SUN 48 (Nov 1977)

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Skeptics UFO Newsletter, dated November 1997, focuses on critically examining claims made by UFOlogist Robert Dean. The publication is edited by Philip J. Klass and is known for its skeptical approach to UFO phenomena.

Robert Dean's Claims and Skeptical Analysis

The main article details Robert O. Dean's assertions, made at the Roswell 50th anniversary celebration, that he had access to 'Cosmic Top Secret' results of a three-year NATO UFO investigation in the early 1960s. Dean claimed this investigation revealed extensive evidence of ET visitation for thousands of years, citing prehistoric cave paintings and Egyptian tomb art as proof. He also alleged that UFOs flying over Europe in the 1950s and early 1960s nearly precipitated World War III, as both the Soviets and the US initially suspected the objects belonged to the other side.

The newsletter contrasts Dean's claims with his military service record, which confirms his four-year tenure at NATO headquarters but lists his assignment as 'Chief Clerk Language Service Branch,' not 'Intelligence Analyst' as Dean stated. His record also does not show any training as an intelligence analyst. Dean's claim of having access to a highly classified NATO report, supposedly eight inches thick and with only 15 copies printed, is questioned. He stated he gained access to this report while on duty at 2 a.m. in NATO's War Room, claiming an Air Force bird colonel gave it to him. Dean asserted he repeatedly studied the report, including its annexes and photographs.

Further, Dean claimed the NATO report detailed a 100-ft.-diameter UFO crash in Germany in late 1963 or 1964, with recovered ET bodies and pathologist's reactions like 'Holy shit.' He also stated the report concluded ETs were multi-dimensional beings and that there were potentially over a hundred different groups of aliens. The newsletter points out that Dean's focus on ancient art for his 'UFO research' could be a way to fund his UFO lectures.

Challenge from Declassified Documents

The article highlights the release of 79 'National Intelligence Estimates' (NIEs) by the CIA in December 1994, covering the period from 1950 to 1984. Notably, none of these once 'Top Secret' documents mention UFOs or the widespread presence of large metallic, circular objects flying over Europe during the 1950s and early 1960s, directly contradicting Dean's narrative.

Dean's justification for revealing alleged classified information is his belief in exposing government 'deceit and deception,' stating, 'It's quite easy to lie to the American public because they don't do their homework.' He has created a 'Coalition for Honesty in Government' to petition for UFO hearings.

MUFON Internal Issues and Editor Resignation

Another section discusses criticism within MUFON regarding its UFO Journal. An article by Kent Jeffrey in the June issue, which questioned the nature of the Brazel ranch debris from the Roswell incident, reportedly 'infuriated' many MUFON members and led to the resignation of editor Dennis Stacy after 13 years. Walt Andrus, MUFON's top director, admitted the article was too long, contained errors, and was 'debunking in nature,' stating members prefer sighting reports over arguments. MUFON has experienced a 'significant decline' in membership, prompting a survey to gauge member views. Dwight Connelly will replace Stacy.

The newsletter suggests that Stacy's skepticism towards 'wilder UFO books' and abduction tales made the MUFON publication a 'voice of rational UFOlogy,' but the organization now needs to cater to its majority membership for financial survival.

Selective Invisibility and Abduction Claims

Budd Hopkins and David Jacobs are discussed for their theory of 'selective invisibility,' where ETs can make themselves, their craft, and abductees invisible to certain witnesses. Hopkins cites numerous cases where alleged abductions in crowded cities lack witnesses, which he interprets as proof of this power rather than questioning the claims themselves. The article mentions the Linda Cortile case, where Hopkins believes ETs arranged for specific witnesses like Javier Perez de Cuellar to see the event.

An incident investigated by Hopkins in Brisbane, Australia, involving a couple and their sons allegedly beamed up to a UFO, is recounted. The husband, who was on the beach, was reportedly made invisible along with his camera, yet the resulting photograph showed only the beach surroundings, with no apparent blockage from the invisible figures. The newsletter sarcastically notes that ETs would have had to fill in the background details that the invisible bodies would have blocked.

Freedom of Information Act Request and Corso's Claims

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request has been filed by attorney Peter Gersten with the Army, seeking information to confirm the claims made in former Lt. Col. Philip Corso's book, 'The Day After Roswell.' Corso alleges that advanced technologies like computer chips and lasers are derived from ET technology recovered from the Roswell crash and that he played a role in transferring this technology to US industry. Gersten, who has a history of using FOIA for UFO information, questions Corso's accuracy but is puzzled by his motivation, suggesting fame and fortune as possibilities.

When asked about his current views on UFOs, Gersten replied that he believes the planet is in contact with another intelligence but considers 'crop circles' better evidence than UFOs. He has also become interested in astrology.

MUFON Research Director Endorses Corso

Dr. Robert M. Wood, MUFON's director of research, has endorsed Corso's book, predicting it will become a significant work on UFOs. Wood, formerly with McDonnell Douglas, is questioned by the newsletter about whether any of his company's advances should be credited to recovered ET debris.

Other UFOlogists and Cases

Sir Peter Horsley, a retired Air Marshal, is mentioned for his autobiographical book containing claims of meeting an ET named Mr. Janus in 1954. Despite admitting he cannot recall details of the man or the location, he is adamant about the encounter.

Hopkins' Accusation Against SUN's Editor

Budd Hopkins is quoted as accusing Philip Klass, the editor of Skeptics UFO Newsletter, of making 'ad hominem attacks' and dismissing UFO cases without investigation. Klass refutes this, stating he has investigated the Roswell incident for eight years, interviewed witnesses, and read extensively on the topic. Klass has authored a book titled 'The Real Roswell Crashed-Saucer Coverup.'

'V2' Campaign Against Alien Entities

The newsletter mentions an anonymous individual using the pseudonym 'V2' who is promoting a 'Say NO To Deceptive Alien Entities' campaign with stickers. V2 believes that 'Greys' and their associates are committing crimes and traumatizing people, and that resistance through 'strength of spirit and righteous anger' can avert abductions. Millions of stickers have reportedly been distributed globally.

Short Shrift Section

This section includes brief mentions of:

• Stanton Friedman's new book, 'Top Secret/MAJIC,' being criticized for focusing on himself rather than shedding light on the UFO phenomenon, particularly his continued belief in the MJ-12 documents.
• Friedman asking his Roswell audience to boo a picture of UFO debunker Philip Klass, an act described as an 'ugly display of character assassination.'
• New Mexico Congressman Steven Schiff's 'disappearance' from the UFO scene, attributed to being overwhelmed by media attention, leading his press secretary to implement a 'no UFO media diet.'
• The Roswell International UFO Museum & Research Center reporting 24,588 visitors during its 50th anniversary celebration. UFOlogist Michael Lindemann calls Roswell 'UFO Mecca.'
• Gulf Breeze, Florida, being presented as an alternative 'UFO photo opportunity' location compared to Roswell.
• Arcturus Books experiencing a 15% drop in sales despite extensive TV coverage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims, particularly those made by prominent figures like Robert Dean and Stanton Friedman, and the emphasis on evidence-based skepticism. The editorial stance, represented by Philip J. Klass and the Skeptics UFO Newsletter, is to challenge unsubstantiated assertions, highlight contradictions with official records or scientific understanding, and promote a rational approach to UFOlogy. The newsletter actively debunks sensational claims and questions the methodologies and motivations of UFO proponents, while also acknowledging the ongoing public interest in the topic.