L.U.F.O.R.O. BULLETIN

Magazine Overview

Title: L.U.F.O.R.O. Bulletin
Issue: No. 4.
Date: 11th June 1960.
Publisher: LONDON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT RESEARCH ORGANISATION
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the L.U.F.O.R.O. Bulletin, dated June 11th, 1960, delves into the controversial topic of a potential "Silence Group" that investigators claim suppresses the truth about UFOs. The editorial posits that recent political events, specifically the U-2 spy plane incident over Russia, might have altered the landscape of this alleged secrecy.

Is There a Silence Group?

The lead editorial, "IS THERE A SILENCE GROUP?", explores the long-held belief among investigators that a clandestine group actively works to prevent public knowledge of UFOs. This group is accused of orchestrating press censorship and effectively silencing individuals who claim to have discovered UFO-related truths. The editorial notes that while some investigators doubt this theory, recent political developments may have shifted perspectives.

The article then draws a parallel between the alleged UFO silence and the U-2 spy plane incident. On May 1st, 1960, Francis Powers was piloting a Lockheed U-2 aircraft on an espionage mission over Russia when it was shot down. Soviet Premier Khrushchev announced the plane's downing, while the U.S. State Department initially claimed it was an unarmed weather study plane experiencing oxygen trouble and accidentally violating Soviet airspace. Khrushchev later revealed that Powers was alive and had admitted to spying, denouncing the American version as a lie.

The U.S. State Department, in a subsequent statement authorized by President Eisenhower, contradicted its earlier claim, admitting the plane was spying and that similar flights had occurred over the preceding four years. Harold Stassel, a former disarmament adviser to the President, expressed doubt that Eisenhower had personally approved the flight. Khrushchev, meanwhile, exploited the incident to disrupt the upcoming Summit conference, demanding an apology and punishment for those responsible, which Eisenhower found unacceptable, leading to the Summit's failure.

The editorial suggests that Allen Dulles, Director of the CIA, may have been responsible for the U-2 flight, given his position and the agency's potential involvement. Khrushchev's repeated calls for punishment of those responsible are highlighted.

The CIA and the U-2 Incident

The bulletin further speculates on the motives behind the U-2 incident, questioning if the public spectacle and Khrushchev's reaction were designed to incite world outcry against Mr. Dulles and weaken the CIA's influence. The article references a Soviet newspaper, "Izvestia," accusing Dulles of plotting with Fascists during the war and continuing Himmler's anti-Soviet agenda. The bulletin poses several questions for consideration:

• Is the CIA the Silence Group?
• Does the CIA investigate UFOs and dictate press coverage?
• Does Khrushchev believe world peace is impossible with the CIA in existence?
• Will the Summit failure lead to the CIA's downfall?
• Will more information about UFOs emerge if the CIA is weakened?

Further confirmation of the CIA's operational responsibility for the overflights is mentioned, citing a report from The London Evening Standard on June 8th, 1960. The article includes a quote from Cyrus Eaton, a North American industrialist, who suggested that pressure from entities like the Atomic Energy Commission, the Pentagon, and the CIA, all with vested interests in maintaining East-West tension, influenced President Eisenhower after his meeting with Khrushchev.

Air Force Treats UFOs as Serious Business

The bulletin then shifts focus to official U.S. Air Force policy regarding UFOs. The National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) revealed new Air Force regulations issued in December 1959, by Major General E. O'Keefe. These regulations emphasize that unidentified flying objects, often dismissed as "flying saucers" by the press, must be treated as serious USAF business.

Vice-Admiral R.H. Hillenkoetter, a NICAP board member and former CIA director, stated that a warning from the inspector general had been sent to the Senate Space Committee, noting that high-ranking Air Force officers were soberly concerned about UFOs. The new regulations, detailed in a pamphlet titled "Operations and Training," did not introduce substantive policy changes but underscored the seriousness of the issue. The article contrasts this with a previous Air Force statement claiming no physical evidence of UFOs had ever been found, accusing the Air Force of deception in publicly downplaying UFOs while privately admonishing its commands.

NICAP is described as campaigning for the truth about UFOs to be revealed at open hearings, receiving support from politicians.

LUFORO's First Caxton Hall Meeting

On Saturday, May 21st, LUFORO held its first public meeting at Caxton Hall in London. The meeting was well-attended, featuring Mr. G.F.N. Knewstub of the British Flying Saucer Bureau as the speaker. Knewstub, a scientist, provided a thorough survey of UFO research, particularly work being done in Bristol. A more detailed report is promised for a future issue.

Manchester Convention

Due to a lack of support and cooperation from UFO researchers, the Manchester Convention scheduled for May 20th and 29th has been postponed indefinitely. Details of a future convention will be announced.

Mole Papuan Sightings

The bulletin reports on sightings in the Papuan area where four human-like figures were seen on an unidentified object in the sky during 1959. Details of these sightings can be found in "Flying Saucer Review," a bi-monthly journal.

More Comments Regarding an International Federation

This section includes correspondence and comments on the proposed formation of an international UFO research federation. A quote from the August 1959 editorial of "Saucer Forum" by Max B. Miller is presented, emphasizing the need for cooperation and a common policy among the hundreds of independent UFO groups worldwide. Miller suggests that countries should first organize their own research efforts before aiming for a global federation, drawing a parallel with the enthusiasm and cooperation seen in Amateur Radio.

"Saucer Forum" is edited by David Jones and published quarterly.

A letter from J.L. Otley, Hon. Sec. of the Tyneside UFO Society, addressed to Mr. Stenman, expresses support for the idea of an "International" federation but prefers to initially focus on a purely "British" federation. Otley argues that a truly representative national group is lacking and that a British Council could be a significant step towards a more organized approach to UFO research in the country.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the concept of a "Silence Group" controlling UFO information, the potential political motivations behind suppressing UFO evidence, and the growing official recognition of UFOs as a serious subject by military and intelligence agencies. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning official narratives and exploring the possibility of a coordinated effort to obscure the truth about unidentified flying objects. There is also a strong emphasis on the need for organized, cooperative research, both nationally and internationally, to advance the understanding of UFO phenomena.