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This file concerns Silas Mason Newton, a promoter and self-described geologist whose activities drew FBI attention in espionage-related inquiries, alleged fraud schemes, and mining ventures. Records from 1940 and 1941 show the FBI checking Newton's hotel stays, business connections, finances, and reputation after an espionage lead, with inquiries finding no indication of espionage activity. A 1951 memorandum addresses a California Attorney General inquiry connected to Newton's published claim about a 'flying saucer' and identifies prior criminal-history information. Albuquerque reports from 1970 document an FBI confidence-game investigation into the Buckhorn Mining and Magnetic Research operations near Silver City, New Mexico, including allegations that mining property was salted and that purported mercury ore showed no mercury in a covert assay. The released material also records a California securities case involving Newton that was dismissed after restitution was reported.

FBI file number: 65-87 | Documents span: 1940-1970 | Released in 6 parts
Names in this file: Silas Mason Newton, H. U. Robinson, Richard Hayden
Subjects: espionage inquiry, confidence game, mining fraud, securities fraud, New Mexico, California