Notiziario UFO - 1967 No 1

Magazine Overview

This is the first issue of "NOTIZIARIO," published in 1967 by the "Centro Unico Nazionale per lo studio del fenomeni ritenuti di natura extraterrestre" (CUN), an organization dedicated to the study of phenomena believed to be of extraterrestrial origin. The cover prominently displays the title, issue number 1, and the year 1967.

Table of Contents

The table of contents on page 2 outlines the sections of this issue:

• NOTIZIE CUN (CUN News):
• 1 - Constituted!
• 2 - The definitive address
• 3 - Donations
• 4 - Thanks
• 5 - The CUN Balance Sheet 1966
• 6 - FIRST NATIONAL CONGRESS
• 7 - The "Vonkeviczky Report"
• 8 - Various News
• ATTUALITA' (Current Affairs):
• 7 - The "Vonkeviczky Report"
• LE NOSTRE ANALISI (Our Analyses):
• 9 - First comments on the "Vonkeviczky Report"

An attention note indicates a new CUN address: "CENTRO UNICO NAZIONALE - CASELLA POSTALE 3460 - MILANO."

CUN News

Constituted! (Page 3)

The Centro Unico Nazionale was officially constituted in Milan on February 2, 1967, with a notary act on January 21, 1967. The founding members listed are A. Albertini, G. Barattini, S. Bartoli, F. Mordoni, A. Calvi, G. Cornieri, M. Maioli, and R. Pinotti. A. Brugnoli and B. Chiumenti were absent during the registration meeting.

The Definitive Address (Page 3)

Following its official registration, the CUN has changed its address to CENTRO UNICO NAZIONALE, CASELLA POSTALE 3460, MILANO. Readers are asked to use this address exclusively from now on.

Donations (Page 3)

Signor Benedetto Chiumenti, a founding member, has donated 1,30,000 Lire in addition to his annual fee, demonstrating trust in the CUN. Signori M. Maioli and F. Bordoni Bisleri are also recognized for recruiting a significant number of new members.

Thanks (Page 3)

The CUN's Board of Directors thanks the Lions Club of Busto Arsizio and the Lions Club of Gorla for their warm welcome during a conference on January 20. The event was well-organized and served as an excellent start to the CUN's second year. Speakers included the Secretary-General, who discussed "We don't say flying saucers exist: we say the problem exists," and Sig. R. Pinotti, who presented a documented overview of recent UFO events. President M. Maioli and Sign. S. Bartoli also attended, along with observer Sign. G. Settimo from Clypeus. A donation of L.50,000 from Dr. Franco Bordoni Bisleri is also acknowledged.

The Balance Sheet

The Balance Sheet (Page 4)

On January 3, 1967, the CUN's Board of Directors reviewed the 1966 balance sheet and the 1967 financial program. The summary of the 1966 balance sheet shows total revenues of L. 368,942, derived from founder, supporter, and ordinary member fees (L. 243,000), extraordinary contributions from founders (L. 123,552), and miscellaneous income (L. 2,390). Total expenses amounted to L. 379,741, including costs for newsletters and postage (L. 246,660), stationery (L. 20,700), postal expenses (L. 20,145), third-party costs (L. 1,700), PO Box rental (L. 5,000), subscriptions and book purchases (L. 8,550), and miscellaneous and research expenses (L. 76,986). The 1966 balance resulted in a deficit of L. 10,799.

First National Congress

FIRST NATIONAL CONGRESS (Page 4)

To commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the first official "Unidentified Flying Object" sighting reported by Kenneth Arnold, the CUN is organizing its First National Congress. The event is planned to include a conference on UFO phenomena by CUN members, an open debate with the press and authorities, and internal congress work for CUN members. The congress is tentatively planned for a location in Central Italy to facilitate participation from across the country. The CUN is working to secure favorable conditions for participants.

Financial Problems (Page 5)

Due to financial limitations, the CUN cannot cover participants' accommodation and travel expenses. The formula adopted is that participants will bear their own costs. However, the CUN is negotiating with hotels to provide the best possible rates for full board accommodation for 2 days and 2 nights. A closing event for the congress is also planned, with costs covered by attendees.

Program of Invitations (Page 5)

The CUN intends to invite major press representatives, RAI-TV, national authorities, and international personalities to the congress. To gauge potential attendance, a non-binding questionnaire is included for members and subscribers to indicate their interest.

UFO Inquiries

INQUIRIES ON UFOS (Page 6)

This section discusses the CUN's interest in a series of articles on UFOs by Franco Bandini, Giancarlo Masini, and Bartolo Pieggi published in "Domenica del Corriere," starting February 25, 1967. The CUN recommends its members follow these articles for their objectivity. They disagree with the interpretation of a Piero della Francesca painting, "The Victory of Constantine over Maxentius," where the clouds are likened to flying saucers. The CUN suggests that similar cloud formations appear in other works by the artist, such as "The Resurrection" and "The Baptism of Christ," indicating it's a stylistic element rather than a UFO depiction.

Current Affairs

The "Vonkeviczky Report" (Page 7)

This section presents correspondence related to the "Vonkeviczky Report," received from the Centro Studi Clipeologici of Turin. The CUN is publishing the report and its related correspondence for its members' information. Their own analysis will follow after further research. They state they can neither confirm nor deny the report's validity at this time, presenting it solely because it exists and is of interest.

Original Correspondence (translated from CSC) (Page 7)

• Note: Report n.1 (February 7, 1966): A memorandum to UN Secretary-General U Thant, proposing that the UN monitor Unidentified Flying Objects as a potential future danger to space exploration.
• REPORT n.2 (June 27, 1966, New York-USA): Issued by Colman Vonkeviczky, described as a military science expert, UFO analyst, and former member of the UN Secretariat's Public Information Office. He is the author of Report n.1 and other UFO projects submitted to the UN.

Subject: INTERNATIONAL PACT FOR SPACE SECURITY (Page 8)

This document, based on recent exploratory activities in outer space and the increase in UFO sightings, proposes an international pact for space security. The proposal was archived by the UN General Secretariat on May 10, 1966. The memorandum was addressed to H.E. Dr. Kurt Waldheim, Permanent Representative of Austria to the UN and Chairman of the Committee on Outer Space Affairs.

Attachments to the memorandum included:
1. Consent from UN Secretary-General U Thant.
2. Detailed information for the Secretary-General on the current general UFO situation, including a cataloged review of 135 analyzed documents.
3. An outline of the proposed International Pact for Space Security.
4. Organization and personal charts of the proposed UN-UFO analytical group.

This was published for all UN Permanent Mission delegates to inform and present to authorized UN committees and the 21st session of the General Assembly as an additional proposal to the USA and USSR projects regarding the Treaty for Celestial Bodies.

Colman Vonkeviczky's Memorandum (Page 8)

In a letter dated June 27, 1966, Colman Vonkeviczky reminds the UN Secretary-General of his previous memorandums from June 30, 1965, and February 1, 1966, requesting permission to present global UFO documentation. He suggested forming an analytical group to monitor global UFO activities and advised the UN Secretariat to prepare for potential extraterrestrial events. Vonkeviczky states that his memorandums were ignored, leading to his dismissal from his regular position at the Secretariat. To reinforce his proposals, he presented the UN-UFO Project on February 24, 1966, and a detailed report on May 10, 1966, with 135 classified documents. The project for the International Pact for Space Security was also presented during this period.

UN Response (Page 10)

A letter from C.V. Narasimhan, Chief of Cabinet, dated May 12, 1966, to Signor Vonkeviczky acknowledges receipt of his documents, including the "Appendix to the USO Memorandum of February 1, 1966" and the "UN-UFSO Project submitted to the Office of the Secretary-General on February 24, 1966." Narasimhan thanks Vonkeviczky for his efforts and interest in unidentified flying objects. The letter notes that the Secretary-General has instructed him to acknowledge the receipt of these documents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the establishment and early activities of the Centro Unico Nazionale (CUN). The magazine focuses on organizational matters, financial updates, and future plans like the National Congress. A significant portion is dedicated to the "Vonkeviczky Report," highlighting concerns about UFOs and space security at an international level, and the CUN's role in disseminating this information. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO phenomena, aiming to inform its members and contribute to the broader discussion, while maintaining a degree of caution regarding unverified claims, as indicated by the CUN's approach to the Vonkeviczky report and the Piero della Francesca painting analysis.

This issue of 'Notiziario' from May 1966 delves into the topic of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and proposes a framework for international cooperation in space.

Proposed International Space Security Pact

The central theme is the proposal by Colman Vonkeviczky for an "International Space Security Pact." Vonkeviczky, identified as a technician from the photo development service of the Italian Air Force, sent this proposal to U Thant, the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The proposal, detailed across several articles and annexes, aims to establish guidelines for peaceful space exploration, manage potential extraterrestrial contact, and ensure the safety of Earth and its inhabitants.

Vonkeviczky's proposal outlines several key articles:

• Article 1: Emphasizes that scientific and peaceful space exploration should prioritize the safety of Earth and extraterrestrial beings, not preparations for atomic war. It suggests that exploratory missions should be undertaken at the operating nation's own risk and that activities should be peaceful, avoiding provocations.
• Article 2: Designates the United Nations as the sole authorized representative of humanity in interplanetary relations. Any contact with extraterrestrials would automatically fall under the UN's responsibility.
• Article 3: Grants protection and jurisdiction to peaceful extraterrestrial beings, their spacecraft, and property within Earth's ionosphere and on Earth, under the UN Assembly's authority. It asserts that extraterrestrials should enjoy the same human rights as Earthlings regarding personal safety.
• Article 4: Authorizes the UN General Assembly to halt any ongoing exploratory missions if extraterrestrial actions pose a threat to life, property, or the existence of human colonies.

Vonkeviczky's proposal also includes provisions for the UN to establish an analytical research group (UN-UFO) to study UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial beings, and their activities. He stresses the importance of nations reporting past encounters and cooperating with this research group.

Analysis of Vonkeviczky's Proposal and Background

The 'Notiziario' provides an initial commentary on Vonkeviczky's proposal, noting that it is difficult to assess without concrete evidence. It also raises questions about Vonkeviczky's background, suggesting that some previous reports about him being a UN General or former Chief of Staff might be inaccurate. The magazine indicates it will publish further details, including correspondence between Vonkeviczky and various governments, such as the Italian Secretary of the Embassy.

The editorial stance appears critical of certain aspects of the proposed pact, particularly the idea of a "counteroffensive" (Article 4, Paragraph 12), deeming it "folle" (foolish) given the potential technological superiority of extraterrestrials. The analysis highlights the vast unknowns in comparing human and extraterrestrial technology and the conditions of contact, casting doubt on the feasibility of establishing procedures based on such uncertainties.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The issue also reports on recent UFO activity and investigations:

• Near Collision in Mexico: A passenger plane from the Guatemalan company 'Aviateca' reportedly had a near-collision with a rotating object described as a flying saucer over Oaxaca, Mexico. The pilot, Alfredo Castaneda, described the object as having a red sphere on top and changing direction suddenly.
• UFO in Paraguay: An unidentified object, possibly a flying saucer, was sighted moving at high speed in Santa Elena, Paraguay.
• US Government Investigation: The US government has commissioned a group of scientists from the University of Colorado, led by physicist Prof. Edward Condon, to conduct an in-depth investigation into UFOs. The project, funded with $300,000, aims to dispel public doubts and address the growing public interest in UFOs.
• UFO Photography: The issue mentions photographs of a UFO taken by two teenagers in Detroit, USA. Dr. J. Allan Hynek, an advisor to the US Air Force's 'Blue Book' project, stated that the photographs appear authentic and are being studied.
• Narciso Genovese Interview: An interview with Narciso Genovese, an Italian professor teaching in Tijuana, Mexico, is featured. Genovese claims to have had contact with "Martians" who visit Earth on peace missions. He describes their spacecraft as being made of metallic alloy and powered by solar energy, and notes their preference for Mexico due to its non-interventionist foreign policy.

Historical Context and Themes

The magazine touches upon historical UFO phenomena, including "Foo-fighters" and "Kraut Fireballs" from World War II, and a supposed "silent invasion" in 1957. It notes the proliferation of UFO associations and the ongoing debate between those who view UFOs scientifically and those who claim direct contact with visitors from space.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are UFO sightings, the potential for extraterrestrial contact, and the need for a structured, international approach to managing these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism regarding the specifics of Vonkeviczky's proposal, particularly its more assertive elements, while acknowledging the growing public interest and the government's efforts to investigate UFOs. There is an emphasis on scientific inquiry and the need for verifiable evidence, as well as a concern about potential panic and misinformation surrounding the topic.