Canadian UFO Report - vol 1 no 3 - 1969

Magazine Overview

Title: CANADIAN UFO REPORT
Issue: Volume I, Number 3
Date: May - June, 1969
Publisher: John Magor
Country: Canada
Price: Sixty Cents

This issue of Canadian UFO Report delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, with a particular focus on government handling of information, witness accounts of sightings, and speculation about extraterrestrial life.

Ottawa's Useless Report

The editorial expresses disappointment with the Canadian federal government's perceived secrecy regarding UFO evidence. It highlights the handling of the Falcon Lake case, where MP Barry Mather was promised a complete file, but pages were removed, rendering the report virtually meaningless. The editorial criticizes the government's spokesman, Yves Forest, for the qualified promise. The Falcon Lake report, despite mentioning a radiation count in the soil, attributed it to a radium source and omitted results from the examination of metal pieces found by witness Steve Michalak. The editorial concludes that the removed pages likely contained crucial information and that the government's silence suggests the incident was not a hoax.

Letters

This section features correspondence from readers, offering diverse perspectives and reports:

• Brian C. Cannon (CAPRO Director, Winnipeg, Man.) writes about a sighting in Charleswood, Manitoba, involving five lights, and connects it to other unexplained events in the south B.C. coastal area, including the sinking of the tug Iron Mac II and the Mainland Prince, suggesting a possible link to UFO activity.
• Ronald Rauigne (Bathurst, N.B.) recounts a personal sighting of a glowing, rotating object with humming sounds and blinking lights, which he observed for about 15 minutes. He notes that he was ridiculed for reporting it.
• Allan Klenmen (Victoria, B.C.) suggests that UFOs might originate from Earth rather than distant planets, citing conversations with individuals working for the Boeing Aircraft Company and special undertakings in Washington state.
• Marjorie Fish (Lakeside, Ohio) comments on an article about the asteroid belt, agreeing that Roche's Limit might not explain its formation and suggesting that planetary explosions might have been involved.
• William E. Moser (Hon. Sec., UFOIC, Sydney, Australia) introduces UFOIC as the oldest UFO group in Australia, emphasizing their serious and scientific approach to the UFO problem and their extensive network of contacts.
• Colin A.M. Dykes (Victoria, B.C.) congratulates the magazine on its new publication and questions whether all Yukon sightings were definitively ruled out as conventional apparatus.
• Angelo Capparella III (Director, CHAPIC, Carrboro, North Carolina) praises the magazine for its rational and reasonable outlook, avoiding mysticism.
• John Smith (Parksville, B.C.) inquires about a 3,000-pound chunk of metal investigated by Wilbert Smith, which was classified as a meteorite by the Prime Minister's office but potentially manufactured.
• Mrs. S. Sahlstrom (Victoria, B.C.) expresses enthusiasm for the magazine and its focus on Canadian sightings.
• Mrs. William Marshall (Duncan, B.C.) details a sighting of a bright yellow light that moved erratically, stopped, and hovered over a B.C. Hydro generating station for 15 minutes. The object was described as round, rotating, with multiple lights, and made no noise. She notes that she did not report it immediately due to fear of ridicule.

Disc Draws Water

This article recounts two similar cases of UFOs interacting with water, suggesting a potential technological advancement over time.

• The first case (1914) involved small, man-like creatures in iridescent suits seen manipulating a green hose from a globe-shaped craft resting on Lake Ontario. Three other creatures in khaki clothing with yellow headpieces emerged to work on pipes.
• The second case (July 1950) at Steep Rock, Ontario, described a large, shiny object resembling two saucers stuck together, resting on the water. Figures in metallic suits were seen operating a hoop-shaped object and drawing water through a hose, while discharging something else into the water. The object was estimated to be about 48 feet in diameter and moved away at high speed.

The article notes that while the witnesses in these cases did not seek monetary reward, the similarities suggest a technical evolution in UFO design and operation over the 36 years between the sightings.

One UFO Leaves Another

This section discusses the phenomenon of 'foo-fighters' – balls of light observed during World War II and later. It details a sighting by Hans Sorensen in Parksville, Vancouver Island, in May 1968. Sorensen observed a bright yellow light that illuminated the surroundings and caused ferns to quiver. He initially thought it was a car but realized it was too bright. The article also mentions previous reports of balls of light visiting Yukon graveyards and following a British Columbia valley, raising questions about their guidance and purpose. The author speculates that these 'balls of light' might be highly efficient mineral sensors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena, detailed witness accounts of sightings, and speculation about the nature and origin of UFOs. The editorial stance is critical of official obfuscation and advocates for a rational, scientific approach to investigating UFO reports. The magazine aims to provide a platform for Canadian UFO sightings and research, distinguishing itself from more mystical or sensationalist publications.

This issue of Canadian UFO Report, identified as Vol. 1, No. 1, published in January 1969, focuses on significant UFO encounters and evidence within Canada and beyond. The cover story, "Strange Case of Falcon Lake," details a profound encounter by Stephen Michalak. Other articles explore photographic evidence of UFOs and the persistent mystery of Ottawa's "mysterious chunk of hardware."

Strange Case of Falcon Lake

This three-part series, edited by Brian Cannon, delves into the incident involving Stephen Michalak. The phenomenon is broken down into four key points: sightings, landings, occupants, and contactees. Michalak's experience is presented as a case that touches upon these aspects. He reported hearing voices from within a strange craft, which he approached. Although he did not enter, he observed small lights inside. Upon touching the craft's exterior, his glove melted, and he experienced a burning sensation and a blast of hot air that sent him reeling. The object then ascended and disappeared. Michalak suffered severe physical distress, including burns and nausea, requiring extensive medical attention. The article notes that the object was initially observed on radar, suggesting it was not merely a reflection or misidentification. The case is further complicated by the lack of immediate medical assistance and the subsequent medical examinations that failed to diagnose the illness properly.

Prairie Foo-Fighter

This section discusses the nature of "foo-fighters," often described as UFOs, and their potential function as sensing devices. It then recounts an incident from 1964 involving two men, referred to as R. and M., who were flying a Piper 'Colt' aircraft near Regina, Canada. Airport radar detected a UFO following them. The object, described as a round, self-luminous object with intermingled colors, maintained a relative distance and altitude to their aircraft, moving at speeds estimated between 100 and 150 mph. The witnesses were frightened but unharmed. The incident was noted by the control tower, and later RCAF pilots reported similar sightings.

Maritime Sighting

This brief report from The Northern Light describes a sighting by two housewives and their children near Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada. They observed a UFO that changed colors from orange to white to red, moved along the highway, and then disappeared over the bay.

Ottawa's Mysterious Piece of Metal

This article revisits the mystery of a large metal object found near Les Ecureils, Quebec, Canada, in 1960. The object, weighing up to 3,000 pounds, was examined by Canadian Arsenals and Developments Establishment (CARDE) and later by Wilbert B. Smith, who headed Canada's UFO research program. Smith suggested the metal had been in space due to embedded micrometeorites. Despite efforts by researchers like Mrs. Carol Halford-Watkins, the metal remains largely unexamined and unexplained, with government scientists showing little interest. An expert metallurgist who analyzed a sample found it unlike any known metal and indicated it had undergone heavy impact. The article criticizes the government's "silence policy" and the Condon committee's dismissal of Smith's work.

Photographic Evidence

Authored by Brian C. Cannon, this section emphasizes the importance of photographic evidence in UFO research. It highlights instances where witnesses, despite having cameras, failed to capture images due to shock or surprise. The article then analyzes several photographic cases:

• Winnipeg Case: A witness with an 8 mm movie camera was too stunned to film a large egg-shaped object followed by four star-like points of light.
• Zanesville, Ohio Case: A series of Polaroid pictures allegedly showed a large discoidal object. These were examined by A.K. Vezina and P.M. Moerenhout, who noted discrepancies in the timing and exposure that suggested potential fabrication or a staged event.
• Calgary Case: Warren Smith and two friends photographed a silvery disc near Calgary, Canada. The 18 x 24 mm slides were examined by the RCAF, Dr. J. Allen Hynek, and the University of Colorado UFO Project. While the University of Colorado suggested it could be a "hand-thrown model," the Canadian Forces found the photos substantiated the report, and Dr. Hynek deemed them believable.
• Santa Ana, California Case: Photos taken by Rex Heflin were investigated, but the original negatives were confiscated.
• Namur, Belgium Case: Three photographs depicted a large circular craft moving behind a condensation trail.

The author stresses the need for immediate and expert attention to UFO photographs and recommends carrying a camera for potential sightings.

Saturn Shaped UFO

This short piece, accompanied by a photograph, describes a "Saturn Shaped UFO" reported by Steve and Frances Tomecek of Rosswood, Canada. They observed an orange ball-like object that moved at high speeds and sometimes stopped motionless. The object, viewed through a telescope, appeared whitish with an orange glow and a rough surface. The Tomeceks have been observing these objects regularly and are confident in their reality.

The Milakovic Report

This article, written by W. Daniels and N.M.H. Turner, with a drawing by Miss Pauline Bowen, details an encounter by the Milakovic family near Hanbury, England. On November 20, 1968, the family saw a brilliantly-lit object rise from a field and pass over their car. This sighting occurred around the same time as the reported disintegration of the Russian satellite Cosmos 253. The Milakovics, initially skeptical of UFOs, have changed their minds, with Mr. Milakovic vowing to always carry a camera. The article also provides background on the publication "Flying Saucer Review."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Canadian UFO Report include the persistent mystery surrounding UFO phenomena, the importance of witness testimony, the challenges of photographic evidence, and the perceived lack of serious investigation by government authorities. The magazine adopts a stance that UFOs are a serious subject deserving of open discussion and thorough investigation, criticizing "silence policies" and dismissive attitudes towards UFO research. There is a clear emphasis on Canadian cases and researchers, positioning the publication as a key source for UFO information in the country.

This issue of Canadian UFO Report, dated from the period of the late 1960s to early 1970s, covers a range of topics related to ufology, lunar mysteries, and ancient civilizations. The cover prominently features an article titled 'They Lived Beyond the Sun,' focusing on the Khmer civilization and their construction of Angkor Wat.

The Milakovic Sighting

The issue details an account from the Milakovic family in Hednesford, UK, who reported a UFO sighting on a rainy, overcast evening. They observed an object hovering over their house, described as being as wide as the house itself and quivering like jelly. The object emitted intense white and amber lights, and the witnesses saw several human-like figures on its upper portion. The temperature reportedly dropped as the object moved away, and the lights became so brilliant it felt like their eyes were burning. The Milakovics experienced no car trouble during the event. The original account appeared in the Wolverhampton Express and Star on November 25, 1968. The article also mentions follow-up interviews and attempts to gather more information, including a threatening phone call received by the family.

Hints of Lunar Life

This section explores the possibility of life on the moon, questioning the traditional view of it as a dead world. It highlights photographs from Orbiter-5 showing winding 'sinuous rilles' that strongly resemble Earth's riverbeds, leading scientists like Dr. Stanton J. Peale to believe they were formed by flowing water. The article notes that these features are concentrated around lunar maria (seas) and are absent from highlands, suggesting subsurface water. The text also references observations by Dr. H.P. Wilkins, a leading lunar authority, including large whitish bright spots, white streaks, luminous specks, color changes, and glowing craters. Professor W.H. Pickering's observations of 'swarms of insects' and 'snow storms' on the moon are also mentioned. A private organization, Aerial Research Systems, has published a 'lunar anomaly map' detailing various oddities, such as flashes of light, green and brown tints, and square enclosures. The possibility of extraterrestrial bases on the moon is raised, with a quote from a U.S. Army Space Development Program official suggesting astronauts must be prepared to 'fight for the privilege of landing.'

Ancient Civilizations and Extraterrestrial Connections

The article 'They Lived Beyond the Sun' by M.B. Gaunt discusses the mystery of ancient civilizations whose achievements seem far ahead of their time, suggesting they might have been migrants from other worlds. The focus is on the Khmer civilization and their magnificent construction of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The author recounts a visit to a model of Angkor Wat and a conversation with a Thai guide who stated that the builders 'came from beyond the sun.' The article details the architectural prowess of the Khmers, their shift from sun worship to Buddhism, and the eventual decline of their civilization due to exhaustion after immense building efforts. It describes Angkor Wat as a dazzling achievement and a testament to their knowledge of composition and rhythm, calling it 'sculpture in space.'

Book Review: Science, the Public and the UFO

This section reviews Arthur Bray's book, 'Science, the Public and the UFO,' published on December 6, 1967. The review emphasizes that the book outlines the shape and scope of the UFO mystery without claiming to explain it. It highlights key points from the book, including the broad scope of ufology encompassing various disciplines, the sensible approach of potential alien visitors in not making public contact with a potentially exploitative humanity, the steady rate of UFO sightings suggesting they are not mere pranks, and a call for laymen to form their own conclusions rather than solely relying on scientists. The review praises the book for its thorough research and helpful bibliography, and notes Bray's call for Canada to lead in space exploration studies.

Calls for UFO Policy

This segment reports on Barry Mather, an NDP MP, who challenged the government to handle the UFO question more openly. It reprints a parliamentary report of his speech calling for full disclosure of findings related to the 1967 sighting by Steve Michalak. The article notes that despite a promise, no such disclosure was made.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs/UAPs), the potential for extraterrestrial life both on other planets (like the Moon) and in ancient human civilizations, and the role of science and public perception in understanding these mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories from various sources while encouraging critical thinking and a willingness to consider unconventional possibilities, particularly regarding ancient mysteries and the UFO phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on documenting sightings and phenomena, and a critique of overly skeptical scientific attitudes that dismiss evidence without thorough investigation.

This document is a page from the "Canadian UFO Report," a publication focused on unidentified flying objects. The page, numbered 29, contains a parliamentary debate excerpt and a review of the "SKYLOOK" publication. The content primarily discusses the Canadian government's handling of UFO reports and a specific sighting.

Parliamentary Debate Excerpt

The excerpt features a member of parliament addressing the House, expressing his views on the significance of UFO reports and the government's current dealings with them. He states his agnosticism regarding UFOs, meaning he neither believes nor disbelieves, and initially mistook "UFO" for the "United Farmers of Ontario."

His primary reason for raising the issue was to comply with requests from constituents who were interested in the reported experience of Mr. Stephen Michalak in eastern Manitoba in May. Michalak, a prospector, claimed to have seen two oval-shaped objects glowing scarlet approach overhead near Falcon Lake. One object stopped in mid-air, while the other landed on a flat rock. After a few moments, the companion object resumed flight and disappeared. Michalak approached the landed object, described its appearance, and touched it, burning his rubber glove.

Michalak further reported that the object tilted up and released a sharp beam of heat that scorched his chest. He then experienced severe headaches, nausea, lost weight, and developed a rash, with symptoms that were never clearly diagnosed. This incident prompted the MP to write to the National Research Council (NRC) section that records UFO sightings.

He was informed that reports from the R.C.M.P., R.C.A.F., Health and Welfare, and the Geological Survey of Canada had been received by the branch. While these reports could be viewed by visiting the office, the branch would not agree to table the material in the House. The MP felt this material should be made available to all members of parliament in the usual way.

In October 1968, he asked for the production of papers, and when refused, he transferred the matter for debate. He believes the Canadian government does not show enough serious concern regarding unidentified flying objects.

National Research Council's Position

To exemplify the government's stance, the MP quotes a letter from the head of the upper atmosphere research section of the radio and electrical division at the NRC, dated September 27, 1968. The letter states that in March of that year, the NRC accepted responsibility for filing and cataloguing all UFO reports sent to the federal government, keeping them on a non-meteoritic sighting file as an auxiliary to the fireball report file. The office acts as a co-ordinating headquarters.

However, the letter clarifies: "It should be understood that we do not actively solicit non-meteoritic sightings, nor do we in general carry out field work of such sightings unless they show a fairly definite promise of giving useful scientific information."

The MP interprets this as a lack of real or active interest by the division in the "very large and conceivably important area of u.f.o. information." He argues this government agency is out of tune with the desire for more knowledge in this field among many serious-minded North Americans. He notes that an estimated five million Americans claim to have seen UFOs, and the U.S. government recently completed a detailed report by a special body that spent years and half a million dollars investigating alleged sightings.

Recommendations and Expert Opinions

At any rate, the MP believes Canada should have a more tangible policy regarding UFO investigations and that the government should table all available information, both pro and con. He also suggests considering that Earth is sending out flying objects, and these might appear as UFOs to extraterrestrial life.

He concludes by citing comments from well-informed people:

• "The existence of these machines is evident and I have accepted them absolutely" - Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding.
• "I believe extra-terrestrial intelligences are watching the earth and have been visiting us for millenia in their flying saucers" - Dr. Hermann Oberth, rocket scientist.
• "I believe in u.f.o.'s" - Knut Hammarskjold, Director General of Internal Air Transport Association.
• "The hypothesis that these u.f.o.'s are extra-terrestrial surveillance... I regard as most likely" - Dr. James McDonald, physicist.
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek, astrophysicist, initially dismissed UFOs as "stuff and nonsense" but now states, "not any more."

The MP reiterates two points: the papers should be tabled, and Canada, through its agency, should take a more serious interest in establishing the facts.

SKYLOOK Publication Review

Following the parliamentary excerpt is a brief review of a publication called "SKYLOOK." It is described as a "well-prepared mimeographed monthly report on UFO activity." The review praises the name and contents, noting it also includes an "Astronomy Corner." Norma E. Short is identified as the editor and publisher. The subscription rate is $3.00 a year in Canada and the U.S. The address for subscription is Skylook, Box 129, Stover, Mo. 65078, U.S.A.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is the perceived inadequacy of the Canadian government's approach to UFO investigations and public disclosure. The publication advocates for greater transparency and a more serious commitment to researching UFO phenomena. It highlights a specific, well-documented sighting as a case in point and uses expert opinions to underscore the importance and reality of the UFO issue. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of open investigation and public access to information regarding UFOs, suggesting a critical view of government inaction or indifference.