SPACE - No 59 - 1961 11

Magazine Overview

This issue of S.P.A.C.E. (Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma) from November 1961, edited and published by Norbert F. Gariety from Coral Gables, Florida, focuses on UFO reports and a strong anti-Communist stance. The cover headline highlights a Pentagon dismissal of a Utah saucer sighting as 'BALLOONEY'. The magazine includes reports on UFOs, alleged Communist infiltration, and various other news items.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Pentagon's View on Utah Saucer

The lead story, 'PENTAGON CALLS UTAH SAUCER BALLOONEY', reports on an incident from October 11, 1961. Air Force officers in the Pentagon suggested that an unidentified flying object seen over Salt Lake valley was either the planet Venus or a research balloon. Waldo J. Harris, a pilot who first spotted the object, strongly refuted this, stating it was saucer-shaped, grey, moved under intelligent control, and flew at 'terrific speed' directly against a 10-mile-per-hour wind. He expressed a desire to speak directly with the Pentagon spokesman. The Air Force UFO team at Wright Patterson Air Force Base was investigating, prioritizing potential hostile sightings.

Sunset, Utah Sightings

Following the Pentagon's report, another item from Sunset, Utah, dated October 16, 1961, details sightings of unexplained flying objects. Reynolds A. Miskin, head of the newly organized Strange Aerial Sights Information Organization (SASIO), recorded several sightings. Mrs. Michiel Burson, wife of the mayor, reported seeing four white, circular objects moving southeast. Her husband had seen similar objects earlier. These objects were also seen by Thomas J. Kay and Kent Draper. Mr. Miskin observed objects that were 'puffy and irregular, like puffs of cotton,' moving at high speed, and later, a second object described as round, like the moon but smaller. Miskin notified flight operations at Hill Air Force Base.

San Pedro Jail Blasts

On October 26, 1961, three mystery blasts rocked the Los Angeles basin, causing window damage and cracks in the San Pedro jail. Authorities initially considered aircraft breaking the sound barrier or naval gun testing. While officers assured residents it wasn't an earthquake, authorities in Santa Monica stated the navy was testing sea-going artillery. An editorial note from Mrs. Johnson suggests the booms were 'real heavy' and 'horrible'.

Submerged UFO in the North Atlantic?

An article from Boston, Mass., dated October 30, 1961, reports that a member of NICAP suggested an unidentified sonar contact tracked by the Navy in the North Atlantic might be a submerged flying saucer. George D. Fawcett, an investigator, noted authenticated reports of saucers submerging off the US coast from 200 years ago. The Brunswick, Maine, Naval Air Station confirmed they were checking sonar echoes but stated all information was classified.

US Army Scraps Avro Flying Saucer

Reliable sources revealed that the US Army has shelved the development of Canada's flying saucer, having poured $10,000,000 into it. Officials at Avro Aircraft Ltd. indicated the tight security cloak had been lifted, suggesting the US was 'finished' with the project. The Ames Research Centre in California confirmed tests had stopped due to lack of funds.

Ghostly Encounters in London

A report from London describes families alarmed by a ghost that tickles babies, moves objects, and reveals itself to women and children. Residents at Woodborough Rd., Nottingham, believe it to be the ghost of a woman who killed herself years ago. One resident, Mr. Leslie Wetherill, stated they were moving out, and another, Mrs. Doris Leonardi, sought help from their vicar.

Anti-Communism and Political Commentary

Controversial UNICEF Facts

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to criticizing UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund). The article details 'CONTROVERSIAL UNICEF FACTS', citing warnings from the American Coalition of Patriotic Societies, the National Defense Committee of the DAR, and the American Council of Christian Churches. The core objection is UNICEF's alleged Communist influence, stemming from its origins as an official agency of the United Nations. It claims the first chairman was a leading Communist, Ludwig Raichmann, who used his influence to get aid for communist countries. The article lists substantial allocations from UNICEF to Red Albania, Bulgaria, and Communist China, despite these nations giving nothing. It also notes that the Soviet Union does not permit UNICEF to operate within its borders and requires donations to be used for Russian supplies. The article asserts that interlocking Communist influence within UNICEF, UNTA, WHO, and UNESCO is undeniable and that UNICEF is helping to build a 'World Welfare State and World Government.' The author argues that working with Communists in such agencies conditions Americans to accept 'peaceful coexistence,' which is seen as a Communist strategy for surrender.

'Operation Alert' and Communist Tactics

Under the heading 'ANTI-COMMUNISTS TAKE HEART, THE FIGHT IS FORGING AHEAD!', the magazine reprints an article from the San Diego Evening Tribune. It discusses recent secret testimony revealing that the Communists view the US anti-Communist movement as a significant threat, with orders for its eradication in the 81-party manifesto of December 1960. The article warns that American patriots must prepare for a psychological warfare onslaught employing 'every diabolical and dirty tactic.' It quotes Edward Hunter, a psychological warfare specialist, who stated that if the anti-Communist movement is not destroyed, it will be 'fatal to the Communist movement everywhere.' The article outlines Communist tactics to undermine the movement, including making anti-Communism unpopular, portraying the Red threat as distant, labeling opposition as 'radical right-wingers,' and pressuring the military to reduce its anti-Communist programs.

Cincinnati ENQUIRER Article on 'Operation Alert'

The magazine also features an article from the Cincinnati ENQUIRER titled 'RED RATS BARE THEIR FANGS When "Operation Alert" Directs Beams of Publicity on Them' by Jack Lotto. This article explains that Communists use abuse and lies to confuse the public. 'Operation Alert' is described as a pro-American effort to disseminate facts about the Communist conspiracy, particularly through J. Edgar Hoover's book 'Masters of Deceit.' The article details how the Communist party, through its mouthpiece 'The Worker,' attacked 'Operation Alert' as a scheme to make money, using terms like 'witch-hunting' and 'Red-baiting.' Sponsors of 'Operation Alert,' including the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, are highlighted. The article concludes by stating that 'Operation Alert' aims to distribute Hoover's book to educate the public about the 'true Red menace.'

Distribution of Hoover's Book

Further details on 'Operation Alert' reveal that thousands of Hoover's book are being given free to school libraries and students. The article mentions that the publishers, Holt, Rinehart & Winston, Inc., along with Mr. Hoover and 'Operation Alert' sponsors, have been targets of Communist criticism. The book is described as a 'fully documented, factual presentation' that exposes Communist lies and deceit.

Other Items

A Widow's Space-Age Investments

An article from San Francisco details the case of Mrs. Eva Newcomb, who invested $5,000 in an Alaska gold mine and a Sierra quartz deposit based on the claims of Reinhold O. Schmidt, who allegedly discovered them during space flights with 'friends from Saturn.' Mrs. Newcomb mortgaged property to provide the funds. Schmidt also claimed to have found a rich gold mine in Alaska and described his 'space brothers' as smaller than earthlings. He offered her a half interest in the mine for $3,000, which she also paid. She later discovered Schmidt had merely borrowed the money, and she was paying a higher interest rate on her mortgage. Schmidt was arrested after Mrs. Newcomb reported the incident to the police.

Antarctic Pond

Scientists have discovered a miniature dead sea in Antarctica, a pond so salty it likely never freezes, with temperatures sometimes dropping to 60 degrees below zero. The pond is about 80 miles from McMurdo Sound and is approximately eleven times saltier than ocean water.

A New Bottom

An item about a souvenir from England: toilet paper stamped 'Government Property' on every square, implying higher costs and poorer quality due to government control, serving as a symbol of Socialism's decline.

Moscow Book Store Anecdote

A story about the son of a former Soviet official searching for a new 'History for the Communist Party of the Soviet Union' in a Moscow bookstore, expressing a desire to know if his father was a victim of murder or liquidated.

Christmas Greeting

The issue concludes with a Christmas greeting and a reprint of the hymn 'O Little Town of Bethlehem,' wishing readers happiness and joy in a nation of freedom and dignity, under God.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO phenomena, the perceived threat of Communism, and the importance of American patriotism. The editorial stance is strongly anti-Communist, viewing Communism as a direct threat to American freedom and way of life. The magazine actively promotes anti-Communist literature and viewpoints, often framing UFO reports within this broader context of national security and ideological struggle. The editor, Norbert F. Gariety, uses the publication to disseminate information he deems vital for alerting Americans to both extraterrestrial mysteries and the dangers of Communism, often expressing frustration with those who complain about the inclusion of political content.