UFO Potpourri No 431

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO POTPOURRI
Issue: No. 431
Date: February 2000
Publisher: John F. Schuessler
Contact: Post Office Box 369, Morrison, CO 80465-0369
Email: [email protected]
Web Page: http://home.mho.net/schuessler/

This issue of "UFO POTPOURRI" focuses on a summary of CIA Report No. OO-W-24639, dated 24 Nov. 1952. This report compiled information from foreign documents and radio broadcasts regarding UFO sightings that occurred globally during the summer and early autumn of 1952, a period also marked by well-documented sightings over Washington, D.C. The CIA's findings were distributed to the State Department, Army, Navy, and Air Force.

CIA Reports on UFOs Over Spain and Africa, July-October 1952

The main body of the publication details specific incidents from the CIA report:

Marrakech, Morocco (17 July 1952)

Reported in "Rabat, L'Echo du Maroc," on 17 July 1952, numerous people in Marrakech witnessed a large, luminous disk flying horizontally with a leaping and bounding motion at 2100 hours. This was followed by a burst of light and the appearance of a second, smaller disk that moved horizontally southwest. The entire event lasted about one minute. The Ifrane region also reported flying saucers on 14 July, heading towards Meknes.

Moulay Bousselham, Morocco (2 August 1952)

Reported in "Rabat, L'Echo du Maroc," on 5 Aug. 1952, five trustworthy individuals observed a luminous disk or ball in the sky at approximately 2045 hours. The object, described as red in the center with a bluish edge, flew rapidly from southeast to northwest, remaining visible for at least 20 seconds before disappearing over the horizon.

Spain (22 August 1952)

Reported in "Tangier, Espana," on 22 Aug 52, several inhabitants of Puerto Real, near San Fernando, saw two elongated oval objects in the sky. These objects approached each other and, just as they seemed about to collide, both made sharp right turns, accelerated, and disappeared. The objects were observed at a great height, appeared lead-gray in color, and gave the impression of being piloted.

Mallorca Island, Spain (3 September 1952)

Reported in "Tangier, Espana," on 4 Sep 52, four professors from the Seraphic Seminary in Palma noticed a luminous disk traveling from west to east late at night. They ruled out the possibility of it being a shooting star and emphasized their objective reporting.

Union of South Africa (6 September 1952)

Reported in "Oran, L'Echo d'Oran," on 8 Sep 52, a meteorologist in Durban observed a white object moving smoothly across his field of vision. After two more appeared, he called a colleague, and together they observed three additional saucers. One object was tracked with a theodolite, indicating a high altitude, estimated to be above 6,500 meters, compared to a weather balloon at 3,500 meters. Both observers were experienced meteorologists.

Casablanca, Morocco (21 September 1952)

Reported in "Maroc-Presse," on 23 Sep 52, a pilot named Creze, flying a tourist plane, reported a close encounter. At 1825 hours, while preparing to land in Casablanca, he saw a luminous object about 30 meters to his left, flying parallel to his plane from east to west. Creze was traveling at 220 km/h at an altitude of 450 meters, and the object was estimated to be moving twice as fast. The object appeared as a bright blue-green flame with an oblong cigar-like shape and made no noise. A ground mechanic also witnessed a luminous object fly between himself and the plane. The pilot did not pursue the object, fearing the fate of U.S. pilot Captain Mantell.

Tangier, Morocco (21 September 1952)

Reported in "Le Courrier du Maroc," on 22 Sep 52, many people on a beach near Tangier saw a luminous disk, similar in diameter to the setting sun, flying horizontally from east to west. After maintaining its course for about 12 seconds, the disk, which looked like a brightly illuminated metal object, suddenly emitted two great streaks of flames and disappeared. At 1820 hours on the same day, a strange object was also seen flying at high speed from east to west over Fes, French Morocco.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the presentation of documented UFO sightings from a specific historical period (mid-1952) as reported by official sources or reputable news outlets. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and documentation, presenting factual accounts without overt sensationalism, aiming to contribute to the study of the flying saucer phenomenon. The inclusion of a CIA report underscores an interest in official investigations into the subject.