Topside - Issue 21-22 - 1966 Summer and Fall

Magazine Overview

Title: TOPSIDE
Issue: NUMBERS 21 & 22
Date: SUMMER & FALL, 1966
Publisher: THE OTTAWA NEW SCIENCES CLUB
Country: CANADA
Price: $1.00 for 4 issues (approximately quarterly)

This issue of Topside presents a guest editorial and reports on UFO activities from the editor's European tour.

Guest Editorial: TO ALL CONCERNED WITH THE DESTINY OF MAN ON THIS PLANET

Miss Rey d'Aquila, Founder of the UFO Contact Group in The Hague, Holland, contributes a guest editorial that emphasizes a spiritual approach to aiding humanity. Titled "God Calling," the editorial quotes a passage encouraging prayer for the righting of wrongs and the transformation of people and laws. D'Aquila introduces a concept of "world saving" that differs from individual efforts, suggesting that cooperation with higher spiritual spheres can be achieved through selfless attitudes and trust in divine plans. She posits that "powers of evil" attempt to exploit moments of mental weakness, but protection is available through prayer and a constant feeling of security. D'Aquila believes people are influenced by unknown sources, contributing to either construction or destruction. She offers an efficient method of "world saving" on a large scale, inviting those willing to adopt this method, which involves sacrificing ego and personal merit to let "Christ take action." This method, she explains, requires a certain way of thinking and a selfless attitude, aiming to evoke the Highest Power in the Universe. The core idea is to pray for the Father's Will to be done, excluding personal desires, which she claims will alter lives, banish evils, and make individuals powerful forces for good.

Editor's Tour and International UFO Activities

The editor regrets the delay in publication due to an absence in Europe during July and August, leading to a combined Summer and Autumn issue. The European tour included visits to Holland, Denmark, Italy, and England, with significant contacts made with UFO groups.

Holland

In Amsterdam, the editor arranged a meeting with Miss Rey d'Aquila of the UFO Contact Group. Although the meeting was missed due to an early flight, d'Aquila provided a report on recent UFO activities. She noted a growing interest in "New Age Thinking" among young people in Holland, with a small group of young men attending meetings at her home for discussions. D'Aquila is also collaborating with Ronald Calais on a filmstrip titled "Erratics," focusing on "The Mysterious Chunk of Hardware at Ottawa." She has also written a draft TV play titled "The Big Hum" based on UFO noise reports from Warminster and Southern England, which has been sent to an Australian colleague for potential production. Dutch TV aired a UFO documentary on August 1st covering sightings in Australia, Chile, and the USA.

D'Aquila reported a dramatic sighting on June 27, 1966, in The Hague West, where she witnessed a "swarm" of UFOs resembling birds, described as a "rain of lights" that turned from NW to SE and then East, disappearing in about 10 seconds. The lights were hazy-blue and appeared to be about 10-15 in number, estimated to be the size of pennies at arm's length. She reasoned they were not meteors or satellites due to their movement. This sighting was later corroborated by a friend in Eindhoven with whom she has telepathic communication.

Denmark

Denmark shows considerable interest in the UFO mystery, particularly at intellectual and university levels, largely due to an intensive UFO educational campaign by Major Hans Petersen, Head of Scandinavian UFO Information and IGAP organizer for Europe and Asia. Petersen has presented the UFO case through lectures and television programs. A new international UFO magazine, "UFO Contact," is being edited and published by Major Petersen and his co-worker Ronald Caswell, with plans for translation into other languages. Special IGAP reporters will be appointed globally.

Italy

Interest in UFO phenomena is increasing in Italy, with many reputable men in professional fields joining research. Active UFO groups exist in Milan, Turin, and Rome. The magazine "Clypeus" is recommended for Italian readers.

In Rome, lawyer Fernando Russo, known as Rome's "Space Specialist," exposed a "phoney Martian" attempting to extort money. Russo alerted the police, who arrested a law student disguised as a Martian. The incident highlights Russo's keen interest in UFOs.

The editor had an audience with the Pope at Castel Gandolfo, where His Holiness appealed for Christian church unity. It is believed in some UFO circles that "Space Brothers" are in contact with the Pope, and there is evidence suggesting the late Pope John received communications from them. George Adamski reportedly met a man from Venus who gave him a package for Pope John, which Adamski delivered, receiving a gold medallion in return.

Britain

England is described as a "veritable hive" of UFO research activity, with many active UFO groups, including the British Unidentified Flying Objects Research Association, which adopts a scientific approach. The Warminster incidents led to a Public Enquiry and an intensive campaign by the Midland Interplanetary Association to petition the British Prime Minister for the release of UFO facts. Prime Minister Harold Wilson stated that the government is taking the subject "very seriously."

The editor met with leaders and members of two prominent British UFO groups: Ronald Caswell of IGAP-GB and Leonard G. Cramp, President of the Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society. These meetings involved exchanges of scientific and philosophical data.

Ronald Caswell reported on his activities with IGAP-GB, including lectures and organizing the IGAP Information Service in Denmark. He also publishes a bi-monthly newsletter.

Contactee reports were shared, including one from Devon where a contactee claimed space people promised to drop pieces of the Mustang flown by Capt. Mantell. Metal fragments and a button were found, analyzed by Professor Newton and Leonard Cramp, with some identified as parts of Sperry aircraft equipment. A USAF officer believed the metal was from Capt. Mantell's plane.

A second contactee story involved Garry Byers, who claims a "mystery voice" directs him to meet flying saucers. He reported seeing a "dazzling white object" hovering over his house, which was confirmed by a local resident. Later, his car stalled, and he encountered a man in dark clothes who suggested a further appointment.

Dennis Caswall took a photograph at Salisbury Plain that, when enlarged, revealed two mysterious objects resembling flying saucers of a peculiar mushroom shape, identical to a photograph published in "Flying Saucer Review" taken in Melbourne, Australia.

Ron Caswell also mentioned the success of the GA movie, shown in various countries, and that British ITV featured UFOs, including the GA movie, in a television program. Caswell confirmed an incident where George Adamski's tape recording was erased, similar to an event involving Wilbert B. Smith's data, suggesting the "Space Brothers" can manipulate electronic equipment.

Mrs. Pomeroy and Mrs. Alice K. Wells are collaborating on a biography of George Adamski.

The Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society met with the editor, exchanging UFO data and establishing a link with the Ottawa New Sciences Club for future exchanges.

Warminster Public Enquiry

The strange happenings in Warminster, including a "verberating, two-toned hum," strange lights, car stalls, dead birds, and charred creatures, were discussed. A Public Enquiry was held, but it was considered disappointing by ufologists, with only four witnesses reporting actual sightings. A reporter who promised "startling revelations" later announced he had destroyed his files.

Warminster investigations continue, with sightings still being reported. The British UFO Research Association is conducting scientific research, amassing data, and Dr. John Cleary-Baker believes the phenomena are due to flying saucers, noting that sightings often occur near military sites.

Visit to Leonard Cramp and Book Preview

The editor visited Leonard G. Cramp, President of the Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society, who is known for his book "Space Gravity and the Flying Saucer." Cramp showed sections of his new manuscript, tentatively titled "Anti-Gravity and the Flying Saucer." The book aims to explain the evolution from conventional aircraft to sophisticated flying saucers, using scientific study and practical experiments. Cramp's kitchen served as a laboratory for some experiments, including reproducing the suction effect of UFO take-offs. He even used a lens from his wife's spectacles for an invention. The book questions some of Einstein's theories. The conclusion is that the only way to protect oneself from gravity's ill-effects in a space capsule is through a principle similar to that used in Earth jets, leading to the necessity of a specially-designed spacecraft shape, which Cramp identifies as the Adamski scout ship.

The book also covers the philosophical and metaphysical aspects of the UFO case. The editor considers Cramp's book to be the "most valuable scientific contribution to a better understanding of the UFO mystery" and urges readers to obtain a copy.

A UFO Painting with a Strange Story

Leonard Cramp's oil painting of a flying saucer landing on the moon is described. He recounted an incident where two "space men" allegedly visited his home to examine the painting. This visitation was corroborated by several sources, including family members and the unusual behavior of the Cramp dog, Lassie. The "space men" were observed looking intently at the moon painting through a large picture window, bathed in a glowing light.

Editor's Summary

The editor expresses being "greatly impressed and highly encouraged" by the growing interest in the UFO mystery and the "Space Brothers' philosophy of Universal Brotherhood." This interest is particularly strong among young people and university students. The editor suggests that this generation, dissatisfied with traditional religions, is turning towards Universal Philosophy, which could lead to a better spiritual climate on Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine maintains an open-minded policy towards UFO phenomena and related spiritual philosophies. There is a strong emphasis on the potential for positive change through spiritual awareness and cooperation, particularly among the younger generation. The publication promotes the idea of universal brotherhood and the influence of "Space Brothers." The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging research, sharing information, and fostering a belief in higher possibilities beyond conventional understanding, while also acknowledging the need for scientific rigor in investigations.

This issue of "International Series No. 7 - Britain" focuses on UFO research and activity, with a prominent article detailing the work of the Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society (IWUFOIS).

UFO Research Activity on the Isle of Wight

The article highlights the Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society as one of Britain's most active and respected UFO groups, known for its scientific approach. Frederick W. Smith, Hon. Secretary and Editor of "Spacelink," provides an account of the society's activities. Founded in 1962 by eight members, the society's primary goal was to send a delegation to the British UFO Research Association's Inaugural Convention. A key figure is President Leonard G. Cramp, author of "Space Gravity and the Flying Saucer," who is considered a world authority on UFO propulsion and is preparing a second book.

The society meets monthly in Newport and has explored various aspects of ufology, from astronomy to more speculative theories. They host popular Brain Trusts to share knowledge and conduct practical evenings with demonstrations of telescope making and UFO detectors. Many local societies have requested speakers, leading to productive discussions.

The IWUFOIS has approximately 50 members, including professionals like rocket technicians, electronic engineers, draughtsmen, technical authors, artists, housewives, a Unitarian minister, boat builder, agency director, apprentices, school teachers, and university students.

Their activities include publishing "UFOLOG," a monthly UFO Sighting Information Sheet edited by John Feakins, which has processed around 400 incidents in two years and now includes an international section. "Spacelink," a quarterly publication by IWUFOIS, edited by Frederick W. Smith, is in its third year and exchanges with 12 foreign magazines. Members have made several TV appearances, gaining recognition, particularly after the Warminster sightings. Skywatches are popular due to the island's vantage points. The society is affiliated with the British UFO Research Association.

The IWUFOIS policy is to investigate any promising incident without pre-conceived conclusions, acknowledging that "something is going on" and aiming to discover and share findings. F.W. Smith notes that the potential audience for this information is enormous.

Subscription rates for "Spacelink" are 9/4 ($1.30) post-paid for 4 issues. The article also provides subscription details for "UFOLOG" (10/6 or $1.50 for 12 issues) and contact information for Mrs. P.N. Smith and Mr. S.A. Richards.

"Twelve Times I Have Seen Flying Saucers!"

This section presents excerpts from an article in a Copenhagen newspaper featuring an interview with Major H.C. Petersen, Head of Scandinavian UFO Information and an officer in the Royal Danish Air Force. The translation was provided by Preben Peitzsch.

Major Petersen claims to have seen flying saucers twelve times, describing them as phenomena from other planets, varying in size from tennis balls to several miles long. He believes some are manned and that communication is possible. He also states that "Venus beings are living here in Earth."

He recounts a personal sighting with his wife of two UFOs, the size of tennis balls, which flew near their garden hedge and then ascended at great speed.

Major Petersen, a 42-year-old man with a stocky build and serious eyes, is stationed at the military air-base in Varlose, near Copenhagen. He appears calm and matter-of-fact. He explains that human activity in space exploration naturally leads to extraterrestrial beings observing Earth, hence their flying saucers investigating our activity.

He began his serious investigation into UFOs in 1959, initially to debunk what he considered "fantastic nonsense." However, his research led him to believe the reports were not based on fantasy. He founded "Scandinavian UFO-Information" and established a network of reporters across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. In Denmark alone, he has reporters in 40 cities, including teachers and policemen. "UFO-News" published his findings, with approximately 2000 reports documented over eight years. He estimates that only 10% of sightings are reported, as 90% of observers fear ridicule.

Major Petersen describes his first three years of investigation yielding no sightings, but in 1960, he saw a white, light object in Jutland, half the size of the moon, and later witnessed an object land slowly. His wife also saw a UFO with wonderful colours land nearby.

He recounts two specific reports:
1. A Copenhagen police-inspector saw a small, shining ball-like UFO that responded to his invitation to approach, stopping directly in front of him before disappearing.
2. A Danish couple and another couple observed a huge, dial-shaped object land in a meadow. They saw four creatures near the saucer. When they approached within 150 feet, they became paralyzed for 20 minutes before the UFO took off.

Major Petersen expresses belief in the late George Adamski, stating Adamski was his friend and spoke the truth. He notes that science has since proven 50% of Adamski's claims about space phenomena. He also claims to have reports of other individuals, including an American General, who have been in flying saucers, though this information is kept secret.

He details Adamski's visit to Denmark in 1963, where Adamski claimed to have received mysterious information from a Venusian who instructed him to deliver a sealed package to the Pope. Adamski subsequently had a two-hour audience with Pope John XXIII, after which he was presented with a distinguished Vatican order.

Regarding Venusians, Major Petersen stated they are sent to Earth and live among us to report, with 12 known in Europe, three of whom are in Scandinavia.

Major Petersen is establishing contact people in 69 countries and plans to publish an English periodical called "UFO Contact." His final conclusion on flying saucers is: "They exist. They are reality = thank God!"

The Old Well Worn Alibi

This section critiques the standard reply issued by the British Government to inquiries about UFOs, noting its similarity to responses from other governments and questioning the "hush-hush" policy and secret files.

The Ministry of Defence, in a letter dated March 22, 1966, signed by M.H. Toft, states that their investigation of UFO reports is limited to concerns for air defence. They report that over 90% of sightings are explained as man-made satellites, balloons, stars, meteors, aircraft, birds, parhelia, meteorological phenomena, or technical faults. In less than 10% of cases, a rational explanation is not possible due to lack of data, single witnesses, or admitted hoaxes.

The Ministry informs report submitters of their conclusions but does not publish reports due to the confidential nature of correspondence. The letter expresses regret for not being more helpful.

An "Editor's Note" points out that the Ministry's percentages (less than 10% unexplained) contradict a "Daily Express" report from May 28, 1966, which stated that out of 56 UFO reports received by the Defence Department, only one was unexplained.

Flying Saucers to be Featured in Canada's Centennial Projects!

In anticipation of Canada's 1967 centennial, the Chamber of Commerce in St. Paul, Alberta, has decided to erect a concrete outer-space landing pad for flying saucers as its centennial project. They are offering $50 for the best design, and Car Ouells Construction Company has offered to build it. The landing pad will also serve as a rostrum for visiting speakers when not in use by "space friends."

New! International UFO Magazine!

Ronald Caswell and Major Hans Peterson, co-organizers of the IGAP Information Service in Denmark, are launching a new international UFO magazine called "UFO Contact." The first issue is scheduled for October 1966, with subsequent issues in December and February 1967, and then every second month. The magazine will initially be 32 pages long.

Annual subscriptions are priced at $5 for air mail and $3.50 for surface mail. The article urges interested individuals to subscribe and remit payments promptly. They also introduce a "sponsored subscription" option, allowing individuals to sponsor subscriptions for politicians, scientists, military, or church figures, or to donate a subscription to a public library.

"UFO Contact" will be dispatched from Denmark. Subscribers in Europe and the U.K. will receive it without needing air mail. Payment should be made via international cheque, international money order, or registered post to Major H.C. Petersen, IGAP Information Service, Bavnevolden 27, Maaloev Sj., Denmark.

The organizers promise a "big" organized and positive information project, anticipating surprise and enthusiasm upon the arrival of the first issue.

"UFO Contact" - Further Details and Pricing

This section thanks subscribers and expresses confidence in establishing "UFO Contact" as a decisive factor in spreading the truth about UFOs. The magazine aims to foster a more open-minded attitude towards the UFO case.

Plans are underway to translate "UFO Contact" into Danish, French, Flemish, German, Spanish, and Polish. Contact persons for these translations are listed with their addresses.

• Subscription prices for "UFO CONTACT" (plus postage) are detailed:
• Ordinary Subscription for 1966 + 1967: U.S.A. & Canada: Air Mail $6.50, Surface Mail $4.50. Sterling countries: £2/5/-, £1/10/-
• Subscription for 1967 only: U.S.A. & Canada: Air Mail $5.00, Surface Mail $3.50. Sterling countries: £1/15/-, £1/4/-
• Subscription for 1966 only: U.S.A. & Canada: Air Mail $1.75, Surface Mail $1.25. Sterling countries: 12/-, 8/-
• Sponsorship Subscription 1966 + 1967: U.S.A. & Canada: Air Mail $6.00, Surface Mail $4.00. Sterling countries: £2/2/-, £1/8/-

Topside Offers New Free Service to Subscribers

"Topside" has previously declined paid advertisements to maintain its non-profit status. However, the Executive Committee of the ONSC has agreed to accept a limited number of short advertisements from subscribers as a free service. The editor reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement and to publish them as space becomes available.

Advertisements or announcements should be confined to approximately 50 words and sent to: Editor, Topside, Ottawa New Sciences Club, P.O. Box 2221, Station "D", Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Two advertisements are printed:
1. RESTLESS UFOLOGISTS CONTACT: An invitation to connect with individuals at 119, George Street, Whithorn, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire, Scotland, U.K.
2. EARLY BACK NUMBERS OF TOPSIDE: Available at 25 cents each (or 50 cents for a special memorial edition on Wilbert B. Smith), while supplies last. Orders should be addressed to the Editor, Topside, Ottawa New Sciences Club.

"Aboard a Flying Saucer."

The October 4, 1966 issue of LOOK magazine features Part One of a condensed version of John G. Fuller's book, "The Interrupted Journey." The article details the alleged abduction of Betty and Barney Hill by spacemen aboard a flying saucer, where they were subjected to physical examinations. Their experiences were initially suppressed by amnesia until they sought help from Dr. Benjamin Simon, a psychiatrist who used hypnosis and time regression to help them "re-live" the events. Extracts from Dr. Simon's tape recordings of their responses are included, described as making "incredible and fascinating reading."

Researchers are encouraged to read these articles or the forthcoming book for potential new insights into "mysterious space visitors."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes the idea that UFOs are a serious subject worthy of investigation, moving beyond "swamp gas" explanations. There's a strong emphasis on scientific inquiry, as seen with the Isle of Wight group and Major Petersen's methodical approach. The magazine also highlights the potential for extraterrestrial contact and the need for open-mindedness. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting information and facilitating connections among researchers and enthusiasts globally, as evidenced by the "Topside" advertisement service and the launch of "UFO Contact."