Saucer News - Whole Number 23 - Vol 04 No 03 - 1957 04-05

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: VOLUME 4, NUMBER 3 (Whole Number 23)
Date: APRIL-MAY 1957
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: JAMES W. MOSELEY

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, the official publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society (S.A.U.C.E.R.S.), presents itself as a resilient voice in the often-transient field of UFO journalism. The cover features a photograph of Ralph Horton holding a strange object, identified as a weather balloon, that landed in his yard in 1952. The issue's main headline, "SAUCER NEWS IS HERE TO STAY!", directly addresses the challenges and longevity of UFO publications.

Editorial: "SAUCER MAGAZINES COME AND GO, BUT "SAUCER NEWS" IS HERE TO STAY!"

The editorial by James W. Moseley reflects on the recent news of Leonard Stringfield's "C.R.I.F.O. Orbit" magazine folding after its March issue. Moseley notes that while this may have surprised many subscribers, Stringfield cited reasons such as the magazine's format being out of character with "demagogues, extremists and sensation-hunters" in the UFO field, and a preference for sensationalism or 'vitriolic hate for the Air Force' by some in the community. Stringfield also mentioned sagging financial returns and difficulty keeping up with correspondence. Moseley contrasts this with SAUCER NEWS, which has been publishing for almost three years, having started as "Nexus" in July 1954. He points out that out of ten leading saucer clubs listed in October 1954, three are now defunct, and many other saucer magazines have appeared and disappeared during SAUCER NEWS's lifespan. Despite these challenges, Moseley asserts that SAUCER NEWS will continue, partly due to its policy of presenting articles from diverse viewpoints and maintaining an interesting format without sensationalism. He also notes that S.A.U.C.E.R.S. has collected a library of over 5,000 saucer clippings from 1954-1957 and is close to a real solution to the saucer mystery, emphasizing the belief that most saucers are Earth-made rather than interplanetary, a view he acknowledges is unpopular.

The editorial also mentions the upcoming June-July issue will be delayed due to the Editor's business travel, with Managing Editor John Marana handling routine matters in his absence.

Feature Articles

• "Flying Saucer Research On Trial" by Thomas M. Comella: (Page 9) Mr. Comella, former editor of the "Flying Saucer Service Research Bulletin," merges his organization with George Williamson's Telonic Research Center. He expresses opinions contrary to the editor's but is published to present all sides. Comella argues that UFO research has been in chaos for seven years, with little progress. He criticizes the shift from accurate reporting to sensational writing to keep readers interested, likening reading saucer magazines to gossip columns. He distinguishes between investigation (search for truth) and detective work (finding what one is told to find). Comella also discusses "Hoaxes, Exposes, and Amateur Detectives," citing an example of a phony "men in black" story that was published by "Cosmic News." He stresses that a true expose requires a written confession or a demonstration of how a hoax was committed. He uses the George Adamski case as an example, stating that the "expose" in SAUCER NEWS was a farce because Adamski never confessed and the alleged "childlike lampshade saucer" was never found, leaving the question open and suggesting the case against Adamski relies on prejudice and the testimony of a "confessed liar."

Comella also touches upon "C. Saucers, Little Men, and Contacts," arguing that UFO research has developed a harmful attitude by mentally classifying all "contact" reports as crackpot, thus potentially dismissing genuine encounters with extraterrestrial beings.

• "Two Lights That Failed" by Justin Case: (Page 15) This article is not fully transcribed in the provided pages, but its title suggests a discussion of sightings or cases that did not prove to be significant or were debunked.

Contents of This Issue

The issue includes an Editorial (Page 2), Letters to the Editor (Page 4), Recent News Stories (Page 6), and the two feature articles mentioned above.

Letters to the Editor

• Concerning Buck Nelson's Claims: Leon C. Le Van of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, writes about Buck Nelson's claimed Christmas Day trip to Mars, Venus, and the Moon in 1955. Nelson reportedly claims a "Bucky of Venus" visited him on December 25, 1956, and took him on a trip to Colorado before returning him home. Le Van emphasizes the importance of obtaining details to verify these claims, suggesting that refusal to provide them might indicate deliberate concealment.

• Open Letter to George Adamski's "C.L.J.": Lonzo Dove of Broadway, Virginia, addresses Clara L. John, identified as "C.L.J." and a former ghost-writer for George Adamski. Dove accuses John of evasiveness and of calling accusers names like "Liar!" and "Skunk!" after his exposure of the Adamski hoax in "URANUS." Dove states that he had requested permission to quote John's letters regarding the Adamski book, and that John was aware of his intentions. He believes John knows more about the Adamski story but is unwilling to reveal it due to her own interests.

Recent News

• Famous Scientist Believes Saucers May Be From a Distant Star: Clyde Tombaugh, discoverer of Pluto, suggests that flying saucers could be visitors from other stars, capable of traveling trillions of miles due to advanced energy sources and technology.

• Misguided Guided Missiles Cause Concern in England and the United States: Reports of a 10-ton rocket going out of control on England's Woomera range and a US missile losing contact over California, crashing near Death Valley, are detailed. An American Snark missile also failed to return from a test flight.

• World to End in 1991?: This section discusses the prophecies of Old Mother Shipton, born in 1488, who accurately predicted events like the Great Fire of London and men sailing around the world. Her most terrifying prophecy is that the world will end in 1991.

• Saucer Briefs: This section includes news about a new magazine called "S.P.A.C.E.", the "Long John" radio program interviewing UFO personalities in New York, and Swiss scientist Alfred Nahon's protest fast against atomic power. It also mentions a fire near Oneida, New York, following reports of a flaming object, and a rumor that George Williamson was behind Truman Betherum's "Sanctuary of Thought" literature.

• Home-Made Balloons Cause Scare: A group of boys' home-made balloons caused a scare near Clinton, Tennessee, when one exploded and crashed.

• Gloria Swanson Sees Grounded Saucer in Hollywood: Actress Gloria Swanson investigated a reported crash-landed saucer in Hollywood Hills, but it was later revealed to be a movie prop.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the state of UFO research and publication, the credibility of UFO claims, and the ongoing debate about the origin of flying saucers. SAUCER NEWS positions itself as a publication committed to presenting facts and diverse viewpoints, even when they are unpopular, such as the "Earth Theory" of saucer origins. The magazine appears to be critical of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims within the UFO community, as evidenced by the editorial and Thomas M. Comella's article. The editorial stance is one of perseverance and a commitment to uncovering the truth, regardless of popular opinion or the financial difficulties inherent in publishing such a niche subject.

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: 11
Volume: 1
Date: 1954

This issue of SAUCER NEWS delves into the complexities and pitfalls of organized flying saucer research, critiquing the methods and motivations of various investigators and organizations.

D. Hysteria - Our Worst Enemy

The article begins by cautioning against 'hysteria' as the researcher's worst enemy. It explains how the publication of books and articles on topics like 'hush-up' cases, the 'Silence Group,' and 'International Bankers' can create a subtle, internal hysteria in individuals. This leads them to interpret ordinary events as part of a conspiracy, sometimes to a dangerous degree, as exemplified by a person who procured a gun after reading about such theories. The author notes that this type of hysteria often erupts during new phases of research and can be perpetuated through gossip and 'saucerzines,' leading to tales that are far from the truth.

E. Confidential Collaboration

This section exposes a tactic used by some UFO researchers involving 'confidential collaboration.' Two researchers agree beforehand to create a public dispute or 'feud' in print. This controversy is designed to attract reader attention and elicit information, both pro and con, from the public. The author states that this method is currently being used to gather information about the 'Silence Group,' with individuals like 'John Doe' playing a role by denying accusations, thereby hoping to generate new information or a slip-up from the group itself. This technique is employed when the subject is believed to be serious.

F. The Undercover Investigator

Another tactic discussed is the 'undercover investigator' who deliberately confuses the reading public. This is achieved by ridiculing one saucer theory while supporting another, thus putting potential informants off guard. The investigator writes an eye-catching article to establish their public position. An example given is James Moseley's article "The Solution to the Flying Saucer Mystery," which ridiculed the outer-space hypothesis and supported the earth-missile theory. Despite this, Moseley intensified his study and offered a $1,000 reward for proof of saucers coming from outer space, a move interpreted as a challenge to draw out actual proof. The author suggests that Moseley's theory might not fully explain all saucers and that he may not even know the source of his own story.

G. Commercialism - The Eternal Plague

Commercialism is identified as a pervasive problem in UFO research. The author criticizes organizations, particularly one in Detroit, whose 'life blood' is selling books, pamphlets, and articles. This group allegedly possesses information that a famous UFO personality is a fake but continues to sell their material, showing a disregard for whether researchers are led astray. The primary concern is the pursuit of dollars over the truth. The author contrasts this with promoting lectures where the focus is on delivering a good talk rather than just the monetary 'take.' While accepting money for publishing or lecturing is deemed acceptable, the author insists that when sales become more important than the subject, it's time to quit investigating saucers.

H. The "Bashful Radical"

This type of investigator is described as hard to recognize. Openly, they appear as conservative, scientific researchers who shun radicalism. However, they secretly hold more sensational and abstract views. They gain the confidence of a fellow publisher who is more adept at publishing radical theories. Through this publisher, the 'bashful radical' prints their profound ideas, often under the publisher's name, to avoid being perceived as 'batty.' This allows them to gauge public reaction to their actual views without revealing their identity. The author knows of at least two such individuals operating in UFO research.

I. The Honest Feud and the Underhanded Expose

This maneuver also involves collaboration between investigators, often the same ones involved in 'confidential collaboration' or 'undercover' tactics. Two famous personalities may develop apparent serious differences through correspondence, which can escalate into a 'feud.' One collaborator then uses this situation to expose the other, often through rumors and charges. This expose is published, leaving the other researcher seemingly in the clear. The reader perceives this as two independent attacks supporting one side, when in reality, both were prepared by the same individual through different mediums. This is described as an underhanded way to 'get even' with a disagreeing researcher.

J. Orthodox Science Versus the Unknown

The article shifts to a 'natural problem': reconciling unsolved UFO problems with orthodox science. Flying saucers are presented as an unknown and radically different quantity, yet there is overwhelming evidence of their existence. The difficulty lies in resolving this unknown with known knowledge, which can lead to erroneous conclusions. An analogy is drawn to the early skepticism surrounding flight before the Wright Brothers. The author argues that science should not be treated as a 'Sacred Cow' and that progress requires open minds. Historical examples of scientific misinterpretations, such as the Martian atmosphere's oxygen content and Jupiter's composition, are cited to show that science has much to learn. The author suggests a cautious approach, using scientific theorems for familiar subjects but being open to new and fantastic claims regarding unknowns like saucers. The explanation for saucers, it is argued, lies outside science's current realm, requiring either science to expand its scope or the truth to be missed.

K. Last But By No Means Least - The Flying Saucers Themselves

This section briefly touches upon the broad scope of the saucer subject, which includes categories like unidentified flying objects, the Silence Group, International Bankers, falling ice, windshield pitting, and unidentified submarines. The author questions whether these are all related or separate. Some evidence links flying saucers with the Silence Group and the International Bankers. Regarding the UFOs themselves, they are described as operating at fantastic speeds and maneuvers, capable of being silent or noisy, and unpredictable. The author suggests that the 'illogic' of the 'saucer saga' might be the key to understanding it, proposing that what seems illogical to us might be logical to 'someone' else. The article's aim is to expose confusing tactics, clarify accomplishments and failures, provide perspective, and suggest a new plan of attack. The author urges readers to actively seek answers to the saucer mystery and related enigmatic problems.

TWO LIGHTS THAT FAILED - AND A THIRD?

This article, by Justin Case, details several attempts to scientifically investigate flying saucers that ultimately failed. The Civilian Saucer Investigation (CSI), formed in Los Angeles in 1951, gained publicity but closed down in 1953, concluding that full-time staff were needed and that UFOs might be interplanetary, with no evidence of landings. They sought an organization to take over their files. In August 1952, Ohio Northern University launched Project "A" to investigate flying saucers, involving various university departments. However, by the summer of 1953, they had received only 54 reports and lacked sufficient data for a scientific study. The university subsequently closed down Project "A." Ed Sullivan of CSI offered his organization's files, but it was too late. In March 1954, the university issued a final report stating they had voluntarily closed the project due to insufficient reports. Sullivan then sent the CSI files to an investigator in Tecumseh, Michigan. The author laments this lost opportunity, highlighting that a university with competent scholars was willing to study the mystery but received little public or organizational support. The article then introduces the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) in Washington, D.C., as a new organization of prominent people, including scientists and engineers, aiming to investigate flying saucers and inform the public. It urges readers to cooperate with NICAP by sending UFO reports and data, emphasizing that this might be the last opportunity to help solve the mystery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges and methodologies of UFO research. There is a strong emphasis on the psychological aspects, such as the dangers of hysteria and the manipulative tactics employed by some investigators. Commercialism is presented as a corrupting influence. The conflict between established scientific paradigms and the anomalous nature of UFO phenomena is a central concern, advocating for open-mindedness and a willingness to expand scientific understanding. The issue also highlights the difficulties in conducting rigorous scientific investigations due to lack of resources, public cooperation, and organizational support, as evidenced by the failures of CSI and Ohio Northern University. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical analysis, urging a more honest, objective, and cooperative approach to UFO research, while acknowledging the reality of the phenomenon and the need for continued investigation.