1975 12 00 SAGA - John Keel - Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Ancient Astronauts Modern Mysteries" features an article titled "THE PHANTOM UFO INFORMANTS" by John A. Keel. The magazine itself is identified as "SAGA" and is presented as a publication focused on mysteries and potentially ancient astronaut theories.

The Phantom UFO Informants

The article by John A. Keel meticulously details a recurring phenomenon in UFOlogy: the spread of disinformation and fabricated stories by individuals posing as "phantom informants." These informants, often appearing as figures in military uniforms, engage with UFO enthusiasts, promising official government confirmations of extraterrestrial life or revealing details of crashed UFO incidents. These rumors, referred to as "The Rumor," have been circulating for decades, appearing in waves, particularly after significant UFO activity.

Keel recounts instances from 1949, 1952, 1954, and 1973, where such rumors promised official announcements that never materialized. He notes how these stories were amplified by syndicated columnists like Dorothy Kilgallen and Walter Winchell, and even picked up by national tabloids. The article highlights the cyclical nature of these hoaxes, with dates for announcements being repeatedly pushed back.

Phantom Leaks and Disinformation Tactics

Drawing a parallel to the Watergate scandal, Keel questions the government's ability to maintain secrets, yet points out the persistent belief among UFO proponents that thousands of government personnel have concealed UFO truths. He notes the lack of any official government disclosures despite alleged leaks from disgruntled C.I.A. agents or military leaders.

• The article describes various methods used by these phantom informants:
• Impersonation: Posing as U.S. military personnel (Air Force, Navy, Marines) to gain credibility.
• Confidential Tone: Sharing "secret" information in a confidential manner.
• Promises of Official Statements: Claiming the government is planning to issue a significant statement about extraterrestrial life.
• Telephone Calls: Using well-spoken individuals who initially provide legitimate tips before introducing UFO-related rumors, often leading to discrediting stories for the reporters.
• Hoax Photos: Providing purported UFO photos from secret government files (e.g., NASA, Air Force) that are later exposed as hoaxes.
• Mail Campaigns: In Europe, phantom informants extensively use the mail to spread rumors.

Keel himself became a target of such rumors in 1966-67, where officials hinted at upcoming UFO announcements that never occurred. He emphasizes that these tactics are often too complex and expensive for simple pranks, suggesting a more organized effort.

Specific Rumor Examples

• Several specific examples of these rumors are detailed:
• The "Hospital Rumor": Claims a local hospital (in London, Lima, or Tokyo) has a sealed-off floor housing a genuine extraterrestrial being kept alive by modern medicine.
• The "Wounded Spaceman" Rumor: A variation of a 1950s tale where a tall being in a cloak and hood, with hairy hands, was allegedly admitted to the White House to meet the President. This originated from a short story but became a persistent rumor.
• The "Crashed Saucer" Story: Popularized by Frank Scully based on testimony from a "Dr. G.," this rumor claims a UFO crashed in the southwest in 1949, and the Air Force collected the craft and bodies of "little men."

The Case Against the C.I.A. and U.S. Air Force

The article touches upon theories that agencies like the C.I.A. or the U.S. Air Force were responsible for these UFO phenomena. Nuclear physicist Dr. Leon Davidson concluded that the UFO phenomenon was a C.I.A. creation. Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe attempted to prove the U.S. Air Force was behind it. However, Keel questions the motive for such extensive and costly campaigns.

Can the Truth Be Hidden?

Keel expresses doubt that a genuine UFO crash could be kept secret for long, given the number of people who would inevitably be involved and the potential for leaks or books being written. He suggests that if non-government scientists found evidence, they might hide it initially to protect their reputations, but eventually, rumors would leak out, only to be buried by the existing flood of false UFO stories.

He posits that the most effective way to keep a significant discovery hidden would be to deliberately spread other rumors as camouflage. This leads to the conclusion that many UFO rumors might be serving precisely this purpose: to obscure a deeper, carefully concealed truth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The central theme of this article is the pervasive nature of disinformation and rumor within the UFO community. Keel's stance is critical of these fabricated narratives, viewing them as a significant impediment to genuine UFO research. He argues that these "phantom informants" and their manufactured stories not only mislead enthusiasts but also discredit serious investigators and reporters. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a call for critical evaluation of information within the field of ufology, suggesting that the proliferation of rumors serves a deliberate purpose, possibly to obscure actual events or phenomena.