Data Net - No 25 - 1969

Magazine Overview

Title: DATA-NET CONTROL
Issue: 25
Volume: WB6RPL
Date: February 1969
Publisher: Data-Net
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of DATA-NET CONTROL, a newsletter for radio amateurs interested in the UFO problem, features a detailed investigation into a UFO sighting and analysis of potential evidence. The publication is controlled by Michel M. Jaffe, with Jo Clark as editor and WASRON as assistant controller.

Main Report: South Hill, Virginia Sighting

The lead article details a report from C.N. Crowder, a warehouse manager in South Hill, Virginia, who encountered a strange object on the road. Crowder described the object as an aluminum-colored storage tank, approximately 12 feet in diameter and three to three and a half feet high, sitting on legs. When he switched his headlights to high beam, the object emitted a "tremendous burst of white-looking fire" and shot straight up into the air like a bullet. A section of the road where the object had been sitting caught fire.

NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena) and APRO (Aerial Phenomena Research Organization) reportedly accepted the case as unexplained. The report notes that NICAP sent three investigators, including an assistant director and a physicist from NASA. The author of the DATA-NET report personally investigated the sighting and noted that Crowder described the object as cylindrical, similar in dimensions to a cylindrical fertilizer storage tank located outside his office.

The report also delves into the possibility of a hoax. It highlights the discovery of four completely charred paper matches found on the road, side by side. The author questions how these matches could have remained in place and side by side if they were on the road during the object's takeoff, especially if the blast set the road on fire. The assumption that Crowder, due to his reputation, could not perpetrate a hoax is challenged, drawing a parallel to embezzlers.

Robert Harris, a photographer, took pictures of Crowder by the burned spot. Initially, Harris did not plan to publish the story due to the charred matches, but after being prompted by the publisher of a local weekly paper, he sent the pictures and story to the Richmond papers. Notably, the Richmond papers, NICAP investigators, APRO, and the late Frank Edwards in his last book all omitted the detail about the charred matches.

The author of the DATA-NET report found that only Mr. Crowder himself attached no significance to the matches, suggesting they might have been dropped by the police officers. However, the officers denied this possibility. Crowder smokes cigarettes and lights them with paper matches.

The report also touches upon internal politics within the UFO community, mentioning an attempt by APRO to take over DATA-NET and NICAP's subsequent actions involving Wayne Greene.

Other Reports and Commentary

Jim Wadsworth and the C.U. Committee: The issue includes a correction regarding Jim Wadsworth, stating he was arrested for narcotics violation but not fired from a committee project, apologizing for an erroneous report in the previous issue.

Jacques Vallee's Stance: An account from Northwestern suggests that Jacques Vallee has become disengaged from UFO research, focusing on other problems and expressing an unwillingness to discuss the UFO subject further.

Astrophysics and UFOs: A brief note from Wayne Green discusses the structure of the galaxy and suggests that interstellar traffic might follow galactic arcs. He advises readers to consider that "it is impossible for a bumble-bee to fly" is a scientifically proven impossibility, implying that other seemingly impossible phenomena might be real.

Czech UFO Study: A report from Prague indicates that Czechoslovakia has established an institute to collect data on unidentified flying objects and plans to issue periodic reports.

The Condon Report: The issue extensively quotes from the 1500-page Condon Report, compiled under an Air Force contract. The report concludes that there is "no direct evidence whatever of a convincing nature now exists for the claim that any UFOs represent spacecraft visiting earth from another civilization." It suggests that interstellar travel is highly unlikely and that intelligent life elsewhere is unlikely to contact Earth within the next 10,000 years. The report found no evidence of government secrecy on UFOs and recommended no new federal agency or special Air Force unit for UFO study, suggesting only continued "intelligence and surveillance."

Mystery Metal and the Scorpion: A piece from the Christian Science Monitor details how a small piece of bent metal, possibly not from the nuclear submarine Scorpion, provided the clue that led to the discovery of the submarine's wreckage in the Atlantic Ocean.

Flashlight Rescue: A report from Binghampton, NY, describes how a flashlight beam led to the rescue of 12 men adrift in a life raft for 26 hours after their research vessel sank.

Meteor Event: A report from Chihuahua, Mexico, describes a blinding blue-white fireball, believed to be a meteor, that turned night into day and pounded to earth, causing significant tremors.

Tombstone Sighting: A story from Tombstone, Arizona, recounts a tourist report of several circular, orange-glowing objects flying around, described as "flying saucers."

Space Research Predictions: Dr. Willy Ley predicts that research labs may be operating on Mars and Jupiter's moons by the year 2001, with large manned space stations orbiting Earth within five years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of DATA-NET CONTROL reflects a critical and investigative stance towards UFO reports. While acknowledging the seriousness with which some organizations like NICAP and APRO treat sightings, the publication emphasizes the importance of rigorous analysis, particularly concerning potential hoaxes, as exemplified by the detailed examination of the South Hill case and the charred matches. The editorial tone appears skeptical of unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the commentary on the Condon Report and the questioning of the authenticity of certain UFO photographs. There is a clear effort to present information from various sources, including international reports and scientific studies, while maintaining a discerning perspective on the evidence presented. The publication also highlights internal dynamics and disputes within the UFO research community.

This document, identified as page -11- of a publication, contains several distinct articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, historical accounts, and scientific studies. The primary focus is on a review of the University of Colorado's comprehensive UFO study, which examined historical reports and concluded that many ancient phenomena could be interpreted as unidentified flying objects. The issue also includes a report on a meteorite hunt in Mexico and an editorial expressing a critical view of organized UFO research.

UFO Study Recalls Ancient Stories

This section, reported by Neal Stanford from The Christian Science Monitor (January 28, 1969), discusses the findings of a 3-volume "Scientific Study of UFOs" conducted by a University of Colorado staff directed by Dr. Edward U. Condon. The study included a chapter on "UFOs in History," reviewing unusual and interesting reports from the last 3,500 years. It notes that as recorded history began, reports of strange aerial objects were already part of oral traditions, religion, mythology, and folklore.

The study concludes that ancient "UFO" reports can only be accepted on faith, as there is little objective way to check their accuracy. It also suggests that "ufologists" tend to imbue their accounts with an aura of believability. The article mentions that UFO enthusiasts often refer to UFO reports in the Bible, works by authors like Pliny the Elder and William Shakespeare, ancient manuscripts, and papyrus manuscripts from the Vatican Egyptian Museum.

The piece highlights the modern trend where the burden of proof shifts to the skeptic, who must prove an account is *not* true. An example given is the claim that the "miracle of Fatima" was a flying saucer. The article also references "The Flying Saucer Reader," which presents accounts of communication with extraterrestrials via Ouija boards or telepathy. UFO proponents are cited as interpreting biblical events like the "pillar of fire" as a spaceship, and the Star of Bethlehem as behaving like a UFO. References to "fiery chariots," "angels with wings," and "cherubims" are also suggested to be related to UFOs.

Several historical accounts are presented:

• 213 B.C., Hadria: An altar was seen in the sky with a man in white clothing beside it.
• 220 to 90 B.C.: About a dozen such sightings are recorded.
• 100 B.C.: Pliny, in his "Natural History," reported "strange shields" in the sky.
• Sixth Century: The Compte de Gabalis described spacecraft taking men away from Earth.
• 1270: Gervase of Tilbury reported an aerial craft whose anchor caught a church steeple, and an occupant descended a ladder.
• 1561, Nuremburg: Many people saw colored balls and circular disks that fell and were consumed by fire.
• 1820: Francis Arago described "strange objects moving in straight lines, equally spaced, and moving with military precision" over Embrun, France.
• Charles Fort's Collection: The poet and amateur scientist Charles Fort gathered reports of strange phenomena over 40 years, including a letter from Cotton Mather to the London Royal Society referring to a "star below ye body of ye moon."
• Capiago, Chile: An "aerial construction" emitting light and engine noise, described as a "giant bird with shining eyes."
• March 1870, Atlantic Ocean: A disk surrounded by a halo, with a long tail, was seen flying against the wind from aboard "The Lady of the Lake." The ship's captain drew it.
• 1879, Persian Gulf: Two giant luminous wheels, about 130 feet in diameter, were seen spinning slowly and descending for 35 minutes.

The article notes that a Colorado researcher found an account of extraterrestrial colonists waging nuclear war on Earth to be "completely spurious," tracing the "Book of Dzyan" to Madame Blavatsky's 19th-century "Dzyan Stanzas."

The study suggests that ancient people, lacking scientific understanding, explained mysterious phenomena poetically, dramatically, supernaturally, or mythologically, to fill a "mental vacuum."

Meteorite Hunt Hits Roadblock

This report from J. J. Clark, citing the San Jose Mercury (February 13, 1969), details a roadblock in the search for a large meteorite that fell in northern Mexico. Scientists from the U.S. and Soviet Union converged on Parral, but residents are being stubborn about revealing the meteorite's location. They are concerned about people digging in their crops while they are planting corn and beans.

UFO Report and Rebuttal Are Both Fast-Published

Also from J. J. Clark, referencing the San Jose Mercury-News (February 2, 1969), this section discusses the rapid publication of both the Condon UFO report and an immediate rebuttal. The Condon Committee's 18-month, Air Force-sponsored study was released and published instantly in paperback. Simultaneously, a soft-cover rebuttal titled "UFOs? Yes!" by Dr. David R. Saunders (a former committee member) and R. Roger Harkins was released. The core issue is the Condon committee's dismissal of the possibility of extraterrestrial spacecraft visiting Earth and the value of further scientific research on UFOs.

Dr. Condon's conclusion is presented as controversial, expected to be disputed by UFO amateurs and some academics. The report is compared to the Warren Commission report in its length (nearly 1,000 pages) and technical nature, making it difficult for the average reader. However, the article notes that many chapters, including case histories, opinion polls on UFO credibility, and analyses of perception problems, are fascinating.

The report details incredible natural phenomena mistaken for UFOs and includes a study of UFO photographs. Poll results show that 87% of those who believed they saw a flying saucer had not made an official report, citing reasons like the phenomenon being normal but looking odd, or fear of ridicule.

The book by Saunders and Harkins, written before the report's release but based on an early form, criticizes the Condon Committee. Similar to criticisms of the Warren Report, it suggests that prestigious committee members may have delegated their authority due to other work, leading to insufficient time and superficial examination. The most damaging evidence presented is a memo by project coordinator Robert J. Low, allegedly demonstrating insincerity. Dr. Saunders claims his dismissal was due to accusing project administrators of focusing on "kook and nut" accounts.

Walter J. Sullivan, who wrote the introduction for the Bantam edition of the Condon report, suggests readers compare it with dissenting efforts. He mentions a book by a dismissed former University of Colorado project member and co-author who argue the project was a cover-up to divert attention from the real nature of UFOs. Conversely, John Fuller, who introduced the Saunders-Harkins book, calls it an "eminently readable book" that dramatizes the misuse of taxpayer money and dereliction of scientific duty.

The issue concludes this section by noting the report's own statement: "We do not know whether seeing is believing or believing is seeing." It predicts that UFO enthusiasts will side with Saunders, skeptics with Condon, and the public will remain confused.

Mystery Blasts at Sea

From J. J. Clark, citing the San Jose Mercury (March 5, 1969), this brief report describes the Coast Guard's inability to solve the mystery of rockets and "bluish-white" explosions off Yankee Point near Monterey. Witnesses reported eight or nine rockets, an explosion, shoreline lights, and another explosion at sea. An aircraft search found nothing.

Editorial

By Jo Clark, this editorial expresses disillusionment with organized UFO research groups. The author feels that organizations like the AF, NICAP, APRO, and CU focus on publicizing case histories that support their theories, editing information, and managing their public image rather than compiling comprehensive reports. The AF and CU are seen as trying to prove people are "nuts" or have taken arbitrary sides.

Clark believes the search for truth is a race to "scoop" the big story. NICAP is described as crying "cover-up" to the AF, while APRO suggests it might be the CIA. The author's opinion is that no one truly knows who controls saucers or their origin, and everyone is playing a game of deception.

The editorial proposes that the only way to get answers is to stop blaming others and start organizing a program for direct contact with the saucers themselves.

DATA-NET Information

The end of the document provides information for the DATA-NET staff, including Jo Clark and WB6RPL, thanking readers for their support and encouraging continued contributions. It lists radio frequencies for WB6RPL, KP4CH, and EL2CT. DATA-NET offers a $25 reward for an authentic flying saucer photograph and requests detailed information, camera details, drawings, and witnesses. They also mention books available on loan from their library, including lunar and Martian photos.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical context of UFO sightings, the scientific investigation of UFOs (particularly the Condon Report), the skepticism surrounding UFO claims, and the perceived shortcomings of organized UFO research. The editorial stance, as expressed by Jo Clark, is one of frustration with the current state of UFO research, advocating for a more direct and proactive approach to understanding the phenomenon rather than relying on existing organizations or government studies. There is a clear division presented between scientific skepticism (Condon) and UFO enthusiasm (Saunders, Fuller), with the public left confused. The issue also touches on unrelated news like a meteorite hunt and a sea incident, but these are secondary to the UFO discussions.