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Weltraumbote - No 68-69 - 1961
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Title: WELTRAUMBOTE Issue: Nr. 68/69 Date: November/Dezember 1961 Publisher: UFO-Verlag Zürich Country: Switzerland Language: German Price: Fr. 1.60
Magazine Overview
Title: WELTRAUMBOTE
Issue: Nr. 68/69
Date: November/Dezember 1961
Publisher: UFO-Verlag Zürich
Country: Switzerland
Language: German
Price: Fr. 1.60
This issue of WELTRAUMBOTE, a German-language magazine focused on extraterrestrial craft and related phenomena, announces its cessation of publication due to the editor's overwhelming workload and health concerns. Despite this, the issue features significant content, including a detailed report on UFO sightings near Pescara, Italy, and an in-depth look at the National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) and its efforts to uncover and disseminate UFO information.
UFOs bei Pescara
The cover story, "UFOs bei Pescara," details an encounter experienced by Bruno Ghibaudi, who became a UFO researcher after his own experiences. Ghibaudi reported observing a zone of increased UFO activity stretching across Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, coinciding with the Earth's magnetic poles. On April 27th of the same year, his car stopped near Pescara, and he witnessed a peculiar oscillating dark point that rapidly approached, revealing itself as a large, dark grey, oval-shaped object. This was followed by a completely round, silver apparatus, approximately 20 meters in size, which descended close to the water. Three more similar machines appeared, causing Ghibaudi to feel as though he were in a strong magnetic field, experiencing a sense of oppressive presence. He noted that the UFOs had visible hatches and emitted flashes of light directed towards him.
NICAP and the Fight for Information
A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to the activities of NICAP and its struggle against what is portrayed as government censorship. Admiral Fahrney, the director of NICAP, is presented as a key figure in bringing UFO information to the public. The article details how Fahrney held a press conference to explain NICAP's mission, which included gathering reliable reports from pilots and trained observers about unidentified, apparently controlled objects moving at high speeds in the airspace. Fahrney emphasized that neither the US nor Russia could match the speed and acceleration of these objects as reported by pilots and radar.
The magazine highlights the challenges NICAP faced, including ridicule from some newspapers. Fahrney believed that a public statement from him as chairman would lend credibility. He aimed to avoid conflict with the Air Force but acknowledged that not all within the Air Force agreed with its policies. The article suggests that the Air Force was already investigating UFOs but was not releasing information, leading to public distrust and reluctance among witnesses to come forward.
NICAP's efforts to gather information were met with a surge of letters, telegrams, and phone calls. The magazine mentions an attempt by "This Week" magazine to investigate UFOs in 1956, which was reportedly rebuffed by the Air Force's ATIC (Air Technical Intelligence Center). The article notes that even high-ranking Air Force officers declined to release information.
Key Figures and Sightings
Several individuals and their experiences are featured:
- Dr. Clyde Tombaugh: The discoverer of Pluto reportedly had a UFO sighting years prior but remained silent, possibly due to official pressure. He later revealed his experience, suggesting UFOs were advanced craft capable of interstellar travel.
- John C. Williams: A former Navy pilot, Williams reported a sighting in June 1952 near Tombstone, Arizona. He described a large, round object, estimated to be at least 300 feet in circumference, that flew towards Tombstone, hovered, and then departed at incredible speed. He noted its shape resembled two saucers placed on top of each other.
- Major D. Keyhoe: Mentioned in relation to his book "Flying Saucers - Top Secret," Keyhoe was appointed director of NICAP. His work is presented as instrumental in the organization's efforts.
- Captain William B. Nash: A pilot with Pan American Airways, Nash reported seeing a formation of high, 30-meter wide discs maneuvering under his aircraft near Norfolk in 1952.
- A National Airline Captain: This unnamed captain reported a close encounter with a 'saucer' north of Miami, which followed his plane before ascending rapidly when the cabin lights were turned back on.
- Jack Foster: Publisher of the "Rocky Mountain Daily News," Foster reported seeing three orange, spherical objects flying parallel to the horizon south of Denver.
Censorship and Official Orders
The issue details an army directive (No. 30-13) from Fort Monmouth, dated January 31, 1957, which imposed strict censorship on reports of "Unconventional Flying Apparatus." Witnesses were forbidden from discussing their observations with anyone except their direct superior or authorized personnel. However, following protests from NICAP, Fort Monmouth stated in May 1957 that this order had been amended and the censorship provision removed. Despite this, a later army order in August 1957 reimposed similar restrictions.
Other Content
The magazine includes subscription information for its German, Austrian, and international readers, detailing payment methods and bank accounts. It also lists other German-language UFO publications, "UFO-Nachrichten" and "Mitteilungsblätter der Gesellschaft für Interplanetarik," as well as recommending English-language UFO journals like "UFO Investigator" and "Flying Saucer Review."
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the potential for advanced extraterrestrial technology, and the alleged efforts by military and governmental bodies to suppress or control information about UFOs. The editorial stance is clearly pro-disclosure and critical of secrecy, advocating for the truth about UFOs to be revealed to the public. The magazine positions itself as a platform for disseminating these reports and analyses, despite the personal cost to the editor.
Notable Quote
"Nur Gott ist. Alles scheinbar andere ist eine Lüge." - Emilie Cady
This quote, attributed to Emilie Cady, reflects a philosophical or spiritual perspective on reality, possibly suggesting that perceived material phenomena are less fundamental than a higher spiritual truth, a theme that may resonate with the magazine's broader interest in phenomena beyond conventional understanding.
This issue of "OURANOS" from August 1961, titled "Sind die UFOs Raumtiere?" (Are UFOs Space Animals?), explores unconventional theories about unidentified flying objects and compiles numerous sighting reports from the period.
The 'Space Animal' Theory
The central theme is the theory proposed by Gräfin Zoe Wassilko-Serecki, who suggests that UFOs are not machines but primitive, animal-like life forms. These "space animals" are described as giant, hollow, silvery-skinned jellyfish-like creatures, possibly "gas-form" or "elemental spirits," existing in the high ionosphere (around 75 km altitude). They are believed to be intensely hot and electrically charged, possessing radar-like abilities similar to bats for navigation and reaction. The theory posits that their low mass relative to their volume allows them to move at incredible speeds due to air resistance, and that strange substances occasionally falling from the sky could be remnants of their "birth process" or waste.
This theory is contrasted with the conventional view of UFOs as advanced technology. The article questions whether such "space animals" could be electrically charged to the point of glowing, and whether their descriptions align with biological rather than mechanical entities. It also touches upon the work of Trevor James and Desmond Leslie, with Leslie defending the theories of George Adamski.
The Convair C-131-D Incident (1956)
The issue revisits the mysterious crash of a Convair C-131-D military aircraft in 1956 near Pixley, California. The aircraft's tail was severely damaged, forcing an emergency landing. The Air Force attributed the incident to metal fatigue, but the NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena) harbored doubts. A confidential source provided details suggesting that the pilot, Major Mervin M. Stenvers, claimed to have seen a UFO before the impact. This source, whose identity is protected, also indicated that the official explanation was questioned by several aeronautical engineers and metallurgists. The article raises the question of whether the Convair was hit accidentally or as a result of intentional action by non-human entities.
International Sightings Compilation
The magazine presents a comprehensive list of UFO sightings from various locations, highlighting the growing number of reports and the perceived inadequacy of official explanations.
England (June 1961)
Numerous reports from across England describe bright white or multi-colored lights observed in the sky. While authorities, including the RAF, offered explanations such as "shooting stars" or "balloons," the article suggests these were inadequate, especially in cases where objects were seen hovering at high altitudes or exhibiting unusual maneuvers. The "Flying Saucer Review" is cited for questioning why military aircraft were not scrambled to identify these objects.
North America (April-May 1961)
A significant number of sightings are reported from Canada and the United States:
- Regina, Saskatchewan (Canada): Seven bright, yellow UFOs were seen ascending rapidly.
- Stoney Creek, Ontario (Canada): A bright blue-white light moved across the sky.
- Anaheim, California (USA): A "whirling blue-green object" with a cone-shaped top was observed.
- Maniwotoc, Wisconsin (USA): A rotating, dark gray, disc-shaped object was seen.
- Oil City, Pennsylvania (USA): A "bullet-like" UFO changed color from bright red to orange and then darker, with a pulsating light.
- Mayfield Heights, Ohio (USA): A very bright UFO was observed moving east to west.
- Athol, Massachusetts (USA): A white light moved erratically and lost altitude.
- Syracuse, New York (USA): Two F-101 jets were scrambled to intercept a "mysterious light."
- Lake Worth, Florida (USA): A "gleaming saucer" ascended at high speed.
- Long Beach, California (USA): Twelve luminous objects maneuvered erratically after two unexplained explosions.
- North Shore, Long Island (USA): A bright, unknown flying object was seen moving, stopping, and changing course.
- Clinton, Iowa (USA): Two cigar-shaped UFOs with white light circles were observed.
- Monett, Montana (USA): Two flying machines flew together, one appearing as an indistinct light source, the other blinking.
- Nashville, Tennessee (USA): A bright triangular object appeared, and intercepting aircraft could not reach its estimated altitude.
- Manasca, Wisconsin (USA): A police chief reported a UFO.
- Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania (USA): A long, elliptical UFO with a swarm of smaller objects was sighted.
- Helena, Montana (USA): A hovering and fast-flying UFO was observed, described as being made of "plastic or similar material."
- Charleston, South Carolina (USA): A fast, round object was seen, described as "small, white with black on the rim."
- Waynesville, Ohio (USA): An object described as a "smoke ring with a fireball circling it" was seen.
- Washington, D.C. (USA): A "gleaming UFO" was reported to have either disintegrated or ejected smaller objects.
- Altus, Oklahoma (USA): A UFO flying at high speed was reportedly chased away by an F-89 jet.
- Seattle, Washington (USA): A cylindrical craft with orange exhaust ascended, then disappeared. Another report mentioned a landed orange-glowing UFO.
- New Brunswick, New Jersey (USA): A long, orange-colored luminous object hovered and moved away.
- Sacramento, California (USA): A bright UFO was reported flying in a zig-zag pattern.
- Mt. Hope, Wisconsin (USA): A rotating, low-flying object with blue and red lights was observed, and intercepting aircraft were reportedly sent.
- Muskegon, Michigan (USA): A "strange machine like two large, superimposed metal bowls with a flashing light" was seen hovering.
- Burlington, North Carolina (USA): A bright, round UFO, twice the size of Venus, was observed.
- Pontiac, Michigan (USA): A strange, small aircraft-sized object emitting orange and white lights was seen by numerous people, including police officers, and was not believed to be a balloon.
European Sightings
- Valence (Drôme), France (August 1961): Two small white spheres were seen flying at high speed.
- Flavacourt (Oise), France (August 1961): A bright red point flew at supersonic speed without noise.
- Verona, Italy (August 1961): Three objects were observed flying east-west, one changing color from red to green to white.
- La Baule, France (August 1961): A "strange mass" surrounded by a halo was seen, estimated at 40 meters in diameter, emitting a hot gust of air. Infrared detectors registered a significant temperature increase.
"Luftwaffenlüge blossgestellt" (Air Force Lies Exposed)
This section details a confrontation between former Air Force bomber pilot Ernst Stadvec and the Air Force regarding a UFO sighting. Stadvec and two other pilots encountered a bright object near Akron that nearly rammed their aircraft before ascending rapidly. Later, a similar object was tracked by air traffic control at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. The airport spokesperson initially confirmed the radar tracking but later stated the object disappeared when Stadvec reported its departure, implying a possible cover-up or misdirection by the Air Force.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of unconventional, almost biological, explanations for UFOs, the compilation of numerous sightings that challenge official narratives, and the implicit criticism of government and military secrecy or misrepresentation regarding these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official explanations and an openness to extraordinary possibilities, as suggested by the inclusion of the "space animal" theory and the detailed reporting of unexplained events.
Title: UFO Investigator
Issue: August 1961
Publisher: NICAP
Country: USA
Document Type: Magazine Issue
This issue of "UFO Investigator" delves into several significant UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) cases from 1961, primarily focusing on sightings involving military bases and the official responses to them. The magazine adopts a critical stance towards government and military explanations, suggesting a pattern of secrecy and dismissal of credible witness accounts.
Case Studies and Reports
The Stadvec Incident and Air Force Explanation
The issue begins by detailing an incident where a UFO was observed by multiple pilots. The US Air Force, without consulting the witnesses or the air base, issued a statement on July 7th attributing the sighting to atmospheric refraction of the star Capella. Major Friend of ATIC (Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center) supported this explanation, though he could not provide evidence for unusual weather conditions. Pilot Stadvec, a World War II bomber pilot with extensive experience, vocally disputed this explanation, stating that what he saw was not a star or a reflection and questioning why he wasn't consulted. The other pilots corroborated Stadvec's account, describing the UFO as descending towards their aircraft, then abruptly changing course and accelerating upwards.
The magazine's commentary, attributed to NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena), criticizes the Air Force's tactic of immediately issuing explanations for UFO reports appearing in the press. This strategy, NICAP argues, aims to quell public interest and dismiss reports without proper investigation, often creating the impression that sightings were mere errors by individuals.
UFO Over Tyndall Air Force Base
On May 20, 1961, the Tyndall Air Force Base in the USA was reportedly under observation by a strange, round, orange-white glowing object for 90 minutes. The object hovered specifically over the launch area for unmanned aircraft. The sighting was registered by two radar stations and observed by members of the 4756th Air Force Police Unit and the base's deputy UFO officer. Despite attempts by a jet fighter and a helicopter to intercept it, the UFO eventually moved away, though it remained on radar for some time.
This case, like others, was allegedly kept secret by the Air Force. NICAP reportedly possesses a 5-page report detailing the incident, including names and other information. The report indicates the observation began at 02:50 with clear weather and 10-mile visibility. Posten 13 described the orange light descending and ascending rapidly. When the UFO approached, radio communication was temporarily disrupted, attributed to electromagnetic interference from the object. Obersergeant Lacour confirmed the UFO's movements. The incident was reported to ATIC, but Major Robert Friend was unavailable, so the report was passed to the duty officer. Sergeant Mallett and Air Policeman Gary L. Kelly also observed the object, describing it as round, rusty orange to white, silent, and capable of rapid ascent. One witness reported a 'puff' from the object. The RAPCON radar station confirmed the UFO's presence at 03:45, and it was tracked moving rapidly westward. A fast jet was scrambled, but the pilot could not catch it due to its speed.
Electromagnetic Effects in Lakeville
On February 28, 1961, at 3:20 AM, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Blackwood in Lakeville, Massachusetts, heard a thunderous noise and saw an unusual, elongated object in the northeast. Described as yellowish-red with a dark red rim and surrounded by black smoke, it flew southwest, swaying strongly. As it passed, the couple's bedroom was illuminated, and the kitchen light went out. They observed the UFO for five minutes. Shortly after, the object returned, causing another electrical outage and a smell like burning fat when it hovered over their house. A third witness in New Bedford reported hearing a loud noise and seeing a barrel-shaped object with black clouds hanging from its ends, which moved erratically and emitted a blinding light before disappearing.
A Landing in France
On December 9, 1960, at Schloss Maillé in the Gironde region of France, Frau Delhens and her fox terrier heard the dog barking furiously. Upon investigation, she saw a bright object on the meadow. From the first floor, she observed an oval object, about the size of two cars, hovering near the grass. It had a whitish glow and two hatches resembling eyes, with movement visible behind them. She felt uneasy and observed it for a few minutes before it flew north. The dog stopped barking immediately after. An investigation by the French Society for Astrometeorology and Commission OURANOS found a circle of completely scorched grass, 3.80 meters in diameter, on the meadow. A broken branch from a 25-meter distant magnolia tree was also found. Frau Delhens is described as a reliable witness with no prior interest in UFO literature. Another witness, Michèle Coste, also reported seeing a glowing object ascend and disappear northward. Schloss Bariteauld also reported seeing the light.
The Simonton Case
Details from the APRO-Bulletin describe a "saucer" landing near Eagle River, Wisconsin, on May 9, 1961. The object, resembling two nested washbasins, made a noise comparable to tires on wet pavement. It hovered about 10-20 cm above the ground. Simonton, the witness, observed a door on the upper part of the object, about 1.5 meters high. Two beings, approximately 1.5 meters tall, with dark skin and black hair, wearing dark blue knitted suits and caps, emerged. One handed Simonton a jug, making a drinking motion. The jug was made of a shiny material, lighter than aluminum but heavier than steel. The object's height was estimated at 3.5 meters. The beings did not speak, and Simonton felt no fear. He noted they had no buttons or insignia on their clothing. A sample of a "pancake" was given to Simonton. An analysis of this pancake by NICAP was not completed due to the death of the assigned chemist and concerns about cost and uncertain results.
UFO-Guided Flights
This section reports on a flight on July 27th where a Scandia aircraft (PP-SQT) en route to Rio de Janeiro was approached by a "Caravelle" (PP-VJD) flying at a much higher altitude. The pilot, José Guilherme Saez, observed a strange, star-like object moving at astonishing speed around the Caravelle. The object performed various maneuvers before disappearing in the opposite direction. The pilot stated it was not another aircraft due to its speed and rapid directional changes, nor a shooting star, as it seemed to obey a command. The entire crew and 13 passengers witnessed the phenomenon. The object seemed to focus on the Caravelle, which was flying at 6150 meters, while the Scandia was at 2100 meters. The pilot concluded that the object possessed its own light and exhibited frequent, rapid changes in direction, impossible for known aircraft.
Miscellaneous Reports
International Astronautical Congress: The 12th International Astronautical Congress opened in Washington on October 2nd, with a topic being communication with intelligent beings on other planets.
US Navy UFO Map: Most American Navy command centers now have a map detailing observations to be reported under the early warning system, including cruise missiles, non-American warships, approaching aircraft, submarines, and UFOs. These maps include sketches of UFOs, one round and one bat-like. The purpose is to avoid confusion with Soviet missile or bomber attacks, not necessarily to label UFOs as hostile.
MacDill Air Force Base Intelligence: According to former intelligence officer Don Widener, the intelligence department at MacDill Air Force Base concluded in 1952, based on numerous sightings in the area, that UFOs were interplanetary machines. This analysis, conducted by highly qualified advisors, has been withheld from the public by the Air Force.
German Air Force Protocol: German Air Force jet pilots are reportedly instructed to report all observed UFOs immediately on special, strictly confidential forms. Members are also specifically briefed on these objects.
Project OZMA Halted: The American project to intercept signals from space and establish communication with extraterrestrial intelligence, Project OZMA, was surprisingly discontinued in the spring. Operated with giant radio telescopes at Green Bank Observatory, the stated reasons of insufficient equipment and lack of funds are questioned. The article speculates whether the project will continue secretly or if its objectives have been met, or if there are fears of attracting hostile extraterrestrials.
Warning Against Contact: A prominent space specialist warned against assuming all extraterrestrial races are friendly, citing risks of attack and enslavement. The article questions whether this warning stems from actual government knowledge or subconscious fears.
Reinhold Schmidt Case: The case of Reinhold Schmidt, who claimed to have discovered gold mines on flights with aliens, is revisited. He was reportedly defrauded women of significant sums of money. After an initial investigation detention, he was released. However, he was later sentenced to prison for fraud, making further alleged space flights impossible.
Nuclear Test Impact: A statement from British writers and artists protested against nuclear weapons, calling them a negation of life. A report from the British Medical Council in March 1957 warned that strontium content in the air would reach critical levels by 1970 due to nuclear explosions, even without further tests.
Humanity's Survival: A bulletin from American atomic scientists in December 1960 suggested that humanity might need to partially abandon national sovereignty to survive.
Gagarin's Flight and UFOs: Dr. Alberto Perego of Rome commented on Yuri Gagarin's April 12, 1961, space flight, calling it a triumph of technology. He also suggested that "Flying Saucers" are not of earthly origin and must come from other planets. Major Gagarin expressed openness to further space exploration, including investigating Venus and Mars, and considered intelligent life on these planets possible.
Swissair Pilot Testimony: A Swissair pilot recounted seeing unidentified objects three times over South America, stating they were undeniably material and not mere light effects or atmospheric phenomena. His name could not be revealed.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue of "UFO Investigator" include the persistent pattern of official denial and obfuscation regarding UFO sightings, the critical role of radar in confirming aerial phenomena, the electromagnetic effects associated with UFOs, and the physical traces left behind. The editorial stance is clearly critical of government and military secrecy, advocating for transparency and thorough investigation of UFO reports. The magazine highlights credible witnesses, including pilots and military personnel, and questions the adequacy of conventional explanations provided by authorities. There is a strong undercurrent of concern about potential extraterrestrial contact and its implications for humanity, as well as broader anxieties about nuclear proliferation and the future of human survival.
Title: UFO-Nachrichten
Issue: Nr. 12/13
Date: October 21, 1961
Publisher: UFO-Verlag
Country: Germany
Language: German
This issue of UFO-Nachrichten delves into a variety of intriguing and often bizarre reports related to unexplained phenomena, scientific research into communication, and the ongoing struggle for transparency regarding UFOs.
Unusual Births and Inventions
The issue opens with a startling report from Catania, Sicily, detailing the birth of a siren-like infant to 22-year-old Leonarda Firenzola. The child, weighing 2.8 kg, lived only 10 minutes. An autopsy revealed that its legs were fused, forming a tail-like structure, with cartilage replacing the bones, suggesting a natural continuation of the spine. This report is cited from "France Soir" and "Volksgazet," and also referenced in Alfred Gordon Bennett's book "Focus on the unknown."
Another significant report comes from Lurano, in the Po Valley, Italy. Here, Aldo Bonassoli, aged 27, presented several journalists with an invention he called an "electronic eye." This device, utilizing ultrasound waves, is claimed to be capable of completely dissolving any object it is directed at. The article suggests this technology might be a rediscovery of ancient knowledge, referencing works by authors like Leslie and Churchward. Bonassoli had previously developed a device for photographing artificial satellites.
Reports from Around the World
A Nigerian newspaper, the "Nigerian Tribune," reported on a man named Akindale from Ipaya, who was buried 20 years prior. He allegedly returned to his village, claiming to have "come from the sky." Reporters were reportedly unable to elicit further details from him.
Scientific and Research Developments
The magazine announces that the "OURANOS" revue, published by a scientific study commission for the past 10 years, will transition to a monthly format. The focus will narrow to UFOs, dropping secondary topics that had previously dominated its pages. Key figures involved include Marc Thirouin (Director), Jimmy Guieu (Head of Investigations), and Aimé Michel (Scientific Advisor). The subscription cost is 18 French Francs per year, with the address provided as 6, rue Pelleterie, Valence (Drôme), France.
Interstellar Communication and Dolphin Language
A report from "Reuter" dated June 21, 1960, highlights the views of Dr. John C. Lilly, Director of the Institute for the Improvement of Communication on the Virgin Islands. Dr. Lilly posits that studying dolphin language could facilitate communication with "super-intelligences" from other worlds. He notes that dolphins possess larger and more complex brains than humans (averaging 1800 grams compared to 1300 grams) and can learn to mimic human words and even understand their meaning. Dolphin communication includes normal sounds and ultrasound.
In parallel, Dr. Freudenthal in Holland is developing a language called "lincos," based on mathematical and logical principles, intended for communication with extraterrestrial beings. The first volume of his dictionary for this language has been published, with plans for a four-volume set. The article suggests that this language could eventually be tested on dolphins and even bees.
The author, Jérôme Cardan, writing in "Tribune des Nations," emphasizes that contact with other intelligences is a realistic possibility, not mere science fiction, given the advancements in rocketry and radio telescopes.
The Intelligence of Bees
The issue also touches upon the intelligence of bees, referencing a book by Melchior Sooder, "Bienen und Bienenhalten in der Schweiz." It notes that bees were historically revered as sacred animals and that traditional beekeeping practices involved communicating family joys and sorrows to the swarm. Reports from England suggest that bee swarms may depart if the owner's death is not announced to them. The article concludes that bees' aversion to conflict and their apparent sensitivity suggest a level of feeling and intelligence.
The Development of UFO Investigations in the USA
This section discusses the hopes for public congressional hearings on UFOs in the summer of 1961, organized by NICAP. Unfortunately, these hopes were not realized. Hearings were conducted privately, without press access, and NICAP was unable to present its evidence. However, recent developments indicate that NICAP is now receiving active support from Majority Leader McCormack and the new Chairman of the Congressional Committee for UFO Affairs, Joseph E. Karth. The previous chairman had opposed open discussions and has since passed away. This shift in support leads to optimism that investigations might commence at the beginning of the next congressional session in January.
The article notes that the primary resistance to these hearings did not come from the Air Force, which has distanced itself from Colonel Tackers' book "Flying Saucers and the Air Force," despite its subtitle claiming to be the official Air Force view and bearing a foreword from the Air Force Chief of Staff. The true source of the determined opposition to the public disclosure of UFO reality remains an unknown entity with significant influence, dictating censorship even to the Senate's UFO committee.
Corrections and Retractions
The magazine acknowledges that some photos and reports published in its pages over the years have turned out to be false or questionable. It states that it has not published anything from "Neues Europa" since the "Michalek case." Specific corrections include:
- Nr. 7, Cover: The object on the radar screen was incorrectly depicted as bright instead of dark, though the Orly events and the presence of a flying object on radar were confirmed.
- Nr. 8/9: The cover images were reportedly faked by journalists, according to Jimmy Guieu. The experiences of Cihlars are considered "pure mysticism."
- Nr. 10, S. 21: Certain predictions did not materialize.
- Nr. 12/13: The cover image is considered dubious, possibly faked by August C. Roberts.
- Nr. 16/17: An article and associated photos are deemed uncertain after the informant raised suspicions post-publication.
- Nr. 20/21, S. 28: Slavonin Rawicz and "Lama Lobsang Rampa" are identified as unreliable.
- Nr. 38/39, S. 19: The image is a photomontage.
- Nr. 52/53, S. 16: The story of a pilot making fun of Wilkins is viewed as a likely prank by a skeptical individual, deeming it unlikely to be from an extraterrestrial craft.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The issue demonstrates a consistent interest in the unexplained, ranging from alleged paranormal events like siren births and resurrections to scientific inquiries into extraterrestrial communication and the nature of intelligence in both humans and animals. There is a clear skepticism towards hoaxes and forgeries, as evidenced by the detailed corrections section. The editorial stance appears to favor open investigation into UFO phenomena while acknowledging the challenges posed by censorship and vested interests, particularly within governmental and military structures. The magazine promotes a view that such topics are no longer confined to science fiction but are becoming legitimate areas of scientific inquiry.