Australian Saucer Record - Vol 02 No 02 - 1956

Magazine Overview

Title: AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD
Issue: Vol. 2. No. 2.
Date: Second Quarter, 1956
Publisher: Australian Flying Saucer Research Society
Country: Australia
Price: 2/-

This issue of the Australian Saucer Record is the official organ of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society (A.F.S.R.S.), published in Adelaide, South Australia. The magazine aims to investigate and encourage research into flying saucers and related phenomena.

Editorial: VENUS

The editorial discusses the recent reports of radio signals received from Venus and the speculation about intelligent beings attempting communication. It highlights the limited astronomical knowledge of Venus, primarily due to its dense cloud cover. The article explores theories about Venus's surface and atmosphere, including the presence of electrostatic discharges causing radio emissions. It references V.A. Firsoff's article in 'The Scope Magazine' which discusses the difficulty of mapping Venus's surface and suggests that the planet's rotation may be rapid, similar to Earth's day. A counter-theory by Mr. Firsoff proposes that carbon dioxide's properties might explain the atmospheric conditions, potentially allowing for oxygen-breathing life in the lower atmosphere, which could reconcile with a moderate surface temperature, challenging the 'glasshouse effect' theory.

Lectures and Addresses

Several lectures and addresses are summarized:

• Lecture by George H. Williamson: A tape-recorded lecture by George H. Williamson, a witness to the Adamski landing and a saucer researcher, was played. He discussed his experiences and radio experiments. The quality of the tape was noted as poor, unlike a clear excerpt from an N.Z. recording by Mr. H. Fulton.
• Major Keyhoe's Address: The text of a lecture by Major D. Keyhoe, titled "The F.B. Blackout," given in New York on December 9, 1955, was read. This lecture was presented to members in Adelaide.
• Mr. M.K. Jessup's Address: A summary of an address by Mr. M.K. Jessup, author of "The Case for the U.F.O.," originally given in New York on October 28, 1955, was also read.

THE VISIONS AT FATIMA AND THE FLYING SAUCERS by F. Stone

This article draws parallels between the events at Fatima and descriptions of flying saucer incidents. The author, who admits to being an ardent scoffer of the Fatima story prior to his saucer research, expresses amazement at the strong resemblances. He notes that warning messages given to the child Lucia at Fatima are similar to those claimed to be received from space visitors regarding coming world events. The author urges serious students of UFOs to compare these accounts by reading available books. The article details several apparitions at Fatima, including the appearance of an angelic visitor in 1916, and the Lady's visits on June 13, July 13, August 14, and September 13, 1917. These events are described with phenomena such as dimmed suns, unusual atmospheric colors, loud noises, and the appearance of a white cloud. The Miracle Day on October 13, 1917, is described with a sun-like phenomenon that trembled and danced, casting beams of light, and visions of the Holy Family. The author quotes eyewitness accounts that describe the sun's appearance as a "dull silver plate" that trembles and dances, and a "globe" that moved outside cosmic law. The article also references prophetic utterances from the Lady at Fatima concerning future punishments for the world's sins, including war and famine, and potential conversion of Russia.

LIGHT-BEAM COMMUNICATION

A demonstration of light-beam communication equipment was given at a meeting of the Society in Adelaide. The system used a crystal micro-sphere to modulate light from a fluorescent tube, which was then picked up by a photo-electric coil and amplified to reproduce sound. The demonstration showed that the connection was solely via light, as blocking the beam stopped the sound. Various light sources were tested, and it was noted that a modulated light-beam transmitter could be an ideal medium for communication with space craft, being easily built, portable, and requiring no operating license, while also being virtually eavesdrop-proof.

BLACK SUITS WHITEWASHED

This section addresses claims made by Gray Barker in his book "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers," particularly concerning the silencing of investigators and the alleged pressure from "extra-terrestrial visitors." The A.F.S.R.S. issues a clarification, stating that:

• The International Flying Saucer Bureau (I.F.S.B.) closed down three years prior, and Gray Barker is no longer its Chief Investigator.
• No flying saucer investigator in Australia has been silenced by government action or any other cause.
• The Australian Flying Saucer Bureau did not change its name to the A.F.S.R.S.
• Mr. Edgar Jarrold was never a member of the A.F.S.R.S.
• The story of a "mysterious stranger" visiting Edgar Jarrold is attributed to Jarrold himself and has been garbled by repetition. Mr. Andrew Tomas, Jarrold's associate, stated that the "Mysterious Visitor" was none other than a mutual friend who laughed at the idea of him coming from Gray Barker.

The A.F.S.R.S. also refutes the suggestion that the I.F.S.B. was closed by the U.S. Government for security reasons, stating that security officials assured them they had never attempted to close the bureau or interfere with its organization. The rumor that a saucer landed outside Jarrold's house and forced him to destroy his printing press and disband his organization is also dismissed as unsubstantial.

The article concludes by discussing the "Men in Black Suits" phenomenon, referencing Captain Ed. Ruppelt's conclusion that the Mary Island case was a hoax. It questions why such figures are not seen in Australia, attributing their absence to the efficiency of the Australian Department of Immigration.

Book News

• Aine Michel's "Leurs sur les Soucoupes Volantes" has been published in the U.S.A. as "The Truth About Flying Saucers."
• H.T. Wilkins's new book, previously announced as "Will the Space Ships Land?", has appeared as "F.S. Uncensored."
• Ed. Ruppelt's "Report on Unidentified Flying Objects" has been published in England.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the A.F.S.R.S.'s commitment to factual investigation and debunking misinformation within the flying saucer community. The magazine actively seeks to correct inaccuracies and present a clear record of events, particularly concerning Australian UFO research. There is a clear skepticism towards sensationalized claims, such as those made by Gray Barker, and a focus on providing official statements and clarifications from the Society. The comparison between Fatima and UFO sightings suggests an openness to exploring spiritual or religious connections to the phenomenon, while the discussion on Venus indicates a scientific approach to understanding extraterrestrial possibilities. The "Men in Black" section highlights a critical stance against unsubstantiated narratives, favoring evidence-based explanations and official denials.

This issue of the AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD, dated June 1956, focuses on international efforts to track and understand unidentified flying objects (UFOs), alongside reporting on specific sightings and research developments.

Publications Received

The magazine acknowledges receipt of several publications related to the UFO phenomenon:

• "Flying Saucer Review": A bi-monthly journal from London, England, edited by Derek D. Dempster.
• "Saucerian Bulletin": Edited by Gray Barker, this publication supersedes "The Saucerian" and is based in Clarksburg, West Virginia, USA.
• "Saucer News": The official publication of S.A.U.C.E.R.S., edited by James W. Moseley, from Fort Lee, New Jersey, USA.
• "Telonic Research Bulletin": A publication from the Telonic Research Center in Prescott, Arizona, USA, edited by G.H. Williamson.
• "Weltraumbote" (Messenger of Space): Edited by J. Heinrich Ragaz, from Zurich, Switzerland.

The section also notes the sale of Victor Geliancz's work in Adelaide, favorable reviews of his book, and mentions other UFO-related books like "F.S. Come From Another World" by Jimmy Guieu and "Inside the Space Ships" by Adaski, as well as "F.S. Conspiracy" by Donald Keyhoe.

International Flying Saucer Sighting Days

The editorial staff of "Flying Saucer Review" are congratulated for inaugurating the first International Flying Saucer Sighting Days. These events, scheduled for June 30 and September 8, 1956, aim to maximize the number of people worldwide looking for UFOs simultaneously. The purpose is twofold: to stimulate interest in UFOs before the anticipated launch of artificial satellites in 1957 and to foster cooperation with scientific groups for the International Geophysical Year. Participants are encouraged to report their findings (time, locality, direction, description) to local groups or the society for classification and correlation. The South Australian Press has provided advance publicity, and members of the A.F.S.R.S. and the general public are asked to cooperate. A full report is promised for the next issue.

A British Naval Sighting

This section details a remarkable story published in the "Speyerer Tagespost" on November 5, 1954, and translated by the A.J.R. Three British submarines, after maneuvers off the coast of Bristol, reported seeing "flying Saucers" floating on the sea approximately 11 nautical miles south of Lundy Island. The Commander, Captain Chelwan, was able to take two photographs. A research organization for UFOs in London confiscated the films at the Admiral's request for study, and Captain Chelwan was ordered to treat the encounter as a military secret. However, a newspaper man obtained an interview with Captain Chelwan.

Captain Chelwan described surfacing near Lundy Island and noticing two silvery discs floating on the sea about a mile southwest. He initially thought it was light reflection, but then heard a buzzing sound. Using binoculars, they observed the objects were shaped like discs, slightly elevated in the middle, with no windows or portroles. The elevated middle portion was stationary, while the flat outer portion rotated slowly. The middle portion was estimated to be about 100 feet across, and the outer portion appeared not to be attached, with a gap of about two feet. The entire "show" lasted about 80 seconds. The objects then mounted horizontally, turned sideways at about 300 feet, and disappeared in twenty seconds at an estimated speed of 2,000 m.p.h., accompanied by a reddish glow. The British Admiralty declared the sighting to be serious and stated that its evaluation would take time.

N.S.W. Branch: Mr. A.P. Tomas Goes Overseas

Mr. A.P. Tomas, who organized the New South Wales Branch of the A.F.S.A.S. and served as its Hon. President, has departed for a six-month leave overseas. The Society thanks him for his work in establishing the branch. Mr. Tomas has a history in saucer research in Australia, having been the official Sydney Observer for the Australian Flying Saucer Bureau before its closure. He then joined forces with the A.F.S.R.S. to form the new N.S.W. Branch.

Press Digest

This section compiles news items related to UFOs from various sources:

• "News" (Adelaide), April 25, 1956: Reports on a documentary film released by the U.S. Air Force, showing "unidentified flying objects" based on films submitted since 1950. One film, taken in Montana by Nicholas Mariana, shows two white saucer-like objects moving horizontally. Another film, taken by Delbert Newhouse over Utah, shows formations moving in various directions. The source of these objects is stated as "unknown." Observers found the Montana film convincing but suggested the Utah film might be due to light reflection. The film also included unidentified objects picked up on radar in Washington D.C. on July 29, 1952, which were attributed to temperature inversions, though the film implies a deeper explanation.
• "Sunday Mail" (Adelaide), May 5, 1956: A group in Adelaide, the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society, led by President Mr. Fred Stone, is attempting to contact extraterrestrial visitors. Despite using a skilled radio technician and trying to establish contact over Easter, no positive results were obtained. Mr. Stone believes flying saucers are manned by superior beings.
• "News" (Adelaide), June 4, 1956: An item titled "WATCH OUT FOR SPACE SHIPS" highlights the upcoming International Flying Saucer Sighting Days. Mr. Peter Thomas, secretary of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society, encourages public participation. The goal is to prove the existence of flying saucers and spaceships.
• "News" (Adelaide), June 5, 1956: This report covers a question-and-answer session with visiting scientist Sir Charles Darwin at Adelaide Boys' High School. When asked about flying saucers, Sir Charles stated that human imagination is a "very wonderful thing."
• "Advertiser" (Adelaide), June 7, 1956: An Adelaide man, Mr. Keith Cartwright, has invented a "flying saucer trap." Plans are in place for counterparts of this invention to be used by spotters across Australia.

Inventor's Detector and Communication Device

• Mr. Cartwright's Invention: Described on page 24, Mr. Cartwright's invention is a detector made from a doorbell, a magnetic compass needle, and a headlamp battery. When the compass needle deflects from magnetic north due to "unidentified flying objects," it completes an electrical circuit, ringing the doorbell. Several members of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society have replicated this invention, and details have been sent to branches for use during the International "Sighting Days" on June 30 and September 8.

• Space-Man Communication Device: Also detailed on page 24, an Adelaide flying saucer enthusiast has created a "tem machine" (tape machine) designed to converse with "space-men." This device will also be used on June 30 and September 8. According to Mr. Peter Thomas, the machine is intended to "fool" hoaxers. The operator speaks into a receiver that converts sound energy into fluctuating light waves, transmitted via a 20-watt fluorescent tube. An answer may be received by a radio receiver or a photo-electric cell that converts light waves back into sound. Mr. Thomas explained that this method was chosen over radio transmission to prevent ham radio operators from interfering by claiming to be "little green men from Mars." The light beam would be visible directly above, and a photo-electric cell in line with it could convert it back to sound.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the growing international interest in UFO phenomena, the efforts to standardize data collection through organized sighting days, and the development of new technologies for detection and potential communication. The editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement and promotion of UFO research, encouraging public participation and disseminating information from various sources, while also acknowledging the need for scientific rigor and evaluation, as seen in the British Admiralty's response to the naval sighting.