Weltraumbote - No 58-59 - 1961

Magazine Overview

Title: WELTRAUMBOTE
Issue: Nr. 58/59
Volume: 6. Jahrgang
Date: January/February 1961
Publisher: UFO-Verlag Zürich
Country: Switzerland
Language: German
Price: Fr. 1.60

Cover Story: Spaceship at Namur

The cover of this issue prominently features three photographs of a purported UFO, captioned "Raumschiff bei Namur (Legende s. umstehend)" (Spaceship at Namur (Legend see on reverse)). These images were reportedly taken on June 5, 1955, by an amateur photographer in Namur, Belgium. The article on page 2, "Zum Titelbild," states that these photos were submitted to professional experts and meteorologists who could neither identify them as fakes nor as tricks. The report also draws a parallel to a sighting by Aimé Michel, comparing the object to one described by a young Boyer and an observer from the American Air Force, and referencing a previous mention in issue Nr. 56/57. It also recalls the "Meteor" incident of November 17, 1955, which was later determined not to be a meteor.

Subscription Information

Page 2 provides detailed subscription information for "Abonnement: 6 Monate" (Subscription: 6 Months). Prices are listed for Switzerland and Austria (Sch. 25.- / Fr. 4.-), and for other countries (Fr. 4.40, DM 4.40, or $1.-). Payment details include Swiss and German Postcheck accounts and international postal mandates. A German representation is listed for Hermann Schulz in Günsterode.

Call for Contributions and Editorial Policy

The magazine encourages readers to submit their own observation reports, for which pre-printed forms are available. While no compensation is offered beyond reimbursement for postage and photos, the publication of reports is welcomed. Newspaper clippings are also accepted, provided the source, publication date, and location are clearly stated. The editorial policy emphasizes that the opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. However, the truthful translation and reproduction of eyewitness accounts, messages, and important facts are guaranteed. Reprinting is permitted with proper source attribution, provided the meaning is not altered.

Article: "Schatten und Stille" (Shadows and Silence) by Aimé Michel

This article, beginning on page 3, delves into the thoughts of UFO researcher Aimé Michel from his book "Mystérieux Objets Célestes" (1958). Michel explores the possibility, forms, and consequences of contact with extraterrestrials. He begins by examining medieval sculptures that depict strange figures, such as headless people with eyes on their torsos or people with large ears. Michel argues that these were not depictions of demons but rather interpretations of ancient geographical descriptions from sources like Pomponius Mela, who described inhabitants of remote regions like Africa and India.

Michel then draws a parallel to the post-1947 UFO phenomenon, referencing Kenneth Arnold's sighting. He criticizes the tendency of some individuals to fabricate elaborate stories about visiting Venus, piloting alien craft, and even claiming to be extraterrestrials themselves. He labels these claims as a "monumental and stupid fraud," asserting that while the non-existence of something cannot be proven, the claims of intelligent contact are easily disproven due to their lack of credible evidence. Michel uses an analogy of someone claiming to have found a mountain of diamonds, offering only photos and testimonials as proof, rather than actual diamonds.

He questions the scientific basis of alleged UFO flights and criticizes those who claim contact, stating they demonstrate ignorance of basic science and fail to notice obvious features of the craft, such as antennas. He suggests that a truly intelligent contact with a superior civilization would fundamentally alter human culture, morality, and religion, potentially leading to the collapse of current societal structures. He argues that the progress of life, whether biological or cultural, is driven by competition and the replacement of the weaker by the stronger. He posits that contact with beings thousands of years more advanced would likely extinguish the driving forces of human progress, such as curiosity, leading to a stagnation of science, morality, and religion.

Michel further elaborates on the potential impact on science, suggesting that if all questions could be answered instantly by superior beings, scientific research would lose its purpose and become a mere historical curiosity. He notes that scientific progress is characterized by an unending series of discoveries, each raising new, more complex questions. He also touches upon the acceleration of technological evolution among nations, with a widening gap between leading and lagging countries.

Biological and Moral Evolution

On page 8, Michel continues his discussion by examining biological and historical facts related to evolution. He points to paleontology, which shows a continuous progression of life forms over millions of years, driven by natural selection. He notes that Homo sapiens replaced earlier hominids, a process he acknowledges as a tragic aspect of life where the "bad" is replaced by the "better" through struggle. He extends this to human history, where progress has often come at the cost of slavery, wars, and revolutions, citing France's 2000-year struggle for its current way of life. He mentions concepts like "struggle for life" as reflections of this inherent drive.

Michel questions how a higher morality could intervene in this process of terrestrial life, which involves the exploitation of other living beings. He asks if a higher moral order would condone the daily transformation of millions of animals into food or the destruction of forests for paper, highlighting the human dependence on these processes for survival. He suggests that a premature introduction of a higher moral code, before humanity is ready, could lead to its downfall.

Religious and Societal Impact

On page 9, Michel addresses the potential impact on religion, suggesting that contact with beings only a few thousand years more advanced would drastically alter or even destroy current religious systems. He concludes that a meeting with "space people" would likely result in chaos, and if such an event had occurred, humanity would know about it. He acknowledges that the hypothesis of contact with beings on a similar evolutionary path is the simplest but also the least probable, suggesting that the truth is likely far more mysterious.

UFO Congress in Wiesbaden

Page 10 reports on the "4th International UFO Congress" held in Wiesbaden from October 22-24. Approximately 1000 participants from 14 countries attended. The event featured three "contactees" as guests of honor: Americans Schmidt and Anderson, and German Elisabeth Weindt. Reinhold O. Schmidt recounted alleged experiences, including a flight to the Giza pyramid where he claims to have visited an undiscovered chamber within a UFO, and a journey over the Soviet Union where he was shown a vast area devastated by an atomic explosion. He also claimed to have purchased land on a "planetary council" containing a metal suitable for spaceship construction, harder than steel and lighter than aluminum, which he would retrieve with the help of "Saturnians."

Schmidt also predicted UFO sightings over Germany from November 10-20, which the magazine states did not occur, calling contrary claims untrue. The WELTRAUMBOTE expresses its forced position to warn readers about Schmidt, describing him as a possibly well-meaning but careless chatterbox, given his false predictions and improbable claims. The magazine references previous reports on Schmidt and a brochure titled "Im Raumschiff zur Arktis."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO phenomena, the credibility of contactee accounts, and the philosophical implications of potential extraterrestrial contact. The magazine adopts a critical and skeptical stance, particularly towards sensational claims, emphasizing the need for verifiable evidence. While acknowledging the possibility of intelligent contact, it strongly cautions against accepting unsubstantiated narratives, highlighting the potential for fraud and delusion. The editorial stance appears to favor a rational, evidence-based approach to the study of UFOs, while also exploring the broader societal, scientific, and philosophical questions raised by the phenomenon. The issue also touches upon evolutionary theory and the inherent struggles within life and human history as a framework for understanding potential interactions with advanced beings.

This issue of UFO-Nachrichten, dated December 1960 (Issue 52), is primarily focused on UFO sightings, contactee experiences, and related phenomena. The magazine, published by Ventla-Verlag, presents a collection of reports from various international sources, often with a critical stance towards official explanations.

Carl Anderson and the 'Free Energy' UFO

The issue details the claims of Carl A. Anderson, a mechanic and associate of Otis T. Carr, who brought a model of Carr's 'flying saucer' to a UFO conference. Carr, a student of Tesla, reportedly aimed to fly this craft to the moon using 'Free Energy.' Anderson claims that 4 small test apparatuses were built, with 3 escaping into space. The article mentions that Professor Hermann Oberth translated explanations for the complex construction, though he admitted not fully understanding it himself. Anderson also shared personal experiences, including a prediction of the Agadir earthquake by a Martian named Kumar, and encounters with 'Men in Black' and alleged agents of capitalist systems who sought to steal the secret of 'Free Energy.' He also recounted instances where he was warned by Kumar's voice to avoid accidents.

Contactee Reports

Elisabeth Weindt's Encounters

Elisabeth Weindt, a 59-year-old housewife and former nurse, recounts her experiences with extraterrestrial friends, Libena and Ramon, from another star system. She describes being taken aboard a spaceship and entering the 'UFO' through a portal. Inside, she saw pearlescent materials and met Ramon, who greeted her with 'Love without all boundaries.' She learned her own past-life name might be Elina. Weindt claims to have taken several flights, including one near the moon, and met Ramon again at an exhibition. The magazine notes that while her story was presented with conviction, it lacked concrete evidence and contained improbabilities, though the German UFO Study Group considered her a significant contactee.

Other Contactees and Observations

Reinhold Schmidt, a grain dealer from California, is also mentioned as a contactee. The magazine notes that Anderson reported Schmidt experiencing 'new vibrations of cosmic love rays' as a greeting from planetarians. The issue also references a report from 'UFO-Nachrichten' No. 52 about Anderson's alleged healing abilities.

International UFO Sightings

European Sightings

Several sightings are reported from Europe. In England, three military personnel and two guards in Wiltshire witnessed a shining object that flew north, emitting white sparks. In Bristol, numerous people observed a luminous body. The English Ministry of Aviation suggested these could be meteorites or satellites, but the magazine questions this, noting the object's unusual behavior. In Anthéor, France, during a thunderstorm, furniture moved on its own, and sparkling particles covered the ground, with workers finding scorch marks on roof tiles. Near La Londe, France, two residents observed a 'flying saucer' approximately 6 meters wide and 2 meters thick, hovering at 500 meters altitude.

Australian and New Zealand Sightings

In Australia, residents of Kurnell reported seeing five strange, red, glowing objects that appeared suddenly and flew past. A milkman in Napier, New Zealand, observed a 'firm red ball' that descended and ascended over the sea. In Sydney, a bluish-white, round object was seen hovering before moving rapidly south.

Other Global Reports

Reports from South Africa describe objects of unknown origin leaving smoke and dust, with explosions heard. In England, a mysterious, white, glowing object, described as pear-shaped, was observed over North Wales and Lancashire.

Scientific and Official Perspectives

Professor Gerhard Lyra discussed the need for a revision of physics to understand parapsychical and cosmic phenomena. Physicist Dr. Wilhelm Martin spoke about the upheaval in the astronomical worldview due to UFO phenomena, and Karl Maier presented on 'UFOs in prehistoric times,' linking them to ancient cave drawings. Cläre Müller urged the audience to spread knowledge about the reality of UFOs and their builders' mission to help Earth during a critical time. Engineer Otto Schwarz humorously recounted interactions with police officers, implying Vienna was involved.

The magazine also critiques official explanations. When NICAP inquired about a sighting near Red Bluff, California, the Luftwaffe suggested it was a refraction of the planet Mars and stars Aldebaran and Beteigeuze. However, NICAP's investigation revealed that Mars was below the horizon at the time, and the stars had not yet risen, leading the magazine to conclude the Luftwaffe's explanation was deliberately misleading.

UFOs and Electromagnetic Effects

During a one-hour encounter near Red Bluff, California, police officers observed an oval flying object. The object's proximity caused a strong humming that disturbed the police car's radio, suggesting an electromagnetic field effect. The officers described the object's flight maneuvers as 'completely unbelievable.' A second object joined the first, and their red lights flashed intermittently before they moved out of sight.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Nachrichten consistently highlights the perceived secrecy and misinformation surrounding UFO phenomena from official bodies. It champions the accounts of contactees and witnesses, presenting their experiences as credible evidence of extraterrestrial visitation. The magazine emphasizes the lack of tangible proof for many sightings but implicitly trusts the sincerity of the witnesses. The recurring theme is the need for open investigation and dissemination of information, contrasting with what the editors perceive as attempts to suppress the truth. The editorial stance is clearly pro-UFO investigation and critical of mainstream media and governmental dismissals.

This issue of Flug-Revue, identified as Volume 12, Nr. 56/57, published in October 1960, focuses heavily on the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), particularly in light of a recent surge in sightings. The cover headline, "Die Fliegenden Untertassen sind nicht Neues" (Flying Saucers are not New), suggests a historical perspective on the topic. The magazine's content indicates a serious investigation into UFOs by various entities, including the US Air Force, scientific institutions, and private research groups.

Recent UFO Sightings and Air Force Response

The issue details numerous recent UFO sightings, primarily from August and September 1960. A significant event triggering a new wave of sightings was the launch of the "Echo" balloon on August 12th. Sightings are reported across the United States, including California (Redlands, San Francisco, Eureka, Oak Forest, Chicago, Evanston, Lexington, White Bear Lake), Colorado (Grand Junction, Eagle), New Mexico (Farmington), and other locations. Witnesses include ordinary citizens like Mrs. Corrin Bay, pilots (Herb Hartley, Harry Deerwester jun., Aime Dallaire, Kenneth Elliott), astronomers (George Corso, Dr. Johnson), and military personnel.

Objects are described with various shapes (melon-shaped, disc-shaped, cigar-shaped, rocket-shaped) and features (red and white lights, domes, glowing red, multi-colored blinking lights). Some reports mention unusual behavior such as rapid movement, arbitrary course changes, and hovering. The speed of some objects is noted as being faster than terrestrial satellites.

The US Air Force is presented as actively monitoring UFOs. A Space Surveillance Control Center was established, coordinating information from over 100 stations worldwide. This center uses a illuminated world map to track satellites and unknown objects. However, the magazine criticizes the Air Force for issuing seemingly dismissive explanations to the public while simultaneously urging its commanders to be vigilant. The Air Force's efforts are described as a response to the growing number of sightings and pressure from Congressmen.

Scientific and Historical Perspectives

Astronomers and scientists are quoted discussing the implications of these sightings. Professor Robert L. Brown of the South Connecticut Observatory muses about the possibility of older, more advanced civilizations. Dr. Johnson, Director of the Adler Planetarium, publicly acknowledged a UFO sighting. Flight Engineer Tom Hemphill suggested the possibility of an oversized, mysterious satellite. The magazine also references historical accounts of aerial phenomena, citing Seneca (60 AD) and Pliny the Elder (77 AD) who described "flying shields" and light beams in the sky, indicating that the phenomenon is not entirely new.

Adamski vs. Nelson and Other Cases

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a comparison between the claims of George Adamski and Buck Nelson. The magazine notes that Adamski's first book was published in 1949, while Buck Nelson's experiences, which the magazine had been following since their beginning, were dated 1954/55. The magazine expresses skepticism towards Adamski, suggesting his claims might be fabricated, especially when he refers to Orfeo Angelucci as "psychic" while emphasizing the "material reality" of his space friends. The magazine warns readers to be cautious about Adamski's accounts.

Other cases mentioned include a UFO sighting over a military airfield in Brazil that demonstrated incredible acceleration (2000 meters in one second, equivalent to 250g), far exceeding human tolerance. The Brazilian UFO group S.B.E.D.V. is mentioned as researching UFOs for non-political reasons, focusing on contact cases.

Scientific Debate and Future Implications

The magazine touches upon the scientific debate surrounding the possibility of life on other planets and space travel. It notes that scientists are considering the probability of life elsewhere due to the universal nature of atomic types and the similar evolutionary paths life might take. Advances in space travel, including robotic missions, are also mentioned. Radio astronomer Prof. Ronald Bracewell is cited as suggesting that radio amateurs should try to intercept messages from extraterrestrial beings and that robots may have already been sent to Earth for surveillance.

Editorial Stance and Themes

The magazine adopts a stance of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and perspectives without dogmatically defending any single theory. It emphasizes the need for open publication of UFO-related material to foster a broader exchange of information and understanding. The recurring themes include the prevalence of UFO sightings, the official response (or lack thereof) from governments and military bodies, the historical context of the phenomenon, and the scientific and philosophical implications of potential extraterrestrial contact. The magazine appears to lean towards the belief that UFOs are a real phenomenon, possibly involving advanced intelligences, and that efforts to suppress or dismiss information about them are misguided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the increasing number of UFO sightings and the growing concern among witnesses and researchers. It critiques official explanations as inadequate and potentially misleading. The magazine champions the idea that UFOs represent a significant, possibly transformative, aspect of reality that demands serious investigation. There's an underlying theme that governments might be concealing information due to potential societal disruption or loss of prestige. The editorial stance is one of encouraging open discussion and research into the UFO phenomenon, suggesting that the truth will eventually emerge through the collective effort of scientists, researchers, and the public. The magazine also implies that the phenomenon may have roots in ancient history and that advanced civilizations could be observing or interacting with humanity.

This document, titled "Unglaublich - und doch wahr!" (Unbelievable - and yet true!), is presented as the 5th continuation of a series. It delves into extraordinary and seemingly impossible events, focusing on unexplained disappearances and paranormal phenomena.

Case Studies of Disappearances

The Case of Owen Parfitt

The issue begins with the case of Owen Parfitt, who lived in the small village of Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England. Parfitt was paralyzed on both sides and had been unable to walk for years. One evening in 1939, while sitting in his wheelchair in the garden, he asked his sister to fetch him a scarf because he felt cold. When she returned a few minutes later, the wheelchair was empty, with only his blanket and pipe remaining. Despite a thorough search by the entire village, Parfitt was never found. The article dismisses the possibility of him faking his paralysis, as his legs would not have been able to carry him, and there was no apparent reason for him to run away. The author suggests that Parfitt may have spontaneously dematerialized.

Mass Disappearances of Soldiers

Even more astonishing, the article recounts the disappearance of 4000 well-equipped and trained soldiers during the Spanish War of Succession between 1701 and 1714. These soldiers marched into the Pyrenees and were never seen again. They were not captured, nor were their bodies or equipment found by scouts. The article questions how it could be that not a single soldier could explain the fate of the others, suggesting they might have "marched straight out of our world."

Another similar incident is reported from World War II: in 1940, 3000 Chinese soldiers sent against the Japanese disappeared without a trace, and all investigations were in vain.

The Saigon Incident

In 1858, during riots in Saigon, France sent 500 legionaries and 150 Spahis. None of them ever reached their destination, and none were ever seen or heard from again. The article notes that these were experienced troops and that it is highly unlikely that not one would have survived or that such a large-scale event would have gone unnoticed.

Theoretical Considerations and Dematerialization

The article then touches upon the concept of different "consciousness levels" and the possibility of existing parallel worlds. It quotes the "Okkulte Stimme" (Occult Voice) suggesting that the scientific theory of relativity of space and time makes such speculations less absurd. It posits that humans are not necessarily bound to the earthly plane and can transition to other planes of existence under certain conditions.

The Case of Recnicek

The "Geistige Reich" (Spiritual Realm) magazine from June 1953 is cited for its discussion on the dematerialization of human bodies. It references the mysterious end of a metaphysician named Recnicek, a half-Indian who caused a considerable stir in Berlin in 1925. Recnicek possessed the ability to disappear and reappear, making his physical form first blurry, then transparent, and finally invisible. He could reappear in the same or a different location. However, one day, Recnicek apparently overextended himself and could no longer return to material existence. Police searches were fruitless, and he was never found.

Philosophical Reflections

Augustine is quoted stating, "Wonders do not contradict nature, but rather contradict our knowledge of nature," implying that what seems miraculous may simply be beyond current human understanding.

UFO Literature Bibliography

The latter part of the document shifts to a bibliography of UFO literature available in German. It lists recommended books with authors, titles, publishers, publication years, page counts, and prices in German Marks (DM) and Swiss Francs (Fr.).

Recommended Books

• "Der Weltraum rückt uns näher" (Space is getting closer to us) by Donald E. Keyhoe, Blanvalet-Verlag, 1954.
• "Ufos, Atomkräfte und unsere Zukunft" (UFOs, Atomic Forces, and Our Future) by Dr. Wilhelm Martin, Turm-Verlag, 1955.
• "UFO-Sichtungen über der Schweiz 1947/1958" (UFO Sightings over Switzerland 1947/1958), UFO-Verlag, 1959.
• "Das Kommen der Raummenschen" (The Coming of the Space People) by Dr. Gilbert Holloway, in WELTRAUMBOTE Nr. 1.
• "Zwei denkwürdige Nächte" (Two Memorable Nights) by Carl A. Anderson, Ventla-Verlag, 1957.
• "Das Erlebnis von White Sands und Alans Botschaft" (The Experience of White Sands and Alan's Message) by Daniel Fry, Ventla-Verlag, 1957.
• "Das Geheimnis der Untertassen" (The Secret of the Saucers) by Orfeo M. Angelucci, Ventla-Verlag, 1959.

Other Readings

• "Ultimatum des Weltalls" (Ultimatum from the Universe) by Hermann Grettler, Drei-Eichen-Verlag, 1955.
• "Todeswolken über uns!" (Death Clouds Over Us!) by Seta, Ventla-Verlag, 1956.
• "In kommenden Tagen" (In Coming Days) by Ashtar (received by Mrs. Ethel P. Hill), Ventla-Verlag, 1956.

The article notes that books by George Adamski are no longer available through them and directs interested parties to Karl L. Veit.

UFO-Nachrichten and Weltraumbote

The publication also promotes "UFO-Nachrichten" (UFO News), a monthly journal, and "WELTRAUMBOTE" (Space Messenger), listing subscription prices. It also provides a list of other distributors and sources for UFO literature.

UFO-Studienkreis Zürich Event

An announcement for a lecture by Frau Elisabeth Weindt from Goslar, sponsored by the UFO-Studienkreis (UFO Study Group) in Zurich, to be held on February 11th. The lecture is free but requires an ID from the group leader, Paul Häusle. The topic is the UFO problem viewed from various perspectives, focusing on consciousness levels and psychic phenomena rather than technical data. The event will take place at the "Olivenbaum" restaurant in Zurich.

Advertisement for LINDEROL

An advertisement for LINDEROL, a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory agent for external use, effective for various types of pain and ailments. It is described as a pure natural product and essential for home, business, and car pharmacies. The price is DM 2.45.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained disappearances, mass vanishings, and the possibility of dematerialization or travel to other dimensions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these extraordinary phenomena, presenting them as factual accounts that challenge conventional understanding of reality. The inclusion of a UFO literature bibliography and the promotion of a UFO study group indicate a focus on ufology and related paranormal subjects. The publication seems to lean towards accepting the possibility of such events, even if scientific explanations are lacking, and encourages readers to explore these mysteries.