Saucer News - Whole Number 58 - Vol 11 No 04 - 1964 12

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Volume 11, Number 4 (Whole Number 58)
Date: December 1964
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER NEWS is a record 28 pages and features four main articles, plus a "UFO Coloring Book." The magazine has adopted a new typewriter font for improved readability and operates on a quarterly schedule. Due to this schedule, the "cut-off date" for content in the December issue was approximately October 1st, meaning recent events would appear in the March 1965 issue unless sent via a special non-scheduled newsletter.

Editorial Notes

The editorial notes highlight the magazine's commitment to thorough coverage of UFO and Fortean events. A political opinion poll conducted among readers showed a strong preference for Lyndon Johnson over Goldwater for President, a result that surprised the staff given the tendency of saucer researchers to be conservative. This poll outcome was shared with the media. The editors express their endorsement of Johnson, a departure from their usual policy of avoiding political discussion.

The editorial also announces changes in the SAUCER NEWS staff, including the addition of Peter Kor, who will write a regular column called "Perspective" starting in the March issue, aiming to critically examine current UFO concepts. Richard E. Wallace, the book reviewer, has officially joined the staff as an Associate Editor, as has Gary Oxton. The staff regrets the resignation of Melvyn Stiriss due to personal psychological reasons.

Advertising rates are increasing due to circulation growth, with a half page costing $15 and a full page $25 starting with the March issue. Ads for the March issue must be received by January 10th.

The upcoming issue is expected to feature an article titled "Reconsidering the Mysterious 'Little Men'" by Keith Roberts, among other promising content, reflecting a nationwide resurgence of interest in flying saucers.

Book Review: THE UFO EVIDENCE

Reviewed by Richard E. Wallace, this section discusses the long-awaited book by NICAP, "The UFO Evidence." Wallace notes that the book, despite NICAP's financial difficulties and delays, has finally been published. He describes it as a monumental task containing over 180 illustrations and more than 200,000 words, intended to bolster the case for Congressional hearings on flying saucers. However, Wallace expresses skepticism about the book's ability to achieve this goal, citing two main factors: the upcoming re-election of legislators, making them hesitant to engage with the UFO topic, and the book's dense, scientific format, which he likens to being "soporific" and difficult for busy individuals to digest. He suggests that while the book preserves significant aspects of Ufology, its format hinders its potential impact on Capitol Hill.

Interested readers can obtain the book for $4.95 from NICAP in Washington, D.C.

Last-Minute News

This section mentions an article by Editor James W. Moseley titled "Classified Information from the Pentagon" appearing in "The Objective Journal of UFO." The article reportedly reveals that in 1953, a Pentagon officer inadvertently provided Moseley with classified information related to saucer sightings.

Feature Articles

THE THREE W's

By Brinsley Le Poer Trench, this article explores the enduring mystery of UFOs seventeen years after Kenneth Arnold's sighting. Trench posits that the core questions remain: (1) WHERE do they come from? (2) WHO crews them? (3) WHY are they coming? He examines various theories for their origin, including Mars, Venus, the star system Wolf 359, and the Moon, referencing occult legends and scientific observations like Nicolai Kozrev's claim of volcanic eruptions on the Moon. The article also touches upon the concept of "anti-matter" and the Richard Shaver theory of Teros and Deros living within the Earth. Trench argues that UFOs have been visiting Earth throughout recorded history, suggesting a long-term, patient observation rather than a recent phenomenon. He proposes that humanity's technological advancement may eventually lead to acceptance of these visitors, aligning with Charles Fort's idea that when humanity is ready for something, it arrives.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek: Conservative Foe of the UFO

By George W. Earley, this article recounts a lecture given by Dr. J. Allen Hynek at the Choate School. Hynek, described as the USAF's top civilian UFO consultant, presented an illustrated talk following an introduction by Earley, a NICAP affiliate. The presentation included slides, some of which were artist's conceptions or misinterpretations of conventional phenomena, while others were related to the Socorro incident. The article notes that the USAF ruled out a debate, allowing only questions from the audience. Hynek appeared tired but engaged during the Q&A session, which revealed sincere interest from the attendees.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue demonstrates SAUCER NEWS's dedication to reporting on UFO phenomena, including sightings, research, and theoretical discussions. The magazine maintains a critical yet open stance, reviewing books and presenting various viewpoints on the UFO mystery. The editorial's foray into political endorsement suggests a willingness to engage with broader societal issues when deemed relevant to the readership's interests. The recurring theme of the long history of UFO visitations and the ongoing effort to understand their origins and purpose is evident throughout the articles.

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, dated April 1965, focuses on the Glassboro, New Jersey UFO incident, exploring its potential as a landing or a hoax. It also features commentary from Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a prominent UFO consultant, and delves into the topic of governmental secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena. Additionally, it includes an article by Howard Menger about his X-4 Electro-Craft project.

Dr. Hynek's Views on UFOs

Dr. Hynek begins by acknowledging the audience's interest in flying saucers, stating, "I've been told that some of you believe or would like to believe in flying saucers. So would I." He explains that the Air Force defines a UFO as an object whose description and maneuvers don't fit any known phenomenon. While acknowledging that UFO reports are still frequent, he notes that most are misrepresentations of common objects like birds, balloons, aircraft, comets, and meteors. He mentions that some sightings appear to be "ball lightning," while others, such as the Socorro, New Mexico report, remain puzzling unknowns.

Dr. Hynek emphasizes his belief that Earth is not being visited by extraterrestrial beings. He suggests that most UFOs can be explained as having a terrestrial origin, citing examples like lenticular clouds and searchlights on haze layers. He recounts the "solved" mystery of the Lubbock Lights, initially attributed to a "mother ship with four scout ships" seen through a telescope, which turned out to be Jupiter and its moons, or in another account, moths. He also mentions a "buzzing" UFO near a Pan American Airways plane that was later identified as a large meteor.

He rates Policeman Zamora as a reliable witness in the Socorro sighting, believing no hoax was involved and that Zamora saw a machine. However, Dr. Hynek dismisses the possibility of conventional aircraft, helicopters, or secret devices being the cause, and strongly reiterates his disbelief in visiting spaceships. During a Q&A session, he highlighted the puzzling failure of nearby radar installations to detect the Socorro UFO. The author points out that modern SAC bombers with ECM equipment can penetrate radar nets, citing the SkyShield I exercise where 8-58 bombers were undetected.

Dr. Hynek's article "Flying Saucers I Have Known" in the April 1963 Yale Scientific Magazine is mentioned as a source for solved and unsolved cases. He admits that UFO reports are international and finds the 1954 French landings hard to explain, expressing doubt about "mass hallucination" explanations for widespread sighting flaps.

Dr. Hynek views UFO reports as "raw data needing careful study." He criticizes belief in UFOs as "wishful thinking" and saucer clubs as filled with uncritical thinkers. He states, "In science, there isn't much room for the word 'belief.' The accumulation of scientific knowledge depends on that which is publicly demonstrable."

Dr. Hynek also discusses NICAP's operating policy and its scientific evaluation of UFO reports, professing ignorance of NICAP operations and advisers, but requesting further information. He concludes his talk with astronomical slides, emphasizing the vast distances between stars and the navigational challenges for interplanetary travel, including the speed of light as a limiting factor. The author suggests Dr. Hynek's objections are based on conservative astronomical thinking and unfamiliarity with advanced cosmological theories.

Dr. Hynek's conservatism is also noted in his professed lack of knowledge of NICAP and APRO, leading him to believe that only USAF personnel and their consultants are rational UFO investigators.

The author describes Dr. Hynek as about 50, medium height, wearing glasses, with dark hair flecked with gray, and possessing a pleasant, soft-spoken manner. He enlivens his talks with humorous comments. The author contrasts Dr. Hynek with Dr. Menzel, whom he heard arguing on the radio, describing Menzel as petulant and peevish, unlike the objective scientist he claims to be.

The author concludes that Dr. Hynek's approach is to assume that a sighting involves a misinterpretation of a conventional terrestrial object, which is not as scientifically objective as Hynek claims.

The X-4 Electro-Craft Project

Howard Menger writes about the positive response to his proposal to sell plans for a 4-foot radio-controlled flying model of the X-4 Electro-Craft. He intends to release the plans once sufficient orders are received to protect his invention concerning the propulsion system. The plans will be available to allow builders to complete their models for the Second East Coast Space Convention in spring or summer of 1965. Funds raised will support the development of a larger, 18-foot man-carrying version of the X-4. Menger is checking legal points with the FCC and FAA. The convention will feature radio-controlled models and a demonstration of the man-carrying version, aiming to be the largest saucer convention on the East Coast since 1958. He invites participation and contributions, providing his address in Vero Beach, Florida.

Menger describes his work on the X-4, including fastening the electric motor and receiver. He discusses using a Wollensak recorder for sound monitoring and testing electrostatic pressures. He mentions the successful flights of the X-2 and X-3 in August 1961. He promises to exclusively send first-hand information and photographs to SAUCER NEWS.

UFOs and Governmental Secrecy

C. W. Fitch discusses the issue of governmental secrecy regarding UFOs, referencing radio commentator Frank Edwards' statement that "Orders of secrecy (re UFOs) come from the top." Fitch concurs with Edwards, citing revelations that confirm the Air Force's withholding of UFO facts.

The article mentions Bulkley Griffin's 1958 series in the New Bedford Standard-Times, "Pentagon's Censorship on UFOs is Effective," which questioned the military's control over UFO information. The Air Force's justification, Regulation 200-2, states that UFO investigation is related to national defense and that UFOs are a "possible threat to the security of the United States."

Fitch notes that the CIA and FBI have also shown interest, and the National Security Council operates with similar secrecy. The commonly cited reason for Air Force secrecy is fear of national panic, which Fitch considers an underestimation of public intelligence.

The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations has reportedly decided not to investigate the UFO-Air Force matter, which Fitch views as a victory for the Air Force.

John Lester's 1958 articles in the Newark Star Ledger are cited, revealing that government personnel were tracking mysterious objects. Major Donald E. Keyhoe, Chairman of NICAP, stated that these disclosures confirmed that "flying saucers are real and under intelligent control." Keyhoe believed this revelation would help end official censorship.

The article suggests that the Air Force and CIA are withholding facts. A conclusion by a high Air Force intelligence agent is that UFOs are interplanetary vehicles.

An item from the January-February 1963 issue of "UFO Investigator" references a statement by Congressman John E. Moss, who noted "Tighter controls are being used for greater manipulation of information on the Department of Defense level." Moss stated that "The public does not have to prove its right to know."

Congressman Moss's committee is authorized to examine evidence of withheld UFO reports but cannot investigate general UFO censorship. Major Keyhoe has consistently believed in the reality of flying saucers.

Evidence of CIA involvement is presented from Leonard H. Stringfield's book "Inside Saucer Post 3-0 Blue," where a source identified as "Mr. A. D." (later confirmed as Allan Dulles, former CIA director) stated that an injunction could prevent testimony in court due to "maximum security" concerning UFOs.

The author's own opinion has shifted from believing the Air Force was withholding facts to a different conviction, influenced by a conversation with the late Wilbert B. Smith. Smith indicated that a "small group very high up in the government" was keeping UFO information from the public, but refused to identify them.

The book "The Invisible Government" (May 1964) is presented as providing a key to this mystery, describing the "Special Group" created under secret order 54/12 during the Eisenhower years. This group operated with extreme secrecy, acting as the "hidden power of the Invisible Government" and often acting on "higher authority."

Newsweek's review of "The Invisible Government" highlighted the existence of the Special Group '54/12,' a classified adjunct of the National Security Council charged with ruling on special operations. The article suggests this group might be the "small group" Wilbert Smith referred to, potentially explaining the failure to obtain open hearings on UFO matters.

The article concludes by questioning whether NICAP's "The UFO Evidence" report can unlock open Congressional hearings, expressing hope that the public will realize their right to know the truth about UFOs, or if the "Special Group" will thwart these efforts.

Recent News: The Glassboro, New Jersey Incident

This section details the Glassboro, New Jersey incident on the night of September 4th. A woman and two girls reported seeing a glowing object. The next day, two boys, Ward and Don Campbell, were told by a man that a flying saucer had landed nearby. They found a landing spot in a wooded area with physical evidence.

Ward Campbell, Sr., a NICAP member, notified local police, who contacted McGuire Air Force Base. Investigators were sent, and hundreds of people visited the site. Various newspaper accounts and Associated Press reports covered the incident.

Subscriber Bruce Kraig visited the site and provided a diagram. The landing spot was a clearing with three distinct holes: "D" (central, 1-1.5 ft deep, 2 ft diameter), and two smaller holes "A" and "B" (approx. 1 ft deep, 1 ft diameter). A third hole "C" was near a nearby tree that was partially uprooted with broken branches, suggesting a three-point landing gear. Kraig noted the absence of charring mentioned in some reports.

Witnesses told Kraig that trampled sand around the central hole was originally cone-shaped. Inside the hole were 13 small discs of fused sand, which were removed by police and Air Force investigators. Phosphorescent material was also removed. Kraig speculates the circular saucer was 13-14 feet in diameter, with holes "A" and "B" as supports and "C" as a balancing device. The damaged tree suggests supports were 7 or more feet high. The blast that created hole "D" was powerful and directional.

Despite the evidence, Kraig does not discount the possibility of a hoax. A New York Journal American story reported that Air Force investigators found bubble gum wrappers, a cherry bomb, and children's sneaker imprints, suggesting the culprits were "two well-frightened sub-teen devotees of science-fiction." The article implies these were the Campbell sons.

However, Mr. Campbell denied in an interview that Air Force investigators spoke to him or his sons, and he does not believe it was a hoax. The Pentagon stated the Air Force concluded it was a hoax but claimed no one confessed. The author of the Journal American story admitted his confession story was not from the Pentagon but refused to reveal his sources.

A diagram on page 20 illustrates the landing site, showing a clearing, proposed circumference of the ship, and details of the holes and tree damage. Handwritten notes describe the tree's condition and suggest a balancing device.

Advertisements

The issue includes advertisements for "UFO MAGAZINE," offering articles, photos, maps, and illustrations for $1.00 per year, with color to be added soon. Another ad offers "EXTRA CASH FOR SAUCER CLUBS & INDIVIDUALS" for part-time income growth and fund-raising. A third ad promotes "INTERPLANETARY NEWS SERVICE," offering a membership card, book bargains, special reports, and a 6-issue subscription to the "I.N.S. Report" for $2.00, described as one of the best available saucer magazines.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO sightings, the analysis of physical evidence, and the persistent question of governmental secrecy and potential cover-ups. The magazine appears to present a balanced view, featuring both scientific skepticism (Dr. Hynek) and a strong interest in unexplained phenomena and potential cover-ups (C. W. Fitch, the Glassboro incident reporting). The editorial stance leans towards encouraging open inquiry and the public's right to know, while acknowledging the complexities and potential for hoaxes or misinterpretations. The inclusion of the X-4 Electro-Craft project suggests an interest in technological advancements related to aerospace and potentially UFO propulsion concepts.

This issue of Saucerian Publications, dated August 1963, delves into a variety of UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and strange phenomena reported across the globe. The magazine continues its investigation into the Glassboro landing and presents numerous other incidents, alongside book advertisements and event announcements.

Reported Incidents

Flying Saucer Nearly Hits Automobile (Oklahoma) On September 11th, Mrs. Karen Campbell reported a UFO at extremely low altitude swerving over her car near Ulysses, Oklahoma. She described the object as about four feet high, oval-shaped, and dull copper in color, with a bubble on top and a "centerpiece" underneath. Frightened, she drove at 90 miles per hour to town.

The Flemington, New Jersey Landing Around July 30th, Jack Hall of Flemington, New Jersey, reported seeing a UFO land in a rural field. As he approached within 500 feet, the object moved towards him, causing him to flee. He described it as white, egg-shaped, at least 30 feet in circumference, with a glow from underneath, which was also seen by his wife and daughter.

Another Landing in New York In mid-July, five children in Conklin, New York, claimed to have seen a "little man" wearing a helmet and goggles emerge from a nearby saucer, making "strange clicking sounds." Mrs. Edmund Travis, mother of two, confirmed their consistent stories. The incident is linked to a similar claim by farmer Gary Wilcox in nearby Newark Valley, New York, from April 24th.

Monsters Around the World

• Delia, Kansas: A bread delivery man reported seeing a five-foot-tall, extremely hairy creature walking upright like a gorilla. A farmer's report indicated that sixteen hogs were killed by biting around the neck.
• Kansas River: An 11-year-old boy reported seeing a "something with scales that looked like a fish, but had two legs and no arms."
• Sister Lakes, Michigan: A creature sighted in September was described as taller than a bear and reddish-brown, eventually climbing a tree.

Joliet, Illinois Incident A man named Victor Gul was scratched on the arms, throat, and chest by a long-tailed beast that leaped at him from his barn on July 24th. The creature, described by some as eight feet tall, could not be found despite a search.

Soviet Discovery Wire service reports from Moscow indicate that Soviet scientists have unearthed the bones of an "abominable snow woman" named Zana, who was allegedly tamed by villagers in the Caucasus mountain village of Tkhina over a century ago.

Near Landing in Georgia On July 1st, nine witnesses in Turnerville, Georgia, observed a peculiar object with three blinking red and white lights hovering over a house. The UFO then swooped down, hovered about five feet above a garden, and emitted a brilliant green light, scanning the woods. It moved away silently, leaving an odor described as like brake fluid. Two female witnesses reported a stinging sensation and awoke the next day red-faced.

More Saucer Landings in Montana According to the Missoulian-Sentinel, flying saucers have been landing frequently at a farm near Missoula, Montana, since early April. Mr. and Mrs. Allen Lund reported an object landing within a few hundred feet of their house and aiming a searchlight through their windows. The object is described as "large top-shaped" with lights around its circumference and a large light on its bottom. Frequent visitations have caused side effects, including frightening their dogs and horses, causing their oil furnace to light itself, and their 3-year-old son claiming to talk to a man alone in the barn.

Saucer Landing in Indiana A news report from Huntingburg, Indiana, dated June 14th, describes a glowing object landing on a farm near Dale, Indiana, leaving a smell of sulfur, a burned spot, and three indentations. An Air Force investigator retrieved a piece of metal from the burned spot, described as "grooved on the surface, like a walnut."

Other Sightings and Incidents

• Upstate New York: An engineering executive reported an elliptical object hovering about fifty feet over a field near Sherburne on July 27th.
• Ranford, Virginia: An unidentified object, the size of a helicopter or small plane, plunged into the New River on September 9th, emitting smoke and flames. It was described as disc-shaped and spinning.
• Missoula, Montana: Four young men reported seeing a saucer at treetop level that suddenly shot out three bright searchlight beams. A smaller, dome-shaped object with square windows emerged from the UFO.
• Southern California: A large meteorite flashed across the skies on September 3rd, prompting a search for fossils.
• Cannelton, Indiana: Four mysterious burned circles, described as "acid type burns," were found in a hay field.
• Seneca, South Carolina: A ring about 16 feet in diameter appeared overnight in a lawn, consisting of an oily substance.

News Briefs and Follow-ups

• Melvin Ginsberg: The saucer researcher, who disappeared in March 1963, returned home in early August, offering little explanation beyond "personal business."
• Boston Radio Call: An Air Force pilot's call to WBZ radio about a saucer sighting was investigated, and no such pilot named Captain Roberts was found at Homestead Air Force Base, suggesting a hoax.
• Sharon Stull: The 10-year-old girl who had a saucer sighting on April 28th reportedly grew 5½ inches and gained 25 pounds in the following month, undergoing a personality change.
• Canyon Ferry Lake, Montana: Malmstrom Air Force Base denied reports that the Air Force had concluded the incident was a hoax, similar to the confusion surrounding the Glassboro landing.

Public Appearances by Saucer News Editor

The editor made several public appearances in August and September, including interviews on radio shows like the Bob Kennedy Contact Show (WBZ) and the Open Line Show (WBSM), and a panel discussion on the Long John Show (WNBC). Other events included a speech for the Cedar Grove Rotary Club and a taped interview for WFMU.

"I Talk with the Space People by Short Wave Radio!"

Bob Renaud recounts his experiences talking with people from other planets over his short wave set for three years, and claims to have met them in person, ridden in their spaceships, and taken pictures of their craft. His experiences are being serialized in "UFO International."

Book Advertisements and Offers

Saucerian Publications offers a Charter Subscription Series with books like "Flying Saucers in the Bible" and "Extraterrestrial Communication" at a special rate. Various other books are available, including works by George Adamski, Albert Bender, Edgar Cayce, and Howard Menger. A new book, "The Weeping Angel Prediction," by Michael X, is also advertised. The magazine also promotes back issues and spaceship color photos.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, landings, and alleged encounters with non-human entities, often emphasizing physical evidence and witness testimonies. There is a clear stance in favor of investigating and publicizing these phenomena, encouraging reader engagement through subscriptions and inquiries. The editorial tone suggests a belief in the reality of flying saucers and related events, while also acknowledging potential hoaxes and the need for further research. The inclusion of "monster stories" broadens the scope of unexplained phenomena covered.