Searchlight - Vol 1 No 12

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SEARCHLIGHT
Issue: Vol. I, No. 12
Date: Implied September 1965 (based on article dates and 'Last Issue Please Renew' note).
Publisher: Timothy Green Beckley
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of THE SEARCHLIGHT, a publication focused on UFO research and offbeat topics, features a strong editorial from the editor, Timothy Green Beckley, addressing the financial needs of the organization and urging subscribers to renew their subscriptions and support their cause by purchasing books.

From the Editor

The editor, Timothy Green Beckley, writes a personal editorial that functions as a 'sales pitch' for UFO research, emphasizing the financial requirements of running such an organization. He notes that unlike other personalities, they cannot use personal funds and depend on members and friends. This issue marks the end of many current subscriptions, and he appeals for timely renewals without further notices, which he describes as a 'very costly operation'. He expresses optimism for future content and encourages readers to 'dig deeper' into their wallets when renewing, as book sales help fund the distribution of UFO information to those unaware of the society or the 'UFC enigma'. He highlights the tremendous response to letters appearing in major papers and stresses the need for funds to cover postage and enable the distribution of literature. He concludes by thanking supporters and wishing them 'HAPPY SAUCERING!' and encourages them to tell friends about THE SEARCHLIGHT.

Scientists Do Not Believe What Two Constables Saw

This article reports on a sighting by two South African constables near Pretoria on September 18th, 1965. They claimed to have witnessed a space ship land on a major highway and produced evidence of a large burned spot on the road. However, scientists who investigated were skeptical, suggesting the event was likely a large fire caused by ignited gasoline or a similar liquid. The constables stated that as they approached the craft, it seemed to disappear, and the nearby grass was also scorched. The article notes that this incident near Johannesburg follows other recent reports in the region, including many landings and possible contacts, with credit given to John Prytz.

Howard Menger's Convention Snaffood by Hall's N.I.C.A.P.

This lengthy article details a controversy surrounding a planned space age convention by UFO researcher Howard Menger in Sebastian, Florida, scheduled for November 26-28. The convention was initially to be held in cooperation with the City Council of Sebastian, who were to provide the local airport. However, this changed after NICAP (National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena), through its Acting Director Richard Hall, sent a pointed letter to the City Clerk of Sebastian on September 14th. Hall described Menger's 1958 convention in New Jersey as a 'circus-like convention of tall tale tellers' and falsely claimed Menger was having sponsorship difficulties. Hall also alleged Menger was in trouble with the FCC for 'illegally operating a generator' possibly related to phenomena seen by the curious. Hall further stated Menger had divorced his first wife and completely disapproved of Menger's activities. The letter was signed by Richard Hall, 'ACTING DIRECTOR', indicating that Maj. Keyhoe was no longer head of NICAP.

Menger, in a letter to James W. Moseley (editor of SAUCER NEWS), indicated the convention had become a 'political football' due to pressure from local politicians fearing an election issue. The non-active CSI (Civilian Saucer Investigators), headed by Isabel Davis, also sent a letter to the City Clerk, calling the 1958 convention attendees 'kooks, charlatans, and frauds'.

The article defends Menger's 1958 convention, stating it was a 'well mannered, friendly, congenial convention' with lectures on UFOs, parapsychology, ESP, and science fiction. A donation of $2.00 covered three days, with many camping. It asserts the convention was successful and not as described by Davis and Hall.

The editors clarify that they do not necessarily believe Menger's 'original contacts' 100%, noting that Menger later avoided discussing the matter, even on the Long John Nebel TV show. They suggest they have discovered part of the answer to his original contacts and would reveal more if Menger allowed. They state that 'real solid SAUCERS' were seen over Highbridge by many people, and they are convinced Menger's stories were true and that he experienced unusual things. They also praise the 'dehydrated potato' given to Menger (said to be from the Moon) as the finest dehydration specimen they had ever seen.

The article urges readers to write to the City Clerk in Sebastian, Florida (A.T. Jordan, Col. A.U.S. ret) to express their views on the 'vast miscarriage of justice' done to Howard Menger. They believe Menger's plans include running for government office, and they support him as a true American.

It is mentioned that the United UFOlogical Association, comprising nearly 50 scientific UFO research groups (excluding NICAP), passed a 'Code of Ethics' in Cleveland, Ohio, in June 1965. Key points included not suppressing free inquiry, not discrediting other organizations, and not imposing specific values or creating a monopolistic sphere of influence. The article accuses NICAP of violating all these points.

Menger is also reportedly completing the X-4, a free energy circular take-off and landing craft, with plans for movies and nationwide media announcements. Judge Lloy Harrison of Sebastian, Florida, is quoted as saying Menger 'knew what he was doing and had something to offer'.

The article concludes by noting that Sebastian Inlet is where Kip Wagner found treasure, and Menger's convention will attract speakers from Cape Kennedy, local electronic firms, and a planetarium, with the first two days devoted to space and the third to 'electronic firms'.

An Entrance to the Caves in Staffordshire, England

This article, written by John Robinson, Assistant Editor, recounts a story from 'A History of Staffordshire' by Dr. Plot, dating back to the late 1770s. It describes a laborer digging in a valley field in Staffordshire who discovered a large flat stone with an iron ring. Upon moving the stone, he revealed a staircase descending into the earth. Driven by the possibility of treasure, he descended about 100 feet to a landing. He then discovered another stairway at a right angle, descending further into darkness. At the foot of this second flight, he saw a pale, steady light. Descending a long flight of stone steps, he heard machinery or a large vehicle, but the sound ceased. He found himself in a large stone chamber. A hooded figure appeared and, pointing a baton-like object (or tube) at the light, destroyed it with a thunderclap. The laborer, frightened, could not recall how he escaped. Attempts to relocate the entrance were unsuccessful due to a severe wind and rainstorm that washed away vegetation and any trace of the discovery. The article concludes that the Staffordshire entrance has never been located again.

The Thing Holds a Town in Icy Grip of Fear

This brief report describes a terrifying incident in Warminster, England, starting on Christmas morning. A strange object reportedly terrified the town, causing women and children to fall to the pavement and experience 'strange powoful blows on the head and shoulders'. The object, referred to as 'The Thing', makes horrifying sounds and causes icy chills. It is described by some as cigar-shaped and by others as similar to Adamski's scout ships.

On September 5, 1965, at 1:55 a.m., a terrible explosion and a strange orange light appeared. Residents who went outside observed the cigar-shaped object hovering in the sky with a glowing core. Dozens of windows were reported shattered by the blast, which the Royal Air Force could not explain. The article promises more information in the next issue.

Press Time News Flash!

A brief 'Press Time News Flash!' states that there have been many outstanding UFO sightings, landings, and contacts. It mentions a claim of being taken to the third moon of Jupiter by 7-foot spacemen and another claim of talking to a pilot in a backyard. The magazine promises 'MUCH MORE LATER'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and encounters, the controversy surrounding UFO researchers and organizations (particularly the conflict between Howard Menger and NICAP), and the exploration of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance is strongly in favor of open UFO research and critical of organizations that appear to suppress information or discredit others. The magazine positions itself as a defender of researchers like Howard Menger and encourages reader participation in supporting their cause and expressing their views.