Saucer News - Whole Number 22 - Vol 04 No 02 - 1957 02-03

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: VOLUME 4, NUMBER 2 (Whole Number 22)
Date: FEBRUARY-MARCH 1957
Publisher: The Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER NEWS is the official publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society, focusing on flying saucer phenomena and related topics. It features a mix of articles, letters, and editorial notes, reflecting the ongoing discussions and controversies within the UFO community of the mid-1950s.

Editorials and Editorial Notes

The "Editorial Notes" section on page 2 discusses an article from the British magazine URANUS titled "Adamski, the Last (Coffin) Nail." This article suggested that both of George Adamski's books were "ghosted" by other writers, specifically identifying Clara John, editor of Washington D.C.'s "Little Listening Post," as the ghostwriter for "Flying Saucers Have Landed." Mrs. John's response is quoted, indicating her dissatisfaction with Adamski's story's presentation.

A "IMPORTANT NOTICE" on page 2 addresses subscription renewals, stating that the magazine can no longer afford to send issues to subscribers whose subscriptions have expired. Readers with a star (*) on their envelope are urged to renew promptly to continue receiving SAUCER NEWS.

The publication details are provided: SAUCER NEWS is published every second month in Fort Lee, New Jersey, by the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society (S.A.U.C.E.R.S.). The editorial staff includes James W. Moseley (Editor), John Marana (Managing Editor), El-Jay Koch (Staff Artist), August C. Roberts (Photographic Consultant), and Associate Editors Dominic Lucchesi, Fred Broman, and Richard Cohen. Correspondence should be addressed to P.O. Box 163, Fort Lee, New Jersey.

Letters to the Editor

Page 3 features a letter from Jim Fugatt of Phoenix, Arizona, who claims to have proof that "Little Men" exist. He states he can see their lights or signals but not the saucers themselves to avoid radar detection. He mentions a scientist who has allegedly studied alien bodies for 20 years and asks for help in finding him.

The "Editor's Note" following Fugatt's letter expresses skepticism about the definitiveness of his proof but indicates a willingness to investigate personally.

Another section addresses rumors concerning an organization called the "International Bankers." A letter from Bombay, India, describes dismay among members of a club called the "Vimanians" due to threatening letters from these "International Bankers." The letter details encounters with taciturn men of Northern Asian or Western appearance who ask unsettling questions about politics and relationships with the USSR, making the "Vimanians" feel uncomfortable.

Page 4 continues the discussion on "International Bankers." The writer notes that these individuals appear to have Communist leanings and make "occasional suggestions" that could be classified as seditious. The letters and conversations with these "visitors" often involve interest in Tibet and political situations on the borders of Afghanistan, Waziristan, and Nepal. The writer finds it strange that these individuals make no direct references to their own country and seem exceptionally well-informed yet ignorant on common matters, refusing refreshments.

Miscellaneous Letters

Page 4 also includes a letter from John L. Zeller of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, disagreeing with William Labb's assertion that the film "Unidentified Flying Objects" was withdrawn due to censorship. Zeller states the film played in local theaters and received a good review, with his only criticism being the lack of focus on important sightings.

James Coons of Indianapolis, Indiana, quotes the Indianapolis Times regarding a secret session of the Geophysical Year committee discussing phenomena to be studied between July 1957 and December 1958, questioning if saucers could be considered such phenomena.

Feature Articles

A Report on Washington D.C.'s NICAP by M. K. Jessup (Page 5):
This article details the formation and internal struggles of the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) in late 1956. Jessup describes NICAP as initially appearing to be a boon to saucer research but soon revealing itself as potentially designed for the pecuniary gain of a few promoters. Key figures mentioned include Mrs. Rose Hackett, whose unpaid devotion was crucial, and T. Townsend Brown, who announced a salary structure for officials totaling over $85,000. The article alleges that Mr. Brown intended NICAP to be staffed with anti-UFO personnel and that potential donors withdrew due to mismanagement. The January elections saw an attempt by Messrs. Brown and Rush to gain control, which was thwarted by Major Keyhoe. Following this, the Board of Governors, led by Admiral Fahrney, conducted a "housecleaning," dropping most personnel except Mrs. Hackett. Major Keyhoe was appointed temporary Director.

Menger's Adamski-Type Saucers by Lonzo Dove (Pages 6-7):
Lonzo Dove critically analyzes photographs attributed to Howard Menger, which are presented as "Adamski-type saucers." Dove argues that these images are not of real flying saucers but are likely crude paintings. He points out consistent brush marks, spray smudges, and identical perspective and proportion across different lighting conditions and distances, suggesting they are faked. Dove refers to photographs published by Van Tassel as authentic examples, but contrasts them with Menger's work, which he finds unconvincing and potentially misleading to those seeking wish fulfillment.

Coanda's Flying Saucers by Justin Case & James W. Moseley (Pages 8-9):
This article discusses the work of Professor Henri Coanda, a French mathematician and engineer, focusing on his development of a "lenticular aerodyne" – a disc-shaped craft. Coanda's research, dating back to 1910 with early jet propulsion experiments and later, in the 1930s, with a vacuum-creating disc design, is presented. His patents from 1935 are noted, and a 1938 paper describing a lifting force of 400 pounds per square foot is mentioned. The article suggests that German development during WWII and Russian experiments might have utilized Coanda's ideas. The authors highlight Coanda's visit to Wright Field in 1945 and his subsequent work on a craft weighing 900 pounds, capable of carrying one to four people, flying at 300 mph with a 1,000-mile range. The article posits that the shape and performance of Coanda's aerodyne closely resemble those attributed to flying saucers, suggesting that many UFOs could be man-made aircraft. It notes the significant number of UFO reports from Dayton, Ohio, where NACA and ATIC are located, and mentions the Air Force's interest in AVRO's saucer-shaped aircraft. The conclusion is that flying saucers are likely man-made, though this doesn't explain all sightings.

The Flying Saucer Status Quo by John Phillip Bessor (Page 10):
Bessor expresses indignation that the flying saucer subject has been taken over by "mystics and esotericists" after the Air Force abandoned its investigation in 1950. He argues that this abandonment allowed sensationalized accounts, like those involving humanoids and Adamski's stories, to dominate the field. He criticizes the credulity of figures like Lord Dowding and suggests that genuine encounters with saucers would be terrifying. Bessor laments that the subject is falling apart due to sensationalism and a lack of serious press coverage, with many saucer magazines publishing "ludicrous" content. He hopes for a future where the mystery is treated with intelligent respect.

POETRY: The Death of Captain Mantell by Kenneth H. Ford (Page 10):
A poem reflecting on the death of Captain Mantell, describing a shape exploding with light and a sense of sadness and inhumanity.

Recent News Stories (Page 13):
This section is mentioned in the table of contents but the content is not visible in the provided scan.

Space Messages - Their Methods of Transmission, their Content, and their Worth by John Pitt (Page 11):
This section is mentioned in the table of contents but the content is not visible in the provided scan.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include skepticism towards certain contactee claims and photographic evidence (particularly Howard Menger's), internal organizational politics within UFO research groups (NICAP), the potential for man-made craft to explain UFO sightings (Henri Coanda's aerodyne), and a concern about the sensationalization and "mystical" takeover of the flying saucer subject. The editorial stance, as indicated by the editor's notes and the critical articles, leans towards a more rational, evidence-based approach to UFO research, while acknowledging the ongoing mystery and the need for serious investigation.

Advertisements

Advertisements include information on lectures by August C. Roberts and Dominic Lucchesi, the availability of back issues and newsletters from SAUCER NEWS, and a subscription offer for "COSMIC NEWS." An advertisement for an "INTERPLANETARY FELLOWSHIP EMBLEM" is also present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include skepticism towards certain contactee claims and photographic evidence (particularly Howard Menger's), internal organizational politics within UFO research groups (NICAP), the potential for man-made craft to explain UFO sightings (Henri Coanda's aerodyne), and a concern about the sensationalization and "mystical" takeover of the flying saucer subject. The editorial stance, as indicated by the editor's notes and the critical articles, leans towards a more rational, evidence-based approach to UFO research, while acknowledging the ongoing mystery and the need for serious investigation.

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: 13
Volume: 1
Date: April-May 1959
Publisher: SAUCER NEWS
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SAUCER NEWS delves into the complex and often controversial topic of communication with alleged extraterrestrial intelligences, alongside a collection of recent UFO sightings and related news briefs.

Space Messages: Transmission, Content, and Worth

The lead article, "SPACE MESSAGES - THEIR METHODS OF TRANSMISSION, THEIR CONTENT, AND THEIR WORTH" by John Pitt, critically examines the claims of communication with beings from flying saucers. Pitt notes that while UFO sightings have a history dating back to 1947, the claims of communication are more recent. He expresses astonishment that a significant portion of UFO researchers are convinced of their ability to communicate with these intelligences, despite a lack of basic data.

Pitt categorizes the methods of communication into several types:

Mediumship and Spirit Communication

He observes that many 'space messages' are received through means similar to Spirit Communication, often involving 'mediumship' through wine-glass and alphabet or ouija boards. Pitt notes that individuals who might be skeptical of spirit messages are often willing to accept similar messages from 'Spacemen'. He also points out that the 'Spirit World' did not prepare its followers for UFOs until after the first sightings, and that current 'Intelligence' systems seem more up-to-date than traditional spirit guides.

Telepathy

Telepathy is presented as another significant method, appealing to those who prefer less 'spookery'. This includes intuitive insights and messages relayed via tape or directly to listeners. Pitt mentions that this method has not yet attracted stigma associated with spurious telepathy.

Direct Signaling and Tape Recordings

Two other methods are discussed: direct signaling to saucers, and a method where 'Spacemen' signal Earth. The latter involves messages being impressed onto tape without a conventional recorder. Pitt recounts how a group, after being asked to set aside virgin tape, discovered 'Spacemen' voices on the reels when played back.

The Content and Quality of Messages

Pitt argues that regardless of the method, the 'canon' of these messages is consistent, and their quality varies little. He notes that the communicators' accents seem to adapt to the Earthmen they contact, but the 'lingua franca of Science-Fictioneze' smooths out linguistic difficulties. A paradox is highlighted: while professing brotherly love, the messages sometimes include intimations of Earth's destruction due to atomic research. Furthermore, 'Spacemen' are described as adept at digesting and plagiarizing ideas from science fiction periodicals, with concepts appearing in messages shortly after being publicized.

The 'Spacemen's' Logic and Evasiveness

When asked for tangible proof, 'Spacemen' allegedly offer a logic that suggests only 'fools' would expect belief from the materially-minded. Regarding their flight and propulsion methods, 'Spacemen' often evade specific questions, claiming human minds are incapable of grasping such intricacies, while readily providing information on other cosmic matters.

Recent News Stories

The magazine includes several brief reports on recent events:

Tourists Tangle with Saucer in Nebraska

On November 21st, Mrs. H. E. Wagner and her son reported their car being illuminated by a bright silver light, accompanied by a strong gust of wind, near Fremont, Nebraska. They had not seen any other vehicles or significant wind prior to the event.

Latest Word on the Abominable Snowman

Two stories are mentioned: Swiss Alpinist Fritz Mueller abandoned his search for the snowman on Mount Everest after an extensive stay, finding no clues. An American-sponsored expedition has assembled in Calcutta, India, to begin a new search.

Radar Tracks Saucer at 4,000 M.P.H. Near Miami

On December 13th, Donald Freestone, a radar operator for Pan American Airways, detected an unidentified object on weather radar near Miami. Six colleagues confirmed the finding. The object, described as egg-shaped or oval, appeared at an altitude of 7,000-8,000 feet and exhibited speeds estimated between 550-650 m.p.h., with one instance suggesting a speed of 4,000 m.p.h. It was tracked for about 20 minutes.

News Briefs from Overseas

Reports include blue rain in Adelaide, England, following an atomic test; abnormally high atmospheric shocks recorded in central Japan; a live eel falling from the sky in Dovercourt, England; and R. A. F. corporal Brian Essenhigh's rocket-powered, cigar-shaped objects that left smoke and flame.

Minnesota Farmer Spots Saucer Over His Yard

Harold Thompson reported seeing a saucer-shaped object hovering at 300-400 feet, changing color from light red to cherry red as it gained altitude rapidly, before disappearing.

Saucer Seen by Minnesota Farm Couple

Mrs. Elmer Hamann reported a strange light hovering at tree-top level, which was reddish at first and then changed to green as it moved away. The light made no noise and had no identifiable form.

Minnesota Couple Chase Saucer in Their Car

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Mofett and guests chased an oblong, saucer-shaped object with luminous windows that moved erratically near Forest Lake, Minnesota. They were unable to drive directly under it and gave up the chase.

Did Mon-Ka Show Up After All?

A letter to the Los Angeles Mirror-News claims the writer saw a space craft directly over Los Angeles on November 7th, the scheduled appearance time for 'Mon-Ka and his Martians', though 400 fans assembled elsewhere saw nothing.

Mystery Explosion in Minnesota Baffles Authorities

A mysterious explosion, described as worse than thunder, startled residents of Anoka, Minnesota, leading to an extensive search that found no trace of an airplane crash or other cause.

Splinters from a Glass Planet

A report by two scientists from the National Bureau of Standards suggests that large masses of glass from outer space, hitting the Earth's atmosphere at high speeds and shattering into tiny bits, could be the remains of an ancient glass planet. These fragments, falling over Australia, are speculated by the scientists to potentially account for flying saucer reports, though the magazine's editors find this idea 'absurd'.

About Our Next Issue

The April-May issue will feature an article by Thomas Comella, former editor of the Flying Saucer News Service Research Bulletin, titled "Flying Saucer Research on Trial". The article is noted to be critical of the current editor.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

This issue of SAUCER NEWS maintains a critical yet open-minded stance towards UFO phenomena and alleged communications. The editor, John Pitt, expresses skepticism regarding the authenticity and quality of 'space messages', often comparing them unfavorably to spirit communication and highlighting their reliance on science fiction tropes. The magazine consistently presents a variety of UFO sighting reports from different locations, alongside other unusual phenomena like the Abominable Snowman and speculative scientific theories. There is an emphasis on presenting different viewpoints, as indicated by the upcoming article by Thomas Comella and the ongoing discussion about NICAP's role and leadership under Major Keyhoe, advocating for open-minded waiting rather than outright rejection.