UFO Commentary - vol 1 no 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO COMMENTARY
Issue: Vol.1 No.3
Date: Fall 1970
Publisher: Patrick A. Huyghe
Type: A Journal of Progressive UFOlogy

Editorial: On the Integrity of UFO Researchers

The editorial, written by Patrick A. Huyghe, addresses the critical issue of integrity within the UFO research community. Huyghe recounts his personal involvement with UFO reports in his locality starting in June 1968. He details his process of collecting information from local newspapers and radio stations, compiling a resume of activities that was submitted to 'Saucer Scoop' for publication in August 1968. He reproduces this report, which details several UFO sightings and related events in Virginia during June and August 1968. These include a power failure in Hampton potentially linked to a reported smoke sighting, a UFO sighting in Norfolk, and a plane crash during an aerial inspection of power lines.

Huyghe expresses dismay over how his report, when published in 'Saucer Scoop' and later referenced in George Fawcett's '1968 Worldwide UFO Roundup,' was altered. Specifically, key phrases that introduced doubt or alternative explanations (like helium balloons) were omitted, leading to a distortion of the original report and presenting the sightings as more credible or sensationalized than initially reported. He criticizes this 'fudging' of information, arguing that if such practices occur now, they likely happened before and will continue, damaging the credibility of UFOlogy. He concludes by stating that if researchers cannot present information accurately, they should refrain from publishing.

UFO News Reports

This section presents various UFO-related news items and follow-ups:

• Followup: Mystery of Glow Partly Solved (Believed Galvanized Roof): This report by Henry Martin investigates a glowing light seen over Tobacco Row Mountain in Virginia. The phenomenon was partially explained as lunar light reflecting off the galvanized roof of an old barn. However, the report notes that this explanation does not account for all witness accounts, such as a 'glowing cloud' seen by C. T. Mayberry that appeared to move independently, and a light shot at by Pete Rucker. It also mentions an older sighting by Buck Caldwell of a bright light on the mountain.
• Editor's Note: The correspondent, Mrs. Ricketts, expresses interest in investigating a Cherokee Indian burial ground associated with local legends and superstitions, suggesting a potential connection to UFO sightings.
• Water Mystery Solved: A reader named D.M. inquired about a large, black and white conical object moving against the current on the James River. The Portsmouth U.S. Coast Guard identified it as a fish net stake buoy that had drifted from its marker.
• Unconfirmed Report: An old lady in Hampton, Virginia, reported seeing a UFO during the week of May 3-9, 1970, which was mentioned on a radio talk show.

UFO over California Desert, by Allen Benz

This article details a UFO sighting by James W. Lemley, a manager of an auto paint shop with a student pilot's license. On November 26, 1967, while flying at 140 mph above the clouds near El Cajon, California, Lemley sighted an unidentified flying object at approximately 4500 feet. He described the UFO as reddish-orange, glowing, and shaped like a 'bell that had been cut off,' estimated to be thirty to forty feet in diameter and ten to twenty feet in height. It was sharply outlined and very bright, comparable to an infrared lamp. The object did not emit smoke, leave a trail, change shape, or display any markings. It remained for two to three minutes before ascending to at least 7000 feet and then speeding away towards El Centro at an estimated 800 mph. Lemley noted no interference with his radio equipment. The article highlights the proximity of a large Air Force radar station at Mt. Laguna, the Salton Sea, and the All American Canal to the sighting area. Lemley concluded it was either a secret Air Force experimental craft or an object from outer space.

The article is accompanied by a sketch of the object drawn by the witness and a map showing Lemley's flight path and the relevant terrain, including the USAF radar station and the Salton Sea.

The Great Flying Machine Hoax!, by Steve Libby

This article by Steve Libby discusses a purported newspaper report from the New York Sun on April 13, 1844, detailing the 'Atlantic Crossed in Three Days!' by a 'Flying Machine' named 'Victoria.' The article presents this as a significant newspaper hoax, noting that the report described a hazardous adventure and was written with vivid detail. It mentions that the writer was undergoing financial difficulties due to his wife's illness. The report detailed the arrival at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, S.C., of Mr. Mason, Mr. Robert Holland, Mr. Henson, Mr. Harrison Ainsworth, and four others, after a seventy-five-hour voyage. The 'ellipsoid balloon' was described as 13 feet six inches long and six feet eight inches wide, weighing 17 pounds, and containing over 40,000 feet of gas. The article suggests that the passengers were well-known and includes a sketch of the craft.

Other Content

• A Theory on UFO Operation, by Frank Mobley: (Page 13) This article is listed in the table of contents but not provided in the scanned pages.
• Fact or Folklore?, by Dan Butcher: (Page 14) Listed in the table of contents but not provided.
• The Midwest UFO Conference, by Allen Benz: (Page 15) Listed in the table of contents but not provided.
• Discoveries Furthering the Feasibility of Interplanetary Space Flights: (Page 17) Listed in the table of contents but not provided.
• A Personal View of the 1970 Congress of Scientific UFOlogists, by the editor: (Page 18) Listed in the table of contents but not provided.
• Book Reviews, by the editor: (Page 19) Listed in the table of contents but not provided.
• Letters: (Page 21) Listed in the table of contents but not provided.
• Reference & Advertisement Section: (Page 22) Listed in the table of contents but not provided.
• Preview - In our next issue: The next issue will feature an article by Larry W. Bryant titled "Uncle Sam's UFO Literature: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Material Published Under Aegis of the U. S. Government."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO reports and the researchers who handle them. There is a strong emphasis on integrity and accuracy in reporting, as highlighted by the editorial's condemnation of distorted or sensationalized accounts. The issue also covers UFO sightings from various locations (Virginia, California) and time periods (recent and historical), including attempts to solve mysteries and debunk potential hoaxes. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards misrepresentation and a call for honest, factual reporting within the UFOlogy field. The magazine aims to provide a platform for progressive UFOlogy, encouraging active participation and investigation from its readers.

This issue of UFO COMMENTARY, identified as Vol. 1 No. 1, dated April 30, 1960, is a magazine focused on UFO phenomena, scientific inquiry, and related topics. The cover prominently features 'ASTOUNDING NEWS!' about Mr. Monck Mason's purported three-day crossing of the Atlantic in his 'Flying Machine' named 'VICTORIA'. The publication is attributed to THE DAILY PRESS and was reprinted from their publication.

The Monck Mason Hoax

The lead story details the alleged transatlantic voyage of Mr. Monck Mason, an Irish artist and writer, in his 'Steering Balloon "VICTORIA"'. The report, originating from the SUN OFFICE and transmitted via express from Norfolk, claimed an arrival at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina, after a seventy-five-hour passage from land to land, beginning on April 7th and ending on April 9th. The newspaper report included direct quotes from Mason and his associate, Harrison Ainsworth. However, the article reveals this was a fabricated story, confessed by a young journalist named Edgar Allan Poe, who admitted it was a 'figment of his rather fertile and vivid imagination'. The publisher of the New York Sun issued a disclaimer, and Poe was banned from future publication.

A Theory on UFO Operation

Frank Mobley's article explores the nature of energy and matter, proposing that if matter is essentially energy, then advanced intelligence could manipulate it at high speeds and with extreme maneuverability, akin to light or radio waves. Mobley suggests that UFOs' agile movements, which life as we know it could not endure, might be explained by treating matter as energy. He also touches upon poltergeist phenomena, suggesting that unseen energy could move objects with minimal expenditure, potentially applicable to UFO propulsion.

Fact or Folklore?

Dan Butcher presents several tales that blur the lines between folklore and potential UFO-related events. One story recounts a village schoolmaster's encounter with a 'black dog' near a haunted spot, which then transformed into a 'flame of fire'. This is compared to a 1963 South African UFO report where two men investigated a large dog and were subsequently buzzed by a UFO. Another tale involves the conversion of M. Alphonse Ratisbonne, who witnessed a black dog in a church before experiencing a vision of the Virgin Mary, drawing a parallel to UFO-like phenomena at Fatima.

The Midwest UFO Conference

Allen Benz reports on the 7th Annual Congress of Scientific UFOlogists held in Peoria, Illinois. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a prominent figure, stated that UFO researchers must continue their work independently, as the Air Force abandoned its project after the Condon Report. Hynek emphasized that UFOs 'do exist' and that progress requires dedicated individuals specializing in specific areas of research. Mrs. Coral E. Lorenzen of APRO presented evidence of a manufactured, nonterrestrial UFO vehicle, citing tests on the Ubatuba magnesium sample, which exhibited directional graining far advanced for 1957 technology. Dr. Allen R. Utke criticized scientists for being 'defenders of the Establishment', while Ted Phillips discussed evidence of burned circles and saucer nests. John F. Schuessler, a McDonnell-Douglas engineer, highlighted the need for new propulsion systems to match UFO capabilities.

Discoveries Furthering Interplanetary Space Flights

This section covers two distinct topics:

On Storing Food for Long Duration Flights

Space scientists are developing a process to convert exhaled human breath (carbon dioxide) into nutritional sugars, potentially sustaining astronauts on long voyages. The experimental apparatus at NASA's Moffett Field converts carbon dioxide to methane, then formaldehyde, and finally sugars, producing 750 grams per hour. This 'pure nutrient' diet is well-tolerated by rats and could potentially address global food shortages.

On the Possibility of Suspended Animation

Russian scientists revived prehistoric tritons found frozen in Siberia for 5,000 years. This suggests the possibility of using deep freeze technology for space travelers to undertake long journeys without the burden of extensive supplies.

A Personal View of the 1970 Congress of Scientific Ufologists

The editor provides a critical review of the 7th Annual Congress of Scientific UFOlogists. While acknowledging the event's existence, the editor recommends cutting out business sessions, relegating private opinions to hotel rooms, and eliminating open sessions. The editor stresses the importance of serious UFO groups attending conventions to achieve constructive outcomes.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• Chariots of the Gods by Erich Von Daniken: The reviewer notes its popularity but questions the reliance on analogy and the satisfactory explanation of some archeological oddities. The reviewer points out Von Daniken's own admission that his book is a hypothesis based on speculation.
• The Silver Bridge by Gray Barker: This book is described as a blend of UFO interest and fictional elements, presenting claims like the Woodrow Derenberger contactee and the Mothman sighting alongside the collapse of the Point Pleasant 'Silver Bridge'. The reviewer finds it literary and recommends it as a top Saucerian Book.
• Passport to Magonia by Jacques Vallee: The reviewer praises Vallee's work as a masterpiece compared to other 'bullshit' books, noting that Vallee, like Keel, rejects the outer space theory as a complete answer. Vallee's thesis is that religious apparitions, fairy-faith, and UFO sightings share common underlying mechanisms. The book includes a catalog of UFO landings from 1868-1968.

Letters

This section contains correspondence from readers:

• Jader U. Pereira from Brazil reports a decline in UFO movement but notes an observation of 'little men of bluish color' in Sobral. He also mentions a forthcoming book by Professor Felipe M. Carrion on UFO occupants.
• Gerald Lovell praises the magazine's improvement and questions the adequacy of a recent autopsy report, urging readers to 'dig up the bits!'
• Norma E. Short compliments the magazine's improved appearance and content, particularly the editorial.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of science, speculation, and the unexplained. There's a strong focus on UFO phenomena, with articles discussing theoretical propulsion, conference reports, and book reviews that critically examine claims of extraterrestrial contact and ancient astronaut theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging rigorous investigation while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding and the potential for hoaxes. The magazine also touches upon broader scientific advancements like food synthesis and suspended animation, linking them to future space exploration possibilities. The recurring theme is the ongoing quest to understand the UFO phenomenon, whether through scientific research, theoretical exploration, or critical analysis of anecdotal evidence and folklore.

This document is a 'Reference and Advertisement Section' from a UFO publication, likely an issue of UFO CHRONOLOG, given its prominent placement. The content focuses on providing information about various UFO-related publications and services, rather than presenting original research or articles. The date is inferred to be around 1968 due to the mention of '1968 UFO Sightings' as a special issue of UFOARB.

Publication Advertisements

UFO CHRONOLOG: Described as the only publication with detailed and comprehensive UFO sighting chronologies, analytical articles, and discussions on UFOlogy. It is bimonthly, with a 6-issue subscription costing $2.50 and sample copies at 45¢. The contact is Joseph M. Erhardt, Newport News, Virginia.

EYEWITNESS: This publication is highlighted for its well-written articles and reports, with a focus on Ohio's UFO activity. Subscription rates are $1.75 per year (4 issues), with a special rate of $1.00 per year for Ohio residents. The contact is Bill Moore, Mt. Perry, Ohio.

PHENOMENES INCONNUS: A bimonthly review in French, costing $6.00 per year. The contact is Pierre Delval, Grenoble, France.

THE KANSAS NEWSLETTER: Published monthly by U.F.O. Research Associates, Inc., it features midwest and worldwide UFO reports, articles by UFO researchers, and related subjects. The subscription rate is $3.00 per year, with sample copies at 25¢. The contact is THE KANSAS NEWSLETTER, Topeka, Kansas.

THE ILLUMINER: Issue No. 1 is featured, dealing with UK contactees and posing the question, 'Are there 1M. UFO witnesses in the UK?'. It includes results of a recent poll and a photograph of a UFO that puzzled Britain on June 5. It is a bi-monthly publication with 15-20 illustrated pages for $2.00 per year, or available as an exchange. The contact is G. Lovell, Bristol, England.

Back Issues and Staff Wanted

Availability of Back Issues: Information is provided on the availability of back issues for UFOARB (UFO Analysis and Research Bulletin) and UFO COMMENTARY. Several issues of UFOARB are listed as 'SOLD OUT' or 'RARE', with specific prices for available issues like Vol. 1, No. 2 (25¢) and Vol. 1, No. 4 (Special Issue - A Report of over 1000 Worldwide 1968 UFO Sightings). UFO COMMENTARY Vol. 1, No. 1 is priced at 50¢ and Vol. 1, No. 2 at 60¢. Orders are to be placed with Patrick A. Huyghe, Newport News, Virginia.

Staff Wanted for UFO COMMENTARY: The publication is seeking individuals for several positions on its staff, including Reviewer, Publicity Directors, Translators (for all foreign languages except French), Foreign Distributors, and Assistant Editor. Interested individuals are asked to send their requests to the editor, including their qualifications. They are also seeking reports of in-depth investigations into non-published landing and occupant sightings worldwide, as well as original clippings of all eastern U.S. UFO reports.

Subscription Renewal Notice

A notice indicates that if a red mark appears in a circle, the subscription to UFO COMMENTARY has expired and renewal is requested. The rates for renewal are $2 for one year and $4 for two years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this section is the promotion and support of UFO research and publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of actively collecting and disseminating information on UFO sightings and related phenomena, as evidenced by the call for reports and the listing of various UFO journals. There is a clear emphasis on providing resources for UFO enthusiasts, including back issues and opportunities to contribute to ongoing research efforts.