Little Listening Post -1956 06-07 - Vol 03 No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LITTLE LISTENING POST
Issue: Vol 3 No. 3
Date: June -- July 1956
Publisher: GRAY BARKER COLLECTION
Location: Washington, D.C.

This issue of THE LITTLE LISTENING POST, a newsletter from the Gray Barker Collection, focuses on a wide array of topics, with a significant emphasis on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), government secrecy, and the burgeoning interest in space and the unknown. The publication presents a capsule of news, reflecting a growing public demand for transparency regarding aerial phenomena and a sense of anticipation for future discoveries and potential global shifts.

Air Force Under "Bombardment"

The lead story highlights a "letter barrage" sweeping toward the Capitol concerning the "Saucer Mystery." Numerous groups are sending open letters to congressmen, demanding to know why the public is kept in ignorance about phenomena in our skies. Major Keyhoe is calling for a congressional investigation, questioning the right of an "inner group" to prevent humanity from experiencing "HERE-TO-FORE UNKNOWN & WONDERFUL HEIGHTS." The Air Force Chief of Staff, Twining, stated in Amarillo, Texas, on May 15, 1954, that "the best brains of the Air Force are working on this problem of Unidentified Flying Objects, trying to solve this riddle." The article notes that as the phenomena is global, the public now demands that files be opened. It criticizes the Air Force's "cover-up" statement from October, with one writer calling it a "shamefully misleading & deliberately untruthful statement." A publisher is quoted as calling it "one of the most outrageous pieces of misinformation ever foisted on the American public!"

D.C. News

Washington, D.C. is experiencing its biggest tourist year in history. Other local news includes a celebration by telegraphers, discussions about a 35-hour work week for Federal Employees to offset automation, and an unusual event where a penguin escaped from the Zoo and wandered to the Uptown Theater. A large gathering of 2000 physicists held a spring meeting to "map plans to reveal the Unseen" using a new microscope that photographs "invisible" objects. Dr. Clyde Weigand, involved in the discovery of the anti-proton, believes some galaxies might be composed of anti-matter. Concerns are raised about a shortage of scientists. The "Washington's now-famed Seer," Jeane Dixon, predicts that "Ike will win!; Nixon is underrated!; Wars will end in the 70's!"

Two More Neck-Stretching Jobs Ahead

June 30 and September 8 have been designated as "International Saucer Sighting Days" for 1956. The purpose is to "stimulate interest before any launched satellites confuse the issue" and to "pave the way for co-operation re International Geophysical Year." People worldwide are urged to hold sighting parties and report their findings to local groups or to Flying Saucer Review in London.

Babies

Lord Simon of London is quoted as saying, "Increasing population is world threat worse than H-bomb." The article notes that 88,000 more mouths are born every day and that there are 3/4 million abortions in the U.S. annually. Birth control, though previously illegal, has seen Methodists come out in its defense at a recent General Conference. The Popular Reference Bureau in Washington announces an international prize of $5000 for the best moral plan for birth control, prompted by Catholic concerns about population increase in underdeveloped areas.

Sky News

Radio telescopes are being built globally, with the potential to reveal "10-fold more than optical scopes." Jupiter's "pops & swishes," possibly linked to its "red spot," are being studied. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce will discuss the legality of space, and the U.N. may establish a branch for Outer Space affairs. Information from "Project Vanguard" satellites will be made freely available to the world. Fred Durant III, head of International Astronautical Feb., speaks of the "satelloid," a rocket-powered controllable vehicle, as a "logical further step" that might orbit the moon. A space suit designed for 9 miles up was a feature at a recent Armed Forces Week. The International Astronautical Federation convention in Rome in September will include a proposal from the Italian Rocket Society for Europe to sponsor a Satellite Program.

The Sun recently emitted a "20,000 mi record flare," crippling communications and triggering alarms at the University of Chicago, indicating cosmic rays were bombarding Earth. It is theorized that these cosmic rays originate in the solar system. Mars is expected to receive a "work-over" by astronomers as it nears Earth.

A Fairy Investigating Society

An organization in England, led by Miss Marjory Johnson, reports hundreds of fairy "sightings." These are described as "forces of nature, just beyond the range of normal vision, without which there would be no nature." This is linked to a foresight by Bishop Leadbeater, a Theosophical pioneer.

Indictment of Secrecy

Four hundred newspaper editors convened in Washington, expressing strong opposition to the suppression of news in government. A panel of lawyers advised Congress on the "people's right to know." The Wash. Post criticized secrecy in science, stating that its development depends on the "cross-fertilization" from free exchange of ideas. The article notes the extensive expansion of communication networks by A.T. & T. and mentions India's new newsprint mill and its position as the second-largest film producer. The issue of human enlightenment is framed as a struggle against the mysteries of matter, power, space, evil, and death. UFOs are credited with forcing humanity to confront the concept that it is only a part of an intelligent universe, not its center. The current era is described as one where "history... no longer furnishes the guidance of Precedent," and mankind is actively seeking answers.

Favorite of All Sounds

A poetic interlude celebrates the "flutter of wings!" and the freedom of flight, linking it to the pursuit of stars and the ethereal nature of existence.

Saucer News

The "Wash. UFO Discussion Group" is active with a 150-person mailing list. A court reporter described a 5-minute daylight sighting of three saucers over the Capitol that left a powerful "effect." Two Navy pilots, when asked about flying saucers, reportedly "knew" but were sworn to secrecy. Buck Nelson, a Missouri farmer who claims to have traveled in space, visited the Capital to share his experiences. Ford Motor Co. has created an electronic subsidiary, "Aeronutronic Systems Inc.," to "span broad field, possibly exploration of space." Several senators are reportedly reading F.S. books. A lecture on saucers was given to 200 Rotarians in Baltimore by Dr. Zopffe. A Space Convention was held in Honolulu, and a large F.S. Convention is planned for Paris in June. Rigberg of F.S. NEWS in New York received 3000 letters following a recent SatEvePost article. Saucer prophet Dove suggests watching July 23 and August 9 for significant events, implying that preparations are underway for the implications of "Visitors" being "proved here."

Coming Events and Developments

The issue lists numerous upcoming events and technological developments, including sharp slashes in trans-ocean airfare, processes for turning tough beef into "tenderloins," outside glass elevators, new auto engines running on whale or peanut oil, and 40,000 miles of new super-highways. Other items include a "37,000 miles without refueling" submarine, new ink to catch criminals, a $1.5 million Center in New York for studying household pet diseases, and 400,000 food processing factories in the U.S. Smog is identified as a "mysterious compound X." "Ghost trains operating without crews" may run on future railroads. Drive-in movies have increased by 400%, while regular movie attendance has decreased by 17%. Miami has 535 hotels. A Russian farmer is reported to be 148 years old with a 120-year-old daughter. A musical odyssey titled "Sing, Man Sing!" tells of a man's quest for happiness. There is a reported "shortage of 50,000 engineers & scientists," with Russia graduating three for every two in the U.S. An idea for towing 10,000-ton icebergs from the Arctic to California for fresh water supply is mentioned. Science is attacking hurricanes, with research underway at West Palm Beach, Florida. A nationwide attack on slums is noted, along with a new multi-million dollar tech. research center dedicated by GE in Detroit. Life expectancy is reported to be 70 years.

H-Bomb

The "race for the 'ultimate weapon'" is accelerating. Khruschev claims Russia's "5000 mile guided missile almost ready" and capable of hitting any point in the world. Aero Digest reports that Russia has a missile that can be fired from a submarine 300 feet underwater. CBS states that Russia and the U.S. have reached a stage where either could destroy the other, and Ike notes the "psychological effect" cannot be "over-emphasized." Long-range missiles are highly accurate, capable of hitting targets 300 miles away. A crash program to train scientists is urged, with one needed for every 30 people. The U.S. reportedly has 1500 B-47s and is producing six B-52s per month at a cost of $8 million each. A groundbreaking ceremony for an intercontinental missile plant near San Diego is mentioned. C.D. Chief states that "shadow of total destruction has been cast over mankind," and emphasis is shifting from mass evacuation to public shelters. A big two-year research program is starting regarding radiation dangers, with 110 insurance companies organizing to underwrite these hazards. An expert told Britain's Royal Health Society that waste from H-tests is so hot it cannot be handled for 600 years, with some sunk in drums 2000 miles out in the Atlantic. A "Friends" Group and others are pressuring against H-tests. Numerous groups are mailing publicity about "Survival Communities." Reportedly, Mormons are advising members to lay in two-year supplies against a coming cataclysm. The D.C. Medical Society is the first to offer a course on Disaster Medicine. Recent Bikini H-tests are described as "fearful," with shock waves felt over 3000 miles. Australian tests produced a cloud described as forming a "pale peach colored Question Mark."

Psychic Add-Up

One source foresees "The Great Accident," where a meteor might be mistaken for a missile in the 5000-mile missile era, potentially triggering an H-war, and radiation inflames minds. An ESP source describes an instrument called a "crystograft" from other planets, capable of holding 200,000 hours of history, and an "ediphon" that translates speech. A recent message suggests that "soon as a few more changes take place on earth space people will land & extend friendship," offering trade and commerce through a "UNIVERSAL CONFEDERATION." Earth is described as being ready to take its place in this confederation. The conflict between "light & dark Forces" is raging, and Earth may lose its "weight of evil thru some cataclysm." All "light bearers" are known and catalogued. The article notes that even taxi drivers are sensing "something's coming," and many sermons on the radio speak of a "Golden Morning." The current "end-of-world" expectancy is evaluated in light of historical expectations, noting the worldwide high tempo and the capability for "world suicide." Meade Layne of Borderland Sciences suggests pressuring seniors into this type of research.

The Sticker Barrage

LLP has worked for a year on "almost ready to go" airmailed saucer stickers for London, delayed by a printers' strike. These will be in many colors and are intended to be used worldwide to spread information.

Mailbag

Many letters report saucer sightings. One high over London was reported by B.T., with police and Air Ministry involved. A pilot in the air called the Traffic Tower, and dozens saw it through the scope. B.H. calls the last issue a "bellringer." M.S.R. wonders how LLP knows so much and can tell it in so few words. E.W.E. states that LLP's cost and worth are incomparable. A scientific journalist from Sweden, with a column in 50 newspapers, wants LLP's help on the saucer subject, calling LLP "terrific" and urging them to "keep publishing truth." E.D.A. observes that saucer groups are spontaneous eruptions of dissimilar people united by the belief in saucers. J.D. finds LLP to be a "wonderful service" and "more exciting than the last." A Brazilian member of the British Interplanetary Society plans to visit in July. A Chicago lecturer reports an "unprecedented increase in overall tempo," with people formerly negative now becoming ardent, and a special group of nuclear physicists studying saucer news. Thanks are given for stamps, which are described as "wings" for words, and more are needed. Gifts of stamps are seen as putting givers "in the current."

Religious Front

Buddhists are observing the 2500th anniversary of Buddha's death with a year-long observance, hoping to "telepath kindness round the globe." Japan is funding a $140,000 Buddhist encyclopedia. The Universal Religious Alliance reports 65 million Spiritualists worldwide, with Porto Alegee, Brazil, building a large Spiritualist hospital. The Hett Art Gallery was recently dedicated by Spiritualists. Spiritualists, Theosophists, and New Thoughtists (claiming 1 million followers) are gaining visibility on radio and TV. Orthodoxy is splintering, and advanced members are exploring the implications of Space contact. There is a recognition that "there is nothing higher than facts in nature," and Nature is described as "rolling back like a scroll." "Religion is poetry," and "Poetry is a 'listening'."

Books

New saucer books are available, including Jessup's UFO ANNUAL, "THE TRUTH ABOUT FLYING SAUCERS" by Aime Michel, and a new German saucer magazine edited by Heinrich Regaz. F.S. Bulletins are arriving daily. South Africa is reportedly doing heavy business in UFO books. Gray Barker's "THEY KNEW TOO MUCH ABOUT FLYING SAUCERS" is described as "deeply mysterious." India will publish all Gandhi's speeches and writings in three languages. "THE UNKNOWN - is it NEARER" (a Signet book on ESP) is mentioned. A new F.S. literature item, a large CHART summarizing the entire saucer story by Fred Keziah, is forthcoming. A rash of space and saucer movies is noted. The documentary "U.F.O.," produced by Green after three years of work, is highlighted. Green states, "Saucers are here alright... and they're not here to harm us!" Harvard's Astronomer Shapley has a book on life on other planets coming out. The book "YOU DON'T HAVE TO DIE" by cancer-curing Hoxey is recommended. Edward's "MY 1ST 10 MILL LISTENERS" is also praised.

The Little Listening Post

The publication states it is listening on a "Far-out Front" and that "much is coming over the horizon." It emphasizes that this is a time of "smashing of precedents" and encourages readers to stay posted with THE LITTLE LISTENING POST, which is issued every few weeks when news "boils over" from Washington, the "News Capital of the World." Subscriptions are four issues for one dollar.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent public interest and demand for information regarding UFOs, the perceived government secrecy surrounding these phenomena, and the accelerating pace of scientific and technological advancement, particularly in space exploration and military capabilities (H-bomb). There is a strong undercurrent of anticipation for significant global changes, whether driven by extraterrestrial contact, technological breakthroughs, or societal shifts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the dissemination of information and challenging established authorities on issues of secrecy. The publication also touches on broader societal concerns, such as population growth and the potential for global conflict, framing these within a context of profound transformation and the search for answers to fundamental questions about humanity's place in the universe.