Ground Saucer Watch Bulletin - 1977 04 - April

Magazine Overview

Title: GSW NEWS BULLETIN
Issue: APR '77
Date: April 1977
Publisher: Ground Saucer Watch
Affiliation: "CIVILIAN AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION"
Location: 13238 N. 7th DRIVE, PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85029

This issue of the GSW News Bulletin marks the thirtieth anniversary of the sighting that began modern UFO history, when Kenneth Arnold coined the term "Flying Saucers" after seeing a UFO over Mt. Rainier in Washington on June 6, 1947.

Editorial

The editorial highlights 1977 as an exciting year for ufologists, with two major events: the International Ufology Conference in Acapulco in April and the 8th Annual MUFON UFO Symposium in July in Arizona. The bulletin provides detailed accounts of these events. Readers are encouraged to submit their ideas for the August issue. The editorial staff has been reorganized to include Roberta Bull, John Schaefer, Lori Field, and Rich Gottlieb.

Directly Speaking: Breakthrough or Breakdown?

By William Spaulding, Director, GSW-WD

William Spaulding posits that ufology is at a crossroads, facing either a scientific conclusion or a total breakdown, leaving the field to cultists and hobbyists. He notes that since the closure of Project Blue Book and the Condon report, there have been no major breakthroughs. Spaulding identifies several contributing factors to this stagnation: lack of central leadership, objectivity, common goals, a focus on sensationalized abduction cases, poor communication between organizations and the public, and an introverted research approach. He argues that the primary problem is the investigation priorities and suggests that civilian UFO organizations should develop a true plan of attack, focusing on eliciting government-controlled UFO data.

GSW's major goal is to challenge military/government suppression of pertinent data. Spaulding emphasizes the need for "scientific" organizations to follow consistent rules: investigate "best" cases, catalog for pattern recognition, test hypotheses, evaluate secondary evidence, and form conclusions. He outlines GSW's research priorities, including re-evaluating UFO cases involving government tampering, supporting FOIA work with funds, managing secondary evidence team budgets, and ensuring field investigators gather all sighting data on the first attempt. Failure to follow these steps risks a breakdown in the scientific, objective UFO movement.

Organizational News

William Spaulding, Western Director of GSW, is a featured speaker at the MUFON Symposium in July, presenting an all-pictorial lecture similar to one given in Phoenix in January, but with new slides. His lectures focus on evidence for the extraterrestrial theory of UFO origin and include computerized enhancement of photographs to analyze authenticity. GSW presented 23 lectures in February, with over 200 scheduled for the year nationwide.

Calendar of Events

First International Ufology Congress

This week-long congress, held from April 17-23 in Acapulco, Mexico, aims to act as a springboard for Project UNUFO, an international movement for UFO research under the United Nations. The event features renowned ufologists from eight countries, with simultaneous translations. Invited speakers include J. Allen Hynek, Carl Sagan, Jacques Vallee, Stanton Friedman, William Spaulding, and astronaut Gordon Cooper. The goal is to foster international agreements and government awareness of the UFO problem.

MUFON UFO Symposium

Scheduled for July 16-17 in Scottsdale, Arizona, this is the 8th Annual MUFON Symposium and the first in the Western Regional District. Speakers include Stanton Friedman, William Spaulding, James M. McCampbell, Thomas Gates, Bill Pitts, William Hassell, and Alvin Lawson. Specialty workshops cover topics like "Field Investigation" and "Computer Advancement Technology." Lectures include "What Can We Learn From Abduction Cases?" by Alvin Lawson, "UFO Investigations" by Bill Pitts, "Future Physics and Anti-Gravity" by William Hassell, and a presentation by James M. McCampbell. Stanton Friedman will give an audio-visual presentation on "Modern Image Processing Revisits Great Falls, Montana and Tremonton, Utah Movies." Richard Gottlieb will moderate the symposium. Ticket information and registration forms are available from GSW-WD.

Map of Sightings

This section presents a map of UFO sightings logged by GSW-East and West. It notes that not all sightings constitute bonafide UFOs. Data indicates 180 called-in reports and 30 hard copy reports received. The unknown rate for data from November 1976 through March 1977 is 4.5%. Arizona numbers exclude a Phoenix-based advertisement airplane. The sightings cover the period of October 1976 through March 1, 1977.

Why the Cover-Up?

By Richard Gottlieb, GSW/WD Research Staff

Richard Gottlieb explores the assertion by civilian UFO organizations that U.S. Intelligence services are aware of the origins of UFOs and are engaged in a conspiracy to withhold this truth. He notes that verifying this claim is difficult due to a lack of meaningful evidence from proponents and government policy. Gottlieb suggests that recent revelations on U.S. covert intelligence activities lend credence to the hypothesis. He discusses methods proposed to pierce bureaucratic red tape, such as utilizing the FOIA, congressional letter-writing campaigns, and petition drives. Gottlieb questions whether exposing a conspiracy would be a disservice to the country or a correction of bureaucratic mismanagement. He argues that if a cover-up exists, it is likely maintained by the Intelligence community due to its size, longevity, and resources, rather than elected officials. He points out the lack of constraints on covert intelligence activities and suggests this freedom might perpetuate a UFO cover-up. Gottlieb considers potential harmful effects of divulging the truth about UFOs, including social, political, religious, and economic consequences, as well as culture shock and ego-shock. However, he finds contradictions in government policy, such as the intense interest in space and extraterrestrial life through programs like Viking probes and CETI, which seem to contradict a desire to suppress such news. He concludes that government policy makers' fear of public reaction to extraterrestrial contact is unlikely to be the sole reason for a cover-up, given the public's fascination with space and alien life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific research in ufology, advocating for systematic investigation, data collection, and hypothesis testing. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, particularly regarding abduction cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting objective inquiry and challenging government secrecy, particularly through the use of FOIA requests. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting GSW's activities and upcoming events, positioning itself as a key organization in the field of UFO research.

Title: UFO Magazine
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 1
Date: February 1978
Publisher: UFO Magazine
Country: USA
Price: $1.50
Cover Headline: GOVERNMENT COVER-UP: The Truth About UFOs

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated February 1978, focuses on the alleged government cover-up of UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features the headline "GOVERNMENT COVER-UP: The Truth About UFOs," suggesting a deep dive into historical investigations, intelligence agency involvement, and the struggle for transparency.

The Intelligence Community's Role in UFO History

The article posits that an alternative explanation for the government's handling of UFOs involves the intelligence community. It traces the modern UFO era back to the Kenneth Arnold sighting in 1947. Following this, the Air Force, unprepared for the influx of reports, initiated projects like "Sign" and "Saucer." The "Estimate of the Situation" report concluded that UFOs were intelligently controlled extraterrestrial vehicles, leading to a critical decision point for policymakers.

The Cover-Up Decision

In the early 1950s, a war-weary public, still recovering from World War II and the Korean War, and having previously panicked from radio dramatizations like "War of the Worlds," was deemed unprepared for the revelation of extraterrestrial life. A committee formed the "Robertson Panel," which recommended covering up the UFO mystery. This decision was justified as a means to prevent public panic if the extraterrestrial hypothesis was erroneous, and to allow for further investigation while minimizing maladaptive public reactions should it be confirmed. Projects like "Grudge" and "Blue Book" were seen as mere appeasements for public curiosity.

Intelligence Operations and Suppression

Over the subsequent years, the government allegedly conducted secret investigations. To counter public pressure and perceived threats to national security, intelligence agencies, including the FBI and CIA, allegedly engaged in illegal activities. These included questioning UFO witnesses, confiscating evidence that was subsequently "got lost," destroying ground markings, withholding film, and politely warning witnesses not to speak. This policy reportedly continued until the mid-1960s. The article suggests that by the mid-1960s, intelligence had determined that extraterrestrial visitations were occurring but without immediate hostile intent. The focus then shifted to preparing the public for an eventual announcement, leveraging the space race with Russia to introduce the concept of extraterrestrial life gradually.

Civilian Organizations and FOIA

The rise of civilian UFO organizations presented a challenge, as they began to expose the government's "less than proper procedures" in handling the UFO story. Intelligence allegedly feared accountability for past illegal actions, such as job losses and public ridicule of witnesses. The article claims that the government is currently in a "conditioning phase" to prepare the public for the truth, citing numerous TV specials and public discussions on UFOs. It questions whether the "whole truth" will be revealed, including the errors and crimes committed by the intelligence community.

GSW's Efforts and FOIA Research

The article emphasizes the responsibility of GSW (Galactic Studies West) members to support the organization's goals. It references an FOIA petition attached to a previous issue, urging members to gather signatures for Congressional hearings on UFOs. A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an article by W. Todd Zechel, Director of Research for GSW, titled "ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION." This article details findings accumulated through FOIA requests over six months, indicating that all four major directorates of the CIA were involved in collecting, analyzing, and suppressing UFO data since its inception in 1948. The CIA's Directorate of Intelligence and Office of Scientific Intelligence were actively analyzing UFO data from domestic and foreign sources, utilizing various channels including the Air Force and intelligence agency networks.

CIA and ONI Involvement

Zechel's report outlines specific CIA operations, including the National Photographic Interpretation Center (NPIC) analyzing photographic data and the Office of Scientific Intelligence analyzing non-photographic and photographic cases. The CIA's Office of Scientific Intelligence also analyzed physical evidence of UFOs and extraterrestrial life, citing cases like Alvin E. Moore's recovery near Herndon, Va., in July 1952, and residuum from a Nike missile hit in November 1957. Agents from the CIA's Directorate of Operations were used to interrogate witnesses, harass, and intimidate them. The Covert Action Staff of the Operations Directorate allegedly disseminated disinformation. The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) was also secretly involved, initiating a project in April 1952 after a Navy Secretary's plane was buzzed by two UFOs. Projects contemplated for future investigation by GSW include investigating crashed saucer stories, Emenegger's sources, psychic incidents, and alleged landings.

Project Blue Book and the Colorado Project

Zechel states that Air Force Project Blue Book was a public relations front for the secret research conducted by the CIA, and its limited funding was due to duplicating CIA efforts. He claims Blue Book's facade enabled the CIA's "greatest propaganda fraud." The article also critiques the University of Colorado's "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects" (the Condon Report), calling its findings opinions rather than facts and noting that the project focused on subjective abduction cases rather than hard data. It points out that the Condon Committee studied only 90 cases, with nearly 50% classified as "unidentified," yet concluded they were not extraterrestrial vehicles. The article references a December 24, 1959, Inspector General directive warning that UFO sightings were "serious business" related to national defense, contradicting the Condon Report's conclusions.

Correspondence with the President

The issue includes correspondence initiated by William H. Spaulding of GSW/WD to President Jimmy Carter, inquiring about his campaign promise to support UFO investigations. A reply from Colonel L. E. Seminare, Jr., USAF, acting as President Carter's liaison, states that the President cannot respond personally but has directed agencies to consider such communications. Colonel Seminare confirms the termination of Project Blue Book and the transfer of its documentation to the National Archives. He reiterates the conclusions of the Air Force's investigations: no UFOs posed a national security threat, none represented technology beyond current scientific knowledge, and none were proven to be extraterrestrial.

Spaulding's subsequent letter to Colonel Seminare expresses skepticism about the reply, questioning the President's awareness and suggesting that important photographic evidence has been "lost" from Air Force files and is now in the possession of intelligence agencies. He criticizes the Colorado Project's findings as biased and notes the turmoil within that project. Spaulding argues that despite the official stance, covert operations have occurred outside the Air Force's investigation, warranting Congressional hearings.

Travis Walton Polygraph Discussion

A section titled "STILL MORE DISCUSSION REGARDING THE TRAVIS WALTON 'INCIDENT'" features an interview with John McCarthy, the polygraph operator who tested Travis Walton in November 1975. McCarthy aims to rebut claims made by Lorenzen regarding his integrity and the validity of the test. McCarthy states that Lorenzen's assertion that three psychiatrists examined Travis Walton on the same occasion was a fabrication, as only Walton's brother, Dwayne, and a Dr. Harder (an engineering professor with potential psychology/hypnosis background) were present. McCarthy explains that he was contacted by Lorenzen to conduct the test and was told by Dr. Harder that Walton had been hypnotized to ensure his story was straight but would not be under hypnosis during the test. McCarthy agreed to the examination, deeming Walton mentally and physically capable.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance is clearly in favor of transparency and uncovering the truth about UFO phenomena, strongly suggesting a deliberate government cover-up. It criticizes the official explanations and methodologies used by government agencies, highlighting perceived suppression of evidence and mistreatment of witnesses. The publication actively encourages reader participation through FOIA requests and contacting elected officials to push for Congressional hearings. The underlying theme is that the government has been hiding crucial information about UFOs, potentially to conceal past wrongdoings and manage public perception, and that continued investigation by civilian groups is necessary to reveal the full truth.

This issue of UFO Magazine, Volume 1, Number 4, dated October 1979, is published by Mutual UFO Network, Inc. The cover prominently features the headline "THE TRAVIS WALTON CASE: THE TRUTH REVEALED!" and carries a cover price of $2.00. The ISSN is 0747-9407.

The Travis Walton Case: Polygraph Examination and Controversy

The core of this issue revolves around the Travis Walton case, with a detailed interview with polygraph examiner John McCarthy. McCarthy recounts his pre-test interview with Walton, assessing him as lucid and apprehensive but rational. He describes framing the test questions himself and listening to tape recordings of previous interviews with Dwayne Walton and others from the National Enquirer to prepare. McCarthy states that he had never seen Travis Walton before the examination.

McCarthy defends his test questions against APRO's assertion that the first question, "Were you actually taken aboard a spacecraft on November 5, 1975?", was designed to box Walton in. McCarthy clarifies that it was a direct question about an asserted event. He dismisses APRO's criticisms of his testing, stating they lack expertise in polygraph techniques. He also denies that any technical peers have criticized his ethics or that he has spoken to the media against ethical standards.

McCarthy explains that he signed a statement requested by a National Enquirer reporter, Jenkins, agreeing not to reveal their presence or the test results, except to the editor in Florida. He claims Lorenzen falsely accused him of violating this pact by revealing that Walton had taken and failed the test. McCarthy asserts that Lorenzen, or others associated with APRO or the Waltons, were the ones who revealed the test's outcome.

McCarthy is willing to have his test charts and questions reviewed by an outside board of polygraph operators to put APRO in an uncompromising position. He confirms that he and his associates have discussed legal action with an attorney regarding APRO's public statements.

McCarthy also discusses a separate examination conducted by a Mr. Gilson for the sheriff in Holbrook, which he believes was not a proper polygraph technique for determining abduction. Gilson's examination, intended to investigate a potential crime, included a question about seeing a spacecraft. McCarthy notes that the National Enquirer initially reported that all boys had passed the DPS examination and saw an abduction, but later wanted this information suppressed when McCarthy's adverse report emerged.

McCarthy recounts his extensive experience as a polygraph examiner in Arizona since 1960, having been qualified as an expert witness in Maricopa County Superior Courts and involved in significant legal cases, including the State vs. Valdez ruling that established the admissibility of expert polygraph testimony in Arizona criminal trials. He highlights his retention by various state and federal agencies, suggesting his 'bad habits,' as Lorenzen might call them, are still recognized by the courts.

McCarthy also addresses claims about his memory being faulty regarding previous UFO statements by the Walton family. He confirms that Travis and his family were interested in UFOs, and that it was known in the area that they were considered "UFO nuts." He also criticizes Lorenzen for a "bold out-and-out-lie" regarding an "Arizona 'Face the State'" program interview where Lorenzen claimed Walton had not taken a polygraph examination due to his mental state, which McCarthy disputes.

Book Reviews

Stalking the Trojan Horse by John Keel

Reviewed by W. Todd Zechel, Director of Research, this section critiques John Keel's book "UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse." Zechel describes the book as a "hodgepodge witches' brew" that raises legitimate questions but ultimately fails to provide solid answers. Keel introduces a new theory called 'ultraterrestrial' to explain UFO origins, attempting to encompass a broad spectrum of metaphysical and psychic phenomena. Zechel argues that Keel dismisses the extraterrestrial hypothesis too readily and that his ultraterrestrial theory is more convenient than accurate, acting as a cure-all for various phenomena without providing a more soluble explanation.

Zechel criticizes Keel's approach as a "scatter gun" method that misses the mark, though he acknowledges Keel's attempt to prove that some UFOs are paraphysical. The review concludes that while Keel's intentions may have been honorable, his theory does not offer a satisfactory explanation for the complex problem of UFO phenomena.

Situation Red, The UFO Siege by Leonard H. Stringfield

This section presents Leonard H. Stringfield's perspective on UFO evidence. Stringfield likens the UFO situation to the "tip of an iceberg" with a "monster" beneath, suggesting that much of the evidence is held by competent research groups and that hidden official data could dramatically alter our understanding of UFOs. He notes that while there is little evidence of hostile intent, some close encounters reveal aggressive behavior. Stringfield believes that no single hypothesis can explain all UFO phenomena and criticizes the tendency to discard hypotheses if they don't fit every sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to champion a critical examination of UFO phenomena, particularly focusing on the Travis Walton case and defending the integrity of polygraph examinations when conducted professionally. There is a clear skepticism towards organizations like APRO when they criticize established methods without apparent expertise. The editorial stance supports rigorous investigation and challenges theories that are perceived as overly simplistic or convenient, as seen in the review of John Keel's work. The publication seems to align with the investigative efforts of groups like MUFON, providing a platform for detailed case studies and theoretical discussions within the UFO field.