Flying Saucer News - No 11 - 1956 Spring

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER NEWS
Issue: 11
Date: SPRING 1956
Publisher: BRITISH FLYING SAUCER BUREAU
Location: 30 MELBOURNE TERRACE, NEWTOWN, BRISTOL, United Kingdom

This issue of Flying Saucer News, number 11, published in Spring 1956, marks a significant shift in production methods, moving from printed issues to a duplicated format due to financial constraints. The magazine covers a range of UFO sightings, investigations, and related topics, reflecting the ongoing interest in the subject matter.

Principal Contents and Articles

The Betley Sighting

This section details a sighting by Mr. G. M. Sher on August 15th near Crewe. He described an object with a dome shape, reflecting rays like a mirror, made of glass-like material with a silvery metal background. The object was initially poised silently, then moved sideways and accelerated rapidly upwards. The report was investigated by Wilfred Daniels, B.F.S.B. Area Rep.

Newsle

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Report on the Wednesfield Sighting

This article discusses an investigation by the Research Committee into a photograph taken by Harold Cummins of Wednesfield. The investigation, involving Wilfred Daniels, Gavin Gibbons, George Watts, and Dennis Plunkett, examined the original negative. The committee concluded that the photograph was not 'touched up' and resulted from a normal photographic process. However, microscopic examination revealed peculiarities, such as the absence of a light gradient expected from a circular, externally illuminated body. The definition around the object's edge and the intensity of reflected light were comparable to an opaque silhouette on glass. The article cautions against inferring it's a mere silhouette or a prank, suggesting that Flying Objects might possess novel optical properties and that witness testimony is crucial.

Weird Worlds

Authored by Richard Hughes, this piece speculates on the nature of life on planets with different stellar radiation. It explores the hypothetical challenges of communication with beings who might perceive 'radio-light' instead of visual light, and whose senses are adapted to vastly different conditions. The article suggests that bright lights emitted by some Saucers could be their 'normal' lighting, and that occupants might be reluctant to emerge due to the harshness of Earth's sunlight.

New Zealand Air Liner Sighting

This report details a significant sighting on October 30th by Captain Rainbow and passengers of a National Airways Corporation DC3 aircraft over the Waikato, New Zealand. The object was sighted at 8000 ft., described as a revolving marine beacon with a porthole, and it changed colour slightly. Captain Rainbow estimated its speed to be seven times that of the aircraft. The object maintained altitude as the aircraft climbed. Among the passengers were Air Commodore R.J.Cohen, Inspector-General of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and Mr.A.R.Tuckett, an experienced pilot. While Cohen initially identified it as Venus, he later conceded it could not be. An inquiry was ordered by the Minister in Charge of Civil Aviation, Mr. Shand, and the acting Minister of Defence, Mr.Halstead. Despite discussions and review of flight logs, the explanation remained elusive, with the Venus theory being the first point discussed but ultimately dismissed.

Flying Saucer News Film

This section draws attention to a newsreel featuring a brief shot of two Flying Saucers taken under unusual circumstances during the total eclipse of 1954. The film, taken by Mr. Graham, shows two brilliant elliptical objects. The article suggests that due to the timing of the eclipse, reflected sunlight is unlikely to be the cause of their brilliance. While no structural detail is clear, the objects were visually confirmed by the aircraft crew and a group of scientists, including the Astronomer Royal of Norway. The film is considered a valuable criterion for assessing other photographs. The pre-view was attended by prominent figures in UFO and science-fiction circles, as well as science correspondents.

The Adamski-Moseley Controversy

This article addresses the controversy surrounding George Adamski and Timothy Moseley, which was previously discussed in the Spring 1955 issue. The Research Committee sought further information, leading to a tape recording of questions posed to Adamski and his subsequent reply. The review notes that Adamski's answers were often vague, providing little new knowledge, which is partly attributed to transatlantic communication challenges. The article includes a list of questions and Adamski's brief answers regarding the solidity of craft, the reluctance of space people to reveal themselves, crew numbers, the purpose of small discs, the appearance of space people, the lifespan of Venusians, and Adamski's alleged flight near the Moon.

#### Report on Adamski Tape Recording

This review, by George Watts, discusses the tape recording made by George Adamski on November 23rd, 1955. It states that the tape deals with answers to questions from the Committee but is disappointing due to vague responses. The reviewer notes that the circumstances, including transatlantic communication and potential language difficulties, contribute to this vagueness.

#### Review of "Inside the Space Ships"

This review, by David Rudman and John Pitt, covers George Adamski's new book. The article mentions that the validity of photographs in the book and criticisms they have provoked are still under examination by a photographic team.

Readers Write

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The Interplanetary World Union

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The Galloway Sighting

This sighting is mentioned as being on the inside back cover, but the content is not provided in the scan.

B.F.S.B. Newsletter

This newsletter, dated Spring 1956, addresses the members directly. It explains the decision to use a duplicated format due to financial difficulties, stemming from lower-than-expected sales and declining membership. The newsletter details the income from renewals (£335) and the significant expenses (£320 for printing and postage alone), leaving insufficient funds for secretarial tasks. The rising cost of paper is also cited as a factor. The newsletter reassures members that the B.S.F.B. is not in decline and that plans are underway to provide more value. It encourages members to maintain their interest, send cuttings and reports, and share their opinions. Information on badges and transfers is provided, along with details about new books by Gavin Gibbons and Gray Barker. The newsletter also addresses the backlog of correspondence, explaining that replying to everyone is impossible due to the volume of work.

Other Reports and Mentions

"Flying Saucer" in Night Sky?

This report describes a sighting by Mr. B.F. Hirons, a clerk at Kayser-Bondor, near Royston. He observed a bright orange-red, oval object travelling at high speed, leaving a trail of smoke or vapour. Additionally, a round, shining object surrounded by a halo was reported over Liverpool, Warrington, and St.Helens, which the meteorological office suggested might be a balloon.

Flying Pyramid

A pyramid-like object was sighted flying at high speed over villages in the Euphrates Governorate, North-East Syria. A Flying Saucer was also seen over Aleppo heading westwards at about 6,000 feet, the second sighting in four days.

Greeks See "Flying Cigar"

Villagers in Pyrgos, Greece, reported a "Flying Cigar" circling overhead before disappearing in a cloud of smoke. This was the first such object reported in Greece since early 1955.

Want to Bet?

Flying Saucers were reported over Scarborough racecourse for the second time in a month, with two railway cleaners claiming to have seen them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed reports of specific UFO sightings from various locations, investigations into photographic evidence, and discussions on the nature of potential extraterrestrial visitors. The editorial stance, as conveyed through the newsletter and the handling of controversies, is one of serious inquiry and a commitment to presenting findings to members, despite financial and logistical challenges. There is a clear emphasis on witness testimony and the scientific investigation of phenomena, while also acknowledging the speculative nature of some topics, as seen in the 'Weird Worlds' section. The publication aims to keep members informed and engaged, encouraging their active participation through reports and correspondence.

Title: FLYING SAUCER NEWS
Issue: 9
Date: February 1956 (inferred from context of articles)

This issue of FLYING SAUCER NEWS delves deeply into the controversial claims of George Adamski, reviewing his new book "Inside the Space Ships" and presenting various perspectives on his experiences and the evidence he provides. It also features reports of unusual aerial phenomena and reader contributions.

George Adamski's "Inside the Space Ships"

The central focus of this issue is George Adamski's second book, "Inside the Space Ships." The article notes that Adamski is prepared to take legal action against newspapers that dispute his story, having recently sued one for $2 Million.

Book Contents and Structure

The book includes an introduction by Charlotte Blodget, a foreword by Desmond Leslie, photographs, diagrams, and Adamski's account of his experiences in space craft after the events of "Flying Saucers have Landed." The "second phase" of his contacts began on February 18, 1953, near Los Angeles. Adamski describes being taken to a Scout Ship, which then transported him to a large "Mother Ship" hovering at 40,000 feet. Inside the Mother Ship, he met a "Master" and had further encounters, which are described as having a high moral and metaphysical tone.

Publication History and Reception

Adamski's manuscript was initially rejected by Werner Laurie Ltd. before being published as a solo effort in the U.S.A. The article suggests this rejection is significant. The book is expected to divide readers into believers and skeptics. Adamski himself acknowledges that the book will provoke criticism but believes that subsequent events and evidence from around the world will support his claims.

Reviews and Criticisms

The issue includes a "REVIEW OF REVIEWS ON 'INSIDE THE SPACE SHIPS'." It notes that the book had not yet appeared in large numbers in the UK but was expected early the following year. Several criticisms are highlighted:

• Photographic Quality: Four photographs of Adamski inside a Mother Ship are described as "highly disappointing" and likely to give critics a strong starting point.
• Optical Issues: Critics point out inconsistencies in the spacecraft's dimensions, such as a hull depth of six feet being large enough for elevators, yet portholes appearing too small for faces to be seen clearly. The alignment and circularity of these portholes are also questioned.
• "Radiation Spoilage": One critic disputes Adamski's explanation of blurred photographs being due to "radiation spoilage," arguing that radiation effects manifest differently.
• Lens Description: Adamski's description of a lens in the Mother Ship's hull, through which he could see Venus and livestock, is dismissed as "cock and bull story."
• Head Size vs. Porthole Size: The article notes the difficulty in reconciling the size of the portholes with Adamski's data on ship proportions and the size of the occupants' heads.
• Comparison to "Pioneers of Space": The magazine "RAVE" is mentioned for comparing Adamski's ministerial past with his later involvement in "Saucery." It also draws parallels with Adamski's earlier work, "Pioneers of Space," which involved a similar spaceship journey described from the realm of imagination.

Desmond Leslie's contribution is limited to the foreword, with the author suggesting it might be fortunate for his reputation given the book's content.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Napier, New Zealand Sighting

On the night of November 24, 1955, hundreds of people in Napier witnessed a strange "lighted object" described as cigar-shaped and larger than a half-moon. It moved at "terrific speed" from north to south, stopped for a few minutes, and then moved off rapidly. It emitted an orange light while moving and darkened to blue while hovering. A similar phenomenon was observed the previous night.

Kilbeggan, Ireland Sighting

An object resembling a "Flying Saucer" caused excitement in Kilbeggan, Westmeath, on a Monday night. Mr. Maloney observed it flying at a "very low altitude," described it as circular and revolving at high speed, making a whistling noise and emitting intermittent flashes of light. It continued its course in a north-westerly direction.

Orly Airport, Paris Radar Incident

RADAR men at Orly Airport, Paris, reported a strange object flying over France on the night of February 19, 1956. It was described as twice the size of an airliner and flew at 1,700 miles an hour. They warned the pilot of an Air France plane, who reported seeing a "red, winking light" and changed course to avoid it. The object then vanished into a cloud.

Other Contributions and Sections

Selection of the Credible

A letter from A.G. FENN of Downend, Bristol, discusses criteria for selecting credible UFO reports. He suggests considering the purpose and execution of an event. He categorizes sightings: Category 1 for credible events, Category 11 for those with heroics or conflicting evidence, and Category 111 for fanciful descriptions involving landings and imaginary celestial beings.

Saucer Propulsion

A.J. NASH of Bracknell, Berks, offers a theory on saucer propulsion. He suggests that negative gravitational fields are involved, creating a partial vacuum around the craft. This vacuum, combined with the density of the atmosphere, can refract light, potentially explaining distorted or blurred images in photographs, including those taken by Stephen Darbishire.

The Interplanetary World Union

Professor Alfred Nahon, President of the Interplanetary World Union, sent a message to the "Big Four" at Geneva, stating that their influence is proven by recent events. He also mentioned a 1952 report of Argentinian researchers receiving a message from a pilot of a flying saucer from "Galimed," a moon of Jupiter, predicting a flyover of Buenos Aires two years later, which was reportedly witnessed by over forty observers.

Letter to the Editor

Brigadier S.K. MURRAY of Kiganjo writes about an observation on October 30, 1955, at 6:55 p.m. He saw a "golden ring" around the full moon and a "huge butterfly with transparent wings" that resolved into a "ball of fire." This object, which he describes as a "space ship," moved across the moon's face, becoming visible again in the "golden ring" area before merging with the stars. He estimates its movement took about 20 seconds and notes its immense size but acknowledges that speed and distance are conjectural.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the analysis and critique of George Adamski's UFO claims and book, the reporting of various UFO sightings and radar detections, and theoretical discussions on UFO propulsion and the nature of evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination, presenting both Adamski's accounts and the skepticism they generate, while also encouraging readers to submit their own observations and analyses. The publication seems dedicated to exploring the UFO phenomenon from multiple angles, including scientific, anecdotal, and critical perspectives.