Flying Saucer Digest (ICARF) - Miscellaneous documents

Magazine Overview

This document comprises several pages of correspondence, instructions, and forms related to the Inter-Continental Aerial Research Foundation (ICARF), an organization dedicated to the study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The materials date from around 1957, as indicated by a notice requesting information on sightings since January 1, 1957.

ICARF Membership and Organization

The primary goal of ICARF is to investigate the UFO mystery and provide factual information to the public. The organization is actively building a worldwide network of Observer Posts and Filter Centers. Individuals are invited to join in various capacities:

• Observer Post: Members are expected to dedicate at least ten hours per week to sky watch, documenting sightings and submitting reports. Different classes of Observer Posts exist (Class I, II, III), with varying equipment requirements, emphasizing the need for photographic evidence.
• Filter Center (F.C.): These centers serve as receiving stations for UFO reports and data, distribution points for HQ materials, and general secretaries for ICARF within their respective states or provinces.
• Ham Radio Network: Individuals with ham radio equipment can join this network.
• Tracking Station: Members can set up tracking stations.

ICARF emphasizes the importance of photographic data, encouraging members to obtain negatives of sightings, as prints can be faked. They also accept news clippings of sightings. Personal identification cards and shoulder patches are available to registered members.

Recruitment and Call for Information

A notice specifically requests anyone who has seen a UFO or knows someone who has since January 1, 1957, to contact ICARF immediately with full names and addresses of witnesses. The organization is setting up observer posts across the United States, Canada, Europe, Alaska, Australia, Japan, England, Africa, and South America.

ICARF expresses skepticism about official Air Force investigations, suggesting that the government may be hiding information. They believe millions of people are seeing UFOs, and the public deserves to know the facts.

Operational Instructions

Detailed instructions are provided for Filter Centers and Observer Posts:

• Filter Centers: Must manage incoming information, distribute forms, and forward inquiries to HQ. They are cautioned against sharing sensitive information about office locations or observer post details with unauthorized persons. Filter Centers are also instructed not to sign any forms put out by the Air Force or related groups.
• Observer Posts: Must submit daily reports on CR-2 forms and completed weekly reports. Photographic equipment should be kept ready, and negatives are preferred. All photographic data and news clippings should be sent to HQ or the Filter Center.

UFO Fan Federation (UFF)

To help offset operational costs, ICARF has established the UFO Fan Federation (UFF). Membership costs $5.00 per year and offers benefits such as published reports, bulletins, a pen-pal club, and a swap/sell list. The UFF also aims to arrange wholesale prices on magazine subscriptions and books.

Specific Sections and Content

• Club News Corner: Welcomes new Divisional Headquarters and directors, and mentions individuals who have taken on new roles or are temporarily operating DHQs. It also extends warm wishes to Wayne Stanley on his upcoming marriage.
• Sell and Swap: Advertisements for science fiction books and articles on space travel, as well as a personal collection of Christmas seals and fund seals.
• Magazine Advertisement: Promotion for "SAUCERS, SPACE, & SCIENCE," a UFO magazine, detailing its content and price.
• Shoulder Patches: ICARF is considering ordering embroidered shoulder patches for registered members if there is sufficient demand.
• Form SF-3 and SF-2: Registration forms for ICARF membership.
• Form OP-1 and OP-1-A: Instructions for Observer Posts, detailing registration, duties, photographic data requirements, and post classifications.
• Form FC-2 and FC-2-B: General instructions for Filter Centers, outlining procedures for distributing materials, handling inquiries, and maintaining records.
• Check Sheet: A detailed observational log sheet for recording various atmospheric and aerial phenomena, including weather conditions, wind speed and direction, bird flights, jet planes, and moonrise/commerce air flights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout these documents are the pursuit of knowledge regarding UFOs, the importance of citizen participation in scientific observation and data collection, and a degree of skepticism towards official government explanations of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of proactive investigation, encouraging public involvement and emphasizing the need for verifiable evidence, particularly photographic documentation. The organization positions itself as a source of factual information for the public, aiming to demystify the UFO phenomenon.

This document is a scanned note, acting as a communication from the INTER-CONTINENTAL AERIAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION, dated October 8, 1958. It is addressed to 'Gene' and signed by 'Yally'. The note serves as a quick update and includes information pertinent to the organization's publications and activities.

Content Summary

The primary purpose of the note is to convey FSD (Flying Saucer Digest or similar) material to Gene. The sender, Yally, acknowledges a haste in sending the information and realizes an item for the 'sell and swap' column was omitted. Yally suggests that if it's too late to include this item on the Club page, it might be placed elsewhere to gain attention.

The item for sale is detailed as "150 feet of black and white negative film, 35MM." It is offered in bulk for $3.50, or loaded into 36-exposure cartridges at 25 cents each. The contact person for this transaction is Joe Cangialosi, residing at 36 Van Winkle Ave., Garfield, New Jersey.

Additionally, Yally asks Gene for information regarding the cost owed for page 2 of the UFF Directory and the price of the FSD issue 2. The note concludes by mentioning that they are seeking someone to print the DIGEST on an offset press but have been unsuccessful so far.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The note highlights themes of publication management, material distribution, and the practicalities of running a research foundation. The mention of a 'sell and swap' column and the sale of photographic film suggests an interest in supporting members' needs and potentially funding operations. The difficulty in securing offset printing services for 'The DIGEST' points to the operational challenges faced by such organizations in the mid-20th century. The overall tone is informal and direct, typical of internal communications within a dedicated group.