Saucer Smear - Vol 26 No 07 - 1979

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'Saucer Shit', a non-scheduled newsletter published by Blue-Book Publishers and edited by James W. Moseley, is dated June 15th, 1979. It is presented as the official publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society. The newsletter focuses heavily on internal disputes within the UFO research community, particularly concerning alleged conspiracies, skepticism, and the credibility of various researchers.

News Briefies

The 'News Briefies' section notes a lack of space but aims to include 'Heavy Shit' in the form of serious letters. It announces the upcoming 16th National UFO Conference (NUFOC) in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 14th, with room availability issues and alternative booking information provided. It also mentions the First London International UFO Congress on August 26th-27th. An apology is issued to Todd Zechel for incorrectly stating he resigned as Research Director of Bill Spaulding's GSW organization. The newsletter also notes Howard Menger is selling 'Lucky Tektite Amulets', supposedly given to him by 'Space People'.

Letters to Ye Editor

Todd Zechel's Diatribe Against Philip J. Klass and Others

Todd Zechel contributes a lengthy and aggressive letter accusing James W. Moseley of finally becoming a respected Ufologist in the eyes of skeptics, citing Robert Sheaffer's respect for Moseley, Bill Spaulding, and Bruce Maccabee. Zechel claims Sheaffer's endorsement is based on Moseley's involvement in the 'Straith hoax', a 'hoax book' titled 'The Wright Field Story', and his 'long-term provocation of NICAP'.

Zechel asserts that Klass and others are now purveying skeptical propaganda and cooperating in a 'Klass conspiracy' against him. He details an incident where Captain Doug Kennett of SAFOI allegedly referred Scott Woodside's inquiry about a Grand Forks Air Force Base incident (Nov. 3, 1975) to Klass, despite Kennett's own involvement. Zechel provides a letter from Lt. Col. L. C. Labell of the USAF, which states that Kennett's 'off-the-record' reference to Klass regarding Zechel did not align with good public affairs practices and that Kennett was counselled.

Zechel further criticizes Klass for prevaricating about his involvement in referring inquiries and for allegedly trying to conceal that Kennett was providing Klass's phone number. He also mentions Brad Sparks' refutation of Klass's contentions about the NSA and ASA. Zechel concludes that the skeptics' activities are a 'political/psychological war against UFOs and Ufologists', aimed at preventing him from obtaining government UFO files.

Earl Jones on NUFOC and Rick Hilberg

Earl Jones, from OUFOIL (sponsors of the 1979 NUFOC), responds to a letter by Rick Hilberg. Jones dismisses Hilberg's claim of becoming a UFO skeptic and his criticism of NUFOC for not bringing skeptics and believers together. Jones suggests Hilberg is jealous for not being invited to speak at the convention, stating that OUFOIL-Cincinnati sought reputable, knowledgeable, qualified speakers. He offers to match any of the speakers' qualifications against Hilberg's and emphasizes that the speakers are active investigators who gather their own information.

Lama Robert Dickhoff's Commentary

Lama Robert Dickhoff offers a brief, sarcastic commentary on 'Saucer Wit Rides Again' and the Bermuda Triangle.

George Earley on 'Official UFO' Reprints

George Earley complains that 'Official UFO' magazine has reprinted articles, including one by Richard Hall, from earlier OUFO issues without permission or payment. He notes that this practice was also applied to him with an 'Ancient Astronauts' piece, from which he managed to extract reprint monies.

'Concerned Ufologist' on NICAP and McIntyre

An anonymous individual calling himself 'Concerned Ufologist' has been involved in disputes concerning NICAP members. This individual accuses W. McIntyre and S. Nixon of NICAP of clandestine activities and claims McIntyre's newsletter falsely accused Todd Zechel of authoring a previous letter. 'Concerned Ufologist' states that Zechel is not the author and has done much to expose government cover-ups, with his only failing being 'duped by information fed to him by McIntyre'. The writer explains his anonymity is to avoid legal actions from McIntyre and Nixon. He also mentions McIntyre's front organization, MARCEN, and claims that McIntyre recently mailed over 4,000 copies of their magazine.

Bill McIntyre's Response

Bill McIntyre responds to 'Concerned Ufologist', questioning Todd Zechel's innocence and suggesting he might be dictating the letters. McIntyre states that associating with Zechel has drawn the attention of 'Concerned'. He recounts an incident where he believes he was watched by an individual resembling Todd and that a threatening message was left on the MARCEN answering machine. McIntyre states the telephone company and FBI are involved, and he has agreed to prosecute.

Blue-Book Publishers Letter

Leon Davidson writes to Jim, addressing Dick Heiden's claim that the CIA is causing saucer sightings. Davidson references an internal CIA document from July 25, 1958, showing the 'disinformation' department arranged to tell him such operations were illegal. He notes that other internal documents indicate CIA leadership could not provide a direct answer to his question about CIA involvement in saucer reports.

Davidson then discusses the upcoming Skylab reentry (estimated between June 20 and July 14, possibly around July 2). He suggests that if the reentry poses a risk to U.S. prestige, the CIA might orchestrate a flap of new UFO sightings to distract from the event. He draws a parallel to the November 1957 UFO flap, which occurred shortly after the Soviet launch of Sputnik-2, suggesting it was a cover-up for the Soviet achievement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the deep divisions and personal animosities within the UFO community, particularly between researchers and skeptics. There is a strong undercurrent of conspiracy theories, with accusations of deliberate disinformation campaigns, alleged involvement of intelligence agencies (CIA, USAF), and attempts to discredit individuals. The editorial stance, as implied by the publication's title and the editor's role, appears to be one that challenges official narratives and embraces controversial viewpoints, providing a platform for strong opinions and accusations, even if they are divisive.