Flying Saucer News - No 03 - 1953 Autumn

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Autumn, 1953
Volume: Quarterly - 6d.
Publisher: FLYING SAUCER CLUB OF GT. BRITAIN
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Flying Saucer News, dated Autumn 1953, carries the significant headline "IT'S NOW OFFICIAL!" indicating a major development in the official acknowledgement of UFO phenomena. The magazine reports that British and American intelligence experts are now exchanging "Top Secret" information about Flying Saucer sightings, a development confirmed by the Air Ministry. Some incidents have been withheld from the public on grounds of security, and the Admiralty has also collated information from the Fleet Air Arm. In America, USAF crews are issued with a 42-question questionnaire when spotting an 'Object' and are asked to make sketches.

Front Page Developments

The front page highlights the official exchange of information, noting that the matter is a "TOP LEVEL STAFF ITEM IN BRITAIN." It also mentions that a separate "ELECTRONICS DATA SHEET" has been prepared for ground radar staff. The U.S. Ministry of Defence is quoted as stating, "The Air Force has never denied that the possibility exists that the Flying Saucers are from another planet." This information was received just before going to press, leading to a redrafting of the front page. The editorial notes that by the time members read this, further developments will likely be in the daily press. A meeting of top British 'Saucerers' from the FSC, "Ouranos", and the BFSB is planned.

A "STOP PRESS" item alerts readers to a "CLAMP-DOWN" on U.S. Saucer groups, directing them to page six for a special item.

Postal Saucerers and Local Groups

Page two features a "POSTAL SAUCERERS" section, listing members who wish to correspond with others, including individuals from the USA, Belgium, Morocco, and within the UK. It also notes that postage to Europe costs 4d.

Under "A WORD TO LOCAL MEMBERS," the magazine addresses inquiries about local groups in Brighton. While the club operates primarily through the magazine and mail, it mentions the existence of "THE NEBULA SCIENCE SURVEY GROUP" in Brighton, which studies various phenomena and has a library. This group is led by President Stephen C. Wright. The editor of NEBULA, Mr. Peter Hamilton, is an associate member of this group and has joined the FSC.

The Norwich Saucer Sighting

Page three details "THE NORWICH SAUCER," described as one of the most detailed sightings on record. Mr. F.W. Potter observed a "FLYING SAUCER" glowing in the night sky over Norwich. Using a 3½" refractor telescope, he described a bright yellow object with an internal light, a fixed apparatus around a dome, and rays or beams of light. He noted a larger, flattened dome beneath, which appeared hollow and glowed red. The object did not rotate but maintained its orientation until changing course.

Eye Witness Account and Further Details

Mr. Potter's account, published in the "EASTERN EVENING NEWS" on 8/10/53, is reproduced. He emphasized the object was not reflected sunlight but had an internal light. The object was noiseless and maintained a constant altitude for three and a half minutes as it moved from the south-west to the north-east. Another witness, Mr. F. Dewing, saw the object travelling in the reverse course. Mr. Small, a committee member of the Norwich Astronomical Society, estimated its height at 10,000 feet or above and believed it was guided by a radio beam. The article suggests that Norfolk now has night-flying saucers seen by credible witnesses.

Mr. Potter has since been interviewed on the BBC and accepted Life Membership of the Flying Saucer Club. He and fellow astronomers have established "contact points" across the country. The article also references a lecture by Mr. Desmond Leslie, co-author of "Flying Saucers Have Landed," who stated that George Adamski had further "contact" with a space-visitor who found the book amusing. Leslie also mentioned small "flying eyes" saucers.

The magazine considers the Norwich sighting highly detailed and well-authenticated, noting its resemblance to pictures in Adamski's book.

Saucer Over The Channel

Page five reports on a sighting by two experienced British European Airways pilots on October 9th. During a flight to Paris, they observed a mysterious object in the sky for 30 minutes. They noted its smooth, unbroken, and highly polished surface, unlike a normal aircraft. The object appeared motionless relative to the observers for most of the time. Its reflected light remained steady until the last ten minutes. The shape was described as approximately that of an aircraft wing, about one-tenth as deep as it was long. This report is condensed from the "SUNDAY DISPATCH" of October 18th, 1953. The article sarcastically dismisses the usual "explanation" that it was the planet Venus.

Strange News From America

Page six details news from the International F.S. Bureau (IFSB) in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The IFSB has closed down as a "purely Flying Saucer investigation body," with President Mr. Bender hinting at "visits from a higher source" and advising caution. The mystery of Flying Saucers is described as no longer a mystery but something requiring extreme caution. The article also mentions that CIVILIAN SAUCER INVESTIGATION U.S.A. has closed down due to financial difficulties, with Mr. Bender suggesting this might be a "BLIND" and that they may have received similar warnings as IFSB.

Capt. Plunkett, the British representative, suggests that the government may have definite information about the interplanetary nature of the saucers. The issue directs readers to page 10 for opinions on a "GOVERNMENTAL 'PREPARATION PLAN' FOR US TO MEET AN ALIEN RACE." The 33 British members of IFSB are now left as an isolated group, and the American-published "SPACE REVIEW" will continue as a general interest magazine with Flying Saucers taboo.

Flying Saucer Convention Report

Page seven provides a brief report on the World's First Flying Saucer Convention held in Hollywood, California, on August 16-18th, 1953. Organized by Max. B. Miller of FLYING SAUCERS INTERNATIONAL, the event had an attendance of 1500. A 24-hour sky-watch resulted in several saucer sightings. Speakers included Silas Newton, Frank Scully, George Adamski, and others. A unanimous vote was taken to petition the U.S. Government to release all information on Flying Saucers.

Mr. Miller suggests that thousands of saucer landings may have occurred. Three new UFO books were announced for October release: "F.S. Have Landed" (by Leslie and Adamski), "F.S. from Outer Space" (by Keyhoe), and "The Saucers Speak" (by Williamson and Bailey). The Keyhoe book is described as almost an "official government announcement."

A SIGHTING REPORT FORM has been developed, modeled on one used by Civilian Saucer Investigation of New Zealand.

The issue also mentions an Open Letter sent to President Eisenhower asking for government knowledge on UFOs to be released.

Recent Sightings in Ohio

Page eight presents a selection of recent sightings from Ohio, USA, compiled from USAF Ground Observer Corps Filter Center reports by correspondent Don Berliner. These include:

• July 9, Columbus: A circular, silver object travelling at terrific speed at very high altitude.
• July 24, Mt. Vernon: A "Large silver object" circled over town and left at speed slightly faster than clouds, estimated at 30,000 ft.
• July 31, Port Clinton: A white light moving east, viewed through glasses, ceiling 15-20,000 ft.
• August 12, Covington, Kentucky: A "Flash of fire" 50-60 ft. wide, visible for a minute, with a streak at least 200 ft. long, moving fast.
• August 20, Springfield: "Very bright flashes of light" circled.
• August 21, Maumee: A black oval with green and red beads of light around the perimeter, moving N.Y. at 20 degrees above the horizon.
• September 12, Crestline: Red light, blinking, seen for 8 minutes.
• September 12, Maumee: Red flashes, larger than a star, seen for 5 minutes.
• September 12, Maumee: Red flashes, low and slow, seen for 5 minutes.
• September 22, Troy: Large, pointed, amber-flashing lights.
• September 24, Bexley: Round disk, silvery, seen for a few seconds.
• September 28, Selby: Red light, size of a baseball.
• October 1, Columbus: Top-shaped, white & pink, bright light.
• October 4, Columbus: Light flashing at 8-minute intervals, stationary.

Book Review: 'Flying Saucers Have Landed'

Page nine features a review of the book "Flying Saucers Have Landed" by Desmond Leslie and George Adamski, calling it a "must" for all "saucerers." The book is praised for its comprehensive study, tracing the history of space craft from 3,000 years ago. Part One details historical accounts, including sightings from 1619 onwards, and covers topics like Saucers in Politics, Saucers and Sound, and Saucers before the Flood. Part Two focuses on Adamski's meeting with a "Venusian." The review notes that while the press concentrated on Adamski's meeting, the book's scope is vast. It commends Leslie's meticulous research and states the book is an "adventure for the mind."

Round the Reviews and Television Concern

Page ten discusses the controversy surrounding reviews of "Flying Saucers Have Landed." While some reviews, like that in ILLUSTRATED, were derisive, others, such as the "DAILY SKETCH" and "PUNCH," were seen as fence-sitting. The "DAILY MIRROR" asked readers "What do you think?" but remained silent afterwards. The "OBSERVER" offered a sympathetic review, touching on the "flying saucer cult" and the "psychological drive" behind it. The reviewer suggested verifying the presence of a "mother-ship" by checking with the Air Force, stating that if the USAF has undisclosed information, there is "no good reason why it should not be published."

A "TELEVISION REVIEW CAUSES CONCERN!" item reports that a television program about flying saucers "seriously disturbed" hundreds in the Midlands, prompting a Socialist M.P. to ask the Home Secretary to confirm or deny the story.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the growing official interest and acknowledgement of UFO phenomena, particularly the exchange of intelligence between the UK and USA. There is a clear focus on detailed witness accounts, such as the Norwich sighting, and the reporting of international UFO events like the Hollywood convention. The magazine also highlights the challenges faced by UFO investigation groups in the USA, suggesting potential government suppression or influence. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, encouraging members to stay informed and involved, while also acknowledging the controversial nature of the subject and the public's fascination. The recurring theme is the increasing legitimacy and global scope of the flying saucer phenomenon.

This issue of FLYING SAUCER NEWS, dated Autumn 1953, is published by the Flying Saucer Club and focuses on various UFO sightings, investigations, and related theories. The issue is approximately 20 pages long and maintains a tone of serious inquiry into the phenomena, while also acknowledging potential hoaxes and natural explanations.

SAUCERS AROUND TANGMERE

The lead article details an investigation into a saucer rumour initially featured in the "Sunday Dispatch." The club followed up with the columnist and visited RAF Tangmere, but found no official knowledge of the incident among the airmen. However, after further publicity, a Brighton gentleman provided a vivid description of a cigar-shaped object seen from the promenade. The article notes that since then, more local residents have reported seeing objects around the same time and district, promising a full report in the next issue.

NEARLY FOOLED

This section describes a photograph sent in by a reader, which appeared to show an oval object whizzing across the sky. Upon inspection of the negative, it was discovered to be a small fault in the gelatine of the film, with chemicals depositing during processing to create a 'trail' effect. The magazine emphasizes that the sender submitted the photo in good faith, not being familiar with film developing processes.

ARE WE BEING "PREPARED"?

This editorial piece discusses an Open Letter sent to President Eisenhower asking the U.S. Government to reveal its knowledge of Flying Saucers. The author muses on three possibilities: 1) widespread panic if UFOs are confirmed as extraterrestrial, 2) governments knowing but not knowing what to do, or 3) governments slowly conditioning the public over decades through media. The editorial leans towards the third possibility, noting the significant increase in science-fiction publications and space-travel themes in media as evidence of this gradual indoctrination.

REPORT FROM NORWAY

A report from Tromsø, Norway, details an observation on July 7th, 1953, by three men who saw a strange object flying slowly over Roskund. The object, described as ovoid with a dark, flattened ring, ascended rapidly, moved at enormous speed, and disappeared. It was observed to be shrouded in a thin layer of clouds during its ascent, with no windows visible.

"B.F.S.B." -Concluded

This section announces the consolidation of the British Flying Saucer Bureau (B.F.S.B.) and their intention to affiliate with the Flying Saucer Club to gain space in the "NEWS" for their reports. Members, many of whom are technicians, may also contribute articles. A general meeting in Bristol is planned to finalize decisions.

MORE SIGHTINGS IN NEW ZEALAND

This section presents recent incidents from New Zealand, including sightings in Dunedin (pale green object, high speed), Auckland (bright light, whistling noise), and New Plymouth (round whitish object). It also reviews the August publication of CSI (N.Z.), noting its 27 pages of information and articles, and a graph showing a peak in sightings in December 1952, with 153 total sightings in the period covered. Most objects were described as saucer-disk-shaped or round, often with an 'unearthly luminosity' at night, and colors ranging from orange to white. A notable sighting on October 28th, 1952, in Dunedin described an object resembling a drummer's cymbal with a greenish, phosphorescent light, seen by an aviator at 5-6,000ft. moving at approximately 300mph.

ODD ITEMS

This section presents a collection of brief, miscellaneous reports:

• "VOICE OF SPACE PANICS NEW YORK": A report of a voice on a New York radio show claiming to be from outer space and warning of annihilation, speculated to be a publicity stunt for Donald Keyhoe's book or a practical joke.
• "THE MONKEY AND THE SPACE SHIP": A story from Atlanta, Georgia, about men claiming to have found a glowing red object and 'little men', which turned out to be a monkey with its tail vertebrae removed.
• "SKY FIND MAY BE UNKNOWN PLANET": An announcement from Harvard Observatory of a new object discovered in September that could be a comet, asteroid, or the '10th planet'.
• "SAUCER WAS SWIFTER": A brief mention that a saucer was seen over Tangmere aerodrome moving faster than Neville Duke during his record-breaking flight.
• "'CHANDELIERS' IN NORTH-WEST": Reports from Swinton (Manchester) of a 'huge glittering chandelier' in the sky, possibly caused by sunlit aircraft formations or a 'day-meteor'.

MYSTERY FLASH OVER SNODON

This report from August 1st, 1953, details police and firemen searching Snowdon after reports of lights and muffled explosions. The search was abandoned when it was discovered no aircraft was missing. Witnesses described a meteor-like object travelling on a curved path, suddenly blossoming with three starlike particles. The Observatory estimated its altitude at fifty to sixty miles, suggesting it was likely a large meteor.

LIGHTS OVER BOLTON

A letter to the Bolton Evening News describes 'fanlike illumination' of the sky, starting at one point and spreading fanwise, but no press mention was confirmed.

"ANOTHER PREDICTION"

This section discusses predictions from Jeron K. Criswell, who predicted an official government announcement of the existence of Saucers on December 10th, and previously predicted space travel by 1963 and accurately foretold Stalin's death and the Korean truce.

SKYWATCH NO. 1. REPORT FROM LIVERPOOL

This report by F. Potter details an observation on October 6th, 1953, where a tiny cluster of 'stars', oblong in shape, was seen moving towards the N.E. The object changed direction strangely, altered color (yellowish to greenish), and progressed 'up' into the heavens before descending and describing small circles. It moved on its own axis and left a trail. The observation lasted 7 minutes. The Bidston Observatory and Liverpool Echo were notified.

OUR CELEBRITY MEMBERS

This section highlights new members of the Flying Saucer Club: Waveney Girvan (publisher, author), Peter Hamilton (Editor-Manager of Crompoint Publications Ltd, editor of "NEBULA"), and Daniel Carion (co-writer of "SCIENCE FICTION MAGAZINE").

MORE CONTACTS

The club has contacted another American Saucer group and two more American-published magazines, but details are being withheld due to the situation in the U.S.A.

SAUCER ARTICLES

Re-prints of articles from American magazines are being prepared for the Summer number and will be sent to interested members with the next issue, scheduled for January 1954.

SAUCERISMS

Brief, often humorous, mentions of saucer-related cartoons and discussions, including one from "The Motor" showing a 'bug-eyed monster' and an abandoned saucer, and a reference to UFOs being filed alongside the 'Beria Mystery'.

STAR LETTER

This letter from S. Callon responds to the 'Abominable Snowman' theory, suggesting that space visitors would choose a more congenial spot to land and would likely be more refined physically and spiritually. The author draws parallels with religious teachings, suggesting a common origin for humanity and the existence of 'many mansions' in a higher realm.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

Due to the increasing size of "F.S. NEWS," the annual subscription is being raised to 2/6d. The journal was not originally intended to exceed 6 to 8 pages, but the volume of material has made this impossible.

ARE WE BEING PREPARED? (Contd.)

This continuation discusses the current broadcasting of space-travel stories and TV plays, and the glut of space-travel films, questioning whether this is natural development or encouraged production. It suggests that stepping up production of space travel items could be a good plan.

MAYHEM AVOIDED

This report revisits an incident at Marble Creek, California, where two miners had applied to shoot at a midget-manned saucer. A large crowd gathered on the expected return date, but the visitor did not appear.

FLYING SAUCER CLUB

Contact information for the Flying Saucer Club Secretary, Richard Hughes, is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings across different geographical locations (UK, Norway, New Zealand, USA), the analysis of potential explanations ranging from natural phenomena ('Menzelforms') to extraterrestrial hypotheses, and the role of media and government in shaping public perception of UFOs. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging members to contribute and share information, while maintaining a critical eye towards sensationalism and hoaxes. There's a clear interest in the psychological and societal implications of potential extraterrestrial contact, as evidenced by the 'Are We Being Prepared?' section and the 'Star Letter'. The magazine also highlights the growing community of UFO enthusiasts and researchers through its 'Celebrity Members' and 'More Contacts' sections.