UFO Newsclipping Service - 2011 07 - no 504

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO magazine, dated July 2011, features a critical review of Annie Jacobsen's book "AREA 51-An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base." The main cover story, "Not on My Roswell – Why the Joe Stalin Saucer Explanation for Roswell Is More Disinformation," by James E. Clarkson, dissects Jacobsen's controversial theory about the Roswell incident.

Review of Annie Jacobsen's "AREA 51"

James E. Clarkson reviews Annie Jacobsen's book, which he describes as a well-organized and detailed history of the top-secret military base in Nevada, focusing on the development of nuclear weapons and spy planes. Clarkson notes that the book comprises 390 pages of text, with extensive notes and numerous primary and secondary interview sources, including anonymous current employees of federal agencies and defense contractors.

Clarkson highlights that the book presents a new explanation for the Roswell Event of 1947, which he terms "Stalin's Black Propaganda Hoax." According to this theory, an unidentified Soviet aircraft entered the US via Alaska and launched a remote-controlled, saucer-like advanced aircraft that crashed near Roswell. This vehicle was allegedly occupied by children subjected to horrific surgery by Josef Mengele, who worked for Stalin after WWII. The theory posits that Stalin's goal was to create national panic and intimidate the US military with superior aircraft technology, inspired by the 1938 Orson Welles radio broadcast.

Clarkson expresses skepticism about Jacobsen's methodology and the source of her information, questioning how she "found" her witnesses and suggesting that the media and publishing industry can be used to "thwart and deflect" the search for truth. He argues that Jacobsen, by presenting this "true explanation," may have become part of the problem rather than the solution.

He points out inconsistencies in the theory, such as the claim that the Horten brothers' radical "hover and fly" technology was attributed to a unique power source that even Dr. Werner von Braun couldn't identify, yet the craft were propelled by rockets. Clarkson questions why this advanced Soviet technology, if it existed, was not used more extensively against the US.

Clarkson also scrutinizes the handling of witness testimony, particularly the mention of a mysterious "Nurse" who took notes during a preliminary autopsy of the crash victims. He notes that the description of the bodies, including four-fingered hands with suction cups and disproportionately large heads, suggests non-human origins, contradicting the "Stalin Saucer" theory. He contrasts this with the testimony of June Crain, which he believes corroborates a cover-up of at least three UFO Crash Retrieval Events involving Non-Humans.

Clarkson criticizes the book's placement in the "Military History" section of bookstores, arguing it should be categorized under "UFOs/Metaphysical" given its lack of documentation and reliance on unsubstantiated claims. He contrasts Jacobsen's theory with the ongoing Roswell investigation by researchers like Stanton Friedman and Kevin Randle, which involves testimony from around 600 witnesses.

He also references a classified CIA file mentioned in Jacobsen's book, detailing how the CIA indirectly manages media to influence public opinion on UFOs, suggesting that Jacobsen may have been given a "Trojan horse" by the "Secret-Keepers."

Clarkson concludes that the "Stalin Saucer" explanation, like the classic Crashed ET-UFO explanation, involves a massive cover-up, disinformation, threats, intimidation, and potentially assassination. He argues that when such misconduct is presented in a military history book, it's dismissed as history, whereas in a UFO book, it's labeled conspiracy theory.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The magazine also features several reports on UFO sightings and related activities:

• Greeley UFO expert on 'The Daily Show' tonight: A report from The Tribune (July 11, 2011) about Clifford Clift, head of MUFON, appearing on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart." Clift discusses his experience being interviewed by Wyatt Cenac, where he was asked humorous questions about UFO sightings and the US losing them to China. He hopes the appearance will help promote MUFON's scientific investigations.

• Texas witnesses recall UFO-EBE encounter: An article from The Canadian (July 11, 2011) detailing a sighting near Temple, Texas, on March 22, 2009. A witness and his wife saw a disk-shaped object land, from which three men emerged. The object then departed at high speed.

• Kentucky witnesses report orange UFOs: An article from The Canadian (July 13, 2011) about two witnesses in Kentucky reporting four orange orbs flying in formation as a triangle, silently moving across the sky on June 28, 2011.

• Borough man is a field investigator for a UFO research network: A Morning Call article (July 12, 2011) about John Royer of Emmaus, a volunteer field investigator for MUFON. Royer recounts his own sighting of a black triangle in 1977 and discusses his interest in UFOs, the work of MUFON, and the phenomenon of alien contact.

• Newly formed Marin-Sonoma Mutual UFO Network meets monthly: An article from the Petaluma Argus-Courier (July 9, 2011) about a new group in California that meets to discuss UFOs, aliens, and extraterrestrial phenomena, featuring guest speakers and aiming to educate the public.

• UFO's Spotted In AZ Haboob: A report from myfoxphilly.com (Philadelphia, PA) about two objects caught on video darting in front of a giant sandstorm near Mesa, Arizona, on July 6, 2011. One object appeared to grow, change shape, and glow.

• Locals Report UFO to National Reporting Center: A County Times article (June 30, 2011) about George Jones and Ray Breeden in Hollywood, Maryland, who reported seeing groups of three orange-yellow lights approaching, hovering, and fading away on June 16, 2011.

• UFO believer tries to spread the word: An article from The San Diego Union-Tribune (July 4, 2011) about Mike Orrell, who took a UFO photograph in 1990. Orrell believes he was given a "great gift" to share his findings, interpreting the specks in his photo as alien ships. The article also touches on the public's belief in UFOs and government cover-ups, and mentions the "The Science of Aliens" exhibit.

From the Archives: Fort Smith Times Record (August 16, 1966)

This section reprints an article from 1966 detailing numerous reports of "Saucers, Planes or Stars?" sightings in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Fort Smith Police Department and the FAA received many reports of unidentified flying objects between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on a Monday night. Witnesses described various lights, including stationary red lights in a square formation, blinking white lights, and steady white beams. The Little Rock Air Force Base reported knowing of no aircraft that could explain the sightings. The article includes a transcript of a radio conversation between police officers discussing a UFO. It also mentions reports from Paragould of a bright star traveling erratically and a newsman observing a light moving in a "very tight circle." The article concludes by presenting possible explanations, such as high-altitude jets, refueling aircraft, or satellites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO explanations, particularly the "Stalin Saucer" theory for the Roswell incident, and the persistent mystery surrounding Area 51. The magazine emphasizes the importance of investigative journalism and witness testimony while expressing skepticism towards official narratives and potential disinformation campaigns. There is a clear stance against accepting unsubstantiated theories without rigorous evidence, as exemplified by James E. Clarkson's critique of Annie Jacobsen's book. The issue also highlights the ongoing public interest in UFOs through various sighting reports and the activities of UFO research groups like MUFON. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, seeking truth while acknowledging the challenges posed by secrecy and potential manipulation of information.

This issue of "Foreign News" (dated June 2011) compiles several news clippings from various British newspapers, primarily focusing on UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and related government investigations. The overall tone suggests a continued public and media interest in these phenomena, alongside discussions on legal and human rights issues that intersect with international cases.

UFO Sightings Probed by MOD

The lead article, "Five separate incidents in area investigated in project UFO Sightings probed by MOD" by Brian Hossack from the Greenock Telegraph (June 28, 2011), reveals that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) investigated five UFO sightings in the Inverclyde area between 1999 and 2009. These incidents, previously kept secret, were part of a 'government X-Files'-style project. The sightings included five lights forming a circle, stationary lights hovering for 30 minutes, a large bright light, a yellow conical craft, and two orange lights captured on a mobile phone. The MOD stated it has no opinion on extraterrestrial life but has found no evidence of a threat to the UK. The department dedicated to these investigations has since closed.

My Close Encounter with Ageist Aliens

"My close encounter with ageist aliens, by angler who got away" by Richard Alleyne from the Daily Telegraph (June 29, 2011) features Nick Pope, a former government UFO investigator. Pope compiled his top 10 sightings, noting that most were mistaken identities but some remain a mystery. He recounts a case where American air force personnel reported seeing spacecraft over Rendlesham Forest, with radiation levels rising. Another incident involves Alfred Burtoo, who claimed he was abducted by 'little green men' and rejected for being 'too old and infirm'. A couple in Somerset reported seeing a UFO over a field, finding cows standing in a perfect circle afterwards.

Did UFO Cause Power Failure at Nuclear Missile Base?

"Did UFO cause power failure at nuclear missile base? Missile technicians claim sightings coincided with October outage" by an unknown author from Mail Online (July 8, 2011) investigates a power failure at Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. Three missile technicians claim UFO sightings coincided with the outage, which lasted longer than officially reported. They described a 'large cigar-shaped object' seen over the missile field. The report notes that the alleged UFO was not a blimp and had a long, thin aspect ratio. While witnesses did not claim the UFO caused the outage, this follows previous reports by UFO researcher Robert Hastings about sightings at nuclear missile sites, including claims of aliens deactivating weapons.

The alien 'killed with a coal shovel'

"The alien 'killed with a coal shovel'" by Gavin Havery from the Northern Echo (June 24, 2011) recounts the story of Robert Hall, who claims to have encountered aliens in Gateshead in 1940. Hall described a 'big egg-shaped thing' and small creatures. He later claimed an alien tried to snatch him and was killed by his Uncle Ernie with a coal shovel. The story has become the subject of a television documentary by Richard Hall, who has investigated the case and found some corroborating details, noting it predates many other well-known abduction cases.

Top 10 UFO Incidents in the UK

"Top 10 UFO incidents in the UK: Former MoD UFO specialist Nick Pope reveals the UK's most bizarre alien encounters" from The Telegraph (June 29, 2011) lists ten significant cases. These include the Rendlesham Forest incident (1980), Alfred Burtoo's encounter (1983), a sighting over RAF Shawbury (1993), a couple seeing a UFO and cows in a circle, a man claiming contact with aliens in 1985, a commercial pilot's near miss, a UFO passing a commercial jet in 1991, police officers witnessing a UFO in North London, Philip Spencer's abduction claim (1987), and Alan Godfrey's encounter with a UFO the size of a bus (1980).

Worlds Apart on UFOs

"Worlds apart on UFOs" by Mike Hallowell from the Shields Gazette (June 2, 2011) is a column discussing skepticism towards UFO beliefs. Hallowell argues against the certainty of skeptics, highlighting the vastness of the universe and the possibility of interstellar travel. He suggests that those who vehemently deny UFOs may be doing so out of fear, and that the testimony of witnesses should be considered more logically than the assumptions of absent skeptics.

Human Rights Protect Foreign Criminals More Than Britons

This section includes two articles on human rights and extradition. "Human rights protect foreign criminals more than Britons" by Tom Whitehead from the Daily Telegraph (June 22, 2011) reports that a committee of MPs has warned that human rights laws offer more protection to foreign criminals fighting deportation than to Britons facing extradition. Cases like Gary McKinnon's are cited. "Government urged to renegotiate extradition deals with US and EU" by Peter Walker from The Guardian (June 22, 2011) further elaborates on this, with the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) recommending renegotiation of treaties to ensure Britons are not sent overseas for trial without sufficient evidence, and advocating for a 'forum' argument to allow UK judges to decide where alleged offences should be tried.

Did aliens attack Dartmoor ponies?

"Did aliens attack Dartmoor ponies?" by Eleanor Gaskarth from the Western Morning News (June 15, 2011) discusses a new book by Mike Freebury, "Killers on the Moor." Freebury claims that the deaths of 15 ponies in 1977 and subsequent sheep mutilations on Dartmoor were the work of an 'alien culture'. He dismisses other explanations and believes the evidence points to extraterrestrial activity, though the aliens' motives are unclear.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

"Is it a bird? Is it a plane?" by Rene Gerryts from the Bridport News (June 22, 2011) features Doug Palmer, who believes he has captured an image of a UFO. Palmer, a trader, saw a strange object flying erratically across the sky and photographed it, stating he has no other explanation for what he saw. He contacted the police but no one else had reported a similar sighting.

FORTEANA NEWS: Bermuda Triangle, Sargasso Sea, Michigan Triangle

"FORTEANA NEWS: Bermuda Triangle Not The Only Odd Water - Sargasso Sea, Lake Michigan Spawn Spooky Stories" by George Webster for CNN (May 31, 2011) explores mysterious maritime locations. It discusses the Bermuda Triangle, known for disappearances, the Sargasso Sea, characterized by its calm waters and seaweed, and the 'Devil's Sea' (Dragon's Triangle) near Japan, which has a history of lost vessels and personnel. The article also touches upon the Michigan Triangle, known for UFO and phantom plane sightings. It notes that while many legends exist, skeptics argue that the number of incidents in these areas is not statistically significant compared to other parts of the ocean.

Legend has it...

"Legend has it... A haunting in Argonne? Big Foot sightings at Duck & Wabikon Lakes?" by Melissa Theisen from The Forest Republican (July 7, 2011) explores paranormal reports in Wisconsin. It mentions haunted locations, a janitor who allegedly hung himself in an Argonne school, and a fisherman's sighting of Bigfoot in Wabikon Lake in 1983. The article also notes reports of strange whooping noises in Florence County, which were identified as similar to Bigfoot sounds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of clippings are UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, government investigations into these phenomena, and the intersection of these topics with human rights and legal issues. There is a clear interest in presenting various accounts, from official investigations to personal testimonies and speculative theories. The articles collectively showcase the enduring fascination with the unexplained, while also touching upon the legal and societal implications of such claims, particularly in the context of international relations and human rights.