SPACE - No 58 - 1961 10

Magazine Overview

Title: S. P. A. C. E. (Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma)
Issue Date: October 1961
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety
Editor: Norbert F. Gariety
Country of Publication: USA
Price: $3.00 per year

This issue of SPACE magazine, published monthly from Coral Gables, Florida, focuses on UFO phenomena, potential extraterrestrial life, and national security concerns. The cover prominently features the word "SPACE" with an illustration of a rocket ship, setting the tone for the contents.

Mars Colonization and Extraterrestrial Life

The lead article, "MARTIANS MAY OBJECT TO EARTHMAN COLONIES," reports on a paper presented by Wells Alan Webb, a research chemist from Berkeley, California, at the International Astronautical Federation's 12th annual congress. Webb suggested that human colonization of Mars is possible through "a united effort of all nations" using "pressurized greenhouses." However, he stressed the necessity of careful investigations via space probes "capable of provoking reaction" before humans set foot on the planet. Webb cited the peculiar lines and markings on astronomical maps of Mars, known as canals, as indicators of a "prior civilization." He theorized these canals form a network pattern similar to global communication systems and proposed using spacecraft with powerful transmitters to attempt radio communication. If no response is found, then exploring parties could safely proceed with colonization. The proposed colonies would be sustained by unique agricultural greenhouses generating their own air, water, and food.

The "Ed. Note" accompanying this article expresses interest in the scientist's acknowledgment that if Martians exist, the planet belongs to them, and caution is advised. It contrasts this with a perceived shift towards a "Socialistic idea that 'everything belongs to everybody'" on Earth. The note speculates that intelligent extraterrestrial beings might also value moral and political values and refrain from visiting Earth due to the hostility and antagonism shown towards their craft.

This section further posits that if humans discover a "backward, uncivilized barbaric race on Mars," they would not wish to fraternize. Conversely, extraterrestrials observing Earth might find two conflicting ideologies: one based on "God, freedom and dignity of man," and another described as "Godless, atheistic, pagan, barbaric materialistic society" where a small percentage controls the majority. The note suggests that this observation of Earth's societal progress and its "atheistic, pagan, and materialistic society" has led to the enslavement of 23 nations and 1 billion people. The remaining two-thirds are described as indecisive or unaware, failing to counter the "creeping paralysis and advance of the Godless ideology." The author concludes that it is understandable why extraterrestrials might not land and fraternize, predicting they may leave and return in 100 years to see if humanity has improved.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The issue details several UFO sightings and related discussions:

• Cincinnati Sightings: Robert Knauph and his family reported seeing an unusual red light in the sky over Cincinnati on September 5, 1961. Len Stringfield, former editor of CRIFO-ORBIT, also witnessed the light. The Cincinnati ENQUIRER reported a similar "mystery light" on September 6, 1961, described as a flickering red light that exploded in a bright flash, observed at an altitude of 5000-10,000 feet. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base suggested it might be an Air Force infrared flare. The area has been a frequent radar target. WCPO-TV interviewed Len Stringfield, who classified the sightings as unidentified due to insufficient evidence.

• Air Force Explanations and Evidence: Stringfield criticized the latest Air Force release as erroneous, claiming they cover up significant evidence and fear panic if the public learns UFOs are interplanetary. He argued that if UFOs crossed into Russia, they could be mistaken for missiles, leading to retaliation. He also noted that other countries, like Russia, England, Sweden, and others, are collecting similar information to improve their own spacecraft. Regarding proof, Stringfield stated that while 3/4 of sightings are explainable, a "hard core" remains unexplained, often involving controlled objects and right-angle turns observed by military personnel and ground observers. He distanced himself from "contactee" claims of landings.

• Utah UFO Incident: A widely publicized sighting occurred over Utah on October 2, 1961. Pilot Waldo J. Harris, preparing for takeoff at Utah Central Airport, sighted an "unidentified object" he initially mistook for another airplane. He pursued the object, describing it as a "large disc, hovering with a rocking motion" at an altitude of 6500-7000 feet. The object was estimated to be 50 feet across and 4 feet thick, with no visible openings or vapor trail, yet exhibiting controlled flight. It moved upward rapidly and disappeared. Seven witnesses on the ground also observed the object. The Air Force's Hill Air Force Base Security Division conducted an investigation, with findings forwarded to Washington D.C.

• Australian Landing Report: An article from the Albury Border MORNING MAIL (March 16, 1961) reports a possible UFO landing near Albury. Mr. F. Reynolds and his 15-year-old son Lloyd reported seeing a strange sight on the edge of the water, appearing as a large caravan with a red light and a nearby fire. They observed about four persons moving quickly between the fire and the caravan. The entire unit seemed to be moving sideways in a jerking manner, with a flame that would flare up and die down. The next morning, no unusual markings or traces were found. Mrs. D. Anderson also reported seeing a yellow light moving east.

• UK Sightings:
• Tallangatta Area: Mrs. Saw reported seeing a bright light drop behind mountains.
• West Albury: Mrs. Woodcock saw a peculiar light changing from red to pink, fading away, and moving towards Beechworth.
• Wangaratta: Mrs. W. Burns saw an unusual pink light in a narrow beam extending for miles.
• Wodonga: Mr. E. Staff saw an object that changed colors, appearing like a small cloud but moving rapidly towards Beechworth with jet-like flames.
• Exeter, UK: The London EVENING NEWS reported a mystery object sighted stationary over Exeter Airport for over an hour, estimated at 50,000 feet. The Air Ministry suggested it might be a balloon from Bristol University. However, the FLYING SAUCER REVIEW discovered Bristol University had not released such a balloon for over a year, and wind charts indicated the object could not have been a balloon launched from Bristol due to prevailing winds. The article questions why authorities did not photograph the object and suggests it was not a secret weapon, but rather an indication that the country could be "overflown with impunity."

• Cicero, Illinois Boys: Terry Bragiel (11) and Robert Berlik (13) reported seeing two oval-shaped silver objects flying out of the south and disappearing almost instantly to the north while watching a baseball game.

• Bucyrus, Ohio: Mrs. Donald Ingles reported seeing three unidentified flying objects, glowing brightly and flying high and fast across the horizon, described as "bright, like our own satellites," making no sound.

National Security and Espionage

The issue includes a significant section on national security, focusing on Soviet espionage. J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the F.B.I., testified that the "espionage setup is the most extensive in world history." He stated that Soviet and satellite spying activities are directed by individuals with diplomatic immunity operating from the UN and embassies. Hoover estimated that the Soviet Union had approximately 300,000 "trained spies" globally, with espionage targets having "no known limitations," ranging from the "seemingly ridiculous" to objectives revealing "intent of world conquest." He detailed the massive effort involving subterfuge and circumvention of regulations to obtain military, scientific, and technological secrets, creating "one of the best industrial spying systems in the world."

A defector reportedly stated that obtaining data in the U.S. is easy, eliminating hazardous clandestine operations. Another estimated that Russian military attaches legally obtain 95% of useful intelligence material. The FBI's statement to the House Appropriations Committee indicated that Soviet intelligence services have reorganized and become "aggressively bolder" in their offensive against the United States, placing a "heavy drain on man power of the FBI." In the past year, the FBI investigated 91,844 security matters, including surveillance of known or suspected spies, their rings, and Communist organizations used as fronts. Hoover noted that "some 200 known or suspected Communist front and Communist infiltrated organizations are now under investigation," infiltrating various spheres of activity, including youth groups, radio, television, motion pictures, churches, schools, and even "flying saucer clubs."

The editorial "Ed. Note" links this information to a "current smear campaign" against J. Edgar Hoover, suggesting it's an attack on those who warn about "dangers to their freedom from the Communist Criminal Conspiracy." It positions Hoover alongside figures like Senator McCarthy and Robert Welch as patriots fighting against this threat. The note criticizes Americans for ignoring warnings, believing smears in the "controlled press," and becoming complacent, drawing a parallel to the Cubans' situation.

Editorial Notes and Recurring Themes

The magazine concludes with several editorial notes. The editor acknowledges that due to his involvement with school yearbook photography, issues might arrive late. He expresses gratitude to readers for sending in interesting reports and news clippings, apologizing for not being able to individually answer all correspondence. The recurring themes throughout the issue are the unexplained nature of UFOs, the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence, and a strong undercurrent of concern about the Communist threat and perceived apathy among the American public regarding both UFOs and national security.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SPACE magazine are the persistent mystery of UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation, juxtaposed with a deep concern for national security and a perceived Communist conspiracy. The editorial stance is critical of official explanations for UFOs, often suggesting a cover-up or deliberate downplaying of evidence. There is a strong emphasis on the perceived threat of Communism, with J. Edgar Hoover's testimony on Soviet espionage serving as a central piece of evidence. The magazine appears to advocate for a more vigilant and patriotic stance from its readers, warning against complacency and the influence of what it terms a "Godless ideology."