Flying Saucer News - No 04 - 1953-54 winter

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER NEWS
Issue: THIS ISSUE......
Volume: Quarterly
Date: WINTER 1953/54
Publisher: THE FLYING SAUCER CLUB OF GT. BRITAIN
Country: Great Britain
Language: English
Price: 6d. (9d to Non-members)

This issue of Flying Saucer News, dated Winter 1953/54, serves as the official journal for The Flying Saucer Club of Great Britain. It documents a significant increase in reported flying saucer sightings and related phenomena during November and December, following what is termed the 'Great Radar and Balloon Episode'. The magazine aims to consolidate and present these reports, alongside commentary on government reactions, media coverage, and other unusual occurrences.

Flare Up: A Wave of Sightings

The publication notes a surge in sightings since the previous issue, with numerous individual reports deemed too numerous to evaluate properly at this time. The majority of these were described as 'Fireball' or 'Expendable' types, with some being 'Menzelforms' and others less easily explained. The mystery surrounding the closure of the International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB) remains unsolved, with only hints deepening the intrigue.

Beyond flying saucers, the period saw other unusual events, including renewed interest in the Loch Ness Monster, an expedition searching for the Abominable Snowman, and reports of strange sub-human creatures in Malaya. A particularly intriguing report mentions a 'Hush-hush Ultrasonics research station' on the Portsmouth Road, capable of producing soundwaves that could 'punch holes in sheet metal'.

No Saucer Talk: Government Secrecy

A significant development highlighted is the warning issued to R.A.F. personnel not to discuss 'aerial phenomena' with the public, as it is considered 'restricted information'. The magazine speculates that this may be due to investigations overlapping with Top Secret projects involving guided missiles and new aircraft. It suggests that while the phenomena themselves might not be weapons, some weapons could be confused with them. This secrecy, particularly the American close-down and tightening of saucer news releases, is posited as a potential reason for the lack of information.

Postal Saucerers: Correspondence and Mergers

The issue includes a list of members seeking correspondence with others on saucer-related subjects, providing names and addresses. It also announces the merger of the English section of 'OURANOS' with 'FLYING SAUCER NEWS'. This consolidation aims to avoid duplication and allow 'OURANOS', now solely in French, to offer better value despite fewer pages. The magazine welcomes former 'OURANOS' subscribers and expresses hope that Mr. Eric Biddle of 'OURANOS' will continue to contribute.

The Balloon Goes Up!:

This section details the 'saucer scare' that began in November and December. It recounts the announcement of two officers in a 'Vampire' jet over Kent who saw a circular object with a fierce light at 'tremendous speed'. Their report was taken seriously, leading to their questioning by Fighter Command. The National Press subsequently sensationalized reports, particularly concerning an object tracked by an Army radar unit in South East London on November 3rd, which was described as a white spherical or circular shape at 61,000ft. Further radar trackings by the War Office are mentioned, with objects detected at altitudes of 70,000ft, 50,000ft, and 60,000ft.

Parliamentary questions were raised, but the War Department's explanation involved radar-sonde balloons, leading to the dismissive headline 'Saucers were "all balloony"'. However, the Army radar men reportedly believed the objects were not balloons, with one operator stating he 'could never have seen a 12ft balloon at 12 miles high'. Despite this, the issue notes that further tests were not publicized, and the sightings continued across the British Isles.

Detailed Sightings Log (October - December)

The magazine provides a detailed chronological log of numerous sightings:

• October 22nd, Bridlington: Three silvery, elliptical objects resembling parachutes hovered over the sea.
• November 1st, Stockport: A silvery glowing object with two globes and a tail was seen.
• November 1st, Wakefield: A saucer-shaped, very bright object with a tail moved towards Bradford at high speed.
• November 4th, Dereham (Norfolk): A globular object encircled by a disc moved slowly westwards.
• November 12th, Wigan: A shiny circular object, like a sixpence, hovered and then sped behind a cloud.
• November 14th, Welwyn (Herts): A large object shaped like a humming top, with encircling lights, hovered and then ascended rapidly.
• November 16th, Prestwich (Lancs): A red object, like a spent Catherine wheel, moved slowly.
• November 17th, Mirfield (Yorks): A shiny metallic object, like a diamond, travelled very fast.
• November 17th, Blackburn (Lancs): A small disc, like a small silver tea plate, hung in the sky and vanished.
• November 19th, Burtonwood (Lancs): A shiny silver object was watched for two hours by 30 American servicemen at an estimated 30,000ft.
• November 19th, Congleton (Ches): An object like a very bright star remained motionless before disappearing.
• November 24th, Louth (Lincs): A large ball of fire with streaks of flame broke away and travelled very fast.
• November 30th, Newark (lincs): A glowing object left a trail of light, moving very fast.
• November 30th, Grimsby: A bright emerald green object, shaped like a humming top, hurtled across the sky at terrific speed.
• December 1st, Manchester: A round, flaming object moved at fantastic speed with a slight tail.
• December 1st, Southend: A circular, bright blue object shedding sparks moved slowly.
• December 1st, Dover: What appeared to be a large rocket, emitting sparks, travelled at great speed northwards.
• December 1st, Kenilworth: A shooting star or rocket careered across the sky, with its front part splitting.
• December 1st, Leicester: A bright saucer-shaped object propelled itself across the sky.
• December 1st, Leicester: A disc-shaped object moved on an even keel at about 3000ft, with an incandescent glow.
• December 1st, Southend: An object described as brilliantly blue and red, with a large circular end, like a rocket showering sparks, was seen by airport control tower staff.
• December 1st, Bildworth (Notts): A small silver ball left a stream of light in its wake.
• December 2nd, Birmingham: Streaks of flame were seen speeding through the sky, estimated at 3,000ft, breaking into pieces and burning out. A piece of charred metal was found, and the event was commented on by Prof. Herbert Dingle as unexplainable scientifically and likely man-made.

Special Picture Page: Hoaxes and Misinterpretations

This section addresses several photographic and media items related to flying saucers. It discusses a letter claiming a photograph was a 'little prank', revealing how a woman amateur-astronomer created a hoax using multiple exposures of the moon. Another item refers to an article about the closing-down of IFSB, mentioning that Albert K. Bender was visited by 'three men in dark suits'.

The issue also features an ex-RAF flyer's account of a 'symmetrical metal object' seen over Sweden, and discusses the difference between an original photograph and its 'dramatised' version in a newspaper. A cartoon panel from the 'Daily Mail' featuring a character named 'Flook' turning into a flying saucer is mentioned, suggesting it may have been inspired by a photograph.

A 'Mystery Picture' is presented, showing a luminous object that moved, circled, and remained stationary. The photo was taken by an anonymous gentleman who claimed to have witnessed the object with his brother. The magazine notes that while the negative is untouched, 'art-work' was done on the print for reproduction purposes.

Saucerers Here Ordered to Quit

This section reports that Albert K. Bender, president of the International Flying Saucer Bureau, was warned by a 'high authority' to stop publishing saucer information.

Lunar "Bridge"

An interview with Dr.H.P. Wilkins of the British Astronomical Association is detailed, concerning observations of dome-shaped structures and a 'bridge' on the moon's Mare Crisium area. Dr. Wilkins described the bridge as approximately two miles long and 5,000ft above plain-level, looking like an 'engineering job' but stressed it was 'an absolutely natural thing'. He later complained that the BBC had edited his recording to imply he believed it was artificial.

The magazine also mentions contact with Mr. Richard Baum of the Chester Society of Natural Science, who will provide further details on lunar oddities in future issues.

"Saucy Reds": Soviet Perspective

The Soviet Forces newspaper 'Red Star' is quoted as describing flying saucer reports as tales aimed at intensifying war psychosis in the West. It suggests that these reports appear in 'Bourgeois newspapers' when governments are preparing to impose new war expenditure burdens on their people, as instructed by Washington.

Those Predictions

This brief section references predictions related to the Pyramids, noting that the 'Great Date' of August 20th, 1953, was considered a secondary date, with earlier primary dates of March 16th and June 16th being determined by astronomers.

Saucers ON THE AIR

This part critiques a BBC programme on flying saucers aired on December 9th. The magazine felt the programme was slanted towards debunking, with speakers chosen for their 'lack of lucidity'. It states that the Royal Observer Corps had indeed sighted and reported UFOs, contrary to a claim made in the programme. The report mentions two ROC men who described an object as 'like a plastic lighter fuel container'. The magazine questions the reliability of other information broadcast due to this perceived erroneous statement. It also highlights the amusing instance of an American airman admitting to seeing a saucer but still calling the whole business 'Malarkey'. Desmond Leslie is mentioned for his critique of the Astronomer Royal's views, and the programme's final note was 'WAIT AND SEE'.

and on TEE-VEE

Arthur Clarke, Chairman of the British Interplanetary Society, is discussed for his attempt to debunk flying saucers on television. The magazine acknowledges that he 'made quite a good job of it' for the uninitiated, but notes that Saucer Club members reacted with 'vitriolic comment'. Clarke's explanations, including 'Ice Crystals, Cosmic Ray Balloons, Cobwebs, Reflections of Streetlamps', are mentioned. He is also noted for visiting Adamski's observatory without speaking to him. Clarke's assertion that saucers must make a noise due to atmospheric displacement is questioned, as some reported sightings were silent, while others involved noises like sizzles, hums, and clatters.

Clarke's concluding remark that he would expect 'another human being' from other worlds, rather than something different, is quoted. The magazine then presents a member's quote expressing astonishment at the 'distortion of evidence' and questioning the motives of reputable figures who 'decry them at all costs', suggesting 'Professional jealousy'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread and diverse nature of flying saucer sightings, the perceived government and media efforts to suppress or explain away these phenomena, and the ongoing debate between believers and debunkers. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of investigating and reporting these sightings, while acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes and misinterpretations. The magazine actively promotes correspondence among its members and aims to provide a platform for sharing information and perspectives on the flying saucer mystery. There is a critical view of official explanations and media portrayals that dismiss or ridicule sightings, and a strong emphasis on witness testimony and the need for further investigation.

This issue of FLYING SAUCER NEWS, dated Winter 1953/54, is the 11th volume and covers a period of significant activity and discussion surrounding the UFO phenomenon. The magazine features articles on governmental projects, scientific theories, identification guides, organizational updates, and numerous sighting reports from around the world.

Project Magnet: Canada's UFO Sighting Station

The lead article, "Project MAGNET", details the establishment of the World's First "Flying Saucer Sighting Station" at Shirley's Bay, ten miles from Ottawa, Canada. This initiative is a joint effort between the Canadian Government's Department of Transport and the Defence Research Board. The station, nearing completion, is tasked with proving or disproving the existence of flying saucers. Mr. Wilbert Smith, a Department of Transport engineer, is responsible for installing the electronic equipment, some of which is secret. The station is designed to operate around the clock. The article notes that this project is seen as proof that Canada's leading scientists are taking the matter seriously, with rumours suggesting the equipment includes instruments for measuring changes in mass and gravity. However, there is some skepticism, with one scientist friend reportedly calling such instruments "all bunk". The Transport Department's telecommunication expert estimates a 60% probability that saucers are alien vehicles from outer space. The article also points out that flying saucer reports tend to reach a maximum coinciding with the closest proximity of Earth and Mars, which is expected again next summer.

Press Cuttings and Member Contributions

The magazine includes a "PRESS CUTTINGS" section, thanking members for sending in articles of saucer interest from their local papers. It emphasizes the importance of knowing the date and name of the publication for each cutting. The section concludes with an encouragement to "Keep up the good work!"

Identifying Flying Saucers

An article titled "How To Identify......." (attributed to Gray Barker's "SAUCERIAN" No.3) offers a humorous and cautionary guide to distinguishing actual UFOs from other phenomena. It lists several categories, including:

• OBSOLETE NAVY PANCAKE STYLE AIRCRAFT: Travels at high speeds and performs impossible maneuvers.
• HALLUCINATION: Changes colour rapidly, makes humming sounds, and can scorch the earth.
• MIRAGE: Explodes with noise, breaking windows.
• PLANET VENUS: Often mistaken for saucers, especially when chased by jet planes.
• JET AIRPLANE: Obvious, no explanation needed.
• COBWEB: Appears as a rapidly moving disk on radar, often evading interception.
• DETERGENT BUBBLE: Drops material like tin foil or paper, which disintegrates.
• SKYHOOK BALLOON: A large object (300-500ft) travelling at fantastic speeds, often denied by scientists.
• LIGHT INVERSION: Caused by cold and hot air, described as solid and potentially disintegrating to aircraft occupants.

The article playfully denies any connection to official Air Force information.

Saucers and Science Fiction

This section features a letter from Harry Turner, who expresses a skeptical view, suggesting most sightings can be attributed to hysteria, hallucination, and misinterpretation. While finding the idea of visiting extraterrestrials attractive, he dismisses much of the popular discourse as "twaddle". He humorously recounts seeing a "Saucer" only in the film "The Day The Earth Stood Still" and speculates that the spate of science fiction might be governmental preparation for the public to accept the truth about landed saucers, even suggesting the government itself might be composed of aliens.

Following Turner's letter, the editorial "Well, ARE We Being "Prepared" ?" explores the divided opinions on this topic, categorizing them into "utter tosh", "Could be", and the belief that the government knows about saucers but doesn't know what to do. The editorial notes a strange coincidence with a similar suggestion in the New Zealand C.S.I.'s journal, "Flying Saucers", hinting at possible telepathy between the publications.

Saucerisms

This brief section mentions that the February 1954 edition of "PREDICTION" features an illustration of the Adamski saucer on its cover, alongside the caption "FLYING SAUCER LANDS - MEET THE REAL MARILYN MONROE".

British Flying Saucer Bureau (B.F.S.B.) Update

A letter from E. L. Plunkett (CAPT), Hon. Sec. of the B.F.S.B., dated January 7th, 1954, introduces the bureau and announces its decision to join forces with the Flying Saucer Club. A meeting took place in London on December 12th, 1953, between representatives of both organizations. Since its formation on November 4th, 1953, the B.F.S.B. has held committee meetings and three public meetings, resulting in a marked increase in membership applications. The Bristol Press covered the initial meeting seriously. The bureau has received many "first hand" accounts of saucer sightings, which are being analyzed by Chairman Mr. Graham Knewstub. The letter also mentions correspondence regarding the closure of I.F.S.B. and assures members that Mr. Bender stated the dissolution was due to the matter remaining "Top Secret", not Red activity or dishonesty. Desmond Leslie is scheduled to lecture on flying saucers in Bristol on February 22nd, 1954.

A SURVEY OF SAUCER SIGHTINGS

Prepared by Graham F. N. Knewstub, this article outlines the B.F.S.B.'s first task: to place the investigation of flying saucers on a sound scientific basis through statistical analysis of press reports. The survey reveals that Europe leads in sightings (45%), followed by America (40%), with the rest of the world accounting for 15%. The article details observer qualifications, noting that 39% are "first class witnesses" like military and civil air crews. It states that 76% of phenomena were observed visually, with instrumental evidence (Radar, Photographs, Optical Instruments) accounting for the remaining 24%. Of visually observed objects, 52.5% were discs, 14.1% cylinders, and 15% spheres. Optical instruments suggest the proportion of discs may be higher. Object colours are divided into metallic (32%) and luminous (28%), with 40% unspecified. At night, 78% are luminous. Descriptions of flight include extreme speeds, altitudes, and maneuvers exceeding known aircraft capabilities. A small percentage of observers claim close ground-level views, and some have sustained injuries (burns) from approaching saucers.

Message from the President B.F.S.B.

R. Irving-Bell, M.D., the President of the B.F.S.B., expresses gratitude to Mr. Richard Hughes for allowing space in "Flying Saucer News". He emphasizes the necessity of uniting activities and highlights the overwhelming evidence for strange objects flying at tremendous speeds and high altitudes over the last seven years, suggesting they come from outer space. He encourages an open mind, rejecting orthodox science's pronouncements and posing the logical question of whether Earth is the only inhabited planet in the universe.

Treasury Notes and Correspondence

This section addresses members of the late I.F.S.B. regarding the return of claim forms for refunds, with a deadline of March 1st. Any remaining balance will be transferred to the B.F.S.B. funds, potentially enabling a library service for members. It also instructs that correspondence related to the B.F.S.B. supplement should be addressed to the B.F.S.B., not the F.S.C.

The Law of Gravity Reconsidered

This article discusses Albert Einstein's Unified Field Theory and Professor Hlavaty's simplification of its equations, suggesting that gravity may be proven to be an aspect of electromagnetism. The article speculates that "Saucerites" may have found a way to defy gravity, momentum, and inertia, citing an experiment described in "Laurie's Space Annual" and "Astounding Science Fiction" where a ship propelled by an electromagnetic force-field could allow passengers to accelerate to any speed without sensation.

Frank Edwards Says

This section presents recent UFO reports shared by American news commentator Frank Edwards. These include:

• LANDED!: Saucers sighted over Quantica Marine Base, Virginia, with one landing briefly.
• "UNDER WRAPS": Edwards stated that the U.S.A.F. and Project Bluebook would cease releasing further information on saucers to the public due to "public alarm" caused by Donald Keyhoe's book, but Edwards believes the real reason is that an unidentified object is under observation by scientists. A correspondent also heard of a saucer supposedly under wraps at Edwards Air Force Base.
• OVER BERMUDA: A previous report by Edwards about a huge circular disc hovering over Bermuda at low altitude, seen by civilians and military personnel, described as metallic with a yellow glow, and streaking away intelligently controlled.

British Sightings - December 1953

This extensive section lists numerous UFO sightings reported in Britain during December 1953, with dates, locations, descriptions, and sources. Notable sightings include:

• Bradford: Bright green oblong light.
• Crosby (Lancs): Star travelling horizontally, then accelerating at terrific speed.
• Hengistbury (Hants): Silvery orange object revolving.
• Wokingham: "Queer object" with circular shapes and black portholes.
• Exmouth: Object shaped like a dagger, in red, orange, and black.
• Dorchester: Small circular object with a trail of sparks.
• Middleham (Yorks): Silver-grey disc travelling westwards.
• Swansea: Shining, cigar-shaped object gliding slowly.
• Shrewsbury: Small disc with a flattened edge.
• Cloughfold (Lancs): Object like a car headlight, travelling fast.
• Wensleydale (Yorks): Silver-blue object climbing fast.

The section concludes with a note about uncertain dates and a request for local members to help follow up the Swansea item.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the growing evidence for UFOs, the perceived seriousness with which governments and scientific bodies are (or are not) treating the phenomenon, and the public's reaction. There's a clear editorial stance favouring open-mindedness and investigation, contrasting with "orthodox science". The magazine actively promotes the work of UFO research organizations like the B.F.S.B. and encourages public participation through reporting sightings and joining the bureau. The issue highlights the international nature of the phenomenon, with reports from Canada, the USA, and numerous locations across the UK, and touches upon the potential implications of advanced extraterrestrial technology for our understanding of physics, particularly gravity.

This issue of FLYING SAUCER NEWS, dated Winter 1953/54, covers a range of international UFO sightings and related discussions. The magazine features reports from various countries, explores theories about flying saucers, and details the activities of UFO research organizations.

International Sightings

United Kingdom

The issue begins with several reports from the UK in late 1953 and early 1954. On December 31st, 1953, a "long red streak" resembling a ball was seen in Weymouth. On January 3rd, 1954, a "fiery globe" was reported near Weymouth. A more detailed sighting occurred on January 6th in Portsmouth, where an object shaped like an "ice cream cornet" was seen travelling at "colossal speed" eastwards and upwards at about 5,000ft. It was described as vivid green, becoming bright white, with sparks and stars coming from its tail, leaving "two lines of vapour trails" and illuminating the countryside. Three witnesses reported this. A subsequent report stated a further witness saw the object explode and disintegrate over Hayling Island, suggesting it might have been a large meteorite. On January 12th, in Swinton, Lancs, three witnesses saw a "big red ball, with a white ring round it" travelling very fast.

Overseas Reports

December 1953:

• Belgium: A "smoking cigar" shaped object was reported twice over Belgium in daylight, at an altitude of six miles.
• Africa: Over Kimberley, five or six "circular metallic objects," described as "coruscating silver," were observed performing strange, consistent movements, including vertical dives, rising again, horizontal movement, criss-crossing, and hovering. Several witnesses reported this. Additionally, three witnesses saw "two circular objects, darkish in colour," moving at great speed, about the size of a large aircraft, for three minutes before moving towards Bolemfontein.
• Canada: On November 11th, a "greenish-blue light" was seen over Lake Ontario by a Trans-Canada Air Lines crew (Flight 402), illuminating the overcast as it descended. Similar reports came from Perth and Smiths Falls.
• Sweden: An "elliptical metallic object" was seen from the air.

Scandinavian Sightings

December 17th, 1953:

• Sweden: Chief Pilot Ulf Christiernsson and Technician Olof Johansson of Transair reported a "robot-like metallic object" at an approximate height of 1600 meters. It was described as saucer-like, shiny, metallic, between silver and white, round or slightly elliptical, about 10 meters in diameter, and travelling at 1000-1200 kilometers per hour. Swedish Air Force representatives called it the "most clear-cut and detailed sighting ever made in Sweden."

December 1953:

• Denmark: A Danish sighting detailed in "Berlingske Titende" involved an object described in several ways: elliptical and self-luminous with a searchlight, large and strongly luminescent with a long tail, white and dome-shaped with trailing sparks, or round/elliptical and luminous. It travelled NE to SW at an angular velocity greater than any jet plane, parallel to the earth's surface, and was observed for about two minutes.

November 1953:

• Norway: A "disc" was reported to have inspected a stationary car and its occupants, hovering about ten yards in front of the driver's seat after chasing the car for six or seven miles. This case is being investigated.

Australian Incidents

Mr. Seymour, Superintendent of Air Traffic Control, stated that the Civil Aviation Department does not regard the business as a joke. Captain Douglas Barker, a veteran Airways pilot, reported seeing a "semi-transparent" object shaped like a mushroom with a stalk, oscillating rapidly and travelling faster than any jet on New Year's Day. While the Department's regional director suggested it might be reflections of a "Convair" aircraft, Captain Barker, with 17 years of flying experience, stated he could not possibly confuse it with a plane. Senior fellow-pilots admitted to seeing "flying saucers and things" but were "too scared to mention them" for fear of ridicule. The Civil Aviation Department received fifty reports in one week following an appeal through the press, including one from Mr. J.W. Boyle, vice-president of the Victorian Branch of the British Astronomical Association. Reports generally described "discs," "saucers," "rockets," and "balloons" travelling at terrific speed, leaving trails of vapour or brilliant light, hovering, or rotating before flashing out of sight. Mr. V.D. Hopper, a senior lecturer at Melbourne University, suggested these could be cosmic ray balloons or moving clouds of grass seeds. However, a high-ranking officer of the Royal Australian Air Force stated their service had been investigating flying saucers since 1947. A flying saucer film taken in New Guinea was being sent to the United States for special processing.

"Saucers that SIZZLE!"

Reports from New Zealand mentioned saucers producing a sizzling sound. Two further reports from Great Britain are detailed:

• South Wales: Two young girls saw a peculiar object spinning through the air which had come down in a nearby quarry. Making a sizzling sound, it was a jelly-like substance that melted without leaving a trace.
• Woodbridge, Surrey: On December 30th, a blue "saucer" was seen flashing across the sky with a sizzling noise, not like an engine. Woodbridge is near the U.S. Air Base at Bentwater.

Theories proposed for these sizzling fireballs include expendable "guided eyes" capable of remote control detonation, balls of material from orbiting space ships designed to lessen repercussions of atomic activity, or simply static electricity.

Odd Items

• "MY GOODNESS MY SAUCERS!": A sponsored "Flying Saucer" plane was to fly over Yorkshire and Lancashire at night with a neon advertising sign under its wings.
• ICED-UP SAUCERS: An American research institute claimed more flying saucers have been seen inside the Arctic Circle than outside, with 126 reports from Alaska, 103 from Greenland, and 187 from elsewhere in the Arctic Circle.
• TRANSVAAL MARTIAN: A man was admitted to a Klerksdorp hospital claiming to be from Mars, with deep lacerations on his arms.
• INVITATION FOR ISAACS: Amateur astronomers in Norwich were inviting Mr. George Isaacs, M.P., to see for himself that strange things were happening in their skies, after he had described flying saucers as "all balloon."

The SAUCERERS meet..

Reported by ERIC BIDDLE, this section details a gathering on December 12th, 1953, of leading figures in British Saucerdom, including representatives from the F.S.CLUB, the British F.S.Bureau, and "OURANOS". Discussions covered the "BENDER MYSTERY" concerning the International Flying Saucer Bureau's cessation of activities, and Mr. Adamski's photos and his book. Mr. Gray-Fisk related a convincing conversation with Mr. Adamski, suggesting he was a sincere man and possibly a victim of a hoax. Mr. Chibbett highlighted the sworn affidavits of witnesses to meetings with "Venusians". The organization of British Saucerers was also a topic, focusing on implementation details.

Keyhoe's Latest

This section mentions that Donald Keyhoe's book "FLYING SAUCERS FROM OUTER SPACE" was expected to be published in Britain in Spring (around May) by Hutchinson's. A letter featured in the U.S. publisher's advertisement stated that the Air Force and its agency 'Project Blue-Book' are aware of Keyhoe's conclusion that "flying saucers" are from another planet, and that the Air Force has never denied this possibility.

Groups and Representatives

This section lists representatives and local groups across the UK and internationally:

• London Area: Mr. G.B. Smith is suggesting the formation of London Area groups and has started his own in Romford.
• Wigan: Mr. R.N. Milner is an enthusiastic Group Leader, with several meetings held.
• Leeds: Mr. Geoffrey Cook has enrolled eight members and is arranging the first meeting. He owns a tape-recorder and cine projector.
• Cardiff: Miss W.B. Knowles is doing significant work enrolling members and has arranged for Mr. Desmond Leslie to speak.
• Edinburgh: The representative has discontinued activities for personal reasons.
• Tunbridge Wells: Mrs. F. Dann wishes to form a Local Study Group.
• Truro: Thanks are extended to Mrs. M.K. Hall for her work.
• Southern Rhodesia: Glyn T. Benjamin is the enthusiastic Central Africa Representative.
• Liverpool: Members have inquired about a Northwest Group, but none have yet inclined to start one.

Review Page

• "U.F.C's in the 'MAIL'": The Daily Mail ran a series of four articles by its Science correspondent, which were seen as a fair summing-up of the situation, though lacking new facts. The reviewer, J.G.W., expressed disappointment after the preceding "ballyhoo", expecting more than generalizations.
• New Book - "FLYING SAUCERS ON THE MOON": This is a new British publication by H.T. Wilkins, priced at 16/-. The dust-jacket is described as "eye-catching" and mentions "amazing authentic photographs" that suggest Man is a citizen of a vast cosmos.
• And now....BEHIND SCULLY!: The San Francisco Chronicle serialized the story of how Frank Scully was hoaxed into writing his book. It details how Silas Newton and Leo Gebauer were found guilty of fraud in a Denver court jury for engineering an oil swindle, including selling Army surplus radio gear for $12,000 as an "Oil-detection device".

STAR LETTER

HUGH PEARMAN of Aldebert Terrace, London, S.W.8, received the Quarter's Star Letter Award. His letter posits that conflicting theories about flying saucers stem from humanity's belief in being the apex of creation. He suggests that at least 15% of unidentified flying objects are machines from outer space, piloted by beings who have progressed far beyond human development. These beings, possibly through telepathy, are aware of Earth's potential self-destruction due to unbalanced resource use (atom and hydrogen bombs) and are engaged in large-scale reconnaissance for future landings to prevent this catastrophe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across different countries and the ongoing efforts to investigate and understand these phenomena. The magazine presents a variety of reports, from detailed descriptions of aerial objects to accounts of unusual sounds and physical evidence. There's a clear emphasis on credible witnesses and the need for serious investigation, as highlighted by the quote from Dr. R.H. Stoy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial origins while also considering more conventional explanations and the potential for hoaxes. The magazine actively promotes the organization of UFO research groups and the sharing of information, as seen in the "Groups and Representatives" section and the call for concise letters. The "Review Page" indicates a critical engagement with media coverage and new publications on the subject, suggesting a desire to sift through information and present a balanced perspective to their readership.

Title: FLYING SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Winter 1953/54
Volume: 31
Date: Winter 1953/54 (estimated 1953-12-01)
Publisher: Flying Saucer Club
Country: England
Language: English
Price: 5/-

This issue of Flying Saucer News, dated Winter 1953/54, serves as an announcement and information piece, primarily detailing membership and subscription details for the Flying Saucer Club and its publication, "F.S.NEWS". The cover prominently features a "PLEASE NOTE." section, outlining the club's membership fee and subscription rates.

Membership and Subscription Details

The membership fee to join the Flying Saucer Club is 5/-, which includes four issues of "F.S.NEWS". For American friends, the cost is one US dollar for six issues, with an airmail option available for $2.00. Membership renewal for existing members is set at 2/6d per year. Subscription to "F.S.NEWS" is exclusively through club membership; however, single copies are available for non-members at 9d plus postage. A note clarifies that the 5/- entrance fee does not affect existing members but encourages them to remember it when enrolling new friends.

Next Issue Preview

The magazine previews content intended for the upcoming Spring issue, noting that due to the larger size of the current edition, several interesting items had to be held over. These include:

• "THE GREAT ADAMSKI CONTROVERSY": This section will feature reader responses expressing "A Reasonable Doubt" regarding George Adamski's claims, with answers provided by Desmond Leslie.
• "ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY OF PROPULSION": An article by a member from Southern Rhodesia, which will include practical experiments related to the topic.
• "SAUCER INCIDENTS & THEORIES FROM FRANCE": This will present new reports and a novel perspective on "Fourth Dimensional" saucer possibilities.
• "LONG RANGE RADAR DETECTION of U.F.O's": Authored by Dr. R.M. Iliescu-Constantine, S.J.A.B. (Air), this piece will discuss a theory for extending the range of standard radar equipment.

Many other items are also promised for the next issue.

Issue Size and Publication Schedule

The current Winter edition is noted to be 31 pages long, which is larger than the intended "normal" issue size of approximately 24 pages. The publishers state that maintaining a larger size consistently could lead to financial losses. Regarding the publication date, it is described as "Never known exactly but sometime before June!!", with a plea to readers not to inquire about it, as such questions might delay the release further. They promise to try and make the publication date.

Editorial and Production Information

The magazine is Edited, Produced & Published by Richard Hughes, who serves as the Secretary of the Flying Saucer Club. The club's address is listed as 42 Rothbury Rd., Hove 3, Sussex, England.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary focus of this communication is on the operational and financial aspects of the Flying Saucer Club and its newsletter. The editorial stance appears to be one of earnest effort to provide interesting content on UFO phenomena while managing the practicalities of publication and finances. There is a clear emphasis on reader engagement, as evidenced by the preview of reader-submitted controversies and theories, and the encouragement for members to enroll new friends. The content preview suggests a serious, albeit speculative, approach to UFO research, touching on controversial figures like Adamski, theoretical physics, and observational data from radar and incident reports.