Below-deck Studies On Scientology Ship

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31922, 25 February 1969, Page 17

Below-deck Studies On Scientology Ship

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) CORFU (Greece), February 24.

A black-painted, 4000ton vessel which has been berthed for the last seven months in the quiet harbour of Corfu is injecting about 70,000 drachmas (about $2140) a day into the lonian island’s economy; but it also is providing headaches for the Greek authorities. The Apollo is a floating school for the cult of Scientology. A former Scottish cattleboat, the Royal Scotsman,

was renamed Apollo on arrival at Corfu, and hoisted the Panamanian flag. The British Government, and others, are holding official inquiries into the practices of the cult, and the Greek Foreign Ministry is closely watching the activities of the Scientologists under training. The ship’s 200 students, who also act as the crew, appear on deck periodically between below-deck meditation and studies. Observers who have watched them from the shore comment on their generally untidy appearance. Banned from several countries, including Britain, the cult feels that it has found a haven in Corfu, but local authorities do not share this view. They describe the ship

as “a mystery run with authoritarian discipline.”

A senior Greek official commented: “We face them with cold politeness as they contribute to the economy of the island in a period when tourists are scarce.” The authorities are divided whether the ship should stay. Many islanders are openly in favour of Apollo’s presence because it means a constant flow of money to shopkeepers. There are, however, many islanders who want to see the ship sail away from Corfu where, in ancient times, the shipwrecked, Ulysses found shelter after years of wandering in the sea. One of the few defenders of the Scientologists is the harbourmaster (Commander Marios Kaloyerasj. “They are harmless people who abide by the laws of Greece and give us no trouble," he says. In private, most civil, military and police officials speak strongly against the Scientologists who come ashore in organised groups, speak to no-one, and refuse to answer questions about what is going on below decks.

The students visit cinemas, shops and cafes, the harbourmaster having offered them all facilities, even going beyond those accorded to ordinary tourists. Glamorous girls and bearded students can be seen in taxis going to and from the ship without being asked by harbour guards for their passports, or even being questioned by customs officers. The Metropolitan of Corfu (Bishop Polycarpos) has voiced anxiety about the spiritual influence of Scientology upon his people if the ship is allowed to stay. “They will come ashore, they will expand, and one day it will be difficult to get rid of them," he says. “Already, pupils in our schools are divided over Scientology; some are in favour and some against it. The cult might be able to proselytise young islanders, and this would be most regrettable.”