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The "Ask the Scientologist" website recently ran a piece which, while paying due respect to the current generation of Scientology’s critics, pointed out that their predecessors had run much greater risks.
Major John Forte (retired) was one of those people.
Forte was Britain’s honorary vice-consul on the Greek island of Corfu, when Scientology's founder, L. Ron Hubbard, sailed into port in August 1968 looking for new friends, having worn out his welcome in England.
Forte’s duties included trying to deliver to Hubbard a copy of the British government’s declaration that he was persona non grata in the UK.
Forte described in his book the reception he got when he tried to board Hubbard’s ship, the Royal Scotman [sic].
"On this occasion I was met at the gangway by a small boy aged about twelve with a very intent though far off expression on his face who politely but firmly inquired my business. I asked where I could find the captain. In all seriousness the lad insisted 'I am the captain.' Apparently the children take it in turns to act the role of different officers on the ship and are indoctrinated into actually believing they are really the character they happen to be portraying."
Hubbard initially had some success winning over some of the locals, spreading his money around the local traders.
In an interview with a Corfu paper he waxed lyrical about the “brilliant tradition of Greek democracy”, almost in the same breath praising a new constitution brought in by the military regime.
But Hubbard’s bid to curry favour in Athens eventually collapsed – thanks to some degree to Forte’s vigorous lobbying. By March 1969 Hubbard and his small fleet of ships had been ordered out of Corfu.
Hana Whitfield, one of Hubbard’s captains during that period, met Forte for the first time when he came aboard The Apollo to deliver another message from the government.
“It’s strange looking back because at that time I regarded him as my enemy, and an enemy of Scientology,” she recalled.
Years later, long after she had quit the movement, she received a letter from Forte. “I don’t know how he found me. And I don’t remember why he wrote; it was a kind letter with an inquiry… I was delighted to hear from John.”
His letter also reminded her how many times she had considered quitting the Sea Org and Scientology while in Corfu and asking for his help to do so. “It was an almost constant whisper in the back of my mind.”
What she did not at the time is that Forte had already helped several of her colleagues make their escape. “Being a loyalist to the core, I never acted on it, to my great regret later on,” she added.
This book, long out of print, is a valuable snapshot of a key period in the career of Hubbard, creator of one of the most controversial movements of the 20th century.
The new edition comes with a new chapter with material culled from Hubbard Flag Orders that Forte acquired during his time helping Scientologists who had jumped ship.
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
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