Saucers vol 7 no 1-2

Magazine Overview

'SAUCERS' Vol. VII, Nos. 1 & 2, published in Spring & Summer 1959, is a quarterly magazine from Flying Saucers International, edited by Max B. Miller. The cover features a photograph of 'Giant Rock,' a gathering place for UFO enthusiasts in Twentynine Palms, California, and highlights an upcoming pictorial story on the event and planned UFO conventions.

Editorial: Where Do We Stand?

The editorial reflects on the state of ufology nearly twelve years after 'flying saucers' first hit U.S. headlines. It notes a decline in enthusiasm, attributed to a lack of new developments, the public's entry into the space age, and the deluge of "wholesale garbage" in the field. The editorial lists several significant books on UFOs, including Donald Keyhoe's 'Flying Saucers Are Real' and 'Flying Saucers from Outer Space,' Leslie-Adamski's 'Behind the Flying Saucers,' Ruppelt's 'The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects,' and Michel's 'Flying Saucers and the Straight-Line Mystery.'

The editor questions the effectiveness of the Air Force's policy, suggesting it may have hoped for self-discrediting by followers. The piece also touches upon the role of official censorship and ridicule, as well as the impact of 'contact claimants' and their fantastic stories. It acknowledges that new sciences have historically faced similar challenges.

Editorial: Press Apathy and Technological Progress

This section of the editorial criticizes the news media for their superficial, non-analytical, and often dogmatic coverage of the UFO situation, overplaying the ridiculous while ignoring serious statements from qualified individuals. This press apathy is seen as a product of public apathy, with readers more interested in sports or scandals. The inherent difficulty of studying UFOs—their infrequent, unpredictable, and un-testable nature—is highlighted, contrasting it with experimental sciences.

Technological progress, while improving detection capabilities (e.g., high-altitude balloons, advanced aircraft, missile tracking cameras, BMEWS radar), also provides convenient explanations for sightings, such as experimental balloons or new aircraft designs. The editorial expresses skepticism that findings from government-controlled advanced research channels will be made public.

Editorial: The AVRO Saucer and Future Outlook

The editorial mentions the Air Force's announcement of a test flight for the Canadian AVRO 'saucer' prototype, suggesting this is a tactic to generate interest in UFO sightings. It warns that if the AVRO craft becomes operational, it will be difficult for the public to distinguish it from genuine UFOs, as the Air Force will possess exclusive data. The writer forecasts a deterioration of the situation before improvement and predicts the demise of many contemporary UFO organizations and publications, with books on the subject likely to be self-published and subsidized.

This issue is a combined "two-in-one" edition, merging the Spring and Summer issues for economic reasons, acknowledging that summer typically sees less UFO activity.

UFOLOGY: A PLEA AND A WARNING by M. K. Jessup

This article, reprinted with permission from 'Miami Saucerlore,' defines ufology as the study of flying saucers or Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). It traces the term's origin and laments the subject's degeneration into a "hodge-podge of subjective opinions, imaginary experiences and religious hallucinations." Jessup argues that a serious pursuit of ufology evolves into a study of life, mankind, science, religion, and philosophy.

Jessup states that the only certainty is the existence of flying saucers or UFOs, noting their varied types, colors, and bewildering movements, but emphasizes that their origin, purpose, and control remain unknown. He points to their presence in Biblical history, such as Ezekiel's wheel, and suggests they are either intelligently controlled by pilots or are entities beyond human comprehension.

The article criticizes the speculative nature of current ufological beliefs, which include theories about UFOs originating from Russia, other planets, different dimensions, or even the spirit world. They are believed to be operated by various intelligences and powered by diverse, often imaginative, means like rockets, atomic jets, anti-gravity, or thought control. Their purported purposes range from exploration and mapping to cleaning the atmosphere, transporting resources, kidnapping humans, studying human technology, preparing for cosmic catastrophes, or aiding human evolution and spiritual guidance.

Jessup lists a wide array of supposed identities for UFOs, including guardians, angels, gods, space animals, discarnate entities, and thought forms. Communication methods are also varied, from infra-red beams and radio to telepathy and spiritual mediumship.

He highlights the extreme and often contradictory beliefs held by ufologists, ranging from man-made craft to ships of god-like beings from Venus. Jessup issues a "plea" for the field to work together, focus on facts, combat hoaxers, and maintain objectivity to prevent ufology from being destroyed by ridicule and self-aggrandizement. He warns that the field is on the verge of extinction and that tolerance for differing viewpoints, coupled with refraining from positive statements until proven, is crucial for its survival.

UFO NEWS

This section presents several recent UFO reports. Emmet West, an engineer in South Carolina, described a round, greenish-white object hovering above his car and moving horizontally at high speed. He contacted local authorities and the Air Force, who questioned him but offered no specific explanation.

In Naperville, Illinois, two independent witnesses reported a 40-ft. object descending from the sky and hovering before disappearing. In Hobbs, New Mexico, Jim Dobbs, Jr. reported seeing an egg-shaped, glowing object traveling rapidly across the horizon, which coincided with a radio signal interruption.

INDEX TO "FLYING SAUCERS — FACT OR FICTION?"

This is a continuation of an index by Samuel J. Ciurca, Jr., listing various topics, names, and publications related to flying saucers, cross-referenced with page numbers from a previous publication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently addresses the challenges of ufology, emphasizing the need for factual reporting and objectivity while decrying sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear concern about the public perception of UFOs being distorted by media apathy and the proliferation of hoaxes. The editorial stance suggests a belief in the reality of UFOs but a frustration with the lack of rigorous scientific investigation and the tendency towards speculative or religious interpretations. The publication appears to advocate for a more grounded, evidence-based approach to the study of unidentified flying objects, while acknowledging the difficulties imposed by official secrecy and public skepticism.

SAUCERS, Spring & Summer 1959, is a special issue primarily featuring an extensive 'Index to Fact or Fiction?' This index serves as a comprehensive reference guide to the magazine's content, listing numerous individuals, organizations, locations, and specific topics related to the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. The issue also announces upcoming UFO conventions and details the availability of back issues.

Index to Fact or Fiction?

The core of this issue is the multi-page 'Index to Fact or Fiction?' This alphabetical listing is remarkably detailed, referencing page numbers for a vast array of entries. It includes:

• Key Individuals: Names such as George AFB, Lou Gerhart, Robert H. Goddard, Dr. W. S. Huxford, Prof. J. Allen Hynek, Donald E. Keyhoe, Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe, Capt. William B. Nash, Edward J. Ruppelt, George W. Van Tassel, and many others are listed, often with their roles or affiliations.
• Locations: A wide geographical scope is covered, from specific locations in the USA (e.g., George AFB, Calif.; Giant Rock Airport; Los Angeles; San Fernando Valley) to international sites (e.g., Innsbruck, Germany; Innsbruck, Germany; Iceland; Japan; Korea; Mars).
• Organizations: Numerous organizations are mentioned, including the National Science Foundation, USAF, Navy, International Astronomical Congress, AFSCA (Amalgamated Flying Saucer Clubs of America), and various observatories and research groups.
• UFO-Related Topics: The index extensively covers UFO phenomena, including 'Flying Saucers,' 'UFO News,' 'Unidentified Aerial Objects,' 'Unidentified Flying Objects,' 'Gravitic propulsion,' 'Mars' (with detailed sub-entries on its canals, atmosphere, and potential inhabitants), 'Contactees,' 'Signals from Mars,' 'Project Blue Book,' and 'Interplanetary Communication.'
• Scientific and Technical Terms: Entries also include scientific concepts and technologies like 'Gravitation,' 'Electro-magnetic,' 'Ionization phenomena,' 'Radarscope,' 'Relativity,' 'Rockets,' and 'Satellites.'
• Historical and Mythological References: The index also touches upon historical events and mythological figures, such as 'Biblical' sightings, 'Taoist records,' 'Mahabharata,' 'Ramayana,' and 'Story of Atlantis.'

The sheer volume of entries suggests that SAUCERS magazine covered a broad spectrum of information, attempting to document and categorize a wide range of claims, reports, and theories within the UFO field.

Saucer Conventions Planned

This section announces two significant upcoming conventions for UFO enthusiasts:

1. Interplanetary Spacecraft Convention: Organized by George W. Van Tassel, this perennial event was scheduled for the weekend of May 23-24 at Giant Rock Airport, 17 miles north of Yucca Valley, California. The convention promised demonstrations by Hollywood stunt men, new 'contact' stories, and a possible demonstration of an 'out of space principle.' Attendees were advised to make their own motel arrangements in nearby towns and to bring essentials like clothing, food, water, oil, and gasoline.

2. National Convention by AFSCA: The Amalgamated Flying Saucer Clubs of America (AFSCA), led by Gabriel Green, planned a more elaborate national convention at the Statler Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, July 11-12. This event aimed to feature up to 54 different 'contactee' speakers across six large meeting halls, with capacities ranging from 200 to 1100. Registration was limited to 3,250 persons. Speakers were expected to include prominent figures in the UFO community such as George Van Tassel, Orfeo Angelucci, Ray Stanford, Dana Howard, Dan Fry, and others. Information was available by writing to AFSCA in Los Angeles.

The magazine notes that Flying Saucers International was not endorsing these gatherings but publishing the information for interested readers.

Saucers—Sale on Back Issues

This section provides details on purchasing back issues of SAUCERS magazine. The regular price was 35 cents per copy or 3 for $1.00. Special discounts were offered for larger orders (e.g., 4 for $1.00, 9 for $2.00, 14 for $3.00). The magazine encouraged readers to stock up before supplies were exhausted, with copies mailed postpaid worldwide. It also suggested selecting issues as gifts.

Contents of Back Issues

A detailed list of the contents of specific back issues (from #3, December 1953, to #24-25, Spring & Summer 1959) is provided. These summaries highlight articles, authors, and topics covered in previous editions, including:

• Issue #3 (Dec. 1953): Resume of the World's First Flying Saucer Convention, comments by Frank Scully, and a letter from Dr. Einstein regarding UFOs.
• Issue #5 (June 1954): Discussion of humanoid occupants of UFOs, an 'Angel's Hair' incident, and articles by Orfeo Angelucci and George Williamson.
• Issue #6 (Sept. 1954): The Mt. Kilimanjaro Incident, experiences with a lie detector, and a 'Test for Veracity.'
• Issue #9 (June 1955): 'Spacecraft and Interstellar Communication,' the Second Annual Spacecraft Convention, and 'UFO News.'
• Issue #10 (Sept. 1955): 'The First World Interplanetary Assembly,' 'Earth Turns a Somersault,' and 'TV's First Flying Saucer Program.'
• Issue #11 (Dec. 1955): 'Flying Saucers in the Bible,' 'Interplanetary Visitor Communication,' and 'Signals from Jupiter.'
• Issue #12 (March 1956): Statement on Air Force Release by Edward J. Ruppelt, 'Project Magnet Statement,' and 'Unidentified Flying Object' by Gene H. Miller.
• Issue #13 (June 1956): Maj. Keyhoe's questions, illustrations from the movie 'Unidentified Flying Objects,' and 'Signals from Mars.'
• Issue #14 (Sept. 1956): 'Unidentified Aerial Phenomena' by Dr. J. A. Hynek, a report on a UFO/USAF Transport Collision, and UFOs and Mars.
• Issue #15 (Winter 1956/57): 'UFO's Over Mt. Shasta,' Congressional Inquiry into Air Force UFO Policy, and analysis of the 'Utah' Film.
• Issue #16 (Spring 1957): 'Flying Saucers and Senator Russell,' UFOs in South America, and analysis of a Montana UFO film.
• Issue #17 (Summer 1957): 'Our UFO Diary,' 'Operation Contact,' and 'What You Too Can Do.'
• Issue #18 (Autumn 1957): 'Conclusive Proof that Saucers Exist,' and AF reports on Edwards UFO Tracking.
• Issue #19 (Winter 1957/58): Issue devoted to 'The Great Saucer Flap of 1957.'
• Issue #20 (Spring 1958): 'I Photographed Four UFO's,' and a Brazilian Navy UFO photo.
• Issue #21 (Summer 1958): 'Questions About NICAP' by Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe.
• Issue #22 (Autumn 1958): 'How To Film UFO's.'
• Issue #23 (Winter 1958/59): 'The R. E. Straith' Case,' and 'An Extraterrestrial Communication?'
• Issue #24-25 (Spring & Summer 1959): This current issue, featuring an editorial, the index, 'A Day at Giant Rock,' 'Saucer Conventions Planned,' 'Ufology: A Plea and a Warning,' and 'Operation Space Contact.'

Additionally, a section on 'Collector's Items' lists specific older issues with brief descriptions, such as Issue #2 (1953) featuring 'How To Photograph Flying Saucers' by August C. Roberts and 'I Was Inside a Flying Saucer' by Truman Bethurum.

A Day at Giant Rock

This section features a photo spread illustrating activities at Giant Rock Airport, a location associated with George W. Van Tassel's conventions. The images show the Giant Rock Airport itself, people with straw hats and umbrellas in the California desert, private pilots descending on the airport, parachute demonstrations, and Frank Scully and George W. Van Tassel sharing a platform. The captions highlight the endurance of the California desert climate and the presence of miscellaneous points of interest.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the comprehensive documentation of UFO sightings and related phenomena through the detailed index, the promotion of UFO-related gatherings and conventions, and the sale of past issues to build readership. The editorial stance appears to be one of providing information and a platform for discussion within the UFO community, as evidenced by the disclaimer about not endorsing the conventions. The magazine aims to be a resource for those interested in the 'Fact or Fiction?' surrounding flying saucers.

Title: SAUCERS
Issue: Spring & Summer 1959
Date: 1959
Content Focus: This issue of SAUCERS magazine primarily features an article titled "OPERATION SPACE CONTACT" by Yusuke J. Matsumura, detailing attempts at direct communication with extraterrestrial beings. It also includes a "SHORT SHOTS & NEWS NOTES" section covering various UFO-related developments and a "BOOK CLEARANCE SALE."

Operation Space Contact

Introduction and Background

The article "OPERATION SPACE CONTACT" by Yusuke J. Matsumura is presented with an editor's note acknowledging its unusual nature for Flying Saucers International. Matsumura is described as a respected Ufology researcher, a representative for Interavia, and the Photographic Editor for The Aviation Magazine in Japan. His group reportedly employs three light-beam communicators, one operating in the infra-red spectrum, constructed by Ken Hashimoto.

The First Contact (June 7, 1958)

On June 7, 1958, fifty members of the Cosmic Brotherhood Association (CBA) participated in an all-night UFO observation watch on Mt. Takao, 30 miles southwest of Tokyo. Using a communicator patterned after a "Master Unit Communicator," Ken Hashimoto initiated contact by speaking into the microphone, "Hello, CQ...this is CBA of Japan, Earth...Hello, spacemen. Can you hear me?" This continued for an hour every two hours starting at three p.m. Around 6:12 p.m., some members reported spotting a mystery object in the sky three times, but officials could not confirm due to a low overcast.

The Second Contact (June 8, 1958)

In the early hours of the next day, between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m., the CBA members reportedly heard a response from the "spacemen." The voice, speaking in broken Japanese, said, "Hello, our Japanese friends. It's very nice of you to contact us despite the rain. Thank you very much."

Matsumura then requested the "spacemen" to pass over Mt. Takao low in the sky, stating it was a last chance attempt to contact them.

The Second Contact (August 17, 1958)

The Science Bureau of CBA developed an improved communicator, CBA-II, for a public test on August 17th, starting at 5 p.m. at Kokubunji, on the outskirts of Tokyo. Approximately 30 CBA members, including translator and director Hachiro Kubota, participated. A recording unit from radio station JOKR was present. During the observation, many meteors were seen, and at 11:45 p.m., two women members spotted a green fireball streaking across the sky. The CBA transmitted messages to "brother space friends."

Morse Code Communication (August 18, 1958)

At about 3:30 a.m. the following morning, a strange Morse code transmission was received. The transmission was transcribed as: "(R-U-A-E-X-I-L-Q)". When asked to clarify, the response was unintelligible. However, tape recordings of this communication were made and broadcast by JOKR Radio across Japan, causing a sensation.

Third Contact Attempt (November 16, 1958)

Dr. Yoshiyuki Tange, M.D., of Yokohama, improved the portable communicator, costing about $150. An attempt on November 16th by about twenty persons to contact space people on a hill in Yokohama was unsuccessful, though they were not disappointed and planned future attempts.

Short Shots & News Notes

Rear Admiral George Dufek on UFOs

In February-March 1959, The UFO Investigator quoted Rear Admiral George Dufek, who stated on March 11 that some exploding fireballs could be saucers from Venus or other planets, sent by intelligent creatures. He expressed the opinion that it is "very stupid for human beings to believe no one else in the universe is as intelligent as we are." Admiral Dufek had headed the American Antarctic research and exploration program.

Dr. Carl G. Jung's "Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth"

Dr. Carl G. Jung, a world-renowned psychologist, authored the recently published book "Flying Saucers: A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Skies." While Jung believed much of the UFO excitement was a form of escapism during crises, he also stated that UFOs have been visually observed, picked up on radar, and left photographic traces. He noted that astrophysicist Professor Menzel had failed to provide scientific explanations for authentic UFO reports.

Soviet Professor Alexander Kazantsev's "Tenth Planet"

An article in Pravda by Soviet Professor Alexander Kazantsev, titled "Tenth Planet," suggested that scientists would soon fly on "moon-ships" to examine lunar laboratories built by inhabitants of other planets to discover stars and the reason for their emergence. The British Flying Saucer Review commissioned an independent translation, which indicated that these "people" would use lunar ships to observe from a lunar laboratory, free from atmospheric handicaps, to study alien constructions and solve the "secret of secrets."

Soviet Scientist I. Shklovskiy on Mars Satellites

Soviet scientist I. Shklovskiy proposed that the two small satellites of Mars were orbited by an extinct race of Martians. However, Dr. E. C. Slipher of the Lowell Observatory discounted this, comparing it to propelling San Francisco Peaks into space. The article notes that the lower gravity and less dense atmosphere on Mars could make orbital satellites easier to establish.

Book Clearance Sale

The magazine advertises a book clearance sale with discounted prices on various UFO-related books, including titles by Orfeo Angelucci, Arthur Constance, Daniel W. Fry, Gatland & Dempster, Waveney Girvan, M. K. Jessup, Maj. Donald Keyhoe, Max B. Miller, and The Earl Nelson. Also available are "Flying Saucer Ash Trays" for $3.50 and "Made On Mars By Little Green Men" automobile rear-window stickers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the possibility of extraterrestrial contact, the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, and the dissemination of information within the UFO community. The magazine presents a stance that is open to the possibility of UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence, actively reporting on attempts at communication and sightings. The inclusion of respected figures like Carl G. Jung and the reporting of Soviet scientific theories suggest an effort to engage with both popular interest and more academic perspectives on the subject. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on the ongoing developments and research in the field of ufology, encouraging further investigation and discussion.