Saucer Smear - Vol 23 No 16 - 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 16
Date: February 6, 1976
Publisher: THE SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: James W. Moseley

This is a non-scheduled newsletter, presented as the first in a new series intended to be published as frequently as apathy allows. The tone is described as variable, ranging from serious to facetious, leaving the reader to interpret the intent. The primary purpose of this issue is to inform readers about upcoming UFO-related events.

THIRTEENTH ANNUAL NATIONAL UFO CONFERENCE

The newsletter announces the THIRTEENTH ANNUAL NATIONAL UFO CONFERENCE, scheduled for August 28th, 1976, at the Holiday Inn in Parma, Ohio (Cleveland area). An organizational meeting, termed a "closed session," will take place at 2 p.m. on the same day in the Harding Room. Unlike previous years, there will be no "open" sessions with speakers. Instead, informal "bull" sessions are planned for Friday, Saturday night, and Sunday. The venue is described as a beautiful place. Readers are encouraged to attend or to publicize the event in their own publications or through other means. Brochures about the motel are available upon request.

Mysticon II / Saucers, Space, and Science Fiction

Another event, referred to as "Mysticon II" and now titled "Saucers, Space, and Science Fiction," is mentioned as an apparently rival convention. This meeting is noted to include many of the same individuals involved in the National UFO Conference. It is scheduled to be held at the Hospitality Motor Inn in the Cleveland area on May 22nd, 1976. For more information, interested parties are directed to write to Rick Hilberg at 17599 Whitney Road, Apt. 623, Strongsville, Ohio 44136.

UFO Research and Personal Reflections

With limited space for general news, the editor focuses on personal activities. On January 24th, the editor conducted an interview with Dr. J. Allen Hynek during his visit to the Star Trek Convention at the New York Hilton. The interview, conducted alongside UFO researcher Eugene Steinberg (former editor of "Caveat Emptor"), revealed that Hynek, in both public and private statements, appears to increasingly favor an "alternate reality" explanation for UFO phenomena. The editor expresses a strong personal opinion that Hynek is the leading Ufologist in the nation and dismisses critics as being motivated by "sour grapes." It is noted that Hynek does not officially endorse the National UFO Conference but is sympathetic to it and to "Middle Ufology."

Letter from a "Former Friend"

To fill the newsletter and avoid it being a single page, a photostat of a recent letter from UFO researcher John Keel is included without comment. Additionally, a separate letter dated February 6, 1976, from someone identifying themselves as "A former friend" is addressed to "Mr. Z." This letter sarcastically congratulates "Mr. Z" for being mentioned in a footnote in the book "The Edge of Reality" (co-authored by Hynek and Vallee), which costs $14.95. The letter also states that "Mr. Z" is mentioned in "The Eighth Tower," described as a "vastly superior work." The writer further alleges that "Mr. Z" is Harry Belil's secret financial backer and a slumlord involved in evicting elderly tenants. The letter concludes with a hostile remark from George Montgomery and a wish for "Mr. Z" to get what he deserves in 1976.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter covers practical information about UFO conferences and events, interspersed with personal opinions and commentary on prominent figures in ufology, particularly Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The editor's stance is clear in his high regard for Hynek and his dismissal of Hynek's critics. The inclusion of the letter to "Mr. Z" suggests a potentially contentious or critical undercurrent within certain circles of the UFO community, touching on financial dealings and personal reputations. The overall editorial approach aims to be informative while also injecting a degree of personal opinion and perhaps provocative content, as indicated by the variable tone and the inclusion of the critical letter.