SEARCHLIGHT

Magazine Overview

This issue of SEARCHLIGHT, published by INTERPLANETARY NEWS SERVICE, features a cover story detailing a claimed UFO contact in West Virginia. The magazine is edited by Timothy Green Beckley, with John J. Robinson as Assistant Editor. The issue is identified as Volume 2, Number 10, with a price of $2.00 for 12 issues.

Contact Made in West Virginia

The lead article recounts the experience of Woodrow Derenberger, a man from Parkersburg, West Virginia, who claims to have had a conversation with a being from a UFO on November 2nd, 1966. While driving near the Route 47 interchange, Derenberger observed a dark, charcoal gray, lamp-globe-shaped object traveling sideways in front of his truck, about 8 to 10 inches off the road. The object emitted a "fluttering soft noise." A door opened, and a man emerged, communicating with Derenberger through telepathy. The being, described as six feet tall, 185 pounds, with dark hair and a dark complexion, wore a shiny blue material top coat and shirt. He identified himself as a "searcher" named "Cold" and stated, "Have no fear, we come from a country that is not nearly as powerful as yours. Weman you no harm, only happiness." Before departing, "Cold" indicated that "we" would make contact again and that Derenberger could notify local "officers." The being then re-entered the spacecraft, which rose directly upward. Derenberger reported being visibly shaken and called the Parkersburg Police. Air Force officers were to be contacted. Derenberger is willing to take a lie detector test and stated, "It was the only time in my life that I can remember ever having been really scared."

Mel Noel to Take Trip in Saucer!

Reports indicate that contactee Mel Noel and others are expected to take a ride on an Earth-made UFO sometime between the current date and early 1967. The trip is planned to include three stops in Europe, followed by a return to the U.S. with a hover over a large city. Representatives from TIME & LIFE are reportedly to be aboard. The article cautions readers by recalling similar unfulfilled promises, such as one made by Dr. George Marlo years ago to fly to Brazil in a saucer.

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Advertisements include an offer for Molly Thompson's record "FROM WORLDS AFAR" for $3.98, and listings for various publications like "SAUCER NEWS," "NEW AGE WORLD," and "FLYING SAUCERS MAGAZINE," with prices and issue counts provided.

The Maltese Cave Entrance

This special report by Assistant Editor John J. Robinson details the Maltese Cave Entrance, located on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean. Malta is described as the largest of three islands, historically significant and once a center of civilization influenced by Phoenicians and later ruled by various powers including Romans, Arabs, and the Knights of St. John. The people still speak an ancient Caananite tongue. The report focuses on the "Hypogeum of Hal Saflienti," an underground complex discovered in 1902 when workmen digging a well literally fell into the earth. This complex consists of chambers excavated out of solid rock on three lower levels. It is believed to have been part of an ancient Neolithic village. Primitive art, including red ochre designs of diamond shapes and wavy lines, decorates the walls and ceilings. Upon discovery, the caves were found to contain approximately 30,000 skeletons of men, women, and children. The report mentions a "Oracle" room with a hemispherical hole in the wall, which amplifies voices to create an effect that may have frightened primitives into sacrificing members of their tribe. The tunnels under the Hypogeum have since been sealed off after a school group of 30 students and their guide disappeared, with reports of wailing and screaming heard underground for weeks without the children being found.

A Wheel Within A Wheel - Part Two

This section, written by Yolanda Pimentel, continues a discussion on the similarities between North American and South American tribal customs. It touches upon the religious beliefs of the Incas (worship of Viracocha), the Araucanians of Chile (worship of a supreme deity and lesser spirits), and the tropical forest tribes of South America (celestial beings and a "Grandfather" culture hero). The report highlights group ceremonies, harvest and fertility rites, and initiation rites for boys, including circumcision and ordeals like being tied in a bed of biting ants. It also mentions the Mayas, their worship of Kulian, and their historical presence in lower Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras by 2000 B.C. The author draws parallels between these ancient rites and those of other cultures, suggesting possible extraterrestrial influence.

Dr. Fontes in U.S. to Discuss "Saucers"

Dr. Olavo T. Fontes, a leading UFO authority from Brazil, visited the U.S. to discuss establishing a global committee for UFO study with Jacques Vallee and Prof. J. Allen Hynek. Initial meetings were held secretly in Chicago. Dr. Fontes stated that UFO sightings in Brazil are considered "SERIOUS BUSINESS" by the government. Efforts are underway to form an international group involving scientists from approximately 18 to 20 countries, including communist block nations. A book titled "UFOS AROUND THE WORLD" is mentioned as a significant step, featuring contributions from various international authors and covering sightings from numerous countries, including Russia, Cuba, and Red China.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO encounters, alien communication, ancient mysteries, and the study of anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation into these subjects, presenting reported experiences and archaeological findings that suggest extraordinary events and possibilities beyond conventional understanding. The magazine actively promotes related publications and encourages reader engagement with the topics discussed.