Canadian UFO Report - vol 2 no 1 - 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: CANADIAN UFO REPORT
Issue: 1-2
Volume: 1
Date: SPRING 1971
Publisher: Canadian UFO Report
Country: Canada
Price: $1.00

This issue of Canadian UFO Report introduces three new members to its staff: Thomas House, Hayden Hewes, and Hal Crawford, all of whom are presented as bringing valuable insights and talents to the magazine's ongoing exploration of the UFO phenomenon. The magazine highlights its international recognition, citing a positive rating from the UFO Investigator. It is emphasized that all staff contribute their work voluntarily, motivated by a "instinct for inquiry."

Welcoming New Staff

Thomas House Thomas House, a Canadian citizen who has lived on three continents and holds a B.A. in mathematics and German from the University of Colorado, is introduced as a feature writer. His interest in UFOs is linked to the belief that "in space lie most of the clues." He has written on the "possibility of extraterrestrial life" and his two-part article "Earth Calling" will appear in the next issue. His background includes work with the BBC's engineering division and he is currently a library assistant at Woodward biomedical library, University of B.C.

Hayden Hewes Hayden Hewes, operating from Oklahoma City, is the founder and director of the International UFO Bureau, with 8,000 members in 40 countries. His interest in UFOs began at age 13. He is described as having a "conservative scientific attitude" and does not claim direct contact with aliens, but asserts "there is no doubt of their existence." Hewes majored in aeronautical and space engineering at the University of Oklahoma and previously worked with the U.S. Air Force on Project Blue Book. He will be the contributing U.S. Editor and will be responsible for a new feature called "International Dateline."

Hal Crawford Hal Crawford is presented as an artist whose work is valuable for translating the UFO mystery into tangible forms. His "strongly-styled work" was previously featured, and he contributed illustrations for "The Aliens," a booklet produced jointly with the Hewes. His drawings of UFO occupants are considered "classics."

Finding the Action

This editorial piece dismisses the notion that UFOs are purely psychological phenomena, citing radar and camera evidence of "objects of substance." It discusses the connection between public interest in UFOs and individual awareness, noting how local sightings can heighten community vigilance. The editors admit to moments of "variable opinion" regarding the UFO mystery but find that "a trip to where the action is" helps reaffirm their commitment. The article highlights two recent investigative trips: one to the Rocky Mountain area of Banff and another to the Lake of the Woods district of northwest Ontario. The piece concludes by reassuring readers that UFOs are still present even when not reported in the news.

Strange Craft Over Central Canada

This article, written by Brian Cannon, explores UFO activity in a region described as "UFO country" in Canada, extending from eastern Manitoba across Ontario to the junction of the Ottawa and St. Lawrence Rivers. The area is characterized by wilderness and rich mineral resources. Since 1954, Manitoba, northwestern Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River basin have seen a significant number of UFO reports.

Kenora, Ontario Sightings

#### Parsons-Engstrom Sighting (August 20, 1955)
Adolf Engstrom, a night watchman, and H.J. "Bud" Parsons, an airline owner, witnessed a "totally incomprehensible" object. Engstrom described it as "about forty feet above the water...six feet across and 10 inches deep." Parsons described it as "two saucers with their open ends touching one above the other," with a halo. The object was "beautiful silvery-white" and appeared to send out rays. It hovered for about two minutes, then accelerated north. Both witnesses asserted the object passed below the hospital roof line across the lake, suggesting it was surveying the area. They described its movement as "super smooth."

#### Fred "Bub" Alcock Sighting (July 22, 1954)
Fred "Bub" Alcock, a contractor, reported seeing three objects "sifting across Corkscrew Island" and stopping over Zigzag Island. These objects were an estimated one and a half miles away and silhouetted against a clear blue sky. Alcock confirmed they hovered for two minutes before "swoosh... gone." He described them as "gray-metallic in color, and had wide, shallow domes on top." Alcock, a former RCAF bomber-navigator, believed they were "certainly no ordinary aircraft." The objects then "just disappeared.....straight up."

Winnipeg Sighting (Following Alcock's) Twenty minutes after Alcock's sighting, five objects were spotted travelling west over Winnipeg by three witnesses. They were described as "oval and definitely metallic" and likened to "Christmas tree ornaments." The objects travelled in a V-formation and were visible for about 30 seconds.

Cartwright Sighting (Near Kenora) Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Cartwright watched six spherical-shaped lights swoop across the sky, changing to an elongated shape. They followed the "orange-yellow objects" through binoculars before they vanished.

Scientific Perspective and Misidentification Dr. Roy M. Pritchard, a psychology professor, is quoted stating that human perception is affected by factors like hunger, anger, and prejudice, leading to misinterpretations. The article references the U.S. Airforce Project Bluebook's conclusion that 31 percent of UFO sightings were misidentifications of astronomical phenomena. However, the article stresses that the remaining "core of unidentifieds" (roughly 2½ percent) are significant and warrant study.

Mrs. Eleanor Jacobson Sighting (May 30, 1969) Mrs. Eleanor Jacobson reported a UFO sighting in Kenora. Her dog reacted strangely, and she observed a "round and flattened metallic object" moving in a "half circle." She managed to take two pictures with her Polaroid camera. The object was described as "silver and had a cone shape on the top" with "portholes all around it." After the initial sighting, she saw another unusual object maneuvering similarly three nights later, capturing two more pictures. The next morning, her neighbor reported his dog's unusual behavior around 2:00 a.m., coinciding with her second sighting. This sighting was followed by the discovery of "two six-foot circles of dead grass on his lawn."

UFO Activity in Kenora The article notes that Kenora has a "staggering" amount of UFO activity, with enough leads for months of investigation. It questions why UFO reports are not more frequent, especially given the visibility of Venus in 1969, suggesting that the "who cares?" attitude in Canada contributes to the lack of attention.

"Funny Business" Over Rockies

This section revisits an earlier 'Argosy' magazine article that claimed UFOs were experimental aircraft built in western Canada. The authors of Canadian UFO Report express skepticism about the 'Argosy' article's geographical inaccuracies but wonder if the author stumbled upon a genuine discovery he misinterpreted.

Banff Area Activity

The article suggests that "something of great significance in the realm of UFOs is occurring" in the region centered around Jasper and Banff. One story mentions a flying instructor who claimed he could point out the exact spot where strange craft seemed to originate, and reportedly showed a woman a flying saucer during a flight over Banff.

Mrs. Jean Watts Interview (Banff)

Mrs. Jean Watts, formerly employed as a cashier at the upper hot springs pool in Banff, recounted an incident from October 1968. The night-man at the pool reported seeing a "funny" object in the sky. Three nights later, Mrs. Watts herself experienced a strange calm. Louis DeCecco, an attendant, reported that a "big light came shooting down from Mount Rundle -- it's a flying saucer or something." This caused panic among the bathers, with some women screaming and acting frozen, and others trying to escape the pool area. Mrs. Watts arrived after the object had sped away. Witnesses described it as a "glowing yellow in color with what appeared to be a red and green exhaust shooting from one end," and looking about six feet long. Some heard a "hissing sound."

Louis DeCecco's Account

Louis DeCecco corroborated the panic and described the object hovering over Mount Rundle before zooming down into the valley and veering away. He recalled the object being more colorful than Mrs. Watts had described and did not remember seeing an exhaust.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings in specific Canadian regions, particularly Kenora and the Rockies. The magazine emphasizes the importance of witness testimony and the need for serious investigation, even when faced with skepticism or misidentification. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, acknowledging the complexities of the phenomenon while firmly believing that UFOs represent a "real and continuing puzzle that begs for serious study."

This issue of UFO Canada, Volume 2, Issue 1, published in 1971, focuses on a series of UFO sightings and related incidents primarily in the Canadian Rockies, particularly around Banff and Calgary. The cover story, "HORSE ILL AFTER UFO INCIDENT," details a disturbing case involving a horse's distress and subsequent death, potentially linked to UFO activity. The magazine also features accounts of close encounters, aerial object descriptions, and the potential impact of UFOs on animals.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

Banff Area Encounters

The issue begins by recounting the experiences of Mrs. Watts, who reported seeing a "greenish-orange light" emerge from a cloud near Mount Norquay in August 1970. She described the object as moving in a half-circle and narrowly missing the mountain. A local teacher corroborated the sighting, adding that the object had lights resembling windows. This sighting is linked to a 1967 incident on the same mountain where an orange UFO released glowing material.

Another significant account involves Dan Bittorf and Brian Warnock, two young men from Banff. In the early morning hours, they observed a bright light that followed their car, eventually stopping and hovering nearby. They described it as an "incandescent light" with rotating red and green lights, resembling a "psychedelic light show." They felt the object was larger than their car and had a "giant four-pointed diamond" appearance. The object seemed to wait for them to make a move, but when they returned to their car due to the cold, it vanished.

Highway Follower Incidents

The magazine explores the idea that the trans-Canada highway might be a route for UFOs. Bill Allan, an investigator, shared an incident from October 19, 1970, involving a highway construction camp near Calgary. Witnesses Paul Chemerys, Marshall Petruk, and Bob Vance saw a circular orange object climbing rapidly and following the highway route towards Banff. They described it as having a hazy greenish rim and a whitish tinge, moving much faster than a jet.

Further supporting this theme is the case of William Bishop, who reported a brilliant white light that acted as a self-appointed escort for several miles along a road near Shawnigan Lake in December 1969. The object stayed with him, moving slowly at first, then speeding up. Bishop described it as having a "diamond shape."

The 'Horse Ill After UFO Incident'

A central and disturbing narrative is the case of a chiropractor near Calgary who encountered a UFO while riding his horse on the Sarcee Indian reserve in late August 1970. His horse became extremely agitated and violent, exhibiting signs of distress. The chiropractor described seeing a "billowy cloud" from which a solid, bluish-steel or silvery-blue object emerged. The object had an oval underpart with two circular, rotating vents and appeared to be about 40 feet in diameter. It emitted a soft vibrating noise.

Weeks later, the same chiropractor found another horse dead in the bush. The horse's exposed side was badly singed, and it smelled of burnt hair. The carcass was still warm, and there were no signs of rigor mortis. The following day, the horse and its imprint were gone, with the surrounding vegetation unbroken, suggesting it was removed by air. Bill Allan investigated this case, noting the similarity to the 'Snippy' case in Colorado, where a pony was found dead with flesh stripped away. The chiropractor's own horse also developed sore spots and what appeared to be tumors.

Other Cases and Observations

Art Gillam of Duncan reported seeing a glowing object about four feet in diameter near his house, and though he took a photo, the print was blank. The issue also includes two photos taken from a helicopter in British Columbia, showing an unidentified object, and mentions a similar object described in a Finnish incident.

Object Characteristics and Witness Descriptions

The objects described in this issue vary in shape, color, and behavior. Shapes ranged from oblong and diamond-shaped to round, semi-transparent domes, and concave underparts. Colors included greenish-orange, bluish steel, silvery blue, and electric blue. Witnesses struggled to estimate size due to brightness, but some noted objects larger than a car or around 40 feet in diameter. Behaviors included slow movement, hovering, rapid acceleration, and acting as escorts. Some accounts mentioned electromagnetic effects like vibrating noises and sounds inaudible to humans but distressing to animals. Physical trace evidence, such as unexplained imprints and the disappearance of a carcass, was also noted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Canada strongly suggests a pattern of UFO activity in specific geographical areas, particularly along highways in the Canadian Rockies. A recurring theme is the potential negative impact of UFOs on animals, with multiple cases detailing extreme distress, injury, and unexplained deaths. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of serious investigation into these phenomena, presenting witness testimonies and expert opinions (like those of Bill Allan and Max Edwards) to explore the possibility of extraterrestrial or unknown aerial craft interacting with Earth and its inhabitants. The editorial focus is on documenting these events and exploring their implications, particularly concerning animal welfare and the mysterious nature of the observed objects.

This issue of the magazine, dated July-August 1970, focuses on a significant UFO and humanoid encounter that occurred in Imjärvi, Finland, on January 7, 1970. The article, a reprint from FLYING SAUCER REVIEW, is prefaced by an introduction from Charles Bowen, editor of FSR, and further elaborated upon by Sven-Olof Fredrickson, a Swedish reporter who investigated the case.

The Imjärvi Encounter

The main narrative details the experience of two Finnish witnesses, forester Aarno Heinonen (36) and farmer Esko Viljo (38), who were skiing in a forest near Imjärvi. They reported hearing a buzzing sound and seeing a strong, luminous object descend. The object, described as round, flat, and metallic, about three meters in diameter, emitted a red-grey mist and a bright light-beam. Inside the beam, they saw a humanoid creature, approximately 90 cm tall, thin, with a pale face, a conical helmet, and carrying a black box from which a pulsating yellow light emanated. The creature was described as having thin arms and legs, a strange nose, small ears, and wearing a greenish overall with white gauntlets.

After the creature and the object disappeared, both men experienced physical distress. Heinonen reported his right side becoming insensitive, leading to a fall, and later suffered from severe pain, headache, and black urine, a symptom that persisted for months. Viljo also experienced swelling, unsteadiness, and redness in his face and limbs.

Witness Accounts and Investigation

Initially, the witnesses had not fully disclosed the details of the incident, partly due to Heinonen's partial memory loss and partly because he and Viljo had not discussed the event together. Personal interviews, including one by a Swedish reporter and photographer, along with a doctor and a professor of electro-physics, helped to elicit the full story. The reporter's findings, combined with earlier correspondence, led to a case report compiled in Swedish.

The article includes a strip-form illustration of the event, approved by the witnesses, depicting the UFO, the light-beam, and the humanoid.

Medical and Scientific Perspectives

Dr. Pauli Kajanoja, who examined Heinonen and Viljo, noted that they appeared to have suffered a great shock and described symptoms similar to those after exposure to radio-activity, though he lacked the instruments to measure it. The black urine was particularly inexplicable. Professor Matti Tuuri suggested the light might have been higher frequency radiation, like X-rays, and that flying saucers could travel along magnetic power-lines. Professor Stig Lundquist found no connection to known thunder or electricity. An earth sample from the site, analyzed by Chalmers Institute of Technology, showed no radio-activity.

Other Sightings and Related Cases

The issue also mentions other related phenomena. On the same day as the Imjärvi incident, two other witnesses, Elna Siitari and Matti Haapaniemi, saw a strange light in the sky. A year prior, a boy named Matti Kontulainen reported seeing a bright light in the forest near Imjärvi. The article also references a 16-year-old boy's account of a bright light in the forest near Imjärvi.

Ancient Astronauts and Cosmic Life

Beyond the Imjärvi case, the magazine explores broader themes related to UFOs and extraterrestrial life. An article titled "IMPERIALISTS IN SPACE" discusses the theory of ancient space beings colonizing Earth millions of years ago, citing sophisticated ancient artifacts as potential evidence. It also touches upon the scientific exploration of life beyond Earth, referencing experiments on "dirty ice" particles in interstellar space that suggest the potential for life's basic chemicals to form independently of planets.

A significant piece of evidence presented is a meteorite found in Australia, which contained various amino acids, including those essential for life on Earth, leading researchers to believe it is proof of extraterrestrial chemical evolution.

The article also references ancient legends and myths from India, Greece, Rome, and Nordic mythology, as well as biblical accounts, suggesting they might be records of ancient extraterrestrial conflicts or visitations. Carvings from China dating back 47,000 years and rock sculptures from the Sahara plateau are presented as potential evidence of early intelligent life.

UFO Petition to the United Nations

The issue provides an update on the "Project International --UFO Petition to United Nations." It notes the ongoing distribution of questionnaires to gauge Canadian attitudes towards the UFO mystery and the plan to submit the findings to the UN. The article highlights the wide variety of opinions on UFOs among respondents and expresses regret that the first stage of the project is nearing its end.

UFO Course at Air Force Academy

A chapter from an unpublished U.S. Air Force Academy text on "Introductory Space Science" is reprinted, focusing on UFOs. This chapter, which was once replaced by one on negative findings from the Condon committee, is presented due to its official source and the attention it received.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from multiple angles, including eyewitness accounts, scientific investigation, and historical/mythological perspectives. There is a clear interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial life, both in the past and present. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories while acknowledging the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the subject. The publication seems to advocate for continued research and international cooperation, as evidenced by the UN petition project. The article on ancient legends and the meteorite suggests a belief in the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations having visited Earth in the distant past. The overall tone is investigative and seeks to connect contemporary UFO sightings with broader cosmic and historical contexts.

This issue of Canadian UFO Report, dated Spring 1971, is the ninth issue and the first of Volume 2. It covers a range of topics related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs), including historical sightings, theories about their nature, and reader contributions. The magazine aims to provide authoritative UFO reports and discussion.

Historical Sightings

The issue presents several historical UFO accounts. It begins by referencing legends of 'little people' in Ireland and a supposed incident in Lyons, France, where individuals descended from an airship were killed. Documented sightings from the Middle Ages are mentioned, including a notable one over London in 1742.

• Two more recent sightings are detailed:
• Alexander Hamilton's Cattle Attack (April 21, 1897): A Kansas farmer reported a cigar-shaped ship, approximately 300 feet long, hovering 30 feet above his cattle. Six strange beings were seen inside. The ship then lifted a roped heifer into the air. The next day, only the animal's hide, legs, and head were found in the field, with no tracks indicating how it got there.
• Fort Itaipu Incident (November 4, 1957): Two sentries in Brazil observed a 'new star' that grew and stopped over the fort. It descended slowly, emitting an orange glow and a humming sound. Heat struck, causing one sentry to collapse and the other to seek shelter. Electrical failure occurred, and men saw an orange glow leaving at high speed. Both sentries were burned.

The article notes that UFO sightings appear to be global and extend back thousands of years, suggesting a need for scientific investigation.

Theories on the Nature of UFOs

The magazine outlines five categories of theories regarding UFOs:
1. Mysticism: The belief that UFOs and their crews have a spiritual mission.
2. Hoaxes and Unstable Personalities: Reports attributed to pranks or psychological issues, a view prevalent during the Air Force's Project Grudge.
3. Secret Weapons: The idea that UFOs are advanced weapon systems.
4. Natural Phenomena: Sightings caused by misinterpretations of natural events like swamp gas or ball lightning.
5. Alien Visitors: The theory that UFOs are extraterrestrial craft, either manned or remote-controlled.

The article discusses the historical tendency to dismiss pilot reports, with some airlines grounding pilots who reported seeing flying saucers, requiring psychiatric evaluations. It also mentions that NICAP still receives reports from commercial pilots.

The issue touches upon the 1964 incident at Socorro, New Mexico, but omits details as it will be covered in a future article.

Misinterpretations of Natural Phenomena

It is suggested that many UFO sightings are misinterpretations of natural phenomena. These include weather balloons, satellites, unusual cloud formations, and ball lightning. The difficulty in convincing witnesses that their sightings are natural phenomena is highlighted, leading to mistrust and disbelief.

Alien Visitors Theory

This theory posits that UFOs are material objects controlled by beings alien to Earth. Supporting evidence is presented, including the case of Barney and Betty Hill. Common descriptions of aliens include a height of about three and a half feet, round heads, arms reaching to knees, and silvery suits. Other variations are mentioned, such as beings with wide eyes and thin lips, or hairy, four-foot-tall individuals.

Questions are raised about why accidents haven't revealed alien presence and why no official contact has been made. Possible answers include sociological study, humans being viewed as less significant than ants, secret contact, or contact on a different plane of awareness.

Human Fear and Hostility

Contacting humans is described as dangerous due to both microscopic (rejection of alien material) and macroscopic (psychological and sociological antagonism) factors. Historical examples of fear and aggression towards perceived 'different' beings are cited, from ancient times to modern incidents like Russian anti-aircraft fire on UFOs in the Kouril Islands.

Specific Case: Sutton Farm (August 21, 1955)

Eight adults and three children at Sutton Farm, Kentucky, reported seeing a glowing UFO land behind a barn. A creature described as three and a half feet tall, wearing a silvery suit with a round head and webbed hands with claws, emerged. The family fired upon the creature, which was knocked down but recovered and left. The incident led the family to sell the farm.

Attempts at Scientific Approaches

This section discusses the work of Jacques and Janine Vallee. The UFO phenomenon is described as global for nearly 50,000 years. While many witnesses are reliable, there's no clear correlation with population density. Psychological factors are acknowledged as 'noise' in the data. The possibility of natural phenomena is considered but deemed questionable. The issue of alien visitors is raised, suggesting the existence of multiple alien groups. The vastness of space and the potential for intelligent life are noted.

Book Review: UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse by John Keel

This section reviews John Keel's book, which argues that UFOs are not from distant civilizations but are 'next-door neighbors' from another space-time continuum. Keel's research is praised for its depth, though his arguments are sometimes difficult to follow. A key conclusion is that UFO visitors are engaged in a 'complex and frightening hoax.' Keel suggests that contactees are being lied to by the 'ufonauts' who are deliberately creating a smokescreen.

Keel dismisses claims that UFOs come from planets like Clarion, Maser, or Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Saturn, and the moon, stating these names are 'plants, not planets.' He emphasizes that the UFO mystery cannot be solved by simply collecting newspaper items but requires a deeper interpretation of visitor behavior.

The review highlights Keel's interpretation that visitors may come from a world without sex, ego, or fear of death, where individuals are units of a collective intelligence. He proposes that these beings might be 'manipulations of energy.'

Letters to the Editor

• Several letters from readers are included:
• Richard Greenwell (Tucson, Arizona): Discusses Freeman J. Dyson's views on the search for extraterrestrial technology, noting that no artificial technology has been detected, leading Dyson to conclude that either it doesn't exist or hasn't been looked for sufficiently.
• Mark R. Herbstritt (St. Mary's, Penn.): Points out a numerical similarity between two UFO sightings (Indiana, Penn., and Duncan, B.C.) using a letter-to-number system, suggesting it might be a prank by visitors.
• Arthur Bray (Ottawa, Ontario): Provides an update on the analysis of a 3000-lb 'chunk of metal' found in Ottawa, stating it's likely 'manganese steel' but awaiting official lab reports and further independent analyses.
• Ronald Anstee (Montreal, Que.): Critiques Mr. Matthews' statements about the Ottawa metal, deeming them 'idiotic' and questioning the origin and nature of the mass.
• Mrs. Margaret A. Smith (Ladysmith, B.C.): Recounts two personal sightings: one involving a strange object and a flattened grass area, and another of a pulsating, multi-colored light over the Stuart Channel.
• Mrs. Betty Joseph (Manitoba): Describes a crescent-shaped object with a dark patch, orange in color, below tree-top level.
• Marjorie Brignall (Elkhorn, Manitoba): Mentions sightings in Elkhorn where UFOs appear to examine the area.
• Mrs. M.A. Campbell (Prince George, B.C.): Reports a sighting of a large, dome-shaped object on a mountain in Northern B.C. and inquires about potential radar or fire lookout stations in the area.

Other Contributions and Notes

• Matter-Energy Exchange: A letter from Josephine Clark discusses the potential for UFOs to operate in different dimensions and the possible connection between mercury poisoning symptoms and UFO proximity, referencing a flap around Rio Vista where mercury disappeared mysteriously.
• Nicholas Nestor (Cleveland, Ohio): Expresses belief that UFOs operate across dimensions and that the mystery will be solved when occupants land and explain themselves.
• Please Note: An announcement regarding the magazine's numbering system (Issue No. 1-2 for the first of Volume 2) and a shift towards dropping seasonal dating to better reflect UFO activity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the variety of sightings and theories, and the ongoing debate between scientific explanation and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider all possibilities while maintaining a skeptical approach. The magazine aims to present information and facilitate discussion on the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging its global nature and historical depth. There is a clear emphasis on the need for more rigorous scientific investigation, while also exploring more speculative theories and personal accounts.