JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG

Magazine Overview

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), Volume 2, Issue 1, dated 1-1981, is published by the GEMEINSCHAFT ZUR ERFORSCHUNG UNBEKANNTER PHÄNOMENE (GEP) and costs DM 3.50. The cover headline is "NICHTS NEUES VOM CIA" (Nothing New from the CIA).

Zum Neuen Jahrgang (To the New Year)

This editorial by Dieter von Reemen announces the transition from the previous publication "GEP-Nachrichten" to the new "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG." It highlights the growth of the journal, largely driven by Hans-Werner Peiniger and Gerald Mosbleck, and its aim to become a serious platform for discussing the probability of intelligent extraterrestrial life, the identity of UFOs, and prehistoric findings. The editorial outlines a new format for the 1981 volume, with continuous page numbering from 1 to 120 and cover pages for current information like GEP announcements, letters to the editor, and advertisements. It emphasizes the need for quality contributions and invites readers to submit their own research.

Nichts Neues vom CIA (Nothing New from the CIA)

This section, authored by Werner Walter (CENAP), discusses the CIA's and FBI's involvement with UFO investigations. It references a declassified CIA document from January 14-18, 1953, detailing meetings of a Scientific Advisory Panel on Unidentified Flying Objects. The article notes that the US Air Force (USAF) was obligated to investigate UFO reports between 1947-1968, while the FBI was concerned about potential 'Red Spy' disinformation campaigns. The CIA's role was primarily to collect information from abroad and contribute to the Robertson Panel. The article mentions the Robertson Panel, convened in January 1953, which included prominent scientists like Dr. H. P. Robertson, Dr. Luis W. Alvarez, and Dr. Samuel Goudsmit. The panel's conclusion was that most sightings could be explained scientifically, and there was no evidence of a national security threat. The article also touches upon the project 'TWINKLE' for continuous instrumental observation of UFOs.

Brig. Gen. William M. Garland of ATIC expressed support for the panel and suggested increased use of Air Force intelligence officers for investigations, a more vigorous effort to declassify reports, and an expansion of the ATIC section for UFO analysis.

GEP Interview: Werner Walter - «CENAP»

In an interview with GEP, Werner Walter of CENAP discusses the ongoing debate surrounding UFOs and the association of UFOs with flying saucers. He criticizes "UFOlogists" for their perceived lack of seriousness and their contribution to a distorted public perception. CENAP, he states, aims to present UFO/UAP research in a more serious and scientific manner. Walter asserts that CENAP possesses the complete CIA and FBI UFO material and believes that government agencies do not know more than independent researchers, suggesting that the 'secret' nature of the material stems from the embarrassment of finding more mistaken sightings than actual unexplained phenomena. He highlights that the USAF Project Blue Book conducted intensive investigations, and the CIA's role was to gather foreign material for the Robertson Panel. Walter emphasizes that CENAP has investigated 200 UFO reports over seven years and found that their 'unknowns' are not typically 'flying saucers,' often being misidentifications or 'traumatic visions.' He advocates for a critical approach, distinguishing between knowledge and belief, and warns against 'fantastical' explanations. Walter also outlines the qualities of a good UFO investigator, stressing the importance of common sense, logical reasoning, and an understanding of scientific principles, rather than just mathematical skills. He advises investigators to remain skeptical of interviewees and to consider the possibility of misinterpretation due to perspective.

Ausgegraben - Ältere Bücher über die Möglichkeit außerirdischen Lebens (Teil IV & V)

This section reviews older books on the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Part IV discusses Thomas Trent's book "Geheimnisse im Weltall" (Secrets in Space), published in 1955. The book, aimed at young readers, explains concepts of the universe and addresses the UFO phenomenon. Trent encourages a scientific approach and warns against credulity, suggesting that many UFO beliefs stem from psychological needs. Part V continues the review, mentioning a 1950 German magazine "Neues Kriminal-Magazin" with a special issue on flying saucers, which included H.G. Wells' "Invasion from Mars" and details of the Thomas Mantell incident. It also references Donald Keyhoe's theories.

UFO-Untersuchungen mit Fragebogen (UFO Investigations with Questionnaires)

Hans-Werner Peiniger explains the GEP's approach to creating and using UFO investigation questionnaires. He emphasizes the need for a serious and scientific presentation to gain the witness's trust. The questionnaire is designed to be comprehensive yet not overly demanding, striking a balance between gathering sufficient data and maintaining the witness's willingness to participate. The article details the importance of clear instructions and motivation for the witness, suggesting that a written instruction is more objective than an oral one. The GEP questionnaire is designed to be understandable across different social strata.

Astronomie in der UFO-Forschung (Astronomy in UFO Research)

Hans-Werner Peiniger discusses the relevance of astronomy to UFO research. He recommends two resources: "Das Himmelsjahr" (The Year of the Sky) for monthly astronomical data and a "Drehbare KOSMOS-Sternkarte mit Planetenanzeiger" (Rotatable KOSMOS Star Chart with Planet Indicator) for determining the positions of planets and celestial bodies. These tools are crucial for identifying potential astronomical explanations for UFO sightings. Peiniger intends to cover basic astronomical knowledge relevant to UFO investigation in future issues.

Presse-Spiegel (Press Mirror)

This section briefly reports on a Christmas Eve UFO sighting over Southern England and France, where witnesses described a bright light that broke into smaller points. The report dismisses the idea of an alien invasion, suggesting it was likely a decaying satellite or meteor.

Unsere Karikatur (Our Cartoon)

A cartoon depicts a classic flying saucer hovering over a landscape with figures looking up at it.

Archivierung des Journals (Archiving the Journal)

This section provides information on how readers can archive their journals, suggesting the use of a DIN A5 LEITZ-Ordner and offering a free label. It also announces a planned reprint of the first six issues of the journal in DIN A5 format, inquiring about reader interest and potential pricing.

Neue Mitglieder (New Members)

Welcomes Mr. Klaus Peter Walser from Bludenz, Austria, as a new member.

Spenden (Donations)

Thanks an anonymous donor for a DM 50.- contribution.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the official investigation of UFOs by government agencies (CIA, FBI, USAF), the scientific analysis of sightings, the methodology of UFO research (questionnaires), and the importance of astronomical knowledge. The editorial stance, particularly from Werner Walter of CENAP, is critical of "UFOlogy" and advocates for a rigorous, scientific, and evidence-based approach to UFO research, distinguishing it from mere belief or speculation. There is a clear emphasis on debunking misidentifications and promoting a more grounded understanding of the phenomenon.

This document is an instruction manual for a questionnaire distributed by the GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung Unbekannter Phänomene - Community for the Research of Unknown Phenomena). The issue number is indicated as '20' on the page, suggesting it might be a page number within a larger publication or a specific issue identifier.

Instructions for the Questionnaire

The primary purpose of this questionnaire is to gather information on phenomena that are not yet well-understood. It is presented to individuals who have encountered such a phenomenon, with the aim of simplifying the investigation and analysis of their sighting reports.

The instructions detail the process for completing the questionnaire:

• Marking Responses: For statements that apply to your person, your perception, or your sighting, you should mark them by crossing out the adjacent circle (e.g., 'yes O no O').
• Written Answers: For pre-drawn lines, a keyword-based answer is requested. The same applies to the free space provided, such as under 'Bemerkungen' (Remarks).
• Further Guidance: Additional information for how to answer specific questions will be provided within the questionnaire itself.
• Avoidance: Do not write in the bordered fields.

Guidelines for Reporting

The instructions strongly emphasize the importance of accuracy and completeness:

• Accuracy: Make the most precise statements possible.
• Completeness: Do not withhold any information and do not add anything to your report.
• Legibility: Clear handwriting is absolutely essential.
• Confidentiality: Upon your request, your statements will be treated confidentially.

Before proceeding, users are instructed to ensure they have fully understood these instructions. If any part is unclear, they are urged to ask questions, as they have the right to precise information. Once understood, they can turn the page and begin filling out the questionnaire.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document's stance is one of systematic data collection and rigorous investigation into unknown phenomena. The emphasis on accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality suggests a serious, scientific approach to gathering eyewitness accounts. The GEP positions itself as an organization dedicated to researching and understanding these unexplained events.