1975 09 00 SAGA - John Keel - Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries" features an in-depth article titled "CARLOS ALLENDE-UFO MYSTERY MAN" by John A. Keel. The magazine focuses on the enigmatic figure of Carlos Allende and his connection to the UFO phenomenon, particularly through his correspondence with author Morris K. Jessup and the subsequent "Varo Edition" of Jessup's book.

Carlos Allende: UFO Mystery Man

The article begins by introducing an unusual cone-shaped meteorite displayed at the Hayden Planetarium in New York City, which was donated by the family of Morris K. Jesup. It clarifies that there were two prominent figures named Morris K. Jesup: the philanthropist and banker (1830-1908) and a later individual who, despite not earning a doctorate, became known as "Dr. Morris K. Jessup" in UFO circles. This latter Jessup was an author who published significant works on UFOs.

The Allende Correspondence and the Varo Edition

In the mid-1950s, Morris K. Jessup began receiving extensive letters from a sailor named Carlos Allende. Allende claimed to have witnessed and participated in U.S. Navy experiments during World War II involving the creation of a special magnetic field that rendered a vessel invisible. He described terrifying experiences aboard such a ship, including crew members becoming paralyzed or catching fire, leading to the halt of these experiments.

Following the paperback release of Jessup's book, "The Case For the UFO," a copy arrived at the Office of Naval Research (ONR) in Washington, D.C., with extensive handwritten notes in the margins. These annotations, written by three knowledgeable individuals, were found to be in the same style, spelling, and punctuation as Allende's letters. The ONR became intensely interested, especially when some marginalia described aspects of the UFO phenomenon and developments in physics that were unknown to civilian researchers until the late 1960s.

Despite Jessup's belief that the correspondence was a hoax, the ONR took the matter seriously. They passed the annotated book to the Varo Corporation in Garland, Texas, a Navy subcontractor working on secret infrared devices. A Varo secretary, Ms. Michael Ann Dunn, created a typewritten copy of the entire book, including Jessup's text and Allende's red-inked notations. Approximately 100 copies of this "Varo Edition" were printed, with Jessup's text in black and the annotations in red.

Jessup later distributed several copies of the Varo Edition to trusted friends. A man identifying himself as Carlos Allende visited the Varo offices and received copies. The remaining copies were distributed by Varo to scientists and Navy personnel. The Varo Edition became a legendary item in ufology, with few able to see a copy, contributing to Allende's status as a "man of mystery."

Hoax or Horror?

Allende's story of the invisible ship gained traction, though it was difficult to confirm. Some researchers speculated his story might have stemmed from publicity surrounding magician Joseph Dunninger's claims of making ships invisible during WWII. Various individuals claiming to be "real" Carlos Allende, or using the name, appeared at UFO conventions and contacted researchers, often issuing warnings to cease their investigations. One such individual even presented himself at a dinner for General Douglas MacArthur.

Morris K. Jessup's suicide in April 1959, ruled as carbon monoxide poisoning, led to speculation among ufologists that he might have been silenced by the government. However, the article clarifies that Jessup was a deeply troubled man with marital and career problems, and his suicide was a planned act.

Continued Investigations and Allende's Reappearance

Despite Jessup's death, the mystery persisted. Carlos Allende continued to write to investigators like Ivan T. Sanderson and, in 1969, visited Coral Lorenzen of APRO, presenting her with a copy of the Varo Edition. Another copy was reviewed by Dr. Edward Condon. Independent researcher Steven Yankee also acquired a microfilm copy.

After ufologist Brad Steiger wrote articles about the Allende-Varo puzzle, he received mail from people claiming firsthand knowledge, including a woman professing to be Allende's widow. Mrs. Lorenzen dismissed the affair as a hoax, but the existence of the Varo Edition lent credence to the possibility that Allende had indeed written some or all of the notations.

Crucially, some of the marginal comments from 1956 discussed developments in physics and medical effects of UFO phenomena that were not widely recognized until nearly 20 years later. Allende himself modestly claimed credit for the notations and expressed anger when others were blamed.

In 1970, the author began receiving lengthy letters from Mexico, purportedly from Carlos Allende. The author requested proof of identity, receiving photostat copies of seaman's papers, tax forms, and a letter from Morris K. Jessup to Allende. The man in Mexico repeated his earlier claims and acknowledged his role in the Varo affair.

Long-time UFO investigator Gray Barker later acquired a copy of the Varo Edition and, after obtaining copyright clearances, reprinted it in a limited edition, making it available on the open market. Officials from the Varo Corporation declined to comment on the affair.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The central theme of this article is the enduring mystery surrounding Carlos Allende and the Varo Edition, questioning whether the events described were a hoax or indicative of genuine, perhaps classified, phenomena. The article highlights the unusual nature of the annotations, their prescient content regarding physics and UFO effects, and the significant interest shown by the U.S. Navy and Varo Corporation. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting the facts and the ongoing questions, acknowledging the complexity and the persistent intrigue of the case, without definitively concluding whether it was a hoax or something more profound. The article emphasizes the difficulty in confirming Allende's claims but notes the substantial effort made by various organizations to investigate the Varo Edition's contents.