FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #127
3/28/55
DIRECTOR, FBI (65-3184)
SAC, PHOENIX (100-4813)
[BLACKED OUT]
SM - C
(SD-00)
Re San Diego letter to Bureau, 3/9/55.
Mrs. L.R. HUBBARD, JR., one of the operators of the Hubbard Association of
Scientologists, International, with offices at 616 N. Third Street,
Phoenix, Arizona on 3/15/55 advised [BLACKED OUT] that [BLACKED OUT]
enrolled in the Hubbard Professional College at 410 and 403 E. Roosevelt
Road, Phoenix, on 11/15/54. Except for an absence of about three weeks
around Christmas 1954 when subject returned to his home in California, he
has been in attendance at the college continuously since that time and is
about to complete a beginner's course, which ordinarily extends over a
period of two months. According to Mrs. HUBBARD, subject's studies will
equip him for handling consultations as an "auditor" in the Association of
Scientologists which have for their purpose instilling self-confidence and
assisting individuals in removing mental problems and accomplishing
specific goals. Mrs. HUBBARD stated that subject's residence is listed as
[BLACKED OUT] and apparently plans to return there upon completion of his
course.
Mr. FERNANDO ESTRADA, of the Hubbard Association of Scientologists,
International, 616 N. Third Street, on 3/16/55 advised [BLACKED OUT] that
subject resides in [BLACKED OUT] while attending the Hubbard Professional
College. This rooming house is rented by the Hubbard Association of
Scientologists, International, to accommodate students who are attending
the Hubbard Professional College.
With regard to the Hubbard Association of Scientologists, International,
attention is directed to Newark letter to Bureau dated 3/21/51 entitled
"HUBBARD DIANETIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC., IS-R" wherein the following
is reported:
JSA:slb
(4)
cc: San Diego (100-4179)
_REGISTERED_
[page 2]
PX 100-4813
In November 1950, C. PARKER MORGAN, Secretary and General Counsel of the
above foundation, with offices at 275 Norris Avenue, Elizabeth, New
Jersey, reported the foundation was set up about May 1950 to further the
work of L. RON HUBBARD, auditor, whose book entitled "Dianetics" had been
published about two years previous and had been very well received by the
public. According to MORGAN, "Dianetics" is a new approach to the
treatment of many physical and mental illnesses without the use of drugs
or medicine. MORGAN stated the foundation is anti-Communist in its work
and had been criticized in Communist Party publications.
The publication entitled "The Golden Dawn", issue 1-0A (no date),
published by the Church of Scientology, reports its business office in
Phoenix at 616 N. Third Street and meeting place in Phoenix at 403 E.
Roosevelt. It also notes "the Church of Scientology operates on its own
creed. It is completely independent of the Hubbard Association of
Scientologists, International". This issue of "The Golden Dawn" is
contained in Phoenix file 105-117-25.
Photostatic copy of a letter dated 6/12/54 to the Better Business Bureau,
Phoenix, Arizona, on letterhead of the Hubbard Association of
Scientologists, International, Phoenix, by JOHN GALUSHA, Secretary,
reveals in parts, "Scientology is described as a science of knowingness.
It is actually a modern approach, using mathematics and physics, to the
philosophic subject of episteomology [sic], the goal of scientology is to
bring about greater capabilities in human beings, such as increases in
recognition, memory and reaction time. Such a science would of course
address various phenomena such as psychosomatic illness, aberration and
behavior.
"In November 1950, HUBBARD became convinced that the corporation (Hubbard
Dianetic Research Foundation of Elizabeth, New Jersey, formed 6/1/50) was
not sound and that it would not attain to its professed goal of helping
people. He attempted to withdraw his name from it and was variously
inveighed against. He had only one vote in seven. Forced to leave it in
possession and continued use of his name, he retired in December to Palm
Springs, California, where he set up a modest research laboratory.
Although he did not seek them, many people began to come to him in Palm
Springs. This seriously impaired the business of the foundations such as
that in Los Angeles for HUBBARD charged nothing.
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[page 3]
PX 100-4813
"After resigning, HUBBARD came to Phoenix to visit his parents, liked the
city and with his wife MARY SUE whom he married early in 1952, settled
here. He opened a quiet office which became that fall (1952) the Hubbard
Association of Scientologists...
"This organization was founded by some five hundred people in various
parts of the world who had long been interested in HUBBARD's work.
Publishing a few books locally and issuing twice a month, the Journal of
Scientology, the HAS has continued a quiet career in Arizona. It has
opened up branch offices in Camden, New Jersey and London, England. The
association exists to publish material related to behavior and to train
qualified people in Scientology..."
The above photostat letter of 6/12/54 was furnished by the Cincinnati
office having been made from originals received by that office on 1/10/55
from [BLACKED OUT]
On 3/23/51, [BLACKED OUT] Chicago, Illinois, and [BLACKED OUT] Chicago,
were interviewed by agents of the Chicago office as complainants in regard
to possible use of the Hubbard Dianetics Research Foundation and
individuals connected with it for influencing "patients" to join the
Communist Party. They explained that the foundation's function is to
treat by means of "psycho-therapy" and added that the treatment has been
extremely successful. The treatment is administered by "auditors" trained
by the Hubbard Foundation who have audiences with the patients over a
period of time. The complainants expressed the opinion that the
"auditors" are influential with the patients especially when the treatment
is successful, and opined that if the "auditors" are Communists, they
could conceivably influence the patients along Communist lines.
Complainants noted, however, in their opinion, the national office of the
foundation is attempting to weed out Communists.
- 3 -
[page 4]
PX 100-4813
Information concerning the Hubbard Association of Scientologists,
International, and the potential presented for subject to dispense
Communist Party propaganda and influence, if so inclined, is set forth for
information of San Diego. Since it appears subject's residence in Phoenix
is temporary, it is suggest San Diego continue as Office of Origin. No
further action is contemplated by Phoenix.
RUC
