Australian Saucer Record - Vol 06 No 02 - 1960

Magazine Overview

This issue of the AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD, Volume 6, No. 4, dated 1960, is the official organ of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society (A.F.S.R.S.). Published for the society by Fred P. Stone, who also serves as the editor, the magazine presents itself as having an "OPEN MINDED Approach." The cover features a stylized map of Australia with three flying saucers, and the price is listed as 2/7.

Editorial: "Reflections"

The editorial, titled "Reflections," provides a historical overview of the A.F.S.R.S. and its role in the development of UFO research in Australia. The editor, Fred P. Stone, recounts his personal journey starting in 1953, initially skeptical of UFOs but driven to disprove them, only to be convinced by the evidence. He details the formation of the Australian Flying Saucer Club, his collaboration with Edgar Jarrold of the Australian Flying Saucer Bureau in Sydney, and the subsequent amalgamation which made the Sydney group a state branch.

By 1954, Jarrold became increasingly secretive, eventually ceasing communication. This led to the editor contacting the R.A.A.F. Security Department, who assured him there was no official reason for Jarrold's shutdown. Facing this impasse, the editor decided to form a new society: THE AUSTRALIAN FLYING SAUCER RESEARCH SOCIETY, with headquarters at his address. Public meetings were held, and interest grew.

Mr. A. Tomas, former secretary for Jarrold's Bureau, contacted the editor to help reform the Bureau. A visit to Sydney was made, and discussions were held with the R.A.A.F. Security Department regarding the future of the A.F.S.R.S. In December 1954, the editor was asked to take over the role of National Director from Jarrold and lectured in Sydney, leading to the Sydney group becoming a state branch of the A.F.S.R.S. with A. Tomas as Secretary.

In 1955, the decision was made to create the magazine, the AUSTRALIAN SAUCER RECORD. The year also saw visits to Melbourne and further helpful interactions with the R.A.A.F., leading to the formation of a Victorian State Branch. However, the Sydney group unexpectedly broke away to form the U.F.O. Information Bureau of Sydney, causing losses to the A.F.S.R.S.

Further organizational efforts are detailed for 1956, including a visit to the Queensland Flying Saucer Society and an attempt to resolve internal troubles within the Victorian Society Branch. In 1957, the president visited Perth to foster unity among independent groups, with Gordon Dellar being acknowledged for his assistance to various Australian UFO groups. Lectures in Perth revitalized the West Australian movement.

The A.F.S.R.S. continued to grow in 1958, despite setbacks from interstate breakaways printing their own magazines. The visit of Gep. Adamski in 1959 made a significant impression across Australia, boosting membership. In 1960, the society organized the First Flying Saucer Convention in Australia, which, despite a small financial loss, fostered greater unity and cooperation.

The editorial concludes with the editor's intention to resign as President in 1961 due to health and financial strain, but he intends to continue as editor of the magazine. He emphasizes that his resignation is not due to external pressure but a need to reduce his responsibilities.

"Microatoms"

This section, authored by HANZ LAURITZEN, presents a theoretical framework for understanding the universe through "microatoms." The theory suggests that microatoms, when moving at the speed of light, are equal to light, and when stationary, are equal to heat. When aggregated, they form atoms. The article explains how microatoms attract each other to form hydrogen atoms, which can then compress to form stars through explosive processes that create helium and heavier elements. The release of microatoms from oxygen is proposed as the source of all organic energy. The conclusion is that heat, electricity, sound, and light are all microatoms with different speeds, and understanding them is crucial for scientific advancement.

"Microatoms on the Earth"

Also by HANZ LAURITZEN, this article applies the microatom theory to phenomena on Earth. It explains how sunlight (microatoms) hitting objects results in heat or reflection, and how this can be used to generate electricity. The article links the combustion of carbon to heat energy and electricity, and suggests that the reactions of elements are determined by their free microatom content. It posits that heating elements increases microatoms, making them fluid, while freezing decreases them. The extraction of energy from hydrogen and uranium atoms releases microatoms, manifesting as heat, light, or sound. The article concludes that plants utilize microatoms from sunlight to produce oxygen, which is essential for all organic energy.

"It's Them Sputniks and H-Bombs"

This piece, sourced from 'ORBIT' (July 1960), discusses the potential impact of solar activity on Earth. It draws parallels between solar cycles and various terrestrial phenomena like earthquakes, tidal waves, and business trends. The author suggests that solar activity, particularly sunspot maxima, influences ultra-violet light levels, tree growth, and potentially even economic cycles. While acknowledging these are speculative, the article argues that amateurs might find more connections between the Sun and Earth than professional astronomers typically consider.

"Two Minute Invasion"

This report details a sighting on October 4th, 1960, near Cressy, Tasmania, by Rev. Lionel Browning and his wife. They reported seeing a 300ft cigar-shaped "mother-ship" accompanied by five or six smaller flying saucers, each about 30ft across. The objects approached at slow speed, paused, then joined the mother-ship before disappearing rapidly. The report was substantiated by other local residents and reportedly taken seriously by government officials. Some residents also reported hearing explosions around the time of the sighting.

Book Review: "Flying Saucers – Top Secret"

This review discusses Major Donald E. Keyhoe's book, which follows up on "The Flying Saucer Conspiracy." The book reportedly presents cases suggesting the US Air Force is covering up information about flying saucers. A key case highlighted is that of an American Airlines pilot who, on April 8th, 1956, reported a mysterious glowing light matching his plane's speed. Despite initial denial from various authorities, the incident was later substantiated by a recorded interview with the pilot and crew, investigated by NICAP.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical development and organizational challenges of UFO research in Australia, the scientific exploration of fundamental particles ('microatoms'), and the potential influence of cosmic phenomena like solar activity on Earth. The editorial stance, as expressed by Fred P. Stone, is one of dedication to the cause of UFO investigation, a commitment to open-mindedness, and a belief in the importance of unity among researchers. The magazine also appears to support the idea of government cover-ups regarding UFO information, as suggested by the review of Major Keyhoe's book.

This issue of "FLYING SAUCER, FRIEND OR ENEMY?" delves into various unexplained aerial phenomena and mysterious disappearances, presenting reports and analyses from different sources. The publication date is associated with November 1958, with some content referencing events from earlier years and even extending to 1960.

Eerie Sky Object

The issue begins with a report from Tasmania on October 17th, detailing a sighting near Launceston where three individuals observed an object emitting an eerie orange light. The object was described as approaching at terrific speed, hovering for approximately three minutes, and then rapidly departing towards Cressy, leaving a white cloud trail. This area was also noted as the location where Rev. Browning had previously reported seeing a 'mother ship' and several 'flying saucers'.

Another sighting occurred in Robe, South Australia, on October 27th. School children and their teacher witnessed an object resembling a "red cricket ball" flying overhead. The teacher described it as not moving very fast initially, but then suddenly zig-zagging, falling rapidly from about 300 feet, leaving a trail of smoke, and disappearing into the sea.

Book Review and Air Force Cover-up

The article references a book, likely by Major Keyhoe, which suggests the US Air Force was covering up information about UFOs. It claims the US air force believes these objects are space ships and has documented cases where questioning officers seemed to accept the reality of flying saucers. The book also mentions instances where Air Force pilots fired on unidentified flying objects that were later determined to be conventional aircraft.

Disappearances and Air Disasters

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to unexplained disappearances and air disasters, presented as evidence of potential extraterrestrial involvement. The article by Bert Brem, translated from D.I.S.C. DIGEST (Holland, Nov. 1958), highlights numerous cases:

• Naval Mysteries: Ships and airplanes have disappeared without a trace, with some ships found floating pilotless.
• Bermuda Triangle Incidents: Several aircraft disappearances are noted in the Bermuda region. This includes five US Navy Avengers that vanished after leaving Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December 1945, and subsequent search planes also disappearing. In 1947, an American Super-Fortress was lost near the Bermudas. In January 1948, the "Star Tiger" of British Sth. American Airways with 25 passengers disappeared, followed by the "Star Ariel" of the same company with 13 passengers in January 1949. Search planes reported a strange glow over the ocean at the suspected locations.
• Wing Commander J. Baldwin's Disappearance (March 1952): Baldwin's plane reportedly entered a cloud and never emerged. An American patrol boat observed an unknown flying object around the same time.
• Vice Marshall Atcherley's Disappearance (June 1952): Atcherley vanished during a flight over the Mediterranean.
• Collisions with Unknown Objects: The article details several air disasters attributed to collisions with unknown aerial objects:
• June 23, 1950: A D.C. 4 with 58 people aboard was hit by a fireball over Benton, Michigan. Wreckage was found, but no passengers.
• May 2, 1953: A B.O.A.C. Comet caught fire after leaving the runway; the investigation concluded it was a "collision with a heavy and unknown aerial object."
• November 17, 1953: An American transport plane crashed over Fort Bragg, California, with the sole survivor attributing the crash to collision with an unknown aircraft.
• December 15, 1953: Four jet planes crashed in England without apparent reason.
• Pacific Ocean Incident: Three fighter planes crashed after approaching an unknown flying object, a chase monitored by radar.

Maury Island Mystery and Other Cases

The issue also touches upon the Maury Island mystery, where Capt. Harold A. Dahl and coastwatchers witnessed a "metallic rain" from a low-flying UFO. Military investigators collected debris, and shortly after their departure, their plane crashed. A reporter was notified of the crash before the military officially announced it.

Kenneth Arnold, whose initial report is credited with sparking UFO stories, is mentioned in connection with the Maury Island incident. A mysterious individual contacted Arnold, providing details about a downed plane that Arnold had searched for, and claiming the plane was downed but the crew and passengers were gone.

The Nature of UFO Visitors

Edgar Sievers, writing from South Africa, discusses the broader context of UFOs in relation to world events and human nature. He suggests that while many UFO encounters might be perceived as threatening, it's possible that these beings are not inherently hostile but rather operate on a different level of understanding. He references George Adamski's views, which portray space people as having a moral condition that might make them appear 'enemies' to our current state. Sievers posits that the challenge is for humanity to evolve its own moral condition.

Mystery Object Recovered

A report from Goolwa, South Australia, dated October 13, 1960, describes a 13-year-old schoolboy finding a light metal object near Currency Creek. The object, about 12 inches long and 6 inches wide, had foreign inscriptions and was attached to batteries and what appeared to be an aneroid barometer. Experts suggested it was unlikely to be from a weather balloon due to its trajectory. The object's origin remained a mystery, though a UFO had been sighted in the area earlier that year.

George Adamski Policy Defended

Another section features a reader's defense of George Adamski's policy. The reader agrees with Adamski's approach, suggesting that there might be unknown events brewing and that humanity may need to venture into space. The reader believes Adamski is guided by the flying saucer people for deep reasons and that judging his actions is difficult given humanity's limited perspective.

Sky Object at Goolwa

An Advertiser report from March 31, 1960, details an 18-year-old film operator, Barry Neil, seeing a bright reddish-orange object near Goolwa. The object had lights like portholes, hovered, and then flew away at high speed. Two young people near Adelaide also reported seeing a similar object.

Unidentified Objects in Tauranga and California

Reports from New Zealand and California detail further sightings:

• Tauranga, New Zealand (August 28, 1960): The Aerodrome control tower and Meteorological Office had no explanation for a UFO sighted at noon. A resident saw a small white speck that moved rapidly northwest and disappeared.
• Red Bluff, California (August 18, 1960): Mysterious oval-shaped objects emitting a red glow were reported flying in formation by over 20 observers. They were described as dipping, diving, and moving at unbelievable speeds without making a sound.

Parachute-like Objects Over Essex

A report from London mentions thousands of parachute-like objects seen falling from up to 50,000 feet over Essex. The Air Ministry, R.A.F., and U.S. Air Force were baffled, with no explanation offered. An aircraft engineer observed them in clusters at high altitudes.

The World Within, The World From Out There

Edgar Sievers' article discusses the pressures and stresses of modern life, suggesting that humanity is seeking escape rather than transformation. He critiques current leadership, poets, writers, and artists for contributing to a sense of panic and despair. Sievers proposes that true escape lies in understanding oneself and the universal ideals and virtues found within, rather than seeking external solutions or conquering space. He concludes that beings elsewhere in the universe likely possess harmonious ways of life.

Appreciation of Our Magazine by Readers

The issue includes letters from readers. Rev. Robert A. Nelson expresses appreciation for the magazine's open-minded approach and deplores the dogmatic tone in some "Saucer" discussions. Edgar Sievers also contributes a brief note, emphasizing the importance of restraint, detachment, and continuous learning in the pursuit of understanding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFO sightings), mysterious disappearances of aircraft and vessels, and the potential implications of these events for humanity. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, while also critiquing dogmatism within the UFO community. There is a consistent thread of questioning the nature of the visitors – whether they are friend or foe – and exploring the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial intelligence influencing or observing Earth.