SBEDV - No 007 - 1959

Magazine Overview

This issue of the BOLETIM INFORMATIVO (Informative Bulletin) No. 7, published by the SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE ESTUDOS SOBRE DISCOS VOADORES (Brazilian Society for the Study of Flying Saucers), was issued on January 1, 1959. It is a bi-monthly publication.

The cover headline emphasizes the society's interest in exchanging publications with similar organizations. The bulletin also notes the involvement of CIPEX and GENA and includes a stamp from the Public Library of Paraná.

The Bulletin's Content and Reception

The editorial section reiterates that the bulletin has been well-received, with readers finding its speculative and fascinating nature a welcome distraction from daily life. The society expresses sincere gratitude for the support and encouragement received, especially from the press across Brazil for their disinterested collaboration in publicizing matters related to the society.

UFO Sightings in Brazil (September - November 1958)

A summary of flying saucer movements over Brazilian territory during September to November 1958, sourced from 'Lux Jornal,' reports a total of six sightings across several states: Alagoas (1), Goiás (1), Minas Gerais (1), Paraná (2), and Santa Catarina (1).

Two specific sightings are highlighted for their originality:

1. October 22nd, Sabinópolis, Minas Gerais: Dozens of people witnessed two discs, separated by 50 meters, moving slowly eastward. They produced a loud noise and projected a "strange and strong whitish light."
2. November 11th, Federal Capital: A "rounded and glittering" disc was observed at an altitude of 12,000 meters. It remained airborne for 30 minutes before disappearing "with incredible speed" when an airplane attempted to pursue it.

Lecture by Dr. Walter Buhler

The bulletin announces a public lecture given by Dr. Walter Buhler on November 11, 1958, organized by the Brazilian Society for the Study of Flying Saucers. The dissemination of this case is credited to Mrs. Franky G. Muller of the Space Travel Research Association in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, in May 1958.

The Reinhold O. Schmidt Case

This section details a personal account by Reinhold O. Schmidt, who was working as a cereal buyer for "Brawley, California." He recounts an extraordinary experience that occurred on November 5, 1957, near Kearney, Nebraska, USA.

Schmidt was inspecting cornfields when his car engine stopped about 30 meters from a strange object. He initially thought it was a balloon but soon realized it was a large, silver, metallic craft resembling polished steel or aluminum. A beam of light projected from the craft onto his chest, paralyzing him. A door opened, and two men emerged, asking if he was armed. After examining him, they allowed him to move again.

Schmidt was invited into the craft, where the commander explained he could observe everything without touching. The interior featured transparent walls that seemed like thick glass, offering views of the surroundings. Inside, he encountered four men and two women, all appearing to be around 40 years old, of medium build, and with tanned complexions. The women were seated near a large table with an instrument resembling a TV screen, while the men worked at a control panel with numerous gauges and switches. Transparent columns contained colored liquids that moved like pistons.

Schmidt noted the occupants' smooth, gliding movement, speculating it might be due to their footwear. He also recalled a conversation where one of the men mentioned that "they know you have seen this ship before and will see it again." They also alluded to future satellite programs, predicting initial failures before eventual success.

The craft ascended vertically and, at about 45 meters above the ground, changed color from black to a bluish-green before disappearing rapidly. After the encounter, Schmidt's car started normally. He was deeply affected by the experience and initially hesitated to report it due to fear of losing his job or not being believed.

However, recalling government appeals to report unidentified aerial objects, Schmidt decided to file a report. He first attempted to consult a priest, then the police chief, and eventually met with a substitute delegate at the Tribunal de Justiça.

Schmidt was taken to the police station and questioned extensively. He was informed that his refusal to apply for a lie detector test was accepted due to his state of fatigue. The following morning, November 6th, the municipal prosecutor presented him with two oil cans, claiming one was empty and found near the landing site, and the other, partially full, was taken from his car. Schmidt argued this was a fabricated story.

He was later informed that two officers from the Colorado Springs Air Force Base had interviewed him. During this interview, an official remarked on the craft's vertical ascent, to which an Air Force officer responded, "Oh! We know what makes the ship ascend vertically." Subsequently, local authorities declared Schmidt's account to be false.

Schmidt was placed incommunicado in jail for three days. On November 7th, he was informed he would undergo a mental sanity examination. He was taken to the Hastings Hospital in Nebraska, accompanied by police and legal officials. The medical commission, including the Police Chief, the Municipal Attorney, and a doctor, questioned him. When asked if he agreed to be interned for tests, Schmidt refused, stating they would have to assume the responsibility if they insisted.

At the hospital, his brothers were shown evidence suggesting Schmidt had suicidal tendencies, urging them to consent to his internment in a mental sanatorium for safety reasons. The brothers, advised by their lawyers, refused, believing the authorities wanted to dismiss the Schmidt case due to its publicity. The lawyers suggested that if the authorities pursued the transfer, the responsibility would fall on them.

Schmidt, who was born and educated near Kearney, expressed his belief that his experience was being used to discredit him. He was subjected to nearly two weeks of tests.

Interview with Dr. Abdo Abi Ramia

Dr. Abdo Abi Ramia, a physician and renowned clinician, was interviewed regarding "flying saucers." He acknowledges the possibility of these craft originating from other planets, suggesting Mars as a potential candidate due to its physical conditions, though acknowledging that other planets in the vast universe might also harbor life.

Dr. Ramia posits that beings from highly advanced civilizations, possessing superior intellect and morality, would not harbor aggressive intentions towards less evolved species like humans. He believes such beings would likely offer assistance and cooperation, rather than conquest, viewing humanity's progress as its own responsibility.

He contrasts the destructive tendencies driven by personal ambitions in human history with the harmonious, cooperative approach of extraterrestrial civilizations, which he believes stems from recognizing their planet as belonging to a Creator and treating each other as family.

Dr. Ramia dismisses the idea of extraterrestrials imposing their will through force, considering it an unintelligent and ineffective strategy. He believes that any contact, if it occurs, will be a form of assistance, and humanity must actively work towards its own evolution.

Cosmic Science and George Adamski

The bulletin references "Cosmic Science," a program suggested by G. Adamski, aimed at universal research and evolution. Adamski has published numerous pamphlets answering questions about flying saucers, their origin, and purpose. One question addressed is why space-faring beings are more advanced than humans. The answer suggests that millions of years ago, extraterrestrial peoples began respecting each other as planetary family members, leading to a focus on constructive studies and a deep understanding of nature.

Recommended Reading

A list of Portuguese-language books on flying saucers is provided for interested readers:

1. *Discos Voadores* by George Adamski (translated by Editora Globo)
2. *Contato com os Discos Voadores* by Dino Kraspedon
3. *Num Disco Visitei Outro Planeta* by Antonio Rossi
4. *A Ronda dos Discos Voadores* by Joao Martins
5. *O Misterio dos Discos Voadores* by Luiz Glauco Torres
6. *A Verdade sobre os Discos Voadores* by Donald Keyhoe (translated by Patti Salgado)

Society Membership and Correspondence

Information is provided for correspondence with society members Dr. José Augusto Costa Junior, Dr. Paulo Manzo, and Dr. Walter Buhler. The bulletin also outlines membership options: Contribuinte (contributor), Correspondente (corresponding member), and Informante (informant), with a monthly fee of Cr$ 50.00. Instructions are given for new members to fill out a form and send it to the Treasurer, Sr. Cristovao Tostes Coelho.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, potential extraterrestrial contact, and the scientific and philosophical implications of these phenomena. The society's stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the exchange of information and fostering a speculative yet analytical approach to the subject. There is a clear emphasis on the possibility of intelligent extraterrestrial life and a hopeful outlook that such contact would be beneficial rather than hostile to humanity. The case of Reinhold O. Schmidt highlights the challenges of reporting unusual experiences, including potential disbelief and official scrutiny. The interview with Dr. Ramia reinforces the idea of benevolent extraterrestrial visitors and the importance of human self-improvement.