Kalamazoo Flying Saucer Study Club - No 16

Magazine Overview

Title: THE KALAMAZOO FLYING SAUCER STUDY CLUB BULLETIN
Issue: NO. 16
Date: February 1958
Publisher: The Kalamazoo Flying Saucer Study Club
Country: USA
Language: English

This bulletin from the Kalamazoo Flying Saucer Study Club aims to galvanize public action against perceived government secrecy regarding UFOs. It encourages readers to actively engage with their elected officials to demand transparency from the Air Force.

Where There's Fire

The lead article, titled "WHERE THERE'S FIRE," implores readers to maintain pressure on state senators and representatives to stop the secrecy surrounding UFOs by the Air Force. The argument is that sustained public attention, like keeping a fire lit, can force action. The bulletin highlights the efforts of "saucer researchers" who advocate for an immediate announcement that Earth is not alone and is visited by extraterrestrials. To further this cause, Major Wayne S. Aho is scheduled to visit Kalamazoo for a public lecture with slides on February 28th and will also appear on the local TV program DEEDLINE NEWS, WKZO-TV, at 5:45 P.M. on the same day.

Notes

The "NOTES" section delves into specific points of contention and news items:

• Air Force Statistics: The bulletin disputes the Air Force's claim that only 1.9% of investigated UFO cases are "unexplainable." It asserts that this figure is a misrepresentation derived from an extension of "Blue Book Special Report," which actually indicates that 19.5% of 3201 cases remain unexplained—ten times the figure presented by the Air Force.
• New Alibis: The article humorously notes that with automobiles and tractors now seemingly experiencing "hallucinations," new excuses will be needed.
• Professor Menzel: Professor Donald I. Menzel is identified as a government-paid expert who earns $50.00 or more per day to debunk UFOs for Senators and Representatives.
• Photo Archives: It is mentioned that the Air Force allegedly possesses approximately 65,000 photos of UFOs, but obtaining one is presented as a difficult task.
• Rinehold Schmidt Case: The case of Rinehold Schmidt is recounted. He claimed to have boarded a saucer in Kearney, Nebraska, subsequently appeared on national TV and radio, and was then committed to a mental hospital for two weeks. After his release, with doctors finding no reason to keep him, he is reportedly suing. The bulletin advises readers to "Watch for further developments."

Headlines in the National Enquirer

A section reproduces headlines from the National Enquirer dated February 10, 1958, which proclaim "Washington Hides The Truth About Flying Saucers," "CAN YOU TAKE IT? HERE IT IS!" and "Uncle Sam KNOWS They Come From OUTER SPACE." The accompanying article by Bob Lichello alleges a "gigantic cloak of secrecy" thrown over the universe by the U.S. Government, with facts about flying saucers stamped "TOP SECRET" from the Pentagon to the Air Force.

It states that a Senate Committee holds confidential documents from a private organization concerning public safety but has "FAILED TO ACT." The article speculates that the committee's inaction stems from the knowledge that public disclosure would cause "PANIC! A CRISIS IN WALL STREET! AN UPROAR BY ORGANIZED RELIGION!"

The article recounts an incident where an authority on flying saucers was "CUT OFF THE AIR" during a national TV program. It asserts that the Air Force knows flying saucers are real and interplanetary and has held secret conferences with high government agencies, keeping information from the public.

• Major Keyhoe's Experience: The article details an incident involving Major Keyhoe on the "Arm-strong Circle Theater" program on January 22nd. He attempted to reveal information about working with a Senate Committee on UFO secrecy, stating that public hearings would prove these objects are real and cause a sensation, potentially leading to a stock market dive and upset to organized religion, though he believed the panic would be short-lived.
• Silenced on Air: Protests to the CBS network led producer Robert E. Costello to admit he ordered Keyhoe's microphone silenced because the Major had deviated from his script. Keyhoe described the situation as "unfortunate."

Editorial Information

The bulletin is edited by Hilda M. Buck, with contact information provided as 809 W. Cedar, Kalamazoo -FI 5-1447.

Meetings

A reminder is included that regular meetings are held on the fourth Friday of the month, with board of directors meetings on the Tuesday following the regular meeting, unless otherwise arranged.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this bulletin are government secrecy, particularly by the Air Force, regarding UFOs, and the alleged cover-up of evidence pointing to extraterrestrial visitation. The editorial stance is strongly in favor of full disclosure and encourages active citizen participation in demanding this transparency. There is a clear distrust of official explanations and a belief that the public is being deliberately misled. The bulletin also highlights specific cases and individuals involved in UFO research and reporting, framing them as victims of a system that suppresses the truth.