SPACE

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE
Issue: Bulletin No. 55
Date: July 1961
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety, Editor and Publisher
Location: Coral Gables, Florida, USA
Focus: Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma (S.P.A.C.E.)

This issue of SPACE magazine delves into a variety of topics, primarily focusing on alleged evidence contradicting the official Soviet claim of Yuri Gagarin being the first man in space, alongside numerous reports of UFO sightings and a significant amount of political commentary concerning Communism and American patriotism.

The Evidence Mounts: Gagarin's Space Flight Questioned

The lead article, "THE EVIDENCE MOUNTS," by Herbert W. Armstrong, presents a case against the veracity of Yuri Gagarin's space flight. It cites reports from London suggesting that a transmission heard via shortwave was from a man experiencing "terror" and "hysterics" a day or two before Gagarin's supposed flight. The article also mentions skepticism within Moscow regarding Gagarin's claims.

Further fueling this doubt, the magazine reports that Col. Ilyushin, son of a famous astronaut, may have been the first human in space. However, it is alleged that something went wrong, preventing his return to Earth for two or three days, during which he reportedly went "stark raving mad." A subsequent Russian press photograph, published on New Year's Eve, showed Col. Ilyushin hale and hearty, contradicting a Moscow statement that he was ill from June 1960 to January 1961 and recuperating in China. The article suggests this photograph refutes the Kremlin's story and that Ilyushin might now be confined as a "raving maniac" in a Moscow hospital.

A British correspondent, William Pee, recounts his experience of tuning into a shortwave band and picking up a distressed Russian voice, which he believes was the man who had gone into space. He describes the voice as agitated and hysterical, cutting out abruptly. Pee speculates that this individual may have lost his mind.

The editorial note following these reports concludes that a man was sent into orbit but perished due to control difficulties, and that standby astronauts were ready to complete the mission. It criticizes the Russians for resorting to "lying, trickery, deceit" even in early space trials.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The magazine features several reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs):

• Air Force Research: The U.S. Air Force continues to research "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena." Major Robert Friend of ATIC at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base stated that 224 sightings had been received that year, with his office handling 400-500 cases annually. He confirmed that normally 2% of sightings cannot be satisfactorily cleared up.
• Calgary Painting Phenomenon: A report from Calgary, Canada, describes a painting of Christ that exhibits a luminous glow and a dark cross under specific lighting conditions, with chemical tests unable to explain the phenomenon.
• Toy Submarine Leak: A seemingly innocuous $2.98 toy model of the U.S. Polaris submarine reportedly provided Russia with significant information about U.S. nuclear submarines, including reactor compartment size and crew requirements.
• Ft. Pierce Near-Miss: Mayor Haydon Burns of Jacksonville reported a harrowing experience on March 22, 1961, where a "bright-lit craft" danced in the sky over Ft. Pierce for hours. He described the object as intensely bright, like a direct light bulb, and noted its rapid ascent, estimating its speed at 300-400 mph.
• San Jose Geological Phenomenon: In La Suiza de Turrialba, Costa Rica, strange phenomena have occurred, including open cracks in rocks, ground movements, and water pressure gushing out.
• Washington Investigation: The House Space Committee, under Chairman Rep. Overton Brooks, designated Rep. Joseph J. Karth to investigate UFOs. This move is supported by airline pilots who contend the Air Force is mistaken in its explanations.
• Akron Sightings: Ernie Stadvec, a pilot from Akron, Ohio, reported seeing unidentified flying objects on two separate nights in the Akron-Cleveland area. He described a brilliant green and white light that performed a 180-degree turn and a similar light that climbed rapidly.
• Oakland County Sighting: On July 10, 1961, a "tri-color flying object" lit up the skies over Oakland County, Michigan, before dawn. Witnesses, including police, described a large, balloon-like object that flashed white, orange, and gold, and seemed to change shape and drift slowly.

Political Commentary and the John Birch Society

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to political commentary, particularly concerning the perceived threat of Communism and the treatment of patriotic organizations.

• Critique of "Ultra-Liberals": The magazine criticizes "ultra-liberals" for their perceived attacks on patriotism and for downplaying the contributions of figures like Captain John Birch, who died fighting Chinese Communists. It accuses these elements of smearing individuals who challenge the status quo.
• Defense of the John Birch Society: The article "EDITORIAL" strongly defends the John Birch Society against what it calls a "poorly done" and "shoddy" press attack. It argues that accusations of anti-Catholicism and anti-Semitism are unsubstantiated. The magazine encourages readers to educate themselves on the John Birch mystery by sending for "THE BLUEBOOK."
• "Brave New World" and Treason: The publication expresses alarm over what it perceives as a Communist agenda, quoting Lenin's strategy of taking Eastern Europe, then Asia, and finally surrounding the United States. It criticizes the U.S. government for providing aid to Communist countries, calling it "treason."
• Senator McCarthy Parallel: The magazine draws a parallel between the treatment of Senator McCarthy and current "patriots" like Robert Welch, suggesting that those who expose "fifth columnists" within the government are subjected to smear tactics.
• Call to Action: The issue urges Americans to "awaken" from "lethargy and hypnotic trance" to save the Republic, emphasizing that "the time is short--we are in the eleventh hour."

Book Review: "THE PENTAGON CASE"

The magazine reviews "THE PENTAGON CASE" by Capt. Robert A. Winston (under the pen-name Col. Victor J. Fox). The book details Winston's alleged discovery of a Communist cell within the Defense Department, subsequent attempts on his life, and his fight against these elements. The review highlights Winston's efforts to expose infiltration in government agencies, churches, and media, and positions him and Robert Welch as fighting the "same enemy."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SPACE magazine are the questioning of official narratives regarding space achievements, the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, and a strong anti-Communist stance coupled with a defense of organizations perceived as patriotic. The editorial stance is one of deep suspicion towards government and media, particularly concerning anything related to Communism or UFOs. The magazine positions itself as a source of "sane, objective information" in contrast to what it views as misinformation and "fringe elements" in the UFO field. It advocates for "freedom and human dignity" and warns against tyranny and slavery, urging readers to be vigilant and informed.