Quaderni UFO - Vol 03 No 12 - 1983 01-02

Magazine Overview

Title: Quaderni UFO
Issue: N° 12
Date: January/February 1983
Publisher: Centro ufologico nazionale (C.U.N.)
Type: Supplement to Notiziario UFO, bimonthly.

Editorial: The Rome Conference and Official Recognition

The editorial by Roberto Pinotti reflects on the National UFO Conference held in Rome on February 26, 1983. He expresses disappointment at the absence of representatives from the Italian Air Force, despite prior assurances. However, he notes that the publication of an article by the Air Force's official organ, accompanied by an illustration using the cover of 'Notiziario UFO,' signifies a degree of official acknowledgment. Pinotti highlights that this marks the first official admission, since 1979, that the UFO problem is being institutionally monitored by an entity within the Air Force. He emphasizes the C.U.N.'s role in obtaining the first official UFO 'dossier' from the Ministry of Defense in 1978 and their continued efforts to inform the public and authorities. Pinotti calls for greater commitment, enthusiasm, and financial support from members to advance the C.U.N.'s objectives.

Article: UFO: A Problem of Competence

This article, attributed to Roberto Pinotti and referencing an article from 'Rivista Aeronautica,' discusses the historical approach to UFO phenomena, particularly the military's initial involvement due to the potential technological implications. It explains that the competence to study UFOs has largely been exclusive to military authorities. The article delves into theoretical explanations for UFO propulsion, citing engineer Stefano Breccia's ideas about UFOs modifying local space-time metrics to create a 'barrier' of distorted space. This barrier, potentially a field of electromagnetic-mechanical potential, would allow for extreme maneuvers and explain the lack of sonic booms. The shape of UFOs, described as 'quadriche' (quadric surfaces), is considered crucial for withstanding these forces. The article also touches upon the possibility of creating artificial gravity within the craft and the potential for UFOs to accelerate by exploiting energy gradients. It mentions research in France (GEPAN) and the USA into magnetohydrodynamics as a potential area of study related to UFO propulsion. The article notes Italy's past involvement in UFO sightings, particularly in 1950, 1954, 1973, and 1978, and the lack of adequate official initiatives compared to other countries.

Historical Overview of UFO Investigations in Italy

This section details the Italian military's engagement with UFO phenomena, starting from testimonies of Air Force officers in 1954. It mentions the interest shown by President Gronchi and the role of radar installations. The article recounts the efforts of Dr. Alberto Perego in raising awareness, despite a lack of official follow-up. It highlights that the Ministry of Defense continued a 'wait and see' approach, and in 1962, an investigation was ordered by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. The article notes that while many reports were dismissed as inconsistent or fraudulent, the military did maintain an unofficial interest. The introduction of standardized reporting forms, similar to those used by the USAF, is mentioned as a step towards more systematic data collection. The formation of the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (C.U.N.) in 1967 is presented as a response to the growing public interest and a desire for a more critical and evidence-based approach to UFO study. The C.U.N.'s first national congress in Riccione in 1967 was successful, attracting attention from authorities. The article details the C.U.N.'s efforts to establish contacts with military circles, including a conference in Portogruaro in 1972. It describes how, following the 1973 and 1977 UFO waves, the Ministry of Defense began sharing UFO-related dossiers with the C.U.N. and other civilian groups. However, a leak of this information to a newspaper led to increased caution and 'stiffening' within the Ministry towards civilian UFO research. The significant UFO wave of 1978-79, with over 600 reports, prompted further parliamentary inquiries and a directive for the Air Force to collect and coordinate UFO data. The article also mentions the establishment of the C.R.I.D.O.V.N.I. in Uruguay as a model for a mixed civilian-military commission, suggesting that Italy should also integrate civilian researchers into its official UFO studies.

"What They Think" Section

This section features quotes from various individuals regarding UFOs:

• Colonel Alfonso Isala (Pilot): Expresses skepticism that has turned into belief after witnessing events and being convinced that UFOs are piloted.
• Prof. Giuseppe Tagliaferri (Cosmologist): Believes UFO phenomena should be taken seriously and studied more rigorously.
• Hon. Falco Accame (Member of Parliament): States that the Government has a clear duty to investigate the UFO phenomenon.
• Prof. Luigi Broglio (Director of the Italian Space Program 'S. Marco'): Mentions that within his scientific circles, a percentage of UFO sightings (6-7%) remain unexplained.
• Senator Angelo Cerica: Considers the UFO phenomenon to be something that imposes itself on all of humanity.

Hynek in Italy

This section reports on the visit of Professor Joseph Allen Hynek to Rome in January 1983. He was welcomed by Roberto Pinotti and Mario Cingolani. Hynek appeared on TG2 and participated in the program 'Il Dado Magico.' He also met with C.U.N. members in Rome and was interviewed by ANSA. The interview highlights Hynek's view that UFOs are 'normal phenomena not yet explainable.' He discusses the alleged existence of hidden UFO crash debris at the Pentagon and Leonard Stringfield's research into alleged UFO cover-ups by the USAF. Hynek explains that the USAF's Project Blue Book, which he consulted on for 23 years, classified 701 out of 12,000 cases as 'unexplainable.' He suggests the project was terminated because admitting the inability to explain these phenomena was unacceptable for an official entity. Hynek cautions against jumping to conclusions about aliens and emphasizes the need for scientific study, comparing the current state of UFO research to pre-Einsteinian physics.

Proposals and Discussions: A Useless Conference?

This article, authored by Gian Paolo Grassino and Edoardo Russo, criticizes the National UFO Conference held in Rome on February 26, 1983. The authors argue that the conference was 'useless' and 'unnecessary,' as it failed to achieve its stated goal of engaging Italian authorities. They express disapproval of the C.U.N.'s leadership's focus on 'forcing the hand' of the Air Force's UFO commission and integrating private ufology with public institutions. The authors, who were invited but chose not to attend the main conference, met separately with other C.U.N. members to discuss practical research methods and organizational issues. They question the relevance of pursuing 'officiality' and engaging with the military, suggesting that the C.U.N. should focus on its internal organization and research rather than seeking external validation. They lament the wasted opportunity for members to connect and discuss their work, feeling that the C.U.N. presents an inaccurate public image.

Membership and Collaborator Lists

The issue includes extensive lists of the C.U.N.'s organizational structure, including:

• Consiglio Direttivo (Governing Council): Listing President, Vice-President, and Councilors with their addresses and contact information.
• Sede Legale (Registered Office): Located in Rome.
• Segreteria Generale / Archivi Centrali (General Secretariat / Central Archives): Located in Trino.
• Segreteria Estera (Foreign Secretariat): Located in Turin.
• Presidenza / Direzione Notiziario UFO (Presidency / Direction of Notiziario UFO): Located in Florence.
• Coordinamento Nazionale / Redazione Quaderni UFO (National Coordination / Editorial Office of Quaderni UFO): Located in Bologna.
• Stampatore (Printer): Litografia Lorenzini in Bologna.
• Soci Onorari (Honorary Members): A list of distinguished individuals.
• Collaboratori (Collaborators): An extensive list of members from various regions of Italy, including their contact details and roles (Socio, Collaboratore, Coordinatore Nazionale, Segreteria Estera, Presidente Onorario).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the official investigation and recognition of UFO phenomena in Italy, the scientific study of UFOs, and the role of civilian organizations like the C.U.N. The editorial stance, particularly in the "Proposte e discussioni" section, is critical of the C.U.N.'s leadership's perceived focus on external validation and engagement with authorities, advocating instead for a stronger internal focus on research methodology and member collaboration. There is a clear emphasis on a scientific and evidence-based approach to ufology, as exemplified by the discussion of Professor Hynek's views and the theoretical explanations for UFO characteristics and propulsion.

Title: Quaderni UFO
Issue: 18
Volume: 1
Date: 1983
Publisher: Centro Ufologico Nazionale
Country: Italy
Language: Italian
ISSN: 0394-7200

This issue of Quaderni UFO, dated 1983, is primarily a call for membership renewals and features a personal letter from a member seeking a rare UFO book.

Membership Renewal

The cover prominently announces that it is time to renew the membership for 1983. The fees are clearly stated: L.25,000 for 'SOCI' (Members) and L.15,000 for 'COLLABORATORI' (Collaborators). The text urges members to pay promptly.

Letter from Sergio Casadei

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a letter from Sergio Casadei, a member who has relocated to Skikda, Algeria, for professional reasons. Casadei writes to inquire about obtaining a copy of Donald Keyhoe's book, "LA VERITA' SUI DISCHI VOLANTI" (The Truth About Flying Saucers), published by Edizioni Atlante. He mentions that the book is reportedly out of print and difficult to find in bookstores. Casadei requests assistance from the magazine's readership, asking if anyone can procure the book for him, either by selling it or lending it for reading.

Editorial Response and Call to Readers

The editorial team of Quaderni UFO responds to Casadei's letter, expressing solidarity in his search. They admit that even the National UFO Center (Centro Ufologico Nazionale) does not possess this particular volume in its library. The editors appeal to the goodwill of their readers, hoping that someone will be able to help Casadei obtain the book. They assure the reader that the integrity of the book will be maintained and it will be returned.

The issue also contains extensive lists of members ('Socio') and collaborators ('Collaboratore') across various Italian regions, including Toscana, Umbria, Marche, Lazio, Puglia, Campania, and Sicilia. These lists provide names, addresses, and sometimes telephone numbers, indicating a broad network of individuals involved with the organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the operational and community aspect of the Centro Ufologico Nazionale, emphasizing the importance of membership and the collective effort in pursuing UFO research. The editorial stance is one of community support and shared passion for the subject, as demonstrated by their willingness to help a member find a specific piece of UFO literature. The focus on membership fees and lists of members highlights the organization's structure and reach within Italy during the early 1980s. The mention of Donald Keyhoe's book also points to the historical context of UFO literature being discussed and sought after by enthusiasts.