Panorama - Vol 04 No 05 - 1965

Magazine Overview

Title: PANORAMA
Issue: Vol. 4 No.5
Date: August 1965
Publisher: UFOPIA / U.F.O.P.I.A.
Country: Australia
Price: 2/- or 25 cents

This issue of Panorama magazine, the official organ of UFOPIA for Unidentified Flying Objects Phenomena Investigation in Australia, presents a critical and investigative approach to UFOlogy and related topics. It features a guest editorial, an analysis of space exploration, a historical account of a peculiar incident, and a detailed critique of a prominent UFO organization.

Guest Editorial: "The Mariner Probe"

The issue opens with a guest editorial by Assistant Editor Ray Mountford, focusing on the Mariner IV space probe to Mars. Mountford provides scientific facts released by the American press regarding the probe's launch on November 28, 1964, its destination, and its capabilities. He highlights that the probe, weighing 575 pounds and containing over 138,000 parts, was meticulously inspected. The probe's electronic components are compared to 175 television sets working continuously. The editorial details the probe's journey of 325 million miles, taking 228 days, and its solar panels weighing 18.7 pounds each. It also mentions the tracking stations in Goldstone (USA), Johannesburg (South Africa), and Toomera (Australia), and the critical temperature range of the satellite (50-80 degrees Fahrenheit).

Mountford then shifts to questioning the official narrative surrounding Mariner IV. He points out that the probe's navigation system initially locked onto Regulus instead of Canopus, requiring ground command correction. He expresses skepticism about the quality of the pictures, suggesting they should be far superior to those from Earth-based telescopes. The magazine questions why only 19 of the 22 pictures were released, why a mysterious 'W' formation on the second photo was unexplained, why no magnetic field was recorded around Mars, and why potential images of Mars' moons, Phobos and Demos, were not released. The editorial posits that the unreleased photos revealed more than scientists were willing to admit, and the 'W' formation was not a natural rock formation but something more significant. It also speculates that the true reason for the Mariner probe was to investigate Mars' satellites, not just the planet itself, and that this information is being withheld from the public.

"Shirts, Buttons, and Mars"

This article, by Daniel Fry, critiques the scientific method as applied to astronomy and UFO phenomena, using the Mariner IV data as a case study. Fry argues that science often builds elaborate theories on minimal data, likening it to sewing a shirt onto a button without verifying the button's suitability or considering other possibilities. He suggests that the data from Mariner IV, while technologically impressive, offers little of substance beyond fueling the imagination of scientists and laymen. The article implies that the true significance might lie not in the planet itself, but in potential images of Mars' moons, which could hold more importance than all other data combined.

The article also includes a brief mention from the Fort Worth Star Telegram, asserting that the existence of "flying XM saucers" can no longer be dismissed due to numerous independent sightings by credible witnesses, suggesting that statistical reports explaining away sightings as jets or weather balloons are insufficient.

"A Day to Remember Inaug. 1915"

This section recounts a strange incident that occurred during the fighting on Hill 60, Suvla Bay, Anzac, in 1915. The account, witnessed by 22 men of No. 3 Section of the 1st. Div. Field Co. N.Z.E.F., describes unusual "loaf of bread" shaped clouds that remained stationary despite a breeze. A similar cloud formation was observed on the ground, into which a British Regiment of several hundred men marched and disappeared. An hour later, this ground cloud lifted and joined the others, moving against the wind. The 1/4 Norfolk Regiment, which entered the cloud, was later reported as "missing" or "wiped out," but Turkish authorities denied capturing or contacting them. The article suggests this incident might be related to UFO phenomena and notes that the event is not mentioned in official Australian histories of the Gallipoli Campaign.

"Is NICAP an U.S.A.F. Front?"

This lengthy exposé critically examines the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP). The editorial expresses long-held suspicions that NICAP, led by Major Donald Keyhoe, might be a front organization for the U.S. Air Force. The article cites reports from co-workers in the USA and Jim Moseley's 'Salcer News' magazine, which published an article by Y.N. Ibn. Aharon detailing these concerns. The author suggests that NICAP's shift under Keyhoe from investigating free energy and Antarctica to focusing on UFO information was a strategic move to create a "level-headed, scientifically-orientated clearing house." However, the magazine argues that NICAP has become increasingly dogmatic and intolerant, mirroring a "para-military organization." Members are reportedly required to clear all communications with Washington, and those who deviate are branded as "schismatics, heretics, and traitors." The article claims that NICAP members are forbidden from appearing on radio or TV with "unbelievers" and that magazines not officially approved by NICAP are targeted. The editorial warns Australian readers that similar trends are already occurring in their own country.

The article further alleges that NICAP's truth about saucers was revealed to highly placed officers in the U.S. Air Force, implying a cover-up and a form of "religious mysticism" known only to a select few. The magazine questions NICAP's status as a non-profit educational foundation, suggesting it operates more like a lobby or a new religion, with a dualistic worldview of "good" (NICAP) versus "evil" (enemies of NICAP).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Panorama are skepticism towards official explanations, particularly in space exploration and UFO phenomena, and a critical stance towards established organizations involved in UFO research. The magazine champions independent investigation and questions authority, suggesting that information is often withheld from the public for undisclosed reasons. The editorial stance is one of deep suspicion towards governmental and organizational narratives, advocating for a more open and honest dissemination of facts. The critique of NICAP highlights a concern with what is perceived as a growing trend towards dogmatism, intolerance, and potential manipulation within the UFO community, mirroring broader societal concerns about control and information access.

This issue of PANORAMA, Volume 4, Number 5, dated September 15th, 1965, is a critical examination of the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) and its leadership, particularly Major Donald E. Keyhoe. The magazine, published by Southern Films and Tape Recording Studios in New Zealand, features a cover story titled 'MYSTERY 10,000 MILES BELOW.' by B. Perkins, alongside various UFO sighting reports and opinion pieces.

Analysis of NICAP and Maj. Keyhoe

The central theme of several articles is a strong critique of NICAP and Maj. Keyhoe's strategy. The author(s) argue that NICAP's relentless pursuit of congressional investigations into UFOs is misguided and potentially counterproductive. They suggest that Keyhoe's insistence on this path, despite evidence that it would likely offer little hope for a rational solution, serves as a 'safety valve' to diffuse genuine public pressure for information. The articles posit that such investigations would primarily benefit UFO detractors by providing them with a public platform.

Richard Hall, described as a Psychological Warfare Expert and a Director of NICAP, is identified as a key figure, potentially acting as a 'roadblock' within the organization. The author(s) express a strong dislike for Hall, accusing him of obstructing cooperation and treating NICAP members poorly, even alleging that Ken Arnold was deliberately 'scripted' and cut off the air during a TV appearance to discredit him.

There's a suggestion that Maj. Keyhoe, while perhaps sincere in his belief in extraterrestrial origins, might have been manipulated or convinced that certain events, like the TV cutoff, were part of a 'clever gimmick' to gain support. The article implies that Keyhoe might have been a consultant to government agencies with public relations issues, and his work with 'True Magazine' made him known in Washington for discussions on flying saucers and their implications.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The issue includes several reports of UFO sightings:

• West Australian Sighting: Two individuals from Perth reported a 'green and cheeky' flying saucer that hovered, swooped, and changed color from green to orange-red. The object was described as pulsating with a transparent green glow and was studied with a magnifying lens.
• Duluth Area Sighting (USA): Personnel at a U.S. Air Force Radar Base reported 'solid radar contact' with up to 10 unidentified flying objects moving in a 'V formation' over Lake Superior at high speeds (approximately 9,000 miles per hour) and altitudes between 5,200 and 17,000 feet. Jet interceptors gave chase but were outdistanced.
• French Sighting: Alex Ananoff, a leading French space expert and winner of the international Astronautics prize, reported witnessing a flying saucer for 35 minutes near Dreux. He took photographs of the object, described as 'disc or lens shaped.' The mayor of the village was also a witness.

Speculative and Philosophical Articles

• 'MYSTERY 10,000 MILES BELOW.' by B. Perkins: This article speculates on the possibility of advanced civilizations on Mars, potentially using 'Beam-Ray' or 'mass lighting.' It draws parallels to biblical prophecies of 'other sheep' and the transition from the Piscean Age to the 'Aquarian Age' or 'New Age,' suggesting that humanity is on the cusp of achieving interplanetary travel and encountering other civilizations.

• 'YOU SHOULD READ THIS!' by 'ALAMAR' of N.Z.: This piece asserts that the existence of UFOs is firmly established, despite denials from military brass and skeptical news agencies. Alamar believes UFOs operate outside the constraints of time and space and suggests they are 'Trans-Dimensional.' The author posits that humanity is facing a phenomenon so vast it overshadows all of history, except for the advent of Christ. The advice given is to place trust in God and wait for the future, viewing the UFO phenomenon as a potential retribution for mankind's violation of Universal Law.

Editorial Stance and Publisher Information

The editors welcome the thoughts of 'ALAMAR,' noting his accurate predictions. They also provide commentary on the distinction between 'sons of God' and 'man of earth' in biblical context, suggesting a significant difference in their origins and timelines. The magazine thanks its observers and associates for their contributions and includes an advertisement for New Zealand tourist information tapes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO organizations and their methodologies, particularly NICAP's focus on congressional inquiries, and the reporting of diverse UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be skeptical of the established UFO organizations' leadership and strategies, advocating for independent thought and a critical approach to information. There's a strong undercurrent of questioning official narratives and a belief that the UFO phenomenon is real and significant, though its true nature and implications remain debated within the publication. The inclusion of philosophical and religious perspectives, particularly in Alamar's contribution, suggests an attempt to contextualize the UFO phenomenon within a broader spiritual or cosmic framework.