FLYING SAUCER DIGEST

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: VOL. 1 NO. 1
Date: AUGUST, 1958
Publisher: Gene Duplantier
Editor: Phillip Pluta
Price: 35¢ a copy

This inaugural issue of the Flying Saucer Digest serves as the official organ of the Inter-Continental Aerial Research Foundation (ICARF). The magazine's stated purpose is to remain neutral on all theories and conjecture regarding the Flying Saucer Enigma, focusing purely on research. ICARF is a non-profit organization that relies on a network of public observer posts and state Filter Centers for collecting sighting reports and other relevant information. The publication aims to expand this network globally, with a goal of 50,000 observer posts in the United States alone.

ICARF's Mission and Structure

The editorial explains that ICARF is a research organization dedicated to solving the Flying Saucer Enigma. Its observer posts are manned by the public who donate their time and equipment. The organization emphasizes its neutral stance, refusing to support or sanction any specific theories. While individual members are free to hold their own beliefs, these do not represent ICARF's official position. ICARF supplies membership cards and shoulder emblems, but these are optional and incur a small charge to cover operating costs. There are no fees to join.

A membership drive is underway, and interested individuals are invited to write for registration forms. The organization is also establishing Filter Centers in each state, which will serve as distribution points for directives from National Headquarters and collection points for sighting reports and other materials. Persons with typewriters and the ability to type are encouraged to volunteer as Filter Center personnel, especially in states that currently lack them.

ICARF also invites Ham Radio operators to join its Amateur Radio Operators UFO Tracking Network and those with light and sound detection equipment to inquire about the Detector Station Network.

The UFO Fan Federation (UFF), previously having high dues, has reduced them to $2.00 per year, leading to an increase in membership applications. A UFF Directory will be included in the issue for members.

The Flying Saucer Digest will be published on an irregular schedule, dependent on the availability of sufficient material to make each issue worthwhile, with a hope for bi-monthly publication.

UFO Theories and Explanations

The article "THE FIDLARY OF THE STRANGE UFO" discusses various theories about the origin of UFOs. It notes the lack of sufficient data to establish definitive conclusions. Thousands of clubs and groups worldwide focus on psychic phenomena, the Interplanetary theory, or scientific analysis, but none have found the definitive answer. The article cautions against groups preying on public gullibility.

While acknowledging the possibility of life on other planets, the authors express skepticism about UFOs being from outer space, arguing that advanced civilizations would likely have zero technical failure. They point to the lack of evidence of forced landings or wreckage from such craft. The source of their propulsion power, even if not alien, is unknown to Earth science.

The article also addresses Dr. Donald Menzel's views, suggesting that while some sightings might have a basis in fact, irrefutable proof is lacking. It criticizes Menzel's 'unorthodox and unfair criticism' of witnesses and groups.

Several alternative explanations for sightings are proposed:

1. US Government Experiments: Experiments with new propulsion and rocket fuels that may have gotten out of control.
2. Anti-gravity and Invisibility Research: Ongoing research in these fields, with unknown results.
3. Magnetic Electricity Research: Rumors of progress in this area, which could revolutionize propulsion.
4. Natural Phenomena: Certain birds like plovers may radiate a phosphorescent glow. Explosions from bombs and missiles might unleash new force energies or chemical bodies that maintain a flaming shape.

The article questions the official explanations for sightings, particularly referencing the case of Captain Mantell, and suggests that books like Edward J. Ruppelt's "THE REPORT ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS" may have been written to calm the public, possibly with Air Force guidance.

Notable Sightings and Incidents

The issue details several specific sightings and incidents:

• November 24, 1958: At Gold Beach, Oregon, an object described as a "strange, bright orange light" was sighted, moving east to west at three to nine miles per hour. It was photographed on color film. The object appeared like two saucers, one inverted on top of the other, with a beam of light falling downward.
• Radioactivity in Florida: ICARF is checking reports of abnormal radioactivity recorded in eight of ten areas surveyed in Florida.
• January 21, 1958: An observer in Austin, Texas, reported a bluish-white fireball appearing and vanishing quickly. Other strange objects resembling small stars were also seen.
• January 21, 1958: A similar object was seen over San Antonio, Texas.
• Homosassa, Florida: A witness reported an unusual object with a silvery metal body, glass or plastic outer case, and a steel bar forming an elongated cross.
• Edwards Air Force Base (November 1958): Reports of an orange-colored phantom light sighted near the base's rocket engine test section, described as an "orange ball" and "alternating red and white light." The Air Force attributed earlier sightings to a routine test program involving photoflash bombs, but the timing did not align with witness reports.
• Antelope Valley, California (November 1957): The Air Force claimed that sightings were realistic illusions based on explainable factors, including the star Arcturus appearing brighter due to atmospheric conditions and a routine test program of jet bombers dropping photoflash bombs.
• World War II Sighting (France): A witness reported a round-shaped object, about 20 meters in diameter, floating slowly at about 30 feet altitude, which accelerated vertically at incredible speed after being shot at.
• November 1957: A mysterious fireball fell slowly from the sky and burned out two 6-ft. patches of grass near Fond du Lac Avenue, Wisconsin. The Air Force suggested it was a "marsh fireball" caused by static electricity.
• December 1, 1957: The Sputnik 1 rocket was believed to have fallen near Fairbanks, Alaska, but scientists called the object a giant fireball.
• San Mateo, California: News about a supersonic bomber reportedly capable of surrounding itself with an electron shield.
• December 20, 1957: Mrs. Winn Upchurch of St. Petersburg, Florida, reported seeing a "round-shaped object with a dome top" shoot across the sky at tremendous speed, with flames shooting from it.
• Tampa, Florida: W.W. Talbot, a weather editor, suggested that great balls of fire might be "ball lightning."
• February 11: M.T. Cote in Jackson, Michigan, observed an object devoid of light, moving slowly upward at a 45-degree angle, much larger than the moon, with visible streamers.

Government Secrecy and Public Perception

The magazine expresses skepticism towards official explanations, particularly from the Air Force, suggesting a pattern of secrecy and attempts to downplay or dismiss UFO sightings. The article "ARTIFICIAL SUN CLAIM MADE" discusses a report from the London Liberty News Chronicle about Britain's nuclear research discovery, which the US allegedly refused to allow Britain to announce. The British atomic authority had reported progress in harnessing the H-bomb but refused further information due to a three-party agreement.

The issue also recounts an incident on a CBS Television Network program where ex-Major Donald Keyhoe was cut off the air when he attempted to speak about UFOs. The subsequent explanation suggested that public hearings would have proven the reality of these things and caused a sensation, implying a deliberate withholding of information by authorities.

The article criticizes the Air Force for classifying UFO records and denying access, interpreting this as evidence of hiding information. It mentions a JANAP regulation that provides stiff prison terms for personnel who disclose UFO information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO phenomena, the establishment and operation of research organizations like ICARF and the UFO Fan Federation, the reporting of numerous specific UFO sightings from various locations, and a critical stance towards official government explanations and perceived secrecy surrounding UFOs. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, urging the public to use their own judgment while advocating for greater transparency and a unified approach to understanding the UFO mystery. The magazine positions itself as a platform for disseminating information and fostering a network of observers and researchers.