science of mental health, which may be likened to
psychotherapy with certain differences as to method and theory.
Scientology has been described as the modern scientific method for
instilling self-confidence, assist individuals in removing mental
problems and obtaining human ability.
Hubbard appeared at the Bureau and was interviewed on 3-1-51. He
furnished information regarding alleged communist infiltration into one
of his organizations. Thereafter, he corresponded with the Bureau
concerning individuals in his organization whom he believed to be
communists. Attached to a letter of Hubbard's dated 7-11-55 is a
notation "make appears mental card' [BLACKED OUT]" This letter and
subsequent letters have not been acknowledged. Numerous inquiries have
been made of the Bureau concerning Hubbard's activities. (62-94080)
Bufiles contain no record of Steves other than reflecting his
position as organizational secretary of The Academy of Scientology.
1 - Mr. Boardman
1 - Mr. Belmont
1 - Mr. Preusse
WNP:pw (4)
[page 2]
Memorandum to Mr. Boardman
RE: THE ACADEMY OF SCIENTOLOGY
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
_OBSERVATIONS_
In the past, letters from L. Ron Hubbard, who operates The Academy of
Scientology, have not been acknowledged because of his possible mental
instability and rambling and incoherent nature of his letters. Contents
of Steves' letter reflect probably intent The Academy of Scientology to
discredit Jackins in Dianetic and Scientology field and use the Bureau
as a steppingstone in doing so. It is believed no purpose would be
served by acknowledging Steves' letter. Furthermore, a letter in his
possession might be used by him or The Academy of Scientology for
self-serving purposes. As letter contains no significant information of
value concerning Jackins, Seattle will not be advised of contents of
letter.
_RECOMMENDATION_
It is recommended Steves' letter not be acknowledged for reasons set
forth above.
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #17
2 - Origin [________] duplicate
1 - Yellow
1 - Liaison Section
1 - Mr. Fitzgerald
62-94080
Date: January 8, 1958
To: [BLACKED OUT]
From: John Edgar Hoover, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Subject: HUBBARD ASSOCIATION OF
SCIENTOLOGISTS, INTERNATIONAL
MISCELLANEOUS-INFORMATION CONCERNING
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
Our files indicate considerable information concerning the captioned
organization, its founder L. Ron Hubbard, whose full name is reflected
in files of the Department of State as Lafayette Ronald Hubbard, and
concerning several associated organizations. However, this Bureau has
not conducted any investigation regarding Hubbard or the captioned
organization.
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
1 - London
1 - Foreign Liaison Unit (detached)
JMF:pwf (7)
[page 2]
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
[BLACKED OUR PARAGRAPH]
L. Ron Hubbard was the founder and president of the Hubbard Dianetic
Research Foundation, Inc. (HDRF), which was incorporated in New Jersey
during April, 1950.
The December 5, 1950, issue of "Look" magazine contained as article
entitled "Dianetics - Science or Hoax?" which reflected that L. Ron
Hubbard was an obscure writer of pseudoscientific 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 sucessfully [sic] and invariably treat
all psychosomatic ills and inorganic aberrations," according to Hubbard.
"These psychosomatic ills, uniformly cured by dianetic therapy, include
such 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 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
- 2 -
[page 3]
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
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." (62-95972)
The April 24, 1951, issue of the "Times Herald," Washington, D.C.
reflected that Hubbard's wife charged in a divorce suit 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
it original name, "scientology." Thereafter, offices were opened in New
Jersey and London, England.
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 actions
through mental health.'"
Hubbard has corresponded with this Bureau and the 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.
Hubbard and various organizations with which he has been associated
have been the subjects of numerous inquiries and complaints directed to
this Bureau. He and
- 3 -
[page 4]
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
his organizations have operated in various parts of the country.
Under date of October 8, 1957, we received a letter from Richard F.
Steves, "Organizations Secretary" of "Scientology, United States, the
Academy of Scientology," 1812 - 19th Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C.
This letter requested that the Bureau investigate an individual
allegedly representing himself as a "dianetic auditor" though not
associated with any "Dianetic" or "Scientology" organization. The letter
requested that this person be investigated as to communist activities.
The letterhead listed seventeen associated organizations and
publications including the captioned organization. Three of the
associated organizations are purported churches of scientology. Also
listed as associate groups are the Hubbard Guidance Center, Hubbard
Dianetic Research Foundation, Hubbard Research Foundation, and Hubbard
Communications Office.
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #18
April 24 - 58
J. Edgar Hoover
F.B.I.
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
What kind of an institution is ----
H.A.S.I.
1812 19th Street, N.W.
Washington, 9, D.C.
What is their purpose? Enclosed is self-addressed envelope for reply
[SIGNATURE BLOCK BLACKED OUT]
Advertised in May,
Fate magazine
page 108
***
May 5, 1958
[ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT]
Dear [BLACKED OUT]
Your letter dated April 24, 1958, with enclosure, has been received.
While I would like to be of service, I must advise that this Bureau has
never investigated the "Hubbard Association of Scientologists,
International, and I am unable to be of assistance to you.
Sincerely yours,
[stamp] J. Edgar Hoover
John Edgar Hoover
Director
NOTE: Correspondent not identifiable in Bufiles. Self-addressed
stamped envelope being utilized in reply. We have not investigated the
association named in this letter but Bufiles contain voluminous data
regarding it and its founder L. Ron. Hubbard. Hubbard is [BLACKED OUT]
He has corresponded with this Bureau on several occasions and we have
been most circumspect in our dealings with him. His association
allegedly has discovered dianetics, a means of treating psychosomatic
ills, which Hubbard described as a discovery comparable to man's
discovery of fire. (62-94080)
JK:gfs
(3)
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #19
[note: the following letter is undated but probably was received by
the Bureau at the end of April 1958, based on its place in the file]
[BLACKED OUT ADDRESS BLOCK]
Bureau of Investigation
Subversive Activities
Mr. J. Edgar Hoover:
Dear Sir:
I do request, as the undersigned that you give me as much information
as you have on the _L. Ron Hubbard Association of Scientologists Int._,
1812 - 19th Street, N.W. Washington 9, D.C.
This request is very important to me, as a young member of my family
desires to join this organization and make it a part of his future
occupation.
Any information would be greatly appreciated by me.
[page 2]
For your reply, I am Enclosing [sic] a stamped, addressed Envelope.
[sic]
Thank you
Yours truly,
[SIGNATURE BLACKED OUT]
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #20
May 9, 1958
[ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT]
Dear [BLACKED OUT]
Your letter dated April 28, 198, with enclosure, has been received.
While I would like to be of service, I must advise that this Bureau
has never investigated the Hubbard Association of Scientologists
International, and I am unable to be of assistance to you.
Sincerely yours,
[stamp] J. Edgar Hoover
John Edgar Hoover
Director
NOTE: Correspondent not identifiable in Bufiles. Stamped
self-addressed envelope being used for reply. L. Ron Hubbard, who has
been described as mentally ill, has given widespread publicity to his
Association which alleges that mental illness can be cured through a new
system of treatment he developed. He states that his discovery is to
present-day man equivalent to what the discovery of fire was to
primitive man. We have not investigated this association though files
contain numerous citizen inquiries regarding it.
JK:us
(3)
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #21
May 15, 1958
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D.C.
ATTENTION: J. Edgar Hoover
Dear Sir:
Enclosed is a pamphlet outlining specific principles of an
organization called Hubbard Association of Scientology International
located at 1812 19th St., N.W., Washington 9, D.C. This propaganda
appears to be contradictory to our American Democratic way of government
and is being distributed by mail all over the United States and other
parts of the world.
As this organization's activities have a direct bearing on my
personal life, please let me know of any information you may have in
your files, which is available to me, concerning this group.
I shall look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.
Very truly yours,
[SIGNATURE BLOCK BLACKED OUT]
***
May 26, 1958
Dear [BLACKED OUT]
Your letter dated May 15, 1958, with enclosure, has been received.
While I would like to be of service, I must advise that this Bureau
has not investigated the Hubbard Association of Scientology
International, and I am unable to be of assistance to you.
It is suggested that you consider contacting your local medical
association in connection with this problem.
Sincerely yours,
[stamped] J. Edgar Hoover
John Edgar Hoover
Director
NOTE: The Bureau has received numerous citizen queries concerning
this association which alleges a new method of curing mental illness
that is so radical in its results that it is equivalent to man's
discovery of fire. It is noted that Hubbard was accused of being
mentally unbalanced by his wife when she filed for divorce from him.
JK:pw (3)
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #22
SCIENTOLOGY, UNITED STATES
Hubbard Association of Scientologists, International
547 South Harvard Boulevard
Los Angeles 5, California
CABLE ADDRESS
SIENTOLOGY LA
TELEPHONE
Dunkirk 3-6604
June 30, 1958
[ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT]
Dear [BLACKED OUT]
I have some good news for you, as well as for the entire western
United States. Dr. L. Ron Hubbard has decided to have the Academy of
Scientology teach the Hubbard Certified Auditor Course here. You may now
obtain your HCA certification either here or in Washington, D.C.
Our first HCA course will start Monday, July 14th, at 9:30 AM. You
may register for it starting July 9th. Final registration is Saturday
July 12th, at 9:30 AM. Preliminary course tests are July 12, 9:30 AM.
The fee for the course is $500.00 (subject to increase Aug. 1958),
and it will last ten weeks. If you have had an HAS course given by an
approved agency since August 1957, you will be given an allowance on
your course fees, and your course will be eight weeks long. Do bring
your Receipts and or Validated Certificate at time of registration.
If you want a night HCA course; register for it, and when we have a
suffici[__] registration, we will start one.
We must have 1000 auditors in this area by the end of this, year for
a government project. Come in now, and get your certification, so that
we can put you to work in the very near future.
New HCA courses will start each Monday morning, with registration and
testing on the preceding Saturday; but, don't delay - we want and need
you now- we don't want to be caught short on the greatest opportunity we
have yet had.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
My best regards,
[signed] Julia Salmen
Dr. Julia Lewis Salmen
Executive Director
[down the side of this letterhead is:
Executive
Director
JULIA LEWIS
SALMEN
Director of
Training and
Processing
KEN M.
SALMEN
[written by hand across the bottom of the letter is: F.B.I. I have
reason to Believe this to be Subversive and think it will stand a
Thorough investigation Resp [BLACKED OUT]]
[across the bottom of the letterhead is:
Trustees
[illegible] L. RON HUBBARD Treasurer: MARY SUE HUBBARD Secretary:
RICHARD
F. STEVES]
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #23
From the desk of ...
[BLACKED OUT]
June 30, 1958
Gentlemen -
I've been receiving mail and literature from this 'association' for
at least a year, + it has steadily become more confusing, alarming, or
amusing, however you want to regard it.
At any rate I think it's reached a point where someone who knows what
these strange businesses are, should be made aware of the mail if you
aren't already.
Thank you -
[SIGNATURE BLACKED OUT]
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #24
July 11, 1958
Dear Mrs. [BLACKED OUT]
The material you forwarded with your note postmarked July 5, 1958,
has been received, and I want to thank you for your interest in bringing
it to our attention.
In the event you acquire further data which you believe to be of
concern to the FBI, I hope you will not hesitate to contact the
representatives of our office located at 1340 West Sixth Street, Los
Angeles 17, California.
Sincerely yours,
[stamped] J. Edgar Hoover
John Edgar Hoover
Director
2 - Los Angeles - Enclosures (4) ATTENTION SAC: The Bureau has
received numerous citizen inquiries concerning the Hubbard Association
of Scientologists, International which alleges a new method of curing
mental illness that is so radical in its results that it is equivalent
to man's discovery of fire. It has been brought to our attention that
Hubbard was accused of being mentally unbalanced by his wife when she
sued for divorce.
1 - SA [BLACKED OUT] - Enclosures (2)
Room 5220
DCL:jcs
(6)
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #25
HUBBARD ASSOCIATION OF SCIENTOLOGISTS, INTERNATIONAL 1812 19th
Street, N.W., Washington 9, D.C. - ADams 2-6296
June 18, 1958
BULLETIN
TO: New York Area
FROM: Scientology, Washington, D.C.
RE: Clearing in New York
Scientology
Studio 847
154 W. 57th St.
New York 19, N.Y. Phone: Circle 7-4758
At this writing there is no one clear in that area. This is the only
large population area in the U.S. of which this is true.
We have sent from Washington, D.C. Larry Michel, who is, and has been
for some time the top Guidance Center Auditor, to New York to get the
ball rolling on clearing.
It's not amazing that we can now produce clears. If you're uncertain
or wish to find out how long it would take to clear you then drop by the
office for a check out. It's a full test, along with an interview with
Larry Michel, and at the reasonable cost of $25.00.
As a matter of fact, clearing is very routine. You can be clear and
at a very nominal fee. There's no point in being unsure when you can be
definite.
I'm writing to you to give you this information, and looking forward
to hearing that the people in New York are getting clear.
In closing I say this -- let's get cleared quietly and orderly, not
through the chaos of a dirty bomb.
Regards,
[signed]
RICHARD F. STEVES
Organization Secretary
In event of national disaster our address will be P.O. Box 57,
Brooke, Virginia
---
Member of National Academy of American Psychology
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #26
July 11, 1958
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
Dear [BLACKED OUT]
Your letter dated June 30, 1958, with enclosures, has been received.
The thought prompting your bringing this material to our attention is
indeed appreciated, and I h hope that you will feel free to contact the
representatives of our office located at 1340 West Sixth Street, Los
Angeles 17, California, if you acquire other data which you believe to
be of concern to the FBI.
Sincerely yours,
[stamped] J. Edgar Hoover
1 - Los Angeles - Enclosures (3)
ATTENTION SAC: The Bureau has received numerous citizen inquiries
concerning the Hubbard Association of Scientologists, International
which alleges a new method of curing mental illness that so radical in
its results that it is equivalent to man's discovery of fire. It has
been brought to our attention that Hubbard was accused of being mentally
unbalanced by his wife when she sued for divorce.
1 [BLACKED OUT] Enclosures (3)
Room 5220
NOTE: This organization, also known as the Academy of Scientology, is
subject of Bufile 62-94080. The Writers' Workshop of New Jersey in 1952
published the "[illegible]ing Shift" magazine which was produced largely
by CP members. It was highly recommended by "The Worker" by 7-15-51
DCL:jcs
(5)
(continued next page)
[page 2]
[BLACKED OUT]
(Note continued)
issue. [BLACKED OUT REMAINDER OF PARAGRAPH]
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #27
8/5/58
_AIRTEL_
TO: DIRECTOR, FBI
FROM: SAC, WFO (100-33645)
THE ORGANIZATIONS OF AMERICA
INFORMATION CONCERNING
(INTERNAL SECURITY)
WFO 100-33645
CITIZENS OF WASHINGTON, INC.
INFORMATION CONCERNING
(INTERNAL SECURITY)
WFO 100-33646
Re WFO letter to Bureau dated 1/9/57 which supplied info regarding
the incorporators of subject organizations and pointed out that these
incorporators were apparently all connected with the Academy of
Scientology, 1812 19th St., NW.
On 8/5/58 [BLACKED OUT] advised [BLACKED OUT] that the Academy of
Scientology [BLACKED OUT] motion picture film for the purpose of
coordinating the film with the sound tract. [sic] He stated there are
six one hour movies of the lecture type and that a review of these films
reveals they appear to be communistically inclined.
[BLACKED OUT] stated he had promised to have the film ready for the
Academy of Scientology on Friday, 8/8/58. He stated he would like for
the FBI to review these films [BLACKED OUT]
UACB, arrangements will be made with [BLACKED OUT] to review film
[BLACKED OUT] on Thursday, 8/7/58.
Bureau will be promptly advised of results. P.
3 - Bureau
2 - WFO
CMG:bap
(5)
_AIRTEL_
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #28
AIRTEL
TO DIRECTOR, FBI
8/7/58
FROM SAC, WFO
THE ORGANIZATIONS OF AMERICA
INFORMATION CONCERNING
(INTERNAL SECURITY)
WFO 100-33645
CITIZENS OF WASHINGTON, INC.
INFORMATION CONCERNING
(INTERNAL SECURITY)
WFO 100-33646
Re WFO airtel, 8/5/58, captioned as above, advising, UACB, WFO would
on 8/7/58 review films left at Bryon, Inc., 1226 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.,
by the Academy of Scientology, 1812 19th St., N.W.
On 8/7/58 [BLACKED OUT] advised [BLACKED OUT] that the film and sound
recordings delivered to that company by the Academy of Scientology were
in connection with the Congress of Scientologists held at the Shoreham
Hotel, WDC., about 7/4/58.. The film and sound recordings were delivered
to that company by [BLACKED OUT] who desired sound and film be
synchronized. [BLACKED OUT] stated there is approximately 12,000 feet of
film, representing six one hour lectures and that the cost to the
Academy of Scientology would be about $3500. [BLACKED OUT] stated the
lecturer in connection with the above is unknown to him but that this
individual criticized the Director of the FBI at one point in his
introductory address.
[BLACKED OUT] on 8/7/58 monitored the sound portion of the lectures
at [BLACKED OUT] It was determined through motion picture film and
photographs maintained at WFO that the speaker throughout is L. RON
HUBBARD, founder of Scientology, born 3/13/11.
In these lectures, HUBBARD goes into the theory of Scientology and
said this science is [illegible] year old and making progress throughout
the world in an effort to change
4 - Bureau
2 - WFO
[illegible initials]
(6)
AIRTEL
[page 2]
WFO 100-33645
100-33646
civilization. He described Scientology as that science which attempts
to "set free" the individual in order to increase his creativeness and
tolerance. He said there are branch offices of Scientology in New
Zealand, Australia, England, and Africa. He criticized the present
society and said that now that the government has produced the hydrogen
bomb it would seem to indicate that the end goal of government is
killing more people faster. He mentioned that in the past 8 years there
has been only one president of the U.S. and added "as if we have had
one." He criticized psychology, psychiatry, and religion.
HUBBARD mentioned he has had dealings with criminals, having been a
policeman at one time. He said the "FBI thinks there's such a thing as a
criminal mind--always a big joke; there's a criminal mind and a
non-criminal mind. The FBI has never shown me a non-criminal mind. Of
course these are terrible things to say--simply comments on J. EDGAR who
is an awfully good guy--stupid, but awfully good."
HUBBARD, in mentioning branch offices throughout the world, stated
there are some countries who are "still in blackness," and applied this
to the Russian-Asian section. He said this section would like to "sweep"
into other countries and said there must be a correlation in the
adoption of totally materialistic views by a country and inability to
communicate.
From the above, it would appear that HUBBARD is non-sympathetic to
the Soviet Union. Indices of WFO have no subversive references to L. RON
HUBBARD. D.C. telephone directory shows Dr. L. RON HUBBARD, Sr., as
residing at 1812 19th St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
No comments were made to employees of [BLACKED OUT] concerning the
above material by the reviewing agent. No further action contemplated re
this matter by WFO.
- 2 -
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #29
TO : Mr. A. H. Belmont
DATE: August 11, 1958
FROM : Mr. F. J. Baumgardner
SUBJECT: ACADEMY OF SCIENTOLOGY
1812 19TH STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
INFORMATION CONCERNING
(INTERNAL SECURITY)
WFO airtel 8-5-58 captioned "The Organizations of America,
Information Concerning (Internal Security)" advised [BLACKED OUT]
Washington, D.C. , had advised that some film had been received from the
Academy of Scientology for synchronization of the film and sound tracks;
that [BLACKED OUT] believed the films contained communist propaganda;
and requested that an Agent of the Washington Field Office review the
films prior to return to the Academy. WFO airtel 8-7-58 under the same
caption advised that the films, which were delivered by [BLACKED OUT] of
the Academy, had been reviewed and it was determined that the
commentator of the films was L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Academy. The
films, which are to be used for lecture purposes, go into the theory of
scientology, which Hubbard in his commentary describes as a science
which attempts to "set free" the individual in order to increase his
creativeness and tolerance. Hubbard also, in his commentary, criticizes
present society; states now that the Government has produced the
hydrogen bomb it would seem to indicate that the end goal of Government
is killing more people faster; and criticizes psychology, psychiatry and
religion. Hubbard also mentions he has had dealings with criminals,
having been a policeman at one time, and states, "The FBI thinks there's
such a thing as a criminal mind ... always a big joke; there is a
criminal mind and a noncriminal mind. The FBI has never shown me a
noncriminal mind. Of course, these are terrible things to say - simply
comments on J. Edgar who is an awfully good guy, stupid, but awfully
good."
Bufile 62-94080 reflects that 1812 19th Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C., is also the address of the Hubbard Association of Scientologists
International; that Richard F. Steves is the organization's secretary;
that Hubbard's full name is reflected in the files of the Department of
State as Lafayette Ronald Hubbard; and that Hubbard was the founder and
president of the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation, Inc., (HDRF)
which was incorporated in New Jersey in early 1950 for the purpose of
furthering the dianetics works of Hubbard.
JHK:fkj
(4)
[page 2]
Memo to Mr. Belmont
Re: ACADEMY OF SCIENTOLOGY
The HDRF moved several times between 1950 and 1956 when it located at
Silver Spring, Maryland. The HDRF has encountered difficulty with police
officers in New Jersey, Michigan, and District of Columbia for allegedly
conducting a school in those areas in which a branch of medicine and
surgery was taught without a license. Further, the April 24, 1951, issue
of the "Washington Times Herald" contained an article with a dateline in
Los Angeles relating that Hubbard's wife in suing for divorce claimed he
was "hopelessly insane" and had subjected her to "scientific torture
experiments." According to the article, "competent medical advisors
recommended that Hubbard be committed to a private sanitarium for
psychiatric observation and treatment of a mental ailment known paranoid
schizophrenia." It was also alleged that the HDRF which dealt with a
"medical science of mental health" did a more than one million dollar
business in 1950. During the early part of 1956 HDRF was circularizing 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 domination of the thoughts and
loyalties of individuals, officers, bureaus, and masses, and the
effecting of the conquest of enemy nations through mental health.'"
Bufiles reflect Hubbard has corresponded with the Bureau on numerous
occasions; however, such correspondence has not been acknowledged.
Bufile 105-55600 reflects that the Organizations of America and the
Citizens of Washington, Inc., in late 1956 were located at 1621
Connecticut Ave., N.W., and that the individuals associated with those
organizations were either teachers or students at the Academy of
Scientology.
The Bureau has never investigated any of the afore-mentioned
organizations
_ACTION_:
[PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]
- 2 -
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #30
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH--POSSIBLY LETTERHEAD]
September 25, 1958
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Please be so kind as to advise us whether you have any information
regarding the Scientology Center, Albany; located at 899 Mercer Street,
Albany, New York. Their slogan is "Where the Able Meet".
A young man came to our Classified Advertising counter and
volunteered an advertisement which reads as follows: "I will talk to
anyone for you about anything. 8-1125." The name of the individual who
placed the ad is [BLACKED OUT] Enclosed please find a leaflet left by
the advertiser.
We were wondering if this organization, if that it is what it is, is
possibly a subversive group.
Cordially yours,
[SIGNATURE BLACKED OUT]
WG:meb
enc.
***
October 3, 1958
[ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT]
Dear [BLACKED OUT]
I have received your letter with enclosure of September 25, 1958.
While I would like to be of service, I regret to advise that this
Bureau has never investigated the Scientology Center in Albany, New
York, and I am unable to be of assistance to you.
Sincerely yours,
[stamped] J. Edgar Hoover
John Edgar Hoover
Director
1 - Albany - Enclosure
NOTE: Correspondent is not identifiable in Bufiles and we have not
investigated the organization named in his letter. His enclosure
indicates that the Albany Scientology Center is a branch of the Hubbard
Dianetic Research Foundation founded by L. Ron Hubbard with headquarters
in the Washington area. Bufiles contain considerable information
regarding Hubbard who is considered [BLACKED OUT] and in a divorce
action filed against him his wife alleged that he was hopelessly insane.
We have had cordial relations with the [BLACKED OUT]
JK:pmk
(4)
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #31
February 3, 1959
LAFAYETTE RON HUBBARD
c/o Hubbard Dianetic Auditors School
Elizabeth, New Jersey
HUBBARD DIANETIC AUDITORS SCHOOL
275 Morris Avenue
Elizabeth, New Jersey
No investigation pertinent to your inquiry has been conducted by the
FBI concerning the captioned individual and organization. However, the
files of this Bureau reveal the following information which may relate
to the subjects of your name check request.
The December 5, 1950 issue of "Look" magazine contained an article
entitled "Dianetics - Science or Hoax?" which revealed that L. Ron
Hubbard was an obscure writer of pseudoscientific 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 sucessfully [sic] and invariably treat
all psychosomatic ills and inorganic aberrations," according to Hubbard.
"These psychosomatic ills, uniformly cured by dianetic therapy, include
such 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."
Orig and one to OSI-4
Pro rec'd: 1/19/59
[BLACKED OUT]/rlk
(4)
[page 2]
Lafayette Ron Hubbard
Hubbard Dianetic Auditors School
The April 24, 1951, issue of the "Times Herald," Washington, D.C.,
revealed that Hubbard's wife charged in a divorce suit 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."
The foregoing information is furnished to you as a result of your
request for an FBI file check and is not to be construed as a clearance
or a nonclearance of the individual and the organization involved. This
information is loaned for your use and is not to be disseminated outside
of your agency.
- 2 -
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #32
STANDARD FORM NO. [illegible]
Office Memorandum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : Mr. DeLoach
FROM : M.A. Jones
SUBJECT: [BLACKED OUT]
On June 12, 1959, the above captioned individual and [BLACKED OUT]
appeared at the Bureau and were interviewed by SA [BLACKED OUT] He
stated he was in town on vacation and was departing the following day.
He explained that while here he was taking the opportunity of making
inquiries concerning the Academy of Scientology, 1812 19th Street,
Northwest, Washington, D.C., which was founded and is operated by L. Ron
Hubbard.
[BLACKED OUT] related a great volume of literature concerning this
institution is being sent to individuals throughout Alaska urging
attendance at various branches of the Academy or enrollment in
correspondence courses. He stated several individuals have inquired of
the State Police about the Academy. [BLACKED OUT] said he had contacted
the Metropolitan Police Department and had been advised that the Academy
is one of the worst legal frauds ever known to that Department. [BLACKED
OUT] desired to know if the Bureau had any information regarding the
Academy which could be furnished to him.
He was told that if the Bureau has any data which can be supplied to
him or his Department it will be furnished through our Anchorage Office
since he already had indicated he was departing from Washington the
following day. He indicated this would be most satisfactory. Arrangement
thereafter were made for [BLACKED OUT] to be conducted on a special tour
of the Bureau for which they were most appreciative.
A review of Bufiles shows we have very good relations with the Alaska
State Police which is headed by [BLACKED OUT] a graduate of the [BLACKED
OUT] of the FBI National Academy. Several other members of the
Department are graduates of the National Academy. No record identifiable
with [BLACKED OUT] was located in Bufiles.
Enclosure
DWB:cr
(2)
[page 2]
Memorandum for Mr. DeLoach
Bufiles reveal we have not conducted an investigation concerning the
Academy of Scientology or Hubbard; however, we have had numerous
inquiries regarding Hubbard and various organizations which he has
headed, and we have furnished in the past public source data to former
Senator Homer Ferguson and Senator Styles Bridges. This material also
has been disseminated in London, England, where Hubbard has an office,
through our Legal Attache.
_RECOMMENDATION_:
That the attached letter be sent to Anchorage authorizing that office
to furnish the information contained therein either to [BLACKED OUT] or
one of his superior officers on a confidential basis.
- 2 -
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #33
SAC, Anchorage
June 16, 1959
[BLACKED OUT]
On June 12, 1959, the above-captioned individual, accompanied by his
son, stopped at the Bureau and inquired if any information could be
furnished him concerning the Academy of Scientology, 1812 19th Street,
Northwest, Washington, D.C., or its founder L. Ron Hubbard. [BLACKED
OUT] explained considerable literature about the Academy is being
disseminated in Alaska and said inquiries have been made of the State
Police regarding the Academy. He explained a member of the Metropolitan
Police Department, [BLACKED OUT] told him the Academy is one of the
worst legal frauds that Department has ever encountered. No information
was promised to [BLACKED OUT] however, he was advised if any data could
be furnished him it would be supplied through your office. [BLACKED OUT]
were conducted on a special tour of the Bureau, for which they were most
appreciative.
Bufiles show we have conducted no investigation regarding Hubbard or
the Academy of Scientology, however, contain public source data which is
set out below. You should furnish this information confidentially either
to [BLACKED OUT] or one of his superior officers. For your information,
[BLACKED OUT] [illegible word] he will return to Anchorage in about two
weeks.
L. Ron Hubbard was the founder and president of the Hubbard Dianetics
Research Foundation, Inc. (HDRF), which was incorporated in New Jersey
during April, 1950. (62-94080)
The December 5, 1950 issue of "Look" magazine contained an article
entitled "Dianetics - Science or Hoax?" which reflected that L. Ron
Hubbard was an obscure writer of pseudoscientific 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 aberration, according to Hubbard.
"These psychosomatic ills, uniformly [illegible][illegible]
NOTE: See Jones to DeLoach memo dated 6-15-59, captioned [BLACKED
OUT]
DWB:cr.
DWB:cr
(4)
[page 2]
Letter to Anchorage
Re: [BLACKED OUT]
therapy, include such 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 disgusts...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."
(62-94080)
During March, 1951, the Board of Medical Examiners, State of New
Jersey, had a case against the HDRF scheduled for trial on the grounds
that the organization was conducting a school, teaching a branch of
medicine and surgery, without a license. (62-94080)
In 1951 the HDRF established national headquarters at Wichita,
Kansas, and sponsored the Allied Scientists of the World, which
organization has as its avowed purpose "to construct and stock a library
... in an atomic proof area where 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." (62-95972)
The April 24, 1951, issue of the "Times Herald," Washington, D.C.,
reflected that Hubbard's wife charged in a divorce suit 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." (62-94080)
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 and London, England. (62-94080)
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.'"
- 2 -
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #34
[BLACKED OUT]
July 28, 1959
Mr. J. Edgar Hoover, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Hoover:
I am writing you pertaining to an organization called the "Hubbard
Foundation", which organization is supposed to practice scientology. I
am most anxious to know just as soon as possible whether or not your
department has ever investigated this Foundation.
I am sure that this organization is not what it is supposed to be;
that they do not teach scientology, but communism.
Perhaps you have heard by this time that my husband, [BLACKED OUT]
who has worked with your department for years on subversive activities,
having been on the [BLACKED OUT] for about twenty-four years, passed
away suddenly on July 12th of a heart attack.
Our son, who is thirty-two and who has been living in [BLACKED OUT]
Arizona for the past seven years, moved to northern California just
about two weeks before his father passed away. From conversations which
I have had with him since he has been here, and from the completely
changed attitudes which he now has, I am sure he has been taken in by
this organization. In fact, he has been indoctrinated, at least to a
great extent, but just how far, I am not quite sure. I have talked to
him two or three times on the subject, but of course, I am only his
mother, and consequently got nowhere.
Mr. Hoover, I am sick at heart and frantic with worry. I can take the
shock of his father's passing, but
[page 2]
Mr. J. Edgar Hoover
Pge. 2.
this thing that has happened to our son, an only child, is far worse.
Do you have an F.B.I. man near hear who could call and see me in the
very near future? It may not be too late to have the right person talk
to him in the proper way to make him see what has happened. He has
always been extremely sensitive and strong willed. But he has always
been a good boy, and has never given us the slightest amount of trouble.
He is in San Francisco for a few days looking for a job in traffic
engineering, and will be back the latter part of the week. Just how long
he will be here after that I do not know.
I am also afraid that he is being influence by a so-called friend,
who lives in Oakland, near San Francisco, and who may have influenced
him to find work in or near San Francisco. I am also fearful and worried
about the friend taking up where they left off in [BLACKED OUT] I have
the name and address of the friend, and my brother-in-law is going to
have him checked at that end.
Any help that you could give me will be gratefully accepted. I need
help so badly.
Would you please give me an immediate reply to this letter?
Thanking you so much in advance, I am
Very Sincerely,
[SIGNATURE BLACKED OUT]
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #35
August 5, 1959
[ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT]
Dear Mrs. [BLACKED OUT]
Your letter of July 28, 1959, has been received, and I am having a
representative of our San Francisco Office contact you in the immediate
future.
I was indeed sorry to learn of the passing of your husband, and my
associates join me in extending to you our expressions of deepest
sympathy.
Sincerely yours,
[stamped] J. Edgar Hoover
2 - San Francisco - Enclosures (2)
ATTENTION SAC: An Agent of your office should call on Mrs. [BLACKED
OUT] in the very near future and inform her that the FBI has not
investigated the Hubbard Foundation. At the time of his contact, he can
call her attention to the December 5, 1950, issue of "Look" magazine
which contains an article entitled "Dianetics - Science or Hoax?",
identifying L. Ron Hubbard as an obscure writer of pseudoscientific 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 such 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
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
Follow-up made for 8-14-59
DCL:blb (6)
[page 2]
CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE
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."
The April 24, 1951, issue of the "Times Herald," Washington, D.C.,
revealed that Hubbard's wife charged in a divorce suit 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."
Sulet when action completed under caption, "Mrs. [BLACKED OUT]
Research (Crime Reco to reach the Bureau no later than 8-12-59.
NOTE: Correspondent's husband has served on the [BLACKED OUT] as Mrs.
[BLACKED OUT] indicates, and there has been prior cordial correspondence
with him. He was sent a letter on 12-7-45 thanking him for assistance
offered the FBI during World War II, and he was always complimentary
toward the Director and the FBI. Mr. Closson was given an autographed
copy of "Masters of Deceit" in May, 1958 (94-1-3595-66, 62-94080,
66-9330-50 and 66-16274-639) The Hubbard Dianetic Auditors School,
Elizabeth, New Jersey, is subject of Bufile 62-94080, and frequent
citizen inquiries are received concerning its activities. It is also
known as the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #36
STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Mem[__]dum - UNITED S[______]OVERNMENT
TO : DIRECTOR, FBI
DATE: 8/10/59
SUBJECT: [BLACKED OUT]
RESEARCH (CRIME RECORDS)
Re letter from [BLACKED OUT] to Director dated 7/28/59, and
Director's letter to [BLACKED OUT] dated 8/5/59.
On August 8, 1959, [BLACKED OUT] was contacted by SA [BLACKED OUT]
and at that time she was advised that this Bureau has not conducted an
investigation of the Hubbard Foundation. Further, she was advised of the
article entitled, "Dianetics-Science or Hoax" which appeared in the
December 5, 1950 issue of "Look" magazine, and of the information
contained in the April 24, 1951, edition of the Washington, D.C. "Times
Herald" regarding Hubbard.
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
3 - Bureau
1 - San Francisco
JFH/jr
(4)
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #37
[BLACKED OUT]
[BLACKED OUT]
December 22, 1959
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Hoover,
Several days ago I heard a news report on T.V. in which you said
there are subversive or communist inspired organizations in the United
States. That comment has prompted this letter.
I would like to know if the Hubbard Association of Scientologists
International or any of the names the organization uses has a clean
slate as far as the F.B.I. is concerned.
I became interested in this group last spring and I'm now becoming a
member. At that time it did not occur to me to investigate it. My
husband and I own a lar[end of word cut off] [BLACKED OUT] and he is the
[BLACKED OUT] of a corporation. He has not been connected with this in
any way and I should not like to become connected with something that in
the future may any way damage our family, business or reputation.
From what I understand, the largest groups of scientologists are in
Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Tucson. Most of the people connect
[sic] this certainly seem sincere, and I would not like them to know
that I would check their motives and activities. They have accepted me
so whole-heartedly.....but at the same time I would like to know about
them to releive [sic] any doubts I might have concerning their methods.
The next meeting is on January 14, 1960 so I would greatly appreciate
a reply before then. As I said my husband and I would have a great deal
to lose if I in my young years make a wrong choice after we have worked
so hard, and then in my late years regret it.
Very truly yours,
[SIGNATURE BLOCK BLACKED OUT]
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #38
1 - Mr. Simpson
December 31, 1959
[ADDRESS BLACKED OUT]
Dear Mrs. [BLACKED OUT]
Your letter postmarked December 24, 1959, has been received, and the
interest which prompted your communication is indeed appreciated.
While I would like to be of assistance, the function of the FBI as a
fact-gathering agency does not extend to furnishing evaluations or
comments concerning the character or integrity of any individual,
publication or organization. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to
comply with your request.
Sincerely yours,
John Edgar Hoover
Director
1 - Phoenix (enclosure)
_ATTENTION: SAC, PHOENIX_
Enclosed is a copy of correspondent's communication. Bufiles contain
no identifiable data concerning the correspondent.
While the Bureau has conducted no investigation of the Hubbard
Association of Scientologists International, Bufiles reveal numerous
complaints and inquiries concerning L. Ron Hubbard and the various
organizations with which he is associated. The above organization has
headquarters at 1812 19th Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C., and
NOTE TO PHOENIX, CONTINUED, PAGE TWO
SEE NOTE ON YELLOW, PAGE TWO
RDS;pw (4)
[page 2]
Mrs. [BLACKED OUT]
_NOTE TO PHOENIX, CONTINUED_
allegedly advances a new method of curing mental illness known as "Dianetics."
The April 24, 1951, issue of the "Times-Herald," Washington, D.C.,
revealed that Hubbard's wife charged in a divorce suit that he was
"hopelessly insane" and had subjected her to "scientific torture
experiments." According to the 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." (62-94080)
_NOTE ON YELLOW:_
Correspondent requested to be advised if the Hubbard Association of
Scientologists International has a clean slate as far as the FBI is
concerned. She advised that she and her husband have become interested
in the group and plan to become members; however, they do not wish to
become connected with an organization which may in the future damage
their family, business and reputation. She requested a reply prior to
1-14-60 on which date the mext [sic] meeting of the group is scheduled
in Tucson.
Reference is made to postmark date since incoming dated 12-22-60.
- 2 -
[NOTE: on the original, FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #37, the date was
originally written December 22, 1960, with the 60 crossed out and 59
written in by hand, presumably by the Bureau]
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #39
[a handwritten letter]
[BLACKED OUT]
[BLACKED OUT]
Feb 17 [no year given, probably 1960]
The Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington
Dear Sir.
I enclose a letter I received from my cousin who lives in [BLACKED
OUT] England. I thought her reference to "Dr" Ron Hubbard and his
activities might be of interest to you. You will note she has asked me
for any information I can send her of their activities
[page 2]
on this [illegible, part of top line cut off in xeroxing] [illegible
word] in the telephone book [?] finding they are listed- I do not care
to go any further. Is there is any information you can supply me with
that I can pass on, it would be appreciated. I would like her letter
returned - Enclosed is stamped addressed envelope.
Yours truly
Mrs. [BLACKED OUT]
FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #40
[illegible] Simpson
February 25, 1960
[BLACKED OUT ADDRESS BLOCK]
Dear Mrs. [BLACKED OUT]
Your letter dated February 17, 1960, with its enclosures, has been
received, and the interest which prompted your communication is indeed
appreciated.
While I would like to be of assistance to you, the function of the
FBI as a fact-gathering agency does not extend to furnishing evaluations
or comments concerning the character or integrity of any individual,
publication or organization. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to
furnish any information concerning the individual you mentioned.
In accordance with your request, I am returning the letter you
submitted with your communication.
Sincerely yours,
John Edgar Hoover
Director
Enclosure
1 - Washington Field (enclosures - 2)
_ATTENTION: SAC, WASHINGTON FIELD_
Enclosed are a copy of correspondent's communication and a copy of
the letter she received from her cousin in England. Correspondent also
enclosed a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
NOTE TO WASHINGTON FIELD, CONTINUED, PAGE TWO
RDS: pw (4) ----- SEE NOTE ON YELLOW, PAGE TWO
[page 2]
Mrs. [BLACKED OUT]
_NOTE TO WASHINGTON FIELD, CONTINUED_
[PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]
Correspondent has reference to L. Ron Hubbard who is associated with
a number of organizations apparently having their headquarters at 1812
19th Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C. Among these organizations are
Hubbard Association of Scientologists International, Hubbard Dianetic
Research Foundation and the Academy of Scientology. His organizations
allegedly advance a new method of curing mental illness known as "Dianetics."
The April 24, 1951, issue of the "Times-Herald," Washington, D.C.,
revealed that Hubbard's wife charged in a divorce suit that he was
"hopelessly insane" and had subjected her to "scientific torture
experiments." According to the article, "competent medical advisors
recommended that Hubbard be committed to a private sanitarium for
psychiatric observation and treatment of his mental ailment known as
paranoid schizophrenia." The Bureau has received numerous inquiries
concerning Hubbard and his organizations. (62-94080)
_NOTE ON YELLOW:_
Correspondent inquired if the Bureau could furnish any information
concerning Ron Hubbard which she could send to her cousin in England.
Correspondent enclosed a letter from her cousin which indicated Hubbard
has a branch of his organization in England. Hubbard's books and
pamphlets are allegedly not comprehensible and appear to be a mixture of
communism, Nazism and other unpleasant things and she believes Hubbard's
organization may be communist. The cousin requested the correspondent to
obtain some information concerning Hubbard and his organization. The
correspondent requested the return of her cousin's letter. No
dissemination of correspondent's letter and its enclosure is being made
to the Legal Attache, London, and to English authorities since data
concerning Hubbard and his activities was furnished to [BLACKED OUT] on
4-5-57 pursuant to a request from [BLACKED OUT]
Self-addressed, stamped envelope furnished by correspondent being
used in reply
- 2 -
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