Nexus - Whole No 02 - Vol 01 No 02 - 1954 08 00

Magazine Overview

NEXUS, the official publication of S.A.U.C.E.R.S. (Saucer And Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society), presents its Book-2, Tomo-I issue for August 1954. The magazine, published monthly from Fort Lee, N.J., aims to serve as a 'connecting link' between various UFO organizations across the country and to inject humor into the subject of flying saucers. The cover features a striking illustration of a U.S.N. flying saucer, with smaller unidentified craft in the background.

Dedication

This issue is dedicated to Max Miller and his organization, Flying Saucers International.

Associate Editor's Page by August C. Roberts

August C. Roberts introduces the staff and purpose of NEXUS. He explains that 'NEXUS' means 'connecting link' and that the publication seeks to connect disparate saucer organizations and add a touch of humor. Roberts provides brief biographies of the key staff members:

• James Moseley (Editor): Devotes full time to saucer research. He is a world traveler, having extensively toured Africa and Peru, and recently completed a 10,000-mile car trip across the U.S. to gather material for a forthcoming book on saucers.
• Dominic Lucchesi (Art Editor): A gyroscopic technician at Bendix Aviation Corporation, he has a vast library on occult subjects, ancient civilizations, and technical matters. He has studied the 'Shaver Mystery' and is described as an 'idea man' for NEXUS.
• August C. Roberts (Associate Editor): Has been interested in the saucer mystery for seven years. He specializes in hypnotism and astronomy and works as a Production Technician for the Standard Packaging Corporation in Jersey City. He mentions having a large library on saucers and related topics and has investigated cases like the Al Bender mystery and mysterious lights in Jersey City.

Roberts notes that he has photographed saucers twice: once in June 1949 during a flash-bomb test over New York City (published in 'Flying Saucers Have Landed') and again in 1952 while on Civil Defense duty in Jersey City. He admits to easing off on his saucer work due to the concentration required.

The publication is priced at $1.00 per year.

Gossip Column

This section, contributed by Gray Barker, includes several intriguing tidbits:

• George Adamski's Venus Trip: Monroe Johnston of the Toronto Daily Star interviewed Adamski, who claimed to have taken a trip to Venus in a flying saucer. Adamski reported no illusions of speed and conversed with Venusians in an artificial atmosphere. He stated that the purpose of these visits is to warn Earthlings about polluting the atmosphere with atomic weapons.
• Dan Fry's Lie Detector Test: Dan Fry, who claims to have ridden in a saucer from New Mexico to New York and back, took a lie detector test on a California television program and reportedly failed it. NEXUS promises a critical review of Fry's book, 'The White Sands Incident'.
• Air Force UFO Reports: According to Len Stringfield (CRIFO) and Frank Edwards (Mutual newscaster), the Air Force is receiving approximately 700 reports of flying saucers weekly, a figure considered high but deemed reliable from these sources.
• Saucer Author's Psychiatrist: A top saucer author is reportedly under psychiatric care.
• Stephen Darbishire Photo: A saucer photo taken by English schoolboy Stephen Darbishire is claimed not to be identical to Adamski's scout ship photos. An informant suggests a London newspaper reproduced a sketch of Adamski's saucer and falsely presented it as Darbishire's own sighting to create a better story.

Civilian Saucer Intelligence of New York Debate

On June 25th, a public meeting featured a debate including Dr. Baruch, Captain Joe Hull, Desmond Leslie, and James Moseley. A key point of discussion was the Leslie-Adamski book. Moseley presented two arguments:

1. A saucer photo from 'Yankee' Magazine (May 1954), identified as a model made from ping-pong balls, a coffee can, and a hub-cap, is strikingly similar to alleged scout ship photos in the Adamski book.
2. A leading West Coast rocket engineer found 'G.E.' markings on the alleged landing gear of an original print of the Adamski photo, suggesting it was a General Electric light bulb.

Desmond Leslie responded via letter, printed in the 'Letters to the Editor' section, defending his conduct during the debate.

SAUCERIAN Status and Public Interest

Concerns are raised about the delayed publication of Gray Barker's 'SAUCERIAN' magazine, which was supposed to become quarterly. Renewed public interest in flying saucers is evident, with the Griffith Observatory Planetarium's 'A Trip to Mars' show being a complete sell-out in Los Angeles.

Civilian Saucer Intelligence Reopening

A spokesperson for Civilian Saucer Intelligence announced the organization would reopen in the fall, with former president Eliot Rockmore rejoining.

Criswall's Predictions

According to Criswall's syndicated column, a short-wave radio ham has taped a coded message from Mars and plans to re-beam messages back to Mars every 30 days.

The Patriotic Star: Eyewitness Account by Louis Mazzei, Jr.

On July 17, 1954, at 1 A.M. in the Adirondacks, Louis Mazzei, Jr. and a friend observed a strange light they called the 'RED, WHITE AND BLUE STAR'. Located northeast of the Big Dipper, the light constantly changed colors (red, white, blue) for about 20-30 minutes, maintaining its position and flickering national colors. Its intensity was slightly greater than that of stars, and its color cycle lasted about five seconds.

Letters to the Editor

• Marilyn Feifer (Civilian Saucer Intelligence, Bronx, N.Y.): Compliments NEXUS for its fresh, fact-giving, and down-to-earth approach, providing a lift to those working hard in the field.
• Mrs. Clara John (Washington, D.C.): Appreciates NEXUS's 'good-natured' approach to the subject, suggesting it's a way to cope with ignorance.
• Ted Bloecher (Kenvil, N.J.): Questions the logic of the article 'Why Don't the Saucers Land?' by J.C. Ghoul, finding it contradictory to argue for alien dissimilarity and then hypothesize their purpose in subjective human terms. He suspects the author might be joking or has an 'out of this world' source.
• Editor's Reply: The editor clarifies that the article was meant to be serious and that J.C. Ghoul has no extra-terrestrial sources, but will speak to him about his logic.
• John Otto (Chicago, Ill.): Congratulates NEXUS and questions if J.C. Ghoul could be Mr. J.W. Moseley.
• Editor's Reply: The editor states this is possible but unlikely.
• Celia Block (Battle Creek, Iowa): Expresses doubt about 'Saucerians' having landed, noting that those claiming sightings describe attractive humans. She humorously invents rumors about George Adamski and a supposed move of Clarion out of Earth's orbit.
• Albert K. Bender (Bridgeport, Conn.): Thanks NEXUS for the copy and expresses confidence in the success of the organization with capable men like Roberts and Lucchesi.
• Name Withheld on Request: Questions why NEXUS uses a post office box for headquarters, implying it's not the actual publishing location.
• Editor's Reply: The editor humorously states it's a bit crowded but they like it.
• Fred Broman (Washington, D.C.): Praises NEXUS as superior to 'SAUCERIAN' and requests an article about Al Bender, noting that August Roberts has significant information on him.
• Desmond Leslie (Valley Center, Calif.): Agrees that saucers should be kept 'un-occult' and are as real as people. He discusses the nature of spirit and matter and the need to discourage 'crackpots'. He encloses an original print of the Adamski saucer photo, challenging readers to find 'G.E.' or 'OSRAM' markings, implying it's not a fake.

Miscellaneous Letters

• Albert K. Bender: Inquires about the use of a post office box for headquarters.
• Name Withheld on Request: Expresses enjoyment of the first issue and asks why a post office box is used for headquarters.
• Fred Broman: Praises NEXUS, calls it superior to 'SAUCERIAN', and requests an article on Al Bender.
• Desmond Leslie: Discusses the reality of saucers and the need to avoid 'crackpots'. He provides an original print of an Adamski saucer photo and challenges readers to find specific markings.

Concerning the African Flying Saucer Movies

This article discusses the film taken by Ray Overstreet near Mount Kilimanjaro. Major Keyhoe references Overstreet in his book 'Flying Saucers from Outer Space'. The incident was also covered in Dr. Pelley's 'Valor' (June 19, 1954 issue), which implied Overstreet had mysteriously disappeared with his film. The NEXUS editor interviewed figures involved and assures readers there is no mystery; the film exists. However, the film is of limited value as it shows a distant light without a reference point, making it difficult to determine if the object or the plane was moving. The Air Force examined it and returned it, deeming it too distant and lacking reference points, making it potentially faked. The editor does not believe the film was faked, especially since the owners minimize its value. However, if the case for saucers rests solely on this film, it would be weak.

Avericious Fable-mongers and Their Relation to the Flying Disc Phenomenon by D. C. Lucchesi

Art Editor D.C. Lucchesi critiques the tendency for sensationalism and 'fable-mongering' surrounding the flying saucer mystery. He criticizes the gullibility of some individuals, attributing it to an 'escapist complex'. Lucchesi argues that many reports are not of extraterrestrial craft but rather misinterpretations of natural phenomena or even secret human experiments, likening the public reaction to the atomic bomb's discovery. He warns against jumping to conclusions and advises a critical, selective approach to evidence, suggesting that some factions profit from misleading the public.

I Spoke With An Earth-Man by Malvin Morbid

This section presents a message relayed via automatic writing during a séance on February 13, 1954. Malvin Morbid, from Planet Masar (Code 3), describes his 'ordinary dull, drab existence' on Masar, where social problems have been eliminated. He borrowed his father's flying saucer on November 18, 1952, to visit Earth ('Planet Filth') without his father's permission, as his father was engaged in a Venus-based telepathy game.

Officers and Members of S.A.U.C.E.R.S.

The issue lists the officers and members of the Saucer And Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society:

• Officers: James W. Moseley (President), August Roberts (Vice-President), Dominic Lucchesi (Secretary and Co-Ordinator of NEXUS publications). The Executive Council includes John Marana (Supreme Commander of all Regional Districts), Gray Barker (Supreme Commander of Southeastern Region), Melvin Stires (Commander of Edgewater N.J. District), and Agatha Graits (Commander of Miami Florida District).
• Members in Good Standing: Celia Block, Ted Bloecher, Marilyn Feifer, Elmer Fish, Andrew Gabriel, Mary J. Hyde, Estelle McMahon, Laimon Mitris, William Nash, Harold Oksenkrug, Mrs. Glenn Sanders.
• Member in Poor Standing: Richard Cohen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

NEXUS positions itself as a serious yet humorous publication dedicated to UFO research, aiming to connect disparate groups and provide factual reporting. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, urging readers to sift evidence carefully and avoid sensationalism or 'crackpot' theories. There's a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine sightings and hoaxes or misinterpretations, as seen in the discussions surrounding the Adamski photos and the Overstreet film. The magazine also highlights the work of its dedicated staff and the growing public interest in the phenomenon, while maintaining a skeptical but open mind towards the subject matter.

This issue of Noxus, dated October 1954, presents a blend of fictional alien encounters, real-world UFO sighting reports, and investigative journalism debunking hoaxes. The magazine aims to explore the phenomenon of flying saucers with a focus on research and factual analysis, while also acknowledging the public's fascination with the subject.

Fictional Encounter: Alien from Mars

The issue opens with a first-person narrative from an alien originating from Mars, who describes a journey to Earth in his pseudo-electronic garage and saucer. He lands in a desert area in Southern California due to a malfunction in his electromagnetic generator. While inspecting his craft, he is approached by a creature from Earth, whom he identifies as John Adams Sky. The alien expresses fear due to his civilization's lack of warfare and his own advanced weaponry. He learns that John Adams Sky is from Earth and not 'Masar' as he initially assumed. The alien is intrigued by Sky's automobile, a 1912 Rolls Royce, and requests a ride. Sky, in turn, asks for a ride in the saucer. After a 'battle of thought waves,' the alien agrees to give Sky a ride in his car. Sky comments on the car's coolness and learns that Earthlings listen to radio programs, which allows them to understand slang. Sky then reveals a crucial message: unless Earth stops using atomic weapons, their civilization will be destroyed.

The alien, referred to as 'Jack,' is taken aback by this message and questions the state of Earth's civilization. He is more concerned with the 'singing commercials' on Earth's radio programs, which he claims vibrate at a rate of 960 ectograms, piercing the ionosphere and disrupting their 'trans-video-telography,' 'intra-visual-tolopathy,' and 'psychometric radiography.' He vows to spread this information. The alien then asks to be returned to his saucer, expressing concern about Sky's fast driving. Sky offers to take him to Los Angeles, mentioning a friend at the Los Angeles Times, but the alien declines, fearing the 'crackpots' and the need to solve crimes. He prefers to return to his saucer and suggests meeting again later.

Upon returning to the saucer, the alien attempts to repair his generator. Sky repeatedly asks for proof of his encounter. He hands the alien a steel bar, which the alien easily gouges with his thumb, altering the metal's chemical composition. Sky asks for a more impressive feat, and the alien makes a deeper gouge, causing Sky to exclaim in pain, having sprained his thumb. The alien then offers to have his friend, a doctor named Williamspoon, treat the thumb, but the alien from Mars dismisses this, stating his own planet has conquered all diseases. The alien from Mars then departs, vowing never to return to Earth.

News Items: UFO Sightings and Reports

The magazine features several news items detailing alleged UFO sightings:

• Canadian Miner's Report: Ennio LaSarza, a young Canadian miner from Garson, Ontario, reported seeing a six-armed crew of three inside a flying saucer. He described the craft as a 'huge disk' that descended near the nickel mining center. When he approached, the creatures stared at him hypnotically, causing him to faint. Upon waking, the craft and its occupants had vanished.

• Youth Sees 50-Foot Saucer: A report from London describes a large, circular, flame-coloured flying machine seen hovering silently over hamlets in Hampshire and Somerset. Experts from the Mir Ministry were puzzled, finding no natural cause for the phenomenon, which was observed from as close as 30 yards.

• German Photographs Saucer: A German resident named Joan Hofmockel, living in Homecourt, France, claimed to have photographed a flying saucer. He described a disk approximately 25 meters in diameter descending near him, allowing him time to take a picture before ascending vertically and disappearing. The article notes the photos are mediocre and do not yet prove the existence of flying saucers.

• Detroit Letter: A letter to the editor suggests that George Adamski should undergo a lie detector test regarding his claims about 'men from Venus' and flying saucers.

• South African Schoolboy Photographs Saucer: A schoolboy from Cape Provenco claims to have seen and photographed a 'flying saucer' while climbing a mountain. He described it swooping down with a noise like hydraulic brakes or a powerful jet. The photograph reportedly shows a dark, elliptical object with an 'undercarriage' like an inverted cone.

Exposing the Saucer Hoaxes (No. 1 of a Series)

This section, written by James W. Mosolcy, details a hoax orchestrated by Edward Watters, an Atlanta barber. To win a $10 bet that he couldn't get his picture in the local papers, Watters bought a monkey, shaved its hair, killed it, and cut off its tail. He then placed the monkey on the highway with two friends and told a passing motorist that three little men had run across the highway into their saucer, and the monkey had been accidentally hit by the truck. The story made the local papers, and Watters initially stuck to his story. However, scientists examined the 'man from Mars' and revealed it to be a dead monkey. Watters admitted the hoax and was fined $40 for placing a dead animal on a public thoroughfare. The author notes that Watters himself does not believe in saucers and that this particular hoax was quickly exposed. Mosolcy states that many other hoaxes exist and will be revealed in future issues.

Regarding Civilian Saucer Intelligence of New York

Written by Ted Bloecher, this section chronicles the formation and activities of the Civilian Saucer Intelligence (CSI) group in New York. The group was initiated by Marilyn Feifer, a Bronx housewife, who sought to gather individuals interested in the subject. Their first meeting was on February 16, 1954, with fifteen people, including Eliot Rockmore, who brought extensive files on UFOs. The group discussed establishing a name and purpose, eventually settling on 'CSI' despite reservations about the term 'saucer.' They aimed to create a platform for exchanging ideas on UFOs without taking a definitive stance, allowing for various theories. Eliot Rockmore was named Active President in name only, with Marilyn Feifer as acting secretary-treasurer.

Subsequent meetings were held, including one on March 5th where Dr. Howard MacDonald spoke about messages he received via pendulum from 'Penji,' which identified two planets, Jokely and Millikom, as the origin of saucers, stating their purpose was study and sightseeing. MacDonald later gave up his research.

Another meeting on March 19 featured Dr. S. N. Baruch discussing a government-developed saucer-type craft made from a new aluminum alloy, emphasizing it was distinct from reported UFO sightings. Marty Meyerson noted correlations between UFO sightings and Mars' proximity to Earth in 1948, 1950, and 1952.

A round-table discussion on April 2nd reviewed the 'Situation Saucer.' The group faced challenges with membership growth and a lack of funds for speakers, leading to internal disagreements. The arrival of Mr. Adamski, who agreed to address the group on April 9th, led to a large but financially unsuccessful meeting. Adamski's talk was reportedly brief, and the Q&A session was cut short.

Marilyn Feifer received unsettling phone calls, prompting the author to offer assistance. The group's policy statement, developed in May, asserted that saucers are real and likely extraterrestrial, advocating for factual research based on available material and natural explanations, rather than supernatural or occult premises. Personal contacts with insufficient evidence were to be excluded.

Later meetings included a provocative session with naturalist Ivan Sanderson discussing the Sutton, West Virginia incident. The group also faced internal conflicts, leading to a postponement of general elections. Eliot Rockmore temporarily withdrew due to personal pressures. The policy statement was adopted in June, and a panel discussion on Adamski's story was held. The CSI decided to forego meetings in July and August, with elections scheduled for September. A records study group would continue functioning.

Book Review: Flying Saucers on the Attack

This section reviews Harold T. Wilkins' book, "Flying Saucers on the Attack." The reviewer praises Wilkins for his extensive research, tracing saucer phenomena from pre-Christian times to recent sightings. The book is commended for its scientific and cultural background and for covering the 'foo fighters' of World War Two. However, the reviewer disagrees with Wilkins' theme that saucers are inimical to mankind, arguing there is little evidence of hostility and that if saucers intended to harm or warn, they would use more direct communication. The reviewer suggests Wilkins may have emphasized hostility as a new approach rather than a factual one. The book is also noted for its lack of dogmatism, presenting accounts as possibilities rather than certainties. Nevertheless, the reviewer criticizes Wilkins for including numerous accounts that may not be related to saucers, potentially just unexplained aerial phenomena. The book is described as 'considerably dull reading,' overloaded with case histories, and lacking the 'flare' of Major Keyhoe's works. While considered a worthwhile contribution to saucer research, it is not deemed 'the last word' on the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Noxus include the exploration of UFO phenomena through fictional narratives, factual reports of sightings, and critical analysis of existing literature and hoaxes. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of cautious investigation, seeking factual evidence and scientific explanations while acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial origins. There is a clear effort to distinguish between credible reports, potential hoaxes, and speculative theories. The editorial stance leans towards a rational, research-oriented approach, as evidenced by the CSI's policy statement and the critical review of Wilkins' book, which emphasizes the need for verifiable evidence over mere compilation of anecdotal accounts. The magazine also highlights the public's ongoing fascination with flying saucers and the challenges in separating fact from fiction in this field.