Doubt - No 40

Magazine Overview

DOUBT: The Fortean Society Magazine, Vol. II, Whole Number 40

This issue of DOUBT, the magazine of The Fortean Society, is dedicated to an extensive compilation of news reports concerning "flying saucers" and related aerial phenomena. Edited by Tiffany Thayer, the magazine uses a unique 13-month calendar, with 1931 AD designated as year 1 FS (Fortean Society).

SAUCERS ETCETERA: A Comprehensive Digest

The core of this issue is the "SAUCERS ETCETERA" digest, compiled by Tiffany Thayer, who describes himself as a former reporter, publicity man, and master of word-twistery, making him competent to analyze syntax and determine the source of original stories. The digest is divided into three sections: objects called "saucers," objects called "meteors," and objects that were not classified as either but were still unusual.

The aim of the digest is to supplement previous "saucer" data published in earlier issues of DOUBT (Nos. 23, 24, and 27) and to bring the information up to date. The statement is that "flying saucers" or "flying discs" or "flying disks" were the subject of "news" stories as follows:

1947 (17 FS)

The digest begins with reports from July 1947, including a reference to a letter in the San Francisco Chronicle by Ole. J. Sneide alleging "space ships from older planets." Other early reports include sightings by Cincinnati Enquirer staff members and a mention of Walter Winchell favoring "belief" in the phenomena.

1948 (18 FS)

This section details sightings and reports from January to October 1948. It includes references to articles in "Amazing Stories," sightings over Idaho and New Jersey, and reports from various newspapers like the Idaho Daily Statesman and the Philadelphia Bulletin. The role of Kenneth Arnold (MFS) is noted in relation to several reports. A significant event mentioned is the classification of saucer data by the "armed services" alongside atomic bombs and guided missiles in March 1948.

1949 (19 FS)

The digest continues through 1949, noting editorial reactions in the Seattle Times, reports from Oregon and Washington, and further pronouncements from "The Army Air Force." The classification of saucer data by the "armed services" is again mentioned, along with the Air Force's efforts to downplay the subject.

1950 (20 FS)

Reports from 1950 are extensively documented, including the release of a motion picture titled "the Flying Saucer." The digest notes Frank Scully's inquiry to the "Air Force" and his subsequent book. Numerous sightings are reported from various locations across the USA and internationally, with many instances of news services picking up or ignoring these reports. The role of the Air Force in issuing denials and statements is frequently mentioned.

1951 (21 FS)

The digest continues into 1951, documenting a large volume of sightings and media coverage. It notes reports from England, Canada, Australia, and various US states. The involvement of military personnel, police, and civilians is consistently reported. The digest also highlights the efforts of some media outlets to debunk the phenomenon, while others continue to report on it.

1952 (22 FS)

The digest concludes with reports from early 1952, including sightings in Korea, Australia, and the USA. It mentions the publication of books on the subject, the establishment of "Sighting Centers," and continued pronouncements from the Air Force and other authorities.

Editorial Stance and Themes

Throughout the digest, Tiffany Thayer's editorial voice is subtly present, particularly in his concluding remarks for 1951: "Will some member please tell me why I'm wasting my time on this nonsense? The pattern is perfectly clear." This suggests a critical, perhaps weary, perspective on the sheer volume of reports and the often repetitive nature of the news coverage. The magazine's stance, as part of The Fortean Society, is to document phenomena that defy conventional explanation, regardless of their ultimate cause. The recurring themes are the widespread nature of sightings, the inconsistent media coverage, and the often evasive or dismissive responses from official sources, particularly the Air Force.

The issue serves as a comprehensive historical record of public and media attention to flying saucers during a pivotal period, reflecting the growing fascination and confusion surrounding the topic.

This issue, identified as 'Flying Saucers' from 1953, volume 23 FS, is a compilation of reported sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena, primarily drawn from newspaper articles and press services across the United States and internationally. It meticulously lists dates, locations, and brief descriptions of these events, often quoting or referencing specific newspaper reports.

Chronological Listing of Sightings and Reports

The bulk of the magazine consists of a day-by-day, and sometimes hour-by-hour, account of reported sightings and related news items from July 1953 through early 1954. These entries detail sightings in various locations, including Washington State, Denver, White Sands, Los Angeles, Norfolk, Va., Hereford (UK), Miami, Fla., Salt Lake City, Boise, Idaho, Portland, Dayton, Ohio, Yreka, Calif., Dunedin (New Zealand), Chicago, Keene, Roanoke, Va., Pittsburgh, Dallas, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and many others globally.

Reports often include official statements from the US Air Force, which frequently announced investigations, sometimes admitting to radar blips being chased by jets, or explaining sightings as natural phenomena. For instance, on July 16, the Air Force announced it was investigating a sighting near Norfolk, and on July 28, it was reported that jets in Washington had chased radar blips. The media's role is evident, with headlines like "FLYING SAUCERS 6-HR RAID ON WASHINGTON" from the Los Angeles Herald & Express.

Some entries highlight public reactions and explanations. On July 7, an RAF officer from White Sands expressed belief in 'them'. On July 18, the Hartford Times noted the Air Force "admits" people see things on radar. Conversely, some reports express skepticism, such as an astronomer from St. Louis stating on August 27 that sightings were "all imagination."

Several entries mention specific individuals or groups involved in investigating or commenting on the phenomena, including columnist Fred Othman, AP reporter Saul Pett, writer Robert S. Allen, and syndicated columnists Drew Pearson and Whitney Bolton. The issue also notes the involvement of organizations like the Civilian Saucer Investigation and the Western Air Defense Force.

Specific Incidents and Explanations

Notable incidents include a report on July 24 of six armed jets chasing an unidentified object near Columbus, Ohio. On July 29, a Miami Daily News story detailed Air Force frustration, and a similar technique was employed by the Newark, N. J. Star Ledger. The New York Times, however, took a different approach, even discounting radar reports.

An editorial in the Pittsburgh Press on July 29 suggested, "It's time the government quit playing jokes on the people". Sightings were also reported in France and other parts of the world.

The issue also details a specific case involving a Scoutmaster named Desvergers, who, along with three boys, claimed to have seen something near West Palm Beach that "shot at him". This incident was picked up by the Air Force for questioning.

Meteors and Other Phenomena

Interspersed with the 'saucer' reports is a significant section dedicated to 'Meteors' and 'fireballs'. This section clarifies that newspapers often used these terms, sometimes incorrectly, for aerial phenomena. It lists numerous meteor sightings with dates and locations, distinguishing them from 'saucers' and noting instances where they caused explosions or physical effects, such as a meteorite setting fire to a "box and crate yard" in West Los Angeles.

Publications and Advertisements

The latter part of the scanned pages includes advertisements for various publications and books, such as "America NEEDS Indians", "RAPE OF THE MASSES" by Chakotin, and "The Books of CHARLES FORT", indicating the broader context of esoteric and fringe literature available to the readership.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the widespread public fascination and reporting of UFO sightings, the official (and often ambiguous) responses from governmental and military bodies, and the media's role in disseminating these stories. There's a clear effort to catalog and present a comprehensive record of these events, suggesting an editorial stance that takes the phenomena seriously, even while acknowledging skepticism and attempts at rational explanation (like meteors or experimental aircraft). The distinction between 'saucers' and 'meteors' is a consistent point of clarification.