SPACE - No 19 - 1958 07

Magazine Overview

Title: S.P.A.C.E.
Issue: July 1958
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety
Focus: Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma

This issue of S.P.A.C.E. magazine, published monthly from Coral Gables, Florida, by Norbert F. Gariety, delves into the ongoing debate surrounding UFOs, government secrecy, and potential extraterrestrial contact. The publication aims to disseminate information on these topics to a global audience.

"Break-Through Day" Campaign and Congressional Response

The lead article details the success of a "Break-Through Day" campaign, a post card initiative aimed at urging Congressional leaders to declassify information on UFOs. The campaign saw cooperation from UFO clubs and publications across the USA. The editor, Norbert F. Gariety, promoted the effort on his radio program, "SPACE STATION." Many individuals received letters from their representatives, and the magazine reproduces correspondence from U.S. Senator George Smathers and Congressman Dante B. Fascell.

Senator Smathers, in his letter dated June 26, 1958, thanked Gariety for his card and acknowledged the public's interest in flying saucers. He noted that no specific legislation was pending but assured his attention should the matter arise in the Senate. Notably, he used the term "Flying Saucer" in his correspondence, which the magazine highlighted.

Congressman Dante B. Fascell, in his letter dated June 25, 1958, stated his position as a member of the Government Information Subcommittee. He emphasized his three-year fight against federal censorship and asserted that factual truth concerning UFOs should be made available to the public.

Editor's Request for Permission and Supporting Arguments

Norbert F. Gariety, in a letter to Senator Smathers dated June 29, 1958, expressed his appreciation for the Senator's courage in using the term "Flying Saucer." He explained that he publishes S.P.A.C.E., a newsletter with worldwide distribution, and wished to reprint the Senator's letter in the July issue. Gariety requested prior approval, citing three key points:

1. Senator Barry Goldwater's Statement: Gariety referenced a public statement by Senator Barry Goldwater on April 10, 1958, in which he declared "Flying Saucers... are real." Goldwater, an Air Force Reserve Colonel, also disclosed that the Air Force had a project to investigate these reports but would "clam up" when asked about them, indicating official secrecy.
2. Psychological Defeats by the USSR: Gariety argued that if the Russians were to announce that UFOs were real and visitors from outer space, it would be a significant psychological defeat for the U.S., potentially damaging public confidence in the government, especially given the military's tendency to downplay or scoff at the idea.
3. Public Readiness for Truth: He contended that while some citizens might not be ready for the announcement of advanced extraterrestrial races, "thinking people" are ready. He drew parallels to historical advancements like the automobile and airplane, suggesting that waiting for majority approval would hinder progress.

Senator Smathers granted permission in a letter dated July 7, 1958, reiterating his opposition to government secrecy except in matters of national security and defense, and stating that the public should have knowledge of all facts affecting the government.

Time for Another Flap?

This section discusses the post-November 1957 lull in UFO reports, noting the Brazilian Navy photo in January as a standout. However, April and May were described as dull, with June ushering in reports of "BALLS OF FIRE."

Glaring Light Reported by Airman

On June 28, 1958, a Royal Dutch Airline pilot, Captain Peter J. Krouwel, reported seeing a glaring light near Shannon, Ireland, that disintegrated into three parts as his plane flew towards New York. The light was compared to Venus and the moon in brightness. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory was contacted, but they deemed it unlikely Krouwel saw the Explorer III satellite, as its orbit was too far south.

Gainesville Sonic Boom

An aeronautical engineering professor at the University of Florida stated that a "Sonic Boom" incident in Gainesville on June 17 caused the greatest damage reported in the country from such an event. 84 reports of broken windows were received, with damage estimated between $10,000 and $20,000. The specific reason for the explosion was difficult to explain.

Mother Ship and Flock?

On the evening of June 18, three witnesses (Evelyn May, Carolyn May Thurman, and 12-year-old Nancy) reported a sighting over Miami. They observed a large, cigar-shaped object, described as "breathing" (contracting and expanding) and intensely blue. The object was estimated to be about the length of six full moons and wide enough to fit six full moons across its diameter. Shortly after, dozens of small orange balls of light were seen shooting out from the object, with one reportedly taking off straight up. The large object then disappeared suddenly. It reappeared later, stationary near the Big Dipper, and more green lights were seen leaving it before it vanished again. The entire event lasted about half an hour.

Otis T. Carr and Moon Bomb Dangers

The issue references a previous article about Otis T. Carr's plans for a circular spaceship. A new report from the Baltimore Enterprise details Carr's dire predictions regarding the consequences of detonating an atomic bomb on the Moon. Carr, a former understudy of Nikola Tesla, expressed profound shock at the idea, stating that while the U.S. government has the capability, they also have "deadly poor judgment" to attempt it. He warned of catastrophic potential outcomes for Earth, including massive tidal waves, burning, loss of atmosphere, freezing due to altered magnetic polarity, being flung into space, or Earth being ejected from the solar system.

Nickerson Restored to Command

Colonel John C. Nickerson, who was convicted a year prior for leaking classified information to support the Army in a rivalry with the Air Force over missiles, is being restored to a command position, though away from the Army missile program. He will serve as ordnance officer of the Caribbean command.

Mystery of Abominable Snowman Solved?

A report from Kathandu, Nepal, details the killing of a creature described as possibly related to the Abominable Snowman. The creature was four-and-a-half feet tall, bear-like, incredibly strong, and ran on two legs while carrying a yak. Nepalese hunters tracked it after it seized a yak. The creature had a bear-like face but human feet and was covered in long, fine hair. Tribesmen had never seen anything like it. An American expedition team was investigating.

Earthlings Are Not Alone

Dr. Benjamin Benincasa, a theologian, is finishing a book titled "Theologians Approach to Religions of Other Worlds." The article touches on historical and contemporary theologians who have supported the concept of multiple worlds and extraterrestrial life, suggesting that true science and true religion are not in conflict, as both seek to understand the universe as the handiwork of an Omnipotent God.

Other News Items

• Satellite Detection Network: The U.S. Defense Department plans to build a radio-radar network to detect even silent satellites, citing military threat concerns. The magazine questions this, recalling President Eisenhower's statement that Russian satellites posed no military threat.
• "Jump Belt" Rocket: A 23-year-old test engineer has developed a rocket-powered jump belt capable of propelling a man at high speeds, potentially ushering in a new era of personal space travel.
• Pentagon Censorship: A report criticizes the Pentagon for censorship, propagandizing, and unnecessary secrecy, stating that information with no security value has been withheld, and security has been perverted as a tool for manipulating information.
• De Seversky on Soviet Advancement: Airplane pioneer Alexander P. de Seversky warns that the U.S. is behind the USSR in scientific developments, including jet aircraft, hydrogen bombs, and satellites, and predicts the Soviets will win the race to the Moon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of S.P.A.C.E. revolve around the persistent public interest in UFOs, the perceived need for government transparency, and the exploration of the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of open disclosure of information related to UFOs, as evidenced by the "Break-Through Day" campaign and the publication of correspondence with Congressmen. The magazine actively promotes the idea that UFOs are a subject worthy of serious investigation and public awareness, challenging official secrecy and encouraging readers to engage with their elected representatives. There is also a strong undercurrent of concern about potential threats, whether from foreign powers (USSR) or from humanity's own actions (atomic experiments on the Moon), coupled with a belief in the compatibility of science and religion in understanding the universe.