CENAP Report - No 224

Magazine Overview

CENAP REPORT NR. 224, June/July 1995, is a German-language UFO magazine that presents itself as an "uncomfortable UFO magazine." It is published six-weekly and is described as Germany's oldest and most extensive UFO journal. The issue is dedicated to the themes of "Para" and "PSI," exploring psychic phenomena, mind control, and their alleged connections to UFOs and military research.

Publisher and Editorial Stance

The magazine is published by CENAP, an organization founded in 1976 for the collection, analysis, and evaluation of UFO reports. CENAP is described as a private, non-commercial, and ideologically independent organization. It is integrated into the GWUP (Society for the Scientific Investigation of the Paranormal). The editorial stance is critical and skeptical, aiming to provide a scientific and rational perspective on alleged paranormal phenomena.

Main Articles and Themes

PSI-Agenten and Mind Control

The central theme of this issue is the intersection of psychic abilities (PSI) and mind control, particularly in the context of alleged military research. The magazine critically reviews a book by Ernst Meckelburg, which attempts to link quantum physics with parapsychology and claims that human brains are manipulated by "secret weapons" and "psycho-technical facilities." The authors of CENAP REPORT dismiss Meckelburg's work as "Para-Müll" (Para-trash) and criticize his selective use of scientific concepts to support his theories.

The article delves into Meckelburg's interpretations of quantum physics, including the Copenhagen and Many-Worlds interpretations, and his claims about the influence of consciousness on matter. It highlights the skepticism of prominent physicists like Niels Bohr, Erwin Schrödinger, Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker, Heisenberg, and David Bohm regarding such claims. The magazine argues that Meckelburg misinterprets scientific theories to fit his paranormal agenda.

It also examines Meckelburg's discussion of alleged "PSI-Agenten" and military research into psychic phenomena, citing examples like Uri Geller, Nina Kulagina, and the Soviet psychotronic research. The article debunks claims about Uri Geller's abilities, pointing to investigations by James Randi. It also critiques the research of John Hasted, who claimed to have observed psychokinetic abilities, and questions the scientific validity of such claims.

The magazine also touches upon CIA projects related to mind control, such as Project Bluebird, Artichoke, MK/ULTRA, and MK/DELTA, and the alleged use of psychological warfare and subliminal suggestion. It notes that many of these projects, despite significant investment, reportedly failed to yield practical results.

Crop Circles: Hoaxes and Investigations

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the phenomenon of crop circles. The article "Doug: Das Problem sind all diese verdammten Schwindler, die unsere echten Kreise nachmachen" (Doug: The problem is all these damned swindlers who are faking our real circles) critically examines the crop circle phenomenon, particularly in England. It references John Macnish's book "Cropcircle Apocalypse," which he describes as the "last chapter in an exciting story consisting of fantasy, deception, and foolishness."

The magazine details several investigations into crop circles, including those involving alleged sightings of UFOs and strange sounds. It highlights instances where alleged crop circle formations were later exposed as hoaxes, such as the "Operation Blackbird" and the "Butleigh Wooton" circle. The article points out that many of the sensational claims surrounding crop circles were fabricated or misinterpreted, often by individuals seeking media attention or promoting their own agendas.

It discusses the role of media in sensationalizing crop circles, citing examples of BBC and Nippon TV productions that, despite sophisticated equipment, ultimately revealed the artificial nature of some formations. The magazine emphasizes the skepticism of investigators and the exposure of fraudulent claims, such as the confession by Dave Harris that his UFO sighting and crop circle creation story were fabricated.

The article also touches upon the work of researchers like George Wingfield and the alleged involvement of government agencies in understanding the phenomenon, suggesting that the complexity and media attention surrounding crop circles have led to a proliferation of theories, some of which are dismissed as "Land Art" (landscape art).

Military Applications and ELF Waves

The magazine briefly discusses the military applications of Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) waves, used for communication with submarines. It notes the secretive nature of this research and its potential implications for military strategy, particularly in the context of nuclear submarines.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CENAP-REPORT consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards paranormal claims. It emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor, evidence-based investigation, and rational explanation. The magazine actively debunks sensationalist theories and exposes hoaxes, particularly in the fields of PSI phenomena and crop circles. The editorial stance is to challenge unsubstantiated claims and to promote a grounded, scientific understanding of these topics, often contrasting them with the perceived irrationality of belief-based approaches. The magazine highlights the role of media in both promoting and debunking these phenomena.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated June/July 1995, delves into the complex world of crop circles and UFO sightings, focusing on the creators behind many of these phenomena and the subsequent media and scientific reactions. The main cover story, "D&D: DIE HERREN DER RINGE" (D&D: The Lords of the Rings), introduces Doug and Dave, the artists responsible for numerous crop circle formations.

The Art of Deception: D&D and the Crop Circle Phenomenon

The article details how Doug and Dave (D&D) began their crop circle art in 1978, initially creating formations that were mistaken for evidence of unknown intelligences. Their work gained significant attention in 1981 with the creation of three flattened circles near Winchester, sparking widespread 'Circlemania.' Researchers like Dr. Terence Meaden were initially convinced by these formations, proposing meteorological explanations, but D&D's intention was to make people believe the circles were caused by UFOs or supernatural forces.

D&D admitted to creating most of the circles but acknowledged that other groups had copied their idea, even leaving a message in a field stating "COPYCATS." Their "Mr.Curlyman" pattern, created in 1991 under a full moon, was particularly praised by experts for its authenticity. The magazine highlights how D&D, along with other groups like "Spiderman, the Snake & Catwoman" and "IPS," deliberately created complex patterns to fool researchers and the public.

Investigator John Macnish played a key role in uncovering the truth. He documented D&D's activities, using hidden cameras and surveillance equipment. Macnish and Ken Brown, initially believers, became skeptics after realizing the extent of the deception. They aimed to expose the truth behind the crop circles and monitor D&D's activities in 1992.

The article also discusses a crop circle competition organized by Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, which D&D declined to participate in, preferring to operate under their own rules. Despite this, D&D did create a large pictogram near Aston Rowant to mock the competition. The quality of these human-made circles was so high that many experts, including CCCS, accepted them as genuine.

Debunking UFO Sightings

The magazine also addresses several UFO sightings, critically examining the evidence. The "Viborg UFO" case is presented as an example of misinterpretation. A photograph from Viborg, Denmark, taken in 1974, was widely believed to be a spaceship. However, the article, referencing an investigation by SUFOI and Ole Henningsen, reveals the object to be steam from the Viborg thermal power plant. The initial interpretation by Illobrand von Ludwiger is criticized as pseudoscientific.

Another case involves alleged sightings of a "flying humanoid" in Seuzach, Switzerland, in 1994. The report notes that such sightings are rare and that the object was described as dark and humanoid-like.

The CIA and Intelligence Failures

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the failures of the US intelligence agencies, particularly the CIA. The article "Pleiten, Pech und..." (Failures, Bad Luck, and...) highlights scandals involving double agents like Aldrich Ames and the CIA's inability to anticipate major events like Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the collapse of the Soviet Union. CIA Director James Woolsey faces criticism for his leadership, with suggestions that the agency is ill-equipped for the post-Cold War era.

The article details how the CIA failed to detect Ames's espionage for years, leading to the deaths of US agents. It also points out the agency's struggles in places like Somalia and Haiti. Senator Howard Metzenbaum and Dennis DeConcini are quoted expressing strong criticism of the CIA's effectiveness and its need for fundamental cultural change.

Book Review: "Geheimhaltung" (Secrecy)

The issue includes a review of the book "Geheimhaltung" by Helmut Lammer and Oliver Sidla. The reviewer, Klaus Rümmler, finds the book's arguments and facts to be inconsistent, despite its extensive bibliography and documentation. The book is criticized for presenting a biased view, portraying skeptics as collaborators in a UFO cover-up. The reviewer also points out factual errors in the book, such as misidentifying a P-51 Mustang as a jet aircraft and inaccuracies in astronomical descriptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CENAP REPORT consistently promotes a skeptical and rational approach to phenomena like crop circles and UFO sightings. The editorial stance is clear: to expose deception, debunk unsubstantiated claims, and highlight the role of media and certain organizations in creating and perpetuating myths. The magazine emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and scientific investigation, contrasting it with the uncritical acceptance of paranormal explanations by some.

The recurring themes include the deliberate use of disinformation, the unreliability of eyewitness accounts, the manipulation of public perception through media, and the need to distinguish between genuine mysteries and human-made hoaxes. The magazine appears to be a platform for 'lay researchers' who challenge established narratives and seek to uncover the 'truth' behind these phenomena.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated June/July 1995, presents a comprehensive overview of the UFOlogical landscape as reflected in the press, titled "UFOLOGISCHER BLICK IN DIE PRESSE-LANDSCHAFT" (Ufological View of the Press Landscape).

Media Analysis and Critiques

The magazine begins by examining various media reports on UFOs. It notes an article in FOCUS about Erich von Däniken, who, despite selling over 51 million books, claims not to be rich and attributes the 'astronaut-god' concept to earlier science fiction literature. The Austrian magazine NEWS is highlighted for an article titled "Austria Searching for ET," which promised a comprehensive list of NASA-registered phenomena, a claim the report finds unsubstantiated in German reality. Typical Austrian UFOlogists like Felix Maschek (who believes UFOs are terrestrial beings created by aliens to distract from themselves), Ferry Radax, and Manfred Stein (who built a landing strip for UFOs) are presented.

A MICKY MAUS special issue is criticized for encouraging children to create their own UFO photos, which the report sees as adding fuel to the fire of UFO beliefs.

DER SPIEGEL's article "Modischer Wahn" (Fashionable Delusion) is discussed in relation to psychological phenomena, specifically Multiple Personality Disorder (MPS), which is described as reaching epidemic proportions in America and affecting many in Germany. The article questions the therapeutic methods used and the concept of repressed memories, suggesting that false memories can be implanted under hypnosis, which has implications for abduction research.

Another SPIEGEL article, "Traumland des Todes" (Dreamland of Death), is mentioned for its focus on foreign armament and its connection to Area 51, noting the presence of eccentrics and paranoids around the secret site.

BILD DER WISSENSCHAFT is praised for its article on the "dark myths of the Maya," which explored their astronomical knowledge and celestial observations. The magazine also featured a debate on "Science in Cotton Wool: Does Pseudoscience Have an Easier Time on Television?" involving ARD Program Director Dr. Günter Struve.

Skepticism and Debunking

The report highlights the German Research Foundation's President, Wolfgang Frühwald, who criticized the ARD's UFO show for being entertainment disguised as science, leading to information deficits and a skewed perspective. He emphasizes the need for scientific journalism to explain complex topics rather than just sensationalize them.

A significant debunking effort by GEP and GWUP colleagues is detailed concerning a UFO photo case involving Fehrenbach. MUFON-CES had prematurely hailed the photo as authentic, but the GEP team identified the object as a model, exposing the reputational damage to the ufological academics involved.

Unidentified Submerged Objects (USOs)

The issue dedicates a substantial section to Unidentified Submerged Objects (USOs), particularly in Norwegian waters. Reports from the Royal Norwegian Department of Foreign Affairs are cited, categorizing sightings and noting that many are attributed to unidentified foreign submarines. Several incidents are described, including a 'ghost rocket' crashing into Mjosa Lake in 1947, a disk-shaped object crashing into the Lågen River in 1952, and encounters in the Alta Fjord and Sogne Fjord involving objects exhibiting unusual speed and behavior. The report questions whether these are indeed submarines or something else operating in both atmospheric and aquatic environments.

A particularly striking report details the Swedish Navy's mistaken identification of mink swimming in the water as U-boat propeller noise, leading to a costly phantom hunt for over fifteen years. This incident is presented as a major embarrassment for the Swedish military and political establishment.

UFO News and Developments

Several brief news items cover international UFO-related activities:

• US President Bill Clinton's executive order to declassify government documents after 25 years is mentioned, with no UFO references found in released CIA documents.
• Kevin Randle's book "A History Of UFO Crashes" is noted, with thanks extended to skeptics like Philip Klass.
• A funding committee (FUFOR, MUFON, CUFOS) rejected a request for funds to investigate claims about Glenn Dennis's alleged ET nurse, advising the researcher to first ensure the existence of evidence.
• The formation of an "Elite Foundation" funded by Laurence Rockefeller is announced, aiming to promote the UFO phenomenon internationally.
• Disney World's "Tomorrowland" attraction "Alien Encounters and Extraterrestrial Experience" is discussed, along with plans for a "UFO Summit."
• The concept of "UFOs in Cyberspace" is explored, highlighting the potential for information gathering but also the risks of misinformation and ego-driven contributions in online forums.
• MUFON's UFO Information Center in Seguin, Texas, is mentioned for its photo exhibitions and archives.
• The 4th Scientific Conference of the GUS-ufological community in Moscow is reported, where speakers noted the negative influence of the UFO phenomenon on the population.
• A critique of Russian UFO publications is presented, with Vladimir Musinsky lamenting the prevalence of mysticism and pseudoscience over factual reporting.
• Concerns are raised about the business practices of some UFO researchers, particularly regarding the alleged privatization and sale of sensitive documents.
• The Roswell incident is revisited, with discussions about the location of the alleged crash site and the ongoing sale of alleged UFO footage.

Specific Case Studies and Analysis

• Fehrenbach Photo Hoax: The report details how Lüdenscheid UFO researchers Hans-Werner Peiniger and Gerald Mosbleck debunked a photograph of a flying object in Fehrenbach, Germany, by identifying it as a toy. This exposed the incompetence of UFO authors who had promoted it as genuine.
• Roswell Incident Details: The report touches upon various aspects of the Roswell incident, including conflicting accounts of the crash site location, the efforts to establish a UFO museum, and the potential involvement of a "sexual harassment" claim related to a nurse, which might have been a cover for other events.
• Roswell Alien Film: The sale of alleged Roswell alien autopsy footage is discussed, with the company MASTERVISION marketing it as original, unedited material. However, caveats are issued regarding the film's authenticity and its exact recording date. The report also notes skepticism from some researchers, like Kent Jeffrey, who believe the film to be a fake. The possibility that the 'alien' might be a deformed human or a staged body is raised.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of media coverage of UFO phenomena, the distinction between scientific investigation and pseudoscience, the debunking of hoaxes, and the persistent public fascination with UFOs and related mysteries like USOs and the Bermuda Triangle. The editorial stance appears to favor a rigorous, evidence-based approach to UFOlogy, while acknowledging the challenges posed by sensationalism, misinformation, and the commercialization of the topic. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between factual reporting and speculative or fabricated accounts.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated June/July 1995 (Issue 224), focuses heavily on the controversial Roswell alien autopsy film that was broadcast on the German television channel RTL. The magazine delves into the background of the film, the individuals involved, and the public's reaction, while also exploring broader themes in ufology and media sensationalism.

Roswell-Alien-Film on RTL

The lead story details the broadcast of the Roswell alien autopsy film on RTL's 'Extra' magazine on June 26, 1995, which attracted 3.7 million viewers. The article highlights that UFO topics, once relegated to the end of programs, are now being given more prominence due to past successes like the ARD show 'UFOs: Und es gibt sie doch'. The promotion for the RTL broadcast involved major German tabloids like BILD, BZ, and EXPRESS, with EXPRESS being particularly bold in its coverage.

The film purportedly shows the autopsy of a 1.50-meter-tall, hairless, gray-white alien with a large head, six toes, and large black eyes. The footage was allegedly filmed by military cameraman Jack Barnett, who later sold the rights to producer Ray Santilli for $150,000. Santilli is described as employing a sophisticated marketing strategy to maximize profits, including releasing information piecemeal.

Several experts weigh in on the film's authenticity. Johannes von Buttlar, a UFO expert with 30 years of research experience, states that he saw 28 minutes of the black-and-white film in London and believes it to be authentic material, though he acknowledges it could be the "brilliantest forgery of all time." He notes the alien's body is bloated, its organs are not human-like, and its head is significantly larger than a human's. Dark fluid is seen emerging from cuts during the autopsy.

Philip Mantle, also a UFO researcher, is impressed by the footage, describing the extracted brain as "not convoluted, like our brains, it is completely smooth." However, the article also notes that SPIEGEL had previously called von Buttlar a charlatan, questioning his credibility.

RTL's team, led by Karlheinz König, had previously viewed some of the autopsy footage and found it "not entirely convincing" due to its quality. König also recognized Santilli's marketing strategy to inflate prices, stating that RTL would not participate in such tactics.

The broadcast itself reportedly showed little new material beyond the images seen in newspapers and a brief shot of a six-fingered alien hand. The article criticizes the sensationalist approach of the boulevard magazines, noting that factual arguments and documents were downplayed to maintain "suspense" for the viewers.

Expert Opinions and Skepticism

The article quotes Johannes von Buttlar's exclusive report for EXPRESS, where he describes witnessing the autopsy of a humanoid alien. He details the alien's physical characteristics, including its size, lack of human organs, large head, six toes, and the dark fluid that emerged. He also notes the time of the autopsy (between 10 AM and 12 PM) and the presence of two doctors in protective suits handling organs in glass containers.

Von Buttlar believes the material is authentic, citing investigations that support this. He also mentions that TV stations have offered Santilli $50 million for excerpts, but Santilli is holding out for more.

The magazine also addresses the 'Project Mogul' balloon explanation for the Roswell incident, with von Buttlar dismissing it as incorrect, stating it was "only in 1949." This date is later contradicted by the article, which notes the Roswell incident occurred in 1947.

Glenn Dennis is also mentioned as a source, reporting that aliens had "two ear openings" on each side of their heads and their "faces were not outwardly curved, but inwardly." These details are not visible in the provided footage.

Media and Sensationalism

The article criticizes the media's handling of the UFO topic, particularly the boulevard press, for sensationalizing the Roswell event. It points out inaccuracies, such as the date of the crash being cited as July 8th when the discovery was on June 14th, and the placement of radio telescopes in the film far from the actual crash site. The magazine suggests that the goal is to create "suspense" rather than present factual reporting.

It is noted that the editor of the magazine was surprised not to be featured in the RTL broadcast, with the explanation being that the producer wanted to avoid critical arguments that would spoil the "suspense."

Other Content

The issue also includes a table of contents listing various articles and features, including book reviews on "UFO-Geheilkallung," discussions on "UFOs in the News," a look at "The Mystery of the USOS," and "Roswell-Alien-Film News." There is also a mention of a "Dampf-Raumschiff von Viborg, Dänemark" and a review of a "UFO-Beweis-Foto."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the Roswell incident, the authenticity of the alien autopsy film, the role of media in sensationalizing UFO phenomena, and the marketing strategies employed by those involved in the UFO community. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination, acknowledging the public's fascination with UFOs while simultaneously questioning the validity of the evidence presented and highlighting the potential for hoaxes and commercial exploitation. There is a clear distinction drawn between sensationalist boulevard journalism and scientific investigation, with the magazine positioning itself as a more critical and analytical source.