Notiziario UFO - 1967 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of "NOTIZIARIO" (Newsletter), identified as issue number 2 from 1967, is published by the "Centro Unico Nazionale" (CUN), the national center for the study of phenomena believed to be of extraterrestrial origin. The cover prominently features the magazine's title and the issue details, along with the CUN's full name and purpose.

1st National Congress on UFOs

The primary focus of this issue is the announcement and promotion of the "1° CONGRESSO NAZIONALE" (1st National Congress) on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and phenomena of extraterrestrial nature. The congress was organized by the Centro Unico Nazionale, under the patronage of the Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno di Riccione and in collaboration with "Atlante," a monthly publication of the Istituto Geografico De Agostini. It was scheduled to take place in Riccione on June 24-25, 1967.

The CUN extends an invitation to all its members and subscribers to participate. The stated goal of this first national congress, held just a year and a half after the CUN's founding, is to address the UFO problem and related phenomena with seriousness and objectivity in a free and calm debate involving authorities, public information bodies, and experts. The CUN emphasizes its principle of seeking truth rather than imposing it, stating, "We do not want to impose our truth, but we want to seek the truth, whatever it may be. Nor do we intend to prove that the so-called flying saucers exist, but rather that a phenomenon exists which no one has yet explained, given that certain explanations appear even less sustainable than the existence of extraterrestrial flying saucers."

The CUN expresses gratitude to the Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno di Riccione and "Atlante" for their collaboration and expresses hope for the congress's success. They also thank authorities, scientists, experts, and media representatives who will attend.

Editorial and Administrative Notes

A letter from the CUN's Directorate addresses members and subscribers, apologizing for the delay in publishing the "Notiziario." The delay is attributed to the extensive efforts required to organize the National Congress, which involved numerous contacts, including those with the Azienda Autonoma di Riccione and the magazine "Atlante." The newsletter's bimestral (bi-monthly) schedule meant that timely coverage of the congress, set for June 24, would have been impossible if published earlier. The letter also mentions that responses to inquiries received during this busy period would be deferred until after the congress.

Participants are urged to adhere strictly to the instructions provided on an accompanying card for congress attendance. For those unable to attend, the CUN assures them that a comprehensive report on the congress will be published in the "Notiziario," and general information will likely be disseminated through the daily and periodical press, as well as RAI TV, which were invited to the event. The letter is signed by the Directorate of the Centro Unico Nazionale in Milan.

Analysis: Mars vs. Moon - The Mariner IV Enigma

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an in-depth analysis of the Mariner IV mission and its photographic evidence, presented under the title "marte = luna?" (Mars = Moon?). The article revisits documentation presented at the Second Astronautical Week in Barcelona in March 1966 by Mr. Antonio Ribera and Mr. J.M. Oliver.

The core of the analysis questions the authenticity of the Mariner IV photographs, which were claimed to be of Mars. Based on cartographic studies and comparisons with classic telescopic photos of the lunar crater Clavius, the authors argue that the images transmitted by Mariner IV do not depict Mars but rather a region of the Moon, specifically the well-known Clavius crater in the southern hemisphere of its visible face.

The article highlights the "incomprehensible" nature of this finding for the scientists involved in the Barcelona conference. It acknowledges that the CUN does not claim to explain this phenomenon but urges readers to meditate on it.

Mariner IV's Anomalous Behavior

The analysis then focuses on the Mariner IV's journey and its peculiar behavior. While acknowledging that the probe reached the vicinity of Mars, the article points to a report from the "SIDNEY MORNING HERALD" dated July 16, 1965, with the headline "MARINER IV AT THE CENTER OF THE MARS ENIGMA." The report details an unexpected "slowing down" of the satellite as it passed Mars, taking 7 minutes, 12 seconds, and 4 tenths of a second longer than predicted to disappear behind the planet and reappear. This delay of over 8 minutes is described as "unpredictable" and "bizarre."

This anomaly is further emphasized by the fact that the TIME magazine's extensive coverage of the Mariner mission omitted this crucial detail. The article suggests that this unexplained behavior marked the beginning of a profound mystery surrounding the mission. It describes the consternation at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena when, after confirming the Mariner's recording instruments were functioning, conflicting signals began to be received. Scientists concluded that something was malfunctioning in the Mariner's recording mechanism.

Simultaneously, in Australia, the Tidbinbilla tracking station near Canberra detected "unexplained anomalies" in the signals received from Mariner IV. The article poses the question: "What was happening to the American space probe?"

The Canberra UFO Sighting

Crucially, the article links the Mariner IV anomalies to a simultaneous UFO sighting. On July 14, 1965, during the period when the Goldstone and Tidbinbilla stations were receiving the strange signals, a "most luminous unidentified flying object" was observed by two commercial pilots, RAAF personnel, and numerous civilians near Canberra Airport. The object was visible for forty minutes at an estimated altitude of 5,000 to 1,500 meters.

Witnesses, including RAAF personnel and the astronomer Dr. T. Miller from the Mount Stromlo Observatory, found no conventional astronomical explanation for the object. Its prolonged stationary presence ruled out a weather balloon. The RAAF dispatched a reconnaissance aircraft, but the object promptly disappeared upon its approach.

The Australian press, particularly the "COURIER MAIL" of Brisbane on July 16, noted the correlation between the Mariner IV signal anomalies and the Canberra UFO sighting, with the headline asking: "IS THERE ANY CONNECTION WITH THE MYSTERY OF THE FLYING OBJECT?"

The CUN echoes this question, pondering the significance of this coincidence.

Broader Context: UFO Wave and Mariner IV

The article broadens its scope to discuss the global context of UFO sightings during July and August 1965, coinciding with the Mariner IV mission. It lists numerous sightings reported worldwide, from France and Antarctica to various locations in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, including Italy. While acknowledging that this coincidence might be accidental, the CUN finds it noteworthy.

The authors caution against dismissing these sightings with simplistic explanations like mass hallucinations or psychoses, citing radar confirmations, photographs, and even film footage of the objects, as well as credible witness testimonies and official communications, such as one from the Argentine Navy.

Speculation on Extraterrestrial Communication

The CUN refrains from drawing definitive conclusions but emphasizes the significance of these coincidences. It speculates that if an intelligent entity were indeed observing Earth, opportune interference could have prevented the Mariner's instruments from recording the intended Martian images. Instead, the probe might have been used to transmit impulses that, when processed, formed images that were later identified as lunar, not Martian.

If this scenario is true, the article suggests, the Mariner IV photographs could be considered the first "message" from extraterrestrial beings, potentially conveying a message that humanity is not alone in the cosmos or an implicit invitation to focus curiosity solely on Earth's natural satellite, the Moon.

Dismissing Conspiracy Theories

The article explicitly dismisses a particular conspiracy theory: the idea that NASA deliberately passed off lunar images as Martian to conceal the mission's failure or to hide something. The authors argue against this by pointing out that the chosen lunar region (Clavius crater) is easily identifiable and that NASA, based on available Ranger probe images, did not possess detailed images of that specific lunar area, only equatorial regions.

George Adamski and Flying Saucer Photography

The issue also features a section on "le nostre analisi" (our analyses), focusing on George Adamski, a notable figure in UFOlogy. It lists his books, including "FLYING SAUCERS HAVE LANDED" (co-authored with Desmond Leslie), "INSIDE THE SPACE SHIPS," and "COSMIC PHILOSOPHY." The article presents one of Adamski's most famous photographs, allegedly taken through a small telescope on December 13, 1952. Adamski claimed this photo depicted a "reconnaissance craft" from Venus and that he had met and even flown with its pilots. The section concludes by questioning whether Adamski's accounts are fantasy, mystification, or reality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO phenomena, the analysis of space exploration missions for potential evidence of extraterrestrial activity, and the promotion of serious scientific inquiry into these subjects. The CUN's editorial stance is one of open-minded investigation, seeking truth, and encouraging rigorous debate, while remaining cautious about drawing premature conclusions. They highlight the importance of documented evidence and credible witness accounts, even as they explore speculative possibilities regarding extraterrestrial contact and communication.

This issue of the Italian magazine CRONACA, dated April 24, 1965, focuses on the life and claims of George Adamski, a well-known UFO contactee and author, following his death on March 25, 1965. The main article, titled "LA SCOMPARSA DI GEORGE ADAMSKI" (The Disappearance of George Adamski), is accompanied by a news clipping from "LA NAZIONE" dated May 1, 1965, reporting his death at the age of 74 in Silver Springs, Maryland.

The Enigmatic Figure of George Adamski

The article begins by posing the question of why the world's press paid so much attention to Adamski. It notes that two years after his death, the Centro Unico Nazionale (National Unity Center) is addressing the issue to provide an objective overview of this complex and controversial figure who inextricably linked his name to 'flying saucers.'

The narrative traces Adamski's origins, mentioning he was an American who initially sold sandwiches and sausages near the Monte Palomar observatory. His life took a decisive turn when he allegedly photographed a pair of 'flying saucers.' This event spurred him to continue taking increasingly detailed and sensational photographs, which were bought by newspapers. He then wrote a book about 'disks,' encouraged by what the article calls 'human imbecility,' followed by another filled with 'shocking revelations' about Venusian surveillance, encounters with 'long-haired ambassadors,' and pleasure trips aboard cosmic cruisers.

An example is given of a description of a Venusian envoy, detailing physical differences such as longer hair and ski-like trousers, and a peculiar greeting involving pressing palms together.

The article expresses dismay that an individual like Adamski was taken seriously enough to be invited to the Dutch court to supposedly heal a princess with the help of Venusian specialists. It laments that, following Adamski's example, hundreds of 'deranged individuals' and 'charlatans' spread messages, testimonies, and revelations, founding clubs and even publishing newspapers.

Critique by Peter Kolosimo and Centro Unico Nazionale

The article then references an article by writer and journalist Peter Kolosimo, titled "CHI CI CHIAMA DALLO SPAZIO?" (Who Calls Us From Space?), published in the same issue. The Centro Unico Nazionale, while respecting Kolosimo's work, states that his article, unusually, lacks objectivity and seems biased from the start with a 'scornful disinterest' towards a deeper analysis of the subject. The Centro Unico Nazionale, despite being well-documented on the activities of 'charlatans,' 'mythomaniacs,' and 'ecstatics' (even those acting in good faith) who claim contact with extraterrestrials piloting 'flying saucers,' particularly in America, has committed itself from the outset of its investigation to avoid such simplistic generalizations.

Adamski's Background and Photographs

The article delves into Adamski's past, noting his birth in Poland in 1891 and his immigration to the United States as a child. Due to his family's difficult circumstances and lack of American citizenship, he did not receive formal higher education. He served in World War I and was later buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Described as self-taught, historically and philosophically knowledgeable, intelligent, and likeable, Adamski had a passion for astronomy. He retired with his wife, Mary, to a property on Monte Palomar after World War II to dedicate himself to agriculture and astronomy.

From Monte Palomar, he observed mysterious flying objects. Adamski conducted patient observations and took numerous photographs of these enigmatic craft, which many in the US suspected were extraterrestrial in origin as early as 1947. The article notes that even Dr. Kolosimo considered these sensational photographs authentic. The most interesting of these photos, taken in 1950 and 1951, show 'flying saucers' emerging from a colossal, cylindrical mother ship. These craft were later referred to as 'flying cigars.' The article includes a caption stating that four of these photographs were taken in rapid sequence by George Adamski on March 5, 1951.

NICAP's Assessment and Adamski's 'Hot Dog' Reputation

Contrary to Kolosimo's article, the Centro Unico Nazionale states that Adamski never sought to profit from his sensational photographs. The article questions the relevance of such accusations to the authenticity of his photos. It highlights that the NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena), in its classic text 'THE UFO EVIDENCE,' published precise graphic reconstructions of UFOs that bear a striking resemblance to Adamski's photos, although his name is not referenced in the text.

The article addresses Kolosimo's emphasis on Adamski's alleged occupation as a 'hot dog' vendor. It explains that this reputation likely stemmed from malign comments by reporters about Adamski's friendship with Mrs. Alice K. Wells, the owner of a modest local eatery frequented by visitors. The fact that this establishment served 'hot dogs' allegedly led to Adamski being labeled a 'sausage seller.' However, the article asserts that even if this were true, it would not diminish the genuineness of his photographs.

The core issue, the article states, is Adamski's alleged encounters with beings from other planets.

NICAP: A Serious Organization

The article then details the composition and activities of NICAP, founded in 1956. It is run by a board of 11 governors, including an admiral, colonels, a major, a captain, an astronomer, a reverend, and four university professors. The director is Major Donald Keyhoe, a retired US Marine known for his books on UFOs and his theory of extraterrestrial origins. NICAP is described as a serious organization that publishes 'The UFO Investigator,' featuring data, drawings, and technical details. Its 5,000 members are primarily from the US Air Force, airline personnel, and universities, paying $5 annually, which generates a significant budget. Rumors suggest its actual income is much higher.

Adamski's Books and Extraterrestrial Encounters

Adamski's books, 'Inside the Space Ships' and 'Flying Saucers Have Landed,' achieved significant popularity. In these works, Adamski recounts meeting inhabitants of other planets who invited him for flights. He describes a key encounter on November 20, 1952, near Desert Center, Arizona, where he met a Venusian being. The Venusian described the sun and planetary orbits and explained that landings in populated areas were avoided to prevent panic. Adamski also claimed to have discussed atomic experiments on Earth and the 'magnetism' behind 'flying saucers' and 'flying cigars.' The Venusian also communicated telepathically and demonstrated a form of penetration force.

The 'Petra Pinta' Symbols and Extraterrestrial Origins of Humanity

The article discusses the work of archaeologist Professor Marcel Homet, who discovered large, ovoid rock formations in northeastern Brazil with strange, undecipherable ideograms dating back twelve thousand years. These symbols, found on 'Petra Pinta,' were related to an unknown pre-Inca culture. Homet's book, 'Suhne der Sonne' (Sons of the Sun), detailed his findings. Adamski's 'message' from Venus, as reproduced in 'Flying Saucers Have Landed,' was composed of symbols strikingly similar to those found by Homet. The article dismisses the possibility of coincidence, suggesting that Adamski did not travel to Brazil or access Homet's material. It concludes that the Venusian characters were not fundamentally different from ancient Earth scripts.

The Centro Unico Nazionale acknowledges the growing credibility of the hypothesis that ancient civilizations were visited by beings from other planets, a theory supported by scientists and new evidence, and notably advocated in Italy by Dr. Kolosimo.

Adamski's second book, 'Inside the Space Ships' (1955), describes his alleged encounters in February 1953 in Los Angeles with extraterrestrials from Venus, Mars, and Saturn. He claimed to have been taken aboard two giant mother ships orbiting Earth, where he discussed numerous issues with pilots and two 'Masters' or Sages. These extraterrestrials, including the Venusian from his earlier encounter, reportedly possessed telepathic abilities and spoke English fluently. Adamski presented them as beings physically and spiritually superior to humans, possessing advanced technology, psychic powers, and a profound understanding of creation.

Extraterrestrial Confederation and Earth's Future

Adamski's books suggest that our solar system comprises more than nine planets, with conditions similar to Earth. He posits universal principles of good and evil, and that humanity, adapted to various planetary conditions, is spread across the galaxy. He also presents a theory of human origins, stating that humans are extraterrestrial and Earth is a colonized planet. Ancient geological upheavals destroyed early colonies, leading to the barbarization and degeneration of survivors, possibly interbreeding with indigenous humanoid species. Earth, deemed unsuitable for colonization, became a penal colony for 'undesirable elements' from various planets. These beings, often violent, imposed themselves on primitive Earthlings, who mistook them for gods. Special teams were reportedly tasked with monitoring Earth. The 'Confederation,' an extraterrestrial governing body, does not intend to interfere directly but expects actions not to negatively impact their inhabited planets. They also aim to prevent nuclear destruction of Earth, which could disrupt cosmic equilibrium.

Adamski's Flying Saucer Design

A diagram of Adamski's 'flying saucer' is presented, detailing its components: luminous beacon, engine, condenser, connection column, cabin, pilot's seat, navigator's console, and lenses. The craft is described as 10.5 meters in diameter, constructed of polished aluminum, with a cabin approximately two meters high. It features a metal column with two large crystal lenses that project images of the Earth onto a table for the navigator. The lower part contains a propulsion unit and two disk-shaped devices.

Adamski's Legacy and Skepticism

Adamski's claims, particularly those in 'Inside the Space Ships,' are accompanied by diagrams and photographs of the interior of flying saucers and mother ships. Four unpublished photographs are presented, which many have tried to discredit. These photos, allegedly taken by an extraterrestrial pilot through the porthole of a 'flying saucer' using Adamski's Polaroid camera, show a row of portholes on a colossal mother ship. Two of these portholes appear to reveal human faces, one identified as Adamski (on the right) and the other as an extraterrestrial pilot. The article questions whether this is a simple photographic trick or reality.

The NICAP Perspective on Adamski's Photographs

The article questions whether the presented evidence is a new element confirming Adamski's declarations or merely a trick. It asks about the opinion of the competent and well-documented NICAP regarding Adamski's photographic material. The NICAP, known for not crediting claims of contact with extraterrestrials, has, in Adamski's case, preferred not to make a definitive pronouncement, granting him the benefit of the doubt. The text quotes from page 89 of 'THE UFO EVIDENCE,' stating that due to Adamski's background as a self-styled 'professor' of oriental mystical philosophy and a claim that NICAP found to be false, his photographs are considered dubious. Frank Edwards, a NICAP Board Member and photographer, considers them hoaxes, and Adamski refuses to submit his negatives for analysis.

Centro Unico Nazionale's Clarification on NICAP's Claims

The Centro Unico Nazionale wishes to clarify NICAP's assertions. It acknowledges that while Edwards' professional opinion may hold weight, the noted Hollywood cinematographer, Cecil De Mille, considered the photographs authentic and of high quality. The article notes that Adamski never hid his past leadership of a group of spiritualism and metaphysics scholars called the 'Royal Order of Tibet' before World War II. Regarding his 'professor' title, it is noted that such titles can be easily obtained in the United States and may have nominal value.

The article finds it understandable that NICAP views Adamski's philosophical principles, published in 1936, as suspiciously similar to the 'worldview' of the extraterrestrials he claimed to meet. However, it suggests that these 'elective affinities' could equally justify those who believe Adamski's encounters with the 'Brothers' from other planets.

Regarding NICAP's claim that one of Adamski's assertions was proven 'entirely false,' the Centro Unico Nazionale provides a specific detail. In December 1957, George Adamski received a letter from the U.S. Department of State in Washington, which is presented as a personal letter and not an official communication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the life, claims, and legacy of George Adamski, a pivotal figure in early UFOlogy. The magazine critically examines his photographic evidence, his books, and his alleged encounters with extraterrestrials. It contrasts the sensationalism surrounding Adamski with the more measured, though still intrigued, approach of organizations like the Centro Unico Nazionale and the skeptical stance of NICAP. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, acknowledging the public fascination with UFOs while critically evaluating the evidence presented by contactees like Adamski. There's an underlying concern about the spread of unsubstantiated claims and the potential for misinterpretation of phenomena.

This document appears to be a section from a magazine or publication focused on UFOs, specifically discussing the claims of George Adamski and related photographic evidence. The primary focus is on analyzing the authenticity of UFO sightings and photographs, and the credibility of individuals involved.

Analysis of George Adamski's Claims and Correspondence

The document begins with a letter from R.E. Straith, identified as being from the 'Commissione Scambi Culturali' (Cultural Exchange Commission). Straith writes on behalf of a portion of the department's personnel regarding the controversial issue of UFOs. He acknowledges that his group has been critical of official conduct and has also criticized the military's self-appointed role as the primary UFO investigation agency. Straith states that the Department has conducted its own research and arrived at solid conclusions, possessing a significant amount of confirmatory evidence that supports the recipient's assertions, even though these are acknowledged as controversial and generally disputed. While the Department cannot publicly confirm these experiences, Straith believes it can rightly encourage the recipient's work and their efforts to communicate their beliefs to the American public. He invites the recipient to a private meeting in Washington, mentioning he will be absent for most of February but expects to return by the end of the month.

The text then presents photocopies of the envelope and the original letter from R.E. Straith.

The 'Coniston Saucer' Photograph and Adamski's Authenticity

The publication questions the credibility of George Adamski, who claimed to be in contact with the U.S. Department of State and the 'Cultural Exchange Commission'. However, investigations revealed that R.E. Straith was unknown to the Department of State, and the 'Cultural Exchange Commission' did not exist. This led to skepticism about Adamski's claims, with some even suspecting him of fabricating the entire affair. The document notes that Adamski's photos were submitted to NICAP, but he allegedly refused to subject his negatives to NICAP's expert analysis.

Despite these doubts, the publication suggests that it is too early to dismiss the possibility of a coordinated effort to discredit Adamski. It poses the question of who might be behind such an effort.

A significant portion of the document is dedicated to analyzing the 'Coniston Saucer' photograph, taken by 13-year-old Stephen Darbishire in Coniston, England. The photograph, though blurred and of poor quality, shows a bright object resembling the side view of Adamski's 'scout ship'. An orthographic projection by Leonard G. Cramp reportedly confirmed that the Coniston and Adamski photographs were of identical proportions. David Wightman, a NICAP Adviser in England, met the Darbishire family and found no reason to consider the incident a hoax. However, the publication expresses doubt about the photograph, citing that it is an exact copy of the Adamski-type saucer, which is already considered dubious. Furthermore, it suggests the image could be a cut-out or model, pointing to a black marking on the photograph that extends from the object to the hilltop, potentially indicating a support structure.

Despite these reservations, the publication acknowledges that no motive for a hoax is apparent, and the validity of the photograph is not disproved.

Adamski's Space Travel Claims and the 'Inside the Space Ships' Book

The document then revisits the idea of coincidences, noting that identical craft to those photographed by Adamski have been sighted elsewhere. The publication suggests that Adamski's photos might be authentic, but questions his claims of contact with 'disk' pilots and his alleged voyages aboard these craft. It asks whether George Adamski truly flew in space before Russian and American astronauts.

A quote from Adamski's book, 'Inside the Space Ships' (published in 1955), describes his experience of seeing billions of fireflies-like lights in space, which he interpreted as a celestial fireworks display. The publication highlights that these descriptions of 'space fireflies' were not known to science until 1961 and were not reported by astronauts like John Glenn, Walter Schirra, or German Titov. Instead, these words are attributed to Adamski's alleged journey in a 'flying saucer'. The fact that 'Inside the Space Ships' was published in 1955, years before such phenomena were scientifically recognized, is presented as a significant point for consideration by the Centro Unico Nazionale.

Publisher Information and Editorial Stance

The publication includes copyright information for George Adamski's book 'Inside the Space Ships', dated 1955, with details about its printing and publication by Abelard-Schuman, Inc. in New York, and simultaneous publication in Canada by Nelson, Foster & Scott Ltd. The book went through multiple printings in July, August, and September 1955.

The editorial stance, as represented by the Centro Unico Nazionale, is to present facts and allow readers to draw their own conclusions. The publication concludes by quoting Adamski stating, "I am a witness: I cannot explain to you how these devices work, which reveal a strong detachment from the degree of development reached by our science. It is up to you, scientists, to explain it. There is no need to crush the man to deny the fact."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the authenticity of UFO evidence, particularly photographic evidence, the credibility of UFO contactees like George Adamski, and the critical analysis of claims by organizations such as NICAP and the Centro Unico Nazionale. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, encouraging critical examination of evidence and claims, while acknowledging the possibility of genuine phenomena and the need for scientific investigation. The publication aims to present information and allow the reader to form their own judgment, particularly regarding the controversial figure of George Adamski and his extraordinary claims.