UFO Commentary - vol 1 no 2

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO COMMENTARY
Issue: Vol.1 No.2
Date: Summer 1970
Publisher: Patrick A. Huyghe
Country: USA
Language: English
Cover Headline: RENAISSANCE

This issue of UFO Commentary, subtitled 'A Journal of Progressive UFOlogy,' is presented as a "Renaissance" for the field following the closure of Project Blue Book. The editorial by Patrick A. Huyghe reflects on the challenges and renewed freedom UFOlogists face, emphasizing the inherent human drive to understand the unknown. The issue features a compilation of official Air Force correspondence regarding UFOs, historical case studies, and reviews.

Editorial: Renaissance

The editorial, "Renaissance," by Patrick A. Huyghe, discusses the sense of unease within the UFO field after the cessation of Project Blue Book. Huyghe notes that some UFO organizations have disbanded and researchers have dropped out, partly due to the stigma of being labeled a "crackpot." He observes that public interest often relegates UFO reports to less serious media or dismisses them entirely, with physical evidence remaining elusive. Despite these setbacks, Huyghe asserts that the field is not back at square one, as they now have the freedom to discuss UFOs without government oversight. He poses rhetorical questions about what the field truly seeks, concluding that the fundamental desire is to understand these objects in our skies, akin to understanding a home invasion. He quotes Benjamin Brody, Ph.D., on how revolutionary breakthroughs often occur outside established institutions and face initial resistance.

Letters From the Air Force on UFOs

Compiled by Larry W. Bryant, this extensive section presents a series of official Air Force letters and responses concerning UFOs, spanning from 1958 to 1965. It aims to shed light on the Air Force's procedures, policies, and perspectives on UFO investigations.

Section I. Introduction

Bryant explains that these letters were culled from official Air Force correspondence and from UFO-oriented citizens, selected for their general interest and enlightening effects. Commentary is provided for clarification, and recipient names are sometimes omitted to protect them from harassment.

Section II. Straight Questions and Crooked Answers

This section presents a Q&A format based on official correspondence:

• January 27, 1965, Hampton, Virginia: A silent, low-flying object sighted by NASA engineers was identified by the Air Force as a Navy helicopter. However, the Navy had no record of flights in that area during that period.
• Request for Publications (November 27, 1961): A request for Air Force Regulations 55-88 and 200-2 was fulfilled, indicating the Air Force's procedures for reporting vital intelligence sightings, including UFOs.

Section III. Should Someone Investigate the Investigators?

• August 6, 1965, to Congressman Thomas N. Downing: This letter clarifies that Air Force Regulation 200-2 provides guidance for Air Force personnel investigating UFO reports and is not for public use. It suggests inquiring at the nearest Air Force installation for examination.
• October 2, 1966, regarding JANAP 146(E): A request for JANAP 146(E) was denied because, although unclassified, it contains military information for official use only. Its purpose is to provide uniform instructions for reporting vital intelligence sightings, including UFOs, and communications procedures, but it does not record past sightings or actions taken.

Section IV. Syllogisms and Not-So-Freudian Slips

This section includes correspondence that highlights the Air Force's reluctance to engage with private UFO groups:

• April 9, 1958, to Mr. Bryant: The Air Force acknowledges Bryant's letter but states it cannot meet the detailed requirements of private organizations. While information is sometimes provided to accredited media, the Air Force suggests Bryant communicate with other groups interested in aerial phenomena.
• April 14, 1958, to Mr. Bryant (from Maj. Lawrence J. Tacker): This letter states the Air Force deals scientifically with facts and its findings deny the existence of flying saucers. It includes a DOD Fact Sheet on the subject.
• November 6, 1963, to Mr. Bryant: The Air Force indicates its files on UFOs are closed and suggests writing to the Secretary of the Air Force for further information.
• Undated letter to Flatley (from Maj. Hector Quintanilla): This letter dismisses the idea that "UFO's Are Real - The Air Force Doesn't Exist!" and asserts the Air Force protects people from "mythical flying saucers." It mentions that Project Blue Book files have been transferred to Air Force archives.

Section V. Relations: Public Vs. Private

• To Mr. Robeson (A Va. Congressman): This letter addresses an inquiry about alleged military secrecy on UFOs. The Air Force maintains that its UFO investigation program is adequate and that conclusions have been publicized through established channels. It denies withholding information, stating that when factual information was provided to book authors, it was interpreted as approval. Data is withheld primarily to protect individuals from sensation seekers and to avoid compromising investigative processes. The letter notes the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations' interest but indicates they do not intend to hold hearings, as public hearings would give undue dignity to the subject.
• August 8, 1958, to Mr. Bryant: Acknowledges Bryant's continued interest and offers further assistance.
• December 23, 1958, to Mr. Bryant: Refers to letters sent to the CIA, Air Technical Intelligence Center, and Langley AFB. It reiterates that public information is released through media and that the Air Force is not interested in personal opinions of amateur groups. Investigations are conducted by trained personnel, and special investigations for personal use are not feasible.
• February 17, 1961, to Mr. Bryant: Addresses a request regarding the F-89C accident of November 23, 1953. The letter clarifies that the incident was an aircraft accident involving a Canadian airliner and a USAF aircraft, not a UFO. It states that charges of withholding information are baseless and encloses a Department of Defense fact sheet.
• June 13, 1961, to Mr. Bryant (from Mr. William Russler): Regarding a request for a report on the F-89C accident, this letter states that aircraft accident/incident reports are for internal Air Force use only and cannot be provided due to applicable directives and regulations.

Section VI. Epilogue

Bryant offers a concluding commentary on the Air Force letters, characterizing them as "bureaucratic buck-passing and snow-jobbing." He suggests the subject matter could have been anything from the Vietnam War to military spending. He notes that as an employee, he previously had to submit unofficial writings for pre-publication review, but hopes this obligation is now lifted with the demise of Project Blue Book. He is submitting this piece for review to ensure it is "cleared for open publication."

Postscript by the editor: Mr. Bryant's manuscript was returned by the Department of the Army with a letter dated April 28, 1970, stating that the Air Force had returned the case, and review of material involving UFOs was no longer required. Therefore, no further articles on the subject need submission for review.

Strange Case of the Chattanooga Airship

By Dennis Stamey, this article recounts a series of sightings in January 1910:

On January 12, 1910, citizens of Chattanooga, Tennessee, witnessed a large, cigar-shaped vessel traveling northeast, emitting a faint chugging sound and blue flames along its underside. Observers estimated its speed at thirty miles per hour and noted a man in the rigging, suggesting intelligent control. The Chattanooga Times reported it as potentially the second such sighting in the region.

Fifteen minutes later, a similar airship was spotted in Huntsville, Alabama, about seventy-five miles away.

On January 13th, the mysterious craft returned, flying slowly from the southwest, maneuvering, and then sailing north. The Times commented on the unusual visitations, with some speculating about sky pirates.

On January 14th, citizens of Knoxville, Tennessee, also reported seeing an airship of similar description passing overhead at high speed.

Despite a subsequent article in The Times claiming the Chattanooga sightings were a hoax involving a 14-ft. paper balloon, the article questions how this explains the motor sounds, the pilot, and the sightings in other cities. The author concludes that the airship remains a mystery, with thousands having seen an unidentified object in plain view.

Other Articles and Features

• Editorial: Renaissance: Discussed above.
• Letters From the Air Force on UFOs, by Larry W. Bryant: Discussed above.
• Strange Case of the Chattanooga Airship, by Dennis Stamey: Discussed above.
• A Sampling and Preliminary Analysis of British UFO Sightings 1969, by Herbstritt: (Page number 13)
• List of 137 North American Cases Extracted from the APRO BULLETIN, by Benz: (Page number 15)
• More UFO Sightings over Tobacco Row Mountain in Amherst County, Va.: (Page number 18)
• Fact or Folklore?, by Dan Butcher: (Page number 18)
• TV Review, by Allen Bonz: (Page number 19)
• Book Reviews, by the editor: (Page number 20)
• Letters: (Page number 21)
• UFOs in Ages Past, by David J. Gras: (Page number 22)
• Time to Renew?: (Page number 22)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the perceived "Renaissance" of UFOlogy, the official stance and communication strategies of the U.S. Air Force regarding UFOs, and the examination of historical and contemporary UFO sightings. The editorial stance, as expressed by Patrick A. Huyghe, is one of advocating for continued, independent investigation into UFO phenomena, free from the constraints and dismissals previously imposed by official projects like Blue Book. There's a clear emphasis on the scientific and intellectual pursuit of understanding the unknown, even in the face of societal skepticism and bureaucratic hurdles. The compilation of Air Force letters serves to illustrate the challenges researchers face in obtaining information and the official narrative that UFOs are not a proven phenomenon, while historical accounts like the Chattanooga Airship case highlight the enduring mystery of unexplained aerial objects.

UFO CHRONOLOG is presented as a publication dedicated to the comprehensive study of UFO activity. This issue, dated March-April-May-June 1970, offers a detailed look at UFO sightings, historical accounts, and related phenomena. It is scheduled to be published bimonthly and is available via subscription or single copy purchase.

Historical UFO Accounts

The issue opens with a look back at early UFO reports from December 1909. Large crowds in Worcester, Massachusetts, reportedly witnessed a "flying object" with a bright light, with some observers claiming to see human forms inside. The report quotes an observer questioning if it was a star or planet, or an airship. Around the same time, fishing boats along the Massachusetts coast reported being followed by strange lights, and a bright object was seen circling Boston harbor. Communities in Willimantic and Marlboro were also reportedly visited by unknown ships using a searchlight.

The article notes that while many tried to explain these early aerial phenomena as inventions of wealthy individuals, these craft seemed to outperform contemporary aerial machines. The numerous reports suggest these visitors arrived in flotillas. The text highlights that researchers are only recently beginning to delve into these historical accounts, examining those compiled by the novelist Charles Fort. The Chattanooga airship is mentioned as another example of mysterious craft from the past century, suggesting visitations by intelligent beings predating modern technology.

UFO Sightings in 1969

The magazine then presents a series of UFO sightings from 1969, compiled by Mark R. Herbstritt.

Case #1: Clergyman Spots Flying Object (Plymouth, UK - May 4, 1969)

Rev. Eric Jones of Buckfastleigh, South Devon, reported seeing a brilliant white unidentified flying object, described as half the size of the moon, moving east to west. He estimated its speed at over 40,000 miles per hour and noted a trail of sparks. The object was also reportedly seen over London shortly before reaching Devon. The R.A.F. had no record of air activity in the area.

Case #2: Aerial Object Unexplained (Carmarthen, UK - August 7, 1969)

A farmer, John Moffat-Bailey, along with his wife, relatives, and two policemen, witnessed a bright, spheroid object near Carmarthen. The object varied in height from 5,000 to 20,000 feet and emitted a peculiar buzzing and whistling sound. It appeared silver and stationary to one constable. The object vanished suddenly after being observed for nearly two hours. The R.A.F. and Ministry of Defence offered no explanation.

Case #3: Woman Claims She Saw Flying Saucer Land (Tyneham, Dorset, UK - August 30, 1969)

A woman, identified as Mrs. X, claimed that she and her husband witnessed a flying saucer land on army ranges. She later found a 24ft. diameter pattern of large holes, as if made by tubular legs tipped with spikes. Dorset police found a similar unexplained pattern of holes at Badbury Rings. Mrs. X described the object as elliptical, glowing, and translucent, with tripod-like legs. It made no sound and disappeared quickly over the sea.

Analysis of UFO Sightings

The issue includes an analysis based on 29 newspaper UFO sightings, detailing the frequency of colors (Blue, Silver, Yellow, Orange, White, Red), shapes (Cone, Cigar, Spheroid, Triangle), and durations (10-20 seconds, 30 seconds, 1-5 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours). It notes that 7 out of 11 sightings with directional information indicated travel towards the north or northwest.

A list of "ADDITIONAL SIGHTINGS" from February to September 1969 across the UK is also provided, with dates and locations.

North American UFO Cases

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a list of 137 North American cases extracted from the APRO Bulletin, covering July 1967 to October 1969. Each entry includes a coded identifier, location, and other details, compiled by Allen Benz.

Reviews

TV Review: "It Couldn't Be Done" and "The Unexplained"

This section reviews two NBC programs. "It Couldn't Be Done" is described as a story of impossible dreams that became realities, highlighting achievements like Mt. Rushmore and the Panama Canal, which were initially deemed impossible by "experts." The reviewer draws a parallel to UFO researchers facing similar skepticism. "The Unexplained" discussed scientific anomalies, including Stonehenge, ESP, and UFOs. The reviewer was pleasantly surprised that Dr. James E. McDonald was featured, who managed to refute the Condon Report's bias. Arthur C. Clarke's comment that "Anybody who says that UFOs must be space vehicles is showing a decided lack of imagination" is highlighted.

Book Reviews

STRANGE CREATURES FROM TIME AND SPACE by John A. Keel

This book is described as a voluminous encyclopedia of monsters, ranging from scorpions to UFO occupants. While noted for its humor and extensive reports, it is presented as an "entree" to Keel's main work on UFOs.

UFOS: OPERATION TROJAN HORSE by John A. Keel

This book is highly recommended for those already familiar with UFO phenomena, warning newcomers that it might be overwhelming. It suggests that UFOs are "ultraterrestrial" and exist within our own environment but on a different space-time continuum. The reviewer praises Keel's "Trojan Horse" idea and his convincing, though sometimes thin, theory, emphasizing the book's importance and implications.

Letters to the Editor

The letters section includes an apology from the editor for a missing credit line in a previous issue, acknowledging Mr. Gene Duplantier, editor of "Saucers, Space, and Science." Joseph Tarpley, Jr. of Hampton, Virginia, contributes a letter discussing the historical and biblical context of communication with beings from other worlds, suggesting that the existence of other intelligent life is plausible given the diversity of languages and races on Earth. He also touches on the concept of "rebirth" and the modern understanding of "witchcraft" as concentration of mind and body. John A. Rimmer of Liverpool, England, requests assistance in compiling a half-yearly index of British UFO publications, asking for interested individuals to contact him.

Organizations and Initiatives

The Cleveland Aerial Phenomena Investigations Club (CAPIC) is introduced, inviting interested individuals to join their organization. CAPIC is involved in a computer study of UFOs called Project Greyfile and publishes "best" unidentified cases in Project Will-O-the-Wisp. Members receive UFO Magazine quarterly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO CHRONOLOG strongly advocates for the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, drawing parallels between historical accounts and modern sightings. It emphasizes the need to examine evidence critically, even when it challenges conventional understanding, as seen in the reviews of John A. Keel's work and the discussion of scientific skepticism towards UFOs. The magazine appears to support the idea that UFOs represent a genuine, unexplained phenomenon, possibly of extraterrestrial or "ultraterrestrial" origin, and encourages ongoing research and documentation. The inclusion of historical accounts and folklore analysis suggests a belief that the phenomenon has deep roots and may not be a recent development. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry and a challenge to dismissive attitudes, particularly from media and official reports like the Condon Report.

Title: UFOs in Ages Past
Author: David J. Gras
Document Type: Magazine Issue (Page 22)

This document, page 22 of a larger publication, focuses on historical accounts of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), tracing their presence throughout human history and listing contemporary UFO research publications.

UFOs in Ages Past

The article "UFOs in Ages Past" by David J. Gras posits that reports of UFOs date back to humanity's earliest history. The author cites a record from the scribes of Thutmose III of Egypt (circa 1600 B.C.) describing a "circle of fire" with numerous "fiery rings" that possessed the brightness of the sky. Further back in time, the article references the biblical prophet Ezekiel, who, by the River Chebar in Iraq, reportedly beheld a "fiery cloud surrounded by a whirlwind" containing "wierd devices" described as "wheels within wheels" with "rings full of eyes." Gras questions whether Ezekiel experienced an inspired vision or witnessed a UFO.

The author explains that ancient peoples likely used terms like "wheels" and "rings" to describe these phenomena because they had no conceptual framework for "space ships or flying machines," instead associating them with objects from their own environment. The article also mentions ancient Roman chronicles from 216 B.C. that report "strange ships" flying through the Italian skies, described as "round shield[s]". A report from 1756 over Sweden details a "luminous sky visitor" projecting a "wierd beam like searchlight." The text notes that "light wheels" were observed for decades in the China Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the North Pacific.

Gras asserts that many more sightings of UFOs from the past exist and that researchers are actively searching historical records. The article emphasizes that UFOs are not a new phenomenon.

UFO Publications and Organizations

The latter part of the page is dedicated to advertisements and information about various UFO-related publications and organizations:

• THE KANSAS NEWSLETTER: Published monthly by U.F.O. Research Associates, Inc., it features midwest and worldwide UFO reports, articles by researchers, and notes on related subjects. The subscription rate is $3.00 per year, with sample copies available for 25 cents. The P.O. Box is 1672, Topeka, Kansas 66601.
• OUTERMOST: This publication is described as featuring articles like "A man risks his life to tell his UFO secret!" and includes a worldwide directory of UFO clubs and publications. It is edited by Gene Duplantier and costs $1.50 per copy. Orders can be mailed to Gene Duplantier, 17 Shetland St., Willowdale, Ontario, Canada.
• SKYLOOK: The monthly publication of the Midwest UFO Network, it is at least 20 pages long and includes local sightings, astronomical notes, features, and other items of interest. Advertised as "We tell it as it is," the subscription is $4.00 for 12 monthly issues, with sample copies at 35 cents. The address is Skylook, Box 129, Stover, Mo. 65078.
• The National UFO Investigations Committee (NUIC) Bulletin: Edited by Fred Mohr, this bulletin is available for $4.00 per year and includes sightings and notes of interest. The address is 6035 Buchanan Place, West New York, N.J.
• SCIENTIFIC SAUCERITIS REVIEW: A bimonthly UFOzine featuring "hot-line scoops in UFOlogy," covering topics from Men In Black to bug-eyed monsters and unusual lights in the sky. It is available by writing to Brent Raynes, Perkins Lane, Hallowell, Maine 04347.

Finally, a notice indicates that if a red mark appears in a circle on the page, the subscription to "UFO Commentary" has expired, urging renewal with prices of $2 for one year and $4 for two years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is the historical prevalence of UFO phenomena, challenging the notion that they are a recent occurrence. The editorial stance, as presented through the article and the listed publications, is one of active investigation and reporting on UFO sightings and related topics, encouraging reader engagement through subscriptions and information sharing. The inclusion of diverse publications suggests a broad interest in UFOlogy, from historical analysis to contemporary reports and alleged encounters.