Interplanetary Space Patrol - No 1

Magazine Overview

This document is a special bulletin from the "Interplanetary Space Patrol" (ISP), dated December 16, 1957, and directed by James A. Lee from Abilene, Texas. The bulletin is addressed to "many new friends" and aims to answer questions and provide information about UFO sightings, particularly focusing on events in Levelland, Texas.

Levelland, Texas Sightings (November 2-3, 1957)

The bulletin details a series of exciting sightings that occurred between 11:15 PM on Saturday, November 2nd, and 1:15 AM on Sunday, November 3rd, 1957. These events are presented alongside a letter from Sheriff Clem Weir of Levelland.

First Sighting (5 miles West of Levelland)

The first reported sighting occurred about five miles west of Levelland. A Latin American man observed an object just above the highway. As he approached, his car motor failed, and the headlights went out. The UFO then departed at a high rate of speed, after which the witness was able to restart his car and continue.

Second Sighting (Highway 116, East of Levelland)

At approximately 12:05 AM, young Newel Wright Jr., driving home from Lubbock on Highway 116, noticed his car was not running right. His ammeter showed a full discharge, and his motor stopped, dimming the headlights. Upon inspection, he found no mechanical trouble. He then sighted the "Object" ahead on the highway. After the object departed at high speed, his car started normally, and he proceeded to Levelland.

Third Sighting (Oklahoma Flat Road, NW of Levelland)

Around 1:15 AM, a "negro subject" from Waco, Texas, encountered the object about 4 1/2 miles northwest of Levelland on the Oklahoma Flat Road. Similar events occurred: the car stalled, and the lights went out. The man was reportedly so frightened that he had difficulty identifying himself and fainted.

Fourth Sighting (Highway 51, North of Levelland)

Just before the Oklahoma Flat Road sighting, at approximately 12:30 AM, Mr. Williams of Kermit was driving on Highway 51, about nine miles north of Levelland. As he approached the object, which had apparently landed on the highway, his motor stopped, and the headlights went out. Mr. Williams stated the object then left the ground at a high rate of speed, ascending almost straight upwards. He was then able to restart his car.

Grain Combines Disabled

Sheriff Weir reported that at the time of these highway sightings, two self-propelled grain combines operating near Pettit, a community near Levelland, were put completely out of operation. These combines typically have two powerful engines each, but both were reportedly disabled by the object's proximity.

Hobbs, New Mexico Sighting

Another report from near Hobbs, New Mexico, occurred around the same time. A motorist driving from Hobbs to Carlsbad sighted an object. Despite accelerating to 90 miles per hour, the object approached, causing his motor to quit and his car's lights to go out.

Object Characteristics

Further questioning established the object's size at about 100 to 125 feet in length. It appeared to be made of an aluminum-like material and radiated a strong yellow light. Some witnesses heard a humming sound that increased in volume with the light. The light was sufficient to illuminate the highway as the object passed over, an observation confirmed by Sheriff Clem Weir.

Rebuttal of Skeptical Explanations

The bulletin directly addresses and refutes the explanation of "mirages" proposed by Dr. Donald Menzell of Harvard College Observatory. The ISP argues that mirages do not appear on radar screens, nor do they travel at tremendous speeds (up to 3600 mph). They consider Dr. Menzell's statement "ridiculous and not based on facts." The ISP criticizes the Air Force's investigation, suggesting their conclusions were predetermined and that the public is not privy to the full truth.

The ISP firmly believes the Levelland events were not of this world and that visitors from a more advanced civilization were responsible. They suggest the craft's maneuvers were part of a planned objective to generate discussion. The bulletin also disputes Dr. Menzell's explanation that car failures could be due to a "nervous foot," citing 15 years of automotive experience and the improbability of simultaneous engine and lighting system failure without mechanical cause. The disabling of the two grain combines is also presented as evidence against simple mechanical explanations.

Cosmic Philosophy and Beliefs

The ISP posits that it is reasonable to assume many other worlds and planets are inhabited. They challenge the conventional astronomical view of the Sun as a purely hot body, suggesting it is a "relatively cool body" and that planets generate their own heat and light. They propose that sunspots are openings in a surrounding cloud layer, revealing a cooler interior.

The organization believes the universe is teeming with intelligent life and that Earth's current state of "war after war," "chaos, bickering, fighting, slavery, sickness, and suffering" has led space people to refer to our planet as the "Planet of Sorrow." They hope to learn from these advanced civilizations how to overcome Earth's problems.

The ISP expresses disdain for the development of "rockets" and the expenditure of taxpayer money on them, advocating instead for the utilization of "free energy" for space travel.

Support and Membership

The bulletin encourages readers to support the "Interplanetary Space Patrol" in its efforts to "let a little light shine thru the clouds." It explains that the ISP is a non-profit organization where all received money benefits members. The director, Jim Lee, states he is not looking to make a fast profit. An annual financial statement is promised to members.

The ISP clarifies that it is "non-sectarian or non-religious" and will not compete with churches, but will discuss the "Great Architects works." Their efforts are focused on learning about life on other worlds and communicating with extraterrestrial beings.

Communication Methods

To maintain contact, the ISP utilizes several methods: shortwave radio for amateur operators (W-5 A A O is the call sign), recorded tape communications, and a monthly bulletin (starting February 1, 1958). Membership fees are $6.00 annually, with a prorated deduction for joining mid-year. Foreign membership is $8.00.

Membership Application

The application form requests personal details, education, hobbies, knowledge of astronomy, beliefs about extraterrestrial life, and any UFO sightings. It also lists various membership classes and fees, including "Full membership" ($6.00), "Subscription only" ($6.00), "Associate membership" ($3.00), and "Amateur Radio Net membership" ($1.00). An "Interplanetary Fellowship Emblem button" is available for $2.50.

Objectives of the Interplanetary Space Patrol

The bulletin outlines seven objectives:

1. Belief that every planet is intended to bear sentient and intelligent life.
2. Investigation and evaluation of evidence for intelligent life on other planets, including our solar system and the Moon.
3. Looking forward to and working towards interplanetary communication.
4. Discussing and accumulating information on Interplanetary Space Ships.
5. Readiness to invite and assist communications or contact with Interplanetary Space Craft.
6. Conditioning the public to accept the landing of Space Craft as brothers.
7. Recording the names and locations of members aboard Space Craft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is the confirmation and promotion of UFO sightings as evidence of extraterrestrial visitation. The ISP adopts a stance of firm belief in alien intelligence and dismisses conventional scientific explanations, particularly mirages, as inadequate. There is a strong emphasis on the spiritual or "Great Architect's" role in creating multiple inhabited worlds. The organization positions itself as a source of truth and a means for humanity to learn from more advanced civilizations, advocating for peaceful contact rather than hostility. The editorial stance is one of conviction, evangelism for their beliefs, and a call to action for members to support their mission through communication and engagement.