Approach - Vol 1 No 02 - 1958 05

Magazine Overview

Title: APPROACH
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 2
Date: May, 1958
Publisher: Sagittarius Publishers, PO Box 1953, Pretoria, South Africa
Type: A Monthly Review

Editorial: Brotherhood

The editorial, likely written by the editor Edgar Sievers, addresses the concept of 'Brotherhood.' It laments the superficial use of the word in contemporary society, noting a prevalent dislike among people despite exhortations for fraternal spirit. The piece questions the difficulty in bringing people together despite their differences and posits that a true and practicable brotherhood is essential for peace. The proposed approach is to remember the essentials common to all men, referred to as the 'Inner Man,' which forms the basis of equality and allows for love and forgiveness, irrespective of outward appearances.

GA writes: "THINGS ARE HUMMING AND MOVING "

This section, attributed to 'GA' (likely George Adamski), discusses the reaction to the 'Straith Letter' written by Mr. R. E. Straith of the State Department on December 6, 1957. The letter had confirmed Adamski's claims, causing significant public inquiry. GA reports that Washington has been flooded with queries, leading to claims that Mr. Straith does not exist, which GA refutes, stating Straith is actively working within the State Department, though his specific role is not publicly listed. The existence of the 'Cultural Exchange Committee' is also being disclaimed, despite its acknowledgment on national broadcasts and in the press. GA emphasizes the authenticity of the letter, citing the US Seal and the official capacity of the writer. He notes that some groups, previously interested in interplanetary visitors, are now actively trying to discredit the letter. Newspapers in India, New Zealand, Mexico, and Brazil have published or shown the letter. A New York group has petitioned the UNO for a nation to reveal its findings on space visitors. GA concludes by urging readers to stand firm and insist on the public disclosure of facts, viewing this as a test of cooperative ability.

"AFRICA REGION LIAISON GROUP"

This section announces upcoming meetings for the Africa Region Liaison Group. An informal get-together is scheduled for Friday, June 20th, at 7:30 pm at the Grand National Hotel in Johannesburg. Attendees are encouraged to bring photostat copies of the Straith letter. A previous meeting in Pretoria on May 21st was attended by 35 people at the Hotel Boulevard. Another Pretoria meeting is planned for July 23rd.

THE LAMA'S STORY (I) - TIBETAN NOBLEMAN CONDEMNED BY IGNORANT WORLD

This article introduces a discussion on Dr. T. Lobsang Rampa, author of "The Third Eye." It questions the world's tendency to ridicule those with unique knowledge. The piece contrasts those who seek knowledge with those who are merely informed, suggesting the latter are easily swayed by the press. It criticizes the press for its low standard of accuracy, citing an instance where a leading South African paper misrepresented the Straith letter as an Air Force matter. It also notes that Rampa stated he did not take money for spiritual assistance, yet continental papers alleged otherwise without proof. The article suggests this was an attempt to 'de-mask' Rampa. It highlights that Rampa, who claims to have written under a pseudonym, has a noble background, education, and training as an occult and medical man. The author expresses a preference to side with Lobsang Rampa against the 'know-alls' of the age.

SPACE SHIP FIELD NEWS

This section announces Saturday, June 7th, as an 'International Saucer Sighting Day' and encourages people to look up. It then presents a sighting report from James Neal, a government official in Accra, Ghana. On April 8th, at approximately 3:30 am, he witnessed a very bright light moving upward from the sea. He observed the object for about an hour, noting its swaying motion and alternating lights. The object then moved higher into the sky at a slow pace. Neal states this is his first UFO experience after residing in West Africa for over five years. He compares the object's movement to a boat anchored and swayed by the breeze. The report also mentions that two senior European government officials had observed a similar object earlier that evening.

Another sighting is reported from a District Township in Krugersdorp, Transvaal, on April 28th, where several people observed a silvery object hovering for nearly an hour before making sweeping turns towards Johannesburg.

A POINT, A THEME AND MY ANGLE

This section discusses Dr. Rampa's second book, "Medical Lama," which has been accepted for publication by Doubleday in the USA. It also mentions C. G. Jung's book "A Modern Myth" on UFOs, finding it too boring to be a direct 'threat' to saucerdom, and suggesting that arguments about UFOs will need to be fought on psychological grounds. The author also notes that 'Saucer' lecturer and writer Laura Marxer is working on a multivolumed "The Visitors' Plan," based on meetings with Orthon and other contacts of GA. However, GA states that Marxer has never had personal meetings with these contacts, raising questions about the basis of her work.

The section also outlines planned articles for APPROACH, including discussions on 'Unreasonable' Behavior of Space Ships and why Space People don't give names. It touches upon the idea that if US satellites are affected by cosmic radiation, some might argue that saucer pilots don't exist, a sentiment the author finds familiar.

Lobsang Rampa's Account (Continued)

Dr. Rampa, writing under the pseudonym Kuon' Suo, explains his situation. He states he now occupies the body of a Western man with consent, having prepared for this change-over since 1947 through telepathic impressions. The change occurred on June 13, 1949, after a slight accident that freed his original body. His initial task was to adapt and establish subsistence, which he found difficult, relying on freelance writing. He was introduced to literary agent Mr. Brooks, who encouraged him to write a book. Rampa initially resisted, fearing it would interfere with his task, but eventually agreed, resulting in "The Third Eye." He explains that he learned of a device to see the human aura in Tibet, an ability he possesses and can demonstrate. He believes medical men could use such a device for earlier diagnoses and healing. Rampa reiterates that his books are true and denies taking money for curing illnesses, refuting claims made in a certain paper. He advises against placing too much credence in 'experts' or 'Tibetan scholars' due to their contradictions, highlighting his unique experience of living as a Tibetan lama and taking over a Westerner's body.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the concept of 'Brotherhood' as a foundational principle for human interaction and peace. There is a strong focus on UFO phenomena, including reports of sightings, discussions about the authenticity of claims (like George Adamski's and Lobsang Rampa's), and the role of official bodies and the press in disseminating or suppressing information. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of supporting those who present unconventional claims, particularly Lobsang Rampa, and criticizes the skepticism and perceived ignorance of mainstream 'experts' and the media. The publication positions itself as a platform for exploring these topics, encouraging open inquiry and a willingness to consider phenomena that challenge conventional understanding.