Civlilian Saucer Intellligence of New York - No 16

Magazine Overview

Title: CSI NEWS LETTER
Issue: No. 4
Date: June 24, 1956
Publisher: CIVILIAN SAUCER INTELLIGENCE OF NEW YORK
Location: New York, USA

This issue of the CSI News Letter focuses on defending the contributions of Donald Keyhoe to saucer research, critiquing a new theory about flying saucers, and reporting on recent sightings and organizational news.

What About Keyhoe?

The lead article addresses a perceived trend in some UFO circles to ignore or belittle Donald Keyhoe's work. The author argues that this is a "glaring omission," particularly noting his absence from the movie "Unidentified Flying Objects." The article emphasizes that Keyhoe, as a professional aviation writer, was the first to publicly accept the extra-terrestrial theory of saucer origins with his January 1950 article in True magazine, which reportedly sold over two million copies. His professional standing prevented the article from being dismissed as crackpot. Keyhoe's subsequent work, including articles, lectures, and books like "Flying Saucers From Outer Space" (1953) and "The Flying Saucer Conspiracy" (1955), is highlighted for providing valuable information and making the subject of flying saucers more "respectable." The author stresses that Keyhoe's aviation experience and professional contacts were crucial for obtaining information, and his journalistic skills were vital for presenting the story to the public. The article concludes by praising Keyhoe's courage in publicly supporting the extra-terrestrial theory when many others were afraid to risk their reputations.

Critique of Recent Criticism and the "Dust-Mop" Theory

The editors acknowledge that Keyhoe's books are not perfect but argue that their defects are minor compared to the "solid stuff" they contain. They criticize recent commentary that focuses solely on negative points without recognizing Keyhoe's immense positive contribution, calling some criticism "petty" and lacking substance. The article asserts that over the past seven years, no other individual has done as much to legitimize the subject of flying saucers.

The newsletter then delves into a critique of a new theory proposed by James W. Moseley in "Saucer News," termed the "Dust-Mop" theory. This theory posits that flying saucers are secret, government-manufactured devices operating from an underground base, designed to absorb atmospheric radiation and convert it to electrical energy. This process, according to the theory, "overloads" the air with electricity, explaining abnormal weather conditions. These "mops" are described as remotely controlled and capable of silent, super-fast flight by ionizing the air to reduce friction. The theory also includes manned discs and cigars with different propulsion methods.

CSI's analysis, presented by Alexander D. Mebane, strongly refutes the "Dust-Mop" theory, labeling it "pseudo-science." Several points are raised:

1. Radiation Levels: The theory claims atmospheric radiation is dangerously high due to bombs and secret tests. However, CSI points out that airborne radiation measurements are public, accounted for by known bomb tests, and correspond to expectations. The current levels are a small fraction of normal background radiation, and the contribution from atomic contamination is minuscule. The idea that this warrants an incredibly advanced and secret technological enterprise is deemed implausible.
2. Absorption of Radiation: CSI states that radiation cannot be "absorbed" in the way the theory implies. The only sensible interpretation is that saucers collect radioactive dust and gases, but the idea of cleaning vast volumes of air with small craft is described as preposterous.
3. Scientific Advance: The theory requires the invention and secret development of several major physics discoveries since 1947, which have remained unknown to open science and even Air Force investigators. CSI questions the credibility of such a proposition.
4. Secrecy and Risk: The theory suggests these secret devices operate over populated areas because decontamination is "necessary." CSI argues this risk is improbable and unnecessary, given the actual radiation levels.
5. Thunderstorms: The claim that saucers increase thunderstorm frequency is dismissed, with no evidence of such an increase.
6. Air Resistance: The idea that ionizing air eliminates air resistance is stated to be incorrect in practice.
7. Exclusion of Cases: The theory struggles to explain authentic observations like the Hopkinsville landing, forcing it to exclude such cases. CSI questions whether a theory that must dismiss significant evidence can be considered a solution.

Mebane concludes that while the "leak" to Moseley might have a factual basis regarding secret military enterprises, the specific allegations of the "mop" story are beyond rational credence and bear the stamp of fiction. He urges Moseley to critically examine his sources.

Recent CSI News and Activities

Barker Meeting: On May 26, Gray Barker discussed his book "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers," updating it with post-publication events. The meeting was attended by CSI members and guests, but also by individuals described as "crackpots," including one who insisted on discussing "contacts."

Members' Meeting: On June 2, a meeting was held at Lex Mebane's home to discuss forming a Program Committee for the next season. It was decided that future programs would be on a more modest scale due to costs and low turnouts for large events. Bruce Lansbury volunteered as Chairman, with Vincent Franco and Steve & Bea Roman also serving on the committee.

Special Report on Hopkinsville "Landing": Isabel Davis conducted an investigation in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, regarding the August 21, 1955 incident involving small humanoid creatures. Davis spent a week gathering information and concluded that the events occurred as reported, though minor details differed from published accounts. She debunked rumors of the family's "mysterious disappearance." A full report will be compiled for members, and a special meeting will be held to discuss her findings.

Announcements: A special members' meeting was scheduled for July 9 to discuss the Hopkinsville investigation details provided by Isabel Davis. Financial statements for the season were enclosed for members.

Book Reviews: Several books on UFOs were mentioned: Aime Michel's "The Truth About Flying Saucers" is available to members at a discount. M. K. Jessup's "The UFO Annual" (1955) is a 379-page almanac of UFO events. Gray Barker's "Saucerian Review" covering major UFO events of the past year is also available.

UFO NEWS

UFO Spotters' Alert: Derek Dempster, editor of the British Flying Saucer Review, proposed a project for concentrated sky observation on June 30 and September 1. CSI members are encouraged to participate and report any positive results.

Movie Reviews of "UFO": The film "UFO" (also known as "Unidentified Flying Objects") received positive reviews, described as a "sober documentary" that creates an impression of reality and is "baffling and fascinating."

UFO Fiction on TV: A Kraft Theatre drama, "Flying Object at 3 O'Clock High," by DeWitt Copp, was presented. The plot involved a UFO kidnapping an Air Force jet and the Air Force's attempts to conceal the extraterrestrial nature of the saucers. The acting was considered more convincing than in the "UFO" film.

Theory of Saucer Propulsion: Jean Plantier's book "La Propulsion des Soucoupes Volantes" was brought to CSI's attention. It examines the consequences of saucers being propelled by a force acting on their atomic nuclei to circumvent inertial effects. While considered science-fiction, Plantier attempts to provide acceptable explanations.

Recent Sightings

The newsletter includes a detailed list of recent UFO sightings reported to CSI:

• January 8, 1956: Long Island City, NY - A white object observed through binoculars appeared to "fall apart" into a cluster of smaller objects. Estimated altitude: 40-60,000 feet.
• January 24, 1956: New York City, NY - An object observed telescopically near the moon executed a tight turn, suggesting incredibly high velocity if at lunar distance.
• March 19, 1956: Tuckahoe, NY - A bright orange-red light, larger than Venus, was observed in the western sky for about four minutes.
• April 5, 1956: Harlingen, Texas - Several individuals reported a "bright orange circular shaped object" moving rapidly southeastward across the night sky.
• April 16, 1956: Lexington, Kentucky - Two patrolmen observed a small, pale-red object that grew to basketball size before disappearing.
• May 3-8, 1956: Pueblo, Colorado - Six nights of observations of faint, triangular and one round, luminous lights flying at high speed.
• May 4, 1956: Marinette, Wisconsin - Reverend Charles Burmeister and his son observed at least 24 unidentified objects flying in shallow U-formations at high altitudes.
• May 16, 1956: Woodstown, NJ - Charles L. Locuson observed a glowing, rapidly-moving orange-red light with a zig-zag, jerky movement.
• May 17, 1956: South Bay, NY - Several people observed a saucer-shaped metallic object hovering, then disappearing.
• June 11, 1956: Brooklyn, NY - Five CSI members observed a bright white light moving in a wide arc at the speed of conventional aircraft.

Landing on Long Island?

This section details an alleged UFO landing incident reported by a witness who contacted Isabel Davis. The witness described seeing a bright bluish-white light descend rapidly into a wooded area near Hempstead and Hicksville, Long Island, on June 4th. Upon investigation, the witness found a flattened circular section of grass, 250 feet in diameter, with no signs of burning or depression. The witness, who had previous experience at an Air Force control tower, stated he didn't believe in "flying saucers" before this incident. However, attempts to verify the report with local authorities and CSI members yielded no corroborating information. A second, apparently independent, report of a similar "landing" in the same area was received later.

Corrections on the Merkel Crash

This section corrects the date of Lt. Col. Lee J. Merkel's F-51 Mustang crash from January 9 to January 31, 1956. It provides details of the crash near Harrodsburg, Indiana, and notes that while no UFO intercept mission was confirmed, numerous Indiana newspapers had reported sightings of lighted UFOs the day before the crash. Merkel was also noted for having been scrambled to investigate a UFO over Louisville in November 1954. Military officials attributed the crash to "oxygen failure."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the defense of established UFO researchers like Donald Keyhoe, the critical examination of new or controversial theories (such as the "Dust-Mop" theory), and the reporting of a significant number of recent UFO sightings. The editorial stance is one of rigorous investigation, skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, and a commitment to presenting factual information and analysis to its members. The publication clearly values Keyhoe's foundational contributions and prioritizes evidence-based reasoning, as demonstrated by its detailed debunking of the "Dust-Mop" theory.

Title: UFO Investigator
Issue: #4
Volume: Vol. 1
Date: June 1953
Publisher: National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena
Country: USA
Language: English

Investigations on Long Island

This issue of the UFO Investigator delves into two separate UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports from Long Island, New York. The first report details an attempt to verify a witness's claim of an experience on the Northern State Parkway. On Saturday afternoon, Steve Roman, Bea Roman, Lex Mebane, and the author drove along the Parkway to locate the site. They found only one sparsely-settled area that was devoid of a fence, leading them to conclude that the event could not have occurred on the Parkway as stated.

On Monday, further information was obtained from Mr. Miglio regarding a second witness's observation. This witness was driving east along Sunrise Highway, near Herrick, when she noticed a bright blue-white light to the north. The light initially appeared tubular, then became circular, and was estimated to be half the size of the full moon. It grew larger and smaller, alternated between bright and dim, and seemed to 'jump' or 'wobble' before suddenly dropping out of sight. The witness watched it for about a minute and had the impression it was over Nassau County Park, approximately 9 miles north of her position. She insisted on anonymity.

The article notes that a Long Island road map indicates that the most direct route from Hempstead to Hicksville via the Northern State Parkway involves the Post Road, which runs along the western boundary of Nassau County Park. The Parkway itself is only a quarter-mile north of the park. Mitchel Field is also mentioned as being on the other side of the Post Road, a few blocks west of the park.

The author laments that if the first caller could be contacted again, the exact location could be determined, and a prompt examination of the alleged 'landing site' could have revealed whether there was a flattened circular area of grass. A Geiger counter test might have provided further evidence. However, with the observers remaining anonymous and the location only approximate, any possible traces are likely to have disappeared.

The report highlights the challenge posed by witness anonymity, stating that it impedes serious examination. The author suggests that the fear of ridicule, which is not diminished by the Air Force's attitude, is a significant factor.

The article concludes by posing questions about the events of June 3rd in Nassau County Park and whether the 'authorities' know more, urging readers to contribute any further information.

Postscript on "L'Astre Cincinnati"

This section addresses a previous comment in Newsletter #3 regarding a statement by "graduate astronomer" Everett C. Yowell. In the previous newsletter, it was suggested that Yowell was misinformed and that the object seen in Cincinnati was likely Venus. This conjecture has now been confirmed.

Dr. Everett I. Yowell, Emeritus Professor of Astronomy at the University of Cincinnati, writes in response. He states that his son, who studied astronomy at Columbia, was told by the Enquirer newspaper (over the telephone) that the phenomenon was seen in the northwest. His son correctly noted that there was no prominent celestial object in that part of the sky. Dr. Yowell expresses no doubt that Venus was the object observed and attributes the confusion and contradictions to people's inability to accurately describe what they have seen.

As an example of such misdescription, the postscript cites another instance from May 7th, where a balloon over St. Louis was described by one witness as resembling a pawnbroker's sign, while another insisted it had a blue nose and two yellow jet streams.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a commitment to rigorous investigation of UAP reports, emphasizing the need for verifiable details and expressing frustration with factors that hinder such investigations, particularly witness anonymity and fear of ridicule. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, seeking factual evidence while acknowledging the challenges posed by subjective witness accounts and official attitudes. The inclusion of the postscript on the Cincinnati sighting demonstrates a willingness to correct previous assessments and engage with expert opinions, while also highlighting the common difficulties in accurately identifying celestial phenomena based on public observation.