Notiziario UFO - 1968 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Italian magazine "NOTIZIARIO" (Issue 3, 1968) is published by the "centro unico nazionale per lo studio del fenomeni ritenuti di natura extraterrestre" (C.U.N.), an organization dedicated to the study of extraterrestrial phenomena. The cover prominently features the C.U.N. logo and the title "NOTIZIARIO" with the issue number and year.

Editorial and Personal Communications

The issue opens with a letter from Gian Carlo Barattini to all members and subscribers of the C.U.N. Barattini announces his resignation as Secretary General, a position he held since the C.U.N.'s founding, due to his work not allowing him sufficient time to dedicate to the center. He emphasizes that the C.U.N. is run by volunteers who manage their UFO research alongside their normal jobs. He expresses confidence in the new Secretary General, Roberto Pinotti, citing his experience, and reiterates the importance of objective, serious, and scrupulous research to avoid sensationalism and falsification. He also confirms the re-election of Mario Maioli as President, praising his qualities. Barattini expresses hope to potentially re-engage with the C.U.N. in the future.

Articles and Features

Editorial: L'Aeronautica e i Dischi Volanti (The Air Force and Flying Saucers)

This editorial addresses a letter from a reader, Arduino Albertini, who requested a renewed focus on the topic of UFOs, or "dischi volanti." The editorial acknowledges past articles on the subject by collaborator Francesco Stipelli but notes that little new information has emerged. It references a statement from an American commission that excluded the extraterrestrial nature of UFOs. However, it also points to recent news, including a Soviet article in "Pravda" and a French publication, suggesting a renewed interest and potential for official investigation. The French publication "Forces Aeriennes Françaises" is cited for proposing a commission to coordinate research into unexplained phenomena.

Conference Announcement

A notice from the Associazione Nazionale Arma Aeronautica, Sezione di Torino, announces a conference on "Dischi Volanti" (Flying Saucers) to be held on June 20, 1968. The conference will feature Professor Giuseppe Bonfante, an ordinary professor at the University of Padua, who is an avid student of ufo-logy.

The Italian Air Force's Position on UFOs

The magazine expresses concern over the apparent lack of an official position from the Italian Air Force regarding UFOs, especially when compared to the efforts of other nations. It notes that while magazines like AERONAUTICA and ATTERRAGGIO FORZATO have published articles, there's no formal stance. The article contrasts this with the US Air Force's Project Blue Book, which officially denies extraterrestrial origins, yet the USAF has funded a university study in Colorado. Similarly, the Soviet Union has formed a study committee, and countries like England and Argentina have established investigative bodies. The magazine questions why Italy, and specifically its Air Force, appears to be lagging behind in officially addressing the UFO phenomenon.

Key Incidents and Testimonies

Two specific incidents are detailed:

• October 17, 1966, Piacenza, Italy: An immobile, luminous, triangular object was observed over a NATO air base. A squadron of F-84 jets was dispatched to investigate. The pilot reported a "strange aircraft, never seen before," described as triangular and immobile, with a central illuminated porthole. The object then vanished.
• January 10, 1966, Naples, Italy: A "luminous globe" was sighted descending to about a thousand meters, coinciding with a widespread power outage in southern Italy. Two NATO jets were seen flying near the object before it disappeared.

NATO and UFOs

The article explores the potential involvement of NATO in UFO investigations, particularly in light of the US Air Force's role within the alliance. It references a letter from General Alfred M. Gruenther, then Supreme Commander of NATO, to Alberto Perego in 1955. Gruenther stated that UFO matters did not fall within his responsibilities but suggested consulting the Italian Ambassador. The magazine questions whether NATO itself is ignorant of the problem, or if there's a deliberate silence. It suggests that the USAF's prominent role within NATO might mean that UFO reports from NATO countries are primarily handled by the USAF, bypassing national authorities.

The Condon Committee and NICAP's Break

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the controversy surrounding the Condon Committee's UFO investigation, funded by the USAF and conducted by the University of Colorado. An article based on John G. Fuller's report in LOOK magazine details how NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena) initially cooperated with the project, providing data and researchers. However, NICAP became suspicious of Dr. Condon's alleged bias and skepticism. A critical "memoriale" from August 1966, by the project's coordinator Low, is revealed. Low argued that the investigation should be conducted by skeptics to avoid compromising their scientific standing and to exclude the possibility of UFOs existing. This revelation deeply troubled NICAP. The article details the subsequent break between NICAP and the Condon Project, with NICAP accusing Condon and Low of incompetence and threatening the careers of researchers Saunders and Levine. NICAP plans to propose a new, independent investigation to the President and Congress.

Historical Context and Expert Opinions

The issue includes excerpts from a book by Console Alberto Perego, "L'AVIAZIONE DI ALTRI PIANETI OPERA TRA NOI" (The Aviation of Other Planets Operates Among Us), and an article by Colonel Mario Salvadori. Salvadori's article, originally published in "IL CORRIERE DELL'AVIAZIONE" in 1957, discusses Perego's work and suggests that the Italian Air Force showed interest in the UFO question at that time. He references a letter from General Gruenther and implies that the issue of UFOs might be handled at a higher, international level, possibly within NATO.

Salvadori's commentary also delves into philosophical and religious aspects of potential extraterrestrial contact, questioning the logic behind potential alien visitors observing human conflicts and racial prejudices. He advocates for non-interference, drawing parallels to divine principles.

The "Flying Saucer Fiasco"

An article summarizing John G. Fuller's report in LOOK magazine (May 14, 1968) titled "FLYING SAUCER FIASCO" highlights the controversy surrounding the Condon Committee. It reiterates NICAP's concerns about the project's objectivity, citing the "memoriale" and the subsequent dismissal of key personnel. The article suggests that the USAF and the University of Colorado were predisposed to dismiss UFO evidence, with the investigation potentially being a "trick" to make Americans believe it was objective.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the perceived lack of transparency and official investigation by military and governmental bodies, and the importance of rigorous, objective scientific inquiry. The C.U.N. clearly advocates for a serious, evidence-based approach, contrasting with sensationalism. There's a strong undercurrent of criticism towards official silence and potential cover-ups, particularly concerning the Italian Air Force's role. The magazine champions the efforts of private organizations like NICAP and highlights international perspectives, suggesting that the UFO phenomenon transcends national boundaries and requires a coordinated global approach. The editorial stance is one of persistent inquiry and a demand for accountability from authorities.

This issue of PIANETA magazine, dated May 1968, focuses on the phenomenon of flying saucers (UFOs) with a prominent cover story on how to photograph them. The magazine presents a blend of practical advice, historical accounts, and organizational news related to UFO research.

How to Photograph a Flying Saucer

The lead article, based on an interview with Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a consultant for the American military aviation, provides guidance on photographing flying saucers. Hynek emphasizes the need for a suitable camera, recommending a 35mm model with an 85-200mm zoom lens and a 50mm lens. He advises setting the hyperfocal distance and using a shutter speed of 1/125 with an f/8 or f/11 aperture for daylight photography. For night sightings, he suggests using the widest possible aperture and exposure times of several seconds, possibly with a monopod. Crucially, Hynek stresses the importance of framing the object with recognizable landmarks like trees or buildings to provide scale and context, rather than just the sky. He also notes that while he has been vigilant for twenty years, he has yet to photograph a UFO himself.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The magazine reports on various UFO-related news and events:

• Authentic UFO Photos: A piece titled "DISCO VOLANTE SENZA TRUCCHI" (Flying Saucer Without Tricks) discusses the authenticity of four photos taken by the Jaroslaw brothers, examined by Dr. J. Allan Hynek. The object was seen over St. Clair lake near Detroit and was noted to be similar to objects photographed on other occasions.
• Argentine Investigation: A news brief from "GIORNALE RADIO" on June 23, 1968, reports that the Argentine Air Force has opened an investigation into frequent UFO sightings. These include incidents where UFOs reportedly block roads, cause car engines to stall, and leave scorched asphalt.
• British Interest: An article "I DISCHI VOLANTI NUOVO HOBBY PER GLI INGLESI" (Flying Saucers: A New Hobby for the English) notes a significant increase in UFO sightings reported in Britain, from 22 in 1959 to 362 the previous year. The Ministry of Defence has assigned two officers to investigate, though most cases are explained by conventional means (aircraft, satellites, balloons, weather phenomena), with seven remaining unexplained.
• USAF and Condon Committee: The article mentions the Condon Committee, funded by the USAF and under the control of the CIA, which aimed to convince the public of the non-existence of UFOs by explaining them through psychological phenomena. However, this effort is described as a failure.
• NICAP's Initiative: The NICAP has proposed new official investigations into UFOs to President Johnson and Congress, independent of the USAF.
• Royal Air Force Involvement: The Royal Air Force is also reportedly investigating UFOs.
• Mongolian Sighting: A letter to the editor describes a flying saucer sighting in Mongolia in 1964, where a luminous object behaved in an unusual manner.

Historical UFO Encounters

Several articles delve into historical UFO sightings:

• "Dischi volanti: si o no?" (Flying Saucers: Yes or No?): This section explores the enduring question of UFO existence. It notes the US government's establishment of a commission to investigate the problem. The article highlights that while some sightings can be explained as misidentifications (e.g., satellites), others remain unexplained. It introduces the CUN (Centro Unico Nazionale) as an organization dedicated to studying these phenomena rationally.
• Foo-Fighters of WWII: An extensive report details the phenomenon of 'foo-fighters,' mysterious luminous globes observed by Allied pilots during World War II. These sightings, often described as spherical or disc-shaped, were initially suspected to be German secret weapons but later became a subject of UFO research. The article mentions specific sightings over Germany and the Pacific.
• Early Sightings: The article "Una base di «extraterrestri» forse sulle falde della Maiella" (A Base of 'Extraterrestrials' Perhaps on the Slopes of the Maiella) discusses the Adamsky case as a classic example in UFO literature. It also details sightings by Captain A. M. Reida in 1945 over Sumatra and the 'Dawson affair' involving a naval escort carrier. Encounters with luminous globes are also recounted from the Pacific theater and near Okinawa.
• Italian Sightings: The issue mentions a luminous object photographed over Florence in March 1942, though the photograph's history is complex. It also touches upon sightings of silver, oval-shaped aircraft over Los Angeles in 1942.

CUN Activities and Structure

"notizie C.U.N." (CUN News) details the activities and organizational structure of the Centro Unico Nazionale:

• Verona Meeting: A summary of a meeting in Verona on April 28, 1968, outlines the renewal of the CUN's presidency, vice-presidency, board of directors, and secretariat. Sig. Mario Maioli was reconfirmed as President, and Sig. Roberto Pinotti was appointed Secretary.
• Reorganization Project: Sig. Pinotti presented a project for reorganizing the CUN to improve efficiency, including the establishment of regional sections to raise public awareness and monitor local media coverage of UFOs.
• Contact Expansion: The CUN aims to increase contact with the scientific and technical community for expert consultation and to foster international cooperation with UFO researchers and centers.
• Organizational Changes: The Secretariat will handle general direction, public relations, and international contacts, while the Presidency will manage administrative matters. The publication of the CUN's newsletter will be overseen by the Milan section director.
• Future Initiatives: Plans include collecting 50,000 signatures to present a parliamentary bill for a UFO investigation commission, relocating the CUN's headquarters, and opening a postal account for membership fees.

Pescara Convention on Clipeology

An article titled "AL CONVEGNO PESCARESE DI CLIPEOLOGIA L'inquietante problema dei dischi volanti riproposto in termini drammatici" (At the Pescara Convention on Clipeology: The Disturbing Problem of Flying Saucers Re-proposed in Dramatic Terms) reports on a three-day convention held in Pescara, organized by CODE (Centro Osservazione di Extraterrestri) in collaboration with CUN. The convention aimed to provide a scientific and rational approach to understanding UFO phenomena. Speakers like Roberto Pinotti and Leandro Trento presented evidence and discussed theories, with Pinotti emphasizing the lack of serious governmental attention to the issue and the potential involvement of NATO. The convention also featured discussions on the ethical and historical aspects of UFO research.

UFO Shapes and Characteristics

A section titled "le nostre analisi UFO piramidali" (Our Analyses: Pyramidal UFOs) discusses sightings of triangular and pyramidal UFOs. It references reports from the magazine "PHENOMENES SPATIAUX" and "UFO CONTACT," detailing sightings of pyramidal objects, including one observed by Sig. Armand Chauvot in France and a significant sighting over Pescara in 1965 involving two superimposed pyramidal objects. The article includes diagrams illustrating various UFO shapes observed, such as disc, cupola, hemispherical, spherical, elliptical, and triangular forms, along with their characteristics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rational and scientific approach to the UFO phenomenon, distinguishing between factual evidence and speculation. It highlights the efforts of organizations like CUN and CODE in gathering and analyzing data, while also acknowledging the public's fascination and the challenges in definitively proving the existence or origin of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to contribute their observations and supporting the idea that UFOs warrant serious investigation, even if definitive answers remain elusive. There's a recurring theme of government secrecy or reluctance to fully address the issue.