UFO Mail - No 165 - 2013

Magazine Overview

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, titled "CIA og Area 51," published on September 5, 2013, by Danmarks UFO Forening, delves into recent news regarding the CIA's confirmation of Area 51 and critically examines various UFO-related claims and events. The magazine aims to provide a balanced perspective, often debunking sensationalist narratives.

CIA Confirms Area 51, But No Aliens

The main article by Kim Møller Hansen addresses the media frenzy surrounding the CIA's confirmation of Area 51's existence. This confirmation stemmed from the declassification of a 393-page document titled "The Central Intelligence Agency and Overhead Reconnaissance: The U-2 and OXCART Programs, 1954-1974," published by the National Security Archive at George Washington University. Hansen clarifies that the document focuses on the early history and significance of spy planes like the U-2 and OXCART, and the mention of Area 51 as a secret airbase. He emphasizes that the report contains no evidence of aliens, crashed alien spacecraft, or current activities at Area 51, dismissing sensationalist interpretations as "old news" known to enthusiasts for years.

Critiquing the 'Citizen's Hearing on UFO Disclosure'

An article by Tim Printy critiques the "Citizen's Hearing on UFO Disclosure" (CHD), which took place from April 29 to May 3, 2013. Printy describes the event as a "publicity stunt" and a waste of time and money, organized by Steve Bassett. He notes that the hearing was not an official government inquiry and that former congressmen were paid to attend. Printy questions the credibility of these paid officials and suggests the event was designed to create an impression of objectivity while being inherently biased.

Roswell Incident: Eyewitnesses and Lack of Evidence

The magazine examines the Roswell incident, particularly focusing on claims of eyewitnesses who saw alien bodies in 1947. Kevin Randle's testimony is discussed, where he struggled to recall specific accounts but later mentioned a story from Frankie Rowes' father. Randle considers this proof that bodies were mentioned, but the article dismisses it as hearsay. It highlights the lack of concrete evidence from 1947, such as letters or diaries, and points out that "crashologists" rely on rumors and questionable testimonies. The article also notes Jesse Marcel Sr.'s denial of alien bodies being found, questioning why such a detail would be omitted if true.

Technology as a Magnet for Aliens?

Stanton Friedman and others are quoted suggesting that aliens were attracted to New Mexico due to the development of atomic bombs. The article refutes this, stating that the first atomic bombs were tested in other locations and that the Roswell incident predates significant atomic testing in the area. Friedman's theory that aliens were interested in "modern" technology like atomic bombs, rockets, and radar is also challenged. The author argues that there were no atomic weapons in Roswell in 1947, that rockets from White Sands were not armed, and that radar technology was not as advanced as claimed. The article questions why aliens would be interested in what it terms "obsolete" technology.

Rendlesham Forest Incident

The Rendlesham Forest incident is presented as a carnival of claims, with Penniston and Burroughs being the main figures. Their lawsuit against the administration for war veterans' benefits is mentioned, along with their claims of government knowledge of dangers they faced. The article questions their narrative, particularly their denial of chasing a lighthouse, and suggests their testimonies could be easily dismantled by a skilled lawyer. The author expresses doubt about the veracity of their claims, especially regarding medical records that they allegedly cannot access.

Critiques of Richard French's Testimony

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to debunking the testimony of former Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Richard French. French made several claims, including that a Roswell UFO was shot down by an "electromagnetic pulse weapon," that he was a Project Blue Book investigator for 12-13 years, and that he witnessed UFOs being shot down by jets. The article systematically refutes these claims:

• Electromagnetic Pulse Weapon: The article notes that this weapon, allegedly used in 1947, seems to have disappeared from the Air Force's arsenal.
• Project Blue Book Involvement: French's name does not appear in the official Project Blue Book archives, despite his claims of extensive involvement.
• Korean War Service: French claimed to have investigated UFOs in the US in 1952 while simultaneously serving in Korea during the Korean War and the Koje-do riots. The article highlights the logistical impossibility of this.
• Pilot Career: French claimed to be an F-86 pilot in 1954, flying with John Glenn. However, the Korean War ended in July 1953, and photographs show him as an F-100 pilot from 1957-1962. His claims of being a wingman to John Glenn are questioned.
• Witnessing UFO Shootdowns: French claimed to have witnessed a jet shoot down a UFO with a simple rocket at Holloman AFB in the late 1960s, but later mentioned an "electromagnetic pulse weapon" from 1947.

The article suggests that French has likely embellished or fabricated his stories by combining elements from various known UFO cases. It concludes that while French may have had military experience, his UFO accounts are highly suspect and lack verifiable evidence.

Mr. X and the MJ-12 Claims

The "Mr. X" segment discusses an interview with an elderly man claiming to be a former CIA agent. This individual, interviewed by Richard Dolan, made several extraordinary claims, including knowledge of gray aliens from Roswell, the existence of MJ-12, Eisenhower's threat to invade Area 51, and a secret card detailing how to "turn" gravity. The author expresses skepticism, suggesting the man is seeking attention and that his stories are easily fabricated by reading UFO books or visiting websites.

Missile Madness and Echo Flights

Robert Salas is mentioned for his testimony regarding the alleged Oscar flight shootdown, accusing the government of a cover-up. The article notes that the Echo flight had a reasonable explanation and that both Eric Carlson and Walt Figel stated the Oscar flight likely never happened. The author questions the claim that UFOs could fire missiles, suggesting that if this were true, the US Air Force would have developed countermeasures and that the focus was on electrical impulses as a threat.

Swamp Gas for Ufologists

Lieutenant Colonel Richard French is again discussed for his claims, including the Roswell UFO being shot down by an "electromagnetic pulse weapon." His assertion that he investigated UFO reports for 12-13 years and used various tricks to debunk them is questioned due to his name not appearing in Blue Book archives. His account of seeing two UFOs repairing each other in St. John's, Newfoundland, in 1952 is also dismissed due to a lack of records. His claim of seeing UFOs over Gulf Breeze, which he dismissed as swamp gas, is also unsupported by archives.

Danish Astronaut and Space Research

The magazine includes a section on Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen's upcoming mission to the ISS in 2015. It highlights Denmark's growing role in space exploration and how Mogensen's mission will benefit research at DTU Space, particularly with the ASIM (Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor) project, which studies sprites.

Sprites Photographed Over Nebraska

Another article details the photography of six sprites over Nebraska in August 2013. These atmospheric phenomena, described as purple and red "lightning" flashes high above thunderstorms, are being studied by projects like ASIM from DTU Space to better understand them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information consistently adopts a skeptical and critical stance towards sensationalist UFO claims. The editorial stance is to debunk unsubstantiated stories, question the credibility of certain witnesses and organizers, and rely on verifiable evidence. The magazine emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and rigorous investigation in the field of ufology. Recurring themes include the debunking of UFO crash narratives (Roswell), the critique of UFO disclosure movements and their organizers (Steve Bassett), and the examination of questionable witness testimonies (Richard French, "Mr. X"). The magazine also highlights scientific research into atmospheric phenomena like sprites, contrasting it with speculative UFO theories.