Magazine Summary
INTERPLANETARY NEWS SEARCHLIGHT
Summary
This issue of Searchlight focuses on the 'Silencers,' detailing reports of UFO witnesses being harassed, threatened, and intimidated by mysterious individuals, often referred to as 'Men in Black' or government agents. Researchers and witnesses report strange phone calls, surveillance, and even physical threats. The magazine includes firsthand accounts from individuals like Robert Easley and Ted H. Owens, who describe their experiences with these silencing tactics. It also touches upon the alleged involvement of government agencies and the broader implications for UFO research.
Magazine Overview
Title: INTERPLANETARY NEWS SEARCHLIGHT
Issue: VOL. 3 - NO. 6
Date: December 1967
Publisher: SEARCHLIGHT SERVICE
Country: USA
Focus: UFO phenomena, with a special emphasis on the 'Silencers' and the harassment of witnesses.
The Silencers: An Introduction
The lead article, "THE SILENCERS," details a disturbing trend reported since the beginning of 1967, where key researchers and UFO witnesses across the country have experienced a series of strange events. These include mysterious phone calls, visits from 'Men in Black,' and harassment from individuals claiming to be government agents. The article highlights specific cases, such as Mr. Tad Jones, who witnessed a hovering sphere and received threatening notes with printing identical to one given to a UFO sighter in Ohio. Another incident involved two men in Air Force uniforms on Long Island who harassed witnesses, with one, identifying himself as 'Lt. Frank Davis,' threatening a witness with a revolver.
Further accounts include a black Cadillac deliberately attempting to run over a UFC witness on Long Island. Robert Easley, Ohio Director for I.N.S., reports being followed by a man in a black sedan and receiving numerous phone calls warning him to cease his UFO research. The article notes that similar incidents are occurring in England, with witnesses being threatened into silence, experiencing mysterious voices and sounds on telephones, and encountering imposters posing as investigators or government authorities.
The magazine presents this information as a call for readers to share their own similar experiences.
Investigator Accounts and Personal Experiences
Dr. J. Allen Hynek's Observation
A quote from Dr. J. Allen Hynek, featured in Playboy (December 1967), suggests that witnesses sometimes become highly confidential, believing their phones are tapped or that they are being regularly watched by the 'government' or 'occupants of the craft.'
Ted H. Owens's Account: Flying Saucer Intelligence Speak
Ted H. Owens, author of 'Flying Saucer Intelligence Speak,' shares his experience of being threatened. He received a deadly, printed letter from a motel near Philadelphia stating he would be killed due to his connection with 'Saucer Intelligence.' Owens, who describes himself as adept at analyzing abnormal psychology, found the letter to be professional and clearly meant. He also recounts an incident in Ft. Worth, Texas, in 1958, where he and his daughter Lornie encountered a cigar-shaped UFO, after which Easley experienced several attempts on his life. These included a car attempting to force him into concrete pillars, a gas jet turned on under his bed, and an intruder on his fire escape who he later released. These events led to him leaving the city and his business.
Owens further details attempts on his life after moving to Washington, D.C., in 1965, including a black Cadillac accelerating towards him and a negro man on a street in Philadelphia. He also describes a Philadelphia City Transit Bus veering onto the sidewalk and coming directly at him. Additionally, his briefcase containing SOTA records was stolen from a delicatessen, and a fire was deliberately set below his apartment.
John A. Keel's Statement
Researcher John A. Keel, known for his work on 'silencing' cases, addresses rumors about his involvement. He states that he is not a salaried employee of the CIA, FBI, NSA, CIC, Interpol, or the Boy Scouts, nor is his job to investigate UFOs undercover or pinpoint 'UFOlogists' for harassment. He also denies claims of visiting Venus, Mars, Jupiter, or the moon aboard a flying saucer, or that UFO powers control his mind with plans for him to run for President in 1972 with Bobby Kennedy as his running mate. Keel asserts that these rumors are ridiculous and harmful, and his lawyer is instructed to take action against anyone circulating them. He directs those curious about him to consult public records and library references, and requests photostatic copies of any anonymous documents mentioning him, urging 'ufologists' to focus on the UFO problem rather than circulating rumors.
Richard Shaver: The Shaver Mystery and the Inner Earth
Richard Shaver contributes an article discussing false phone calls that have accompanied his work investigating UFOs and 'un-normal activity.' He describes how these calls, allegedly made using a conductive ray, tip off editors and reporters that he is unstable or dangerous. Shaver connects these calls to ancient equipment located in hollow hills, used by 'master races' who built ancient structures. The article also promotes Timothy Green Beckley's book, "THE SHAVER MYSTERY & THE INNER EARTH," describing it as an amazing story of the Shaver Mystery and ancient civilizations.
Calvin Girvin: A Common Bone
Alton Bock writes about contactee Calvin Girvin, comparing his situation to that of politician George Wallace. Girvin, who claims to have taken a ride on a flying saucer, feels ignored by the establishment, similar to Wallace's perceived neglect by the Democratic Party. Girvin's 'curious friends' are from other planets, while Wallace's are from the political right wing. Bock suggests it's easier to sympathize with Girvin, whose work is in an unknown region, compared to Wallace, whose political interpretations are seen as mistaken. Girvin believes that outer space people are former colonizers of Earth checking up on humanity, and that some flying saucers may originate from 'earth-dwellers in Antarctica.' The article notes that Calvin Girvin is the author of "ABCARD A FLYING SAUCER" and that Searchlight can supply copies.
News Shorts
The "News Shorts" section includes several brief items:
- The Tennessee House of Representatives has introduced a bill to outlaw the release of objects into the night sky that could be mistaken for UFOs.
- The 1968 Congress of Scientific UFOlogists is scheduled to return to Cleveland, Ohio, following a successful event in New York.
- On August 23rd, Stanley Hoxon of Toronto reported seeing a green light on Highway 15 near Joyceville. Upon investigation, he saw a huge saucer-like craft with two 4-ft tall beings in white suits and helmets, who then flew back into the UFO. (Credit: TCPSIDE, Quebec, Canada).
Book News
This section promotes two books available from the Searchlight office: "UFO WARNING" by John Stuart and "STRANGE CASE OF DR. H.K. JESSUP," both priced at $3.95. It also mentions Timothy Green Beckley's "THE SHAVER MYSTERY & THE INNER EARTH" for $5.00.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
This issue strongly emphasizes the theme of UFO witness harassment and alleged government cover-ups. The 'Silencers' and 'Men in Black' are presented as active forces attempting to suppress information about UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of support for researchers and witnesses who are facing these challenges, encouraging them to share their stories and continue their investigations. There is a clear skepticism towards official explanations and a belief that a hidden agenda is at play to conceal the truth about UFOs. The magazine also promotes books and authors within the UFO community, reinforcing its commitment to this subject matter.
The following are short articles or comments received from a number of leading investigators of the UFO phenomena who have either been involved with these "events" or have some worthwhile comments regarding them. If others reading this have had similar strange things happen to them which involve UFO Sightings,etc. we would like very much to hear from them regarding such occurrances:
Key Incidents
Mr. Tad Jones witnessed a hovering sphere on a major highway and received two threatening notes.
A UFO sighter received a note with printing identical to one given to Tad Jones.
Two men in Air Force uniforms harassed UFC witnesses, one identified as 'Lt. Frank Davis' and threatened a witness with a revolver.
A black Cadillac made a deliberate attempt to run over a UFC witness on the main street.
Robert Easley was followed by a man in a black sedan and received threatening phone calls.
Robert Easley and his daughter Lornie encountered a cigar-shaped UFO, after which Easley experienced several attempts on his life.
Robert Easley attempted to report his discovery of 'Si effects' to the government, leading to attempts on his life.
Robert Easley was targeted by a black Cadillac and a Philadelphia City Transit Bus, and a briefcase with his SOTA records was stolen.
A fire was deliberately set below Robert Easley's apartment, which was discovered and extinguished by his wife Martha.
John A. Keel claims to have spent eight days aboard a flying saucer, visiting Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and the moon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Silencers' phenomenon?
The 'Silencers' phenomenon refers to the reported harassment and intimidation of UFO witnesses and researchers by mysterious individuals, often claiming to be government agents, aimed at preventing them from sharing their experiences.
What kind of harassment do UFO witnesses report?
Witnesses report strange phone calls, visits from 'Men in Black,' surveillance, threats with weapons, deliberate attempts to cause accidents, and even arson.
Who is John A. Keel and what is his role?
John A. Keel is a researcher who has investigated 'silencing' cases and claims to have been targeted by a secret campaign to slander him. He has asked for his statement to be printed to dispel misconceptions.
What are the 'black Cadillac' cases mentioned?
The 'black Cadillac' cases refer to incidents where witnesses reported being targeted or threatened by individuals in black Cadillacs, sometimes described as having men in black clothing.
What is the purpose of the 'Men in Black'?
According to the reports, the 'Men in Black' are individuals who harass UFO witnesses, often impersonating government officials, to silence them and discourage further investigation or disclosure of UFO sightings.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- Timothy Green BeckleyEditor
- Sandy GrahamManaging Editor
- John J. RobinsonAssistant Editor
- James W. MoseleyAssociate Editor
- Ray BartkowechAssociate Editor
- Pamela SpelmanAssociate Editor
- Robert TigrettAssociate Editor
- Tad JonesUFO witness
- Lt. Frank DavisImposter
- Robert EasleyOhio Director
- Dr. J. Allen HynekQuote source
- Ted H. OwensAuthor
- +8 more
Organisations
- CIA
- FBI
- NSA
- CIC
- Interpol
- Boy Scouts of America
- Air Force
- Democratic Party
- UFO
- SAUCER NEWS
- UFC
- Tennessee House of Representatives
- Congress of Scientific UFOlogists
Locations
- New Brunswick, USA
- Middleport, USA
- Ohio, USA
- Long Island, USA
- England, UK
- Fort Worth, USA
- Dallas, USA
- Washington, D.C., USA
- Philadelphia, USA
- Broad and Walnut, USA
- Market Street, USA
- 12th Street, USA
- Antarctica
- Cleveland, USA
- +6 more