Saucer News - Whole Number 27 - Special issue No 01 - 1957 10

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: SPECIAL ISSUE #1 (Whole Number 27)
Date: October 1957
Publisher: Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society
Country: USA
Price: $1.00

This special issue of SAUCER NEWS is dedicated to an "ADAMSKI EXPOSE," critically examining the claims made by George Adamski in his book "Flying Saucers Have Landed." The cover features a prominent headline, "WHICH TWIN IS THE PHONY?", presenting two photographs of alleged flying saucers and posing the question of their authenticity.

Feature Articles

Some New Facts About "Flying Saucers Have Landed" by James W. Moseley

This article, a reprint due to public interest, delves into the widely publicized story of George Adamski. Moseley introduces Adamski as a "philosopher, teacher, student, and saucer researcher" with an amateur astronomy background. Adamski's interest in extraterrestrial life led him to attempt photographing flying saucers, particularly after being approached by J.P. Maxfield and G.L. Bloom from the Point Loma Navy Electronics Laboratory in late 1949. They suggested that flying saucers might be interplanetary and sought Adamski's cooperation in photographing them, implying government interest.

Adamski recounts his persistent efforts to photograph saucers, enduring harsh weather conditions. His narrative focuses on a significant event on November 20th, 1952, near Desert Center, California. He met with Mr. and Mrs. Al Bailey and Dr. and Mrs. George Williamson, who were also interested in making contact. During this outing, a large "mother ship" saucer was sighted. Adamski then moved to a secluded spot where he claims to have encountered a "man from another world" who arrived in a "scout ship" saucer. Adamski took seven photos of this scout ship, though he notes they did not turn out well. He describes the visitor as human-like but with distinct clothing and appearance, radiating a feeling of "infinite understanding and kindness."

The Venusian visitor communicated telepathically and through gestures, revealing he was from Venus and concerned about Earth's use of atomic weapons. The visitor's footprints, which had inscribed markings, were cast in plaster of paris. Later, on December 13th, the scout ship reportedly dropped a film pack containing more strange symbols, which Adamski also photographed. The book includes sworn statements from six witnesses present at the November 20th contact.

Moseley then begins to dissect Adamski's account, raising several points of contention:

• Point One: G.L. Bloom reportedly stated he was "grossly misquoted" in the book and had no knowledge of a saucer landing in Mexico City.
• Point Two: Adamski's argument that he could copyright his photos if they were secret military devices is countered by the possibility that the Air Force might not want extraterrestrial craft details released to the public, suggesting Adamski might not be photographing anything at all.
• Point Three: The article questions the impartiality of Adamski's six witnesses (the Baileys and Williamsons), noting they were already "Believers" and lacked qualifications as expert observers. It also points out that Williamson and Adamski used titles like "Dr." and "professor" without formal degrees.
• Point Four: The photographs are scrutinized. The photo on the right is identified as the "phony" one, while the left is the "genuine" scout ship. Arthur C. Clarke's critique is cited, noting the resemblance of the ships to "electric light fittings" and questioning the perspective, suggesting they might be small objects photographed up close rather than large objects seen through a telescope. Clarke also points out an anomaly in a photo of saucers taking off from the Moon, where one appears to be inside the telescope's field of view.
• Point Five: Disagreement among witnesses is highlighted. Al Bailey, one of the sworn witnesses, later stated in a personal interview that he did not see the space man or the scout ship, only the mother ship and some flashes of light. He also questioned the drawing made by Alice Wells. Bailey believes Adamski's account may not be entirely true and suspects the advance text he swore to was different from the final published version.
• Point Six: Al Chop claims he was misquoted in the book's appendix and considered suing Adamski. Pev Marley, a cameraman, also denied making statements attributed to him regarding the authenticity of Adamski's photos.
• Point Seven: Several "burning questions" are posed: How could footprints be made on dry desert sand? Why were American aircraft not reported during the contact if they were overhead? How could the Venusian exist in Earth's atmosphere and look so human? Why were no clear movies or still pictures taken of the saucers? Was the distance maintained by companions to facilitate a hoax?

The Evidence Presented by Mr. Jerrold Baker

Jerrold Baker, who worked for Adamski as a secretary and handyman from November 1952 to January 1953, presents his account. Baker claims Adamski has taken hundreds of photos, but implies they are not spontaneous sightings but planned events. He states that the plaster of paris was purchased before the trip and that he overheard a "psychic means" communication detailing the planned desert contact.

Baker disputes key details from Adamski's narrative:

1. He states he did not take the Brownie snapshot credited to him.
2. There were other Brownie pictures taken, but Adamski requested they be destroyed by Lucy McGinnis.
3. The photograph was taken on December 12th, 1952, not December 13th, as indicated in the book.
4. The desert contact was pre-planned.
5. Lucy McGinnis purchased the plaster of paris, and Adamski carried it, not Williamson.

Baker's evidence is supported by his sworn statement and letters, which Moseley finds credible due to Baker's first-hand knowledge and lack of personal gain. Baker's information aligns with other sources, leading Moseley to accept it as true.

Baker's sworn statement details that the alleged photograph credited to him was actually taken by George Adamski with a Brownie camera on December 12th, 1952, along with three or four similar photos.

In a letter dated November 18th, 1954, Baker recounts a discussion with Adamski about his "slipshod manner" of publishing photos. Baker suggested having multiple photographers, but Adamski soon claimed to have taken pictures on December 12th near his cabin. Baker also mentions a fire on Mount Palomar on that date, which could corroborate his whereabouts. He identifies Mr. Detwiler (who processed Adamski's photos) and Mr. Hal Nelson (a US Civil Service investigator) as individuals who could verify his claims.

Detwiler, a professional photographer, stated that he processed genuine negatives from Adamski but could not confirm if the saucers themselves were genuine or models. He did not engage in "fakery" himself.

Baker further elaborates in a letter to Frank Scully:

• Case 'A' (Photos): Adamski claims to spend untold hours waiting, but Baker knows Adamski is aware of when ships are coming, implying planned events rather than chance encounters.
• Case 'B' (Desert Contact): Baker describes the stories as "misleading, untrue" and "purposeful, planned, and with peculiar motives." He heard a tape recording of a "communication through psychic means" that detailed the planned contact, contradicting the book's presentation.
• Case 'C' (Brownie Snapshot): Baker expresses frustration with Adamski's request to use his name on the picture, calling it a "corruption of the truth" and stating he would no longer condone or support such stories.

Adamski had previously attempted to influence Baker by reminding him that his name was connected to the Brownie photo in the book and suggesting that Baker could "do yourself a lot of good" by cooperating.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly adopts a skeptical stance towards George Adamski's claims. The editorial stance is one of critical investigation, aiming to expose potential deception and misinformation within the UFO community. The magazine highlights discrepancies in witness testimonies, photographic evidence, and the overall narrative presented by Adamski. The recurring theme is the questioning of authenticity, whether it be of photographic evidence, personal accounts, or the very nature of the alleged extraterrestrial contact. The publication appears to prioritize factual accuracy and transparency, even if it means challenging widely accepted UFO narratives.

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, dated June-July 1955, focuses heavily on George Adamski and the controversy surrounding his claims of contact with extraterrestrial beings and his photographic evidence. The issue features critical analyses and personal accounts that aim to debunk or at least question the veracity of Adamski's narrative.

Article: "Further Revelations About Adamski" by Irma Baker

This article, written by the wife of Jerrold Baker, provides a behind-the-scenes look at events at Palomar Gardens during the period when Adamski's book "Flying Saucers Have Landed" was gaining prominence. Irma Baker recounts her interactions with Adamski, George Williamson, Karl Hunrath, and Lucy McGinnis. She expresses skepticism about Adamski's claims, particularly regarding his alleged space contacts and the nature of his associates. Baker details an incident on January 3rd, 1953, where she was approached for funds for the "Adamski Foundation," which was to be formed by Williamson, Hunrath, and Jerrold Baker. She also describes an alarming event on January 12th, 1953, where Lucy McGinnis reported that Hunrath threatened to use a machine to shoot down American jets, leading to Adamski becoming indignant and ordering them off his property. This incident prompted Irma Baker to contact the O.S.I. and F.B.I., who subsequently investigated the situation at Palomar Gardens.

Adamski's statements to the F.B.I. are presented, where he accused Karl Hunrath of being a beast and an uncontrolled monster, and Dr. George Williamson of being a fake medium who was often taken over by a "low element." Adamski also claimed Jerrold Baker was a weak character who received checks from the American Air Force without paying rent. The article also touches upon the accusations of mail hijacking in Escondito involving Hunrath, Lucy, and Jerry Baker.

Irma Baker concludes that Adamski's narrative contains enough flaws to cast serious doubt on his sincerity and veracity. She hopes that the presented facts will encourage readers to re-evaluate Adamski's book.

Article: "Inside the Space Ships" - Reviewed by Lonzo Dove

This section features a review by Lonzo Dove, an amateur astronomer, of George Adamski's book "Inside the Space Ships," a sequel to "Flying Saucers Have Landed." Dove is highly critical, stating that the book's content contradicts the supposed wisdom of the "Space Men" by displaying ignorance of basic scientific principles.

Dove meticulously points out numerous scientific errors in Adamski's book:

• Earth's Apparent Size: Adamski claims that from 50,000 miles away, the Earth appears the same size as the Sun, and less bright than the Moon. Dove refutes this, explaining that from that distance, the Sun and Moon appear as 1/2 degree arcs, and the Earth would appear significantly larger than both. He calculates that to appear as small as the Moon, the spaceship would need to be over a million miles away.
• Earth's Brightness: Adamski states Earth appears less bright than the Moon. Dove counters that Earth, covered in reflective clouds and water, would appear much brighter than the Moon, which is made of dark, rocky material.
• Venusian Day/Night: Adamski claims surface features on Earth were invisible from his vantage point, yet Dove notes that even Venus's features are visible through its clouds. Adamski, despite his claimed knowledge of Venus, could not provide the length of its day and night.
• Moon's Rotation: Adamski shows ignorance of the Moon's axis of rotation, incorrectly describing temperate zones. Dove explains the Moon rotates relative to the Sun and stars.
• Stellar Systems: Adamski's description of a "group of 12 suns or stars revolving around a larger body" is dismissed as unscientific. Dove clarifies that astronomers speak of "island universes" (galaxies) and that planets beyond Pluto would be too cold for life.
• Life on Other Planets: Adamski's speculation about "horses" and "cows" and "human beings" on Saturn, the Moon, or Mars is ridiculed. Dove argues that biological forms would evolve differently based on planetary environments, and life forms from different planets could not be the same species.
• Meteors: Adamski's description of meteors as darker than space is challenged; meteors are only visible when reflecting sunlight or becoming incandescent due to atmospheric friction.
• Telescope Lens: Adamski's account of a 6-foot telescope lens in the spaceship, through which he viewed Earth from "many miles high" at midnight with only a crescent moon, is deemed impossible due to optical parallax and atmospheric blurring.
• Photography: Dove questions the quality and nature of Adamski's photographs, particularly those of the cigar-shaped ship. He notes Adamski blames "mysterious rays" for the poor quality, but argues that radiation spoilage has a different effect. Dove also questions why an advanced civilization would use a primitive camera and artificial lighting.

Dove concludes that Adamski's story is filled with "demonstrable flaws" and urges readers to decide whether Adamski truly rode in a flying saucer or took any photos of one.

Editor's Notes and Additional Information

An editor's note clarifies that Irma Baker's article originally appeared in the June-July 1955 issue of SAUCER NEWS and was written in response to counter-charges made by Desmond Leslie.

Another editor's note identifies Lonzo Dove as an amateur astronomer and the author of the review of "Inside the Space Ships."

The issue also includes information about a special newsletter mailing list for SAUCER NEWS subscribers, offering "too hot to handle" material. It mentions that recent newsletters have covered George Williamson's adventures in Peru. Finally, it provides information on how to obtain a new "fact sheet" from the Air Force regarding Project Bluebook Special Report #14.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the critical examination and debunking of George Adamski's UFO claims. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, presenting evidence and arguments from multiple sources (Jerrold Baker, Irma Baker, Lonzo Dove) to question the scientific validity and authenticity of Adamski's experiences and photographs. The magazine positions itself as a source for "inside facts" and "saucer facts" versus "saucer fiction."