Flying Saucer Digest - No 019

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: 19
Volume: 8
Date: September 1968
Publisher: UNITED AERIAL PHENOMENA AGENCY (U.A.P.A.)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Flying Saucer Digest, published quarterly by the U.A.P.A. in Cleveland, Ohio, features a cover illustration by Ron Pelger and delves into historical UFO events and related phenomena.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Allan J. Manak, Chairman Emeritus, addresses criticisms leveled against the "Congress of Scientific UFOlogists." Manak defends the organization against claims of being too small, ineffective, or having silent leaders, asserting that its origins predate the critics' age group and that it has a history of accomplishments documented in its "Journal." He emphasizes the importance of unity within ufology to keep the enigma alive, referencing Dr. Condon's report. Manak announces his resignation as Chairman, passing the role to Rick Hilberg, one of the original founders, while remaining as an advisor.

Recent News & Rumors

This section introduces a new theory called the "Duration Block," suggesting UFOs are present until humanity unites. It notes a rise in sightings of strange creatures in the Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana areas. The section also reports that two more publications are ceasing publication, and the "Congress of Scientific UFOlogists" plans to go underground by the end of the year. A movement is forming among past ufology leaders to maintain information in private circles to prevent internal conflict. "Phenomenology Magazine," the sister publication, is doing well, with Mr. Hilberg taking over to allow Mr. Pelger more time for his art.

The UFO's of 1942

This extensive article by Paul T. Collins explores the events of February 25, 1942, in Southern California, often referred to as the "Battle of Los Angeles." It begins by referencing Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting as a point of reference for the historical significance of UFO phenomena. The narrative details the night of February 25, 1942, when air raid sirens blared across Los Angeles County, leading to a blackout. At 3:16 a.m., anti-aircraft batteries opened fire with 12.8 lb. shells, creating a spectacle of light and noise. The article describes the damage caused by unexploded shells, the casualties (three deaths and three heart attacks), and the subsequent traffic jam as workers returned to their jobs.

The core of the article focuses on the military's confusion and the press's reaction to an "unidentifiable object" caught by searchlights. Military officials were distressed by the inability to identify the object, which was described as large enough to dwarf an apartment house. Experts doubted it was a Japanese blimp due to a lack of helium and the danger of hydrogen. The object was observed with shells bursting around and against it, yet it was not shot down.

The article questions the trigger for the air raid alarm and the firing of 1430 rounds of ammunition. It highlights the press's outrage, with newspapers like The TIMES and the LONG BEACH INDEPENDENT demanding explanations and accusing the government of a "rigged show" or censorship. The LONG BEACH INDEPENDENT specifically criticizes the government's competence and motives, especially in light of a recent Japanese submarine attack off Santa Barbara, where 25 shells were fired at an oil refinery with no military interception.

The article notes the sensitivity of west coast defense units following the Elwood incident and their readiness to shoot at anything resembling an invasion. It questions why interceptors were not dispatched to identify the object before firing began. The AWDC's initial reports of "one to fifty planes" are presented as a way to create flexibility for propaganda. As eyewitness accounts verified a large, indestructible object rather than numerous planes, press releases were scaled back. General Mark Clark later admitted that only five light planes were detected, and no interceptors were sent due to the lack of a "mass attack."

The author discusses various observed phenomena, including tracer bullets mistaken for dogfights and "lighted objects" described as Roman candles or chain-like strings of red lights. These were initially theorized as signals from Japanese-Americans, but this theory weakened when no bombs were dropped. The article connects this to the press campaign to intern Japanese-Americans.

Personal testimony from an individual driving near Long Beach describes seeing strange patterns of bright red spots of light that moved in a way not attributable to man-made objects or aircraft. These lights appeared to zigzag and vanish. The author recounts being stopped by an air raid warden and witnessing these lights, followed by the sound of bursting shells. The pilot in the group agreed that no known missiles could maneuver in such a way. The article estimates the speed of these objects at five miles per second and suggests the firing was directed at them, not conventional aircraft. It also speculates about a larger UFO potentially being a "mother space ship" for the smaller objects.

Mystery Light

This section reports on peculiar red lights seen over Lake Erie in August 1971. Radar at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport detected unidentified blips. The lights were initially a cause for concern, prompting calls to local police and airports. It was later discovered that the lights were caused by a person in a boat sending up helium-filled balloons with truck flares attached. The Federal Aviation Administration and local ordinances prohibit such actions due to the risk of disrupting air traffic and causing fires.

UFO Tune

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Know Your Ufologists

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They Are Everywhere

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Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around historical UFO events, particularly the 1942 Los Angeles air raid, and the ongoing efforts to understand and document UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is defensive of ufology organizations and researchers, emphasizing the need for unity and perseverance in the face of skepticism and pressure from official sources. There is a clear dedication to investigating and clarifying the subject of UFOs, as stated by the U.A.P.A.'s mission.

This issue of "THE ILLUSTRATED UFO MAGAZINE" (also known as "FLYING SAUCER DIGEST"), Number 2, Winter 1968, published by the United Aerial Phenomena Agency, focuses on "KNOW YOUR UFOLOGISTS" and the pervasive nature of alien intelligence.

Know Your Ufologists: Ronald Jos. Pelger

The article introduces Ronald Jos. Pelger, who initially did not believe in UFOs in the late 1940s. His perspective shifted in 1953 after witnessing a bright glowing ball-shaped object exhibiting pendulum movement in the clear summer sky. This event initiated a lifelong investigation into the UFO field. Pelger has traveled extensively, met with numerous ufologists, and gathered a wealth of knowledge and theories. He considers the Socorro, New Mexico landing one of his favorite and most truthful cases.

Pelger's photographic contributions to ufology include an unidentified object photographed in 1961 while he was in the service, and 25 feet of film of an unknown object taken in California five years later. This film is regarded as one of the best in "UFOdom" and generated significant discussion among ufologists globally.

In 1967, Pelger co-founded "Flying Saucer Digest" with Allan Manak, which became a leading magazine on the subject. He has been responsible for all illustrations and covers since its inception. Pelger is also a member of various UFO organizations, including the Congress of Scientific UFOlogists.

When asked about his theories, Pelger mentions his "Dimensional Fault Zone Theory," which is described as a complex and sensitive topic not fully explored in this article. He advises those new to UFO research to read at least 100 books on the subject, and then another 100, to understand its history, while cautioning against fictionalized accounts.

Despite his extensive study, Pelger candidly states, "I simply don't know!" regarding the nature, origin, and purpose of UFOs, emphasizing that after years of research, the fundamental questions remain unanswered for him.

They Are Everywhere: Fred Hoyle's Theory

This section presents the views of famed British astrophysicist and author Fred Hoyle, who, in a press conference in London on May 10, 1971, posited that human beings are pawns controlled by alien minds with "fantastic mental powers." Hoyle asserted that "They are everywhere"—in the sky, on the sea, and on the earth—and have been present since the beginning of time, controlling nearly everything.

Hoyle claimed that a significant portion of the scientific establishment acknowledges the existence of another intelligence on this planet, but it originates not from another planet, but from "another universe." This intelligence entered our universe at its inception and has been directing all subsequent events.

He explained that the lack of public awareness is primarily due to the potential for "panic." While some books on the subject exist, they are largely confined to scientific and academic circles due to their technical nature.

Hoyle described this alien intelligence's universe as similar to ours but existing on a "totally different plane," potentially with additional dimensions that transcend time and space. Their laws of chemistry and physics are likely different, reflecting a more advanced intelligence. They are perceived as being free from physical restrictions, existing as "pure thought" capable of appearing anywhere at any time.

According to Hoyle, this intelligence has controlled human evolution and continues to influence our minds, shaping all human achievements. He noted that these entities sometimes manifest in physical forms, contributing to various legends and discoveries throughout history.

Hoyle acknowledged the difficulty in describing this intelligence in terms understandable to everyone, noting that philosophers, linguists, and mathematicians have attempted to do so using technical language and numerical representations.

He further explained that this intelligence can assume any shape or form, appearing as animals, people, gas, clouds, or even in forms invisible to the naked eye.

A recent documented incident involved dozens of ships tracking an object on sonar at 250 knots and 20,000 feet deep, an unprecedented speed and depth for any known terrestrial object.

Hoyle identified governments as the primary obstacle to informing the public, fearing that knowledge of this controlling intelligence would lead people to disregard governmental authority. Consequently, information has been suppressed.

He anticipated skepticism, with many dismissing his theory as "half-brained," while others might investigate further. Hoyle predicted that governments would deny everything.

However, he stated that many scientists were notified and agreed that releasing the information to the public was beneficial. Hoyle expressed a belief that, gradually, facts would be revealed, eventually making all information accessible beyond scientists and government officials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the study of UFO phenomena and the individuals dedicated to it, particularly highlighting Ronald Jos. Pelger's personal journey and contributions. It also delves into speculative, grand theories about extraterrestrial or extradimensional intelligence influencing humanity, as articulated by Fred Hoyle. The underlying theme suggests a hidden reality and a potential cover-up by scientific and governmental bodies, advocating for the gradual release of information to the public. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, presenting controversial theories alongside personal accounts of UFO investigation.