Just Cause - 1987 06 - No 12 - New Series

Magazine Overview

Title: JUST CAUSE
Issue: 12
Volume: NEW SERIES
Date: June 1987
Publisher: CAUS
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of JUST CAUSE, published in June 1987, addresses the burgeoning media interest in UFOs with a mixture of apprehension and encouragement. The editorial highlights that while increased public awareness and media coverage are beneficial for UFOlogy, the current trend seems to focus narrowly on abductions, potentially overshadowing other aspects of the phenomenon. The magazine also delves into the controversial MJ-12 documents, particularly the 'Cutler memo,' examining its potential significance and raising critical questions about its authenticity.

Editorial: Mixed Feelings on UFO Interest

The editorial notes a significant upswing in UFO interest within the popular media, leading to increased book publications, press coverage, and radio/TV programs. However, it expresses "mixed feelings" about this trend. The primary concern is that the "UFOs" themselves are missing from the current wave of interest, with the focus being almost exclusively on "abductions." The editorial contrasts this with past periods of intense UFO reporting, such as the 1966 Michigan sightings and the 1973 events, questioning why there are fewer actual sightings now despite the extensive media attention.

The explanation offered is "American culture," characterized by a rapid consumption of information and a tendency to move on to new topics quickly. The editorial suggests that UFOs have become "in" again due to the mainstream success of Whitley Strieber's book "COMMUNION." Strieber's name recognition, his ability to tap into pop culture superstitions, and his well-established public relations machine are cited as key factors in the book's success. The editorial argues that if UFOlogists like Richard Haines or Bruce Maccabee had written the same book, it would not have achieved the same level of success, implying that Strieber's understanding of American culture is crucial. The public, it is argued, responds more to personal experiences than to hard facts and detailed analysis.

This focus on abductions leads to new members of UFO groups desiring to study only this aspect, finding other areas of UFOlogy "anticlimactic." A recent ABC "20/20" broadcast on UFO abductions is mentioned, with the editorial noting that the program had planned to cover government interest in UFOs but cancelled due to time constraints.

The magazine encourages research into "all areas of UFOlogy" but "decries a 'trendiness' which makes UFOlogy one-dimensional and risks losing an audience for other fascinating fields of our subject."

Confirmation of MJ-12?

This section investigates the purported existence of a special study group known as MJ-12. The "Cutler memo," acquired by author William Moore and reported in the International UFO Reporter, is presented as potential proof. The memo was reportedly unearthed by William Moore and CAUS had previously reported on MJ-12 in December 1985.

The MJ-12 group was allegedly established to investigate the physical evidence of the Roswell, New Mexico UFO crash. Lee Graham, a source who had seen a full MJ-12 committee report, identified General Nathan Twining as a member. Efforts to confirm MJ-12's existence were previously frustrated by a lack of assurance from agencies that MJ-12 files were available, until the National Archives released a copy of the Cutler memo.

The memo itself is described as not being overtly dramatic, lacking direct mention of UFOs. However, it does confirm General Nathan Twining's involvement, aligning with Graham's previous reports. The memo's date suggests MJ-12's activities extended beyond the reported September 18, 1947 date, implying Roswell might not have been its sole objective. Graham has since revised his recollection of the date to September 24, 1947, based on a document discovery.

The memo also connects MJ-12 to the National Security Council (NSC), a group under President Eisenhower's control. The article recounts an incident where an NSC representative, Colonel Douglas, visited a CNN office in Washington D.C. in January 1985 to view an advance of a report on the 1980 Bentwaters UFO sightings. The colonel took notes and left without comment. Subsequent inquiries to the NSC about Colonel Douglas's visit were met with denial, with the NSC stating no such event occurred and that they did not know a Colonel Douglas. This is compared to the tactics used in the Iran/Contra hearings, suggesting a pattern of government denial.

Despite the memo's existence, the article expresses "some doubts about the Cutler memo" and the "bigger picture it paints." Key questions are raised: If MJ-12 is "Top Secret," why was the memo so easily discovered in the National Archives? Why was nothing else found at the Archives or the Eisenhower Library?

• CAUS associate Robert Todd has learned that the National Archives itself is questioning the document's authenticity. Several "format flaws" are identified:
• Misplacement of the security marking under the date instead of above.
• Mixture of differing degrees of classification (e.g., Top Secret Restricted).
• The document appearing as a carbon copy but not being labeled as such, unlike other documents in their files.
• Lack of a TS control number, which is required for proper filing and retrieval.

An archivist suggested that a phony document could be planted by a researcher inserting it into a folder. The initial lack of a control number could be evidence of this. The article concludes that while they "would like to think that this information is true," facts dictate their decisions, and they are "not ready to endorse the Cutler memo as genuine until all questions are answered."

MJ-12 Yet Again!

This section reports on rapidly developing events concerning MJ-12 since mid-March. Numerous rumors of major UFO revelations through news media sources have surfaced, often linked to William Moore and documents he possessed concerning crashed discs, MJ-12, and Project Aquarius. Media revelations were promised within a month but had not materialized by the time of publication. The CBS show "60 Minutes" was reportedly producing a major UFO story, confirmed by many independent contacts to CAUS, though CBS offered a terse "no comment" when inquired.

William Moore's newsletter "Focus" appeared in May, containing portions of documents supplied by intelligence contacts. These pages were difficult to reproduce clearly, and readers were advised to contact Moore directly at Fair Witness Project, Inc. in Burbank, California.

Two major documents of interest were included in Moore's mailing:
1. Project Aquarius Report: A title page and a page of text from a report on Project Aquarius. A former military intelligence officer recalled the term "Project Aquarius" and seeing its emblem, but could not provide further details. The document appeared to be from photographic film (possibly microfilm), which would be unusual for a hoaxer. While some markings were considered genuine, others were puzzling, including deletions that did not appear official.
2. CIA Memo (signed "MJ-5"): A highly suspect CIA memo, cryptic in content and signed by "MJ-5." The year is blacked out, making it untraceable. The security markings are misplaced, and it is printed on standard CIA stationery used for public replies. The inclusion of this memo with the other documents, without qualification, raises concerns about the authenticity of the entire package due to "guilt by association."

The article notes that deletions on documents are sometimes done by those distributing them to the public, not by government agencies. Another document, the "Sigma/Snowbird" document, formerly classified "Top Secret," was stamped "Unclassified" instead of "Declassified," indicating a potential error or misrepresentation. "Unclassified" means no security restrictions, while "Declassified" means a downgrade from a higher classification.

The report on Project Aquarius describes the U.S. government's investigation of "UFO/IAC" sightings and their influence on the space program. The three-page briefing paper, classified "Top Secret-Eyes Only," identified Admiral Roscoe Hillenkoetter (first head of the CIA and former NICAP board member) as "MJ-1." Secretary James Forrestal's death in 1949 created a vacancy on MJ-12, filled by General Walter B. Smith (second head of the CIA) on August 1, 1950.

A statement on page 3 of the paper refers to the Roswell crash, stating that "a secret operation was begun on 07 July, 1947, to assure recovery of the wreckage of this object for scientific study."

The article advises caution in discussing this information as hard evidence, urging readers to wait for assurances that these are "bona fide government reports."

Late Notes

As the magazine went to print, CAUS received a reply from the CIA regarding the "CIA memo" mentioned earlier. Lee Strickland, the CIA's Information and Privacy Coordinator, stated in a letter dated May 29, 1987, that the memo was "not originated by the CIA" and was "a rather poorly done fabrication." The CIA suggested contacting the source for further information.

The article concludes that there appears to be a "disinformation" campaign ongoing from unauthorized internal government sources or outsiders, possibly intended to discredit researchers in government UFO secrecy. It stresses the importance of exercising "great skepticism" when dealing with extraordinary revelations and affirms that "Truth can survive a test of fire."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the renewed public and media interest in UFOs, the specific focus on abductions, and the controversial MJ-12 documents. The editorial stance is one of cautious skepticism, advocating for thorough research across all aspects of UFOlogy rather than succumbing to trendy, narrow focuses. The magazine emphasizes critical analysis and verification of evidence, particularly concerning government-related information, while acknowledging the potential for disinformation campaigns. The importance of distinguishing between genuine government reports and potential fabrications is a central concern.