NICAP Reporter - Vol 5 No 02 - 11 1966 - No 50

Magazine Overview

Title: NICAP REPORTER
Issue Date: November 1966
Volume: 5 No. 2
Issue Number: 50

This issue of the NICAP Reporter focuses heavily on the assertion by physicist James McDonald that UFOs are real and likely extraterrestrial probes, while simultaneously criticizing the U.S. Air Force's investigation methods as inadequate and a "scientific scandal." The publication also includes various reports of UFO sightings from different locations, details on scientific and governmental involvement, and a list of related articles and books.

UFO's Are Real, Physicist Asserts--Air Force Investigation Called Scandal

On October 5th, Dr. James McDonald, a senior physicist at the University of Arizona's Institute of Atmospheric Physics, addressed over 200 faculty members and students. He declared that Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) are most likely extraterrestrial probes. McDonald based this conclusion on a six-month study of UFO reports and his own 10 years of investigating atmospheric phenomena. He examined hundreds of reports globally, finding many to be more than mere "optical illusions."

McDonald sharply criticized the special Air Force unit tasked with investigating UFOs, calling its work "very superficial" and of "quite low level scientific competence." He labeled it a "scientific scandal," noting that the investigators lacked training in astronomy, physics, or related sciences. He claimed that since 1953, the Air Force's goal has been "debunking" UFO reports. McDonald stated he had visited Wright-Patterson AFB multiple times, spoken with witnesses, and reviewed Air Force reports. He recounted a specific report of a bright object following a truck in Oklahoma, which was dismissed as the driver's imagination.

McDonald proposed eight hypotheses for UFO sightings: hoaxes, hallucinations/hysteria, misinterpreted natural phenomena, advanced technology, unknown natural phenomena, extraterrestrial probes, unknown psychic phenomena, and messengers of salvation. While acknowledging that hoaxes, hallucinations, and hysteria explain some reports, he argued they do not account for all unexplained sightings. He dismissed other hypotheses like time traveling, ESP, telepathy, secret societies, and messengers from Venus. "Having eliminated seven of the hypotheses, I am left with the eighth one--extraterrestrial probes," he stated, calling it the "least unsatisfactory solution."

His study indicated patterns suggesting "something like reconnaissance can be perceived," but he declined to speculate further on their origin. McDonald called for "a radical change in the mode of scientific attack on the UFO problem," suggesting that a science-oriented agency like NASA would be the logical place for such research.

McDonald on Air Force Secrecy and CIA Involvement

McDonald further alleged that the Air Force's "hush-hush policy" has stifled scientific investigation into UFOs. He claimed the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had ordered the Air Force to "debunk" UFO stories. During his research at Wright-Patterson, McDonald reportedly discovered a CIA order, noted as not to be disclosed, attached to the Robertson Report, a compilation of UFO investigations by scientists completed in 1953. While parts of the report were declassified, McDonald found that when he attempted to follow up his research by seeking photostatic copies, it was suddenly reclassified. He identified a CIA agent named Phillip G. Strong as having signed the order to debunk UFO sightings. The official explanation given was that UFO reports were clogging intelligence channels. McDonald described the situation not as a "cover-up" but as a "foul-up," emphasizing that "there's been no real scientific investigation of these reports."

He identified Air Force Regulation 200-2 as a blockade to scientists and others attempting investigations, stating it makes it a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for any air base official to release such information. All such information, he claimed, had to go to Wright-Patterson where it was "buried."

Scientists Criticized on UFO's

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, chairman of Northwestern University's Department of Astronomy and an Air Force consultant on UFOs, criticized the American scientific establishment for failing to investigate persistent UFO reports. In a letter to "Science" magazine, Hynek called for a scientific investigation to resolve "20 years of confusion." He accused scientists of avoiding UFO study due to fear of "injuring their professional standing," attributing this to a form of "provincialism" in 20th-century science. He drew parallels between the scientific attitude towards UFOs today and the attitude towards meteorites 150 years ago, when they were often dismissed with jokes.

Hynek noted that UFO reports had reached new highs in the past two years, increasing public interest and mystification. He refuted the idea that all UFO reports came from hysterics, crackpots, or unreliable individuals, stating that most reports originate from stable, well-educated people. He acknowledged a small number of "true believers" but highlighted that many startling reports come from trained scientists, and that UFOs have been seen clearly at close range. Based on numerous reports of "strong credibility," Hynek concluded that "something going on."

NICAP Board of Associate Directors

The NICAP Board of Associate Directors includes individuals responsible for Investigations and Preliminary Analysis (Barry Bidwell), Correlation (Laurie Bidwell), Astronomy (Maurice Burton), Public Information (Aileen Elwood), Physics (Verne Frese), Meteorology (Dave Fehling), Photography (Will Winquist), Librarian (Mary Winquist), Electronics (Bill Wood), and Membership (Marion Wood). They meet monthly.

Colorado University Study of UFO Will Cost $300,000

Arrangements were confirmed on October 7th for a 15-month investigation of UFOs based in Boulder, Colorado, involving the University of Colorado and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. The study, costing $300,000, aims to assess the validity of the Air Force's methods for investigating strange objects and its findings that most reported objects are illusions, conventional aircraft, natural phenomena, or national defense secrets. Project "Blue Book" will continue to receive, investigate, and evaluate UFO reports. Dr. Edward U. Condon, a physics and astrophysics professor at CU, will direct the project. Robert J. Low will be project coordinator, with Dr. Franklin E. Roach (astrophysicist) and Dr. Stuart W. Cook (psychology) as principal investigators. Air Force Secretary Harold Brown expressed pleasure in placing the grant with a respected university, noting Boulder's proximity to the National Center for Atmospheric Research and the Environmental Science Services Administration as advantageous.

Dr. Condon stated the study would be "completely independent of Air Force control, although it will be Air Force-supported." University investigators would have freedom to pursue their own lines of study and publish findings without Air Force control. The Air Force assured that all relevant information would be made available to the university, though "NOT ALL OF IT WILL BE DISCLOSED TO THE PUBLIC." The public, including media and police, were requested to continue reporting sightings to the nearest Air Force base or Project Blue Book. The university investigators pledged to release results freely and promptly upon completion, but not partial results of ongoing investigations.

Former Air Force Pilot Says UFO's Have Been Filmed

Mel Noel, a former Air Force pilot and now a commercial airplane pilot from Hollywood, California, claims his group of four F-86 jets was assigned to hunt down and photograph UFOs. Noel states his group flew 73 missions and encountered UFOs at least twice. The first encounter was in November 1953 in the Rocky Mountains over Idaho, where they observed a formation of 16 objects maneuvering at speeds up to 3,000 mph for eight minutes. He described the objects as disc-shaped, approximately 150-180 feet in diameter and 30-40 feet thick. Two weeks later, another formation of five UFOs was sighted. Although thousands of frames of film were taken, the pilots were never allowed to see the results. Noel remained silent for 10 years due to a statute of limitation but has been lecturing on UFOs since October 1965.

Visit From Space Likely By Next May

At the first northern conference of the British UFO Association in September, 70 delegates were told that visitors from outer space were preparing to introduce themselves. Arthur Shuttlewood predicted that by May of the following year, "the world will scoff no longer." He cited approximately 100,000 sightings on record, with a notable increase in his hometown of Warminster, Wiltshire County. Initially cynical, Shuttlewood became convinced after nine months and personally made 289 sightings with other witnesses. Over 800 people had reportedly seen not only spacecraft but also their occupants. Shuttlewood and others had taken over 70 photographs of "objects," and he expressed certainty that they were "from another world and are trying to make contact with us."

Scores See UFO's on Oregon Coast

A series of UFO sightings in Newport, Oregon, and surrounding communities like Toledo, Siletz, and Camp 12, generated reactions from skepticism to fear. Doug Whitlow, a 17-year-old senior, recounted seeing a "thing flying over the trees" on the Siletz-Toledo Highway, which changed his disbelief. Witnesses described phenomena ranging from "spaceship-like craft" to "doughnut-shaped pulsating lights." Five individuals reported seeing moving, stumplike creatures. Lincoln County sheriff's deputy Thomas W. Price described seeing an "orange" flying object, larger than a star, that maneuvered and made a noise like a "giant spinning top." The object was seen in connection with mysterious moving lights that had plagued the Evelyn Reeves family, who subsequently moved away from their home on Pioneer Mountain.

Mrs. Evelyn Reeves recounted her family's experiences, starting with her 16-year-old daughter Kathy's reports of "little lights" and strange noises. Initially dismissed, the family eventually experienced pulsating "wall donuts" and high-pitched whines. One incident involved a "red thing--like a cloud--just hanging there," described as watermelon-colored and translucent, which disappeared. City Policeman Robert Bearden stated he only sees meteors, but noted an incident where a policeman in San Diego saw something that "wasn't a meteor and they fired him."

Strange Flying Object Cavorts Near Burns, Oregon

On September 29, between 11:30 p.m. and 11:55 p.m., a Portland, Oregon couple, Mr. and Mrs. John Reeder, observed an orange UFO in the northern sky near Burns, Oregon. Reeder, a retired Coast Guard lieutenant with meteorology experience, described the object as "glow-like" and orange, maneuvering erratically, sometimes coming as close as half a mile. It appeared at times like a row of soft lights on a ridge, then became oval, plunging into the sage and soaring. He compared its ground appearance to someone with a flashlight under muddy water. Reeder, who was sober, stated, "I swear I hadn't had a single drink. At times it moved very fast. Then it would glide. I don't know what to think. I'm familiar with phenomena but this has me beat."

Five Report Spotting UFO Near Wanaque, New Jersey Reservoir

On October 10, at least five individuals, including four policemen, reported sighting a disc-shaped UFO near the Wanaque Reservoir. The first report came from Mrs. Robert J. Gordon, wife of a police sergeant, who saw a "disc-shaped object about the size of an automobile" pass over her house and disappear towards the reservoir. Patrolman Lynn Wetback, responding to the call, reported the object's light was so bright it almost blinded him. Sgt. Benjamin Thompson also spotted the "bright light" hovering over the reservoir, causing him to stop his patrol car. Patrolman William Pastor and Patrolman Edward Wester also reported sightings in the area, which is described as a "favorite stomping ground" for such phenomena, with several sightings reported in 1965 and the previous summer.

Frightened Boys Describe UFO

Four terrified boys, aged 12 to 14, described to police how an UFO hovered above a house on the night of August 19, awakening them from their sleeping bags on the back porch before vanishing eastward. The object was described as round, disc-shaped, with portholes and a beam of light projecting from the bottom. Ryan Reed, 12, was the first to spot it hovering over the porch roof. The boys described it as "all silver, real bright," about the size of a baseball diamond, with "windows" and landing gear resembling "metal runners on a sled." They heard no sounds. As the UFO rose and disappeared, turning reddish, one boy, Chris Ward, broke the key in the lock of the Reed home while trying to enter. A beam of light from the UFO reportedly touched Chris Ward's face, immobilizing him and causing temporary hearing loss in one ear. A larger object was later seen over the East Liverpool area.

UFO's Cause Stir in Utah Skies

Sightings of flying objects in Vernal, Utah, have generated intense interest and speculation. Valda and Donna Massey reported seeing moving lights near their residence, some as close as 300 feet. On September 22, the Masseys and their oldest daughter saw a yellow light over the trees that hovered momentarily before speeding toward Jensen. On September 7, Donna Massey observed a huge red light that seemed to direct a beam towards her before receding and appearing to land on a knoll north of the city cemetery. The object was described as oval or rounded, with a light coming from inside and shadows against a transparent dome. Bishop Garth Batty also witnessed the object on the ground, describing it as "house size, dome shaped, with two rows of closely spaced lights around it." Mrs. Massey encountered a similar domed object again on September 24.

Huge Cigar-Shaped Object Seen Over Penge, England

On August 21, a 17-year-old student, Gloria Blizzard, witnessed a "cigar-shaped, glowing metallic object" hovering over a house in Penge, England. Awakened by three noises, she saw the object, described as about 25 yards long, with a light coming from it, hovering about 25 feet above the house for two minutes before moving away rapidly.

NICAP Reporter Publications List

The issue includes a list of articles published in various magazines (True, Bluebook, Argosy, Saturday Review, Modern Man, Popular Science, Look, Pageant, Real, Life, New Yorker, The National Insider, Readers Digest, Macleans, Science Digest, National Free Press, National Enquirer, National Police Gazette, McCalls, Offbeat) and books on UFOs, providing publication details and prices. This list is for members who may have missed previous articles and does not constitute an endorsement by NICAP.

New Book: "The Interrupted Journey--Two Lost Hours Aboard A Flying Saucer"

This section reviews John G. Fuller's book, which details the experience of Betty and Barney Hill. The book recounts their sighting of a flying object on September 19, 1961, and the subsequent loss of nearly two hours of time. Under psychotherapy, including hypnosis, the Hills provided detailed accounts of being taken aboard an alien spacecraft, questioned, and physically examined. The psychiatrist found their accounts to be the absolute truth as they believed it, and neither Betty nor Barney Hill claim the experience is incontrovertible. The book includes transcriptions of hypnosis tapes and sketches of the spacecraft and humanoid creatures. It is described as "unquestionably one of the most fascinating books of the decade."

NICAP Monthly Meeting

The regular monthly NICAP public meeting was scheduled for Friday, November 4, at 8 p.m. on the 7th floor of the Fischer Building in Seattle. The program included a special report on recent worldwide UFO reports, with admission costing 50 cents. Free coffee and goodies were offered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of the NICAP Reporter are the assertion of the reality of UFOs as potentially extraterrestrial phenomena, the critique of official government and military investigations (particularly the Air Force's), and the presentation of numerous witness accounts of sightings. The editorial stance, as indicated by the publication's affiliation with NICAP and the content, is one of serious inquiry into UFOs, challenging skepticism and official dismissals, and advocating for more rigorous scientific investigation. There is a clear emphasis on the credibility of witnesses, including scientists and law enforcement officers, and a distrust of official explanations that seek to "debunk" sightings.