Space Drive - 1971 No 06

Magazine Overview

This is a combined issue of "U.F.O MIRROR No.2" and "SPACE DRIVE No.6", dated April 1971. The magazine is published by the Experimental Space Craft Development (club) and edited by Edward A. Harris. The cover features a prominent illustration of a flying saucer and headlines related to human evolution with alien help, UFO sightings, and a warning about contacting aliens. The price is listed as 15p (3 Shillings).

Editorial

In the editorial, Edward A. Harris notes the significant changes of 1971, including the introduction of decimal currency and postal price rises, prompting changes within the magazine itself. He mentions that the Great British Postal strike allowed him to arrange 'Space-Drive' using letterpress, though it was time-consuming and reduced the text size. The price increase to 15p is explained. The editor also apologizes for a numbering mistake in the issue and announces plans to include half-tone photos as the magazine progresses. He also outlines new plans for 'SPACE-DRIVE' to alternate its focus between 'ALL UFO', 'SECOND COMPREHENSIVE', and 'ALL SPACE & ASTRONOMY'. Correspondents are directed to a new address. Articles are welcomed but should not exceed 200 words. Acknowledgements are made to Brinsley Le Poer Trench, Arthur Shuttlewood, Fred O. Gardner, and Janet Busell, among others.

Key Articles and Features

"Time To Grow Up" by Brinsley Le Poer Trench

This article, authored by Brinsley Le Poer Trench, Contact International Chairman, explores the theory that 'sky visitors' are not evangelists but entities who 'colonised' Earth thousands of years ago. Trench posits that these beings are guiding humanity towards a galactic civilization. He cites global legends and myths from various cultures (Maya, Aztecs, Inca, Egyptians, Greeks, Native Americans, etc.) as evidence for sky people interacting with humans. He references the Genesis verses about 'sons of God' and 'daughters of men' to suggest a historical mating program to enhance human brain capacity, estimating sky people's brain capacity at 3,000 c.c. compared to humans' 1,300 c.c. Trench believes these visitors have seeded the planet multiple times, potentially aiming to elevate humanity's mental capacity to match their own. He argues that direct intervention is prevented by 'cosmic law,' and humanity must learn and grow independently, referencing the Antonio Villas Boas story and the concept of 'Humanoids.' The article concludes by urging readers to be more self-reliant and to develop their spiritual capacities to meet the sky people and join a galactic civilization, stating "IT IS TIME WE GREW."

Conversation with John Keel and Gray Barker

This section features a conversation between Gray Barker and investigator John Keel, who is writing a book tentatively titled 'OPERATION TROJAN HORSE.' Keel expresses a belief that something 'fantastic' is happening, which is not fully supported by the extraterrestrial hypothesis. He suggests that the extraterrestrial idea is built on speculation and circumstantial evidence, with many pieces not fitting. Keel has developed new methods to investigate these phenomena and has dedicated his full time to it, even going into debt. He claims to have discovered correlations in seemingly insignificant details from stories worldwide. Keel suggests that UFOs are 'environmental' and 'under intelligent control,' co-existing with humanity, rather than originating from outer space. He states that he must reveal his findings gradually to avoid premature conclusions and to prevent 'crackpots' from tailoring stories to his work.

"MYSTERIOUS RADIO EMISSIONS"

This report, credited via Spatelink - Lumieres Dans La Nuit and translated by D. Sarker, details an incident in France on July 26, 1967. During the screening of the film 'Malican pere et fils,' the picture became faint, and the sound disappeared, replaced by a brief, clear, jerky, and metallic conversation in a foreign language. The broadcast then returned to normal. The report notes that physical scientists often reject UFOs due to their fantastic performances, conveniently forgetting past skepticism towards technologies like nuclear energy or television.

UFO Magazines Top 10

The magazine presents its 'TOP 10 OF UFO MAGAZINES' based on public opinion and reader comments, with last issue's rating in brackets. The list includes: 1. SPACELINK (1), 2. Flying Saucer Rev.2, 3. SAUCER NEWS [3], 4. BUFORA Journal..5.., 5. SAUCERS SPACE & SCIENCE(4), 6. COS - MOS (6), 7. UFO NACHRICHTEN -9-, 8. Phenomenes Spataiux, 9. SPACE-DRIVE (10), and 10. INTERPLANETARY NEWS. (8).

Books Section

This section lists books available, including works by Brinsley Le Poer Trench: 'The Sky People' (1960), 'Men Among Mankind' (1962), 'Forgotten Heritage' (1964), 'The Flying Saucer Story' (1966), and 'Operation Earth' (1969).

Translators Wanted

'Space-Drive' is urgently seeking voluntary translators for most European languages. Interested individuals are asked to write to the provided address in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire.

Author of UFO Books May Give It All Up

There are rumors that writer Arthur Shuttlewood might be giving up his UFO studies after his final book on the subject. This report is sourced from various individuals, including the editor of 'UFO NEWS', D. Prockter.

Advertisements

Advertisements include 'UFO CAR STICKERS FOR SALE' from Switzerland, 'SAUCER NEWS' for UFO news in the U.S.A. (addressed to Gray Barker), and information on 'Saucers Space and Science-for the UFO scene in Canada' (addressed to Gene Duplantier).

Super PASTIME Mini Books

An announcement for 'Super PASTIME Mini Books' is made, described as pocket companions for journeys, with the first issue containing 5 short stories. An order form is included, with a price of 13 New Pence (2/7) per book.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters are published, including one from Janet Busell mentioning Al. Bender's secret about meeting people from a planet called Kazig, who were on Earth from 1945 to 1960. Roger Tripp comments on the magazine's typing and column layout, suggesting improvements. Jeremy P. Holden from the Tasmanian JFO Bureau expresses his liking for the magazine's articles on UFO sightings and astronomy and offers to add 'Space-Drive' to his free mailing list. Mr. Mills from South Staffs Metaphysical Society requests a free copy of 'Space-Drive' as advertised in NICAP. Graham Cowell, Editor of 'PERCEPTION', also requests a copy and encloses copies of his publication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFOs and their potential connection to human evolution and civilization. There's a strong undercurrent suggesting that UFO phenomena are not merely extraterrestrial craft but possibly linked to ancient origins and a guiding force for humanity's development towards a higher state of consciousness or a galactic civilization. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these possibilities, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of information, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and the potential dangers of premature conclusions. The magazine also shows a commitment to evolving its content, indicated by the planned inclusion of photos and thematic shifts.

This issue of SPACE-DRIVE, identified as issue number 4, features a collection of letters from readers and several articles. The cover headline is "LETTERS CONTINUED," indicating a continuation of correspondence from previous issues. The publication date appears to be November 1970.

Letters from Readers

The letters section includes correspondence from various individuals sharing their thoughts and experiences related to UFOs, astronomy, and the magazine itself.

• William E. Moser from Sydney, Australia, writes on November 7, 1970, recalling the I.G.Y. in 1958 and a Trinidad sighting. He mentions his long-standing connection with astronomy and his extensive public speaking engagements on the subject.
• N.F. Fletcher from Ceylon, writing on November 26, 1970, expresses interest in receiving a copy of the magazine after seeing an advertisement in the NICAP Journal.
• Upali Amarasena from Ceylon, also writing on November 26, 1970, thanks Mr. Harris for a letter and copies of "Space-Drive." He notes that he has not received further copies of "TOPSIDE" since one issue that dealt with "lump of matter." He expresses agreement that magazines cannot be distributed for free and wishes to be an international, inter-religious, interracial, inter-communal-cosmopolitan FRIEND, emphasizing a desire to contact researchers for the purpose of PEACE, despite financial limitations.
• Dr. Frank E. Stranges from California, writing on October 23, 1970, sends greetings and thanks Edward for "Space-Drive," calling it "great." He mentions that they are preparing a full-length film on "The Stranger at the Pentagon" based on the book and might film it in a major studio in London.
• Ron Smotek asks Edward if he has information on moon domes, bridges, or lights, or if he can obtain a copy of the "Astronomical Register 20." An editor's note provides his contact information.
• Roy Lake from the Essex UFO Study group in the UK, praises "Space-Drive" as the "best Duplicated magazine Ive seen for ages" and likes the front page idea.
• From SPACELINK, it is noted that the next issue will not appear before mid-December. The writer comments on the printing equipment and suggests that the Spanish magazine STENDEK should be on the top ten list. The writer questions if Janet Busell has read the Condon Report and finds her remarks irrelevant if not. They were also disappointed with the summary of the SPACELINK symposium, stating the attendance count was higher than stated.
• Lionel Beer writes on October 25, 1970, mentioning that the price of "SPACELINK" will increase after D-Day. An editor's note explains that Britain adopted decimal currency on February 15, 1971, and D-Day refers to the changeover from old currency to decimal.
• Derek Samson from NICAP G.B. thanks Edward for his new magazine, stating it has improved but offers criticism regarding the legibility of photographs, suggesting they are "unrecognisable" and that discontinuing them would result in a "nice clean crisp publication."
• Gray Barker, Editor of SAUCER NEWS, USA, acknowledges receiving issue number 4 of SPACE-DRIVE, finding it much improved. He notes David Prockter's criticism of SAUCER NEWS is well-taken and that they aim to be different. He mentions that the next issue of SAUCER NEWS will feature a book-length article by Trevor James and a report on the Giant Rock, California, saucer convention. He confirms that events described regarding the SILVER BRIDGE are real and appeared in the press.

An editor's footnote states that due to the bulk of mail, the backlog will be continued in the next issue.

UFO Sightings from July 1970

This section compiles reports of UFO sightings from July 1970, with some reports in their original languages due to translation difficulties.

• Mesellan: Jean Claude Neveu reported a flying object identified as a "non-identified flying object" (Objet Volant Non Identifie) at high altitude, described as saucer-shaped with two rudder-like appendices. It remained immobile for a moment before disappearing rapidly to the north.
• Tasmania, Australia: Three people reported seeing a bright UFO that looked "definitely like a saucer" and sped around in irregular circles for about 15 minutes.
• Norway: In August 1970, a witness saw two white lights following each other at high speed in the woods.
• Folkstone, England (July 17, 1970, 10:45 pm): Mr. P. Harris saw a disc-like object, about a mile offshore, which changed color to white and appeared like a star. He thought it was receding.
• Norway: Reports describe a round object covered in white bands of radiant light, pulsating and traveling slowly and silently. It was about the size of an orange, and through binoculars, a "square" in the middle looked like an opening, with the object illuminated from inside.

I Believe in Flying Saucers

This article is by Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding, Air Officer Commanding-in-chief in the Battle of Britain.

Lord Dowding states that he believes flying saucers exist, based on cumulative evidence of high quality and quantity, bringing him to a complete conviction. He notes that over 10,000 sightings have been reported, most of which cannot be explained by "scientific" explanations like hallucinations, light refraction, or meteors. He cites Major Donald Keyhoe's book "FLYING SAUCERS FROM OUTER SPACE" as containing the best available evidence, as the incidents have been checked by the U.S. Air Force Intelligence Branch, who endorse the accuracy but offer no explanation. Dowding dismisses the idea that these are new types of aircraft, citing observed speeds of up to 9,000 miles an hour, which would be impossible for human occupants due to the heat and accelerations involved.

He concludes that these objects are not manufactured on Earth and must come from an extraterrestrial source. He argues that in the context of future space travel, such as reaching the moon and planets, the idea of extraterrestrial visitors should not be considered ridiculous.

How I Came to Accept Unidentified Flying Objects as a Fact

This article is by Fred O. Gardner, F.R.G.S.

Fred Gardner discusses his approach to the UFO phenomenon, contrasting the "nuts and bolts" perspective with a deeper inquiry into the "why" and the significance of the phenomenon. He personally accepts that UFOs exist and are operated by intelligent control. He ponders the purpose of their appearance and what they portend to mankind. Gardner intends to pursue his study with patience and thoroughness. He raises the question of whether life exists in other forms on other planets, noting a changing atmosphere of opinion among scientists. He hazards the opinion that if there are countless stars and planets, it is logical to assume intelligent life exists elsewhere and may be interested in Earth.

He recounts hearing a popular broadcaster and astronomer state that the vast number of stars suggests that our sun is not the only one with an inhabited planet. Gardner's personal belief is that only the third planet of every star system would likely bear life if it resembled Earth and our sun. He agrees with the idea that there must be plenty of other Earth-like planets and civilizations, and if intelligent beings are to be found, it will be beyond our solar system.

The Futureland of Tomorrowland (Walt Disney)

This article is written by Janet Busell, a reporter who visited Tomorrowland in Anaheim, California.

Tomorrowland is described as an insight into the American view of the future. It features a mock-up of a mission control center and a large, moving model of a future American city with flyways, lit-up towns, and soaring aeroplanes. Despite its "magnificent model construction and very lifelike" appearance, Busell found it disappointing. She noted that the traffic problem seemed unresolved, with more cars and freeways, leading to concerns about air pollution and smog. She also pointed out the absence of "moving pavements," which she felt would be a good idea.

The carousel of progress showcases the world from 1890 to the present day, featuring a lifelike robot that speaks and moves. The adventure through "inner space" involved riding through a microscope, encountering molecules and stars, and seeing a lifelike eye. The mission control center was described as "damn lifelike."

Busell also mentions witnessing robots monitoring a flight to the moon and seeing real live pictures of the moon and rocket launch. Her only complaint about the experience was the hard wooden seats on the monorail.

If The Space Phone Rings - Ignore It!

This section is reprinted by kind permission of the Sunday Mirror, August 23, 1970.

Scientists suggest that Earth should ignore signals from unknown beings in space, as they might be so advanced that they would treat humans like insects. Warnings were given by top figures at the International Astronomical Union conference at Sussex University Brighton.

Professor Zdenek Kopal of Manchester University urged that it be made clear that if life exists in another solar system, it would be dangerous for humans to make themselves conspicuous. He had previously reported the discovery of a red star called Epsilon Aurigae, at the center of its own solar system, which could be millions of years away. Professor Kopal believes that if highly advanced beings exist on another solar system, humans could not learn from them or bridge the communication gap, using the analogy of Aristotle not understanding a match or trying to explain mathematics to people 500 years ago.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings and the broader implications of potential extraterrestrial life and advanced technology. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance, presenting various perspectives from readers and experts, while also acknowledging criticisms and potential dangers associated with the unknown. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging discussion and research into these enigmatic phenomena, as evidenced by the publication of diverse opinions and detailed reports.

This issue of SPACE-DRIVE and UFO MIRROR, identified as issue 26, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial contact, and cosmological theories. The content appears to be a compilation of articles, notes, and book reviews, with a focus on questioning established narratives and exploring alternative explanations.

Potential Dangers of Alien Contact

The issue opens with a stark warning from Professor Clyde Tombaugh of New Mexico State University regarding the risks of contacting alien civilizations. He states, "So make the time a million years or ten million and imagine that thing would happen." Tombaugh elaborates that satisfying curiosity about alien contact could be costly, drawing parallels to how advanced civilizations might treat less developed ones, potentially leading to humans being treated like ants or placed in test tubes. He concludes, "We have nothing to gain by contacting anyone or being contacted."

Professor Tombaugh, noted as the last man to discover a planet in our solar system (Pluto in 1930), also addressed the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. He admitted, "We have no proof of their being here, but that doesn't mean they didn't come."

This startling report is attributed to Alan Burns, a Sunday Mirror correspondent. An editor's footnote adds a cautionary perspective, suggesting that attempting to contact alien beings could be risky if those beings have not solved their own problems and might be a "nastier version" of humanity. The editor hopes that "contact" clubs will approach the subject with extreme caution. Further comments from the editor's father, Mr. A. Harris, propose that the reason for no contact might be humanity's possession of nuclear weapons, with aliens content to observe humans destroying themselves. He hopes, however, that contact would be a "teaching mission and not a destructive one."

The Aetherius Society's Perspective

A brief note from the London-based Aetherius Society, titled "WHY THEY ARE HERE: FLYING SAUCERS ?????", questions the "great flying saucer mystery." The society points out the hundreds of sightings reported by responsible individuals in Britain and abroad, yet governments and the mass media maintain a "fixed silence" on the subject. They question why this mystery persists in an age of scientific discovery and how mass sightings, such as one over Scotland in 1969, go unreported, even when witnesses include credible individuals like a coastguard, airline pilot, and a BBC News cameraman. The Aetherius Society believes the answer to "Why are flying saucers here?" will explain the official silence and suggests their "true mission is more staggering than the wildest science fiction story," with these "space craft from other worlds" actively carrying out a mission around Earth. They pose the question of whether mankind can learn from these beings and if there is an official "cover-up."

Book Reviews

The Silver Bridge

The review of "THE SILVER BRIDGE" by Gray Barker, published by Saucerian Books, notes that it is not a typical UFO book but a log of events. While finding it somewhat disappointing and suggesting the content could have been presented in "SAUCER NEWS," the reviewer acknowledges its value as a handy reference book. The book primarily deals with a mysterious "strange bird-cum-robot-type creature" that appeared terrifyingly to local residents. It is noted that the book is not about the collapse of the "Silver Bridge" in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, in 1967, which killed 50 people, but it does describe events preceding that collapse. The creature, dubbed "Mothman," is described as a huge, bird-like entity that terrorized the Ohio Valley. An extract describes a TV blanking out, a herringbone pattern appearing on screen, a whining noise, and a dog howling, followed by the sighting of "two red circles, or eyes" that looked like bicycle reflectors, causing chills. The creature is described as being pursued by a dog, which was then killed. The review concludes by asking what killed the dog and what "Mothman" is, promoting the book as a documented record.

Stranger at the Pentagon

This book by Dr. Frank E. Stranges is described as a "UFO Scrapbook" containing useful oddments and photographs related to UFO research. The reviewer is impressed with Dr. Stranges' work but doubts the existence of a "Valient Thor," a supposed visitor from space, suggesting it might be an actor with a high I.Q. Reasons given include the name "Valient Thor" being typical of Greek mythology, the visitor appearing too American with "Greasy HAIR," and the introduction of a "Dr. Segnarcs" which is "Stranges" spelled backward. The reviewer also questions the lack of fingerprints, suggesting it could be due to earth methods. Despite these reservations, the book "STRANGER AT THE PENTAGON" is recommended for its fascinating story and is available by writing to Dr. F.E. Strangos at NICUFO, Van Nuys, California.

A footnote adds that the LASER was not invented until 1963, while the incident at the Pentagon was supposedly earlier, and suggests alternative explanations for absent fingerprints.

Gli Extraterrestri Sono Tornati

This book by Alberto Perego (1943-1970) was sent for review in Italian, and a translator is awaited. However, its content appears to be a documented record of the UFO subject in general, deemed essential for Italian readers. Contact information for the editorial secretariat in Merate (Como), Italy, is provided.

Cosmological Debates: Big Bang, Steady State, or Pulsation?

Arthur Shittlewood's article "BIG BANG? STEADY STATE OR PULSATION" explores cosmological theories. He thanks Mr. Shuttlewood for sending the article and notes that his third and final book on UFOs, "GATEWAYS TO THE UNKNOWN," will be released soon.

The article discusses the rings of Saturn, noting that spectral absorption indicates ammonia. This leads to speculation about ammonia-solvent systems possessing life processes at very low temperatures. However, recent infra-red observations suggest that water ice, not ammonia ice, is the main constituent of Saturn's rings, as ammonia would have evaporated in space. This finding is considered satisfying as it allows for a water-life system rather than an ammonia-life system, which would be alien to us.

The author questions why water is present in Saturn's rings and how it got there, suggesting its origin on the planet and distribution in a plane around it points to a "cosmic catastrophe" akin to theories proposed by Velikoki. The Bible, particularly Revelation, is cited as containing similar accounts, leading to the question of whether people on Saturn suffered long ago.

Shittlewood then discusses the cosmogeny of the Universe, suggesting that a pulsating model is more consistent with the rationalist mind than other theories, including the Big Bang and Steady State. He posits that the most universal feature of matter and radiation is its ability to change constantly with time, with nothing being "still except at absolute zero." Temperature is seen as a measure of energy and particle agitation. The forces involved are identified as Van der Waals forces. The universe is described as a "living thing" with gravitational interactions measured for stars. The investigation of star distribution in the galaxy is ongoing, and human existence is viewed as a brief moment in the universe's pulsation. The author concludes that we "stand infinitely less chance than a flea on the back of an elephant" in appreciating its nature.

Notices and Subscriptions

Notices indicate that "UFO MUTTERINGS" by Malcolm Jay and "Invaders or Inviters" by William Hoffman have been discontinued. "GOODBYE TO THE UFOS" by E. Harris is also mentioned. A list of received magazines includes "UFO NE," "Saucers Space and Science," "Stranger at the Pentagon," "Gli Extraterrestri Sono Tornati," "Phenomenes Spaciales," and "UFO NACHRICHTEN."

Conversation with John Keel

A conversation between Gray Barker and John Keel, author of "SILVER BRIDGE," explores Keel's investigation into the UFO situation. Keel is writing a book tentatively titled "OPERATION TROJAN HORSE." He states that "something fantastic is going on" that even hardcore UFO buffs may not be ready to believe. Keel claims that when he first investigated, he found no real facts or genuine evidence for the extraterrestrial idea, which he believes was built on speculation and circumstantial evidence. He has developed new methods for investigating these phenomena and is spending his full time on this work, even going into debt. Keel believes it's time to attack the mystery from every angle but must keep many findings quiet because people are unwilling to believe them, and premature revelation could attract crackpots. He has discovered that "many small, seemingly insignificant details in stories from all over the world which actually correlate and corroborate each other." He plans to reveal these findings in small doses.

When asked if UFOs are from outer space, Keel responds, "They seem to be environmental, yet under intelligent control." He clarifies that they "seem to have always been here-they co-exist with us somehow."

Subscription Information

The final page provides subscription details for "SPACE-DRIVE and UFO MIRROR." A subscription for 4 issues costs 60 New Pence (12/-), with one free issue at Christmas. A single sample issue is available for 15p (3/-). The notice clarifies that "SPACE-DRIVE" alternates its material with "UFO MIRROR" each issue. Subscribers are asked to specify their preference. Payment should be made out to E. Harris and sent to an address in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, England. The page also includes a table for converting old £.s.d currency to new Pence, noting the introduction of the decimal system in England on February 15, 1971.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include skepticism towards the conventional extraterrestrial hypothesis for UFOs, the possibility of governmental cover-ups, and the exploration of alternative explanations for anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance, particularly in the footnotes and the conversation with John Keel, leans towards a more critical and unconventional approach to UFO research, suggesting that the phenomena might be more complex and perhaps terrestrial or environmental in origin rather than purely extraterrestrial. There is a consistent emphasis on caution and critical thinking when approaching the subject of UFOs and potential alien contact.