UFO Magazine News Bulletin issue 13 1976-77

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO MAGAZINE NEWS BULLETIN
Issue: 13
Date: Winter 1976-77
Cover Headline: "CIA Involvement In The UFO Enigma"

This issue of the UFO MAGAZINE NEWS BULLETIN, dated Winter 1976-77, focuses heavily on the alleged involvement of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in the UFO enigma. The cover features two photographs of unidentified flying objects and prominently displays the headline "CIA Involvement In The UFO Enigma," with a note to "see page three."

CIA Involvement In The UFO Enigma

Authored by Robert S. Easley, this lead article posits that the CIA significantly influenced and complicated the U.S. Air Force's investigations into UFOs. The article traces the history from Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, suggesting the CIA entered the picture shortly thereafter. It claims the CIA "completely muddled" scientific attempts by the Air Force. The piece references the now-denied 1948 Top Secret "Estimate of the Situation" report, which, according to Easley, concluded UFOs were intelligently controlled alien spaceships. This report allegedly reached the Joint Chiefs of Staff but was sent back due to CIA influence citing a lack of evidence. The article further states the CIA was involved in the 1952 Government's "Controlled Motion Study" of UFOs, which also concluded UFOs were not terrestrial, but again, the CIA forced a cover-up.

Easley expresses his opinion that the CIA has deliberately used the Air Force as a scapegoat and has misled the public regarding the true nature of UFOs. He calls for a scientific, unbiased, full-fledged investigation into the UFO phenomena.

1977 National UFO Conference

The issue announces the 14th Annual National UFO Conference, scheduled for Saturday, August 6, 1977, at the Hotel San Franciscan in San Francisco, California. The invitation is extended by Dale Fettig, a member of the Permanent Organizing Committee. The conference is described as a gathering for "middle ufologists" and has historically ranged from "pomp and spectacle" to "smoke filled rooms." This is the first time the event is being held west of the Mississippi. Information is provided regarding hotel reservations with a group rate.

Recent UFO Reports

This section, compiled by Rick R. Hilberg, details several recent UFO sightings:

• October 2, 1976 (Weaverville, California): A square UFO with bright lights on the corners was sighted by Bill Isaacson and later observed by law enforcement officials. It hovered at approximately 2,000 feet before departing rapidly.
• October 26, 1976 (Brea, California): Gary White reported a "football sized" object described as a "fat cigar with a bank of white lights, and a bright red light on top." It was observed hovering and moving at a "tremendous rate of speed."

Notes From The Saucer's Cup

This section, also by Robert S. Easley, touches on several points:

• Sir Martin Ryle's Appeal: Nobel laureate Sir Martin Ryle urged the International Astronomical Union to stop attempts to communicate with extraterrestrial civilizations, fearing invasion.
• Asteroid Near Miss: On October 20, 1976, asteroid 1976 UA narrowly missed Earth by 750,000 miles, a close call that could have resulted in catastrophe.
• Star Trek Movie: Phil Kaufman was signed to direct Paramount's "Star Trek" movie.
• Book Review: "Somebody Else Is On The Moon" by George H. Leonard: This book is recommended for ufologists and amateur astronomers. Leonard claims that the Moon is occupied by two or more alien races, citing alleged constructions, controlled sprays, and mining operations visible in NASA photographs.

A Dissertation on the Possible Future of the National UFO Conference

Robert S. Easley defends the National UFO Conference (NUFOC) against criticism that it has become merely a name. He argues that the conference, now in its Fourteenth Annual meeting, serves as a focal point for diverse theories and provides a platform for "unknown ufologists" to interact with experts. He mentions Allen H. Greenfield's efforts to undermine the NUFOC and names Rick R. Hilberg, James W. Moseley, Gene Steinberg, and Allan J. Manak as key figures supporting the organization. Easley emphasizes the value of an open exchange of ideas, even if not all theories are universally accepted.

Around And About The Saucer World

Rick R. Hilberg reflects on the history and current state of the National UFO Conference. He recalls the initial enthusiasm in 1964 when the conference was first planned in Cleveland. He notes that in recent years, the conference has struggled, possibly due to a lack of new participants and frustration over a lack of progress. He addresses a personality conflict between co-founder Allen Greenfield and current NUFOC Chairman James W. Moseley, with Greenfield criticizing the organization. Hilberg suggests that despite these conflicts, the NUFOC remains a valuable forum for "middle" Ufology and calls for cooperation.

Other Content

• French UFO Case: A brief mention of a French couple who reported being chased by a flying oval-shaped object in early January of the current year.
• Advertisement: An advertisement for various UFO-related cassette tapes, including those by Major Wayne S. Aho, Lela Maxwell, and Janice Croy.
• Subscription Notice: An important note regarding an increase in the yearly subscription rate to $2.00, effective April 15, 1977.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around government secrecy and alleged cover-ups related to UFO phenomena, particularly the purported role of the CIA. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of scientific investigation and open discussion within the ufology community. The editorial stance, as expressed by Robert S. Easley, is critical of government agencies and calls for transparency and a thorough, unbiased investigation into UFOs. The publication also champions the National UFO Conference as a vital platform for ufologists to share and debate theories.