Saucers vol 4 no 1

Magazine Overview

'SAUCERS' Vol. IV, No. 1, published in March 1956, is a quarterly magazine from Flying Saucers International, a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, California. Edited by Max B. Miller, the magazine features articles on UFO investigations, reports, and related phenomena. The cover displays a photograph of a "saucer-shaped cloud-effect" and the main headline "UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT? No-but an unusual saucer-shaped cloud-effect." The issue is priced at 25¢ per copy.

Contents

The issue includes a "Statement on Air Force Release" by Edward J. Ruppelt, a "Report on Communication Attempt" by John Otto, a "Project Magnet Statement" by W. B. Smith, a description of "TRC Communication Equipment," a section on "UFO Group Meetings" and "UFO Periodicals," an article titled "Unidentified Flying Object" by Gene H. Miller, "Miscellany," "UFO News (Sightings for '56)," and "Book Notes."

Statement on Air Force Release by Edward J. Ruppelt

Edward J. Ruppelt, author of "THE REPORT ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS," provides a statement clarifying the Air Force's News Release 1053-55 and Special Report No. 14 of Project Blue Book. Ruppelt, a former captain in the Army Air Force and chief of Project Blue Book from 1951 to 1953, states that the press widely misconstrued the release, implying that the Air Force was suggesting that sightings were merely mistaken identifications of new aircraft like the AVRO "saucer." Ruppelt asserts this was not the case; the release merely suggested that in the future, such advanced aircraft might be reported as UFOs. He notes that only two VTO aircraft existed at Edwards Air Force Base and did not stray far from test ranges, and the AVRO saucer-shaped aircraft was still years away from flight. Ruppelt also expresses shock at a statement in the release about a study by a private scientific group under Air Technical Intelligence Center supervision, which concluded that most UFO sightings could be explained. Ruppelt, who was involved in commissioning the study, found it flawed because it was not designed to solve the overall UFO problem but rather to see if statistical analysis could indicate unknown origins. He deemed the study worthless, as it could be interpreted to prove anything. The report was finished in September 1953 but not released until October 1955.

Report on Communication Attempt by John Otto

John Otto continues his report from the previous issue on an attempt to contact outer space intelligences on October 28th, 1955. He describes the switchboard being flooded with calls from people who claimed to have heard "highly interesting and astounding response." One caller in San Diego recorded what he believed to be high-speed code at 2:10 a.m., five minutes before the scheduled listening period. Otto suspects this 2:10 material was authentic and a true answer, while data from the 2:15 period might have been tampered with. He mentions a call from the Marine Sub Station reporting unusual telemetering equipment activity with buzzing and interference. Another call from Monterey, Calif., reported unintelligible code. Otto also recounts an incident where a person's cat acted strangely at 2:10 a.m. during a strange radio hum, hissing, and spitting, appearing hypnotized. There were also reports of strange lights over the Hollywood Hills and rattling noises on roofs without tangible cause. Another case involved a dog howling and a "D" flat tone that shook windows. A caller claimed to have heard a six-letter word repeated over and over. Otto notes that some returns were relayed back over the air. He also describes an unusual experience when trying to obtain a tape from a "Dr. of Science," involving a helicopter hovering over the location and a "windmill" (presumably a UFO) observed cutting a tight circle overhead. In evaluation, Otto suggests that intercepted messages in Morse code might have been an attempt to prove that answering was permissible, not to establish an intelligent message. He also discusses signals received in Chicago from a standard teletype source that were incredibly strong, suggesting a transmitter beaming from 5,000 miles away with 25 million watts, far exceeding known government transmitters. Otto concludes that these elusive "Visitor friends" might be able to pick up and "scan" transmissions and are perhaps trying to stimulate more investigative activity.

Project Magnet Statement by W. B. Smith

W. B. Smith reports on Project Magnet, a Canadian study authorized in December 1950 to investigate unidentified flying objects and related physical principles using Department of Transport facilities. The program involved collecting and analyzing data, and questioning basic concepts to find discrepancies that might reveal new technology. The project faced challenges from journalists seeking sensational stories, leading to embarrassment for those involved. Consequently, in 1954, the decision was made not to extend the investigation through federal financial support due to negative publicity. Project Magnet was officially dropped by the Department of Transport in October 1954, though laboratory facilities remained available at no cost. Smith states that the government of Canada is not responsible for the project's conclusions. The conclusions, based on statistical analysis of sighting reports, indicate a 91% probability that some sightings are of real objects of unknown origin and a 60% probability that they are alien vehicles. Further conclusions based on basic physical concepts suggest that many fundamental concepts are ambiguous and that alternative philosophies could lead to simpler explanations, implying that current ideas about fields and their behavior might be incorrect. Recent activities have involved following up leads, with a few being significant. A pattern is emerging, laying groundwork for new technology that could lead to space travel.

TRC Communication Equipment

This section, condensed from material submitted by George Hunt Williamson, Research Coordinator of the Telonic Research Center, describes communication equipment designed to interact with space. The "Master Unit Communicator" transmits and receives on infra red and ultra violet frequencies, using a special glow tube energized by electronic methods, mounted in a parabolic reflector to "beam" modulated light. The receiving part includes a pre-amplifier and a small photocell pickup tube (CE-705-A) attached to a telescope. The Unitron telescope is used to focus light onto the CE-705-A tube, converting received light from celestial bodies and UFOs into sound. All communications are recorded on tape. A "Coil Antenna," a reflecting disc with peculiar windings, produces a new type of waveform and was developed by a foreign scientist. A "Portable Infra Red Unit" is also mentioned for field use.

UFO Group Meetings and UFO Periodicals

The magazine lists several UFO group meetings across the United States, including groups in Fontana, North Hollywood, San Jose (California), Daytona Beach (Florida), Chicago (Illinois), Grand Rapids (Michigan), and Morristown (New Jersey). It also lists the "Everett-Saucer Round Table" in Washington. Under "UFO Periodicals," it mentions the "Telonic Research Bulletin" (50¢ copy, $2.00 annually), the German publication "Der Weltraum und Wir," and "The Little Listening Post" (4 issues, $1.00).

Unidentified Flying Object by Gene H. Miller

Gene H. Miller recounts a sighting on November 14, 1955, while flying a Piper Tri-Pacer near Banning, California. Flying at 5000 feet, he and his passenger observed a large white light about seven or eight miles away. The light moved toward them, and when Miller flashed his landing lights, the object's light went out, then on again. With its light off, no shape or form was visible. The object then stopped abruptly, backed up, and moved at a faster rate, ascending the slope of Mt. San Gorgonio before disappearing. The pilot experienced severe turbulence and landed at Palm Springs. Later, the light reappeared, following a ridge at an estimated 500 feet above terrain. Miller estimated the object covered about 70 miles in four minutes, suggesting a velocity of 1,050 mph. His passenger repeatedly wondered what the object was.

Miscellany and UFO News

The "Miscellany" section appears to contain miscellaneous notes and observations, while "UFO News (Sightings for '56)" likely provides brief accounts of recent sightings. "Book Notes" would typically review relevant publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'SAUCERS' magazine reflects a strong interest in UFO phenomena, with a focus on official investigations (like Project Blue Book and Project Magnet) and attempts to establish communication with potential extraterrestrial intelligences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting detailed reports and analyses from various sources, including eyewitness accounts and scientific research. There is an underlying theme of skepticism towards official dismissals of UFO reports, as exemplified by Ruppelt's critique of the Air Force release. The magazine also highlights the unorganized nature of UFO enthusiast groups, encouraging their development to legitimize the subject. The inclusion of quotes from figures like Percival Lowell and Orfeo Angelucci suggests an interest in broader philosophical and future-oriented implications of space exploration and potential contact.

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue Date: March 1956
Publisher: Flying Saucers International
Country: USA
Price: 25¢

This issue of UFO NEWS is dedicated to reporting recent sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related news within the UFO community. It features a collection of witness accounts from late January and February 1956, alongside an editor's note highlighting a qualified observer, a 'Miscellany' section with various news items, and a 'Book Notes' section reviewing relevant publications.

Unidentified Flying Object Experience

The issue opens with a personal account from an individual who states that the described sighting was the most unusual they had experienced. Over the past 15 years, they had made about 10 sightings of UFOs before moving to Banning in June 1955, and have had four definite sightings since then. They consider themselves capable of distinguishing between conventional aircraft, weather balloons, clouds, and unidentified flying objects.

Editor's Note on Gene H. Miller

An editor's note introduces Mr. Gene H. Miller as a qualified observer. Miller is described as a commercial pilot with 15 years of experience, having flown extensively across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and the Orient, including many flights across the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. His flying experience spans from aircraft with 27½ horsepower to those with 4 engines totaling over 6000 horsepower. He served in the AAF during World War II in the Air Transport Command and later operated one of the largest GI Flight Training Schools in the Pacific Northwest. From 1951 to 1954, he was with the Flying Tiger Lines. Miller is currently operating a flying service in Banning and manages the Banning Municipal Airport, welcoming readers of SAUCERS to visit him there.

Miscellany

This section includes several brief news items:

• "The Names Released!" Correction: Ray Stanford is noted for incorrectly naming Steve Woods, a deputy sheriff, as the 'constable' who witnessed the Padre Island, Texas, contact. Ray Hoyd, another deputy sheriff, is mentioned as the third 'unnamed' witness. Photo-stats of affidavits from Don Hoyd (Highway Patrolman) and Steve Woods are in possession.
• FATE Magazine: The May issue of FATE MAGAZINE is expected to contain a 'Special Saucer Issue,' including the Padre Island story.
• Spacecraft Convention: George W. Van Tassel's third annual 'Spacecraft Convention' is scheduled to be held at Giant Rock, California, on April 28-29.
• Gravity Research Foundation: Those interested in 'anti-gravity' applications as a potential factor in UFOs are directed to the Gravity Research Foundation in New Boston, New Hampshire, which awards annually for essays on the 'anti-gravity' enigma. The contest closes April 16th.
• Government Release of UFO Data: Major Donald E. Keyhoe, author of 'The Flying Saucer Conspiracy,' suggests that individuals write to their Senators and Congressmen to pressure the government into releasing UFO reports. He believes that a 'concentrated demand for the truth' could change the official policy of withholding data.
• Tape Recording Service: Adolph G. Dittmar and Henry M. Henriksen have started a 'flying saucer' tape recording service that distributes recorded messages from various personalities on the subject.

UFO Sightings Reports

The bulk of the magazine consists of dated reports of UFO sightings from various locations:

• January 2, Pasadena, California: Pilot Daniel L. Cramer and aerial cameraman Allen B. White tracked three circular aircraft, described as brilliant orange with a white circle in the middle, estimating their speed at 1,200 mph. They were visible for 45 seconds.
• January 2, Northwestern Cincinnati: GOC member Charles Deininger observed a bright white light with a 'fishtail' motion circling at 2 a.m.
• January 7, Honolulu, Hawaii: An Army sergeant, his wife, and four other witnesses saw a glowing object hover over a residential district for half an hour. The object, about a mile away and 100 ft. in diameter, had unusual color characteristics and emitted sparks as it departed.
• January 8 or 9, Oregon: Residents of Klamath Falls and Lakeview reported a 'green ball traveling at terrific speed' at 5 p.m. A second 'fireball' was seen heading south between Bend and Burns at 5:20 p.m., changing color from green to orange and red.
• January 12, Anchorage, Alaska: Mrs. Betty Kile observed a very red object with a yellow ring, initially mistaken for a star, which then began to rise. On January 13, she saw three similar objects. She and her husband had observed similar phenomena for some time, noting pink lights that would hover and then accelerate rapidly, changing color. She also reported an incident where a small UFO seemed unable to rise and was assisted by a larger craft.
• January 17, Avon Lake, Iowa: Dan Ford saw a 'ball of fire' near Des Moines that appeared to be a plane falling but then began to fall faster with a lengthening fire trail.
• January 17, Indian River, Florida: Mrs. Gilbert Vaughn reported an orange-colored 'flying saucer' that appeared like a huge moon and disappeared instantly.
• January 21, Walnut Creek, California: Barbara Weill described two light-colored UFOs making a 'swishing sound' at 11 p.m.
• January 24, North Andover, Massachusetts: A schoolmaster observed 'apparently blinking lights moving in a south-southwesterly direction' for about four minutes, alternating white and red lights in a spiraling motion.
• January 25, Port Huron, Michigan: Five people observed 'three balls of fire hanging together,' described as a ball of fire noticeably moving.
• January 25, Ridgefield, New Jersey: A two-pound aerial object crashed through the windshield of a car, showering the occupants with glass. A fragment was identified as a meteorite by the U.S. Weather Bureau, but a geologist suggested it was 'ordinary slag.' The origin remains a mystery.
• January 25, Pullman, Washington: Military and GOC observers reported a 'rapidly moving luminous object' that was brilliant white, then turned green and reddish, disappearing in a smoky trail. It was described as looking like a big moon, and some observers noted a bright blue-green substance with red fire dropping away.
• January 30, Lamar, Oklahoma: A service-station operator, his wife, and her sister witnessed a 'ball of fire or a hot cinder' described as larger than an 11-story building and burning like a cinder, appearing red hot and shedding light. The object approached within a quarter-mile, covering about 15 acres, and caused distress to the witnesses.
• February 1(?), Petaluma, California: Newspaper columnist Bill Soberanes viewed a 'large, red ball with a long fiery tail' at 8:15 p.m.
• February 1, San Jose, California: Starr Henderson, a Marine Air Reservist, watched a UFO travel at extreme speed over the Mount Hamilton Range and San Joaquin Valley, making a loop and heading toward San Francisco. A humming noise was detected.
• February 2 & 4, Falls City, Nebraska: Mr. and Mrs. Orville Wuster observed a 'mysterious light' that hovered for 20-30 minutes, changing color from white to red and then green.
• February 6, Tacoma, Washington: Mysterious flare-like lights, described as much larger and brighter than military flares, were observed south of Tacoma, with about 'two dozen' large objects seen floating near Stellacoom. No planes were in the vicinity, and no trace was found.
• February 9, Redonda Beach, California: Three Edison Co. employees observed a light that descended slowly and settled gently on the ocean surface 75 to 150 yards offshore.
• February 10, Costa Mesa, California: Two police officers reported seeing two flame-colored discs hovering over the Marine Air Facility, which disappeared quickly when a plane flew over.
• February 12, Southern California: Hal Foreman saw the sky light up and a blazing streak shoot across the sky. A British traveler, A. C. H. Phillips, observed a similar phenomenon at Barstow, followed by 'deep-sounding explosions.' Observations generally lasted from 10 seconds to two minutes. A TWA pilot described seeing the 'biggest thing' he ever saw in the air, which appeared to be coming right under his plane. Sentries at Camp Irwin reported 'blazing objects falling.'
• February 18, Paris: An 'unidentified object' hovered over Orly Airfield for 4 hours, then sped away at 1,700 mph. It was observed visually and by radar, described as twice the size of the largest transport plane, dark, and shooting fire. An Air France pilot stated it passed them 'like we were standing still.'

Book Notes

This section reviews two new books on the UFO topic:

• "The Flying Saucer Conspiracy" by Major Donald E. Keyhoe (Holt: $3.50): This book presents numerous facts leading Keyhoe to believe there is a 'conspiracy' within the Pentagon to withhold vital data from the public.
• "The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects" by Edward J. Ruppelt (Doubleday: $4.50): Written by the former head of the Air Force's 'Project Blue Book,' this book recounts hundreds of new sightings and offers Ruppelt's version of 'classic' incidents. The review notes that these volumes offer much-needed light on the controversy and provide new information.

John Otto is mentioned as having completed a book on flying saucers, originally titled "Attack by Flying Saucers," which is the basis for the science-fiction movie-version of Keyhoe's "Flying Saucers From Outer Space," retitled "Earth Versus Flying Saucers" and set for release in July.

A list of available back issues of SAUCERS is provided, along with a comprehensive list of books on UFOs and related phenomena available for purchase through Flying Saucers International, with details on pricing, discounts, and ordering instructions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of numerous UFO sightings with detailed witness accounts, the suggestion of a government cover-up regarding UFO information, and the promotion of books and resources for those interested in the subject. The editorial stance appears to be one of open reporting of alleged phenomena and advocacy for greater transparency from official sources, as evidenced by the emphasis on Major Keyhoe's call to action for readers to contact their representatives.