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Appendix
The
Scientologist's Story
In January, 1971,
I wrote to David Gaiman, Public Relations Director of Scientology in
England, with whom I had had some earlier correspondence, informing him
that this book was to be published and offering him a chance to give the
Scientologists' side of the story in brief. I also requested information
on some of Scientology's rehabilitation programs -- their Human Rights
Commission and Narconon, their program in India -- so that some of this
could also be included.
Unfortunately, instead of a response to my letters, my publisher
received three telegrams from the Church of Scientology of Hawaii,
California, and Washington threatening a lawsuit if the book was
published.
Around the same time, I received a telegram from David Gaiman stating
that he would write me that afternoon. But there was a British mail
strike, and his response did not reach me till March 7, when the galleys
were already completed. The information he gave me, therefore, could not
be incorporated into the text proper. All I can do now is reprint his
letter which replies to a number of questions I asked. His covering
letter was as follows:
Dear Paulette,
I did receive your letter and
replied by telex.
It was the American Ambassador in
London who said, "A man's nomenclature is very important to him." While
I do not agree with the Ambassador, I do notice that your opening
sentence misduplicates my name[*] and the rest of the contents maintain
a consistently high standard.
Old-fashioned is a phrase which
has a multitude of constructions; "old-fashioned girl" is often a
compliment; old-fashioned jewelry is much admired; I think I've heard of
an old-fashioned cocktail, on which I cannot comment, but was, if I do
not misremember, very much in vogue when I was a child. Old-fashioned
could apply to the great master of the arts, the literary classics.
Perhaps you agree that there is a certain quality which ignores or
improves with the passage of time which makes "old-fashioned" a
complimentary expression.
Then on the other side, the Edsell
motor car, Community and involuntary psychiatry, English stage musicals
of the fifties, the Inquisition, gunboat diplomacy, Colonel Blimp, and
the 3rd Reich, (make your own list). They are old-fashioned too. The old
hack `let's smear the Scientologists' routine was old when Martin
Gardner[**] was hired by the A.P.A. or morticians union or whatever it
was.
You really can do better than the
manuscript I corrected [***] and I do hope that the forthcoming piece is
less archaic that the tired old piece in Queen.[****]
The mail strike is in full bloom in the U.K., and I have no guarantee of
when this will reach you.
However, best regards,
Sincerely,
David B. Gaiman
The following is a
list of questions (in boldface) that I presented to Gaiman and his
replies (in standard print).
-
Please tell
me something about Scientology clearing programs in prisons.
There is no such program, there is a rehabilitation self help
program called Narconon which uses Scientology technology in Prisons
and other places. Designed by its founder, a rehabilitated drug
addict, for drug addicts, it is producing rehabilitation in over 70%
of its graduates, over a five year period. For further information
write to A. Maren, Narconon Co-Ordinator, 2005 West 9th Street, Los
Angeles, California 90006, or A. Graham, Burnt House Farm, Forest
Row, Sussex, or David Bath, 16-18, View Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
3, New Zealand. It is the only program of its kind which is national
in the U.S. and international in the sense pilot projects exist in
the U.K. and soon in New Zealand. It operates without any Government
or state subsidy at this time.
-
The News of
the World reported a story about Linda Hicks, who married a
Scientologist and disappeared aboard the Sea Org. The paper said
that the Scientologists claimed that she was pressured by her
parents to marry someone else and that they were using Scientology
as an excuse to break up the marriage and that she fled because she
feared her parents would kidnap them. Is this true?
Linda Hicks' case was investigated by the Member of Parliament for
Brighton, d. Hobden M.P., and he found the facts as related by Mrs.
V. Standen true. The Linda Hicks affair is now an old one, but
fairly typical of the technique known as targeting a person or group
by means of media. You are no doubt familiar with the technique.
Simply stated, Linda Hicks married a Scientologist and she left him
as a result of family pressure after living with her husband in S.
Africa. Her M.P. looked into the case (Mr. Hobden) and found it was
a storm in a teacup. Another interesting factor is that even the
media, which was well used by the WFMH and NAMH and other
psychiatric front groups, no longer want these Scientology stories,
which were put-up jobs, and are looking into the mental health
racket -- involuntary committal and treatment which are infinitely
more sensational and gory than any of the stuff about us. Murder,
rape, euthanasia -- the psychiatrist is a very naughty boy.
-
Vic Filson
claimed he was hired as a detective to investigate Scientology's
enemies and to prepare dossiers on psychiatrists in England, etc.
What is the story?
Vic Filson. Yes he was hired to document psychiatric horror stories
and went straight to a newspaper. Nowadays we get the facts by means
of our Human Rights Commissions -- all documented and as bad as
Belsen.
-
The
Observer reported a story about James Stewart, a man who was
suspended from Scientology and then died. Why was he suspended? Do
you know why he jumped or fell out of the window? Do you think it
was a suicide? (The paper said it wasn't.)
The Coroner's inquest was fully reported. He was suspended from a
course for medical examination for a suspected physical condition.
-
What
requirements are necessary for becoming a minister or reverend in
the Church of Scientology?
Minister's requirements: 1 Vocation. 2) Training to HPA or above. 3)
One year's probation as provisional. 4) Minister's checksheet
including study of World religions + the bible. [sic] 5) Examination
thereon. 6) Thesis on the religion and philosophy of Scientology. 7)
Familiarity and examination with Scientology form of Service and
observance.
-
The Times
and other prestigious British papers reported that a girl ran off
the Sea Org ship screaming, and was dragged in by other
Scientologists from the ship. Why did she try to leave? Why was she
stopped?
No such story in the Times (of London) ever. You mean that Alex
Mitchell from the Sunday Times who paid dear and lost his job for
that and other inaccuracies. (They call it targeting you know.)
-
Why was
Hubbard barred from Rhodesia?
Factually he was not barred. His residential permit was not
renewed and he left before it ran out. We do know that there was no
information in the hands of the Rhodesian authorities to Hubbard's
detriment. See South African Inquiry evidence by Rhodesian police
Dept. on affidavit (Targeting you know).
-
In what
countries is Scientology expanding right now?
U.K., U.S., Australia, New Zealand, France, Belgium, Holland,
Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Israel, South Africa, Rhodesia, Mexico,
Korea, Japan, India, Pakistan.
-
The Rand
Daily Mail reprinted a portion of the testimony being given at the
South African Inquiry. The witness stated that Mr. Parkhouse had
been told by Hubbard to arm 5,000 Africans to seize control of South
Africa. Do you think the witness was wrong? Do you think perhaps Mr.
Parkhouse was fantasizing (or lying) about what his instructions
were? What is the story here?
Re Rand Daily Mail report. The nameless witness who told the story
of Parkhouse and the 5,000 spear brandishing Bantu. Parkhouse didn't
lie or fantasize. The anonymous witness did. Paulette my dear, have
you seen the S. African internal security forces? The thought of
5,000 Bantu taking over the country is analogous to 500 Arabs taking
over Israel. Good headlines but terrible odds. (Documents enclosed.)
[Mr. Parkhouse's testimony on the situation was as follows: "...
Hubbard jokingly remarked that should South Africa ever be attacked
by black hordes from the North, he would require me to organise an
Impi of Zulus and personally lead them, spear in hand, against the
enemies of South Africa, across the Limpopo. And I at that time,
also jokingly pleaded with him to rather let me be a general who
planned things from a desk. The joke in this matter was not in
connection with Hubbard's desire to help South Africa in any way he
could. The joke was in connection with what was well-known among my
acquaintances, of my reluctance to engage in any physical exertion
whatsoever. And the idea of me charging in front of a crowd of
Africans against the enemies of the State was so out of character
for me as to be extremely amusing...."]
-
In the case
of Karen Henslow, did the Scientologists know she had had nervous
breakdowns or did only Murray Youdell know? Why do you think she got
sick again?
The Henslow affair has finally been blown. We now have documentation
which clearly shows that a) Karen was driven frantic by her mother
on that fateful night, b) Her mother was prepared to commit her
daughter for a year to prevent her from marrying Youdell, c) There
is no evidence, according to the Ministry of Health, to show her
breakdown physical or mental was caused by her contact with
Scientology. When her mental history was discovered, Karen was not
permitted to work or study at St. Hill, a month before her
committal. Youdell did apparently know her history.
-
In your
last letter to me, you mentioned something about a Scientology
charity program in India. Would you tell me a little bit more about
that, and also about any other charity programs you have right now.
Re Charity works: See a) India enclosure b) Apartments in Parkland
c) Citizens Commission for Human Rights. [As for these documents a)
There was no India enclosure. b) An enclosure from the East
Grinstead Observer stated that the Scientologists hoped to build and
probably finance (at a cost of $10 million dollars) an estate there
for the benefit of the local people which would not necessarily be
restricted to Scientologists, in the hopes of solving the local
housing problem and as "a gesture of community spirit.") c) There
was a pamphlet included on the Victor Gyory story, a Hungarian
refugee who was brought to a mental hospital in Philadelphia after
slashing his wrists. After other forms of treatment failed, he was
given shock treatment, and one of the hospital aides, a
Scientologist, reported it to their Citizens Commission on Human
Rights. The patient was discharged (under rather strange
circumstances) through the help of the Scientology commission and
their attorneys.]
-
How much
money does Scientology gross weekly? George Malko wrote $1.4 million
in America weekly but I thought this figure might be too high.
No way of obtaining figures as Orgs are autonomous, and missions
self-funding in their National or Continental areas. We have never
been accused of poverty.
-
What is the
youngest age of a person who has achieved the state of auditor?
The youngest trained Auditor (Dianetic) I know of was 15 years.
-
What is the
oldest?
82 years.
-
What is the
shortest amount of time it has taken someone to learn to become an
auditor? What is the longest?
Depends entirely on level of training. Someone could be trained to
listen at Zero level, under supervision, in six weeks. Training to
class Eight would take from three-four years, including two
internships of six months each at Class Seven and Class Eight. I'm
still learning after fourteen years.
-
How many years
have our thetans been in existence?
Your question is one of metaphysics. How old is a soul? Answer --
God knows.
-
Do
preclears still run the Boo-Hoo?
PCs never did run the Boo-Hoo. It was a research line on the genetic
history of homo sapiens. Reported in History of Man, and quoted ever
since by Phelan and Anderson as representative of Scientology
technology.
-
How many
people are on the Sea Org?
I don't know, probably less than a couple of thousand.
-
Do the Sea
Org people sign a billion year contract?
Never make an allegorical joke near literal minded, humourless
reporters.
-
Is the
contract to help Hubbard help the world? ... to clear the planet?
... Does "clear the planet" mean we should all become
Scientologists?
No. Scientology is about Freedom, including the freedom to accept or
reject any philosophy, including Scientology.
-
How much
does it cost (in courses) to live on the Sea Org?
I'm not sure I understand the question, but the chaps who work in
the Sea Org get paid and "all found"; they do not pay.
-
How does
one qualify to get on the ship?
Do you mean as a crew or a visitor? Crew generally are
Scientologists who like that sort of active life. Visitors are
generally social, by invitation, or professionals interested in
organisational and management studies.
-
When was
Hubbard barred from returning to England?
August '68 his residential visa was withdrawn.
-
Is it true
that the ban has been lifted on him so he could come back for the
British Inquiry?
So far there has been no statement to this effect, but the Home
Office have indicated that Mr. Hubbard and his family may apply for
visas when they wish to visit the U.K.
-
Does he
plan to return and testify?
The terms of reference are into the practice and effects of
Scientology. Sir J. Foster has not invited Mr. Hubbard to give
evidence.
-
Did
Anderson alone play the role of judge, jury, and executioner in
Australia?
No, in Victoria he presided over a farce for which he is now
under suit. See enclosure.[*****] Scientology is established and
growing rapidly in all major Australian centres, including
Melbourne.
-
Which of
these are Scientologists: (check if they are) Tennessee Williams,
Leonard Cohen, Jim Morrison, the Beatles. Are there any other
celebrities (besides Boyd, Burroughs and Mama Cass Elliot who I know
are Scientologists?)
A person's religious beliefs are not sequitur to how well-known or
not they are. Scientologists are only named if they want to be. I
can't confirm any of these names.
-
Is
Scientology a form of pastoral counseling?
Scientology is a religious philosophy -- auditing is a form of
counseling deriving in technology from the philosophy. Thus auditing
is pastoral counseling.
-
How high up
did Charles Manson go in Scientology?[******]
Not that old one again!
-
Was he
declared a suppressive?
No, he never joined.
-
Do you
think Manson was a member of the "Process" at the time of the
alleged murder?
I've no idea! Do you?
-
Of the
three Scientologists killed in Los Angeles, do you think they were
killed by a) people who hate Scientology (like the Process), or b)
people who hated them?
I think not a or b but C. As far as I know only two members of the
Church of Scientology were murdered in L.A. A senseless brutal
killing, still under investigation by the police.
-
How much did
the Scientologists have to pay to the NAMH when the Scientologists
lost their case?[*******]
Nothing. We've not lost the case, only the injunction hearing, the
trial is due in 1971.
-
Does the
thetan have electrical voltage?
No, it does have energy potential. Read the Axioms of
Scientology.
-
Ten years
from now, what percentage of the world will be Scientologists?
There is no doubt Scientology grows and grows. We are dealing in
a philosophy not Volkswagens. If people continue to talk to each
other, read books, and think for themselves, then we shall continue
to do our jobs. Percentages mean nothing in that context.
Two other
enclosures in the letter I received also bear mentioning:
A) letter from
Gaiman to the London Sunday Times re their supposed prison in Scotland:
The last time that I had cause to
complain on an article by Mr. Mitchell it was given the headline "The
Dungeon in Queen Street." There was no dungeon in Queen Street, and we
held a press conference after that edition of your journal was published
and invited most of the press available in Scotland to inspect the
premises.
B) The
Scientologists' statement concerning Hubbards' supposedly practicing
black magic (reprinted in the London Times):
Hubbard broke up black magic in
America: Dr. Jack Parsons of Pasadena, California, was America's number
one solid fuel rocket expert, he was involved with the infamous English
black magician Aleister Crowley ... [whose organization] ... had savage
and bestial rites. Dr. Parsons was head of the American branch ... which
had paying guests who were the USA nuclear physicists working at Cal
Tech. Certain agencies objected to nuclear physicists being housed under
the same roof.
L. Ron Hubbard was ... sent in to
handle the situation. He went to live at the house and investigated the
black magic rites and the general situation and found them very bad.
Parsons wrote to Crowley in
England about Hubbard. Crowley, "The Beast 666," evidently detected an
enemy and warned Parsons. This is all proven by the correspondence
unearthed by the Sunday Times. Hubbard's mission was successful far
beyond anyone's expectations. The house was torn down. Hubbard rescued a
girl they were using. The black magic group was dispersed and destroyed
and has never recovered.
_______________
Notes:
[*] I probably
spelled it "Gaimen" instead of "Gaiman."
[**] Gardner wrote an article a long time ago against Dianetics in Fads
and Fallacies in the Name of Science.
[***] A harassing letter I had received from David Gaiman stated that he
had gotten hold of several chapters of my book-to-be and that there were
a number of inaccuracies. I wrote him back and stated that if this was
true, to please tell me the full story and send me all documentation
immediately so that I could make some changes in my book. I never heard
from him again until the letter above, and I assume he's referring to
that manuscript.
[****] I wrote an article on Scientology for Queen magazine which the
Scientologists didn't like.
[*****] There was no enclosure.
[******] After I wrote this book I became friendly with an advanced
Scientologist who had gotten his "grades" in Los Angeles allegedly at
the time that Manson may have been there. He claimed to have frequently
seen Manson at the Org and he also claimed that Manson had reached the
level of PC IV in Scientology (a high level but not yet clear). I don't
know if this information is at all accurate because some people
phantasize about the relationship of (and their relationships with) the
infamous as much as others do of the famous.
[*******] NAMH -- National Association of Mental Health. This case had
its roots in the Scientologists' attempt to stop the annual meeting of
the NAMH.
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