Notiziario UFO - 1975 01-03 No 65

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Italy's International UFO News NOTIZIARIO UFO," number 65, from January-March 1975, is published by the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (CUN) in Milan, Italy. It serves as a quarterly organ for the technical and scientific study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Key Articles and Features

"1956: UFOs SU LAKENHEAT" by Prof. James Mc Donald

This article, translated and presented to Italian readers, is a significant piece by the late Professor James Mc Donald. It is prefaced by an introduction by Pier Luigi Sani, discussing Mc Donald's background and his critical stance on UFO investigations. The article delves into the Lakenheat UFO sightings of August 1956, which involved radar and visual observations over East Anglia, UK. Mc Donald's analysis highlights the shortcomings of the USAF's Project Blue Book and the 'Robertson Panel,' which he believed engaged in a systematic discrediting of UFO evidence. He criticizes the panel's conclusions, particularly the lack of scientific rigor and the suppression of information. Mc Donald's own extensive research involved interviewing witnesses and examining documents, leading him to believe that UFOs represented a significant scientific problem that governments were attempting to conceal.

The article details Mc Donald's personal experience of being denied access to classified documents and his subsequent dedication to raising public and scientific awareness. It also touches upon his efforts to bring the UFO issue to the attention of the United Nations and his critique of the Condon Report, which he found to be scientifically weak and lacking in crucial details. The piece concludes by reflecting on Mc Donald's tragic suicide in 1971, suggesting that professional and political frustrations, coupled with personal issues, may have contributed to his despair. His work is presented as a vital contribution to ufology, providing a scientific counterpoint to skepticism and official obfuscation.

"JAMES McDONALD: UN AUTENTICO SCIENZIATO" (James Mc Donald: An Authentic Scientist)

This section provides biographical context for James Mc Donald, highlighting his role as Dean of Atmospheric Physics at the University of Arizona. It details his interest in UFOs stemming from his scientific studies and his observation of a significant decrease in 'unexplained' UFO cases reported by the Air Force. His investigation into the 'Robertson Panel' and its secret recommendations to systematically debunk UFOs is discussed, revealing what he termed a "scientific tragedy."

"Presentazione del Caso Lakenheat" (Presentation of the Lakenheat Case)

This section introduces the Lakenheat case as one of the many complex UFO reports archived by the Blue Book project that were deemed inexplicable by the Condon Report. The author notes that key details such as witness identities, dates, and locations were suppressed in the official documentation, hindering scientific control and independent verification. The author aims to clarify the facts by using the 30-page Blue Book dossier and other reports, despite the redactions.

"Circostanze Generali" (General Circumstances)

This part of the Lakenheat case analysis details the timeframe (August 13-14, 1956, night) and geographical area (East Anglia, UK, primarily RAF bases Bentwaters, Lakenheath, and Soulthorpe). It mentions the involvement of GCA (Ground Controlled Approach) personnel and an USAF NCO who reported the sighting. The author notes the accuracy of the witness's recollection despite the long delay.

Radar Observations at Bentwaters (21:30 - 22:00)

• This section details three distinct radar observations made at Bentwaters:
• First Observation (21:30): A target was detected 25-30 miles East-Southeast, moving at high speed, estimated between 4,000 and 9,000 mph based on radar data. The echo was strong, comparable to a B-36 aircraft.
• Second Observation (21:30 - 21:55): A group of 12-13 objects was detected about 8 miles southwest of Bentwaters, moving northeast at speeds between 80-125 mph. Three lead objects were in a triangular formation, followed by the others. The group converged into a single, intense radar echo that remained stationary for 10-15 minutes before moving off the screen.
• Third Observation (22:00): Five minutes after the previous formation disappeared, an unidentified radar echo was detected about 30 miles east of Bentwaters, moving at high speed towards the west. The duration of the track implied a speed of 12,000 mph.

The author points out contradictions and omissions in the Blue Book dossier regarding these observations, emphasizing that they were not adequately explained by conventional phenomena.

"Avvistamenti Iniziali a Bentwaters, Dalle 21.30 Alle 22.00" (Initial Sightings at Bentwaters, From 21:30 to 22:00)

This section elaborates on the initial radar sightings at Bentwaters, criticizing the Condon Report for omitting significant radar observations. It details the first radar observation, noting the target's speed and the strong echo. The second observation describes a formation of objects and their unusual behavior. The third observation highlights another high-speed radar track. The author dismisses explanations like atmospheric anomalies or equipment malfunction, concluding that these three sightings within a 30-minute period remain unexplained.

"Commenti sul resoconto degli avvistamenti avvenuti dopo le 22.55 del 13 agosto 1956" (Comments on the report of sightings that occurred after 22:55 on August 13, 1956)

This part discusses reports communicated to the Blue Book commission by USAF personnel at Bentwaters and Lakenheath, transmitted via teletype. It notes that the Condon Report presents these reports, but with significant omissions.

"Banca delle documentazioni" (Documentation Bank)

This regular section lists various documents available from the CUN's archives. These include reports on specific UFO cases (e.g., Chignolo d'Isola, Thomas Mantell, Milan Duomo, Fornacette, Monte Capra-Bologna), correspondence, and articles related to UFO phenomena. The cost and page count for each document are provided.

"Libri 'URI GELLER'"

This section discusses Uri Geller, the Israeli psychic known for his alleged spoon-bending abilities. It questions the origin of his powers, suggesting they might be attributed to extraterrestrial beings from a 'super-galactic civilization' called 'Hoova.' The author expresses skepticism about Geller's claims, particularly the lack of verifiable evidence for his extraterrestrial contacts and the commercialization of his abilities. The section concludes by posing the question of whether Geller is a 'contactee' bluff, referencing A. Puharich's book.

"Lettere al CUN" (Letters to CUN)

This section features a letter from a CUN member, Giuseppe Bezzi, who criticizes the content of a previous issue (No. 55/60) for being too focused on press clippings and lacking in scientific analysis. He argues that this approach does not align with the CUN's stated mission. The response from the CUN leadership acknowledges Bezzi's criticism and explains the rationale behind the previous issue's content, emphasizing the CUN's efforts to organize and collaborate with peripheral UFO research groups. The response also clarifies the role of 'Notiziario UFO' as an organ for CUN members and not a commercial publication. It highlights the CUN's commitment to serious, scientific investigation and self-criticism.

"Notizie varie" (Various News)

• This section contains several short news items about UFO sightings reported in Italian newspapers:
• "OGGETTI NEL CIELO A BRANZI: ERANO DISCHI VOLANTI?" (Objects in the Sky at Branzi: Were They Flying Saucers?) - Reported in 'Eco di Bergamo' on January 13, 1975, two witnesses in Branzi reported seeing two luminous, disc-shaped objects.
• "Dischi volanti sui monti di Caiano?" (Flying Saucers over the Mountains of Caiano?) - Reported in 'La Nazione' (Arezzo) on February 19, 1975, two luminous objects were observed over the mountains of Caiano.
• "Avvistati due « Ufo » sul monte Musinè" (Two 'UFOs' Sighted over Monte Musinè) - Reported in 'Gazzetta del Popolo' on January 30, 1975, luminous objects were seen moving in a jerky manner towards Monte Musinè.
• "Strani corpi luminosi nel cielo di Roma" (Strange Luminous Bodies in the Sky of Rome) - Reported in 'Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno' on February 18, 1975, two mysterious objects were sighted in the sky over Rome.
• "<< Ufo » avvistato da macchinisti FF. SS. presso Ortanova (Fg)" ('UFO' Sighted by Railway Workers near Ortanova (Fg)) - Reported in 'Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno' on February 23, 1975, train drivers reported seeing a cone-shaped object with a reddish light.
• "<<<Dischi volanti >> in Valle di Susa" ('Flying Saucers' in the Susa Valley) - Reported in 'Gazzetta del Popolo' on January 5, 1975, several sightings of luminous objects, including spheres and a 'flying cigar,' were reported in the Susa Valley.
• "« Ufo » nel poligono militare Scherz? Ad ogni buon conto è meglio fare un'inchiesta" ('UFO' in the Military Polygon Scherz? Better to Investigate Anyway) - Reported in 'Corriere d'Informazione' on January 5, 1975, a UFO reportedly landed in a military exercise area in Spain.

"SECONDO UN SONDAGGIO DELL'ISTITUTO GALLUP Cinque milioni di americani hanno visto un disco volante" (According to a Gallup Institute Poll: Five Million Americans Have Seen a Flying Saucer)

This article reports on a Gallup poll indicating that five million Americans have seen a UFO. It also mentions a congress in California attended by UFO experts and scientists who compiled a typical 'identity card' for unidentified flying objects, excluding extraterrestrial pilots. The characteristics described include circular shape, metallic surface, landing gear, vertical take-off/landing, buzzing or whistling sounds, and scorched landing sites.

"Ai marziani piace Cavallermaggiore? MISTERO FRA I TETTI" (Do Martians Like Cavallermaggiore? Mystery Among the Rooftops)

This brief news item, reported in 'Stampa Sera' on February 3, 1975, describes a mysterious object photographed over Cavallermaggiore, Italy, by an amateur photographer. The photographer did not notice the object at the time of taking the picture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the critique of official government secrecy and inadequate research (particularly concerning Project Blue Book and the Condon Report), and the presentation of documented sightings and expert analysis. The editorial stance, as expressed in the letters section and the overall tone of the articles, is one of advocating for a serious, scientific, and open approach to ufology, challenging skepticism and promoting the importance of UFO research as a legitimate scientific endeavor. The CUN positions itself as a central organization dedicated to coordinating and disseminating UFO-related information and research within Italy and internationally.