From the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of
Justice, Washington, D.C.
[illegible form information]
Office Mem[______]um - UNITED [______] GOVERNMENT
TO : Mr. L.V. Boa[__]man
DATE: October 11, 1957
FROM: Mr. A.H. Belmont
SUBJECT: THE ACADEMY OF SCIENTOLOGY
INFORMATION CONCERNING
INTERNAL SECURITY
On 10-9-57 the Bureau received a letter dated 10-8-57 from Richard F.
Steves, organizational secretary, The Academy of Scientology, 1812 19th
Street, Northwest, Washington 9, D.C. Steves states on Harvey Jackins
is purporting himself as someone knowing the "Science" and doing this work
in Seattle, Washington. Steves continues that Jackins has no
association with this organization or any other Dianetic or Scientology
organization, and it is the Academy's desire that Jackins be investigated
as to communist activities.
The Academy of Scientology has not been the subject of investigation by
the Bureau. It is operated by L. Ron Hubbard. Hubbard has either
operated or been connected with organizations pertaining to Scientology
and Dianetic [sic] for a number of years. Dianetic [sic] has been
described as a modern science of mental health, which may be likened to
psychotherapy with certain differences as to method and theory.
Scientology has been described as the modern scientific method for
instilling self-confidence, assist individuals in removing mental
problems and obtaining human ability.
Hubbard appeared at the Bureau and was interviewed on 3-1-51. He
furnished information regarding alleged communist infiltration into one
of his organizations. Thereafter, he corresponded with the Bureau
concerning individuals in his organization whom he believed to be
communists. Attached to a letter of Hubbard's dated 7-11-55 is a
notation "make appears mental card' [BLACKED OUT]" This letter and
subsequent letters have not been acknowledged. Numerous inquiries have
been made of the Bureau concerning Hubbard's activities. (62-94080)
Bufiles contain no record of Steves other than reflecting his position
as organizational secretary of The Academy of Scientology.
1 - Mr. Boardman
1 - Mr. Belmont
1 - Mr. Preusse
WNP:pw (4)
[page 2]
Memorandum to Mr. Boardman
RE: THE ACADEMY OF SCIENTOLOGY
[BLACKED OUT PARAGRAPH]
_OBSERVATIONS_
In the past, letters from L. Ron Hubbard, who operates The Academy of
Scientology, have not been acknowledged because of his possible mental
instability and rambling and incoherent nature of his letters. Contents
of Steves' letter reflect probably intent The Academy of Scientology to
discredit Jackins in Dianetic and Scientology field and use the Bureau
as a steppingstone in doing so. It is believed no purpose would be served
by acknowleding Steves' letter. Furthermore, a letter in his possession
might be used by him or The Academy of Scientology for self-serving
purposes. As letter contains no significant information of value
concerning Jackins, Seattle will not be advised of contents of letter.
_RECOMMENDATION_
It is recommended Steves' letter not be acknowledged for reasons set
forth above.
For L. Ron Hubbard's Navy war records, here is Ron the War Hero.
For further information on the Scientology organization's ideals and for copies of their once-secret documentation, here is Operation Clambake.