Memorandum: To All Bureaus re: Dianetics; Hubbard (May 28, 1952)

Business Protective Bureau, Wichita Chamber of Commerce, Wichita, Kansas

May 28, 1952

Indications are that you will be receiving inquiry regarding Dianetics, Hubbard Dianetics Foundation, Hubbard College, L. Ron Hubbard, et al, and that this situation ( I almost said “mess” ) is going to get bigger before it gets smaller and that it will be somewhat difficult to distinguish between the various elements.

This bulletin is meant to supplement our bulletin of March 1, which should now be used principally for background information.

L. Ron Hubbard we believe is no longer connected with the Hubbard Foundation or Hubbard College. He is said to be in Phoenix, Arizona but I have no verification on this. On June 3, 1952 he was ordered by federal bankruptcy court to short cause why he should not be cited for contempt of court for alleged failure to return certain lectures, tape recordings and similar property that were considered the property of the Foundation.

James M. Elliott, Hubbard’s associate in Hubbard College and very briefly connected with the Foundation prior to its bankruptcy, is wanted on a felony warrant on charges that he unlawfully took similar property from the Foundation in February, 1952.

Hubbard and Elliott have “sold” Hubbard College to one Virginia L. Piggett who presumably will continue to operate under that name. Mrs. Piggett’s qualifications for operating a college to teach dianetics are not known to us. She is known here as a promoter in various types of enterprises with her divorced and deceased (?) husband. Further than this at the moment I cannot give you a “quotable quote” but extreme caution is suggested.

Hubbard Dianetics Foundation is continuing to operate under the original name up to now. Don Purcell (see report) and associates after the bankruptcy bought the physical assets from the the referee, and presumably will continue along the same lines, without the services of Hubbard, with whom they are feuding. Purcell has a good reputation as to business integrity.

Where or when or if Allied Scientists of the World will show up again remains to be seen. This and International Library of Arts and Sciences were creatures of Hubbard, and stopped active operations as a result of the bankruptcy proceedings.

Judging by inquiries we are receiving from non-Bureau cities throughout the country you till doubtless be asked about the concern mentioned first above, and it will be important to make the distinction. I hope the above will be helpful, and will be glad to try to answer further questions.