SAUCER NEWS

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Newsletter #8 - CONFIDENTIAL
Date: August 20th, 1958
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: JAMES W. MOSELEY

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, dated August 20, 1958, is a confidential newsletter that addresses several key topics within the UFO community of the time. It critiques alleged hoaxes, discusses claims of physical proof, and reports on the potential dissolution of a prominent UFO organization.

Hoaxes and Publicity Stunts

The newsletter begins by commenting on George Williamson's lectures in Southern California, referencing a previous article in SAUCER NEWS (April-May issue, page 18) that mentioned flying saucers being sighted immediately after his lectures. However, this newsletter reveals that, according to Max Miller's 'Saucers' Magazine, these sightings were merely hoaxes. Miller describes how two local aviation engineers orchestrated these events by using a miniature radio transmitter to communicate with an accomplice who would release a helium balloon with red emergency flares. This created the illusion of mysterious lights, attracting attention and generating publicity for the lecturers. The editor expresses disdain for such tactics, stating, "It seems that some people will do almost anything for publicity!"

APRO's Claim of Physical Proof

Transitioning to another topic, the newsletter discusses the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) from Alamagordo, New Mexico. APRO has recently claimed to have obtained "physical proof" that flying saucers originate from another planet. The editor of SAUCER NEWS is highly skeptical of this claim, noting that APRO is known to be in need of funds and new members. The claim is characterized as a "publicity stunt." To challenge this, the newsletter reiterates an offer, first made over two years prior, of $1,000 in cash to anyone who can provide "irrefutable physical proof of space visitations." The editor expresses serious doubt that APRO's evidence will meet this standard.

Investigations and Organizational Concerns

Under the heading "Special 'inside information' from sources we are not at liberty to name," the newsletter presents two significant items.

First, it reports on an investigation conducted by the Civilian Saucer Intelligence of New York (CSI). CSI has examined George Adamski's controversial State Department letter, which was allegedly from R.E. Straith of the Cultural Exchange Committee. CSI compared this letter with two other hoax letters sent out in December of the previous year. Their conclusion is that these letters, and potentially others, match a typewriter in the possession of a well-known saucer researcher residing in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Details of these findings are slated for public release in the next CSI Newsletter.

Second, the newsletter relays information that Washington D.C.'s NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena) is expected to "fold up before the end of this year." The primary reasons cited for this impending closure are a lack of funds and public apathy. Major Keyhoe, who has led NICAP for two years, is expected to step down, and refunds will be offered to members if possible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO-related claims, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and hoaxes or publicity-seeking efforts. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly those made by organizations perceived to be seeking funds or attention. The editor actively challenges such claims by offering financial rewards for verifiable proof. The newsletter also highlights investigative efforts within the UFO community, such as those by CSI, and reports on the internal struggles and potential demise of organizations like NICAP, attributing these issues to financial instability and a lack of public engagement.