From the office of the Assistant Guardian
Copy of a couple of letters between Vaughn Young and People's Temple officers. I did not have the opportunity to ask Vaughn about the letters-- Perhaps more will turn up as I go through old files. Trove of mystery there. I read where someone questioned about possibly a mole. Leo did tell me that he recieved so much "entheta" about Ramsay in his office in D.C. I don't know if he knew of any relationship between the Peoples Temple and the Scienos --note the date of these letters "l972".
Ida Camburn
From the office of the Assistant Guardian
Church of Scientology of California 414 mason St. Rm 400 San Francisco, Calif. 94102
Decembr l2, l972
Mr. Gene Shaken c/o People's Temple Christian Church 7600 East Road REdwood Valley, California
Dear Gene:
First of all, I hope I got the spelling of your name correct. Somehow, in the excitement of it all, I forgot to ask.
I just wanted. to tell you how much I appreciated your dropping by for the visit. It was one of the more promising afternoons spent, if you know what I mean.
I meant what I said on the "alliance". Right now we are beginning with but one common, agreed upon antagonist [The legitimate Cult Awareness Network, before Scientology Inc. took it over. --- DMR] that I'm sure we can expand it into somewhat more positive areas. So your people are not standing by themselves on this issue. You have a great deal of support.
I am most anxious to get together with you again to hear the "blow by blow" recreation. I also want to get together with whoever else I need to meet so that we can sort of get down to the nitty-gritty.
My attitude is this; In every encounter there are the strategists whose task it is, among other things, to free their leaders to do more important tasks. As long as Rev. Jones is willing to delegate certain decisions out to others such as yourself, then it is you , and not he, that I will be meeting. By this I mean he should have more time for his work and our leader for his as long was we do ours. Somewhat wordy, but simple.
I would really enjoy an afternoon or whatever, but like one session, to really exchange information and get some agreed upon plans of common action. My little mind have already started. (Excuse the plural verb with a singular noun.)
Can we get together, say, next week? I'm ready to roll.
Best wishes,
/s/ Rev.. Vaughn Young.
Letter No. 2
(Left top) From the office of the Assistant Guardian
(right top) Church of Scientology of California 414 Mason St. Room 400 San Francisco, Calif. 94102 Tel. 39l-3740
December 12, 1972
Teresa J. Buford Post Office Box 163 REdwood Valley, Calif 95470
Dear Terry:
I really am glad I had the chance to meet with Gene Shaken last week. It is truly exciting.
If you and your Temple have felt somewhat alone, that is how I have sensed it on our side. It teaches one bravery, etc., but there is certainly a strength to be found in the numbers of fellowship.
Gene and I chatted for a little over an hour and found that our two groups have a great deal in common interests. On that alone we can work together. In fact, I am quite excited by the prospects. Churches that can truly lead and be willing to see changes be brought about have become a rarity. My respect for your group has grown tremendously.
Gene and I have formed sort of an "alliance" towards a common goal and purpose. So you are not alone now. I'm looking forward to meeting your Ass't Pastor and any others, especially Gene again, plus yourself. I want to really start creating some safe space for us.
So pass the word along and let's line up an afternon. There is so much to be done and the prospects are very exciting!
Warmest regards,
/s/ Rev. Vaughn Young