Nexus - Whole No 01 - Vol 01 No 01 - 1954 07 00

Magazine Overview

NEXUS, the official publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society (S.A.U.C.E.R.S.), presents its first issue, dated July 1954. The magazine is published monthly from Fort Lee, New Jersey. The editorial stance is to approach the subject of flying saucers with a blend of seriousness and humor, acknowledging their existence and potential interplanetary origin while not shying away from poking fun at enthusiasts. The issue is dedicated to 'The Saucer Research Group THAT WAS UNTIL RECENTLY HEADED BY AN EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL BEING.'

Editorial and Society Information

The editorial team includes James W. Moseley as President and Editor, August C. Roberts as Associate Editor, Dominic Lucchesi as Art Editor, and Richard Cohen as Assistant Associated Editor. The society's headquarters are at P.O. Box 163, Fort Lee, N.J. The editorial states a commitment to exploring the flying saucer phenomenon with a serious yet lighthearted approach, aiming to provide 'juicy items' and 'saucer gossip.'

Subscriptions and Membership

Subscriptions are priced at one dollar for twelve issues, which also grants a lifetime membership in S.A.U.C.E.R.S., complete with a membership card (not yet available). The publication explicitly states it will not accept stamps, foreign coins, or I.O.U.'s.

Club Officials and Contributions

Many high posts within S.A.U.C.E.R.S., such as regional directorships and area commanders, are still open for interested individuals. The magazine plans to list new members and officers in future issues. Readers are encouraged to write letters to the editor, sharing tips, sightings, or gossip. Personal mail will be answered promptly, and with permission, letters may be reprinted in a 'Letters to the Editor' column. The society's principal aim is to gather and disseminate saucer news and rumors.

Articles and Content

Gossip Column

The 'Gossip Column' touches on several points: the failure of a June saucer convention sponsored by the Saucer Research Foundation; the withdrawal of president Eliot Rockmore from the Civilian Saucer Intelligence group; and a potential hoax involving a pilot, an airplane, and a monster from outer space. It also mentions rumors of five saucers landing at an air base and a secret visit by 'Iko' to these beings. The column notes that the government likely knows more about saucers than is publicly revealed. It questions the status of clubs like APRO and SPACE, wondering if they have been 'hushed up.' Recent press clippings include a South African schoolboy photographing a saucer, a saucer dive at an Australian native, and a saucer chase in Arkansas. New monster stories from West Virginia are mentioned, along with the 'scorched earth' story of 'Dosvergos' and an encounter with creatures from a saucer. George Adamski is reported to have hurried away from a lecture audience, and George Williamson and Truman Botherum are scheduled for lectures. Desmond Leslie is expected in New York. The column also hints at an Air Force general who believes in the interplanetary nature of saucers.

'Why Don't The Saucers Land?' by Joseph C. Ghoul

This article challenges the common belief that flying saucers have already landed and that extraterrestrial beings have been seen on Earth. The author argues that while the existence of flying saucers is probable, the accounts of landings are too few and questionable to be convincing. Ghoul posits that if extraterrestrials exist, they are unlikely to resemble humans due to vast physical differences between planets. He suggests that saucers might originate from planets vastly different from Earth, making human-like beings improbable. The author also questions the assumption that visitors would want to land, suggesting they might be peaceful and intelligent, observing humanity from a distance and perhaps only communicating in the distant future when humans have learned to coexist. An alternative hypothesis is presented: that saucers might be a natural phenomenon not yet understood. The article concludes by advising researchers to avoid jumping to conclusions while remaining open-minded.

'Entities From Lamuria?' by Dominic Lucchesi

This article explores theories about the origin of flying saucers, including extraterrestrial origins, secret government projects, and observer hallucination. Lucchesi proposes that a space ship does not necessarily have to originate from another world or era. He suggests that Earth is much older than commonly believed, with ancient civilizations possessing advanced mental and physical powers. These civilizations may have foreseen cataclysms and either escaped to other universes or found refuge planets, leaving behind descendants to guide humanity. The author argues that it is no more fantastic to assume that these beings originate from Earth than from another planet, given the time required for a civilization to reach a pinnacle of science. He also touches upon impending natural disasters like ice ages, tidal waves, and potential atomic explosions as reasons for seeking refuge elsewhere.

News Items

• Six in Car Pool Report Ball of Light Circled House, Followed Their Auto: A news item from Hot Springs, Arkansas, dated April 23 (AP), reports six workmen witnessing a mysterious, glowing ball of light that hovered over a house, dived towards them, and followed their car. The ball was described as about 10 feet in diameter and disappeared suddenly.
• Piloted Flying Saucer Flew Test in 1945: A claim from London, dated May 2nd, states that German engineer Herr George Klein reported that Germany developed a piloted flying saucer which underwent a test flight in Prague in February 1945. The aircraft allegedly reached a height of 40,680 feet and a speed of 1366 miles per hour. The experiments reportedly began in 1941 and cost millions of marks. The plans and prototypes were destroyed before the Russians entered Prague, though a model and assistants fell into Russian hands.

'Blues of a Saucer Addict' or 'What Saucers Have Done For Me' by August C. Roberts

Associate Editor August C. Roberts shares his personal journey into the world of saucer research. He describes how his life, previously filled with typical teenage interests like girls, baseball, and archery, was dramatically altered by his involvement with the 'flying saucer mystery.' His room has transformed into an office filled with maps, and he receives numerous phone calls, often recorded. He humorously notes being labeled a 'saucerlunatic' and investigated by authorities. Roberts advises caution, suggesting that while the subject is fascinating, it can become all-consuming, and recommends getting out while one still can. He also points out that investigating saucers can be costly, involving expenses for books, typewriters, and printing materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the mystery of flying saucers, their potential origins (interplanetary, terrestrial, or even natural phenomena), and the question of why they have not made definitive landings. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards sensational claims, balanced by an open-minded approach to research. The editorial stance, as articulated by James W. Moseley, is to present news and theories with a critical yet curious eye, incorporating humor to keep the subject engaging. The magazine aims to be a central hub for saucer enthusiasts, encouraging contributions and fostering a community around the phenomenon.

This issue of UFO Nachrichten, dated January 1958 (Volume 1, No. 1), includes a book review as its main feature. The magazine is published by The Flying Saucer Service and appears to be in English, originating from the USA.

Book Review: "The Saucers Speak" by Bailey and Williamson The primary content of this issue is a critical review of the book "The Saucers Speak" by Bailey and Williamson. The reviewer introduces the book as a significant work for 'saucer addicts' because it claims to be the first account of alleged radio contact with extraterrestrial beings.

The reviewer, however, expresses a lack of strong positive impression regarding both the form and content of the book. While acknowledging the potential truth of the presented facts, the reviewer believes the material could have been presented more engagingly. The first chapter, detailing the story of a ham radio operator identified only as "Mike" who claims to have received messages from space over several years, is singled out as the most entertaining part. The reviewer suspects this chapter may have been largely derived from an article published in the official organ of the American Radio Relay League.

Following the first chapter, when Bailey and Williamson are writing independently, the reviewer finds the narrative fails to maintain reader interest. The book is characterized by a monotonous and repetitive presentation of psychic and radio messages, with little attempt to break the monotony. The review notes that the book concludes with a series of postscripts and epilogues that suggest poor organization.

Regarding the content, the reviewer questions the intelligence of the purported space visitors if the messages are to be taken at face value. The messages are described as often beginning with trivial remarks, then shifting to fundamental scientific or philosophical points, only to veer off again. The reviewer suggests that the 'space men' might share the authors' difficulty in organizing material effectively.

Despite the book's focus on radio contacts, the majority of the messages were allegedly received psychically. The reviewer finds the radio messages less reliable than psychic ones but is relieved that they are minimal, as they contain meaningless words and letters that render them almost unintelligible. The reviewer concludes that either the space visitors are poor at radio telegraphy, or the anonymous radio ham, "Mr. R.", is unskilled in the art.

The reviewer also shares personal encounters with Bailey and Williamson, stating they were not overly impressed with their objectivity. The reviewer suspects that the "odd scientific and philosophical statements" attributed to the space beings in the book merely reflect the pre-existing beliefs of Bailey and Williamson. Specific points of skepticism include the belief that life exists throughout the universe in human form, the rejection of evolution in favor of divine creation, the notion that the sun is a cold body, and the prediction of great disasters for Earth in the near future.

A significant question raised is why these alleged benevolent space creatures would convey such important truths to obscure ham radio operators instead of government officials. While acknowledging the possibility of radio contact with extraterrestrials, the reviewer hopes that any genuine messages received by mankind would be more sensible than those presented in the book.

The review also touches upon "Mr. R.", the anonymous ham operator, expressing disturbance over his insistence on remaining anonymous. The reviewer implies knowledge of "Mr. R.'s" true identity but chooses not to reveal it, suggesting that if the messages are genuine and legally obtained, "Mr. R." should be proud to be associated with the book. The reviewer hopes "Mr. R." will eventually reveal himself to share the credit.

In conclusion, the reviewer deems "The Saucers Speak" a worthwhile read due to the sensational nature of its revelations. The reviewer admits the possibility that the messages are valid and, if so, the authors could be considered pioneers of a "New Age" of interplanetary communication.

Next Month's Feature The issue concludes by announcing that the next month's review will be of Wilkins' book, "Flying Saucers on the Attack."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The magazine appears to focus on UFO phenomena and alleged extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance, as evidenced by this review, is critical and skeptical, questioning the credibility of sources, the organization of presented material, and the logic behind the alleged extraterrestrials' communication methods and messages. There is an emphasis on rational analysis and a desire for more sensible communication from potential alien visitors.