CDSC Reports - Vol 1 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: CDSC REPORTS
Issue Date: August 12, 1960
Volume: 1
Issue: 4
Publisher: Capitol District Saucer Council
Editor: Anthony Rudmann
Special Advisor: Raymond Jordan

This issue of CDSC REPORTS, an irregular newsletter from Schenectady, New York, focuses on events and opinions within the ufology community, particularly concerning the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP).

NICAP Rapped by Convention Speakers

The lead article reports on the seventh annual Spacecraft Convention held at Giant Rock Airport near Joshua Tree, California, on May 29-30, 1960. The convention was a venue for criticism directed at NICAP. George Van Tassel, the convention host and airport owner, stated that NICAP director Major Donald Keyhoe would not attend because the convention would only bring ridicule to serious UFO investigation. Van Tassel further commented, "If it wasn't for the contactees, there wouldn't be any subject... In denying the contactees, NICAP has denied the wheels of Ezekiel and the whole Bible." The article notes that Major Keyhoe was instrumental in creating widespread interest in UFOs through his articles in TRUE magazine and his 1950 book, "Flying Saucers Are Real." George Adamski's "Flying Saucers Have Landed," considered the first contact book, was published in 1953.

Other "highlights" of the convention included sightings of a red light in the sky, a UFO movie titled "We Saw the Flying Saucers," and an airplane mishap. The report characterizes the convention's content as a "dull rehash of famous--or infamous--stories by the Messers Van Tassel, Angelucci, Bethrum and company."

Physical Evidence of Saucers?

This section discusses chemical analysis reports released by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) of New Mexico in May 1960. These reports indicate that a sample of metal found after a UFO was seen to explode in Brazil in 1957 was 100% pure magnesium. The analysis, performed by Brazilian government agencies, included spectrographic and X-ray Diffraction films. The only impurity noted was magnesium hydroxide, formed when the metal fell into the sea. APRO commented that, based on the study, it was "highly probable that the metallic chunks picked up on a beach near Ubatuba, Sao Paulo are really fragments of a flying disc."

NICAP Terms Saucers Interplanetary

On May 24, 1960, NICAP issued a statement from Washington D.C., asserting that "The unknown devices--UFO's--reported by reliable observers are intelligently controlled machines from outer space." This statement represented the majority opinion of NICAP's Board and Special Advisers and was the first such assertion in the group's three-year history. Concurring with this statement were several notable individuals, including Dr. Marcus Bach (State University of Iowa), Prof. Charles Maney (Defiance College), Dr. Leslie Kaeburn (University of Southern California), Prof. N. N. Kohanowski (University of North Dakota), radio-TV commentator Frank Edwards, Col. R. B. Emerson (USAR), Rear Adm. H. B. Knowles (USN, ret.), Capt. W. B. Nash (Pan American Airways), Capt. R. B. McLaughlin (Navy Missile expert), Albert M. Chop (former Air Force information official on UFOs), and Vice Adm. R. H. Hillenkoetter (former director of the Central Intelligence Agency).

From Ray Jordan's Desk: Help Out There!

Ray Jordan's column discusses the origin of our planetary system. He contrasts the older theory of a near collision with a passing star, which implied rare planets and unique human life, with the more recent "dust cloud hypothesis." This hypothesis suggests that stars and planets form from the gravitational contraction of dust and gas clouds, making planetary systems common occurrences. Jordan then explores the implications for intelligent life, estimating that about 25% of stars in our galaxy have accompanying planets. He highlights two stars, Epsilon Eridani and Tau Ceti, as potential candidates for intense scrutiny due to their similarities to our sun. The work of Chinese-born scientist Su Shu Huang at NASA in narrowing down stars with likely intelligent life is mentioned.

Jordan references scientists like Cocconi and Morrison of Cornell University, who suggested using radio telescopes to listen for intelligent signals from outer space on specific wavelengths. He notes that while such ideas were once dismissed, modern science is more open to them, especially since they are now technologically and psychologically feasible.

Project Ozma, established by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank, West Virginia, is introduced as an effort towards communication with potential extraterrestrial intelligence. The project is named after the queen of Oz. An 84-foot radio telescope is already in use, with a 140-foot device planned. Jordan acknowledges that the success of such a project depends on many factors, including the existence of planetary systems, the evolution of life, and the capability of intelligent beings to send strong radio signals. He points out that even if signals are received, communication would be challenging due to the vast distances involved, with signals taking over twenty years to travel to the stars and return. Nevertheless, he concludes that it is a necessary undertaking for inquisitive humanity.

Newsnots & Capsule Comments

This section highlights a documented expose of Air Force censorship by NICAP director Donald Keyhoe, published in the June issue of ARGOSY MAGAZINE. The article includes details from AR reg. 200-2, JANAP 146, and the Air Force's censorship of the Armstrong Theater staff during rehearsals for the January 1958 show "UFO-Enigma of the Skies." It is noted as the first significant UFO story in a national magazine in over a year. The newsletter also mentions establishing liaison with the North Jersey UFO Group, headed by Lee R. Munsick, and the London UFO Research Organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently covers UFO sightings, research organizations, and the scientific and public discourse surrounding these phenomena. There is a clear interest in evidence, such as the APRO metal analysis, and in the efforts of research groups like NICAP. The editorial stance appears to be one that supports serious investigation into UFOs, as evidenced by the reporting on NICAP's position and the discussion of Project Ozma. The criticism of NICAP's approach by Van Tassel suggests internal debates within the ufology community regarding the role of contactees and the public perception of UFO research. The publication also aims to connect with other UFO research groups, indicating a collaborative and information-sharing approach.