Saucer News - Whole Number 34 - Vol 06 No 01 - 1958 12-1959 01

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: VOLUME 6, NUMBER 1 (Whole Number 34)
Date: DECEMBER-JANUARY 1958-1959
Publisher: Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society (S.A.U.C.E.R.S.)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SAUCER NEWS features a cover drawing illustrating saucer sightings in the northeastern United States on November 6th, 1957, highlighting the 'straight-line' effect discovered by French researcher Aime Michel. The magazine includes letters to the editor, book reviews, and feature articles.

Letters to the Editor

The letters section addresses several key topics. Robert J. Durant of Lorain, Ohio, writes concerning NICAP, accusing SAUCER NEWS of creating a 'storm of controversy' and urging support for NICAP instead of attacks. John Fraiser of Ontario, Canada, congratulates the publication on its handling of the NICAP situation but suggests it tends to sensationalize. Major Donald E. Keyhoe, Director of NICAP, writes to clarify corrections regarding resignations within NICAP and refers to the 'UFO Investigator' for financial details. He also expresses concern about unsolicited copies of SAUCER NEWS being sent to NICAP members and states that permission has not been granted to use his material without written approval. The editor's note clarifies that Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Clark resigned, not were fired, and that Mrs. Campbell plans to fight NICAP.

Another letter from Max B. Miller, Editor of "Saucers" in Los Angeles, discusses Major Tacker's article and mentions a conversation with Dr. Robertson of Caltech regarding Ruppelt's book.

Colonel M. H. Gilman of the Department of the Air Force, Public Information Division, writes to clarify that an article published in SAUCER NEWS attributed to Major Lawrence J. Tacker was not officially prepared or submitted by Major Tacker and does not represent the official Air Force position. He requests that the publication clarify that the article consists of extracts from official Air Force letters.

The editor's note on Colonel Gilman's letter expresses perplexity, noting that Major Tacker's article was a letter sent to Dr. Leon Davidson, for which permission was obtained. It also highlights a discrepancy in the recipient's name (James B. Moseley instead of James W. Moseley) and speculates on the reasons for this error.

Feature Articles

Extraterrestrialism as an Historical Doctrine (Part 3-B) by Y. N. ibn Aharon, B.D., S.T.M.

This article delves into the historical significance of 'Yihova' within Chaldean and Hebrew chronicles. It suggests that Yihova was not the sole ruler of Heaven and Earth but one of many deified personages and extraterrestrial visitors. The author posits that Yihova's importance stemmed from his role in shaping economic and social conditions for the descendants of Chaldea. The article contrasts the popular idea of an omnipotent, unseen God with the Chaldean Archives' depiction of Yihova, who demanded sacrifices and acted with a degree of arrogance. It also touches upon Abraham's interactions with rulers and his introduction to civilization. The author argues that Yihova's actions, such as the destruction of cities, were not unique among ancient gods and that his laws were primarily focused on social living and health, rather than supernatural intercession.

Otis T. Carr and the Free Energy Principle by Robert J. Durant

This article introduces Otis T. Carr, an inventor and director of OTC Enterprises, Inc., who claims to have developed inventions for neutralizing gravity. Carr is touring the country to find investors for his venture, comparing it to the early days of Coca-Cola stock. He plans to travel to the moon aboard his spaceship, the OTC X-1, powered by his invention. The article critically examines Carr's use of mathematical jargon, suggesting it is a form of 'double-talk' to deceive potential investors. It notes that the Defense Department has investigated Carr's claims but declined his offer. Carr is now seeking public funding, stating that his 'free energy system' should not be controlled by a monopoly. The article mentions that Carr's literature has a quasi-religious theme, similar to the work of G.H. Williamson, and that Major Wayne Aho is actively promoting Carr's ideas.

Book Reviews

Flying Saucers and the Straight-Line Mystery by Aime Michel (Reviewed by Richard Cohen)

Richard Cohen reviews Aime Michel's book, praising it as a significant contribution to saucer literature for its rational and scientific approach to organizing sighting data. Michel's theory posits that sightings on a given day fall along 'orthotenic' (straight) lines, which can intersect at a focal point where 'mother ships' are seen. Cohen notes that Michel's analysis of French sightings from 1954 revealed these patterns. The review mentions that many sightings involved 'little men' and that physical evidence, such as crushed grass, was found at landing sites. These beings are described as humanoids of slightly less than normal stature. Cohen concludes that Michel has made an important first step in analyzing sighting patterns, though further research is needed to determine if American sightings follow similar lines.

The Flying Saucer Review's World Roundup of UFO Sightings and Events by Hon. Brinsley le Poer Trench (Reviewed by James W. Moseley)

James W. Moseley reviews this book, characterizing it as a collection of 'long boring lists of sightings without any systematical analysis.' He states that the book is primarily a reprint of sightings from 'The Flying Saucer Review' journal and adds little to the reader's knowledge of saucers, with little discrimination in the selection of material. The review includes a photo of Howard Menger's second wife, who claims reincarnation from Venus, with a note that a story about Menger's recent 'interplanetary spacecraft' convention begins on page 13.

Other Content

Recent News Stories

A brief mention of recent news stories is made, with a page reference.

More Evidence of Pre-1947 Saucers (2)

This section presents a translation of a papyrus from the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (circa 1600 B.C.) that describes a 'circle of fire' in the sky. The text details its appearance, the fear it induced, and subsequent events, including winged animals falling from the sky. The author, Anthony Cooper of Saskatchewan, Canada, suggests this is evidence of pre-1947 saucers.

Comment on Justin Case's Article "How Much Like Us"

David Wightman, Editor of "Uranus", comments on Justin Case's article, disagreeing with his interpretation of Willy Ley's statements about extraterrestrial visitors resembling humans. Wightman argues that Ley's comments were intended to highlight the 'accidents' of evolution and that the likelihood of identical human-like evolution on other planets is high given the vastness of the universe and the recurrence of similar conditions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to lean towards a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the review of Aime Michel's work and the questioning of less systematic compilations. There is a clear interest in historical accounts and scientific analysis, as seen in the articles on extraterrestrialism and the papyrus evidence. The publication also engages with controversies within the UFO community, particularly concerning NICAP and its leadership. The editorial stance seems to favor rigorous investigation and a cautious approach to claims, as demonstrated by the critical review of Otis T. Carr's 'free energy' claims and the skepticism towards unsubstantiated contactee stories. The magazine also seems to be a platform for debate and clarification, as shown by the letters to the editor and the Air Force's response regarding published material.

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: #234 (Volume 6)
Date: October-November 1959
Publisher: SAUCER NEWS
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SAUCER NEWS delves into various aspects of UFO research, including critical analysis of a self-proclaimed inventor, reports from a UFO convention, and numerous eyewitness accounts of alleged sightings.

Analysis of Otis Carr's 'Free Energy' Principle

The article begins by scrutinizing the claims of Otis T. Carr, an individual described as an 'old-timer in the deep-end school of UFO research.' Carr's brochure is noted for its sophisticated design, aiming to impress the 'unsophisticated.' The author highlights Carr's tactic of associating himself with Albert Einstein, suggesting a syllogism where Carr's perceived scientific stature is implied by his proximity to Einstein's image and quotation. Carr is listed among scientific greats like Newton and Archimedes, with his explanations deemed 'completely unintelligible.'

The core of the analysis focuses on Carr's explanation of the 'free energy' principle, where he asserts that the words used have standard dictionary meanings. Carr's statement, "The dimensions of pressure are straight line; the dimension of motion is a curvature. Pressure creates motion and motion creates pressure. Therefore, motion is dimensionally fourth; Finite space is a condition of the field, and the static universe is as real as the kinetic one. From the spawning point of inertia, numerous dimensions beyond the fourth are logically equated - static or dynamic, all matter is available energy. IT IS AS SIMPLE AS THAT," is dissected.

The author finds the first sentence, "The dimensions of pressure are straight line," nonsensical when compared to the engineering definition of pressure (force per unit area). The concept of the "dimension of motion" is also questioned, as it is not a recognized term in physics. Momentum or kinetic energy are suggested as possible interpretations, but Carr's assertion that motion is a curvature is deemed unhelpful. The author emphasizes that Carr's statements can be analyzed using only a technical dictionary and common sense, ruling out the possibility that he has discovered principles beyond conventional science.

While acknowledging that Carr might have discovered a new principle for 'free energy,' the article suggests that Carr himself may not understand why it works. The author references Charles Fort's observations on inventors with 'wild talents' who could not intelligibly explain their creations, speculating about subconscious psycho-kinetic forces. The article concludes this section by advising caution and vigilance regarding Carr's activities.

Information for this section was obtained from a personal interview with Otis T. Carr and his brochure, available for $1.00. References are also made to 'Applied Mechanics and Dynamics' and Charles Fort's writings on 'mechanical witchcraft.'

Report on the Space Convention

The issue covers the Howard Menger Space Convention, held on the Menger farm near White Farms, New Jersey, on September 13th and 14th. The convention, unofficially called the First Interplanetary Annual Spacecraft Convention Organization (F.I.A.S.C.O.), attracted an estimated 500 to 1000 attendees on Saturday and a smaller number on Sunday.

• Speakers included:
• Howard Menger (host)
• Major Wayne Aho (pro-contactee lecturer)
• Otis T. Carr (president of OTC Enterprises, claiming he would land on the Moon with Aho on December 7th, 1959, using a 'free energy' system)
• Andy Sinatra (the "Mystic Barber")
• Alex McNeil (contactee)
• Lester del Rey (science-fiction writer and anti-saucer-ite spokesman)
• Jules St. Germain (lawyer and saucer investigator)
• Gray Barker (author of "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers" and editor of "Saucerian")
• Connie Menger (Howard's wife, author of "My Saturnian Lover" under the pen name Marla Baxter)

Notably absent were 'Big Name Contactees' from the West Coast. The convention speakers were described as 'somewhat uninspired,' and no significant new information was revealed. A diversion occurred on Saturday due to the presence of 'Long John' of Party Line fame, who was recording nearby.

The 'high point' of the convention, according to the report, was a sighting at 4 a.m. Sunday morning when about nine attendees reportedly saw a saucer. This sighting followed alleged sightings of blue lights emanating from Menger's room. The lights reportedly disappeared into the eastern sky, in the same area where the saucer was later seen.

Slides and color movies of saucers were shown on both Saturday and Sunday nights. The overall assessment of the convention was: "Good clean fun - no thing more, nothing less."

Photos from the convention included Major Wayne Aho speaking, a general view of the crowd, and an "alien visitor" which turned out to be a monkey dressed in baby clothes.

Recent UFO Sightings

The Fitzgerald Sighting

One of the most notable sightings occurred on September 21st in Sheffield Lake, Ohio. Mrs. William H. Fitzgerald reported seeing a flying saucer at close range for over five minutes. Awakened by a brilliant light, she observed the object glide slowly about a foot above her neighbor's driveway. It allegedly discharged a cloud of "heavy pinkish-gray purplish smoke," then moved in a curve onto Mrs. Fitzgerald's front lawn, rising to about seven feet above the ground. It then performed two circular maneuvers and shot straight up into the sky. Her husband and daughter, who were in the same room, did not see the object, but her stepson John, who was thought to be sleeping, did see it. The saucer was described as round from a top or bottom view, oval from a side view, with a rounded cap, about eight feet in diameter and three feet high, with openings on both sides containing small tubes.

This sighting was investigated by the UFO Research Committee of Akron, who prepared a thirteen-page report. The report allegedly highlights the 'sloppiness or downright unfairness of the Air Force's investigation,' which provided an 'explanation' that did not conform to the facts. The report is available for $1.00 from Fred A. Kirsch in Akron, Ohio.

Landing in Kentucky

A saucer reportedly landed in a rural area near Stephensburg, Kentucky, on October 6th. Mrs. Harvey Devore witnessed a silver-colored object in a nearby field. Initially mistaking it for her husband's pick-up truck, she later investigated. The object started rolling along the ground and then took off, ascending almost straight up. The UFO was described as triangular, like an ice cream cone, about the size of a pick-up truck, with short stubby wings and no propeller, making no noise. It hovered over the field for 45 minutes after leaving the ground. Small wheel marks were found where it had rolled.

Fortean Items

• This section includes several unusual reports:
• Burning Field: British police were investigating a mysterious "burning field" between Folkstone and Dover, England, where two youths developed burns and a dog had to be destroyed.
• Unusual Disposals: In New York City, a nine-foot shark was found on Park Avenue, and an eight-foot porpoise was found hanging from a lamp post.
• Missing Windmill: Police in Jackson, Michigan, were baffled by the disappearance of a windmill from a farm.
• Giant in Borneo: Fishermen in Central Borneo reported seeing a twenty-foot tall, bearded, hairy man carrying dead monkeys.

Other Sightings and Reports

• Frogs and Hail: Thousands of tiny live frogs mixed with hail stones fell in the Jura mountain village of St. Julian-sur-Suran on August 8th.
• Loch Ness Monster: Two hotel workers reportedly saw the Loch Ness Monster on July 16th.
• Christchurch Bay Monster: A monster, about twenty feet long, was reported swimming near the shore in Christchurch Bay, England, on July 30th.
• Sea Monster in South Africa: 17 men in a fishing boat saw a huge brown creature with a lion-like head rear up from the water near East London, South Africa, on August 27th.
• Abominable Snowmen: A German missionary reports that the Abominable Snowmen of the Himalayas are native priests living nude in the icy wilderness, immune to nature's influences. He claims to have photographed one.
• Footprints: Footprints 16 inches long have been found repeatedly in Northern California, believed to belong to a mentally deficient Indian.
• Ghost Story: Boys and girls at St. Agnes Home for Children in England regularly see a benign female ghost.
• UFO Chase near Mexican Border: Four Los Angeles teenagers reported being chased for 45 miles by a giant sphere with flashing lights that stopped their watches and blistered their truck's paint.
• Disneyland Sighting: A brightly-glowing blimp-shaped UFO was seen floating 300 yards above Disneyland, California, on October 23rd. It had colored lights and a tail, and disappeared in a flash.

SAUCER BRIEFS and Hoax Letters

The "SAUCER BRIEFS" section addresses the controversy surrounding a letter from 'R. E. Straith' of the State Department. Civilian Saucer Intelligence of New York denies reaching conclusions about the letter's author. The publication also suspects Richard Ogden of writing two other recent hoax letters, including the "Mr. X" letter that threatened SAUCER NEWS with a lawsuit.

An organization called the Aerial Phenomena Investigations Society of Western New York has been formed by Bob Barry. In Spain, a group of scientists has formed the Interplanetary Studies Center, headed by Eduardo Buelta.

With this issue, SAUCER NEWS begins its sixth year of publication, having published 34 consecutive issues. The magazine notes the recent meeting of George H. Williamson with the Queen of England.

A new magazine, "The Journal of Correlative Philosophy," edited by Y.N. ibn Aharon, is mentioned. It is described as an 'anti-contact' magazine dealing with saucers, speculative philosophy, and archaeology.

News Briefs

• Air Force Fact Sheet: An October Air Force 'fact sheet' claims that less than 2% of 1270 investigated sightings remain unexplained, a claim that casts doubt on the Air Force's figures.
• Army Men Sighting: Two Army men near Derwood, Maryland, reported a mysterious object landing and taking off, described as wingless with a ball-like nose and blunt tail. The Air Force attributed this to welders' arc lights, despite the sighting occurring at 5:30 a.m.
• Aluminum Ball: A large polished aluminum ball, with a parachute and blue balloon, landed in Raynes Park, England, on July 10th. It was hollow and had no markings.
• Columbus Incident: A 12-inch cylindrical metal object bearing "U. S." markings fell in Columbus, Ohio, on September 28th. It whistled, flashed, and exploded. Police reportedly picked it up, but authorities claimed no record of it.
• Metal Object Examination: A small metal object, possibly from a space rocket or saucer, was examined by a chemistry professor in Youngstown, Ohio, after being reported to have plunged from the sky. Its composition included aluminum, boron, and silicon.
• Texas Sighting: Ranchers near Floyada, Texas, observed a glowing oblong light moving in circles at a 100-foot altitude for 30 minutes on December 10th.
• Cliffside Park, N. J. Sighting: Three tree surgeons witnessed two round objects resembling tennis balls moving at high speed in formation, leaving no vapor trails.
• Plainfield, N. J. Sighting: Len Cuifo and two other men saw and photographed what appeared to be a UFO, described as a bright star, which hovered for an hour and made peculiar maneuvers.
• Alabama Jet Pilot Incident: A National Guard jet pilot had to swerve to avoid a collision with a bluish-white object with a steady flame shooting out from its back, flying above Birmingham, Alabama, on September 25th.
• Four-State Fiery Object: A fiery object was seen over a four-state area of the southeastern U.S. on October 28th, with CAA data indicating it fell into the ocean east of Jacksonville, Florida.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims, particularly those involving 'free energy' and inventors who cannot adequately explain their technology. The magazine maintains a skeptical yet open stance towards UFO phenomena, presenting eyewitness accounts while also investigating potential hoaxes and the limitations of official explanations (like those from the Air Force). There is a clear emphasis on analyzing claims based on common sense and technical definitions, as seen in the critique of Otis Carr's statements. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent investigation, exposing potential fraud, and reporting on sightings with a degree of journalistic integrity, while also acknowledging the public's fascination with the unknown. The inclusion of 'Fortean Items' suggests an interest in unusual and unexplained phenomena beyond just UFOs.