Just Cause - 1985 09 - No 05 - New Series

Magazine Overview

Title: JUST CAUSE
Issue: Number 5
Date: September 1985
Publisher: CAUS (Citizens Against UFO Secrecy)
Editor: Barry Greenwood
Publisher: Lawrence Fawcett

This issue of JUST CAUSE, the fifth in its New Series and marking the publication's first year, addresses the ongoing challenges in obtaining government information on UFOs, reports on recent sightings, and delves into historical government involvement with the phenomenon.

Editorial

The editorial highlights CAUS's one-year anniversary and its ongoing efforts to uncover government UFO history. Despite progress, the organization faces difficulties with FOIA requests, noting a trend of decreased cooperation from government agencies. The editor asserts CAUS's commitment to pursuing the right to information about UFOs, emphasizing that the phenomenon is too significant to ignore. The editorial also briefly mentions a recent UFO sighting in China involving a Boeing 747 and a large, bright object.

UFO Sighting in China

The issue reports on a sighting that occurred on June 11, 1985, involving a Chinese Civil Aviation Administration Boeing 747. While flying over the Ganzu provincial capitol of Lanzhou at 10:40 pm, the aircraft encountered a UFO described as six miles wide with an extremely bright spot radiating from its center. The object remained visible for approximately 25-30 miles of the plane's course. The report notes that while a Soviet missile launch is a possibility, the incident, along with other recent reports of "huge UFOs," warrants further investigation. The editorial expresses a wish for the media to cover the UFO subject more broadly rather than focusing on trendy aspects.

Conversation with Dr. Sarbacher

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an interview with Dr. Robert Sarbacher, a figure reportedly linked to inside government information on UFOs, particularly concerning the "Smith memo" of November 21, 1950. Initially, attempts to contact Dr. Sarbacher were unsuccessful. However, CAUS attorney Robert Bletchman managed to establish contact, leading to a conversation where Sarbacher confirmed the authenticity of a letter he had sent to UFO researcher William Steinman in 1983.

In this letter, dated November 29, 1983, Sarbacher recounted meetings of the old Research and Development Board (R&DB), part of the National Military Establishment (now the Department of Defense). These meetings, which he did not directly attend but heard about from participants, reportedly discussed the recovery of a crashed UFO. He mentioned that Dr. Vannevar Bush, Dr. John Von Neumann, and possibly Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer were involved. Sarbacher recalled that materials recovered from such crashes were "extremely light and very tough," and that the occupants of these craft might have been constructed like certain insects, possessing low mass to withstand high inertial forces during operation.

Sarbacher expressed uncertainty about the high classification and denial surrounding these devices. He also mentioned that his company, which supplied engineers for projects like the SAGE aerospace defense system, collected data on missile guidance and control, and that information on UFOs was sometimes passed to him by people at Wright Field. He recalled that some files might have been at National Scientific Laboratories, but his company was sold, and he lost track of them.

Sarbacher appeared genuinely surprised to learn that the information he provided to the Canadian Embassy had been written up by Wilbert Smith and later rediscovered by ufologists.

Air Force Intelligence Files Now Available

CAUS is offering two special reports based on recent U.S. Air Force Intelligence file releases. Document Volume One contains summary reports of UFO sightings telephoned to and logged by A.F. Intelligence, primarily from the 1952 UFO wave around Washington D.C. It includes the original transcript of "The Cupless Saucer." Document Volume Two consists of administrative documents from A.F. Intelligence dealing with UFOs between 1950 and 1953. Both volumes are available for purchase by subscribers and non-subscribers.

HBO Documentary on UFOs

A forthcoming HBO documentary in September 1985 is highlighted, featuring reports on the Cash/Landrum case, the Roswell incident, and government UFO secrecy, with contributions from Larry Fawcett. Screening times are provided.

A 1968 Florida Encounter

The issue includes an account from an individual identified as Ben Miller, who served in the Air Force from 1966 to 1970. While stationed at Stewart AFB in New York, he was involved with the SAGE aerospace defense system. During one night in 1968, the system tracked an object flying above 40,000 feet at 35 knots off the west coast of Florida. An F-106 was scrambled to intercept it. As the F-106 approached, the object accelerated to over 2500 mph and disappeared, reappearing later near the Florida panhandle. The F-106 was unable to pursue it effectively. The SAGE system was later changed to BUIC after Stewart AFB closed in 1969. The article solicits comments from authorities regarding the SAGE system in this account.

Teaser

The issue concludes with a teaser for an upcoming article on "MJ 12" in the next issue of JUST CAUSE.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the theme of government secrecy and the public's right to information, particularly concerning UFOs. CAUS positions itself as an advocate for transparency, actively pursuing FOIA requests and disseminating information. The editorial stance is one of persistent inquiry and a belief that the UFO phenomenon warrants serious investigation and public awareness, pushing back against what is perceived as governmental obfuscation and media sensationalism. The publication aims to uncover historical UFO research and provide factual accounts of sightings and government involvement.