UFO Potpourri No 367

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO POTPOURRI
Issue: no. 367
Date: Monday, October 19, 1992

This issue of UFO POTPOURRI, dated October 19, 1992, delves into various historical and contemporary aspects of UFO phenomena, government secrecy, and related controversies. The cover story revisits the enduring debate surrounding the 1947 Roswell incident, nearly half a century later, highlighting expert opinions that the initial announcement was a mistake, though the reasons behind it remain contentious.

Roswell Incident Revisited

The lead article, "UFO debate continues half a century later," discusses the 1947 Roswell incident. Experts at a weekend conference agreed that the Army's announcement of recovering a flying disc was a significant mistake. While skeptics attribute the wreckage to a military balloon, the article notes that the intelligence office of the 509th Bomb Group claimed possession of the disc, as stated in a 1947 release by 1st Lt. Walter Haut. Philip J. Klass, former senior editor of Aviation Week and Space Technology, commented at a conference that some researchers believe the government's initial announcement in 1947 led to a need to cover up the discovery ever since.

Historical Accounts of Anomalous Phenomena

The issue includes several historical reports of unusual events:

A Shower of Meat

An article from SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, March 25, 1876, recounts a "shower of meat" that fell near Allen Crouch's house in Bath County, Kentucky. Described as looking like beef, the meat fell in pieces of various sizes, some several inches square, and appeared perfectly fresh. Witnesses who tasted it believed it was either mutton or venison.

Light Flash from Mars

From SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, March 23, 1901, Professor Pickering discusses a telegram received from the Lowell Observatory in Arizona about a shaft of light seen to project from Mars, lasting seventy minutes. Pickering emphasizes that the observer was reliable and there was no reason to doubt the light's existence, but stated that its nature was inexplicable and that exaggerated reports of communication with Mars had sprung up.

Sighting of a Pear-Shaped Object

An observation recorded by Mr. F. F. Payne, published in the Canadian Menthiy Weather Review and cited in NATURE, August 11, 1898, describes a large, grey, pear-shaped object sailing rapidly across the sky. It was initially mistaken for a balloon but was later thought to be a mass of cloud with a cyclonic formation. The observation suggests a possible origin for reports of strange war balloons and aerial machines.

Astronomical Discovery

An astronomical note from SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, August 1, 1896, reports that Prof. William R. Brooks of Smith Observatory observed a dark round object pass slowly across the moon. Brooks believed it was the passage of a dark meteor between the Earth and the moon, far beyond Earth's atmosphere, which remained non-luminous.

Government Deception and Secrecy

An article titled "Lying by the Book" discusses the practice of "dissembling by public officials," noting that the Bush administration has drafted regulations on the use of deception to provide cover for secret programs. These regulations are part of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual. A supplement for "special access" (or "black") programs, dated May 29, 1992, states that cover stories must be established to protect program integrity and must be believable. Steven Aftergood of the Federation of American Scientists criticizes this policy as "officially sanctioned lying." Susan Hansen, a Pentagon spokesperson, noted that the document was confidential and an unapproved draft. However, a Senate staff member suggests the policy has been implemented, with congressional oversight committees' complicity.

Political Campaign Allegations

Under the "CAMPAIGN" heading, White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater is quoted as labeling presidential candidate Ross Perot's charges "crazy" and comparing him to people who believe in UFOs. Fitzwater stated that Perot "simply can't tell the truth" and that the White House had to respond to Perot's allegations. Fitzwater also suggested that Perot seemed to believe the Bush campaign tried to sabotage his campaign, likening this belief to UFO theories and warning voters against electing "a paranoid person who has delusions."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the historical documentation of unexplained aerial phenomena, and the complex relationship between government secrecy, public discourse, and political accusations. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting historical accounts and contemporary debates on UFOs, while also critically examining government practices of deception and the political rhetoric surrounding such issues. The inclusion of historical scientific American articles suggests an interest in the long-standing nature of these phenomena and their investigation.