Saucer News - Whole Number 42 - Vol 07 No 04 - 1960 12

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Volume 7, Number 4 (Whole Number 42)
Date: December 1960
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SAUCER NEWS presents a blend of reported sightings, editorial commentary, and in-depth articles exploring various facets of the flying saucer phenomenon and related topics.

Cover Story: French UFO Sighting

The cover features a photograph of a purported UFO landing in France, sent by an anonymous associate. The accompanying text describes a mechanic's encounter with a strange craft on a country road near Nice in February. The machine reportedly made a humming sound and took off with considerable speed and noise. The magazine notes that they have no further information and cannot vouch for the story.

Editorials and Announcements

The "Editorials" section announces a "BIG LITERARY CONTEST" hosted by SAUCER NEWS. The contest winner will receive a $50 cash prize and a lifetime subscription to the magazine and its non-scheduled Confidential Newsletter, while the second-place winner gets $10. Articles must be submitted by February 15th, 1961, be 2,500 words or less, typed double-spaced, and focus on flying saucer research or related topics. Judging criteria include factual content, reader interest, and style. The judging staff is listed, including James W. Moseley, Y. N. ibn Aharon, John Marana, Theodore Hunt, Fred Broman, Steve Levendakes, and Richard Cohen.

An announcement also promotes the "SPECIAL NEWSLETTER MAILING LIST," available to SAUCER NEWS subscribers since December 1955. These newsletters are described as containing material considered "too hot to handle" for the regular magazine and are available for $1.00. Newsletter Number Eleven is highlighted for its coverage of the "psychic blood" incident at the 1960 Giant Rock Convention.

Additionally, the magazine offers over 6,000 saucer clippings from 1954 to 1960 for sale, and lists available back issues of SAUCER NEWS, including special issues like the "Special Adamski Expose Issue" (#27), and Air Force Project Blue Book Special Report #14.

The editorial staff is detailed: James W. Moseley (Editor), Y. N. ibn Aharon (Assistant Editor), John Marana (Managing Editor), and Associate Editors Theodore Hunt, Fred Broman, Steve Levendakes, and Richard Cohen.

Letters to the Editor

This section features several letters from readers:

• Richard Ogden from Seattle, Washington, comments on a "psychic blood trick" at the Giant Rock Convention, attributing it to Gray Barker. He questions the confessions of Howard Menger and Mr. Lucchesi, and criticizes SAUCER NEWS for not initially crediting Mr. Lucchesi for the "radiation theory" article in June-July 1956, and then later discrediting him. Ogden suggests that the magazine's claim to have found the "Solution to the Flying Saucer Mystery" was based solely on Lucchesi's theories, thus discrediting the editor.
• Audley H. Woodall from Norfolk, Virginia, inquires about the unexplained Holdcroft air crash mystery and how an airliner could pancake through trees without touching them. He expresses a theory that the editor might be from "somewhere" to dispel beliefs about UFOs, given his skeptical yet keen interest.
• Susanne Stebbing, Secretary of the London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organization, praises SAUCER NEWS as fascinating and controversial, believing it should be read by unbiased researchers. She notes the prevalence of "hoaxters and spiritualistic hypocrites" in the USA and elsewhere, and sees the magazine as a tool to expose such exploitation.
• Mary J. Hyde from Alexandria, Virginia, thanks the magazine for its September issue, particularly its reporting on the "crackpotish cynical saucerers" at the Giant Rock Convention. She mentions that she would have believed the "True Sight" people had something if she hadn't learned they had lowered themselves to attend such an event.
• Mrs. Millie E. Poppe from Orlando, Florida, received the September issue and notes the news about the Giant Rock Convention. She mentions a "space animal," a rabbit-cat called Mika, seen by Miss Daryle Nieman, and a similar report from Sanford, Florida. She enjoys the magazine and passes it on to her mother.
• Mrs. Elnor Nieman from Hollywood, California, introduces herself as the mother of Daryle Nieman and expresses appreciation for the article and picture of her daughter in the September issue. She acknowledges enjoying the magazine's light-hearted approach to the subject, even if she doesn't fully accept the "Truth" about saucers. She suggests a parallel between limited human knowledge and the help offered from "more developed planets," and sees the magazine as a link between believers and unbelievers, offering "wonderful help" in a "sugar-coated pill."
• John A. Morrill from Gonzales, California, liked the reporting and pictures from the Giant Rock Convention but takes exception to the "skepticism and tongue-in-cheek attitude" regarding Mark Probert's Yada di Shi'ite lecture. He defends the Inner Circle's communications as high quality and intelligent, and mentions an upcoming deluxe edition of "The Magic Bag."
• Laura Mundo (Marxer), Co-Founder of The Planetary Center in Dearborn, Michigan, thanks the magazine for its "fearless reporting" on the analysis of blood spots at the Van Tassel Convention, noting the difficulty of telling the truth plainly.
• Frank Reid from Chicago, Illinois, comments on Keyhee's latest book, suggesting his "touchiness" stems from frustration with military run-arounds rather than paranoia.
• Fred S. Burbank from New York, N.Y., praises the review of the new Keyhoe book, agreeing that it doesn't present new facts. He criticizes SAUCER NEWS for its sudden focus on the Giant Rock Convention, suggesting it's an attempt to regain readership from the "lunatic fringe." Despite this, he considers SAUCER NEWS the most interesting and best-written saucer magazine.

Feature Articles

A Note on the Evolution of Extraterrestrialism - by Y. N. ibn Aharon, B.D., S.T.M.

This article examines the theories of Soviet scientist M. A. Agrest, who suggested that Sodom and Gomorrah might have been destroyed by a nuclear explosion from extraterrestrial invaders. The author discusses the article's appearance in Moscow's Literary Gazette and its subsequent publication in England's Flying Saucer Review. He notes that wire service stories misrepresented Agrest's theories, suggesting they were contrary to Soviet policy or a hoax. Aharon argues that Agrest's purpose was to find traces of extraterrestrial visits, confirming the idea of multiple inhabited worlds. He dismisses claims of censorship, citing the availability of the issue in New York. The author contends that Agrest's arguments, concerning Baalbek, Tektites, Sacsuhuaman, and ancient priests, are not new but have appeared in science-fiction magazines and the writings of H.P. Blavatsky. Aharon points out that Agrest's emphasis on Israelite priests and his hypothesis about Sodom and Gomorrah were directly borrowed from his own previous writings in SAUCER NEWS. He also draws parallels between Agrest's ideas and his own article on Lot's wife being turned into "melakh" (possibly radioactive salt) and the immolation of Aaron's sons, linking these to potential atomic attack scenarios.

The article further explores the Soviet Union's extensive Oriental research, particularly in Central Asia, where numerous Aramaic manuscripts have been found. Aharon suggests that Agrest's hypothesis may have been supported by the Soviet government, leading to research in Central Asia to uncover evidence of "Those Who from Another World Came."

Proof by Ignorance - by Justin Case

This article critiques the concept of "Proof by Ignorance" (PBI) in flying saucer literature. The author defines PBI as reasoning based on a lack of knowledge, leading to false conclusions. Examples include the Australian aborigine explaining jet aircraft as extraterrestrial, Desmond Leslie's theory that a mysterious force (linked to violin notes) erected ancient stonework and propels flying saucers, and Leonard Cramp's belief that all unidentified aerial objects are flying saucers due to ignorance of other explanations or the unreliability of UFO reports. The author argues that PBI is prevalent in poorer books on the subject, and that true knowledge requires investigation rather than jumping to conclusions based on what one doesn't understand. The article concludes by stating that while jet aircraft are man-made, the aborigine lacks the knowledge to know this, leading to his incorrect explanation. Similarly, the force breaking a wine glass with a violin note comes from the violinist, not a mysterious force.

Other Content

• Cartoon: A cartoon by John Pitt depicts George Adamski photographing saucers in the Arizona desert, with hieroglyphics on his shoes and an Army insignia on the chauffeur's coat. The caption reads "November 19th, 1952 - the day before the landing."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently displays a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. While reporting on sightings and reader accounts, there is a strong emphasis on critical analysis, debunking hoaxes, and questioning unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the "Proof by Ignorance" article and the editorial responses to reader letters. The magazine actively promotes research and discussion through its literary contest and newsletter, aiming to provide a platform for serious investigation while maintaining a critical perspective. There's a recurring theme of challenging conventional explanations and exploring alternative theories, often drawing from historical, scientific, and even religious texts, as exemplified by the article on extraterrestrialism and ancient civilizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging rigorous inquiry and separating factual evidence from speculation and sensationalism, even while acknowledging the enduring mystery of flying saucers.

This issue of "Flying Saucers" magazine, dated September 1960, focuses on debunking what it terms "PBI" (Psychic Broadcasts International) explanations for UFO phenomena, while also reporting on numerous recent sightings and alleged government involvement.

The Fallacy of PBI

The article "The Fallacy of PBI" strongly criticizes a method of explanation that relies on "reasoning" and "common sense logic" rather than empirical evidence, experimentation, or investigation. It uses the analogy of a wine glass breaking due to resonance to illustrate how specific conditions are necessary for phenomena. The author argues that figures like Thor Heyerdahl, Desmond Leslie, and George Adamski fall into this trap by seeking mysterious explanations instead of practical ones. The piece highlights George Adamski's 1949 book "Pioneers of Space," where Adamski proposes that a temperate zone exists on the moon due to the meeting of its hot bright side and cold dark side, and that air and moisture must exist on the moon because metals "sweat." The author dismisses these claims as "all wet," pointing out that housewives know condensation comes from humid air, not inherent moisture in materials, and that scientific observations prove the moon has no air or moisture. The article warns readers to be wary of "PBI" in saucer literature, describing it as an easy path to becoming a "wizard" that can lead to cult formation.

Recent News Stories

This section presents a collection of recent UFO-related news briefs:

• Close Sighting by California Policemen: Two highway patrolmen in Corning, California, reported a huge object, the size of an airplane, emitting a red beam of light. It appeared to drop from the sky, then rapidly ascended. The object was oblong, surrounded by a glow, with red and white lights. It approached their patrol car, causing static and radio interference, and then moved east, eventually meeting another similar object.
• Evidence of Saucer Landing in Tennessee: In Martin, Tennessee, a perfect circle, approximately fifteen feet in diameter, was found in a yard. Its circumference was a black, greasy substance that dried to a "charred, beady effect."
• Evidence of Saucer Landing in England: A farmer named Bill Edwards discovered imprints in his pasture forming two concentric circles, about 23 feet and 16 feet in diameter. The imprints were about one inch deep, and the grass at the edge showed signs of burning, suggesting a heavy circular object had landed recently.
• News Briefs (Various Locations):
• A mysterious aerial object was seen in Bermuda, described as bright in the center with an aura of light and searchlight-like beams.
• The Loch Ness Monster is reported to be back, with scientists claiming five unknown animals inhabit the lake. One was seen surfacing, and a large shape appeared on sonar.
• A UFO was reported to have crashed near Troy, New York. It was described as circular, red and white, descending slowly with fire coming from the bottom. A search failed to locate the crash site.
• Unidentified lights at Sheep Rock Mountain, Virginia, were reported again, seen traveling north.
• Two reports of a sea serpent were made near Gloucester, Massachusetts.
• A huge red ball with a brilliant white tail streaked across the skies of Columbus, Ohio.
• Close Sighting in a Colorado Canyon: A Boulder, Colorado, truck driver reported a UFO dropping from a cloud, hovering for 15 minutes, and described as 45-50 feet in diameter and 10-15 feet thick, with a velvety, silver sheen. It emitted bluish smoke and caused electrical interference with the tractor.
• Saucer "Flap" in California: Following an earlier sighting, at least 20 people in Mineral, California, saw six UFOs flying in a loose formation, glowing red and white, with unbelievable speed and no noise. Other reports described saucers as football-shaped, airliner-sized, with rows of white and red lights. One witness saw an oblong object with a line of red lights and a dome.
• News Briefs (Government and Other Reports):
• The U.S. Government is reportedly developing a flying saucer as a joint Army and Air Force project.
• A circular object was seen hovering in Rogersville, Pennsylvania, with red, green, and white lights, and a flashing red light on top, emitting a sound like an electric motor.
• The Space Science Board of the National Academy of Sciences issued a report discussing the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
• A flying saucer was seen near Port Washington, Wisconsin, described as a ball of white light with reddish rings, moving rapidly.
• A strange freak animal, a cross between a cat and a rabbit, was discovered in Sanford, Florida.
• An unidentified object, possibly an earth satellite, was seen by the director of the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, traveling in the opposite direction and at twice the speed of Echo I.
• An expedition to Nepal is being organized to track the Abominable Snowman.
• A frightening experience in Illinois involved a blue light illuminating the sky and an object like a ball of flame with a tail passing overhead.
• A 218-pound rock was found in an Illinois cornfield, indicating it had fallen from about 200 feet.
• Near-Landing in France: A bright round object, the color of the setting sun, blocked a highway in France, then followed a car for half a mile.
• Close Sighting in a Colorado Canyon: A truck driver reported a UFO that dropped from a cloud, hovered, and caused electrical interference.
• Saucer "Flap" in California: A wave of sightings included multiple UFOs flying in formation and individual saucers described as football-shaped.
• Saucer Briefs: George Adamski claims to have been invited to the U.S. Senate and the United Nations. The Air Force reportedly admits to having proof of Adamski's rides inside spaceships. Gabriel Greene launched a presidential campaign, attracting write-in votes from saucer enthusiasts. Otis T. Carr is facing legal trouble for selling stock in his flying saucer company. A bizarre story from Brazil involves a farmer dragged aboard a saucer and forced into sexual intercourse with a space woman. NICAP is reportedly in financial difficulties.
• Chief Frank Buckshot Standing Horse: An Ottowa Indian claims to have visited the planet Orion and other celestial bodies, escorting him aboard a flying saucer.
• Major Lawrence J. Tacker: Has published a book refuting claims of Air Force suppression of UFO information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's editorial stance is clearly against unsubstantiated claims and "PBI" explanations, advocating for empirical evidence and scientific investigation. It consistently contrasts these with the wilder tales of "contactees" and proponents of mysterious forces. The recurring theme is the critical examination of UFO reports, separating credible sightings and potential government projects from what the editors perceive as fantasy and self-serving narratives. The magazine aims to provide a more grounded perspective on the flying saucer phenomenon, while still acknowledging the existence of unexplained aerial objects and the public's fascination with them.

FAQ

• What is PBI and why is it criticized in this magazine? PBI, or Psychic Broadcasts International, is criticized as an easy, pleasant, and quick way to become a "wizard" without hard work or study, relying on "reasoning" rather than investigation, which the magazine deems fallacious.
• What are some of the recent UFO sightings reported? Recent sightings include a large object near Corning, California, reported by highway patrolmen; multiple UFOs over Mineral, California; a spinning object near Concord, California; a circular object in Rogersville, Pennsylvania; and a bright round object near Moulle, France.
• Does the US Government admit to developing flying saucers? Yes, the magazine reports that the U.S. Government admits to developing a real flying saucer as a joint Army and Air Force project, distinct from the AVRO saucer.
• What evidence of 'saucer landings' is presented? Evidence includes a perfect circle found in a yard in Martin, Tennessee, with a black, greasy substance circumference, and imprints forming concentric circles in a farmer's field in England.