Notiziario UFO - 1967 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of NOTIZIARIO, identified as number 3 and dated 1967, is published by the centro unico nazionale (CUN), an organization dedicated to the study of phenomena believed to be of extraterrestrial origin. The magazine is in Italian and was published in Italy. The cover prominently displays the title and the year, with a note stating that reproduction requires authorization from C.U.N.

Content Summary

Table of Contents (CONTENUTO)

The table of contents outlines the articles and sections within this issue:

• NOTIZIE CUN: An open letter to CUN members.
• ATTUALITA':
• Conclusion of the 1st National Congress of CUN.
• 5 men for a Congress.
• Synthesis.
• What the press said.
• Susceptibility.

An important attention notice provides the new CUN address: "CENTRO UNICO NAZIONALE - CASELLA POSTALE 3460 - MILANO". The organization was constituted on January 21, 1967, with Mario Maioli as President.

Letter to Our Members (LETTERA APERTA AI NOSTRI ADERENTI)

The secretariat of CUN apologizes for the delay in publishing this issue, attributing it to post-congress work and holidays. As a gesture of goodwill, they are including an original copy of the manifesto from the National Congress in Riccione, of which only 500 copies were printed, making it a rare promotional item and a souvenir of the first flying object congress held in Italy. Additionally, a brochure sent to the press, authorities, and interested parties is included. The secretariat hopes these gestures will be accepted as an apology for the silence.

Congress Concluded (CONCLUSO IL CONGRESSO DEL C.U.N.)

This section, under the heading 'ATTUALITA'', reports on the conclusion of the 1st National Congress on Unidentified Flying Objects and Extraterrestrial Phenomena, organized by the Centro Unico Nazionale. The congress closed at 5 PM on June 25, 1967. The article provides a brief overview of the two days, June 24 and 25, promising details of the congress proceedings and its media coverage.

#### June 24 (Morning)

The Centro Unico Nazionale presented its report to an audience of authorities, journalists, members, and the public. At 1:50 PM, RAI established a radio link with Bologna and Riccione, featuring speakers from the CUN conference.

#### June 24 (Evening)

At 10:15 PM, Italian television broadcast a program on "flying discs" organized and directed by G. Bisiach, which surprised CUN due to its coincidence with the congress.

#### June 24 (Afternoon)

A free debate between CUN and the press took place on the theme discussed during the morning conference.

#### June 25 (Morning)

An assembly of CUN members was held, along with internal work. The new Board of Directors was voted on, and CUN's policy for research and information for the upcoming year was defined. A decision was made to connect CUN with experts in Spain, under the direction of Prof. Antonio Ribera, director of the Centro Estudios Interplanetarios in Barcelona.

#### June 25 (Afternoon)

A press release was issued, and the Congress concluded.

The Board of Directors present at the Congress consisted of: Mario Maioli (President), Franco Bordoni Bisleri (Vice President), Arduino Albertini, Roberto Pinotti (Board Members), and Giancarlo Barattini (Secretary General). The Congress moderator was Mr. Spartaco Bartoli. The official CUN speaker was Roberto Pinotti. Other speakers included Prof. Antonio Ribera and Dr. Giancarlo Masini.

The Centro Unico Nazionale expressed gratitude to the Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno of Riccione for their hospitality and to the authorities, journalists, and RAI-TV technicians for their interest. Special thanks were extended to all members and subscribers for their participation, demonstrating the vitality and genuine interest in the phenomenon CUN aims to study.

5 Men for a Congress (5 uomini per un Congresso)

This section details the organizational efforts behind the congress, managed by five members of the CUN's Board of Directors residing in different cities. The "congress operation" involved significant correspondence and planning. The logistical tasks included producing 500 large posters, 2000 leaflets, 600 invitations, 300 identification badges, 150 copies of the 'Notiziario', reviewing over 1000 addresses, sending 160 personal letters, drafting reports and press releases, preparing for radio and television interviews, organizing a press exhibition, and recording 1,400 meters of magnetic tape.

While the final expenses were not yet calculated due to pending invoices, the estimated cost for the organization and materials was under 120,000 lire, excluding travel and accommodation costs. The value of the media coverage, including press, television, and radio, was estimated to exceed 4,000,000 lire, a figure expected to increase with further publications. The success of this first official contact with the public was deemed significant, and the organizational achievements provide confidence for future CUN events.

Synthesis (SINTESI)

This section provides a summary of the congress proceedings, as the full 315-page transcript was too extensive for the 'Notiziario'.

#### June 24 - Morning

After a welcome by Avv. G. Mengozzi, President of the Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno of Riccione, Dr. Franco Bordoni Bisleri, CUN's Vice President, officially opened the congress. He stated that CUN was not presenting sensational news or proof of flying discs, but rather arguments based on official documents to demonstrate the phenomenon's existence and complexity. He urged the press to consider its importance.

Bordoni clarified CUN's position to avoid past misunderstandings with the press. He then introduced the official CUN speaker, Sign. Roberto Pinotti, a CUN member and board member, also affiliated with NICAP.

#### Pinotti's Report

Pinotti explained the reasons for CUN's founding, its objectives, and how it intends to achieve them. He reiterated the congress slogan: "WE DO NOT SAY THAT FLYING DISCS EXIST, BUT THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS." He reviewed the history of ufology, citing documents and testimonies, including those of Soviet scientists, C. Tombough, the Mantell case, Prof. Ananoff, and official statements from the Argentine Navy regarding the Deception incident. Pinotti highlighted the "conspiracy of silence" surrounding UFOs, citing declarations by Hon. J. McCormack and Prof. Hyneck, as well as Air Force Regulation AFR 200-2, which prohibits the public release of unexplained cases. He also mentioned the recent sighting at Fornacette, which CUN is investigating, aiming for 100% certainty before releasing conclusions. He then passed the floor to Prof. Antonio Ribera.

#### Ribera's Report

Professor Ribera discussed analogies between photographs of Mars from the Mariner IV mission and the lunar region Clavius, as published in previous CUN 'Notiziari'. His presentation included numerous slides shown at the Astronomical Week in Bardellona. The article notes that Ribera's report is not detailed here as it was covered in prior issues.

Sign. Pinotti also spoke about events related to Mariner IV during its transmission of photos and activities at the Canberra base (referencing 'Notiziario' no. 2 of 1967).

#### Further Discussion on Mariner IV

Pinotti elaborated on the Mariner IV mission, stating that Spanish studies suggest the images transmitted from Mars might actually be of the lunar surface. He cited the Australian newspaper SYDNEY MORNING HERALD (July 16, 1965) reporting on Mariner IV's unexpected behavior, including a significant slowdown near Mars. He questioned why major publications like TIME did not mention this delay or the consternation at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena when recording equipment captured contrasting signals.

Pinotti also mentioned an incident where, between 5:30 and 6:00 PM, while listening stations in Goldstone (California) and Tidbinbilla (Australia) detected strange signals (around 11:00-11:30 AM on July 15), an unidentified flying object was sighted over Canberra and reported by military aeronautics. Dr. Miller, an astronomer at Monte Stromlo Observatory, ruled out astronomical explanations and considered a weather balloon unlikely, suggesting it might have been an object from another world.

Pinotti raised the question of a connection between the Mariner IV mission, the detected interferences, its unexplained slowdown, and the sighting over Australia. The CUN emphasized that the hypothesis of NASA fabricating lunar images as Martian to conceal information or a mission failure is not credible, given the ease of identifying the lunar region and the technological limitations of NASA scientists at that time.

#### Masini's Report

Dr. Giancarlo Masini, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Physics at the University of Florence and scientific editor for 'Corriere della Sera', discussed "American University Research in the Field of Flying Discs." He noted that the flying disc issue became official in America in 1947, following sightings by credible individuals, leading to the establishment of Project Blue Book under the Air Force.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly focuses on the Centro Unico Nazionale (CUN) and its activities, particularly the 1st National Congress on UFOs and Extraterrestrial Phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and presentation of evidence, aiming to establish the UFO phenomenon as a legitimate subject of study rather than mere fantasy. There's a clear effort to engage with the public and the media, while also addressing perceived "conspiracies of silence" surrounding the topic. The magazine also delves into scientific analysis, using data from space missions like Mariner IV to support its arguments, and highlights the organizational efforts required to run such an initiative. The tone is informative and aims to legitimize ufology as a field of research.

This issue of the magazine, titled "I MARZIANI SONO COME NOI" (Martians Are Like Us), dated June 25, 1967, focuses heavily on the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and extraterrestrial life. It reports on the first Italian congress dedicated to UFOs, held in Riccione, and features discussions on scientific investigation, witness testimonies, and media coverage.

The Riccione Congress

The central event covered is the congress in Riccione, organized by the Centro Unico Nazionale (CUN) for the study of phenomena considered to be of extraterrestrial origin. The congress aimed to foster a dialogue between the public, the media, and scientific experts on the UFO phenomenon. Dr. Giancarlo Masini, an assistant professor of physical chemistry at the University of Florence, presented statistics and discussed the scientific methodology for investigating UFOs, emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence and the iterative process of hypothesis testing.

Dr. Masini recounted an incident from August 1966 at an American missile base where communication systems failed, coinciding with a radar-tracked sighting of an unidentified object. This event, he suggested, was instrumental in the Air Force's definitive acknowledgment of the "flying saucer" term and led to further investigations by qualified American universities, including the University of Colorado.

He also addressed the distinction between genuine sightings and hoaxes, demonstrating how he and colleagues had constructed a mock UFO. Despite the existence of hoaxes, Masini affirmed that genuine sightings, such as the 646 cases recorded by Project Blue Book, cannot be dismissed.

Scientific Approach and CUN's Role

Dr. Masini stressed the need for a scientific approach to studying the phenomenon, involving observation, experience gathering, hypothesis formation, and verification. He highlighted that scientific validity relies on quantifiable data and experimental proof, distinguishing it from history or mere speculation.

The CUN's role, as explained by its secretary G. Barattini, is not to provide explanations for UFO phenomena but to gather evidence and present it to the public and scientific community, asserting that there are sufficient elements to warrant taking the phenomenon seriously. The responsibility for explanation lies with scientists possessing the necessary expertise.

Key Questions and International Involvement

The congress aimed to address four key questions: whether sightings are collective hallucinations, if UFOs are military devices of other powers, if they originate from another world, and if so, from where, with what propulsion, and with what intentions. The article notes the involvement of international figures, including a letter from Soviet scientist Prof. A. Kazantsev, who announced the formation of an organic committee in the USSR for UFO study, headed by General Stoliarov and likely including astronomer Zieghel.

Case Studies and Media Coverage

The congress also discussed specific cases, notably the Fornacette Case (Case n.5), for which the CUN had gathered photographic evidence. However, conclusive findings were withheld due to a lack of definitive proof. The CUN expressed frustration that the media readily covered claims of extraterrestrial contact but remained silent on more substantiated events like Fornacette.

Media coverage of the congress was extensive, with various newspapers, including "Il Resto del Carlino," reporting on the event. The article includes a section titled "COS'HA DETTO LA STAMPA !" (What the Press Said!), showcasing headlines from different publications, many of which questioned the existence of flying saucers or highlighted the scientific and parliamentary interest in the topic.

CUN's Future Plans and International Collaboration

The CUN outlined its future objectives, including expanding scientific relations, securing media space to disseminate its findings, and pursuing parliamentary inquiries into the UFO phenomenon in Italy. The organization also discussed establishing a presence in Spain through the Centro Studi Interplanetari, aiming to unify UFO study centers there and collaborate with the Italian CUN.

Press Release and Conclusion

At the end of the congress, the CUN issued a press release affirming the existence of UFOs based on official documentation and worldwide evidence. They expressed their commitment to serious scientific investigation and called for the active contribution of competent authorities and science to further understanding the phenomenon. The press release also reiterated the CUN's goals of expanding scientific collaboration and improving public information on UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFOs, the distinction between genuine sightings and hoaxes, the role of evidence and hypothesis in scientific inquiry, and the growing international interest in the phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for a serious, scientific approach to UFO study, encouraging open dialogue, and pushing for greater public and scientific engagement with the topic. There is a clear emphasis on the need for verifiable proof and a cautious approach to unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of 'Il Tempo', dated June 25, 1967, features a prominent cover story titled 'Stanotte ho avvistato un marziano' (Tonight I saw a Martian). The magazine delves into the persistent mystery of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), exploring whether they are real phenomena or mere figments of imagination, and highlights the growing number of scientists who believe in their existence. It also covers the first national congress on UFOs organized by the C.U.N. (Centro Unico Nazionale per lo studio dei fenomeni ritenuti di natura extraterrestre) in Riccione.

The Riccione Congress: A Scientific Approach to UFOs

The congress, held in Riccione, aimed to provide a critical and scientific examination of UFO phenomena. The article notes that while the initial public fascination with UFOs from 1947-1953 led to widespread, often unsubstantiated, reports, the current climate allows for more serious study. The C.U.N., founded to combat sensationalism and investigate credible sightings, organized this event to consolidate research and set future investigative directions.

Key figures like Roberto Pinotti and Giancarlo Masini presented findings, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor. The congress heard testimonies from various individuals, including military personnel and scientists, who affirmed the reality of UFOs. Quotes from notable figures like Marshal of the Royal Air Force Lord Dowding ('The existence of these aircraft is evident and I accept it without reservation') and even references to Einstein's famous quote ('It seems that someone has seen something') underscore the ongoing debate.

However, the article also points out that the congress, while seeking truth, primarily presented evidence and opinions supporting the existence of UFOs, with less emphasis on contrary viewpoints. This approach is framed as a natural part of any debate, where proponents present their cases.

Key Cases and Testimonies

The magazine highlights several intriguing cases:

• The Crevalcore Man and the Martian Plant: An anecdote about a man who claimed to have brought seeds from Mars, which unfortunately died, leaving the story unresolved.
• The Captain Mantell Enigma: This case, dated January 7, 1948, details the pursuit of a UFO by Captain J. Mantell of the U.S. Air Force. Mantell reported the object's immense size and high speed before disappearing. His remains were later found, but the official investigation's findings were never disclosed, making it a persistent mystery.
• The Fornacette Case: A more recent incident from July 12, 1966, involving a UFO landing on an islet near Fornacette, Italy. The object was described as round and metallic, and its landing reportedly flattened and burnt the surrounding reeds, leaving three circular holes.
• Mariner IV and Mars: The congress also discussed the implications of the Mariner IV probe's photographs of Mars. Professor Ribera presented findings suggesting that Mars, contrary to popular imagination, appeared barren and lacking canals, resembling the Moon's surface. This raised questions about what might have caused the probe to deviate or alter its mission.

The C.U.N.'s Stance and Editorial Policy

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to addressing criticisms and clarifying the C.U.N.'s editorial policy, particularly in response to an article about George Adamski. The C.U.N. asserts its commitment to seeking truth objectively, rather than promoting personal beliefs or engaging in sensationalism. They welcome constructive criticism but reject baseless accusations of charlatanism. The organization emphasizes its role in fostering open discussion and providing a platform for examining facts and opinions related to UFO phenomena, aiming to inform the public responsibly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of UFOs, the scientific investigation of these phenomena, and the dichotomy between belief and skepticism. The magazine adopts a stance of open inquiry, encouraging the critical examination of evidence while acknowledging the public's fascination. The C.U.N.'s editorial policy, as articulated in the latter part of the issue, is one of transparency, responsibility, and a dedication to uncovering the truth, regardless of how unconventional it may be. They position themselves as a neutral ground for discussion, open to all viewpoints that contribute to a better understanding of the subject.