Ground Saucer Watch Bulletin - 1979 04 - April

Magazine Overview

Title: GSW NEWS BULLETIN
Issue Date: April, 1979
Publisher: Ground Saucer Watch (GSW), Inc.
Country of Publication: USA
Language: English

This issue of the GSW News Bulletin focuses heavily on the organization's legal victory against the CIA regarding UFO document disclosure, alongside coverage of a major UFO symposium and an analysis of UFO sighting data and historical CIA involvement.

Directly Speaking

William H. Spaulding, Director of GSW/WD, recounts the organization's seventh annual public lecture in Phoenix on January 12, 1979. This year's lecture was particularly significant as it highlighted the release of UFO materials to GSW's lawyers following a lawsuit against the CIA. The event garnered exceptional media attention, including a reporter from the New York Times. The overwhelming media response to evidence of a government cover-up and the successful lawsuit added significant credibility to the subject of UFOs and ufology as a whole. Spaulding expresses gratitude to Todd Zechel and Peter Gersten for their crucial roles. He outlines future goals, emphasizing the need for continued funding to achieve the release of all pertinent UFO materials held by the government. GSW is undergoing organizational changes to improve fundraising and has formed a coalition with Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) to enhance UFO document retrieval and interpretation efforts.

CIA Releases Documents - GSW Prevails in FOIA Lawsuit

By T. Zechel, Director of Research, GSW & Director of CAUS, Inc.

This article details the successful outcome of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit filed by Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) in September 1977. As a result, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) released approximately 900 pages of its UFO-related files and forwarded nearly 200 additional documents to originating agencies like the Department of Defense, NSA, and State Department. The material was released on December 15, 1978, following a court-ordered stipulation. The suit initially sought five documents related to the CIA's contact with former Marine Ralph Mayher. While the CIA initially claimed only two Mayher documents could be released, with significant deletions, all five were eventually released with minor redactions, indicating the CIA's original exemptions were arbitrary. The article notes that the CIA's claims of non-involvement with UFOs are contradicted by these released documents.

CIA Studies UFOs During Flaps

This section delves into the CIA's historical involvement with UFO investigations, identifying at least three separate studies initiated in April 1952, November 1957, and January 1965. The CIA's interest reportedly intensified during UFO "flaps" (periods of increased activity). The summer flap of 1952 caused particular concern, leading to discussions about formulating a CIA policy to prevent panic. The 1952 study culminated in the Robertson Panel in January 1953, which aimed to determine if UFOs posed a threat to national security. The article suggests that while the Robertson Panel's report recommended debunking UFOs, the Air Force, rather than the CIA, may have engineered the "cover-up" by withholding significant evidence from the CIA.

The 1957 study, prompted by a request from Congress, involved the CIA's Office of Scientific Intelligence levying a requirement on the Contact Division to collect UFO information. This led to the CIA's contact with UFO photographer Ralph Mayher, whose film was analyzed by the Agency, though the results were not disclosed. Mayher was asked to keep his contact confidential.

The CIA also showed interest in NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena), particularly in 1965 when a study was requested due to sightings in the Washington, D.C. area. An OSI officer contacted NICAP's Assistant Director, Richard H. Hall, seeking UFO sighting reports. While the CIA considered granting Hall security clearance and using him as a source, the released documents primarily contained information that GSW and CAUS officials were already aware of, suggesting a careful selection of released material.

Serious questions are raised about the validity of the CIA's search, with CAUS Director Brad Sparks determining that over 200 referenced documents remain unaccounted for and that the released material may only represent a fraction of the components searched. The article criticizes the CIA's haste in releasing documents without proper accounting for deletions or preparing affidavits, suggesting a potential disinformation purpose.

Agencies like the State Department and NSA have declared certain documents classified and may not release them, citing national security exemptions under the FOIA.

1979 MUFON UFO Symposium in San Francisco

This section announces the "Intensifying the Scientific Investigation of UFO Surveillance" themed MUFON UFO Symposium to be held on July 7-8, 1979, in San Francisco. It lists the host group, featured speakers (including Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Stanton T. Friedman, Dr. Richard Haines), and details about accommodations, shuttle service, and advance reservations. The Mutual UFO Network Corporate meeting is also scheduled, and Allan Sandler's film "UFOs Past, Present and Future" will be shown. The article highlights MUFON's reputation for hosting major UFO conferences.

Map of Sightings

This section presents a map of the United States showing UFO sightings logged by GSW-East & West between December 1978 and March 1979. It indicates that 232 called-in reports and 32 hard copy reports were received. The map displays the number of sightings per state, with Arizona (AZ) having 51 sightings (excluding advertisement airplanes) and New Mexico (N.M.) having 10. "All Others" (including foreign countries) accounted for 25 sightings, and Mexico had 12.

Postage Increases = Less Bulletin Pages

A brief note explains that due to increased postage costs for third-class mail, the GSW Bulletin's format will be reduced from 30 pages to approximately 25 pages to avoid a price increase.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around government transparency regarding UFOs, the role of organizations like GSW and CAUS in pursuing this transparency through legal means, and the ongoing scientific investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, as indicated by the "Editor's note" and the overall tone of the articles, is critical of government secrecy and supportive of ufological research and disclosure. The publication emphasizes the importance of GSW's FOIA lawsuit as a victory for the UFO community and highlights the need for continued efforts to obtain information. The inclusion of the MUFON symposium and the sightings map demonstrates a commitment to disseminating information and fostering discussion within the UFO research field.

This document, titled "What Value Do You Place on the UFO Documents Recently Received From the CIA?" by James Spaulding, Director of GSW/ED, is an analysis of UFO-related documents obtained from the CIA. The publication date is inferred to be around February 1979, based on a reference to the "Tomorrow" show airing on February 1, 1979.

Analysis of CIA UFO Documents

The article begins by addressing a common question about the value of UFO documents recently received from the CIA. It highlights four key facts derived from a thorough culling of these documents:

1. Government Investigation: The United States government, primarily intelligence agencies, has been continuously investigating the UFO phenomenon since 1949. Evidence suggests the CIA was involved both before and after the Robertson Panel meeting in January 1953.
2. Embassy Involvement: The US government has utilized embassies in foreign countries to transmit UFO sighting information based on geographical location.
3. Psychological Warfare Concerns: During the 1950s, the CIA was deeply concerned about the potential use of the UFO phenomenon as a psychological warfare device, both offensively and defensively, linking this fear to the 'cold war' era.
4. Air Vulnerability: The government expressed frustration and concern over the nation's air vulnerability due to the UFO phenomenon.

To help members and readers understand the value of these documents, the article presents excerpts and summaries:

Project Sign - "Unidentified Aerial Objects" (March 31, 1949)

This section breaks down the sighting of unconventional objects into categories:

1. Objects identified as conventional aircraft.
2. Weather and atmospheric sounding balloons.
3. Natural phenomena (Astrophysical, Electromagnetical like ball lightning, corona).
4. Hoax.
5. Unexplained (Natural terrestrial phenomena, Man-made, Extra-terrestrial objects like meteors, animals, space ships).

The conclusion drawn from this is that while objects could be from outer space or advanced foreign aircraft, the group concluded this was highly improbable.

A discussion with Mr. Deyarmond at Wright Patterson AFB suggests that 'flying discs' might turn out to be another 'sea serpent,' but acknowledges the remote possibility of them being interplanetary or foreign aircraft, necessitating continued investigation.

From a Draft Letter Marked Secret (IAC)

This section discusses the IAC's review of the UFO situation. It notes that the Air Force has been responsible for investigating reports since 1947, with approximately 1500 official reports received, about 20% of which remain unexplained. The IAC views the situation as having potential national security implications regarding US vulnerability to air attack. It recommends that the Department of Defense undertake an expanded scientific research program to identify the nature of these phenomena and how they might be identified, with close cooperation between research and intelligence agencies.

CIA Memorandum Dated 1952 (Psychological Strategy Board)

A memorandum to the Director, Psychological Strategy Board, subject 'Flying Saucers,' states that unidentified flying objects have implications for psychological warfare, intelligence, and operations. It suggests discussing the potential offensive or defensive utilization of these phenomena for psychological warfare purposes.

Other CIA Letters and Documents

These documents mention a Deputy Assistant Director/SI and Acting Chief, Weapons & Equipment Division, related to 'Flying Saucers.'

Evaluation of 'Flying Saucers' Reports (Edward Tauss)

This section provides an evaluation of 'flying saucer' reports, noting that out of 1000 to 2000 reports received by ATIC, a large percentage are either 'phoney,' explainable as known aircraft or natural phenomena, or misinterpretations. Less than 100 credible reports remain unexplainable, with no discernible pattern. It is suggested that if complete information were available, these might also be categorized. Caution is advised, and intelligence coverage should continue, with a strong recommendation that CIA interest not be revealed to the press or public to avoid alarmism. A briefing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was arranged for August 8, 1952.

A Critique From the Grudge Report (December 1949)

This critique notes that the Air Corps initially concluded sightings stemmed from mass hysteria, hallucination/hoax, or misinterpretation of known objects. This led to public interest and speculative books, prompting the Air Force to reopen its study in 1951. General Sanford's interim conclusions suggested no pattern of menace to the US, attributing recent Washington reports to 'temperature inversions,' and stating that unexplained sightings could not be attributed to US experiments.

Discussion Summary

The author reiterates that theories of US development, Russian development, or space ships are largely speculative. However, the significant number of believers raises national security concerns, especially in a tense international climate. The lack of any mention of UFOs in the Russian press is noted, raising questions about their potential use in psychological warfare. The article also highlights the challenge of distinguishing unidentified sightings from actual hardware during an attack, emphasizing the need for greater knowledge of these phenomena. It proposes discussing research with the Research and Development Board and offering MIT's assistance. Investigation into the psychological possibilities and continued monitoring of Russian scientific developments are suggested. Hypotheses that unexplained sightings might be electromagnetic or electrostatic in character are supported by the absence of sound and apparent susceptibility to shock waves or electromagnetic radiation.

Memorandum to Director of Central Intelligence (October 2, 1952)

This memorandum concludes that 'Flying saucers' pose national security implications due to mass psychological considerations and US air vulnerability. It recommends that the Director of Central Intelligence advise the National Security Council to initiate research, discuss the subject with the Psychological Strategy Board, and develop a public information policy to minimize concern and panic.

Memorandum for Director of Central Intelligence (Problem: To Determine)

This section outlines the problem of determining national security implications of unidentified flying objects and whether adequate study and research are being directed towards it. It notes that a world-wide reporting system has been instituted, and Air Force bases are ordered to make interceptions. Research is conducted on a case-by-case basis. ATIC has arranged with Battelle Memorial Institute for a machine indexing system for official reports.

We Get Letters

This section, by Bill & Rosemary Baum, Research Staff, describes the public response to GSW and the CIA lawsuit as 'clamoring,' indicating the benefit of nation-wide media coverage. Following Tom Snyder's "Tomorrow" show appearance by Bill Spaulding, GSW received numerous letters expressing enthusiastic support from the US and abroad. Some letters were brief requests for information, while others from the scientific community offered assistance. One letter from an eastern lawyer inquired about GSW using FOIA to uncover secret UFO matters. Another suggested a method for interviewing government officials under duress. A single 'crank' letter was received, along with many letters from those obsessed with offbeat aspects of UFOs. The bulk of the mail, however, was described as remarkably high profile, suggesting significant public interest.

The authors suggest that UFO organizations should cease internal divisions and collaborate with GSW in their legal battle for document release. They question the value of collecting more sighting stories when existing files are already comprehensive. The article notes that public outcry can influence the press and politicians.

Suggested Reading

GSW recommends several publications for UFO researchers:

• MUFON'S UFO JOURNAL (MUFON, Inc.)
• JUST CAUSE (P. O. Box 4743, Arlington, VA 22204)
• INTERNATIONAL UFO REPORTER (924 Chicago Ave., Evanston, Illinois 60202)
• "Retrievals of the Third Kind:" (A case study of alleged UFO occupants in military custody) by Len Stringfield, obtainable through MUFON Symposium Proceedings 1978 or by writing GSW.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the US government's historical involvement and investigation of UFOs, particularly the CIA's perspective on the phenomenon as a matter of national security and psychological warfare. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of transparency and document release through legal means, with GSW positioned as a key organization leading this effort. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for public awareness and government accountability regarding UFO information, while also acknowledging the scientific and intelligence communities' involvement and concerns. The issue also touches upon the public's fascination with UFOs and the role of media in shaping public perception.