Saucer News - Whole Number 36 - Vol 06 No 03 - 1959 06

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: VOLUME 6, NUMBER 3 (Whole Number 36)
Date: JUNE 1959
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: JAMES W. MOSELEY

This issue of SAUCER NEWS delves into controversies surrounding prominent figures in the UFO research community, particularly Gray Barker and Al Bender. The cover prominently features Gray Barker and poses the question of whether the "Hush-Up" of Al Bender was a hoax or publicity stunt orchestrated by Barker. Lonzo Dove contributes an article asserting this is indeed the case, especially given that the "Bender Case" later formed the core of Barker's book, "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers". The issue also includes a review of Howard Menger's book, "From Outer Space to You", also published by Gray Barker.

Editorial Notes

Editor James W. Moseley begins with apologies for publication delays, explaining that the June issue is not reaching subscribers until August due to his busy schedule. He also acknowledges delays for new subscribers caused by the Managing Editor. The magazine is transitioning to a quarterly schedule (March, June, September, December) and aims to adhere to it closely. Moseley expresses gratitude for the financial support received, noting the positive response to the "Earth Theory" and the editor's efforts to expose hoaxters. He also lists available back issues and a special book offer.

Book Review: From Outer Space to You (Menger)

Reviewed by James Moseley, this section examines Howard Menger's book. Menger, previously featured in SAUCER NEWS for his blurred photographs of saucers and spacemen, has now published a book compiled by Gray Barker. Menger claims to have had space contacts since childhood, including an encounter with a Venusian woman and a peculiar incident in Juarez, Mexico. The review details Menger's life, his sign-painting profession, and his increasingly frequent contacts in 1956. Menger's explanation of his Earth incarnation, involving the soul of Sol do Naro entering the body of a deceased child, is presented. The review notes linguistic inconsistencies in Menger's explanation of "Sol do Naro". Menger's activities in 1956, including evening sessions, his participation in the Long John radio program, and lecture tours, are mentioned. The book's pre-publication offer of $3.50 (later $4.50) included a special scroll for the first 3,000 customers.

Menger's claims extend to receiving telepathic messages and playing a Saturnian piano tune, which he has recorded and sells for $3.98. Despite Gray Barker admitting he doesn't believe the Menger story, he is seen as profiting from it. The review suggests Menger's sincerity might stem from a mental issue or, as proposed by Long John Nebel, a potential Russian spy infiltration. The book is described as interesting, largely due to Barker's editing, and its blend of sex, saucers, and pseudo-science is noted as popular with believers.

Feature Article: Gray Barker's "Three Men in Black"

This lengthy article by Lonzo Dove critically examines Gray Barker's account of the "Three Men in Black" incident involving Al Bender. Dove argues that Barker's own book serves as the primary evidence for a flying saucer fraud, likening Barker to a "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". The article details how the "Three Men in Black" story, which allegedly scared Al Bender into closing his International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB), became the central theme of Barker's book.

Dove points out inconsistencies and deliberate obfuscations in Barker's various accounts (memos, bulletins, books) regarding the timeline of events, particularly the FBI and police investigations into Barker and his associate August Roberts, and the Bender visitation. Barker is accused of manipulating dates and details to create a narrative that separates these events and hides his own involvement or knowledge.

The article highlights Barker's alleged foreknowledge of the Bender incident, his possession of Bender's materials, and his intention to continue the IFSB under his own banner. Dove suggests that Barker's "informant" who visited Bender after the "Three Men" incident was likely one of the "Three Men" themselves, and that this informant confirmed Bender's disturbed state, which Barker later twisted to fit his narrative. The article posits that Barker was intrinsically linked to the "Three Men in Black" and their "source", and that his actions were part of a deliberate hoax designed to create a "bottomless mystery".

Dove also discusses Barker's later accounts, including the "Straith forgery" and his use of a "Shaver Alphabet" for hypnosis experiments, linking these to a potential "schizophrenic cycloid personality". The article concludes by suggesting that Barker's actions were driven by a desire to profit from the sensationalism of the Bender case, even if it meant perpetuating a hoax.

Saucer Briefs

• This section provides short updates on various UFO-related activities and individuals:
• George Hunt Williamson is lecturing on Egyptian archaeology and has written a new book, "Secret Places of the Lion". The article notes that he is still referred to as "Doctor" despite lacking the degree.
• George King, head of London's Aetherius Society, attended a July convention in Los Angeles with about fifty other contactees.
• George Van Tassel's annual convention at Giant Rock, California, drew an estimated 10,000 attendees.
• M.K. Jessup, author of several saucer books, died under mysterious circumstances in Miami, Florida, reportedly by suicide. The editor expresses personal loss.
• Richard Ogden is spreading a false story that the editor, James W. Moseley, is an Air Force captain, which Ogden apparently based on a letter with a similar name.
• An article in "The UFO Investigator" refutes George Adamski's claim of riding a saucer between lecture engagements.

Letters to the Editor

• Dr. Leon Davidson corrects a misprint in a previous issue, stating the "Life" article date was January 5th, 1959, not 1950.
• Robert J. Durant praises the February-March issue and comments on articles by Tom Comella (UFOs from another dimension) and George Hunt Williamson. He also suggests dedicating an issue to Leon Davidson's theories about UFOs being CIA-made.
• N.J.W. Keukemeester from the Netherlands expresses skepticism about flying saucers originating from outer space, suggesting they might be secret military inventions. He also references an article about Adamski's manuscript involving Jesus Christ and a later version with "Orthon", dismissing it as "hysterical" material.
• Henry M. Henriksen offers a technical explanation for a shattered TV screen, attributing it to strain in the mounting mask causing pressure on laminated glass.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the questioning of authenticity in UFO research, particularly concerning Gray Barker's role in sensationalizing or fabricating events like the Al Bender "Hush-Up". There is a clear editorial stance against hoaxters and a desire to expose fraudulent claims, as stated by Editor James W. Moseley. The magazine also appears to support the "Earth Theory" regarding the origin of UFOs, as mentioned by Moseley. The issue highlights the commercialization of UFO phenomena, with authors and publishers like Gray Barker seemingly profiting from sensational stories and books, regardless of their factual basis. The editor's personal involvement in refuting claims made against him by Richard Ogden also underscores a theme of defending his own research and reputation within the community.

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: 11
Volume: 1
Date: September 1953

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, dated September 1953, delves deeply into the alleged deceptions, hoaxes, and potential government involvement within the flying saucer phenomenon. It critically examines the roles and interactions of key figures such as Gray Barker, Al Bender, and George Adamski, questioning the authenticity of their claims and publications.

The Gray Barker Controversy

The central theme revolves around Gray Barker, his publications, and his alleged involvement in manipulating the flying saucer narrative. The author details interactions with a 'faker' posing as a 'Government man' who visited Barker, exhibiting traits described as a double personality, using the idiom 'we' and 'very very,' which the author notes is also Barker's idiom. This faker's visit and subsequent rage when asked for credentials are recounted, with the date placed six weeks before January 20, 1955.

Barker's book is scrutinized, with the author pointing out that Barker omitted the location of a specific event because he was on a visit to Quebec and New York City at that time. Barker's self-description as tall and having a theatrical background is mentioned, suggesting he could employ stage makeup. The author contrasts Barker's account of being at home telephoning from Quebec with his actual presence in the New York area, making a call to Elliott Rockmore, editor of 'Saucer Review.' This occurred during Barker's 'customary seasonal migration' in the week of December 6-13, 1954, which was the first anniversary of his visit to Al Bender on December 13, 1953.

The issue highlights a pattern of events, with Barker stating, "It was running true to form....It looks like a pattern, all right." The author interprets this pattern as "A program to embarrass the United States Government," involving individuals posing as Government agents. Examples include an epileptic from Florida, a 'Three Men in Black' figure, a faker with a Florida tan, and a Florida letter typed in New Jersey sent to 'Cosmic News' in Ohio, which was also published in Barker's 'Saucerian.' The 'Straith letter,' postmarked in Washington but typed by Barker in his style, is also cited as an attempt to discredit Adamski and the government.

Barker's involvement with Al Bender's organization, the IFSB, is detailed. Barker is described as having invited himself into the IFSB and assuming the key position of 'Chief.' The author notes that Barker's 'Saucerian Publication Volume 1, Number 1' was dated September 1953, shortly after Bender's 'hush-up,' yet Barker claimed his 'Saucerian' preceded his joining the Bender Bureau. Barker's name only appeared on the IFSB stationery in June 1953, two months before the 'Three Men in Black' incident but a year after Bender had invited the author to be an analyst.

Barker's article on the September 1952 saucer landing at Flatwoods, W. Va., written for Ray Palmer's magazine, is mentioned. Barker claimed he "first heard Bender's name through Palmer's magazine" and then offered his help to Bender on November 20, 1952, the same date Adamski claimed contact with a Venusian visitor. The author suggests a mutual understanding between Barker and Adamski regarding the flying saucer field on that date, derived from a prediction schedule sent to Adamski's ghost-writer.

Barker's quoting of Bender's letter of September 16, 1953, where Bender advised against accepting more memberships, is presented as proof that Bender had already sent a closing-down notice. The author argues that the 'Three Men Scare' was unnecessary for closing Bender but served to impose a 'book-theme mystery.' Barker's own memo is cited for a slip of words: "It is not clear whether the Three Men ordered the closing of the Organization." However, Barker had previously printed that the Three Men did order Bender "to cease the activities of IFSB and stop publishing."

Al Bender is described as having "bowed out to get married and let the invaders take over the flying saucer field." The breaking point for Bender likely occurred when he obtained a "saucer fragment" through Barker's associate Roberts on August 22, 1953. The issue notes that Barker and Roberts are now associates of Ray Palmer, known for promoting "for palming 'saucer fragments' with tragic results."

The disagreement between Bender and Barker is seen regarding policies on the Adamski story and the author's scientific analysis debunking it. This conflict is linked to a near-wreck of another organization, NICAP in Washington, due to an Adamski supporter.

Bender's announcement in his April 1953 'Space Review' about thoroughly examining Adamski's photos is mentioned, with Bender wishing the author would do it. Bender knew the author had seen and analyzed Adamski's original prints. The final issue of 'Space Review,' edited by the 'Three Men in Black,' reversed Bender's policy and promoted Adamski's photos, also running an advertisement for Barker's 'Saucerian.'

Barker's statement, "Such a story should be exposed if a hoax - or better still, I might get some publicity out of it," is quoted. The author justifies his exposure of Barker as a "moral duty to inform those sharing with me a corresponding interest in the subject." He also claims legal prima facie privilege to vindicate his name against Barker's "falsifying astronomical stupidity" and slander.

The author criticizes Barker's credibility by highlighting his admission that "There is no way to prove that Dove made the hoaxed-up picture" after previously calling it his own "big joke." The author intends to demonstrate how much reliance can be placed on Barker's words.

Barker's concluding questions from his book, "One question bothered me: Why hadn't the Three Men visited me?" and his statement that his book is one "that perhaps you will not believe. I do not believe it either," are presented, with the author agreeing, "Neither do I!"

Recent News Stories

This section compiles various UFO-related reports from different locations:

• Close Sighting in Pennsylvania: On January 13th, Robert Collins of Linesville, Pa., driving near Greenville, reported a strange arc light that caused his truck's electrical system to fail. The light hovered at about 200 feet and illuminated a 100-yard area before departing at high speed.
• Saucer Seen by Airline Pilot and Passengers: Captain Peter Killian of American Airlines reported seeing three flying saucers follow his plane for about forty minutes on February 24th, while flying over Pennsylvania with 35 passengers. Killian refuted an Air Force explanation that they were B-47 bombers being refueled, insisting he knew conventional planes. He was subsequently "silenced" and has not made a public statement.
• Fortean Items: Bryan G. Essenhigh reports several unusual events: a 600-pound sea monster caught off Australia; a half-ton of ice falling in England; an unexplained drop in sea level in Greek harbors; a green monster seen in a Malaysian lake; a Russian jet bomber colliding with a wild duck at 18,000 feet; and oleo-margarine falling from a great height onto a Los Angeles home.
• Five Pilots Report Flying Objects Over the Pacific: On July 11th, at least five pilots reported seeing "an extremely bright light, surrounded by smaller lights" bearing down on their airliner at 21,000 feet before veering away.
• Otis T. Carr in Legal Trouble: Otis T. Carr, who described a "free energy principle" for a spaceship, faced charges from the SEC for selling unregistered stock. An injunction was issued barring the sale of stock in his corporation.
• Saucer "Flap" in Virginia: Numerous sightings have been reported on Sheep Rock Mountain near Coeburn, Virginia. A forest ranger has been watching strange lights, believing the saucers have a landing strip. Students at Clinch Valley College recorded 22 sightings between March 5th and May 1st.
• Close Sighting in New Jersey: Frank Samaha of Atlantic City reported seeing a large, saucer-shaped UFO with square windows and an intense blue light coming off the ocean at about 400 feet altitude.
• Adamski Gets Mixed Reactions on European Tour: George Adamski's tour included a private audience with Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, which drew criticism. In Zurich, Switzerland, 300 students disrupted an Adamski lecture, leading to a chaotic scene.
• Mysterious Lights Cause Automobile Accident: A couple near Lometa, Texas, reported seeing strange lights repeatedly over a six-week period, culminating in an accident where their car swerved and hit trees after being illuminated by a huge light.
• Connecticut Teacher Reports Saucer with Three Little Men Inside: Mrs. Mary Starr of Old Saybrook reported seeing a cigar-shaped object hovering above her clothesline, with three men inside and an antenna. The object was shallow, with men appearing to be three to four feet tall.
• More U.S.-Made Saucers: The US armed forces are reportedly admitting the existence of several secret saucer projects, including an "air cushion" vehicle and the AVRO flying saucer being built partly with US money.
• News Briefs:
• Emmet West of Charleston, W. Va., reported a strange object descending from the sky and hovering over his car in South Carolina.
• A Soviet scientist claims Mars' two small moons are artificial satellites placed by extinct intelligent beings.
• A Russian claim suggests a spaceship, not a meteor, caused the 1908 explosion in Siberia.
• A yellow disc was seen hovering over London Airport.
• An Orson Wells-type television play caused a scare in London.
• Mysterious ripples have been appearing on British radar screens.
• An Air Force investigation was launched due to UFO reports in South Carolina.
• Rear Admiral George Dufek stated that the existence of flying saucers cannot be discounted.
• A "saucer flap" in Kyger, Ohio, involved a "posse" organized to photograph UFOs, though many sightings were later identified as flares from pranksters.
• The pilot of a Capital Airlines plane reported seeing four balls of fire near Baltimore's Friendship Airport.
• An eccentric named Ulrich Meinhold, who built flying saucers, was arrested in New Jersey.
• A greenish-blue object, possibly a meteorite, streaked across Michigan and Wisconsin.
• A saucer with six red lights was seen near Sturgis, Kentucky.

Saucer Directory

This section lists various saucer magazines and clubs, including:

• "The UFO Investigator" (NICAP)
• "Saucers" (edited by Max Miller)
• "Doubt" (The Fortean Society)
• "The A.P.R.O. Bulletin" (edited by Mrs. Coral E. Lorenzen)
• "The Little Listening Post"
• "The Journal of Correlative Philosophy" (Advaitan Buddhist Theosophical Society)
• "The Saucerian Bulletin" (edited by Gray Barker)
• "UFO Critical Bulletin" (published by Richard Hall)
• "Uranus" (edited by David Wightman)
• "Flying Saucer Review" (edited by The Hon. Brinsley le Poer Trench)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO hoaxes, the alleged manipulation of information by individuals and potentially government entities, and the critical examination of prominent figures in the UFO community. The editorial stance is highly skeptical of sensational claims and appears to be dedicated to exposing what the author perceives as deception and misrepresentation within the flying saucer field. There is a strong emphasis on debunking and questioning the credibility of sources like Gray Barker and George Adamski, while also reporting on various sightings with a critical eye, often suggesting explanations or highlighting inconsistencies.