Saucer Smear - Vol 32 No 01 - 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 32, Number 1
Date: January 10th, 1985
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of "Saucer Smear" is a non-scheduled newsletter dedicated to ufological journalism. The primary focus is a confession regarding the infamous "R.E. Straith" letter, a long-standing mystery in the UFO field, which was written to George Adamski around 1957.

The R.E. Straith Letter Hoax

Editor James W. Moseley reveals that the "R.E. Straith" letter was a hoax, created by himself and the late Gray Barker. Moseley explains that just before Barker's death, they had agreed to confess to the hoax if Barker died first. The letter began, "My Dear Professor," and was written on official State Department stationery, signed by "R.E. Straith" of the non-existent "Cultural Exchange Committee." It claimed that some people in the State Department validated Adamski's story of meeting a spaceman in the California desert in 1952.

Moseley recounts that in 1957, Gray Barker received a packet of genuine official stationery from various government agencies. Emboldened by alcohol, Barker and Moseley wrote seven "naughty letters" that evening. The "R.E. Straith" letter (along with one signed "R.E. Palmer") achieved notoriety. Other letters were sent to Coral Lorenzen of APRO and Laura Mundo, a pro-Adamski researcher.

Page 2 details the aftermath of the hoax. Moseley admits that he mailed six of the seven letters from Washington D.C. after Barker had written them. He wisely discarded one letter that threatened to revoke his father's military pension. An FBI investigation followed, not because of Adamski's claims, but due to the misuse of official stationery. Barker was questioned by the FBI, but Moseley was not. Barker reportedly mangled his typewriter and buried it, and it was never found. The FBI investigation was dropped, possibly due to lack of proof, the harmless nature of the hoax, or pressure from the father of the person who provided the stationery.

Some researchers, like Lonzo Dove, accurately exposed the letter as a hoax written on Barker's typewriter. Others, however, believed the letter was genuine, bolstered by the fact that Richard Ogden and others received certified mail signed by "R.E. Straith" at the State Department. Adamski reportedly used the letter to support his claims, despite government warnings.

Moseley concludes this section by stating he doesn't regret the hoax but understands why "Completely Serious Researchers" were offended. He notes that Gray Barker was only sorry the Feds had no sense of humor.

Tid-Bits of Trash

This section features various short news items and commentary:

• Miami Herald Censorship: An ad for a pre-Columbian antique gallery in the Miami Herald was censored, though Moseley's similar ad on an inside page was not.
• Pete Mazzola Accident: SBI Director Pete Mazzola was involved in a serious car accident following a UFO convention on Staten Island. He was recovering, and the SBI organization was operating under an office manager named Dorothy Soultanokis.
• OMNI Magazine Mention: OMNI Magazine published a positive write-up about "Smear" in its "Anti Matter" column, despite its general anti-UFO bias.
• National Enquirer Predictions: The magazine reviews the National Enquirer's predictions for 1984, noting that most did not come true, including predictions about Prince Rainier and Jackie Onassis marrying, John Lennon's ghost saving Yoko Ono, proof of alien life, and Mr. T being hit by lightning.
• Dr. Leon Davidson: Dr. Leon Davidson, who theorized the CIA was behind UFO sightings, has reportedly received an offer he "can't refuse" and will discontinue his research.
• Williard McIntyre: "Dr." Williard McIntyre sent a letter praising Davidson's CIA theory.
• NUFOC Convention: The 1985 NUFOC convention was tentatively scheduled for April 25th.

Missives from the Masses

This section contains letters from readers, many of whom are paying tribute to the recently deceased Gray Barker:

• August C. Roberts: Expresses sadness over Barker's death, remembering him as a part of his family and a man of great quality.
• Rick Hilberg: Mourns the loss of Gray Barker, praising him as the finest writer in the UFO movement and highlighting his books "The Silver Bridge" and "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers." He remembers Barker as a true gentleman.
• Bob Schiller: States that Barker's writing made the world seem exciting, contrasting with dry statistical UFO reports.
• Jennings Frederick: Pays tribute to Barker's contributions to Ufology and his memory as a fellow West Virginian. He notes that while Barker may have profiteered or sensationalized in his book "The Silver Bridge," he hopes his own research will be as accepted.
• Ken Behrendt: Expresses sadness over Barker's death, noting that Barker had a manuscript of his that was being considered for publication. He humorously compares the fate of publishers who offered to advance his career to the Warren Commission witnesses.
• Barry Hoffman: Submits a "Coat of Arms" for the editor, purportedly from the "Royal Order of the Water Closet (ROWC)" in the UK, containing esoteric symbols.
• P.H. Tate: Responds to Al Greenfield's remarks about researchers and organizations, questioning the seriousness of some UFO conferences. He also comments on "Klass," suggesting he is good for a line or two and quotes him corresponding with "kooks."
• Phil Klass: Comments on "Smear," expressing surprise that Jerry Clark's remarks about his alleged role in terminating University of Nebraska/Lincoln conferences were published without an Editor's Note quoting an Associated Press article.
• Bob Girard: Responds to Moseley's "moral outrage" over John Keel's manuscripts being offered for $1500, stating that Arcturus Book Service was trying to show Keel that they do not underprice material.
• Kathy Dobkin: Notes that UFO sightings in the Kingston, NY area have died down. She recounts an instance where a colleague witnessed a UFO, temporarily shattering his belief in the ordinary.
• Erik Beckjord: Responds to comments on the Patterson film and "Rabid Rene" Dahinden. He defends his work in "Bigfootology" and suggests that Dahinden's attacks are evidence of his progress.
• Ron Schaffner: Expresses sorrow over Gray Barker's death, calling his material "bullshit" but acknowledging his kindness. He discusses John Keel's work, finding holes in it except for the Mothman case. He also comments on Rene Dahinden's research and his apparent goal to "totally destroy Erik Beckjord."
• Larry ("Old Red Eyes") Peters: Responds to Rene Dahinden, inviting him to judge his experiences personally and defending his inquiry into Ray Wallace's Bigfoot film evidence.

Bottom Line: Ad's Flesh is Too Fresh

This article by Chris Vaughan of the Herald Staff Writer reports on an incident at Florida Keys Community College where an advertisement for "La Te Da," a gay-oriented restaurant, was deemed "inappropriate" for college playbills. The ad featured the uncovered rears of eight men. College officials attempted to cover the ad with a "Censored" stamp and silver ink, but when that failed, they resorted to snipping out the ads. A different ad will replace it in future printings. Lawrence Formica, the proprietor of La Te Da, expressed disappointment, calling the ad "kind of cute." He blamed a "small minority of big mouths" for the removal. Stephen Hoel, the business manager, suggested making a poster of the ad due to the positive feedback received.

Police Take Dim View of His Monkeyshine

This brief news item from North Wales, Pennsylvania, reports that Jerry McGaghey, celebrating his 20th birthday in a gorilla costume, was charged with frightening children after being spotted swinging in a tree in a wooded area. He was issued a citation and released.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Saucer Smear" heavily features reader contributions, with a significant portion dedicated to remembering and eulogizing the late Gray Barker, a prominent figure in ufology. The magazine's stance appears to be one of open discussion, even embracing the confession of a well-known hoax (the R.E. Straith letter), suggesting a willingness to address the complexities and sometimes dubious nature of UFO research. The inclusion of "Tid-Bits of Trash" and various reader letters indicates an editorial approach that values diverse opinions and lighter, sometimes humorous, commentary alongside serious UFO discussions. The magazine seems to champion a more critical and perhaps less dogmatic approach to ufology, as evidenced by the discussions on skepticism and the examination of alleged hoaxes.