Weltraumbote - No 64-65 - 1961

Magazine Overview

Title: WELTRAUMBOTE
Issue: Nr. 64/65
Volume: 6. Jahrgang
Date: July/August 1961
Publisher: UFO-Verlag Zürich
Country: Switzerland
Language: German
Price: Fr. 1.60

Cover Story: "Reminiszenzen: IV. Gigantisches Raumschiff in Kalifornien"

The cover features a black and white photograph of a luminous, circular object above a landscape, with a power line in the foreground. The accompanying text details an incident from March 11, 1950, in Hawthorne, California. Miss Bette Malles intended to photograph a small airplane but instead captured a bright luminous object. The article speculates that this might be the central part of a "Flying Disc" and notes that the rest was not visible or photographable. It references a previous issue (Nr. 62/63) and a book titled "The Coming of the Saucers" by Kenneth Arnold and Ray Palmer, published in 1952.

Subscription Information

Page 2 provides subscription details for "WELTRAUMBOTE," offering 6-month subscriptions for individuals in Switzerland and Austria at Fr. 4.- (Sch. 25.-), and for those abroad at Fr. 4.40, DM 4.40, or $1.-. Payment details include Swiss Postcheckkonto VIII/46357 for Switzerland, Postcheckkonto 300002 Frankfurt/M. for Germany, and international postal mandates for Austria and other countries. A German representation is listed as Hermann Schulz in Kassel.

The magazine encourages readers to submit their own observation reports, providing pre-printed forms. However, it states that no compensation will be offered for expenses like postage and photos, nor is publication guaranteed. Newspaper clippings are also accepted, provided the source, publication date, and name are clearly indicated.

The editorial stance clarifies that the opinions and theses presented in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. However, it guarantees the truthful translation and reproduction of personal accounts, messages, and other reports, along with all important facts that become known about each case. Reprinting is permitted with proper source attribution and without altering the meaning.

Corrigenda

Corrections are listed for issues Nr. 62/63: on page 7, line 9, the speed was 11000 km/h; on page 21, regarding Cressy, the object's altitude was estimated at 15 meters (not 150); and on page 17, third-to-last paragraph, "neurons" should be used instead of "neutrons."

Advertisement: SONALLINDEROL

An advertisement promotes "SONALLINDEROL" as an inspirational pain relief product for humanity. It is described as having pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and calming effects when applied externally. It is recommended for nerve, muscle, and headaches, tendonitis, sciatica, lumbago, rheumatic conditions, amputation pain, burns, bruises, sprains, and swollen or tired feet. It is marketed as a pure natural product and essential for home, business, and auto pharmacies, priced at DM 2.45. Further information is available from SONALA - Pharm. Präparate in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Article: "Oberst Tacker abgeschoben - Hearings angesagt!"

This article discusses the US Air Force's tactic of denying UFO sightings, attacking witnesses, and censoring reports while simultaneously studying them. It mentions a book published by the Air Force spokesperson, Colonel Lawrence J. Tacker, which the article claims contains mostly false claims. Tacker is also criticized for ridiculing Major Donald E. Keyhoe, the head of NICAP, on television. The article reports that Colonel Tacker has been removed from his UFO spokesperson role and sent to Germany, replaced by an unknown officer, Major W. Coleman. This change is attributed to public, press, and congressional protests against Tacker's stance and the Air Force's counter-evidence presented by NICAP.

NICAP has reportedly secured assurances that Congressional hearings on the Air Force's UFO secrecy policies will take place in the summer. These hearings are expected to challenge censorship and lead to public statements about the reality and extraterrestrial origin of UFOs. A special UFO committee of Congress has already been formed, as reported in "Newsweek" on July 3rd.

The article highlights growing congressional interest in the UFO problem, citing statements from several senators and congressmen, including William Proxmire, Lester Johnson, Henry M. Jackson, Thomas G. Dodd, Estes Kefauver, Wallace F. Bennett, John W. McCormack, Carl Albert, and Fred Marshall. These individuals express concerns about potential government cover-ups and support NICAP's efforts.

Major Donald E. Keyhoe and his board members, including Vice Admiral Hillenkoetter (former head of US intelligence), are presented as trustworthy figures. The removal of Tacker is seen as a significant victory for NICAP, indicating that public hearings in Congress are likely.

The article concludes by suggesting that the UFO issue is reaching a critical point, with important decisions expected in the coming year.

Article: "«Untertassen» - streng geheim!"

This article posits that leading astronomers acknowledge the existence of millions of other worlds, some potentially harboring civilizations far more advanced than ours. In 1959, the US government established a station to listen for potential signals from nearby solar systems. Despite efforts to conceal it, evidence suggests Earth is under surveillance by advanced extraterrestrial intelligences. Since the first atomic explosion, numerous official reports from pilots and technicians have documented intelligently controlled machines superior to any earthly technology systematically observing our planet. The frequency of these sightings is linked to atomic tests and satellite launches.

Officially, the Air Force continues to dismiss "flying saucers" and explain away sightings through military secrecy. However, behind the scenes, the attitude is different. The article cites a directive from the Inspector General of the Air Force on December 24, 1959, titled "Take UFOs Seriously!" This directive instructed commands to quickly identify "Unidentified Flying Objects" (UFOs), acknowledging them as a serious matter for the US Air Force. The primary concerns were whether the objects posed a threat to the USA or were of scientific interest. The directive predicted an increase in sightings and provided instructions for handling them, emphasizing the need to provide realistic explanations to the public.

The article notes that the Air Force's denial tactics led to the founding of NICAP in Washington in 1957. NICAP, a private organization with representatives from the military, government, and various industries, aims to uncover and publish UFO facts. NICAP has publicly accused the Air Force of imposing strict censorship on UFO-related news and withholding reports, which they deem dangerous. They have repeatedly requested open discussions in Congress, gaining support from many senators, though facing significant opposition.

This section serves as an introduction to Major Donald E. Keyhoe's book, "Flying Saucers - Top Secret!"

Article: "Begegnung über dem Atlantik"

This article recounts a significant naval encounter with a UFO in early 1959, based on a hidden report. It begins with a communication from Admiral Delmer S. Fahrney, former head of Navy rocket experiments, who directed the author to Captain James Taylor, a Marine Reserve Captain. Taylor had a crucial UFO observation involving a pilot and his crew.

Captain Taylor reportedly handed over a dramatic Navy report that was never published. Upon discussing the details with Admiral Fahrney, it became clear why it was suppressed. The incident occurred in 1956 when a US Navy R7V-2 transport plane, a four-engine Super Constellation, was flying over the Atlantic Ocean at an altitude of 5700 meters. The flight was en route to Gander, Newfoundland, and then to the Patuxent Naval Air Base in Maryland.

The night was clear with unrestricted visibility. Commander George Benton, the chief pilot, a 34-year-old with 10 years of Navy flight experience and over 200 Atlantic crossings, was monitoring the instruments. In the cabin, two other Navy flight crews were also aboard, totaling nearly 30 airmen.

Benton noticed a cluster of lights on the sea below, resembling a village about 40 km ahead. He initially thought it was land. However, upon consulting the navigator, Lt. Alfred Erdman, it was determined not to be land. Erdman suggested they might be ships, possibly for a special operation. Benton disagreed, stating it didn't look like ships. He then contacted the radio operator, John Wiggins, who reported no unusual navigation maneuvers or signals from the area of the lights.

Benton ordered the other crews to be awakened. As the plane circled, the lights dimmed, and several colored rings appeared, seemingly expanding. One ring grew larger. Suddenly, a bright, luminous circle was observed approaching the plane rapidly. The crew expressed astonishment, and Benton, realizing the object was closing in quickly, attempted to gain altitude. He noted that the object could intercept them within seconds.

Official Investigation of the Atlantic Encounter

Upon landing in Gander, the Constellation's crew was met by intelligence officers who accepted the sighting as fact. Benton and the other crew members were questioned separately and together for two hours about the object's proximity, size, rate of climb, and any detected electrical interference or other phenomena.

The investigation revealed a consensus: the disc was approximately 100-120 meters in diameter and appeared metallic. No ignition disturbances were noted, and the instruments were not observed during the brief encounter. The giant disc ascended to the transporter's altitude in 5-8 seconds, with an estimated speed of 1400-2200 knots, accelerating further upon departure.

Not all crew members saw the colored rings; some were distracted by the approaching disc. If the rings were also flying discs, they must have departed rapidly while the main disc was examining the Constellation.

During questioning, a secret service captain asked Benton if he had observed signs of life on board the disc. Benton replied, "No, but it was intelligently piloted, that is certain." He questioned whether such a large object could be remotely controlled. The Air Force official declined to answer, nor would he disclose what Gander's radar had detected regarding the object's speed and maneuvers.

When Mooney asked what was behind all this, given the Air Force's denial of flying saucers, the captain stated, "I regret, I cannot answer any questions." Despite the crew's right to know after such an experience, the intelligence representative reiterated that he could not answer questions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a critical and truth-seeking approach to UFO phenomena, challenging official denials and censorship. It advocates for transparency and public awareness regarding UFOs, aligning with organizations like NICAP. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of investigating and reporting UFO sightings accurately, while acknowledging that the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. The magazine appears to be a platform for disseminating information and witness accounts that contradict the official narrative, aiming to inform the public about what it considers a significant and unfolding global event.

This issue of "UFO-Nachrichten" (UFO News), identified as issue Nr. 28/29, focuses heavily on the activities of NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena) and the pervasive censorship surrounding UFO reports in the United States. The magazine details NICAP's mission, its diverse membership of specialists and public figures, and its extensive information network aimed at uncovering the truth about unidentified flying objects.

The Work of NICAP

The article "Die Arbeit der NICAP" (The Work of NICAP) details the organization's efforts since the author took on a director role two years prior. NICAP boasts members across all 50 American states and 30 other countries, including experts in various fields such as aerospace, medicine, astronomy, and military aviation. Their network extends globally, with informants providing crucial information about cases where UFO data was allegedly withheld from the public. NICAP's core conclusion is that UFOs are neither American nor Russian secret weapons, leading them to view government censorship as unjustified.

The organization's goals are clearly stated: to dismantle secrecy and ascertain the nature and origin of UFOs. They aim to expose hoaxes and misleading claims by focusing on verifiable facts. Despite their efforts and accumulating evidence, NICAP found that censorship was actually intensifying. The article mentions a significant event: a "giant disk" over the Atlantic, which Admiral Fahrney, a former NICAP board member, recognized as a crucial case that could lead to Congressional hearings.

NICAP's attempts to secure hearings were reportedly met with resistance from the Air Force. A letter to Senator Byrd, allegedly bearing the signature of Major General W. P. Fisher, Chief of Justice Liaison Officers, is mentioned as evidence of this resistance, with Fisher reportedly denying facts admitted by the Air Force's intelligence. The article suggests that individuals like Fisher might be acting under orders, finding it difficult to deny the reality of UFOs while knowing the truth could be revealed.

Several members of Congress are noted as being supportive of NICAP, including Senator Goldwater, who publicly stated that UFOs are real and being concealed by the Air Force. The issue also touches upon the political maneuvering and communication between NICAP and various senators and representatives.

Evidence for Official Censorship

The section "Beweise für die amtliche Zensur" (Evidence for Official Censorship) presents concrete examples of how information about UFOs is being suppressed. The author recounts an experience on a radio show where his manuscript was heavily censored by the Air Force, and the broadcast was interrupted when he attempted to discuss censorship by a Senate committee. Richard E. Horner, the Deputy Secretary of the Air Force, publicly denied any such censorship, claiming there was no evidence that 'flying saucers' existed.

However, within 24 hours, an officer from Langley Air Force Base, Capt. Gregory H. Oldenburgh, inadvertently confirmed the censorship policy in a letter to a NICAP member. This letter cited Air Force Regulation 200-2, which states that details about unidentified flying objects seen near an air base can only be released if the object is clearly identified as something known. This regulation is presented as a key piece of evidence for the official stance.

Further evidence comes from a letter from the Coast Guard Commander, Rear Admiral J. A. Hirshfield, who declined NICAP's request for information, citing laws that prohibit the release of official records except through designated channels. The article explains that secrecy was mandated under JANAP 146, a directive from the Joint Chiefs of Staff invoking espionage laws, which carried severe penalties for disseminating UFO reports. The Navy was noted as being the only branch without such strict secrecy regulations, though they also released few reports.

Overwhelmed by the evidence, NICAP's board publicly protested the censorship in August 1958, stating that the Air Force was withholding information and reports about UFOs. The members expressed concern that if the Soviet Union claimed UFOs as their own, the situation could become serious.

The Air Force responded swiftly and sharply to any public questioning, with numerous denials issued from all levels. The article suggests that a congressional opening of the suppressed evidence would be like a "H-bomb," but acknowledges the Air Force would likely use all means to suppress the truth, including gag orders on military and civilian pilots.

Weltrundschau (World Review)

This section provides a collection of UFO sighting reports from around the world during late 1960 and early 1961:

• October 24, 1960: Major Ace Evers at Langley Field, Virginia, encountered an "astonishing blue and white light" that flew towards his aircraft and then abruptly veered away.
• November 6, 1960: In Tokyo, Japan, two disc-shaped, aluminum-colored objects were observed flying side-by-side in daylight for 40-50 seconds.
• November 21, 1960: Red Bluff, California, experienced a strong humming sound that shattered windows and triggered alarm systems.
• November 23, 1960: New York City received numerous calls about unknown flying objects, described as a bright light with a tail.
• November 25, 1960: Binghamton, New York, saw two shiny white balls, one of which flew in a tight curve, while the other ascended using wing-like devices.
• November 26, 1960: Near Perpignan, France, two bright, cigar-shaped objects remained stationary before disappearing.
• December 1, 1960: Sunnyvale, California, reported a "large blue balloon with a conical tail and meteor shower" during a storm.
• December 5, 1960: Aitkin, Minnesota, witnessed a spherical, orange object with a spotlight, which hovered and then moved away.
• December 11, 1960: Buenos Aires, Argentina, experienced a blinding white light followed by an explosion that created a crater.
• December 16, 1960: Cincinnati, Ohio, observed a large blue-white fireball moving rapidly eastward.
• December 16, 1960: Chattanooga, Tennessee, reported an object that was mistaken for a balloon probe.
• December 23, 1960: Fukuoka, Japan, saw four round objects hovering at high altitude, moving from east to west.
• December 26, 1960: Cordoba, Argentina, reported a large, color-changing object that remained stationary for 45 minutes.
• December 28, 1960: Brunswick, Maine, observed a large, football-shaped object with pulsating lights that could hover and move with incredible speed.
• January 3-4, 1961: New Zealand authorities were alerted to rocket-shaped objects, one of which crashed and burned on the island of Tiree, Scotland, leaving a scorched area.
• January 5, 1961: Brighton, England, reported a mysterious, glowing object moving at high speed over the coastline.
• January 8, 1961: Pendleton, Oregon, saw a 15x30 cm intact ice block fall to Earth.
• January 10-16, 1961: Corpus Christi, Texas, residents observed a bright object in the night sky that moved rapidly westward.
• January 13, 1961: Virginia Airport area saw a "bright white light" hover for 35 minutes at 150m altitude before moving south.
• January 14, 1961: Jefferson County, Indiana, reported a hovering object with two exhaust devices.
• January 21, 1961: Aberdeen, Scotland, documented a multi-colored, oval object that was extremely bright.
• January 29, 1961: Kansas and Oregon reported a round object glowing in various colors moving across the sky.
• February 5, 1961: Maine experienced a bright flash and a large burning object with a blue emission.
• February 10, 1961: Tiree, Scotland, reported a bright white light descending rapidly and crashing, leaving a burnt area.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government secrecy, official censorship of UFO information, and the persistent efforts of organizations like NICAP to uncover the truth. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of transparency and against the suppression of evidence. The magazine presents a strong case that authorities are actively hiding information about UFOs, often through denial, ridicule, or legal means. The numerous sighting reports from around the world underscore the global nature of the phenomenon and the perceived inadequacy of official explanations. The underlying message is one of skepticism towards official narratives and a call for open investigation and public disclosure.

This issue of Flug-Revue, dated April 1961, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related investigations, alongside speculative discussions about extraterrestrial life, particularly concerning Mars and the mysterious Tunguska event.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The magazine compiles numerous UFO observations from late 1960 and early 1961 across various locations.

• February 12, 1961, Stockholm, Sweden: A witness reported a low, golden UFO that was initially stationary before moving out of sight.
• February 16, 1961, Lakeport, California, USA: An unidentified light was observed 20 degrees above the western horizon, and photographs were taken.
• February 16, 1961, Chamberlain Lake, Maine, USA: Sportsmen and airport personnel witnessed a flying object with a strong red and white light beam hovering at tree height for approximately five minutes before descending and disappearing. Similar observations were made by two other individuals.
• February 27, 1961, Loch Snizort, Skye, UK: The *Daily Telegraph* reported that three ships and one aircraft searched for a mysterious flying object that executed 'screwing' movements over a fishing trawler, the 'Boston Gannet', before crashing into the sea. The search was unsuccessful.
• March 4, 1961, Various UK Counties: A large, white UFO was sighted across Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Hampshire. The *Daily Telegraph* reported this on March 5th. The *Sunday Dispatch* attributed the incident to a dissolving meteorite, a claim questioned due to the widespread sightings. Reports from *Evening News* described the object as large, white, and rocket-like, brightly lit, and slowly moving across the sky.
• March 2, 1961, Hambledon, UK: The object was described as a huge, bright light bulb, visible for over 1.5 hours, even when stars were obscured by clouds.
• March 23, 1961, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA: Prominent citizens, including the editor of the *News Tribune*, Tom Cope, observed a luminous UFO maneuvering under cloud cover. *Associated Press* noted a lack of convincing theories regarding its identity.

Other reported incidents include:

• January 22, 1961, Fort Walton, Florida, USA: A warehouse manager filmed a metallic, cigar-shaped, rotating machine flying from the Gulf of Mexico towards Eglin Air Force Base.
• January 29, 1961, Kansas City, USA: A bright, steadily moving UFO was observed by highway patrol, police, and private citizens, appearing round or oval.
• February 7, 1961, Biddeford, Maine, USA: A half-moon-shaped, bright, stationary UFO was seen by H. D. Walley, president of an advertising agency. It suddenly accelerated and disappeared eastward.
• February 16, 1961, Marysville, Washington, USA: Two oval objects with pulsating white lights were observed by a NICAP member, disappearing rapidly to the northwest.
• March 20, 1961, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA: Five pulsating UFOs, amber to orange in color, flew in single file formation.

The Earth Was Still Warm!

This section details an encounter on November 3, 1960, involving two boys, Gehring and Douglas Fox, who reported a high-pitched humming sound. They discovered an aluminum-colored object on a hilltop. The air around the object was noticeably warmer. The object, described as 6-8 meters wide with a dome and square windows, took off rapidly. The boys, unfamiliar with UFO terminology, drew a picture of the object, and their parents were convinced of their honesty.

Remote Areas Preferred

Despite Colonel Tacker's dismissal of UFOs, sightings continue in New Mexico. At Holloman Air Force Base on January 17th, after a group of six lights flew by in V-formation, a bright star-like object appeared, followed by another formation of eight smaller lights. This formation flew eastward at high speed, estimated at 10,000 meters altitude.

On January 1st, near Estancia, New Mexico, a woman reported a large green fireball rapidly approaching her car before disappearing. She had previously encountered similar low-flying objects.

Near Galisteo, large red spheres were seen jumping onto flat hills. The article notes that border regions in Texas, New Mexico, Southern Colorado, and Eastern Arizona exhibit characteristics similar to northeastern Brazil, with significant UFO activity.

Advancing Enlightenment!

This section discusses the contrasting official attitudes towards UFOs in the major power blocs. One side denies everything, while the other is gradually preparing the public for the idea of extraterrestrial intelligence. The Soviet government is presented as being ahead in this regard. In the USA, censorship by the Air Force is effective, with private UFO groups leading the effort to inform the public and address the issue in the Senate.

A 190-page report prepared for the space authority, mentioned in a previous issue, has partially appeared in American newspapers. The *New York Herald Tribune* published excerpts on December 15th under the headline 'Space Authority Receives Report!', with the subtitle 'Danger for Earth Dwellers if Life Exists Elsewhere'. The report warns of potential societal collapse if intelligent life is discovered on other planets, recommending that humanity prepare itself spiritually and mentally.

The Spaceship from June 30, 1908

This section revisits the Tunguska event of 1908. Over 50 years, multiple expeditions have investigated the site but found no crater, only a vast area of destruction. Early hypotheses suggested an aerial explosion of a meteorite. A later theory proposed a nuclear catastrophe caused by a spacecraft. An expedition from the Tomsk Hochschule in 1959 collected soil and rock samples showing relatively high radioactivity. Participants reported a 'telegraph pole forest' at the center of the explosion, with trees having intact crowns but uprooted trunks, suggesting a powerful downward blast. The vegetation in the devastated zone grew back eight times faster than after forest fires.

An Official TASS Dispatch

This dispatch quotes Soviet engineer Zolotov, who believes the 1908 Tunguska explosion, with a force equivalent to 1000 atomic bombs, was of a thermonuclear nature. He notes that vegetation in the area recovered exceptionally quickly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents a pro-investigation stance on UFO phenomena, highlighting sightings and scientific inquiries. It appears critical of official denials and censorship, particularly from the US Air Force, while acknowledging the growing interest and research in the field, both in the West and the Soviet Union. The articles suggest a belief in the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and explore various theories, including those related to Mars and historical anomalous events like Tunguska. The editorial tone encourages open discussion and research into these unexplained phenomena.

Title: WELTRAUMBOTE
Issue: 36/37
Date: November 27, 1960
Type: Magazine
Language: German

Key Articles and Reports

Radioaktive Strahlung und das Taiga-Ereignis

The issue begins with a report suggesting that a radioactive radiation from an explosion in the Taiga has accelerated growth. A scientific expedition led by an engineer is planned to investigate these facts. The article posits that an atomic-powered extraterrestrial spacecraft is the most logical explanation for the event, hinting that official information will be forthcoming.

HINWEISE - NOTIZEN (Notes and News)

This section details the arrest of Karl Mekis and Franz Weber-Richter, who had met in Chile and used the pseudonym Karl Michalek to spread false messages from space. They are facing judgment in Traunstein, Bavaria. Mekis, a former SS member with multiple prior convictions, and Weber-Richter were involved in a scheme to establish a 'World Republic' under the leadership of Venusians. Their activities were exploited by Verlag Karl Schönenberger and the publication 'Neuen Europa'. Mekis was arrested attempting to cross the Brenner Pass, while Weber was apprehended in Rome and extradited from Germany. The article concludes this chapter of UFO research, expressing hope that other false contactees will be exposed.

Ben Shirley, Director of the American news service WSMB, is reported to have admitted that at least two of the first Project Vanguard space probes were intended for UFO research.

UFOs and the "Under-Saucers"

Commander R. W. Percy of the US Navy expresses his belief that UFOs are spacecraft from advanced inhabitants of other planets. He notes that while governments are well-informed about 'Under-Saucers' (UFOs), the general public remains largely unaware.

Brazilian Navy and UFOs

Photographer Barauna's photos of a Brazilian Navy training ship off Trinidad reportedly convinced the Naval Minister, Alves Camera, of the existence of unknown flying objects. He stated that the Navy holds a 'great secret' that cannot be revealed because it is inexplicable.

Dr. Frank Stranges and NICAP

Dr. Frank Stranges' membership in NICAP was revoked because he repeatedly gave the false impression of being a spokesperson for the organization. His claim of meeting a spaceman in the Pentagon has not been accepted due to a lack of evidence.

The Simonton Case

A new contactee story from Eagle River, Wisconsin, gained significant publicity. Plumber Joe Simonton claimed that on April 18th, a 'Fl. Untertasse' landed in his yard, and three beings gave him cakes in exchange for drinking water. NICAP plans to investigate this report.

The magazine expresses skepticism about such claims, suggesting they are often hoaxes or delusions and may be used by the Air Force to discredit genuine UFO reports. Readers are urged to present documented cases and put unproven contactee stories in perspective.

Strange Creature in the Amazon

According to the 'Quotidiano' (Rio de Janeiro), a strange, four-legged, horse-sized creature covered in long hair, with oversized teeth and a single eye, was reportedly killed in the Amazon jungle. The indigenous people believe it to be a mythical creature. The article questions whether these are extraterrestrial beings being acclimatized in a UFO-frequented area.

Characteristics of a "Contactee"

The article describes a 'contactee' as someone who claims a special advantage that made them chosen by space beings. These beings are described as tall and attractive. The 'contactee' often overlooks that more reliable cases usually describe UFO pilots as small.

Reinhold Schmidt Arrested

Reinhold Schmidt, a widely respected 'contactee', was arrested in Oakland, California, for qualified fraud. He had convinced several women to 'invest' money in crystal and gold mines, claiming they were from a 'Flying Saucer'. He defrauded them of a total of $28,000. The magazine recalls Schmidt's previous conviction and warns against his fanciful tales, such as flying to the pyramids and visiting a UFO under the Sphinx.

Russian UFOs and the Riddle of the Flying Saucers

An article from the 'Zürcher Woche' discusses 'The Thousand Faces of the Soviet Union,' including a piece on 'Soviet Russia and the Riddle of the Flying Saucers.' It mentions the Tunguska 'Meteor' and speculates about an atomic-powered spacecraft. The article links tektites and the 'Baalbek Veranda' to spacecraft and suggests the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was caused by Uranides, following a warning to the inhabitants. These are attributed to the theories of scientist Agrest, who has reportedly been reprimanded by the government.

An aviator, Witja Kodrinsky, reported seeing a group of bluish-white discs appear and disappear during a night flight. His colleague stated that if they were apparatuses, they were not of human construction.

Viktor Wassiljewitsch Basykin, head of the Moscow Planetarium, suggests that such phenomena may exist and have existed for a long time, noting that humans have only recently begun observing the sky with advanced instruments. He adds that some advanced scientists believe biblical events and myths could be linked to visits from other worlds, with the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah possibly being an atomic explosion. Discoveries in deserts, where sand melted into glass (tektites), show characteristics of atomic explosions.

The article also mentions the theory of artificial Martian moons, increased Russian interest in UFOs, lectures in Moscow, and the overwhelming number of reports that had to be discarded. It concludes by stating that once Soviet scientists establish a base on the moon and an observatory, their first task will be to investigate the advancement of beings from other worlds in spacecraft technology.

The Problem of UFOs

This section argues that the UFO problem is not solely of interest to military intelligence but is a significant emotional and political issue, with scientific aspects being secondary. The difficulty in accepting UFOs stems from the challenge they pose to rationalism and established worldviews. The article criticizes the tendency to dismiss observational evidence based on authority or theory. It suggests that scholars and the military, in their 'paternal' role, may resist accepting the possibility of extraterrestrial visits as it could threaten their power and prestige. The layman, however, may suspect official censorship when official opinions contradict evidence, leading to the thought that 'Father lies' or that 'Father knows best and it's for their own good.'

German Literature on UFOs

A comprehensive list of relevant German literature on UFOs is provided, including titles, authors, publishers, publication years, page counts, and prices. Books cover topics such as UFO reports from Luftwaffe archives, the connection between UFOs and atomic forces, contactee experiences, telepathic contacts, and UFO sightings in Switzerland. Several publications from Ventla-Verlag are listed, along with periodicals like 'WELTRAUMBOTE' and 'UFO-NACHRICHTEN'. Contact information for various distributors and publishers is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical stance towards unsubstantiated contactee claims, often labeling them as hoaxes or delusions, while simultaneously acknowledging the possibility of genuine UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on documented evidence and a skepticism towards sensationalism. The publication also shows a keen interest in international UFO reports, particularly from Russia and the USA, and actively promotes literature and research in the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, aiming to separate fact from fiction in the complex world of UFOlogy.