CAPRI News - Vol 1 No 6 - Jul 1968.

Magazine Overview

Title: Capri News UFO Reports
Issue: No. 6
Volume: I
Date: July, 1968
Publisher: Committee on Aerial Phenomenon Research Investigations (CAPRI)
Price: $0.25 per issue to non-members

Editorial: USAF and the Condon Committee (Part 2)

This editorial, written by E.J. Minasian, President of CAPRI, criticizes the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Condon Committee's approach to UFO investigations. Minasian asserts that the USAF is actively discrediting UFO reports and labels the Condon Committee a 'big farce' financed by the USAF, implying a predetermined conclusion of non-existence for 'flying saucers.' He notes that Edward Condon was known to be a disbeliever before the committee was formed. Despite a proposal for a negative investigation strategy, Condon reportedly rejected it to avoid public outcry, opting instead to release just enough information to placate the public. The editorial highlights the significant cost to taxpayers (over $500,000) for these studies, deeming it a 'big blunder' and a waste of money. Minasian concludes that the UFO question can only be answered by an independent group like CAPRI.

Capri Officers and Local Directors

This section lists CAPRI's local directors: Cathy Omally (Nahant, Mass.), Keith Ayling (New York), and Earl E. Shackelford (Kansas City, Mo.). It also features the 'CAPRI Honor Roll,' recognizing Kurt Glemser of Kitchner, Ontario, for outstanding articles, and Gordon Bartlett of Watertown, Mass., for service in forming and publishing the magazine. An 'Attention Members' plea requests support to keep the magazine running and asks for UFO material and donations. An announcement details an important CAPRI meeting to be held at headquarters on the last Sunday of September at 1:30 PM, with local directors and officers encouraged to attend. Private invitations will be sent to directors and officers prior to the meeting date.

The Glemser Reports: Explosions and UFOs

Authored by Kurt Glemser, this report compiles several incidents where UFOs were associated with explosions. These include:

• October 10, 1861: South of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, a farmer heard a loud noise from a black balloon-shaped object that exploded ferociously, coinciding with the night of the great Chicago fire.
• September 23, 1948: A terrific explosion in northern Kansas caused minor damage, with a UFO observed prior to the event.
• October 5, 1954: In Behnay, Egypt, several cigar-shaped UFOs emitting smoke were seen. One exploded, fell to the ground, and killed two cows.
• December 8, 1957: A UFO exploded and fell into the rural community of Snertingal, Norway.
• April 18, 1962: A UFO tracked by radar across 12 states landed beside a power station, causing it to go out of commission. It ascended and was chased by Air Force interceptors before exploding over southwestern Nevada, officially explained as a 'fire ball.'
• August 10, 1965: A fat cigar-shaped object hovering over Lewiston, Maine, suddenly exploded into flames and fell.

Glemser suggests these incidents indicate that UFOs may be meeting with 'unfortunate accidents' and disintegrating. Ed Minasian adds a note, questioning the investigators' methods and the secrecy surrounding the findings and potential wreckage.

Robert F. Kennedy Letter

This section features a letter dated May 9, 1968, from Robert F. Kennedy, then a United States Senator, addressed to Mr. Gray Barker, Publisher of Saucer News. Kennedy states he is a 'card carrying member of the Amalgamated Flying Saucers Association' and is interested in the phenomenon of flying saucers, which he describes as a fascinating subject that has spurred both fiction and serious scientific research. He expresses interest in all reports of unidentified flying objects and hopes for greater understanding in the future. Citing astronomer Dr. Harlow Shapley's view on the probability of extraterrestrial life, Kennedy advocates for more research into flying saucers. He believes magazines like Saucer News can stimulate investigation and inquiry, contributing to a better knowledge of this subject.

UFO Sightings

This section details two specific UFO sightings:

• Salem, Massachusetts (circa 1952): CAPRI chief investigator Ken Gilbert and assistant Mike Merandino submitted a taped interview about a sighting that occurred almost 15 years prior. Objects described as 'several mysterious balls of light flying in a (V) formation' were seen and photographed over the old Salem coast guard station. The USAF reportedly denied they were UFOs, attributing them to 'light reflections.' CAPRI claims to have the tape, reports, and a copy of the photograph for examination by members.
• Boston, Massachusetts (1965): On a clear night, Mr. Joe Regan and Mr. Al Sousa observed a UFO hovering over the incomplete Prudential Building for about 10 minutes. The object was described as coin-shaped with a silver color and appeared to have portholes. It then departed at a 'terrific rate of speed' towards the southeast.

A diagram illustrates the Boston sighting, showing the object, portholes, and the Prudential Tower.

UFO Spot Chart

Credited to Otto Binder's 'What We Really Know about Flying Saucers,' this chart presents hypothetical constructions of commonly reported UFO types based on hundreds of reports. It categorizes UFOs by shape, providing bottom, bottom angle, and side views for each. The types include:

1. Flat Disc (oval, 'lens'/'coin-shaped')
2. Domed Disc ('hat-shaped', 'World War I helmet')
3. Saturn Disc (elliptical or 'winged oval', 'diamond-shaped', 'Saturn shaped')
4. Hemispherical Disc ('parachute', 'mushroom'/'half moon')
5. Flattened Sphere (sometimes with peak)
6. Spherical (metallic appearing ball, ball of glowing light)
7. Elliptical ('football', 'egg-shaped')
8. Triangular ('tear-drop')
9. Cylindrical ('cigar-shaped')
10. Light Source Only ('star-like' or 'planet like')

Each category lists specific reported sightings with dates and locations.

Mystery Flashes Reported: Science Sees Signs Of Mars A-Blast

This article explores the possibility of intelligent life on Mars and the interpretation of unusual phenomena observed on the planet. It questions whether Mars's moons, Phobos and Deimos, are natural satellites or artificial constructs placed there by Martians. The article references flashes of light observed on the Martian surface in 1937, 1951, and 1954, with a strange cloud following the 1951 event. While volcanic explosions are a possible explanation, scientists find it unlikely due to the surface conditions. A more provocative explanation suggested is the detonation of a nuclear device on Mars. The article notes that the existence of intelligent life on Mars has not been dismissed by the scientific community, citing a 1962 paper by two scientists, including a Nobel Prize winner, supporting this idea. The orbital characteristics of Mars's moons are also discussed, suggesting they might be hollow and possess polished metal surfaces, fitting the description of satellites rather than natural moons. The article also touches upon the broader search for extraterrestrial life, mentioning Venus and Jupiter, and referencing Project Ozma, an initiative to search for signals from intelligent life in other solar systems.

The Readers Write: Letters to Capri

This section features correspondence from readers:

• Mark Martin from Dracut, Mass., praises CAPRI NEWS Vol. I, #5 as 'excellant.'
• Sean Wildman from Saugus, Mass., calls the new Capri News 'great' and jokingly suggests a promotion.
• Ken Gilbert and Mike Merandino from Salem, Mass., congratulate CAPRI on the recent issue and thank them for mentioning them on the honor roll.
• Ed Minasian responds to Ken and Mike, congratulating them for their work and expressing a wish for more like them.

A note clarifies that Ken Gilbert and Mike Merandino, while CAPRI members, have formed a separate UFO club called NESRC, located at 24 Boston St., Salem, Mass.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Capri News include UFO sightings, alleged government cover-ups or skepticism (particularly regarding the USAF and Condon Committee), the potential for extraterrestrial life, and the scientific investigation of anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly pro-UFO investigation, critical of official explanations, and supportive of independent research groups like CAPRI. There is a strong emphasis on presenting anecdotal evidence and reader accounts alongside more structured reports, fostering a sense of community among UFO enthusiasts.

This document is a classified directory and membership recruitment flyer for the CAPRI (Committee on Aerial Phenomenon Research) organization. It functions as a call to action for individuals interested in UFO investigations, seeking to build an international network of members and associates.

Membership and Organization

The primary goal stated is to find a "final solution to the UFO mystery" by bringing together sincere individuals willing to work towards this objective. CAPRI emphasizes the need for local directors, members, and associates. Membership is contingent on sincerity and a willingness to collaborate. Members are encouraged to keep their newsletters updated and to submit any UFO material they possess.

Featured Book: The Men in Black

A "CONTROVERTIAL BOOK" titled "THE MEN IN BLACK" by Kurt Glemser is promoted. It is described as containing facts, stories, details, and explanations about the "3 men in Black." The book is a mimeographed, soft-cover edition priced at $2.00 and is available through Headquarters. A "LIMITED SUPPLY" is noted, urging immediate orders.

Evidence and Confidential Newsletter

The section titled "Evidence" poses the question: "INVASION FROM OUTER SPACE OR PEACEFUL VISITORS FROM ANOTHER WORLD?" It states that the "Car Scientific Committee" (likely a typo for 'Capri Scientific Committee') has uncovered startling information about the origin and purpose of UFOs or "Flying Saucers" and aims to disseminate this information to seriously interested persons in the USA and abroad.

Furthermore, a "CONFIDENTIAL UFO NEWSLETTER REPORT" is offered for free to readers who are "OPEN-MINDED" and willing to examine new theories. This special newsletter is described as containing "confidential Flying Saucer information considered 'too hot to handle' in our regular official publications."

How to Obtain the Newsletter

To receive the free Confidential UFO Newsletter Report with no obligation, interested individuals are instructed to send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the SAUCER NEWS SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, DEPT. C.P., Box 2228, Clarksburg, W. Va. 26301.

Membership Application

A section at the bottom of the page includes a form for potential members to request the Confidential Newsletter. It asks for Name, Address, City, State, and Zip code, and includes the statement: "I AM A MEMBER OF CAPRI."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document's stance is clearly pro-UFO investigation and disclosure. It promotes the idea that UFOs are a significant phenomenon requiring serious research and that certain information is being withheld or is considered sensitive. The organization actively seeks public participation and the sharing of information, positioning itself as a source for "evidence" and "confidential" reports. The emphasis on "open-mindedness" suggests a willingness to explore unconventional theories regarding UFO origins and purposes, including the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors.