SBEDV - No 018 - 1960

Magazine Overview

This document is Boletim Informativo No. 18, published on November 1, 1960, by the Sociedade Brasileira de Estudos Sobre Discos Voadores (SBESDV). The publication is bilingual, with Portuguese content and some English references. The headquarters are in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the editorial direction is led by Dr. Walter Buhler.

Retrospecto do Problema Disco Voador

The article begins by describing recent trips to Europe where the authors engaged with individuals interested in UFOs. They note that obtaining local information in Europe is difficult due to limited press coverage of such phenomena. The authors suggest that paid publications could increase public awareness of UFOs and encourage the reporting of sightings.

They emphasize the importance of focusing on the interplanetary nature of these craft, citing concrete examples from Brazil. Three cases are detailed:

1. Gravataí, 1954: A UFO was observed hovering over the aero-military base and then accelerated to 2,000 meters in one second, representing an acceleration of 250 g, which is beyond human or conventional aircraft capabilities. This performance is attributed to a possible neutralization of gravity.
2. Ubatuba: Analysis of magnesium collected after a UFO explosion revealed exceptional purity and a density of 1.86, differing from terrestrial magnesium.
3. Ilha da Trindade: A UFO sighting reportedly caused temporary paralysis of the engines and navigation instruments of the ship "Almirante Saldanha." Approximately 50 people witnessed the event, and four photographs were taken, which were examined by an expert in aerophotogrammetry.

The bulletin also mentions the screening of the film "Enigma do Espaço," produced by United Artists with USAF assistance, which included footage of UFO sightings in Montana and Utah. It also references Kenneth Arnold's sighting of 9 silver discs near Mount Rainer in 1947 and the dialogue between Captain Mantell and air traffic control before his death while pursuing a metallic disc.

NICAP and UFO Secrecy

The article critiques the perceived "tapad" (covered-up) attitude of the North American Society NICAP regarding UFOs, suggesting it aligns with secrecy from the USAF and CIA. It notes that NICAP itself favors secrecy through its "confidential" bulletins and attempts to discredit information about UFO occupants. The authors express surprise that NICAP's board includes representatives from organizations it claims to oppose. An explanation offered is that this might be a maneuver to gain time or to steer ufology back towards 'respectability' under the guidance of certain groups, in response to growing public pressure for information.

SBESDV's Approach to UFOs

The SBESDV highlights the increasing interest in UFO research, with over 12 bulletins in circulation. They outline their "Decalogue" for conduct regarding UFOs, emphasizing:

• Providing full support to individuals reporting sightings.
• Receiving all reports with seriousness and respect, as they may be proven true later.
• Welcoming and protecting UFO occupants, as they are considered essentially peaceful in Brazil.
• Commitment to serious, honest, and non-political, non-religious, or non-financial dissemination of findings.
• Offering collaboration to the government when requested, while respecting differing viewpoints.

The bulletin also mentions the case of Captain Mantell and the secret report from the Navy regarding the Ilha da Trindade UFO, which was kept confidential from the public. It references Dr. Flavio Pereira's view that UFO research should be confidential and mentions Brazilian military personnel involved in a "Confidential Study Commission."

International UFO Publications and Cases

The SBESDV acknowledges the existence of numerous international UFO publications, including "Flying Saucer Review" (London and Australia), "Ufo Nachrichten," "Wel-traumbote," "UfoNyt," "Austr. S. Record," "Ufology Bull.," "Outer Space Rev.," and bulletins from Brisbane and New Zealand.

Two translated articles from "Flying Saucer Review" are presented:

1. Desmond Leslie (FSR, Sept/Oct 1956): Describes a case in Ireland where a couple observed a rapidly descending object that landed near a stream. The object was described as elliptical, red, and seemingly made of rubber, later changing to a sphere and emitting a strong blue-white light. It eluded attempts to be held and disappeared quickly. The local meteorological office could not explain the phenomenon.
2. The Grey River (FSR, Jan/Feb 1957): Reports on an object observed by two men that appeared like a shooting star. It was elliptical (30x45 cm) and later transformed into a sphere (45 cm diameter) with a blue-white light. It moved erratically when approached.

Sr. George Adamski

The SBESDV announces that they are no longer the representative of Mr. George Adamski in Brazil but express continued respect for his contributions to UFO research.

Activities of SBESDV

The SBESDV is temporarily suspending its public activities but will continue to send its bulletin to subscribers. They will also maintain international correspondence and issue a bulletin in English.

News from Newspapers about D.V.

Reports indicate that UFOs have been regularly visiting cities in Ceará. In Ubatuba, São Paulo, two UFOs caused a 40-minute delay to a cinema screening. Witnesses described the objects as one white and one reddish, performing various maneuvers like rotating, hovering, and moving in circles or right angles. Many who witnessed the event stated they did not believe in UFOs until they saw them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent study and reporting of UFO phenomena, the perceived secrecy and potential cover-ups by official organizations (like NICAP), and the need for public dissemination of credible information. The SBESDV positions itself as a serious research body committed to objective investigation and the dissemination of facts, advocating for a rational and respectful approach to eyewitness testimony. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, critical analysis of official narratives, and a belief in the interplanetary nature of UFOs, while also acknowledging the need for careful verification and avoiding sensationalism.