Phenomena en Espanol Monograph - No 01 - Oct 2019

Magazine Overview

Title: PHENOMENA
Issue: Monográfico #01
Date: October 2019
Publisher: MAPIT
Language: Spanish

This special monographic issue of Phenomena Magazine, titled "La Cara Oculta de RADIO LIBERTY" (The Hidden Face of RADIO LIBERTY), delves into the history and operations of Radio Liberty, a significant Cold War broadcaster. The magazine features articles by Daniel Ortega del Pozo, Jorge Ríos, and Pau Roig, with an introduction by Editor-in-Chief Darío Alberto Fernández.

Radio Liberty: From Glory to Spoilage (Article by Pau Roig)

Pau Roig's article details the history of Radio Liberty, an American-funded radio station that operated during the Cold War. Active from March 23, 1959, to May 25, 2001, it was once the world's most powerful radio station, employing around 200 people, many of Spanish nationality. Its extensive facilities, spanning 330,000m² of land near Pals beach, were progressively abandoned and looted after the demolition of its characteristic antennas on March 22, 2006. The article notes that recent news about remodeling or dismantling the site has not materialized, leaving the installations in a deplorable state, raising concerns about their survival. The station is described as a symbol of the Cold War, established to counter Soviet influence.

The origins of Radio Liberty are traced back to the National Committee for a Free Europe, founded in New York in June 1949. This committee was financed by the U.S. Congress through the CIA, with the objective of weakening the Soviet regime. Radio Free Europe, established in Munich, began its shortwave broadcasts on July 4, 1950. The American Committee for the Liberation of the Peoples of Russia (ACLPR) was also created, part of a U.S. secret services project known as QKACTIVE.

The article highlights the strategic location chosen for the new radio station in Pals, Spain, chosen by engineer Steve Y. McGiffert. The site was ideal for building both medium and shortwave transmitters, aiming to spread American ideals of freedom and culture into the Soviet Union, with the ultimate goal of causing the collapse of the communist regime. The construction involved significant land acquisition and development, initially guarded by the Civil Guard and later by private security. Speculation arose among locals, with some believing the antennas were missile launch ramps or a hidden U.S. submarine base.

Radio Liberty's facilities were technically favored by their proximity to the sea, which aided in the propagation of radio waves. Shortwave radio was crucial for long-distance communication, with optimal angles allowing emissions to bypass Soviet interception for several hours daily. This period was termed "Twilight immunity." The station's transmissions reached their destination despite Soviet jamming efforts, described as a "second iron curtain" called the "War of the Waves."

The paradoxical agreement between a democratic U.S. government and Franco's fascist regime in Spain was facilitated by Howland Sargeant, president of Radio Liberty from 1954 to 1975.

The Most Powerful Transmitter in the World

The facilities at Pals were transformed by the late 1960s, divided into administration and technical zones, and an antenna zone. The central administration and transmitter building housed two floors, separated from the Diesel plant by a roundabout. The "Edificio J" was where transmitters were switched to different antennas. Due to high radio frequency, access was restricted. Former employees recall fluorescent lights igniting upon entry. Other buildings housed garages and warehouses.

The antenna zone featured "curtain" type antennas, highly directional and difficult to construct due to the sandy terrain. They were arranged in four groups based on orientation. The "A" and "C" groups were built first, covering 9, 11, 15, and 17mhz. Later, group "B" was added for 6, 7, 11, and 15mhz, and finally group "D" for the tallest antennas. The swampy ground required a year of drying before group "D" could be installed.

By 1960, Radio Liberty was the world's most powerful station with five 250-kilowatt shortwave transmitters reaching 3,000 kilometers. The thirteen metal towers, with a total power of 1,500 kilowatts, could combine four transmitters to emit a signal of up to 1 million watts (1 megawatt), directed at Moscow. This powerful signal, first broadcast on May 8, 1968, reached an audience of over 70 million people and extended beyond the Soviet Union to the Caucasus and Baltic regions. A degraded map illustrating the radio's coverage area from those years still hangs on a wall at the site.

The complex was self-sufficient, employing gardeners, carpenters, masons, and a medical service. It even had its own gasoline service for vehicles and diesel generators. Warehouses stocked 95% of spare parts for transmitters, with some parts manufactured on-site. Supplies were purchased from surrounding towns, benefiting local workers with optimal economic conditions, discounts, and family aid. A free transport service was provided for employees, with a bus route from Sant Antoni de Calonge to Pals beach established on May 2, 1960.

Editorial

Darío Alberto Fernández, the editor, expresses his long-held desire to create a special monographic issue. He notes that while previous issues of Phenomena Magazine have featured "specials" on various topics, he felt that Radio Liberty was a subject that "had to be told." He shares his personal connection to radio, having worked in it for 25 years, and how listening to radio and reading books can lead to unexpected discoveries. He expresses his enthusiasm for this monographic issue, which he hopes readers will enjoy.

Other Content

Page 2 features an advertisement for "Flying Disk Press Latinoamérica," an imprint dedicated to publishing books on UFOs and related topics, translating and promoting Latin American authors. It lists several published and upcoming authors.

Page 4 advertises the novel "Codex Magdala" by John Wolf, comparing it to "The Da Vinci Code."

Page 5 presents "20 Puertas Hacia el Más Allá: Un Estudio de Lugares Encantados" (20 Doors to the Beyond: A Study of Haunted Places) by Jorge Ríos, highlighting his extensive experience in paranormal investigation and his previous works.

Page 8 promotes a radio program called "Ciencia y Más Allá" (Science and Beyond) broadcast on Radio Cantillana, directed by Fran Abad and J. Joaquín Villalón. It also mentions "StellarCourses," offering training for UFO investigators, and "Oniria Misterio."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, historical mysteries, and fringe topics, with a particular focus on the intersection of science, history, and the paranormal. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting detailed research and historical accounts of subjects that challenge conventional understanding. The monographic approach to Radio Liberty suggests a deep dive into a specific, significant event or entity within the broader scope of unexplained or historically relevant phenomena.

Title: PHENOMENA
Issue: 11
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Language: Spanish
Country: Spain
Cover Headline: La Cara Oculta de Radio Liberty (The Hidden Face of Radio Liberty)

This issue of PHENOMENA magazine features an in-depth exploration of Radio Liberty, a significant anticommunist radio station with a complex history, particularly its operations in Pals, Spain. The cover story, "La Cara Oculta de Radio Liberty," by Daniel Ortega del Pozo and Jorge Ríos Corral, investigates the station's role, its programming, and its eventual demise.

Radio Liberty's Operations in Pals

The article details the establishment and operation of Radio Liberty in Pals, a town in Catalonia, Spain. The station utilized a Pegaso bus as its initial vehicle and employed a significant number of Spanish and foreign workers. It is estimated that around 200 people worked there in the 1960s, including administrative staff, technicians, and maintenance personnel. Surprisingly, the content was primarily produced in New York and Munich, where programming blocks were organized in up to 17 languages, with Russian and Ukrainian being the most prominent.

Initially, audio tapes were flown daily to Barcelona and then transported to the station. By the late 1980s, satellite technology was employed, with one of the two parabolic antennas still standing today. Radio Liberty's main function was broadcasting, though it had a small studio for emergencies. Information broadcast to Spain had to pass through Francoist censorship, while other information was subject to political censorship in New York and Munich.

The programming was diverse, including news (occupying the first ten minutes of each hour), cultural segments, folklore, sports, music, literature, listener letters, and advertisements about the United States and its lifestyle.

The Long Decline

The death of Francisco Franco in 1975 marked a turning point for the station. From 1975 to 1990, Radio Liberty continued to operate in Pals without a formal agreement with the new democratic government, relying on an old, expired convention. Criticism grew, labeling it a propaganda tool for the US rather than a cultural extension. In 1976, it merged with Radio Free Europe. Despite budget and staff cuts, operations continued, and in 1987, a Marconi transmitter was installed.

The station's operations continued even after the fall of the Iron Curtain and the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Mikhail Gorbachev reportedly received crucial information during the 1991 coup attempt via Radio Liberty broadcasts from Pals. Despite the end of the Cold War, the US administration under Bill Clinton decided to continue the broadcasts. In 1994, the station came under the management of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, a federal agency.

In 1995, the station's headquarters moved to Prague, and European programming was reduced while Middle Eastern activity increased. In 1998, Radio Free Iraq and Radio Farda were founded. Ultimately, a series of decisions led to the cessation of transmissions from Pals on May 25, 2001. Brian Conniff, acting director of the Office of Radio Broadcasting, cited the rise of democratic institutions in the former Soviet Union and the availability of more advanced communication methods as reasons for the closure, stating that the station's utility was significantly diminished.

An Uncertain Future

Despite the lease on the land extending until 2015, the Spanish and US governments agreed to dismantle the station. In 2002, the facilities were transferred to Radio Nacional de España (RNE). The dismantling process, costing over 274,000 euros, occurred in February 2003. Equipment and materials were recycled for RNE or designated as museum pieces. The antennas, stretching over a kilometer, faced demolition due to new regulations concerning electromagnetic fields, stemming from a 1999 European recommendation. This, combined with the alleged poor maintenance, sealed the station's fate.

Debates ensued regarding the site's future. Some advocated for its preservation as a museum of Cold War telecommunications, while others proposed its use for environmental monitoring. In May 2005, the Spanish Environment Department began studying proposals for controlled demolition. The antennas were ultimately demolished on March 22, 2006, using 18.7 kg of explosives.

The demolition cost 1 million euros for the antennas and 2.7 million for buildings. The site's future remained uncertain, with no agreement between administrations. While Radio Liberty's presence had prevented its urbanization, the buildings are now abandoned. The Ayuntamiento de Pals holds a fragment of the towers and considered a memorial. In 2015, the Fundación Mar announced plans to convert the site into a biosphere conservation center called Aquam, but the project has not yet materialized.

Related Content and Historical Context

The magazine also includes related articles and notes:

• "Telón de acero" (Iron Curtain): Defined as the term used by media to describe the borders between Western and Socialist countries during the Cold War, coined by Winston Churchill.
• Loran Station L'Estartit: An adjacent former US Coast Guard military base, part of a Mediterranean navigation system, which ceased operations in 1995.
• Radio Werewolf: An article discussing the Nazi propaganda radio station "Radio Werewolf" and its connection to the "Wehrwolf" movement, which aimed to inspire resistance against Allied forces using historical and literary references.
• "El Trabajador número 1" and "El Trabajador número 2": These sections appear to be interviews or profiles related to individuals associated with Radio Liberty or potentially with Nazi-era activities, given the context of the "Werewolf" discussion. "El Trabajador número 1" is shown in a 1943 photo serving the German Air Force, and "El Trabajador número 2" is depicted with diesel generators at Radio Liberty and later with other companions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of propaganda, the Cold War, clandestine operations, and the historical impact of media. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical historical analysis, aiming to uncover lesser-known aspects of significant historical events and entities like Radio Liberty and the "Werewolf" movement. The magazine seeks to provide detailed accounts and context for phenomena that have shaped the 20th century.

This issue of PHENOMENA, titled "La Cara Oculta de RADIO LIBERTY en NETFLIX," delves into the shadowy world of clandestine organizations and covert operations, primarily focusing on the Werewolf movement, Operation Gladio, and the controversial radio station Radio Liberty. The magazine explores their origins, activities, and alleged connections to intelligence agencies during and after World War II and throughout the Cold War.

The Werewolf Movement

The magazine details the Werewolf movement, an organization formed in the final days of World War II with the objective of causing chaos and damage to occupying forces and collaborators. Reinhard Gehlen, described as the leader of the Red Stay Behind and Operation Gladio, is mentioned in relation to the movement's origins. The Werewolf's ideology included slogans like "Orders must be obeyed at any price" and "In case of disobedience, the offender will be assassinated by his own comrades." Members were trained and deployed to various locations in Germany to work with existing groups or to create their own.

The organization's targets included enemy supply depots, vehicles, and individuals. They operated through hidden supply posts in Germany, storing explosives, incendiary devices, weapons, and ammunition. The official end of the Werewolf is attributed to two factors: a limited response from potential volunteers and a lack of appreciation from Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz, Hitler's successor, who reportedly issued a note on May 6, 1945, urging Germans to cease clandestine activities to aid peace negotiations.

Despite its official end, the Werewolf's influence persisted, inspiring individuals and groups to carry out attacks and subversive actions throughout the decades, even extending to online 'hit lists' in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The movement is seen as a precursor to organizations like the 'Stay Behind' network.

Operation Gladio and the Stay Behind Network

The issue extensively covers Operation Gladio, a secret NATO military alliance established after World War II to counter the perceived threat of communist expansion. Winston Churchill is credited with raising early alarms about Soviet intentions. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed in 1949 to defend member states from external attacks.

Operation Gladio involved a vast network of clandestine operations, propaganda, espionage, and terrorism. NATO allegedly distributed radio stations worldwide to broadcast anti-communist propaganda into Eastern Bloc countries. The magazine highlights the role of the 'Stay Behind' network, which comprised partisan and resistance members, many with past affiliations to the Nazi party, the Gestapo, or the SS. These individuals underwent ideological re-education by the United States and were repurposed for new tasks, including espionage behind enemy lines.

Reinhard Gehlen, a former Wehrmacht Generalmajor and head of counter-intelligence on the Eastern Front, played a significant role in organizing these clandestine operations. The article draws parallels between the US tactics during the Normandy landings and the activation of Gladio agents through encrypted radio messages.

The existence of Gladio was publicly acknowledged by Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti in 1990. Its funding reportedly came from the CIA and MI6. The network was designed to act in case of an enemy attack on its territory, with operations potentially covering small areas or reacting to a full-scale invasion.

Radio Liberty: Propaganda and Covert Operations

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Radio Liberty, a radio station that operated from Munich, Germany, and later from Pals, Spain. Initially intended to be located in the Azores, Portugal, the project was moved to Spain due to financial and logistical reasons. The station was supervised by the National Committee for a Free Europe, funded by the US Congress, the CIA, and private donors, although Radio Liberty often denied direct CIA connections, claiming its work was purely "informative and cultural."

Radio Liberty's programming was meticulously crafted and organized to counter Soviet influence. Its strategic location near the Iron Curtain allowed its signals to reach Eastern Bloc countries. The magazine suggests that the station's operations were deeply intertwined with Gladio and the 'Stay Behind' network, with its employees potentially acting as spies.

Testimonies from former employees reveal the station's dual function: as a shield against invading forces and a means to liberate oppressed peoples. The emblem of the Red Stay Behind, a shield and a sword, is interpreted as a symbolic representation of this dual role. The magazine notes that many employees were unaware of the station's true nature, while others acknowledged its connection to Gladio.

Details emerge about the station's technical capabilities, including powerful transmitters and extensive antenna systems. The article also touches upon the political climate in Spain under Franco, suggesting a collaboration between the US and the Franco regime, facilitated by figures like Carrero Blanco, to control communist and leftist movements.

The "True Heroes" and Legacy

The magazine concludes by reflecting on the legacy of Radio Liberty and its employees, referring to them as "true heroes" who dedicated their lives to the cause of freedom and anti-communism. It acknowledges the difficulty in uncovering the full truth about these operations, as many governments deny such information. The article emphasizes the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those involved in the station's mission.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are espionage, covert operations, propaganda, and the hidden influence of secret organizations like Werewolf, Gladio, and Radio Liberty. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, aiming to uncover and expose the less-known aspects of these historical events and their impact on global politics. The magazine highlights the complex and often morally ambiguous nature of Cold War-era intelligence activities and their lasting consequences.

This document showcases the latest offerings from Phenomena Magazine, a publication dedicated to exploring mysteries, enigmas, and UFOs. The issue highlights its anniversary with a special edition titled 'Número Aniversario' and features content in both Spanish and English. The magazine is available for subscription, with new issues released monthly.

Key Content and Features

Phenomena Magazine en Español:

The Spanish edition of Phenomena Magazine is prominently featured. The "Número Aniversario" issue includes articles by a diverse group of contributors, listed alphabetically: Luis Annino, Raúl Avellaneda, Bibiana Bryson, José Caravaca, Joe Carpio, Diego Claramonte Bailo, Pedro Fernandez, Piotr Gadaj, Guillermo Giménez, Carlos lurchuk, Javier Resines, Antonio Las Heras, Philip Mantle, Oniria Misterio, Rocío Moreira, Félix Herrera, Edgardo Stekar, Jesús Velazquez Mariscal, and Rafael Videla Eissman. The magazine is distributed throughout Ibero-America.

Outer Limits Magazine (OLM):

Also promoted are issues of OLM, the British magazine focusing on mysteries, enigmas, and UFOs, available in English. Issue 21 (August 2019) includes a special report and link on the "Larry Warren Fraud." Issue 22 (October 2019) features the participation of Dario Fernandez, the editor of Phenomena Magazine in Spanish. Readers are encouraged to subscribe via the OLM website.

Book Promotions:

Several books are highlighted, primarily through the "Flying Disk Press Latino América" and "Ediciones Vernacci" imprints.

• "20 Puertas Hacia el Más Allá: Un Estudio de Lugares Encantados" by Jorge Ríos: This book is presented as a study of haunted locations in Spain, featuring extensive documentation including photographs, original images, and plans. Jorge Ríos is described as an investigator and communicator with over twenty years of experience in the paranormal field, collaborating with various media outlets and holding a delegate position for the Spanish Society of Parapsychological Research (SEIP).
• "Mi Historia" by Calvin Parker: This book details Calvin Parker's personal account of the "Pascagoula Encounter," described as one of the most documented abductions in the world. It is presented as the second protagonist's story, offering his truth.
• Other Books: The promotions also include "DENTRO DEL RAYO DE BOLAM" (Inside the Ray of Bolam) by Dra. Irena McCammon Scott, "CONTACTO OVNI EN PASCAGOULA" (UFO Contact in Pascagoula) by Charles Hickson & William Mendez, "El Camino a PASCAGOULA" by Stefanos Panagiotakis, "FOTOS CRASH OVNI" by Jason G. Silva, "OSNIS SECRETOS DE RUSIA" (Secret Submersible Objects in Russian and International Waters) by Paul Stonehill and Philip Mantle, "OVNIS Sobre Rumania" by Dr. Dan D. Farcas, "Érase Una Vez Un Tiempo Perdido" by Philip Mantle, and "MUNDOS PARALELOS" (Parallel Worlds) by Alex Chionetti, noted as a re-edition of a classic of fantastic realism.

Other Content:

• Luis Dévora: The page features promotion for "UNIVERS CULTO" by Luis Dévora, including his website, Ivoox podcast, and Facebook page.
• French Magazine "OVNIS Science & Histoire": A French magazine, formerly titled "Aliens," is presented as "OVNIS Science & Histoire" with issue #1. It features an interview with Jean-Pierre Petit, a report on "StarworksUSA" in Nevada, and an article by Peruvian ufologist Ricardo González titled "TOUT CE QUI BRILLE N'EST PAS OVNI" (Everything That Shines Is Not a UFO). It also includes a meeting with Stéphane Allix discussing what happens after death.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO phenomena, paranormal investigations, historical mysteries, and personal accounts of encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting diverse content within these fields, offering both magazine subscriptions and book publications to an audience interested in the unexplained. There is a clear emphasis on providing detailed, documented accounts and research, as seen in the descriptions of the books by Jorge Ríos and Calvin Parker. The magazine also acts as a platform for promoting related publications and authors within the ufology and paranormal community.