American UFO Committee Review Vol 2 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: AMERICAN UFO COMMITTEE REVIEW
Issue: Volume Two, Number Three
Date: Summer 1966
Publisher: American UFO Committee
Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the American UFO Committee Review delves into the controversial topic of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), challenging official explanations and presenting various sightings and perspectives. The publication is produced by a non-profit UFO research organization and is distributed via membership.

AM I WRONG

The lead article, "AM I WRONG," by Rick R. Hilberg, expresses frustration with how UFO phenomena are portrayed, particularly by television programs and government agencies like the U.S. Air Force and CIA. Hilberg argues that Air Force Regulation 200-2 implicitly acknowledges the existence of UFOs by having procedures for their investigation. He criticizes the dismissal of UFO researchers as "misfits, nuts and religious cultists," citing astronomer Carl Sagan. Hilberg also mentions that over 500 pilots have viewed UFOs and questions the official explanations of temperature inversions or light refractions. He asserts that the common person is unaware of Air Force Regulation 200-2, which he believes was deliberately omitted from public discussion to maintain a negative perception of UFOs.

Allan J. Manak, Chairman of Scientific Ufologists, poses the question, "Am I wrong in saying that there is no proof that the UFO's are extra-terrestrial in origin?" He notes that the U.S. and foreign powers claim to not possess UFOs, leaving open the possibility of an origin from "another world, or someone in space, or not of this world or in conclusion extra-terrestrial in origin."

SCIENCE, SIGHTINGS AND SECRECY

This section, authored by Allan J. Manak, explores the "three S's" of UFO phenomena: Science, Sightings, and Secrecy. It highlights the rapid advancements in science, particularly in astronomy, biology, and electronics, which suggest that life might be abundant in the universe and that interstellar travel could become feasible. Manak notes that astronomers now believe planetary systems are common and that life could potentially be synthesized. He contrasts this with the scientific community's reservations about UFOs, primarily citing Einstein's Theory of Relativity, which posits the speed of light as the ultimate limit, making interstellar travel extremely difficult. Another reservation is the lack of publicly captured UFOs for scientific testing.

The article then recounts historical sightings, including an incident on April 19, 1897, near Le Roy, Kansas, involving a blimp-shaped object and a carriage with beings. It also mentions a 1950 incident over North Korea where two large disc-shaped objects reportedly jammed the radar and radio sets of U.S. fighter bombers. Another significant wave of sightings occurred in France in 1954, with a cigar-shaped object dropping smaller discs.

Manak points out that the U.S. Air Force admits it cannot explain at least 646 UFO cases, many detailed in N.I.C.A.P.'s "UFO Evidence." He contrasts the scientific community's skepticism, represented by figures like David Dietz and Dr. Donald Menzel, with the evidence presented by UFO enthusiasts.

Government Secrecy and UFO Investigations

Peter Thompson's article discusses government secrecy, referencing Arthur Sylvester's statement that "management of news was 'part of the arsenal of weaponry' available to an administration in dealing with crises." Thompson also quotes Governor George Romney on the centralization of information and the use of security to cover up political indiscretions. He suggests examining books like "The Fourth Branch of Government" and "Washington Cover Up" to understand the "managed news" thesis.

Thompson proposes examining the government's procedures for investigating UFO sightings to settle the controversy. He quotes a Project Blue Book report stating that the U.S. Air Force is responsible for investigating UFOs under the Department of Defense. The report's firm conclusions are: (1) no UFO has indicated a threat to national security, (2) no evidence suggests technological developments beyond current knowledge, and (3) no evidence indicates extraterrestrial vehicles.

Air Force Regulation 200-2 is cited, stating that information about a sighting can only be released if it has been positively identified as a familiar object. Thompson suggests this regulation might explain the Air Force's explanations for sightings, such as "swamp gas" for the Ann Arbor sightings and planet Venus for the Portage County sighting by Deputy Sheriffs Dale Spaur and W. L. Neff. Spaur described the object as 40 feet wide and 18 feet high with a brilliant beam of light, and an antenna-like object was seen on its side.

Thompson concludes by looking to the future, suggesting that if superior beings are observing Earth, humanity may need to revise its philosophical, moral, and social views, potentially leading to limitless technical potential and the end of violence as a means of progress, as envisioned by Nikolai Lenin in a conversation with H. G. Wells.

WHO SAID THAT

This section compiles various snippets of information. It mentions a warning from Microwaves magazine about the cumulative effects of laser beams on the retina. It also notes the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's creation of a comprehensive star catalog using advanced computer techniques and the discovery by navy scientists of galaxies producing powerful x-rays. Two Lockheed engineers observed cosmic debris orbiting Earth. Science & Mechanics magazine published an article series on Russian space flights, and IEEE Spectrum magazine discussed methods for communicating with extraterrestrial life. The section highlights the work of various scientists and researchers in fields like information sciences, communication research, and astronomy, and mentions serious contemplation of methods for interacting with extraterrestrial visitors.

Elmer Schutt contributes a brief piece suggesting that sources other than the government are studying phenomena that some individuals claim do not exist, and that important figures are investigating and formulating ways to communicate with "non-existent" beings.

INSIDE PROJECT GRAY FILE

Authored by Elmer Schutt, this section explores the question of whether "space people" have contacted world leaders. It references "Project Gray File" and a newspaper clipping from the Mail Tribune in Medford, Oregon, dated March 14, 1965. The article suggests that former President Dwight Eisenhower may have met with spacemen and boarded their craft at Edwards Air Force Base. It speculates that world leaders have been contacted but kept the news quiet to prevent panic and economic chaos, with rumors circulating among the public.

Cover Story: ONE OF CLEVELANDS BEST

This section details a significant UFO sighting in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 9, 1965. At 8:50 p.m., Miss Pat Gresiwald reported a large disk-shaped object with white lights. Within minutes, another report came from 12 witnesses who saw a large round object with lights. Both objects were heading north. The Cleveland Press reported four sightings, while the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Case Tech had no information. Cleveland Hopkins Airport advised contacting the U.S.A.F. Special Investigations Center, which was unresponsive.

Another call described a large elongated object with sequential lights, spinning, and appearing as large as a pencil at arm's length. Rick Hilberg was contacted to investigate using CB units, and local radio stations were informed. Later, Hilberg reported another object that looked triangular with lights heading north.

Further reports included a party of three men describing a large, low object with amber lights circling its body, appearing to be about 4 inches in diameter at arm's length. Another call from Schott Ave. involved four men who saw a large whitish-silver object with sequential lights, described as V-shaped or mushroomed. The object moved rapidly before disappearing.

Weather conditions at Cleveland Hopkins Airport included cloud layers at 2200 and 4200 feet, with nine miles visibility and light rain. Mrs. Carol Moss reported seeing six square lights following each other, appearing to be one object. Another report mentioned a high-pitched sound lasting about ten seconds. The last four reports were given around 10:15 p.m. ESDT in Cleveland.

Other Articles and Features

Stephan W. Moore questions when leaders will inform the public about UFOs. He discusses "contactees" like George Adamski, who claimed to have met space beings and ridden in their crafts. Moore finds it unlikely that advanced beings would contact random individuals rather than leaders.

Ronald Jos. Pelger presents a cartoon with the caption "NOW WHAT DO YOU SUPPOSE THAT MEANS?" depicting a flying saucer with two figures inside, seemingly observing Earth.

An anecdote describes President Johnson speaking about the inability of leaders to prophesy the future and the potential need for assistance from advanced planets, possibly in preparation for a nuclear threat.

A story about a spacecraft landing at Edwards Air Force Base and Mr. Eisenhower meeting with an occupant is mentioned, coinciding with the base being "closed" for three days.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the questioning of official government explanations for UFO phenomena, the presentation of numerous eyewitness accounts, and the exploration of potential government secrecy surrounding the topic. The editorial stance appears to be critical of the U.S. Air Force and other governmental bodies, suggesting they downplay or deliberately obscure information about UFOs. There is a strong emphasis on the belief that UFOs are real and warrant serious investigation, with a leaning towards the possibility of extraterrestrial origins. The magazine aims to inform the public about various sightings and to encourage critical thinking about the information provided by authorities.