Interplanetary News Service - 1962 vol 1 no 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of the INTERPLANETARY NEWS SERVICE, identified as issue number 5, is directed and edited by Timothy Green Beckley, with its editorial office located at 3 Courtland Street, New Brunswick, New Jersey. The cover features a drawing of a spaceman interacting with a UFO, with two other UFOs in the background and a partial view of a car. The cover design is credited to 'GENEDY PLANTER'. The publication appears to be from the United States and is in English.

Key Articles and Content

The Disappearance of the Avengers and the Martin Mariner

The issue details the perplexing disappearance of five Avengers aircraft and a subsequent search and rescue mission involving a Martin Mariner. Approximately two hours after takeoff, the flight leader of the Avengers reported being lost. Later, a message indicated they were about 225 miles northeast of their base. A Martin Mariner was dispatched but also disappeared without a trace after its initial takeoff. A massive search involving 20 ships and 240 planes scoured the area for four days without success. A Naval Board of Inquiry concluded they could not determine what happened. The article notes that recently, the remains of five bombers and a flyboat were found in the Banana river, along with human bones, in the same area where the planes had disappeared on December 5, 1945. The author suggests a connection to UFOs, citing reports of electromagnetic effects from 1947-1962 that could explain compass failures, such as those experienced by miner Fred M. Johnson on June 24, 1947, who observed six flying saucers and a weaving compass needle.

Bermuda Triangle and Mysterious Aircraft Disappearances

The area around Bermuda is highlighted as a location with a peculiar attraction for hostile UFO intelligences. Between 1947 and 1949, three aircraft mysteriously disappeared off Bermuda. These include an American Super Fortress, the British South American Airways liner 'Star Tiger' (which vanished on January 30, 1948, four hundred miles off the coast), and the 'Star Ariel' (which was lost on January 18, 1949, two hundred miles from Bermuda, with two separate plane crews spotting a strange light near its vanishing point). The article poses the question of whether there is a base for flying objects in the Bermuda area.

The Mantell 'Death Chase' and Mysterious Clouds

The issue discusses the famous Mantell 'death chase' as a significant incident that proved hostile intent from UFO occupants. Witnesses reported that Mantell's P-51 plane blew up, refuting claims that he simply flew too high and lost consciousness due to lack of oxygen. Another case mentioned is the disappearance of a Pan-American Airways 'Constellation' on June 20, 1951, which vanished without a trace between Accra, West Africa, and Monrovia, Liberia. The article also states that mysterious clouds are now fairly conclusively proven to be a type of UFO, citing the case of a British fighter pilot, J. Baldwin, who flew into a cloud in March 1952 and was never seen again.

Hostile UFOs and Aircraft Encounters

A report from the Minneapolis Star on October 18, 1961, is cited regarding the disappearance of a missing B-52G bomber and its crew of eight in the North Atlantic. Two bright flashes of orange light were observed by a Coast Guard cutter, leading to a search that yielded no results. The article questions whether hostile UFOs are responsible for such aircraft disappearances. It is noted that no trace of the B-52 or its crew has ever been found, even by mid-March 1962. The publication promises to conclude its study on hostile UFOs and their possible meaning in the next issue.

Letters to the Editor

The issue includes a section for letters to the editor. One letter, sent to Assistant Director Bill Ashbay, expresses concern about the truth of discoveries and the disappearance of those who find it, with the writer claiming to be a fortunate survivor. The editor responds by questioning the writer's claims and asking why the truth cannot be printed. Another letter from Janice Haye praises the publication and expresses pride in being a member. A third letter from Harry Siebert in Pomona, California, seeks information about Lee Conway, a supposed witness to a flying saucer contact in early 1960, offering a free membership in the Hawk Research Society for any leads.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, mysterious disappearances of aircraft and individuals, and the potential for hostile UFO activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigation and inquiry into these phenomena, presenting evidence and posing questions about the nature of UFOs and their interactions with human technology and personnel. The publication seems to advocate for the open discussion of these topics, despite implied difficulties in publishing certain truths, as suggested by the editor's response to a reader's letter.

This issue of "UFO Reports" (Volume 1, Issue 13, dated 1962) focuses on the serious nature of UFO phenomena and the potential implications of their reality. The cover headline, "UFOs-Serious Business," sets the tone, with a sub-headline mentioning "Objects Fly Over New Jersey."

Historical Context and Government Stance

The article begins by referencing a 1950 Air Force Intelligence Analysis that identified UFOs as employing "Controlled Maneuvers" and confirmed them as real "flying saucers" and spaceships. It further details a December 30, 1949, "Project Grudge" report which suggested that UFO observations might increase due to U.S. nuclear and space tests, possibly indicating concern from extraterrestrial visitors about potential aggression from Earth races. A 1959 "TIG Brief" to all Operations and Training Commands by Major General Richard E. O'Keefe also warned of increasing UFO sightings, labeling them "UFOs-Serious Business."

The author expresses a belief that the Air Force is withholding the truth about UFOs due to fear of public panic, drawing a parallel to Orson Wells' 1938 "Martian Invasion Broadcast." The article speculates that this fear of public reaction might explain the lack of recent reports from the "Mars Committee," despite ongoing worldwide study of the Red Planet and its associated mysteries (explosions, lights, clouds, canals, etc.). Unusual events are also reportedly occurring on the Moon.

The author argues that the American public and the world have a right to know the facts, suggesting that withholding this information could lead to greater disaster, including accidental World War III, false enemy propaganda, and utter confusion. The risk of public panic is acknowledged as a significant factor.

Brookings Institution Study and Psychological Impact

Recently, the Brookings Institution, in a study for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, concluded that the discovery of intelligent extraterrestrial life could lead to profound societal changes or even the collapse of civilization. The article draws a parallel between this potential impact and the fear surrounding the "possible space life" and the UFO problem.

Fear of public reaction to the admission of UFO reality was a concern in the early years of Air Force investigations. The publication stresses the need for America to prepare for the psychological impact of such a revelation, whether it be the discovery of intelligent beings or the admission of UFO reality, or both. The author strongly believes that "open hearings" on the UFO situation will be held in the near future, advocating for courage in facing this challenge.

The article explains that the name change from "Project Saucer" to "Project Grudge" in 1949 was likely due to the need for a more serious approach, suggesting a better understanding of the situation in 1962 requires approaching it with reason rather than emotion.

Religious and Existential Considerations

The issue touches upon religious interpretations, questioning if current events could be signs of "other sheep" mentioned by Jesus. It asserts that "We ARE Not Alone" in the universe and that the current age is both interesting and difficult, with significant events unfolding on Earth and in the heavens.

UFO Reports from the Field

The magazine then presents three specific UFO sighting reports:

• Report #1: Objects Fly Over New Jersey: This section details reports of strange objects in the skies of New Jersey. On April 23rd, a brilliant, whitish-blue fireball, brighter than a full moon, was observed moving west, followed by a short stubby tail. At Princeton, a great flash of light was seen, casting shadows stronger than a full moon. Alan Katz described the object as meteor-sized and potentially landing nearby. Another report from the same night mentioned an object that appeared to be revolving and had windows on the side.

• Report #2: UFO Sighted by Three Witnesses: On April 30, 1962, at 8:24 p.m., Macario Lopez, age 17, observed a spaceship resembling a saucer moving from east to west through a telescope. Two other witnesses, G.G. Thompson and Robert L. Dobbins, also saw the object, which they could not positively identify and noted was not a standard satellite.

• Report #3: Tailless 'Airplane' Sighted Over Ottumwa, Iowa: On April 25, 1962, Mrs. Merly Johnson reported seeing a strange object described as a tailless 'airplane' with swept-back wings. The object approached her as she was driving.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the official acknowledgment of UFOs, the potential for public panic, the need for transparency from government agencies, and the profound implications of discovering extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance is one of urgency and advocacy for open investigation and public awareness, emphasizing that the truth, despite its risks, is essential for humanity's preparedness and future well-being. The publication appears to lean towards a serious, non-sensationalist approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging rational analysis over emotional reactions.