CENAP Report - No 157

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP REPORT, published by CENAP-MANNHEIM, is dated 3.89 and is issue number 157, priced at DM 3.90. The cover prominently features the headline "DONALD KEYHOE TOT!" and the seal of the Central Intelligence Agency, United States of America, with a stylized image of a flying object on a screen.

CENAP: An Independent UFO Research Network

The magazine introduces CENAP as a private, independent institution founded in 1976 to investigate the UFO phenomenon. It emphasizes its scientific approach, considering psychological and socio-psychological factors, and highlights its collaboration with various German authorities, including the Ministry of Defense and the Federal Aviation Office. CENAP also maintains a global network of correspondents and is a member of the GWUP (Society for Scientific Investigation of the Paranormal), aiming to combat occultism and superstition.

CENAP publishes the monthly UFO journal "CENAP REPORT" and serves as a central point of contact for UFO reports and media inquiries, maintaining an extensive archive of UFO-related materials.

Donald Keyhoe: A Critical Examination

The central theme of this issue is a critical re-evaluation of Major Donald Keyhoe, a pivotal figure in UFOlogy. The article "DONALD KEYHOE TOT!" by CENAP-Mannheim delves into the FBI's perspective on Keyhoe, referencing declassified documents. A letter from FBI Director John Edgar Hoover to Keyhoe, dated September 26, 1958, states that the FBI does not investigate UFO sightings but forwards information to the Air Force and does not instruct individuals on whether to speak about their sightings.

The report details Keyhoe's history, including his work as a writer and his association with NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena). It questions the accuracy of his claims, citing instances where his material was deemed irresponsible and his articles contained false information. The article scrutinizes specific cases mentioned in Keyhoe's book "The Flying Saucer Conspiracy," such as the 'burning road' incident in Woodside, California, and the 'Kimross AFB' radar incident, suggesting that Keyhoe may have fabricated or distorted details for sensationalism.

Keyhoe's role in popularizing the UFO phenomenon and the extraterrestrial hypothesis is acknowledged, but his methods are criticized for relying on half-truths, wishful thinking, and manipulation. The article suggests that Keyhoe might have been a pawn in a larger governmental strategy, possibly misled or used by the USAF.

UFOs and Sociology

Ulrich Magin's contribution, "UFOs UND SOZIOLOGIE," explores the sociological and psychological aspects of UFO phenomena. It discusses how UFO reports can be influenced by cultural frameworks, media attention, and individual psychological needs. The article highlights the tendency for UFO reports to be treated as modern myths and folklore, often lacking rigorous scientific investigation, especially in Germany compared to countries like the USA.

Magin points out that many German UFO cases cited in popular literature are often derived from foreign sources and lack proper documentation. He also touches upon the concept of 'close encounters' (CE III) and their potential connection to religious experiences and archetypal visions. The article concludes that UFO sightings are not merely about 'little green men' but also reflect societal anxieties, the search for meaning, and the influence of media on public perception.

Specific Case Analyses and Critiques

The issue includes detailed analyses of several UFO cases that Keyhoe presented, questioning their veracity. For instance, the Kimross AFB incident is examined, with the author noting that the Air Force had no record of such an event, suggesting Keyhoe may have obtained the information through private channels or fabricated it. Similarly, the 'Utica' case involving an F-94 jet is scrutinized, with Jonas Kover's investigation finding no corroborating evidence or local memory of the described crash.

The article also critiques Keyhoe's explanations for phenomena like the 'Moon Bridge' observation, citing a lack of scientific support from astronomers at Mount Palomar.

The "Operation UFO Intercept" and Government Secrecy

A section titled "Unternehmen: UFO abfangen" (Operation: UFO Intercept) discusses a secret Air Force project aimed at intercepting UFOs. It suggests that the USAF has been involved in dangerous encounters, including firing on UFOs, despite official denials. The article implies a deliberate cover-up by the government to prevent public knowledge of UFOs, possibly due to fears of mass hysteria or the implications of extraterrestrial technology.

Media Influence and Public Perception

The magazine emphasizes the role of media in shaping UFO narratives. It notes how sensationalist reporting and the propagation of unverified claims can create a distorted public image of UFO phenomena. CENAP's stance is that much of the UFO literature, including Keyhoe's work, manipulates readers through half-truths and selective presentation of facts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of prominent UFO figures like Donald Keyhoe, the analysis of government secrecy and alleged cover-ups, the sociological impact of UFO beliefs, and the role of media in disseminating information. CENAP's editorial stance is clearly skeptical of sensationalist UFO claims and advocates for a more rigorous, scientific approach to investigating unexplained aerial phenomena, while also acknowledging the cultural and psychological dimensions of the UFO topic.

This issue of CENAP-ARCHIV, dated Saturday, May 7, 1988, Teil I, Nr. 107, published by Basler Zeitung, focuses on UFO phenomena, cults, and related societal reactions. The main cover story, "Dozwil erwartet am Muttertag den Weltuntergang" (Dozwil expects the end of the world on Mother's Day), details a predicted apocalyptic event by the St. Michaelsvereinigung cult, which ultimately did not occur but drew a large crowd and some disturbances.

Dozwil: No World Ending - Just Onlookers and Tumult

The article reports on the events in Dozwil, Switzerland, where the St. Michaelsvereinigung, founded by Paul Kuhn, had prophesied a world-ending event. Hundreds of onlookers flocked to the town, creating a 'fairground atmosphere.' While the predicted event did not happen, the cult's messages had caused unease, with children in schools talking about being 'taken away.' The article notes that Kuhn later issued a communiqué stating no specific date had been given. The cult's messages spoke of 'pure and innocent creatures of God' (children) being saved and taken to 'mother ships' and a 'wonderful place.'

Despite the lack of an event, the town was overrun. The St. Michaelsvereinigung's meeting hall was cordoned off by the fire department. The article mentions that about 35% of Dozwil's 430 residents are members of the sect, with followers coming from across Switzerland and neighboring countries. The previous Saturday evening, some intoxicated youths reportedly threw bottles at cult members leaving a service and vandalized property, leading to the arrest of four individuals.

The Situation in the Sect Village Dozwil Has Calmed Down

A follow-up report from May 10, 1988, by SPK, indicates that the situation in Dozwil had calmed down after the weekend's disturbances. Four individuals involved in the scuffles were briefly detained but would not face charges. Paul Kuhn announced he would not hold further services for the St. Michaelsvereinigung for the time being. The police stated they would continue to monitor the situation. The municipal clerk of Dozwil, Alfred Baumann, expressed disappointment, stating he never expected things to escalate to this point and that the public could be so easily swayed.

Tessin in the UFO Fever

This section, dated Click, January 11, 1988, CENAP-ARCHIV, highlights a surge in UFO sightings in the Swiss canton of Tessin. In 1987, 112 unknown flying objects (UFOs) were reported, with 40 remaining unexplained. The article features the case of a 34-year-old woman from Bisone who claims to have collided with an unknown flying object in her car. She described seeing a large, grey, luminous sphere that exploded, leaving water-like traces on her car's fender. She also reported hearing extraterrestrial sounds on her car's tape recorder. Radio technician Alberto Zehnder suggested the phenomenon might have been caused by a magnetic field.

Another report from the same section mentions that the Tessin region has become a popular 'racetrack' for flying saucers. Professor Massimo Cantoni, a UFO expert, noted that most reports are attributable to meteorological phenomena or electromagnetic interference, but 40 cases in 1987 remained unexplained. The article also includes a brief mention of a UFO sighting by Ronald Reagan, who reportedly told a former pilot that he believed in UFOs and had been followed by one in 1974.

"So beautiful it is with the green men"

This article, dated February 15, 1989, from BILD, reports on a UFO congress in Lugano, Switzerland, attended by 400 people. The main speaker was Claude Vorilhon, known as 'Rael,' the founder of the Raelian movement. Rael, dressed in white, recounted his alleged encounters with extraterrestrials who visited him on October 7, 1975, and took him to a planet 1,000 light-years away. He described this planet as a paradise with beautiful women, flying carpets, and no money or government. He claimed extraterrestrials created humans and that they were 25,000 years ahead of humanity. Rael stated that extraterrestrials warned US astronauts in 1969 not to interfere with them. He also mentioned that Jesus, Buddha, and Muhammad were created by these beings. Rael's followers, who have an office in Lugano, are preparing for the arrival of extraterrestrials in 2035, requiring 144,000 Earthlings to join their movement to form a new humanity.

Warning of the Extraterrestrials

This brief article, dated February 15, 1989, from BILD, mentions a US author who wrote a book claiming extraterrestrials warned US astronauts in 1969. It also touches upon Rael's message about the extraterrestrials' intentions to settle on Earth and their advanced technology.

"So beautiful it is with the green men"

This article, dated February 15, 1989, from BILD, reports on a UFO congress in Lugano, Switzerland, attended by 400 people. The main speaker was Claude Vorilhon, known as 'Rael,' the founder of the Raelian movement. Rael, dressed in white, recounted his alleged encounters with extraterrestrials who visited him on October 7, 1975, and took him to a planet 1,000 light-years away. He described this planet as a paradise with beautiful women, flying carpets, and no money or government. He claimed extraterrestrials created humans and that they were 25,000 years ahead of humanity. Rael stated that extraterrestrials warned US astronauts in 1969 not to interfere with them. He also mentioned that Jesus, Buddha, and Muhammad were created by these beings. Rael's followers, who have an office in Lugano, are preparing for the arrival of extraterrestrials in 2035, requiring 144,000 Earthlings to join their movement to form a new humanity.

CENAP: Regional Representative for the Ulm Area

This section introduces Karl Klug as the new regional representative for CENAP in the greater Ulm area. It mentions his involvement with CENAP since 1983 and his efforts to clarify misunderstandings about the organization, particularly regarding a newspaper article that he felt misrepresented CENAP's stance. Klug emphasizes CENAP's role in scientifically investigating UFO phenomena and distinguishing them from occultism and superstition.

UFOs - Hallucination or Reality? (H. Köhler, CENAP, Mannheim)

This is a listing for a lecture by H. Köhler of CENAP at the Planetarium Hamburg on November 25, 1988. The lecture was titled "UFOs - Hallucination or Reality?" and covered UFO history, USAF material, and the UFO phenomenon over Germany.

When is the next "waning new moon"?

This article, written by Hansjürgen Köhler of CENAP-MA, describes Köhler's first UFO lecture at the Planetarium Hamburg on November 25, 1988. The event was well-attended and sold out, indicating significant public interest in UFOs. Köhler contrasts this with the cancellation of a TV astronomy series, lamenting the lack of public education. He notes that many attendees were interested in his presentation and asked for follow-up events. Köhler's lecture aimed to provide objective information and counter the misinformation spread by sensationalist UFO literature.

Foo Fighters: The Story, As Far As...

This article, attributed to Andy Roberts and translated for German readers, discusses the phenomenon of 'Foo Fighters' – mysterious aerial objects reported by pilots during World War II. Roberts argues that this topic has been largely ignored by ufologists, despite its historical significance. He criticizes existing UFO literature for often relying on 'stolen research' and misrepresenting facts. Roberts traces the origin of much Foo Fighter reporting to a 1945 article by Jo Chamberlin in the American Legion Magazine. He debunks the theory that Foo Fighters were Nazi secret weapons, noting their widespread appearance across various theaters of war. Roberts also addresses the 'hoax' aspect, particularly concerning a supposed German study group called 'Projekt Uranus,' which he confirms was a fabrication by French ufologist Henry Durrant. He concludes that Foo Fighters were likely real, non-solid phenomena, possibly light sources exhibiting unusual maneuvers, and that the UFO phenomenon today might be similarly interpreted if not for cultural biases.

Stolen Research

This section criticizes authors who present research as their own when it is derived from earlier sources, often with misquotes and misrepresentations. It specifically points to Jo Chamberlin's 1945 article in the American Legion Magazine as the foundation for much of the Foo Fighter lore.

Official Records

Roberts describes his efforts to gather information from ex-pilots, noting that while many reported encounters with strange light balls, none used the term 'Foo Fighters.' He found that official logbook entries often mirrored literary descriptions. He also mentions that Foo Fighters were not detected on radar and that official reactions varied from disinterest to thorough interrogation. Roberts found no evidence of official studies by Massey or Eisenhower on the topic, despite claims to the contrary.

Hoax

This part of the article discusses the myth of Foo Fighters being German secret weapons and the alleged 'Projekt Uranus.' Roberts confirms that 'Projekt Uranus' was a hoax created by Henry Durrant to test who would adopt and propagate the story without verification.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CENAP-ARCHIV demonstrates a strong commitment to critical and scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is skeptical of sensationalist claims and popular UFO literature, emphasizing the need for rigorous research and debunking of hoaxes and misidentifications. The magazine highlights the work of CENAP in this regard, presenting their findings and lectures. There is a clear distinction made between genuine unexplained phenomena and those that can be attributed to misidentification, folklore, or deliberate fabrication. The issue also touches upon the societal impact of UFO beliefs, as seen in the Dozwil cult incident and the Raelian movement's claims.