Bare-Faced Messiah (PDF) - Apologetics Index

signed a receipt for the letter and promised to get it delivered to Hubbard who was alleged to be
away cruising on the Avon River. About a month later, the letter, which had been crudely opened
and resealed, was returned to me with a note from "supercargo" saying that Hubbard could not be
traced, his whereabouts being unknown.'[11]
Hubbard was on board all of this time, lying low and waiting for an appropriate moment to step
ashore. While the rumours built up about the 'mystery ship' in the harbour, local traders
unashamedly welcomed the estimated $50,000 the Sea Org was spending in Corfu every month
and on 16 November, Hubbard was invited to a reception in his honour at the Achilleon Palace, a
lavish casino on the island. It was the first time he had left the ship since its arrival in August and
he was accorded a standing ovation as he entered the palace.
The family business: Hubbard and his daughter Diana. At 17, she was a senior officer
on the flagship. (Copyright © Times Newspapers Ltd.)
Much gratified, Hubbard returned the hospitality by inviting local dignitaries to a re-naming
ceremony on board the Apollo. All the Sea Org officers paraded on the quayside in their best
uniforms and Diana Hubbard, her hat on straight for once, climbed a rostrum and broke a bottle of
champagne against the ship's stern, proclaiming, 'I christen this yacht "Apollo".' As the new gold
name on the stern was unveiled, Hubbard joined his daughter on the rostrum and said, 'I wish to
thank you very much because you are here and because you have honoured us with your presence,
O Citizens of Corfu . . .'
Behind these cordial scenes, problems were fermenting. The Greek Government had instituted
inquiries about Scientology through its Embassy in London. Security agents acting for the Colonels