Just Cause - 1984 12 - No 02 - New Series

Magazine Overview

Title: JUST CAUSE
Issue: 2
Volume: NEW SERIES
Date: December 1984
Publisher: Lawrence Fawcett
Country: USA
Price: $10 (4 issues, $15 foreign)

Editorial: The Importance of Investigating UFO Rumors

The editorial, authored by Lawrence Fawcett, reflects on his 20 years of UFO investigation and the common skepticism surrounding reports of crashed UFOs and alien bodies. He argues that such evidence, if it exists, would be highly classified and subject to secrecy oaths, explaining why public proof is scarce. Fawcett draws parallels between current UFO rumors and past instances where seemingly unbelievable rumors, such as warnings of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the development of the atomic bomb, proved to be true. He emphasizes the need to probe behind official pronouncements on UFOs, stating that CAUS's investigations have found government tales of ufology's demise to be greatly exaggerated. The editorial also notes that witnesses often refuse to sign statements due to fear of reprisals, rather than dishonesty.

Mystery Cloud in the Pacific Stirs Interest Here

This section details CAUS's investigation into a peculiar event reported in the Pacific. Initially, word of mouth suggested a radio broadcast by Paul Harvey about a strange cloud seen by airliners between Tokyo and Anchorage, with concerns about radioactivity. Further information came from OMNI magazine, which quoted an FAA spokesman dismissing the sightings as a 'standing lenticular cloud.'

CAUS initiated a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, receiving documents from the FAA's Alaskan Regional office and later from FAA/HQ in Washington D.C. These documents included transcripts of communications, newspaper articles, and interview reports.

The incident occurred on April 9, 1984, involving Japan Air Lines flight 36 piloted by Captain C.H. McDade. He observed a large sphere-shaped cloud formation moving up from a lower cloud layer, which rapidly increased in size and altitude, estimated to be between 50 and 125 nautical miles away, and reaching 60,000 feet with a 200-mile diameter. The formation dissipated after about 50 minutes. No unusual effects were noted by the crew.

Captain Cornelis Vander Berg of Dutch KLM flight 868, flying about 33 minutes ahead, also witnessed the formation, describing it as a bubble rising from a low stratus cloud layer, which grew into a sphere. The sphere became partially transparent, allowing stars to be seen through it.

Captain Mike Howe of Flying Tigers flight 78, flying behind JAL 36, could not see the formation due to limited visibility but heard radio reports. Captain Presley of Flying Tigers flight 22 reported seeing a saucer-shaped cloud at an intersection known as PAWES, though his weather radar showed nothing.

First Officer Dough Happ of Flying Tigers flight 72 described a half-circle cloud approaching from the direction of Tokyo, which gradually formed into a mushroom shape. No shock wave or flash was observed.

All flights were checked for radiation, with negative results. Explanations considered included Soviet missile tests, but the timing and location did not match. Japan's Defense Agency collected air samples, which showed no abnormal radioactivity.

The phenomenon remained unexplained, with a similar cloud reported over Kuwait in 1980. The article concludes by questioning meteorologists for insights.

Army Intelligence Files Released

CAUS member Michael Charest obtained three heavily censored documents from U.S. Army Intelligence files via the National Security Agency. These documents, released on October 3, 1984, were Department of Defense Intelligence Information Reports.

The first document, dated August 19, 1968, pertains to UFO sightings over the South China Sea on July 17, 1968, with most information deleted.

The second document, dated October 14, 1968, details an investigation by a 'technical team' in the area of Taiwan's offshore islands. Between July 17 and August 13, 1968, UFOs were sighted daily over KINMEN (Quemoy) Island and MATSU, flying at high altitudes (20,000 to 100,000 feet) and speeds approximating 'man-made satellites.' The team observed six UFOs on August 12 and four on August 13. The UFOs were described as bright and flew straight courses. The team speculated they could be satellites, 'flying saucers,' electronic jamming devices, or psychological warfare balloons.

The third document, dated March 7, 1970, discusses UFO sightings over the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), where large, balloon-shaped objects were seen at high altitudes, penetrating South Korean airspace and sometimes exploding. Efforts to recover debris were fruitless.

CAUS requests anyone with similar documentation to come forward.

FAA Releases Documentation on the Wave Over New York State

An FAA document released on October 18, 1984, details a report from Mr. John Jordan of Westchester County, N.Y., who phoned on June 27, 1984, to report seeing a UFO. The FAA provided him with a phone number for UFO investigation, which turned out to be NORAD Headquarters. A NORAD spokesperson denied being the responsible 'unit' and stated the government was out of the UFO business. The article suggests the FAA may have inadvertently provided an incorrect number, possibly intended for reporting UFO incidents to NORAD.

Wild Rumors - An Update

This section clarifies that a previous story connecting the USS Nimitz to the Cash/Landrum report is untrue, based on a recent letter from the Navy indicating the Nimitz was in Norfolk, Virginia, at the time of the sighting. The column's purpose is to share rumors for public evaluation and potential documentation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of JUST CAUSE are government secrecy and the suppression of information regarding UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards official denials and a strong advocacy for independent investigation, particularly through FOIA requests. The magazine encourages readers to question official narratives and to share any evidence they possess. There is a consistent emphasis on the historical precedent of rumors proving true, suggesting that current UFO reports should be taken seriously. The publication appears to be a platform for disseminating information about UFO sightings and alleged cover-ups, aiming to uncover the truth through public participation and documentation.