TOPSIDE

Magazine Overview

Title: TOPSIDE
Issue: NUMBER 16
Date: SPRING, 1965.
Publisher: THE OTTAWA NEW SCIENCES CLUB
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA.

This issue of TOPSIDE, published by The Ottawa New Sciences Club, is dedicated to exploring various facets of the unexplained, with a particular focus on UFO phenomena, cosmic consciousness, and spiritual themes. The publication emphasizes that the opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the club.

Articles and Content

Wilbert B. Smith Honoured

The issue notes that Wilbert B. Smith has been honoured by an award. It also mentions a folder containing material for the translation of W.B. Smith's lectures into Swedish, suggesting his international influence.

The Mysterious Silence

This section, referencing the late Wilbert B. Smith's utterances, is presented with a title that hints at enigmatic or unspoken aspects of his work or the broader subject matter.

Prominent Statements on UFOs

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a collection of statements from prominent Americans regarding UFOs. These individuals, described as not being members of the 'insanity fringe,' offer their perspectives:

• Rear-Admiral Delmer Fahmey (USN, Ret.): Former chief of the navy guided missile division, he states that 'Reliable reports indicate that unidentified objects are coming into our atmosphere at very high speeds and that they are controlled.'
• Dewey-Fournet, Jr.: Former air force headquarters intelligence monitor for the UFO project, he asserts that 'The air force is still withholding information on unidentified flying objects, including UFO sighting reports.'
• Vice Admiral Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter (USN, Ret.): Former Central Intelligence Agency director, he believes 'The unknown objects are operating under intelligent control. It is imperative that we learn where they come from.'
• Albert M. Chop: Deputy public affairs director at NASA, he is convinced that 'saucers are interplanetary. We're being watched by beings from outer space.'
• Senator Everett Dirksen: Expresses skepticism about government secrecy in these fields, stating, 'I cannot support the Government secrecy in these fields unless the national security is involved and I cannot believe that it is.'
• John W. McCormack: Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, he feels 'that the air force has not been giving out all the information it has on the UFOs. You can't disregard so many unimpeachable sources.'
• B.W. (Toronto Columnist): Poses a question about human egotism in scoffing at the possibility of extraterrestrial life, given the vastness of the universe and advancements in space exploration.

These statements were reportedly sourced from 'The Globe and Mail' in Toronto, dated December 18, 1964.

An Ideal Prayer

A prayer is presented, noted as having been adopted by a number of international UFO Groups and translated into several languages. It is offered for those who wish to incorporate it into a worldwide prayer. The prayer focuses on seeking wisdom, understanding, and the ability to feel and share joy and courage, rather than material gifts or light.

The Law of Perfect Justice

This section includes a quote attributed to EMERSON, which speaks to the inherent balance and justice in the universe, suggesting that for every loss there is a gain, and that every action has a consequence, whether it be a crime punished or a virtue rewarded.

Extracts from Letters to the Editor

This section features reader contributions:

• Letter 1: Praises an article on the power of thought, emphasizing the importance of positive thinking and the need for mental clarity ('tidying-up in the "upstairs attic"').
• Letter 2: Discusses the 'power of thought' and the necessity of understanding 'Cosmic Consciousness.' It criticizes 'middle-men' in the spiritual field who stifle individual awareness and the right to think for oneself, suggesting that a free-thinking mind is an intelligent mind that cannot be dominated. The letter also touches on the desire for control and power as a motivating force.
• Letter 3: References a report about 'Vatican City is Already Training Space Missionaries,' finding it interesting but noting the 'egotistical assumption' that extraterrestrials might need conversion to Catholicism. It acknowledges that this religion recognizes the truth of Cosmic Intelligence and suggests that religions should progress with science.

Vatican and Space Missionaries

This article delves into the Vatican's consideration of extraterrestrial life and the potential need for salvation. It quotes an article from 'Osservatore Romano' (February 1963) that theorized about the state of souls of extra-terrestrials, questioning if sin is unknown to them or if they have supernatural gifts. Theologians are inclined to believe they have sinned and need salvation. The article discusses the possibility of communication with other minds and astonishingly reveals that a small group of theologians are occupied with training future space missionaries. This training involves both using already-trained space pilots and educating young people who are still in school for this 'most unlikely task.' The mission is officially announced as carrying 'The Catholic Creed to the most distant worlds.'

Forthcoming World Events and UFOs

An excerpt suggests that 'time is short' and 'great events are not too far ahead.' It posits that despite human efforts to cause destruction, a higher power will prevent it. The general public is described as unprepared for the 'New Age of Cosmic Consciousness' and the physical and spiritual changes that will affect everyone. The author believes that forthcoming world events and physical changes in the Solar System will lead to an increase in UFO visits and larger spacecraft, causing more people to become believers.

Words of Comfort

A poem found among Wilbert Smith's personal effects is included, titled 'Words of Comfort.' The poem reflects themes of trust in a higher power, acceptance of the unknown, and finding security in divine guidance. It speaks of not knowing future plans but trusting in God's presence and grace.

U.S. Operation "Project Magnet"

Translated from 'Le Courrier Interpletaire' by Ann Hardy, this article details the N.I.C.A.P. Organization's revelations about U.S. scientific research in the ionosphere, officially known as 'Project Magnet' (Operation Aimant). While the official aim is to study the Earth's magnetic field, it is suggested that the operation also serves to assemble information on Unidentified Flying Objects for the Intelligence Service of the American Navy. The article mentions that a 'Project Magnet' plane, the KC-135 Paisano II, was based in Ezeiza, Argentina, in January 1964, conducting exploration flights, including one to the South Georgia Islands, an area known for magnetic anomalies. Researchers believe UFO trajectories may be influenced by the Earth's magnetic field. The plane also visited Santiago and Lima before returning to the U.S. The results of this research were sent to the Scientific Foundation, Bartol, near Swarthmore, Pennsylvania.

Report from "Down Under"

A press report from Wellington, N.Z., dated January 14, 1965, details a sighting of seven unidentified objects picked up on radar over the Tasman Sea. The objects were flying at approximately 4500 feet in an easterly direction in a V-formation. A Civil Aviation Department official confirmed the sighting, referring to them as 'unidentified flying objects,' but also suggested they might have been cloud formations caused by high winds.

Poetry: On Reincarnation

Two poems are included on the theme of reincarnation:

• 'The Muse - On Reincarnation' by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, which explores a sense of having been somewhere or known someone before, with a dawning recognition.
• A second, untitled poem by Eva Gore Booth, which speaks of a 'veiled watcher' and an 'ancient, childlike soul' that has existed through many lives, guarding a 'crumbling shrine' and a 'dream of Rome inviolate,' and continuing to share a 'radiant secret.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of TOPSIDE are UFOs and unexplained phenomena, spiritual growth and consciousness (particularly 'Cosmic Consciousness'), and the concept of reincarnation. There is a clear interest in scientific investigation of UFOs, as evidenced by the coverage of 'Project Magnet,' alongside a spiritual and philosophical exploration of consciousness and existence. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, encouraging readers to consider unconventional ideas and to question established norms, particularly regarding government secrecy and the potential for extraterrestrial life. The inclusion of poetry and prayers suggests a broader interest in the human condition and spiritual well-being, intertwined with the pursuit of knowledge about the unknown.