CENAP Report - No 234

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: Nr. 234, 6/96
Date: July/August 1996
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, Germany's oldest and most extensive UFO journal, focuses on "Projekt 1947: CIA und UFOs" (Project 1947: CIA and UFOs), offering a critical look into the real X-Files. The cover features an image of two figures observing a glowing oval object in the sky, alongside the headline and the "AKTE E" logo.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The magazine is published by CENAP, an independent, non-commercial organization founded in 1976 dedicated to receiving, analyzing, and evaluating reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). CENAP positions itself critically within the UFO field, aiming to prevent ufological cultism and provide material for rational analysis. It is integrated into the GWUP (Society for Scientific Investigation of Para-Science). The issue includes contact information for the publisher Werner Walter and case investigator Hansjürgen Köhler, as well as a hotline number.

Letters and Testimonials

The editorial section includes letters from readers and academics. Friedrich Mahler from Stuttgart expresses that CENAP's goal of demystifying UFOs is successful with open-minded individuals, but unlikely to sway 'swarm minds.' Professor Dr. Gerald Eberlein of TU Munich commends CENAP as an example of how controversial phenomena can be critically examined using scientific methods outside of mainstream academic institutions.

Projekt 1947: CIA and UFOs

The main article details "Project 1947," a US-based research initiative led by Jan Aldrich, dedicated to analyzing the 1947 UFO wave. The project has reviewed over 3,300 newspaper articles and sought information from radio archives and newsreels. Aldrich's research, involving USAF histories and intelligence summaries from Maxwell AFB, suggests no evidence of a cover-up regarding UFO studies. He found that intelligence agencies at the time employed methods similar to modern UFO investigators, such as media monitoring. Aldrich concluded that the historical facts of the UFO phenomenon are often obscured by fantastical claims in the modern UFO field. He also noted that the delay in releasing some documents was due to budget cuts and personnel reductions rather than hiding secrets.

The article touches upon the "Indianer Jones" (Indiana Jones) approach to research, where historical facts are often buried in dusty archives, making them difficult to find. Aldrich identified 44 documents that were not cataloged but found by chance.

Historical Context and Misinterpretations

An excerpt from the McAllen Valley Evening Monitor (Texas) from July 9, 1947, is cited, discussing the 1896/1897 airship panic. It recounts how a reporter fabricated a story about a large airship over Denton, which then led to widespread sightings, later admitted to be pure invention.

Aldrich also highlights findings from the MUFON UFO Journal concerning a weather research project in the summer of 1947. This project involved numerous descending radiosondes and weather balloons across North America, some of which were mistaken for UFOs. The article notes that pranksters also released balloons, contributing to confusion.

The Alaska Connection

Jan Aldrich's research into the Alaskan Air Command and other related units has uncovered significant UFO-related events from the late 1940s. Wendelle C. Stevens' videos, "UFOs: The Evidence," are mentioned, detailing a "first UFO detection project" in Alaska aimed at intercepting objects entering from the polar region. A special team of technicians equipped B-29 reconnaissance aircraft with advanced gear. Stevens, leading the project, reported frequent sightings of unusual objects, which he recorded and sent to the Pentagon. These objects were described as disc-shaped, moving above and below earthly aircraft, landing on ice floes, entering and exiting water, and exhibiting speeds far beyond known terrestrial technology.

These reports contributed to an early understanding of the UFO phenomenon by the ATIC, leading to a report on September 23, 1947. Barry Greenwood of JUST CAUSE confirmed receiving documents but found no mention of 'Stevens' in relation to the Roswell incident, only other, more common UFO cases.

Historical Data and Cold War Tensions

Documents from the Alaskan Air Command's history in 1949 mention sightings of unidentified aircraft over Gambell, attributed to Russian planes. Other observations were linked to weather reconnaissance flights. Unusual phenomena on August 21/22, 1949, including radar disturbances, barometer drops, and light/sound events, were attributed to the explosion of a Russian atomic bomb. The issue also notes persistent disruption of US radio and radar by Russian interference transmitters.

The article emphasizes that these events occurred within the context of the Cold War, with the US and Russia engaged in a strategic game, making national security the highest priority.

UFO Incidents in Alaska (1950)

Recorded "historical data" from the first half of 1950 details intriguing incidents attributed to "foreign sources." A significant radio interference event on January 6-7, 1950, caused a total communication breakdown between the Alaskan Air Command and Offutt AFB during a SAC maneuver. On January 26, 1950, Lt. Col. Lester F. Mathison observed three reddish-orange objects near Elmendorf AFB, described as small and fast-moving. Later, three F-80 jets were reported in the same area, but intelligence officers concluded the objects were not jets, possibly due to the lack of contrails. On April 19, four military personnel at Elmendorf AFB witnessed two green lights with greenish trails. A subsequent report mentioned an unidentified trace, typical of sightings in the control area. On May 5, 1950, five airmen observed an unusual reddish-orange light hovering for five minutes before disappearing. These events were often explained as misidentifications of balloons, aircraft, or celestial bodies, despite their "secret" or "confidential" classification, which was deemed necessary due to the sensitive information regarding Soviet capabilities and US defense vulnerabilities.

Project MOGUL and the Roswell Incident

The article revisits Project MOGUL, suggesting that the debris from the Roswell crash might have been related to balloon launches from this project. Bruce Ashcroft, a historian at the National Air Intelligence Center (NAIC), concluded after extensive research that the Roswell case did not involve extraterrestrial machines, materials, or bodies. His investigation included reviewing Air Force records from 1947-1951 and consulting with UFO researchers and experts. Ashcroft found no evidence in the classified archives of the Air Force or the Military Records Center to support the Roswell legend. He also examined special budget releases for the period and found nothing. His inquiries at the Aeromedical Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB also yielded no information about alien bodies.

Ashcroft's research suggests that the Roswell incident was a "non-event" that was largely ignored by the Air Force due to the sheer volume of similar, harmless sightings of weather balloons and other objects at the time. He points out that even everyday objects like Venus have been mistaken for UFOs by experienced pilots.

Wright-Patterson AFB and the 'Little Green Men'

The article discusses the presence of "little green men" at Wright-Patterson AFB, clarifying that these are not aliens but individuals in military uniforms. Scott and Jones were invited to the base and learned about the 25th anniversary of the Blue Book project's conclusion, attended by former directors. They also learned about the base's history, including its use as a POW camp for German soldiers. A mural depicting a large goblin was mentioned as a potential piece of "war art."

Ashcroft found no evidence to support ufological folklore about aliens at the base. He also addressed the notion that Project Blue Book was merely a PR stunt to distract from other UFO projects, stating that this rumor is untrue, according to Hector Quintanilla.

CIA and UFOs: An All-Office Memo

A CIA memorandum from February 6, 1953, from Alan M. Waffield to all CIA Bureau Chiefs, addressed the topic of Unidentified Flying Objects. The memo was for "general information" to inform CIA department heads worldwide about the significance of UFOs to the agency. It referenced conclusions from a panel of scientific consultants who evaluated the potential threat of UFOs to national security. The panel found no indication that UFOs posed a direct physical threat or necessitated a revision of current scientific concepts. However, it warned that the continued reporting of UFOs could threaten the functioning of national protective organs by creating communication blockages, leading to ignorance of real threats, and fostering a morbid national psychology susceptible to enemy propaganda. The memo recommended that national security agencies strip UFOs of their special status and aura of mystery, and implement policies for intelligence, training, and public education to prepare the country to recognize and react to genuine hostile threats.

The Crash of El Indio

The article investigates an alleged UFO crash near the Texas-Mexican border on December 6, 1950, near El Indio, Texas, and Guerrero, Mexico, which was reportedly covered up by a joint US-Mexican military operation. Dennis Stacy's four-year investigation for OMNI's "Project Open Book" is detailed. The El Indio crash was mentioned in the alleged MJ-12 documents, linking it to the Roswell incident. Stacy's research, including interviews with locals, yielded no concrete evidence of a UFO crash. He found that the "hole" described was a natural depression, and most older residents had no recollection of such an event.

Historical Accounts and Misidentification

Further investigation into the El Indio case involved examining historical records. A 1944 aircraft crash near Guerrero, Mexico, involving two pilots, was documented. This incident, initially shrouded in secrecy due to friendly fire, was later revealed to be a mundane aviation accident. It is suggested that this event may have been the origin of subsequent UFO rumors in the Rio Grande region.

Damage Control and Roswell

The article discusses a GAO investigation into the Roswell incident, which found that the Telex messages from the Roswell Army Air Field (RAAF) for the relevant period were missing, presumed destroyed. This led some to believe that these messages contained crucial information about the event. However, the GAO also searched records from the 8th Air Force, SAC, and AAF-HQ, finding no incoming messages related to the Roswell incident. The article dismisses the idea of a perfect cover-up, suggesting that communication also occurred via telephone and that the Air Force had a policy of destroying unimportant records after two years.

The investigation into Project MOGUL, a classified Air Force experimental project, revealed no CIA involvement, as it was an internal project. The article criticizes the conspiratorial mindset that assumes the CIA would be involved in such domestic operations.

Roswell: A Non-Event?

Regarding the Roswell incident, the article argues that it was a "negligible non-event" in 1947. The Air Force identified the recovered material as meteorological equipment, specifically radar reflectors from weather balloons, which are frequently misidentified as UFOs. The article suggests that the sheer volume of such sightings at the time made it impractical to document each one as a "Roswell incident."

Document Insight: USAF Briefing on UFOs

Philip J. Klass's report in Skeptics UFO Newsletter highlights a statement by Col. H. M. McCoy, Chief of Intelligence for the USAF Air Materiel Command, made in March 1948. McCoy stated that the USAF would offer a substantial reward if a UFO were recovered in an area where it could be studied, implying that no such event had occurred or been confirmed. This statement was made during a briefing for the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board (AFSAB), a panel of top scientists. The article questions the credibility of claims that the Roswell wreckage was recovered and studied, given McCoy's statement and the lack of any mention of it in the AFSAB meeting minutes.

Green Fireballs and Pentagon Concerns

The issue mentions a series of sightings of "green fireballs" in New Mexico in 1948, which caused concern among Pentagon intelligence officers due to their proximity to sensitive military nuclear development facilities. The article suggests that if the authorities had known about an alien craft crash near Roswell in mid-1947, they would have had reason to fear that such incidents were related.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, a recurring theme is the critical examination of UFO phenomena, distinguishing between factual evidence and speculative claims. CENAP's editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism towards sensationalism and a preference for rational, scientific investigation. The magazine aims to provide readers with information and analysis to help them understand the complexities of the UFO mystery without falling prey to unfounded beliefs or cult-like thinking. The articles consistently emphasize the importance of evidence, official documentation, and logical reasoning in assessing UFO reports. The issue highlights the challenges of historical research, the potential for misidentification, and the influence of Cold War politics on the perception and handling of UFO information.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated July/August 1995, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, with a strong focus on government secrecy, official investigations, and the skepticism surrounding UFOlogy. The publication appears to be a German-language magazine dedicated to critical analysis of UFO reports and related topics.

Dialog über die Regierungs-Vertuschung (Dialog about Government Cover-up)

This section explores the pervasive theme of government conspiracy in UFO literature. It details a meeting convened by NICAP member Stuart Nixon in 1973 with former CIA Assistant Director Harold H. Cooper and John O. Coyle, a research specialist from the Naval Operations office. The discussion highlights how government agencies often dismiss or ignore information they cannot immediately comprehend, citing the Soviet Sputnik launch as an example of a situation where the US government was caught off guard despite prior warnings. Cooper and Coyle suggest that the government only takes UFOs seriously when physical evidence, such as a crashed craft, is presented. They also discuss how seemingly unauthorized projects, like the Sidewinder missile system, can emerge from practical problem-solving outside of bureaucratic channels. Cooper posits that the government's interest in UFOs is limited to intellectual curiosity unless there is a direct threat to national security. Coyle adds that the government's stance is that the phenomenon is not a threat, at best causing occasional hysteria. He also notes that the government's efficient control over large numbers of people involved in secret projects is questionable.

UFOlogy and Official Investigations

The magazine critically examines several official and semi-official UFO investigation bodies. It discusses the French GEPAN (later SEPRA), established in 1977, which was initially led by Dr. Claude Poher. GEPAN's achievements are noted, including debunking the Aluche UFO photos. However, Poher's departure and subsequent leadership by Alain Esterle and then Jean-Jacques Velasco are presented with skepticism, particularly Velasco's lack of professional scientific background and his meeting with Philip Klass. The article points out that GEPAN's staff was very small, comparable to the understaffed Blue Book project in the US. The renaming to SEPRA and the expansion of its scope to include fireballs and satellite debris are mentioned. Velasco's book 'UFOs: Science In Progress' is criticized by SOS OVNI for lacking scientific rigor. The article notes that GEPAN's work was a reaction to the 1974/1975 UFO wave and that the French Ministry of Defense had accumulated many UFO-related files since 1971. The role of Alain Esterle in investigating the Trans-en-Provence case is mentioned, with the GEPAN report offering no conventional explanation. The article questions the practical investigative experience of GEPAN personnel, suggesting they rely heavily on theoretical analysis and statistics rather than fieldwork. The magazine also touches upon the work of Jean-Pierre Petit and his 'Magneto-Hydro-Dynamics' research, aiming to build an 'Aerodyne' model to understand UFO propulsion.

Criticism of MUFON and UFO Researchers

The issue includes a critical look at MUFON (Mutual UFO Network), particularly MUFON-CES. The magazine questions the depth of MUFON's research potential, despite its extensive organizational structure. It highlights a letter from J.R. Gillis, a State Section Director for MUFON, expressing concern about members' lack of commitment and availability for actual research. Gillis advocates for stricter requirements for UFO investigators, including mandatory adherence to the MUFON Field Investigators Manual and completion of training courses. The article also discusses the work of Michael Hesemann, a German UFO researcher, whose methods and claims are questioned. Hesemann's comparison of Kent Jeffrey's work to 'toilet paper' and his threats of legal action against critics are noted. The magazine criticizes the tendency of some UFO researchers to focus on statistics and theories without engaging in practical case investigations, drawing parallels to the 'hypothetical calculations' of theoretical UFO researchers.

Specific Cases and Controversies

Several specific UFO cases and controversies are examined:

• Cuban Jets and UFO (1967): The account of two Cuban MiG jets pursuing a UFO, resulting in the destruction of one jet, is presented. The article notes that the UFO was described as a bright metallic sphere without markings and that attempts at radio contact were unsuccessful. The incident was reportedly covered up by the USAF as an 'equipment failure'.
• Trindade Island Photos (1958): The famous four-picture series taken off the coast of Trindade Island, Brazil, is discussed. While praised by some UFO proponents as significant evidence, the article presents a skeptical view, citing Dr. Donald H. Menzel's earlier analysis that questioned the authenticity of the photos, suggesting they might be manipulated.
• Rockefeller and UFOs: The issue mentions Laurance Rockefeller's financial support for a UFO research project, including a 169-page documentation titled 'UFO Briefing Document: The Best Available Evidence'. The article notes Rockefeller's interest in government records on UFOs but also his skepticism about the findings of the report he funded. The report itself is presented as a compilation of 18 'best UFO cases', which the magazine dismisses as unconvincing.
• Chupacabras: The phenomenon of the 'Chupacabras' (goat-sucker) is discussed, with reports of its appearance in the USA and Mexico after its initial emergence in Puerto Rico. The article notes the media attention and public hysteria surrounding these alleged attacks on animals.
• Bob Shell's Expulsion from MUFON: The incident where Bob Shell, a supporter of the Santilli alien autopsy film, was removed from a MUFON conference is detailed. Shell's account suggests internal conflicts and a lack of professionalism within MUFON.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP REPORT are skepticism towards official UFO investigations, a critical examination of UFO research methodologies, and a focus on debunking sensational claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning the motives and competence of both official bodies and many UFO researchers. The magazine emphasizes the importance of practical, on-the-ground investigation and highlights the perceived lack of scientific rigor in much of the UFO literature. There is a clear distrust of unsubstantiated claims and a preference for evidence-based analysis, often pointing out inconsistencies and potential hoaxes within the UFO field. The publication seems to position itself as a voice of reason against what it views as excessive speculation and 'sectarianism' within the UFO community.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated July/August 1995, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, with a particular focus on the popular television series "The X-Files" and its connection to real-world UFO events and theories. The magazine explores the intersection of fiction and reality in the portrayal of UFOs and government conspiracies, while also examining specific cases and the growing influence of the internet in the field.

The X-Files and the Reality of the UFO Baron

The lead article, "Die X-Akten und die Realität des UFO-Barons" (The X-Files and the Reality of the UFO Baron), discusses how the TV series "The X-Files" has brought UFO phenomena into the mainstream. It notes that the show, while fictional, taps into public fascination with the unexplained and reflects a societal zeitgeist of paranoia and distrust. The article highlights the series' use of pseudo-documentary style and its ability to mirror societal anxieties. It also touches upon the series' success in blending mystery with relatable characters, making the paranormal accessible to a wider audience. The creators' intent is described as feeding into government paranoia and questioning authority, rather than overthrowing it.

Media and UFOs: Hollywood's Influence

The issue examines how Hollywood has capitalized on UFO themes, with films like "Independence Day" and the "X-Files" phenomenon driving public interest. It suggests that such media portrayals serve to prepare the public for potential encounters with extraterrestrial intelligence, often framing these events within conspiracy narratives. The article mentions Roland Emmerich's "Independence Day" as a major cinematic event, noting its significant box office expectations and its connection to themes of alien invasion and government cover-ups.

The Santilli Alien Autopsy Film and Roswell

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the controversial Santilli alien autopsy film, purportedly from the 1947 Roswell crash. The article scrutinizes the film, presenting expert opinions that question its authenticity. CENAP experts, along with others, suggest the film may be a fabrication, possibly a staged reproduction. The issue also revisits the Roswell incident itself, discussing the official explanation of a weather balloon versus the persistent claims of a crashed alien spacecraft and government cover-up. The article notes that the US government has been reluctant to release information, citing national security concerns.

Johannes von Buttlar: A Controversial Figure

The magazine extensively critiques the work of UFO author Johannes von Buttlar, particularly his book "Die Außerirdischen von Roswell" (The Aliens of Roswell). Von Buttlar is portrayed as a controversial figure, accused of sensationalism and even title fraud. The article questions his research methods, his reliance on anecdotal evidence, and his claims of uncovering "sensational documents." It highlights criticisms from publications like Der Spiegel, which labeled him a "charlatan," and questions his assertion that the Santilli film is genuine. Von Buttlar's attempts to present himself as a serious researcher are contrasted with his alleged past scandals and his self-proclaimed title of "Man from the Future."

Internet and UFO Research

The role of the internet in UFO research is explored, with a dedicated section on "Cyberspace-News B." The article explains how the internet serves as a global communication network for UFO enthusiasts, providing access to newsgroups and websites dedicated to the topic. It highlights the potential for information sharing but also warns of the challenges in verifying the credibility of online content. Specific newsgroups like alt.conspiracy.area51 and alt.ufo.reports are mentioned, along with various UFO-related websites and search engines.

Other UFO-Related News and Cases

The issue includes various other news items and case discussions. It mentions a report from Brazil about an encounter with a strange being in Varginha, described as smelly and confused. There's also a brief mention of a UFO sighting in Augsburg, which turned out to be a large piece of plastic foil. The magazine also touches upon the growing commercialization of the UFO phenomenon, particularly in Roswell, where tourism related to the alleged crash has become a significant economic driver.

Scientific and Official Perspectives

While focusing on the more sensational aspects of UFO phenomena, the magazine also includes perspectives from official sources and scientists. It notes that the Czech military, for instance, lacks specific regulations for dealing with UFOs, indicating a cautious approach. The article also mentions astrophysicist Helmut Lammer's skepticism towards the Santilli film and his analysis of possible scenarios, including government deception.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the pervasive influence of UFOs in popular culture, particularly through "The X-Files" and Hollywood films. There's a strong emphasis on the alleged government cover-up of UFO incidents, with Roswell serving as a central case study. The magazine also highlights the challenges in discerning truth from fiction in UFO research, critiquing sensationalist claims and questionable authors like Johannes von Buttlar. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to debunk hoaxes while acknowledging the persistent public interest in the UFO phenomenon. The internet is presented as a new frontier for UFO research, albeit one requiring careful navigation. The overall tone is investigative, seeking to separate credible evidence from speculation and media hype.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated July/August 1995, focuses heavily on the Roswell incident and the work of ufologist Johannes von Buttlar. The publication critically examines claims and theories surrounding the alleged 1947 crash, particularly von Buttlar's book, questioning the veracity of witnesses and the evidence presented.

Analysis of Von Buttlar's Work

The article begins by questioning the publisher's choice of the 'Roswell Alien' archetype for the cover, suggesting it relies on recognition value. It delves into claims made by witnesses like Frank Kaufmann, who reportedly saw crash debris and aliens, and photographer Woodrow Jack Rodin, who allegedly photographed them. The report highlights the lack of corroboration for these accounts, noting that many supposed witnesses or their neighbors have no recollection of unusual events. The author points out that von Buttlar himself seems uncertain about the reliability of his sources, particularly Kaufmann, whose personal bibliography is questioned.

The report criticizes von Buttlar for focusing on specific witnesses while overlooking broader inconsistencies. It questions why von Buttlar singles out certain individuals for scrutiny regarding their motives for speaking out, while many other witnesses also have unclear reasons for their accounts. The author suggests that some individuals might be driven by a desire to deceive or gain attention, a common issue in the UFO field.

A significant portion of the critique is directed at von Buttlar's handling of the Santilli film, which he considers a 'clever fake.' Despite this, von Buttlar reportedly takes the cameraman's story seriously enough to investigate. The report finds the cameraman's account of a government retrieval operation involving a low-loader truck transporting a UFO across the USA to be 'completely absurd' and logistically impossible.

Von Buttlar's assertion that the possibility of an object crash between Socorro and Magdalena is supported by 'a series of indications' is challenged. The report states that these are not proofs and that von Buttlar fails to present any concrete evidence. It references an FBI memo from March 1950, which is linked to Frank Scully's fabricated Aztec crash story and has no connection to Roswell. Conversely, an authentic FBI memo from June 1947, printed on page 118, is cited as clarifying the nature of the found object. The report also disputes von Buttlar's claim that the UFO project declared only a small percentage of cases as genuine UFOs, and that the rest were dismissed as psychological issues.

The Roswell Incident and Related Claims

The issue touches upon the idea of 'cosmic wonders' during the time of the alleged crash, acknowledging that some ranchers reported a meteor impact. The area of New Mexico is noted for its 'Green Fireball' phenomenon, and a bright fireball was observed on July 4th, coinciding with a thunderstorm. The legend of the Roswell crash is linked to the discovery of foil-like material on the Foster Ranch.

The 'Fragment' Controversy

A section titled 'Untertassen-Fragment?' (Saucer Fragment?) discusses a small, triangular metal fragment presented to the Roswell International UFO Museum. The visitor who donated it claimed to have received it from a soldier who recovered it from the crash site. The fragment, measuring 65x62x36mm, has an elliptical hole. Analysis at the Bureau of Mines in Socorro revealed a composition of approximately 50% copper and 50% silver on the front, and 87% silver, 12% copper, and 1% trace elements on the back. Dr. Charles Moore, who was involved in Project Mogul, observed the analysis but found no connection to the materials he used.

Max Littell, the museum's treasurer, hopes for further isotopic analysis at Los Alamos National Laboratories to determine if the copper isotopes are terrestrial or extraterrestrial. The report mentions that the donation led to a press release and even a call from talk show host Art Bell. It also notes that several individuals have claimed to be part of the 'recovery team' and to have taken small pieces of the 'disc,' but no evidence has emerged to support these claims.

The report reconstructs the timeline of events, noting that Brazel found the debris on June 14, 1947, but only heard about 'flying saucers' on July 5th. He returned to the 'debris field' and collected material, which he reported to the sheriff on July 7th. Major Jesse Marcel and Captain Sheridan Cavitt visited Brazel's ranch the same day and spent the night to collect more material the following morning. The report questions how a recovery team could have found the site without specific directions, especially if a large amount of material was left behind.

'Where was General Twining?'

This section addresses the speculation surrounding General Nathan F. Twining's involvement in the Roswell incident. Ufologists, including Stanton Friedman and Johannes von Buttlar, suggest Twining, as Commander-General of the Air Materiel Command (AMC), visited the crash site. However, the report refutes this, citing an Army Air Forces HQ memo from June 5, 1947, requesting the General to attend a 'Bomb Commanders Course' at Sandia Base, Albuquerque, from July 8th to 11th. This training was organized by the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) to provide access to atomic weapon information. The report argues that Twining's visit to New Mexico was part of this scheduled course and that his presence at Alamogordo Army Air Field (which was in the vicinity) was logical, not sinister.

General George C. Kenney, Commander of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), was also at this training, which the report suggests explains his lack of public comment during the height of the flying saucer hysteria. The author criticizes ufologists for continuing to interpret events through their own 'metalogic,' stating that 'the absence of proof is not proof of absence.' The Roswell incident is described as an event that continues to haunt the UFO discussion.

Table of Contents Highlights

The table of contents lists several articles and sections, including:

• The Open X-File: Project 1947, The Alaska Connection, Wright-Patterson AFB and Roswell, Little Green Men on W-P, UFOs and the Officials.
• X-File: CIA and UFOs, The Crash of El Indio, Damage Control, Document Inspection, Dialogue about the Conspiracy.
• UFO-News: GEPAN under fire, Caution, Ufologists, Talkmaster Lazar, UFOs over Cuba, Rockefeller and UFOs, CUFOS and the 1958 Saucer, mu-FON: Contactees in the advisory board, Shell's Dismissal, Cyberspace-News.
• The X-Files and Reality of UFO Barons.
• UFOs in the News.
• Roswell-News: Tent Scene on Japanese TV/Von Buttlar's New Book/Fragment?

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims, particularly those related to the Roswell incident, and the scrutiny of prominent ufologists and their sources. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to debunk sensationalist theories and expose what the authors perceive as inconsistencies, fabrications, and disinformation within the UFO community. The report emphasizes the importance of factual evidence, logical reasoning, and scientific investigation, contrasting these with what it terms 'ufological superstition' and 'phantasies.' The authors appear to be advocates for a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding unexplained phenomena, often contrasting it with the speculative and sometimes conspiratorial narratives prevalent in the UFO field.