Uranus - 1956 - Vol 03 No 2 - Whole No 14

Magazine Overview

Title: URANUS FLYING SAUCERS
Issue: Vol. 3 No. 2
Date: October, 1956
Publisher: MARKHAM HOUSE PRESS LTD.
Country: United Kingdom
Editor: DAVID WIGHTMAN

This issue of "Uranus Flying Saucers" from October 1956, edited by David Wightman, focuses on recent UFO activity and the ongoing investigation into these phenomena. The cover prominently features "SPACE TRAVEL" and the magazine's title, with the issue details clearly marked.

Editorial

The "Editorial" section notes a significant increase in U.F.O. reports during August, contrasting with the national dailies' general lack of serious coverage. One report, detailing a "Venusian Scout Ship," made headlines in a Northern newspaper, though no photograph is available. The editorial highlights sightings over Bolton and Pool-in-Wharfedale, referencing L. Stringfield's "Orbit" which proclaimed "LULL IS BROKEN...SAUCERS ARE BACK." The magazine also includes a letter from Harold H. Fulton, President of C.S.I. New Zealand, reporting several sightings.

The editorial laments the scarcity of genuine UFO researchers in the UK compared to their American counterparts, citing financial constraints that prevent them from publishing their own magazines, conducting personal investigations, or subscribing to press cutting agencies. Consequently, readers are appealed to send in any relevant newspaper clippings or articles. The editor assures that information will reach the appropriate researchers and encourages anyone who has seen a "Saucer" or has firsthand knowledge of a sighting to submit their accounts. It also references a previous report in URANUS Vol. II No. 6 about an interview the editor had at the Air Ministry.

Air Ministry Investigations and the Maurice Brazier Affair

The magazine critically examines the Air Ministry's (A.M.) involvement in UFO investigations. Despite promises of information following an interview at the Air Ministry, details have not been forthcoming despite a reminder. The editorial asserts that the A.M. does investigate UFO reports that merit attention, though these are acknowledged to be few. The Maurice Brazier affair is singled out as a case that clearly warrants careful investigation. The statement that the A.M. does not investigate "second hand" reports is challenged in this instance. Accounts of this sighting have appeared in various saucer magazines and newspapers, with three sets of reports sent to the A.M. in London. The details of this sighting are presented as having immense significance, suggesting that no branch of the military or government charged with national safety could afford to ignore it. The article questions whether such a detailed account would be dismissed if not directly from the observer, implying this is what the A.M. might be doing. It is suggested that the A.M. may have already formed an opinion on the Brazier sighting, which is why they are not pursuing it further. The editorial notes that only about five percent of reports received by the A.M. up to the end of 1955 were unexplained, and that this percentage was attributed to a lack of information. The Brazier case, however, is presented as having ample information, and a call is made for the government to reveal the results of its five-year investigation.

"The Solution to the Flying Saucer Mystery"

This section analyzes an article by J. Moseley titled "The Solution to the F.S. Mystery," published in "Saucer News" for June-July 1956. The analysis, by A.R. Brimer and the editor, suggests that Moseley's article has not generated significant comment, leading to the assumption that it may have been inaccurate. The article discusses various UFO shapes reported since 1946, including cigar shapes, discs, spheres, and flying-triangles, and questions whether Moseley's explanation, which dismisses shapes other than conventional saucers as unconventional aircraft, is an oversimplification. The piece speculates that if "the organization" (presumably a government agency) had manufactured such artifacts, more material evidence would be available. It also touches upon the idea that American-based saucers might be maintained in the countries where they operate and that Russian nuclear experiments might be monitored. The article concludes by congratulating Moseley on conceiving a theory that saucers are pure mechanisms, not celestial conveyances, and suggests he deserves to escape the attention of "the men in the dark suits."

Adamski in Hot Water Again

This article reports on George Adamski facing new scrutiny, this time from Lonzo Dove, a professional photographer from Virginia. Dove has sent an analysis of photographs featured in Adamski's latest book. Adamski is reportedly living in Mexico City. The article expresses a desire for Adamski to address the queries directed at him. A correspondent defends Adamski, stating he put Flying Saucers "on the map," but the magazine suggests the cost in prestige has been heavy. Lonzo Dove's analysis claims that Adamski's saucer photographs resemble the true structure of saucers as determined by more reliable accounts. Dove alleges that Adamski obtained the saucer form and episode date from his own works, published before Adamski's account. Dove had created a small model based on a "sky-chariot" reconstruction from 1932, before saucers were widely reported. Photographs of this model were known to Adamski, and Dove suggests Adamski's "facsimile" resembled his model. Dove argues that while Adamski's photos might be faked, it doesn't invalidate all other UFO images. He further claims that his perspective projection, sent out in early 1953, showed that Adamski's photograph was of a small model. Dove disputes the idea that a model would need to be 36 feet in diameter, stating perspective is the same for small or large objects, with the difference being texture. Adamski's pictures are noted to lack texture detail, fitting a small model. The article also mentions that witnesses in Adamski's book did not vouch for the saucer's shape, only the cigar ship. A detail about Adamski claiming a flare "burned" his hand is also discussed.

Other Content

• Books: A review of Ruppelt's "Report on the U.F.O." is being held over for the next issue.
• Letters to the Editor: This section is included, indicating reader engagement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical stance towards official explanations of UFO phenomena, particularly those offered by the Air Ministry. There is a strong emphasis on the need for public awareness and the importance of collecting and disseminating eyewitness accounts and evidence. The editorial team actively encourages reader participation and highlights the perceived lack of transparency and thorough investigation by governmental bodies. The issue also engages with prominent figures in the UFO community, such as George Adamski and J. Moseley, offering analyses and critiques of their work and claims. The overall stance is one of skepticism towards official narratives and a commitment to exploring the UFO mystery from a civilian research perspective.

URANUS, July 1956 issue. This magazine focuses on ufology, featuring articles, letters, and book reviews related to flying saucers and potential extraterrestrial activity. The tone is analytical, investigative, and often critical, with a strong emphasis on research and evidence.

Analysis of Adamski Photographs

The issue begins with an analysis of photographs attributed to George Adamski, specifically concerning his 'Scout Ship'. The author meticulously calculates the perspective and angles, concluding that the photograph could not have been taken through a telescope and likely depicts a model. The analysis suggests a 12-inch model, 18 inches from the camera, could produce the observed image. A subsequent note mentions a reversal of opinion from a previous analyst of Adamski's photographs, promising further discussion in the next issue.

Harold T. Wilkins: A Saucerian Personality

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Harold T. Wilkins, a prolific writer on UFOs. The author acknowledges Wilkins' extensive research and diverse sources, while also noting criticisms regarding his tendency to jump to conclusions and cite unverified material. Wilkins' background in pre-1914 journalism and his previous work on Atlantean culture are mentioned. The article highlights his 'Outer Space' explanation for UFOs and his ventures into 'Mat and De-Mat' theories, supporting Dr. Meade Layne. Wilkins is characterized as a determined 'lone-wolf' researcher who avoids public addresses and maintains an independent approach, preferring to sift through newspaper reports rather than engaging in occult speculation.

Do Saucers Have Bases on Earth?

Andrew Tomas, writing from the Australian Saucer Record, posits that interplanetary craft have bases in Asia, based on 25 years of living in the Far East and studying Chinese and Tibetan lore. He references the myth of Shambhala, the 'City of Cosmic Men', and mentions meeting painter Nicholas Roerich, who reportedly saw a saucer in the Kokenore desert. Roerich's book is cited, and the legend of Shambhala is presented as a potential indicator of an interplanetary base. The article also includes a quote from a Lama about 'great things predestined' and 'inhabitants of the distant stars', as well as references to 'flying steel birds' and 'iron serpents'. The Taoist concept of the 'Perfect Man' who can fly is also mentioned. The fiery dragon of China is questioned as a possible traditional image of cigar-shaped ships.

Ancient Chinese Lore and Space Travel

Further exploration into ancient Chinese lore reveals depictions of Shen Ye (Divine Archer) riding a celestial bird and traveling between planets. The Shu-King, compiled between 2350 and 624 BC, is cited for passages on ancient Chinese space travel, referencing a time when communication between Heaven and Earth was cut off. The article also touches upon the beliefs of Mongolian and Tibetan lamas regarding a secret city of wisdom and virtue, where inhabitants achieved scientific feats including space travel. The sighting of a saucer by F.S. Smythe during the 1933 Mt. Everest expedition is noted as being similar to Roerich's sighting.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters from readers offer diverse perspectives:

• A. Arundel (Capt.) comments on Mr. Krafft's anti-gravity article, questioning the ether theory based on mass dependency in gravitation and nuclear physics. He also recalls early saucer sightings, possibly from 1917, predating the term 'flying saucers', and appeals for recollections from older individuals regarding pre-World War I sightings.
• Prof. V. Filmer from Colombo, Ceylon, expresses appreciation for the magazine and its coverage of the UFO situation in Britain and an interview with the 'A.M.'. He praises the magazine's suggestion for a saucer congress in London in 1957 and encourages an international approach, including inviting contacts with Russians.
• Rev. Robert A. Nelson also writes from Colombo, Ceylon, sending greetings and appreciating the June issue. He supports the idea of a saucer congress in London and emphasizes the need for international participation.

UFOs and the Soviet Attitude

Prof. V. Filmer also discusses the possibility of Russian manifestations of flying saucers and suggests that Russia's dramatic change in attitude towards the West might be due to a fear arising from extraterrestrial possibilities, rather than a change of heart or fear of atomic war.

A U.F.O. Enthusiast's Skepticism

One letter expresses skepticism towards books describing visitations, including those by Adamski and Allingham. The author, a UFO enthusiast since 1926, argues that if extraterrestrial beings were as advanced as implied, they would make more obvious attempts to reveal themselves. Suggestions for such contact include descending over cities, showering leaflets, or appearing at public events like racecourses or football matches, where their presence would be undeniable to large crowds.

Book Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews:

• 'Ultimatum des Weltals' by Hermann Grettler: Described as a novel with a flying saucer background, depicting Martian beings preventing an atomic war. It is noted as well-printed and good value if the reader speaks German.
• 'A Bibliography of F.S.' by David Boadilla: An eight-page document providing a basic list of publications on flying saucers. It is considered useful but already outdated due to the rapidly developing nature of the subject, with omissions of German, French, Latin, and Russian literature.
• 'Untertassen Uber Deutschland' by S.V. Arbter: A special issue of 'DER AUFSTAND SES GEISTES' dealing with flying saucers in Germany and the Continent. It is described as strongly pro-Adamski but readable, containing 40 pages of interesting matter.
• 'Flying Saucers Uber Sud Africa' by E. Sievers: A 400-page volume based on occult and mystical philosophy of the East, with considerable space devoted to Adamski. An English translation is promised later.

New Books Just Arrived

A section lists newly arrived books, including English editions of 'F.S. Uncensored' by H.T. Wilkins, 'F.S. Uber Sud Afrika' by Edgar Sievers, '1956 UFO Annual' by M.K. Sessuh, and 'Untertassen Uber Deutschland' by S.V. Arbter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the analysis of photographic evidence of UFOs, the historical and mythological aspects of unidentified aerial phenomena, the research methodologies of prominent UFO authors like Harold T. Wilkins, and the potential implications of extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and critical analysis, encouraging readers to share their recollections and contributing to a growing body of knowledge on the subject. There is a clear interest in distinguishing between genuine sightings and potential misidentifications or hoaxes, as well as exploring the broader cultural and historical contexts of UFO reports.