Flying Saucer News - 1974 10 - October

Magazine Overview

This issue of FLYING SAUCER News, dated October 1974, is Volume XXXX, Number 5, priced at 25¢. It was published twice a year, with subscriptions costing $1.00 for three years. The publisher is Flying Saucer News Publishing House and Book Store, located at 359 West 45 Street, New York, N.Y. 10036. The copyright is held by James S. Rigberg, Publisher, with Michael Lindner and Rigberg listed as Editors. The cover illustration is by Bernard O'Conner.

Key Articles and Features

Enquirer Awards $5,000 to Helicopter Crew for 1973's Most Valuable UFO Evidence

Authored by Allan A. Zullo, this article details how a four-man U.S. Army helicopter crew won a $5,000 award from The ENQUIRER's Blue-Ribbon Panel on Unidentified Flying Objects. The panel, composed of five leading scientists and educators, considered the crew's midair encounter with a UFO as the most scientifically valuable UFO evidence for 1973. While the $50,000 award for definitive proof of UFO existence was not met, the panel unanimously favored awarding $5,000 for this case. Dr. Frank Salisbury noted it was a strong sighting but lacked tangible evidence like photographs. The incident occurred on October 18, 1973, about 50 miles south of Cleveland, where the helicopter, piloted by Major Larry Coyne, experienced an impossible ascent rate after the UFO vanished. Panel members, including Dr. James Harder and Dr. Robert Creegan, found no holes in the crew's story, and Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle attested to the witnesses' high credibility. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Chairman of the Department of Astronomy at Northwestern University, stated that the witnesses would not endanger their careers by falsifying the encounter.

People Are Saying...

This section features anecdotal reports and sightings. James Barringer, a photographer from the Salisbury Evening Post, reported observing "strange flashing lights" in Dukeville, North Carolina, which appeared stationary and emitted red, blue, and white flashing lights with a yellow tone. He contacted local airports and the NC State Highway Patrol, receiving confirmation that such reports were common. Dr. Martin Shotzberger of Catawba College was also consulted. Barringer later noted that the object made a noise like a jet, despite no jets being in the area.

What's New?

This section provides updates on UFO-related organizations and events. It mentions the International Fortean Organization's annual convention in Washington, D.C., from August 9-11, 1974, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Charles Fort. It also notes an A.P.R.O. meeting in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, on June 15, 1974, with speakers like Dr. Salisbury and Betty Hill. A U.F.O. Space & Science convention in Van Nuys, California, on June 28-30, 1974, is also highlighted. The magazine reminds readers that UFO organizations can post notices in their bookstore, but ample time is needed as they publish only twice a year. A book recommendation is made for "Interplanetary Visitors" by Raymond E. Fowler, described as a comprehensive book on UFO evidence.

International UFO Reports

This section compiles brief reports from around the world:

• Tokyo, Japan (August 1, 1974): Japan has over 60,000 UFO group members and has erected a monument to UFOs. A wealthy businessman claims to be a contactee and has spent thousands to erect a white monument.
• Sweden: A new substance left by a UFO is reported to be harder than any metal on Earth.
• UFO Evidence: Patrick Thrush, 16, found three rocks dropped by a UFO on his car before Christmas '73, which were given to Professor Stanton J. Friedman for analysis at the University of Florida.
• NAVY WON'T CHANGE THEIR STORY: The Antoine Betz family in Jacksonville, Florida, found a mysterious ball. The Navy stated it was a stainless steel ball made on Earth, but Mrs. Betz believes otherwise, noting her dog whimpers near it and it moves in different directions.
• Gray Barker: It is advised that Gray Barker, publisher of the Saucerian Press, is considering quitting after twenty years in the UFO field.
• Barry Goldwater: The Senator from Arizona has become a board member of the National Investigation Committee On Aerial Phenomena and believes Earth has been visited by extraterrestrial creatures.
• Edward U. Condon: The head of the Condon Committee to Investigate UFOs passed away on March 25, 1974.
• Salvador Freixedo: An author from Puerto Rico is having his UFO book translated into English.
• UFO CONTACTEE VISITS OUR BOOK STORE: A young American male, identifying himself as 'George', visited the bookstore. A story about his experience is expected soon.
• WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? (October 26, 1973, Elizabeth, Ky.): Reports of UFOs were received, and the Fort Knox Civil Defense Director stated that unless an emergency of a critical nature occurred, nothing could be done.

Route To The Stars

This article, associated with the Universal Faith and Wisdom Association Builds Base in Star Route, Tonopah, Arizona, discusses the "age of Spirit and Space." It describes the association's work in helping people realize ideals of righteous living, peace, security, and prosperity. They operate on 65 acres of fertile desert land and emphasize spiritual development, including Extrasensory Perception and Biblical Gifts of the Spirit. The article touches upon the concept of "Space People" and their role in guiding humanity. It also addresses the common fear of death and the afterlife, suggesting that people live and work on the other side immediately after passing, citing biblical examples like Elijah and Moses. The association aims to fill gaps in education regarding the afterlife and spiritual matters. It mentions that the writer is considered one of the first three contacted by "Space People" to prepare Earth for a "New Age" and "New World." The association is building structures based on instructions from these "Space People," including round, domed buildings. They are seeking donations for a dormitory, cafeteria, kitchen, cottages, recreational grounds, and more land. The article also notes the presence of "ten million Venusian spacecraft" surrounding Earth, and mentions ships from Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. It recounts an experience of seeing a "beautiful, luminous female captain" of a small ship who spoke with Brother Ernest Kapp.

The article also details the educational curriculum, which includes remedial English, comparative religion, art, music, spiritual phenomena, parapsychology, and experimental psychology. Students are required to contribute an hour of work per day. The association is also involved in the "EDUCATOR'S SCIENTIFIC PSYCHIC RESEARCH PROJECT" to find human channels of psychic expression and investigate laws of nature.

New Titles and Order Form

This section lists several new books available for purchase, including "Mysterious Visitors" by Brinsley LePoer Trench, "UFOs & IFOs" by Gardner Soule, "Strange Effects from UFOs" by Gordon Lore, "The UFO Evidence" by Richard Hall, "The Wall of Light" by A. H. Matthews, and "The UFO Experience" by J. Allen Hynek. An order form is provided for these books and a 3-year subscription to Flying Saucer News for $1.00.

The UFO Experience: A Scientific Inquiry

This is a review of J. Allen Hynek's book, which challenges the official stance that UFOs don't exist, as promoted by the Condon Report and the closing of Project Blue Book files. The review states that the Condon Committee's consideration of fewer than 100 cases was scanty and hardly random-selected, with scientists holding negative preconceptions. Dr. Hynek, a former official astronomical consultant to the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book and Director of the Linheimer Astronomical Research Center, argues that the case against UFOs has not been proven, and a residue of reports remains that raise unanswered questions.

Letters to the Editor

• Miss Magdalene Paxton from Summersville, W. Va., writes about UFO prophecy from a Catholic book publisher and expresses doubt about being harmed by UFO occupants. She believes UFOs are here to preserve humanity and take them up when a comet approaches, viewing them as rescuers.

Please Report Strange Flying Objects

This section includes a letter from Mark Swift summarizing the 5th annual MUFON symposium held in Akron, Ohio, on June 22-74, mentioning speakers like Walt Andrus, Ralph Blum, and Stan Friedman. Another letter from the Editor discusses the UFO Research Group's conclusion that 95% of reported UFOs are not hostile. It also lists some lesser-known reports, including a sighting by a Ky. Army National Guard pilot near Harrodsburg, Kentucky, and sightings by hundreds of citizens in Munfordville, Kentucky. The Skylab 11 astronauts are also mentioned as having sighted a "Mysterious reddish object."

Book Reviews and Order Form

This section features reviews and order forms for several books:

• "The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abra-Melin the Mage" translated by S. L. Mac Gregor-Mathers.
• "The Greater Key of Solomon" by S. L. Mac Gregor-Mathers.
• "How to Develop Your ESP" by Susy Smith, which is described as a guide to using psychic abilities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Flying Saucer News include UFO sightings and evidence, the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, and the potential for psychic and spiritual development. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded stance towards UFOs, presenting various reports and research while also exploring related topics like the occult, spiritualism, and extrasensory perception. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging investigation and belief in phenomena beyond conventional scientific explanation, particularly concerning extraterrestrial intelligence and spiritual truths. There is a clear emphasis on providing readers with information, books, and resources related to these subjects.

This issue of "The Works of L. W. de Laurence" (page 20) features two main articles and a substantial book catalog from "Flying Saucer News" (pages 21-24).

The Master Key by L. W. de Laurence

The first section, likely an advertisement or review, introduces "The Master Key" by L. W. de Laurence. It describes the book as the fourth edition and thirty-second printing, emphasizing its importance for developing concentration and mental riches. The text highlights that the book is based on the thesis that key traits of successful character result from the development of primary faculties, with concentration being paramount. It offers "A Complete Course in Mental Development" with thirty-five lessons and forty distinct exercises to explain various aspects of concentration. The book is presented as providing "Practical Assistance" for developing mental poise, decision, memory, and exclusive attention, eschewing "hocus-pocus" for sound, scientific, and practical tuition. The table of contents is mentioned as including titles like "Logical Thinking and Ethical Order," "The Hurry Habit," "The Abolition of Worry," "Interest, Habit, Will Culture," "Personal Magnetism," "Rational and Moral Education Ethically Directed," and "The Poverty Cure." The book is described as a "Selling 'Natural'" with thousands of copies distributed in America and Europe, maintaining its position as a "splendid, all-round text on mental training" with "amazing popular appeal." The physical description notes it is a "Frontispiece. Demy 8vo. 406 + x pages. Cloth $7.50."

Intercept-But Don't Shoot

The second major feature, with the prominent headline "INTERCEPT-BUT DON'T SHOOT:" (page 21), discusses a 1948 order from the United States Air Force. The article poses questions about why pilots were not authorized to shoot down unidentified flying objects (UFOs) that invaded US airspace, speculating on reasons such as fear of extraterrestrial reprisal, diplomatic protests from an "unknown" power, technological awe, or deliberate deceit. The book, priced at $8.50, is said to reveal "how the idea of building airships of such unusual structure was born, gives precise particulars about who is building them, and establishes the place where they take off on their flights, flights that concern the entire world." The author, Renato Vesco, is introduced as being born in Arona, Italy, in 1924. He was a licensed pilot, commanded the technical section of the Italian Air Force in 1944, served in the Reparto Tecnico Caccia in 1946-47, and has been a senior member of the Italian Association of Aerotechnics since 1943. He is described as a student of aeronautical problems, particularly jet propulsion, and a contributor to aeronautical publications.

UFO's - A Scientific Debate

Page 22 introduces a book titled "UFO's - A Scientific Debate," edited by Carl Sagan and Thornton Page. This book, originating from a special symposium organized for the American Association for the Advancement of Science, aims to address the "baffling and controversial issue" of UFOs in a "serious and systematic way." It features contributions from fifteen experts in fields such as astronomy, physics, meteorology, psychiatry, psychology, and sociology, as well as the Science Editor of The New York Times. The book includes photographs, detailed descriptions of sightings, and analysis of radar data. It proposes and rejects various theories, discusses natural phenomena mistaken for UFOs, and examines the emotional reactions of UFO enthusiasts and skeptics. Special attention is given to unexplained cases and the possibility of extraterrestrial contact. The book is described as having 368 pages, 23 photographs, 5 tables, and 2 charts, and is priced at $12.50.

Flying Saucer News Bookstore Catalog

Pages 22, 23, and 24 contain an extensive catalog of books available from "FLYING SAUCER NEWS (BOOKSTORE)" located at 359 West 45th Street, New York, N.Y. 10036. The catalog lists hundreds of titles related to UFOs, flying saucers, space-craft, and related phenomena, with authors such as Adamski, Barker, Bernard, Crabb, Daniken, Drake, Ferguson, Fuller, Hyneck, Keel, Keyhoe, Layne, Norman, Palmer, Pelley, Reeves, Sanderson, Schafer, Stevic, Stranges, Stringfield, Thomas, Trench, Vesco, Williamson, and Soule. Prices range from $1.00 to $12.50. An order form is provided, allowing customers to order books by mail, with an option to include sales tax for New York City residents and postage fees.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue appears to focus on the intersection of esoteric knowledge, mental self-improvement, and the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects. The editorial stance, as suggested by the inclusion of both "The Master Key" and the UFO-related content, seems to be one of open inquiry into both internal human potential and external unexplained phenomena. The "Flying Saucer News" catalog reinforces this by offering a wide spectrum of literature on UFOs, suggesting an audience interested in exploring various theories and accounts within this field. The emphasis on scientific approaches, even when discussing speculative topics like UFOs and mental powers, indicates a desire to present information in a structured and analytical manner.