SAUCER NEWS

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Type: Non-Scheduled Newsletter # 6
Publisher: The Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society
Date: December 20th, 1957
Editor: James W. Moseley

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, dated December 20th, 1957, provides updates on several individuals and topics within the UFO community.

Jim Fugatt Case Update

The newsletter begins with an update on Jim Fugatt, a Californian who claims to possess definitive proof of flying saucers originating from another planet. In the October-November issue, it was reported that Fugatt had been committed to a mental hospital. However, shortly after publication, a letter was received from Fugatt stating he had escaped. He asserted that his confinement was solely due to his beliefs concerning saucers. Editor James W. Moseley personally interviewed Fugatt during a recent trip west and investigated his claims. Although Fugatt was unable to present the definitive proof he had previously mentioned, the editor concluded that Fugatt had indeed been persecuted for his saucer beliefs and did not suffer from a mental illness severe enough to warrant confinement. The newsletter states that Fugatt still expects to provide his conclusive evidence in the near future and promises to keep readers informed of further developments.

William Dudley Pelley's 'Soulcraft' Project

The issue then discusses William Dudley Pelley, known for his 'Soulcraft' activities. Pelley claims to have received voice messages from the ghosts of historical figures such as Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Alexander Graham Bell. These alleged messages urge him to construct a new type of television set that would enable the living to communicate with the dead. Pelley describes this as a "mechanical medium" for seeing and hearing the "survived personalities" of those who have passed away. He attempted to secure financing from major capitalists, but was unsuccessful. Consequently, Pelley is now appealing to his 'Soulcraft' readership for funds, with donations to be sent to his P.O. Box in Noblesville, Indiana. The editor notes this appeal but explicitly states, "don't say we recommended it!"

George Williamson and the 'Saucer Contact Crowd'

News regarding George Williamson and other members of the "Saucer Contact Crowd" is also featured. On December 15th, Williamson gave a lecture in New York City. Earlier in December, he had spoken in several locations in the Los Angeles area, sponsored by Daniel Fry. Daniel Fry is recognized as the author of "The White Sands Incident," which detailed his alleged personal contact with space people. The newsletter reports that Fry has expanded his activities, now managing at least eight small saucer clubs. These clubs reportedly send him a percentage of the profits generated from selling saucer literature and organizing lectures.

A confidential correspondent attended one of Williamson's recent lectures in Miami, Florida. The correspondent described the lecture as "interesting on the whole," but primarily focused on the "ancient cities he searched for and found in his recent South American journeys." Williamson presented colored slides of large stone faces, allegedly carved by ancient peoples, suggesting they possessed knowledge of flight, as some could only be viewed from the air. A slide of a rock with hieroglyphics was also shown. The editor interjects a note promising to "bring forth proof that Williamson was NOT the first man to discover any of these wonders!" The correspondent initially thought Williamson was imitating Adamski's Venusians due to his long hair. Williamson explained he wore his hair long because Peruvian natives do not respect men with short hair, a claim the editor disputes, stating, "This simply isn't true!" The correspondent concluded that Williamson's lecture mentioned very little about his famed saucer contact on the California desert with Adamski, and found the lecture not worth the $1.25 charged.

Upcoming Issue and Editorial Defense

The newsletter concludes with a note to readers about delays, acknowledging that the publication is behind schedule. It states that the February-March issue of SAUCER NEWS will contain detailed descriptions of the significant saucer "flap" that occurred in November 1957. Furthermore, this upcoming issue will present the editor's response to new "Air Force Spy" charges leveled against him by Gray Barker and Roger Pierce. The issue will also feature another article by Dr. Leon Davidson, promising it to be an "outstanding issue."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, individual claims of contact and evidence, and the alleged persecution of those involved in such research. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical but open-minded investigation, as evidenced by the personal interviews, the interjections of the editor's skepticism (e.g., regarding Peruvian hair customs), and the promise to address accusations directly. There is a clear focus on providing updates on key figures and events within the UFO community, while also promoting future content and defending the publication's integrity.