From the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of
Justice, Washington, D.C.
2 May 1963
The Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington 25, D.C.
Gentlemen:
In recent weeks I have become exposed to literature which I felt might
bear further investigationi as to its validity and connections. The
subject matter is in connection with a science called Dianetics and
Scientology founded by L. Ron Hubbard.
From what I have been able to gather the practices involved have not met
with complete or approval of the American Medical Association. So called
raids' on the headquarters in Washington, D. C. by the Food and Drug
Administration were made to confiscate documents and literature pertaining
to the processing of individuals taking part in the prescribed program.
I would like to know of any affiliation with the Communist Party on the
part of the founder L. Ron Hubbard and or the science of Dianetics or
Scientology. I would also like to know if there is any connection between
the program prescribed by this science and brain washing or if this
information is dangerous to the individual in any way.
The material stresses the the think for yourself' idea but in some cases,
leaves you little choice in conclusions. Constant vague accusations
directed at the A.M.A. are included and the reasons for the A.M.A. not
accepting the so called findings of this science are that its general
acceptance by the public would hurt the medical business since fewer
people would need professional help in fact, a relative few and then
only those who were completely beyond help and would require
institutionalizing.
It occurs to me that this is either the most fantastic and wonderful
find in the field or the most damaging.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
[NO SIGNATURE]
[page 2]
All publications to my knowledge come from
Hubbard Association of Scientologists
Box 242
Silver Spring, Maryland
Some examples of the publications are:
The Creation of Human Ability
Dianetics
Scientology: Its Contribution to Knowledge
Ability, a magazine of Dianetics and Scientology a monthly and
bi-monthly
publication
F.D.A.'s raid was on January 4, 1963 at 1812 19th Street, N.W.
Washington
9, D.C.
***
May 8, 1963
[ADDRESS BLOCK BLACKED OUT]
Dear Miss [BLACKED OUT]
Your letter of May 2nd has been received.
In response to your inquiry, I would like to point out that information in
our files must be maintained as confidential pursuant to regulations of
the Department of Justice. I regret I am unable to be of service and hope
you will not infer either that we do or do not have this information in
our files.
I am forwarding a copy of your letter to the Commissioner, Food and Drug
Administration, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington
25, D.C., for whatever assistance he might be able to render.
Sincerely yours,
[stamped] J. Edgar Hoover
John Edgar Hoover
Director
CJJ:cai (3)
NOTE: Correspondent is not identifiable in Bufiles. A copy of her letter
was referred to the FDA. The Academy of Scientology, run by L. Ron
Hubbard, is well-known to the Bureau. Hubbard is the founder and
president of the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation, Inc., for the
purpose of furthering Hubbard's theory of Scientology, an alleged science
which instills self-confidence and assists individuals in removing mental
problems and obtaining human ability. Hubbard has been described as being
"hopelessly insane" by his wife in suing for divorce and the "Washington
Times Herald" of 4-24-51, in mentioning this divorce proceeding, stated
that "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." (105-55601-5)
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.