Interplanetary Intelligence Report - vol 2 no 3

Magazine Overview

Title: INTERPLANETARY INTELLIGENCE REPORT
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 3
Date: SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 1966
Publisher: IIOUFO (Interplanetary Intelligence of Unidentified Flying Objects)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Interplanetary Intelligence Report (IIR) focuses on the U.S. Air Force's evolving approach to UFO investigations and presents a collection of recent sightings from the summer of 1966, alongside a critical analysis of UFO claims.

Air Force's New Approach to UFO Investigations

The lead article, sourced from the New York Times Service, reports that the Air Force is organizing a new approach to the 'flying saucer' problem. In response to public disquiet over recent episodes, the Air Force is seeking to contract with a leading university for a program of intensive investigations into a select number of UFO cases. This initiative marks a departure from past Air Force policy, which had not taken the thousands of 'unidentified flying objects' (UFOs) reports seriously over the past two decades. The investigation teams will include physical scientists like astronomers and those familiar with atmospheric physics, as well as a psychologist with clinical experience. The identity of the contracted university will remain undisclosed until the arrangement is finalized, but it is stated to be an institution of sufficient stature to ensure public confidence in its impartiality. The article notes that this project grew from a request by Maj. Gen. E. B. Lebailly, the Air Force director of information, who was aware of charges that the Air Force was concealing the truth about UFOs.

Gemini Sightings "Explained"

The report details sightings related to the Gemini space missions. During the July-August period, the IIR reported radar sightings by NORAD of 10 unidentified flying objects moving with the ADTA vehicle. Gemini Flight Director Christopher C. Kraft stated that 'Your guess may be as good as ours as to what those objects are!!' Communications with NASA indicated that they did not have photographs of the objects observed on radar in Gemini 9 or by the astronauts in Gemini 10. A NASA investigation report identified the objects observed on radar by NORAD as pieces of the Atlas vehicle that launched the Agena target vehicle. The report suggested that if radar scope prints were made during Gemini 9A, they were not available from NORAD for release by NASA. Later, astronauts from Gemini 10 reported sighting two bright objects in their orbital path, which Command Pilot John W. Young described as looking like satellites. However, the article notes that the space flight of Gemini 10 did not explain the Gemini 9 sightings but rather added to the mystery.

Recent Sightings and Comments

Several pages are dedicated to reporting UFO sightings from various locations in August 1966. In Sandusky, Ohio, the Sheriff's Department reported three unidentified objects flashing red and green lights hovering over the area for about 40 minutes. The IIR commentary expresses a wish that reputable scientists had been called to observe the objects and that photographs had been taken. In Niles, Ohio, residents reported seeing 'flying saucers' in the eastern sky, with one woman describing a 'magnificent and amazing spectacle' of up to eight brilliantly lighted objects. The article includes a report from St. Petersburg, Florida, detailing sightings of a light whizzing across the sky and another object described as saucer-shaped. Another report from Rochester, New York, mentions over 60 people calling the newspaper to report seeing a UFO. A detailed account describes an object seen over Aquinas Stadium, reported to be approximately four feet in length and two feet in diameter, grayish-silver in color, and appearing like a large pipe.

"A Week to Remember" - August C. Roberts' Visit

This section highlights the visit of Mr. August C. Roberts, Director of Photographic Research for HOUFO, to Oklahoma City. Roberts, a pioneer in UFO photography for over 20 years, shared his extensive collection of UFO slides and photographs. His visit involved numerous media appearances, including interviews on radio and television shows, and public lectures, drawing large crowds and generating significant public interest.

Critique of Donald Keyhoe's Claims

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to a critique, attributed to an Air Force Consultant, J. A. Hynek, of an article by Donald Keyhoe published in 'True Magazine.' The critique is divided into three sections: UFO sightings as evidence for unusual maneuvers, references to government projects on antigravity, and Keyhoe's perceived lack of knowledge of physics.

Hynek states that the Air Force is handicapped in commenting on Keyhoe's cases because only two of the eleven cited cases were officially reported to the Air Force. He argues that the Air Force's current operating regulations prevent them from investigating cases not officially reported through channels. Hynek suggests that operating policies should be altered to allow investigation of UFO sightings reported through the press and other organizations like NICAP. He then systematically analyzes Keyhoe's eleven cases, finding that nine are not in the Air Force files and are therefore undocumented. He questions the validity of these cases, stating that the evidence presented would not hold up before a scientific tribunal.

Regarding antigravity projects, Hynek notes that while the U.S. Government has numerous research projects, none are specifically identified as antigravity projects or 'gravity shields.' He expresses skepticism about the existence of such projects and points out perceived inaccuracies in Keyhoe's understanding of gravity and electromagnetic fields.

Finally, Hynek criticizes Keyhoe's implication that antigravity mechanisms could allow for instant right-angle turns, stating that this violates the laws of motion (F=ma) and would require infinite acceleration and force for any object with mass. He concludes that Keyhoe's argument is based on the reality and validity of undocumented cases, which lack scientific validity. Hynek suggests that the Air Force should investigate a small, selected number of incidents not reported to them to provide 'files protection' for future contingencies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFO phenomena are real and warrant serious investigation, often criticizing the official stance of the Air Force as dismissive or secretive. The editorial stance favors open inquiry and data collection, encouraging public participation in reporting sightings. There is a clear emphasis on the need for scientific rigor in investigating UFOs, while also acknowledging the limitations of official channels. The publication appears to align with organizations like IIOUFO and NICAP in advocating for a more transparent and thorough approach to understanding UFOs, contrasting this with what it perceives as the Air Force's reluctance or inability to address the issue adequately. The recurring theme is the pursuit of 'the truth about flying saucers' and the belief that the public has a right to know.

This issue of IIR (likely a publication of IIOUFO International) from 1966, identified as issue 20, focuses on the organization's international reach and recent UFO sightings. The cover prominently features the IIOUFO International logo and a headline about the HOUFO International Program.

IIOUFO International Program

Robert A. Stiff, Director of Foreign Offices, introduces the HOUFO International Program, established in June 1966. This program appoints a Resident Director in each country with a significant IIOUFO membership. These directors are tasked with coordinating members, directing research, facilitating sighting investigations, and submitting evaluated reports to International Headquarters in Oklahoma City. Future issues will feature reports from foreign colleagues and background information on affiliated groups.

GESAG: A Leading European UFO Group

The magazine introduces GESAG (Groupment pour l'Etude des Sciences d'Avant-Garde), a Belgian-based group founded over a year prior. GESAG is described as one of the most respected UFO organizations on the continent. Its Director and co-founder, M. Jacques Bonabot, also serves as the Resident Director of IIOUFO in Belgium. Bonabot is noted as a significant contributor to IIR and major UFO publications. GESAG is praised for its disciplined approach, avoiding the 'dictatorship' found in other organizations. It does not seek publicity or mass membership, nor does it charge exorbitant fees. Crucially, GESAG does not claim to know what UFOs are, where they come from, or their propulsion methods. Its sole purpose is to 'explore the UFO mystery.'

GESAG has organized the BENELUX Cooperation, uniting rational UFO organizations in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, working with 'military precision' to combat fraud and confusion in European UFO research. IIOUFO expresses pride in its affiliation with GESAG, hoping their joint efforts will help solve 'the mystery of the ages.'

Foreign Sightings

This section details two typical reports received from foreign offices:

• Bournemouth, Hants, United Kingdom (January 19, 1966): Reported by IWUFOIS (a member of the Benelux Cooperation). Mr. McFarlane witnessed an object described as two bright circles joined by a 'pole' with a glowing red circle around it. The object was observed for about two hours, appearing and disappearing at intervals.
• Comment: The report is critiqued for lacking specific details such as the time of appearance, relative size, exact location, and the name of the other witness. It also suggests police should have been notified and the object photographed.

• 48 miles north of London, United Kingdom (December 29, 1965): Reported by BIA/GESAG. Mr. Farbrother, while driving, saw a bright light that resolved into an 'oval' object. As he watched, the object descended, appearing bright reddish-orange with a bright cone of white light underneath. It was visible for about four minutes before shooting off in a southwesterly direction and fading from view.

Additional information on recent sightings in other countries can be obtained from the Foreign Office, IIOUFO.

IIOUFO International Affiliations

The issue lists IIOUFO's affiliated organizations, including:

• IIOUFO International of Canada (Resident Director: A. K. Vezina)
• IIOUFO International of Venezuela (Resident Director: C. McKnight)
• IIOUFO International of Belgium (Resident Director: J. Bonabot)
• IIOUFO International of France and Italy (Resident Director: P. Allain)
• IIOUFO International of Spain (I. D. Rojas-Marcos, Resident Director)

It also notes that IIOUFO Internationals are being established in Argentina, India, New Zealand, Norway, and Sweden. The organization seeks to affiliate with dignified, bona-fide UFO groups worldwide.

Other Affiliated and Related Organizations

Page 22 lists numerous other UFO organizations with which IIOUFO has connections or affiliations, including groups from Belgium, Argentina, Great Britain, the Netherlands, USA (Washington, Texas, Ohio, Oklahoma), and mentions ongoing establishment of IIOUFO Internationals in several countries.

Attention State Directors and Resident Directors

This section provides administrative instructions for State Directors and Resident Directors, reminding them to return monthly report forms by the first of each month and to retain copies. They are also instructed to use and distribute official sighting and information forms when responding to inquiries.

Attention Members

IIOUFO welcomes contributions from members in the form of articles, investigation reports, and scientific dissertations. Contributions must be typewritten, double-spaced, on one side of the paper, not exceeding 600 words. They must be well-written, technically sound, and conform to high journalistic standards. Photographs and news clippings may be included. Payment is made at a minimum rate of $10 per contribution upon publication.

New Book

A new book titled "The Truth about FLYING SAUCERS" by IIOUFO Director Hayden C. Hewes is advertised. It promises the complete story of flying saucers, addressing questions about their nature, origin, and purpose, and detailing events in Oklahoma, including the August UFO wave and the famous Tulsa photograph. The book is available for $2.00 from IIOUFO Headquarters.

Cover Image and Unsolved Mystery

Page 24 features the IIOUFO logo and the title "Flying Saucer Mystery Still. Unsolved". Below this is an image, possibly a photograph or illustration, of a tall, conical object with a distinct top, and a smaller circular object to its right. A caption indicates that full details will be published in a book by August C. Roberts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the international scope of UFO research, the importance of organized and rational investigation, and the ongoing mystery surrounding UFOs. The editorial stance, as exemplified by the description of GESAG, favors a scientific, non-dogmatic approach to exploring the phenomenon, emphasizing data collection and investigation over definitive conclusions or sensationalism. The publication actively seeks contributions from its members and promotes the work of its leadership, such as Hayden C. Hewes's book.