Saucer News Non-Scheduled Newsletter - No 14

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Non-Scheduled Newsletter #14
Date: July 20th, 1961
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

New Wave of Hoax Letters Hits Saucer News Headquarters

The primary focus of this newsletter is the emergence of a series of hoax letters that have been sent to the publication's headquarters. The editorial staff expresses frustration that while they are trying to concentrate on serious research into UFO phenomena, a "lunatic fringe" is expending energy on creating hoaxes that only serve to confuse the issues.

The 'Mr. X' Letter

On May 30th, 1961, Saucer News received a letter postmarked Washington, D.C. This letter, signed "Richard Ogden, man called X," claimed that the sender was on his way to Fort Lee after finishing business in Washington, where he was conferring with a committee about Saucer News's activities. The letter threatened the immediate closing down of SAUCER NEWS operations. It also mentioned details of a 'Mr. X' letter written some years prior, and stated that the sender had initially tried to blame the recipient and then 'Comella.' The newsletter notes that the entire letter, including the signature, was typed, making it difficult to definitively confirm Richard Ogden as the author or to validate his confession regarding the earlier hoax.

The Albert K. Bender Hoax Letter

Another hoax letter, received shortly before this newsletter's publication, further illuminates the situation. This letter, dated July 12th but curiously postmarked July 8th, was mailed from Bridgeport, Connecticut. It purports to be from Albert K. Bender, a researcher who was reportedly "silenced by three men in black" in 1953. Similar to the 'Mr. X' letter, the signature was typed. The letter stated that the sender had recently held a conference with U.S. Government representatives, during which the recipient's name and saucer research activities were mentioned. It claimed that the recipient was being investigated by the Government due to a complaint filed with a Washington committee, and that an unnamed agency was conducting an investigation. The letter warned the recipient that they would likely be visited by investigators and advised them to prepare themselves, urging them to keep the information confidential and destroy the letter after reading, citing personal risk.

Investigation and Suspicions

Needless to say, the Saucer News staff stated that they had not been visited by anyone and did not expect to be. Upon receiving the latest strange communication, they contacted Albert K. Bender at his home in Bridgeport. Bender assured them that he did not write the letter and mentioned that he himself had been receiving a series of hoax letters, all postmarked Seattle, Washington. The newsletter points out the strange coincidence that Seattle is the hometown of Mr. Richard Ogden, the individual who calls himself "Mr. X" and is considered the most likely person responsible for all these letters.

Ogden is known for writing numerous letters to public officials, including the President, expressing his views and theories about flying saucers. The newsletter recalls that a few months prior, Ogden had sent a signed letter accusing the SAUCER NEWS Editor of being responsible for his inability to publish a saucer book he had been trying to sell to publishers for several years. Therefore, the finger of suspicion points strongly to Richard C. Ogden as the individual who, for reasons unknown, is actively trying to introduce needless confusion into the mystery surrounding flying saucers.

Subscription Notice

An important notice is included at the end of the newsletter, informing readers that their subscription to the Non-Scheduled Newsletter ends with this issue. Readers are asked to send in one dollar if they wish to remain on the mailing list.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the disruption caused by deliberate hoaxes within the UFO research community. The editorial stance is one of frustration and a clear focus on distinguishing serious research from misinformation. The publication is actively trying to identify and expose those who spread confusion, with Richard Ogden being the primary suspect in this instance. The newsletter emphasizes the importance of factual reporting and expresses a commitment to continuing serious research despite these distractions.