1953 12 00 - Saucerian - Bulletin

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SAUCERIAN
Issue: December, 1953 Bulletin
Publisher: Gray Barker
Location: Box 981, Clarksburg, W. Va.

This issue of THE SAUCERIAN, published by Gray Barker, focuses on the alleged forced closure of the International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB) and its head, Albert K. Bender. The lead story, a reprint from the Bridgeport Sunday Herald by Lem M'Collum, details how Bender was allegedly instructed by a 'higher authority,' believed to be the government, to cease all research and publications related to flying saucers.

Key Articles and Reports

Mystery Visitors Halt Research, SAUCERERS HERE ORDERED TO QUIT

The central narrative revolves around Albert K. Bender, the head of the International Flying Saucer Bureau, a worldwide organization with headquarters in Bridgeport, Connecticut. According to the news story, the IFSB has been ordered to cease its activities. Bender admitted that the planned issue of "Science Review" (which the magazine's editor, Barker, clarifies likely meant "Space Review") that was to discuss conclusions on flying saucers would not be printed. He had regretfully informed his 600 members in the October issue that a "higher authority," whom he could not name, had instructed the IFSB to discontinue all references to flying saucers.

Bender recounted that three men in dark suits, displaying credentials as representatives of this "higher authority," visited his home. They questioned him extensively about the IFSB and confiscated five copies of each issue of "Science Review," a quarterly publication. Before leaving, they sternly instructed Bender to stop publishing flying saucer information.

Bender expressed fear following the encounter, stating he was "scared to death" and couldn't eat for days. He also believes his home telephone may be tapped. The IFSB members are located globally, including in New Zealand, Australia, and England, though most are in the U.S. and are described as science fiction fans. The publication "Science Review" is noted as not being an accredited scientific publication.

Bender, who came to Bridgeport from West Pittstown, Pennsylvania, about 10 years ago, is also a member of the U.S. Rocket Society and the Connecticut Science Fiction League. He dabbles in the supernatural and science. He claims to know what flying saucers are but is now afraid to reveal this information, especially for publication.

Bender's Perspective on the IFSB's Discontinuation

Bender speculated that the IFSB might have been getting too close to the truth regarding the saucer mystery, displeasing the "higher authority" to whom he had submitted the IFSB's conclusions. He explained that when he founded the IFSB, he aimed to "make friends with the flying saucer people and thereby prevent the disaster that would come out of a war with these advanced people." In March 1953, Bender had asked IFSB members to attempt telepathic contact with saucer beings.

The secondary aims of the IFSB were to unite flying-saucer-minded individuals and gather information about aerial disks, a mission initiated in April of the previous year.

In December of the same year, Bender publicly predicted a flying saucer landing, a prediction he based on a story in a Bridgeport paper attributed to Max Miller of Flying Saucers International. The magazine's editor notes this might be a misquote, suggesting Bender related Miller's prediction, but the paper credited it to Bender.

External Predictions and Inquiries

The issue also references a prediction made by Criswell, a syndicated West Coast columnist, on the ABC-TV show "You Asked for It." Criswell flatly predicted that the government would announce what flying saucers are on December 10, 1953. This aligns with Bender's prediction, which he based on the writings of the prophet-monk Nostradamus, who foretold a "third world war" and a "great ship from another world" intervening.

Bender had also contacted physicist Prof. Albert Einstein at Princeton for his opinion on saucers. Einstein responded that he had no experience and only superficial knowledge in the field, regretting his inability to comply with the request.

IFSB Leadership and International Interest

The IFSB's Vice-president and treasurer is identified as Max Krengel of Stratford, Connecticut. Allen C. Rievman serves as the secretary from Bridgeport, Connecticut. Barbara Knorr, another Bridgeport member, reported seeing a flying saucer over Park City in July 1952.

Internationally, a wire service report from London indicated that British and American Intelligence experts were exchanging "top secret" information about flying saucers. A regular interchange of information had begun, and several alleged saucer incidents in Britain were reportedly withheld from the public for security reasons, labeled "top secret."

Publisher's Commentary and Call to Action

Gray Barker, the publisher, expresses his interest in the alleged government intervention, questioning its legality. He urges readers who know the law to comment and suggests that if the story is true, citizens should raise a fuss. He also informs readers that he may issue another special bulletin and asks them to send a stamped, self-addressed envelope. For those not subscribed, he encourages them to send "a buck and a half" for a subscription to ensure up-to-date information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government secrecy and censorship surrounding the UFO phenomenon, the potential implications of contact with extraterrestrial intelligence, and the perceived suppression of information by authorities. The editorial stance, as expressed by Gray Barker, is one of skepticism towards the government's actions, a belief in the importance of public awareness, and a commitment to disseminating information on flying saucers, even in the face of alleged intimidation.