UFO Information - No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: HEILBRONNER UFO INFORMATION
Issue: NR. 4
Volume: 83
Date: November 1983
Publisher: CENTRALEN ERFORSCHUNGSNETZ AUSSERGEWÖHNLICHER PHÄNOMENE - ORTSGRUPPE HEILBRONN (CENAP-OGH)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of Heilbronner UFO Information focuses heavily on the CENAP UFO Congress held in Heilbronn, Germany, in September 1983, which it hails as a 'superlative' event. The magazine provides a detailed account of the congress, including discussions, debates, and presentations, while also offering critical commentary on some of the evidence and claims presented by attendees.

CENAP UFO Congress in Heilbronn

The issue begins by refuting a claim that the CENAP Congress was the first public German UFO Congress since 1967, asserting that CENAP was once again ahead of others. The headline "EIN UFO-KONGRESS DER SUPERLATIVE !" sets a positive tone, with the magazine stating that the CENAP Congress was indeed 'super'.

Day 1: Arrival and Initial Discussions

On September 9, 1983, most participants arrived. The day was marked by intense discussions and a passionate controversy that emerged during the joint dinner.

Day 2: Presentations and Debates

September 10th saw CENAP President Werner Walter open the day, presenting on the origins and work of CENAP. However, his presentation was interrupted by objections from Colman von Keviczkys and Michael Hesemann, who presented their own 'evidence'. The magazine notes that Hesemann had previously written about the 'Weilmünster Congress' being the first, a claim CENAP disputes.

Werner Walter and Klaus Webner reportedly protested the documents presented by Hesemann, suggesting alternative interpretations. The magazine posits that any threat from space is not from extraterrestrial beings but from 'earthly superpowers,' particularly the USSR, referencing 'killer satellites.' They argue that the American government is aware of this, but it has nothing to do with alien spacecraft.

Two participants from the Danish group SUFOI shared insights into their work. A greeting message highlighted CENAP's ten years of successful research, and a UFO detector was presented as a gift.

The discussion then turned to case investigations, notably the 'Messel Case.' While Michael Hesemann praised it, CENAP claimed to have been the first UFO group on the scene and provided an explanation based on planetary alignments, suggesting the sensational aspects emerged later as media interest grew.

Klaus Webner clarified the definition of a 'UFO' as an unidentified flying object, not necessarily an alien spacecraft, a distinction he felt Hesemann and the MUFOG group failed to grasp.

The GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens) held its member assembly, with details to be found in JUFOF magazine.

The evening concluded with an engaging public lecture, preceded by discussions and the study of exhibited photographic material, which garnered significant interest.

Public Lecture and Presentations

Hansjürgen Köhler and Werner Walter were nervous before the public slide lecture, having extensively promoted it. Köhler presented over 150 slides showcasing the spectrum of current UFO/UAP research, receiving considerable applause.

Day 3: Video Screenings and Further Analysis

The final day included two video screenings. The first was a recording of the live broadcast "Gesucht- Gefunden" (30.5.1983), featuring GEP leaders H.-W. Peiniger and Gerald Mosbleck discussing their work, including the Dammann case. The second was the world premiere of a video produced jointly by CENAP-Mannheim and CENAP-Heilbronn, aimed at informing UFO enthusiasts about UFO investigation methods and potential deceptions.

Following the congress, participants continued discussions at the hotel.

Final Day Activities

On September 11th, a BBC production was shown, illustrating how sensational reports can be misleading. This was followed by a 160-slide presentation by Colman von Keviczkys, accompanied by Michael Hesemann. The magazine notes that the presented 'evidence' offered little new information, with many photos being known fakes, such as the Nagora photos. An example of a recent German case, the 'Cologne Phantom Jets' incident (July 25, 1983), was presented as a 'proof' but was identified by GEP as a routine flight involving a balloon.

Several 16mm films from Japan, New Zealand, and the Ruhr area were also shown. The Ruhr film, previously analyzed by Klaus Webner, featured a luminous, unmoving cloud. Another example showed a bright, blurry point, which CENAP's video demonstrated could be explained by unfocused aircraft landing lights.

Many attendees were curious about Colman von Keviczkys himself. The magazine notes his open and friendly demeanor, stating he proved that dialogue between UFO researchers and ufologists is possible on a friendly basis. He described the CENAP Congress as one of the most interesting experiences of his life.

Other UFO-Related Events and Reports

AAS One Meeting Day

On October 8th, the AAS ONE DAY MEETING took place in Horn Bad Meinberg. The event aimed to allow younger AAS members to meet their role models without the expense of attending the world congress. Speakers included Erich von Däniken on pre-astronautic evidence in Central America, Johannes and Peter Fiebag on the search for the Holy Grail, and Jakob Vorberger on the trail of the gods.

UFOs in der Volkshochschule

Starting September 28th, a four-evening lecture series on 'Riddles of the Present Day,' including UFOs, was held at the VHS Moosbach. Prof. Krause discussed the physical and chemical composition of celestial bodies, the universal building blocks, and the conditions for life. He questioned whether UFOs are alien spacecraft and stressed the importance of differentiating between credible and non-credible witnesses, citing the Adamski case as unbelievable and a radar-visual sighting over an airbase in Omaha as more credible. He also touched upon the possibility of 'super-civilizations' and the potential 'culture shock' of contact.

UFOLOGENTAGUNG IN WIESBADEN

The DUIST and Karl Veit organized a UFO conference in Wiesbaden. However, the magazine criticizes the absence of actual UFO researchers from CENAP and GEP, despite attempts to contact the organizers. The report details a planned leaflet distribution that was hampered by weather and timing, leading to flyers being placed on parked cars, which proved successful.

During the event, CENAP members met with C. v. Keviczkys, who had tried to intervene on their behalf with K. Veit without success. A conversation with DUIST representatives eventually took place, where CENAP allegedly presented facts that the DUIST ufologists could not counter, resorting to typical contactee literature phrases. The DUIST representatives were described as arrogant, with one reportedly saying, "Yes, if you were humans..." and threatening legal action over photos taken in the hall.

JUBILÄUMSKONGESS DER AAS

The 10th anniversary congress of the Ancient Astronaut Society (AAS) was held in the USA. The event featured speakers like Erich von Däniken, Andrew Thomas, Vaughn M. Greene, and Zecharia Sitchin. Greene presented on the similarities between ancient Japanese Dogu statues and modern spacesuits. The magazine notes that the congress offered little new information, largely consisting of book reviews.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes CENAP's role as a leading and proactive UFO research organization in Germany, often positioning it as more efficient and knowledgeable than other groups. There is a critical stance towards sensationalism in UFO reporting and a skepticism towards some presented 'evidence,' particularly from contactees. The publication advocates for a scientific and rational approach to UFO investigation, distinguishing between unidentified flying objects and assumed alien spacecraft. The editors also highlight the importance of new media like video for disseminating information within the UFO community. The overall tone suggests a dedication to serious, fact-based UFO research, often in contrast to what they perceive as less rigorous or more sensationalist approaches by other organizations.