THE UFO SILENCERS

Magazine Overview

This issue of SAGA magazine, titled "THE UFO SILENCERS" and authored by John A. Keel, focuses on the mysterious "Men In Black" (MIB) phenomenon. The cover boldly proclaims the topic, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of these enigmatic figures who allegedly appear after UFO sightings.

The 1924 Braxton County Incident

The article begins with a detailed account of a mysterious aircraft crash in Braxton County, West Virginia, in 1924. Farmer John Cole witnessed a large, wingless aircraft descend into a forest. When he and a newsman searched for the wreckage, they found it already surrounded by men dressed in black suits and shiny coveralls, speaking a foreign language. These men, described as small, Oriental-looking individuals, claimed everything was fine and promised a report that never materialized. Cole, who was unfamiliar with MIB lore at the time, later had a visit from an Army officer demanding the return of a metal object he had found at the crash site. This incident, along with others, forms the basis for the MIB's alleged role in suppressing UFO evidence.

The Nature and Tactics of the Men In Black

Keel explains that the MIB are not representatives of any known government but are intrinsically linked to the UFO phenomenon. Their primary objective is to discredit or terrorize eyewitnesses and to seize or obliterate any UFO evidence. Despite decades of investigation, no concrete evidence of flying saucers has fallen into official hands, largely due to the MIB's manipulations. They are adept at making true UFO reports appear as hoaxes and have even discredited witnesses and investigators.

The article notes that while some UFO enthusiasts prefer to believe in bug-eyed monsters, the MIB are often described as olive-skinned, Oriental-looking gentlemen. However, their appearance can vary, with some appearing tanned and exhibiting symptoms of stress or difficulty breathing. They often speak in a parrot-like manner, reciting memorized speeches, and their eyes are described as "hypnotic." Some exhibit odd behaviors, like trying to drink Jello or chew cigars.

Their attire is typically well-dressed, in expensive suits, often black or gray, made of glossy material. A consistent observation is that their clothing appears brand-new, with shoes showing unwalked-upon soles. Curiously, their clothing styles are sometimes out of date or, conversely, ahead of their time. Their vehicles are also notable, often being older models like black Cadillacs with tinted windows, or Volkswagens and Fords, all in pristine condition. License plate numbers on these vehicles are frequently unregistered.

Global Reach of MIB Activity

The MIB phenomenon is not confined to the United States. Reports from Italy, Germany, Spain, Great Britain, and Sweden are cited. A Swedish journalist was warned off his UFO story by a stranger in a restaurant, and in New York, a building contractor named Peter Stevens had his house ransacked, with only his MIB drawings missing, shortly before his sudden death.

Contactees, those who claim to have encountered UFOs, seem to be particularly targeted by the MIB. Witnesses often receive unwelcome nocturnal visits, with MIB demanding any physical evidence and advising them to keep their experiences secret.

MIB and 'Bigfoot' Cases

Stanley Gordon, a UFO investigator, has encountered MIB cases involving tall, hairy monsters, or 'Bigfoot'-type creatures. In one instance, a man claiming to be an Army officer destroyed footprints left by a monster and confiscated Polaroid snapshots from witnesses.

Impersonation and Disinformation Tactics

The MIB also employ subtle tactics, including impersonating government officials. For years, amateur investigators heard stories of Air Force officers threatening witnesses. It was later discovered that these were often short men with Oriental features impersonating actual military personnel. In 1967, Air Force Headquarters recognized this problem and alerted security officers, leading to FBI involvement, though the MIB remained elusive.

John Keel's Personal Encounters

John Keel recounts several close calls with the MIB. While investigating on Long Island in 1967, he received a cryptic phone call directing him to a meeting point, where a black limousine with Oriental occupants vanished. He believes this was an attempt to convince him of the truthfulness of witness accounts involving Orientals in black Cadillacs.

Harassment and Evidence Tampering

Investigators in the UFO field, particularly those who believe in a terrestrial origin for UFOs, experience significant harassment, including mail interception and phone problems. Official reports and photographs sent by mail have disappeared or been switched with doctored documents. The article points to the 1947 incident involving two Air Force officers killed in a plane crash after investigating metallic debris from a UFO. The box of debris was never recovered.

The MIB's intelligence organization is described as far superior to the CIA. They have been known to contact UFO witnesses who have not yet disclosed their sightings, often with mysterious phone calls or warnings. Investigators have reported losing a large amount of mail containing reports and affidavits.

The Terrestrial Hypothesis

Keel's own conclusions shifted dramatically by mid-1967, leading him to discuss and write about the terrestrial origin of UFOs. He recounts instances of "coincidences" that hindered his research, such as a "Voice of America" tape being erased and film footage from a German television station being rendered unusable due to static and overexposure. He suggests that these incidents are not random but deliberate attempts to suppress information.

French Radio Broadcast Incident

In 1974, a series of 39 pro-UFO radio programs aired by France Inter was abruptly cut short when the second part, featuring interviews with prominent UFO researchers like Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallee, was stolen from the radio station. The theft was deliberate, targeting only the tapes that would have disseminated the idea that UFOs might be of terrestrial origin.

The Ultimate Question

The article concludes by posing the question of who controls the planet and its inhabitants. It suggests that the MIB are intensely interested in retrieving evidence that points to a terrestrial origin of UFOs. While many are convinced that UFOs are harmless spaceships from distant worlds, the author implies that looking towards Earth itself for the origin of these phenomena might be the more unsettling truth, leading to a "heavy knock on our door in the middle of the night."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the mysterious "Men In Black" (MIB), their role in discrediting UFO witnesses and suppressing evidence, and the possibility of a terrestrial origin for UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, as presented by John A. Keel, strongly supports the idea that the MIB are actively working to conceal the truth about UFOs, which he suggests may not be extraterrestrial but rather of earthly origin. The magazine highlights a pattern of deliberate interference, harassment, and evidence tampering aimed at maintaining public ignorance and confusion regarding UFOs.