UFO Magazine - vol 4 number 5

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO MAGAZINE
Issue: VOLUME 4 NUMBER 5
Date: May, 1967
Publisher: UFO Magazine Publications
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of UFO Magazine delves into the intriguing connection between unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and the Earth's oceans, alongside a critical examination of the Ufology field itself. The cover story, "SOMETHING STRANGE DOWN THERE," highlights several incidents suggesting underwater UFO activity.

Underwater UFO Sightings

The magazine opens with an account from Dr. Rubens J. Villela, who witnessed a large silvery disk emerge from the sea into the sky near Admiralty Bay while aboard an ice-breaker during Operation Deep Freeze. He was asked to keep silent about the sighting.

Another significant case discussed involves maneuvers by the U.S. Navy off Puerto Rico in 1964. The aircraft carrier Wasp, along with destroyers and submarines, tracked an unidentified object at a depth of 450 fathoms moving at approximately 200 knots. This speed was faster than any known surface or subsurface craft of the time. The reports were sent to C.O. M. L. A. N. T. Headquarters for analysis.

Further evidence of underwater phenomena is presented through a report by Captain Jacques Nicholas and Dr. Demitri Rebikoff on July 5th. They described a pear-shaped object moving beneath schools of fish at the speed of the Gulf Stream (3.5 knots). Initially mistaken for a shark, its constant direction and speed suggested it might have been on a robot pilot. The hydrospace research team involved later refused to comment or see the press after government interviews.

The article posits that the oceans are a logical place for UFOs to have a base on Earth due to their vast, unexplored depths.

Recent UFO Reports

The "RECENT UFO REPORTS" section details two sightings from May 1967:

1. Cleveland, Ohio (May 13th): A tool and die worker, wishing to remain anonymous, reported seeing a half-moon shaped object that appeared almost transparent, like a translucent polymer. It moved from the southwest to the north for about two minutes, changing colors from white to a deep purple in a spectrum manner before disappearing.
2. Parma, Ohio (May 18th): Two witnesses, both college graduates with USAF aerial identification training, observed seven objects that were not known aircraft. These objects came from the southeastern sky, stopped overhead, were joined by two more from the west, and then proceeded northeast. The witnesses were reluctant to disclose their names, which the magazine notes questions their reliability.

The magazine appeals to its subscribers to send in reports and clippings, offering free material to the person who submits the most each month. It also emphasizes the importance of filling out report forms to provide a complete picture for investigations.

Editorial: Conclave for UFO Investigation

An editorial announces that UFO Magazine is sponsoring a conclave in Cleveland, Ohio, in July to promote scientific investigation of UFO reports in the Ohio-Midwestern area. The organizers believe that too little work has been done on civilian UFO investigation and hope this gathering will initiate a program beneficial to solving the UFO enigma. Further details will be provided, with formal invitations and information to be mailed to a select list and published in the June issue. The outline of events includes informal discussions and a social get-together on the evening of July 21st, followed by formal conferences and a public lecture (25¢ admission) on July 22nd.

A Critical Look at "Ufology"

In an article titled "A Critical Look at 'Ufology'," Associate Editor Janie L. Ransom offers a candid assessment of the Ufology field. She describes the "top brass" of Ufologists as an elite circle of "professional" or "semi-professional" investigators and publishers who are aware of each other and the field's activities. Her source of information is her fiancé, Rick Hilberg, an editor of UFO Magazine.

Ransom criticizes many in the field as greedy, avaricious, and egotistical propagandists who are not genuinely interested in informing the public accurately. She notes that most "saucerzines" (UFO magazines) focus on attacking other ufologists or promoting the publisher's interests. While acknowledging that some publications are genuinely interested in providing truth and information, she points out that many are primarily driven by profit. She also criticizes writers who sensationalize sightings to make them sound more exciting.

The article also examines UFO groups, mentioning NICAP as a prominent organization, possibly recognized by the government and NASA. However, Ransom expresses concern about some NICAP representatives holding unusual beliefs, such as UFOs being "soul entities," or engaging in activities like trying to call down saucers with searchlights. She notes a general stagnation in NICAP's activities.

Ransom describes a common pattern in UFO groups: a strong personality leads a group, becomes too self-involved, leading to dissenters forming new groups, which often fail. She criticizes the resulting fragmentation and "useless and totally unnecessary mess."

She concludes by urging the average Ufologist to become more discriminating and to "spot rats and lies." The only way to improve the field, she argues, is to make it unprofitable for dishonest individuals to remain. She stresses that apathy is not an answer and that the field, which she considers the most important scientific field known, must be protected from setbacks.

Publications and Subscription Information

The issue includes advertisements for "SAUCER ALBUM UFO MAGAZINE'S 1967 ANNUAL ISSUE" for $1.00, and other publications such as "Ufology: An Informal Survey" and "FS In the Bible." Back issues of UFO Magazine are available for 25¢ each. Subscription rates are $2.00 yearly in the U.S. and Canada, and $3.00 elsewhere. The magazine is published monthly by UFO Magazine Publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Magazine demonstrates a dual focus: reporting on unexplained phenomena, particularly those occurring in or related to water, and critically evaluating the Ufology community itself. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous, scientific investigation while simultaneously exposing what the magazine perceives as charlatanism and self-interest within the field. The call for a conclave in Cleveland signifies a desire to foster a more organized and serious approach to UFO research. The critique of Ufology suggests a frustration with the lack of progress and the prevalence of misinformation, urging readers to be discerning and active participants in seeking the truth.