Searchlight - Vol 3 No 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of SEARCHLIGHT, Volume 3, Number 2, dated March 31st, 1967, is published by INTERPLANETARY NEWS SERVICE and edited by Timothy Green Beckley, with John J. Robinson as Assistant Editor. The cover price is $2 for 12 issues. The main cover headline is "HARASSMENTS PLAGUE CONVENTION STAFF" by Glen White.

Harassments Plague Convention Staff

The lead article by Glen White details alleged organized efforts to harass, discredit, and potentially cancel the upcoming 4th Annual Congress of Scientific UFOlogists in New York City, scheduled for June 22nd. Despite these "Negative Forces," the organizers are determined to proceed. James W. Moseley, the principal organizer, reports receiving threatening phone calls and experiencing a series of unusual troubles, including his car breaking down just before picking up the special Convention Issue of SAUCER NEWS. Moseley also shared details about other individuals involved in the convention facing difficulties. Howard Menger, a main speaker, suddenly lost his new home in Vero Beach, Florida, due to mortgage issues, and his sign-painting business has declined significantly. Menger attributes this to a "fanatical opposition of bankers in general" to "free energy" technologies. Gray Barker, another speaker, reported his new station wagon was deliberately crashed into by a truck, causing approximately $500.00 in damage, along with other unexplained financial losses. Kenneth Arnold, initially scheduled to speak and commemorate the 20th anniversary of his famous 1947 flying saucer sighting, inexplicably withdrew, expressing a strange fear or reluctance. James "The Amazing" Randi is also likely to be prevented from attending due to events in Peru that resulted in the loss of nearly $2000.00 worth of equipment. John A. Keel experienced a similar incident but is still expected to attend.

As of the writing, most speakers, except Kenneth Arnold and possibly The Amazing Randi, are expected to be present, including Dr. Dan Fry and Rev. F. Richard Basile. A special armed security guard will be in attendance, and other extreme measures will be taken to ensure the safety of exhibits and the public. The article suggests that "certain vested interests" are working to undermine the convention.

Flying Saucer Talks

This section, dated March 31st, 1967, from Wellington, Texas, via John A. Keel, reports on an encounter by Carroll Watts, a Wellington farmer. On Friday night, Watts saw a light and drove off-road to investigate. He found an object about 100 feet long and 8-10 feet high. A door opened mechanically, and an unemotional voice asked if he would submit to a physical examination to be eligible for a flight. Watts declined, and the voice stated that several people had taken the test and made flights. He was shown a machine and a large map. The voice also mentioned a machine that could detect the number and ages of people in a building within 300 yards. After Watts declined again, he was told that people were stationed worldwide. He left, and the object, which emitted a clear fluorescent light when stationary and a reddish cast when moving, rose slightly and then took off to the south without noise. Watts' car was examined by two Air Force investigators from Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, who considered him "above reproach." This was the third incident reported in the Wellington area that month, with previous sightings including a craft flying at 50 mph and another craft chasing an Air Force man.

Russian Scientists Say Saucers May Be From Outer Space

Two respected Soviet scientists, F. Zigel and B. P. Konstantinov, have declared that evidence proves flying saucers are real and likely operated by an advanced civilization on another planet. The Soviet youth magazine CMENA reported that Zigel admitted UFOs have been detected by radar over Soviet territory. A specific UFO, "Angel Echo," is constantly observed by scientists at the Central Aerological Observatory near Moscow. Timothy Green Beckley, Director of Interplanetary News Service, advocates for an international study of UFO phenomena and has written to the Soviet publication SPUTNIK proposing a worldwide analytical network under the United Nations.

"Moth Man"

This article describes sightings of a creature called "Moth Man" in the small West Virginia community of Point Pleasant since mid-November 1966. Teenagers, workmen, and police officers have reported seeing it. The first report involved four teenagers who saw glowing red eyes spaced six inches apart, a 7-foot-high body, and gigantic wings. They claimed it rose straight up at considerable speed. The creature reportedly chased a car driven by Steve Mallatte at over 100 miles per hour, gliding over the roof and making a flapping noise. Four days later, a farmer's German shepherd was allegedly "dognapped" by the creature. Newell Partridge reported seeing eyes like "red reflectors" in a meadow, and his dog reacted violently before going after the "thing." The dog never returned. Gray Barker and John A. Keel have investigated the area and plan to release their findings. Theories suggest the "Moth Man" could be a UFOnaut with an equipment encasement for flight, or a being from another reality.

Buffalonian Says He Talked to a Man From Outer Space

Dewitt Baldwin of Buffalo, N.Y., recounted an encounter on March 1st, 1967, while raccoon hunting near Eden, N.Y. He heard a noise, and his flashlight revealed a flying saucer that had landed nearby. A door opened, and a man dressed in a black, tight-fitting suit with a helmet and goggles emerged. The being asked Baldwin what he was doing and if he was born there. After Baldwin replied he was born in Georgia, the spaceman took his gun, examined it, and returned it. Baldwin described the spaceman as not white or Negro, with plain speech, no accent, and black curly hair. The spaceman then zipped out of sight. Baldwin stated the saucer was "kind of gold in color," had no lights, illumination, or windows, and left no trace in the snow. Local press clippings indicate Baldwin has had at least a second encounter. The article notes that the spaceman broke the muzzle of Baldwin's shotgun while examining it.

Flying Saucer Pictures

An advertisement offers three classic type UFO sighting reproductions in full color, 12x16 inches, for $2.00, available from GALAXY RESEARCH.

Late News Flashes

Point Pleasant's "moth man" sightings have been replaced by reports of a giant firefly. Allen Greenfield's "ALTERNATE HORIZONS NEWSLETTER" is recommended for those seeking "EXTREMELY DIFFERENT" UFO literature. Timothy Green Beckley's book, "HIDDEN WORLDS REVEALED (The Richard Shaver Story)," is scheduled for publication by August 1st by Saucerian Publications. Beckley has also been appointed Managing Editor of SAUCER NEWS, the world's oldest saucer publication, with subscriptions available for $2.00 per year.

Book News

Several new releases are highlighted: "JIM MOSELEY'S BOOK OF SAUCER NEWS," a reprint of material from SAUCER NEWS, is available for $3.95 until August 1st, then $5.00. "SAUCER ALBUM" by Rick Hilberg, featuring reports, drawings, and photos, costs $1.25. "BOOK OF SPACESHIPS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH EARTH" by Space People is $3.95. "FLYING SAUCERS TOP SECRET" by Major Donald E. Keyhoe is $7.50. All can be ordered from Timothy Green Beckley.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the perceived harassment of UFOlogists and conventions, UFO sightings and encounters, and the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance, as represented by Timothy Green Beckley and the content of SEARCHLIGHT, is one of active investigation and promotion of UFO phenomena, often highlighting unusual or controversial aspects. There is a clear skepticism towards established interests that might seek to suppress information about UFOs or alternative energy sources. The magazine actively promotes books, newsletters, and its own publications related to these topics, positioning itself as a source for cutting-edge information in the field.