Weltraumbote - No 60-61 - 1961

Magazine Overview

This issue of WELTRAUMBOTE, dated March/April 1961, is the 60th/61st issue and the 6th year of publication. It is published by UFO-Verlag Zürich, Switzerland. The cover prominently features the headline "Reminiszenzen: III. UFOs über Honolulu" accompanied by a photograph of aerial lights.

UFOs over Honolulu

The article "Reminiszenzen: III. UFOs über Honolulu" recounts an incident on March 5, 1956, where William L. Wannall and his wife observed three large lights in formation flying low over Kaimuki, Honolulu. The objects, described as "solid" and approximately 60 meters high, moved towards Hickam airfield. Wannall photographed the objects, which left light trails described as yellowish with a strange halo effect. The rightmost object was reportedly invisible to the naked eye. The exposure time was 1/8 second, during which the UFOs on the left covered a path of 1300, executing a curve. It remains unknown if the lights belonged to multiple or a single craft. The report cites "SAUCERS", Los Angeles, June 1956.

UFOs in Russia

An article titled "Wellen von UFOs - diesmal in Russland!" discusses UFO reports from the Soviet Union. The official Communist Party organ, "Prawda" (The Truth), declared that flying discs reported in various regions were the "result of unscientific whispers from completely irresponsible persons." Despite this official stance, Moscow was reportedly abuzz with "flying saucer" stories, and even individuals with intellectual standing reported sightings. Lectures on the topic were held in major cities like Moscow, Leningrad, Kiev, and Odessa.

The article mentions a meteorological station in the far north where a disk was seen and photographed. The Soviet Academy of Sciences reportedly investigated the object, concluding it was an optical effect. Another photograph of flying disks was sent to the Geophysical Institute, which stated it could be "anything, but not a formation of flying saucers."

In Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, similar objects were reported flying low and slow, frightening inhabitants and livestock. One "Unidentified Object" reportedly caused a 8-meter radius of snow to melt upon approaching the ground, and mysterious dwarf-like beings were seen in remote villages, telepathically demanding food and sweets.

"Prawda" published a lengthy article to officially debunk UFO legends, calling them "stupid inventions of the American press." The newspaper cited scientist Lev Artsnomovich, who stated there was "no single proof" of mysterious objects flying in the sky. "Prawda" warned against rumors that could be "insidiously spread by agents of the war-mongering imperialism to cloud the cheerful mood of the Soviet people." The paper requested authorities to investigate lecturers who allegedly spread baseless claims.

The article notes that two major Soviet newspapers, "Prawda" and "Komsomolskaja Prawda," published articles on January 8th attempting to refute UFO rumors with scientific arguments. The simultaneous publication suggests a coordinated "action" from above, indicating the widespread nature of the rumors and official concern.

The magazine also references reports from Italian and French newspapers, including "Il Mattino" (Naples), "Deutsche Zeitung," and "France-Soir," which covered similar stories, some with sensationalized titles like "Venusmen seeking Bonbons."

Electromagnetic Effects of UFOs

A significant section of the magazine is dedicated to "Elektromagnetische Effekte durch UFOs" (Electromagnetic Effects of UFOs). It details a report by a subcommittee of the National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) in Washington. The report, titled "Electro-Magnetic Effects associated with Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs)," was distributed to senators, scientists, and press representatives.

During October and November 1957, a wave of UFO sightings occurred in the USA and other countries, coinciding with the launch of Sputnik II. A notable characteristic of these events was the frequent reporting of car engines stalling when unidentified objects approached. Other electromagnetic effects included interference with lights, radios, and televisions, as well as impacts on human bodies and minds.

Former head of USAF UFO investigations, Captain Edward J. Ruppelt, stated that while his Project Blue Book received reports of radiation and induction fields related to UFOs, the information was insufficient for a definitive judgment. He described cases with electromagnetic effects (EM-cases) as a "completely new dimension of UFO research."

An Associated Press report from November 9, 1957, mentioned the army's interest in devices that could interrupt the functioning of vehicles or machines. However, Leonard Hardland, Chief Engineer of the National Council for Inventions, stated he was unaware of such work.

Numerous newspaper reports from local press described spontaneous eyewitness accounts of these events. A particularly detailed report from Levelland, Texas, dated November 4, 1957, described a large, brightly shining, egg-shaped object that stopped cars and extinguished their lights upon approach. At least 15 people saw the object clearly, and dozens reported seeing flashes in the sky.

Another report from November 5, 1957, mentioned a "planet" circling the Coast Guard ship "Sebago." An engineer in Lubbock, Texas, claimed to have seen a brightly colored, egg-shaped object that caused car engines to stall. James Stokes, an engineer working for the Air Force, reported that ten cars were blocked by an unknown flying object on a highway between White Sands and Alamagordo.

Scientists were reportedly "quite shaken" by sightings in New Mexico and West Texas. Charles Capen noted that while scientists are accustomed to crying "wolf," some were "quite confused" by these phenomena. The topic was reportedly suppressed at the White Sands missile range.

The magazine then lists 32 specific cases of electromagnetic effects associated with UFOs, occurring between August 28, 1945, and May 31, 1957, across various countries including Japan, USA, Canada, Brazil, France, Italy, Venezuela, and England. These incidents frequently involved car engines stopping, radios malfunctioning, lights failing, and in some cases, occupants experiencing shock, temporary paralysis, or magnetic effects on their watches.

Subscription and Editorial Information

The second page provides subscription details for Switzerland, Austria, and other countries, with payment options via postal check accounts and international postal mandates. It also lists a German representative, Hermann Schulz. The magazine encourages readers to submit their own observation reports, offering no compensation beyond covering expenses for postage and photos. It guarantees truthful translation and reproduction of reports but states that the opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the publisher's views.

The magazine also includes a notice seeking back issues, specifically numbers 12/13 and 20/21, offering a reward of 5 Swiss Francs per pair.

An advertisement for "LINDEROL," a pain-relieving product for external use, is also present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of WELTRAUMBOTE maintains its stance as an independent, critical journal dedicated to the truthful dissemination of information and opinions about extraterrestrial spacecraft, or "flying saucers." It aims to combat atomic division and looks towards a "spiritual age." The editorial philosophy emphasizes the pursuit of truth, even in the face of the incomprehensible, as suggested by the Goethe quote: "We must insist on believing that the incomprehensible is comprehensible, otherwise we cannot continue to explore."
The magazine actively solicits reader contributions and reports, indicating a participatory approach to UFO research. The detailed cataloging of electromagnetic effects suggests a focus on the tangible, physical impacts of UFO phenomena. The reporting on Soviet reactions highlights a comparative analysis of how different political systems address the UFO question. Overall, the publication appears to be a serious, albeit niche, journal for UFO enthusiasts and researchers, presenting a wide range of reported incidents and analyses.

This issue of UFO-Nachrichten focuses on a comprehensive compilation of incidents where unidentified flying objects (UFOs) reportedly caused electromagnetic interference with vehicles and electronic devices. The document presents a chronological list of 81 cases, primarily from 1957 to 1960, detailing specific instances of car engines failing, lights going out, radios and televisions malfunctioning, and other electronic disruptions occurring in conjunction with UFO sightings.

Compilation of Incidents

The core of the issue is a detailed catalog of events, numbered 33 through 81, spanning from August 1957 to January 1960. These entries describe various scenarios:

• Vehicle Malfunctions: Numerous cases detail cars stalling, engines sputtering, headlights failing, and even tractors and trucks being affected. For example, on October 15, 1957, a driver in Casper, Wyoming, repeatedly failed to start his car while trying to flee a landed UFO. On November 2, 1957, in Levelland, Texas, multiple cars experienced engine and light neutralization during an egg-shaped UFO sighting.
• Electronic Interference: The reports frequently mention disruptions to radios, televisions, and other electrical systems. On November 3, 1957, near Ararangua, Brazil, a UFO's approach caused a direction finder, generator, and radio system to short-circuit. On November 4, 1957, in Toronto, Canada, car television was disturbed. On November 10, 1957, in Hammond, Indiana, a police car's radio experienced loud beeping, and a car driver reported radio failure.
• Power Outages and Other Effects: Some incidents involved broader electrical disruptions. On November 14, 1957, in Tamaroa, Illinois, a hovering UFO's flash caused a power outage for 10 minutes over a 6.5 km area. On November 25, 1957, in Mogi Mirim, Brazil, all city lights went out during an overflight by three UFOs. Other reported effects include car engines sputtering, lights blinking, and even a heatwave felt during an incident in Orogrande, New Mexico.

Statistical Analysis

Following the chronological list, the magazine presents statistical tables summarizing the types of disruptions and affected objects. A total of 81 main events are analyzed. Among the affected items, vehicles (cars) were the most frequently impacted, with 43 cases. Radio and television sets accounted for 16 cases. Other affected categories include airplanes (7 cases) and household lighting (7 cases).

Further breakdown for automobiles shows that the engine was affected in 31 cases, lighting in 19 cases, and radio in 13 cases. Combined effects were also noted, such as engine and radio failure (15 cases).

Analysis and Conclusions

The document includes a section titled "Analysis of these events" which discusses the implications of these phenomena. It argues against skeptical explanations that attribute these events solely to witness nervousness or misidentification. The text highlights that in many cases, the engine failure occurred before the driver even saw the UFO, or the car stalled completely before the UFO was noticed. It also points out that the effects were not limited to psychological causes, as they occurred even when witnesses were not initially afraid.

The issue also touches upon broader philosophical and scientific questions related to extraterrestrial life and contact, referencing discussions with scientists like Jacques Lecomte and Konrad Lorenz. It explores hypotheses about the possibility of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe and the challenges of interspecies communication, suggesting that contact might be limited by the 'level' of consciousness or development of different species.

The conclusion drawn from the NICAP commission's findings is that UFOs appear to be capable of influencing electrical currents under certain conditions. While acknowledging the lack of absolute proof, the repeated correlation between these effects and visible UFOs strongly suggests that the UFOs were the cause of the observed phenomena, rather than a series of coincidences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the systematic electromagnetic interference caused by UFOs, particularly affecting vehicles and electronic devices. The editorial stance, as inferred from the analysis and the presentation of the NICAP findings, is that these events are significant and warrant serious investigation, moving beyond simple dismissals. The magazine appears to advocate for the reality of UFOs and their tangible impact on terrestrial technology, suggesting a need for further scientific inquiry into their capabilities.

This issue of "UFO-Nachrichten" from 1961 focuses on a significant increase in UFO observation figures, particularly noting a trend linked to Mars oppositions since 1948. The magazine presents a collection of UFO reports from various locations worldwide, spanning from September 1960 to January 1961, alongside some theoretical discussions and investigative summaries.

Theoretical Considerations

The issue begins with a theoretical discussion on the possibility of contact with higher psychic entities. It explores the idea of an 'analogical conclusion' suggesting that if humans can contact higher beings, then perhaps these beings can also contact humans. However, it posits that the difference in 'psychic levels' might prevent mutual understanding, using analogies of a bee and its honey, or a dog's perception of human structures. The text questions whether contact is avoided, suggesting that higher beings might refrain due to the potential catastrophe it could bring to humanity. It also ponders if such contact, if it exists, is secret.

Weltrundschau (World Report)

This section details numerous UFO sightings from around the globe:

• March 6, 1960, Stockholm, Sweden: Photographer Esse Jansson observed two unidentified objects and captured images of a third. The objects moved slowly like satellites before abruptly changing direction.
• Same morning, Stockholm, Sweden: Thorsten Hakansson reported a luminous object moving horizontally, then changing course vertically downwards.
• June 25, 1960, Uitenhage, South Africa: Farmers encountered a mysterious object that hovered vertically, then horizontally, and seemed to land.
• July 30/31, Bishopbriggs, Scotland: A bell-shaped UFO was described by 18 witnesses, featuring a white light band and three rows of lights.
• August 12, Montego Bay, Jamaica: Magistrate Carl Rhoden observed two brightly lit objects, shaped like an inverted Y, moving at high speed.
• August 25, Newtown, Australia: An unusual blue-green object with fiery exhaust was seen.
• August 28, Boreham Wood, England: Evelyn Aaron reported a huge 'fire wheel' with a high-pitched tone.
• September 8, Consett, England: A triangular formation of lights with a red center was observed by multiple witnesses.
• September 15, Virgin Islands: A luminous star, followed by others, ascended from the horizon.
• September 16, Puerto Rico: An unknown flying object was sighted, leading to numerous calls to newsrooms.
• September 25, Essex, England: Numerous 'parachutes' were observed descending from great heights, baffling the air forces.
• September 25, Vyeboomskop, South Africa: A round object fell to Earth, emitting a white 'star' and causing explosions and light flashes. It featured a camera lens and dripped a dark liquid.
• September 26, Woodlands, New Zealand: Two women described a flying object with three lights that merged as it approached, resembling spaceships from children's books.
• September 27, England: An official investigation was ordered into mysterious and persistent humming and buzzing noises.
• September 28, Evendale, USA: Captain C. H. Richter of East African Airline witnessed two large green fireballs.
• October 1, Fort Victoria, South Africa: A farmer observed an object moving in a zig-zag course before disappearing.
• October 1, Amanzimtoti, South Africa: Over 50 people reported seeing a cylindrical 'flying saucer' that hovered and ascended vertically.
• October 4, Cressy, Tasmania: Rev. Lionel Browning reported seeing 5 or 6 'flying saucers' with a mothership.
• October, Kent, Hampshire, and Berkshire, England: Unexplained holes, 15-90 cm in diameter, were found in the ground.
• November 5, Ubatuba, Brazil: Two flying saucers performed a show, delaying a cinema screening. Residents reported frequent visits by such objects.
• November 7, Santiago de Chile: A strange luminous object, resembling a comet with a short tail, was observed and photographed.
• November 12, Keynsham, England: A long, cigar-shaped object with a white tail ending in red sparks was seen.
• November 12, Uplands, England: A huge elongated airship was described.
• December 1, Lucerne, Switzerland: Three silver-glowing spheres were observed at high altitude. One changed color to red and rotated rapidly.
• January 15/16, North Holland: Numerous people observed a 'giant fireball' in the sky, with its speed suggesting it was not a meteor.
• January 16/17, Los Angeles, USA: A huge 'fireball' was sighted over California, with similar phenomena reported the previous evening.

Starke Zunahme der Beobachtungsziffern, wie bei jeder Marsopposition seit 1948 (Strong Increase in Observation Figures, as with Every Mars Opposition Since 1948)

This section details specific types of sightings:

• A. Viereckige Formen (Square Shapes):
• September 28, 1960, Grand Junction and Eagle, Colorado: A round UFO with a square object accompanying it.
• October 7: A rotating, square object seen by many, including a gendarme.
• October 10, Orland Park, Illinois: Flying saucers reflecting moonlight, one with an illuminated dome and square opening.
• November 28, Beaver, Pennsylvania: A report of a square object with white lights in each corner.

• **B. Sichtungen von Schiffen aus (Sightings from Ships):
• September 14, Caribbean Sea: A cylindrical, orange-glowing UFO sighted from the SS "Orion Clipper".
• October 21, Venezuela: A 'luminous body' sighted from the Liberian freighter "Commonwealth".
• October 24, German motorship "Emma Johanna": An 'unusual flying object', blue-white glowing, approached the ship and then ascended.

• **C. UFOs mit Lichtstrahlen oder Feuerstreifen (UFOs with Light Beams or Fire Streaks):
• September 21, Edmonton, Canada: Witnesses observed a silvery disc emitting red and blue flames.
• November 17, Tulsa, Oklahoma: A glowing object, seen as a bright ball, emitted red tongues of fire.

• **D. Berichte von Verfolgungen durch Düsenflugzeuge (Reports of Pursuits by Jet Aircraft):
• September 21, Kingston, Massachusetts: Several jets pursued a fast-moving UFO.
• November 17, Lexington, Kentucky: Three UFOs engaged in a chase with two jet fighters, with one UFO repeatedly approaching and stopping.
• November 29, Vincennes, Indiana: A UFO with a bright, pulsating light was observed, and then chased by a jet.

• **E. Uebrige Berichte (Other Reports):
• September 5, Allentown, Pennsylvania: A metallic object with a flat bottom hovered and then rapidly ascended.
• September 9, Hannibal, Ohio: A long 'saucer' with red and white lights flew silently at low altitude over an aluminum factory.
• September 15, Medford, Oregon: A red-glowing, cigar-shaped UFO was sighted, followed by similar objects.
• September 19, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida: An elliptical UFO was observed moving as if guided.
• September 26, Woodlands, New Zealand: A large saucer-shaped object circled, and a luminous oval appeared.
• October 1, Rockville, Maryland: A large, maneuvering 'saucer' was reported.
• October 12, Plymouth, New Hampshire: Two slow-moving UFOs, glowing red then pulsating white, changed course and disappeared.
• October 16, Dry Creek, Oregon: Several 'saucers' appeared in a rectangular formation, moving in waves and rotating.
• October 30, Crescent City, California: Six 'shiny' UFOs were observed in groups, with one acting as a patrol craft.
• November 6, Burma: Three powerful beams of light illuminated the night sky, and a circular UFO with fiery exhaust was seen.
• November 11, Moline, Illinois: A 'large silver object with an antenna' was reported.
• November 11, Rickford, Illinois: A UFO was sighted and tracked by radar.
• November 18, Lexington, Kentucky: A round, metallic object that alternately flew and hovered was witnessed by many citizens.
• December 3-12, Southern New Jersey: Several UFOs were observed, one descending to 100 meters.

Doppelsichtung in Hollywood (Double Sighting in Hollywood)

This section details a significant event on February 5th and 6th, 1960, in Hollywood, California. A round object, glowing red, visited the area on both nights. During the second appearance, a blue-white flash emanated from the object, followed by an explosion and a smoke cloud. The red glow vanished, and an aluminum-colored, tube-shaped object ascended and disappeared. Despite police and private confirmations, the Air Force claimed no reports were received. A four-month investigation by a NICAP local committee found no conventional explanations, systematically ruling out balloons, aircraft, helicopters, and natural phenomena. The UFO was confirmed to be round, appeared around 11:15 PM, and remained visible until after midnight. It followed a similar course on both nights, occasionally hovering at about 300 meters. The object that appeared on February 6th was described as having ascended to a greater height.

Zum Raumschiff von Namur (The Spaceship from Namur)

This article refers to photos published in a previous issue, taken on June 5, 1955, near Namur. Based on an article by Aimé Michel in the Londoner "Flying Saucer Review," the photos are described as genuine. An analysis by a meteorologist suggested the emission in one photo was a genuine atmospheric condensation, not lower than 1500 meters. An astronomer and photo expert confirmed the pictures were not faked. The worker who took the photos described the object as silver-gray and coming to a rapid stop. The article emphasizes the worker's limited possessions, suggesting the photos were not trick shots.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the increasing frequency of UFO sightings globally, the variety of shapes and behaviors reported, and the challenges in providing conventional explanations. The magazine presents numerous eyewitness accounts, often supported by multiple witnesses or official reports, highlighting the persistent nature of the UFO phenomenon. There's an underlying implication that official bodies, particularly the Air Force, may be downplaying or deliberately ignoring these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these phenomena, collecting and disseminating reports, and questioning official narratives. The inclusion of theoretical discussions and investigative summaries suggests a desire to understand the implications of these sightings beyond mere cataloging.

This issue of "UFO Investigator" from January 1961 focuses on the confirmation of UFO secrecy by US Congressmen and explores the implications of potential extraterrestrial contact. The magazine presents a critical perspective on government handling of UFO information and the public's right to know.

Congressmen Confirm Cover-Up

The lead article, "Kongressleute bestätigen die Geheimhaltung" (Congressmen Confirm the Cover-Up), reveals that Majority Leader John McCormack and other representatives have confirmed the withholding of UFO news from Congress. McCormack, after receiving a confidential NICAP report, suggested addressing the House and Senate space committees. He recalled that even three years prior, during his chairmanship of the Senate Space Committee (which later evolved into NASA), closed-door meetings were held on "Unidentified Flying Objects." While information was scarce, there was a conviction that unexplained influences from space had occurred.

Representative Joseph E. Karth, a member of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics, also corroborated this. He stated that through his contacts with high-ranking Air Force officers, he learned that despite seemingly irrefutable evidence, military personnel showed little belief in UFO reports. When pressed, experts cited national security as a reason to withhold answers. Karth expressed his shared interest and concern for the nation and pledged to pursue a resolution.

These revelations, bolstered by NICAP's documented evidence, prompted some senators who had previously accepted the Air Force's explanations to pay attention. The Air Force had consistently denied the reality of UFOs and the existence of censorship to most legislators, as evidenced by letters provided to NICAP. Senators mentioned include Byrd, Goldwater, Hart, Javitz, Keating, Kefauver, and Kuchel, along with Representatives Baumhart, Holmes, Milliken, and Scherer.

Despite growing disbelief, the Air Force continues to tell Congress that public hearings would only benefit sensationalists and publishers of science fiction.

Vice President of America on UFOs

The magazine reprints a letter signed by Lyndon B. Johnson, then Vice President of America, from the October 1960 issue of "SPACE" magazine. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Preparedness and Investigation, Johnson acknowledged receiving numerous inquiries about "Flying Saucers" from concerned citizens. He had instructed committee officials to diligently pursue the matter, noting that interpretations of sightings by credible witnesses were highly controversial, leading reasonable and factual individuals to different conclusions.

Johnson assured that the matter was being given great care and appreciated the effort made to present his views. The article suggests that the government's reluctance to disclose UFO information might stem from a lack of consensus among responsible high-level officials, hindering official explanations. The authenticity of Johnson's letter is vouched for by "SPACE" magazine, and it includes an admission that UFOs are real phenomena. The author hopes Johnson will continue to acknowledge the truth in his role as "Second Man of the USA."

Preparations Behind the Scenes!

A NASA-commissioned report by the Brookings Institution, costing $96,000 and spanning one year, warns of the serious implications for the public if intelligent extraterrestrial beings are discovered. The report stresses the need to prepare for the psychological shock of such an announcement, as it could lead to profound upheavals or even the collapse of civilization. It suggests that understanding the factors contributing to such crises is crucial for preparedness.

While the study commission does not anticipate immediate contact, it acknowledges that the existence of extraterrestrials could become apparent at any moment. The report avoids explicitly naming UFOs as the reason for the investigation but is clearly influenced by the topic. It admits that in the early years, fear of public reaction was the primary motive for Air Force secrecy regarding UFOs, a fact that Major Keyhoe had reportedly confirmed in 1952-53 when the Air Force was considering releasing UFO information.

The report suggests that the first evidence of intelligent life might come through radio communications, or possibly through artificial artifacts found on the Moon or other planets. The warning about public shock lends weight to NICAP's arguments against government censorship, advocating for the release of all available UFO information to prepare the public.

The article "UFO Investigator", Washington, January 1961, proposes a staged public disclosure. Authorities are aware of UFOs and their occupants, but a sudden revelation is deemed too overwhelming. The plan involves scientists reporting new signals from space, followed by the announcement of discoveries made via large radio telescopes, framing it as humanity's discovery of life on neighboring planets, not alien visitation. Later, evidence of artificial structures on other celestial bodies could be revealed, and only then might a connection to UFOs be admitted.

Miscellaneous

This section clarifies that an advertisement for a lecture was not created or inspired by the Zurich UFO Study Group, despite their friendly relations with WELTRAUMBOTE. It emphasizes that the group should not be identified with WELTRAUMBOTE.

A humorous cartoon depicts two people observing a dog, with the caption "My dear heavens, have you seen the dog?".

The article "Avrocar" discusses a planned aircraft that was rumored to be a UFO. However, facts from a US Army headquarters orientation letter dated June 24, 1960, indicate that the "Avrocar" project was not successful. The first prototype, built in Canada, was tested at Moffet Field, USA. The Army stated that while the "Avrocar" could lift a few feet off the ground, it was difficult to control and lacked sufficient propulsion, making it unsuitable for the research and development program.

Captain Edward J. Ruppelt, former head of the UFO Investigation Commission of the US Air Force and author of "Report on UFOs," passed away in the fall. His death is regretted, and the article notes that he was one of the few knowledgeable individuals who dared to speak out about the Air Force's cover-up policy and the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs, despite personal disadvantages. His book's recent re-release with additional chapters was allegedly only possible under immense pressure from intelligence services, aimed at discrediting UFO phenomena.

A Letter to the UFO Congress

Professor Dr. Hans Bender, head of the Institute for Border Areas of Psychology and Psychohygiene in Freiburg i. Br., responds to a letter from Herr Ragaz, thanking him for sending the January/February 1961 issue of "Weltraumbote." Bender notes that the article accurately captured the key points of the Wiesbaden Congress. He agrees that a critical perspective is necessary and has prepared a reproduction of an excerpt for the journal "Neue Wissenschaft."

Bender believes that a fresh perspective from Zurich could enlighten overly credulous minds. He finds Aimé Michel's article to be critically written, though he disagrees with Michel's arguments against the possibility of "contacts" based on science, morality, and religion. Bender asserts that there are no a priori arguments for or against contacts, but the discussion encourages critical examination.

Bibliography

A bibliography entry details the "Documentary Report on the 4th International UFO Congress Wiesbaden," published by the German UFO Study Group. This 218-page report (DM 16.50 plus postage) includes 105 photos, abridged conference papers, messages from UFO groups, thank-you letters from participants, descriptions of contactees, and a list of UFO protagonists such as Fry, Angelucci, Bethurum, Menger, Adamski, Williamson, Allingham, Cihlar, Kraspedon, Nelson, Bender, Klarer, Stranges, Michel, Allen, and the Reeves. It also contains a book list, UFO reports, and photos, along with responses to press attacks.

Analysis of "Kaleidoscope of Healing Expectations"

The magazine references an article in the parapsychological journal "Neue Wissenschaft" (Issue 2/1960) titled "Kaleidoscope of Healing Expectations; on the Psychology of UFO Phenomena on the Occasion of the Fourth UFO Congress in Wiesbaden." The author, John Mischo, aims to critically examine the "diverse, affectively rooted attitudes that clash head-on (opposition, ironic parody, and boundless credulity) within a space of sober criticism."

The article reportedly traces the development of the UFO phenomenon, mentioning Arnold, Mantell, Ruppelt, Menzel, and Keyhoe. It quotes Professor Oberth stating that Keyhoe's theory of UFOs being extraterrestrial is the only one consistent with observed facts, suggesting these beings have discovered the secret of gravity and can create artificial gravity fields. Ruppelt is quoted as saying that any answer regarding the intent and origin of "saucers" would be mere speculation. The author correctly points out that moving away from the sighting itself towards an origin hypothesis leads into a thicket of subjective opinions, where human fantasy often compensates for the lack of concrete documentation.

The article also examines the deep psychological background of various contact experiences through interviews. It suggests that Adamski and Schmidt's accounts might be more indicative of a "Köpenickiade" (a hoax or delusion) than factual, and that Anderson exhibits a "strong religious need." Frau Weindt's experiences are linked to a "personality-specific tension between the ego and the ego-ideal" and a preoccupation with love rooted in affect.

Tacker's Counter-Offensive

Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence J. Tacker, in his book "Flying Saucers and the U.S. Air Force," launched a counter-offensive in December to counter Major Keyhoe's "Flying Saucers - Top Secret" and his efforts to inform Congress and advocate for public hearings. Tacker aims to discredit Keyhoe and NICAP. The article criticizes Tacker's "outrageous and brazen lies," which are presented through his book and radio/press interviews, suggesting he would normally be held accountable but enjoys immunity. The article hints that Tacker's actions, undertaken in a "commanded mission," are beginning to have negative repercussions for him.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around government secrecy and censorship regarding UFO phenomena, the efforts of organizations like NICAP to uncover the truth, and the potential implications of extraterrestrial contact for society. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of transparency and public disclosure, criticizing the Air Force's long-standing policy of denial and suppression of information. There is a strong emphasis on the need for official acknowledgment and investigation of UFOs, with Congress playing a crucial role in pushing for these outcomes. The magazine also highlights the psychological and societal impact of UFOs and the possibility of alien intelligence, advocating for public preparedness.