FLYING SAUCER DIGEST

Magazine Overview

This issue of the FLYING SAUCER DIGEST, the official organ of the Inter-Continental Aerial Research Foundation (ICARF), is Volume 1, Number 4, dated April 1959, with a cover price of 35¢. Gene Duplantier is listed as the Editor and Publisher, with editorial offices in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and correspondence addressed to ICARF in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The cover headline poses a broad question about the nature of UFOs: 'UFOS, FLYING SAUCERS, VOLADORES, VENTLAS, VIMANAS, WHAT HAVE YOU..', attributed to Douglas Mapes, Director of ICARF's New York Divisional Headquarters.

ICARF Policy

The publication outlines ICARF's policy, emphasizing the gathering and analysis of facts without supporting specific theories about the origin or purpose of UFOs. They list potential explanations for UFOs, including interplanetary or interstellar vehicles, government secret weapons, natural phenomena like ball lightning, residue from missile launchings or nuclear explosions, or magnetic/electromagnetic energy. ICARF states that members are entitled to their own beliefs, but the organization will only commit to facts.

Article: UFOs, Flying Saucers, Voladores, Ventlas, Vimanas, What Have You..

Authored by Douglas Mapes, this article suggests that the elusive craft encountered are operated by an intelligence vastly different and beyond human comprehension. Mapes posits that the creators of these saucers may have started on a scientific plane that humanity has yet to recognize. He draws parallels between ancient reports of flying objects and current scientific discoveries about earth's natural forces, suggesting that the knowledge to utilize these forces has long been possessed by those who control the saucers. The article implies that the need for new weapons during wartime led to discoveries that revealed other phenomena, but much remains unknown, with the saucers embodying knowledge far beyond current earth science.

Mapes expresses regret that these craft are shrouded in mystery, noting that many scientists and government agencies are aware of UFO existence but seem powerless to act. He suggests that the Air Force is attempting to cover up genuine UFO sightings.

Article: UFO Investigation Will Be Difficult

This section discusses the anticipated challenges for civilian UFO investigation once the Air Force successfully tests its own circular airfoil craft, referred to as 'flying saucers.' The article suggests that if the airfoil proves successful, the Air Force might attribute future UFO sightings to their own technology, thereby discrediting civilian reports and satisfying skeptics. The author expresses a belief that the Air Force is 'a bit late' in this endeavor, as thousands of UFO sightings already exist. The article also touches upon the Air Force OSI (Office of Special Investigation) and its alleged role in silencing individuals who get too close to the truth, accusing the Air Force of violating constitutional rights through threats and fear. It questions the significant taxpayer expense on UFO investigations that conclude UFOs do not exist, suggesting potential incompetence, waste, or scandals within the Air Force.

The Killian Report

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the "KILLIAN REPORT of February 24, 1959." This report details an incident where Captain Peter Killian of American Airlines, along with his co-pilot, 35 passengers, and two other American Airlines pilots contacted via radio, witnessed three illuminated 'flying saucers' escorting their DC-6 aircraft for approximately 45 minutes. The objects were observed flying in formation, changing position, and glowing brighter at times. Captain Killian, a pilot with 15 years of experience, stated he had never seen anything like it before and initially radioed other planes to confirm he wasn't hallucinating.

N.D. Puscas, a passenger, described the objects as 'dancing in the sky.' Dr. Orren C. Mohler from the McMath-Hulbert Observatory stated there was no astronomical explanation for the reported sightings.

Further details from the report include: the objects were estimated to be 15 miles away and about 300 feet in size, much larger than the DC-6. Captain Killian felt the objects were humanly manned and remotely controlled UFOs would be impossible due to the complex formations and movements observed. He also reported a strong feeling of being watched.

Air Force Explanations and Counterarguments

The issue contrasts the Killian report with explanations provided by the Air Force. An article from the Newark Star-Ledger (March 2, 1959) suggests pilots might have been seeing stars, particularly the constellation Orion, glimpsed through cloud formations. The Air Force Technical Intelligence Agency at Wright Patterson Air Force Base offered this explanation for a similar sighting.

However, Captain Killian and others involved strongly reject the 'stars' explanation, asserting their expertise in astronomy and celestial identification. Killian also initially considered a high-altitude jet refueling operation but dismissed it due to the varying intensity and changing positions of the lights.

An article from The Detroit Times (March 21, 1959) reports the Air Force's explanation that the lights were from three B-47 bombers being refueled by a KC-97 tanker. This explanation is presented alongside Killian's initial thought of a refueling operation, but his subsequent rejection of it due to the objects' behavior.

Follow-up and Allegations of Cover-up

Mrs. Gladys Fusaro, ICARF Associate Director, conducted follow-up interviews. She reported that Major Donald Keyhoe of NICAP had interviewed Captain Killian and was sending investigators. Mrs. Killian stated that the company (American Airlines) was approached by unnamed entities (possibly OSI or CIA) and complied with requests for silence regarding the sighting. Captain Killian reportedly expressed deep concern about the loss of his personal freedom.

Another report from Copenhagen mentions two Scandinavian Airlines pilots seeing 'square' flying saucers over Denmark on the same night.

Divisional Headquarters and Network

The issue includes a directory of ICARF Divisional Headquarters across the United States and Canada, listing directors for various states and provinces, including New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, Colorado, Ontario, and Manitoba. It also lists an Amateur Radio Operators' UFO Tracking Network director.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs, the perceived efforts by the U.S. Air Force to explain away or suppress UFO sightings, and the importance of rigorous, fact-based investigation by civilian organizations like ICARF. The editorial stance is critical of official explanations that dismiss eyewitness testimony and suggests a deliberate cover-up. The magazine champions the pursuit of truth and evidence, encouraging readers to think analytically and contribute to the understanding of these phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on the need for verifiable facts over unsubstantiated theories, while simultaneously acknowledging the profound implications of intelligent, non-human craft operating in Earth's skies.