Bare-Faced Messiah, FBI Archives Mr. Simpson

From the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

1 - Mr. Simpson

December 31, 1959

[ADDRESS BLACKED OUT]

Dear Mrs. [BLACKED OUT]

Your letter postmarked December 24, 1959, has been received, and the
interest which prompted your communication is indeed appreciated.

While I would like to be of assistance, the function of the FBI as a
fact-gathering agency does not extend to furnishing evaluations or
comments concerning the character or integrity of any individual,
publication or organization.  I regret, therefore, that I am unable to
comply with your request.

Sincererly yours,

John Edgar Hoover
Director

1 - Phoenix (enclosure)

_ATTENTION: SAC, PHOENIX_

Enclosed is a copy of correspondent's communication.  Bufiles contain no
indentifiable data concerning the correspondent.

While the Bureau has conducted no investigation of the Hubbard Association
of Scientologists International, Bufiles reveal numerous complaints and
inquiries concerning L. Ron Hubbard and the various organizations with
which he is associated.  The above organization has headquarters at 1812
19th Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C., and

NOTE TO PHOENIX, CONTINUED, PAGE TWO
SEE NOTE ON YELLOW, PAGE TWO

RDS;pw (4)

[page 2]

Mrs. [BLACKED OUT]

_NOTE TO PHOENIX, CONTINUED_

allegedly advances a new method of curing mental illness known as
"Dianetics."  The April 24, 1951, issue of the "Times-Herald," Washington,
D.C., revealed that Hubbard's wife charged in a divorce suit that he was
"hopelessly insane" and had subjected her to "scientific torture
experiments."  According to the 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." (62-94080)

_NOTE ON YELLOW:_

Correspondent requested to be advised if the Hubbard Association of
Scientologists International has a clean slate as far as the FBI is
concerned.  She advised that she and her husband have become interested
in the group and plan to become members; however, they do not wish to
become connected with an organization which may in the future damage their
family, business and reputation.  She requested a reply prior to 1-14-60
on which date the mext [sic] meeting of the group is scheduled in
Tucson.

Reference is made to postmark date since incoming dated 12-22-60.

- 2 -

[NOTE: on the original: the date was originally written December 22,
1960, with the 60 crossed out and 59 written in by hand, presumably
by the Bureau]