Journal of the Fortean Research Center - Vol 2 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of the JOURNAL of the FORTEAN RESEARCH CENTER, Volume II, No. 2, dated July 1987, is dedicated entirely to information released by researcher William L. Moore. The cover prominently features the designation "TOP SECRET/MAJIC EYES ONLY," indicating the sensitive nature of the content.

Fortean Research Center Information

The Fortean Research Center, located in Lincoln, NE, USA, is a non-profit corporation that investigates unexplained phenomena. The issue lists the center's leadership, including Director Ray W. Boeche, Associate Director Scott Colborn, Secretary Dale Bacon, Treasurer Nancy Boeche, and Associate Directors David White and Clyde Adams. Membership is available for $15.00 per year, which includes a subscription to the Journal and discounts on publications and conferences. The center seeks donations to support its investigations.

A Note from the Director

Director Ray W. Boeche states that this issue is dedicated solely to information released by William L. Moore. While the Fortean Research Center cannot authenticate or endorse the material, they deem it important for study and evaluation. Boeche criticizes armchair researchers and emphasizes the need for cooperative, dedicated individuals to solve the UFO enigma. He mentions ongoing attempts to verify or deny the documents, with the White House Press Secretary's Office and the Department of the Air Force providing no comment, and former Presidential adviser Clark Clifford stating no recollection of such matters. The issue presents two sets of documents: the first released by Moore through his publication FOCUS, and the second being a more complete, uncensored version of one of the first set. Boeche concludes that the documents are remarkable and their authenticity will be determined by time and hard work.

What Does Our Government Know About UFOs? by William L. Moore

William L. Moore provides a research update, detailing his six-year effort to establish a cooperative relationship with contacts within the American intelligence community. This has resulted in the availability of information pertaining to the government's involvement with the UFO phenomenon, including documentation, videotaped interviews, and leads that have enabled independent uncovering of supporting information. This information corroborates verbal accounts and assurances have been given that more will be provided. Moore anticipates a major release of information through a news media source, though the project is currently at a delicate juncture. He also notes that less significant, but still important, information is available if the major effort fails. Assistance in further research is requested.

An editor's note clarifies that the material is provided courtesy of William L. Moore Publications and Research and first appeared in FOCUS, the monthly newsletter of the Fair-Witness Project, Inc.

Document: Memorandum for General Twining (July 14, 1954)

This TOP SECRET RESTRICTED SECURITY INFORMATION memorandum, dated July 14, 1954, from Robert Cutler, Special Assistant to the President, informs General Twining that the President has decided the MJ-12 SSP briefing will take place during the scheduled White House meeting of July 16, rather than afterward. More precise arrangements will be explained upon arrival, and concurrence with this change is assumed. The document is stamped "COPY ONE OF ONE" and has a National Archives stamp indicating it is from Record Group No. 341, Records of Headquarters, United States Air Force.

Document: Briefing Document: Operation Majestic 12 (November 18, 1952)

This TOP SECRET / MAJIC document, dated November 18, 1952, is a briefing prepared for President-Elect Dwight D. Eisenhower. It is designated "EYES ONLY" and contains "compartmentalized information essential to the national security of the United States." Access is strictly limited to those with Majestic-12 clearance, and reproduction or transcription is forbidden. The document is identified as "COPY ONE OF ONE."

Document: Operation Majestic-12 Preliminary Briefing for President-Elect Eisenhower (November 18, 1952)

This document, prepared on November 18, 1952, by Adm. Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter (MJ-1), serves as a preliminary briefing for President-Elect Eisenhower regarding Operation Majestic-12. It states that Operation Majestic-12 is a TOP SECRET Research and Development/Intelligence operation directly responsible to the President. The project is controlled by the Majestic-12 (Majic-12) Group, established by President Truman on September 24, 1947, upon the recommendation of Dr. Vannevar Bush and Secretary James Forrestal. The initial members of the Majic-12 Group are listed as: Adm. Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter, Dr. Vannevar Bush, Secy. James V. Forrestal, Gen. Nathan F. Twining, Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg, Dr. Detlev Bronk, Dr. Jerome Hunsaker, Mr. Sidney W. Souers, Mr. Gordon Gray, Dr. Donald Menzel, Gen. Robert M. Montague, and Dr. Lloyd V. Berkner. The death of Secretary Forrestal in May 1949 created a vacancy filled by Gen. Walter B. Smith in August 1950.

Document: A-3 (June 24, 1947 Incident)

This TOP SECRET / MAJIC document, dated June 24, 1947, describes a civilian pilot's sighting of nine disc-shaped aircraft in formation over the Cascade Mountains, Washington. This event, though not the first sighting, gained significant public attention. Numerous reports followed from credible military and civilian sources, leading to independent military efforts to ascertain the nature of these objects. Several attempts to pursue the objects with aircraft were unsuccessful, and public reaction bordered on hysteria. The document notes that little was learned until a rancher reported a crash in New Mexico, approximately seventy-five miles northwest of Roswell Army Air Base. On July 7, 1947, a secret operation began to recover the wreckage for scientific study. Aerial reconnaissance discovered four dead, human-like beings about two miles east of the wreckage site, who had apparently ejected from the craft before it exploded. These bodies were removed for study, and the wreckage was transported to various locations. Civilian and military witnesses were debriefed, and news reporters were given the cover story that the object was a misguided weather research balloon.

Document: A-4 (Analysis of Craft and Occupants)

This TOP SECRET / MAJIC document details a covert analytical effort organized by Gen. Twining and Dr. Rush, based on direct orders from the President. A preliminary consensus in September 1947 concluded that the disc was likely a short-range reconnaissance craft, based on its size and lack of identifiable provisioning. A similar analysis of the four deceased occupants, conducted by Dr. Bronk's team in November 1947, tentatively concluded that while human-like, these creatures had developed through biological and evolutionary processes different from those of homo-sapiens. The term "Extra-terrestrial Biological Entities" (ETBEs) was suggested. The document speculates that these craft do not originate on Earth, with Mars being a possibility, though some scientists suggest another solar system. Efforts to decipher writings found in the wreckage and to determine the propulsion method have been largely unsuccessful due to the absence of conventional technology. It is assumed the propulsion unit was destroyed in the crash.

Document: A-5 (Project SIGN, GRUDGE, BLUE BOOK, and Texas Incident)

This TOP SECRET / MAJIC document discusses the need for more information on the craft, their performance, and purpose, leading to the U.S. Air Force Project SIGN in December 1947. Security limited liaison between SIGN and Majestic-12 to two individuals. SIGN evolved into Project GRUDGE in December 1948 and is currently conducted under the codename BLUE BOOK. On December 6, 1950, a second object, likely of similar origin, impacted the earth at high speed in the El Indio-Guerrero area of the Texas-Mexican border. Recovered material was transported to the AEC facility at Sandia, New Mexico. The document highlights the continuing implications for National Security, as the motives of the visitors are unknown. A significant increase in surveillance activity of these craft has caused concern about imminent developments. The Majestic-12 Group unanimously recommends strict security precautions continue, and contingency plan MJ-1949-04P/78 should be held in readiness for a possible public announcement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the presentation and analysis of classified documents related to "Operation Majestic 12" and the U.S. government's historical involvement with UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by Ray W. Boeche, is one of cautious presentation of potentially significant, albeit unauthenticated, material. The journal aims to encourage serious research and critical evaluation rather than dismissive skepticism. The emphasis is on the need for transparency and investigation into unexplained phenomena, balanced with the imperative of national security and avoiding public panic.

This document collection, marked 'TOP SECRET / MAJIC EYES ONLY,' comprises declassified government records related to UFO investigations and extraterrestrial phenomena. The primary focus is on 'Operation Majestic-12' and 'Project Aquarius,' with various attachments and executive briefings detailing their scope and findings. The documents span from initial reports in 1947 to re-typed versions in 1987, indicating a long-term, highly classified government interest in these subjects.

Enumeration of Attachments

The first page lists several attachments related to 'Operation Majestic-12,' including:

• Attachment "A": Special Classified Executive Order #092447.
• Attachment "B": Operation Majestic-12 Status Report #1, Part A, dated 30 NOV '47.
• Attachment "C": Operation Majestic-12 Status Report #1, Part B, dated 30 NOV '47.
• Attachment "D": Operation Majestic-12 Preliminary Analytical Report, dated 19 SEP '47.
• Attachment "E": Operation Majestic-12 Blue Team Report #5, dated 30 JUN '52.
• Attachment "F": Operation Majestic-12 Status Report #2, dated 31 JAN '48.
• Attachment "G": Operation Majestic-12 Contingency Plan MJ-1949-04P/78, dated 31 JAN '49.
• Attachment "H": Operation Majestic-12, Maps and Photographs Polio (Extractions).

Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense

A memorandum dated September 24, 1947, from the White House, Washington, is addressed to Secretary Forrestal, the Secretary of Defense. The content of this memorandum is largely obscured by a blacked-out section.

Central Intelligence Agency Executive Briefing

A memo from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), dated June 24, references a request for a briefing on Project "A" from an individual identified as R2. The information was not available to P2, and the White House had requested the information be withheld from dissemination per Executive Order 01156. The memo instructs to contact T-2P to assume custody of the matter and warns against allowing AF to evaluate 'IDENT' information, suggesting it might reveal too much.

Project Aquarius Documentation

Several pages are dedicated to 'Project Aquarius,' identified as a TOP SECRET executive correspondence. It is stated that this document was prepared by MJ12, who is solely responsible for its subject matter. The classification is listed as 'EXEMPT CAT 2 (?)' and it was re-typed by RWB on 6/20/87.

Further details on Project Aquarius reveal that it contains 16 volumes of documented information collected from the beginning of the United States Investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and Identified Alien Crafts (IAC). The project was originally established in 1953 by order of President Eisenhower, under the control of NSC and MJ12. In 1966, it was renamed from Project Gleem to Project Aquarius. The project was funded by CIA confidential funds (non-appropriated). Its classification was upgraded from SECRET to its present level in December 1969, after Project Blue Book closed. The purpose of Project Aquarius was to collect scientific, technological, medical, and intelligence information from UFO/IAC sightings and contacts with alien life forms, with the collected information used to advance the United States Space Program.

The briefing for Project Aquarius is described as an historical account of the United States Government's investigation of Aerial Phenomena, Recovered Alien Aircrafts, and Contacts with Extraterrestrial Life Forms.

Classification and Release Instructions

These documents are classified TOP SECRET with ORCON (Originator Controlled), meaning only the originator may release the information. Access to Project Aquarius is strictly limited to MJ12. No other government agency, including the military, has access. There are only two copies of Project Aquarius, and its location is known only to MJ12. The document is to be destroyed after the briefing, and no notes, photographs, or audio recordings may be made.

Key Incidents and Historical Context

In June 1947, a civilian pilot flying over the Cascade mountains of Washington State observed nine flying discs, which is referred to as the beginning of the United States' involvement with UFO investigations. In 1947, an aircraft of extraterrestrial origin crashed in the desert of New Mexico. The craft was recovered, and four alien bodies, described as creatures not related to human beings, were found in the wreck. Another alien aircraft reportedly crashed in the United States and was recovered by the military. A surviving alien, male, identified itself as 'COC.' Its language was translated by military intelligence personnel, originating from a planet in the Zeta Reticuli system.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in these documents are government secrecy, the investigation of UFOs and alien phenomena, and the existence of highly classified projects like Majestic-12 and Aquarius. The editorial stance, as inferred from the classification and distribution instructions, is one of extreme caution and compartmentalization of information, emphasizing that only a select few are privy to these sensitive details. The documents suggest a long-standing, covert government effort to understand and potentially leverage extraterrestrial technology and knowledge.

This document is a declassified "TOP SECRET" Executive Briefing, re-typed on June 20, 1987, detailing the United States government's early investigations into Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and extraterrestrial encounters. It covers incidents and programs spanning from 1947 to 1969, with a focus on recovered alien craft and information obtained from alien life forms.

Early Incidents and Recoveries

The briefing begins by recounting an event in June 1947, where a civilian pilot flying over the Cascade mountains in Washington State observed nine flying discs. This incident prompted the Army Air Forces' Technical Intelligence Center to order an inquiry, marking the beginning of US involvement in UFO investigations.

In 1947, an extraterrestrial aircraft reportedly crashed in the desert of New Mexico. The military recovered the craft and four non-homo-sapiens alien bodies from the wreckage. These aliens were noted as not being related to human beings.

Another alien aircraft crash occurred in the United States in late 1949. This craft was recovered partially intact, and one surviving alien, who identified itself as "EBE," was found. EBE was thoroughly interrogated by military intelligence at a base in New Mexico. Using picture graphs, his language was translated, revealing he came from a planet in the Zeta Reticuli star system, approximately 40 light years from Earth. EBE lived until June 18, 1952, when he died from an unexplained illness. During his life, he provided valuable information regarding space technology, the origins of the Universe, and exobiological matters.

In 1958, a third alien aircraft was recovered from the desert of Utah. This aircraft was in excellent flying condition and appeared to have been abandoned by the aliens for an unknown reason, as no alien life forms were found in or around it. Considered a technological marvel, its operating instrumentation was too complex for US scientists to interrupt. The aircraft was stored in a top-security area and analyzed by aerospace scientists, yielding a large volume of technological data.

Government Investigation Programs

The recovery of alien aircraft led the United States to initiate an extensive investigation program to determine if these aliens posed a threat to national security. In 1947, the newly created Air Force launched a program to investigate UFO incidents, operated under three code names: Grudge, Sign, and finally Blue Book. The primary mission was to collect and analyze all reported sightings and incidents to assess their security implications. Some information was also evaluated for its potential to advance US space technology.

According to the document, 90% of the estimated 12,000 reports analyzed by the Air Force were considered hoaxes, explained phenomena, or natural astronomical objects. The remaining 10% were deemed legitimate alien sightings or incidents. However, not all UFO sightings were reported under the Air Force program.

In 1953, Project Gleem was initiated by order of President Eisenhower, who believed UFOs presented a national security threat. This project evolved into Project Aquarius in 1966, serving as a parallel reporting system for UFO sightings and incidents. Reports collected under Project Aquarius were considered actual sightings of alien aircraft or contacts with alien life forms, often made by reliable military and Defense Department civilian personnel.

Transition to Covert Operations and Conclusion

Several independent scientific investigations were initiated during the era of Project Blue Book at the request of the Air Force and CIA. In 1966, MJ12 decided that the Air Force should officially end its UFO investigation. This decision had two main reasons: First, the US had established communication with the aliens, felt their exploration was non-aggressive, and concluded their presence did not directly threaten US security. Second, growing public belief in UFOs was perceived as a potential cause for nationwide panic, which could jeopardize sensitive US space programs.

To satisfy public curiosity and address concerns, MJ12 decided an independent scientific study of UFO phenomena was necessary. This study concluded that insufficient data existed to indicate UFOs threatened US security. This conclusion allowed the government to satisfy itself and the Air Force to officially cease its UFO investigating business.

However, when the Air Force officially closed Project Blue Book in December 1969, Project Aquarius continued under the control of NSC/MJ12. The NSC felt investigations needed to continue in secrecy to prevent uncleared officials from obtaining sensitive information. To maintain secrecy, investigators from CIA/DCD and MJ12 were assigned to military and other governmental agencies to investigate legitimate UFO/IAC sightings and incidents. These agents operated throughout the United States and Canada, with all reports filtered to MJ12. They collected reports concerning sightings and incidents near sensitive governmental installations.

A significant note highlighted is the aliens' extreme interest in US nuclear weapons and nuclear research, with many reported military sightings occurring over nuclear weapons bases. The document suggests this interest is linked to the potential threat of nuclear war on Earth. The Air Force initiated measures to ensure the security of nuclear weapons from alien theft or destruction. MJ12 felt confident that the aliens were exploring the solar system for peaceful purposes but stressed the need to continue observing and tracking their movements until their future plans posed no threat to national security or Earth's civilization.

Information Release and Future Plans

Post-governmental documents pertaining to UFO sightings and incidents, including Project Blue Book, have been released to the public under FOIA. However, MJ12 felt that remaining documents and information related to Project Aquarius, particularly concerning technological facts, alien medical matters, and the survival of a captured alien, could not be released for fear of obtaining information by SHIS (presumably a hostile entity). Other sensitive information from CUT (presumably Central Underground Files) was also deemed not releasable.

Notably, Project Aquarius Volume IX pertains to tracing the aliens' first visitation to Earth approximately 5,000 years ago. EBE reportedly stated that 2,000 years prior, his ancestors planted a human creature on Earth to assist in developing a civilization. This information was vague, and the exact identity or background of this 'homo-sapien' was not obtained. The document suggests that releasing this information could cause a worldwide religious upheaval.

MJ3 has developed a plan for the gradual release of Project Aquarius, Volume III, over time to condition the public for future disclosures. This briefing contains guidelines for future public briefings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena, the recovery and analysis of extraterrestrial technology and life forms, and the perceived national security implications of alien presence. The editorial stance, as presented through the "TOP SECRET" classification and the emphasis on covert operations, is one of extreme caution and control over information dissemination regarding UFOs and aliens. The document reflects a belief that UFOs are real and involve extraterrestrial intelligence, with a primary concern for national security and the potential for public panic.

Title: FORTEAN RESEARCH JOURNAL

Issue Date: November 17, 1990

Publisher: FORTEAN RESEARCH CENTER

Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the FORTEAN RESEARCH JOURNAL, marked 'TOP SECRET', delves into declassified US government documents concerning UFO sightings, incidents, and related policies, with a significant focus on 'Project Aquarius'. The journal highlights that while many documents have been released through FOIA and other programs, certain sensitive information remains classified.

Key Revelations and Classified Information

The documents indicate that MJ12 (a likely reference to the Majestic 12 group) felt that remaining documents and information related to technological facts about alien medical matters, the capture and survival of an alien for three years, and other sensitive data obtained from EBE (Extraterrestrial Biological Entity) could not be released to the public for fear of it being obtained by SHIS (likely a reference to a security or intelligence agency).

Notably, 'Project Aquarius Volume IX' pertains to tracing the aliens' first visitation of Earth approximately 5,000 years ago. EBE reportedly stated that 2,000 years ago, his ancestors planted a human creature on Earth to assist in developing civilization, though the exact identity or background of this 'homo-sapien' was not obtained. The release of this information is believed to have the potential to cause a worldwide religious panic.

MJ3 has developed a plan for the gradual release of 'Project Aquarius, Volumes I thru III' to condition the public for future disclosures, with guidelines for these releases included in 'Atch 5'.

Technological Disparity

A 1976 MJ3 report (Atch. 6) estimated that the aliens' technology was many thousands of years ahead of United States technology. US scientists speculate that until their technology develops to a level equal to the aliens', they cannot fully understand the vast volume of scientific information already gained from the aliens. This advancement of US technology is projected to take many hundreds of years.

Sub-Projects Under Project Aquarius

The journal details several sub-projects operating under 'Project Aquarius':

• PROJECT BANDO (PROWORD: RISK): Established in 1949, its mission was to collect and evaluate medical information from surviving alien creatures and recovered alien bodies. This project medically examined EBE and provided US medical researchers with answers to the evolution theory. It was terminated in 1974. (OPR: CIA)
• PROJECT SIGMA (PROWORD: MIDNIGHT): Originally established as part of 'Project Gleem' in 1954 and became a separate project in 1976. Its mission was to establish communication with aliens. It achieved positive success when, in 1959, primitive communications were established. On April 25, 1964, a USAF intelligence officer met two aliens in the desert of New Mexico. The contact lasted approximately three hours, during which basic information was exchanged based on the alien language provided by EBE. This project was continuing at an Air Force base in New Mexico. (OPR: MJ12/NSA)
• PROJECT SNOWBIRD (PROWORD: CETUS): Established in 1972, its mission was to test-fly a recovered alien aircraft. This project was continuing in Nevada. (OPR: USAF/NSA/CIA/MJ12)
• PROJECT POUNCE (PROWORD: DIXIE): Originally established in 1968, its mission was to evaluate all UFO/IAC (Unidentified Flying Object/Intelligent Aerial Craft) information pertaining to space technology. PROJECT POUNCE continues. (OPR: NASA/USAF)

Document Analysis and Sightings

A report from HQ AFOSI, dated November 17, 1990, details the analysis of negatives and film related to Case NR: 8017093-126 HQ CR 44. The analysis found several instances of unidentified aerial objects:

• Negative #1: Depicted a C-5A aircraft on approach with a streaking unidentified aerial object in the lower right portion of the film. The size differential was inconsistent with the aircraft, leading to an inconclusive finding.
• Negative #2: Showed a cylinder-shaped unidentified aerial object in the upper left portion of the photo, consistent with field depth and relative size of fixed objects, leading to a conclusion of a legitimate negative of an unidentified aerial object.
• Negative #3: Depicted an irregular-shaped unidentified aerial object in several frames of 8mm film. Due to the object's size and apparent speed, no further classification or conclusion could be drawn.
• 7½ inches of 8mm film: Showed an apparent colored object moving in front of a still camera, revealing basic prism features. Depth analysis indicated the object was within 152mm of the camera and not consistent with the relative size of fixed objects, resulting in an inconclusive finding.
• Original Negative: Depicted an unidentified object, found to be saucer-shaped with an approximate diameter of 37 feet and containing a trilateral insignia on the lower portion, identified using the Bolton Reinfeld method. No depth analysis could be performed due to the lack of fixed objects in the film.

Government Policy and Assistance

Regarding further information on HQ CR 44, it was noted that the USAF is no longer publicly active in UFO research but maintains interest in UFO sightings over USAF installations and test ranges. Several other government agencies, led by NASA, actively investigate legitimate sightings through covert cover. The official US-government policy and results of Project Aquarius are classified 'TOP SECRET' with restricted access. The Bennewitz case is being monitored by NASA/INS, who request all future evidence be forwarded to them through AFOSI.

Due to the chance of public disclosure, no knowledgeable personnel with SPA (likely a security clearance or program designation) will be provided. Assistance is to continue from individuals named Miller and Fugate. Due to the sensitivity of the case, these individuals are to be thoroughly debriefed at regular intervals.

Document Sets Available

The FORTEAN RESEARCH CENTER offers sets of US government documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act for the cost of xerographic reproduction and postage. These include:

• The Bentwaters Incident: A complete working file on the 1980 alleged UFO landing at a US Air Force base in England (400+ pages, $38.50).
• FBI Documents: Received in response to a request for documents relating to FBI surveillance of UFO investigators and research groups (235 pages, $24.50).
• Department of Energy Documents: Dealing primarily with the 'green fire-ball' phenomenon over Los Alamos in the late 1940s (Approx. 200 pages, $21.00).
• Project Moon Dust Documents: Documents relating to an apparent government effort to recover downed UFOs (Approx. 50 pages, $9.50).
• Defense Intelligence Agency Documents: 139 pages of previously unreleased documents concerning the DIA's involvement with the UFO problem, including four documents referring to Project Moon Dust (140 pages, $23.50).

The center emphasizes that these documents are made available as a service, and encourages public access to help break the government's wall of silence.

Other Organizations

The journal also lists numerous other organizations dealing with the unexplained, encouraging readers to support them financially and spiritually. These include:

• Mutual UFO Network
• Fortean Times
• Arcturus Book Service
• The Gate
• Fair Witness Project
• Computer UFO Newsletter
• Yorkshire UFO Society
• Odyssey/Bulletin
• International UFO Reporter Center for UFO Studies
• UFO Newsclipping Service
• Project Stigma/Crux
• Northern UFO News
• Citizens Against UFO Secrecy
• Lake Champlain Phenomena Investigation
• UFO Contact Center International
• Ghost Research Society
• California UFO

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena, the advanced nature of alien technology, and the ongoing efforts to communicate with and understand extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance, as expressed in the section "The Way Home" and the concluding remarks about document availability, is one of advocating for transparency and public access to information regarding unexplained phenomena, believing that widespread knowledge is key to breaking down governmental secrecy.