Saucers vol 6 no 4

Magazine Overview

Title: 'SAUCERS'
Issue: Vol. VI No. 4
Date: Winter 1958/59
Publisher: Flying Saucers International
Country: USA

This issue of 'SAUCERS' magazine presents a diverse range of topics within the realm of ufology, focusing on photographic evidence, official investigations, and the potential for inter-species communication. The cover prominently features a UFO photograph taken in Japan, alongside a detailed article debunking a controversial letter attributed to the U.S. State Department.

The "R. E. Straith" Case

This extensive article by James D. Villard, Editor of The Ufologer, meticulously investigates the "Straith letter," which had been circulated and gained notoriety. Villard, leveraging his father's connections within the State Department and the United Nations, systematically dismantles the letter's authenticity. He points out numerous discrepancies in its format, the use of stationery, and the signing conventions, all of which are contrary to established State Department procedures. Villard details his own attempts to trace "R. E. Straith" through various government offices, encountering dead ends and misdirections. He highlights that the letter was likely a hoax, possibly originating from misinformation or deliberate deception, and quotes Jameson Parker, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, who confirms that no "R. E. Straith" was ever connected with the Department.

An "Extra-terrestrial Communication"?

Authored by John Otto, this article recounts a tape-recorded interview with Ronald Dunn, Program Director for radio station WBRB. The discussion touches upon recent UFO sightings, including an RCAF attempt to intercept a cigar-shaped object, and the possibility of a new UFO 'flap' in light of global events. A key focus is on past communication attempts, specifically a WGN test in 1954 where a perplexing code-like signal was intercepted. The conversation delves into the potential for extra-terrestrial intelligences to understand and communicate, with Dunn posing a direct question about the possibility. The interview culminates with multiple individuals, including Dunn's son and a radio engineer, claiming to have heard a distinct code during a playback of the tape, suggesting a possible monitored communication.

Index to "Flying Saucers— Fact or Fiction?"

Compiled by Samuel J. Ciurca, Jr., this section provides an extensive index for the book "Flying Saucers— Fact or Fiction?" The index is presented as a valuable resource for readers, cross-referencing names, places, organizations, and concepts related to UFO reports. The editor notes that due to space limitations, the index will be continued in the Spring issue of SAUCERS. The entries cover a wide array of topics, from specific sightings and individuals like George Adamski to broader concepts such as 'Anti-Gravity' and 'Celestial Bird.'

Short Shots and News Notes

This section, though not fully detailed in the provided scan, likely contains brief updates and news items relevant to the ufology community. One mention refers to astronomers disagreeing over findings regarding the possibility of life on Mars, with dark zones potentially being life zones, and directs readers to this section for further details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO evidence, the debunking of hoaxes, and the exploration of speculative concepts like extra-terrestrial communication. The magazine adopts a stance of rigorous investigation, as exemplified by the detailed analysis of the "Straith Letter," aiming to separate fact from fiction. There is a clear emphasis on providing readers with factual information and reasoned arguments, encouraging a skeptical yet open-minded approach to the subject of UFOs.

Title: SAUCERS
Issue: Winter 1958/59
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Publisher: Flying Saucers International
Country: USA
Language: English

Extra-Terrestrial Communication

The issue opens with a section titled "EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL COMMUNICATION," detailing an incident that occurred at the WBRB radio station. Ronald Dunn, Program Director, conducted a test in a sound-proofed studio involving a tape recording of an interview with John Otto. During the interview, at the precise moment Dunn asked Otto if outer space intelligences could be monitoring their conversation, a code-like sound, lasting approximately three seconds, was detected. While Dunn did not hear the actual code during the recording, he observed the surprise on the faces of those present. The sound was later heard on tape replay. Several individuals, including Dunn, James N. Hendrick, Lawrence Lick, and Jon R. Otto, signed affidavits confirming they heard the communication. However, Harvey Kauren, a Disc Jockey working at the time, stated he did not hear the interruption due to his own show being on air. Other staff members who examined the tape afterwards are also listed.

Short Shots & News Notes

This section comprises several short articles and reports:

"Saucer Poll" Results

• The magazine presents the results of a reader survey from the previous issue, which asked seven questions. Key findings include:
• Best Author of UFO Material: Edward J. Ruppelt and Donald E. Keyhoe tied for first place.
• Best Book on UFO's: "The Report on UFO's" by Ruppelt was the most popular, followed by "Flying Saucers, Fact or Fiction?" by Miller.
• Most Accomplished Person for the Subject: Donald E. Keyhoe received the highest percentage of votes.
• Most Believable "Contact Claimant": George Adamski was the most frequently named, though a significant percentage (23%) believed none, and combined with those indicating total disbelief (28%), over 51% likely disbelieved contact claimants.
• Most Comprehensive Periodical Devoted to UFO's: "Saucers" magazine itself received the highest votes, followed by "The UFO Investigator."
• Newspaper Publishing Most UFO News: Responses were insufficient to indicate trends.
• Most Harmed UFO Research: Official censorship and ridicule were cited as the biggest harm (59%), followed by fantastic claims by "contactees" (27%).

The magazine expresses hope that the poll was of interest and anticipates continuing it in future issues, acknowledging its limitations.

Prof. Hermann Oberth on UFOs

Prof. Hermann Oberth, formerly with the Army's Ballistic Missile Agency, is quoted as believing UFOs are piloted by "supernatural forms of life" he calls "Uraniden," who have observed Earth for a long time. He also predicted that the most exciting scientific advances in the next 25 years would concern the human brain rather than space exploration.

Dr. Melvin Calvin on Non-Terrestrial Life

Dr. Melvin Calvin, a chemist at the University of California, has studied non-terrestrial life. He suggests that cellular life, and potentially precellular and posthuman life, can be expected on many other planets, given that Earth's evolutionary history is a small fragment of the universe's age. He concurs with Dr. Harlow Shapley's estimate of at least 100 million habitable planets, based on carbon-atom-based life systems.

Roy W. Johnson on Life in the Universe

Roy W. Johnson, head of the Government's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), stated that science believes there are hundreds of thousands of planets suitable for life. He emphasized that the church must be involved in discussions about space exploration and humanity's destiny.

Book Reviews and Listings

• The "Short Shots & News Notes" section also includes:
• Recommendations for two books on life on other planets: "Of Stars and Men" by Dr. Harlow Shapley and "The Inhabited Universe" by Kenneth Gatland and Derek D. Dempster.
• A report on UFO articles published in Polish and Czechoslovakian aviation magazines, and a mention of a UFO photographed by Russians in Siberia in 1957.
• A report of a luminous object witnessed by two weather observers in Yonago, Japan, on September 18, 1958, which exhibited unusual flight characteristics.
• A review of Aime Michel's book "Flying Saucers and the Straight-Line Mystery," highlighting its focus on European UFO activity and the "straight-line" pattern of sightings, with a preface by General L. M. Chassin warning governments about the potential dangers of ignoring UFOs.
• A discussion of Dr. Donald H. Menzel's views on Martian canals and Astronomer Clyde W. Tombaugh's skepticism about intelligent beings on Mars, alongside Dr. William M. Sinton's confirmation of an infra-red absorption band on Mars indicating organic life.
• An offer for readers to receive free books by subscribing to SAUCERS magazine.
• Information about a UFO Research Committee of Akron, Ohio, study on the Air Force's handling of a UFO sighting at Sheffield Lake, Ohio.
• A mention of a 3-D "Flying Saucer" picture novelty.
• A "Book Clearance Sale" listing various UFO-related books at discounted prices, and information on purchasing back issues of SAUCERS.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong interest in UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial intelligence, and the scientific and public perception of these topics. The magazine actively engages its readership through surveys and book offers, positioning itself as a comprehensive source for UFO information. There's an underlying theme of encouraging open-mindedness while cautioning against uncritical acceptance, as seen in the discussion of "believers" and "skeptics." The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFOs, advocating for governmental and scientific attention to the subject, as evidenced by the inclusion of quotes from figures like General L. M. Chassin and the reporting on scientific discussions about life beyond Earth.