SUN 01 (Dec 1989)

Magazine Overview

Title: SKEPTICS' UFO NEWSLETTER (SUN)
Issue: #1
Date: December 1989
Publisher: Philip J. Klass

This issue of the Skeptics' UFO Newsletter, published by Philip J. Klass, presents a critical examination of UFO-related phenomena and research, with a strong emphasis on debunking claims and exposing potential hoaxes.

MJ-12 Papers: Counterfeit Evidence

The lead story, "'Smoking Gun' discovered which proves that 'Top Secret' MJ-12 (crashed saucer) papers are counterfeit," details findings that challenge the authenticity of the highly publicized MJ-12 documents. Philip J. Klass highlights the work of a document examiner who found that a signature on a purported MJ-12 memo from President Truman to Defense Secretary Forrestal, dated September 24, 1947, is identical to a signature on an authentic Truman letter to Dr. Vannevar Bush, dated October 1, 1947. The identical skid mark on the letter 'H' in both signatures is presented as proof of forgery or the use of a "signature machine." Furthermore, the examiner noted that the MJ-12 memo was typed on a Smith Corona typewriter, a model not introduced until 15 years after the memo's purported date, in 1963.

Full details of this investigation are slated for publication in the Winter 1989-1990 issue of Skeptical Inquirer. The article will also address another MJ-12 document, a memo from Robert Cutler to Gen. Nathan Twining, which is also claimed to be a phoney. Stanton T. Friedman, a proponent of the MJ-12 papers, reportedly received a $16,000 grant from the Fund for UFO Research (FUFOR) to research paper authenticity, and the newsletter questions whether his final report will include these negative findings.

New UFO Groups and Controversies

The newsletter reports on the formation of new UFO-related organizations. Budd Hopkins, author of "Intruders," has formed a new group called "IF" (Investigative Files) which will focus on "UFO abductions" and the "abduction phenomenon." This group plans to publish a quarterly "IF Bulletin." Hopkins stated that "IF" will cooperate with existing organizations like MUFON and CUFOS.

Whitley Strieber, who previously split with Hopkins, has also launched a quarterly newsletter called "The Communion Letter." Strieber is critical of the modus operandi of some self-help groups, cautioning against those formed by individuals with strong beliefs about the visitors and their motives. He notes the formation of active "Communion groups" across the country.

William L. Moore's MUFON Speech

A significant event discussed is William L. Moore's Saturday night speech at the 1989 MUFON conference in Las Vegas. His long-time collaborator, Stanton Friedman, was reportedly shocked by Moore's claims. Moore did not submit his paper for advance publication and charged $10.00 for copies. Moore claimed he had served as a government agent to infiltrate and report on organizations like APRO and acted as a disinformation agent to feed spurious information into the UFO movement. He admitted this disinformation was responsible for the nervous breakdown of a UFOlogist in Albuquerque.

Moore's speech was headlined in UFO magazine as a "Confessional: Disinformation Ploy Revealed." Barry Greenwood, editor of Just Cause UFO newsletter, stated that for the past 10 years, Moore himself has been a major source of disinformation in UFOlogy. Moore rationalized his alleged role by saying, "If they hadn't found me they would have found somebody else."

Furthermore, Moore endorsed Whitley Strieber's UFO-abduction claims, calling them "very close to the truth." He also served as a paid consultant for Strieber's new book "Majestic," which deals with the MJ-12 coverup and a childhood UFO abduction. Although listed as "Fiction," Strieber implies it is based on fact.

Book Reviews and UFO Cases

The newsletter reviews several recent books related to UFOs. Strieber's "Majestic" is reviewed by Dennis Stacy of the MUFON UFO Journal, who calls it uninspired. Ed Conroy's "Report on Communion" is also discussed; Conroy, a journalist, reveals in the last chapter that he believes he has experienced "UFO abductions." Dr. Brian O'Leary, a former NASA astronaut, also reportedly encountered Strieber's "visitors."

Voronezh Landing

The newsletter reports on an alleged landing of UFOnauts in Voronezh, Russia, in late September, possibly as a test of the USSR's "Glasnost" policy. The report, from TASS, notes that giant-size UFOnauts (9-12 ft. tall) with tiny knob-size heads were selected for this mission, contrasting with smaller UFOnauts reported elsewhere. The UFOnauts reportedly claimed to be from "the constellation Libra--Red Star."

Gulf Breeze Sightings

The upcoming book "The Gulf Breeze Sightings: The Most Astounding Multiple Sightings of UFOs in U.S. History," by Ed and Frances Walters, is discussed. The book features two dozen color UFO photos taken by Walters with a Polaroid camera. The newsletter raises concerns about the potential for double-exposures with this type of camera, noting that Ed Walters claimed to be unaware of this capability despite using the camera for 17 years. Initially, Walters claimed the photos were taken by a "Mr. X," but later admitted he was "Mr. X." While some MUFON investigators were impressed, long-time pro-UFOlogists Dr. Willy Smith and Bob Boyd criticized the case and were expelled from MUFON. The National Enquirer showed interest but lost it when NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory could not endorse the photos' authenticity. Dr. Bruce Maccabee, an optical physicist, investigated the case and created a double-exposure UFO-like photo, which he showed to Walters, who seemed convinced by it. Walters later accepted a $200,000 offer from William Morrow to write a book, and Maccabee accepted $20,000 to write a chapter on the photo analysis. Budd Hopkins agreed to write the book's introduction, strongly endorsing the photos and tales.

Potpourri

Original title for the Walters book, "UFOs: Proof Positive," was changed after a photoanalyst concluded the photos did not provide "scientific proof" of UFOs. William Morrow & Co. is becoming a major publisher of pro-UFO books, partly due to the success of Strieber's "Communion."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptics' UFO Newsletter, under the editorship of Philip J. Klass, consistently adopts a skeptical stance towards UFO claims. The primary focus is on critical analysis, evidence evaluation, and the exposure of potential fraud or misinterpretation within the UFO community. The newsletter prioritizes scientific methodology and rigorous examination of evidence, often highlighting discrepancies, logical fallacies, and the unreliability of anecdotal accounts. The editorial stance is clearly against the uncritical acceptance of UFO phenomena and aims to provide a counterpoint to more credulous publications and researchers in the field. The newsletter actively seeks to debunk sensational claims and promote a more grounded, evidence-based approach to understanding UFO reports.