Uranus - 1957 - Vol 03 No 4 - Whole No 16

Magazine Overview

This is the February 1957 issue, Volume 3, Number 4, of URANUS: SPACE TRAVEL FLYING SAUCERS. It was edited by David Wightman and the first editor was E. Biddle. The magazine is published every second month by Markham House Press Ltd., London, and costs 1/10D or 35c per issue, with a subscription rate of 10/6 or $1.50 for six issues.

Editorial

The editorial discusses the lack of serious investigation into claimed UFO contacts since 1950, contrasting it with the focus on ground-to-air and air-to-air sightings. The editor emphasizes the importance of accuracy in statements made by UFO writers and lecturers. Exceptions to the general trend are noted, including investigations into George Adamski's claims by James W. Moseley, editor of 'Saucer News', which were reportedly unfavorable. The editorial also highlights the research of Gray Barker into 'eerie stories of 10 feet tall monsters', particularly the 'West Virginia Monster' incident, which involved seven witnesses and reports of a fiery object. A similar occurrence in New Zealand is mentioned, noting a resemblance in the monster's description and a horrible smell, though no vehicle was seen.

The editorial then shifts to cases of 'little green men', citing the 'Hopkinsville affair' where small beings were described as 3ft to 4ft tall. Similarities are drawn to the 'Thing from Bradford' incident, where a 'Thing' was seen to bounce or float. Another account from Venezuela describes a truck driver encountering a saucer and two four-foot-six-inch tall entities picking up rocks, which resulted in a physical fight. The editorial notes that such encounters are not confined to the Americas, with a rash of incidents in France and Italy in late 1955. The case of Marius Dewilde in France is mentioned, who saw two entities dressed in diving suits near a saucer on railway lines. A more 'docile' incident near the East-West German border involved an ex-mayor and his daughter witnessing beings collecting rock and vegetation samples, described as four feet to four feet six inches tall, near a saucer.

The editor then touches upon the scientific perspective, acknowledging that while no planet in our solar system is believed capable of supporting humanoid life, other forms of intelligent life might exist under different conditions. The possibility of life originating from solar systems beyond ours is considered, or that planets like Mars or Venus might serve as 'camp 6' for space travelers. A curious point raised is the apparent lack of desire for 'foreigners' to contact humanity on a widespread basis, suggesting that official government investigations are often hidden.

A Contact from the Island of Mauritius

This article, signed by M.F. Roussel, details a personal encounter on June 4th, 1953, in the Black River gorges of Mauritius. The author, while working on an Anti-Malaria survey, came upon a clearing where he saw two men cutting branches from a tree. These men, who looked identical and had red skin and blue eyes, were dressed in suits similar to frogmen or divers. They spoke English and claimed to be from Saturn, possessing advanced scientific knowledge and the ability to speak almost any Earth language. They advised that Earth should avoid wars to achieve greater scientific progress. The author observed a saucer-like object nearby, estimating its height at 20ft and width at 30-40ft, described as nearly round with a flange. The entities asked not to be disturbed when they left. The editor notes that the account was received through publishers, that M. Roussel is of French extraction, and that some alterations were made for clarity without changing the context. Gaps in the narrative are being addressed, and the account is presented without editorial opinion.

Last nails that aren't - by Edgar Sievers

This article by Edgar Sievers critiques the December issue's editorial question, "Adamski - the last nail?", suggesting that the nail is far from being forged. Sievers defends George Adamski against accusations of having his books 'ghosted', arguing that such practices are common in publishing. He points out that Adamski has never concealed his Polish background or his lack of formal education, and that his simple style and inexperienced expression should not detract from the content of his reported experiences. Sievers questions whether one should disbelieve a 'hobo' due to faulty language while readily accepting the slick style of others. He suggests that Adamski's philosophical and artistic inclinations, combined with his handicaps, might explain his self-consciousness and sensitivity. Sievers also addresses the acknowledgments Adamski gave for editing and framing his experiences, stating that finding out the books were 'ghosted' is not a significant revelation. He analyzes the term 'ghosted', suggesting it implies the author was not responsible for the final text, but notes that Adamski approved the text for four years. Sievers concludes that regardless of how the story was written or edited, Adamski still stands by it. He calls for full text citations in arguments and warns against blowing minor issues out of proportion, stating that only truth can wield the hammer of finality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged encounters with extraterrestrial beings (including 'monsters' and 'little green men'), and the investigation of such phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of accurate reporting and a critical examination of claims, particularly concerning George Adamski. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, while also being skeptical of unsubstantiated claims and advocating for rigorous investigation. The magazine seems to encourage firsthand accounts and critical analysis of evidence, questioning official secrecy and the dismissal of witness testimonies by authorities. The debate around 'ghosted' books and authorial integrity highlights a concern with the authenticity and presentation of UFO narratives.

This issue of URANUS features a significant debate between Desmond Leslie and Lonzo Dove concerning the photographic evidence of UFOs, primarily focusing on the work of George Adamski. The magazine also includes various short reports and news items related to UFO sightings and research from around the world.

Desmond Leslie v Lonzo Dove: The Adamski Photographs Debate

The central piece is a multi-part article detailing a dispute between Desmond Leslie and Lonzo Dove. Leslie, writing "THE UNSCIENTIFIC MR. DOVE," criticizes Dove's understanding of photography and UFOs. Leslie asserts that Adamski's photographs were taken through a telescope with a six-inch reflecting mirror, not a simple camera, and that the perceived differences in the photos are not due to Dove's claims of a "slight difference" in lenses or telescopes, but rather to heat distortion in hot California.

Leslie recounts experiments using Adamski's telescope, focusing on distant objects that filled the view, similar to Adamski's saucers. He dismisses Dove's assertion that Adamski's pictures were taken on a Brownie, stating the plates were unusual and the camera attachment used with the telescope has no lens of its own, utilizing the telescope's eyepiece. Leslie also mentions that expert photographers, including movie director John Ford and model expert Joe Mansour, identified the objects as large, seen through a telephoto lens.

Leslie further analyzes Adamski's original negatives, noting that the front bulb of the saucer is slightly smaller than the back bulbs, contrary to Dove's claims. He attributes the distortions in the frontispiece photo of 'Flying Saucers Have Landed' to heat distortion, not inherent to the object itself. Leslie criticizes Dove's tendency towards "complex and meaningless 'scientificism'" that "boils down to mean precisely nothing."

Regarding the "five foot ball bearing" described by Adamski, Leslie agrees it is translucent but part metal, with a formula for its substance now known and articles produced from it. He also addresses an incident where Adamski allegedly let off a flare during a "Venusian" contact, noting that witnesses Ric Williamson and his wife saw Adamski and a visitor but no pyrotechnics.

Lonzo Dove responds with "A REPLY TO DESMOND LESLIE." Dove expresses disbelief that Leslie, in his "qualified field," would author such an article, viewing it as slander on his 30 years of photographic and optical experience. Dove refutes Leslie's claims about the difference between a six-inch lens and a six-inch telescope, stating there is no difference in forming an image, nor in optical perspective between a lens and a mirror telescope, regardless of aperture or focal length.

Dove claims to have handled Adamski's original prints shortly after the episode and states they were not Brownie plates but ordinary "cut film 22ins" usable in a cheap Kodak camera. He asserts the image was so small it required significant enlargement, a fact confirmed by Adamski's own photo finisher. Dove argues that if negatives were exposed at the eyepiece as Leslie suggests, the image would be large and not grainy. He also disputes Leslie's claim that the camera cannot be used without the telescope, suggesting Adamski might still have the lens.

Dove reiterates his point that a 36 ft object a mile away would not produce the observed images, citing perspective shortening and optical radian angles. He suggests the object was no more than 21 times the distance between measurable features. Dove accuses Leslie of resorting to "spurious argument and diversionary tricks" and labeling him "The Unscientific Mr. Dove."

Dove clarifies the distinction between the front/rear of a saucer and the front/rear in relation to the observer. He dismisses Leslie's explanation of "Hot air of California" as the cause of variations in the balls' measurements, questioning if atmospheric turbulence could selectively distort features without altering shape. Dove also questions Leslie's account of the desert flare incident, suggesting tampering with the story and implying a medical explanation for witness accounts.

An "Editor's note" concludes this section, stating that reconciliation between Leslie and Dove is unlikely, as the dispute hinges on fine measurements and optical laws of perspective.

Desmond Leslie: Saucer Personalities

This section profiles Desmond Leslie. It notes that in 1953, Leslie contributed to the book "Flying Saucers Have Landed," which had significant after-effects. Leslie is described as having researched pre-historical existence of lenticular friends, citing works like Madame Helena Blavatsky's. Since his demobilization from the R.A.F. in 1944, Leslie has written four novels and has been a defender of George Adamski.

The author notes that Leslie's contribution to "Saucery" pivots on his part in FSHL, and he has been busy defending Adamski. Leslie is described as a public speaker, tall, dark, and heavily bespectacled, who speaks with emphasis and exudes sincerity, sometimes appearing like a "John-the-Baptist." However, on paper, he is seen as losing the ability to hold followers, with his writing sometimes appearing to be "blague, written tongue-in-cheek" or a deliberate attempt to mislead.

The author suggests Leslie's earlier writing showed "social dissatisfaction" and "literary laziness." It is hoped that Leslie will not regret choosing the "spectacular always-having-to-keep-up-with-the-saucer-waggon" over his promising future as a writer.

Odd Bits

This section presents a collection of brief reports and news items:

• Scully Book and Denver Crash: A report from "Proceedings of the College of Universal Wisdom" discusses the Scully book and a saucer crash near Denver. Two civilian brain surgeons were reportedly called in by the Air Force to perform autopsies on sixteen bodies recovered from the crashed saucer.
• Secret Base: A report from the same magazine describes a large cavern at a far northern Air Force base containing machinery of an advanced civilization. Inside is a 'Flying Saucer' on a retractable center, with "Tesla-sphere P-A'!'" stenciled on its base.
• George van Tassel: The magazine is George van Tassel.
• Adamski's Material: There is still no reply from Adamski to criticisms based on Lonzo Dove's material, sent to America in September 1956. George Adamski is reportedly in Mexico and has obtained a colored movie picture of F.S.'s, which he hopes to show in Mexico.
• International Correspondents: URANUS has gained a correspondent in Japan, Yusutse Matsumura, and hopes to get news from Germany, Austria, and Hungary via Hienrich Schumacher. Jose Excobar Faria has been appointed correspondent for Brazil and South America.
• James W. Moseley: James W. Moseley is back from Peru, and further copies of "Saucer News" will be available from January.
• World Sightings: News of sightings from around the world continues, though few are spectacular. Air crashes have also decreased. The editor has been corresponding with a young man in New Zealand who encountered a ten-foot monster, and a tape recording is hoped to be available.

Other Reports

• Desmond Leslie in South Africa: In late 1956, Desmond Leslie visited South Africa for the first F.S. exhibition. The event was described as elaborate and aimed at awakening the public to "ufology" as a science. Leslie was also reportedly in Ireland when Mr. Hutchinson told of "The one which got away."
• Mrs. Klarer's Story: An abbreviated version of Mrs. Klarer's story of a contact with a "Long haired Venusian" appeared in a previous issue of URANUS. A full-length article from the South African magazine "Outspan" has been received, describing "Adamski type saucers," though the accompanying photographs do not resemble those craft.
• Photographing Thought Patterns: The "Society of Metaphysicians" has evolved a method for photographing thought patterns, with preliminary tests showing encouraging results. The editor has obtained a sample of a "B" cell catalyzer, claimed to be the "immortal cell," for testing.
• Spaceman at a Party: A report in "The People" mentions that Desmond Leslie held a party where 28 people were present, with limited refreshments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue is dominated by the debate over the authenticity of UFO photographs, particularly those by George Adamski, highlighting the clash between different interpretations of photographic evidence and the scientific rigor applied to it. The magazine also demonstrates a global interest in UFO phenomena, with reports from various countries and ongoing investigations into sightings and alleged encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting different viewpoints, even contentious ones, while also maintaining a critical eye on the evidence and the individuals involved, as seen in the editor's notes and the profiles of key figures like Desmond Leslie and Lonzo Dove. There's an underlying theme of the evolving nature of "ufology" and the challenges in establishing it as a recognized science.