FROM THE FILES OF THE FBI 237
CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Tangier, Morocco
_OFFICIAL-INFORMAL_
_LIMITED OFFICIAL USE_
February 12, 1971
[BLACKED OUT]
Legal Attache
American Embassy
Madrid
Dear Mr. [BLACKED OUT]
[PARAGRAPH BLACKED OUT]
While I am writing to you, let me mention another subject which might
possibly be of some interest. Several months ago a new sign went up on a
group of buildings on the airport road. That sign reads "Operation and
Transport Corporation, Limited, International Business Management" in
English, French and Arabic. I recently met at a social function a young,
American lady associated with this new enterprise. She introduced herself
to an American standing with me in this way: "I am [BLACKED OUT] I am here
with a Panamanian corporation, and that is all I can tell you".
I have previously heard of "Operation and Transport Corporation, Limited"
in connection with a ship called the "Apollo" which has visited Tangier
and Casablance. The "commodore" of that ship during a visit to Casablanca
(Casablanca A-3-, dated September 26, 1969) was L. Ron Hubbard, who is, I
believe, the founder of Scientology. I have seen one of Hubbard's
pamphlets and understand why Scientology appeals to some minds and
outrages others. As far as I am aware, Scientology operates more or less
openly in the United States, as well as in several other countries. I
have been told one of its activities is selling correspondence courses at
around $2,000 each. While I know that Scientology has been denounced by
many people, I am not aware that it has ever been accused of illegal
activities by American authorities.
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So, the air of mystery on the good ship "Apollo" and with respect to
"Operation and Transport Corporation's" presence in Tangier may not mask
any illegal activity; still, I thought it worthwhile to check with you
just in case you have some information to suggest otherwise.
With best regards,
Sincerely yours,
[signed] Howard Jones
Howard D. Jones
Consul General
_LIMITED OFFICIAL USE_
