Project Red Book vol 3 no 5

Magazine Overview

This issue of PROJECT RED BOOK, Volume 3, Number 5, published in November 1999 by the YUFOS (Yorkshire UFO Society), presents a diverse range of articles focusing on UFO investigation, history, and related phenomena. The cover features a prominent illustration of a flying saucer over a landscape with a 'HOLLYWOOD' sign, and highlights key articles including an interview with John Schuessler, a piece on the CIA and UFOs, and a look at Sheffield's UFO sightings from the 1970s. The cover price is listed as £1:50.

AN INTERVIEW WITH JOHN SCHUESSLER

The lead article is an extensive interview with John Schuessler, who is taking over as the International Director of MUFON from Walt Andrus. Schuessler, who has a background in aerospace and was the principal investigator for the infamous Cash/Landrum CE2 case, discusses his unusual route into ufology, beginning with observations during the Gemini spacecraft program. He explains how unexplained objects seen on radar during the GT-2 flight sparked his lifelong quest for answers.

Schuessler addresses the transition of leadership at MUFON, acknowledging the significant shoes Walt Andrus will leave to fill. He outlines his priorities for MUFON, including listening to the membership, maintaining positive values while implementing necessary changes, strengthening ties with the scientific community, leveraging technology for information dissemination, and fostering cooperation between global ufology organizations, envisioning a 'United Nations of ufology'.

He also comments on criticism MUFON has faced regarding its journal's tone, stating that constructive criticism is healthy and that the journal aims for balance. He advocates for cooperation and hard work, contrasting it with the 'bickering' of debunkers.

Schuessler recounts his involvement in the Cash-Landrum case, detailing how he became involved through a doctor friend and spent years investigating the unusual burns experienced by Betty Cash. Despite Betty's death without a resolution after 18 years, Schuessler remains committed to finding answers. He notes the prevalence of diamond-shaped UFO reports and suggests a large, non-government manufactured diamond-shaped device may be operating in our skies.

Regarding the U.S. District Court's decision to dismiss the Cash-Landrum case, Schuessler expresses disappointment but not surprise, viewing it as evidence of a cover-up or 'dirty tricks'. He emphasizes the importance of supporting victims and maintaining contact with them throughout investigations.

Schuessler shares his views on NASA, stating that while capable of cover-ups, he has no doubt the moon landings occurred, citing overwhelming evidence and personal knowledge of the program's design. He believes NASA's primary failing is an 'omission'—not doing enough about the UFO mystery. He suggests some UFOs might be classified military craft or misidentified natural phenomena, but stresses that truly unidentified flying objects outperform current human technology.

He touches upon 'Alien Abductions' as a curious part of the mystery, noting the need for more qualified researchers and financial support. He also discusses the 'Phoenix Lights' incident, the Kenneth Arnold pelican theory, and CSICOP, expressing skepticism about the latter's contributions to solving the UFO mystery. He views the ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) as a valid hypothesis, acknowledging the challenges of space travel but emphasizing that 'hypothesis' is the key word.

Finally, Schuessler comments on the Majestic Twelve (MJ-12) papers, suggesting that while some material may be faked, there is a vast accumulation of data indicating otherwise, and encourages researchers to examine it thoroughly.

A CENTURY OF SHEFFIELD SAUCERS - Part 5: The 1970s

Dr. David Clarke continues his historical series by detailing UFO sightings in the Sheffield region during the 1970s. This decade saw an increase in reports, partly influenced by popular culture like the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'.

Notable incidents include:

• March 24, 1970: Reports of low-flying UFOs with brilliant, rainbow-like colours over Frecheville and Dronfield, which the RAF could not explain.
• July 1970: A 'low-flying' UFO spotted over Crookes and Hunter's Bar, possibly identified as a Pageos-A satellite.
• July 13, 1971: Two flickering UFOs observed in Fulwood, with one described as fuselage-shaped and lit from inside.
• February 18 & September 27, 1971: Dozens of people reported brilliant meteors or bolide phenomena.
• December 27, 1972: An orange, ball-shaped UFO sliced in half was reported in Aston, near Rotherham.
• July 29, 1976: Groups of families in Parson Cross reported glowing red cone-shaped lights buzzing them nightly for three weeks, described as moving very fast and silently.
• November 22, 1977: A 'whiteish-yellow light' was seen passing horizontally at low altitude over Dronfield Woodhouse, baffling university experts.
• September 7, 1977: A 'flying saucer' with flashing lights and no noise hovered over the Dearne Valley area of Rotherham.
• September 12, 1977: A silver-dome shaped object emitting a bleeping noise was found in a field in Totley, later identified as a hoax (grinding wheel and helmet).
• October 14, 1977: A 7-year-old boy in North Leverton reported a 'bomb-shaped' object with a blue light that appeared to land.
• October 12, 1978: A silver cigar-shaped UFO terrified a young girl in Gleadless Valley.
• January 4, 1979: A family in Bentley reported a massive, saucer-shaped object with flashing lights.
• April 21, 1979: A flying green cigar-shaped object with a window and lights was reported by a witness in Parson Cross.

The article notes that while some sightings were explained as aircraft or satellites, many remained unexplained, with RAF Finningley admitting bafflement in several cases.

FORUM: "WILL THE FIRST WHISTLE-BLOWER PLEASE COME FORWARD?" (OR MOONGATE: THE APOLLO X1 MISSION)

Jonathan Slater addresses the controversial topic of the moon landing hoax theories. He expresses personal difficulty in believing the hoax claims, suggesting that if it were a hoax, a 'whistle-blower' would have come forward by now. While acknowledging some photos are controversial and NASA's explanations are sometimes sketchy, he leans towards Brian O'Leary's explanation that some scenes might have been shot in a studio to avoid embarrassment, rather than indicating a complete hoax.

Slater also discusses the issue of the US flag appearing to flutter on the moon. He quotes Iain McCaffertey, who suggests that NASA would have used wire or starch inside the flag to make it appear to flutter, rather than showing a drooping flag on television.

The section concludes by questioning where the 385 kilos of moonrock came from if humans never set foot on the moon.

Other Sections

The issue also includes a 'Sighting Report', 'New Evidence for Huge Planet Beyond Pluto', 'Reviews: What the Stars of UFology Think of Project Red Book', and 'An Idiot's Guide to UFO-Spotting (pt2)'. There is also a section titled 'From Around the World...And Beyond!!!' which mentions the Oz Spy Base closure and a 'U.S. Mosquito Plague 'Bio-terrorism''.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO investigation, historical UFO cases (particularly in the UK), the potential for government secrecy and cover-ups, and the ongoing debate surrounding well-known UFO incidents and theories like the moon landing hoax. The editorial stance, as represented by the interview with John Schuessler and the forum discussion, appears to be one of critical inquiry, open-mindedness towards unexplained phenomena, and a desire for transparency and evidence-based investigation, while also being skeptical of unsubstantiated claims and conspiracy theories without solid backing.

This issue of YUFOS magazine, dated November 1999 (Vol. 3 # 2), focuses on the CIA's extensive involvement in the study of UFOs from 1947 to 1990, presented as part two of a series. The issue also includes articles on astronomical discoveries and various UFO-related news items from around the world.

CIA's Role in the Study of UFOs, 1947-90 (part 2)

The 1950s: Fading CIA Interest in UFOs

The article begins by detailing the aftermath of the Robertson panel report in May 1953. Following the report, the CIA significantly reduced its active monitoring of UFOs. Responsibility for keeping abreast of UFOs was transferred to the OSI's Physics and Electronic Division. However, the chief of this division, Todos M. Odarenko, was reluctant to take on the task, viewing it as requiring too much analytic and clerical time. He proposed that the project be considered "inactive," with only one analyst and a file clerk assigned. Both the Navy and the Army also showed little interest in UFOs at this time.

Odarenko sought to have his division relieved of UFO monitoring entirely, recommending termination in 1955 due to a lack of new information and facing a serious budget reduction. Despite this, CIA officials like Chadwell remained concerned about UFOs, particularly reports from overseas and claims that German engineers held by the Soviets were developing a "flying saucer" as a weapon.

The geopolitical climate of the mid-1950s, with the Soviet Union's advancements in nuclear weapons and guided missiles, heightened US policymakers' unease. UFO sightings added to this concern, especially reports from eastern Europe and Afghanistan, which suggested rapid Soviet progress in related technologies. The CIA was aware that the British and Canadians were experimenting with "flying saucers" through Project Y, a joint developmental operation, and feared the Soviets might be testing similar devices.

A flying saucer sighting by US Senator Richard Russell in the USSR in October 1955 initially caused concern. However, after interviews, CIA officials concluded that the objects were likely normal jet aircraft in a steep climb. Wilton E. Lexow, head of the CIA's Applied Sciences Division, also expressed skepticism about the Soviets developing conventional aircraft if they possessed "flying saucer" technology. Herbert Scoville, Jr., Assistant Director of OSI, tasked Lexow with assessing nonconventional aircraft capabilities and maintaining the OSI central file on UFOs.

CIA's U-2 and OXCART as UFOs

In November 1954, the CIA initiated its U-2 overhead reconnaissance project with Lockheed. The U-2 aircraft, capable of flying at 60,000 feet, far above commercial airliners, began test flights in August 1955. These flights, particularly the early silver models that reflected sunlight, led to a significant increase in UFO sightings reported by commercial pilots and air traffic controllers. Air Force BLUE BOOK investigators, aware of the secret U-2 flights, attempted to explain away these sightings by linking them to natural phenomena like ice crystals and temperature inversions. By coordinating with the U-2 Project Staff, they attributed many sightings to U-2 flights, but carefully concealed the true cause from the public. This deception, while perhaps justified to protect a sensitive national security project, contributed to later conspiracy theories and cover-up controversies.

Estimates from CIA officials suggest that over half of all UFO reports from the late 1950s through the 1960s were accounted for by manned reconnaissance flights like the U-2. This led the Air Force to issue misleading statements to the public. Consequently, the percentage of unexplained UFO sightings fell to 5.9 percent in 1955 and 4 percent in 1956.

Declassifying the Robertson Panel Report

Pressure mounted for the release of the Robertson panel report. In 1956, Edward Ruppelt, former head of the Air Force BLUE BOOK project, revealed the panel's existence. Donald Keyhoe, a UFOlogist and retired Marine Corps major, advocated for the release of all government information on UFOs. Civilian UFO groups like NICAP and APRO also pushed for the report's release. Under pressure, the Air Force sought CIA permission to declassify and release the report. However, Philip Strong, Deputy Assistant Director of OSI, refused, citing the need to protect CIA sponsorship and the potential psychological warfare implications of the controversy.

Demands for government information persisted. In March 1958, Keyhoe claimed on CBS that the CIA was deeply involved with UFOs and sponsored the Robertson panel. This prompted letters from Keyhoe and Dr. Leon Davidson, a chemical engineer and UFOlogist, demanding the report's release and confirmation of CIA involvement. Davidson believed the CIA, not the Air Force, was primarily responsible for UFO analysis. Due to the undisclosed U-2 and OXCART flights, Davidson was closer to the truth than he realized. The CIA maintained its policy of secrecy, refusing to declassify the full report.

In a meeting with Air Force representatives, CIA officials reiterated their opposition to declassification. They worried about Keyhoe's influence, particularly his connection to former DCI VAdm. Roscoe Hillenkoetter, who served on NICAP's board. They debated whether to show Hillenkoetter the report to defuse the situation. CIA officer Frank Chapin suggested that Davidson might have ulterior motives and recommended involving the FBI. The record is unclear if the FBI investigated Davidson or Keyhoe, or if Houston briefed Hillenkoetter, but Hillenkoetter resigned from NICAP in 1962.

Handling UFO Cases and Public Distrust

The CIA was also involved with Davidson and Keyhoe in two notable UFO cases in the 1950s, which contributed to growing public distrust of the agency. One case involved a reported tape recording of a radio signal from a flying saucer, and the other involved reported photographs of a flying saucer. The "radio code" incident began in 1955 when the Maier sisters in Chicago reported recording a radio program with an unidentified code. OSI became interested and obtained a copy of the recording. Field officers from the Contact Division (CD) met the sisters and secured the tape. OSI analysis concluded it was Morse code from a US radio station. However, when Leon Davidson contacted the sisters in 1957, he learned they had spoken with a Mr. Walker, whom he believed to be an Air Force Intelligence Officer. Davidson wrote to Walker, who replied evasively. Suspecting Walker was a CIA officer, Davidson then wrote to DCI Allen Dulles. The CIA, wanting to protect Walker's identity, replied that another agency had analyzed the tape. The Air Force later confirmed Walker was an Air Force officer and the tape was analyzed by another government organization, stating it contained only identifiable Morse code from a known US-licensed radio station.

Davidson then pressed for the identity of the Morse operator and the analyzing agency. The CIA and Air Force were in a quandary, as the Agency had previously denied analyzing the tape, and the Air Force had claimed Walker was an Air Force officer. CIA officers, under cover, contacted Davidson and promised to provide the translation and identification. In another attempt to pacify Davidson, a CIA officer, in disguise, explained that there was no super agency and Air Force policy was not to disclose such details. Davidson, though seemingly accepting, continued to press for disclosure. The CIA officer reported back that a thorough check had been made, and because the signal was of US origin, the tape and notes had been destroyed to conserve file space. Davidson reacted angrily, accusing the agencies of destroying records. The Contact Division decided to cease contact with Davidson.

This mishandling of the "radio code" incident, coupled with the Air Force's evasiveness, fueled speculation about UFOs and the CIA's role. Another incident in 1958 involved Major Keyhoe charging that the Agency was deliberately asking eyewitnesses of UFOs not to make their sightings public. This stemmed from a request by OSI to the CD to obtain photographs taken in 1952 by photographer Ralph C. Mayher of an unidentified flying object. Harry Real, a CD officer, obtained copies for analysis. John Hazen, another CD officer, returned the photographs without comment. When Mayher asked for an evaluation to use in a TV program, Hazen advised against it but stated Mayher was a US citizen and could make his own decision. Keyhoe, upon learning of this, asked the Agency to confirm Hazen's employment in writing to expose CIA's role. The Agency refused, stating UFOs were primarily the concern of the Air Force and had referred the letter to them. This response, like the one to Davidson, fueled speculation about deep CIA involvement in UFO sightings.

Despite a declining interest in UFO cases, the CIA continued to monitor UFO sightings to alert the DCI to sensational reports and flaps.

NEW EVIDENCE FOR POSSIBLE HUGE PLANET BEYOND PLUTO

This section reports on new astronomical evidence suggesting the existence of a large planet beyond Pluto. Dr. John Murray of Open University studied thirteen long-period comets whose behavior indicated the gravitational pull of a large body near the Oort Cloud. He calculated a one in 1,700 chance that this is due to chance and suggests the planet is several times larger than Jupiter, possibly orbiting in the "wrong" direction, and might be a captured "rogue planet."

Physicists John Matese, Daniel Whitmire, and Patrick Whitman at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette reached similar conclusions. Their findings, to be published in the journal Icarus, refer to the object as possibly a "brown dwarf" with a mass three times that of Jupiter. It would take nearly six million years to orbit the sun and would be extremely faint, potentially undetectable by the Hubble Telescope but possibly discoverable by next-generation space-based telescopes.

The discussion has particularly interested researchers familiar with Zecharia Sitchin's work. Sitchin argues, based on his translation of the Enuma Elish, that ancient Sumerian civilization knew of this planet, called Nibiru, and its extraterrestrial inhabitants, the Anunnaki or Nefilim. He posits that the origin of the human race is tied to this planet. Neil Freer, author of "Breaking the Godspell," has developed these implications further. Freer's open letter to BBC Online News Science Editor Dr. David Whitehouse highlights the parallels between Sitchin's theories and the new astronomical findings.

The article further elaborates on Sitchin's thesis, stating that the "gods" of ancient civilizations were humanoids from Nibiru who came to Earth 432,000 years ago to mine gold, creating humans as slave labor by crossing their genes with Homo Erectus. They taught civilization and science before eventually leaving.

The text emphasizes that regardless of acceptance of Sitchin's thesis, the information about this tenth planet exists in ancient documents and is continually being verified. The obstacle to Sitchin's thesis is seen as the "unscholarly, traditional, pervasive, preclusive mindset of academicians and scientists." The article credits Dr. Murray and his colleagues for their work, noting that Sitchin's published information on Nibiru could save astronomers significant time and effort in modeling the universe. The Enuma Elish describes Nibiru's path and its disruptive physical effects on Earth, providing data for computer modeling of its return to the inner solar system.

SIGHTING REPORT

A sighting report from Shiregreen, Sheffield, dated Monday, 11th October 1999, details a witness's observation of a bright, singular, round, and silvery object moving across the sky. The object moved parallel to the witness's home for a couple of minutes before vanishing. The witness is sure it did not fade but actually vanished. The report notes that the weather was sunny with high clouds. The reporter, Jon Slater, suggests it was likely an aeroplane reflecting sunlight, but notes the location is the same where he himself witnessed three brightly-glowing, orange, ball-shaped UFOs.

FROM AROUND THE WORLD... AND BEYOND!!

OZ SPY BASE NURRUNGAR CLOSED

The Joint Defence Facility spy base 'Nurrungar' in South Australia was closed on 12 October 1999. A DoD report indicates a new modern ground relay system will operate at Pine Gap. The closure was reportedly due to technological reasons, as the Nurrungar equipment was developed in the 1960s, and more modern technology allows data analysis to be done in the United States. This relocation means Australian analysts will no longer work closely with US counterparts, leading to the transfer of many American analysts home. A senior Australian official confirmed this redeployment offers Australia an opportunity to maintain expertise in monitoring ballistic missile launches. Approximately 400 Australians and Americans were employed at Nurrungar, with about 40 Australian intelligence officers involved in data analysis.

The US satellite station Nurrungar is part of the Defence Support Program (DSP) and controls Pacific/Asia geostationary satellites designed to detect and track objects using infrared telescopes, visible light, ultraviolet sensors, and nuclear detonation detection sensors. The satellites transmit data to Defence Facility Nurrungar. An email from 1998/09/14 by Allen Thomson questions whether a Regional Sigint Operations Centre (RSOC) is being created in Australia, given the move of the DSP/SBIRS relay station from Nurrungar to Pine Gap.

U.S. MOSQUITO PLAGUE WAS BIO-TERRORISM'

The CIA is investigating suspicions that the brain-swelling mosquito-borne virus that claimed seven lives in New York might have been an act of bio-terrorism. The New Yorker magazine reports a "whiff of concern" at the CIA that the West Nile-like virus, new to the Americas, might have been deliberately sent to the United States. The virus, which killed five people and made at least 27 others ill, is believed to be transmitted by mosquitoes biting infected birds. Efforts are underway to control the mosquito population and test residents for exposure. Experts have warned for years about US vulnerability to bio-terrorism, with anthrax, botulin toxin, and bubonic plague considered potential weapons, but West Nile was not previously named.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating whether the virus, which can cause flu-like symptoms and potentially fatal encephalitis, could have been spread deliberately. A source at the CDC stated they are taking it seriously and will follow the data. Navy Secretary Richard Danzig commented that proving biological terrorism is difficult.

A book by Mikhael Ramadan claims Saddam Hussein planned to weaponize a strain of West Nile virus, describing it as capable of destroying 97 percent of life in an urban environment.

ALIEN EGG TOY MISTAKEN FOR HUMAN FOETUS

A toy designed to resemble an alien baby caused a train station to be closed down after being mistaken for a human foetus. Police and paramedics responded to the London Underground station at Buckhurst Hill, Essex, after a supervisor found an "Alien Egg" on the platform. The mistake was realized when doctors examined it in a hospital. The toy, costing £1.99 ($3.27), contains a baby-like figure in sticky goo.

BRITISH VET CLAIMS UFO CRASHED IN WALES

A new book by researcher Nick Redfern claims a UFO crashed in a remote valley in the Clwyd district of Wales in January 1974, with the bodies of two dead aliens reportedly recovered. Farmer Huw Lloyd, then 14, recalled seeing a large object followed by a train and a blinking blue light, and noted the rapid police response. British Army units arrived, and one unit took custody of the alien bodies. The craft reportedly came down in the Berwyn Mountains, Clwyd, echoing the Roswell incident. A soldier, under the pseudonym 'James Prescott,' described being ordered to Llanderfel to load two oblong boxes into an armored truck, which transported them to the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down. There, the boxes were opened, revealing two creatures in decontamination suits, described as humanoid, skeletal, and not of this earth. The soldier was informed that a large craft had crashed and was retrieved by other military units. The incident remains classified, and the UK Ministry of Defence has refused to comment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of YUFOS magazine consistently highlights themes of government secrecy, deception, and the perceived cover-up of UFO-related information. The CIA's role in monitoring, analyzing, and often concealing information about UFOs is a central focus, particularly concerning the U-2 and OXCART projects. The magazine also explores the intersection of scientific discovery (astronomy) with ancient historical texts (Sumerian civilization), suggesting a hidden knowledge base about extraterrestrial phenomena. The inclusion of various news items from around the world, including potential bio-terrorism and alleged UFO crashes, reinforces a general atmosphere of mystery and suspicion regarding official narratives and the potential for extraordinary events. The editorial stance appears to favor questioning official explanations and exploring alternative theories, as evidenced by the detailed examination of the CIA's actions and the promotion of Zecharia Sitchin's work.

YUFOS magazine, Volume 3, Issue 5, dated November 1999, presents a collection of testimonials from well-known figures in the UFO community on its cover, alongside the magazine's title and a prominent headline: "HERE'S WHAT JUST SOME FAMOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAID ABOUT YUFOS and PROJECT RED BOOK...". The issue also includes details for an upcoming YUFOS Christmas Party.

Articles

The Idiot's Guide to UFO-Spotting (Pt 2) Or: Removing the 'Un' from Unidentified...

By Dave Baker, this article continues a series aimed at helping readers distinguish between genuine UFOs and misidentified phenomena. The section "Nocturnal Lights (Continued)" focuses on how planets and stars can be mistaken for unusual aerial objects. The article then delves into "THE MOON", explaining how familiarity with Earth's satellite can paradoxically lead to misidentification. Atmospheric distortions, clouds, and ice crystals can alter the Moon's appearance, making it seem bloated, over-large, orange, or even creating shapes like pulsing cigars or glowing discs. The author cites an example from "Phantoms of the Sky" by Dave Clarke and Andy Roberts, detailing a case from South Yorkshire on March 16, 1981, where two night-nurses at Doncaster Royal Infirmary reported seeing a "domed saucer" with portholes. Intensive investigation revealed that the Moon was in the same part of the sky at that time, leading to the conclusion that the witnesses had observed the Moon through refractive atmospheric layers, overlaid with their preconceived notions of UFOs. The article also mentions "moondogs" or "false moons" caused by ice particles in clouds reflecting moonlight, and "False Suns" or "Sun Dogs" caused by the sun. It also touches upon "human error," referencing Jenny Randles' account of an elderly lady who mistook the Moon for a hovering spherical object with "astronauts" due to vision issues and an overactive imagination.

The article concludes by stating that the next installment will cover meteors, satellites, and more.

Events

NEXT MEETING...

Under the heading "NEXT MEETING...", the magazine announces "THE YUFOS CHRISTMAS PARTY!!!" to be held on Tuesday, 14th December, from 7:00-11:00 pm at The Three Cranes. The announcement playfully lists activities such as "Ignore the Queen's speech?", "Play 'Spot the Christmas Clothes'", and "Add rude words to Christmas Carols", before encouraging attendees to "EAT! DRINK! BE MERRY! DRINK MORE! PLAY GAMES! DRINK EVEN MORE! FALL DOWN!". It is also noted as "THE LAST MEETING OF THE MILLENIUM!!!" and provides a contact number for Dave for details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue's editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination of UFO reports, emphasizing the importance of identifying mundane explanations for sightings, particularly celestial bodies like the Moon. The inclusion of testimonials from prominent UFO researchers and authors suggests an effort to legitimize YUFOS magazine within the field. The magazine also fosters a sense of community through announcements of social events like the Christmas party.