CIVILIAN SAUCER INTELLIGENCE OF NEW YORK

Magazine Overview

This document is a summary of a meeting held by the Civilian Saucer Intelligence of New York on October 28, 1955, at Steinway Hall, New York City. The meeting featured M. K. Jessup, author of "The Case for the UFO," as the main speaker. The summary details the opening remarks, the presentation by the guest speaker, and the subsequent question and answer session.

Meeting Proceedings

The meeting was opened by Ted Bleocher, Director of the Research Section, who welcomed attendees and introduced Alexander Mebane, the Secretary Treasurer. Mr. Mebane briefly outlined the aims, methods, and activities of CSI. He noted that while there might seem to be a lull in UFO activity, it is likely due to a lack of reporting in New York City newspapers. He urged members and friends to share any UFO-related material they encountered, whether in print, on the radio, or through conversations. He also mentioned the display of UFO books, magazines, and newspaper clippings and encouraged attendees to leave their names for future meeting notifications.

M. K. Jessup's Presentation

The main speaker, M. K. Jessup, author of "The Case for the UFO" (1955) and preparing two other books, delivered a talk titled "Possible origins of the UFO in Space." His talk was introduced by his friend, Mr. Courtland Hastings, who provided background information on astronomical facts, emphasizing the vast distances and time scales involved in the universe. Hastings also highlighted Jessup's scientific career as an astronomer and anthropologist, giving him a unique perspective.

Jessup's talk focused on the need to explain phenomena that fall outside the current scientific framework, contributing to the growth of science. He stressed the importance of objectivity and the scientific approach, cautioning against jumping to conclusions while acknowledging the necessity of working hypotheses. He argued that the existence of UFOs has been proven many times over, and the statements of those who have seen them are more important than the opinions of those who haven't.

Jessup suggested that 19th-century scientists were more objective, recording unexplained events. He cited several historical occurrences, including the observation of Martian moons in 1877, a UFO hovering over New York City harbor in 1877, and phenomena in lunar craters starting in 1883, such as a bright cable-like object. He also mentioned a 12-mile long bridge reported in a lunar crater in 1954.

Regarding the origin of UFOs, Jessup considered the "degree of impossibility" for various theories. He found it most plausible that UFOs originate on Earth or nearby, rather than from other planets in the Solar System, other stars, or distant galaxies, due to the immense time and distance involved. He even posited that intelligent beings might have existed on Earth as far back as 30 million years ago, potentially inventing and powering UFOs, and that current UFO occupants might be descendants of these ancient earth-dwellers who later moved into space.

He discussed observations of small bodies in the "gravitational neutral" area of the sun, moon, and Earth, visible during eclipses, citing a 1878 observation of two red bodies. He also mentioned the Nazca lines in Peru and megaglyphs in Mexico as potential guides for spaceships. Jessup also referenced claims of "little men" living in mountains and a crater in Guatemala being used by a UFO, and expressed skepticism about findings from a 1954 study of Mars.

Power Sources and Public Information

During the question and answer period, Jessup addressed possible UFO power sources, suggesting they might use unknown power, "levitation," or "magnetism." He speculated they might use sunspots for navigation and might visit Earth for "vacations" to experience its gravitational field. He also expressed his opinion that the public is not being told the truth about UFOs, citing the lack of information dissemination regarding recent incidents in Cincinnati.

Citadel Press has commissioned Jessup to compile a report on 1955 UFO sightings for publication in early 1956. Contributions for "The UFO Reporter" can be sent to Citadel Press, New York, with the aim of creating an annual clearing house for UFO information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this summary are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the exploration of unconventional hypotheses regarding their origins (including ancient extraterrestrial or terrestrial intelligence), and a critical stance on the transparency of information from government and media sources concerning UFOs. The editorial stance, as represented by the summary, is one of open inquiry and a call for objective, scientific study of unexplained aerial phenomena.