S. P. A. C. E. (Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma)

Magazine Overview

Title: S. P. A. C. E. (Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enigma)
Issue: November 1962 (For Release Jan. 1, 1963)
Volume: 71
Publisher: Norbert F. Gariety, Editor and Publisher, Coral Gables, Florida
Character: This is the final issue of the monthly publication, concluding six years of reporting on UFO findings. The magazine adopted a strong pro-American, Anti-Communist stance, which became a significant aspect of its content and led to controversy.

The Final Issue: Reasons and Reminiscence

The editor, Norbert F. Gariety, explains the decision to cease publication. He cites several key reasons:

Personal and Professional Challenges

• Loss of Darkroom Technician: The editor experienced a significant personal setback when his darkroom technician left, coinciding with his busiest time of the year (Fall School photography and Christmas business). After trying and failing to find a suitable replacement, he decided to handle all the work himself, leading to an intense six-week period of double shifts.
• Financial Strain: The publication began with a modest $100 out-of-pocket investment. To gain subscribers, thousands of sample copies were distributed, and 1500 copies were given away at a showing of the Project Bluebook Film UFO. While this built a subscription list, the added expense of copyrighting the publication (initially thought to be a one-time cost) became a recurring burden. The Library of Congress required two copies of each issue and a monthly copyright fee, amounting to an additional $80.00, which was unexpected.
• Declining Interest and Circulation: After the initial surge of interest in the UFO field in 1952-1954 and 1957, interest waned. Advertising in a national publication initially boosted circulation but eventually yielded diminishing returns, contributing to the financial "red" of the publication.

Ideological Stance and Controversy

• Introduction of Anti-Communist Format: A significant turning point was the editor's decision to introduce a pro-American, Anti-Communist format into the UFO news bulletin. This was a response to what he perceived as a "pink, alien" philosophy emerging among some contact claimants. This stance led to attacks and criticism from the editors of four other UFO publications, who labeled him a "Fascist," a "Right Winger," and an "Extremist." Dick Hall of NICAP also expressed that politics had no place in a UFO bulletin.
• Subscriber Reaction: While some subscribers cancelled their subscriptions due to the "right-wing - extremist views," the editor reports that 80% or more of his mail praised the addition of Pro-American, Anti-Communist material. He provides examples of negative reactions, including a subscriber who sent a vicious letter and another who felt the political content was irrelevant to a UFO publication.
• Support for Patriotism: The editor expresses respect for Major Keyhoe's patriotic views and loathing of Communism, as stated in the UFO Investigator. He felt this was a positive development.

External Factors

• Government Post Office Deficit and Communist Mail: The editor expresses concern over the government post office deficit and the fact that Communist mail is carried "FREE OF CHARGE." He views this as a sign of something "terribly, terribly, rotten in Denmark."
• Subversive Literature: He notes the vast amount of Communist literature being mailed to Americans, including unsolicited materials sent to individuals who have traveled to Europe. He highlights the efforts of Congressman Cunningham of Indiana to address this issue.
• Postage Rate Increases: A forthcoming raise in postage rates in 1963 was another factor influencing the decision to cease publication, as it would further strain finances.

Subscriber Choices and Recommendations

With the cessation of publication, subscribers are offered several choices regarding their remaining subscription balance:

1. Back Issues: Receive back issues of S.P.A.C.E. (available for at least 50 of the 71 numbers issued) at 25 cents per copy.
2. Patriotic Materials: Receive patriotic materials such as "MASTERS OF DECEIT," "J. Edgar Hoover," "COMMUNIST AMERICA MUST IT BE," "Billy James Hargis," "BRAINWASHING," "RED TIDE," or "REDS PROMOTE RACIAL WAR" by Kenneth Goff.
3. Forget Unused Portion: Forfeit the remaining balance of the subscription.
4. Contribution: Enclose a contribution to help meet the publication's deficit.
5. Refund: Request a refund for the balance due from the unused subscription.

Recommended Publications

The editor also provides a list of recommended UFO publications that he believes have maintained accuracy and integrity over the years, despite facing ridicule and scorn. These include:

• NICAP: 1536 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. (Major Keyhoe, Director)
• A.P.R.O.: 4145 E. Desert Place, Tucson, Arizona
• A.P.R.G.: 11323 14th Ave. (N.E.) Seattle, Washington
• SAUCERS, SPACE & SCIENCE: Gene Duplantier, Editor, 125 Woodycrest Avenue, Toronto 6, Ontario, CANADA
• Gray Barker: PO Box 2228, Clarksburg, West Virginia

He notes that Gray Barker, while a sincere researcher, may be a bit gullible and that some of his promoted books leave something to be desired in "Truth" and "Americanism." However, he believes Barker recognizes this and is now aiming in the right direction.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Beyond the publication's closure, the editor explains his future focus. He states that he must curtail some of his activities to concentrate on what is doing the most good for all concerned. Dropping S.P.A.C.E. will allow him more time and money for his full-time job of awakening Americans to the dangers facing the country.

His activities include:

• Belonging to many local and national Anti-Communism organizations.
• Moderating a one-hour Anti-Communism broadcast over Radio WMIE in Miami every Sunday night, which involves interviews, public forums, and audience participation.
• Supervising a one-night-per-week Anti-Communism Study Group.
• Making duplicate tapes for other patriotic individuals.
• Operating a business and supporting a family.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this final issue are the challenges of independent publishing, the editor's strong patriotic and Anti-Communist convictions, and the perceived threats to America. The editorial stance is one of unwavering patriotism and a belief that vigilance against Communism is paramount. The editor expresses a sense of duty to awaken the public to these perceived dangers, even at the expense of his UFO publication. The issue concludes with a sign-off emphasizing "Yours for God and Country."