Searchlight - Vol 2 No 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of SEARCHLIGHT, Volume 2, Number 4, dated December 19, 1965, is edited by Timothy Green Beckley and assistant edited by John J. Robinson. The cover headline teases a "Linking phenomenon above and below EARTH." The magazine features articles on historical legends, UFO sightings, and ancient mysteries.

Old Sea Legend Survives Test

This article by Michael MacDougall recounts the enduring legend of Hugh Williams, whose descendants were believed to be immune to drowning at sea. The legend traces back to a 15th-century fisherman from Dover, England. The story includes accounts of unusual encounters and miraculous survivals at sea attributed to individuals named Hugh Williams, spanning from the 17th century to 1940. The article highlights several instances, including the sinking of the Yarmouth Castle, a shipwreck in the Straits of Dover in 1660, multiple shipwrecks in 1692, the capsizing of the Londonderry in 1820, and the sinking of the trawler Howard S. Lee in 1940. The author concludes by posing the question of what this phenomenon means, leaving it to the reader to devise their own explanation.

News Shorts!!!

This section provides brief updates on various topics. It mentions an annual UFO convention presided over by Rev. Frank E. Stranges, featuring New Age speakers and military men, with a highlight being a strange disk hovering near a speaker. It also reports the discovery of a "nest of flying saucers" near Brisbane, Australia, in January 1966, described as approximately 25 feet across and 9 feet high. Another sighting occurred on March 21st near Ann Arbor, Michigan, where policemen and others witnessed a flying object guarded by four sister ships land in a swamp. Frank Mannor and his 19-year-old son Ronald provided a sketch of this event. The section also announces new additions to the staff, including Pat Morgan, Mike Generelli Jr., and Monty Mongomery. It touches upon Richard Shaver's belief that he was visited by Russian agents seeking information on his "picture stones." Finally, it promises a continuation of the discussion on Howard Menger's "Highbridge Incident" and the start of a new series on "The Hidden World" by Eugene Steinberg.

The Tunnels of South America

Written by John J. Robinson, this article explores the ancient subterranean tunnel systems believed to exist in southern and Central America, as well as Mexico. It references the religious beliefs of civilizations like the Aztec, Maya, and Inca, who had concepts of underworlds ruled by deities of death. The Inca, in particular, are said to have stored their wealth in vast underground tunnels. The article mentions legends of the Inca founder, Manco Capac, coming from underground caves and the reverence for "Urcaguay," the god of underground treasures. It discusses how Pizzaro, after capturing the Inca Atahuelpha, sought information about these tunnels but failed to find them. The article notes that descendants of Inca priests may still hold knowledge of these entrances, which were reportedly sealed to hide the Inca's wealth. Another source of information is a large monolith at Ila, Peru, bearing hieroglyphic marks that are said to reveal tunnel entrances. Mme. Blavatsky is mentioned as having asserted that information about tunnel entrances was graven in the walls of the "Sun Temple" at Cusco and that she received a chart of the tunnels from an old Indian, now housed in the Adyar, India archives. Harold T. Wilkins' research suggests two underground roads originating near Lima, Peru: one to Cusco and another south to the Salar de Atacama salt desert. The article also speculates on how these tunnels might have been connected to the Antartic and discusses a legend of southwestern U.S. Indians migrating from a large city in South America.

The "Lue" Map and the Kafan

This section discusses a cryptograph known as the "Lue" map, which is claimed to reveal the locations of ancient treasures. It is stated that only two wealthy individuals have managed to decipher it, and Dominick Lucchesi, an associate in "Flying Saucers" and the "Shaver Mystery," believes he has deciphered its symbols. The map is attributed to the "IAYAYAM" or possibly ancient Atlanteans. The article also introduces a secretive group called "Kafan" or the "Circle of Companions," who hunt for treasure and remove it without detection, replacing everything as it was.

Important Announcement

Timothy Green Beckley announces that SEARCHLIGHT has been appointed the American News Editor for THE JOURNAL OF U.F.O. WORLDWIDE, a new magazine published quarterly. Subscriptions are being taken for this large-size journal, which will cover UFO sightings, flaps, contacts, landings, subsurface races, and "New Age" topics. Subscriptions are $3.00 for four quarterly issues and newsletters, mailed directly from England.

In the Saucer World!!

This section provides updates on individuals involved in UFO research. John Prytz, Director of the Oyster Bay UFO Investigation Committee, will continue his research while in the Air Force. M.C. Petersen of Denmark is planning to issue a bi-monthly journal based on George Adamski's teachings. Major Wayne S. Aho is attempting to bring the space age message to the government through a petition. A new group called M.I.N.D. in Hollywood, California, is mentioned for its ideas on contact with saucer occupants.

Reason for UFO Activity in Socorro

By Mrs. Cosette Willoughby, this article addresses the question of why there is significant saucer activity around Socorro, New Mexico. Willoughby suggests that an underground city named "Pelleur's Kingdom" is located in the area, serving as landing places for flying saucers. She speculates that these "underground races" do not want to meet with humans. The article also recounts a personal sighting of a bright red glow in the sky near Las Cruces, New Mexico, which appeared to be a tremendous fire, possibly from an extinct volcano crater. The author also recalls seeing two large silver crafts skimming the ground in the same area several years prior, concluding that a landing area exists there.

Book News

This section recommends several books related to UFOs and related topics. It suggests "FROM THE HEAVENLY HOSTS" ($1.25) by Ethera Prins, "FLYING SAUCERS & THE EARTH'S INTERIOR" by Dr. Raymond Bernard ($3.25), "AIR FORCE PROJECT BLUE BOOK SPECIAL REPORT" ($1.50), and J. Vallee's "ANATOMY OF A PHENOMENA" ($4.95).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SEARCHLIGHT include the persistence of legends and folklore, particularly those related to survival and the unexplained (Hugh Williams legend). There is a strong focus on UFO sightings and conventions, with reports from various locations and speculation about extraterrestrial or subterranean origins. The magazine also explores ancient mysteries, particularly the existence and purpose of vast underground tunnel systems in South America, linking them to ancient civilizations and possibly advanced technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories while encouraging readers to form their own conclusions, as exemplified by the quote regarding the Hugh Williams legend. The magazine also actively promotes related publications and seeks to connect researchers across different regions.