Saucer Smear - Vol 30 No 07 - 1983

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 30, No. 7
Date: September 15th, 1983
Publisher: Official Publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society
Editor and Supreme Commander: James W. Moseley

This issue of Saucer Smear, a non-scheduled newsletter, focuses on the first annual SBI (Scientific Bureau of Investigation) convention held in Albany, New York, and extensively details the legal troubles of UFO researcher Wendelle Stevens.

The S.B.I. Invades Albany, New York

The editor, James W. Moseley, attended the SBI convention in Albany, NY, from August 12th-14th, 1983. The event was held at a luxurious Ramada Inn and featured a 'get acquainted' cocktail party on Friday night. The convention included presentations by several ufological speakers, including Pete Mazzola (who was also the host and master of ceremonies), John Keel, Antonio Huneeus, Arthur Bray, Marcello Galluppi, David Waters, Pat de la Franier, Peter Robins, Christopher Centi, Dan Lowenski, and Colman VonKeviczky. Rick Hilberg, a NUFOC worker, was listed on the program but did not present. Approximately 50 people attended, and Pete Mazzola reported a profit, indicating his intention to hold another SBI conclave the following summer in New York City. Among the attendees were Mary Robinson, widow of researcher John J. Robinson, and Sol Lipsky. Anna Montgomery, Patrick Montgomery, and Betty Moseley are pictured accompanying the editor.

John Keel is highlighted for giving what the editor considered the best lecture, discussing topics such as 'atomic hand grenades', 'steel nets across the fjords of Scandinavia', 'black urine', and the location of the Miracle of Lourdes at a garbage dump. The editor expresses hope that Keel, a 'colorful skeptic/believer', will continue his work.

Misc. Ravings

Wendelle Stevens Update

Further updates on the Wendelle Stevens case are provided. Howard Kashman, Stevens' defense attorney, confirmed the authenticity of court documents and that Stevens had surrendered himself on June 1st, 1983, to serve his sentence at the Arizona Corrections Training Facility in Tucson. However, the newsletter notes that a letter on the next page differs regarding point #2 (his surrender).

Kal K. Korff writes that he believes it is a shame Stevens will be in jail, stating that Stevens has interesting UFO data but needs to learn to study it properly. Korff also mentions that Stevens is being held at a minimum security facility called 'Santa Rita' near Tucson. He clarifies that the CIA is not responsible for Stevens' imprisonment and dismisses 'martyr bullshit'. Korff also states that Stevens did not go to South America but stayed in Tucson to turn himself in. He contrasts the 'scientific training' of Phil Klass with the academic credentials of Dr. Bruce Maccabee, asserting that Maccabee's expertise in optical physics is far greater.

UFO Conventions and Skepticism

An upcoming UFO convention in Lincoln, Nebraska, from November 11th-13th, sponsored by the University of Nebraska, is mentioned. However, the editor expresses a preference for attending the CSICOP's First International Conference of Scientists and Skeptics in Buffalo, New York, on October 28th-29th, noting the presence of figures like Paul Kurtz, James Randi, Philip Klass, and Robert Sheaffer.

New Literature and Products

William Moore's latest publication, "The Mystery of the Green Fireballs," is noted, with a price of $12.95. Philip Imbrogno is thanked for sending UFO clippings and a copy of his book, "Crosswalks Across the Universe: A Guide to Amateur Astronomy."

The XM-5 Commuter, an 'aerial run-about' shaped like a saucer, is announced as coming to market. It is 15 feet in diameter, made of molded plastic, has a top speed of 215 mph, and can take off and land vertically. It is available from the Moller Corporation for approximately $25,000.

Dr. Richard Haines has been elected Director of the North American UFO Federation (NAUFOF), a new umbrella organization formed at MUFON's Toronto convention. Other officers include Henry McKay (Deputy Director), Pete Mazzola (Secretary), and Ann Druffel (Treasurer).

Missives From The Masses

Howard Kashman's Letter

Howard Kashman of Tucson, Wendelle Stevens' former defense attorney, writes to correct two points from a previous newsletter. He states that his call was returned in a timely fashion, delayed only by a strike, and that Stevens definitely turned himself in on June 1st, 1983, to serve his sentence at the Arizona Corrections Training Facility.

Kal K. Korff's Observations

Kal K. Korff expresses his belief that it is a shame Stevens will be in jail, noting that Stevens possesses interesting UFO data. He states that Stevens is being held at a minimum security facility called 'Santa Rita' near Tucson. Korff also asserts that the CIA is not responsible for Stevens' imprisonment and that the 'martyr bullshit' surrounding the case is unfounded. He confirms that Stevens stayed in Tucson and turned himself in as agreed.

Korff also contrasts the 'scientific training' of Phil Klass with the academic credentials of Dr. Bruce Maccabee, arguing that Maccabee's expertise in optical physics is superior.

Bob Girard's Perspective

Bob Girard of Arcturus Book Service writes regarding Wendelle Stevens. He acknowledges using anonymous sources and relays information that Stevens had indicated trips to South America, possibly to visit Javier Cabrera. Girard confirms that Stevens has been heard from from jail, a minimum-security place in Pima, Arizona, and that his attitude is good. He notes that Stevens' publishing schedule will be delayed but he still plans to continue with several titles. Girard commends the editor for handling the situation 'gingerly' and praises Stevens' work as a publisher, despite the lamentable nature of his actions as a man.

Charles Wilhelm on the Hermann Case

Charles Wilhelm of OUFOIL writes that he is sorry to hear of Stevens' situation and liked the man, regardless of any hoax material he produced. He states that the Hermann case is a hoax.

Ken Behrendt's Concerns

Ken Behrendt expresses shock at the details presented about Wendelle Stevens' 'bizarre double life' in a previous issue. He hopes the details are thoroughly verified, as their truthfulness could impact Stevens' credibility and the reputation of 'Saucer Smear'. He suggests that if ever there was a time for a 'Pleiadean saucer to lift him away from this lurid mess', it is now.

Letha Hamrick on Laws

Non-subscriber Letha Hamrick expresses agreement with the editor's sentiments regarding the severity of laws concerning voluntary sex acts, even with minors, and disagrees with those laws.

Howard Kaufman on the Bill Jenkins Show

Howard Kaufman reports on the Bill Jenkins Show, a radio program in Los Angeles. He states that Wendelle Stevens did not appear on the scheduled August 27th broadcast, with host Bill Jenkins indicating Stevens was indisposed. A caller stated that Stevens is in jail for five to seven years, a fact Bill Jenkins acknowledged knowing about. Kaufman offers to provide updates if Stevens appears on the show and to tape the program.

Dr. Bruce Maccabee's Review

Dr. Bruce Maccabee expresses disappointment with a recent review of Phil Klass' latest book, "UFOs: The Public Deceived." He takes issue with the phrase 'we happen to agree with Klass regarding the New Zealand UFOs.' Maccabee suggests the editor may have read the book upside down and encourages him to read it rightside up. He encloses a detailed, unexpurgated 35-page review of Klass' book, a shortened version of which will appear in FATE. Maccabee also provides supplementary information on the New Zealand case and the Iranian Jet case, urging the editor to consult Volume 2 of documents sold by the Fund for UFO Research.

The editor's note acknowledges Dr. Maccabee as a sincere researcher but maintains that the pro-New Zealand UFO material is insufficiently proven and remains on the fence regarding the Iranian incident.

Dr. Gary Posner on Phil Klass

Dr. Gary Posner of St. Petersburg, Florida, writes that the review of Phil Klass' book was tarnished by a comment regarding the Val Johnson case, accusing Klass of 'merely guessing...when he calls (it) a hoax.'

Phil Klass Responds

Phil Klass himself writes, questioning how an alleged 'strongly pro-UFO friend' could have read his book and become enraged. He suggests the reader might have started with the introduction, which quotes the New York Times, or Chapter One, which discusses World War II developments. He also speculates that the reader might have started with the index and been upset not to find their name listed. Klass describes the review as 'charming'.

Tom Benson (