CDSC Reports - Vol 1 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: CDSC REPORTS
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 2
Date: April 22, 1960
Publisher: Capitol District Saucer Council
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of CDSC REPORTS is an irregular newsletter focusing on UFO phenomena and related government policies. The primary article scrutinizes a revised Air Force Regulation (AFR 200-2) that the publication alleges imposes increased censorship and restricts public access to UFO information.

Revised AF Regulation Proves Censorship

The lead article, "REVISED AF REGULATION PROVES CENSORSHIP," details changes in Air Force procedures for reporting UFO sightings. According to the new order from the Secretary of the Air Force, "high priority findings" in UFO cases must now be telephoned immediately to the Air Technical Intelligence Center in Dayton, Ohio, from any U.S. Air Force base. Furthermore, a priority "electrical report" (via telephone, teletype, or radio) must be sent to the Secretary himself on all UFO sightings not older than three days. These changes are noted as being within Sections 4a and 14a of the revised AFR 200-2.

The article highlights that the revised regulation reiterates earlier orders for priority "electrical reports" to be sent to the Air Defense Command, the nearest ADC division, the Air Technical Intelligence Center, and AF Intelligence in Washington. The authors interpret these measures as clear evidence of official secrecy and state their endeavor to obtain documented proof of the Air Force's adverse policies regarding the public's right to know about what they deem a vital and serious national problem.

Key points from the 7-page document are enumerated: radarscope photos are to be classified; suspected or actual UFO material is to be safeguarded for Intelligence evaluation; and AF base commanders are prohibited from releasing details of a UFO sighting unless the object has been "POSITIVELY IDENTIFIED AS A FAMILIAR OR KNOWN OBJECT" (with emphasis on the Air Force's wording). Crucially, no unsolved cases may be released to the press, and AF pilots and other personnel are instructed not to discuss UFO sightings with unauthorized persons, unless officially directed and then only on a "need to know" basis.

The publication asserts that the reissueance of AFR 200-2 is definitive proof that information is being withheld from ufology researchers, the press, and the American public. They find it paradoxical to expend significant resources and treat saucers as a serious defense matter if UFOs do not exist or are merely illusions.

The article acknowledges its indebtedness to "The UFO Investigator," published by NICAP of Washington, D.C., for portions of the content.

Mystery Sparks Saucer Debate

This section reports on an event from April 20, 1960, where a mysterious power failure interrupted the radio station WROW's "Opinion" program during a discussion of unconventional aerial phenomena. Preliminary checks found no valid excuse for the electrical disturbance. The program moderator, Mark Edwards, commented that "something unusual occurred." Consequently, the following night's show was dedicated to discussions about flying saucers. During the broadcast, several CDSC members spoke about ufology and the CDSC. A phone network was established, and members handled calls from interested Capitol District residents regarding unidentified flying objects.

Liaison Established

• An announcement from April 28, 1960, states that the Affiliation-Contact Committee has established liaison programs with several UFO groups. These groups, with whom publications and data will be exchanged, include:
• Aerial Phenomena Investigations Society of Olean
• Interplanetary Intelligence of UFOs (operating from Oklahoma)
• Saucers Intelligence Bureau (located in Clifton, New Jersey)

Liaison programs were also pending with Civilian Saucer Intelligence (New York City), Intercontinental Aerial Research Foundation (Wisconsin), and Aerial Phenomena Research Group (Seattle, Washington).

Newsnotes & Capsule Comments

• This section provides brief updates and observations:
• The Air Force is described as weaving a "strange web," and it is believed that several national UFO groups are about to "pull in the excess rope in the AF noose."
• Captain Edward Ruppelt, former head of Air Force Project Blue Book and author of "The Report on UFOs," has reportedly reversed his stance on the reality of UFOs. Speculation is rife regarding the reasons for this change. His revised book is criticized for its "daft and unusual statements."
• Max Miller, a West Coast saucer expert, has suspended publication of his seven-year-old magazine "SAUCERS."
• The CDSC has sent a tape to the Ditmar UFO Tape Service of Ausable Forks, N.Y., for copies of tapes made by UFO "personages," which will be played at future meetings.
• Two CDSC committees are changing their names: the Education Committee will become the Public Relations Committee, and the Screening and Tabulating Committee will be renamed the Investigations Committee.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the perceived secrecy and censorship employed by the U.S. Air Force regarding UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is critical of these policies, advocating for greater transparency and the public's right to information on matters deemed significant. The newsletter positions itself as a source for disseminating information that the official channels are allegedly withholding. There is a clear emphasis on investigative journalism and the importance of ufology research.