Just Cause - Vol 1 Issue 07 - Old Series

Magazine Overview

Title: JUST CAUSE
Issue: Vol. 1 - No. 7
Date: January 1979
Publisher: CITIZENS AGAINST UFO SECRECY (CAUS), Inc.
Country: U.S.A.
Document Type: Newsletter

CIA Releases Documents in FOIA Lawsuit

The lead article details the successful outcome of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit filed by Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) against the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The lawsuit, initiated in September 1977, resulted in the CIA releasing approximately 900 pages of its UFO-related files on December 15, 1978. This release was mandated by a court-ordered stipulation. The CIA also forwarded nearly 200 additional documents to originating agencies like the Department of Defense, the National Security Agency, and the State Department for clearance.

The stipulation, ordered by U.S. Judge John Pratt, granted the CIA 90 days to search 41 of its components specified by GSW. The released material, consisting of around 700 or more pages on a document-by-document basis, includes documents previously denied. The CIA returned specific numbers of UFO documents to various agencies: Air Force (76), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) (19), Army (30), Navy (11), State Department (40), and National Security Agency (NSA) (18).

This outcome is hailed as a total victory for GSW, which initially sought the release of five documents related to the CIA's contact with former Marine Ralph Mayher. In March 1976, the CIA admitted to having five Mayher documents but could only release two, with significant deletions, citing exemptions related to classified information and intelligence sources/methods. The remaining three were deemed un-releasable. However, on December 15, 1978, all five Mayher documents were released with only minor deletions, demonstrating GSW's success in compelling the release of sought-after information without the need for a court argument.

The article notes that the CIA's 1976 covering letter to GSW Director Bill Spaulding claimed the Agency had not studied UFO phenomena before or after the Robertson Panel (January 1953). However, the released documents contradict this, revealing the CIA initiated at least three separate studies of UFOs: in April 1952, November 1957, and January 1965. Testimony suggests the "official" CIA study in 1952 began in August, with Office of Scientific Intelligence (OSI) employee Fred Durant playing a role.

CIA's Historical Interest in UFOs

The CIA's interest in UFOs reportedly increased during "flaps" or periods of heightened UFO activity. Between these periods, the Agency acted as a "passive recipient" of reports. The summer flap of 1952 caused significant concern within the Office of Scientific Intelligence, with officers like Marshall Chadwell, Ransom Eng, and Phil Strong expressing worries to the Director of Central Intelligence, Gen. W.B. Smith, with Chadwell calling for a CIA policy to prevent "panic."

The 1952 study led to the Robertson Panel in January 1953, which aimed to determine if UFOs posed a "direct, hostile threat to national security." While many believe the panel's report, which recommended debunking UFOs, demonstrated the CIA's role in a "cover-up," the article suggests the Air Force was more responsible for withholding evidence from the CIA.

The CIA's 1957 study originated from a request "from 'The Hill,'" likely from a Senator or Congressman. This led to the Office of Scientific Intelligence requiring the Contact Division to collect UFO information and forward it to OSI. The Contact Division, later known as the Domestic Contact Service and then the Domestic Collection Division, was a domestic intelligence network with offices in major American cities.

Ralph Mayher Case and CIA Investigations

While the CIA's domestic offices were ostensibly for interviewing Americans returning from abroad, the article suggests the Agency may have used these offices for purposes beyond foreign intelligence. The 1957 levy specified that Contact Division UFO data had to be forwarded to CIA headquarters by November 14th. The reports released to GSW primarily concerned the CIA's contact with UFO photographer Ralph Mayher.

Mayher's film, shot on July 29, 1952, was developed and two sets of frames were produced. One set went to Mayher, and the other was retained by TV station WTVJ, later confiscated by the Marines and sent to the Air Force. Major William Frazier of Air Force Intelligence received the film on July 31, 1952, and it was sent to Air Force Intelligence in the Pentagon, after which it disappeared from public view and is not available in the National Archives.

On November 7, 1957, a Cleveland domestic Contact office agent interviewed Mayher and obtained five still photos for analysis. These photos were returned in December without analysis results being disclosed, though CIA memos indicated they were analyzed at "high levels." Mayher was denied permission to state the CIA had shown interest in his film, and was asked to keep his contact confidential. This led Donald Keyhoe of NICAP to complain to the Director of Central Intelligence about Mayher being silenced.

Missing from the released CIA material are the analysis of the Mayher photos, other Contact Division reports, conclusions, and summary reports. The documents indicate the CIA periodically monitored NICAP.

CIA's Interest in NICAP and Key Personnel

The CIA's interest in UFOs led them to seek information from NICAP, particularly in January 1965, due to concerns about a flap of sightings in Washington, D.C. Agent Al Coleman was tasked with obtaining UFO reports from NICAP. During his briefing, he was told the group was headed by Major "William Kehoe," who had retired to form NICAP. This information was later found to be erroneous.

Coleman met with Richard H. Hall, Assistant Director of NICAP, and obtained UFO sighting reports. Hall later contacted Coleman with more data. The CIA documents suggest the Agency considered granting Hall a security clearance and using him as a source, but no analyses of the reports Hall provided were released.

The article suggests the CIA carefully selected the material released, disclosing primarily documents related to CIA involvement that CAUS and GSW were already aware of. At the conclusion of its search, the CIA was supposed to submit an affidavit detailing its search and withheld documents, but instead provided a letter stating it intended to withhold 57 documents and obtained a 60-day extension to prepare the affidavit.

Brad Sparks of CAUS determined that over 200 documents referenced in the released material are unaccounted for, suggesting the CIA "didn't find" them. Furthermore, the released material derives from only 4 of the 41 components GSW requested, leaving 37 components unsearched or yielding no documents.

State Department and NSA Withhold Reports

While most documents sent back to originating agencies are being released, the State Department and NSA have declared certain documents classified. The State Department released three out of eight UFO reports under review. The NSA, through Roy Banner, Chief of Policy Staff, stated that 18 UFO reports returned to them were classified and exempt from access or release under Title 5 USC 552 (b) (1) and (b) (3), citing Executive Order 12065 and Department of Defense Regulation 5200.1-R, as well as specific statutes.

An editor's note expresses surprise that a noted UFO skeptic who contended intelligence agencies couldn't have classified UFO reports has been proven wrong.

CIA Infiltration of NICAP

The article delves into the history of NICAP and alleged CIA covert operations within the organization. T. Townsend Brown founded NICAP in October 1956, and at least two CIA covert agents, "Count" Nicolas de Rochefort and Bernard J. O. Carvalho, infiltrated key positions.

De Rochefort, a Russian immigrant and employee of the CIA's Psychological Warfare Staff, became Vice-Chairman of NICAP in late 1956. Carvalho, also a CIA agent, was appointed to the membership subcommittee. The article speculates that the CIA's interest in NICAP stemmed from its earlier interest in Townsend Brown's propulsion theories and concerns about the "potential subversiveness of UFO groups."

De Rochefort is deceased, and Carvalho's current whereabouts are unknown, making the exact nature of their roles difficult to ascertain. However, evidence suggests they were covert CIA employees.

Leadership Changes and Controversy at NICAP

Townshend Brown was replaced as NICAP leader in January 1957 by Major Donald Keyhoe. Keyhoe, who believed the government was covering up UFO truths, was initially wary of Bryan, suspecting an Air Force plot. However, Bryan publicly stated UFOs were interplanetary and information was being withheld, which eased Keyhoe's suspicions.

Roscoe Hillenkoetter, former Director of the CIA, joined NICAP's Board of Governors, lending credibility. He privately told Keyhoe that the CIA had been interested in UFOs since June 1947 and urged Congressional action to reduce secrecy.

In 1961, Keyhoe initiated efforts for Congressional hearings on UFOs. However, Hillenkoetter abruptly resigned from the Board, stating NICAP's investigation had gone as far as possible and that UFOs were not U.S. or Soviet devices. Keyhoe suspected CIA or Air Force pressure led to this reversal.

Colonel Joseph Bryan and NICAP

Colonel Joseph Bryan III, founder and original Chief of the CIA's Psychological Warfare Staff, remained on NICAP's Board. Bryan confirmed his CIA connections to CAUS Director Todd Zechel. He initially approached Keyhoe in late 1959, seeking UFO case information.

Bryan's later statement in March 1977 regarding his reason for joining NICAP was that the government was neglecting UFOs and somebody ought to express interest. This contrasts with his earlier, more public statements.

Nixon's Role and Acuff's Management of NICAP

Stuart Nixon, a former assistant to NICAP President John L. Acuff, is mentioned as having frequent contact with former CIA employees. Nixon refused to comment on discrepancies in NICAP logs regarding his conversations with Bryan and his involvement in Keyhoe's ouster.

Jack Acuff took over as NICAP President after Keyhoe's dismissal. Acuff had previously headed the Society of Photographic Scientists and Engineers (SPSE), which had been a target of KGB spying attempts due to its members' involvement in photo-analysis for intelligence agencies.

Acuff converted NICAP from a critical organization to a "passive recipient" of reports, disbanding its investigative network. Despite this, NICAP maintained a membership of over 3,000. Acuff achieved financial stability by firing most full-time employees, including Nixon, and consolidating NICAP's operations with other nonprofit groups he managed.

NICAP's income under Acuff reached around $50,000 annually, with a significant portion going to Acuff Associates for "contracting services." In 1976, NICAP's income declined, but Acuff's fee was only slightly reduced.

By 1977, Acuff claimed NICAP owed him money. In 1978, he began selling NICAP's mailing lists, including to a Canadian neo-Nazi group called Samisdat. "Dr." Williard F. McIntyre accused Acuff of knowingly selling lists to Nazis and intending to merge with or sell NICAP to them.

McIntyre, who claimed to be a former covert CIA agent, alleged that Acuff had worked for the CIA and used SPSE as cover. He also claimed to have been a CIA agent himself, infiltrating NICAP around 1967. However, CAUS officials disregarded McIntyre's allegations due to inconsistencies in his statements.

McIntyre's accusations about Acuff and the Nazis stirred interest on Capitol Hill, alerting Senator Barry Goldwater. By mid-September 1978, Acuff wanted out of NICAP, claiming the organization owed him money. Key ad-hoc committee members sought to take possession of NICAP's files should the group fold.

Reaction to Acuff's Management

The reaction to Acuff's handling of NICAP was one of "outraged disgust" from former officials and employees who felt he had exploited NICAP's reputation and was now trying to "sell the bones."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on government secrecy, particularly concerning UFOs, and the efforts of organizations like CAUS and GSW to uncover information through legal means, such as FOIA lawsuits. There is a strong undercurrent of suspicion towards government agencies like the CIA and Air Force, alleging cover-ups and disinformation campaigns. The publication highlights the challenges faced by researchers and activists in obtaining transparency and criticizes the perceived obstruction and manipulation by official bodies. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of full disclosure and critical of any attempts to suppress or control information related to UFO phenomena.

Title: JUST CAUSE
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 7
Date: January 1979 (inferred from context)
Publisher: CAUS (Citizens Against UFO Secrecy)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Internal Turmoil at NICAP

The issue details significant internal conflicts and administrative issues within the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP). The primary focus is on the tenure and eventual departure of Jack Acuff as NICAP President. The NICAP Board of Governors reportedly did not initially address Acuff's financial practices, where he took in substantial sums ($50,000+ annually) while expending very little on research. However, a major turning point was Acuff's 'faux pas' of selling NICAP's mailing lists to Samisdat, which resulted in subscribers receiving Nazi brochures. This incident, coupled with concerns about NICAP's dwindling membership and global respect, led to Acuff's 'resignation' on October 17, 1978. Despite resigning as President, Acuff was allowed to remain on the Board and retain custody of the files, reportedly as leverage to secure a payment of over $20,000 for 'contracting services.'

Following Acuff's departure, the NICAP Board began a search for a replacement. Charles Lombard, an aide to Senator Goldwater and a former CIA covert employee, expressed a desire to find a 'White Knight'—a retired government official with management experience who could secure corporate and foundation donations. Initially, Richard H. (Dick) Hall, former NICAP Director, was considered a strong candidate. However, the Board ultimately appointed Alan N. Hall, a retired CIA employee, as the new NICAP President for a 6-month trial period on a volunteer basis. This decision, along with the composition of the Board (including former CIA and Air Force personnel), raised questions of propriety and potential conflicts of interest.

The issue also discusses a proposed merger between NICAP and the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). While the Board agreed to explore a merger, Acuff reportedly blocked the CUFOS merger, possibly due to discovering CUFOS's own financial difficulties, and instead favored a merger with APRO, which was perceived to have substantial funds. The goal of these mergers and fundraising efforts was to secure funds for UFO research, but by January 1979, NICAP was still facing financial confusion.

UFO Whistleblowers and Government Secrecy

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the topic of 'UFO Whistleblowers.' The article defines whistleblowing as an act by a government employee who exposes alleged illegal or improper conduct within their employer. It notes that this practice gained prominence during the Watergate era and has been instrumental in revealing information about UFO cases, such as the Iranian and Cuban air-intercept incidents. The typical whistleblower is described as an intelligence employee privy to raw UFO data, familiar with UFO literature, and motivated by a sense of duty to the national interest rather than loyalty to their agency. They are willing to risk their career for honesty and are influenced by perceived support from colleagues and recipients of their information.

The magazine raises serious questions about how classified UFO reports are handled when leaked to individuals like Alan Hall, a retired CIA employee now heading NICAP. It questions the fate of the source and the document itself, suggesting that the appointment of former intelligence officials might be part of a larger, possibly orchestrated, effort to control or dismantle organizations like NICAP that challenge government secrecy.

CAUS Activities and Media Engagement

The 'CAUS NOTES' section highlights the organization's increased media attention since mid-December. CAUS Director Todd Zechel has been interviewed by numerous radio stations, newspapers, and television programs, including NBC-TV's 'Today Show.' A front-page story in The Washington Post, titled 'What Were Those Mysterious Craft,' based on documents obtained by Zechel under FOIA concerning the Oct./Nov. 1975 flap of UFOs over SAC B-52 bases and missile sites, garnered widespread attention.

Zechel also testified before the House Rules Committee, supporting a resolution urging the Mississippi government to petition the U.S. Senate for a UFO investigation and for President Carter to disclose government knowledge on the subject. CAUS and the Center for UFO Studies (represented by Al Hendry) appeared as expert witnesses, emphasizing the need for scientific research and better access to government UFO information. Notably, some committee members acknowledged that UFOs were considered a national security threat, justifying the government's right to withhold information.

CAUS is actively processing a large volume of documents and plans to circulate a new list of documents for sale. They are also syndicating a radio series titled 'CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE GOVERNMENT KIND,' which features a crashed saucer case with multiple witnesses. The organization is seeking reader feedback on the idea of creating a special fund to offer monetary rewards for leads to suppressed UFO data, emphasizing that such an offer would not be an inducement to violate laws or oaths of secrecy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of JUST CAUSE revolve around the internal politics and financial mismanagement of UFO organizations, particularly NICAP. There is a strong undercurrent of suspicion regarding government involvement and secrecy in UFO matters, highlighted by the appointment of former intelligence officials and the discussion of whistleblowers. The editorial stance of CAUS appears to be one of advocating for transparency and scientific investigation into UFO phenomena, while critically examining the operations and motivations of other UFO research groups. The publication seems to believe that organizations dedicated to uncovering UFO truths are being systematically undermined, potentially by government agencies seeking to maintain secrecy.