CDSC REPORTS

Magazine Overview

Title: CDSC REPORTS
Issue: No. 5
Volume: Vol. 1
Date: September 2, 1960

This issue of CDSC REPORTS, published by the Capitol District Saucer Council, focuses on a significant admission by the U.S. Air Force regarding UFO investigations and cover-ups, alongside reports of regional sightings and commentary on the political landscape within the ufology community.

AF Admits Cover-Up

The lead article, "AF ADMITS COVER-UP," dated August 15, 1960, reports on a surprising interview with the Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) in Dayton, Ohio. ATIC admitted that the crucial Project "Grudge" UFO report, which covered official Air Force Cases Nos. 1-244 from 1947 to late 1949, was stamped "secret." This admission directly contradicts repeated censorship denials from AF Headquarters. The report suggested that the U.S. was being watched by beings from elsewhere and disproved later Air Force claims, leading to it being hidden from Congress, the press, and the public for six years. During the same interview, ATIC also denied knowledge of well-documented cases, including the Kinross case, the Utah UFO pictures, and AF firing on UFOs. The interview was taperecorded by magazine writer Harold Salkin and witnessed by radio producer Richard Vaughn. The official answers were provided by Deputy Chief of Intelligence Theodore Hieatt, Lt. Col. Spencer Whedon, and Major Robert Friend of Project Blue Book.

APIS Holds Closed Conference

An announcement details a closed news conference held by the Aerial Phenomena Investigations Society (APIS) of Olean, New York, on August 18, 1960. The conference aimed to present evidence supporting the contention that UFOs are not from Earth. Highlights included a tape recording of an AF radar man with ten years of experience tracking UFOs, a display of over 50 "authentic pictures" of UFOs, and a telephone-beep interview with an AF colonel who stated that an AF plane crashed after striking an unknown aerial object, killing its crew of four.

Alerted Congress Orders UFO Watch

Another report from August 15, 1960, states that the Senate Preparedness Investigating Subcommittee has been directed to closely monitor UFO developments and the conduct of Air Force investigations. Senator Lyndon Johnson, the subcommittee chairman, ordered his staff to report any significant recent UFO sightings and an analysis of the Air Force's investigation of each.

Regional Sightings

Two regional sightings are detailed:

• New York City (June 8, 1960): A luminous bluish elliptical UFO moving at high speed was observed by biochemist Lee Ball. It appeared to be enveloped in a bluish nebulous mist with dark, vertical parallel markings, was about 8 times the diameter of the full moon, and moved in a westerly direction.
• Bedford, Mass. (May 4, 1960): A dark red spherical UFO was observed by Charles Oates, chief technician at Boston's Hayden Planetarium, and his wife. The UFO pulsated from red to white to red and appeared at an elevation of almost 50 degrees.

Guest Editorial: The Silly Season

The "Guest Editorial" by John Weigle, from UFOLOGY BULLETIN, criticizes the "silly season" in ufology, where political candidates are emerging. George Van Tassel and Gabriel Green are mentioned as running for president on UFO-related platforms. The editorial argues that such antics, like Orfeo Angelucci's previous attempt to form a presidential ticket, heap ridicule on ufology and hinder its public acceptance.

Newnotes & Capsule Comments

A brief section explains the meaning of news by-lines used in the publication, including AP (Associated Press), UPI (United Press International), NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena), UB (Ufology Bulletin), and FSM (Flying Saucers Magazine).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes themes of government secrecy and cover-ups related to UFO phenomena, highlighted by the ATIC's admission. It also showcases the ongoing efforts of civilian UFO research groups like NICAP and APIS to uncover information and present evidence. The editorial stance is critical of fringe elements within ufology that engage in political stunts, believing such actions detract from the serious pursuit of understanding UFOs and hinder public acceptance of the subject. The publication appears to advocate for a more rigorous and evidence-based approach to UFO research.