CDSC Reports - Vol 1 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: CDSC REPORTS
Issue Date: May 13, 1960
Volume: 1, Issue 3
Publisher: Capitol District Saucer Council
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of CDSC REPORTS, a newsletter from the Capitol District Saucer Council, covers a debunked UFO sighting, media appearances by CDSC members, and an editorial analysis of the ufology community.

SAUCER SIGHTING PROVES DUD

On May 3, 1960, Gerald Jaffee of Schenectady reported seeing three dancing, glowing, spherical objects of light above the Balltown road area. The sighting was promptly reported to the Schenectady Gazette and the CDSC. Preliminary investigations by the CDSC's Investigation Committee initially suggested the objects were not astronomical or weather balloons. However, further inquiry revealed that Ed Dearstyne, owner of a local record shop, had attached yellow plastic balloons to his store's roof for advertising. These five-foot diameter spheres were illuminated by a spotlight, causing them to appear as mysterious aerial objects. The committee concluded that the "unidentified flying objects" were merely advertising balloons.

PRESS REPORTS SPARK T.V. APPEARANCE

Following the prompt work of the CDSC's Investigation Committee on the Jaffee sighting, two CDSC members were invited to appear on Channel 6 (WRGB) on May 5, 1960. Investigations Committee chairman Ray Jordan and Coordinator Anthony Rudmann were interviewed by Ernie Taitro on his morning show. The discussion covered the recent Jaffee sighting and the general work of the CDSC.

EDITOR'S CORNER

The editor discusses the fragmented state of ufology, identifying three distinct groups:

• Conservatives: Researchers like Donald Keyhoe and Bob Parry, who maintain a scientific attitude and view flying saucers as unidentified flying objects, supporting various theories while remaining objective.
• Fanatics: Avid followers of individuals such as Gabriel Green, John McCoy, and George Adamski, who wholeheartedly accept the "accounts" of contactees. These groups often hold conventions and promote messages about atomic disarmament and universal brotherhood.
• Silence Group: Agnostic reactionaries who aim to destroy other segments of ufology, led by the "three men in black," and who sow confusion and dissension.

The editor expresses concern that the fanatical element is gaining converts and control within ufology, which he believes is detrimental to the subject's credibility. He notes the increase in radical groups and the formation of the Amalgamated Flying Saucer Clubs of America, which he feels eclipses the constructive work of organizations like NICAF, IGARF, and the Aerial Phenomena Research Group. The editor suggests that the boundless enthusiasm of the fanatics, while well-intentioned, inadvertently aids the "silence group" by playing into their hands.

He concludes that reputable ufologists must take action to correct the situation and suggests forging stronger ties among conservative ufology organizations to avert serious consequences.

FROM RAY JORDAN'S DESK

Ray Jordan addresses the long history of flying saucers, noting that they have been reported since ancient times, including in the Bible, not just since the popular misconception of their origin in the mid-20th century. He observes that many people dismiss UFOs as products of imagination due to their portrayal in popular culture. Jordan criticizes the public's tendency to look to authorities like the Air Force or Department of Defense for answers, stating that public pronouncements are often negative due to ignorance or censorship.

He highlights a specific instance from 1948, where the U.S. Air Force's Air Technical Intelligence Center reportedly concluded that UFOs were interplanetary spaceships in a classified document titled "Estimate of the Situation." Jordan questions why this opinion was suddenly reversed, suggesting a deliberate cover-up. He argues that while hoaxes and misidentifications exist, the numerous credible sightings by trained observers, radar, and combined visual-radar observations cannot be easily dismissed. Jordan finds the Air Force's "explanations" for these sightings ridiculous and believes the Air Force is trying to hide something, possibly fearing mass panic or being unable to justify the millions spent on investigations.

Jordan posits that it is not fantastic to consider saucers as spaceships, given that astronomers are increasingly aware of the possibility of extraterrestrial life. He suggests that advanced beings may have already developed the means to travel across the universe.

He further discusses how, starting in 1947, scientists initially dismissed UFOs due to their impossible maneuvers. However, other investigators theorized that these objects might utilize gravitational fields for propulsion, leading to research in anti-gravity in both the United States and Russia. Jordan expresses hope that this research will eventually lead to the development of "Flying Saucers," but advises kindness and non-interference with less intelligent life forms on other planets.

NEWSNOTES & CAPSULE COMMENTS

This section provides brief updates:

• A copy of Air Force Regulation 200-2 was received from the Air Force through the cooperation of Major Lawrence Tacker and is available at CDSC headquarters.
• The Intercontinental Aerial Research Foundation is reportedly experiencing organizational difficulties and may be disbanded.
• The April and May issues of FATE Magazine contain a two-part report speculating on the existence of life on Mars.
• The editor questions if the April issue of FLYING SAUGERS MAGAZINE is unusually late.
• Readers are encouraged to help alert the public to the UFO problem by discussing the topic whenever opportunities arise.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and debunking of specific UFO sightings, the role of media in disseminating information about UFOs, and the internal divisions within the ufology community. The editorial stance, particularly in the "Editor's Corner" and "From Ray Jordan's Desk," leans towards a critical view of alleged government secrecy and censorship regarding UFO phenomena, while also expressing concern about the rise of what the editor deems as "fanatical" elements within ufology that may hinder objective investigation and public acceptance.