CDSC Reports - Vol 2 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: CDUFO REPORTS
Issue: No. 5
Volume: Vol. 2
Date: June 30, 1961
Publisher: APRA (implied by address)
Country: USA
Language: English

Investigation Assured

The lead story on the cover announces that the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) has been assured of an official UFO investigation. This investigation, expected within two to three months, will include a thorough probe of Air Force secrecy. The announcement was made via a brief, thirty-eight-word statement in the "UFO Investigator" newsletter. While the investigating body remains unidentified to prevent Air Force interference, ufology circles speculate it could be a sub-committee of either the Armed Services or Space Committee. The timing of this report is noted as occurring when NICAP was reportedly facing financial difficulties, sparking speculation about the cause of this sudden success in achieving an open investigation. Some attribute it to NICAP's persistent pressure, while others, like David L. Daughters of Chicago's Civilian UFO Research, suggest that President Kennedy might have taken a personal interest. Donald Keyhoe, NICAP director, welcomed the development, stating, "It should be plain that the UFO secrecy fight is nearing a climax."

Tacker Sacked

Lt. Col. Lawrence J. Tacker, the Air Force UFO spokesman, has been replaced and reassigned to Germany. Although the official reason for his removal is not stated, sources suggest that Tacker's perceived failures in the Air Force's UFO debunking program led to this decision. The article notes that under his successor, Major William T. Colman, who is described as relatively unknown, there is expected to be little change in the Air Force UFO Project. The report mentions that Colman, in a recent letter to a college newspaper editor, resorted to familiar references from Tacker's work and Ruppelt's "Report on UFO's," and suggested an article on illusions common to pilots written by a flight surgeon.

Guest Editorial: Seattle Convention Concerns

This editorial addresses the planning of a UFO convention in Seattle, Washington, to coincide with the Century 21 Exposition in 1962. Major Wayne S. Aho is scheduled to be the master of ceremonies. The convention plans to offer twenty acres of camping space for attendees from around the world, and the editorial likens it to a "Los Angeles-type of contactee convention." It criticizes the invitation for anyone to speak, suggesting it will be an opportunity for "contactees" to share their stories of benevolent space brothers and rides in spacecraft. The author argues that while such gatherings attract many people, they should prompt serious ufologists to recognize that the public is being exposed more to the "sauceristic side" than the scientific aspects of the subject. The editorial acknowledges that contactee elements have been successful in generating interest but notes that ufologists have not made a comparable effort to counter this. While individual organizations have worked hard to collect scientific data, the editorial feels it's not enough. The author expresses a clear distinction between "saucerism" and "ufology," stating that the former is not within their field of study. They lament that only one side of the story is being presented to the public and place the blame on ufologists for not drawing a firmer, louder line between the two concepts.

No Salvation

Authored by Norbert F. Gariety, this article posits that UFO reports have become scarce due to the current global situation. Gariety suggests that the fate of freedom-loving peoples and the bold march of "evil forces" across countries overshadows UFO reports. He asserts that solving world problems and evolving as a free world requires human effort, "work, sweat and tears," and not a "salvation" from extraterrestrial sources or "fairy god-mothers." Gariety believes that the idea of salvation from space is a plan to make Americans apathetic and reliant on false hope, discouraging them from actively defending their freedom. He points out that UFO occupants have not intervened in global injustices or wars, emphasizing that humanity must work out its own problems and fight its own battles. He warns that failure to study psychological warfare and counteract it will lead to slavery. The article concludes with a somber note, referencing that in 23 nations, people regret not having recognized the enemy and his methods, urging America to "Wake up" while there is still time.

From the Editor's Desk

The editor reflects on Norbert F. Gariety's point that UFO reports seem insignificant compared to current world headlines concerning Laos, Cuba, Communism, and recession. The editor expresses a "sickening taste" when juxtaposing these major global issues with contactee claims and discussions of Congressional saucer probes. The editor then pivots to a more critical perspective on the energy and money spent on studying UFOs. They question what could be achieved if even half of this effort were directed towards solving world problems or aiding the needy. The editor emphasizes that while this would not eliminate all problems, it would be a significant contribution. The piece then shifts to acknowledge the many sincere individuals involved in ufology, listing several researchers and enthusiasts by name, including Ray Palmer, June Larson, Dave Daughters, Jim Maney, Gladys Fusaro, Ancil Mitchell, Elnora Cramer, John Weigle, Peg Bosley, Mary Buckly, Ray Jordan, Billy Buckly, Tom Owens, Mary Fitzgerald, and Ceil Herman. Despite this recognition, the editor concludes that for them, ufology has lost its charm because the situation is too serious, and they feel compelled to look elsewhere for solutions, believing that answers cannot be found within ufology or "saucerism."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently contrasts the scientific study of UFOs (ufology) with the more sensationalist claims of "contactees" and "saucerism." There is a clear editorial stance favoring rigorous, scientific investigation and expressing skepticism towards unproven extraterrestrial intervention. A significant theme is the prioritization of pressing global political and social issues over UFO research, suggesting that humanity's own efforts are paramount. The magazine appears to be critical of the perceived lack of scientific rigor in some UFO circles and the potential for public deception by sensationalist claims. The editor and contributing authors express a growing disillusionment with ufology as a primary focus, advocating for a broader engagement with real-world problems.