Saucer News - Whole Number 48 - Vol 09 No 02 - 1962

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Volume 9, Number 2 (Whole Number 48)
Date: June 1962
Publisher: The Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER NEWS marks a significant turning point in its editorial policy and content, reflecting evolving perspectives on the UFO phenomenon. The cover prominently features an image of Andy Sinatra, the 'Mystic Barber of Brooklyn,' being questioned by a policeman, highlighting his 'End-of-the-World' demonstration. The main cover headlines announce "IMPORTANT CHANGES IN SAUCER NEWS POLICY," "EXCLUSIVE INFORMATION ABOUT BENDER BOOK," "DETAILS ABOUT COL. GLENN'S U. F. O. SIGHTING," and "OUR EDITOR'S INTERVIEW AT THE PENTAGON."

Editorials

Important Changes in Saucer News Policy

Editor James W. Moseley begins by recounting his early belief in the extraterrestrial origin of saucers in 1953. This evolved into a conviction that saucers were Earth-made machines manufactured by the U.S. and Russian Governments, based on exclusive information received. However, over the years, this faith has diminished. Moseley notes that Dr. Leon Davidson, in his article in this issue, posits that saucers are psychological warfare devices. Moseley himself has returned to his original feeling that the phenomenon remains a mystery, with the extraterrestrial solution being the most likely, though he reiterates the $1,000 offer for proof of extraterrestrial origin. He expresses openness to evidence from organizations like APRO. The editorial also states that the magazine will no longer print routine UFO sightings, deeming them repetitious and inconclusive, and will instead focus on outstanding reports and more "Fortean" material.

Publicity-Seeking Antics by Gray Barker

Moseley addresses an article by Gray Barker, a saucer researcher, appearing for the first time in SAUCER NEWS. Barker discusses delays in the Bender book and accuses Moseley of habitually editing articles to distort their meaning. Moseley refutes this, claiming Barker 'jazzes up' stories and citing an example from Ray Palmer's "Flying Saucers" Magazine. Moseley mentions that Barker has become difficult to reach for necessary editing due to his writing style, and questions whether his disappearance is genuine or a publicity stunt for the Bender book.

Letters to the Editor

Several readers respond to the magazine's content, particularly the editorial "Saucers and Fascism."

• Curtis Fuller, Editor of Fate Magazine, commends the magazine for its interesting and reliable UFO coverage and agrees with the editorial on "Saucers and Fascism," hoping that fragmented extremist groups cannot unite.
• Riley Crabb, Director of Borderland Sciences Research Associates, acknowledges the magazine's stance on Fascism and notes that the nation is becoming increasingly polarized, with extreme rightist sentiment evident during his lecture tours.
• A writer from Bridgeton, N.J. (signed "Justin Case"), expresses concern about the resurgence of Fascism in America, viewing it as a greater danger than Communism. The writer criticizes three perceived defects in the American government: the belief that "all men are created equal" (arguing this only applies at the voting booth), the influence of pressure groups like labor unions and the NAACP, and the growing expectation that the government should guarantee a comfortable living. The writer believes adversity builds character and that government overprotection leads to helplessness and ultimately socialism, with liberals driving this trend and conservatives attempting to slow it.
• Desmond Leslie from London, England, writes that he is spiritually sickened by the current state of society, suggesting that to overcome Marxism, American society must become more humane and civilized.
• Wanda Kagmargyk from Detroit, Michigan, feels reassured by the "Saucers and Fascism" article, stating that the John Birch Society is not "Far Right" but represents what every American should be. She believes all Americans are Right Wing Extremists.

Feature Articles

Why the Bender Book Has Been Delayed

By Gray Barker, this article addresses rumors surrounding the delay of Albert K. Bender's book, "Flying Saucers and the Three Men." Barker asserts that rumors of Bender not existing or the book appearing in censored form are untrue. He states that Moseley has actively tried to discredit the project. Barker explains the delay is approximately 30 days from the announced release date and lists several reasons:

1. The author's insistence on altering a chapter to clarify points, which held up typesetting.
2. The book manuscript disappearing in transit between two New York offices, causing delays in preparing a carbon copy.
3. Routine production issues, such as a typesetting error in the first 50 pages.

Barker also mentions potential 'organized interference,' including:

• Lost printed letters from a New York printer.
• Lost twenty thousand Personal News Releases intended for distribution.
• Delays in a manuscript reaching Ray Palmer and Barker missing a column in Palmer's magazine.
• An illness, possibly psychosomatic, affecting Barker's work.
• Unusual and threatening telephone calls.
• Incidents during nightly drives, including being followed and nearly forced off the road by a black sedan.
• An unusual number of visitors to his office seeking information.

Barker concludes that the Bender book is now on the press and anticipates no further delays, expressing determination to bring Bender's information to the public.

An Open Letter to Saucer Researchers (Part Two)

By Dr. Leon Davidson, this article continues his critique of the UFO phenomenon, focusing on the role of the CIA. Davidson claims the CIA orchestrated a publicity campaign for saucers starting in 1952, including the Life article "Have We Visitors from Space?" and the "Blue Flash" technique used in sightings over Seattle and Washington D.C. He alleges that Gray Barker's investigation of the Flatwoods incident was part of a CIA-sponsored program to "hoodwink the public."

Davidson asserts that by Fall 1952, the CIA planned "landing" and "contact" stories, citing examples like the Denver lecture on "little green men" and the Desverges and Mayor Linke landing stories as psychological tests and planted narratives. He believes the Tremonton films were a clever fake shown privately to convince select individuals. Davidson states that the Nash-Fontenberry and Coast Guard sightings, while publicized, were part of a larger wave of cases. He recounts how Major Keyhoe was allegedly fed reports by "friends" in the Government to support his interplanetary saucer theory, and that George Adamski was also "duped" into cooperation with the CIA.

Davidson details the CIA's staged "contact" with a "spaceman" in 1952 and Adamski's subsequent book. He outlines a timeline of CIA-planned publicity for contactee stories from 1949-1957, including "Little Green Men" stories, voice radio contact, human "from space" contacts, visits to other planets, and publicity for "human space people." He notes that by 1958-1962, the focus of "saucer club" activity had shifted from technical aspects to the belief that "space people" are here on Earth and are identical to humans.

Davidson concludes that after seeing the Tremonton films in 1952, which he now believes were arranged by the CIA, he no longer believes flying saucers are real objects. He had thought they were secret U.S. aircraft or missiles, but friends in other government agencies assured him such devices did not exist. He now believes the entire phenomenon is a psychological warfare tactic by the CIA.

Book Review

The Brotherhood of the Seven Rays - Secret of the Andes

Reviewed by John J. Robinson, this section introduces a review of "The Secret of the Andes." Robinson's primary task is to identify the true identity of the author, "Brother Philip," and trace his activities, particularly in relation to George Hunt Williamson, who claimed to be a medium. Robinson notes that Williamson first gained public attention in late 1952 with his plaster casts.

Other Content

• Editorial Notes: Lists available back issues of SAUCER NEWS and mentions the availability of Confidential Newsletters since December 1955 for subscribers. It also announces a review of Richard Hall's book "The Challenge of Unidentified Flying Objects" in the next issue.
• Contents: A list of articles and their corresponding page numbers, including Editorials, Letters to the Editor, Recent News Stories, a book review, and feature articles on the Bender book and an open letter to researchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SAUCER NEWS demonstrates a significant shift in editorial perspective. While maintaining an interest in the UFO phenomenon, the magazine is moving away from a purely extraterrestrial explanation towards a more critical examination of potential government involvement, psychological warfare, and hoaxes. The editor, James W. Moseley, expresses his own evolving views, now leaning towards the mystery of saucers rather than a definitive origin. The inclusion of Gray Barker's article, despite past criticisms, suggests an attempt to address controversies within the UFO research community. Dr. Leon Davidson's detailed analysis of CIA involvement in shaping public perception of UFOs is a central theme, challenging the validity of many widely accepted UFO narratives and contactee accounts. The magazine's stance appears to be one of increased skepticism towards sensational claims and a greater focus on uncovering the 'truth' behind the UFO mystery, even if that truth involves deception and manipulation by intelligence agencies.

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: 11
Volume: 1
Date: August-September 1957 (raw date: August-September 1957)
Publisher: Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society (S.A.U.C.E.R.S.)
Country: USA
Language: English
Price: $1.00 per four issues

Cover Story: Colonel Glenn Sights Unidentified Flying Objects

The main cover story details Colonel John Glenn's historic space flight on February 20th, during which he reported seeing a large number of small, glowing objects, loosely described as 'fireflies.' Glenn's own words describe these objects as bright bluish-green, about the size and intensity of fireflies, appearing in thousands and distributed evenly on each side of the capsule. He estimated his velocity through this field to be 3 to 5 miles per hour. The article notes that these 'fireflies' could not be the controversial copper needles previously sent into space, as they are in a different orbit. While some theories suggest they might be frozen droplets from a cooling device on the spacecraft, the objects remained unidentified even to the Pentagon. The article also addresses the 'crackpots' who have linked Glenn's sighting to George Adamski's claims, particularly his description of 'fireflies' in his book 'Inside the Space Ships.' A photograph from the Los Angeles Times shows unexplained streaks of light from Glenn's flight.

The Priory of All Saints and George Hunt Williamson

The issue delves into the activities of George Hunt Williamson and John McCoy, who gave lectures in Southern California. A postcard from John I. Norkin of the Amethystine Order warns that Williamson and McCoy were not acting under their direction and that contributions made to them for proposed trips to Peru were not authorized. Despite this, the lectures were successful, leading to the establishment of the Priory of All Saints in January 1957 in Moyobamba, Peru. Letters from Charles and Lillian Laughead, representing the Priory, were sent to interested individuals. Dr. Laughead, who resigned from Michigan State College Hospital due to his personal religious views and doomsday predictions, is linked to this group. His wife, Lillian, claimed to read glyphs on Williamson's plaster casts that foretold a doomsday event. The Priory Letters described everyday life and spiritual transcripts received through mediumship. In May 1957, Priory Letter #25 announced the group's disbandment. An 'Abbey Bulletin #1,' mailed from Corpus Christi, Texas, in April 1957, also carried a Williamson-esque doomsday message and was mailed to the Priory's list.

The article connects the Priory and Abbey activities to George Hunt Williamson's book, 'The Secret of the Andes.' It suggests that former Telonic Research Center members and the 'Recorder of Prophecies from Other Worlds' also served at the Abbey. The origin of 'Abbey Transcripts' is traced to a mimeographed book by T.O.T.T. Press, linked to the Laugheads, which contained voice channel receptions from 'Masters and Mentors of Other Worlds' between 1955 and 1956. The author concludes that 'The Secret of the Andes' is essentially George Hunt Williamson, with assistance from Dr. and Mrs. Laughead. The book is criticized for using unsound scientific premises, referencing Immanuel Velikovsky's 'Age of Chaos' and Harold T. P. Childward's books on Mu and Lemuria. The narrative within 'The Secret of the Andes' describes an elevated master, Aramu Muru, arriving in South America 10,000 years ago, bringing the Golden Sun Disc, later worshiped by the Incas at Cuzco. The author expresses skepticism about these claims, particularly regarding the historical accuracy and the scientific validity of certain statements, such as a cherimoya being 100% protein.

Weird Fortean Events: The Red Fungus Plague

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the case of Mrs. Mary Were, a British housewife whose food was mysteriously covered by a red fungus. This phenomenon, first reported in the December 1961 issue, is further detailed through a personal letter from Mrs. Were to Raymond Nelke. The red fungus appeared on cold caper sauce and looked like crimson powder. It grew into blotches, liquefied, and emitted a terrible smell of decay. Despite thorough inspection by local Public Health authorities, who found the house sanitary, the fungus reappeared on fresh food. The article mentions that bacteriologists, botanists, and scientists identified the fungus as the rare bacillus prodigious, mentioned in the Bible's Plague of Egypt and historically appearing before significant events. The phenomenon has not affected any other house in the area, and it also appeared on a picture of Christ. The article notes that a poltergeist also became evident in the Laugheads' former haunted mansion, Misbourne House, which was linked to King Charles the First. Television crews made a documentary about these happenings. The author questions any connection between the ghost and the red fungus.

SAUCER NEWS Editor's Pentagon Interview

The editor of SAUCER NEWS visited the Air Force's saucer investigation center at Wright-Patterson Field and interviewed Lt. Col. Robert J. Friend. Key topics discussed included the number of saucer reports received by the Air Force, the official explanation for Joe Simonton's 'space pancake' episode, claims of researchers being 'hushed up,' and 'physical evidence' submitted by saucer sighters. The Air Force's 15-year summary of its investigation (1947-1961) revealed 7,369 UFO sightings, with the percentage of 'unknowns' decreasing significantly over time. The article notes that despite public perception, flying saucer sightings were not declining, with nearly as many reported in 1961 as in 1960. The Air Force press release stated that it does not deny extraterrestrial life but has no evidence to prove it, maintaining an open invitation for such submissions. The editor also discussed NICAP's potential offer to have their best cases analyzed by the Air Force. Regarding Congressional hearings on UFOs, it was suggested that open hearings are unlikely due to the potential for ridicule, citing George Adamski as an example of someone who might present 'amusing' accounts.

Other News Briefs and Fortean Items

Several other brief reports are included:

• Bessemer, Alabama: A UFO reportedly dropped a red molten substance that set fire to a grocery store.
• Soviet Space Program: An attempt to orbit the moon with a two-man spaceship failed, resulting in the deaths of the 'lunanauts.'
• Dawson, Iowa: A large yellow ball of fire was sighted with a visible clock face showing 8:50.
• Texas: A jet pilot was killed after chasing a UFO.
• Tasmania: A five-ton, eyeless, headless, boneless creature carcass was found on a beach.
• England: A new saucer magazine, 'Space Review,' is introduced.
• Lord Dowding: Britain's Air Chief Marshall suggested talking to rats and mice to rid homes of them.
• Linden, New Jersey: Vandals toppled 1,500 tombstones in a cemetery.
• Jackson, Michigan: A 125-year-old home experienced poltergeist activity.
• Smithtown, Long Island: A large piece of ice fell from the sky.
• Indianapolis, Indiana: A family abandoned their home due to 'spookish forces' and puncture wounds.
• Eastern Siberia: A 30-foot monster was reportedly seen swimming in a lake.
• Abernethy, Scotland: Centuries-old skeletons were found, and the town's clock tower is reportedly wound by an unknown power.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SAUCER NEWS include UFO sightings, particularly the highly publicized event involving Colonel John Glenn, and the ongoing, albeit often secretive, investigation by the U.S. Air Force. Esoteric and religious interpretations of phenomena are prevalent, seen in the coverage of George Hunt Williamson, the Priory of All Saints, and their doomsday prophecies. The magazine also highlights 'Fortean' events – strange occurrences that defy conventional explanation, such as the red fungus and the sea monster. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalized claims while actively investigating and reporting on unexplained phenomena, often questioning official explanations and encouraging readers to submit their own evidence. There is a clear interest in the intersection of UFOlogy, religion, and fringe science, with a critical eye towards government secrecy and the potential for public ridicule of the subject matter.