CENAP Report - No 194

Magazine Overview

This issue of the CENAP REPORT, dated April 26, 1992, with a cover price of 4.92 DM and issue number 194, is dedicated to the infamous Roswell Incident of 1947. The magazine is published by CENAP (Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene) and is affiliated with the Gesellschaft zur wissenschaftl. Untersuchung von Parawissenschaften (GWUP).

The UFO Circus is Here!

The issue begins with a critical look at a UFO congress in Berlin, organized by Leo Leschek, featuring UFO researcher Virgil Armstrong. The author expresses skepticism about the event, noting that CENAP was not invited to present a scientific perspective, suggesting a lack of objectivity from the organizers. The event is described as a 'New Age, spirituality and esotericism event.'

The Case of Roswell: An Examination by Werner Walter, CENAP-Mannheim

The main article, 'DER FALL ROSWELL', by Werner Walter, examines the Roswell incident, which is presented as a pivotal event in UFOlogy. Walter discusses the ongoing efforts by organizations like the Fund for UFO Research to compel the US government to release information. He highlights the book 'UFO Crash at Roswell' by Kevin D. Randle and Donald R. Schmitt as a significant contribution to the discussion, noting its claim to be the 'complete, uncensored, and undeniable true story.'

Walter critically analyzes the claims made by Randle and Schmitt, particularly their assertion that the military quickly collected all evidence of a crash, implying a cover-up. He contrasts this with the official explanation of a weather balloon, pointing out that such an explanation would not necessitate a prolonged government secret. He also questions the feasibility of collecting large debris from a spaceship crash without heavy equipment, referencing other alleged UFO crash cases.

The article delves into the initial reports and the swift military response to contain information. It suggests that the 'weather balloon' explanation was likely disinformation to distract from the true nature of the recovered object. Walter posits that the secrecy surrounding the event was not due to a cover-up of a UFO, but rather the classified nature of a national security project.

Historical Context and Early Sightings

The report provides a historical overview of the UFO phenomenon in 1947, starting with Kenneth Arnold's sighting and the coining of the term 'flying saucer.' It details numerous sightings across the US, including those in Utah, Arizona, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, noting the public's fascination and the media's extensive coverage. The article also touches upon early claims of 'little green men' and alleged alien encounters.

The Roswell Debris and Official Explanations

Walter discusses the recovery of debris by rancher Mac Brazel and the subsequent military involvement. He highlights the conflicting testimonies and the official explanation that the debris was from a weather balloon. The article scrutinizes the role of Major Jesse A. Marcel and Brigadier General Roger Ramey in the official press conference.

Alternative Explanations and Critiques

A significant portion of the article explores the possibility that the Roswell incident involved a classified US Navy reconnaissance balloon project called SKYHOOK. This project, developed for national security, could explain the unusual material, the secrecy, and the military's swift action. The article suggests that the Air Force might not have been fully aware of this Navy project, contributing to the confusion and the eventual 'cover-up' narrative.

Walter also addresses the claims of witnesses like Barney Barnett and Gerald F. Anderson, questioning their credibility and the veracity of their accounts. He points out inconsistencies and the lack of corroborating evidence for many of the sensational stories.

The Role of Government and Intelligence Agencies

The article examines the involvement of various government agencies, including the CIA and the Air Force's Project Blue Book. It discusses the Robertson Panel's findings, which concluded that UFOs were not necessarily extraterrestrial but could be explained by misidentifications and psychological factors. However, the article suggests that the government's true interest lay in classified projects like SKYHOOK.

Other Alleged UFO Incidents

The issue briefly mentions other alleged UFO crash incidents, such as those in Aztec, New Mexico; Del Rio, Texas; Spitzbergen; Kingman, Arizona; and Ubatuba, Brazil, often casting doubt on their authenticity or presenting them as hoaxes or misinterpretations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government secrecy, the nature of evidence in UFO research, and the critical analysis of witness testimonies and official explanations. The editorial stance is highly skeptical of sensationalist UFO claims and leans towards a more rational, albeit still open, investigation of phenomena, often suggesting that classified military projects are a more plausible explanation for many sightings and alleged crashes than extraterrestrial visitation. The article emphasizes the importance of rigorous research and the dangers of accepting unsubstantiated stories, particularly in the context of the Roswell incident.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated April 1992, focuses on the persistent mystery of UFOs, particularly under the theme "UFOs: Behind Closed Doors!". The magazine aims to lift the veil of secrecy surrounding the phenomenon.

Key Articles and Features

UFO Crash Cases and Cover-ups

• The issue details several alleged UFO crash incidents:
• Kecksburg, Pennsylvania (December 9, 1965): Stan Gordon spent twenty years studying this case, initially believing a nuclear-powered satellite from the USA or USSR had crashed. The case remains open.
• Orocue, Colombia (February 12, 1968): Residents reported hearing three loud explosions after a metallic, discus-shaped object appeared. They recovered a large piece of metal, which the US Air Attaché claimed was from an American satellite.
• Spain (July 15, 1974): Reports suggest the military recovered the wreckage of a discus-shaped machine, though details are scarce.
• Prudente, Sao Paulo, Brazil (August 8, 1976): Witnesses reported a flying object exploding over the city, leading to speculation about a Soviet or American satellite.
• Bolivia (May 6, 1978): Miners observed a long object falling. Government officials cordoned off the area, and the event was explained as a satellite descent.
• Argentina (August 22, 1981): Debris from a discus-shaped object reportedly rained down, and search aircraft were deployed to the area where metal fragments were found. Rumors of severely burned bodies emerged.

The Roswell Incident

The issue revisits the Roswell incident, referencing the *Roswell Daily Record* from July 9, 1947, which reported the recovery of a 'flying saucer'. However, it notes that Sheriff Wilcox stated the object was a weather balloon, and General Ramey dismissed the excitement as unjustified.

The 'Alien-Body' Photo Controversy

QUEST is reportedly distancing itself from the 'Alien-Body' photo. The image was presented by Dr. Marina Popovich at a DU conference and later published by the 'Daily Star'. Initial doubts were raised by a QUEST member who recognized the suit as resembling a diving suit. Further investigation by Timothy Good revealed that the model might have been displayed at a UFO exhibition in Montreal in 1967, but conflicting accounts exist regarding its presence and origin.

Wilbert B. Smith and the 'Sarbacher Paper'

The article discusses the ongoing discussion surrounding Canadian engineer Wilbert B. Smith and the 'Sarbacher Paper'. While some promoters believe Smith possessed secret knowledge, the article notes that Smith died in 1962, predating the 'Alien-Body' photos. It also touches upon his alleged contact with 'blond space brothers'.

UFOlogy in Denmark: SUFOI's Reader Survey

An examination of the Danish UFO group SUFOI's 1978 reader survey reveals insights into how members became involved with UFO organizations. Personal recommendations and word-of-mouth were significant factors. The survey also indicated that while many readers believed in extraterrestrial life, they were often reluctant to attend events due to location or lack of transport, rather than cost.

Nazi UFO Secrets: The 'Kugelblitz'

This section delves into the legend of the Nazi 'Kugelblitz' (Ball Lightning) flying saucer. It suggests that the 'V-7 legend' might have been a Nazi disinformation maneuver to mislead the Allies about their advanced technology and distract from the V-1 and V-2 weapons. A declassified document from 1946 indicates the 'Kugelblitz' was an experimental anti-aircraft missile, not a flying saucer. However, the interpretation of this missile as a flying saucer is seen as a potential ideal smokescreen during the Cold War.

George Adamski: The 'Venus Messenger'

The article explores the early life of George Adamski, the self-proclaimed 'Venus Messenger'. It mentions his founding of a Tibetan Monastery in Laguna Beach, California, in 1936, and his claims of studying 'ancient truths' and receiving knowledge from 'space brothers'. His legend is described as grandiose, with claims of Polish father and Egyptian mother, and studies in a Tibetan monastery.

UFO Events and Trends

• Eastern Belgian UFO Scare: The article notes the discussion surrounding the Eastern Belgian UFO sightings and the police explanation that most sightings were attributed to 'drug barons' using motorized hang gliders.
• UFO Conferences: A meeting of UFO experts is announced for April 16-20 in Berlin at the UFA-Fabrik, focusing on 'Communication in the Cosmos'. Speakers include Virgil Armstrong and Edith Fiore.
• Swiss UFO Sightings: Switzerland reported fewer UFO sightings in 1991 (7) compared to 1990 (44), with seismologists suggesting the objects flew at three to four times the speed of sound.

The 'Humo-Junge' and AIDS

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the tragic story of Andreas Schneider, known as the 'Humo-Junge'. He claimed to have contact with extraterrestrials from a planet named 'Humo' near Pluto. Schneider later contracted HIV and died of AIDS. The article details his claims, his illness, and his interactions with figures like Nina Hagen. His story is presented as a cautionary tale and a point of discussion regarding UFO beliefs and personal struggles.

Legal Battles and UFO Promoters

The issue touches upon a legal dispute involving CENAP founder Köhler and Walter against an individual named Auf Schneider, who had sued CENAP. CENAP views this as a fight against 'profiteers' and 'blenders' in the UFO scene, emphasizing their commitment to freedom of speech and moral integrity.

CENAP's Mission and Reader Engagement

CENAP positions itself as a research network dedicated to uncovering the truth about UFOs, often in contrast to promoters who may exploit the topic for financial gain. The magazine encourages reader support through subscriptions and donations to continue its investigative work.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

CENAP REPORT consistently adopts a critical and investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. The magazine emphasizes the need for objective research, exposes alleged disinformation campaigns, and scrutinizes the claims of UFO promoters. There is a strong focus on debunking sensationalism and separating factual reporting from speculation. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while remaining open to genuine investigation and disclosure of information. The magazine also highlights the importance of freedom of speech in discussing these often controversial topics.