SAUCER NEWS

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: #4
Date: March 1st, 1957
Publisher: Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, a newsletter focused on UFOs and related phenomena, presents a critical exposé of George Williamson's 'Brotherhood of the Seven Rays' organization and its colony in Moyobamba, Peru. The newsletter, edited by James W. Moseley, aims to provide 'highly confidential information' based on letters from anonymous correspondents.

The Peruvian Colony: A Metaphysical Scheme?

The central focus of this issue is George Williamson, a former editor of 'The Telonic Research Bulletin' and an associate of George Adamski. The newsletter details how Williamson, after failing to raise funds for an archaeological expedition through a Los Angeles Times ad, secured financial backing from Dr. and Mrs. Laughead and Dorothy Martin for his Peruvian project. These individuals are described as having a history of making unfulfilled predictions about global disasters.

Williamson's organization is portrayed as using 'spiritual or metaphysical' tactics, combined with warnings of future disasters in the United States, to persuade people to join the colony in Peru and to contribute their money and assets. One informant states that Williamson's goal is to "scare people to death" to encourage recruitment.

Despite the group's arrival in Peru, there has been a major earthquake there, but no natural disasters have occurred in the United States, much to Williamson's reported disappointment. The newsletter notes that the 'scare' element in the organization's literature is increasing, urging people to give up everything to join the 'spiritual brotherhood'.

Controversial Members and Bias

The article highlights the colony's "admittedly anti-Catholic bias," which is seen as problematic in a strongly Catholic country like Peru. Dorothy Martin's personal circumstances are also mentioned; she is reportedly wanted for a sanity hearing in her hometown of Chicago.

Other members of the Peruvian colony include John McCoy and the Stanford brothers, John and Ray, from Corpus Christi, Texas. The Stanfords claim to have had 'space contacts' in Texas, which were previously featured in FATE Magazine. They recently published a limited edition book about their experiences. McCoy and the Stanfords reportedly joined the colony due to perceived persecution by "International Bankers" in the United States. However, recent reports suggest they now wish to return to the States if they can raise sufficient funds. The newsletter expresses concern for the teenage boys and their worried parents.

Support from "The Saucerian"

Surprisingly, Gray Barker, the editor of 'The Saucerian', is reported to be offering support and encouragement to Williamson's Peruvian venture. The newsletter questions whether Barker has been deceived or if he is also interested in potential financial benefits.

Clarifications and Notices

Notes in Clarification of Newsletter #3:

The newsletter addresses a letter from John Otto, clarifying statements made about him in a previous issue. While Otto does not deny Mildred Maier's alleged tape recording from outer space, he asserts he has not commercialized on it financially. The newsletter accepts Mr. Otto's point and apologizes for any implication of financial gain, while maintaining that Miss Maier's facts appear correct.

Additionally, the newsletter corrects a previous statement, confirming that Frank Edwards has not resigned from NICAP.

Important Notice Regarding Subscriptions:

Subscribers who paid one dollar for an indefinite subscription are now being asked for an additional dollar to remain on the mailing list. This is due to prohibitive bookkeeping problems. The newsletter will now only be sent to current paid subscribers or honorary members of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society. Those who have already paid two dollars are up to date.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SAUCER NEWS adopts a critical and investigative stance, exposing what it perceives as potentially fraudulent or manipulative activities within the UFO community. The editorial focus is on questioning the motives and legitimacy of organizations and individuals involved in promoting UFO-related beliefs, particularly when financial gain or spiritual control appears to be a factor. The newsletter emphasizes its role in providing 'confidential information' to its readers and maintaining a skeptical yet engaged approach to the subject matter. The recurring theme is the potential for deception and exploitation within the burgeoning UFO movement of the 1950s.