1956 03 01 - Saucerian Bulletin - Vol 1 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SAUCERIAN BULLETIN
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 1
Date: For Release March 1, 1956
Publisher: Gray Barker
Type: Magazine Issue

Publication Changes and Editorial Stance

The Saucerian Bulletin announces a significant shift in its publication format. Previously an elaborate, magazine-style publication that required considerable time to produce, it will now be issued more frequently in an informal bulletin form, sent via first-class sealed letter. This change is attributed to the publisher's need to maintain a regular occupation to fund the saucer investigative and publication activities. While the new format may be less elaborate, the aim is to deliver news more quickly. Subscribers will receive the bulletins as a continuation of their existing subscriptions, with a refund offered if unsatisfied. The publisher expresses a belief that The Saucerian created something new and valuable that should not cease to exist. To complement the bulletins, an annual BOOK-LENGTH publication, titled THE SAUCERIAN REVIEW, is planned. This 100-page book, commercially printed, will cover the entire year of 1955, providing a permanent record of important saucer events and including photographic reproductions from the official AF Project Bluebook Report.

Exclusive Report: Civilian UFO Chase

The lead story details an exclusive account of a UFO sighting by two civilians, pilot Daniel L. Cramer and aerial cameraman Allen B. White, on January 3, 1956, over Pasadena, California. While flying their Cessna 180 at an altitude of 4,000 ft., they sighted three circular aircraft described as a brilliant orange color, with the lead craft having a white circle in the middle. Cramer, an experienced pilot with 19 years of flying time, and White, a seasoned cameraman, attempted to track the objects. Cramer computed their speed to be approximately 1,200 miles per hour, based on the time it took for the craft to make a full circle around them at a distance of 4-5 miles. The objects were estimated to be 50 ft. in diameter and left no rocket trail. Cramer emphasized their experience as airmen, stating they were not prone to imagination.

Book Reviews and Features

The Ruppelt Book

The issue highlights "The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects" by Edward J. Ruppelt, former head of the Air Force's Project Bluebook. The publication is described as potentially the most important saucer book published to date. It is noted that the book was issued without much fanfare. The review suggests that Ruppelt's work supports the idea that the Air Force may be as puzzled about flying saucers as the public. The book reportedly details how the AF's investigation was hampered by bureaucracy and a consistently negative attitude, aimed at explaining away sightings rather than investigating them objectively. The conclusions drawn from Ruppelt's work suggest that saucers are interplanetary, though he is careful not to make a direct statement. Readers are directed to order the book through The Saucerian Bulletin.

The Saucerian Review Book

Details are provided about the forthcoming book-length publication, THE SAUCERIAN REVIEW. This publication will include reproductions from the official AF Project Bluebook Report, specifically the section containing drawings of the "12 best sightings." It will also feature George Adamski's detailed response to his critics, including James Moseley, and an account of a strange magnetic machine constructed by Karl Hunrath. The book will also contain a report on the Hopkinsville, Ky., "green men" sighting. The price is set at $1.50 per copy, with an unconditional money-back guarantee.

Other Book Mentions

Several other books are mentioned and offered for sale: M.K. Jessup's "The UFO Annual" and "The Expanding Case for the UFO," Waveney Girvan's "Flying Saucers and Commonsense," and R. DeWitt Miller's "Forgotten Mysteries." The issue also notes the potential significance of Byrd's Expedition to Antarctica as a possible saucer base and mentions the author's own upcoming book, "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers."

International UFO News

The formation of the "Association Mondialiste Interplanetaire" in Lausanne, France, is announced, with aims including preparing minds for an interplanetary era and studying related questions. This group publishes a saucer paper in French called "Le Courrier Interplanaire."

Miscellaneous Reports and Rumors

Dorothy Martin, who previously announced the end of the world, has relocated to Prescott, Arizona. Truman Bethurum is reported to be ill in Arizona. George Adamski is mentioned in relation to a Detroit saucer meeting and a letter he sent, which is discussed further in the May 1, 1958, issue. A rumor suggests E. R. Jarrold, former head of the Australian Flying Saucer Bureau, is writing a book. The Great Lakes UFO Association believes saucer people may attempt to contact humans, raising the question of whether these beings are friendly or unfriendly.

Cracked Windshields Explanation

An explanation is offered for the mysterious cracked windshields along Surrey's "Missile Mile" in England, where over 100 windshields have been shattered since 1950. Police identified a man who hid behind a tree and shot at a lorry driver, wounding him. This incident occurred on the Portsmouth Road between Esher and Cobham.

Mars Colonization Theory

The Earl Nelson, author of "There Is Life on Mars," suggests that Martians may be interested in colonizing Earth due to a dwindling water supply on Mars. He believes Mars is the only planet in our solar system capable of supporting intelligent life.

Flying Barrel Aircraft

The U.S. Navy has awarded a contract for research on a wingless barrel-shaped plane, described as a "flying barrel." Officials cited security reasons for not providing further details, but the plane is rumored to be capable of vertical takeoff.

Abominable Snowmen

Reports of abominable snowmen have resurfaced, including an account from Delhi, India, where head-hunting Naga tribesmen reportedly killed and ate a 10-ft. "snowman" near the Assam-China border. The creature was described as hairless and milk-white. Another report mentions large, curious tracks found on the white slopes above Col d'Iseran in the French Alps, thought to be yetti tracks.

Professor Woolley's Skepticism

Britain's new Astronomer Royal, Professor Richard van de Riet Woolley, dismisses space travel as "utter bilge," citing its enormous expense. He also does not believe in flying saucers, once mistaking the planet Mars for a UFO.

"Stendec" Incident

The mysterious word "Stendec," transmitted by the British airliner Stardust before its disappearance in the Andes in 1947, is revisited. It is reported that the wreck has been found, and the word "Stendec" was the last message heard from the ill-fated plane.

West Coast Correspondent Report

A correspondent reports on a couple who have become convinced of contactee stories, particularly those of Van Tassel and Dick Miller. They claim to have received numerous "signs," including telepathy, saucers passing overhead, and blue "explosions" with a sulfur-like odor on their property. The report also mentions W. B. Smith's communication with a man from Mars and Dick Miller's work with George H. Williamson on a light-beam communication device.

Dramatic F.S. Photo

A dramatic F.S. photo, snapped in color by Norwegian scientists in 1954 while photographing a solar eclipse at 15,000 ft., is mentioned. The objects in the photo were suddenly spotted upon returning to base, and photographer Johnny Bjornylf took the shot. The films were recently shown on TV.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Saucerian Bulletin consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on reporting firsthand accounts, such as the civilian chase over Pasadena, and on reviewing books and publications within the UFO field. The publication appears critical of official government and military explanations, particularly those from the Air Force, as evidenced by the review of Ruppelt's book. The editorial stance leans towards accepting the reality of UFOs and their potential extraterrestrial origin, while also maintaining a degree of skepticism towards some claims, as stated in the "Now the Bulletin tends to be over-skeptical" comment. The publication actively promotes its own books and those of other authors in the field, serving as a hub for UFO enthusiasts. The shift to a bulletin format indicates a commitment to disseminating information more rapidly to its readership.