Mr. F. J. Baumgardner to Mr. A. H. Belmont Re: Academy of Scientology, 11 August 1958

DATE: August 11, 1958

FROM : Mr. F. J. Baumgardner

WFO airtel 8-5-58 captioned "The Organizations of America, Information Concerning (Internal Security)" advised [BLACKED OUT] Washington, D.C. , had advised that some film had been received from the Academy of Scientology for synchronization of the film and sound tracks; that [BLACKED OUT] believed the films contained communist propaganda; and requested that an Agent of the Washington Field Office review the films prior to return to the Academy. WFO airtel 8-7-58 under the same caption advised that the films, which were delivered by [BLACKED OUT] of the Academy, had been reviewed and it was determined that the commentator of the films was L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Academy. The films, which are to be used for lecture purposes, go into the theory of scientology, which Hubbard in his commentary describes as a science which attempts to "set free" the individual in order to increase his creativeness and tolerance. Hubbard also, in his commentary, criticizes present society; states now that the Government has produced the hydrogen bomb it would seem to indicate that the end goal of Government is killing more people faster; and criticizes psychology, psychiatry and religion. Hubbard also mentions he has had dealings with criminals, having been a policeman at one time, and states, "The FBI thinks there's such a thing as a criminal mind ... always a big joke; there is a criminal mind and a noncriminal mind. The FBI has never shown me a noncriminal mind. Of course, these are terrible things to say - simply comments on J. Edgar who is an awfully good guy, stupid, but awfully good."

Bufile 62-94080 reflects that 1812 19th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., is also the address of the Hubbard Association of Scientologists International; that Richard F. Steves is the organization's secretary; that Hubbard's full name is reflected in the files of the Department of State as Lafayette Ronald Hubbard; and that Hubbard was the founder and president of the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation, Inc., (HDRF) which was incorporated in New Jersey in early 1950 for the purpose of furthering the dianetics works of Hubbard.

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The HDRF moved several times between 1950 and 1956 when it located at Silver Spring, Maryland. The HDRF has encountered difficulty with police officers in New Jersey, Michigan, and District of Columbia for allegedly conducting a school in those areas in which a branch of medicine and surgery was taught without a license. Further, the April 24, 1951, issue of the "Washington Times Herald" contained an article with a dateline in Los Angeles relating that Hubbard's wife in suing for divorce claimed 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 paranoid schizophrenia." It was also alleged that the HDRF which dealt with a "medical science of mental health" did a more than one million dollar business in 1950. During the early part of 1956 HDRF was circularizing a pamphlet entitled "Brain-Washing, A Synthesis of the Russian Textbook on Psychopolitics." According to the book psychopolitics is the "art and science of asserting and maintaining domination of the thoughts and loyalties of individuals, officers, bureaus, and masses, and the effecting of the conquest of enemy nations through mental health.'" Bufiles reflect Hubbard has corresponded with the Bureau on numerous occasions; however, such correspondence has not been acknowledged.

Bufile 105-55600 reflects that the Organizations of America and the Citizens of Washington, Inc., in late 1956 were located at 1621 Connecticut Ave., N.W., and that the individuals associated with those organizations were either teachers or students at the Academy of Scientology.

The Bureau has never investigated any of the afore-mentioned organizations.

ACTION:

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