Claim: Admiral Byrd's "secret diary" proves hollow earth

[ParanoidSkeptic2]

For some reason, operation high jump is used by conspiracy theorist often to further their agenda. Admiral Byrd is in the middle of all this with many claiming that it he had a secret diary where he talked about a "hollow earth" and a "civilisation" within it.

A lot of people refer to a "Land beyond the poles" that Byrd allegedly wrote down

Article:

From Admiral Richard E. Byrd's diary February 19, 1947 "I'd like to see that land beyond the Pole. That area beyond the Pole is the center of the great unknown!" (was written before his 7-hour flight beyond the North Pole)

Source: https://stephwynne.medium.com/is-th...r-maps-the-man-who-knew-too-much-2781a6b0af5b

Apparently a secret diary was written, I'll link the link for the full entry but I'd like to point out a few bits of note.

Byrd went into the earth and was greeted by hospitality from a civilisation

Article:

The radioman and I are taken from the aircraft and we are received in a most cordial manner. We were then boarded on a small platform-like conveyance with no wheels! It moves us toward the glowing city with great swiftness. As we approach, the city seems to be made of a crystal material. Soon we arrive at a large building that is a type I have never seen before. It appears to be right out of the design board of Frank Lloyd Wright, or perhaps more correctly, out of a Buck Rogers setting!! We are given some type of warm beverage which tasted like nothing I have ever savored before.

Source: http://bibliotecapleyades.lege.net/tierra_hueca/esp_tierra_hueca_2d.htm

Byrd was told by the "master" to stop atomic bombs otherwise we will enter a dark age due to a nuclear holocaust

Article:

'Yes, my son,' replied the Master, 'the dark ages that will come now for your race will cover the Earth like a pall, but I believe that some of your race will live through the storm, beyond that, I cannot say. We see at a great distance a new world stirring from the ruins of your race, seeking its lost and legendary treasures, and they will be here, my son, safe in our keeping. When that time arrives, we shall come forward again to help revive your culture and your race. Perhaps, by then, you will have learned the futility of war and its strife...and after that time, certain of your culture and science will be returned for your race to begin anew. You, my son, are to return to the Surface World with this message.....'

Source: http://bibliotecapleyades.lege.net/tierra_hueca/esp_tierra_hueca_2d.htm

Byrd was forced by the pentagon to keep quiet.

Article:

March 11, 1947. I have just attended a staff meeting at the Pentagon. I have stated fully my discovery and the message from the Master. All is duly recorded. The President has been advised. I am now detained for several hours (six hours, thirty- nine minutes, to be exact.) I am interviewed intently by Top Security Forces and a medical team. It was an ordeal!!!! I am placed under strict control via the national security provisions of this United States of America. I am ORDERED TO REMAIN SILENT IN REGARD TO ALL THAT I HAVE LEARNED, ON THE BEHALF OF HUMANITY1111 Incredible! I am reminded that I am a military man and I must obey orders.

Source: http://bibliotecapleyades.lege.net/tierra_hueca/esp_tierra_hueca_2d.htm

The final log was apparently in 1956 and Byrd just wanted to have this "secret" exposed.

Article:

This can be the only hope for mankind. I have seen the truth and it has quickened my spirit and has set me free! I have done my duty toward the monstrous military industrial complex. Now, the long night begins to approach, but there shall be no end. Just as the long night of the Arctic ends, the brilliant sunshine of Truth shall come again....and those who are of darkness shall fall in it's Light.. FOR I HAVE SEEN THAT LAND BEYOND THE POLE, THAT CENTER OF THE GREAT UNKNOWN.

Source: http://bibliotecapleyades.lege.net/tierra_hueca/esp_tierra_hueca_2d.htm

I cannot find any source which states that this is indeed the Byrd's diary, many people still hold this alleged diary to be true and many have written books about his secret diaries.

I'm not sure when this started circling round, but based on the website linked with a few articles that reference the diary, the earliest this was was 2001.

The only real proof that people claim that this diary is real is the fact that Byrd apparently kept diaries about the expedition in operation high jump

 

[Mendel]

I'm not sure when this started circling round, but based on the website linked with a few articles that reference the diary, the earliest this was was 2001.

I found it in a 1998 typescript that dates the "expanded edition" to 1990.

Google Books asserts the "platform-like conveyance" passage is also in a 1979 publication, but I wasn't able to view the text itself. (The trick was to restrict the search to 1990 or earlier.)

 

[deirdre]

Google Books asserts the "platform-like conveyance" passage is also in a 1979 publication, but I wasn't able to view the text itself.

you can grab snippets, but i tried "Shoush" and couldnt get a first name. I was able to grab this which sounds like the original guy claiming to have the diary

 

[deirdre]

Article:

The Secret Diary of Adm Byrd: Fact or Fiction

.........
February is the dead of winter in the Arctic with it's well known 24 hours of darkness and unpredictable flying weather. However, the biggest negative ruling out a February 1947 Arctic expedition by Admiral Byrd was the indisputable fact that he was smack dab in the middle of the command of his life – "Operation Highjump," the most extensive Antarctic expedition in the world.

The operation made front-page headlines around the world with reports about the Admirals personal movements broadcast around the world daily from January 2nd until his return to America on April 14th 1947. This would have made a North Polar flight during this time damn near impossible.

......

Captain Tawani Wakawa Shoush and The Society for a Complete Earth

The alleged diary first became available from an organization based in rural Missouri, which called itself "The Society for a Complete Earth" in the 1970s. The head of this organization was a Native American, Captain Tawani Wakawa Shoush. As Walter Kafton-Minkel explains:

"The society used as it's emblem the crest of the Thule Society … Shush said he was a retired U.S. Marine and a pilot whose goal was to fly a dirigible into one of the polar openings and establish contact with the Arianni, (his spelling) the "tall blond, blue-eyed super-race" that rules the inner world. The Arianni, he wrote, spoke "a language very much like German" and lived in "cities built of shimmering crystal" and used their saucers – again called flugelrads – to patrol the skies of the surface world and keep an eye on us … Shoush sold copies of what he claimed was a suppressed diary kept by Admiral Byrd during his North Pole flight of 1947."

(Page 238)

When I first received the copy of this "diary" from Max Fyfield I wrote a report concerning the forward of the booklet which was written by a "Dr. William Bernard." (See THEI Vol. 1#6, "The Two Bernards," page 30).

In that article I accused Mr. Susch of being an opportunist out to make money and challenged him to prove me wrong. Although I had no proof, I felt strongly about it at that time. Those of us who are serious about these studies do not need false information seeded around. I feel even stronger about it now. And I believe that I now have the proof that this piece of trash is a phony.



The Proof

In 1928 Admiral Byrd published his account of the 1926 North polar flight in a book titled Skyward. On page 196 Byrd reveals the following information:

"When our calculations showed us to be about an hour from the Pole, I noticed through the cabin window a bad leak in the oil tank of the starboard motor. When I took the wheel again I kept my eyes glued on the oil leak and the oil pressure indicator."

Compare this information to the following passage from the so-called "secret diary."

(Page 2) "--- Hours: Slight oil leak in starboard engine, oil pressure indicator seems normal, however."

Once again, the odds of Admiral Byrd having the exact same problem with the same engine on two different flights 11 years apart would probably be about the same chance of you winning the next lottery.

Source: http://bibliotecapleyades.lege.net/tierra_hueca/esp_tierra_hueca_20.htm

 

[deirdre]

A lot of people refer to a "Land beyond the poles" that Byrd allegedly wrote down
Article: From Admiral Richard E. Byrd's diary February 19, 1947 "I'd like to see that land beyond the Pole. That area beyond the Pole is the center of the great unknown!" (was written before his 7-hour flight beyond the North Pole) Source: https://stephwynne.medium.com/is-th...r-maps-the-man-who-knew-too-much-2781a6b0af5b

from my above article (should probably add this to Quotes debunked)

Article:

The first mention of a 1947 North Polar flight by the Admiral can be found in the book Worlds beyond the Poles: Physical Continuity of the Universe (1959) by a controversial self-proclaimed scientist, F. Amadeo Giannini. On page 13 of his book under the heading "The Changing Scene 1927-1947" he presents a list of things that happened during those years to support his theory. One of the entries is:

"1947: February "I'd like to see that land beyond the pole. The area beyond the pole is the center of the great unknown." – Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd before his seven-hour flight over land beyond the North Pole."

Not only was this the first time a 1947 flight ever mentioned, but this also seems to be the origin of this often used quote attributed to Admiral Byrd and used by Hollow Earthers constantly to prove their point. The actual source of this quote was probably an article that appeared in the October 1947 National Geography Magazine titled "Our Navy Explores Antarctica," in which the Admiral refers several times to the "Mystery Land beyond The Pole" although not in the sequence of words presented by Mr. Giannini. And most importantly of all … Byrd was talking about Antarctica.

Source: http://bibliotecapleyades.lege.net/tierra_hueca/esp_tierra_hueca_20.htm

 

[ParanoidSkeptic2]

you can grab snippets, but i tried "Shoush" and couldnt get a first name. I was able to grab this which sounds like the original guy claiming to have the diary

From what I understand Shoush is a pseudoscientist who interacts with many fringe and pseudoscientific topics

Article:

William Bernard Shoush (March 11, 1927 - January 4, 2002), also known as Tawani Wakawa Shoush, was an American author who wrote about Native American and Modoc-Klamath traditions, claiming Modoc lineage, including a popular story about his grandfather's encounters with Sasquatch (which he said were called Matah Kagmi) near Mount Shasta, California, and about theories regarding the Hollow Earth, toward which end he founded the International Society for a Complete Earth, publishers of the secret diary of Robert E. Byrd and claims regarding Nazi explorations of the "Inner World."

Source:https://hatch.kookscience.com/wiki/Tawani_Wakawa_Shoush

The hollow earth society was founded in 1977, incidentally two years before the publication of the alleged diary.

Source:https://hatch.kookscience.com/wiki/International_Society_for_a_Complete_Earth

So, the most likely case is that the guy just made up some proof in order to further his pseudoscientific agenda?

 

[deirdre]

the guy just made up some proof in order to further his pseudoscientific agenda?

looks like it. or he partakes in the peyote a bit too much and wrote the diary during some peyote trip then forgot he wrote it? (im trying to give him some benefit of the doubt... but surely he recognized his own handwriting)

interesting your quote mentions Nazis.. i was gonna point that out that the "ariyanni" (ie Hitlers Aryan race).. tall blonde and blue eyed, sounded alot like Hitlers thing which is odd, to me, for a Native American to emulate.

 

[The Grand Scoobah]

I recently picked up a book on the subject (attached image) published in 1969. I haven't gotten to reading it yet, beyond a light thumb through, but when I do I'll try to remember to come back here and share some things. I'm working on a project for the Sunstone Symposium on conspiracy narratives in Mormon scripture and early Mormon history and how they prime individuals to accept related conspiracy theories today. Regarding the Hollow Earth theory, early Mormon leaders taught that the lost tribes of Israel were living in hidden civilization under the ice near the North Pole, and that they would emerge and return to Jerusalem at the Second Coming of Christ. There are references to this in the Doctrine and Covenants—a collection of "revelations" produced by Joseph Smith that are part of the Mormon scriptural canon. There are other, more clear references to versions of this teaching by early Mormon leaders or their contemporaries. This belief has had a surprising longevity, though it has largely fallen into obscurity within the largest Mormon group headquartered in Salt Lake City. That said, you can still find those who promote it today with appeals to Mormon scripture.

 

[Raw-b]

I recently picked up a book on the subject (attached image) published in 1969. I haven't gotten to reading it yet, beyond a light thumb through, but when I do I'll try to remember to come back here and share some things. I'm working on a project for the Sunstone Symposium on conspiracy narratives in Mormon scripture and early Mormon history and how they prime individuals to accept related conspiracy theories today. Regarding the Hollow Earth theory, early Mormon leaders taught that the lost tribes of Israel were living in hidden civilization under the ice near the North Pole, and that they would emerge and return to Jerusalem at the Second Coming of Christ. There are references to this in the Doctrine and Covenants—a collection of "revelations" produced by Joseph Smith that are part of the Mormon scriptural canon. There are other, more clear references to versions of this teaching by early Mormon leaders or their contemporaries. This belief has had a surprising longevity, though it has largely fallen into obscurity within the largest Mormon group headquartered in Salt Lake City. That said, you can still find those who promote it today with appeals to Mormon scripture.

Very interesting, I have not heard this before about Mormon history. I see in the October 1832 issue of The Evening and the Morning Star, the mention of Isreal "Standing upon the Centre of the Earth." But the Doctrine and Covenants section seems more vague on the topic. It seems like it is talking about moving tectonic plates in the past, and the breaking down of ice mountains between the north pole and the rest of the world when the "Lord returns" and a highway being created. From your link with the emphasis added from the link:

Doctrine and Covenants § 133:23–27,
23 He shall command the great deep, and it shall be driven back into the north countries, and the islands shall become one land;
24 And the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion shall be turned back into their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided.
25 And the Lord, even the Savior, shall stand in the midst of his people, and shall reign over all flesh.
26 And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence.
27 And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep.

Maybe there is some illusion to a hollow earth there that I am missing there. I would love to learn more on the topic if you have more info! Thanks for sharing.

 

[The Grand Scoobah]

Very interesting, I have not heard this before about Mormon history. I see in the October 1832 issue of The Evening and the Morning Star, the mention of Isreal "Standing upon the Centre of the Earth." But the Doctrine and Covenants section seems more vague on the topic. It seems like it is talking about moving tectonic plates in the past, and the breaking down of ice mountains between the north pole and the rest of the world when the "Lord returns" and a highway being created. From your link with the emphasis added from the link:

Doctrine and Covenants § 133:23–27,
23 He shall command the great deep, and it shall be driven back into the north countries, and the islands shall become one land;
24 And the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion shall be turned back into their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided.
25 And the Lord, even the Savior, shall stand in the midst of his people, and shall reign over all flesh.
26 And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence.
27 And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep.

Maybe there is some illusion to a hollow earth there that I am missing there. I would love to learn more on the topic if you have more info! Thanks for sharing.

I should be clear: I don't think early Mormons believed in the hollow earth conspiracy as we have it today. Rather, there are multiple references to the belief that the Lost Tribes of Israel were residing in a region under the ice near the northern polar ice cap. The section in Doctrine and Covenants § 133:23–27 includes reference to the idea that the lost tribes will return from their hidden sanctuary in the "north countries" and that "the ice shall flow down at their presence" as they emerge at the Second Coming of Christ. This revelation was produced by Joseph Smith in November 1831.

I agree that absent other contemporary references that these passages in the D&C appear pretty vague. However, consider the following references that fill in the missing historical context of what was being taught among the Mormons in the 1830s and 40s.

Ezra Booth, Letter to Rev. Ira Eddy (24 October 1831):

The condition of the ten tribes of Israel since their captivity, unto the present time, has excited considerable anxiety, and given rise to much speculation among the learned. But after all the researches which have been made, the place of their residence has never been satisfactorily ascertained. But these visionaries have discovered their place of residence to be contiguous to the north pole; separated from the rest of the world by impassable mountains of ice and snow. In this sequestered residence, they enjoy the society of Elijah the Prophet, and John the Revelator, and perhaps the three immortalized Nephites. -- By and by, the mountains of ice and snow are to give way, and open a passage for the return of these tribes, to the land of Palestine.

This is one of several letters of disaffected Mormon and outspoken critic, Ezra Booth, where were published in late 1831 in The Ohio Star. Notably, this reference predates the production of D&C § 133 by only a week or so.

The Evening and the Morning Star (October 1832):

Here we have a clue to the place where Israel is; for while standing upon the centre of the earth, it would be perfectly natural to call the north, south, east, and west, nethermost, or lowest; and as this branch was the first that the Lord had hid, it would evidently mean the ten tribes as they were the first carried away. Again, when the Lord begins to call home his branches that were hid about in the lower parts of the vineyard, he says to the north first, [because first planted] Give up—
The world has been troubled a good deal to find Israel and to get to the north pole, and to search out the Northern Lights, but when the Lord shall utter his voice out of Zion, and shall speak from Jerusalen; and his voice shall be heard among all people; and it shall be as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder, which shall break down the mountains, and the valleys shall not be found, he shall command the great deep, and it shall be driven back to the north countries, and the islands shall become one land; and the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion shall be turned back to their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided...

This passage is taken from a longer discussion on the Ten Tribes written by W. W. Phelps in which he uses the allegory of the olive tree found in the Book of Mormon (Jacob 5) to discuss the place of the lost tribes of Israel in the Mormon eschatology.

Latter Day Saints Messenger and Advocate (October 1835):

Let no man marvel at this statement, because there may be a continent at the north pole, of more than 1300 square miles, containing thousands of millions of Israelites, who, after a high way is cast up in the great deep, may come to Zion, singing songs of everlasting joy. The Lord must bring to pass the words of Isaiah, which shall say to the NORTH, "Give up; and to the South, keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth." from the north and south END, I presume, as no one has ever pretended, that there was an end to the globe any where else.

This passage echoes those from above but is more explicit in the idea that billions of lost Israelites are residing in hiding at the North Pole. It even suggests that there may be some at the South Pole.

Benjamin F. Johnson, My Life's Review:

Other questions were asked when Brother Clayton was not present, one of which I will relate: I asked where the nine and a half tribes of Israel were. "Well," said he, "you remember the old caldron or potash kettle you used to boil maple sap in for sugar, don't you?" I said yes. "Well," said he, "they are in the north pole in a concave just the shape of that kettle. And John the Revelator is with them, preparing them for their return."

This is the account of Benjamin F. Johnson (1818–1905) recounting a conversation he had with Joseph Smith, Jr. in April 1843. This account is interesting as it begins to sound a little more like the hollow earth conspiracy with its mention of a concave region at the North Pole. It should be noted that Johnson's memoire was not published by his family until 1947.

These are just a sample of the references that corroborate that early Mormons taught that the Lost Tribes of Israel lived in a hidden polar sanctuary that would be revealed at the Second Coming. This is not hollow earth conspiracy per se, but it certainly has laid the foundation for acceptance of the hollow earth conspiracy among certain segments of Mormondom. I recently picked up a copy of Rodney M. Cluff's book on the hollow earth which devotes considerable space to defending the hollow earth conspiracy using Mormon teachings and scripture. It is a trip to say the least.

EDIT: Apparently Mr. Cluff also has a link on his site to "scriptural references" that he believes support the hollow earth conspiracy.

EDIT2: I also just discovered this 1886 publication, The Inner World, by Frederick Culmer of Salt Lake City that presents hollow earth theory through a Mormon lens.

EDIT3: Last edit, I promise. Here's an interesting article by historian Christopher C. Smith that covers the topic of Mormon belief that the Lost Tribes resided at the North Pole.