UFO Newsletter

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Newsletter
Issue: #6
Date: 20 October 1956
Publisher: North Jersey U. F. O. Group

This issue of the UFO Newsletter reports on the formation of a significant national UFO organization, details recent sightings, and provides recommendations for UFO literature.

National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) Formed

The lead story announces the birth of a national flying saucer organization, the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), incorporated in the District of Columbia as a non-profit entity. T. Townsend Brown, a physicist known for gravity research, heads the organization. NICAP aims to provide substantial support to civilian research organizations and government agencies. The organization's prospectus indicates a need for between $1/4 and $1/2 million dollars. They are seeking individual memberships ($15) and are requesting donations of spare books to be sent to PROJECT SKYLIGHT in Washington D.C.

Personal Appearances and Literature

Lee Munsick, associated with the North Jersey UFO Group, recently traveled to Washington D.C. to speak with the Washington UFO Discussion Group. He also met with Clara John, editor of 'The Little Listening Post,' and Morris K. Jessup, author of 'The Case for the UFO' and the 1955 'UFO Annual.' Several books by Jessup are mentioned, including 'UFO and the Bible,' 'The Expanding Case for the UFO,' and an upcoming 'Bible Case for the UFO.' Jessup is also planning a work incorporating Robert Bartlett's list of saucer groups worldwide. The 'UFO Annual' is described as a large, illustrated book detailing 1955 saucer sightings and including the complete text of AFR 200-2, which outlines the federal UFO reporting system, security measures, and penalties.

UFO Sighting in Northern New Jersey

A significant event occurred on Saturday, October 13, 1956, in northern New Jersey, where thousands witnessed a spectacular, balloon-like object. Newspapers reported it as a weather balloon launched by the Weather Bureau from Idlewild International Airport. These balloons are equipped with radio transmitters for meteorological data and are tracked by radar. They ascend at 1000 feet per minute and reach altitudes of 54,000 feet, with flights lasting up to 1.5 hours. The sighting was visible between eastern Pennsylvania and Long Island from approximately 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mr. Munsick's phone was inundated with calls on Saturday evening and the following days, mostly from people questioning the sighting. However, some reports indicated other objects were seen as far away as Wilkes-Barre at 2 p.m. (two hours before the Idlewild balloon launch) and at Mt. Lakes from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Earlier information suggested sightings might be linked to the Constant Pressure Research project at Princeton University, but this project had moved to the College of Pennsylvania and the General Mills project in Michigan, indicating it was not currently operating in the area. The newsletter appeals for more definite reports.

New Executive Committee Member

Robert Ayres of Union Hill has joined the Executive Committee of the North Jersey UFO Group. He was named at an Executive Meeting held on September 26th at the home of Lois Allen Van Iderstine in Morris Plains.

Media and Literature Recommendations

The newsletter notes that 'Science Fiction Theatre' on WRCA-TV features stories based on saucers. It also mentions 'The USA Show' on WHBI with Bill Bertenshaw, and that Lee Munsick will appear on the show. 'Saucers' magazine, published by Flying Saucers International, is recommended, particularly an article by Dr. Allen Hynek. The North Jersey UFO Group is also selling magazine subscriptions to raise funds, with rates available from Lee Munsick. A list of recommended UFO-related magazines is provided, including 'Cosmic News,' 'F.S. Review' (UK and US editions), 'Saucerian Bltn,' 'Saucer News,' 'Telonic Res. Bltn,' 'Jranus' (UK), and 'Nelantrumbote' (German).

Government Secrecy and UFOs

The newsletter touches upon the USAF's actions regarding UFOs, suggesting security is a primary factor. Two anecdotes illustrate this: one about a Pentagon employee with 'top-secret' ideas who is kept from seeing the results of his work due to security, and another involving AF Chief of Staff Gen. Twining and Representative F. Edward Hebert discussing the Convair B-58 bomber, where Hebert could not answer Twining's question about its appearance due to security restrictions.

Missing Publications

Readers are asked to return copies of 'Space, Gravity & The Flying Saucer' by Leonard G. Cramp and 'Flying Saucers and Commonsense' by Waveney Girvan.

Upcoming Broadcast

A broadcast from Dick Miller regarding a sighting over Los Angeles on November 7th is mentioned, with expectations of hearing 'saucer people' on radio and TV if stations go off the air for two minutes. The event is anticipated to signify a 'different world' if it occurs on November 8th.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the UFO Newsletter reflects a strong interest in the organized study of UFO phenomena, evidenced by the formation of NICAP and the promotion of literature and discussion groups. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking detailed reports and questioning official explanations, while also acknowledging the role of government secrecy in the UFO topic. There is a clear effort to disseminate information and encourage reader participation through subscriptions and the sharing of literature.