Saucer Smear - Vol 37 No 05 - 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER SMEAR
Issue: Volume 37, No. 5
Date: July 10th, 1990
Publisher: SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: Jim Moseley

This non-scheduled newsletter issue of Saucer Smear focuses heavily on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Gulf Breeze UFO case, particularly the allegations that Ed Walters, the primary witness, may have faked his famous UFO photographs. The issue aims to present more information about the case but explicitly states it will not solve anything, acknowledging the "much confusion - No conclusion."

The Gulf Breeze UFO Case: Hoax Allegations and New Developments

The newsletter reports on recent sensational news concerning the Gulf Breeze UFO case. A key development was the Pensacola News Journal's headline story on June 10th, 1990, about a small model of a flying saucer found in the house where Ed Walters lived during his 1987-1988 sighting period. While the article acknowledges that Walters has attempted to refute these claims, the newsletter's primary focus shifts to a more significant development: the emergence of a young man named Tom Smith Jr.

Tom Smith Jr. claims to have been involved with Ed Walters, Ed's son Danny, and another local youth, Hank Boland, in creating numerous hoax UFO pictures during the early stages of Ed's UFO saga (late 1987 to early 1988). Smith alleges that Ed Walters asked him to take pictures with Smith's camera and present them to the Gulf Breeze Sentinel as his own. Smith asserts he knows these pictures are fake because he was present when an earlier set was faked using the same camera, though those did not turn out well. He claims he kept the second set of pictures, which he considered faking, and did not hand them over.

Ed Walters, however, presents a different version. He claims Smith took the pictures himself, not in Ed's presence, and that they are genuine. Ed suggests that young Smith's father became upset when shown these pictures, possibly due to fear of negative publicity for his law business or religious objections to genuine UFOs.

Official Reactions and MUFON's Investigation

Following these revelations, Tom Adams, son of a local attorney, contacted the mayor of Gulf Breeze, Ed Gray, and Police Chief Jerry Brown. Based on Smith's claims, Brown and Gray traveled to Chicago to interview Hank Boland. While newspapers reported that Boland supported Ed Walters' version, Mayor Gray stated in a phone interview that the situation was more complex. Initially, Boland refused to confirm or deny Smith's story, but later, after a second conversation, he reportedly decided to support Ed's version, leading to speculation that Ed had spoken to Boland in the interim.

In response to the model discovery and Smith's revelations, MUFON held a press conference on June 19th in Pensacola. Ed and Frances Walters were featured speakers. The MUFON hierarchy stated they still supported Ed but intended to re-open their investigation. The newsletter views this as a contradictory stance, questioning the need to re-open an investigation if they still believe Ed, or suggesting they must have doubts if they feel the need to re-investigate.

On the same day, June 19th, a press conference was held in Gulf Breeze city hall. Mayor Ed Gray and Police Chief Jerry Brown participated, along with Mr. and Mrs. Smith, who testified under oath supporting their son. Two local newsmen were also present. A transcript of a phone call from Tom Smith Jr. to a different location in Gulf Breeze on June 15th was made available, detailing his alleged knowledge of hoaxes perpetrated by Ed Walters. The newsletter also sought a transcript of the elder Smiths' testimony and had spoken to Mr. Smith twice by phone.

Mayor Gray attempted to make the June 19th press conference "private," despite it being held in a public city hall. MUFON hierarchy members insisted on attending, and Gray eventually allowed them. The newsletter supports MUFON's decision to attend.

The day after the press conference, the editor of "Smear" flew to Gulf Breeze to investigate. The investigation primarily involved making numerous phone calls. One call was to Charles Flannigan, the new Eastern Regional Director of MUFON, who attempted to order the editor not to interview the three young men involved (Danny Walters, Tom Smith Jr., and Hank Boland) until the MUFON hierarchy had done so. The editor states he does not take orders.

The Model UFO and Further Evidence

The model UFO found in Ed Walters' former residence is presented as a significant piece of evidence. Ed claims his former residence was unlocked and for sale for a long time, allowing anyone to have planted the model. He suggests it could have been a debunker or someone working with them. The new owner, Mr. Menzer, found the model weeks ago but did not go public with it until a reporter from the News Journal inquired about it. The newsletter suggests the reporter may have been tipped off about the model.

Phil Klass believes Ed Walters simply forgot the model, which the newsletter deems unlikely. Ed points out differences between the model and his photographed UFOs, specifically the number of "portholes." Ed also took a fourth lie detector test in New Orleans regarding the model, answering questions with "yes" or "no." The three Smiths have also offered to take lie detector tests.

Ed conducted research suggesting the model was not made until after September 7th, 1989, long after the events in his book. This research involved a sketch that could be dated and was used as part of the model, which Ed believes was taken from his garbage.

The newsletter acknowledges that lie detector tests are strong evidence but not conclusive. It also raises the possibility that Ed may be using self-hypnosis, which he denies, to pass these tests. This is presented as speculation.

Criticism of MUFON and Phil Klass

The newsletter expresses severe criticism of MUFON's actions in this article but also notes the "outrageous way Phil Klass has behaved." Klass has reportedly phoned the editor multiple times, warning against libeling him or Willy Smith, possibly due to the editor's inherited money making him vulnerable to lawsuits.

Klass is particularly concerned about libeling him in this issue, despite admitting the newsletter has been fair to him in the past. The newsletter questions if Klass has a guilty conscience. It dismisses Klass's research as "bluff, bravado, and bullshit."

Other Perspectives and Letters

Several other individuals and organizations contribute their views:

• Stanton Friedman, a Nuclear Physicist, reports completing his research study on the Operation Majestic 12 documents, concluding they are genuine and significant.
• Bob Girard of Arcturus Book Service explains his policy of advising customers about books, even if he personally pans them, to maintain ethical practices.
• Bill Knell of Island Skywatch believes the Gulf Breeze case is a "carefully conceived government-sponsored hoax," likening it to "plausible deniability."
• John Keel offers a critical assessment of Jim Moseley, calling him an "expert on crocks of shit" and questioning the validity of the Candy Jones book.
• Richard Freeman issues an ominous warning about "men who controlled Candy" and suggests a visit from "two very sweaty males" in Key West.
• William Howard comments on the newsletter's discussion of "Deros" and questions how to distinguish ufologists from "professionals."
• Grant Cameron disputes Christopher Allan's article on Wilbert Smith and the MJ-12 Connection, stating Allan misrepresented information he received from him.
• John Barlow comments on being listed as "respectable" in a book and advises the editor to "never say you're wrong" when "mud slinging."
• Frank Bruckmann writes a brief note and provides a new address.
• Allen Benz provides a cryptic response to a "confidential postcard."
• Victoria Lacas writes about Tom Benson's book, "The Rose Paper," which exposes Jim Moseley's alleged connections, and mentions her own upcoming book on Marilyn Monroe and UFOs.
• Michael Dennett, a skeptic, congratulates the editor on a previous issue but points out errors, including Wayne Aho being alive. He sends a bottle of Scotch whiskey to help reduce errors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the controversy surrounding the Gulf Breeze UFO case, the credibility of witnesses and evidence, the role of media in UFO reporting, and the internal dynamics and criticisms within the UFO research community. The newsletter, "Saucer Smear," positions itself as an independent voice, critical of both alleged hoaxes and the organizations like MUFON that investigate them. The editor, Jim Moseley, appears to maintain a skeptical yet open-minded approach, willing to publish diverse and often conflicting viewpoints, while also engaging in sharp commentary and criticism of individuals and organizations he deems questionable. The editorial stance is one of "truth-seeking" and challenging established narratives, even if it means criticizing prominent figures in the field.