Saucer News - Whole Number 37 - Vol 06 No 04 - 1959

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: VOLUME 6, NUMBER 4 (Whole Number 37)
Date: SEPTEMBER 1959
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, presents a critical examination of Donald Keyhoe's work, alongside articles on historical extraterrestrialism and other UFO-related incidents.

Editorial Notes

The editorial section reiterates SAUCER NEWS's policy of publishing factual, well-documented, and interesting articles, regardless of whether they align with the editorial staff's opinions. Signed articles do not necessarily represent the official stance of SAUCER NEWS. This policy is stated in anticipation of reactions to Michael G. Mann's article on Donald Keyhoe. The editors acknowledge that while letters mentioned in Mann's article are accurately quoted, they cannot verify all of Keyhoe's research due to time constraints. Subscribers are encouraged to point out any inaccuracies.

The publication also offers back issues for $1.00 and a hard-cover book, "Air Force Project Blue Book Special Report #14," for $1.00. Information is provided about a special, irregularly-issued Newsletter mailing list for subscribers, offering material considered "too hot to handle" for regular issues, available for $1.00.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters are included:

• Francis Brownley from Jacksonville, Arkansas, is selling his non-fiction occult book collection, which includes considerable saucer material, and invites interested readers to contact him.
• Lonzo Dove (writing from his "Saucerian Bulletin") thanks SAUCER NEWS for an advance copy of the June issue, which he states viciously attacks him. He intends to reply in his own bulletin and feels the allegations are ridiculous. He also notes that his attorneys are scrutinizing the issue for libel.
• Gray Barker from Clarksburg, West Virginia, states that he will publish an expose on "you" (presumably the editor or SAUCER NEWS) in the next issue of his Saucerian Bulletin, threatening to "close down SAUCER NEWS." He accuses SAUCER NEWS of slanderous attacks on UFO researchers and claims to be working with others to bring justice.
• Richard Ogden from Seattle, Washington, agrees with the expose of Gray Barker and Ray Palmer, calling them "hoodwinking the saucer public." He looks forward to an expose of Barker as the author of the "Straith hoax letter."
• John J. Robinson from Jersey City, New Jersey, congratulates SAUCER NEWS on its expose of Gray Barker, calling "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers" sensationalist and suggesting Barker himself caused the "Three Men" hush-up of Al Bender. He praises SAUCER NEWS for being a "sensible voice" in a field overrun by "True Believers."
• Roger Simpson from Detroit, Michigan, praises the June issue as the best yet and expresses suspicion about Barker's sensationalism.

Feature Articles

Who Is Fooling Donald Keyhoe? by Michael G. Mann (Pages 4-8)

This article critically examines Donald Keyhoe's book "The Flying Saucer Conspiracy," questioning the accuracy of several cases presented. Mann argues that Keyhoe's claims, while interesting, are often too good to be true and may be exaggerated or fabricated.

• Moon Sightings: Mann challenges Keyhoe's account of Dr. Kuiper observing thousands of "glistening white spots" on the moon. Mann contacted Dr. Kuiper, who stated these were likely small craters from meteorite impacts, not "domes" as Keyhoe suggested.
• Portola Road Fire: Keyhoe describes a mysterious fire on Portola Road caused by "strange metal pellets." Mann investigated and found that Sheriff Earl B. Whitmore determined the fragments were pieces of shattered cast iron pipe, not unusual.
• Kinross Air Force Base Case: Keyhoe presents the case of an F-89 jet disappearing while tracking an unknown object over Lake Superior. Mann investigated and found that the Air Force base mentioned by Keyhoe (Kimross) did not exist, and the actual base was Kinross A.F.B. Mann also notes that the Air Force has minimal information on this case, contrasting with Keyhoe's detailed account.
• Fort Lauderdale Affair: Keyhoe describes the disappearance of five TBM "Avengers" from Fort Lauderdale Naval Air Station. Mann notes that the base Keyhoe mentioned was fictional, and the actual location is now Broward County International Airport. He suggests Keyhoe's information is unreliable.
• Utica Case: Keyhoe recounts an incident involving an F-94 jet crashing after encountering an unknown object near Utica, New York. Mann found that the base Keyhoe referred to (Griffith Air Force Base) was likely Griffiss A.F.B. Mann's research, along with that of Jonas Kover, found no records or local memory of such a tragic event, casting doubt on Keyhoe's account.

Mann concludes that Keyhoe may have been given incorrect data, is working for the Air Force, or is a pawn being fed misinformation. He believes Keyhoe has been a recipient of misinformation for some time.

Extraterrestrialism as an Historical Doctrine - Part Four: K'VOD Y'HOVA; THE GLORY OF THE LORD by Y. N. ibn A'haron, B.D., S.T.M. (Pages 9-10)

This installment continues the exploration of Y'hova, the God of Israel, as an extraterrestrial being. The author discusses the completion of his book manuscript on the subject and the enhancement of his research facilities, including a Hebrew typewriter. He addresses potential criticisms of science fictionalism by providing a history of his extraterrestrial research, beginning with his study of the Book of Genesis in Aramaic and related Rabbinic literature.

The author explains his research into the theological concept of "The Presence and Glory of the Lord" (Divine Immanence). He analyzes ancient texts, including the Reshitta and Aramaic Razayah, to understand descriptions of Y'hova's interactions with humanity. He contrasts the literal interpretation of scripture by some scholars with allegorical interpretations, emphasizing the belief in a real, distinct God.

The article touches upon the role of prophets, arguing that their ability to predict future events stems from their unusual insight and social objectivity, allowing them to extrapolate probabilities rather than possess supernatural foresight. The author also mentions the "Silence Group" and the Air Force's request for evidence from Keyhoe regarding UFOs being interplanetary.

Sputniks and Flying Saucers by Justin Case (Page 12)

This article, though brief in the provided text, is listed in the table of contents and likely explores potential connections or comparisons between the Soviet Sputnik satellite program and the phenomenon of flying saucers.

The Case of the Mysterious Airplane Crash by Bob Barry (Page 14)

This article, also listed in the table of contents, is expected to detail an incident involving a mysterious airplane crash, presumably with UFO or unexplained elements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include skepticism towards prominent UFO researchers like Donald Keyhoe, the examination of historical and religious texts for evidence of extraterrestrial influence, and the ongoing debate about government secrecy and cover-ups related to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, as reiterated in the "Editorial Notes," is to publish well-researched and factual material, encouraging open discussion and diverse viewpoints within the UFO research community, while maintaining a critical eye on sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, dated March 1959, features a cover headline "SPUTNIKS AND FLYING SAUCERS" and includes articles that blend biblical interpretation with contemporary UFO phenomena and a detailed investigation into a mysterious aircraft crash.

Ezekiel's Vision: An Ancient Encounter?

The issue begins by examining the biblical prophet Ezekiel's experiences, suggesting his writings may describe an encounter with an advanced, possibly extraterrestrial, craft. The article notes the unique language of Ezekiel and contrasts it with other prophets. It then presents a translation of Ezekiel's account from the Hebrew, describing a "revolving construct" coming from the north, spitting fire, with four flaming sphere-like beings and discs on the ground. These discs performed maneuvers resembling magnets. A voice from above a transparent dome, accompanied by a throne and an electrical charge, is identified as the "K'vod Y'hova" (The Glory of the Lord). The construct then transported Ezekiel to the exile camp at Tel Aviv. The author highlights the connection between the construct's movement (ru'akh) and a gravity device (k'vod) operating through a flowing current (yad), characterizing the principle as electromagnetic, referencing "Khashmal" (Hebrew for amber or electricity) mentioned twice in the text.

Further analysis of Ezekiel's account suggests that the machinery produced light and heat, oxidizing atmospheric gases. Aircraft employing the K'vod principle were generally disc-shaped, though the "great construct" (ru'akh) was described as a "mass" (anan), possibly implying a sphere. The proximity of K'vod aircraft caused lightning, suggesting a polarity principle where discs traveled in pairs, one negatively charged and the other positively oriented. Ezekiel's description of the discs moving in right angles, not swerving, is noted. The article also mentions Ezekiel's role as an agent of Y'hova and his investigation of a debauch in the Temple, uncovering a clandestine entrance. It marks the end of operational aircraft in the Jewish tradition, though flying carpets persisted as literary convention.

The C-118 Crash: A Case of UFO Involvement?

The magazine then shifts to a contemporary event: the crash of an Air Force C-118 transport plane near McChord Air Force Base, Washington, on April 1, 1959. The article, authored by Bob Barry, relies heavily on a report from Robert Gribble, director of the Aerial Phenomena Research Group (A.P.R.G.).

Initial reports from the plane indicated a mid-air collision. Further investigation by A.P.R.G. revealed that the C-118 was struck by an unknown object near Mt. Rainier, which knocked off a large part of its horizontal stabilizer. Witnesses reported the plane flying at tree-top level, heading north, and appearing to fight for altitude. It did not land at McChord but instead turned away, struck trees, damaged an engine, and caught fire.

Adding to the mystery, the A.P.R.G. report details several unusual incidents preceding and following the crash:

• Mysterious aerial explosions shook the North Seattle area and the entire Seattle area.
• A brilliant aerial object was sighted by Mr. and Mrs. Bill Loomis traveling at high speed near the crash area, which they stated was definitely not an airplane.
• Unofficial reports suggested radar at McChord Air Force Base had picked up UFOs prior to the crash.
• During the early hours of darkness, mysterious lighted objects were seen in the sky from Kent and Carbonado, and reported in the Mt. Rainier area.
• Witnesses in the Orting area confirmed sightings of mysterious lighted objects, though the Air Force initially attributed them to parachute flares from a jump exercise, a claim denied by the news chief at Fort Lewis.
• Witnesses in the Sumner area stated that none of the C-118's engines were running as it passed over, and two parachute-like glowing objects were following the plane, with a portion of the tailpiece missing.
• Mr. and Mrs. Bill Jones of Orting saw three or four parachute-like objects in the air.
• Another series of mysterious explosions shook the Seattle area.

The A.P.R.G. investigators visited the Orting-Sumner area and found the Chief of Police in conference with an Air Force colonel. They were subsequently denied any information, with officials advised to speak only through McChord Air Force Base, suggesting a deliberate silencing.

The report alleges that the Air Force is frantically trying to silence witnesses and residents, advising them not to discuss the crash and forcing airport tower operators to sign affidavits under threat of job loss. The article notes that even a gentleman who was one of the first to arrive at the crash scene was silenced. The A.P.R.G. claims to have received considerable information of a startling nature, which is still being checked.

Sputniks and the Flying Saucer Mystery

An article titled "SPUTNIKS AND FLYING SAUCERS" by Justin Case discusses the impact of the Russian Sputnik launches on the flying saucer mystery. The author argues that the advent of Sputniks has reduced the probability that flying saucers are Earth-made devices, suggesting they are more likely intelligent visitors from space.

The article presents five conclusions:

1. Flying saucers are not secret U.S. devices, as President Eisenhower would have revealed them to restore confidence.
2. They are not secret Soviet devices, as the Soviets would be boasting about them.
3. Since they are not secret devices of either the U.S. or Russia, they are not Earth-made, as no other nation possesses the resources to produce such craft.
4. Neither the U.S. nor Russian governments believe flying saucers contain intelligent visitors from space; if they did, they would unite against a common enemy.
5. The U.S. Air Force does not know what flying saucers are and has no reason to conceal the solution if they did know.

Therefore, it is concluded that flying saucers have not landed, contacted anyone, or left proof of their presence. The Sputniks' advent is seen as a step in solving the mystery by eliminating the Earth-made possibility.

Recent News Stories

This section provides brief reports on various UFO sightings:

• Indiana Family Chases Saucers: James F. Baker and his family reported chasing three unidentified blinking orange lights near Columbus, Indiana, which moved in a triangle formation and then streaked away at high speed, defying local officials' explanation of them being airplanes.
• Saucer Briefs:
• An Ocean City, New Jersey, newspaper reported oval-shaped UFOs buzzing docks and guest cabins.
• Dr. Marcel Pages, a French scientist, claims to have discovered a method to build a flying saucer capable of unlimited speed by eliminating Earth's gravitation with a rotating electric field.
• Jim Chapman of Superior, Nebraska, reported a UFO following him and changing direction when he did, accompanied by two other people.
• Dr. Carl Jung's controversial book "Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Skies" is mentioned, noting Jung's interest in the psychological implications of UFOs rather than their physical existence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interpretation of ancient texts (Ezekiel's prophecy) as potential UFO encounters, the investigation of contemporary UFO sightings and incidents, and the exploration of government secrecy and potential cover-ups related to UFO phenomena. The magazine also touches upon the geopolitical context of the Cold War and the space race, using the Sputnik launches as a point of reference for the technological capabilities of nations versus the unexplained nature of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting evidence and witness accounts while questioning official explanations and highlighting instances of alleged censorship. There is a clear skepticism towards conventional explanations for UFOs and a leaning towards the hypothesis of extraterrestrial intelligence.