SAGA

Magazine Overview

Title: SAGA
Issue Date: October 1967
Cover Headline: UFO "AGENTS OF TERROR"

This issue of SAGA magazine delves into the shadowy world of alleged government agents who actively suppress information and intimidate witnesses related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The central theme revolves around the mysterious "Men in Black" (MIB) and their purported role in controlling the narrative surrounding UFO sightings.

The Mysterious Men in Black

The lead article, "UFO 'AGENTS OF TERROR'" by John A. Keel, posits that a clandestine group, distinct from official government agencies like the Air Force, is systematically working to suppress UFO evidence. Keel recounts instances where photographers had their UFO pictures stolen, witnesses were harassed, and evidence was confiscated. He highlights the case of a California photographer whose film and negatives of a UFO were stolen shortly after development, and the baffling disappearance of UFO photos belonging to a private citizen, allegedly taken by someone posing as a NORAD member.

The 'Silence Group' and Government Complicity

Keel introduces the concept of a "Silence Group" (S.G.) that employs tactics such as wire-tapping, mail tampering, thievery, and physical violence. He suggests that the U.S. Air Force, despite its official stance on UFOs, has unwittingly aided these "mystery men." The article traces the history of government involvement, starting with the 1947-48 "Top Secret Estimate of the Situation" by ATIC, which concluded UFOs were interplanetary. This conclusion was rejected by Chief of Staff Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg, leading to the establishment of Project Grudge and later Project Blue Book, which aimed to "prove" sightings were misidentifications.

The CIA's Role and Debunking Policy

A significant portion of the article focuses on a 1953 CIA panel that, despite acknowledging the potential for increased sightings, recommended a policy of debunking and public ridicule to reduce interest in UFOs. The panel's report, classified for 14 years, suggested using mass media to promote explanations like "swamp gas." Keel criticizes this approach, arguing that it created a "credibility gap" and alienated the public, making them less likely to report sightings to official channels.

Documented Cases of Intimidation

The article presents several specific cases illustrating the MIB's methods:

• California Photographer: Film and negatives of a UFO were stolen from his studio.
• Wanaque Reservoir Sightings (1966): Witnesses reported being harassed by individuals claiming to be Air Force officers, though the Air Force denied any involvement.
• Maury Island Hoax (1947): Following the sighting of "six doughnut-shaped flying machines" and subsequent physical evidence, witnesses were warned to remain silent.
• Key West Incident (1951): Naval officers who witnessed a cigar-shaped craft were interrogated for hours and pressured to discredit their own accounts.
• New Jersey Factory Incident (1955): Workmen who saw a large circular craft were forced to sign secrecy oaths.
• Texas Deputy Sheriff (1965): A deputy and his partner who observed a purplish object were confronted by strangers who detailed their sighting and warned them against discussing it.
• Ohio House Painter (1957): Olden Moore, who witnessed a radioactive UFO landing, was taken to an Air Force base, interrogated for three days, and forced to sign a secrecy oath.
• Italian Alps Incident (1952): An engineer who photographed a UFO was visited by an "American secret agent" who tried to make him repudiate his story.
• England (1964): A fireman's photograph of his daughter developed with an image of a tall, white-suited being in the background led to questioning by two men who identified each other only by numbers.
• Norwalk, Conn. (1966): Two boys who reported being pursued by a flying disk were interviewed by a man claiming to be from a "secret agency."

The Air Force's Ineffectual Efforts

In contrast to the MIB's covert operations, the article describes the Air Force's efforts as often clumsy and ineffectual. It mentions Maj. Gen. Hector Quintanilla, chief of Project Blue Book, who allegedly impersonated himself and berated an Ohio police officer on tape. The Air Force is also accused of shamelessly taking evidence from witnesses and returning fake imitations, and of doctoring UFO pictures to brand them as "fakes."

International Incidents

The "Men in Black" phenomenon is not confined to the United States. The article mentions a case in New Zealand where a researcher obtained a piece of metal from a flying saucer, only to have it taken away by a mysterious visitor. Similarly, an Australian Flying Saucer Bureau director received a strange visit after being sent a saucer fragment.

The Growing Problem

Keel argues that the Air Force's policy of debunking has driven potential reporters away, leading to a situation where the problem is now "out of hand." He expresses concern that if "flying saucers" are hostile, a "Pearl Harbor" could be underway before the Air Force becomes aware of it. The article concludes by noting that many civilian UFO investigators suspect the "Silence Group" is a branch of the CIA, and that the increasing UFO activity in areas with little Air Force protection is alarming.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance is clearly critical of government handling of UFO phenomena, particularly the Air Force's debunking policies and the alleged clandestine operations of the "Men in Black." The editorial tone suggests a belief in the reality of UFOs and a concern that vital information is being deliberately suppressed, potentially to the detriment of national security. The article champions the work of civilian UFO investigators who are actively trying to uncover the truth despite official obstruction and intimidation.

This issue of SAGA magazine, identified by its page number '78', focuses on the phenomenon of 'mystery men' allegedly connected to flying saucer sightings and investigations. The cover headline, 'MYSTERY MEN OF THE FLYING SAUCERS,' sets the tone for an exploration of alleged government interference and witness intimidation.

The 'Mystery Men' Phenomenon

The article begins by recounting an incident where a UFO researcher in Brooklyn, N.Y., named Eliot Rockmore, stopped publication of his magazine and refused to speak about his work after being visited by a government agent. Another researcher, William Dunn, Jr., from Miami, Fla., reported his UFO files being broken into and valuable reports stolen. A key figure introduced is 'Mr. Alexander,' a man with a foreign accent who systematically visited civilian UFO investigators across the United States, causing one researcher, George Marlo, to cease public appearances due to the perceived danger.

The author questions whether these 'mystery men' are C.I.A. agents attempting to suppress the UFO problem, but notes the C.I.A.'s official denial of interest in UFOs since 1953. The F.B.I. is also mentioned as being involved in investigating mysterious kidnappings linked to flying saucers, but they always identify themselves properly. The article posits that while these agencies might be responsible for some 'mystery men' cases, not all can be attributed to them.

NICAP and Witness Harassment

The magazine then shifts focus to the organization NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena). It describes how NICAP members sometimes make nuisances of themselves, leading to complaints from local police and witnesses. Richard Hall, deputy director of NICAP, is quoted acknowledging that some members 'get a little carried away' and are removed from the organization if they misrepresent themselves.

Woodrow Derenberger of Mineral Wells, W. Va., a UFO contactee, recounts being harassed by a local NICAP member after his alleged UFO encounter. Derenberger's own experience is detailed: on November 2, 1966, while driving, a 'large red disk' landed in front of his truck. A man in a glistening blue uniform emerged and asked polite questions about the area. Following this event, Derenberger experienced constant attention from UFO buffs, religious cranks, and skeptics.

The Rise of 'Contactees'

The article notes that while 'contactees' were once rare and often dismissed, the situation changed in 1966-67. A new wave of contactees emerged, often sharing identical details despite their stories receiving little publicity. These individuals claim to have had actual contact with the pilots of flying saucers.

Descriptions of UFO Occupants

Contrary to the popular image of short, greenish characters with pop-eyes, the article presents descriptions from approximately 2,500 cases involving reliable witnesses. These occupants are typically described as medium-height, with angular faces, pointed chins, high cheekbones, and long, oriental-like eyes. Their complexion is often dark, like a heavy suntan, and many witnesses compare them to Indians or Gypsies. Their speech is slow and halting, with clipped phrases. They are usually dressed in coverall-type uniforms or black jackets with visored caps.

The article also mentions other descriptions, such as 'little men,' 'seven foot giants,' and 'hairy monsters,' but emphasizes that the 'Gypsy' type has dominated recent reports. A chilling connection is made between these descriptions and the 'mystery men' who have appeared over the years, including Albert Bender's claim of three such men visiting his home in 1953.

'Indians' and Other Encounters

Further examples of 'mystery men' are provided. A correspondent from Point Pleasant, W. Va., reported a dark-skinned man with poor English looking for 'trip insurance.' This man, along with three others, was part of a group making systematic visits in the Ohio Valley, posing as magazine salesmen or survey takers. They were difficult to locate, with local hotels and motels not having seen them.

On Long Island, a woman reported visits from four men identifying themselves as 'Indians.' Three were dark-skinned with pointed faces and dressed in expensive suits, while the fourth was poorly dressed. They claimed to be reclaiming land that once belonged to their tribe. The woman was particularly unnerved by the fact that their shoes were clean despite recent rain and there was no car in sight.

Another incident involved a man in Cape May, N.J., posing as a 'missing heir investigator' after Air Force investigations into UFO sightings. This individual spoke in a monotone, as if reciting from memory.

The Unlikely Culprits

The article poses a provocative question: why would the C.I.A. or F.B.I. cover the same ground as the Air Force using awkward disguises? The author presents an 'unlikely solution': the UFO occupants themselves might be responsible for these actions. The hypothesis is that sometime between 1945 and 1953, a highly placed government group discovered a 'horrible truth' about flying saucers that made secrecy imperative.

Government Complicity and Future Scenarios

The article suggests that the U.S. Government has been complicit, either willingly or through ignorance, in helping UFOs maintain secrecy. It notes that UFOs are now appearing in large numbers, largely ignored by major news media. The Air Force is credited with doing its job well in clearing the path for 'Man's greatest adventure-or his greatest catastrophe.'

As UFOs enter a phase of landing and wide-scale contact, the government is depicted as passively awaiting the verdict of scientists at Colorado University who are studying the problem. The article concludes with a chilling prediction: if Colorado University declares that there is 'something to it,' another large contract will be issued for further study, and the spokesman in the Pentagon might by then be a colonel with a dark complexion, narrow eyes, pointed chin, and a monotone voice, mirroring the descriptions of the mystery men.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government secrecy, alleged UFO cover-ups, witness intimidation, and the mysterious 'men in black' or 'mystery men.' The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning official explanations and proposing a radical theory that the UFO occupants themselves are orchestrating the suppression of information. The magazine highlights the growing number of UFO sightings and contactee reports, suggesting a significant and potentially world-altering phenomenon is unfolding, with the public largely unaware or misled.