65_HS1-834228961_62-HQ-83894_Section_008

RIALS 344-584 c bes Le @) _ © yt Cc LJ ch 9 Se, He, 3S. = 365 1 Shy iq Rehan a Tiatle errs STANDARD FORM NO. 64 ’ . : % | Office Men num © UNITEL Jas.2258 GOVERNMENT te) : Director, FBI (62-8369) pate: 7/22/5i. pws :; SAC, Cincinnati (65-199) rae, ' supject;., TRUMAN. BETHURUM; C’PLYING DISCS MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING (ESPIONAGE) Remylet 6/8/5) and Bulet 6/22/5h. Attached are five copies of a memorandum containing information set out in my letter of June 8, 1954 with additional information furnished by THOMAS —TEICKHOFF on July 2, 195). On July 2, 1954, although EICKHOFF had been so advised at the time of the original interview with him on June 7, 195i, he was again advised in accordance with instructions in reBulet,. RCD:SAS REGISTERED MAIL ENCLOSURES (5) COPIES DESTRO’ % TRUMAN BETHURUM FLYING I SCS On June 7, 1954, Mr. Thomas Eickhoff, 3721 Tappan Avenue, Cincinnati 23, Ohio, Operator of Tom's Beauty Salon, Neave Building, Fourth and Race Streets, Cincinnati, Ohio, advised that although he belongs to no organization interested in flying saucers or discs, he has been interested in this subject. He said on June 3, 195 an ad appeared in "The Cincinnati Enquirér", a newspaper of general circu- lation in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the effect that on June 11, 1954 a program would be presented atthe Taft Auditorium in Cincinnati, Ohio on "the real flying saucer story." Mr. Eickhoff advised that this advertise- ment disclosed no sponsor for this program and it was only noted on the ad that tickets for the program sold for $2.00 per person and would be on sale at the Central Ticket Office in Cincinnati. Mr. Eickhoff continued that because of his interest in the subject of flying saucers, he desired to know the sponsor of the program and found out from the Central Ticket Office that the ad had been placed by Henry-Maday, 36). West Lewiston Avenue, Ferndale 20, Michigan. He said he telephonically contacted Maday on June 3, 195i and found that Maday was only the agent having rented the Taft Auditorium and that he was acting on behalf of Truman Bethurum and George Hunt Williamson. He continued that on June 1, 195). Maday called him back and told him there had been a dis- agreement between Maday, Béethurum and Williamson over Maday's arrangement for the sale of tickets of the program and the renting of the auditorium. lEickhoff advised that Maday at no time said anything to discredit either Bethurum or Williamson and indicated that their disagreement concerned only Maday's placing the ad in "The Cincinnati Enquirer" prior to having tickets for the program available in Cincinnati. TED 270 NOV 19 1964 a Mr. Eickhoff further related that about ten minutes after he had talked to Maday on Friday, June hl, 1954, he received a call from George Htmt_Williamson and a Mr,>Manspeaker, who confirmed to him that Maday was no longer associated with them, and asked that Eickhoff meet with them at a luncheon at the Terrace Plaza Hotel, Cincinnati, Ohio on June 7, 195h. Mr. Eickhoff, in explanation of his interest in this matter, advised that he had read such books as "Flying Saucers From Outer Space," written by Donald E. Kehoe, retired major, U. S. Marine Corps, which book was published by Harper's Publishers, and a book entitled "Flying Saucers Have Landed," by George Adamski, which book is published by Werner-Lowery Company in England, and is distributed by the British Book Center in New York City. He said that he has also heard broadcasts by persons he considers reputable news commentators, such as Walter Winchell, Fulton Lewis, Jr., and Frank Edwards, to the effect that reliable persons have reported observing flying discs or saucers. He said contrary to these reports, the U. &. Air Force has denied the existence of the flying saucer and he felt that persons such as Truman Bethurun and George Hunt Williamson, in presenting a program such as that contemplated, were either truthful or they were frauds. He stated that if they had a true story to tell, then he felt it was of such nature that it should be given as wide a distribution as possible, so that the people might learn the true facts regarding flying discs. He said, however, if their story was not true, then the hold- ing of such a meeting as was contemplated would be a fraud on the general public. He estimated that such a meeting in Cincinnati might draw two thousand people, which, at $2.00 apiece, would result in a $4,000.00 take for the promoters. To identify Truman Bethurum, Mr. Eickhoff had with him two copies of the magazine "Valor," which he stated he got from Bethurum, this magazine being self-identified as the "Golden Times Weekly," published by Soul Craft Chapels, Post Office Box 192, Noblesville, Indiana, The two issues which Mr. Eickhoff had with him were numbers 15 and 16 of volume 6 of the publication, the number 15 being =. 9 dated February 6, 195i and number 16 being dated February 13, 1954. The number 15 issue contained an article concerning Truman Bethurum, in which he is identified as a truck driver from Redondo Beach, Calif- ornia, and it refers to an article dated December 31, 1953, which appeared in the “Daily Breeze," a newspaper at Redondo Beach, California, which allegedly contained a description of an encounter which Truman Bethurum had with a crew of assumed space explorers under the super- vision of a ravishing woman commandant in the Nevada desert. The article also reflects that Truman Bethurum allegedly was aboard flying saucers on eleven occasions. At the bottom of the first page of issue number 15 there appeared in what Mr. Eickhoff stated was the handwriting of Truman Bethurum the statement "This is a true story, a factual experience -- Truman Bethurum." The above mentioned article in "Valor" also reflected that Truman Bethurum is 55 years of age and that his residence address is 519 North Gertruda Avenue, Redondo Beach, California, Mr. Eickhoff reiterated that he felt Bethurum's story, if true, should be given wide publicity, but that if the story was false, then he should be prosecuted for fraud. He stated that he first took his information to the Air Force in the person of Lieutenant Colonel John O'Mara of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, whom Eickhoff visited personally at O'Mara's home in Fairborn, Ohio, on Sunday, June 6, 195). Eickhoff indicated that he asked Colonel O'Mara if there were such things as flying saucers and if Bethurum's story could be true, and he said O'Mara denied that there was such athing as a flying saucer and indicated to him that Donald E, Kehoe, the author of “Flying Saucers in Outer Space" was a fraud and that information is available in Washington that Kehoe is a fraud. He said he was advised, however, by Colonel O'Mara that the Air Force could take no action with respect to Bethurum or Williamson, Eickhoff continued that it was his intention to aid in the promotion of a meeting for Bethurum in Cincinnati. He advised that the original meeting schedule for June 11 Rh fae e ae: had been cancelled, and that he felt this meeting had such important information for the people as a whole that he was going to make every effort to make the meeting one of national significance. He said he in- tended to invite to the meeting all nationally prominent news commentators. He intended to try to get radio time to advertise the meeting but he did not wish to partici- pate in this matter in any way if it would violate security regulations in any manner, or if Bethurum and his associates were in any way fraudulent. He stated that he so informed Bethurum, Williamson and Mr. Manspeaker at the luncheon meeting which was held at the Terrace Plaza Hotel on June 7, 1954. They informed him that they were not afraid of an investigation; that Bethurum's story was factual, and that they had no objec- tion to Eickhoff's advising Government authorities regarding it. Mr. Eickhoff stated that his report to this office was part of his plan to inform all the Federal agencies he thought should know about the activities of Bethurum. He advised that in line with his contemplated plans that on the evening of June 7, 195) there was to be another meeting at the home of L. H=-Stringfield, 7017 Britton Avenue, Cincinnati 27, Ohio, at which meeting there would be Mr. Stringfield, Williamson, Manspeaker, Bethurum, Ralph+éimmermann and Mr. Eickhoff. He said at this meeting they would plan a method of operation and make arrangements for this meeting of national significance. He said he intended to set the date of the meeting far enough in advance so that if any Governmental agency determined that there was fraud involved that agency would have sufficient time to act prior to the holding of the meeting. He advised he intended to keep a detailed record of all actions taken by this group, and that he would voluntarily furnish such information to the F.B.I. Eickhoff advised that he had not known and had not met either Bethurum, Williamson or Manspeaker prior to the events described above. He said that George Hunt Williamson identified himself as an archeologist and a writer for the magazine "Valor," who resides in Noblesville, Indiana, ila a ae He said that Manspeaker, whose first name he did not know, is also connected with “Valor” magazine in some way. He was asked as to what interest "Valor" magazine has in Bethurum, and whether Bethurum was sponsored by any other organization. He advised that he did not know the interest of "Valor" magazine in Bethurum, and so far as he knew, Bethurum was acting on his own and had no organizational affiliations or sponsorship. He was asked as to what disposition would be made of receipts from a large meeting and he advised that he did not know what disposition would be made of the money. He said he understood that Bethurum had been on tour for some time and that the meeting scheduled for Cincinnati originally on June 11, 195) was to be the beginning of a new series of meetings. William Dudley-Pelley, Noblesville, Indiana reportedly operates the Soul Craft Press at Noblesville and among other pamphlets, published the weekly journal entitled "Valor", which Mr. Pelley describes as a "journal of the applied spirituality." This publication is said to deal mainly with practical mysticism, the spiritual movement called Soulcraft and the relationshop between earth man and the individuals arriving on this planet from flying saucers. Mr. Pelley is said to claim that these individuals arriving in flying saucers are of greater intelligence and learning than the earth people and are here to give the earth people intellectual guidance and spiritual endowment and guidance. On July 2, 1954, Thomas Eickhoff advised that no progress had been made with respect to holding a meeting for Truman Bethurum in Cincinnati, Ohio which would be of national significance, He said that Bethurum had returned to California but that there was a possib- ility that he would again come to Cincinnati, Ohio in the fall of 1954. At the same time Mr. Eickhoff advised that he had communicated with Donald E>-Kehoe, author of the book “Flying Saucers From Outer Space" and had advised him that he had been informed by Lieutenant Colonel John O'Mara, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio that he was a fraud and that information is avail- 4 able in Washington that Kehoe is afraud. He said that he, Eickhoff, had been requested by Kehoe to furnish him this information in writing and that he, Eickhoff, had obliged Kehoe in this respect. He said he understood that Kehoe was going to Washington with his attorneys to take up Colonel O'Mara's statements with the Air Force, STANDARD FORM NO, 64 Office Memorandum + onirep STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI DATE: 8/2/5h —FipoM : SAC, Cincinnati (62-0) | S—SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCER: REPORT (iy INFORMATION CONCERNING Py J j f al a Colonel J. M. SMITH, Deputy Director of Civilian Defense for Greater Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio, called this office on 7/23/5 to report that he had\re- ceived a report of a flying saucer from Mr, CARL RS“KS¥SER, Route 1, Milford, Ohie, Mr, KEYSER said that he could be reached at his residence which is two miles east of Milford, Ohio, on U. S, Highway 28, KEYSER reported to Colonel SMITH that both he and his wife, at approximately 2:0 pem. on 7/23/54, had observed a silver circular or spherical shape in the sky which was located to the southeast of their residence, approximately forty-five degrees above the horizon, Colonel SMITH was advised that the report made by him was being referred to the appropriate officials of the United States Air Force, T have advised the local office of the Office of Special Investigations at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base of the above, TO « STANDARS FORM NO, 64 é " Office ET are re e UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: 8/2/54 SAC, WFO (62-0) / ; Mrs. FRANCES SWAN MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING This interview is predicated upon a telephone call received by SAC L. L. LAUGHLIN on 7/29/5) from JOHNSHUTSON, Security Officer, Bureau of Aeronautics, U. S. Navy Department. On the same date JOHN HUTSON was interviewed in Room 2912, Main Navy Building. Also present during the interview was Commander L, T. McQUISTON, USN. HUTSON and McQUISTON furnished the following aa Bere ~ they advised that the Office of Naval Intelligence had forwarded a file to the Bureau of Aeronautics with enclosures which had been received from retired Admiral HERBERT B=-KNOWLES of South Berwick, Maine. Accord- ing to HUTSON and McQUISTON, KNOWLES resided near Mrs. FRANCES*SWAN who had been receiving messages through thought transmission. SWAN approached KNOWLES and advised him that "flying saucers" were here to help mankind. Information received by HUTSON indicated that KNOWLES became interested in the messages received by Mrs. SWAN and felt that the matter should be investigated by the Government. HUTSON advised that KNOWLES wrote to Admiral ESPEY, Directo of Naval Intelligence, on 6/1/5i enclosing some of the messages received by Mrs. SWAN. Receiving no reply to his original communication, KNOWLES again wrote ONI on 6/7/54. HUTSON advised that the first letter that KNOWLES wrote to ONI contained information that Mrs. SWAN was receiving messages through thought control from "outer space" and wrote them down as she received them. The letter, according to HUTSON, stated that Mrs. SWAN would write without any effort on her part and would write continuous] for four or five hours at a time without getting tired. He stated that ONI had in their possession the transmissions or messages that had been received {| by Mrs. SWAN. HUTSON stated that ONI had advised that in the absence of any definite evidence of conversations, they would do nothing in the matter. He also stated that the Bureau of Aeronautics took no official action in " cAaGeits - - 150 2 — Boston y +: no-3 Uf ys AM 7° IAISON SECTION pe Se ty FY ENS A WFO 62-0 \}/ in the matter. HUTSON was questioned concerning the position that the Bureau \Y | of Aeronautics had taken and he remarked that he did not believe that this A was pertinent. After further questioning, he subsequently stated that the Bureau of Aeronautics was of the belief that this was a matter for ONI. HUTSON stated that he "unofficially" became interested in the matter and at the invitation of Admiral KNOWLES, he went to South Berwick, Maine, where he spent 7/2l,25,26/5 in the residence of Admiral KNOWLES.\ Ay / HUTSON stated that he informed Admiral SAUCEK, his superior in the Bureau)\ of Aeronautics, that he was going to visit Admiral KNOWLES, \ HUTSON stated that inasmuch as KNOWLES had received no response from the Government concerning this matter, he began reading books on flying saucers. HUTSON advised that during the time that he was a house guest of Admiral KNOWLES, there was also present WILBER BISSMITH, a4 Physicist of the Canadian Government who was also interested in flying saucers. HUTSON stated that SMITH was at KNOWLES' residence with his family and was there in an unofficial capacity. HUTSON advised that during his stay, he and SMITH had various interviews with Mrs. SWAN and had had contact with the "outer space" through Mrs. SWAN. During the interview with Mrs. SWAN and the contact with "outer space," HUTSON stated that they sat in a group and he observed Mrs. SWAN writing messages that she was receiving from someone in "outer space." According to HUTSON, SWAN informed him that the people from "outer space" could use her eyes and ears to see and hear. According to SWAN, this is accomplished by the use of a mechanical device and all conversations are recorded by the people in "outer space." HUTSON indicated as an example as to how messages were relayed, he stated that he asked Mrs. SWAN a question which she was to relay to the people in "outer space" and before she had time to relay the question, she began writing the answer down to his question on paper. HUTSON stated that SWAN informed him that whenever she was to have contact with the people in "outer space," she would get a buzzing sound in her left ear to indicate that they were "on the line." HUTSON stated that Mrs. SWAN complained to the people in "outer space" that this buzzing sound gets very annoying and painful to her ear. She also stated that the messages had been coming since May 27, 1954, and would come at all times of the night and consequently she was losing a great deal of sleep. According to HUTSON, Mrs. SWAN arranged a schedule with the people in "outer space" so that the messages would not interfere with her sleep. HUTSON advised that a schedule was arranged between SWAN and the people in "outer space" that she would receive messages on the following schedule: 8:00 in the morning, 12 noon, 6:00 in the evening, every day of the week. —_ HUTSON stated that Mrs. SWAN's husband, GUY*SWAN, and their daughter, DAWLYN, had also heard the buzzing sound in their ears, but have not been able to receive transmissions or messages. HUTSON stated that the transmissions related to flying saucers, location and why they were here, life on other planets, and life in the hereafter, and prophesies in the Bible. HUISON advised that Mrs. SWAN could contact people in "outer space" by mental thought control. According to HUTSON, Mrs. SWAN stated that there were two space ships from which she had been receiving messages. They were described as 150 miles wide, 200 miles in length, and 100 miles in depth. HUTSON stated that these ships are designated as M—-—) and L-1l and they also contain mother \\ships which measure approximately 150 to 200 feet in length. HUTSON related that SWAN had informed him that there were approximately 5,000 of these mother ships. He stated thatlAFFA" is the-Manager or the Commander of the ship M-4 which is from the planet Uranus ands#PONNAR" is the Manager or the Commander of the ship L-11 which is from the planet Hatann. HUTSON related that Mrs. SWAN stated that these contacts with "AFFA" and "PONNAR" were for the purpose of protecting our own earth from destruction caused by the explosion of the atom bomb, hyrdrogen bomb, and wars of various kinds which they, "AFFA" and "PONNAR," say disrupt the magnetic field of force which surrounds the earth. HUTSON stated that Mrs. SWAN also related that contact was made for the purpose of protecting the whole universe because if the "fault lines" break or go to pieces, it would effect the entire universe. According to Mrs. SWAN, HUTSON stated, "AFFA" and "PONNAR" are presently working in the area of the Pacific Ocean repairing "fanlt lines" which are in danger of breaking. HUTSON stated that both he and SMITH were looking for proof and they wanted to know whether they could contact the man from "outer space." According to HUTSON, SWAN advised that he and SMITH could make contact in "outer space" on any frequency provided they informed her first of the frequency that they were to use so that she could advise the people in Souter space." HUTSON stated that in connection with his contacting "outer space," he could make no commitment as he did not know how far the Navy would go. He advised, however, that SMITH stated that he would try to make contact with "outer space" on Sunday, August 1, 1954, and was going to use a high frequency. HUTSON stated that to make sure that con- tact was made, Mrs. SWAN. advised that the ship from "outer space" would come within 100 miles of Ottawa, Canada, so that SMITH would have no difficulty in making his contact. HUTSON stated that Admiral KNOWLES wanted to know if physical contact could be had with the people in "outer space." SWAN advised HUTSON and KNOWLES that the people in "outer space" wanted to know if they could provide them protection and that if physical contact were to be made, they would appear in a force which would consist of 5,000 "bells" or "flying saucers." | WFO 62-0 According to Mrs. SWAN, these "bells" or "flying saucers" would appear over many nations of the world during the latter part of August 195), and would come close enough to the earth so that they could be seen by man and that they in turn would be able to see people on the street. HUTSON stated that Admiral KNOWLES wrote a letter to MARGARET CHASE SMITH, Senator from Maine, concerning this information, who forwarded the information to the Secretary of Defense and copies were sent to the Army, Navy, and Air Force. According to HUTSON, KNOWLES also wrote a letter to the President of the United States. HUISON stated that none of the persons involved in this matter were interested in publicity. He stated that he would be willing to assist the Bureau in the investigation of this matter if the Bureau desired, inasmuch as he believed Mrs. SWAN and Admiral KNOWLES had confidence in him, HUTSON described Mrs. FRANCES SWAN as being of middle-class cir- cumstances, having a very modest home with furniture below middle-class. He stated that she has no more than a high school education, if she has that. He considered her to be a very simple minded person, religious, a student of the Bible, and one who has studied spiritualism and other thought control systems. a og The above information is being made available to the Office of -Special Invesitgations, United States Air Force, and no further action is being taken by this office. August 9, 1954 Director of Special Investigations The Inspector General Department of the Air Porce The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. John Edgar Hoover, Director Federal Bureau of Investigation FLYING SAUCERS; SRS. FRANCES SWAN MISCELLANEOUS ~ INFORMATION CONCERNING On July 29, 1954, Mr. John Hutaon, Security Officer, Bureau of Aeronautics, United States Navy Department, and Commander LZ. I. McQuiston, United States Navy, furnished the following information to this Bureau. They advised that the Office of Naval Intelligence had forwarded a file to the Bureau of Aeronautics with enclosures which had been received Srom retired Admiral Herbert 8. Knowles of South Berwick, Sine. According to Hutson and MeQuiston, Knowles resided near Mrs. Frances Swan who had been receiving messages through thought transmission. Swan approached Knowles and advised him that “flying saucera® were here to help mankind. Information received by Hutson indicated that Knowles became interested in the messages received by Mrs. Swanoand felt that the matter should be inves tigated // by the Governments Hutson advised that Knowles wrote to Admiral Bepe, Director of Naval Intelligence, on June I, 1954, aster enclosing some of the messages received by Mrs. Swan.: Nichols Receiving no reply to his original commmication, Knowles ae again wrote to the Director of Naval Intelligence on Mohr June 7, 1954. Huteon advised that the first letter that Parsons —____ Rosen a cc - 1 = Records Administration Branch (0-6a routing slip) Vinterrowd Attention: mri-Beemrity Division (Same date) Tele. Room —__ cite ATIC 18 1454 he AUG 9 1964 J iv EHM:sjrselk \~ | MAILED 19 Knowles wrote to the Director of Naval Intelligence contained information that Mrs. Swan was receiving messages through thought control from “outer space” and wrote them down as she received them. The letter, according to Hutson, stated that Mrs. Swan would write without any effort on her part and would write continuously for four or five hours at a time without getting tired. He stated that the Office: of Naval Intelligence had in < its; possession the transmissions or messages that had been received by Mrs. Swan. Hutson stated that he *unofficially” became interested in the matter and at the invitation of Admiral Knowles, he went to South Berwick, Maine, where he spent July 24, 25, 26, 1954, in the residence of Admiral Knowles. Hutson stated that inasmuch as Knowles had received no response from the Government concerning this matter, ke began reading books on flying saucers. Hutson advised that during the time that he was a house guest Aad of Admiral Knowles, there was also present Wilber B. Smith, §» a Physicist of the Canadian Government who was also tee interested in flying saucers. Hutson stated that Smith was at Knowles’ residence with his family and was there in an unofficial capacity. Hutson advised that during his stay, he te ame and Smith had various interviews with Mrs. Swan and had had contact with the “outer space” through Mrs. Swan. During = |. the interview with Mrs. Swan and the contact with “outer —— . space,” Hutson stated that they sat in a group and he observed Ers. Swan writing messages that she was receiving from someone in “outer space." According to Hutson, Swan informed him that people from "outer space” could use her eyes and ears to see and hear. According to Swan, this is accomplished by the use of a mechanical device and all conversations are recorded by the people in “outer space.” Hutson indicated as an example as to how messages were relayed, he stated that he asked Mrs. Swan a question which she was to rélay to the people in “outer space" and before she had time to relay the question, she began writing the answer down to his question on paper. eae Hutson stated that Swan informed him that Nichols whenever she was to have contact with the people in “outer Seg space,” she would get a buzzing sound in her left ear to Mobr indicate that they were “on the line.” Hutson stated that Parsons Rosen Tamm Sizoo Winterrowd ___ Tele, Room —__ Holloman Gandy Mrs. Swan complained to the people in "outer space” that this buzzing sound gets very annoying and painful to her ear. She also stated that the messages had been coming since May 27, 1954, and would come at ali times of the night and consequently she was losing a great deal of sleep. According to Hutson, Mrs. Swan arranged a schedule with the people in "outer space” so that the messages would not interfere with her sleep. Hutson advised that a schedule was arranged between Swan and the people in “outer space” that she would receive messages on the following schedule: 6:00 in the morning, 12 noon, 6:00 in the evening, every day of the week. Hutson stated that Mrs. Swan"s husband, Guy Swan, and their daughter; Dawlyn, had also heard the buzzing sound in their ears, but have not been able to receive transmissions or messages. Hutson stated that the transmissions related to flying saucers, location and why they were here, life on other planets, and life in the hereafter, and prophesies in the Bible. Hutson advised that Mre. Swan could contact people in “outer space” by mental thought control. According to Hutson, Mrs. Swan stated that there were two space ships from which she had been receiving messages. They were described as 150 miles wide, 200 miles in length, and 100 miles in depth. Hutson stated that these ships are designated as M-4 and LI-ll and they also contain mother ships which measure approximately 150 to 200 feet in length. Hutson related that Swan had informed him that there were approximately 5,000 of these mother ships. He stated that "Affa" is the Manager or the Commander of the Ship H-4 which is from the planet Uranus and “Ponnar” is the Manager or the Commander of the ship L-1l which is from the planet Hatann. Hutson related that Mrs. Swan stated that these contacts with “Affa" and "“Ponnar” were for the purpose of protecting our own earth from destruction caused by the explosion of the atom bomb, hydrogen bomb, and wars of various kinds which they, "Affa" and "Ponnar,” say disrupt the magnetic field of force which surrounds the earth. Hutson stated that Mrs. Swan also related that contact was made for the purpose of protecting the whole universe because if the "fault lines” break or go to pieces, it would @ffect the entire universe. According to Mrs. Swan, Hutson stated, "Affa"® and "Ponnar® are presently working the area of the he faecif~ie Ocean repairing "fault lines" which are in danger of breaking. Tolson Rosen Tamm Sizoo Winterrowd ___ Tele. Room __ Holloman —___. Gandy Tolson Boardman Nichols ____ Hutson stated that both he and Smith were looking for proof and they wanted to know whether they could contact the man from “outer space.” According to Hutson, Swan advised that ke and Smith could make contact in "outer space” on any frequency provided they informed her Jirst of the frequency that they were to use so that she could advise the people in “outer space.” Hutson stated that in connection with his contacting "outer apace,” he could make no commitment as he did not know how far the Navy would go. He advised, however, that Smith stated that he would try to make contact with "outer space” on Sunday, August 1, 1954, and was going to use a high frequency. Hutson stated that to make sure that contact was made, Mrs. Swan advised that the Ship from "outer space" would come within 100 miles of Ottawa, Canada, so that Smith would have no difficulty in making his contact. Hutson stated that Admiral Knowles wanted to know if physical contact could be had with the people in "outer space.” Swan advised Hutson and Knowles that the people in “outer space” wanted to know if they could provide them protection and that if physical contact were to be made, they would appear in a force which would consist of 5,000 "bells" or “flying saucers.” According to Mrs. Swan, these “bells” or “flying saucers” would appear over many nations of the world during the latter part of August, 1954, and would come close enough to the earth so that they could be seen by man and that thes in turn would be able to see people on the street. Hutson described Mrs. Prances Swan as being of middle-class circumstances, having a very modest home with furniture below middle-class. He stated that she has no more than @ high school education, if she has that. He considered her to be a very simple-minded person, religious, a student of the Bible, and one who has studied spiritualionm and other thought control systems. The above data is being furnished to the Office of Special Investigations, United States Air Porce, for any investigation deemed appropriate, and for information to G-2, Department of the Army, and the Office of Naval Intelligence, United States Wavy. No further action is being taken in this matter by this Bureau. Tele. Room —__ Holloman Gandy ce +- 1 = Director of Naval Intelligence Department of the Wavy The Pentagon Washington 25, De C. ce =~ 1] = Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2 Department of the Army The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. Winterrowd ___ Tele. Room —_ Holloman Gandy Tolson __ Boardman —__ Nichols wv. Belmont —____ Harbo Mohr a Parsons. —_____ “ Rosen —___. » é — Tae ; Sizoo _ "Nh Winterrowd __- (* Tele. Room —— Holloman ___| = Gandy _ August 12, 1954 Mr. Roger L. Jones 1414 Lake Drive Zanesville, Ohto Dear Mr, Jones: Your letter of August 7, 1954, with enclosure, has been recetved. - I would ltke to advise you that the article you menttoned ts entirely in= correct with reference to the FBI, and there ts no informatton on the matter which I can give you. Sincerely yours, Js. Edgar Hoover woMmMp WU TE: This article was previously brought to our attention, and the field advised the magazine editor that the story was not true as far as the Bureau's part was’ concerned. The editor stated he regretted the error and he would: publish a retractton in the next. issue, which is not due Ps) - = + ry manthea jo + J OT several nonths ye Ve Enclosure. u/‘as an ain ay f- stamped envelops being vwse2d tn COMM: —.FBI MAILED 31 RECEjy. ei ROG U, S. DEPT. o¢ JUSTICE 5 28 Py Bi hue Ij ———— Mr. Tolson_———— Mr. Boardnkn,/ Mr. Nichae ee — Mr. Belyiont_— Mr. Harbo.——. Mr. Mohr._——— Mr. Parsons_—— Mr. Rosen_——— Mr. Tamm— Mr. Sizoo.———_—— Mr. Winterrowd- Tele. Room . Holloman, sah Sarita Tolson Boardman Nichols i ¢ Belmont _ #) Harbo _ ¥ Moke: Parsons ee Tamm ___ Sizoo Winterrowd ___ “elew Room 4 — October “J % 3% 79 Mr. Le Podiggner 4353 Dickerson Avenue Detroit 15, Michtgan Dear Mr. Wagner: Your letter postmarked September 30, 1954, with enclosures, has been received, and the thought prompting your bringing the natter you mentioned to the attention of this Bureau ts very much appreciated. In the event you acquire further data which you believe to be of interest to the FBT, please feel free to contact the representatives of our office located at 913 Pederal Building, Detrott 26, Michigan. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director \ pA A 1 FAANAZA ce = Detroit, with copy of th EP ire9 and Vk. F en ATTENTION SAC: ThevPetrolt (Flying Sa Club is not identifiable in Bufifes. Neither re any any of the individuals who are listed as officers or speakers whose names appear on the literature forwarded by correspondent with the exception of Desmon@heglie and Henry Madoyss Phése latter two individuals have been brought to the Bureau's attention before as having written material or lectured on the subject ofrFlying Saucers. (69.83894- 343. and 344) oe ae ae ee OCT1 1 1894 Y MAILED 30 ee wd ere ee a ae A<~” ay Se oe aA ee 4 244, aa 0p %, ~~ Le ne Le fl \ +, J A 5 i Sptrrind enL. 4. F pores VA, = fe G > ee atti , A ODP oa ie ad Te gS Cama at Maha HA 4 prep he _ OF INEDXFT) - 94 Ly» AL THE DETROIT FLYING SAUCER GLUB presents MR.JOHN OTTO of Chicago Patent Development Engineer, Member of Chicago Rocket Society, Pioneer Space Commentator and Member of Saucers International -- who will speak on Z "An Analysis of Latest Saucer Evidence" (followed by audience participation from the floor) WEDNESDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 22, 1954, at 7:30 P.M. The Grand Ballroom, Veteran's Memorial Building, 151 West Jefferson 66490 ALSO Laura Marxer will introduce the leaders of eight neighborhood groups who already are lookiug up ... other sightings will be reported. Our petition to President Eisenhower is ready for your signature ... extra copies are on hand. DY AR THIS IS A SCOOP! A group of "HAM" operators, started within our Club, have made what they are sure is a saucer contact. It will be reported by Don Thompson and his friends. Our club is fast becoming Detroit's most interesting factual program. In presenting Mr. Otto, we are bringing a speaker who has just returned from an eastern lecture tour, where the S-R-O sign was out in New York City, following his broadcast interview over Mutual Station WOR. His talk will be illustrated. If you have heard him, you know that as a lecturer John Otto ranks among the best. Bring your friends. Incidentally: Keep your eye out for our own Detroit Flying Saucer Club magazine arriving soon! Contribution $1.00 ; Henry Maday, Chairman. Here is the man who has coupled 2} years of profound research with native Cosmic insight! The Detroit Flying Saucer Club announces the distinguished presence of MR. DESMOND LESLIE Noted Irish journalist and author; preeminent Saucer scholar; co-author of the best seller: "Flying Saucers Have Landed" who will address our membership and friends on TUBSDAY EVENING September 28th, at 8:15 P.M. with audience participation to follow. Detroit Institute of Arts--Large auditorium (Entrance on John R, near Kirby) All seats $1.00 ** Box Office open at 6:30 P.M. DETROIT FLYING SAUCER CLUB 9452 Cass Avemie - Detroit 2, Michigan - TRinity 5-7300 HenryMaday, President Dolores My-Ggyne, Secretary Laura-Marxer, Vice President j John Crpdgfiman, Treasurer AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Mr. President: Sept. 22, 1954 As citizens of Detroit and vicinity, we request audience with you regarding the coming of Space ships to this earth. Many of us have seen these objects; so have others both in this country and on foreign soil. To us it matters little whether these be called "UFO's" (unidentified flying objects) space ships, fireballs, flying saucers or any other*name. The point is that they are continususix coming, and they are being observed both here and abroad. It appears that our government with far greater facilities for observation than any indivi- dual is perfectly aware of such phenomena, but has adopted a policy of silence and secrecy in regard to them. We understand that certain individuals within the Defense Department are afraid of announcing the facts to the citizens for fear of panic. Mr. President, we feel that this policy is false, fear-provoking and entirely mistaken for the following reasons: 1. We believe that these phenomena are of a magnitude and importance such as to warrant the utmost openness and cooperation between government and citizenry. We believe that the present policy of silence and secrecy is a reflection on the intelligence and loyalty of the American citizen. We believe that this policy not only encourages fear and lack of confidence in government, but leads to exploitation by unscrupulous publishers and opportunistic individuals who prey upon the natural curiosity of the American citizen. We do not understand by what right certain public servants, utilizing the tax- payers’ facilities for information and observation, gather facts relative to these phenomena, and then fail to properly inform the public. Other countries have already acknowledged these phenomena and have publicly appointed governmental commissions to investigate, collect information and report to the people. Mr. President: We, therefore, call upon you, our trusted leader, to utilize the great powers of your office to change this shameful and unamerican policy of silence and secrecy. We ask that our government come forward and make an honest and forthright acknowledgment of these phenomena, and inform the citizens of such pertinent facts as are now available. In return, the citizens then would be willing to report sightings and contacts which other- wise would remain concealed because of fear of ridicule or rebuff by government agencies. This cooperation between the government and its citizenry would clear the atmosphere of fear and suspicion, would renew confidence in our public officials, and pave the way to a better understanding and evaluation of these great phenomena. Such a clear acknowledgment,emenating from the head of our nation might divert mankind's attention from the spectre of impending atomic war. It could lift the consciousness of everyone on this earth to a Cosmic level where a complete new set of Spiritual, scientific and social values would be within the reach of all. DETROIT FLYING SAUCER CLUB Address Address Address Address Address Address STANDARD FOR NO, 64 * & a Offi Memorandum Director, FBI alll Yaw SAC, co SUBJECT: CIVILIAN’ /RESI ARCH, INTERPLANETARY FLYING OBJECTS LEONARD H. 7017 Britton Avenue Ohio ae: ly L1G > FU STRINGFIELD, Director, "UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT 11/2/5\, DATE: Cincinnati (100-new) f < Ne een \) f ‘ A \ Cincinnati 27, INFORMATION CONCERNING Remylets to the Bureau dated 6/8/5u. and 7/22/54 captioned, TRUMAN BETHURUM, FLYING DISCS, MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING (ESPIONAGE), Bufile 62-8389L, Attached for the Bureau's information is the 10/1/5 "Newsletter" of the Civilian Research, Interplanetary Flying Objects, designated Vol. I No. 7, which has the address P. 0. Di stia (Cincinnati, Ohio), and which identifies LEONARD HoSTRINGPIEED, 7017 Britton Avenue, Cincinnati 27s. Ohio, as the director.of the organization. On the first page a of this "Newsletter" STRINGFIELD reports that he had a priv talk with Lt. Colonel JOHN O'MARA, Deputy Commander, Intelligence, U. S. Air Force, on 9/21/54 and that in essence Colonel O'MARA had told STRINGFIELD that flying saucers do exist and that past contradictions were Eaton Ca There is also enclosed a newspaper clipping Cincinnati Times Star dated 9/28/5l, entitled, Myth, Says Researcher, This article refers to’ the “News let tar enclosed and also reports on the interview of STRINGFIELD cit > this being from the Cincinnati Post of October 11, 195h, with Lt. Colonel JOHN O'MARA, Deputy Commander, Air Force entitled>sSee 'Em?---Saucers Cover City. This article from the Saucers” her Intelligence, Wright "ield,. In addition, there is enclosed a second clipping, eee eeinenat fo reflects that several persons in Cincinnati had cited flying/ saucers and had reported them to LEONARD H. STRINGFIELD. RCD: BL (3) Recistered Mail Encls, COPIES DESTROYED NOY 19 1964 240 é CI. 100-new (CIVILIAN RESEARCH, INTERPLANETARY FLYING OBJECTS) The "Newsletter" and the o newspaper clippings were forwarded to this office by JACK*FGUNDERMAN, 391) Teleford Avenue, Cincinnati 20, Ohio, under date of 10/20/54. Mr. GUNDERMAN advised that he is employed as a layout artist by the DuBois Company, Inc., 1120 West Front Street, Cincinnati 3, Ohio, and that he began work there on ”8/19/5lie He advised that the advertising manager of this company is LEONARD H. STRINGFIELD who is intensely interested in flying saucers and has created the Civilian Research, Interplanetary Flying Objects organization, He advised that STRINGFIELD is director of this organization and is assisted by his wife, that he writes and publishes monthly the multi-lithographed "Newsletter," and that he claims that the publication now has a world-wide circulation of about 4,000 copies at a subscription price of $2.00 per year, GUNDERMAN further, advised that STRINGFIELD regularly communicates with FRANKWEDWARDS, former A.F, of L. radio news commentator, on the subject of saucers and that, according to STRINGPIELD, EDWARDS is also intensely interested in saucers, EDWARDS recently warned STRINGFIELD to be very careful or the Air Force would stop STRINGFIELD's publishing activities, GUNDERMAN also related that STRINGFIELD main- tains that the Air Force was responsible for EDWARDS being fired as the A..F, of L. radio news commentator because EDWARDS used his program to publicize his (EDWARDS) saucer interest, GUNDERMAN related that STRINGFIELD states in the "Newsletter", and also personally, that the U. 8S, Air Force maintains a strict censorship of news pertaining to saucers, that the Air Force has several thousand saucer scientists working on a research project, and that any military personnel working on the project are subject to immediate court-martial if they reveal any facts about it. STRINGFIELD has also stated to GUNDERMAN that he be- lieves his home telephone is being monitored, presumably by the Air Force, and that he makes phone calls to Wright- Patterson Air Force Intelligence Officer JOHN O'MARA and to Sewer CI. 100-new (CIVILIAN RESEARCH, INTERPLANETARY FLYING OBJECTS) FRANK EDWARDS from his office at the DuBois Company. GUNDERMAN continued that he believes STRINGFIELD is now afraid to proceed too much for fear the Air Force will in some way stop his operations and that EDWARDS' warning to STRINGFIELD was after the issuing of the October 1, 195h, "Newsletter" which contained the article about STRINGFIELD's interview with Colonel O'MARA, At the same time, GUNDERMAN reported that STRINGFIELD, in talking about the possibility that the Air Force might stop his operations, made a state- ment to the effect that, "The Air Force can't do anything to me. I'm claiming saucers are interplanetary." GUNDERMAN continued in his letter that another point which may or may not be of interest is the fact that the DuBois Company copywriter, HERBERT E.ACLARK, 4.97). Strathmore Gh 10 Drive, Cincinnati, is a close friend of STRINGFIELD and is interested in STRINGFIELD's organization. He identified CLARK as about 25 years of age and a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University where CLARK claims to have been a member of an inter-racial social college fraternity. GUNDERMAN said he noticed that CLARK often brings up such subjects as the falseness of religion, that atomic and hydrogen bombs may be the cause of bad weather, and that colored people shouldn't be discriminated against. At the same time CLARK is active in the Methodist Church and in the Cincinnati Civil Defense organization, GUNDERMAN advised that he was furnishing the foregoing information because he thought that possibly the real purpose of the Civilian Research, Interplanetary Flying Objects organization might be to gather bits of information about a very secret U. S. Air Force Development Project. My letter of 6/8/5l in referenced matter concerning TRUMAN BETHURUM on pages and 5 contains information re- garding STRINGFIELD's interest in BETHURUM and that the indices of this office at that time contained no information “ CI. 100-new (CIVILIAN RESEARCH, INTERPLANETARY FLYING OBJECTS) regarding STRINGFIELD. This letter also contains informa- tion PEROT ESOS a contact by THOMAS EICKHOFF with Lt, Colonel JOHN O'MARA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, on 6/6/54. relative to BETHURUM's story regarding flying saucers. The foregoing is for the Bureau's information and this office is advising OSI, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base of the substance of the information in this letter and that no further action is being taken. It is noted that JACK GUNDERMAN requested in his letter that his identity be kept confidential. The files of this office reflect that JACK SPAIN VAL GUNDERMAN voluntarily appeared at this office in December, ‘I95I, and furnished a piece of literature which he had found at the University of Cincinnati, At that time he had no information as to subversive activities and no further contact was made with him, The files of this office contain only one reference to HERBERT E, CLARK. This reflects that he is HERBERT E, CLARK, Jr., and that in August, 195i, as program chairman of the Pleasant Ridge Methodist Church Marri-eds class, he requested a speaker for 11/13/54. On 9/13/54 he was advised that SA MARK M, McSHURLEY would speak to the above mentioned class on the topie of General Activities of the FBI. | Cincinnati 27, Ohio Mie F P . ‘C.R.LF.O.@= NEUSLETTIER @ ae ee . Director e ee ° e | 7017 Britton Ave, ——=——_ tob 1,1954 eee . : ae a ge ==> Civilian Research, Interplanetary Flying Objects Reply to above address or P.O. Box 1855 Copyright 1954 by Len H. Stringfield EXCLUSIVE: PRIVATE TALK WITH LT. COLONEL JOHN O'MARA, DEPUTY COMMANDER, INTELLIGENCE, CONFIRMS THE EXISTENCE OF "FLYING SAUCERS" -- TRUTH MAY BE BARED SOON AS "TECHNICAL DATA" REACHES THE AIR FORCE, AIR FORCE PLANS COOPERATION WITH PUBLIC. The greatest story involving Earth and Space may soon be told. The "silence" group -- that official fear-faction of the Air force -- who for years fought to keep the truth from the public has now lost its anaconda-hold on accumulative evidence. Stimulated by recent events, the triumphant fearless-faction of the Air Force will take the benighted public into confidence. As Col. O'Mara iuti- mated: we want to cooperate and dispense with the misconception that ''flying saucers'' do not exist. Hereis the essence of Col. O'Mara's statements, 9/21/54: Flying saucers ''do exist'' the Colonel told me, and he added, in effect, past con- tradictions were unfortunate. At this point I asked the Colonel if there were two breakdowns of saucers ...the interplanetary device and the secret American mis- sile. was first corrected on the term ''missile", then the Colonel said he believed there were ''three breakdowns" -- the third, "natural phenomena.'' By such an admission, we therefore have these three breakdowns ...1) the controlled ‘'saucer'"' from outer space...2) a secret American saucer-like device and 3) unexplained natural phenomena. When I tried for a committal statement on the interplanetary ''saucer'' Iwas, as . expected,rebuffed, but was told that in their research they were ''gradually getting more data.'' Then for corroboration, I asked if all the saucers seen by Americans were American devices and to this the Colonel replied: ''Definitely not! Something does exist,'' he said, which, of course, is diametric to all A. F. statements follow- ing Major Keyhoe's book. In this respect, the Colonel intimated that the A. F. plans to cooperate with the public ... and a statement will be forthcoming from the De- fense Dept. which will explain some of the past contradictions and release the de- tails behind many of the sightings. When I asked,again, about the 700 sightings a week, he told me that this would be covered in the A. F. release. Col. O'Mara and I discussed many sensative issues. Although he spoke guardedly, the Colonel was wonderfully cooperative, and I could well ap»reciate his position in relation to official security. When, for instance, I asked about the Earth Satel- lites, and the theory indicating they were "rocks" ( see page 3) he replied that he has not received word they were "'rocks.'' He said the scientist in White Sands "are still working very hard and have lots of things to work on.'' When I asked about the silent Mars Committee he explained that the astronomers have not issued a report because '"'they are in disagreement" as to what they found.: In my 26 minute talk with the Colonel we also discussed saucer hostility, mysteri- ous plane crashes, the Atlantic problem, and, whether or not the CRIFO News- letter was slanted in the right direction. Re:thelatter, the Colonel said, in effect, that it ( the Newsletter) was in the right direction . Editor's Note: Our Newsletter, due to above information,was revamped the last minute. What was the first page is now the second, et al. * * ee SAUCERS HARASS EARTH; FEAR OF WORLD PANIC FORCES INTERNATIONAL . CENSORSHIP: Behind the Mask of Comedy is tragedy -- the tragedy of censor- ship; on stage is the ''Flying Saucer" whose misfortune of name has held it ludi- crously before the public eye since Ken Arnold announced "nine saucer-like things" flying near Mt. Ranier in 1947. "Saucers" in their true dimension are less ludicrous to world governments. Working in cooperative secrecy they have enforced a bowstring-tight conspir- acy of censorship. A recent example is found in this writer's correspondence with the Chilean Naval Mission in Washington, D.C. To quote their reply of December 23, 1953: "We are pleased to acknowledge receipt of your letter ... regarding the photo- graphs showing UFO's in formational flight, which you mention were taken by Captain Orrego of the Chilean Navy near Antarctica in 1948. "Regarding this matter we wish to inform you that recently we received a com- munication from Capt. Orrego stating that he had not seen any UFO's over the Antarctica in 1948, therefore, the photographs requested by you donotexist...."' (Signed) Harold Nagel, Captain Chief of the Chilean Naval Mission. Going back into old files I find that Capt. Augusto Orrego said:"During the bright antarctic night we saw flying saucers, one above the other, turning at tremen- dous speeds. We have photographs to prove what we saw." And now, the proof of Chilean contradiction, thus international censorship. Here I refer to Major Keyhoe's recent book. He says: ''Later, when I requested copies ‘from the Chilean Embassy in Washington I was told that the pictures ( Captain Orrego's) were classified." Editor: For the pictures to be classified they first had to exist. Why, during December, did they fail to exist? Does this tie in with the U.S. Air Force's sudden security ruling, which I learned by letter from ATIC, Wright-Patterson AFB, dated Dec. 17,1953. They said, in part: 'In reference to your letter, the ATIC has been directed to make all information on Project Blue Book available to the Dept. of Defense for release from that point only ...." What happened in those yestermonth skies? Why do our Air Force and Central Intelligence bend over backwards to circumvent the truth about flying saucers? Why do foreign governments self-contradict themselves? Are they hiding super- saucer missiles of their own... or, are they all just being cooperative to con- ‘ceal some great American weapon? Hardly! The answer is in the skies today ... right this minute! Fresh reports come to my desk daily. They come from competent and honest people. While these reports are being written other vehicles are crossing the barriers of space and time to ''violate" earth's international boundaries ... to harass the paths ofair- lines, and with increasing frequency, to come closer to terra firma. Here, they hover over roof tops, '"buzz'' automobiles and peer into house windows. Some cause destruction, even death. Are these the behind-the-scenes reasons for censorship? * sg @ THE EARTH SATELLITE ENIGMA -- ARE THEY MOSCOW'S... METEORIC . OR MARTIAN? Statements conflict, as usual. I first reported these two mys- terious earth satellites in my April Newsletter ... then again, following Lt. Col. O'Mara's admission to me, June 8, that a govt. project was tracking the objects but that the evidence was conflicting. I heard nothing more until Aug. 3 when Edward W. Hermann, special agent for McGraw-Hill Publications, told me Dave Anderton, Engineering Editor of Aviation Week, had received a report from Dr. Lincoln La Paz regarding the satellites, and, that it would ''appear in detail ina coming issue." In that a correspondent friend, Ted Bloecher of New York, tells me he tried dozens of newstands for the magazine, but to no avail ( indicating a sudden scarcity) I will quote the August 23, 1954 issue of Aviation Week: "Pentagon scare over the observance of two previously unobserved satellites orbiting the earth had dissipated with the identification of the objects as na- tural, not artificial satellites. Dr. Lincoln LaPaz... headed the identification project. One satellite is orbiting about 400 miles out while the other track is 600 miles from the earth. Pentagon thought the Russians had beaten the U.S. to space operations. "' Now, the rest of the story, thanks to Ted Bloecher. Says Ted: ''Being of a nature that is naturally suspicious of anything printed, I wrote Dr. La Paz and requested that he verify this release. I received an answer yesterday. (Sept. 8). In his letter, Dr. La Paz regrets 'that Aviation Week's misleading satellite story has received such widespread and uncritical publicity.' Enclosed also was the letter he (La Paz) had written toA.P. Strangely enovgh,the papers were content with carrying the false report, for I've seen no mention of Dr. ua Paz's correction on this report." Following is copy of letter, in part, by Dr. La Paz, tothe Associated Press: "Scientifically and militarily, the search for nearby satellites of the earth is one of the most important on which mankind has ever embarked. It is there- fore unfortunate, although not surprising, that false rumors are bound to be circulated in regard to the nature and results of this search. "As regards the Aviation Week story on the satellite search, summarized in the A.P. release shown me, it is false in every particular insofar as reference to me is concerned.... No one representing Aviation Week has questioned me concerning any possible connection I may have with the satellite search program, and no one whatever has been authorized to credit me with the activities attrib- uted to me in the Aviation Week story." (Signed) Lincoln La Paz Director Institute of Meteoritics Your letters and clippings are greatly appreciated; each is carefully read and filed. Since the April Newsletter, more than 8000 letters have crossed my desk -- a tremendous load for just two people. My wife, Dell, handles all ad- ministrative details, subscriptions, mailing, etc. ,while I direct the research and prepare the Newsletter. We are both grateful for your kind letters and your enduring patience. KEEP THE MAIL COMING, but we're afraid to commit our- selves onareply. The Newsletter is published first Friday of the month. Sub- scription $2.00 a year, starting with June 1954 issue. Six month subscriptions starting in April terminate with Oct. issue. Mark RENEWAL clearly with remit- tance. Back copies of April, May, June issues available at 25¢ each. Foreign subscriptions (except Canada) are $2.60 regular first class mail. Air Mail add 50¢ extra per issue cf 'iewsletter. oA LOGAN, UTAH JOLTED BY VIOLENT EXPLOSION AND GAPING CRATER FOLLOWING MYSTERIOUS "STREAK OF LIGHT" IN SKY: First guess --a meteorite, but as the evidence was assembled by foremost authorities, the theory dissipated. Here's the story, thanks to the help of Mrs. John German of Woodscross, Utah who probed the Salt Lake Tribune files for the early facts -- before SILENCE! On May 7,1¢54 the Tribune reported: "A 'conventional meteorite fall' did not produce the crater found west of here Sunday, and probing operations at the scene have been discontinued, geologists said. In a 73-word statement, 3 sci- entists gave reasons why they ended their investigation, but it contained no opinion on who or what made the hole, or how it was made. 'The statement, signed by J.Stewart Williams, professor of geology, UtahState Agricultural College, Lincoln La Paz,director, Institute of Meteoritics, Uni- versity of New Mexico and Clyde T.Hardy, USAC geology professor read: ‘In the region extending from Clarkston south to Paradise, exhaustive interro- gation of numerous persons who saw or heard the explosive phenomenon at midnight on May 1 has been carried out. The testimony thus obtained and material evidence recovered as a result of subsurface investigations at the site of the explosion west of Logan have disclosed that the crater was not produced by a conventional meteorite fall. For these reasons, operations have been discontinued!" And from the Tribune, May 5: 'Dr. Lincoln La Paz spent his first full day here, working with Dr. J.Stewart Williams and Dr. Clyde T.Hardy. On his arrival here Monday night,Dr. La Paz said the hole must have been made by a 'whopper' if it contains a meteorite. They decided to place a frame around the crater and cover it with wire mesh. Workers will stand on movable planks and probe with a pipe. In this way they will know they have probed every place possible under the mesh. " 'My recommendation is that we excavate until we find what made the hole, ' said Dr. La Paz, who is credited with recovering the world's largest aerolite, weighing more than one ton," The incident occurred on May | bringing ''500 phone calls'' to the Logan City Police Dept. Residents reported their houses ''shaken'' and TV viewers said their reception was disturbed. A check made later with Hill Air Force Base and Salt Lake City indicated no planes in the area for several hours. A war veteran described the 16 ft. wide and 6 ft. deep hole as looking like a ''bomb crater.'' Sod was found scattered in all directions for more than 100 yards. On Aug. 31,'54, I wrote Dr. Clyde T. Hardy, geologist who worked on the pro- ject, asking if any substantial evidence as to its (the explosion's) source had been uncovered. Following is Dr. Hardy's reply of Sept. 11,1954: "Reference is made to your letter of Aug.3l re. the explosion and crater west of Logan. Although a fireball was reported