CDUFO REPORTS

Magazine Overview

Title: CDUFO REPORTS
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 4
Date: April 14, 1961
Publisher: Capitol District UFO Council

This issue of CDUFO REPORTS delves into several key topics within the UFO and related scientific communities of the early 1960s. It features a report on potential evidence of extraterrestrial life found in a meteorite, a call for government transparency regarding UFOs by a prominent Congressman, and a cautionary piece about fraudulent activities exploiting the public's interest in UFOs.

Space Life Reported

The lead article details a report presented to the New York Academy of Sciences by Drs. Bartholomew Nagy (Fordham University), Douglas J. Hennesy (Fordham University), and Warren G. Meinschein (Esso Research and Engineering Co.). Their findings are based on the study of a 97-year-old stony meteorite that fell near Orgueil, France, on May 14, 1864. Using advanced analytical techniques such as ultra-violet and infra-red spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and molecular weight mass spectroscopy, the scientists detected paraffins and other saturated hydrocarbons within the meteorite. They interpreted these findings as indicative of organic matter, suggesting that "wherever this meteorite originated, something lived." The analysis showed these hydrocarbons to be similar to those found in living matter on Earth. The meteorite itself was observed by witnesses as it streaked through the atmosphere and landed. While the meteorite has been examined periodically over the years, it was only through modern methods that this organic matter was discovered, with significant data obtained from samples as small as a millionth of a pound. The scientists concluded that those exploring space might expect to find living forms.

McCormack Asks House Probe

This section reports on House Majority Leader John W. McCormack's public statements regarding Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). McCormack expressed his belief that the Air Force has not been entirely forthcoming with the public about UFO information. He indicated that he considers some UFO sightings to be "something real, something that can't be explained as familiar objects mistakenly identified." Consequently, McCormack suggested that the House should hold hearings on the topic. The article notes that McCormack confirmed that some UFOs have been observed both visually and on radar simultaneously, dismissing the idea that all such sightings are merely imagination or misidentification. He also recalled that the House Committee on Space held closed hearings on UFO phenomena three years prior, where information from Air Force officers was limited, but it was "pretty well established" that unexplainable flying objects existed.

Beware!

Authored by Robert J. Gribble, this article serves as a strong warning against individuals who tour the country giving lectures on "non-terrestial spacecraft." These lecturers often claim personal or mental contact with alien craft occupants and present "messages" from these beings, purportedly offering a "secret formula for peace on earth and good will to all men." Operating under titles such as Doctor, Major, or Reverend, they are accused of exploiting the spiritual instincts of their audience by associating religion with UFOs. The article criticizes their "double-talk" which allegedly convinces many that they are sincere messengers. A specific example is given of a "Major" who lectured on government corruption and the monetary system, promoting the sale of stock in a spaceship project intended for a December 1959 moon flight. This project failed, and the investors lost an estimated $400,000, leading to the "Major's" arrest for fraud. Another example is a "Reverand" who uses tales of craft from heaven and hell to scare audiences, claiming to be in contact with heavenly beings and offering to answer questions after collecting donations. Gribble asserts that these individuals are using the non-terrestrial spacecraft topic as a front for a "con-game" to make money, increasing misunderstanding and confusion. He questions why no action has been taken by law enforcement or certified ministers to stop this practice.

CDUFOC Reorganized

This section announces the reorganization of the Capitol District UFO Council (CDUFOC). George W. Walker, a General Electric Company missile engineer, has been appointed Co-ordinator. The reorganization includes an expansion of the Council's focus into the fields of astronomy and astronautics. Mr. Walker, who has toured the country as a troubleshooter for Air Force rocket projects, is keenly interested in UFOs and holds a commercial radio license and special observational training. Under his direction, the CDUFOC has reportedly doubled its membership in the past two months. A Council spokesman stated that broadening their field of endeavor will enable them to "do a more effective job investigating UFOs." Plans include field trips to local observatories and missile tracking installations, as well as attendance at a private showing at the Schenectady Museum planetarium. A series of lectures by UFO personalities is also planned, with Robert Barry, director of the Aerial Phenomena Investigations Society, expected to speak. The Council expressed confidence that with its increased membership and broadened interests, it will be instrumental in solving the "saucer problem."

News Notes and Capsule Comments

This section includes brief items of interest:

• Best wishes are extended to Raymond Palmer, editor of FLYING SAUCERS MAGAZINE, for his efforts to establish a printing firm capable of serving small publishers, many of whom produce UFO material.
• The "21st Century Exposition" scheduled for Seattle, Washington, in 1962 will feature a UFO display. The article suggests that East Coast ufologists might consider a similar exhibit for the 1964 New York World Fair.

Publication Information

CDUFO REPORTS is identified as a publication of the Capitol District UFO Council, an organization dedicated to the study of Unidentified Flying Objects. The mailing address is provided as 142 North Brandywine Avenue, Schenectady 7, New York. Anthony Rudmann is listed as the Editor, and Mary Buckley as the Associate Editor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of potential extraterrestrial life (through meteorite analysis), the call for governmental transparency and official acknowledgment of UFO phenomena, and a strong cautionary stance against fraudulent exploitation of public interest in UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, a desire for more information from official sources, and a critical view of individuals who may be misrepresenting or profiting from the subject without genuine evidence or intent.