1970 01 00 SAGA - Otto Binder - Liquidation of the UFO Investigators

Magazine Overview

Title: SAGA
Issue: January 1970 (JAN/70)
Publisher: Macfadden-Bartell Corporation
Country: USA
Price: 50¢

This issue of SAGA magazine, dated January 1970, features a striking cover with a man in military uniform surrounded by treasure, hinting at the lead story about "Rommel's Lost $200 Million Treasure." The cover also teases other articles on topics ranging from America's riots and air pollution to predictions for 1970 by Irene Hughes and a piece titled "Liquidation of UFO Investigators."

Exclusive: Liquidation of the UFO Investigators

The main investigative piece, "Liquidation of the UFO Investigators" by Otto O. Binder, explores a disturbing trend of deaths among those involved in UFO research and contact. The article begins by recounting the announcement at the first World UFO Convention on June 24, 1967, of the death of Frank Edwards, a prominent UFO advocate. This date is highlighted as significant because it was exactly 20 years after Kenneth Arnold's famous 1947 sighting, which brought UFOs into public consciousness. The article notes the peculiar coincidence that two other UFOlogists, Arthur Bryant and Richard Church, also died on June 24, 1967, and Frank Scully died on June 24, 1964.

Over the past 10 years, the article claims, no less than 137 flying saucer researchers, writers, scientists, and witnesses have died, many under "mysterious circumstances." The piece questions whether these individuals were "silenced, permanently, because they got too close to the truth."

The article then details several prominent cases:

• Frank Edwards: Died of a heart attack at age 59. His death was announced on June 24, 1967, the same day as the convention and 20 years after the Kenneth Arnold sighting.
• Kenneth Arnold: Made his famous sighting of nine flying saucers on June 24, 1947.
• Arthur Bryant: A contactee who claimed to have met Venusians, died on June 24, 1967.
• Richard Church: Chairman-elect of CIGIUFO, died on June 24, 1967.
• Frank Scully: Author of "Behind the Flying Saucers," died on June 24, 1964.
• Willie Ley: A writer on rockets and astronautics, died on June 24, 1969.
• George Adamski: Died of a heart attack on April 23, 1965, after claiming to have spoken with Venusians and traveled to Venus.
• Truman Bethurum: Claimed to have ridden in flying saucers, died on May 21, 1969.
• Barney Hill: Famous contactee who, with his wife Betty, claimed to have been taken aboard a saucer by humanoids and undergone examination. They remembered nothing until hypnosis. Barney Hill died on February 25, 1969.
• Mark Probert: A psychic associated with the Borderland Science Research Associates (BSRA), died on February 22, 1969.
• Meade Layne: Author on flying saucers, died in 1968.
• Dr. George Hunt Williamson: Disappeared in Peru in 1965 while on an anthropological expedition. He explored ancient Indian sites and claimed to have established radio contact with UFOs.
• Dr. Raymond Bernard: Questionably died on September 10, 1966. He wrote about the "inner Earth" and its inhabitants, the "saucer-men."
• Dr. Morris K. Jessup: A scientist who believed in UFOs, died on April 20, 1959, in an apparent suicide. His death certificate cited carbon monoxide intoxication. Jessup theorized that UFOs were vehicles used by a pygmy race from outer space.
• Capt. Edward Ruppelt: Headed the Air Force's Project Bluebook for two and a half years and wrote "The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects."
• Wilbert B. Smith: Headed Canada's Project Magnet, designed to investigate flying saucers. He died on December 27, 1962.

The article also lists other UFOlogists who died, including Dr. Olavo T. Fontes, Rev. Della Larson (suicide), Gloria Lee (died during a fast), H. T. Wilkins, Dr. Charles A. Maney, Capt. Robert Loftin, Clara John, Hazen Coon, Ralph Holland, Chuck Roberts, Bernard Cox, Edgar Jarrold (vanished mysteriously), Marie Ford (suicide), Doug Hanock (suicide in a mental hospital), Damon Runyon Jr. (suicide), Henry F. Koch (died mysteriously after a UFO sighting), and Dr. B. Noel Opan (allegedly kidnapped by MIBs).

The article raises the possibility that these deaths, including heart attacks, cancer, and suicides, may have been induced. It references threats received by UFOlogists from MIBs, citing examples like Robert S. Easley being shot at and receiving threats, and Gray Barker finding a note warning him to abandon his research. John Keel is quoted as believing MIBs are "professional terrorists" tasked with harassing UFO witnesses.

WW II Mystery: Rommel's Lost $200 Million Treasure

While not detailed in the provided text, the cover prominently features this as a major story, suggesting an exploration of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel's hidden wealth from World War II.

Other Cover Stories

The cover also mentions other articles, including "Phenomenal Predictions for 1970 by Irene Hughes," "Answer to America's Bloody Riots," "Air Pollution—Inside Your Home!", and "Elke Sommer—Ecstasy in Silk."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The dominant theme in the provided text is the alleged conspiracy surrounding UFO research, particularly the idea that key figures are being systematically eliminated. The magazine adopts a skeptical stance towards official explanations for these deaths, suggesting foul play and cover-ups by powerful, possibly extraterrestrial or governmental, entities (MIBs). The article implies that those who delve too deeply into the UFO phenomenon are at risk, and their deaths are not accidental. The editorial stance is one of alarm and investigation, urging readers to question the official narratives and consider the possibility of a deliberate suppression of truth. The article also touches upon the idea that some deaths might be a form of 'removal' for the individuals' own good, having completed their 'task' of spreading UFO awareness.