UFO Commentary - vol 2 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO COMMENTARY
Issue: Vol. 2 No. 1
Date: Spring 1971
Publisher: Patrick A. Huyghe
Country: USA
Price: $1.50

This is the First Anniversary Special Research Issue of UFO Commentary, a journal dedicated to Progressive UFOlogy. The issue is dated Spring 1971 and is published by Patrick A. Huyghe.

Editorial: Introduction

The editorial marks the first anniversary of UFO Commentary, celebrating the second year of publication and highlighting the significant effort and devotion from the staff, writers, and supporting contributors. The issue is described as a "special research issue" and includes several articles of considerable importance.

• Key articles mentioned in the editorial include:
• "Uncle Sam's UFO Literature: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Material Published Under Aegis of the U. S. Government" by Mr. Bryant, detailing U.S. Government research into UFOs.
• "UFOCAT: A Computerized Catalog for Sightings and Related Data" by Dr. David R. Saunders, describing an important computer project.
• "Approach" by John A. Keel, offering insights into his methods and future directions in UFO research, and commenting on Dr. Saunders' previous article.
• "Some Notes on the Airships" by Lucius Farish, described as UFOlogy's foremost historian.
• A book review by Paul Braczyk of "HARMONIC 33," which is characterized as an example of poor UFO research.
• A comprehensive index to Volume One of UFO Commentary by Allen Benz.

The editorial also notes that some planned articles, such as "Lost or Misplaced" by Richard E. Walton and "Public Libraries and UFOs" by Allen Benz, will be published in the next issue. Future issues will also feature Paul Braczyk's column with book reviews and an extensive letter column. A significant upcoming feature will be "The John Rimmer Column" from England.

The editorial concludes with a quote from Charles Sanders Peirce: "The object of reasoning is to find out, from the consideration of what we already know, something else which we do not know."

UFOCAT: A Computerized Catalog for Sightings and Related Data

Author: Dr. David R. Saunders

Introduction:
Dr. Saunders introduces the concept of a computerized catalog for UFO sighting reports, noting that the idea has a strong appeal given the large number of collected reports and the capabilities of modern computers. He acknowledges that such an enterprise is major and potentially impossible to complete fully, but emphasizes the importance of beginning. UFOCAT began about 18 months prior to this article and already includes approximately 22,000 entries, with a coding scheme that has evolved through trial and error.

UFOCAT-70 and UFOCAT-71:
UFOCAT-70 is a specific version of the catalog created in July 1970 with 15,278 entries. UFOCAT-71 is in development and will expand the information fields. The design aims to be accessible to both conventional unit-record equipment and large computers.

Basic Considerations:
Several factors have influenced UFOCAT's evolution, prioritizing a single catalog that serves multiple purposes and is accessible to many people. The project avoids dependency on costly or highly specialized equipment. A fundamental principle is to make coding as simple and direct as possible to facilitate error detection and correction. The design minimizes redundancy, leaving out data that can be calculated or deduced, such as the day of the week from a date.

Data Entry and Readability:
The design aims to maximize useful information per card. While computers are fast, they require clear input. The format is designed for readability, using minimal blank columns. The primary device for readability is arranging columns that are often blank or do not contain alphanumeric codes at natural breaking points.

Sorting and Data Sources:
Computerized files allow for sorting in various sequences, aiding in the development and analysis of the data. Lists can be generated chronologically or geographically, highlighting errors and duplications. All UFO reports originate from witnesses, but direct contact is often logistically elusive. UFOCAT works backward from available sources, acknowledging that information can be lost or distorted in multiple steps. The system includes codes to identify primitive sources and tag duplications or errors.

Non-Selective Approach:
UFOCAT aims to be non-selective, including all data deemed of potential interest to ufologists, leaving the criteria for inclusion or exclusion to the user's analysis. The goal is to provide data that users need to apply their own criteria.

Supplemental Data:
The UFOCAT card format can be adapted for non-UFO events like aircraft accidents or astronomical anomalies. Non-events require separate files. Supplemental files include county master cards with constant information for sightings from the same county, such as principal city, time zone, area, and population.

Some Notes on the "Airships"

Author: Lucius Farish

Lucius Farish discusses the 1896-97 "airship" subject, initially considering these reports as simply UFOs of their time. He notes that while they were UFOs, they differed from modern sightings. He explores the possibility of unconventional aircraft built in the US but suggests that the sheer number of reports during the March-May 1897 period makes "rules out 'secret inventions' as an overall answer for the flap."

Farish points out that researchers have only "scratched the surface" of newspaper files from this period. He provides statistics of reported sightings across multiple states on specific dates in April 1897, highlighting the widespread nature of the phenomenon. He expresses puzzlement that Charles Fort devoted so little space to these reports in his book "New Lands."

An anecdote is shared about Charles Fort writing to Alexander Hamilton in 1924 regarding an "extraordinary 'foreign' airship" incident in Kansas in April 1897. The letter, found in the issue, asks Hamilton for his experiences and mentions other potential witnesses. Fort was gathering material for a new book on unexplained occurrences.

Farish concludes that the airship mystery, like other enigmas, is far from solved, and each new report brings more questions. He urges interested persons to contact him for more information.

Book Review: HARMONIC 33

Author: Bruce Cathie
Reviewer: Paul Braczyk

Paul Braczyk reviews "HARMONIC 33" by Bruce Cathie, criticizing it for applying "Pyramidology to UFO sightings." The review explains the pseudo-science of Pyramidology, tracing its origins to John Taylor's 1859 work and Charles Piazzi Smyth's subsequent calculations based on the "sacred cubit" and "Pyramid Inch."

Cathie, described as similar to Taylor or Smyth, believes that interplanetary spaceships are rebuilding a grid system over Earth, powered by underground "aerials." His discovery of this grid network is based on "careful mathematics."

The review focuses on Cathie's use of an "aerial" photographed by the American survey ship Eltanin off the west coast of South America on August 29, 1964, as a crucial point for his grid system. The object is described as antenna-like, about two feet high, with symmetrical offshoots at ninety-degree angles. The reviewer notes that at the depth of 2,250 fathoms, photosynthesis is impossible, suggesting it is not a plant or animal but man-made.

Braczyk also mentions a similar antenna-type object photographed off the coast of West Africa, published in SCIENCE NEWS on June 13, 1970.

Approach

Author: John A. Keel

This article by John A. Keel is mentioned in the editorial as providing insight into his methods and future directions in UFO research, and also commenting on Dr. Saunders' UFOCAT article.

Index to Volume One of UFO COMMENTARY

Author: Allen Benz

This is a comprehensive index to the first volume of UFO Commentary.

Supporting Contributors

The issue lists several "Supporting Contributors" who have provided financial support, including Mr. Allen Benz, Mr. Larry W. Bryant, Mr. Allan E. Huyghe, Mr. Gary Ricker & Mr. Glenn Ricker, Mr. Francis H. Rittenhouse, and Mrs. Martina Worthington.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on serious, research-oriented UFOlogy, as evidenced by the "Special Research Issue" title and the inclusion of articles on data cataloging (UFOCAT), historical analysis of sightings (airships), and critical reviews of other UFO literature. The editorial stance seems to encourage rigorous investigation and the sharing of information, as demonstrated by the call for submissions and the cooperative project nature of UFOCAT. There is a clear distinction made between well-researched material and what is considered poor UFO research, as seen in the book review. The publication also engages with historical UFO phenomena and government involvement.

This issue of "Uncle Sam's UFO Literature" is an annotated bibliography of selected material published under the aegis of the U.S. Government, compiled by Larry W. Bryant. The publication aims to serve as a historical resource for UFOlogists.

Introduction

Larry W. Bryant introduces the bibliography, stating that as UFOlogy matures, the role of the UFO historian becomes crucial. This bibliography is intended to be a "tool box" for such historians, comprising government and quasi-government publications related to UFOs. Bryant emphasizes his interest in how the government manages its affairs and seeks reader assistance in making the compilation more complete.

He outlines the bibliography's structure: numbered sections for publication categories (books, reports, articles), alphabetical arrangement by author, and annotations following each entry.

Section A: Directives

This section lists various directives and regulations concerning the reporting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) by different branches of the U.S. government:

• A-1. U.S. Air Force Letter No. 200-5 (1952): Sets forth Air Force responsibility and reporting procedures for UFO information.
• A-2. U.S. Air Force Regulation 200-2 (1954): Supersedes the initial version and refines reporting procedures, with copies distributed to naval and army intelligence. It underwent several revisions before being superseded by AFR 80-17.
• A-3. U.S. Air Force MATS Supplement 1 to AFR 200-2 (1964): Applicable to Naval components, elaborating on reporting procedures for UFO sightings.
• A-4. U.S. Air Force Regulation 80-17 (1966): Shifts UFOlogy from "intelligence" to "Research and Development," recommending contracts with universities for scientific investigation and cooperation with the Condon Committee. It was rescinded in 1970.
• A-5. U.S. Air Force FLYOBRFT Manual (1953): Intended for intelligence and operations officers regarding UFO reporting and investigations for Project Blue Book.
• A-6. U.S. Air Force Manual 200-3 (1953): A handbook for AF intelligence officers, including a drawing captioned "The Air Technical Intelligence Center is responsible for the prevention of technological surprise."
• A-7. U.S. Air Force Regulation 55-88 (1959): Outlines Air Force responsibilities and training for reporting vital intelligence sightings from aircraft.
• A-8. U.S. Air Force Pamphlet 55-1-2 (1961): Published for guidance of pilots reporting vital intelligence sightings from aircraft.
• A-9. U.S. Air Force Air Defense Command Regulation 55-31 (1952): Establishes a secondary duty for the Ground Observer Corps to report unidentified aerial phenomena.
• A-10. U.S. Continental Army Command Daily Bulletin No. 251 (1958): Prescribes reporting procedures for UFO sightings, referencing classified documents.
• A-11. Eastern Sea Frontier, U.S. Navy Instruction 3820.2 (1954): Relays policy and instructions for reporting UFOs, with a 10-point reporting format.
• A-12. Potomac River Naval Command, U.S. Navy Instruction 3820.1 (1954): Relays policy and instructions issued by COMEASTSEAFRON Instruction 3820.2.
• A-13. Naval Supply Center, U.S. Navy Instruction 3820.1B (1958): Revises a previous edition, citing higher-level Navy documents and specifying report forwarding to Langley AFB.
• A-14. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, Department of Defense JANAP 146(D) (1959): Canadian-United States Instructions for Reporting Vital Intelligence Sightings (CIRVIS/MERINT). Marked "FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY."
• A-15. U.S. Coast Guard Operations Instruction No. 1-62 (1962): Intelligence Sighting Reports of Unidentified or Potentially Hostile Contacts; Instructions and Procedures Concerning (U).
• A-16. Federal Aviation Agency Notice N7230.29 (1967): Reporting of Unidentified Flying Objects, establishing procedures for Air Traffic Control specialists.
• A-17. U.S. Weather Bureau Operations Manual Letter No. 67-16 (1967): Reporting of Unidentified Flying Objects, requesting observers to report sightings to the University of Colorado.
• A-18. U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Memorandum (1967): Standard Procedure for Ranger Districts and National Forests to Use to Report a UFO.

Section B: Reports

This section lists various reports and studies on UFOs conducted or commissioned by U.S. government entities:

• B-1. U.S. Air Force ATIC Estimate of the Situation (1948): "Situation: UFO's; Estimate: Alian Spacecraft." Its existence is debated.
• B-2. U.S. Air Force Air Materiel Command Project Sign (1949): A "SECRET" study of 243 domestic and 30 foreign reported UFO sightings between 1947 and 1948. The FBI assisted in investigations.
• B-3. U.S. Air Force Air Materiel Command Project Grudge (1949): Discusses the history of Project Grudge, its problems, and investigation procedures through January 1949.
• B-4. Scientific Advisory Panel on Unidentified Flying Objects Report (1953): Known as "The Robertson Report," it concluded UFOs posed no direct threat to national security and recommended stripping them of special status. It also recommended policies to prepare the country for potential hostile UFO intent.
• B-5. USAF Scientific Advisory Board Ad Hoc Committee Report (1966): Reviewed Project "Blue Book" and recommended contracts with universities for scientific investigation of UFO sightings.
• B-6. University of Colorado Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects (1968): The "Condon Report," funded by the Air Force, concluded that about 90% of UFO reports were explainable by ordinary phenomena and that further extensive study was not justified. It faced significant criticism.
• B-7. National Academy of Sciences Review (1969): Reviewed the Condon Report, concurring with its findings and concluding that extraterrestrial visitations were the least likely explanation for UFOs.
• B-8. U.S. Congress House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services Report (1966): A compilation of pro and con UFO information, including reports, statements, and testimony.
• B-9. U.S. Congress House of Representatives Committee on Science and Astronautics Symposium (1968): Included statements from scientists like J. Allen Hynek and James E. McDonald, and papers from various experts.

Section C: Press Releases

This section compiles official press releases and statements regarding UFOs from U.S. government sources:

• C-1. National Military Establishment Press Release (1949): Memorandum to the Press regarding Project "Saucer."
• C-2. Department of Defense Press Release (1949): Announced the discontinuation of the Air Force's "Flying Saucers Project" due to a lack of evidence that reports were not natural phenomena.
• C-3. Department of Defense Immediate Release (1952): Reassured the public that the USAF was still investigating UFO sightings.
• C-4. Department of Defense Minutes of Press Conference (1952): Held by Major General John A. Samford in response to increased UFO activity over Washington, D.C.
• C-5. Department of Commerce Civil Aeronautics Administration Press Release (1952): Attributed many radar "unidentifieds" to atmospheric conditions like temperature inversions.
• C-6. Department of Defense Fact Sheet (1953): Provided information on Air Force investigations of aerial phenomena, noting the initial concern in 1947 about potential implications for U.S. air defense.
• C-7. U.S. Air Force Press Release (1955): Summarized the results of an investigation begun in 1947, referencing the 1953 "Robertson Panel" findings.
• C-8. U.S. Air Force Press Release (1957): Declared that "no evidence has been discovered to confirm the existence of so-called 'Flying Saucers'."
• C-9. U.S. Air Force Press Release (1957): Revealed findings concerning recent UFO reports, including explanations for a November 1957 "flap."
• C-10. U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet (1958): Stated that "Unknowns" still represented a small percentage of reported UFO cases.

Additional Content

The document also includes a page with a curious analysis of the Statue of Liberty, attempting to find a "harmonic" based on letter counts in names associated with it and famous explorers, concluding that the number 11 is significant. This section appears to be a separate, perhaps speculative, piece within the broader context of UFO literature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the U.S. government's official stance on UFOs, which largely evolved from active investigation and reporting to a position of skepticism and dismissal, often attributing sightings to natural phenomena or conventional aircraft. The editorial stance, as presented by the compiler Larry W. Bryant, is one of critical archivalism, aiming to document and preserve these official records, even while acknowledging the controversies and potential biases within them. The bibliography highlights the government's efforts to manage public perception and control information related to UFOs throughout the mid-20th century.

This issue of UFOlogy, dated December 1970, Volume 1, Issue 22, is a comprehensive compilation and analysis of official U.S. Air Force documentation and literature pertaining to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and the 'flying saucer' phenomenon. The content primarily focuses on reports, fact sheets, policy letters, and books that detail the Air Force's investigative efforts, particularly through Project Blue Book.

Official Air Force Stance and Investigations

The issue meticulously lists and describes numerous official U.S. Air Force documents, including press releases and fact sheets, that reiterate the Air Force's contention that no evidence had been found to substantiate claims of 'flying saucers' being interplanetary visitors. These documents, often referencing findings from the 'Robertson Panel' and studies by the Air Technical Intelligence Center, highlight a trend of decreasing 'unknown' cases over time, with the Air Force often attributing sightings to misinterpretations of known objects, atmospheric phenomena, or errors in identification.

Several entries detail specific Air Force publications and reports:

• C-11 to C-16: These entries cover various U.S. Air Force releases from 1959 to 1964, including studies showing "Unknowns" decreasing, immediate releases on sighting decreases, fact sheets on the Air Force UFO report, and summaries of events and information concerning the UFO Program. These often refer to Lt. Col. Tacker's book for reprints.
• D-1 to D-9: This section lists articles from publications like the Marine Corps Gazette, The Airman, and Air Force, discussing the Air Force's position, the UFO controversy, and specific cases. Notably, D-2 states the Air Force never denied the possibility of life on other planets but found no evidence proving extraterrestrial life or intraspace mobility. D-3 discusses 'ground-effect vehicles' as a possible explanation for some sightings.
• D-6 to D-8: These entries refer to Air Force Policy Letters concerning the expansion of UFO studies, the selection of the University of Colorado for investigation, and the eventual termination of Project Blue Book in February 1970.
• F-1 to F-17: This extensive section details various U.S. Air Force forms (like FTD Form 164 and AFR 200-2), policy letters, and pamphlets related to UFO reporting and investigation. It includes information on the purpose of the Project Blue Book, its case-evaluation statistics, and the procedures for reporting sightings. Some entries highlight the security classifications applied to UFO reports, suggesting that information may have been withheld.

Books and Authors on UFOlogy

The issue also reviews and references several key books that analyze the UFO phenomenon and the Air Force's involvement:

• E-1. Leon Davidson's "Flying Saucers: An Analysis of the Air Force Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14" contends that the USAF withheld information and suggests that the full text of the report was not readily available due to a significant percentage of unknown cases.
• E-2. NICAP's "U. S. Air Force Projects Grudge and Blue Book" is presented as a collection of declassified documents obtained after a successful attempt by NICAP, highlighting that many reports were classified 'Secret' or 'Confidential' for over 15 years.
• E-3. Edward J. Ruppelt's "The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects" offers a factual account from his time as chief of Project Blue Book, discussing the controversy and alleged classified intelligence reports.
• E-4. Lt. Col. Lawrence J. Tacker's "Flying Saucers and the U. S. Air Force" is described as the official USAF story, attempting to demonstrate that most sightings were misinterpretations of known objects and providing a history of USAF's UFO research efforts.

Miscellany and Analysis

Beyond official documents and books, the issue includes miscellaneous items:

• Section F. Miscellany: This section lists various forms, pamphlets, and reports from different branches of the U.S. government and military, including the Military Sea Transportation Service and the U.S. Congress, related to UFOs.
• "Approach" by John A. Keel: This article discusses the author's approach to UFO research, emphasizing the psychological aspects and the need to diminish paranoia and excessive speculation. Keel suggests that many reports are psychological and that the 'true believers' are often resistant to scientific or psychiatric analysis. He advocates for statistical approaches to elevate research standards and notes the importance of separating distinct phenomena within UFOlogy.
• "UFOCAT-70: UFO Activity in Relation to Day-of-the-Week" by Dr. David R. Saunder: This study is mentioned as a negative comment on UFO reports, with a critique that its inclusion of all report types may skew results. The article discusses the consistency of the phenomenon and suggests that waves of flaps are illusory, dependent on public interest and reporting methods.

Epilogue and Conclusion

The epilogue reflects on the cataloged UFO literature, suggesting its use as a guide for further research and its potential inclusion in a global computerized information system. It posits that examining official UFOlogy reveals more about the bureaucratic mind than about UFOs themselves. The compiler hopes that UFOnauts will eventually acknowledge our 'counterobservation' of them, learning about our culture through such secondary means.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the official U.S. Air Force's approach to UFO investigations, the documentation of these efforts, and the critical analysis of UFO literature. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough archival and critical review, presenting official statements alongside analyses that question their completeness or interpretation. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of statistical data, psychological factors, and the separation of different types of UFO-related phenomena. The issue highlights the tension between official explanations and the persistent public interest and belief in UFOs, often pointing to the limitations or perceived biases in official reports and the literature surrounding them.

This issue of UFO COMMENTARY, Volume ONE, Issue ONE, dated November 5, 1970, is authored by Allen Benz. The publication focuses on the growing concern of 'electromagnetic pollution' and its potential impact on technology and unexplained phenomena.

Electromagnetic Pollution and Technological Failures

Allen Benz begins by recounting a superficial study of power failures he conducted in 1966, receiving up to 200 reports per week. He expresses skepticism about the reliability of Air Force statistics for comparative analysis. Benz then introduces the concept of 'electromagnetic pollution,' which he believes is affecting professional equipment across various industries, including radio, television, and telephone systems. He has interviewed engineers from telephone and power companies who are perplexed by these occurrences.

He emphasizes that these issues should not be immediately attributed to 'flying saucers' but rather suggest that many UFO reports might be a consequence of this electromagnetic pollution. Benz also speculates that this force could affect the sensitive human brain, referencing a paper presented at the International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility in Anaheim, California, in June 1970, titled "New Horizons in EMC" by Rexford Daniels.

Case Studies of Electromagnetic Interference

The issue highlights several instances of technological disruption:

• Copenhagen, Denmark (November 5): The New York Daily News reported that Hans Thustrup Nielsen, a 63-year-old sawmill owner, was facing economic ruin due to mysterious electrical forces that had blown out thousands of fuses, hundreds of bulbs, and numerous electric motors. Experts from two power companies, a university professor, and motor manufacturers were unable to solve the mystery.
• Kansas City, USA (August 1970): A video tape studio was forced to close down because all its equipment malfunctioned. Experts could not determine the cause.
• Computers: The article notes that computers across the country have been experiencing similar problems.

Benz reiterates a prediction made in his previous publication, OTH I, about a total breakdown of communications within the next few years, potentially by 1972. He met with engineers and scientists who corroborated this prediction and expected to publish a heavily documented piece on the subject in 1971, without mentioning UFOs.

Deaths by Lightning and Environmental Concerns

As a related offshoot, Benz has been collecting reports on deaths by lightning, referencing ANOMALY #35. He notes a recent enormous wave of such deaths worldwide, with approximately 65% of them occurring on Wednesdays. This observation is presented as a potential indicator of broader environmental shifts.

Reinterpreting UFOs as an Environmental Phenomenon

Benz views Paul Smith's study as a pilot or control study, not definitive. He stresses the need for extensive research, including statistical breakdowns and psychological investigations, before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

He reaffirms his 1967 conclusion: that the phenomena observed are an environmental problem rather than an extraterrestrial invasion. He posits that the rapid advancement of technology has led to the creation of more sensitive instrumentation that is susceptible to electromagnetic influences that have always been present. Benz suggests that phenomena historically attributed to fairies, ghosts, and monsters interfering with machinery are now manifesting as UFOs, representing a new guise for these ancient forces. He anticipates that in the coming years, humanity will confront these forces more directly.

Index and Cross-References

The latter part of the document consists of an extensive index for Volume One of UFO Commentary, compiled by Allen Benz with assistance from Mrs. Virginia Algermissen of the University of Missouri School of Library and Information Science. This index cross-references numerous individuals, organizations, locations, and specific sightings or reports, providing page numbers for references within the volume. It covers a wide range of topics related to UFO phenomena, including specific sightings, investigations, reports, and reviews of books and TV programs.

Notable entries in the index include:

• References to the Condon Report and its copyright.
• Discussions of the "Wednesday phenomenon."
• Reports on the Midwest UFO Conference.
• Mentions of various organizations like the Aerial Phenomena Club of Central Illinois, APRO Bulletin, and NICAP.
• Numerous specific sightings and incidents from locations such as Alabama, California, Virginia, Tennessee, Massachusetts, and the UK.
• Reviews of books like "Charles Fort: Prophet of the Unexplained," "Chariots of the Gods?", and "UFOS Operation Trojan Horse."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are electromagnetic pollution, technological malfunctions, and the reinterpretation of UFO phenomena as an environmental issue rather than an extraterrestrial one. The editorial stance, as articulated by Allen Benz, is one of critical inquiry, emphasizing rigorous scientific investigation and a grounded, environmental perspective on unexplained events. Benz advocates for understanding these phenomena as a consequence of our own technological advancement interacting with natural environmental forces, rather than attributing them to external, non-human intelligence.

This document is an index, likely from a publication titled "UFOCAT-70," focusing on UFOs and related research. It provides a detailed listing of various topics, sightings, and reports, organized alphabetically. The content spans multiple pages, as indicated by the "continued" markers and page numbers (-42-, -43-).

UFO Sightings and Locations

The index details numerous UFO sightings reported across different geographical locations. Within the United States, specific states mentioned include Alabama, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, and Virginia. International locations with reported sightings include Iraq, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom section specifically lists sightings from 1969 and mentions locations near Buckfastleigh, Carmarthen, and Tyneham.

Several specific locations within the US are highlighted for sightings, such as Hampton, Norfolk, Poquoson, and Tobacco Row Mountain in Virginia, and Willimantic and Worcester in Massachusetts. The latter mentions an airship sighting over Worcester in 1909.

UFO Research and Reports

The document references various aspects of UFO research, including a "computer study of UFOs" (UFOCAT-70), activity in relation to the day of the week, and statistical studies. It also mentions "Unidentified Flying Objects: activity" detailing a global flap and Air Force letters. The TV program "The Unexplained" is also reviewed.

Reports from various sources are cited, including the "Washington Post" and the "Western Morning News (UK)" carrying UFO reports. The "U.S. Air Force" is frequently mentioned in relation to incidents, regulations, and information dissemination. Specific incidents include the Air Force Academy textbook incident and an explanation of the Kinross AFB incident.

Government and Organizational Involvement

Several government agencies and organizations are noted in connection with UFOs. The "U.S. Air Force" appears extensively, with references to regulations like 55-88 and 200-2. The "U.S. Federal Power Commission" is mentioned in relation to power failures, and the "U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Adminintration" is noted for its space research. The "U.S. Secretary of the Air Force - Office of Information" is cited regarding the Condon report copyright.

Key Individuals and Other Topics

Several individuals are mentioned, including Dr. Allen R. Utke, Angelo R. Van der Tupe, Williams Verigan, Maj. Bayred O. Vermillion, Dr. Walter W. Welker, Joan Whritenour, and Paul J. Willis. These individuals are associated with remarks, sightings, letters, or comments related to UFO phenomena.

Other topics covered include the "Wild Hunt" and its parallels to UFO lore, the "Will-o-the-wisp project," and the "Wooden (Teatonic god)." The nature of the "Universe" is also briefly touched upon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are clearly UFO sightings, research, and the official or public response to them. The editorial stance appears to be one of cataloging and reporting information related to UFO phenomena, drawing from a wide range of sources including news media, government reports, and personal accounts. The detailed indexing suggests a comprehensive effort to document UFO-related events and discussions.