UFO Newsclipping Service - 1969 09 - no 5

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Kingston Whig-Standard, dated Tuesday, July 29, 1969, focuses heavily on the topic of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), presenting a collection of news reports, opinions, and a book review related to sightings and the ongoing debate.

Our Secret Weapons Are Flying Saucers

The cover story, "Our secret weapons are flying saucers it says right here," from the Toronto Daily Star (July 16, 1969), discusses an article in Argosy magazine. According to a former "undercover agent" named Renato Vesco, Canada allegedly has flying saucer bases and factories in British Columbia, hidden in forests. Vesco, described as a "specialist in aerospace" and attached to the Italian air ministry, claims these flying saucers are Canada's "Secret Weapon" and mean no harm, with American pilots instructed not to fire upon them. The article humorously notes that the "green face" in a flying saucer might be an "airsick Canadian."

David Lewis of the NDP is quoted as questioning Prime Minister Trudeau about working conditions in Canada's flying saucer industry, citing reports of non-union labor and suggesting a boycott. Premier Bertrand of Quebec City criticizes the federal government for locating its flying saucer factory far from an ideal location. Dr. Morton Shulman hints that the Canadian flying saucer establishment is a "hotbed of sin," with pilots allegedly fooling around with nurses. Psychiatrists report a drop in their business, as people now rush to cameras instead of therapists when they see UFOs. E.P. Taylor reportedly sold Canada's flying saucer industry to a Los Angeles firm for $578 million.

Two-Way Space Visits

An article titled "Two-Way Space Visits" (likely from The Kingston Whig-Standard, July 29, 1969, and also appearing in the Cornwall Standard-Freeholder, August 18, 1969, under "What's So Odd About UFOs?") explores the possibility of extraterrestrial visits. It quotes Hermann Oberth, father of the V-2 rocket, who is "most satisfied by the hypothesis that we are dealing with flying machines" not built by humans, capable of speeds over 42,000 mph. Dr. James McDonald, senior physicist at the University of Arizona's Institute of Atmospheric Physics, is presented as a leading proponent of the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs, calling them "surveillance devices." McDonald criticizes the Condon Report on UFOs as "very sloppy, atrocious really."

UFO Sightings Across North America

The issue compiles numerous recent UFO sighting reports:

• Seattle, Washington (Seattle Times, Sept. 11, 1969): A brightly burning object was seen streaking across the Puget Sound area, described as a "beautiful white-hot ball of fire with huge chunks breaking off." Some speculated it was a meteorite or a satellite piece.
• Pendleton, Oregon (E. Oregonian, Sept. 4, 1969): Hermiston City police reported a large unidentified flying object about 4:30 a.m., appearing to be a third the size of the moon, giving off light and moving towards Pendleton. A ball of light reportedly fell from the object.
• Yakima, Washington (Republic, Sept. 5, 1969): Law enforcement officers observed an oblong, brilliant light, about the size of a flashlight, moving northerly at low speed for over an hour.
• Vancouver, Washington (Columbian, Aug. 8, 1969): Ronald A. Sill reported a ball of light landing on a hill, but an investigation found nothing.
• Hines Creek, British Columbia (Peace River Record Gazette, July 30, 1969): Mrs. Steve Tachit reported an object moving from north to east, described as large and white, floating gently, and later appearing brown with scallopy convolutions. It moved slowly and had no obvious mode of propulsion.
• Roseburg, Oregon (News-Review, Aug. 19, 1969): Marvin Craft reported seeing an object with red, green, and white lights moving toward Winston.
• Petawawa, Ontario (The Kingston Whig-Standard, July 29, 1969): Edgar Paquette reported being chased by a bright white light on the Black Bay Road. The object descended to within 60 feet of the ground, was described as eight feet in diameter with two "legs," and was seen by multiple witnesses, including police.
• Ridgetown, Ontario (Ridgetown Dominion, Aug. 7, 1969): John Papenborg and his family sighted a bright object south of town that hovered, fluttered, and appeared oval in shape with a black dome. It moved away at high speed.
• Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan (Moose Jaw Times-Herald, Aug. 18, 1969): Brent Gibson and other witnesses saw a flat silver disc that changed into a shiny ball, later described as "cigar-shaped." Streaks of black smoke formed a triangle in the west after the object disappeared.
• Fredericton, New Brunswick (Fredericton Gleaner, Aug. 15, 1969): E.K. Robinson writes asking for records of a "spectacular fireball" in August, September, or October 1912 in northeastern New Brunswick, describing a brilliant ball with a long, ribbon-like tail that broke into dull red pieces, followed by a rumbling concussion.
• Roseburg, Oregon (News-Review, Aug. 3, 1969): Teresa Smith reported seeing over 20 flashing red, white, and blue lights over the Callahan Mountains and Roseburg. Her mother confirmed seeing "two more appeared. The lowest one... had a real bright red light."
• Los Angeles, California (Times, Aug. 27, 1969): A light streak across the sky caused speculation ranging from flaming aircraft to flying saucers. The best explanation offered was a Soviet rocket section circling Earth in a decaying orbit, burning up upon re-entry.
• New Castle, Pennsylvania (News, Aug. 27, 1969): Kathy Elias and her mother reported seeing an object that looked like a bright star, moved in the sky, and changed shapes from diamond-like to elongated.

UFOs and the Scientific Community

Dr. Donald H. Menzel, a prominent U.S. astronomer from Harvard University and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, is featured in The Calgary Herald (Aug. 1, 1969) and The Medicine Hat News (Aug. 8, 1969) expressing skepticism about UFOs. He states there is "absolutely no scientific evidence" for extraterrestrial visits, attributing most sightings to eye defects, hoaxes, or natural phenomena. He notes that many sightings are stimulated by news media and that reports have declined since the Condon report findings. While conceding the possibility of intelligent life elsewhere, he sees no connection to UFO reports.

Cover-Up Allegations

An article from the Medicine Hat News (Aug. 8, 1969), "Cover-up on UFO's?" discusses the ongoing charges of government secrecy. It highlights the handling of the Falcon Lake case, where Barry Mather, NDP MP, was promised a "complete file" from the government, but it was qualified as having "a few pages have simply been removed." The article suggests that the removed pages contained crucial information, raising questions about the authorities' silence.

Letters to the Editor

• E.K. Robinson (Montreal, Quebec) inquires about records of a 1912 fireball sighting.
• Cecil T. Reeves (Kingsley Field, Oregon) thanks the Myrtle Creek Chamber of Commerce for their hospitality.
• A. L. Tomison (Myrtle Creek, Oregon) describes seeing four brightly lighted vehicles flying in formation, with one speeding up and disappearing, another looping, and two proceeding north. He emphasizes the lack of sound and the size and speed of the objects, concluding they were not conventional aircraft.
• E. C. Irvine (Saint John, New Brunswick) argues that scientists' refutations of UFO sightings are difficult to accept, especially given humanity's achievement of landing on the moon. He criticizes the "intelligentsia" for scoffing at UFO reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across North America in the summer of 1969, the ongoing debate between scientific skepticism and belief in extraterrestrial visitation, and allegations of government secrecy or cover-ups regarding UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting various accounts and viewpoints, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many unexplained sightings. There is a clear effort to document a wide range of reported incidents and expert opinions, reflecting the public's fascination with the topic.

Title: The Courier
Issue Date: August 6, 1969
Publisher: Campbell River Courier, B.C.
Country: Canada
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Cover Story: Stories On Flying Objects Draw Comment From USA

The cover of this issue of The Courier prominently features the headline "Stories On Flying Objects Draw Comment From USA," indicating a focus on UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) reports and related discussions. The publication seems to be engaging with interest in UFOs from both local and international perspectives, particularly from the United States.

Key Articles and Reports:

Local UFO Sightings and Investigations:

The issue details several reported UFO sightings in the Campbell River area and surrounding regions. On November 6, 1968, residents Jack Ross, Frank Mest, Rev. Frank Baldock, Mrs. Joan Whitmore, and the Radfords reported seeing glowing objects in the sky. Ed Selby, from the Aerial Research Phenomena organization, investigated but was satisfied the objects were not UFOs, though he mentioned a prior sighting over Quadra.

A peculiar incident occurred a week later when Mrs. Carol Lutes of Gold River reported her car and radio went out of control near Forbes Landing, accompanied by a blinding light. She believed she had encountered a landed UFO.

On February 26, Gary observed strange objects in the sky with the Wilson family. Other witnesses, including RCMP constables and Gary himself, observed two objects moving in a controlled fashion for nearly five hours. Young Jimmy Ogilvy took coordinates, suggesting a pattern of two flying saucers changing positions at regular intervals.

UFOs and Scientific/Governmental Perspectives:

Professor Rupert MacNeil of Acadia University commented on recent UFO sightings near Petawawa, Ontario. He suggested that while UFOs are reported, there should be more concern with earth-bound objects being launched into space. He acknowledged that scientific development allows for many possibilities and that the public might be alarmed by objects they are unaware of. The Meteorite Committee, of which he is a member, is interested in tabulating sightings and welcomes reports.

In a statement, the Canadian Defense Minister Leo Cadieux, when questioned about an alleged UFO landing at Falcon Lake, Manitoba, on May 20, 1967, stated that the department would not make the report public. Despite this, investigators from the Department of Health and Welfare and the National Research Council were sent to the site, raising questions about the government's interest and the suppression of results.

The Canadian UFO Report for January/February 1969 is cited, suggesting that Canada's geological and geographical conditions might be particularly favorable for UFO operations, possibly due to its proximity to the North Pole or its mineral content. The report also notes that activity is suggested over Russia as well.

A public opinion poll from Calgary, Alberta, indicated that two-thirds of attendees at the Calgary School Fair believed UFOs could be extraterrestrial spacecraft, with five million Americans claiming to have seen UFOs.

Despite public awareness, the government is described as avoiding the subject, often stating that UFOs "do not present a threat to national security." The article questions this stance, especially in light of the government's investigation into the Falcon Lake sighting.

International UFO Reports:

Reports from other publications are included, such as:

• New Glasgow News, N.S. (July 19, 1969): Professor Rupert MacNeil's comments on recent UFO sightings.
• Roseburg, Ore. (Lows-Review, Aug. 1, 1969): Over 25 persons reported sightings of unidentified flying objects in the Melrose, Lookingglass, Tenmile, Roseburg, and Winston areas. Deputies, a pilot, and citizens band radio operators reported seeing numerous objects emitting bright red and green lights.
• Greenville, S.C. (Aug. 27, 1969): Berea residents reported seeing a mysterious ball of fire overhead.
• Watford Guide-Advocate, Ontario (Aug. 7, 1969): A meteor lit up the sky, described as a sudden thrill and awesome feeling.
• Kitchoner Waterloo Record, Ontario (July 14, 1969): A flashing light reported by a Guelph man was explained as possibly being a revolving warning light from an Ontario Hydro truck.
• Pine City, Minn. (Pioneer, Aug. 21, 1969): Pine City Police Chief Norman Briesemeister spotted what he described as a "flying yardlight" in the sky.
• Schenectady, N.Y. Gazette (Aug. 7, 1969): An "unidentified flying object" was observed over the Upper Union Street area, described as a large mass of white light that separated into three smaller discs.
• Galt Evening Reporter, Ont. (Aug. 6, 1969): A UFO was sighted, described as a hurtling object that exploded into showers of red, yellow, and green beams.
• Roseau, Minn. (Times Region, Aug. 7, 1969): Three separate sightings of an unidentified flying object were reported from the Northwest Angle by Mrs. Lockwood Jaynes and a companion. They described a large brilliant object hovering over the river.
• Greater Ore. (Aug. 8, 1969): Residents of Southern Oregon reported seeing mysterious UFOs with bright red and green lights, or orange and white lights. Deputies also reported sightings.
• Hamilton, Ont. (Spectator, Aug. 22, 1969): Bruce McAvella described seeing a "giant bat," horseshoe-shaped object that made no sound and had no lights.
• Calgary Alberton, Alta. (July 29, 1969): Dr. Donald Menzel of Harvard University was scheduled to speak, refuting scientific basis for supernatural flying devices.
• Pasco, Wash. (Tri-City Herald, Aug. 19, 1969): A resident reported seeing a cigar-shaped, unidentified flying object in Richland.
• Brantford Expositor, Ont. (Aug. 25, 1969): Three reports of UFO sightings near Simcoe described a brilliant oval-shaped light.
• Butler, Penna. Eagle (July 29, 1965): A resident reported a glowing object seen in the sky, which city police were told about.
• Mattoon, Ill. Journal-Gazette (Evening): The staff was still talking to persons interested in a UFO sighting from early July. Fred Beckman of the University of Chicago was particularly interested.

The University of Colorado UFO Study:

Pages 8-10 detail the findings of a study by the University of Colorado, which commenced in October 1966 and continued for about two years. The study examined 59 UFO reports and employed field investigations, interviews, and analysis. The methodology involved field trips for recent reports and interviews with witnesses. The study found that nearly all cases could be classified as pranks, hoaxes, naive interpretations, or misinterpretations, with few events left unexplained.

Key findings include:

• Scope: The study's scope was deemed adequate for a scientific study of UFO phenomena.
• Methodology: Investigations primarily consisted of interviews, with teams of a physical scientist and a psychologist employed.
• Materials Investigated: Approaches included chemical analysis of alleged UFO parts, simulation studies of automobile ignition failure, and UFO photography analysis. Of 35 photographic cases, nine were deemed probable fabrications, seven were classified as natural or man-made phenomena, twelve lacked sufficient data, and seven were considered possible fabrications, with none proving to be "real objects with high strangeness."
• Findings:
• Approximately 90 percent of all UFO reports are plausibly related to ordinary phenomena.
• Little, if anything, has come from the study of UFOs in the past 21 years that has added to scientific knowledge.
• Further extensive study of UFO sightings is not justified in the expectation that science will be advanced thereby.
• The study found no basis for contentions of "shrouded in official secrecy."
• No evidence was found that UFO sightings represent a defense hazard, nor that they constituted any hazard or threat to national security.
• The federal government should not set up a major new agency for the scientific study of UFOs, as it is not expected to contribute to the advance of science. However, the Department of Defense should handle reports in its normal surveillance operations.
• While specific research areas like atmospheric optics and electricity might warrant consideration, they are also of fundamental scientific interest and relevant to practical problems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance:

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across North America, the public's fascination and belief in these phenomena, and the ongoing tension between eyewitness accounts and official/scientific skepticism. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these sightings and the various perspectives surrounding them, including scientific investigations and governmental responses. The inclusion of the University of Colorado study's findings suggests a leaning towards a rational, scientific explanation for most sightings, while acknowledging the existence of unexplained events and the public's continued interest.

The articles collectively highlight a period of heightened interest in UFOs, fueled by media coverage and public curiosity, particularly in the context of the space race and advancements in technology. The issue aims to inform readers about reported incidents and the official and scientific attempts to understand them.