Magazine Summary
CENAP – REPORT
Summary
This issue of CENAP REPORT (Nr. 64, June 1981) revisits the historical context of UFO sightings, particularly the Roswell incident, arguing that the 'flying saucer' myth was largely created by UFOlogists and sensationalist writers, not by a government cover-up. It highlights that official explanations often pointed to experiments or misidentifications, and that physical evidence is often mundane. The report also includes a new UFO photograph from China, marking a 'revolution' in the country's UFO research sector.
Magazine Overview
This issue of CENAP – REPORT, titled Nr. 64 and dated June 1981, is the sixth volume of the publication from CENAP, a central research network for extraordinary phenomena. The cover features a stylized logo and the title, with an illustration depicting two individuals in a cockpit observing a large, disk-shaped object in the sky.
UFO-Crash? - Fortsetzung (Continuation)
The article "UFO-Crash? 5. Fortsetzung" continues the discussion on the Roswell incident, asserting that the 'flying saucer' myth was primarily created by UFOlogists and sensationalist writers, rather than a deliberate government cover-up. It claims that in Roswell, only a weather balloon descended, and that US authorities provided clear explanations early on, which were ignored by some UFOlogists. The report reiterates an old CENAP finding: that the cover-up of UFO information is perpetuated by UFOlogists themselves. It references UFO author John A. Keel, who recognized this problem but was largely ignored.
The section "Der fliegende Untertassen-Beweis der von jedermann ignoriert wird" (The flying saucer evidence that is ignored by everyone) by John A. Keel, discusses a story about the US Air Force possessing a warehouse full of cataloged metal pieces and a complete, intact flying saucer, along with the formaldehyde-preserved bodies of tiny humanoids from a crashed UFO in the Southwest in the late 1940s. Keel dismisses this story as fabrication, originating from a newspaper hoax popularized by humorist Frank Scully in his 1950 book 'BEHIND THE FLYING SAUCER'. The article explains how this rumor was perpetuated and how the Air Force's denial of its substance led UFO enthusiasts to cry 'cover-up'.
It is argued that UFO enthusiasts and their organizations often neglect or suppress evidence that contradicts their beliefs. The report states that if all physical materials from fallen flying saucers over the past 25 years were collected, they would fill their own warehouse. However, these pieces are typically found among UFO sightings and landings and are usually mundane materials like aluminum, magnesium, and silicon. Despite years of research, there is no proof that flying saucers come from outer space.
The report then shifts to examples of 'ver-Ort-Berichterstattung' (local reporting). In October 1980, CENAP obtained information from the German Embassy in Houston, leading them to contact the ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL. The Managing Editor, Frankie McCarty, provided extensive archival material. An article from the Albuquerque Journal, dated July 7, 1947, suggests that scientists explained 'flying saucers' as results of 'atomic energy' experiments, specifically government experiments in converting atomic energy. However, Dr. C. C. Lauritsen of the Nuclear/Physics Department believed the phenomena were unrelated to nuclear physics. Representatives from the Atomic Energy Commission and the Army Air Forces stated they had no knowledge of experiments involving 'flying saucers' and were themselves confused.
Various other sightings and explanations are discussed. The report mentions that the US Air Force was investigating the phenomenon but was confused. Scientists and authorities suggested that these 'flying saucers' might be part of the US Army's training process. Reports from Sweden about mysterious rockets are compared to the current UFO situation, with Dr. A. A. Knowlten suggesting they were likely results of secret experiments by governments. The idea of airborne 'saucers' is not new, with Leo Bentz recalling a demonstration of a saucer-like model from 1928. A coast watchman in Seattle showed a photo of a disk, attributed to watchman Frank Ryman. A Pasadena scientist, a veteran of the 'Manhattan Project', stated that experiments at Murec Lake, White Sands, and other locations were conducted, and these 'saucers' could move at high speeds but were 'bed-side' (remotely) controlled, some using rocket propulsion for takeoff. The scientist indicated that these flying disks exist in experiments and that the information came from the War Department.
Further reports from the ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL detail sightings across various states. The article notes that the 'flying saucer' phenomenon became a major headline during a slow news period ('sauren Gurken-Zeit'). It suggests the US government was initially surprised by the phenomenon and overreacted, fueling the UFO saga.
Weiteres aus China (More from China)
This section introduces "The Journal of UFO Research," published in the People's Republic of China, edited by Paul Dong. It presents a photograph from OMNI magazine (May 1981) and a cover from the Belgian INFORESPACE-Heft Nr. 55, which features the first issue of the UFO Journal specializing in Chinese reports. The magazine hopes for regular exchanges with Paul Dong. A letter from April 21, 1981, mentions a photo taken by Paul Dong, which he claims is the only one they have, related to an observation by campers Xin Seng and Bi Jiang on August 23, 1980, near the 'Great Wall'. There is a slight discrepancy in the date, with one mention of August 23rd and another of August 24th.
A Chinese article, titled "我国的第一张UFO照片" (Our Country's First UFO Photo), describes an observation by three comrades near Changping Gouya on the night of August 23rd. They saw a white, crescent-shaped object in the eastern sky, which they identified as a flying saucer. The object was described as being about the size of three stars arranged in a triangle, with a halo and a darker center. It moved erratically for about half an hour without sound. The photograph taken under poor conditions is presented for identification and to encourage other UFO witnesses to share their findings.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of UFO phenomena, particularly the historical narrative surrounding the Roswell incident. CENAP's stance appears to be that many UFO claims are sensationalized or fabricated, often by UFOlogists themselves, and that official explanations, while sometimes vague, are often rooted in experiments or misidentifications rather than extraterrestrial origins. The magazine aims to provide historical context and debunk what it views as myths within the UFOlogy community. The inclusion of a UFO report from China suggests an interest in global UFO activity and a desire to document new developments in the field.
This issue of the magazine, dated May 26, 1981, with the identifier K-55 and volume 1/1981, is published by NORDIC UFO GROUPS and focuses on UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features Lord Clancarty's assertion that humans originated from space 63,000 years ago, alongside reports on UFO investigations and related news.
Nachrichten (News)
The 'Nachrichten' section begins with a reader's letter from the Canadian publication PAZIFIK RUNDSCHAU, dated March 19, 1981. The author expresses disappointment with the lack of resonance for the letter in German-speaking newspapers, contrasting it with previous successful campaigns in Argentina. The article laments the lack of interest in serious research in Germany, calling it a 'diversity of opinion.'
UFO-Szene Deutschland (UFO Scene Germany)
This section announces the second meeting of German and Central European UFO investigators, 'SYRGENSTEIN 1981.' The event is scheduled to begin with arrivals on September 18, 1981, followed by a social gathering. The official proceedings are set to commence on Saturday, September 19, 1981, at 9:30 AM, with departure on the afternoon of September 20, 1981.
UFOS
This article details the work of CENAP (Central Research Network for Extraordinary Phenomena) in Germany, which has been investigating UFO phenomena since 1976. CENAP aims to classify UFO sightings and has analyzed over 200 reports, identifying 8 cases (4%) as truly unexplained atmospheric phenomena, termed UAPs. They are seeking volunteers in Canada for their research and publish their own monthly journal in German.
DIE RHEINPFALZ - „Entfesselter" Ballon ("Unleashed" Balloon)
A report from Aarau (ddp) describes a runaway tethered balloon that caused concern over the German-Swiss border. The balloon, a promotional one with a 4.2-meter diameter, was released by unknown individuals and drifted towards Stuttgart at an altitude of 4500 meters, leading to warnings for international air traffic.
Page 2: "Wesen aus dem All gefangen?" ("Beings from Space Captured?")
This section features a report from the RHEIN-NECKAR-ZEITUNG on May 21, 1981, discussing a claim by author Charles Berlitz ('The Bermuda Triangle') that at least 50 small beings from space crashed on Earth. Berlitz reportedly based his claims on UFO expert Len Springfield and eyewitness accounts of the beings, described as 1.20m tall, with round heads, no ears, and arms reaching to their knees. The report also mentions that their UFOs were made of metal, like saucers, 8 to 12 meters in diameter. The article includes a BILD report from May 11, 1981, detailing a UFO sighting in New Mexico where occupants were allegedly killed and frozen.
Page 3: Lord Clancarty auf dem Ufo-Kongreß: „Wir Menschen kamen vor 63000 Jahren aus dem Weltall"
This article, based on a report from the GEP-Lüdenscheid, discusses the Earl of Clancarty's statements at an international UFO conference in London. Clancarty, 69, claimed that his ancestors came from space 63,000 years ago and settled on Earth. He also stated that Prince Philip subscribes to a UFO journal and is interested in meeting with experts, a tradition also followed by Lord Mountbatten. The article mentions that Charles Bowen reported seeing robots from space in African caves and that aliens with a 'light beam' descended from a cigar-shaped UFO in France.
Page 4-8: DER VÄDDÖ-FALL (The Väddö Fall)
This multi-page report details the Väddö Fall, a case originating from the Nordic UFO Newsletter. The incident occurred on November 9, 1958, when two carpenters, Stig Ekberg and Harry Sjöberg, were driving near Väddö, Sweden. Their car engine stalled, and they witnessed a glowing, disc-shaped object descend and land on the road about 300 feet in front of them. The object was described as approximately 53 feet in diameter and 20-23 feet high, with a glowing, nebulous hull and fire underneath. After about 10 minutes, the object ascended rapidly and disappeared. Following the encounter, they found a small, hot, metallic fragment on the road, which was triangular and the size of a matchbox.
The fragment was subjected to extensive analysis by various laboratories in Sweden and the USA, including the Berkley University under Professor James Harder. The analysis revealed the metal to be composed of carbide, cobalt, and traces of titanium, with a hardness comparable to sapphire and a specific weight of 15.2. The extreme hardness and composition remained a mystery. The fragment was eventually returned to Sweden. The case also involved strange occurrences, such as a phone call offering a large sum for the fragment and break-ins, suggesting external interest in the object.
Page 9: Map and Illustration
This page includes a map showing the route taken by Stig and Harry in Sweden, highlighting Väddö, Stockholm, and other locations. Below the map is a cartoon depicting a UFO with two faces observing cars and a truck, with a caption warning not to get too close to the 'little ones,' implying potential danger from the mother ship.
Page 10: Zum Schluß... ("In Conclusion...")
This final section presents two brief news items. The first, from the Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung and MANNHEIMER MORGEN on May 21, 1981, reports on a 'ghost balloon' in Weinstadt, Germany, that was mistaken for a UFO, causing a police alert. The YES-Redaktion comments that such conventional phenomena are often mistaken for UFOs and spread as 'Gespenster-Solar-Zeppeline.' The second item is a tribute to musician Robert Nesta Marley, with his birth and death dates (April 6, 1945 - May 11, 1981) and a quote from his song 'So You Think You Have Found The Solution-But It Is Just Another Illusion.'
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The magazine consistently promotes the investigation of UFO phenomena, highlighting the work of organizations like CENAP and the NORDIC UFO GROUPS. There is a clear editorial stance favoring the serious study of UFOs, while also acknowledging and debunking misidentifications of conventional objects as UFOs. The publication seems to encourage public engagement with UFO research and reports on international conferences and findings. The inclusion of the Väddö Fall case, with its detailed account of an encounter and subsequent scientific analysis of a physical artifact, underscores the magazine's commitment to exploring tangible evidence of UFO activity.
Es gibt scheinbar einige glaubwürdige Menschen, welche Diskuse observiert haben, se daß man annehmen kann, ihre Existenz geht als Möglichkeit der Resultate von Experimenten einiger unbekannter Regierungsbehörden zurück, welche zu dieser Zeit unwillig oder nicht imstande sind, zu ihren Aktivitäten zu stehen.
Key Incidents
Numerous reports of 'flying saucers' across the US, with initial explanations pointing to government experiments.
Campers Xin Seng and Bi Jiang observed a bright, disk-shaped object with a halo, which was photographed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CENAP report about?
The CENAP REPORT is a publication from the central research network for extraordinary phenomena, covering topics related to UFOs and unexplained events.
What was the explanation for the Roswell incident according to this report?
The report suggests that in Roswell, only a weather balloon descended, and UFOlogists and sensationalist writers created a mysterious UFO secret out of it, despite early clear explanations from US authorities.
What is the significance of the UFO photo from China?
The photo is presented as China's first UFO photograph, taken by campers near the Great Wall, and is part of a 'revolution' in China's UFO research sector.
What are the common explanations for UFO sightings discussed in the report?
The report discusses explanations such as government experiments (e.g., in atomic energy conversion), misidentification of aircraft or natural phenomena, and the possibility of hoaxes.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- John A. KeelUFO author
- Frank ScullyHumorist
- Frankie McCartyManaging Editor
- Dr. C. C. LauritsenHead of Nuclear/Physics Department
- Capt. Tom BrownAAF Information Officer
- Maj. Richard ShopChief Technical Engineer
- Col. Al DuttonCommanding Officer, Oregon National Guard
- Dr. Harold UreyAtomic Scientist
- Louis E. StarrNational Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars
- Dr. Girard KuiperDirector of the Chicago Yerkes Observatory
- Dr. A. A. KnowltenPhysics Professor
- Leo BentzFarmer
- +13 more
Organisations
- CENAP
- FBI
- US Air Force
- AAF
- Murec Army Air Base
- US Veterans Administration Hospital
- VFW
- Yerkes Observatory
- University of Chicago
- Reed College
- US Army Air Forces
- Air Material Command
- US Navy
- Project Bluebook
- +12 more
Locations
- Wright Field, USA
- Cincinnati, USA
- Roswell, USA
- California, USA
- Southwest, USA
- Mexico, Mexico
- Houston, USA
- Albuquerque, USA
- New Mexico, USA
- Pasadena, USA
- San Francisco Bay, USA
- Columbus, USA
- Ohio, USA
- Williams Bay, USA
- +6 more