Saucer News - Whole Number 32 - Vol 05 No 05 - 1958 08-09

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: VOLUME 5, NUMBER 5 (Whole Number 32)
Date: AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 1958
Publisher: THE 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, presents a variety of articles and letters concerning UFO phenomena and related historical and controversial topics.

Cover Story: Flying Saucer Over New Mexico

The cover features a photograph of a UFO that reportedly hovered for fifteen minutes near the Hollman Air Development Center at Alamagordo, New Mexico. The photograph was taken by a government employee and released through the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization.

Contents of this Issue

The issue includes "Letters to the Editor" on page 2, "Recent News Stories" on page 13, and several "Feature Articles."

Feature Articles

Study of a Pre-1947 Sighting

By Dr. Leon Davidson, this article examines a widely publicized pre-1947 sighting to argue against the explanation that flying saucer reports are solely due to U.S. Government activities. Davidson focuses on a sighting by Nicholas Roerich on August 5, 1927, near the Himalayan Mountains. Roerich described an unusual "oval form with shiny surface" moving at great speed. Davidson suggests that this sighting could be explained by weather balloons launched by Sven Hedin's Sino-Swedish Expedition, which was active in the region at the time. He notes similarities in descriptions and reactions between Roerich's party and members of Hedin's expedition seeing the balloons. The article concludes that this particular sighting cannot be considered evidence of extraterrestrial visitors before World War II.

Extraterrestrialism as an Historical Doctrine (Part 3-A)

By Y. N. ibn Aharon, this article delves into the historical presence and influence of extraterrestrials on early human civilizations. It discusses "The World Down Below," a collective name for cities located in the headwaters of the Nile, and the "Code of the Ten Divine Dynasties" in ancient Egypt. The author explores concepts of blood purity, confederations, and the "Solar Fire" symbol. The text also touches upon the extraterrestrials' advanced methods, their interactions with early humans, and the development of their science, which emphasized psychological factors in crime. It mentions beings identified with animals and the concept of a "Ruler of the Cosmos" whose power is in "the endowment of Life."

The Rise and Fall of NICAP

Authored by James W. Moseley and Richard Cohen, this article likely examines the history and activities of the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP).

Letters to the Editor

This section features several letters from readers:

• Two Million Dollar Lawsuit Threatened by Adamski Supporter: A letter signed "MR. X" (later identified by the editor as Richard Ogden) claims to be a secret investigator for George Adamski and threatens a $2,000,000 lawsuit against SAUCER NEWS and "Mr. Baker" for exposing Adamski, calling the expose a fraud.
• Comment on our Editorial in the February-March Issue: Auriphebo Simoes, editor of "The Flying Saucer," apologizes for suggesting the editor might be a government agent, explaining that the complexity of flying disc phenomena can lead to false notions. He expresses hope that the government's motives are good if such agents are used.
• Comments on our April-May Issue: A letter from David Wightman (Editor of "Uranus") criticizes Von Rittner's article "The German Saucer Story," finding it weak and dismissive of witness testimonies. He believes the author failed to impress with his arguments about German rocket research.
• William Nash from Miami expresses continued enjoyment of SAUCER NEWS and his objective approach to cases like Hunrath and Wilkinson, though he remains unconvinced by the U.S. or German contemporary saucer theory.
• Eric Biddle from Shropshire agrees with a previous comment about Mr. Suther and praises the magazine's interesting material, despite disagreeing with the theory of earthly origins for UFOs.
• Lonzo Dove Replies to Gray Barker's Unjust Accusation of Photo-Faking: Dove addresses an accusation by Gray Barker of "Saucerian Bulletin" regarding a "hoaxed-up picture" of Moseley. Dove claims Barker himself first published a fake portrait and later reversed his story, accusing Dove of making it. Dove defends Moseley and criticizes Barker's journalistic practices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently engages with controversial aspects of the UFO phenomenon, including potential hoaxes, government involvement, and historical interpretations. The editor, James W. Moseley, appears to take a critical stance towards certain figures like George Adamski and Gray Barker, as evidenced by the "Adamski Expose Issue" mentioned in the back matter and the direct responses to Barker's accusations. The publication also explores historical connections to extraterrestrialism, suggesting a long-standing presence and influence on human civilization. The editorial stance seems to favor critical investigation and open discussion of various theories, even those that challenge conventional explanations or are considered controversial.

Back Matter

The issue includes information on subscribing to a "Special Newsletter" considered "too hot to handle," details on available back issues, and an advertisement for "Air Force Project Blue Book Special Report #214."

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, identified as issue number 11, features an in-depth article titled "THE RISE AND FALL OF NICAP" by James W. Moseley and Richard Cohen. The magazine is published by the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society in Fort Lee, New Jersey. The issue also includes a section of "RECENT NEWS STORIES" detailing various UFO sightings and related incidents.

The Rise and Fall of NICAP

The article chronicles the history of the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), founded in Washington D.C. in late 1956 by Thomas Townsend Brown, a self-described physicist and biophysicist. Brown envisioned a grandiose program with ten sections, each with a five-member subcommittee, covering areas like administrative, investigations, technical interpretations, abstract interpretations, library and statistics, publications, public relations, government relations, religious and philosophical considerations, and international coordination. A nine-man Board of Governors was elected in November 1956.

NICAP's initial plan was to "publish its findings in a factual, scientific manner, without bias or speculation." For an annual membership fee of $15, members were promised a monthly scientific journal called "Project Skylight" and a second magazine, "Space Flight," which would be available to the general public and feature authoritative semi-technical articles, color photographs, and science fiction. A shorter "Newsletter" was to be sent to "associate members" for $7.50 per year.

In early 1957, Thomas Townsend Brown was forced out, and Major Donald Keyhoe took charge of NICAP. Keyhoe reportedly scaled down Brown's ambitious plans, cutting down on commitments and a "fantastically large salary schedule" set up by the former regime. The regular membership fee was also reduced to $7.50 per year. The article questions whether NICAP, under Keyhoe, has lived up to its original promises of factual, scientific investigation and publication.

Keyhoe stated in a March 4th, 1957 letter that the two major publications planned by Brown would become reality. However, in another letter of the same date, he indicated that the "Newsletter" would serve in their place, intended to be a 32-page publication or larger, until the organization was financially able to publish the magazines.

The article then details the actual publication history of "The U.F.O. Investigator." Since Keyhoe took over in January 1957, only four issues were published: July 1957 (32 pages), August-September 1957 (32 pages, suggesting a bi-monthly schedule), January 1958 (32 pages, suggesting a quarterly schedule), and June 1958 (only 8 pages, leading the authors to question if it should be called "The U.F.O. Annual"). The fate of "Project Skylight" and "Space Flight" remains unclear.

Various bulletins from 1957 and early 1958 reveal NICAP's struggles. Admiral Fahrney, Chairman of the Board, resigned, reportedly due to pressure from the Navy. A bulletin dated August 1, 1957, mentioned continuing financial problems and a shortage of helpers. A plea for new members was issued on March 5th, 1958. A "Confidential NICAP Bulletin" from April 4th, 1958, admitted the financial crisis was worse, leading to the reduction in size and frequency of "The Investigator." A July 9th bulletin acknowledged that public interest had "seriously decreased" and new memberships were at an all-time low. By July 25th, the annual membership rate had been reduced to $5.00.

The article expresses disappointment that NICAP, instead of conducting sober scientific investigations, has become a vehicle for Major Keyhoe's opinions, mirroring his three saucer books and lectures. It criticizes NICAP for selling contact books by authors like Fry, Van Tassel, Angelucci, Crandall, Buck Nelson, and Adamski, suggesting the organization has been reduced to selling these for purely financial reasons.

The authors conclude that NICAP has become essentially the vehicle for the opinions of one man, Major Donald Keyhoe, much like SAUCER NEWS is for James W. Moseley. They feel that NICAP has failed to live up to its original promises and purposes, and "The U.F.O. Investigator" is merely another periodical expressing the editor's biases.

Recent News Stories

This section presents several brief reports on recent UFO-related events:

• PILOT SEES UFO SPLIT INTO THREE PARTS: On June 29th, Captain Peter Jrouwel of the Royal Dutch Airline reported seeing a "glaring light" disintegrate into three parts while flying at 10,000 feet altitude, two hours out of Shannon, Ireland, en route to New York City. The object appeared brighter than Venus and the moon before bursting into three parts that then burned out or were lost in clouds.
• CAPTURED SPACEMAN: A figure in a space helmet, long cape, and skintight uniform was reported by motorists in Bad Axe, Michigan. The figure disappeared, and police later arrested Jerry Sprague, 22, who confessed to staging the event as a prank while wearing a suit of underwear.
• STRANGE INCIDENT ON A GEORGIA FARM: On April 21st, a brightly burning object resembling a comet or meteor fell near Bethlehem, Georgia, showering sparks. It slightly injured farmer Fred Fuller, who reported feeling unwell since the incident, and three neighborhood dogs died. Bushes in the area were scorched, but no visible remains of the object were found.
• NEW MEXICO MINE GUARDS SEE SAUCER: On April 22nd, security guards Tom Reeder and James Turbin at New Mexico's Ambrosia Lake uranium area reported watching a UFO for several hours. The object, initially appearing like a searchlight, "bounced" and shot straight up, glowing intensely. A 10-20 foot silvery-white streamer emerged from the light, changing color. The guards were described as "highly trained, reliable observers."
• CLOSE TEXAS SIGHTING: On July 11th, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Darden of Silver City, Texas, reported a strange cigar-shaped object, brightly illuminated with a trailing green glow, passing directly over their house. They heard the throbbing of its motor and observed it traveling at great speed, stopping and hovering twice. The object was estimated to be about 50 feet long.
• UFO PHOTOGRAPHED BY LOUISIANA POLICEMEN: On June 24th, two Louisiana state troopers saw and photographed two glowing UFOs on a highway near Alexandria. The objects resembled two glowing balls floating at treetop level. The sighting reportedly caused a "secrecy-veiled Air Force investigation." The article notes this might be related to local teen-aged boys launching gas-filled plastic bags.
• LAST-MINUTE NEWS: This section includes a re-released statement by Dr. Carl Jung regarding the potential implications of confirming an extraterrestrial origin for saucers, warning of humanity's precarious position. It also mentions that the issue's postage costs have increased by 50% due to postal rate hikes. A saucer convention is planned for September by Howard Menger of Highbridge, N.J.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the critical examination of NICAP's trajectory, contrasting its initial ambitious goals of scientific UFO investigation with its later perceived decline into financial difficulties, reduced output, and a focus on promoting the personal views of its director, Major Donald Keyhoe, and selling related literature. The editorial stance is one of disappointment and skepticism regarding NICAP's adherence to its founding principles. The "Recent News Stories" section reflects a recurring interest in documenting and reporting UFO sightings, with a focus on eyewitness accounts and official investigations, albeit with a critical eye towards potential hoaxes or misidentifications, as seen in the "Captured Spaceman" report. The magazine consistently highlights the challenges faced by UFO research organizations, including financial constraints and public interest fluctuations.