FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #129
May 17, 1955
_PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL_
Honorable Carl Hayden
United States Senate
Washington, D.C.
My dear Senator:
Your letter dated May 11, 1955, has been received. Your courtesy and
interest in referring this matter to my attention are indeed appreciated.
While I would like to be of assistance in connection with the request
directed to you by a member of the Arizona State Legislature, I can only
inform him that information contained in the files of this Bureau is
maintained as confidential in accordance with a Departmental regulation. I
am sure he will understand my position as well as the necessity for this
regulation, and no inference will be drawn because of my inability to be
of assistance that we do or do not have in our files the information he
has requested.
As of possible assistance to you and for your confidential information
only, no investigation has been conducted by this Bureau concerning the
Church of Scientology.
Sincerely yours,
[stamped] J. Edgar Hoover
cc - Phoenix
SAC, PHOENIX:
Senator Hayden's letter states:
"I have received a request from a member of the Arizona State Legislature
for information about the background of the organization known as the
Church
MJR:fmb (See page 2)
(5)
[page 2]
of Scientology, whose local address is listed as East Roosevelt Street,
Phoenix, Arizona.
"I am further informed that an organization with the above name was said
to be listed in the local Phoenix, Arizona, newspaper as being connected
with communism. I would be obliged to have whatever information your
office may have about this organization and its activities."
Bufiles reflect that the Church of Scientology is mentioned in your letter
dated 3-28-55 entitled [BLACKED OUT]
_NOTE ON YELLOW_
Afore-mentioned Phoenix letter reports that the Church of Scientology has
a business office located at 616 North Third Street, Phoenix, and a
meeting place at 403 East Roosevelt Road, Phoenix. Furthermore, the
Hubbard Association of Scientologists, International, whose headquarters
are at 616 North Third Street, has a school located at 403 East Roosevelt
Road. Literature of the Church of Scientology claims that it is
completely independent of the Hubbard Association of Scientologists. An
official of the latter organization stated that the organization has for
its purpose the instilling of self-confidence and removal of mental
problems in individuals. Another official reported that the foundation is
anti-Communist and has been criticized in Communist publications.
The files reflect that Senator Carl Hayden, Chairman of Senate
Appropriations Committee, regards the Bureau highly. In April, 1955, he
asked [BLACKED OUT] to remind the Director of the assistance that Senator
Hayden rendered in securing funds to start the Identification Division.
Although review of Bufiles failed to substantiate this information, a
cordial letter in that connection was sent to Senator Hayden.
(94-4-1227-24)
Salutation per Reading Room. It is noted that correspondence does not
pertain to appropriations committee business. An original and copy of
letter being sent to Senator Hayden in view of the note on his letter that
original and copy be sent.
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