SAUCER NEWS

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: NON-SCHEDULED NEWSLETTER #30-A
Date: June 1, 1968
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This non-scheduled newsletter focuses on recent alleged activities of the 'Men in Black' (MIB) and their impact on UFO witnesses and researchers.

The 'Men in Black' and New Tactics

The lead article details how the MIB are allegedly employing new tactics in their interactions with George Smyth of Elizabeth, New Jersey. Smyth had previously contacted the New York Saucer News Office, reporting an encounter with three MIB and expressing a desire to give up his study. The staff encouraged him to continue, assuring him that no actual harm had come to anyone, only threats.

Following other threatening encounters, the MIB allegedly used a tactic that the newsletter's editor, Gray Barker, hesitated to publish due to the readership including members of the scientific community who might dismiss it as 'crackpot' material. On Sunday, April 7th, Smyth heard a car pull up outside his upstairs window. He observed a blue Volkswagen with no license plate parked at the curb. Three men emerged, dressed in dark suits, but they were described as not having the usual dark complexions and oriental eyes associated with MIB.

Smyth claimed that out of the Volkswagen stepped James W. Moseley, John A. Keel, and the newsletter's Editor-in-Chief, Gray Barker. He was momentarily led to believe this was them. The three men looked up at his window and glared, which caused him to feel 'cold chills'. They then got back into the vehicle and drove away.

Smyth immediately called James Moseley and Gray Barker for verification. He learned they were miles away. He was unable to contact Keel to check. Smyth concluded that the three individuals were wearing clever disguises. The newsletter notes that the MIB's disguises were not entirely accurate regarding physical characteristics: 'Moseley' was described as the tallest, followed by 'Keel' (both described as quite tall), while 'Barker' was described as the shortest. This contradicts the reality, as Gray Barker states he is about 6'5" or taller. The alleged disguises were also noted for their clothing colors: 'Moseley' in grey, 'Keel' in charcoal, and 'Barker' in dark blue.

A few evenings prior, Smyth had also received a telephone call allegedly from Keel, but the voice was decidedly unlike Keel's. A subsequent check with Keel confirmed he had not made any such call to Smyth.

Recent Persecutions and Security Concerns

The newsletter reports an incident involving Joe Henslick, a UFO researcher from Long Island. Henslick revealed that an unauthorized person, whose exact name was unknown, entered the office of Saucerian Publications on Christmas Eve. This individual apparently had complete access to the organization's files.

Joe Henslick had called to give holiday greetings on Christmas Eve when he received a call from a strange voice. When asked to identify himself, the man replied, "My name is Jim Wrently, and I'm taking care of Gray Barker's affairs while he is out of town visiting his relatives." The caller suggested Joe call back later and advised him to contact Mr. Barker only when it was urgent, stating Barker was "a very busy man."

Upon assuring Joe that no one was left to care for their affairs and that the office was closed, the newsletter's staff checked the office later that evening. Although no evidence of an intruder was initially found, a close check disclosed that a window, which was always locked, had been unlocked. Furthermore, some files, particularly the confidential file of correspondence with James W. Moseley, appeared to have been visibly disturbed. The office staff, who are not permitted to see this file, confirmed they had not accessed it.

Joe Henslick, who previously took a dramatic photograph of a UFO, had it confiscated by three strange visitors dressed in black turtle neck sweaters. He had not previously reported this incident, but after being filled in on many MIB cases, he became determined to help solve the mystery and stop the badgering of saucer witnesses.

Wanted: Photograph of a Man in Black

SAUCER NEWS is desperately seeking a photograph of a Man in Black or a suspected Man in Black. The publication states that if any reader can surreptitiously obtain a picture of one of these visitors, SAUCER NEWS will give it wide publicity. This is seen as a potential way to halt their operations by bringing their identities into the open. A drawing of one of these men is promised for the summer issue.

John A. Keel's Opinion on MIB

John A. Keel has privately suggested that the MIB might be a form of 'cover up' for what is actually happening with saucers. Reviewing numerous cases on file, the editor believes there is a general pattern suggesting the MIB are deliberately trying to generate publicity and may even be encouraging witnesses to share their saucer and MIB experiences through 'reverse psychology'. Readers are encouraged to read the summer edition of SAUCER NEWS for more in-depth reporting on Mr. Smyth's experiences.

This newsletter is being mailed to selected non-subscribers due to its importance, to ensure they receive the information.

Subscription and Membership Information

Details are provided for subscribing to SAUCER NEWS for one year at $4.00, or for receiving Non-Scheduled Newsletters for $2.00 for an indefinite period. Information is also provided for becoming a member of S.A.U.C.E.R.S. for $2.00, requiring qualification according to explained rules.

A notice warns that subscriptions to the Newsletter may have expired, as individual renewal notices cannot be sent due to the mailing system not being computerized. Subscribers who have not renewed since June 1966 will be removed from the mailing list.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the alleged harassment and intimidation of UFO witnesses and researchers by the 'Men in Black'. The newsletter presents a stance of concern and investigation into these activities, portraying the MIB as a potentially sinister force attempting to suppress or manipulate information about UFO phenomena. The editorial team actively seeks evidence, such as photographs of MIB, to expose their identities and operations. There is a clear editorial bias towards believing the accounts of MIB interference and a desire to bring these activities into the public eye. The publication also highlights the importance of its own research and reporting, as evidenced by the special mailing of this newsletter to non-subscribers.