UFO Newsletter

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Newsletter
Issue: #2
Date: March 24, 1956
Publisher: North Jersey U. F. O. Group

This issue of the UFO Newsletter addresses a recent article in the Saturday Evening Post and provides updates on UFO-related publications and events.

Article Critique: Saturday Evening Post

The newsletter begins by discussing an article published in the March 10 issue of the SATURDAY EVENING POST, written by John Kobler. The article, titled "He Runs Flying Saucer Headquarters," focuses on James Rigberg, who publishes FLYING SAUCER NEWS and operates an occultist bookstore in New York City. Kobler is quoted as saying of Rigberg, "Nobody has striven harder than Rigberg to foster belief in the reality of space men and space ships." The newsletter strongly criticizes Kobler's article, describing it as "very poorly written" and containing "many discrepencies and completely false facts and allusions." The author of the newsletter believes the article was "calculated by its cynical author to slur the many serious researchers in the UFO field" and to "pour on the ridicule." The newsletter notes that even individuals within the occultist field, with whom they often disagree, have written letters to the POST in protest. The authors express concern that this article will further lower public interest in flying saucers, which they feel is already at its lowest since PROJECT GRUDGE. They urge readers to write to Ben Hibbs, Editor of the POST, to express their opinions and help counteract the negative effects of the article, hoping to influence future editorial decisions.

Upcoming Event: Gray Barker Speaking Engagement

Gray Barker, the editor of THE SAUCERIAN and now SAUCERIAN BULLETIN, is scheduled to speak at the North Jersey U. F. O. Group's public meeting in Newark on May 10. His new book, "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers," is set to be published by University Books of New York on the same date. The newsletter mentions that they have seen the book cover, describing it as "a good piece of artwork, symbolic of the Bender 'case' and sure to attract attention." The meeting will take place at the Griffith Foundation Auditorium, located at 605 Broad Street, Newark, at 8:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 10. Readers are encouraged to attend, with the hope of several hundred people being present. Admission for members, who must show cards, is 50 cents, while non-members will be charged $1.00. Copies of Barker's book will be available for purchase at the group's normal discount.

New Publications and Book Reviews

The newsletter also highlights several new and upcoming book releases related to UFOs and other phenomena:

• SAUCERIAN REVIEW: Mr. Barker has published the first issue of SAUCERIAN REVIEW, an expanded version of THE SAUCERIAN. This 100-page publication includes articles by Morris K. Jessup, George Adamski (including Adamski's reply to James Moseley's SAUCER NEWS), and reviews of various books. These reviewed books include Waveney Girvan's "Flying Saucers and Commonsense," Major Keyhoe's "The Flying Saucer Conspiracy," Adamski's "Inside the Space Ships," Captain Ruppelt's "The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects," and "Bridey Murphy" (noted as a potential saucer book). Additionally, Barker's review covers topics such as Fort, the Abominable Snowman, the Windscreen Mystery, and Vanishing Hoses. The SAUCERIAN REVIEW contains 57 illustrations, some purportedly of saucers and others of "saucer field 'personalities.'" It sells for $1.50, but is available to group members for $1.15.
• Frank Edwards' Book: Frank Edwards' book, "My First Million Sponsors," has been published by Ballantine Books and sells for $2.00. It is available at the usual discount from the Group.
• John McCoy's Book: A book by John McCoy of Texas, featuring an article in FATE magazine, is also in the works.
• George Williamson's Book: George Williamson, head of TELONIC RESEARCH CENTER and co-author with Al Bailey of "The Saucers Speak!," has written a new book titled "Other Tongues - Other Flesh." This 400-page book is scheduled for publication in mid-May by Ray Palmer and will sell for $4.00. It will be available from the group at their usual discount.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter's stance is clearly in favor of serious UFO research and critical of media portrayals that aim to ridicule or dismiss the subject. There is a strong emphasis on public awareness and the need for researchers to actively counter misinformation. The publication also serves as a promotional platform for UFO-related books and events, particularly those associated with Gray Barker and other prominent figures in the field. The editorial tone is one of advocacy for the UFO subject and a call to action for its readership.