The National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (Nicap)

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# Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP81R00560R000100010001-0

# SECTION XIV

# THE PROBLEMS & THE DANGERS

The human reactions to UFO reports very nearly have prevented a rational investigation of these phenomena. Neither the rabid "believers" nor the dogmatic skeptics favor a scientific review of the UFO problem. Both think they have the answer. To the neo-religious cultists, largely centered in southern California, UFOs are the vessels of saintly beings from space (or another dimension) come to aid us through troubled times. To the skeptics, UFOs are a figment of the imagination dreamed up by unstable individuals unable to face up to the realities of the day. Neither of these positions is tenable on the basis of the evidence acquired to date.

On the basis of the evidence in this report, NICAP has concluded that UFOs are real, and that they appear to be intelligently controlled [Section II]. We believe it is a reasonable hypothesis that UFOs (beyond those explainable as conventional objects or phenomena) are manifestations of extraterrestrial life. The evidence to date is too sketchy to allow any conclusions about what the pilots of UFOs (if any) look like or what their purposes may be in visiting the earth, if UFOs are in fact spaceships. Once UFOs are accepted as a reality, perhaps it will be possible to obtain some of the answers to these fascinating questions.

The problems of UFO investigation, and the inherent dangers, are discussed below, followed by recommendations for solutions to the problems. The basic problem of UFOs is the lack of attention to something which, if true, could be of very great significance indeed to the whole human race. Most skeptics, in the final analysis, base their conclusions on a seemingly inadequate and highly prejudiced investigation [Section IX]. Quite often, skeptics point to the cultists as (allegedly) the source of the whole UFO problem. Only a superficial analysis of the cultist claims is necessary to make one a skeptic, because it is easy to see that they present beliefs and faith rather than evidence. Ergo, there are no UFOs. Thus the cultists (and opportunists, and con-men) obscure the real issues, and mislead critical-minded people into believing that there is no evidence for UFOs.

The basic danger associated with UFOs is a danger to the very fabric of society if UFOs are in fact real unexplained objects maneuvering in our atmosphere. There is a danger of a reverse delusion - fooling ourselves into believing nothing of any significance is being seen. There is a danger of an unprepared public, and the possibility of widespread panic if an external danger or threat to our way of life is suddenly imposed upon us without some prior knowledge of what has been learned about UFOs. Without psychological preparedness, a sudden confrontation with extraterrestrial beings (for example) could have disastrous results.

If there is deliberate secrecy being practiced by authorities (rather than a semi-conscious failure to face up to facts), this would appear to be inexcusable. Secrecy breeds fear and paves the way for panic, by introducing false fears and causing people to substitute imagination for reality. The danger of continuing such a policy was pointed out by NICAP Adviser Morton Gerla, a professional engineer: "This shortsighted policy results in delaying the solution of the UFO mystery, leaving both military and civilian populations unprepared for whatever steps may eventually have to be taken, whether peaceful or hostile. In the event of action being forced upon our government or people by UFO initiative, public confidence in a government following a policy of secrecy prior to being forced into action would be shattered, perhaps with catastrophic results to morale."

## THE IMPLICATIONS OF UFOs

Why are UFOs important? Because if they are real (not explainable as a variety of conventional objects), it is generally conceded that they are most likely space ships. Their presence

In spite of the fact that UFOs are not "officially" recognized, it is plain that they - and the general idea of some day encountering extraterrestrial beings - have inspired considerable scientific thought and speculation. As a result of our entrance into the Space Age, the idea of UFOs has rapidly become plausible.

in our skies would naturally be a matter of utmost concern to all nations on earth.

The hypothesis that UFOs are space ships has important implications for humanity. Many questions are raised - philosophical, religious and technological. What effect would contact with extraterrestrials have on our society? What relationship would - or should - we have with such beings? What should our behavior toward them be? What effects would their detection have on our technology and industries?

Of all groups which would have an immediate concern about UFOs, pilots obviously are one of the first whose careers and interests would be affected. To obtain the reaction of this group, we asked two NICAP Advisers their opinions on what pilots would most want to know about UFOs if it was suspected that they were space ships.

Mr. L. Dan Sheridan, Jr., former Marine Corps fighter pilot, replied with these questions:

"What is their performance?"

"Are they controlled and who and what controls them?" "Are they hostile?"

"Are they responsible for the many unexplained crashes and/or loss of aircraft?"

"What is their mission?"

"Are they subject to destruction and/or death?"

"Is there any basis of contact?"

"Why has the fact of their existence been covered up for so long?"

John F. McLeod (Major, USAFR, active in Civil Air Patrol Search & Rescue Squadron, graduate of Harvard University in the field of psychology) replied:

"Because of their special training and experience, pilots in general are better able to report and evaluate aerial phenomena, including possible UFO sightings, than most other groups. A pilot would normally be more exposed to conditions in which such phenomena might occur, he would be more likely to be able to report the details of such phenomena accurately, and he would be more likely to be able to judge the true nature of conditions pertinent to such phenomena.

I believe that, in general, pilots would want to know the following basic data about any report to the effect that UFOs were actually spacecraft:

1. Their type and source of motive power

2. Their origin

3. Their speed and other performance characteristics

4. The nature of their occupants

In short, the average experienced pilot would, I believe, be more interested in the technical facts of such a situation than in any sensational effect it might have. . ." Commenting on pilots as observers of UFOs, Mr. McLeod added, "An experienced pilot's ability to adapt to an unusual situation in the air should enable him to retain an objective attitude after his initial surprise, and his interest should stimulate physical thresholds of awareness regarding the data to be learned from the situation . . ."

## RELIGION

From the viewpoint of religion, Rev. Albert Baller (German Congregational Church, Clinton, Mass.), a NICAP Board Member, had this to say: