FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI #149
SAC, Jacksonville 12-4-63
Director, FBI
SCIENTOLOGY ACADEMY
1812 19TH STREET, NORTHWEST
WASHINGTON, D.C.
RESEARCH (CRIME RECORDS)
Reurairtel 11-26-63.
Bufiles contain considerable information regarding Lafayette Ron Hubbard.
This individual founded the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation,
Incorporated (HDRF), in New Jersey in 1950. This organization was
concerned with the treatment of psychosomatic illnesses through "dianetic
therapy," which was allegedly a system of healing involving no drugs or
surgery.
In 1951, the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners filed charges
against HDRF for teaching a branch of medicine without a license. Hubbard
subsequently moved HDRF to Wichita, Kansas, and in 1952, formed the
Hubbard Association of Scientologists in Arizona. Thereafter, he
established offices of this Association in New Jersey and London, England.
Hubbard claims that "scientology" is a new science which instills
confidence in individuals and assists them in removing mental problems and
bolstering their capabilities.
The 4-24-51, issue of the "Washington Times Herald" contained an article
indicating that Hubbard's wife, in suing him for divorce in Los Angeles,
had claimed he was "hopelessly insane" and had subjected her to
"scientific torture experiments." According to this 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."
In January, 1963, the Food and Drug Administration directed a raid against
the Academy of Scientology at 1812 19th Street, Northwest, Washington, in
which machines used by the Academy in the practice of scientology were
seized. It was alleged that these machines, known as "Hubbard
Electrometers," were falsely advertised as being effective in diagnosing
and treating various types of illnesses.
Hubbard has corresponded with the Bureau on several occasions for various
reasons, including complaints against his wife and about alleged
communists. We have not conducted an investigation of him or his
organizations.
See NOTE on Page 2
ELR:ca[?]
[page 2]
Letter to SAC, Jacksonville
RE: SCIENTOLOGY ACADEMY
In the event [BLACKED OUT] recontacts the Ocala, Florida Resident Agency,
concerning this matter, he should be advised that we cannot assist him as
Bureau files are confidential. [REMAINDER OF PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT[]
NOTE: Jacksonville requested that background data concerning Hubbard and
the Scientology Academy be furnished that Office and that they be advised
as to whether this information could be furnished to [BLACKED OUT] since
it was anticipated he would recontact that Office.
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