CENAP-REPORT

Magazine Overview

CENAP-REPORT, issue Nr. 124, dated 11.6-86, is a UFO-Fachjournal (UFO specialist journal) published by CENAP (Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Phänomene). The journal focuses on UFOs in data, facts, and background information.

CENAP: The Organization

The introductory section defines CENAP as a private, non-commercial research organization focused on the serious, factual, and critical study of the UFO phenomenon. It aims to demythologize and identify the phenomenon's physical manifestations and socio-psychological impacts. CENAP investigates specific reports, themes, and aspects of UFOs, documenting its findings in the "CENAP REPORT" publication. The organization also examines the societal impact of the "UFO belief" and its portrayal in mass media. CENAP affirms the existence of the UFO phenomenon and the necessity of its serious research.

CENAP REPORT: The Publication

"CENAP REPORT" (CR) is a monthly publication that continuously reports on current events and the latest research findings through case studies with authentic material in text and images. It addresses the public UFO debate and interdisciplinary discussions, taking a clear stance and providing commentary. The German publication "INFO-CEPS" by Gilbert Schmitz is also published within CR. The annual subscription costs DM 35, with payment to a Postgiro account in Ludwigshafen.

CIA und UFO's: "UFO's über SAC-Basen"

This article, written by Werner Walter of CENAP-Mannheim, addresses the topic of "UFOs over nuclear weapons silos in the USA" in response to a query from Heiko Reese. It revisits previous coverage in CR Nr. 41 and 42, noting how the UFO press has taken the discussion in new directions. The article references publications like "Wiesbadens UFO-Blatt," "Magazin 2000," and Michael Hesemann's memorandum "UFOs gibt es!" which claimed "UFOS US-Atomwaffenarsenale kontrollieren."

Margaret Sachs' "The UFO Encyclopedia" is cited regarding the CIA's interest in UFOs. It states that in 1976, when the "BLUE BOOK" project's records were released, many cases were found to be missing. Researchers suspected these were in CIA files, leading some organizations to sue the CIA under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). FOIA-released documents from 1978-1979 revealed that the CIA had been observing UFO reports globally since 1947. Victor Marchetti, former Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director of the CIA, suggested that while most FOIA documents indicated routine interest from non-classified units, the Directorate of Science and Technology maintained a consistent interest in collecting UFO data.

Philip J. Klass's 1983 book "UFOs The Public Deceived" is also mentioned, with Chapter 12 focusing on this topic.

The article then delves into a PARADE article from December 10, 1978, by Michael Satchell, titled "UFOs gegen die USAF – Erschreckende (aber wahre) Begegnungen." Satchell's article described an incident on the night of October 27, 1975, at Loring Air Force Base, Maine, where a "wimmernden Ton" led Military Police Sergeant Danny K. Lewis to observe unusual lights that approached the weapons silos. An alarm was raised, and the control tower tracked the object on radar. The "foreign machine," displaying white spotlight and reddish-orange lights, flew over and around Loring for 90 minutes. This incident is presented as a precursor to a series of unexplained events over the next three and a half weeks at SAC bases in Loring, Wurtsmith AFB (Michigan), Minot AFB (North Dakota), Malmstrom Minuteman ICBM Base (Montana), and other locations, including a NORAD radar station in Canada. The article claims the full story of this UFO puzzle had never been published before, pieced together from declassified and classified USAF files.

PARADE's Claim and Other Media Coverage

The article disputes PARADE's claim that its story was previously unpublished, noting that the NATIONAL ENQUIRER had reported a similar story in December 1977. It also mentions the WASHINGTON POST's article on January 19, 1979, by Ward Sinclair and Art Harris, which followed up on the topic. The author learned from Satchell that W. Todd Zechel was the primary source for his information and that Satchell was unaware of the NE article. Sinclair admitted that the material primarily came from Zechel, identified as a former NSA employee, whose previous claims had been found to be negatively suspicious.

During a conversation with Sinclair, he mentioned reading UFO books, including "Aliens from Space," but did not recall reading the author's previous books. When asked about alternative perspectives on UFOs, Sinclair stated, "Very definitely. I have seen you on TV a few times." He also indicated he assumed the author lived in Washington. The author questioned why Sinclair hadn't contacted him before publishing to get more information, to which Sinclair replied he didn't need to verify it, having no doubt about Todd Zechel's credibility.

Sinclair had met with Zechel several times before the article was written. Satchell offered a similar explanation for not speaking with a UFO skeptic, stating the author was "well-known as a professional UFO debunker" and known like a "Hynek or a Zechel or an Acuff (from NICAP)." However, Satchell had also spoken with Zechel and Acuff multiple times before writing his article.

The WASHINGTON POST's lead article was widely reprinted, including in the NEWS AMERICAN of Baltimore under the headline "What is confusing our missile bases?" with the subtitle "The Air Force pursued UFOs. And it doesn't want to talk about it." The POST article began by stating that for two weeks in 1975, a strip of national nuclear missile launch sites and bomber bases were visited by unidentified, low-flying, and elusive objects.

CIA Must Release UFO Secret Files

This section details how a persistent group of UFO believers in the United States legally compelled the CIA to release previously secret files on unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The documents revealed that in late 1975, several air bases and nuclear silos were "visited" by objects that evaded all identification and pursuit attempts. Despite UFOs outmaneuvering jet aircraft, the CIA reportedly classified them as "helicopters" under the "what cannot be, cannot be" principle.

The "Ground Saucer Watch" group, based in Arizona, believes the CIA has only released a portion of its files and intends to pursue further legal action. The article presents arguments against the "helicopter theory," citing a CIA report from the night of October 30-31, 1975, at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Michigan, where a "helicopter" was seen hovering over weapon bunkers. A refueling aircraft (KC-135) was directed to intercept, but the "helicopter" vanished from radar upon approach.

Shortly after, soldiers at Malmstrom Base in Montana reported a "large aircraft" hovering three to five meters above a missile silo. Several UFOs also visited Loring Air Force Base in Maine, visible on radar and to the naked eye. The article notes the Pentagon's interest, citing CIA files that requested details about an Iranian report where two F-4 Phantom fighter jets were sent to investigate a bright object the size of a commercial aircraft near Tehran. Upon approach, the aircraft experienced electrical system malfunctions, and when one jet attempted to fire on a smaller object that detached from the larger one, all weapon electronics failed.

UFOs over SAC-Bases: The PARADE Article and its Context

The article references a PARADE article from December 10, 1978, by Michael Satchell, which detailed an incident on the night of October 27, 1975, at Loring Air Force Base, Maine. Military Police Sergeant Danny K. Lewis heard a "wimmernden Ton" (whimpering sound) and observed unusual lights approaching the weapons silos. An alarm was raised, and the control tower tracked the object on radar. The "foreign machine," described as having a white spotlight and reddish-orange lights, flew over and around Loring for 90 minutes. This event is linked to a series of incidents over the following weeks at SAC bases in Loring, Wurtsmith AFB (Michigan), Minot AFB (North Dakota), and the Malmstrom ICBM Base (Montana), as well as a NORAD radar station in Canada. The article claims this is the first time the full story of this UFO puzzle has been published, compiled from declassified and classified USAF documents.

Media Coverage and Discrepancies

The article points out that PARADE's claim of the story being previously unpublished is incorrect, as the NATIONAL ENQUIRER had reported a similar story in December 1977. The WASHINGTON POST also published an article on January 19, 1979, by Ward Sinclair and Art Harris. The author learned from Satchell that W. Todd Zechel was the main source for the information and that Satchell was unaware of the NE article. Sinclair admitted that the material was mainly from Zechel, identified as a former NSA employee, whose previous claims had been found to be suspiciously negative.

Sinclair stated he had read several UFO books, including "Aliens from Space," but did not recall reading the author's previous books. When asked about alternative views on UFOs, Sinclair responded affirmatively. He also indicated he assumed the author lived in Washington. The author questioned why Sinclair hadn't contacted him for more information before publishing, to which Sinclair replied he had no need to verify, having trusted Zechel's credibility.

Sinclair had met with Zechel multiple times before the article's publication. Satchell similarly explained his lack of contact with a UFO skeptic by stating the author was a known "professional UFO debunker." However, Satchell had also spoken with Zechel and Acuff multiple times prior to writing his article.

The WASHINGTON POST's article was widely reprinted, including in the NEWS AMERICAN of Baltimore, under the headline "What is confusing our missile bases?" The article stated that for two weeks in 1975, unidentified, low-flying, and elusive objects visited national nuclear missile launch sites and bomber bases.

Air Force Response and Explanations

Reports from Ministry of Defense documents describe these objects as helicopters, aircraft, unknown entities, and brightly lit, fast-moving vehicles hovering over nuclear silos, defying pursuit. Despite attempts by security personnel and the dispatch of fighter jets and command units, pursuit was unsuccessful. The documents do not indicate whether any aircraft fired upon the intruders, as doing so without positive identification would have violated USAF peacetime policy.

The PARADE article cited an Air Force intelligence officer who stated that no follow-up investigations were conducted and the overflights were not positively identified as helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft. When asked how unknown aircraft could penetrate SAC bases for five nights, hovering over nuclear silos without being identified or intercepted, the Air Force spokesperson stated, "These bases have no air defense capabilities in peacetime."

The article suggests that readers of PARADE or the WASHINGTON POST might overlook significant exaggerations in these articles. It posits that the implication is either Soviet or extraterrestrial machines violated airspace over critical national military installations, and the US Air Force appeared indifferent, suggesting a cover-up akin to the Watergate scandal. However, no newspaper has pursued this angle further.

Grand Forks Incident and Air Defense Policy

On November 3, 1975, at approximately 21:15 EST, unknown individuals violated the law and threatened the flight path of Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota, firing small-caliber weapons at a SAC aircraft in mid-flight, hitting a KC-135 tanker. Despite security efforts, the attackers were not apprehended. A memorandum summarizing the Grand Forks incident was sent to the Pentagon's National Military Command Center. This was one of the papers released to Zechel on October 18, 1978, in response to his FOIA request. The article questions whether extraterrestrial visitors would be equipped with such old-fashioned weapons as carbines.

To understand how easily an aircraft stationed in the US or Canada could overfly a SAC base, the article briefly explains the nation's air defense policy. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the primary threat was the Soviet Union's growing bomber fleet. The USAF established a radar network to detect enemy bombers and guide USAF jets. The Army built a network of Nike anti-aircraft missiles, supported by USAF Bomarc missiles. By the mid-1960s, the main threat shifted to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Pentagon strategists believed a Soviet ICBM attack would begin by disabling the US air defense network, followed by the use of bombers. Consequently, defense spending shifted to ICBMs, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and the SAC bomber fleet. All national anti-aircraft missiles were deactivated, except those in Florida due to proximity to Cuba. Alaskan sites were also maintained. While the USAF had 40 fighter squadrons in 1964, this number dropped to six by 1979. In 1979, the USAF operated only 54 long-range air defense radar installations, a third of the 1964 number, with most located along routes where Soviet bombers might approach.

Overflying SAC Bases and Radar Evasion

For aircraft stationed in the US or Canada, establishing a radar fence is deemed unnecessary, making it relatively easy to overfly a SAC base. Helicopters, capable of flying at very low altitudes, can more easily evade radar detection. Loring AFB, the site of the initial "UFO" incidents, is located in northeastern Maine, near the Canadian border. Assembling details from FOIA-released USAF and National Military Command Center documents regarding the late October 1975 events proves challenging due to poor reproduction of some original telex messages, with some words and numbers being unclear.

A comprehensive account is found in a January 6, 1976, memorandum by Colonel William D. Myers, Chief of Security Police for the Strategic Air Command. Prepared for the SAC Commander, the memo outlines a chronology of "Unidentified Helicopter Sightings" at Loring AFB:

• October 27, 1975: A helicopter was sighted flying over the weapons storage area. Attempts to make contact were negative. The 42nd Bombardment Wing Commander requested fighter support, which was denied.
• October 28, 1975: The 42nd BMW Commander requested and received support from the Maine Army National Guard. The helicopter was sighted again, but the National Guard helicopter disappeared before making contact. An hour and a half later, the unidentified helicopter was sighted again. The standby helicopter was launched but made no contact. A jet intercept was requested again and denied. Local flight services were consulted for possible identification, yielding negative results. Radar contact with an unidentified helicopter near Grand Falls, New Brunswick, Canada, was lost.
• October 29, 1975: A meeting was held with State Police, US Border Patrol, Canadian authorities, OSI (USAF Office of Special Investigations), and the National Guard to plan and coordinate future actions. SAC/SP (SAC Special Police) notified all northern SAC bases of a possible threat, recommending increased security during darkness and consideration of countermeasures.

Further Details and Analysis

On October 30, 1975, a Maine Army National Guard helicopter was replaced by a USAF helicopter from Plattsburgh, standing by during darkness. On October 31, 1975, various suspicious sightings were made, including visual sightings seemingly supported by RAPCON (Airbase) radar. An alerted helicopter was launched but failed to intercept. From November 1-8, 1975, helicopter and searchlight alarms continued during darkness, but no further activity was reported or assumed. All attempts to identify the helicopters during this period were negative.

Although local USAF or Canadian authorities were unable to provide positive identification, the possibility of illegal smuggling or some form of game being played across borders was considered, though not seen as a threat to USAF capabilities. The memo states that after October 31, there were no further airspace violations. Procedures to enhance base security were discussed, and it was noted that in similar incidents, there was no attempt to shoot down the intruder as long as "no hostile actions" were involved. Significantly, all telex messages and memos referred to the unidentified machine as a HELICOPTER, not a "UFO."

The study of these documents leads to several interesting conclusions. The Loring authorities apparently did not initially give much attention to the first helicopter intrusion on the night of October 27, as it was not reported to the National Military Command Center in the Pentagon. Only when a repeat situation occurred around 1 a.m. and again shortly after 3 a.m. on October 29 did the Loring authorities notify the Pentagon's nerve center. The documents indicate that the Loring authorities, understandably, sent the Maine Air National Guard helicopter to investigate the "intruder." Only later that day did they inquire with the Ministry of Defense about the future use of the local helicopter (which was eventually replaced by a USAF helicopter) and seek permission to pursue the "intruder" beyond the Canadian border if it disappeared.

Curious Details and Explanations

Various curious details emerge regarding the October 29 incidents. One is an explanation in a telex message from the 42nd Bombardment Wing, dated October 29, stating that "nothing other than the unknown aircraft was seen, it showed no lights." The author interprets this to mean the "unknown aircraft" did not display conventional aircraft lights (red-green side lights and a rotating anti-collision light). However, the object must have been visible at night as a "light" for it to be perceived. Another curiosity is the explanation that during the second incident on October 29, "ground personnel were able to bring the Air Guard Helicopter up to 1,000 feet of the unknown aircraft, and both helicopters were in sight. But no visual perception (by the crew of the National Guard Helicopter) was made." If the National Guard helicopter was brought within 1,000 feet of the unknown object, and ground observers saw both clearly from a greater distance, why could the National Guard Helicopter Crew not see the "intruder"? A possible explanation is that in this specific instance, the unknown object was a bright celestial body. This could explain why the National Guard Helicopter Crew, searching for a low-flying aircraft, saw nothing, while the distant ground observers inferred that the helicopter and the "UFO" were at a close distance.

The article then directs the reader to consider the numerous UFO sightings reported about two weeks later in the same area, which were covered in US and Canadian newspapers. These also involved an unidentified object over Loring. The base received a call on November 16 at approximately 2:35 a.m. from a Deputy Sheriff in nearby Carabou, reporting a mysterious light sighted in the sky. When the duty officer went outside, he also saw an object, estimated to be about two miles south of the base and "similar to a helicopter." However, when he called the control tower, the personnel looked and concluded it was merely a celestial body. At the same time, a US customs officer in nearby Limestone observed a bright light and reported hearing something that "sounded like a chopper." He later stated the object remained visible until about 6 a.m. before disappearing to the southeast. These and other local UFO reports were published by the BANGOR DAILY NEWS on November 17, quoting the Deputy Sheriff who saw the UFO and "which apparently moved with tremendous force." The customs officer stated that the object moved horizontally.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings at sensitive military installations in the United States and Canada, particularly SAC bases. There is a strong emphasis on the alleged cover-up by government agencies, specifically the CIA and USAF, in releasing information about these events. The articles highlight the efforts of civilian UFO research groups like CENAP, Ground Saucer Watch, and NICAP in obtaining and disseminating information through FOIA requests and publications. The nature of the unidentified objects is debated, with possibilities ranging from advanced foreign aircraft and helicopters to extraterrestrial craft. The military's response, often characterized by attempts at identification and pursuit that prove unsuccessful, is also a central theme. The editorial stance of CENAP is clearly in favor of serious, scientific investigation into the UFO phenomenon, advocating for transparency and the demythologization of the subject.

This issue of "Flying Saucer Review" from November 1975, Volume 21, Number 6, priced at 25p, delves into a series of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) incidents that occurred primarily around Loring Air Force Base (AFB) and Wurtsmith AFB in late October and early November of that year. The cover prominently features an illustration of a UFO hovering over a military base, hinting at the central themes of military encounters with unidentified objects.

Loring AFB Incidents

The article begins by detailing events at Loring AFB, starting with an incident on October 27th where an object was described as showing conventional aircraft lights and emitting helicopter-like sounds. The following days saw increased activity. On October 29th, a bright light was observed, and an object was reportedly detected on Loring's radar, though the base's Public Information Officer later stated it was not detected by radar and suggested it might have been a star or planet. This statement is contrasted with the views of the security police and RAPCON, who also saw the light. The Bangor Daily News reported on the "trigger mechanism" for these UFO reports, with reporter Joan Brooks interviewing Professor Clark Reynolds, who identified a UFO sighting as Sirius, the "Dog Star." The article notes that public awareness of UFOs was heightened by a NBC-TV special recounting the Barney and Betty Hill abduction.

Further incidents at Loring occurred on October 31st, when a bright light was seen northwest of the base. A slow-moving target was briefly picked up on radar, prompting a helicopter investigation that found nothing. The article acknowledges that birds, such as ducks and geese, can appear on radar, especially in late October.

Rockwood, Maine Helicopter Incident

A separate but potentially related incident is discussed, originating from a memorandum detailing a phone call on November 14th. Reporter Dean Rhodes of the Bangor Daily News learned from Sheriff Francis B. Henderson that an unidentified helicopter, described as "in Rockwood" and "having come down," was equipped with a photo facility. This helicopter was reportedly used for "speculative matters" concerning specific areas in Rockwood and Moosehead Lake. The memo indicated that the USAF Office of Special Investigations (OSI) received information but no record of an OSI investigation into these "mysterious helicopters" was found.

The author then recounts their own investigation, speaking with Ivon Turmell, a former employee. Turmell described a red and white Hughes helicopter that landed at the Moosehead Motel, generating local buzz. He mentioned that the helicopter crew was secretive. Turmell's friend, George Robbins, a pilot, investigated and noted a special attachment on the helicopter's landing skids designed to carry a large box, likely for camera equipment. Robbins suspected the crew was developing film each night. The crew was described as highly private.

Wurtsmith AFB Incidents and Military Alerts

The narrative shifts to Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan. A priority message from the Strategic Air Command (SAC) Headquarters on October 29th alerted other SAC bases to a possible threat of "helicopter attacks" following alarms from unidentified helicopters near a Weapons Storage Area (WSA) at a Northern Tier base. These attempts to identify the aircraft were unsuccessful. The alert recommended Security Level III during darkness.

On October 31st, Lieutenant Colonel Giordano of Wurtsmith AFB reported an unidentified helicopter without lights hovering over the weapons silo area. The base radar (RAPCOM) briefly recorded the target. However, a later report from Giordano described a low-flying aircraft, not a helicopter, observed near the motor pool. This discrepancy is highlighted, along with a KC-135 tanker being dispatched. The KC-135 reported visual and radar contact with a low-flying aircraft with lights over Lake Huron, which was then accompanied by another aircraft. Both then turned off their lights, and the KC-135 lost contact.

Conflicting reports emerged from Wurtsmith. One telegram stated a security guard saw a low-flying unidentified aircraft over the base around 22:20 EST, possibly near the WSA. Later reports suggested it might have been a KC-135. The KC-135 itself reported radar contact with an aircraft 8.5 miles north of the base, but could not see it visually. It later detected an unidentified aircraft to the north, which it pursued but lost visual contact multiple times. The KC-135 landed due to fuel reserves, and an investigation was ongoing.

The article points out significant uncertainties and discrepancies in these reports. It questions whether the initial sighting was indeed an unidentified aircraft or a known USAF machine preparing to land, possibly influenced by the SAC alert. The author notes that the KC-135 radar, an AN/APN-59, was primarily a navigation/storm sensor and might not be capable of detecting low-flying aircraft against ground clutter, though it could detect large ships.

Further confusion arose from media reports, such as in Parade, which claimed the KC-135 could not catch the "mysterious UFO." The article corrects the date of the Wurtsmith sightings to the night of October 30th-31st, not the 30th and 31st as stated in Parade. The Washington Post reported the KC-135 crew pursued an object but couldn't keep up.

Montana Sightings and NORAD Reports

The article then moves to incidents on November 7th and 8th, 1975, involving SAC bases in the west, summarized in an NMCC memo. On November 8th, around 00:53 MST, Malstrom AFB, Montana, received seven radar targets at various altitudes. Ground observers saw lights and heard jet engine sounds, but the FAA confirmed no jets were in the area. Two F-106 fighter jets were scrambled but could not establish visual or radar contact.

Subsequent NORAD reports detailed more sightings. On November 8th, around 2:05 AM MST, Malstrom received intermittent radar returns. SAC-Stellung C-1 reported visual sightings of unknown objects. Fifteen minutes later, personnel at four SAC bases reported an F-106 fighter jet appearing, causing the objects to turn off their lights, which then reappeared after the jet departed. NORAD suggested the Northern Lights might cause such effects, but a weather check yielded no evidence.

Another NORAD report from 3:22 AM MST described an object from SAC-Stellung L-5 accelerating rapidly and ascending, remaining an "unknown" radar target. This led NORAD to conclude that earlier "intermittent traces" might have been caused by anomalous propagation conditions, and the slow-moving radar target could have been birds.

Detailed logbook entries from the 24th NORAD Region provided further accounts. On November 8th, at 20:05 MST, a yellow light was reported, followed by an "orange-white disc" fifteen minutes later, though it was not detected by height-finder radar. Airliners reported a bright meteor-fireball, but no unusual sightings were noted by other crews. Missile site crews continued to report stationary lights.

On November 9th, a SAC Command Post reported a UFO sighting from K-1 in the Halowton area, with height-finder radar surveillance. However, the radar could not pick up a corresponding track. On November 10th, at 4:25 AM MST, a bright, car-sized object was reported moving west to east near Minot Air Force Station.

Analysis and Conclusion

The author notes the discrepancies and contradictions in the various reports, questioning the validity of some claims, particularly the Wurtsmith incident. The possibility of misidentification of conventional aircraft, celestial bodies like Venus, or even atmospheric phenomena is explored. The article also references a 1903 account by astronomer Simon Newcomb about a peculiar celestial phenomenon observed at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, suggesting that even military observers can be misled by astronomical events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are military radar capabilities and limitations in detecting UAPs, the challenges of witness testimony and official reporting, and the persistent nature of unexplained aerial sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various accounts and official responses while highlighting inconsistencies and offering potential explanations, but ultimately leaving the reader to ponder the unexplained nature of many of the reported events. The article emphasizes the heightened state of alert within SAC due to potential "helicopter attacks," which may have contributed to increased scrutiny and reporting of aerial phenomena, possibly leading to misinterpretations of known objects.

This issue of "Geheimwaffe Fliegende Untertassen" (Secret Weapon Flying Saucers) appears to be a critical examination of the UFO phenomenon, particularly focusing on its commercialization, alleged deception, and the promotion of esoteric beliefs. The magazine delves into the activities of key figures and organizations within the UFO community, questioning their motives and the validity of their claims. The content suggests a critical stance towards UFOlogy, viewing it as a field susceptible to fraud and manipulation.

Critical Analysis of UFOlogy and Contactees

The issue highlights the journalistic business surrounding UFOs and 'flying saucers' in Germany, which reportedly flourished after the Kenneth Arnold sighting. It specifically targets Karl L. Veit, described as the 'Bundes-,, Untertasse" Nummer eins,' who established the UFO study group in Wiesbaden and began publishing 'UFO-Nachrichten' in 1956. This publication, sold for a nominal fee, is portrayed as promoting a 'technical religion' and disseminating messages from extraterrestrial entities.

Veit's publication is depicted as dividing humanity into the 'stupid' who are indifferent or try to explain phenomena with science, and the 'wise' and 'initiated' who intuitively grasp higher truths and believe in extraterrestrial spacecraft. The magazine criticizes this dichotomy, suggesting it serves to create a sense of exclusivity and superiority among believers.

The Role of Organizations and Skepticism

The text discusses the role of organizations like MUFON and NICAP, with a particular focus on Marge Christensen's contributions. Christensen is presented as a former member of NICAP who later joined CUFOS and MUFON, and her writings are characterized as promoting conspiracy theories and the idea that the US government possesses significant, undisclosed information about UFOs. The issue contrasts this with the efforts of skeptics like Philip Klass, Robert Sheaffer, and James Oberg, who are seen as attempting to 'rewrite the history of UFOs.' George D. Fawcett from MUFON is mentioned as advocating for quality control in UFO research.

Specific Incidents and Encounters

The issue recounts several specific incidents. One report details a radar sighting on November 19th by two military observers of an object near a radar station, described as a bright white light moving at high speed. Another incident involves an unidentified helicopter overflight near Loring AFB in October, which led to a SAC HQ warning. A historical report from October 10/11, 1952, mentions USAF personnel at weather stations in Maine observing a round, orange UFO with green lights.

Karl Veit's Personal Encounter

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a narrative titled "Karl Veit's nächtliche Begegnung" (Karl Veit's nightly encounter), written by Rudolf Henke of CENAP-Heidelberg. This section describes an alleged encounter Karl Veit had with a being described as a 'grey-haired being in a silvery overall' with a large head. The being, identified as 'Lohall,' speaks in a stammering manner and claims to be 'ASHTAR,' part of a cosmic hierarchy. Veit, initially dismissive and aggressive, eventually engages in a discussion about evolution, humanity's role, and extraterrestrial contact. The being then dematerializes.

This encounter is framed within Veit's belief system, linking it to 'cosmic wisdom' and the idea of humanity's evolution towards 'homo cosmicus.' The narrative also touches upon the concept of 'Ashtar Command' and its messages, including a warning against nuclear research.

The 'Geheimwaffe Fliegende Untertassen' Report

The issue prominently features a report titled "Geheimwaffe Fliegende Untertassen" by Christian Heermann. This report is described as a 'criminal report' that examines the 'business with stupidity,' detailing alleged high-handedness, historical scams, dubious business practices, and the propagation of prophecies by ufologists and world interpreters, including Erich von Däniken. The report is praised for its persuasive power and the authenticity of its material, suggesting it offers a behind-the-scenes look at a morally bankrupt business world.

Historical Context and Editorial Stance

The magazine provides historical context, mentioning the 1952 letter from Dr. Hynek to Dr. H.M. Chadwell of the CIA, where Hynek concluded that a sighted object was unlikely to be Jupiter. It also references the 1985 MUFON symposium titled 'The Burden of Proof,' where Marge Christensen questioned the US government's alleged lack of interest in flying objects with advanced propulsion systems.

The editorial stance appears to be highly skeptical, bordering on accusatory, towards much of the UFO phenomenon as presented by contactees and certain research groups. It suggests that many UFO reports are either misidentifications, hoaxes, or part of a deliberate disinformation campaign. The magazine seems to align with a more 'realistic' and 'supraphysical' approach, as espoused by Veit himself, but critically examines the commercial and ideological underpinnings of the UFO movement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes include the commercialization of UFO beliefs, the alleged deception of the public, the role of government secrecy, and the contrast between scientific inquiry and esoteric belief systems. The editorial stance is critical and investigative, aiming to expose what it perceives as fraudulent or misguided aspects of the UFO phenomenon. It suggests that organizations and individuals have profited from public fascination with UFOs, often promoting unsubstantiated claims and conspiracy theories. The issue also hints at a broader geopolitical context, mentioning how UFO research in West Germany was viewed from beyond the Iron Curtain.

This issue of "UFO-Nachrichten" focuses on the business and alleged fraudulent activities surrounding the publication and promotion of UFO-related content in West Germany, particularly through the publisher Karl L. Veit. The magazine details Veit's operations, his various publishing ventures, and his financial strategies.

Karl L. Veit's Publishing Empire

The issue begins by introducing Karl L. Veit as a publisher who, from 1956 onwards, built a significant business in West Germany centered on "Flying Saucers." Veit operated under two publishing names, VENTLA and URGEMEINDE, both sharing the same address in Wiesbaden. The magazine suggests that Veit, who had previously worked as a painter, recognized the lucrative potential in the business of faith and deception. His title of "Chief Editor" in the official telephone directory is portrayed as a means to obscure his financial machinations.

Veit's publications are described as misleading, with his products listed under "Aviat" (Aviation) and "Per" (Periodicals) in international address books. The article highlights Veit's practice of deception, which he had been engaged in for over two decades. His financial operations are detailed, involving the distribution of funds across banks in three countries to gain tax advantages. Customers were instructed to make payments to a Frankfurt postal checking account, a Viennese savings bank, or a Swiss bank account in Basel.

Veit's promotional efforts are characterized by a relentless advertising campaign, urging people to study ufology and buy his books. The advertisements promised that all diseases would disappear, no one would have to work, and encouraged vegetarianism. The "UFO-Nachrichten" regularly reported sightings and landings of "saucers," claiming at least thirty such events per month.

Key Figures and Their Claims

The magazine discusses various individuals associated with the UFO phenomenon and Veit's publications.

Dr. Wilhelm Martin

Dr. Wilhelm Martin, described as a "great natural scientist and light researcher," is presented as a figure who captivated ufologists with his theories. He claimed to have found errors in Einstein's theories and proposed new ideas about celestial bodies. Martin's theories suggested that planets like Jupiter and Venus were inhabited by highly evolved humans. He claimed that "Flying Saucers" were powered by "ether force" and controlled by immense willpower and spiritual humility. According to Martin, these craft could travel from Venus to Earth in a hundred days.

Martin's background is noted as having been a natural scientist at the University of Heidelberg, where he earned a doctorate. However, the article states he later became involved in criminal activities and profited from his association with Veit.

Donald Keyhoe and NICAP

Initially, many authors followed the lead of George Adamski. Veit and his associates profited from Adamski's teachings. Donald Keyhoe and his organization, NICAP, were initially viewed with skepticism by Veit, who believed that true truth-seekers had no use for them. In May 1960, Veit stated that NICAP faced a choice: either expel Keyhoe or dissolve. However, Veit later recognized Keyhoe's more sophisticated approach and NICAP's growing influence, leading to a collaboration.

By April 1961, Keyhoe was writing editorials for Veit's "UFO-Nachrichten" and became a regular contributor. By September 1962, Veit was promoting Keyhoe's books as "standard works of UFO research."

Otis T. Carr

Physicist Otis T. Carr is presented as making significant discoveries, including "electric Utrons," an accumulator, and a "Carrotto-Gravitation motor." Carr claimed these inventions could split atoms and enable practical space travel. In late 1958, he announced plans to fly to the moon on December 7, 1959, using his OTC-XI vehicle. However, the article notes that Carr was later imprisoned in Oklahoma City for selling counterfeit securities.

Veit, however, defended Carr, suggesting he was a victim of a conspiracy to prevent the introduction of free energy that would compete with established energy industries.

Karl Michalek

Karl Michalek, also known as Franz Weber-Richter, emerged as a competitor to Veit. Operating from Santiago, Chile, Michalek published articles in "Neues Europa" and had his books published by the Swiss publisher Schönenberger. He claimed to be the sole authorized spokesperson for direct messages from the "Supreme Leadership of the Planet Venus" and prepared for the establishment of a "World Republic of Earth," with a "Venusian Blind-Eye Fleet" landing in Berlin-Tempelhof. Despite setting numerous dates, Michalek always had an excuse for the non-arrival of his fleet.

Michalek formed a "Sovereign World Government," distributed ministerial posts, and solicited donations from his followers, allegedly defrauding them of between 200,000 and 500,000 DM. He was eventually arrested by Interpol in Italy after fleeing from Germany.

Veit reacted to Michalek's arrest with vitriol, calling him a "super-negative type" and a "thief of stolen ideas." Veit also profited from this situation by selling a special pamphlet explaining the events.

UFO Congresses and Events

The issue mentions the "4th UFO Congress 1960 in Wiesbaden," where Professor H. Oberth demonstrated a model of a saucer. Two "space travelers," grain merchant Reinhold O. Schmidt and Carl A. Anderson, arrived from the USA via Lufthansa.

When asked why they didn't arrive in a "saucer," Anderson explained that it would have caused problems with immigration and customs without proper documentation. He also mentioned that his "saucer" trips were always at night to avoid detection.

Reinhold O. Schmidt also claimed to have rescued astronaut Grissom in July 1961, stating that he and colleagues from Saturn had to break open the capsule door to prevent Grissom from drowning in the Atlantic. However, the article later reveals that Schmidt was convicted of grand theft and served a prison sentence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the commercialization of UFO beliefs, the promotion of questionable figures and their claims, and the alleged fraudulent practices within the ufology community. The editorial stance is highly critical, exposing what it views as deception, charlatanism, and criminal activity masked by the UFO phenomenon. The magazine aims to debunk the sensationalism and expose the financial motives behind many UFO publications and organizations.

This issue of "UFO-Nachrichten" (UFO News) spans pages 152 through 161 and appears to be a publication from the Ventla-Verlag in Wiesbaden, Germany, focusing on UFO phenomena, contactees, and related theories. The content is primarily in German and discusses various alleged encounters, technological claims, and legal or public reactions to UFOlogy during the 1950s and 1960s.

Key Articles and Content

Page 152-153: Legal Troubles and Public Perception
The issue begins by detailing the legal troubles of a figure named Veit, a Wiesbaden publisher and congress manager, who was accused of fraud. Despite initial accusations and a criminal investigation by Dr. Herbert Schäfer, the case was eventually dismissed. The article notes that the "UFO-Congress" of 1960 generated discontent due to the bold claims of ufologists, leading to attempts to end the perceived "nuisance." The prosecution's case was hampered by a lack of complainants, and Veit's defense presented financial statements suggesting the 1960 UFO conference ended with a deficit.

Page 153: "Contactees" Gallery
A visual section presents a "Parade of the 'Chosen Ones', including the Stars," featuring portraits of individuals like Williamson, Adamski, Anderson, Cihlar, and Schmidt, each with a corresponding number.

Page 154: "Planetarians" Depicted
This page showcases illustrations and descriptions of alleged "Planetarians" from various sources. It includes a "Marsman 1950 in Mexico," "Footprints of a Venusian according to Adamski," "Adamski and his colleague Orthon," "Lucinda, according to Veit, a 'Personality from a Higher World'," a "Venusian before an oscillating UFO," "Estralon from Venus," "Val-Thor from Venus," and a "Marsman on 18. 12. 54 in England."

Page 155-156: Veit's Activities and International UFO Congresses
The text continues to discuss Veit's activities, noting that various newspapers reacted with "biting mockery" to UFO pronouncements. It details the dismissal of the fraud charges against Veit by the Wiesbaden public prosecutor's office in 1963. Veit then celebrated his vindication and continued to promote his ideas, organizing the "5th International Saucer Conference" in Mainz in May 1963. Adamski was notably absent, reportedly due to instructions from his "Brothers." The event featured Eugenio Siragusa, who claimed to have received messages from Venusians about "vortex movement" and "energy in a state of saturated purity."

Page 156: Siragusa's Message and South Tyrol
Eugenio Siragusa's message, received on Mount Etna, emphasized the importance of understanding vortex movement and a form of pure energy in space, accessible to "space travelers" at the "center of the vortex." The article then shifts to discuss the political situation in South Tyrol, Italy, mentioning that "Flying Saucers" were frequently sighted there, and linking it to regional tensions and terrorist activities.

Page 157: Book Announcement and Italian Sightings
A prominent advertisement announces a new book, "Ich bin auf dem Mars gewesen" (I have been to Mars) by Narciso Genovese, detailing an international engineering team working with twenty scientists from Mars on Earth to build spacecraft using "Free Energy." The book is described as a "humanity's dream come true." The page also recounts alleged UFO sightings in Italy, including a tailor's assistant, Mario Zucalla, who claimed to have seen a UFO after work, and a mechanic's assistant, Luciano Galli, who stated he flew to Venus and back in just under three hours.

Page 158: UFO Shapes and Classification
This page presents a grid of 136 different "UFO shapes," described not as a children's puzzle but as a classification of various forms, with one particularly "technically highly developed form" highlighted at the bottom right.

Page 159: Alleged UFO Influence on World Events
This section features "Doctor" Alberto Perego, who claimed UFOs ended the Korean War and that the French lost the Battle of Dien Bien Phu because UFOs interfered on the wrong side. He also asserted that UFOs prevented a third world war during the Suez Crisis. Perego urged people to "stay away from the so-called peace movement" and believe in the "Planet Brothers." The text also mentions Veit's media appearances in May 1963, including broadcasts on Südwestfunk and Hessischer Rundfunk, which led to widespread discussion of UFOs in Germany.

Page 159-160: Veit's Claims and UFO Organizations
Veit continued to promote his ideas, even seeking the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965, claiming his efforts had averted nuclear war. He stated that 200,000 "Flying Saucers" were ready on Mars to defeat communists in a "Blitzkrieg." The article notes that some of these "saucers" had left Mars, with 10,000 ships orbiting Earth, awaiting admission to the United Nations. The text criticizes UFO study groups like the "UFO-Studiengemeinschaften e. V." in Wiesbaden and NICAP in the USA for collecting fees and donations based on "such nonsense." It also mentions a book by ASHTAR titled "In kommenden Tagen..." (In the Coming Days...), which questions whether Earth already has satellites and if there are "support points" monitoring world events.

Page 161: Sputnik, Moon Missions, and Extraterrestrial Involvement
This page addresses the launch of Sputnik I, questioning why it came from the Soviet Union and not the USA, and why American space attempts initially faced numerous setbacks. According to "enlightened" ufologists, "planetary brothers" monitored all space attempts and sometimes intervened. Adamski reportedly stated that the "Star Brothers" did not intervene in Sputnik I's launch because it served purely scientific purposes. The page also discusses the Soviet Lunik III mission photographing the Moon's far side, and the failure of the American Ranger VI lunar probe, which "UFO-Nachrichten" attributed to an interception by a UFO. Bob Reriaud claimed to have learned from his "moon men" that the probe was intercepted about 1600 meters above the lunar surface for "comprehensive investigations." Finally, it mentions Monsieur Robert Charroux's speculation that extraterrestrial space travelers helped the Maoists gain power in China, originating not from Mars or Venus, but from Proxima Centauri.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "UFO-Nachrichten" revolve around contactee claims, alleged extraterrestrial technology, and the purported influence of UFOs on human history and events. The magazine appears to present these claims with a degree of credulity, particularly in its coverage of individuals like Veit, Adamski, and Siragusa. However, there is also an underlying narrative that acknowledges skepticism and legal challenges, as seen in the discussion of Veit's fraud investigation and the mockery from some newspapers. The editorial stance seems to be one of promoting the idea of extraterrestrial contact and advanced technology, while also documenting the controversies and personalities within the UFO community. The publication also engages in classifying UFO shapes and reporting on alleged alien involvement in global affairs and space exploration. The overall tone suggests a fascination with the unknown and a willingness to explore unconventional explanations for phenomena, often framing these as revelations from "higher worlds" or "planetary brothers."

This issue of the Neue Kronen Zeitung, dated May 3, 1986, features a prominent obituary for Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a renowned UFO researcher. It also delves into the controversial theories of rocket scientist Hermann Oberth and touches upon a curious promotional campaign.

Hermann Oberth and his Uraniden

The article begins by discussing how ufologists remained active, and how in the mid-1960s, amidst rising neo-Nazism in West Germany, new tones emerged from Wiesbaden. Karl L. Veit, head of Ventla, offered his customers a new booklet. Hermann Oberth had put his findings to paper in a nineteen-page work titled "Der Mut zur Wahrheit - Mein Weg zur NPD" (The Courage for Truth - My Way to the NPD). This truth was brief, but included "with the author's picture." The article suggests that occult and fascist ideas had found a common ground.

According to the text, extraterrestrials ('Uraniden') conveyed important messages to Oberth, which he compiled into his 1966 book, "Katechismus der Uraniden" (Catechism of the Uraniden). Karl L. Veit, predictably, published this "spooky book."

Oberth is quoted as saying, "I only think of white Stone Age people here," implying they were more intelligent than today's "colored savages." He noted differences in knowledge between modern Caucasians and their "pure-blooded, saber-toothed" ancestors, emphasizing the significant growth in our understanding of prime numbers.

Veit praised Oberth as "one of our sharpest thinkers." Oberth, in turn, embarked on a journey through a complex web of spiritualism, UFO history spanning millennia, parapsychology, clairvoyance, and "Providence."

Oberth explained that "Providence intervenes in the course of our history every time" when events take a path that deviates from Earth's purpose as a planet of improvement and training. He attributed setbacks in "Providence" to "a series of miserable coincidences." For instance, around 1850, the article claims, the final dominance of the white race was indicated, but the golden age was missed because the international language Esperanto did not catch on.

Oberth also suggested that Adolf Hitler had some difficulties with "Providence." He speculated that "Germany's victory was only a hair's breadth away," but couldn't specify this "ominous hair." The article implies that the consequences were dire, stating, "In the Second World War, it then went so badly for humanity as it could possibly have gone. If Germany... had won immediately, all of that would have been better."

An entity called "Schea Tal Wir" supposedly whispered these words to Oberth. Oberth had also discovered an old name for the extraterrestrials. The article notes that Hans Dominik's 1928 utopian novel, "Das Erbe der Uraniden" (The Legacy of the Uraniden), so fascinated Oberth that he could think of no other title for his own book than "Katechismus der Uraniden."

Through these messages, the formerly world-renowned scientist learned that he had personally lived on Earth multiple times. Upon traveling to Italy in his current life, he recalled, "I remembered exactly: I was previously an Italian." He also suggested that some of his old mother tongue must have remained in his memory, stating, "Of the five foreign languages I had to learn in my life, Italian was by far the easiest for me."

He concluded, "There is nothing in this world that cannot be achieved through 'Flying Saucers'!"

Life in Space?

The article then shifts to a promotional campaign by Cutty-Sark-Whisky. The brand, known for quality, devised a marketing stunt: they offered a prize of one million pounds sterling to anyone who could provide proof of sighting a "Flying Saucer" that had come from outside our solar system. Despite the high stakes, the British whisky producers never had to pay out the prize money, as the campaign proved to be extremely effective advertising.

Whether inspired by a glass of Cutty-Sark-Whisky or by sober discussions, certain questions consistently fascinate serious people: Do we have relatives in space? Are there stars on which...

"Dr. J. Allen Hynek is DEAD"

The main news item is the death of Dr. J. Allen Hynek in Arizona at the age of 75. The Neue Kronen Zeitung identifies him as America's leading UFO researcher, who had reviewed countless reports of flying saucers and deemed twenty percent of them genuine. However, he himself had never had a "third kind encounter," a term he coined and which was popularized by Steven Spielberg's film.

The article states that Hynek was born in 1910, the same year as Halley's Comet. Upon learning of his brain cancer, he told friends he would "pass away with the comet." His death on April 27, 1986, occurred almost exactly on the day the US sighting period for Halley's Comet ended. Hynek managed to see the comet a few days before his death.

As the head of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) since 1973, Hynek was effectively the leader of the UFO movement for over a decade. He succeeded Major Donald Keyhoe, who had been the recognized leader as head of NICAP during the 1950s and 1960s. Keyhoe, described as a capable aviation writer, had government contacts in Washington, D.C., making him an important figure for NICAP. Hynek, on the other hand, was presented as a scientific figure with authentic scientific credentials. From 1948 to 1968, he served as the chief consultant for the US Air Force's Project Bluebook on scientific matters.

Hynek believed in UFOs, though he did not publicly support any particular theory. The article suggests that towards the end of his life, he could no longer perceive his surroundings and did not even recognize his family and friends. His death was seen as a release. In his final years, he realized that he would not live to see the UFO mystery solved, nor would CUFOS receive significant public recognition and support, nor would other prominent scientists join his research efforts.

The article concludes by posing the question: "Who will take Hynek's place as 'Numero Uno' in the American UFO movement?" It suggests Phil Klass might be a candidate, stating, "we shall see."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue touches upon themes of extraterrestrial contact, fringe science, and the intersection of pseudoscience with political ideologies (neo-Nazism, fascism). There's a clear distinction drawn between the scientific approach of Dr. J. Allen Hynek and the more speculative and occult leanings of Hermann Oberth. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, with a critical eye towards Oberth's more outlandish claims while acknowledging Hynek's significant contributions to the scientific study of UFOs.