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Saucer News Non-Scheduled Newsletter - No 03
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Title: SAUCER NEWS Issue: #3 Date: January 10th, 1957 Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY Editor: JAMES W. MOSELEY
Magazine Overview
Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: #3
Date: January 10th, 1957
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: JAMES W. MOSELEY
This issue of SAUCER NEWS, a confidential newsletter, focuses on two main areas: allegations against a prominent UFO lecturer and internal problems within a major UFO research organization.
John Otto and the Alleged Outer Space Code
The lead story details accusations against John Otto, a Chicago lecturer known for predicting the non-appearance of 'Mon-Ka'. Mildred Maier has provided SAUCER NEWS with a letter accusing Otto of commercializing a tape recording she made in November 1954. This tape allegedly contains a coded message from outer space, captured during a saucer broadcast by Otto.
According to Miss Maier, she allowed Otto to re-tape her original recording only after he signed an agreement that it would not be used for commercial purposes. She states that Otto initially refused to sign this agreement for about two hours. However, he eventually signed it.
Miss Maier claims that Otto subsequently appeared on television shows, including the Don McNeill network show, playing the tape, which she asserts was a violation of their agreement. She states she had to intervene to stop him from playing it on the Don McNeill show. Furthermore, she alleges that Otto is now using her code in lectures, charging $1.50 admission, which contradicts his agreement not to do so. The article mentions a newspaper write-up in 'The American' concerning the same code. Witnesses at a lecture where Otto played the code reportedly heard him admit it was Maier's and that it was the only recording from his November 1954 broadcast.
Internal Issues at NICAP
SAUCER NEWS also presents confidential information regarding the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP). This information originates from a respected, but unnamed, saucer researcher.
The correspondent describes NICAP as being in a "mess," with numerous unpaid bills totaling several thousand dollars. Several individuals have reportedly quit. The Board of Governors, elected on November 1st, has allegedly been manipulated into delegating its authority to an "Executive Committee." Secret agreements have been made with individuals in Baltimore to pay a private firm $1850 per month for public relations services, which have apparently not materialized.
The management of NICAP is criticized for lacking business acumen. Membership is reported to be low, around 50 people, with only 40 fully paid up, mostly local Washington residents who are beginning to question the situation. Despite NICAP having "very big plans" that would necessitate a staff of hundreds, there is little evidence of anyone possessing the ability to execute these plans.
The correspondent advises a period of "watchful waiting" before contributing any money to NICAP. There is speculation that Frank Edwards might resign as Governor. The situation is characterized as a "sad case of mismanagement," given the potential the group once held.
Footnotes
The newsletter includes four footnotes referencing previous issues of SAUCER NEWS and THE SAUCERIAN for further context on the mentioned topics:
- #1: Refers to SAUCER NEWS, Dec.-Jan. (1956-1957), Page 12.
- #2: Refers to THE SAUCERIAN, Spring 1955, Pages 37-38.
- #3: Refers to SAUCER NEWS, Dec.-Jan. (1956-1957), Page 9.
- #4: Confirms that Frank Edwards had resigned from NICAP as of the writing of the newsletter.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
This issue of SAUCER NEWS demonstrates a critical and investigative editorial stance. It highlights ethical concerns within the UFO community, particularly regarding the alleged exploitation of phenomena for personal financial gain, as seen in the John Otto case. Simultaneously, it scrutinizes the operational integrity and financial stability of prominent UFO organizations like NICAP, suggesting a pattern of mismanagement and questionable practices. The newsletter appears to serve as a platform for exposing internal conflicts and ethical dilemmas within the UFO research field, urging readers to be discerning and cautious.