Data Net - No 27 - 1969

Magazine Overview

Title: DATA-NET REPORT
Issue: 27
Date: April-May 196?
Publisher: DATA-NET
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the DATA-NET REPORT, published by a group of radio amateurs interested in the UFO problem, addresses publication delays due to the editor's financial difficulties and unexpected dismissal from his job. The newsletter aims to provide a comprehensive net for reporting UFO sightings and amassing data to reach definite conclusions.

Editorial and Content Analysis

The issue opens with an apology from the editor, Michel M. Jaffe, for the delay in publishing Report No. 27, citing personal financial difficulties and lack of access to duplicating equipment following his dismissal from LINK GPI. He expresses a desire to work harder and asks for patience and help from the members.

The newsletter then delves into a critique of previous reports and other UFO organizations. Report No. 24 is mentioned as having contained "plants and baits," and the current issue prints choice letters received in response, along with answers and cross-talk. Riley Crabbe's letter is singled out as "far out," with the editor questioning his assertion that flying saucers are spiritual and cannot be seen, while simultaneously defending photographs of fake sightings. Mr. Greenwell's letter is described as "mismformed" but honest and sincere, though "somewhat over-enthused."

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to criticizing Gordon Lore of NICAP, who is described as "insulting and naive," though later acknowledged as "honest and sincere" but "very young and inexperienced." The editor notes that Lore "knocks our accuracy" but does not deny the fraudulent nature of the Crowder Case, which NICAP allegedly knew about. A "most active Subcommittee Chairman" rated an eight-page NICAP bulletin as "8% accurate."

The financial state of NICAP is also discussed, with a letter from Don Keyhoe stating that NICAP is "on the verge (again) of collapse" due to dwindling membership (8500) and a policy of attacking the Air Force rather than focusing on UFO research. Keyhoe suggests that increased donations and renewals at a new price of $8.00 per year could change this, otherwise, NICAP might fold. The editor contrasts this with NICAP's alleged attempt to make the UFO subject a "financial venture and failed," though later information suggests NICAP received sufficient financial support to continue publishing.

APRO is mentioned as having published three successful books and having a fourth in the making, possibly a movie. However, the editorial stance is that neither NICAP nor APRO, nor DATA-NET itself, has solved any part of the UFO problem.

Gray Barker's letter is noted as making the most sense. The newsletter states that DATA-NET is not primarily interested in whether the Air Force is withholding information, but rather in *why*, and recognizes that the reason must be valid. Similarly, NICAP is accused of withholding data due to "FEAR," and DATA-NET wonders why.

The editorial declares that DATA-NET is not public and reiterates its willingness to cooperate with anyone sincerely interested in solving the UFO problem, emphasizing that it operates at a financial loss and is not driven by monetary gain. The editor humorously requests "money, stamps and sandwiches."

Readers Speak!

The "Readers Speak!" section features several letters:

• Mike: Questions Wayne Green's statement in a previous DATA-NET REPORT about the galaxy's shape, arguing that a "great circle course" is only possible on a spherical universe, contradicting Green's assertion that the universe is not spherical.
• Riley Crabbe (BSRA): Expresses concern that DATA-NET's focus on negative conclusions in flying saucer research might align them with Dr. Condon. He suggests that the orthodox scientific view serves the CIA and implies that Dr. Condon received significant funding for pre-judged conclusions, while DATA-NET receives nothing for a similar approach.
• Jim Lorenzen (APRO): Responds to Riley Crabbe's letter, refuting Crabbe's version of their parting in Alamogordo in 1961. Lorenzen clarifies that his trip around South America was government-financed but not by APRO, and that he gave Condon a "vote of confidence" but did not endorse the report. He disputes Crabbe's interpretation of events and his "deductive philosophy from First Principles."
• Richard Greenwell (APRO): Addresses an inaccuracy in the January newsletter regarding APRO's membership, stating that APRO has a steady average of 4,000 members and expects an increase, while NICAP has double that figure. He questions the source of DATA-NET's information and suggests that errors in reporting membership figures reflect on the credibility of other contents.

Michel Jaffe responds to Richard Greenwell, explaining that the membership information came from a former APRO staff member who was still on their board. He acknowledges that his figures might be estimates based on previous data and offers to print APRO's figures in the next report. Jaffe also defends his editor, Jo Clark, against any perceived insults, highlighting her past work for NICAP, including her role in gathering data for key cases like "incident No. 1," "incident No. 2," "incident No. 3," and the Paul Cerny (NICAP)-Jo Clark (NICAP) Team's involvement in the SID PADRICK case. He asserts that Jo Clark has extensive knowledge of the UFO problem.

• Gray Barker: Reads Riley Crabbe's letter with interest and acknowledges that DATA-NET's editorial policies differ from his own SAUCER NEWS. He finds Crabbe's journals provide "excellent food for thought" but wouldn't read them as a steady diet. Barker dismisses the idea of him and Jim Mosely being CIA agents, suggesting it adds a "romantic aura" to his image.
• Gordon Lore, Jr. (NICAP): Expresses concern over the "increasing apparent subjectivity" in DATA-NET CONTROL, particularly in the last issue edited by Jo Clark. He points out "inaccurate details" and a "general lackadaisical attitude toward checking out certain facts." Lore disputes the claim that NICAP sent "three top investigators" to the South Hill case, stating that three NICAP headquarters staff members investigated it. He also refutes the idea that NICAP talked Wayne Green into starting DATA-NET, stating they had never heard of Green before he contacted them.

Gordon Lore's letter is further discussed by the DATA-NET editor, who defends the accuracy of their reporting and criticizes Lore's own letter as "inaccurate and insulting." The editor clarifies that their "main purpose" is not to be a "comprehensive net to report UFO sightings" but to amass data for definite conclusions. The editor also defends Jo Clark's expertise, noting her four years of work for NICAP and her significant contributions to their data collection.

Clipping the News

This section includes several reprinted news items:

• Gulf Shrimper Crew Awed by UFO (National Fisherman, January 1969): Reports on an encounter by the crew of the shrimp boat Gulf Central with a UFO in the Gulf of Mexico. The object was described as a brilliant blue-white light that hovered, grew larger, and then shot straight up. The crew initially thought it might be related to the nearby Air Force Base at Keesler but confirmed it was not. Four other boats in the area also reported seeing the light.
• UFO FINDING: NO VISITS FROM AFAR (The New York Times, January 8, 1969): Summarizes the findings of the University of Colorado's Condon Report, which concluded that there is no evidence of intelligently guided spacecraft from Earth. The report dismisses the need for large-scale UFO research, calling it a "waste of time and money." It also states that no evidence was found of a contemporary government effort to withhold information about UFOs.
• UFO BUFFS SLAPPED IN PAPERBACK (The Sun-Telegram, January 26, 1969): Discusses the Condon Report and the criticism it received from UFO proponents like Donald E. Keyhoe of NICAP. The article suggests that those convinced of conspiracy theories or extraterrestrial visitations will not be persuaded by the report. It characterizes Keyhoe as a "tycoon in the UFO industry" who profits from sensationalism. The article also quotes the Condon report's observation that "many children are being allowed, if not actively encouraged to devote their science study time to the reading of UFO books and magazine articles."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DATA-NET REPORT include the internal politics and criticisms among UFO organizations (DATA-NET, NICAP, APRO, BSRA), the perceived shortcomings and biases of scientific investigations into UFOs (specifically the Condon Report), and the financial viability and operational challenges faced by these groups. The editorial stance of DATA-NET appears to be one of critical independence, aiming for objective data collection and analysis without allegiance to any particular organization or preconceived conclusion. They position themselves as a group of radio amateurs seeking genuine answers, willing to cooperate with others but not beholden to anyone, and operating at a financial loss. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards the motives and accuracy of other UFO groups, particularly NICAP and APRO, while also expressing a desire for serious research. The issue also touches upon the idea of government involvement or cover-ups, though DATA-NET claims to be primarily interested in the 'why' rather than just the 'if' of information withholding.

This document is a collection of news clippings and reports related to UFOs and space phenomena, likely from a magazine issue focused on these topics. The content spans various dates in early to mid-1969, with reports originating from different locations in the USA and Puerto Rico.

Articles and Reports

Psychic Research and UFOs

The issue opens with a reflection on the resurgence of interest in 'psychic research' following World War II, drawing parallels between spiritualism and modern concerns about UFOs being 'controlled by intelligent beings' from outer space. A member of the AAAS, Hoagland, is quoted, comparing the current UFO interest to past obsessions with 'spirits of deceased persons.' He recalls investigating a Boston medium in the 1920s and exposing her tricks. Hoagland suggests that recent UFO investigations, like the one headed by Dr. Edward U. Condon, add weight to the improbability of alien visits. He acknowledges that some cases will remain unexplained due to lack of data, misreporting, or fraud, but argues that a residue of unexplained cases does not justify continuing investigations when evidence disposes of hypotheses of supernormality.

Lost Plane Search in Nevada

A report from the San Jose Mercury (March 24, 1969) details a renewed search for a missing DC3 airliner that vanished on February 18th with 35 persons aboard. Civil Air Patrol planes from Nevada and California were involved in the search in the High Sierra. Wreckage spotted was identified as a drone, an unmanned military target plane. Search leaders expressed optimism due to improving weather conditions.

Mariner 7 Spacecraft Irregularities

Another report from the San Jose Mercury (March 29, 1969) highlights puzzling irregularities with the Mariner 7 spacecraft on its journey to Mars. Scientists at Jet Propulsion Laboratory noted a sudden drop in battery power, an incorrect onboard computer condition, and a drop in radio transmitter power. A spokesman assured that these were temporary issues, and scientists intended to study telemetry data to understand what happened. Mariner 7 and its predecessor, Mariner 6, were scheduled to fly by Mars in July and August.

Explorer 38 and Earth's Radio Signals

A Washington UPI report from April 22, 1969, states that the Explorer 38 spacecraft has discovered that Earth emits mystery AM radio signals. Dr. Robert G. Stone of NASA explained that these low-frequency signals are similar to those detected from Jupiter. The spacecraft, launched in July 1968, has tubular antennas measuring 1,500 feet. The purpose was to study low-frequency signals from space that cannot penetrate Earth's atmosphere. Dr. Stone suggested that the same processes causing Jovian radio noise might be active in Earth's magnetosphere, making Earth appear much like Jupiter in these low frequencies.

UFO Sighting Over Puerto Rico

Reports from April 30 and May 1, 1969, detail a significant UFO sighting over Puerto Rico. A U.S. Navy spokesman reported that two Air National Guard pilots tracked an unidentified flying object (UFO) for 20 minutes to an altitude of 70,000 feet, 85 miles south of San Juan. They had to turn back due to lack of fuel. The object was described as looking like a plastic bag. Dozens of people reported seeing the object, with descriptions including 'bright white...transparent' and appearing to fly upside down. Peter Jackson, an air traffic controller, described it as a cylinder hanging down into a fisherman's net. Air Force Col. W. L. Smith met with the pilots, who reported photographing the object, described as triangular-shaped, 50 feet in diameter, and silvery grey-white. The object was sighted from widely separated parts of Puerto Rico, leading to a chase by the Air National Guard planes that were forced to turn back due to fuel shortage.

Actor Roy Thinnes Believes in UFOs

A brief Hollywood report mentions actor Roy Thinnes, who plays an astronaut in the upcoming drama 'Doppelganger,' stating he believes in UFOs and has seen them, though he is hesitant to admit it due to his role in 'The Invaders.'

Menlo Park Pilot's Sighting

A Palo Alto Times report from May 5, 1969, features Capt. William Harquardt, a Menlo Park airline pilot, hesitantly reporting a UFO sighting. From his bedroom window, he initially saw what appeared to be a kite string, but subsequent events changed his mind. The object was coming from the east, wavered up and down, and then moved west. He noted it was not affected by prevailing winds and did not exhibit corona discharges. He described it as thin, with a denser nucleus, and thought he saw sunlight reflecting off it. He estimated it appeared to be in the San Jose area.

Dr. McDonald Critiques Condon Report

An Arizona Daily Star report from May 7, 1969, quotes Dr. James McDonald, a University of Arizona physicist, calling the Condon Report on unidentified flying objects 'a scientific study just a bit above gradeschool level.' He felt the National Academy of Scientists, which supported the report, had been misled.

Meteorites Hint at Space Life

Another Arizona Daily Star report from May 7, 1969, discusses Dr. Harold C. Urey, a chemist, who expressed skepticism about life on other planets but was intrigued by a recent study. Microscopic examination of six-sided, crystal-like objects found within meteorites revealed a 'cloudy something' inside. Urey suggested that while not definitive proof of fossilized life, it made him wonder. He urged scientists to store meteor specimens in a deep-freeze to prevent contamination and emphasized that evidence of growth would be necessary to confirm biological material in meteorites.

Laser Test Debunks 'Spook Light'

A Springfield, Mo. Daily News report from May 15, 1969, details a laser test that reportedly debunked the 'spook light' phenomenon near Spooksville Airport. Army engineers had previously suggested the glow came from refracted auto lights on U.S. 66. A group including Springfield astronomers and students used a helium-neon gas laser to test this. They found that car headlights flashing on and off were seen as a brilliant laser pinpoint from a distance, indicating that the 'spook light' was likely caused by refracted auto lights, not UFOs.

Apollo 10 Commander's Observation

From the San Jose Mercury (May 20, 1969), Commander Cernan reported seeing two rotating objects 'to the left of the earth' while looking back from Apollo 10's journey to the moon. He identified one as possibly the S43 third-stage booster and the other as much farther away.

Major Power Interruption

A San Jose Mercury report from May 22, 1969, describes a major interruption of electrical service on the Pacific northwest-southwest intertie system. The cause was unknown, but it caused scattered customer outages. The fault was traced to substations in Shasta County, and helicopters were dispatched to patrol transmission lines.

DATA-NET Information

Finally, a notice from DATA-NET offers a $25.00 reward for an authentic photograph of a flying saucer. Books in the DATA-NET library are available to members, and interested parties can contact Michel M. Jaffe for information on lunar and Martian photos.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of reports are UFO sightings, scientific investigations into unexplained phenomena, and space exploration. There is a clear editorial stance favoring scientific explanation and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the critiques of psychic phenomena and the debunking of the 'spook light.' However, the inclusion of various sighting reports and the mention of ongoing scientific studies (like Mariner 7 and Explorer 38) also indicate an interest in the unexplained and the potential for new discoveries.