Saucer News - Whole Number 40 - Vol 07 No 02 - 1960

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: VOLUME 7, NUMBER 2 (Whole Number 40)
Date: JUNE 1960
Publisher: Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society (S.A.U.C.E.R.S.)
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, the official publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society, features a prominent photograph on its cover of Andy Sinatra, self-proclaimed 'Mystic Barber,' and his wife Giovannina, adorned with peculiar head devices. The accompanying text suggests these devices are 'psychic machines' to block telepathic intrusion from 'Space People.' Sinatra claims to have undertaken astral voyages to the Moon and Earth's core, with his wife communicating with him psychically during these trips. Notably, Sinatra is credited with predicting the world's end during the week of May 10th.

Contents of This Issue

The issue includes "Editorial Notes," "Letters to the Editor," a "Saucer Directory," and "Recent News Stories." A "Book Review" section covers "Road in the Sky" by George Hunt Williamson, reviewed by Y. N. ibn Aharon. Feature articles include "Who Is Fooled by Michael Mann?" by Lee R. Munsick and "How It Might End" by Justin Case.

Editorial Notes

The "Editorial Notes" section addresses several points. Firstly, it reiterates the offer to sell a collection of over six thousand saucer clippings from 1954-1960, contained in 40 scrapbooks. The sale is for the entire set, with payment required in cash. Inquiries have been received, but many are seeking to break up the set or cannot pay cash. A 10% commission is offered to anyone who secures a buyer. Secondly, it lists available back issues of SAUCER NEWS, with specific issues like #231 and #227 (the Adamski Expose Issue) priced at $1.00 each, while others are available at 3 for $1.00. Thirdly, it promotes the "AIR FORCE PRO-JECT BLUE BOOK SPECIAL REPORT #14," an 80-page official Air Force report on flying saucers, reprinted by Dr. Leon Davidson. Copies are limited and priced at $1.00, reduced from $1.50.

The editorial notes also provide publication details: SAUCER NEWS is published quarterly in Fort Lee, N. J., by S.A.U.C.E.R.S. The editor is James W. Moseley, with Y. N. ibn Aharon as Assistant Editor, Theodore Hunt as Managing Editor, and Bryan Essenhigh as Overseas Editor. Associate Editors include Fred Broman, Steve Levendakes, Richard Cohen, and Edgar Hydall. The subscription price is $2.00 for six quarterly issues.

Book Review: Road in the Sky

Reviewed by Y. N. ibn Aharon, B.D., S.T.M., the book "Road in the Sky" by George Hunt Williamson is compared to his earlier work, "Other Tongues, Other Flesh." Aharon notes that while the story of the 'Elder race' is embellished with borrowings, the philosophy of the 'Space Brothers' is presented with more sophistication, and Williamson's handling of historical material is improved. The review highlights sensational claims such as the Hopi Indians originating on Mars, the cohabitation of Abominable Snowmen with human women, and the Earth being infested by 'Intruders' from the 'Unholy Six' of the Orion forces. These Intruders, it is claimed, include International Bankers and others who disrupt the Space Confederation's plans, with some receiving information from a 'sub-computer system.' The review also points out alleged similarities between Williamson's narrative and Isaac Asimov's "The Foundation" series, suggesting plagiarism and a lack of proper credit. Furthermore, Aharon criticizes Williamson's handling of reference material, citing specific examples of linguistic and historical inaccuracies concerning Chinese characters, the Greek letter Eta, the German word 'hell,' Minoan inscriptions, South Semitic scripts, and biblical interpretations of divine names.

Feature Article: Who Is Fooled by Michael Mann?

This lengthy article by Lee R. Munsick is a direct reply to an article by Michael G. Mann in the September 1959 issue of SAUCER NEWS, titled "Who Is Fooling Donald Keyhoe?" Munsick accuses Mann of attempting to slander Major Donald E. Keyhoe and the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP). Munsick asserts that Mann's article contains inaccuracies, unsupported conclusions, and spurious logic, and that Mann has illegally and unethically used Munsick's own statements to support his claims. Munsick states that Mann has reprinted private correspondence without permission and twisted his statements to portray him as battling Keyhoe. The article details Munsick's correspondence with Mann regarding details of Keyhoe's book "Flying Saucer Conspiracy," specifically concerning the Fort Lauderdale and Kimross/Fort Lauderdale air bases. Munsick clarifies that the base mentioned was the Fort Lauderdale Naval Air Station, not an Air Force base, and that the Navy's Office of Information provided a detailed account of an incident on December 5, 1945, involving five TBM-type aircraft that disappeared near the Bahamas, followed by a missing PBM search aircraft. Munsick argues that Mann's attack on Keyhoe's integrity is unwarranted and based on misinterpretations or deliberate distortions of facts, including the alleged connection to the Air Force, which had no involvement in the Navy case.

Munsick also refutes Mann's claims about his own role in the North Jersey UFO Group, stating that the office he allegedly directed did not exist and that he was co-founder and Chairman of the Executive Committee, and editor of its periodical "UFO Newsletter." He notes that Mann knew this information, as it was documented in their correspondence.

Recent News Stories

A letter from Mrs. Maude Kapreilian corrects details from a previous article about a UFO sighting in Poquoson, Virginia. She states the sighting occurred on October 19th, not the 20th, and the object's altitude was estimated between 55 and 80 feet, not 100 feet. She notes the information may have been gleaned from an erroneous local newspaper article. She also mentions the boys were on posted government property and that no official investigation was made, despite reports to Langley Air Force Base.

Another letter from Larry P. Maccubbin criticizes an Anglican missionary's story published in the magazine, suggesting it is outdated and that the "UFO Investigator" has covered it more satisfactorily. He urges the editor to retract his statements.

Carlos Mentira congratulates Michael Mann on his expose of Prince Neosom and finds Y. N. ibn Aharon's article on building a Chaldean saucer fascinating but believes such a machine could not be built due to oil interests and Wall Street agents.

Saucer Directory

This section lists various saucer magazines and clubs. It notes that the list is shorter than in previous issues due to many organizations having recently folded. Included are "The UFO Investigator" (NICAP), "S.P.A.C.E.," "The A.P.R.O. Bulletin," Civilian Saucer Intelligence of New York newsletter, "Round Robin" (Borderland Sciences Research Associates), "The Saucerian Bulletin," "The Little Listening Post," "Uranus," and "Flying Saucer Review."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of UFO research claims and authors, particularly George Hunt Williamson and Michael Mann. The editorial stance, as expressed through the articles and letters, appears to favor rigorous investigation and accuracy, with a strong defense of established researchers like Donald Keyhoe and NICAP against what is perceived as unfounded criticism or smear tactics. There is a clear emphasis on debunking sensationalism and alleged plagiarism within the UFO community. The publication also serves as a platform for readers to share their perspectives and corrections, as seen in the letters to the editor.

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Vol. 5, No. 12, May 1960
Publisher: SAUCER NEWS
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SAUCER NEWS features a critical examination of UFO research and a broader discussion on existential threats to mankind.

Article: Critique of Michael Mann

The issue opens with a defense of the author's own position and a strong critique of Michael Mann's article. The author expresses pride in being considered a friend of Major Keyhoe and distances himself from the writing of Keyhoe's book "Flying Saucer Conspiracy." He refutes Mann's implication that he had a role in the book or was revealing a "secret deed." The author highlights Mann's misinterpretation of "Griffith Air Force Base" as "Griffiss A.F.B.," calling it a "brilliant deduction" and an "innocent error" recognized by others years ago. This error, the author suggests, stems from information provided in a letter dated May 11, 1959.

The article then delves into Mann's association with an organization called "Parapsychology and Saucer Investigation" (PSI), where Jonas Kover was the Director. Mann had publicly praised Kover. However, in the fall of 1959, Mann compiled a "Preliminary Census of Contactees" for "The Journal of Correlative Philosophy." In this list, Jonas Kover was described as having contact with Martian "trols" (sic) called "munchkins." The author finds this claim absurd, contrasting "Trolls" from Scandinavian folklore with "Munchkins" from L. Frank Baum's Oz, questioning the intelligence of any researcher who would seriously investigate such claims.

Article: HOW IT MIGHT END by Justin Case

This lengthy article explores various scenarios for the end of mankind, challenging common beliefs and offering a pragmatic perspective.

The Nuclear Threat Re-evaluated

The author begins by addressing the popular fear that flying saucer visitors are here to prevent self-destruction by atomic and hydrogen bombs. While acknowledging the genuine worry about war, the article argues that the destructive power of nuclear bombs is often exaggerated due to simplistic comparisons with TNT. It explains that the spherical explosion pattern of aerial bombs means much of their energy dissipates harmlessly. The article cites studies summarized in "U.S. News & World Report" (December 21, 1959) which suggest that while a nuclear war would be "horrible," it would not lead to annihilation. The primary victims would be city dwellers, and those in agricultural or non-white, under-developed countries would have a better chance of survival. The white race, concentrated in industrialized nations, would suffer the most significant decline in status, becoming a small minority. The author concludes that the non-white population, which is growing faster, will likely dominate the future, and their neutrality in potential conflicts is a strategic advantage.

Natural Catastrophes

The article then shifts to natural causes that could lead to mankind's demise. The Sun's temperature, if changed by even a small percentage, could cause extreme climate shifts leading to suffocation or freezing. The thin ozone layer protecting Earth from solar radiation is another vulnerability; its depletion would cause animal life to perish. The constant bombardment of Earth by meteors, including the possibility of a large impact like the Siberian Meteor of 1908 or even larger ones, poses a catastrophic risk.

The Earth's crust, floating on a molten layer, is in constant motion, leading to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tidal waves. These geological changes, which have occurred throughout history, could also bring about the end of mankind.

Disease and Space Visitors

Evidence of past civilizations perishing from drought, disease, climatic changes, and conquest suggests that disease could be a future cause of sudden demise. While medical science has advanced, new diseases are constantly emerging. The article raises the possibility of visitors from space bringing novel diseases to which humans have no immunity, potentially causing widespread devastation, especially with modern global travel facilitating rapid spread. Conversely, humans might also contaminate space visitors with their own germs, posing a risk to them and potentially leading to their decision to keep humans out of their atmosphere.

Conclusion on Existential Threats

The author concludes that mankind is unlikely to perish from nuclear bombs or require intervention from space visitors to prevent self-destruction. Instead, natural causes, some of which are catastrophic, are more probable threats. These events are largely beyond human control, making worry futile. The best course of action, according to the article, is to make the most of life while one still has it, as the probability of an untimely end is always present.

Recent News Stories

Physical Evidence of Coral Lorenzen's Credulity

This section critiques Coral Lorenzen's "A.P.R.O. Bulletin" and its claim of "Physical Evidence" for flying saucers. The evidence presented is a piece of metal analyzed in Brazil, reportedly from a saucer that exploded mid-air. The author finds several flaws: the letter describing the incident is not legible, the source of the fragments is unknown, the incident area was not investigated, and the analyses were conducted in Brazil, a country known for "sloppy laboratory work." The author questions why the fragments haven't been analyzed in the United States and suggests that even if the analysis is correct, the fragments could be from a natural extraterrestrial source. The article reiterates SAUCER NEWS's standing offer of a $1,000 reward for real physical proof.

Pilot Shoots Movie of Flying Saucers

A widely-publicized case from Dubuque, Iowa, where pilot Charles Morris shot 19 feet of color film of three large elliptical UFOs on March 4th. The objects were sighted at approximately 5:55 p.m., appeared to be about 200 feet in length, at an altitude of 20,000 feet, and flew in perfect formation. They were described as thin on the leading edge and thick in the middle, like two platters face to face. The objects made no sound, left no vapor trail, and were very bright. The sighting was confirmed by other local people and Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Luckritz. The Air Force denied an explanation of high-flying jets. Unfortunately, the developed film showed nothing, possibly due to shooting against the setting sun.

News Briefs

• Joseph T. Perry's Photo: A restaurant owner and amateur astronomer from Grand Blanc, Michigan, claims to have captured a saucer-like object silhouetted against the full moon in a photograph taken in February. The object reportedly radiated a green trail and appeared closer than the moon. The FBI investigated, and the picture was sent to Washington, where the Air Force could not draw a conclusion about its nature.
• Mary Jo Curwen's Movie: A 17-year-old girl from Hazel Green, Wisconsin, took a 20-second movie of a saucer in flight in April. The film shows three faint but definite bright dots. Air Force officials expressed "great interest" and requested a copy.
• Rev. John F. Cox Sighting: On March 24th, Rev. John F. Cox and two friends sighted two round black objects at high altitude near Morehead City, N.C. The objects quivered, accelerated rapidly, and disappeared, appearing flat and disc-shaped, maintaining perfect formation.
• Eastern Airlines Pilot Sighting: Captain Earl W. Miles reported seeing a mysterious object over Virginia around March 15th, confirmed by two other crews. The object was described as being like a plane fuselage but much larger, emitting a tremendous white flame from its rear. It had no wings and was estimated to be traveling in excess of 6,000 miles per hour, crossing the sky in about 50 seconds. Miles suggested that such sightings are frequent among experienced pilots but that information is suppressed.
• Jack Davis Sighting: On March 31st, Jack Davis and others in Cowpens, South Carolina, reported seeing a mysterious flying object about 100 feet above the ground, approximately 250 feet long, with bright lights. It made no noise and skimmed away northwest.

Gray Barker Accuses Long John of "Hush-Up" Hoax

This section reports on an accusation made by Gray Barker against Long John Nebel. Barker, in a previous "Non-Scheduled Newsletter," had accused Barker of engineering a hoax to increase book sales. Now, Barker claims that Nebel himself orchestrated a "hush-up" hoax, possibly to boost ratings for his radio program. Barker reasons that being cut off the air would draw more attention to the discussions.

Saucer Briefs: Lee Munsick Folds UFO Newsletter

Lee Munsick, who published "UFO Newsletter" occasionally for several years, has decided to cease publication with the May 1960 issue. The article notes that Munsick made the "serious error" of introducing science fiction into his magazine but still considered it one of the better publications.

Austrian UFO

A photograph taken by a news cameraman in Leibnitz, Austria, in March, shows an unidentified flying object. The photographer, C. W. Fitch, saw a shining light that remained motionless over the road, felt heat from it, and took the picture from 50 feet. The object then flew off.

Other News and Book Announcements

• Howard Menger's Claims: In a TV appearance, Howard Menger reportedly backed down from some of the fantastic claims in his book "From Outer Space to You," suggesting he might have been hoaxed or hypnotized, though he still insists his experiences were real.
• Otis T. Carr's Research: Otis T. Carr, inventor of the OTC-X1 free energy space ship, has leased property in Desert Valley, California, to continue his research, including manufacturing amusement park space rides and developing new free energy craft. The article notes Carr's past indictment for selling stock without a license and his supposed flight to the moon.
• Major Keyhoe's New Book: Major Keyhoe's fourth book, "Flying Saucers: Top Secret," is out and will be reviewed in the next issue. The article mentions Keyhoe finally addressing the sighting by Father McGill after an 8-month delay and commenting favorably on it.
• Orfeo Angelucci's New Book: The editor had a radio appearance with Orfeo Angelucci, author of "The Secret of the Saucers." Angelucci has a new book, "Son of the Sun," described as "the wildest saucer tome written to date." The events in the book were reportedly told to Angelucci by a deceased Seattle physician and include descriptions of a mother ship with 500,000 people and exotic elements.
• Dr. Leon Davidson's Book: Dr. Leon Davidson is publishing "Flying Saucers: Weapons of the Cold War," a 25-chapter book based on ten years of research, to be published serially. It will include documentation and references, quoting individuals involved in the saucer saga, scientists, editors, and military officials.
• Science Fiction Anthology: "The Fantastic Universe Omnibus," edited by Hans Stefan Santesson, is recommended for science fiction fans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims and researchers, the potential for global catastrophe (both man-made and natural), and the exploration of fringe science and speculative ideas. The editorial stance is skeptical of sensationalist claims, particularly those made by Michael Mann, and emphasizes a rational, evidence-based approach to UFO investigation. The magazine also adopts a pragmatic view on existential threats, downplaying the immediate danger of nuclear war while highlighting natural causes and the potential risks posed by extraterrestrial contact. There is a clear emphasis on separating fact from fiction and questioning the motives and methods of various figures in the UFO community. The magazine also promotes its own newsletter and upcoming articles, indicating a desire to engage readers with exclusive or controversial content.