Notiziario UFO - 1968 No 1

Magazine Overview

This is a special issue of the "NOTIZIARIO," published by the "centro unico nazionale per lo studio dei fenomeni ritenuti di natura extraterrestre" (CUN). The issue is dated 1968 and is identified as number 1, a special issue of 32 pages. The CUN was established on January 21, 1967, in Milan, Italy, with Mario Maioli serving as its President.

Editorial Stance and Internal Debate

The editorial content, particularly the "DUE PAROLE" (Two Words) section, addresses internal criticism regarding the CUN's official stance on George Adamski. Pierluigi Sani, a member of the CUN's Steering Committee, had raised personal criticisms in a previous issue. This current issue features a response from Roberto Finotti, also a Steering Committee member and the curator of the article in question, who aims to refute Sani's objections with new elements. The editorial expresses regret over the polemics that arose, stating that the article on Adamski was intended to initiate an open and constructive discussion among Italian UFO researchers. The CUN emphasizes its commitment to objective research and the pursuit of truth, regardless of the source of information. They express a desire for unity among serious researchers and disappointment that some have resorted to polemics rather than substantive debate. The editorial also touches upon the upcoming elections for the CUN's council in 1968, suggesting that the members' choices will reflect their satisfaction with the current council's principles of seriousness, coherence, and objectivity.

Analysis of the George Adamski Case

The core of the issue is an article titled "G.ADAMSKI: UNA SINTESI NECESSARIA" (G.ADAMSKI: A NECESSARY SYNTHESIS) by Roberto Pinotti. Pinotti explains that this article is signed by him for the first time due to specific reasons, including the need to directly address criticisms and defend the CUN's approach. He reiterates that the CUN's analysis of Adamski was based on documented facts and direct experiences, not on Adamski's personal interpretations or claims of extraterrestrial contact, which were deemed unproven. Pinotti argues that it is premature to accept Adamski's claims without establishing the authenticity of his photographs and the reality of his alleged contacts. He contrasts this with the approach of some Italian researchers who, despite claiming to have "proof" to dismantle Adamski's case, have not presented them. Pinotti suggests two possibilities: either these proofs are not valid, or they are being withheld for opportunistic reasons. He concludes that the CUN's approach has been to present facts and await further evidence, emphasizing that they are not afraid of the truth.

External Commentary and Related Articles

The issue includes a reprinted article from "Il Resto del Carlino" dated June 26, 1967, titled "I MARZIANI SONO COME NOI" (Martians Are Like Us) by Dino Biondi. This article offers a skeptical yet engaging perspective on UFOs and extraterrestrial life, exploring various theories and anecdotes, including the idea of ancient astronauts and the possibility of life on other planets. Biondi touches upon the Adamski case and the CUN's congress in Riccione, suggesting that the CUN's approach is balanced and serious. He also includes a section titled "Anche Gesù Cristo era un astronauta" (Even Jesus Christ Was an Astronaut), further exploring speculative connections between religious narratives and extraterrestrial visitation.

Another section, "Prime sensazionali immagini dal «Surveyor 5»" (First Sensational Images from "Surveyor 5"), presents a report from Pasadena, California, dated September 12, 1967. It details the successful landing of the Surveyor 5 probe on the Moon. Notably, it describes an object photographed by the probe that is "flat, circular, and lighter in color than the stones surrounding it." Scientists are still studying the image, with one scientist, Albert Hiss, stating that "for the moment, fantasy has the upper hand." This section also includes a brief mention of "Strani movimenti del Luna 9" (Strange Movements of Luna 9), referencing signals detected by Jodrell Bank in February 1966, which suggested the Soviet probe might be moving or experiencing technical issues.

Biblical Interpretations and UFOs

A section titled "Ogni tanto qualcuno desidera tornare" (Every now and then someone wishes to return) delves into interpretations of the Bible to support the idea of extraterrestrial visitation and habitation on other planets. It cites passages from the Gospel of John and Genesis to suggest that humanity can evolve to inhabit other worlds and that "sons of God" cohabited with human women in ancient times, producing powerful offspring. The author argues that these biblical accounts are definitive proof of other inhabited worlds and that figures like Jesus Christ were from another planet, guiding humanity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical analysis of UFO phenomena, the importance of documented evidence, the debate surrounding the George Adamski case, and the exploration of space and potential extraterrestrial life. The CUN maintains a stance of serious, objective research, aiming to foster constructive dialogue within the UFO community. They are critical of unsubstantiated claims and polemical approaches, advocating for a methodical and evidence-based investigation of all aspects of the UFO phenomenon. The magazine also highlights its commitment to transparency with its members and the broader public, while also emphasizing the need for discretion when dealing with the general public and media.

This issue of L'UNITA', dated November 24, 1966, focuses on UFO phenomena and lunar exploration, featuring reports from Italian and international sources.

Lunar Discoveries and UFO Claims

The cover story, "PIRAMIDI SULLA LUNA" (Pyramids on the Moon), highlights findings from the Lunar Orbiter 2 mission. Scientists in Pasadena, California, analyzing photos from the satellite, discovered unusual pyramidal structures on the lunar surface, measuring about 15 meters at the base and 10-20 meters high. A separate report from "Il Resto del Carlino" dated March 10, 1967, mentions that scientists studying photos from Orbiter 5 believe astronauts might find frozen liquids in craters near the lunar poles. This discovery is presented as a significant step in creating a new geological map of the Moon.

Analysis of George Adamski's Claims and NICAP's Investigation

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to a critical examination of George Adamski's UFO contact claims and the investigative methods of NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena), led by Donald Keyhoe.

Adamski's Background and the "Stralth" Incident

The article references Adamski's book "INSIDE THE SPACE SHIPS" and discusses the "Stralth" incident, where Adamski allegedly received a letter. It notes that R. Leon Davidson, author of "Flying Saucers: Weapons of the Cold War," believes Adamski was sincere, even if misled. Davidson suggests Adamski's "Brothers" were human beings and that any deception was for reasons of their own.

NICAP's Skepticism and Methods

The magazine details NICAP's critical stance towards Adamski. It recounts an incident where Adamski was sent a blank NICAP membership card by mistake, which he interpreted as an honorary membership and publicly displayed. NICAP, through Donald Keyhoe, vehemently denied this, sending Adamski telegrams demanding a retraction and stating the card was void. Keyhoe accused Adamski of making false claims and implied legal action.

The "Kansas City Claim" Controversy

NICAP investigated Adamski's claim of flying with "Brothers" to Kansas City. The article highlights that NICAP, in its publication "THE UFO EVIDENCE," described this claim as having been "conclusively proved false." However, the "Flying Saucer Review" (FSR), a British UFO magazine, is quoted extensively, criticizing NICAP's methods. FSR points out that NICAP's conclusion was based on an opinion poll of its members, which FSR deems unscientific and meaningless. FSR argues that NICAP's approach resembles a trial without allowing the accused to respond fully.

Photographic Evidence and Expert Opinions

The article discusses the authenticity of Adamski's UFO photographs. It mentions that while NICAP considered Adamski's pictures dubious, partly due to his background as a self-styled "professor" of oriental mystical philosophy, they also acknowledged that the "Coniston Saucer" photograph, which strongly resembled Adamski's "scout ship," was "not disproved." The analysis of the Coniston photo by Leonard G. Cramp, vice-president of the British UFO Research Association, confirmed identical proportions with Adamski's photos. The magazine suggests that even NICAP, despite its skepticism, implicitly admits the high probability of Adamski's photos being authentic.

The Role of "Flying Saucer Review" and Other Organizations

The "Flying Saucer Review" is presented as a professional and important magazine that has critically analyzed Adamski's case and NICAP's actions. The article also mentions the Cosmic Brotherhood Association (CBA) in Japan, which, in a letter to Mr. Pinotti, expresses caution regarding Adamski's contact stories, suggesting that "all that glitters is not gold" and that "some intrigue" lies behind them.

CUN's Position and Methodology

The article explains the stance of the CUN (presumably an Italian UFO research group), which aims to analyze UFO cases based on concrete facts and logical coherence, avoiding both blind faith and excessive skepticism. CUN states its intention to examine Adamski's case by focusing on verifiable evidence, particularly photographic and cinematographic material, rather than personal opinions or unsubstantiated claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of the Moon and the critical examination of UFO phenomena and claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, emphasizing the need for verifiable evidence and logical analysis. While acknowledging the possibility of UFOs and extraterrestrial contact, the magazine questions the methods and conclusions of organizations like NICAP, advocating for a more rigorous and objective approach to the subject. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between factual evidence and unsubstantiated assertions, particularly in the context of high-profile contactees like George Adamski.

This issue of "Flying Saucers" (Volume 13, Issue 2, October 1967) critically examines the controversial case of George Adamski, a prominent UFO contactee. The magazine, published by The Citadel Press, delves into the authenticity of his photographic evidence and his claims of contact with Venusians, presenting a balanced view that includes both supportive arguments and significant skepticism.

The Adamski Case: Photography and Claims

The central theme revolves around the photographic evidence provided by George Adamski, particularly his famous "mother ship" photos. The article questions the authenticity of these images, referencing a comparison made by David Wightman, a NICAP representative, between Adamski's craft and a model built in 1932 by Lonzo Dove, as well as a 1910 magazine illustration. Wightman also noted similarities between Adamski's saucer and a "flying reconnaissance ship" depicted in a 1910 magazine.

However, the magazine also presents counter-arguments. It highlights an examination of Adamski's original negatives by J. N. Mansour of Jetex Limited, who reportedly concluded that the object photographed was not a model and appeared to be the size Adamski claimed (35 feet in diameter). This expert opinion is contrasted with the skepticism of researchers like Michel and Antonio Ribera.

Eyewitness Accounts and Corroboration

The issue details several eyewitness accounts that are presented as potentially corroborating Adamski's claims or similar sightings. One significant event is the observation by eight members of the Norwich Astronomical Society and the British Astronomical Association on October 6, 1953. They described a bright, oval-shaped object that, when focused through a telescope, appeared as a dome on a large flat disc, with apertures and a glowing red cavity underneath. This sighting remained visible for three and a half minutes.

Another piece of evidence discussed is a 1965 film sequence by Madeleine Rodeffer, reportedly showing a UFO identical to Adamski's "mother ship." Additionally, the article mentions sightings in Andorra on September 15, 1965, where two "Adamski-type" UFOs were observed and departed at high speed.

Official Documents and Skepticism

The magazine includes information from official sources, notably a letter from the USAF's AIR TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE CENTER (ATIC) to Richard Ogden, dated August 3, 1956. This letter, while not directly confirming Adamski's contact, admits that a UFO was present over Desert Center, California, on November 20, 1952, the date of Adamski's alleged first encounter. The letter states that Project Blue Book Special Report #14, released in October 1955, statistically covered all reports up to that date, including a report by an Air Force pilot on November 20, 1952, near Desert Center. However, the letter also notes that there is no record of Mr. Adamski ever reporting aerial phenomena to the center.

Analysis and Interpretation

The article grapples with the question of whether Adamski's claims are true, false, or somewhere in between. It acknowledges that the USAF officially denies the existence of "flying saucers." The author, Renzo Rossotti, discusses the difficulty of definitively proving or disproving such claims, especially when dealing with photographic evidence that is hard to analyze definitively.

Ray Palmer, a former editor, is quoted as accepting Adamski's story as truth, despite knowing that Adamski did not meet Venusians in 1952, that footprints were fake, and that he never rode in a scout ship. Palmer suggests Adamski used the "flying saucer saga" as a "carrier" for a true experience he wished to convey.

C. A. Honey, Adamski's former secretary, offers a perspective suggesting that Adamski may have been fooled into believing he had a physical trip to Saturn, possibly due to hypnotic control and trance mediumship. Honey agrees that Adamski's original contact in the desert likely occurred and that he had at least two rides in spacecraft, with this information known to various government intelligence branches. He also believes that 95% or more of Adamski's first three books are correct, but expresses doubt about his more recent claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO evidence, the nature of belief versus proof, and the role of skepticism in UFO research. The magazine adopts a cautious yet open-minded approach, presenting evidence and expert opinions from various sides of the Adamski controversy. It aims to provide readers with the information needed to form their own conclusions, emphasizing that while definitive proof may be elusive, the facts presented cannot be ignored. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the possibility of genuine phenomena while rigorously scrutinizing the claims of contactees like Adamski.

This issue of the "SUPPLEMENTO STRAORDINARIO," published as Supplemento al Notiziario del CUN No. 1 del 1968, dated Saturday, January 24, 1968, delves into the burgeoning international interest and scientific investigation surrounding the phenomenon of "dischi volanti" (flying saucers) or UFOs.

US-USSR Collaboration on UFO Study

The central theme is the unprecedented potential for collaboration between the United States and the Soviet Union in studying UFOs. The article details how the American Academy of Sciences, through Dr. Edward Condon, the director of a US commission investigating UFOs, sent an inquiry to the Soviet Academy of Sciences. This initiative was reportedly prompted by news from Moscow that the Soviet government had established its own official commission to examine the "flying saucer" question. The US commission, funded by the military Air Force, had been tasked with analyzing UFO reports for 15 months, involving scientists from various fields including astronomy, physics, and meteorology. The goal was to determine if these objects were natural phenomena, spacecraft from other planets, or something else entirely. The commission's findings were expected by October 1967 but had not yet been released.

Dr. Condon, a scientist of international repute and former director of the U.S. National Bureau of Standards, led the US investigation. The commission was formed partly due to public dissatisfaction with previous Air Force explanations, which often attributed UFO sightings to natural phenomena or misidentifications. The US investigation, costing half a million dollars, was scheduled for completion in June, with results to be published in November or December. Condon remained tight-lipped about preliminary findings, stating only that he had a conviction but could not reveal it, hinting at the profound implications if extraterrestrial intelligence were confirmed.

The article notes that the idea of seeking Soviet cooperation arose after reading reports of the Soviet commission. Condon expressed a willingness to exchange information, suggesting that a basic form of collaboration could involve confirming whether visual or radar sightings are recognized by both sides, whether as known Soviet objects or unidentified phenomena.

The Adamski Case

The issue revisits the controversial case of George Adamski, a figure who claimed original contact with extraterrestrials in the desert and alleged flights on alien spacecraft. C. A. Honey is quoted, acknowledging the positive aspect of Adamski's claims of real contact and flights, but also pointing out that while 95% of his early books were accurate, much of his recent information lacked substantiation, and there was evidence contradicting some of his claims. Honey suggests Adamski was likely a "sensitive" whose experiences, though inconceivable to many, might have had a reality for him. The CUN (Centro Ufologico Nazionale) acknowledges the difficulty in fully assessing Adamski's "world" due to its unique nature and the limitations of their own investigative framework, which cannot delve into parapsychology.

The article includes a translated excerpt from Adamski's alleged experience, describing seeing billions of "fireflies" of various colors in space, a phenomenon later echoed by astronaut observations. The CUN agrees with the Gruppo Cipeologici Florentini that the Adamski case is a borderline one, difficult to definitively analyze due to its complex mix of observation, testimony, individual intuition, personal convenience, and good faith.

Further analysis, citing Antonio Ribera's "El Gran Enigma de los Platillos Volantes," critiques Adamski's "Venusian" descriptions. Ribera suggests that the "beautiful Venusian" was an idealized projection of Adamski himself, embodying his pacifist, vegetarian, and theosophical ideals. The article notes Adamski's death on April 23, 1965, from a heart attack in Washington, and that his secret died with him.

Other UFO Investigations and Incidents

The issue also touches upon other aspects of UFO research. It mentions a cartoon depicting a humorous take on Adamski's claims, with a notice on the moon stating "ADAMSKI WAS HERE!".

An incident involving a horse named "Snippy" in Alamosa, Colorado, is recounted. The owner, Mrs. Berle Lewis, believed extraterrestrials killed the horse, citing a sensation of alien presence. However, a veterinarian found two conventional bullet holes in the animal's carcass. Dr. Condon was questioned about this incident, which he described as one of the most baffling his commission had investigated.

Scientific Stance and Public Perception

The publication highlights a significant development from Brazil, where 35 scientists issued a statement asserting that flying saucers exist, obey intelligent control, and exhibit inexplicable characteristics. They urged authorities, scientists, and the public to pay close attention to this issue, which they deemed of global importance. Representatives from the Brazilian Army and secret services attended this meeting, requesting to be kept informed.

Another report from the "Giornale d'Italia" dated November 7, 1967, details a congress in San Paolo, Brazil, where scientists declared that flying saucers exist and are intelligently controlled. It also mentions a congress in Mainz (Magonza), Germany, on unidentified flying objects.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The editorial stance of the "Supplemento Straordinario" appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging its complexity and the need for rigorous scientific investigation. There is a clear interest in international cooperation, particularly between the US and USSR, suggesting a belief that the phenomenon transcends national boundaries. The publication seems to lean towards the possibility of intelligent extraterrestrial origins, as evidenced by the critical discussion of the Condon Commission's evasiveness and the positive framing of the Brazilian scientists' declaration. The Adamski case, while presented with skepticism regarding its details, is treated as a foundational element in the history of modern UFOlogy. The recurring themes include government and scientific investigations, the challenges of proof, the potential for international scientific collaboration, and the enduring mystery of unidentified flying objects.