Little Listening Post -1954 02-04 PreVol

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LITTLE LISTENING POST
Issue Date: February 3, 1954 (Cover date of the first letter)
Document Type: Newsletter/Correspondence compilation

This issue of THE LITTLE LISTENING POST, dated February 3, 1954, is primarily a compilation of letters and reports related to the burgeoning phenomenon of flying saucers and related topics. It reflects a period of intense public interest and speculation, with contributions from individuals across various professions and locations.

Personal Accounts and Sightings

The lead item is a personal letter from a person in Albuquerque to a friend in Washington, D.C., dated February 3, 1954. The writer recounts a recent trip by their mother to California, where she became very excited about flying saucers. The mother reportedly saw a saucer herself on a cloudy night after heavy rains. She observed the object for about 20-10 minutes, and it remained stationary for nearly four hours, which convinced her of its reality. The object was described as perfectly round, as large as a house or storage tank, and glowing with an all-over phosphorescence that shifted in color from greenish to whitish to bluish. The writer's mother dismissed the idea of it being a reflection.

The letter also introduces the writer's brother, an aviator with extensive experience in aviation. He is part of an informal group called 'Flying Saucer Enthusiasts,' which includes engineers, airline pilots, and technical workers. This group is convinced that saucers are of extraterrestrial origin and are piloted by beings with advanced scientific knowledge. The brother has reportedly met with Dr. Adamski, whom he considers a very earnest and intelligent person.

One of the most enthusiastic members of this group is a caretaker at the Mt. Wilson Observatory, described as a scientist himself and highly respected. This individual claims to have had several contacts and is reportedly the only known person to have been aboard a flying saucer. The writer's mother has obtained details of his story. The letter notes that government intelligence allegedly tried to discredit this individual, calling him names and suggesting he was drunk or neurotic.

The saucer occupants, according to the writer, are described similarly to Dr. Adamski's accounts: young-looking men, sometimes seen in groups of eight, with long blonde or brown hair, fair complexions, wearing odd clothes, and speaking English fluently. They are reportedly very interested in humans but are afraid to make open contact, not trusting humanity or believing they would be allowed to observe peacefully. The group is attempting to convince these beings of their respectful intentions.

'The Little Listening Post' Reports

Several sections are attributed to 'The Little Listening Post,' dated between February 9, 1954, and April 18, 1954, suggesting this is a regular feature or newsletter.

• February 9, 1954:
• Quotes Frank Edwards, a commentator, stating that the Air Force knows about saucers but doesn't want to reveal it.
• Mentions a report from 'SCARS' about the public soon seeing the 'F bomb' (Hydrogen bomb), with a quote from Commissioner Thomas Murray about mankind's capacity for extermination.
• Includes a note from a forming Astronautical Society in New York, expressing the need to be prepared for surprises in government and Russian astronautical research.
• Presents unsolicited evaluations of George Adamski, including a statement from a state radio police operator and a Chicago Business Man, both impressed by Adamski's sincerity and integrity.

• February 22, 1954:
• An engineer and former old-time pilot describes meeting Dr. Adamski for four hours, expressing full agreement with him on the subject of saucers and stating Adamski is 100% honest.
• A public relations man from California describes his organization, composed of electronic, mechanical, aeronautical, and industrial engineers, who are interested in the flying saucer phenomenon. Their objectives include developing electro-magnetic aircraft, making contact with space visitors, and informing the public. They are in contact with George Adamski and Truman Bethurum and claim to have investigated both men and confirmed their stories. They emphasize their scientific viewpoint and that their 'contacts' have been authenticated and physical.

• February 22, 1954 (Continued):
• A report from the 'Wash. STAR' on February 15th discusses a secret 'underground Pentagon' at Raven Rock Mountain, built for command and communications in case of atomic attack.
• An article from 'Times Herald' on February 14th, citing 'Air Force Magazine,' criticizes exaggerated claims about air defenses, stating it's morally wrong to give false security when atomic attacks are possible.
• Mentions 'Current Collier's Magazine' featuring an 'all-or-nothing' program advocated by Gen. Mark Clark regarding advanced weapons.
• A 'Washington Daily News' report on February 13th states that commercial airline pilots report 5-10 saucer sightings nightly. A meeting is planned with Military Air Transport Services (MATS) intelligence officers to improve reporting procedures, instructing pilots to flash reports directly to MATS or Air Force bases. Pilots are asked not to discuss sightings publicly. Navy Capt. Bernard Baruch, Jr., is in charge of this project.
• Notes an increase in saucer sightings in the North Atlantic, associated with the Air Force B-36 base at Thule, Greenland.
• Quotes Gerald Heard from 1950 on the 'Balance of Nature' and the potential consequences of the Bikini bomb test, including a depression of the Channel floor.
• A radio report on February 17th states the Bikini H bomb tests created a mile-wide, 176-foot-deep hole in the ocean bottom.
• Mentions that 13,000 airmen are stationed at Thule, Greenland.
• A 'Washington Star' report on February 22nd discusses successful rocket tests in Australia foreshadowing advancements in air defense, with the UK receiving A-bombs and guided rockets.

• March 20, 1954:
• An article titled 'BLAINE'S FUND TO SPIRITS VALISTS' discusses the estate of Mrs. Anita McCormick Blaine, which may be used to explore communication with the unseen world, including projects for education, industrial ethics, public health, avoidance of war, and the growth of spiritual means.
• A section titled 'REGARDING SPACE CRAFT' presents extracts from two publications of extra-sensory origin.
• The first extract discusses space travel not as traversing interstellar distances in material craft, but as a transition achieved by converting energy rates (vibrations) of the etheric substance. It suggests that 'aerofoms' (saucers) can be controlled by mental energy, and their transition or disappearance is a 'dematerialization.'
• The second extract, purportedly from a 'fourth-dimensional minded' source, describes a 'Flagship' 300 feet thick and 1500 feet in diameter with a crew of 7,200. Propulsion is described as the transmutation of 'hard light particles' into 'soft light particles.' The ships are composed of 'Light as a substance,' indestructible in a material sense. It suggests that human scientists are guessing at this.
• Frank Edwards is quoted stating that on September 8, 1953, a group of top scientists concluded that flying saucers are observation vehicles from other planets.

• March 20, 1954 (Continued):
• A letter from a London editor suggests that the 'International Flying Saucer Bureau' (I.F.S.B.) was closed down due to pressure because their bulletins were 'getting too close to the truth.' The writer notes that British Air Force pilots are being dissuaded from discussing the subject publicly. A meeting is planned for March 23rd to break down secrecy, with the expectation that news might break possibly within the year. The interest in England is growing, and reviews of Mr. Adamski's book are described as more carefully reasoned than in America.
• The letter encloses a cutting from the 'Daily Mail' showing a photograph of a saucer over a hill in Lancashire, described as having a shadowy outline but being striking. The boys who took the photo were interviewed, and their description matched Adamski's photos. The 'Daily Mail' reportedly published the photo with a disclaimer, but behind the scenes, they were 'considerably shaken.'
• A brief note mentions a Philharmonic concert where a canary's voice was analyzed and reduced in pitch, leading to speculation about 'voice printing' and producing carrier currents for deceased individuals.
• A 'Spokesman on the Hill' is quoted stating the 'Million ton horror (H bomb) must be revealed to the world.'
• A report mentions an atomic energy power plant for a city of 100,000 in three years.
• A 'Washington Star' report on March 16th discusses the 'greatest atom smasher opening new era' at the bevatron.
• A 'Washington News' report on March 17th quotes a Maryland scientist saying 'Man could launch own moon now.'
• A 'New! Army's wrist radio' is mentioned, with a note about the foreshortening of time.
• A report describes a new color nerve gas designed to kill all life within a mile radius in 30 seconds.
• A 'Star' cartoon on March 20th depicts the world held in a mailed fist, possibly referring to the H bomb.
• Alex Dryer comments on the march toward oblivion.
• A Russian ambassador visited the State Department.
• Radio reports promise an interview with a man claiming space contact.
• Twenty-two million dollars of AF funds are allocated for the study of unidentified objects.

• April 18, 1954:
• Forecasts by the National Association of Manufacturers predict a US population of 200 million in 20 years, with electricity demand increasing by 250%. The US Patent Office issues 45,000 patents annually.
• A report mentions a new saucer magazine and a new saucer group in the mid-west and east.
• A famous astronomer reportedly dismisses saucerology as a joke, while scientists reportedly classified 'windshield phenomena' in the Pacific NW and Ohio as hysteria.
• Frank Edwards anticipates a surge in sightings.
• Enlistments in the Air Force are reported down 50%.
• An analysis of 'mysterious saucers' (aerofoms) is mentioned.
• A Chicago pilot reports that Baruch (likely Jr.) is checking with pilots regarding an expected onslaught of sightings.
• A major Antarctic expedition is being planned to set up three observatories for weather, magnetic, and cosmic radiation observations, with the motto 'Nothing shall be hidden that shall not be revealed.' This is linked to a coordinated 'geophysical year' in 1957.
• A mid-west magazine observes that revelations about the 'Afterlife' may contradict Protestant doctrine, and if electromagnetic conditions allow for 'lowering of atomic vibrations' for re-materialization, churches could face an 'eloquent Silence.'
• The development of space travel or re-materialization might challenge concepts of heaven and hades, requiring a new concept of holiness.
• A person prominent in saucer research does not expect to see the dead returning on saucers. Another person questions the relationship between humans and space people, and the locale of the dead.
• An English correspondent reports improving official attitudes towards UFOs, with high-level talks involving the Air Force and Cabinet, and a ban on pilots talking to prevent phone lines from being clogged.

Easter Cogitations

This section poses a question: 'What happened to Jesus' body?' It then relates biblical texts about natural and spiritual bodies, celestial and terrestrial bodies, and the resurrection of the dead to 'F.S. phenomena' (Flying Saucer phenomena). The texts speak of corruption and incorruption, weakness and power, and the transformation of the mortal into immortality, urging readers to 'Set your affections on things... above, not on things on the earth.'

A 'Last minute report' mentions a phone call about a Washington woman taking a good photo of a saucer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread and increasing reports of flying saucer sightings, the belief in extraterrestrial origins and intelligence behind these craft, and the perceived secrecy or downplaying of the phenomenon by official bodies like the Air Force. There is a strong emphasis on personal testimony and grassroots investigation, often contrasting with official skepticism or silence. The publication also explores the intersection of science and the occult, questioning whether traditional scientific frameworks are sufficient to understand these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, collecting and disseminating information that challenges conventional explanations, and highlighting the potential significance of these events for humanity's future and understanding of reality. There's a palpable sense of urgency and a belief that significant revelations are imminent.