POTPOURRI NEWS

Magazine Overview

Title: POTPOURRI NEWS
Issue: NO. 200
Date: SEP 2 1979
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Cover Story: U.S. Navy Posts Notices Urging Seamen to Watch Out for UFOs

This article, written by Bob Pratt, details official posters issued by the U.S. Navy and posted on American and Canadian merchant ships. These posters serve as a warning to seamen to be on the lookout for any UFOs and to report them immediately to the military. This initiative is described as part of a general alert to report anything that could pose a threat to the security of the U.S. and Canada.

The posters specifically urge seamen to report any foreign planes, ships, guided missiles, submarines, and UFOs. They include illustrations of these objects, notably a drawing of a flying saucer and a spaceship labeled "Unidentified Flying Objects." Despite the U.S. government's 1969 announcement that its official investigation of UFOs had ended, these posters are still being distributed and are intended to be displayed on ships' bridges and in radio rooms.

A Navy spokesman commented that the purpose of these notices is "to enlist the cooperation of United States and Canadian merchant ships in the collection of information regarding any potential threat to the North American continent." The core message emphasizes reporting "all airborne and waterborne objects which appear to be hostile, suspicious or unidentified." The illustration of UFOs is intended simply to help categorize airborne objects that cannot otherwise be identified.

If a UFO is spotted, the ship is instructed to transmit a report to the nearest naval or Coast Guard radio station or another communication facility. This report is then relayed to the nearest military or air defense command, including North American Air Defense Command headquarters, the Strategic Air Command, the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, and other relevant agencies, as per the Joint Army Navy Air Publication (JANAP) that distributed the posters.

The JANAP instructions also encourage efforts to "substantiate vital intelligence sightings by taking as many photographs as possible." Undeveloped film, prints, and negatives are to be forwarded with a brief letter report and other identifying information to either the Director of Naval Intelligence or the Chief of the Defense Staff, Canadian Forces Headquarters.

National Enquirer Article: UFO delegates say scoffers dwindling

A National Enquirer report dated August 21, 1979, covers a two-day congress on Unidentified Flying Objects held in London. Approximately 350 delegates from 16 countries attended, expressing that they are no longer subjected to ridicule. The article notes that President Carter is among the thousands who have reported seeing potential UFOs. Organizers stated that the congress's timing, coinciding with the 37th World Science Fiction Convention in Brighton, was coincidental. The congress was organized by the British UFO Research Association.

Column: Information, Data, Commentary and Speculation

This section is authored by John F. Schuessler and provides commentary and speculation on the topics presented. The address provided is P.O. Box 58485, Houston, Texas 77058.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on UFO phenomena, military and governmental responses to potential threats, and public perception of these events. The editorial stance seems to be one of reporting on official notices and public discussions surrounding UFOs, presenting information from various sources including military publications and news reports. There is an emphasis on the importance of reporting and documenting sightings, as well as a recognition of the evolving public attitude towards UFOs, moving away from ridicule towards more serious consideration.