DISCLOSURE / FILE
Royal New Zealand Air Force file AIR 244/10/1 Volume 1, opened 1959 and closed 1983, holding station-level UFO sighting reports, the Moreland-sighting correspondence, the 1978 Kaikoura material, and the 1972 Ashburton space-debris event.
Royal New Zealand Air Force file AIR 244/10/1 Volume 1, opened 1959 and closed 1983, holding station-level UFO sighting reports, the Moreland-sighting correspondence, the 1978 Kaikoura material, and the 1972 Ashburton space-debris event.
This is the RNZAF base/operational UFO file declassified by the New Zealand Defence Force in September 2010 and released by Archives New Zealand in December 2010, with the original held back from public access until 2040 on privacy grounds. The 225-page volume runs from 1959 to 1983 and contains reports, interviews, and media requests tied to the 1959 Moreland sighting, the RNZAF report on the 1978 Kaikoura sightings, interdepartmental correspondence on the future of the Government UFO Investigating Committee, the 1972 Ashburton space-debris event, and miscellaneous sighting reports from the public, military personnel, and passenger aircraft. The opening pages include 1979 correspondence from witness Eileen McCallum (formerly Moreland) refusing release of her 1959 report, and a 1983 OHAKEA radar/WANGANUI FSS incident in which two unidentified targets, judged by ground speed to be helicopters at 500 to 2000 feet, were tracked and visually confirmed before fading from coverage. The file is marked CONFIDENTIAL on opening and downgraded to RESTRICTED/UNCLASSIFIED through release, with personal details of public reporters removed under the Official Information Act.
File Contains: Reports, interviews and requests for UFO information from the media related to the "Moreland sighting". RNZAF report on the 1978 Kaikoura sightings. Interdepartmental correspondence on the future of the Government UFO Investigating Committee. Report on the 1972 Ashburton Space Debris event. Multiple UFO reports from members of the public, military personnel and passenger aircraft.p.1
During the early evening of 7 June 1983 RNZAF OHAKEA radar reported to WELLINGTON ATCC that two unidentified aircraft were flying in close proximity to WANGANUI airfield. These aircraft were sighted by the WANGANUI FSS. At 1935M both aircraft left radar coverage.p.9
The behaviour of the aircraft indicated to the radar controller that they were flying between 500 and 2000 feet and, because of their speed, that they were helicopters rather than fixed wing aircraft.p.9
INDICATED BOTH TGTS TO BE HELOS RATHER THAN FW ACFT. RANGE OF FADE INDICATED ALTITUDE 500-2000 FTp.12
I am Mrs. McCallum, formerly Moreland, of 1959 U.F.O. fame. You no doubt have had my name under your nose a lot lately.p.24
If you have knowledge of the full events of that awful morning, you will realise, that to suggest that the U.F.O. people are friendly is a laugh, as I know full well, and there is also the matter of the language.p.25
The sole interest of the Ministry of Defence in this matter is to protect your confidences and privacy arising out of your association with Defence at the time the incident took place.p.23
Extracted text · Page 1
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Copy 14 of 36 NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS (UFO) FILES COPIES FOR RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC File Number: AIR 244 / 10 / 1 Volume 1 File Title: Reports of UFO's File Timespan: Opened: 1959 - Closed 1983 File Declassified: September 2010 Location of Original File: Held at Archives New Zealand Access to Original File: Restricted until 2040 File Contains: Reports, interviews and requests for UFO information from the media related to the "Moreland sighting". RNZAF report on the 1978 Kaikoura sightings. Interdepartmental correspondence on the future of the Government UFO Investigating Committee. Report on the 1972 Ashburton Space Debris event. Various UFO reports from members of the public, military personnel and passenger aircraft.
Page 2 · vision OCR
NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE PUBLIC RELEASE OF UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS (UFO) FILES These copied and redacted files of correspondence on Unidentified Flying Objects dating from 1952 to 2009 have been Declassified and released to the public by the New Zealand Defence Force under the Official Information Act. Access to the original files held by Archives New Zealand is restricted up until the year 2050 for Personal Privacy reasons. These copied files have had the personal details of members of the public making UFO reports removed to preserve their privacy. Personal details of service personnel and civilians employed by the New Zealand Defence Force and other Government Departments and Agencies have not been removed. No other information has been removed or omitted from these files. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF FILES Correspondence on Flying Saucers began in New Zealand Defence Force files in 1952 and continued under different names, Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) and Unidentified Aerial Sightings (UAS) until the present. The files contain reports of sightings by private individuals and military personnel, investigations by Defence and other Government Departments and agencies into these reports, newspaper clippings on UFOs and letters from individuals who claim to be in touch with alien beings and craft. While the files are in general date order from 1952 until the present some file periods overlap with one another and the documents within each file are not necessarily in strict date order. There can be duplicate documents within each file and copies of the same documents (particularly media releases and reports) can appear in different files. ACCESS TO UFO FILES These redacted files are available in hard copy from the Defence Library c/o Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force Aitken St Wellington. They are not available in electronic format.
Page 225 · vision OCR
RELEVANT PAPERS
FILE:
[REDACTED]
TREATMENT OF FILES AND CORRESPONDENCE
1. The movements of files classified as "TOP SECRET," "SECRET," or
"CONFIDENTIAL" are to be recorded by staffs, in a register especially maintained
for the purpose.
2. This file must be circulated under sealed cover or by hand of an officer and
kept in a steel safe, chest, or cupboard under lock and key when not in use, or in the
event of the office being left unattended. Do not forget to notify Secret Registry
when passing file by hand.
3. This file may be closed only on the authority of a responsible officer of the
Branch usually dealing with its contents.
4. For detailed instructions on the handling of this file see R.A.F. A.P. 3086
(2nd Edition), and appropriate Air Department Orders.
2/51—10955]
[R.N.Z.A.F. Form 2009Concatenated page-by-page transcript. Born-digital pages came through pdf.js; scanned pages were transcribed by Claude vision OCR. Pages marked unreadable failed multiple OCR retries (heavy redaction, microfilm artifacts, or blank separators) and are kept in place for audit.
Copy 14 of 36 NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS (UFO) FILES COPIES FOR RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC File Number: AIR 244 / 10 / 1 Volume 1 File Title: Reports of UFO's File Timespan: Opened: 1959 - Closed 1983 File Declassified: September 2010 Location of Original File: Held at Archives New Zealand Access to Original File: Restricted until 2040 File Contains: Reports, interviews and requests for UFO information from the media related to the "Moreland sighting". RNZAF report on the 1978 Kaikoura sightings. Interdepartmental correspondence on the future of the Government UFO Investigating Committee. Report on the 1972 Ashburton Space Debris event. Various UFO reports from members of the public, military personnel and passenger aircraft.
NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE PUBLIC RELEASE OF UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS (UFO) FILES These copied and redacted files of correspondence on Unidentified Flying Objects dating from 1952 to 2009 have been Declassified and released to the public by the New Zealand Defence Force under the Official Information Act. Access to the original files held by Archives New Zealand is restricted up until the year 2050 for Personal Privacy reasons. These copied files have had the personal details of members of the public making UFO reports removed to preserve their privacy. Personal details of service personnel and civilians employed by the New Zealand Defence Force and other Government Departments and Agencies have not been removed. No other information has been removed or omitted from these files. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF FILES Correspondence on Flying Saucers began in New Zealand Defence Force files in 1952 and continued under different names, Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) and Unidentified Aerial Sightings (UAS) until the present. The files contain reports of sightings by private individuals and military personnel, investigations by Defence and other Government Departments and agencies into these reports, newspaper clippings on UFOs and letters from individuals who claim to be in touch with alien beings and craft. While the files are in general date order from 1952 until the present some file periods overlap with one another and the documents within each file are not necessarily in strict date order. There can be duplicate documents within each file and copies of the same documents (particularly media releases and reports) can appear in different files. ACCESS TO UFO FILES These redacted files are available in hard copy from the Defence Library c/o Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force Aitken St Wellington. They are not available in electronic format.
CONFIDENTIAL
32/4/[ILLEGIBLE]
SERIES.
SUB SERIES:
SUBJECT:
File Opened:.... JULY [ILLEGIBLE]
File Closed:.... JUL [ILLEGIBLE] 83
SUBJECT: REPORTS OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS.
SUB SERIES: MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS.
244/10/1 VOL 1
INTELLIGENCE.
DECLASSIFIED
On 30/11/09
Reference [ILLEGIBLE]
Appointment [ILLEGIBLE]
Nov USC 3/[ILLEGIBLE]
CLOSED
0 20757/2/3
TRANSIT DIRECTIONS
Folio | Referred to | Date | Actioned by Initials | Date | Folio | Referred to | Date | Actioned by Initials | Date | Folio | Referred to | Date | Actioned by Initials | Date
SD.8. 6/7/[ILLEGIBLE] 7/[ILLEGIBLE]
Clk(c) Reg 20/6/94 MR 24/6
AO.Dec.(8) 11/7/97 ANA [ILLEGIBLE]
Rec Mg. DMS 7/1/09 [ILLEGIBLE]
SMC 2[ILLEGIBLE]/10 [ILLEGIBLE] 2[ILLEGIBLE]/10
RECORDS MGR 1/9/10
THIS FILE MAY BE RELEASED
FOR PUBLIC ACCESS
FROM 1 JANUARY 20[ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE] Date: 30/11/09
for HQ NZ DEFENCE FORCE
DEPARTMENT:
AIR
CONFIDENTIALFile Number.. 2 44 | 10 | 1 ......... Vol No... 1....... VETTING STATEMENT *All New Zealand documents on this file will be considered declassified with effect from ...... 1 | 1 | 2010 .................... *Foreign source documents on this file may be regarded as cleared for access with effect from ........................... [ILLEGIBLE signature] (no classified documents on file) *(delete as appropriate) *Some foreign source documents have been placed on a restricted parallel file. (see separation sheets herewith recording transfer). Other comments: .....While downgraded, place caveat on Privacy/Medical grounds - Informant was given assurance of confidentiality .....Informant was 42 in 1959, so born 1917..... .....Apply 70 yrs. from last sensitive document = 1979 Public release 2040 Signed .... [ILLEGIBLE] ..................... Dated.... 24 | 9 | 2009 For head Quarters New Zealand Defence Force NB: Classified documents of other New Zealand Departments where there is some concern about declassifying them should be referred to the relevant department.
File Number... 2 44 | 10 | 1 ...... Vol No.... 1.........
FILE RELEASE STATEMENT
No classified documents on file.
NZ documents have been declassified (NZDF documents only).
Foreign Source documents have been cleared for access
Some foreign-source documents have been placed on a restricted parallel
file (see separation sheets herewith recording transfer).
Other comments:
.....Restrict access due to privacy (medical) concerns
.....to 2040 (1979 + 70 yrs.)...
[ILLEGIBLE] CHECK
100 [ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE] DACS
PLANS 2
Signed.... [ILLEGIBLE] ............... Date.... 30 | 9 | 2009M.D. 27
NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE (Revised 1991)
CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS - RECEIPT
No. CMD 75 | 97
RECORDS MANAGEMENT To MR Anand Satyanand
From.............. SERVICES Ombudsman Office of
.................. HQ's, NZDF The Ombudsmen Wellington
.................. WELLINGTON Date: 18 - 7 - 97
Receipt of the undermentioned documents is hereby acknowledged.
No. of Copies | Copy No. | Reference Number and Date | Remarks
1 | Covering | N2OE | Enclosure
| Letter | 1461/4 | One File AIR 244/10/1
| | 18 July 97 | Vol 1
N B T C
Please check the enclosures listed and notify the sender of any discrepancies
7530-98-202-8931 TO BE RETAINED BY RECIPIENTNEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE M.D. 27
(Revised 1991)
CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS - SUPPLY
No. CMD 75 | 97
RECORDS MANAGEMENT
To .......... SERVICES .......... From MR Anand Satyanand
............. HQ's, NZDF Ombudsman Office of
............. WELLINGTON The Ombudsmen Wellington
Date: 18 - 7 - 97
Receipt of the undermentioned documents is hereby acknowledged.
Signature ..............................
No. of Copies | Copy No. | Reference Number and Date | Remarks
1 | Covering | N2OF | Enclosure
| Letter | 1461/4 | One File AIR 244/10/1
| | 18 July 97 | Vol 1
N B T C
O
4
Please check the enclosures listed and notify the sender of any discrepancies
7530-98-202-8931 TO BE RETURNED TO DISPATCHING
REGISTRY PROMPTLY YEARMD-108
TRANSIT FORM
This form is to be filled in and forwarded to Registry in all cases where the file has not been passed through Registry
for transit action.
To: *Personal Registry
*General Registry
*Classified Registry
From ................................ (Designation) ........................ (Branch) ................... (Extn. No.) ......
Please note that file No.* ...................................................................................
*P/F .................................................... has been
(Name and Service No.)
passed by hand to .............................. .......................... ...............................
(Designation) (Branch) (Recipients signature
classified material
only)
Date: ................................
*Delete as applicable.
24179B - 200pads/10/84MK1 ORIGINATOR'S INITIALS
2 BEFORE SIGNATURE to
3 FOR SIGNATURE by C.L.T.
4 BEFORE DISPATCH to
5 DISPATCH Date Initials AIR 244/10/1
6 AFTER DISPATCH to
7 BRING UP on to
Date Initials
20 June 1983
The Director of Civil Aviation
Civil Aviation Division
Ministry of Transport
Private Bag
WELLINGTON
UNUSUAL AIRCRAFT ACTIVITY
*
1. During the early evening of 7 June 1983 RNZAF OHAKEA
radar reported to WELLINGTON ATCC that two unidentified aircraft
were flying in close proximity to WANGANUI airfield. These
aircraft were sighted by the WANGANUI FSS. At 1935M both
aircraft left radar coverage.
2. The behaviour of the aircraft indicated to the radar
controller that they were flying between 500 and 2000 feet
and, because of their speed, that they were helicopters rather
than fixed wing aircraft. Although the aircraft appeared to
be below the OHAKEA TMA they were within the WANGANUI CTR.
At the time, Wanganui and Wellington advise no known traffic
in the area.
3. The Police Department indicated their interest in
the activity and RNZAF enquiries were made. No military
aircraft were operating in the area at the time.
4. I believe that you should be aware of the situation
in case there are further developments. I would also appreciate
notification should any satisfactory conclusion be reached.
[signature]
(N.J.S. RODGER)
Wing Commander
for Chief of Air StaffFile 244/10/1
Mr. [ILLEGIBLE]
From Wellington ATS.
At 1920 Information received from OH: Two aircraft
on radar off coast to west of WU. Jun S/SW
and then turn westerly. Both seen by WU tower
one with strobe light one with flashing nav lights.
Both faded from radar. From radar performance,
controller estimates aircraft at about 1500-2000
feet, this supported by WU observations.
WU controller Mr RON WHITE home phone WU 36523.
SONAV. [signature] SONAV.
TKS.
1. Please hold these (including my scribble notes below)
awaiting reply from OHKA.
2. If nothing conclusive, please draft message to
Aust authority (?) ASOC(?) politely enquiring if
training flights carried out this night for AS.
Note draft for discussion DCAS
R. [ILLEGIBLE]
9 may 83
DCPS.
Your 2 not necessary following OHAKEA signal. My
draft to CASNAT attached.
[signature] SONAV.MESSAGE FORM MD 403
FOR COMM CEN/SIGNALS USE SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
RESTRICTED
LINE 1
LINE 2
LINE 3 DE
LINE 4 GR
PRECEDENCE - ACTION | PRECEDENCE - INFO | DATE - TIME GROUP | MESSAGE INSTRUCTIONS
PRIORITY | ROUTINE PRIORITY | 0801302 Jun 83
ROUTING INDICATORS | FROM NZDEE AIR | DIG/ORIG No.
| TO OHKA RNZAF | KSL
| INFO RNZAF OHAKEA
SUBJECT: UNUSUAL AIRCRAFT ACTIVITY.
1 REPORTS RECEIVED THIS HQ OF NON
SCHEDULED/NOTIFIED AIRCRAFT ACTIVITY IN
THE WANGANUI/OHAKEA REGION, FOR PERIOD
081915/081940M JUN 83. REPORTS WERE
INITIATED BY ATC OHAKEA.
2. DETAILED REPORT ON SIGHTING AND
SUBSEQUENT ACTION TO BE SENT TO THIS
HQ URGENTLY. DETAIL TO INCLUDE
TIMING, ESTIMATED ALTITUDES AND AIRSPEEDS,
AND LOCATION OF AND RELEVANT MILITARY
AIRCRAFT ACTIVITY.
3. ACKNOWLEDGE
CLASSIFIED PAGE No. | DRAFTER'S NAME AND TITLE | PHONE No. | REF. FILE No.
□ YES □ NO 1 | No. of PAGES RELEASER'S NAME AND TITLE WgCdr N J S RODGER | [signature]
FOR OPR'S USE R DATE TIME SYSTEM OPERATOR DATE TIME SYSTEM OPERATOR SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
D RESTRICTED
34941E-20 000pads/8/79DRESTRICTED
NO UNCLASSIFIED PRIORITY
REPLY OR REFERENCE
UU QLKB029KSA578 HH
PP RZYXCE
DE RZYXUT 2279 1600235
ZNY RRRERR
P R 090215Z JUN 83
FM RNZAF OHAKEA
TO RZYXCE/NZDEF AIR
INFO RZYWTT/OPHQ RNZAF
BT
R E S T R I C T E D
DIG KSL
150 OH 3180/6 SUBJECT UNUSUAL ACFT ACTIVITY.
REF KSL 906 OPHQ 3176/20 0804552 JUN 83
ONE. SUMMARY EXTRACT OF OH ATCC LOG FOR 07 JUN 83 FOL
ALPHA. 1913M FIRST TGT SEEN ON RADAR BRG 180M/1NM FROM WU TRKG
235M. WU FSS CONFIRM TGT VIS AN ACFT WITH STROBE LIGHT.
BRAVO. 1920M WN ATCC SUP ADVISED
CHARLIE. 1928M SECOND TGT APPEARED BRG WU 300/2NM TRKG 235M. WU
FSS AGAIN CONFIRM ACFT AND STROBE LT CLEARLY VISIBLE.
DELTA. 1930M WN ATCC ADVISED OF SECOND ACFT. FIRST TGT MAKES
90 DEG RT TURN AND TRK TOWARD WY; TURN PT WU 235M/6NM.
ECHO. 1935M BOTH ACFT HAVE LEFT RADAR COVERAGE. WN ACC ADVISED.
SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY REPORT DISPATCHED BY WU FSS.
TWO. DUTY ATCO OH NOT AVAL BUT IN HIS DEBRIEF STATED THAT G/S
RESTRICTED
NO UNCLASSIFIED
REPLY OR REFERENCE
PAGE 2 RZYXUT 2279 R E S T R I C T E D
INDICATED BOTH TGTS TO BE HELOS RATHER THAN FW ACFT. RANGE OF FADE
INDICATED ALTITUDE 500-2000 FT
THREE. WN ACC LOG INDICATED THAT SECOND ACFT TURNED TO WEST WHEN
WU 180M/10NM
FOUR. NO ACFT FROM OH AIRBORNE AND OH ATC HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF ANY
OTHER RELEVANT MILITARY ACTIVITY
BT
RESTRICTED
NO UNCLASSIFIED
REPLY OR REFERENCE
So NAV-11 - 8831
- 8831
DLS2-11 - 8831
ABAC-11
NNNN
KSL 0
ACTION ADN 6
INFO
10807DISTRIBUTION
DEF | [ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] Rodger
ACTION: ___________
NK UZCZCKLD032 HH RESTRICTED
PP RZYWTT RZYXUT NO UNCLASSIFIED
DE RZYXCD 5070 1590208 REPLY OR REFERENCE
ZNY RRRRR
P 0801302 JUN 83
FM NZDEF AIR
TO RZYWTT/OPHQ RNZAF
INFO RZYXUT/RNZAF OHAKEA
BT
R E S T R I C T E D
DIG KSL
131 SUBJECT: UNUSUAL AIRCRAFT ACTIVITY.
1. REPORTS RECEIVED THIS HQ OF NON SCHEDULED/NOTIFIED AIRCRAFT
ACTIVITY IN THE WANGANUI/OHAKEA REGION, FOR PERIOD 081915/081940M
JUN 83 REPORTS WERE INITIATED BY ATC OHAKEA
2. DETAILED REPORT ON SIGHTING AND SUBSEQUENT ACTION TO BE SENT TO
THIS HQ URGENTLY. DETAIL TO INCLUDE TIMING, ESTIMATED ALTITUDES
AND AIRSPEEDS, AND LOCATION OF ANY RELEVANT MILITARY AIRCRAFT
ACTIVITY.
3. ACKNOWLEDGE
BT
RESTRICTED
NO UNCLASSIFIED
REPLY OR REFERENCE
SONAv. [signature]
for discuss. with
reply, SASO
R. [ILLEGIBLE]
Penl
file [ILLEGIBLE]
244/10/1DISTRIBUTION
DEF | AIR 224/10/1
ACTION: DOPS
6/9
- 9 JUN 1983
UU LKA752BFA814 HH RESTRICTED
RR RZYXCE- NO UNCLASSIFIED
DE RZYWTT 6540 1598530 REPLY OR REFERENCE
ZNY RRRRR
R 0804552 JUN 83
FM OPHQ RNZAF
TO RZYXCE/NZDEF AIR
RZYXUT/RNZAF OHAKEA -
BT
R E S T R I C T E D
DIG KSL
986 OPHQ 3176/20. UNUSUAL ACFT ACTIVITY.
REF NZDEF AIR KSL 131 0801302 JUN 83.
1 FOR AIR: REF ACKNOWLEDGED.
2. FOR OHAKEA: PSE RESPOND TO REF MSG INFO THIS HQ. CONFIRMS
TELECON AIROPS/BASE OPS 081640M JUN
BT
RESTRICTED
NO UNCLASSIFIED
REPLY OR REFERENCE
ASAC 11
NNNN
KSL 0
ACTION ADN 6
INFOFOR DEF HQ
UU LKB745KLF371 UU IMMEDIATE DUTY OFFR
OO RZYXCE
DE RZYXCS 554 1580823
ZNR UUUUU
O 0708282 JUN 83
FM NZWUZP
TO NZDEF AIR -
BT
UNCLAS
DIG RTT
DCU PASS NZDEFAIR - ATTN DEFENCE DUTY OFFICER.
SUSPICIOUS ACFT ACTIVITY REPORT (ALERTED BY NZOH)
2 SEPARATE ACFT LIGHTS SIGHTED -
A. ABM WU A/F TIME 1918 DISTANCE ESTIMATED 1NM BRIGHT FLASHING
STROBE. APPARENT HEADING SOUTHERLY.
B. 5 NM WU A/F TIME 1928 SOUTHBOUND, FLASHING NAV LIGHTS.
NO LOCAL OPERATIONS THIS AIRFIELD.
NO OTHER INFORMATION AVAILABLE
CURRENT WX 110/18 VIS 40KM 2/2000 4/6000 PS10 1023.9
ENDS
BT
8810[ILLEGIBLE]
NNNN Don Brown
8[ILLEGIBLE]
ACTION SUPERVISOR
ASAC 11 ←
0826Z
DISTRIBUTION
DEF | [ILLEGIBLE] 244/10/1
ACTION: D ORR
- 9 JUN 1983MINUTE SHEET
Subject: Department: ...............................
File No. .................................
Date: ....................................
To—
2000. Fergusson (ATC Strobes + Navs
WU) off WU.
1918. Obs. by [ILLEGIBLE] off Mana Is.
Phoned ATC WU
OH radar tracked 1 x a/c to Sth from WU
Turned E coast, oths a/c to west
Checked Navy Mornington - east coast
→ OHKA - No a/c flying
No checks SGNO
Checked Police on Mana, - ring back
ring said no fly[ing]
OHKA said no penetrations planned.
OH closed radar 2010. After losing
contact at low level
*RESTRICTED
NO UNCLASSIFIED PRIORITY
REPLY OR REFERENCE
UU QLKB029KSA578 HH
PP RZYXCE
DE RZYXUT 2279 1600235
ZNY RRRERR
P R 090215Z JUN 83
FM RNZAF OHAKEA
TO RZYXCE/NZDEF AIR
INFO RZYWTT/OPHQ RNZAF
BT
R E S T R I C T E D
DIG KSL
150 OH 3180/6 SUBJECT UNUSUAL ACFT ACTIVITY.
REF KSL 906 OPHQ 3176/20 0804455Z JUN 83
ONE. SUMMARY EXTRACT OF OH ATCC LOG FOR 07 JUN 83 FOL
ALPHA. 1913M FIRST TGT SEEN ON RADAR BRG 180M/1NM FROM WU TRKG
235M. WU FSS CONFIRM TGT VIS AN ACFT WITH STROBE LIGHT.
BRAVO. 1920M WN ATCC SUP ADVISED
CHARLIE. 1928M SECOND TGT APPEARED BRG WU 300/2NM TRKG 235M. WU
FSS AGAIN CONFIRM ACFT AND STROBE LT CLEARLY VISIBLE.
DELTA. 1930M WN ATCC ADVISED OF SECOND ACFT. FIRST TGT MAKES
90 DEG RT TURN AND TRK TOWARD WY; TURN PT WU 235M/6NM.
ECHO. 1935M BOTH ACFT HAVE LEFT RADAR COVERAGE. WN ACC ADVISED.
SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY REPORT DISPATCHED BY WU FSS.
TWO. DUTY ATCO OH NOT AVAL BUT IN HIS DEBRIEF STATED THAT G/S
RESTRICTED
NO UNCLASSIFIED
REPLY OR REFERENCE
PAGE 2 RZYXUT 2279 R E S T R I C T E D
INDICATED BOTH TGTS TO BE HELOS RATHER THAN FW ACFT. RANGE OF FADE
INDICATED ALTITUDE 500-2000 FT
THREE. WN ACC LOG INDICATED THAT SECOND ACFT TURNED TO WEST WHEN
WU 180M/10NM
FOUR. NO ACFT FROM OH AIRBORNE AND OH ATC HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF ANY
OTHER RELEVANT MILITARY ACTIVITY
BT
RESTRICTED
NO UNCLASSIFIED
REPLY OR REFERENCE
So NAV-11 - 8831
- 8831
OLS2-11 - 8831
ABAC-11
NNNN
KSL 0
ACTION ADN 6
INFO
10807Min No: 325
Ref No: Air 244/10/1
Typed: 30 Sep 82
1 - OCT 1982
DEFENCE
OFFICE
1 OCT 1982
Mr H E Wright
PO Box 1275
CHRISTCHURCH
Dear Mr Wright
Please refer to your letter of 25 September to the Prime Minister
requesting a meeting to discuss Unidentified Flying Objects which
has been forwarded to me for reply.
As I cannot usefully add anything to the comments contained in
my letter of 2 September I do not believe a meeting would serve
any useful purpose.
Yours sincerely
(Sgd.) D. S. THOMSON
David Thomson
Minister of Defence
. D[ILLEGIBLE]
2. FILE
No doubt you agree with
my reply for Minister.
AO(PA)D
by DOSD
Entirely.
5 Oct.
OFFICE OF
MINISTER OF DEFENCE
1 - OCT 1982
DISPATCHEDWriter: MR HE WRIGHT, P O BOX 1276, CHRISTCHURCH 1
MINISTERIAL No. 1982/325
28.9.82
Subject: .....RE. MEETING. ABOUT. UFO.............. Date of letter: .....26.9.[ILLEGIBLE].....
.....ACTIVITY.................................
Date Acknowledged: 29 SEP 1982
DEFENCE
[ILLEGIBLE] OFFICE
Referred to 1. ........[ILLEGIBLE]....
2. ................................................ Reference: AIR 244/10/1
3. ................................................
Comments: ........................................................................
........................................................................
........................................................................
........................................................................
........................................................................
Item 521 33726B-600 pads/7/79 M (Tumble)
OFFICE OF
MINISTER OF DEFENCE
1 - OCT 1982
DISPATCHED1 ORIGINATOR'S INITIALS [ILLEGIBLE] acc(w).
2 BEFORE SIGNATURE to
3 FOR SIGNATURE by Min No: 325
4 BEFORE DISPATCH to [ILLEGIBLE] Ref No: Air 244/10/1
5 DISPATCH Date 30.9.82 Initials [ILLEGIBLE] Typed: 30 Sep 82
6 AFTER DISPATCH to [ILLEGIBLE]
7 BRING UP on to
Date Initials
Mr H E Wright
PO Box 1275
CHRISTCHURCH
Dear Mr Wright
Please refer to your letter of 25 September to the Prime Minister
requesting a meeting to discuss Unidentified Flying Objects which
has been forwarded to me for reply.
As I cannot usefully add anything to the comments contained in
my letter of 2 September I do not believe a meeting would serve
any useful purpose.
Yours sincerely
David Thomson
Minister of Defence7
U.F.O.
Relvent correspondence
Now on Air 39/3/3.4 February 1982
Mr H E Wright
PO Box 1276
CHRISTCHURCH 1
Dear Mr Wright
I am writing to acknowledge receipt of
your letter of 28 January to the Rt Hon
David Thomson, Minister of Defence,
concerning the UFO sighting on 26 January
over the Christchurch International Airport.
The Minister has noted your letter and has
referred it to the Secretary of Defence,
pending receipt of your promised further
letter.
Yours sincerely
J M P MacCormac
Private Secretary
SECRETARY OF DEFENCE
Referred.
N.F.F.
Relating correspondence
Private Secretary now on Air 39/3/3.
[signature]
9/10(c)
39/3/39 April 1979
Mrs Eileen McCallum,
Dear Mrs McCallum,
Thank you for your letter of 4 April about the requests
you have been receiving for release of your information about
UFO's. I am happy to know your view on the matter. You may rest
assured that this Ministry will do nothing to release the
results of the enquiry conducted by Air Force without your
permission. I have made this point in response to enquiries I
have received from a press and television journalist. The sole
interest of the Ministry of Defence in this matter is to protect
your confidences and privacy arising out of your association with
Defence at the time the incident took place.
Yours sincerely,
(D.B.G. McLean)
Secretary of Defence4-4-79
Dear Mr McLean,
I do trust that I have spelt your
name correctly as I have only heard it over the phone.
May I first introduce myself. I am Mrs. McCallum, formerly
Moreland, of 1959 U.F.O. fame. You no doubt have had
my name under your nose a lot lately.
Now, to my problem. Lately, for some unknown reason
the U.F.O. ball has been rolling my way in two
uncertain terms, and I am by no means pleased
about it. After 20 years, a new name, and a new
place of abode, I was hoping to sink into oblivion,
but somehow I have been found, and am receiving
letters from all over. I am also being pressured into
allowing the full report of my sighting made public.
This, I do not propose to agree to, for several
reasons. Firstly, my privacy would be nil. In spite
of Mr Amery's promise that my name, and where-
abouts would be kept secret, and that the media
would be kept off my back. Some hope!.Secondly, I do not feel that the public should know
everything that is secret, just because someone feels
that they should. A lot of harm has been done in
the past, throughout the world for just that feeling.
If you have knowledge of the full events of that awful
morning, you will realise, that to suggest that the U.F.O.
people are friendly is a laugh, as I know full well, and there
is also the matter of the language. The media would have a
ball that's for sure.
I hope you can appreciate my feelings on this matter. I
am 20 years older, have a full life, and enjoying life in
general, I just couldn't bear to be put through the mill
again. Mr Amery wants my answer by next Wednesday, as
he feels time is running out, for what I have not yet
gathered, and I know he will be upset at my decision.
Why can't everyone be satisfied with what is already
known, and leave it at that.
Please, then, will you not allow my report to be made
available, for as long as I feel that it should not. Maybe
I am wrong, but that is how I feel. Perhaps in another 20 years
it will all be old hat and no one will ever remember me or it.
Thanking you for allowing me to waste your time,
I Remain, Yours Sincerely,
(Mrs) Eileen McCallum.| ORIGINATOR'S INITIALS | ROH[ILLEGIBLE]
| BEFORE SIGNATURE to |
| FOR SIGNATURE by | See Det[ILLEGIBLE]
| BEFORE DISPATCH to |
| DISPATCH -9. MAR 1979 [ILLEGIBLE] |
| AFTER DISPATCH to |
| BRING UP on -- to |
| FILE Date: 01[ILLEGIBLE] Initials |
Air 244/10/1
9 March 1979
Mr D. Clarkson,
Reporter's Room,
Christchurch Star,
P.O. Box 2651,
CHRISTCHURCH
Dear Mr Clarkson,
Since writing to you on 5 March, I have given further
consideration to your enquiry about the Moreland UFO sighting.
Your letter to me coincided with a similar request by
Radio New Zealand to the Minister of Defence. The Minister,
in his reply, stated that the material relating to the "incident"
could not be released because of assurances of confidentiality
given at the time. I should perhaps explain that these
assurances were of a personal nature and that, in our approach
to this matter now, we are influenced only by a desire to keep
our word to Mrs Moreland.
I understand, however, and the television authorities should
be able to confirm, that Mrs Moreland several years ago spoke on
television to David Frost about her experience. If this is so,
it is possible that Mrs Moreland would not object to our making
available the evidence she gave to the RNZAF's investigating officer
at the time.
If Mrs Moreland were to agree to such a release, I would
be prepared to take up the matter with the Minister of Defence
with a view to making her evidence available to both you and
Radio New Zealand.
Yours faithfully,
[signature]
(D.B.G. McLean)
Secretary of Defence| ORIGINATOR'S INITIALS | DBGmcL[ILLEGIBLE]
| BEFORE SIGNATURE to |
| FOR SIGNATURE by | Seal[ILLEGIBLE]
| BEFORE DISPATCH to |
| DISPATCH 10. MAR 19[79] [ILLEGIBLE] |
| AFTER DISPATCH to | [ILLEGIBLE] |
| BRING UP on to |
| FILE Date: 19/3/[ILLEGIBLE] Initials: [ILLEGIBLE]/m |
AIR 244/10/1
19 March 1979
Mr David Clarkson,
Christchurch Star,
Reporters' Room,
P.O. Box 2651,
CHRISTCHURCH
Dear Mr Clarkson,
Thank you for your further letter of 13 March about the
Moreland UFO sighting. I am sorry but I took it that as it
was your story you would be making contact with Mrs Moreland.
I should be happy if, when you do so, you commented to the
effect that the Ministry of Defence would have no further
wish to impose confidentiality, this having been done in the
first place to protect her privacy.
I wish you luck with the story.
Yours sincerely,
[signature]
(D.B.G. McLean)
Secretary of DefenceCHRISTCHURCH STAR
Editorial P.O. Box 2651
Office Christchurch
New Zealand
Reporters' Room.
March 13, 1979.
Mr D.B.G.McLean,
Secretary of Defence,
Ministry of Defence,
Wellington.
Dear Mr McLean,
Thank you for your letter of March 9, regarding the
possibility of releasing material on the Moreland UFO sighting.
I am not clear whether the Ministry will be making its own
approach to Mrs Moreland to seek her permission, or whether you
wish me to get in touch with her. In case you wish me to make
the approach I am taking steps to obtain her present name and
address---I understand she has remarried in the meantime. Can
you please advise me.
Yours sincerely,
[signature: David Clarkson]
(David Clarkson).
Telex: 4871. Cables: Newpress, Christchurch, New Zealand.| ORIGINATOR'S INITIALS | 1 Cm[ILLEGIBLE]
| BEFORE SIGNATURE to | AS[ILLEGIBLE]
| FOR SIGNATURE by | Sc. Ro[ILLEGIBLE]
| BEFORE DISPATCH to |
| DISPATCH -6. MAR 1979 [ILLEGIBLE] |
| AFTER DISPATCH to | [ILLEGIBLE]A[ILLEGIBLE]13 |
[handwritten annotations, right margin:]
(1) B[ILLEGIBLE]H - but the assurances
of confidentiality
of a personal kind?
If so to the other day
So . otherwise
it looks like
another cover up.
(2) [ILLEGIBLE]
m.
Air 244/10/1
5 March 1979
Mr D. Clarkson,
Reporter's Room,
Christchurch Star,
P.O. Box 2651,
CHRISTCHURCH.
Dear Mr Clarkson,
Thank you for your letter of 22 February regarding
the Moreland UFO sighting in 1959.
An Air Force officer made a full investigation of the
incident. The RNZAF's interest can partly be attributed
to the fact that the woman was married to an airman
stationed at RNZAF Woodbourne. The material was later
evaluated by the Air Force authorities in Wellington.
They concluded that there was no objective evidence to
substantiate the sighting or reason to continue their
investigations.
I am afraid we cannot release the evidence given to
the enquiry because of undertakings regarding confidentiality
which were given to one of the principal witnesses at
the time.
From our files it appears that the matter was widely
discussed in the press at the time. You might find the
local newspaper a useful source of information on the affair.
Yours sincerely,
(D.B.G. McLean)
Secretary of DefenceCHRISTCHURCH STAR
Editorial P.O. Box 2651
Office Christchurch
New Zealand
Reporters' Room.
February 22, 1979.
The Acting Secretary of Defence,
Mr D.G.McLean.
Dear Sir
I have been reminded that this year marks the twentieth
anniversary of a UFO incident that became known as the
"Moreland Sighting." It took place, I understand, in
July 1959 at Renwick. A woman, Mrs Moreland, claimed
she watched a craft containing two men descend to about
30ft above a paddock on her farm.
Apparently because of the proximity of Woodbourne Airbase,
the RNZAF held a private inquiry into the incident.
I have obtained some information on the sighting to
prepare an article on it, but I was wondering if now,
twenty years on, the Ministry of Defence would consider
releasing the information given to the inquiry, and its
findings. This information, certainly the most detailed
ever put together on this claimed sighting, would
certainly add a great deal to the story.
Yours sincerely,
[signature: David Clarkson]
(David Clarkson).
[handwritten annotations below signature]
As [ILLEGIBLE]
→ RBk
& senior person.
m
Telex: 4871. Cables: Newpress, Christchurch, New Zealand.MINUTE SHEET
Subject: Moreland Sighting Department: ............................
File No. ............................
Date: 6/3/79.....
To--
Sec Def
1. Ref. your minute regarding your letter to D. Clarkson,
dated 5 March.
2. The file indicates that the only time Mrs Moreland was
given an assurance of confidentiality was in relation to an
alleged second sighting in March, 1960. She had by that time
been the subject of considerable derogatory comment and wanted
no further publicity.
3. In regard to the original 'sighting' in July 1959, she was not
given a personal assurance of confidentiality; rather, she was
told by the [two?] RNZAF investigating officer 'to keep her information
to herself'. The security classification of the matter was
raised from confidential to secret following his main interview
with her in which she claimed that a man had landed and
shouted at her in a foreign language. (The investigating
officer thought the words she heard might have been
Russian!!)
4. My original intention regarding this letter was
(a) to find out from DDI if the papers could now be declassified
(b) to ascertain whether Mrs Moreland was agreeable
to their release. (ie just the enquiry into her original
sighting).
(c) to suggest that Clarkson be given access to them.
5. However a similar request came [from?] from Radio New
Zealand, through the Minister. In drafting a suggested
reply for the Minister from CDS (see attachment), I
was told that [P?] the Minister was to say that [the report?]MINUTE SHEET
Subject: Department: ............................
File No. ............................
Date: ............................
To--
the report could not be released because of assurances
[given?] of confidentiality given to one of the principal
witnesses at the time. The Minister has given a
statement along these lines to Radio New Zealand.
6. I drafted the Clarkson reply along the lines of
the Minister's statement, realising that [the?] it was not
strictly accurate.
[signature]
Ro (14)| ORIGINATOR'S INITIALS | 1 Cm[ILLEGIBLE]
| BEFORE SIGNATURE to | DCDS
| FOR SIGNATURE by | CDS
| BEFORE DISPATCH to |
| DISPATCH 1 mar 79 [ILLEGIBLE] |
| AFTER DISPATCH to | Ro(14) |
| BRING UP on to |
| FILE Date Initials |
Air 244/10/1
1 March 1979
The Minister of Defence
RADIO NEW ZEALAND UFO ENQUIRY
1. I refer to the questions submitted by Radio
New Zealand relating to an alleged UFO sighting by
Mrs F. E. Moreland near Blenheim on 13 July 1959.
... 2. The attached statement gives an outline of
the affair. For your information, Mrs Moreland was the
wife of 73847 LAC Moreland F. J., a patrolman at RNZAF
Station Woodbourne, who had a small farm holding about two
miles from Blenheim. She was on the way to bring in the
cows when the alleged incident occurred.
3. Her initial story was to the effect that she
had only seen a craft descend, hover and then ascend. She
subsequently told the investigating officer about the
landing of the man, whom she described as "like any other
man" as far as she could tell, though his left hand was
"missing below the wrist".
4. Mrs Moreland claimed to have smelt the peppery
smell on several subsequent occasions and to have seen the
light again in March 1960. The investigating officer
described her as an [REDACTED] . A rash of
small "blisters" which appeared on her body some days after her
encounter on 13 July was examined by an Air Force doctor
in order to determine whether it might be radiation-induced;
the doctor, however, concluded that it was probably allergic
in origin.
5. The evidence suggests that Mrs Moreland was in an
emotionally unstable condition at the time. She was also
the subject of considerable publicity much of which was of
a derogatory nature, due in part to a press statement which
she issued herself.
...v. 6. I have had prepared specific answers to the Radio
New Zealand questions, including a statement should you wish
to make one.
[signature]
(R. B. BOLT)
Air Marshal
Encl. Chief of Defence StaffRADIO NEW ZEALAND UFO ENQUIRY
1. Does the Ministry of Defence have a report on
the 1959 sighting of a UFO over Blenheim? The Ministry does
have a report prepared by the Air Force officer who carried
out the investigation.
2. Will the report be made available to Radio New
Zealand? The report cannot be released because of undertakings
regarding confidentiality which were given to one of the
principal witnesses at the time.
3. Will the Minister make a statement on what it contains?
The "events", as described by the witness, were as follows:
On 13 July 1959 a woman living near Blenheim
reported that at between 5-6 a.m. that morning she had seen
an oval-shaped object, measuring 20 yards across and 4 or 5 feet
through, descend before her. She was caught in a green light
produced by two beams shining from beneath the vehicle and was
unable to move. The vehicle was manned by two men, wearing
silvery suits and helmets, one of whom descended from it
and came over to her. He shouted at her in a foreign language.
In a fright she hit out with her torch and ran for nearby
trees. The man reboarded the vehicle, which was hovering
some 10-12 feet from the ground. It then ascended straight
up into the sky emitting a high-pitched whistle and leaving
a patch of hot air and a smell like that of burnt pepper.
Another witness later reported seeing an unidentified light
at about the same time.
Suggested Statement
"On 13 July 1959 a woman living near Blenheim
reported that she had seen a flying object which behaved in
an unusual way.
"A full investigation of the matter was made by
an Air Force officer with technical experience. The RNZAF's
interest can partly be attributed to the fact that the
woman was married to an airman stationed at RNZAF Woodbourne.
The material was later evaluated by Air Force authorities
in Wellington. They concluded that there was no objective
evidence to substantiate the sighting or reason to continue
their investigations."MD 177
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Memorandum from
CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF
De Ds
UFOs !
1. The attached paper, with questions
addressed to the Minister, was passed to
me by Min's Sec this morning.
2. Wld you pl consult Air Staff
& see what kind of answers can be
given — assuming the Minister
decides he does want to answer. I feel
some response may well be unavoidable.
27/2 [signature]
63980D-20 pads/6/75CTKNNNN
[two handwritten arrow/loop symbols]
Radio NZ
Query
X
ZCZC 127 DNRN Q226 1933
RR DAPN HORN PLRN BMRN
517
FM NEWS WILSON
TO NEWS
'AMERY'
AN AUTHOR OF BOOKS ABOUT UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS, MR COLIN
AMERY OF DUNEDIN CLAIMS THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT IS INVOLVED
IN A COVER-UP OF INVESTIGATIONS INTO UFO SIGHTINGS.
MR AMERY SAYS HE'S SEEN EVIDENCE RELATING TO AN INVESTIGATION OF
A CELEBRATED SIGHTING OVER BLENHEIM IN 1959.
HE CLAIMS THE GOVERNMENT HAS HAD CONFIRMATION OF THE SIGHTING
FROM THE AIRFORCE AND HE'S CALLED FOR THE FINDINGS TO BE MADE
PUBLIC.
Questions
. Does Ministry of Defence have a report on 1959 sighting of
UFO over Blenheim ?
. Will the report be made available to RNZ?
. Alternatively will Minister make statement on what it contains?
Extra Information
Mrs Moreland was the lady who sighted
the U.F.O. in 1959. Airforce person
also reported the sighting
SECRETARY OF DEFENCE
[REDACTED] urgent
For Comments
[signature] wanted by
26.2.79 1. 3. 79.MCE AIR 221/13/6
CONFIDENTIAL
MESSAGE FORM MD 403
FOR COMM CEN/SIGNALS USE SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
LINE 1 CONFIDENTIAL
LINE 2
LINE 3 DE
LINE 4 GR
PRECEDENCE - ACTION PRECEDENCE - INFO DATE - TIME GROUP MESSAGE INSTRUCTIONS
PRIORITY ROUTINE 220025Z DEC 78
ROUTING INDICATORS DIG/ORIG No.
FROM NZAF AIR KSY 710
TO OPHQ RNZAF
AIR 221/13/6 SUBJECT UNIDENTIFIED RADAR CONTACTS
PD WELLINGTON RADAR HELD FIVE SLOW SPEED
CONTACTS IN THE CLARENCE RIVERMOUTH AREA
BETWEEN [MON?] 190100Z TO 191300Z DEC 78 PD
ONE CONTACT WAS CONFIRMED BY VISUAL
SIGHTING OF RED LIGHT FROM SAFE ARGOSY
PD RNZAF HAS BEEN REQUESTED TO ASSIST IN
INVESTIGATION OF THIS ACTIVITY PD OPHQ IS
TO BE PREPARED TO RESPOND TO CALL FROM
DAF HQ TO INVESTIGATE ANY FUTURE INCIDENT
USING AIRCRAFT MOST CAPABLE OF RANGING
AREA AND CONDUCTING RADAR/VISUAL SEARCH PD
IN ADDITION A COASTAL PATROL OF THE COASTAL
AREA BETWEEN CAPE CAMPBELL AND BANKS PENINSULAR
OUT TO [10?]BNMS IS TO BE CONDUCTED BEFORE
27 DEC 78 PD SPECIAL ATTENTION IS TO BE DEVOTED
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DATE ............................
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REFERS TO MESSAGE PAGE No. DRAFTER'S NAME AND TITLE PHONE No. REF. FILE No.
1 AIR 221/13/6
CLASSIFIED No. of PAGES RELEASER'S NAME AND TITLE SIGNATURE
[ ] YES [X] NO 2 CONFIDENTIAL [stamp]
FOR DATE TIME SYSTEM OPERATOR DATE TIME SYSTEM OPERATOR SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
OPR'S
USE R D CONFIDENTIAL
95842C-20,000/6/77 DCONFIDENTIAL
MESSAGE FORM MD 403
FOR COMM CEN/SIGNALS USE SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
LINE 1 CONFIDENTIAL
LINE 2
[ILLEGIBLE]
LINE 3 DE
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PRECEDENCE - ACTION PRECEDENCE - INFO DATE - TIME GROUP MESSAGE INSTRUCTIONS
ROUTING INDICATORS DIG/ORIG No.
FROM
TO
TO OBSERVING ANY ILLEGAL OR UNUSUAL
MARINE ACTIVITIES AND ALL SURFACE CONTACTS
ARE TO BE RECORDED PD ALL FUTURE COASTAL
PATROLS ARE TO REPEAT THIS TASK UNTIL
FURTHER NOTICE PD REPORT ANY SIGNIFICANT
FINDINGS TO DUTY AIR STAFF OFFICER PD
BRING UP
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TO ...............................
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DATE ............................
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2 2755 AIR 221/13/6
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FOR DATE TIME SYSTEM OPERATOR DATE TIME SYSTEM OPERATOR SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
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DE RZYWTT 1564 0020020
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P R 020001Z JAN 79 ZZM
FM OPGPCC RNZAF
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AREA/433050/17235E8/410055/17420E4
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PROFILE WN-CH AND CH-WB. ADDITIONALLY,AREA TO BE SEARCHED TRACKING
CH-CLARENCE RIVERMOUTH AND RETURN LL.ON COMPLETION OF CH-WB LEG,
AREA TO BE SEARCHED UNTIL DAWN.ARGOSY ROUTE,SPEED,ALT AND TIMES
PASSED AT CREW BRIEF MAROPCEN 02073022.
3.REPORT OUT,KILO,ON,OFF,IN PLUS STD RIG TYPE MESSAGES.DO NOT
EXCEED TRANSMISSION INTERVAL OF 40 MINS.REPORT AT RPS WHILST FOLLOW
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OPS.
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DDC(OFT)-6.
367 07 1070UU LKB735DFA285 HH PP ZYXCD RZYXCE FOR DEF HQ c42. DE RZYWTT 1558 0010154 DUTY OFFR ZNY CCCCC P 010145Z JAN 79 366 04 40.78 FM OPGPCC RNZAF PRIORITY TO RZYWTT/RNZAF AUCKLAND RZYXUT/RNZAF OHAKEA RZYXCD/NZDEF WELLINGTON RZYXCE/NZDEF AIR BT C O N F I D E N T I A L CONFIDENTIAL DIG KSY/KSW/FYE NZDEF WELLINGTON FOR DEFENCE DUTY OFFICER MSGID/SPECIAL/1/JAN MISSN/COPS/SEARCH/LOCATE AND IDENTIFY BY NIGHT VISUAL-RDR CONTACTS FORCE/5 SQN/P3B/R278 TASK/NZHP//020500Z7/020540Z1//NZOH/WI021 TIMPD/020800Z0/021700Z0/JAN LAMP/ACFT TO REMAIN ON STBY AT OH UNTIL DAWN - TO BE LAUNCHED AS LAMP/REQD FOR LOCATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF UNKNOWN RDR-VIS CONTS COMM/ZKX/MATELO/USB/VOICE/P LAMP/USE CRATT (P) AKAC 132 (S) TO PASS CLASSIFIED TRAFFIC TO ZKX LAMP/USE AKAC 132 TO PASS CLASSIFIED TRAFFIC TO ZKY PAGE 2 RZYWTT 1558 C O N F I D E N T I A L RMKS/ZKY TO GUARD MATELO FREQS FOR DURATION OF STBY. RNZAF AUCKLAND RMKS/TO PASS FREQS AND DESIGS TO RNZAF OHAKEA PRIOR TO EVENT RMKS/PRIMARY HF GUARD REMAINS WITH ZKX ORDN/STD ASW LOAD PLUS PHOTOFLASH EMCON/UNRESTRICTED. MODE 1-22, MODE 2-2644, MODE 3-AKAA283 ALL STBY EMCON/UNODIR. FORCE/75 SQN/2A4K//WHIPCORD 1 AND 2 LAMP/DO NOT PREFIX CS WITH WORD SKYHAWK TIMPD/020800Z0/021700Z0/JAN LAMP/ACFT TO REMAIN ON STBY AT OH UNTIL DAWN-TO BE LAUNCHED AS LAMP/REQD WITH R278 TO LOCATE AND IDENTIFY UNKNOWN VIS-RDR CONTS COMM/INTERPLANE/250.6MHZ/AM/VOICE/P/TAC COMM/INTERPLANE/142.5MHZ/AM/VOICE/S/TAC EMCON/UNRESTRICTED. MODE1-61, MODE2-1350, MODE3-0100 AND 0200 EMCON/SQUAWK AS DIRECTED BY R278 ALT////EMER120 CONFIDENTIAL LAMP/FOR A4 IN EVENT OF COMM FAILURE, P3 TO REMAIN ABOVE UNTIL LAMP/SAFE LANDING OF NORDO ACFT REPORTED. NARR/1. FOR RNZAF AUCKLAND, P3 TO BE ASW SERVICEABLE INCLUDING AVO 2C AND KB10A -KB16A PHOTOGRAPHIC SYSTEM. ACFT TO BE FITTED DISTRIBUTION Action : OPS 2 ++ OPS 1-1 OOD1-4 IS COPY FOR
CONFIDENTIAL PAGE 3 RZYWTT 1558 C O N F I D E N T I A L WITH OSCILLASCOPE SET UP TO ANALYSE PULSE SHAPE OF ANY RDR RETURN. CREW BRIEF MAROPCEN 02020024. 2. FOR RNZAF OHAKEA. MONITOR ASSIGNED MATELO FREQS FROM 020430Z9 UNTIL 021700Z0 OR UNTIL RELEASED BY OPHQ RNZAF. ACKNOWLEDGE SPECIAL. 3. FOR NZDEF WELLINGTON. REQUEST DEFENCE DUTY OFFICER CONTACT WN CENTRE SUPERVISOR AND ADVISE HIM IN GUARDED TERMS OF ARRANGEMENTS MADE. ADDITIONALLY REQUEST THAT AN OSCILLASCOPE BE SET UP ON WN RADAR SO THAT THE SHAPE OF ANY UNIDENTIFIED CONTACT RETURN PULSE MAY BE DETERMINED. ADDRESS ANY QUERIES TO WG CDR GILLIVER (WEI 8348). 4. GENERAL. ALERT STATES. P3 AND A4S TO BE IN AREA WITHIN ONE HOUR OF ALERT. ALERTING ARRANGEMENTS. WN CENTRE WILL ADVISE DEFENCE DUTY OFFICER WHO IN TURN WILL ADVISE THE BASE OPERATIONS OFFICER OHAKEA AND MARITIME OPERATIONS OPHQ. P3 AND A4S TO GET AIRBORNE ON RECEIPT OF MESSAGE FROM DDO. COMMAND. COMMAND ARRANGEMENTS ARE UNCHANGED. P3 IS SCENE OF ACTION COMMANDER. DURATION. IN EVENT NO ACTIVITY TUESDAY NIGHT, OPERATION WILL BE PAGE 4 RZYWTT 1558 C O N F I D E N T I A L REPEATED WEDNESDAY NIGHT. IF NO ACTIVITY WEDNESDAY NIGHT, SITUATION WILL BE REASSESSED. NDAT T CONFIDENTIAL
THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT
PRIVATE BAG WELLINGTON 1
NEW ZEALAND
RECEIVED
5 NOV 1976
P.S. REGISTRY
DEFENCE DEPT.
8 NOV 1976
INTELLIGENCE
REGISTRY
66/20/1
5/1/14
244/10/1
TELEPHONE:
TELEGRAMS: TRANSPORT
November 1976
Secretary of Defence,
Ministry of Defence,
Private Bag,
WELLINGTON.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS
INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
Reference: Def 66/20/1 DDI
I agree there seems no need to have a committee to
investigate reported sightings of UFO's and accept that you
have no evidence to support Defence involvement.
As we have no interest other than to ensure that a
reported sighting is checked as far as is practicable by
Air Traffic Control to eliminate the possibility of an
unknown intruder and in view of the lack of interest by other
Government agencies, our further action will be limited to a
station log entry of the report.
(A.J. Edwards)
Secretary for TransportDef 66/20/1 DDI
5 October 1976
The Secretary of Transport
WELLINGTON
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT (UFO)
INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
Reference : CAD 5/1/4 dated 22 September 1976.
1. On 8 August 1972 I wrote to you on the subject of the
above committee noting that it was increasingly inappropriate
for this Ministry to act as the point of coordination for
UFO reports.
2. At that time I received replies from all addressees,
except DSIR, and the general feeling was that the committee
should be abolished, but if it was considered necessary to
retain it then the responsibility should rest with DSIR.
3. Your letter at reference has highlighted the fact
that the action commenced in August 1972 was, unfortunately,
never finalized. I see little point in now traversing the
old ground and believe that the lack of need for the UFO
committee has been well demonstrated over the past four
years. All I will say is that empiric evidence shows
conclusively that there are no defence factors involved with
UFO sightings. Identification and classifying of objects
in the sky is a civil function and I have therefore deleted
any responsibility in this connection from our work.
4. All UFO reports are apparently received by Civil
Aviation Division and as any investigation involves a
simple elimination process against known aircraft movements
and meteorological factors it appears that checking of UFO
reports need not go beyond your Department. However that
is a matter for you to decide, but our activity in this
respect has been terminated.
(J.F. Robertson)
Secretary of Defence66/20/1 DDI
MINUTE
To: Sec Def
UFO INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
Reference 'A' Civil Aviation 5/1/4 dated 22 Sep 76 attached
'B' Def 66/20/1 dated 8 Aug 72 "
'C' Police letter dated 16 Aug 72 "
'D' Civil Aviation 5/1/4 dated 16 Aug 72 "
'E' Carter Observatory 8/10/2 dated 18 Aug 72 attached
1. Ref 'A' has highlighted the fact that action on your
letter to Director General DSIR, Secretary of Transport,
Carter Observatory and Police (Ref 'B') was never finalized.
2. Replies to Ref B were received (Refs C,D,E) from all
departments except DSIR. I recall Lt Col Simpson following
this up but was unaware of the outcome.
3. Civil Aviation state that they still have the problem
of forwarding UFO sighting reports to some agency for
investigation. EIB are now in the PM's Dept and have no
interest. DCAS states that the Air Staff has no interest
and I can confirm that Defence Intelligence interest is even
less now than it was in 1972.
4. There has been no requirement, to my knowledge, for
the UFO Investigating Committee to have met over the past
4 years and I can see no need to reactivate the committee
and redetermine its membership. If you agree, then it remains
to determine who should investigate any UFO reports. As
Civil Aviation are apparently the recipients of all UFO
sightings it would seem reasonable that as they control all
air traffic in New Zealand and are in close contact with the
Meteorological service etc that the simple elimination
investigation required could just as easily be done by them.
On the assumption that you agree this approach I have drafted
a reply to Ref 'A' addressed to Secretary of Transport.
DD4/10. Gp Capt
Please prepare the [ILLEGIBLE] DDI
amended [ILLEGIBLE]
my [ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE]/10
1 Oct 76DRAFT
The Secretary of Transport
WELLINGTON
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT (UFO)
INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
Reference: CAD 5/1/4 dated 22 September 1976.
1. On 8 August 1972 I wrote to you on the subject
of the above committee noting that it was increasingly
inappropriate for this Ministry to act as the point of
coordination for UFO reports.
2. At that time I received replies from all addressees,
except DSIR, and the general feeling was that the committee
should be abolished, but if it was considered necessary to
retain it then the responsibility should rest with DSIR.
3. Your letter at reference has highlighted the fact
that the action commenced in August 1972 was, unfortunately,
never finalized. I see little point in now traversing the
old ground and believe that the lack of need for the UFO
committee has been well demonstrated over the past 4 years. All [ILLEGIBLE]
4. To All UFO reports are apparently received by your
Civil Aviation Division and as any investigation is a [ILLEGIBLE]
~ simple elimination process against known aircraft movements
and with the m Meteorological [ILLEGIBLE] factors
office with whom you are in
close contact, I believe that any checking of UFO reports
need not go beyond you
could more readily be carried out by your Department. [ILLEGIBLE]
However that is a matter for you to decide, but our activity in
this respect has been terminated.
[handwritten annotation at bottom:]
Ampiric evidence shows conclusively that
there are no defence factors involved with
UFO sightings. Identification & classifying of objects in the sky is
a civil function and I have therefore deleted any responsibility
in this connection from our work.
JFRCIVIL AVIATION DIVISION 5/1/4 A
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT
PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW
TELEPHONE NUMBER IS
721 253
PRIVATE BAG WELLINGTON 1
TELEPHONE: 49 060;
TELEGRAMS: CIVILAIR
27 SEP 1976
INTELLIGENCE
REGISTRY
22 September 1976
The Secretary of Defence,
Ministry of Defence,
Departmental Building,
Stout Street,
WELLINGTON.
Attention: Director of Service Intelligence.
REPORTS OF UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS
For some time past, attempts have been made,
without success, to resolve the question of who or
what Department of State is, or should be, responsible
for dealing with reports received of UFO's.
Your memorandum 66/20/1 of 8 August 1972 indicated
that in any reconstituted investigating committee,
Defence representation would be restricted to the
Scientific Intelligence Officer (Mr Beere), but he now
states he is no longer under MOD jurisdiction and has
no particular interest in UFO reports. It would seem
therefore, that initial responsibility should be with
Service Intelligence.
As it has been necessary to come to a decision
on the handling of UFO reports which might be received
by our air traffic services units, we are issuing
instructions that such reports should be sent by signal
to Defence HQ for the attention of the Director of
Service Intelligence. He can then take such action on
the reports as he deems appropriate.
(A.H. Milestone)
for Director of Civil Aviation66/20/1
B
8 August 1972
The Director-General,
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
The Secretary of Transport.
The Director,
Carter Observatory. Copy for information:
The Commissioner of Police.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT (UFO)
INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
1. For a number of years the Ministry of Defence has been
associated with this committee in a leading role. The membership
of the Committee has been:
Chairman - Deputy Director of Service Intelligence
Secretary - A Squadron Leader from the Directorate
of Service Intelligence.
Members - Dr E.I. Robertson, now Director-General, DSIR.
Dr D.C. Thompson, NZ Meteorological Service.
Squadron Leader A.H. Milestone, D DATO Ops.
Director, Carter Observatory, now Mr W.J.H.
Fisher.
2. It seems to be increasingly inappropriate for the subject
to be a prime responsibility of this Ministry, and particularly
that it be co-ordinated by the Directorate of Service Intelligence.
To the degree that we may be concerned with objects landing on
New Zealand territory, there is a Defence connotation but the
overall subject does appear to be primarily a matter of scientific
interest rather than Defence.
3. This Ministry is considering the advisability of proposing
the abolition of the Unidentified Flying Object Investigating
Committee but before doing so wishes to raise for consideration
the idea that it would seem more appropriate for the subject of
UFOs to be initiated and administered either by the Department of
Scientific and Industrial Research or Ministry of Transport, with
Defence continuing to be associated with the subject but in a
lesser role, either as a committee member or in an observer status.
In any reconstituted body which examines sighting reports of UFOs
Defence representation would be restricted to Mr G.K. Beere, the
Scientific Intelligence Officer in the Joint Intelligence Bureau.
/4. The views- 2 -
4. The views and suggestions of other departments would
be welcomed before any final action is taken by this Ministry.
(J.F. Robertson)
Secretary of DefenceIN REPLY PLEASE QUOTE
66/20/1
POLICE NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
GENERAL BUILDINGS, WARING TAYLOR STREET,
WELLINGTON 1, NEW ZEALAND
TELEPHONE: 47 000 TELEX: POLICEHQ NZ3550
CABLES: MOMEN WELLINGTON P.O. BOX 694
16 August 1972
RECEIVED
6 AUG 1972
DEFENCE
OFFICE
The Secretary of Defence,
G.P.O. Box 295,
WELLINGTON.
Unidentified Flying Object (UFO)
Investigating Committee
1. Your memorandum dated 8 August 1972 refers.
2. I agree with your proposal to abolish the Unidentified Flying Object
Investigating Committee. If however, it is decided to retain the Committee
I endorse your view that the matter of U.F.O.s be examined by the D.S.I.R.
or Ministry of Transport.
(B.W. Gibson)
for Commissioner
[handwritten:] C? [ILLEGIBLE] to [ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE] do [ILLEGIBLE]
[handwritten at bottom right:] By ADSI(F).
these proposals were copied
to Police as info only.
Police are not members of
the committee.
[Distribution box:]
DSI
ADSI.C
ADSI.N 16
ADSI.A 19 2
ADSI.F
[ILLEGIBLE]THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT
PRIVATE BAG WELLINGTON 1
RECEIVED 17 AUG 1972 DEFENCE OFFICE
TELEPHONES: 49 060; 40[ILLEGIBLE]
TELEGRAMS: TRANSPORT
5/1/4
16 August 1972
The Secretary of Defence,
G.O. Box 295,
WELLINGTON.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT (UFO)
INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
Your letter 66/20/1 8 August 1972 refers.
The proposal that the responsibility for initiating and
administering UFO investigations be transfered to the Department
of Scientific and Industrial Research is supported by this
Ministry.
In such an event this Ministry would be agreeable to
remaining a member of any reconstituted body and to be represented
by the present committee member, Mr A.H. Milestone, of the
Civil Aviation Division.
(C.H.N. L'Estrange)
for Secretary of Transport.
FORWARD TO
[ILLEGIBLE]
OIC
6 GENERAL
RECORDS
[ILLEGIBLE]SI
By AON
This is not a NAVAL STAFF subject.
Pse check reference quoted & refer
to originator - I suspect DSI.
DTJ 18/8
ACDS(Pol)
This is the first answer received to the proposal to shift
responsibility for UFO Investigations
[ILLEGIBLE]
DSI
21/8
Noted - thank you
[ILLEGIBLE]RNZN 120A
Information Sheet—Matter For Consideration By The Naval Board
10,000/8/67—18537 W
CARTER OBSERVATORY 8/10/2 F
WELLINGTON, 1
NEW ZEALAND
1972 August 18
RECEIVED 22 AUG 1972 [ILLEGIBLE] REGISTRY
POSTAL ADDRESS:
P.O. BOX 2909
WELLINGTON, 1
NEW ZEALAND
All Correspondence to be
addressed to DIRECTOR
The Secretary
Ministry of Defence
P.O. Box 295
WELLINGTON
Dear Sir, Unidentified Flying Object (UFO)
Investigating Committee
Thank you for your letter (66/20/1) setting out
your proposals regarding the future of your involvement in
the above Committee.
My own view is that in the light of the experience
gained in recent years the Committee is not now necessary.
Most UFOs are only unidentifiable by the person
reporting them, and I feel that the overwhelming majority of
enquiries can be dealt with satisfactorily by one or other
of the agencies represented by the present members of the
Committee.
This Committee has performed a valuable function
in establishing contacts between the members and their organ-
isations and I think this will now continue.
Yours faithfully
W.J.H. Fisher
Director
Stout StFILE NO: 66 / 20 / 1
DIRECTORATE OF [ILLEGIBLE] INTELLIGENCE
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION : [ILLEGIBLE]
SOURCE : THE HERALD
DATE: 12 / [ILLEGIBLE] / '72
66/20/1
The Herald, Thurs., Oct. 12, 1972—Page 19
INQUIRE INTO UFOs
Why don't they set up a commission or
committee of inquiry into the sightings of
unidentified flying objects?
Why don't they have a committee that could
be contacted any time?
— Terry Cuddy, Flinders Cres., Boronia.
ANSWER: A spokesman for the RAAF said:
"The air force is charged with the air
defence of Australia; part of this charter is
the investigation of any strange objects in the
sky."
"The air force case closed, the sighting is
given the responsibility of investigating it,"
he said.
"People who see these objects are given
question forms to describe their sighting."
"The information is recorded and sent to the
Department of Air in Canberra where ana-
lysis of the sighting is made."
The RAAF spokesman said from January,
1960, until December, 1971, the air force
investigated 595 reported sightings of UFOs.
"Of sightings investigated, 93 per cent were
explainable by scientific knowledge and six
per cent did not provide sufficient information
to permit analysis and ev-aluation." He said
one per cent were attributed to unknown
causes.MINUTE SHEET
Department:
Subject: UFO INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE File No. 66/20/1
Date: 24 Aug 72
1. Replies have now been received from the Carter
Observatory and NZ Police to your letter of 8 Aug 72. Only
one from DSIR is outstanding.
2. While the Police agree the proposal to abolish the Committee
they would support it being transferred to DSIR or the Ministry of
Transport. Ministry of Transport, as you know, support transferring
the Committee to DSIR. The Director, Carter Observatory considers
that the Committee has been useful in establishing contacts
between interested parties but that it is no longer necessary.
3. We await DSIR's reaction.
[ILLEGIBLE] Simpson
DSI
Noted - thank you
[ILLEGIBLE]
28 Aug
[ILLEGIBLE]
For info
[ILLEGIBLE]
27/8[ILLEGIBLE routing table]
66/20/1
8 August 1972
The Director-General,
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
The Secretary of Transport.
The Director,
Carter Observatory. Copy for information:
The Commissioner of Police.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT (UFO)
INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE
1. For a number of years the Ministry of Defence has been
associated with this committee in a leading role. The membership
of the Committee has been:
Chairman - Deputy Director of Service Intelligence
Secretary - A Squadron Leader from the Directorate
of Service Intelligence.
Members - Dr E.I. Robertson, now Director-General, DSIR.
Dr D.C. Thompson, NZ Meteorological Service.
Squadron Leader A.H. Milestone, D DATC Ops.
Director, Carter Observatory, now Mr W.J.H.
Fisher.
2. It seems to be increasingly inappropriate for the subject
to be a prime responsibility of this Ministry, and particularly
that it be co-ordinated by the Directorate of Service Intelligence.
To the degree that we may be concerned with objects landing on
New Zealand territory, there is a Defence connotation but the
overall subject does appear to be primarily a matter of scientific
interest rather than Defence.
3. This Ministry is considering the advisability of proposing
the abolition of the Unidentified Flying Object Investigating
Committee but before doing so wishes to raise for consideration
the idea that it would seem more appropriate for the subject of
UFOs to be initiated and administered either by the Department of
Scientific and Industrial Research or Ministry of Transport, with
Defence continuing to be associated with the subject but in a
lesser role, either as a committee member or in an observer status.
In any reconstituted body which examines sighting reports of UFOs
Defence representation would be restricted to Mr G.M. Beere, the
Scientific Intelligence Officer in the Joint Intelligence Bureau.
/4. The views- 2 -
4. The views and suggestions of other departments would
be welcomed before any final action is taken by this Ministry.
(J.F. Robertson)
Secretary of DefenceRESTRICTED
DRAFT Def 66/20/1
The Director-General
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
The Secretary of Transport
The Director
Carter Observatory
Copy for information:
The Commissioner of Police
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT (UFO) INVESTIGATING
COMMITTEE
1. For a number of years this committee assisted the
Ministry of Defence with the investigation of reports of
sightings of UFOs.
2. It has consisted of:
Chairman - Deputy Director of Service Intelligence
Secretary - A Squadron Leader from the Directorate of
Service Intelligence
Members - Dr E.I.Robertson, now Director-General, DSIR
Dr D.C.Thompson, NZ Meteorological Service
Squadron Leader A.H.Milestone, D DATC Ops
Director,Carter Observatory, now Mr W.J.H.Fisher
3. It seems to be increasingly inappropriate for the subject
to be the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence and for it
to be co-ordinated by the Directorate of Service Intelligence.
To the degree that it concerns objects which may land on New
Zealand territory, there is a Defence connotation to it but it
does appear to be primarily a matter of scientific interest.
4. It would therefore seem much more appropriate for the
subject of UFOs to be handled by the Department of Scientific and
Industrial Research. Defence would wish to continue to be associat[ed]
with the subject but in a lesser role. In any reconstituted body
which examines sighting reports of [ILLEGIBLE] UFOs Defence representation
would be restricted to Mr G.M.Beere, the Scientific Intelligence
Officer in the Joint Intelligence Bureau.
5. The views of other departments would be welcomed.
RESTRICTED
[ILLEGIBLE] of Def
RESTRICTEDRESTRICTED
DEF 66/20/1/DSI
MINUTE DSI
I [ILLEGIBLE] entirely with your para 7.
but please [ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE] ACDS (Pol)
21 Jun
To: ACDS (Pol)
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS (UFO) INVESTIGATING
COMMITTEE
1. I wonder if you are aware that I am closely involved in
this committee which consists of:
Chairman - DDSI
Secretary - ADSI(F)
Members - Director-General DSIR
Director NZ Meteorological Service, Ministry of
Transport
Deputy Director of Operations, Air Traffic
Control, Ministry of Transport
Director, Carter Observatory.
2. Our involvement is by inheritance from the Directorate of
Air Intelligence who presumably were given it primarily as a security
chore in the days when the Air Department controlled Civil Aviation.
3. Whatever the original reasoning was, it seems to me to be
increasingly inappropriate for my Directorate, and particularly the
Intelligence Section of it, to be involved in this business. If it
were to become generally known that we were, it would imply that the
subject was being accorded a greater significance than I believe it
deserves. Some might consider that the same argument could be
applied to any involvement by even the RNZAF.
4. Any intelligence interest in UFOs is of a scientific and technic[al]
rather than a Service nature. DJIB has a Scientific Intelligence
Officer (SIO) and agrees that the SIO should be either a member of
the UFO Investigating Committee or associated with it as an observer.
This would be consistent with our view that the SIO should represent
the Intelligence Community in the investigation of objects in or from
space or which are of doubtful origin.
5. The broader question of Departmental responsibility is more
in your field than mine. I note, however, that the Ministry of
Transport has two members representing different aspects of their work.
It could also be considered primarily a scientific problem to be co-
ordinated by DSIR whose Director-General happens also to be the
Defence Scientific Adviser.
6. The Committee is not an active one. It last met in Jan 70
when it was unable to agree on publicity policy, a matter which is
inhibited by my Directorate's involvement. Since then we have con-
tinued to receive, usually from the Police, and to circulate to
Committee members seeking their opinions, reports on UFO sightings.
The most recent one, on which I attach the correspondence, was dis-
cussed on TV by Peter Read.
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTEDRESTRICTED
2.
7. As I understand that you are to have discussions with the
Ministry of Transport and other interested Departments on fishery
surveillance, this may be an opportune time to raise the question
of the future of the UFO Investigating Committee.
(W.A. SIMPSON)
Lt Col
DSI
27 Jun 72
Copies to:
Chairman JIC
DJIB
DCAS
DPR
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED. MINUTE SHEET
Department: _______________
Subject: File No. 66/20/1
UFO COMMITTEE Date: 23 Jun 72
Ref attached minute from DDSI dated 20 Jun 72
1. I agree that it is becoming increasingly inappropriate
for this Directorate to be involved to the extent of providing
the Chairman and the Secretary. In fact I doubt whether
Defence should be taking a leading role at all. There are
other Depts such as DSIR or Civil Aviation that might more
appropriately co-ordinate investigations.
2. However, now that you have an SIO I believe that he
should be involved. In the present circumstances it
may be that he should be the only Defence rep.
3. I propose seeking policy guidance through ACDS(Pol) and
would appreciate your views for inclusion in my minute
[Signature] Simpson 14/o
DSI
By SIO.
I would have no objection to serving on a UFO
committee — I already get the press cuttings — but could
not accept the task of Secretary.
I think that Air staff should contribute & provide
administrative support. If UFOs exist, then Defence
must be involved, or at [ILLEGIBLE] best adequately informed.
[Signature]
By D/OPR
I agree with SIO. In the event that we
have a scientific intelligence interest in objects of
doubtful [ILLEGIBLE] to could participate as amember or observer on the UFO
Committee but any executive or
[REDACTED] secretarial function would
be out of the question. In my view
the leading role should be taken
either by the RNZAF or Civil Aviation
as the subject is related to aviation
[Signature] VeJames
26/6MINUTE SHEET
Department: _______________
Subject: File No. 66/20/1 DSI
U.F.O. COMMITTEE Date: 20 June 72
1. As you know there is in being a UFO committee comprising:
DDSI - Chairman
Dr Robertson, Director DSIR
Dr Thompson, Director NZ Meteorological Service
Mr Fisher, Director, Carter Observatory
Sqn Ldr Milestone, D,DATC Ops CAD MoT
ADSI(F) - Secretary
This Committee meets infrequently and the last recorded meeting
was on 29 January 1970. The minutes of this meeting are at
Tag 'A'.
2. You will see that the January 70 meeting could not agree
on the publicity to be accorded UFO sightings and the lack of
an official statement acknowledging that there is a body which
investigates UFO's periodically gives rise to letters such as
that attached. There is perhaps no need to change the present
non-committal attitude. I believe/[however] that while DSI remains
associated with the Committee publicity should remain at its
present low level. The fact that an intelligence agency is
involved would, to my mind, give the subject of UFO's an aura
which it does not deserve.
3. DSI became involved in UFO's as a result of integration.
Originally the subject was handled by DAI (on the security side
on behalf of the Air Staff. I believe that we have little
interest in the subject and I now recommend that the responsibi
ity for co-ordinating UFO sightings reverts to the Air Staff.
I understand that the Air Staff already keep their own files on
the subject giving us a somewhat less than complete picture of
the UFO scene from a Defence point of view. If necessary SIO
JIB could become a member of the Committee in order that the
intelligence community could maintain a watching brief.Annex to
66/30/17
dated 16 Feb 70
RECEIPT AND RECORDING OF U.F.O. SIGHTINGS
1. A meeting between representatives of interested organizations
was held on 29 January 1970 to discuss the action to be taken
upon receipt of U.F.O. sighting reports.
2. Those present were:-
Wg Cdr R.R. Black Directorate of Service Intelligence
Dr E.I. Robertson Dept of Scientific and Industrial
Research
Dr D.C. Thompson N.Z. Meteorological Service
Mr W.J.H. Fisher Carter Observatory
Sqn Ldr A.M. Milestone D.DATC Ops Ministry of Transport
Fit Lt B. Mitchell Directorate of Operations,
RNZAF Headquarters
Fit Lt C. Cole RNZAF Public Relations Officer
Sqn Ldr A. Dyer Directorate of Service Intelligence
3. The present report form was discussed at it was decided to
retain the present format with minor modification. Examples
of the form are attached.
4. Some representatives remarked that they received many
reports which were easily disposed of and did not see the point
of filling out forms for each of these. It was pointed out
that the number of "solvable" reports compared with those for
which further action was required and with those for which no
explanation could be found provided valuable statistical
information. It was finally decided that those reports requiring
further action should be passed to the DSI in the normal way
and that an annual estimate of those quickly dispensed with
be passed to the DSI for statistical purposes.
5. The next item discussed was the extent to which a depart-
ment or organization should investigate reports and the extent
to which the public should be informed that investigations do
take place. It emerged that the extent of the investigation
would depend on factors such as the nature of the report, the
reliability of the reporter and the resources available to the
investigating body. Much discussion failed to resolve this
point and finally it was agreed that a report worthy of investi-
gation should be checked to the extent deemed realistic by the
investigating body.
6. A wide range discussion on the publicity aspects of UFO
investigation again encountered the "stumbling block" of lack
of resources within the organizations concerned. The RNZAF
PRO tabled the standard RNZAF "handout" for questions regarding
UFO investigation. It reads:
"The RNZAF does not have any formal resources for
investigating UFO sightings or for carrying out research
into the wider question of UFOs generally. If a sighting
is referred to us we may consult such bodies as the
/Civil2.
Civil Aviation Division of the MOT, the NZ Meteorological
Service, the Carter Observatory, or the DSIR as appropri-
ate to eliminate obvious explanations. We do not have the
resources to exhaustively investigate reports in respect
of which an obvious explanation has not emerged from
these consultations but a record of sightings reported
to the RNZAF is maintained. A considerable amount of
time and effort would be involved in following to a
conclusion every sighting reported to the RNZAF or the
other bodies mentioned above. Even more effort would
be required to initiate research into the general subject
of UFOs, and with our other commitments we do not have
the resources necessary to apply to the task."
7. It was suggested and agreed that DSI should consult with
a N.Z. Police representative with a view to inviting them to
participate in the same way as the organizations mentioned
above. This would enable a more accurate statistical record
to be maintained.
8. The Civil Aviation and RNZAF representatives agreed to
consult on reports requiring investigative action because of
the close liaison existing between the two organizations and
to preclude the possibility of separate investigations into
the one report.
9. The meeting agreed that an estimate (para 4 refers) of
reports for the year 1969 be passed to DSI.
10. In brief then, the action to be taken on receipt of a
sighting report is as follows:-
a. The organization receiving the report carries out
the investigation.
b. If necessary, assistance is requested from other
organizations. (A contact list of personnel follows.)
c. Depending on the amount of investigation required
either a report form is completed and sent to DSI for
filing
or
the report is noted for the annual estimates.
List of Contact Personnel
Dr E.I. Robertson D.S.I.R. Phone: 57958
Dr D.C. Thompson N.Z. Met Service 70589
Mr W.J.Fisher Carter Observatory 45273
Sqn Ldr A.N.Milestone CAD MOT 71349 585
Sqn Ldr B. Irvine RNZAF HQ 49800 909
Sqn Ldr A. Dyer Ministry of Defence 49800 41066/30/17 DSI
REPORT ON U.F.O. SIGHTING
ORIGINATOR:
DETAILS OF SIGHTING
NAME AND ADDRESS OF SIGHTER:
TIME AND PLACE OF SIGHTING:
NATURE OF SIGHTING
COMMENTS ON SIGHTING BY INVESTIGATOR
FURTHER ACTION TAKEN
FURTHER ACTION RECOMMENDED
When action completed pass this form to I.P.O.(Air), Directorate
of Service Intelligence, Ministry of Defence, for recording
purposes.RESS: ANSWER FOR UFO INQUIRES
The RNZAF does not have any formal resources for investigating UFO
sightings or for carrying out research in the wider question of UFO's
generally. If a sighting is referred to us we may consult such bodies as
CAD, Met, Carter Ob., of DSIR as appropriate, to eliminate obvious
explanations. We do not have the resources to exhaustively investigate
reports in respect of which an obvious explanation has not emerged from
these consultations, but a record of sightings reported to the RNZAF is
maintained. A considerable amount of time and effort would be involved
in following to a conclusion every sighting reported to the RNZAF or the
other bodies mentioned above. Even more effort would be required to
initiate research into the general subject of UFO's and with our other
commitments we do not have the resources necessary to apply to the
task.
[Signature]MINUTE
66/30/17 DSI
Dr E.I. Robertson -- OK.
DSIR
Mr W.J.H. Fisher
Carter Observatory
Sqn Ldr A.N. Milestone
D.DATC Ops
Dr D.C. Thompson
NZ Met Service
D. Ops - S/ 1RVNE - OK.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS
1. On 10 April 1968 a meeting of representatives from interested
agencies (see address column) was held to discuss the action to
be taken on receipt of U.F.O. sighting reports.
2. One of the decisions made at this meeting was that progress
would be reviewed at a further meeting to be held in "about six
months time".
3. I feel (and I am aware that some other representatives do
also) that it is time we got together again to discuss progress
and review our present procedures.
4. To that end I would suggest that we meet after the holiday
period — say Thursday 29 Jan at about 3 pm. Could you notify
me if this date is acceptable or not with alternatives if
necessary and I will co-ordinate suggestions and arrange the
venue.
16 Dec 69 (A. Dyer) S/L
IPO(Air)
Directorate of Service Intelligence
Tele: 49800 Ext 410CONFIDENTIAL MINUTE
66/30/7
To ACDS
(thru DPR) DSI (note below)
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS : POLICY
1. I am advised by PRO(Air) that a future NZBC "Compass" programme
is to feature the UFO issue and that a preliminary approach has
been made to him to explain the RNZAFs part in the investigation
procedure. He expects further approaches and some rather search-
ing questions as Brian Edwards of Gallery "fame" is involved in
the Compass production.
2. I believe we should give some guidance to PRO(Air) on how
he is to handle further questioning, or perhaps even an attempt to
have the RNZAF represented on the programme. The topic invariably
arouses a great deal of public interest and as our policy stands
at present, I believe an astute producer could cause us some
embarrassment unless we have the party line clear and are prepared
to stand by it.
3. We have never had any machinery to investigate UFO reports.
Our present policy is not to take the initiative in such investi-
gations but if a seemingly reliable report is referred specifically
to the RNZAF we will examine it as far as practicable by consulting
such organizations as the Carter Observatory, the Meteorological
Service, CAD etc, to eliminate the most likely explanations. If
the sighting is still unexplained we do not carry the investiga-
tion any further but merely record the matter on file. In general
therefore, we play the whole subject in low key and try to avoid
becoming involved in public debate on the issue. Whilst this
may seem a negative approach, I believe it is a question of all
or nothing at all — in other words we either continue as now
or we set up proper machinery to research the topic, investigate
exhaustively each report and maintain records, statistics etc.
Considering the questionable validity of the UFO concept in
general and the number of "crank" or clearly tenuous reports we
see, I do not believe we can afford to get more involved in the
subject than we are now. If it got to be known that we did
investigate reports in any depth we would inevitably come to be
regarded as the national authority on the topic — I believe that
doubtful honour is better left to such organizations as the
Auckland University Students UFO Investigating Body.
4. Our present policy regarding consultation with other Depart-
ments on UFO sightings is explained at Annex. This is a record
of a meeting held in April 1968 to co-ordinate our activities with
those of DSIR, CAD, the Met Service and the Carter Observatory
to prevent duplication of effort and to formulate a common P.R.
line (para seven is particularly relevant).
5. For the purposes of the current Compass programme I believe
we should instruct PRO(Air) to use the following as a basis (only
of our UFO policy:
/"The
PRO
[Handwritten: ok as discussed with you + DDSI(ENT)
[ILLEGIBLE] as indicated in my pencil notes. [Signature]]CONFIDENTIAL 2.
[Handwritten: attachments]
"The RNZAF does not have any formal machinery for
investigating UFO sightings or for carrying out research
into the wider question of UFOs generally. If a sighting
is referred to us we may consult with such bodies as the
CAD, the Met Service, the Carter Observatory or DSIR,
as appropriate, to eliminate obvious explanations. We
do not have the resources to exhaustively investigate
reports in respect of which an obvious explanation has
not emerged from these consultations, nor do we have the
resources to maintain detailed records and statistics
of UFO sightings. A considerable amount of time and
effort would be involved in following to a conclusion
every sighting [ILLEGIBLE] the RNZAF or the other bodies
mentioned above. Even more effort would be required to
initiate research into the general subject of UFOs and
with our other commitments we do not have the resources
necessary to apply to the task."
6. In view of the emotional nature of this subject, I believe
it would be imprudent for us to accept any invitation which may
be forthcoming to be represented on the Compass programme.
I therefore suggest that PRO declines any such invitation but
this will have to be done tactfully — even our unwillingness
to be questioned in public on the issue could, given an astue
producer, be embarrassing.
7. In view of the PR implications, I would be grateful if you
would endorse the "line to be taken" suggested above. I propose
to send a copy of this minute to the CAD, DSIR, Met Service and
Carter Observatory representatives at the April 1968 meeting
so they know our position.
R.R. Bla[ck]
(R.R. Black)
Wing Commander
for DSI
29 Oct 69
[Handwritten:] As discussed.
I recommend that RNZAF
HQ use para 5 above as
a basis for discussions
Encl. with NZBC & 30/10/69 AIDSI
I concur with PR approach. [Signature]
JPR.
[Handwritten:] I endorse your
proposed 'line' but
Air staff should also
be consulted.
[Signature] ACDS
29/o
[Handwritten:] & but a record of sightings [Handwritten: reports]
made to RNZAF
is maintained to [ILLEGIBLE] Copies sent to contact personnel
30/10/68 [Signature]
CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL Annex to
66/30/17
dated 17 April 1968
RECEIPT AND RECORDING OF U.F.O. SIGHTINGS
1. A meeting was held on 10 April to discuss the subject of
action to be taken on the receipt of U.F.O. sightings. It was
decided that the agencies at present involved would continue to
operate on an individual basis as at present and that no central
organization was to be established. However, it was agreed
that co-operation between the interested agencies was desirable
and that a central recorder be established.
2. In this context it was envisaged that representatives from
DSIR, CAA, the Meteorological Service, the Carter Observatory
and the RNZAF would continue to act in the capacity of receivers
of information and consult with each other on reported sightings,
where necessary. If warranted, a report on the sighting would
be raised and in due course forwarded to the Intelligence Projects
Officer (Air), Directorate of Service Intelligence, Ministry of
Defence, who would act as the recorder. The file on this subject
held by him would be available at any time to the other co-
ordinating agencies.
3. It was thought that the responsibility for completing action
as far as possible on a report would lie with the organization
receiving such reports although the other agencies referred to
above could and should be consulted when necessary.
4. It was therefore decided to:
a. use a simple reporting form which would be filed
by Directorate of Service Intelligence — draft
attached at Appendix 1 for comment and/or agreement;
b. deal with the persons given in the list attached at
Appendix 2 as the recognised representatives of the
interested agencies;
c. meet in about 6 months' time to review progress.
5. All present agreed to the necessity to keep the matter at a
low key and out of the public arena. All attending plus CAA and
Directorate of Operations, RNZAF HQ should advise if draft
reporting form was satisfactory.
6. For the present it was agreed that agencies with outstations
outside Wellington would act with considerable discretion if it
was necessary to bring such outstations into the reporting chain.
7. From a PR point of view the intention to adopt a minimum
amount of co-ordination between interested agencies should not
be disclosed. The line to be taken should be that:
"The appropriate organization receiving the report
attempts to check it as far as possible and naturally
will call any other government agency which may be able
to help".
CONFIDENTIAL66/30/11
[ILLEGIBLE] U.F.O. Investigation - Background.
① Prior to April 1968 UFO investigation was undertaken
or processed by any one of any number of agencies
receiving reports. It became apparent that a great deal
of duplicate checking was being done: ie when a report
was passed to two or more agencies each went through
the same processes. In an endeavour to rationalise this
situation a meeting of representatives of each of the
bodies liable to be involved was held.
② This meeting was held on 10 April 1968 and as far as can
be ascertained the following attended:-
W/c R.M. Allen - Directorate of Service Intelligence
W/c H.K. Griffiths - DDPR
S/L D. Cotton - Operations - RNZAF HQ
Mr I.L. Thompson - Carter Observatory
Dr D.C. Thompson - Met Service
Dr E.I. Robertson - DSIR
F/L G. Clark - RNZAF PRO
S/L A.H. Milestone - CAA.
③ The result of the meeting may be seen as 'Annex to 66/30/17 dated
13 April 1968'. This document is couched in such careful terms that
it does not mean very much at all. Absolutely no investigative
responsibility is accepted by any person or organisation. A
copy is attached.
④ In accordance with the "Low Key" policy there has never
been another meeting of this committee.
[ILLEGIBLE]66/30/17
REPORT ON U.F.O. SIGHTING
DETAILS OF SIGHTING
Name & address of Sighter:
Time & place of sighting:
Nature of sighting:
COMMENTS ON SIGHTING BY
COMMENTS from other agencies:
Further action recommended:
When completed pass this form to Directorate of Service
Intelligence, Ministry of Defence for recording purposes.AIR 244/10/1 (3)
M. 356
[Stamp: RECEIVED 31 OCT 1973 DEFENCE OFFICE]
30 October 1973
Dear Mr Bell,
The Prime Minister has asked me to consider your
recent request to him to be allowed access to any Air
Force files which may exist on the subject of unidentified
flying objects.
I appreciate that this subject is one which generates
a good deal of interest in many countries of the world and
is studied by a great many private organizations such as
the groups you have mentioned.
As far as the Ministry of Defence is concerned,
however, such information as is held is classified and
so may not be made available other than to defence
personnel who are entitled to receive it.
I regret that I am unable to give you a more helpful
answer.
Yours sincerely,
(Sgd.) A. J. FAULKNER
(A. J. Faulkner)
Minister of Defence
Mr G. Bell,
405 Breezes Road,
CHRISTCHURCH 7.
[Stamp: DISPATCHED 30 OCT 1973 OFFICE OF HON. A. J. FAULKNER]
[Box: BRING UP ON... TO... INITIALS...
FILE DATE 4/11/73 INITIALS [Signature]][Table:
1 ORIGINATOR'S INITIALS R.W.G
2 BEFORE SIGNATURE to AS(Pol)[Signature]
3 FOR SIGNATURE by Sec [Signature] Date typed: 29 October 1973
4 BEFORE DISPATCH to J
5 DISPATCH [Stamp: 30 OCT 1973] [Signatures]
6 AFTER DISPATCH to A[ILLEGIBLE] [Signature]
7 BRING UP on to
8 FILE Date 1/11/73 Initials [Signature]]
Air 244/10/1
Dear Mr Bell,
The Prime Minister has asked me to consider your
recent request to him to be allowed access to any Air
Force files which may exist on the subject of unidentified
flying objects.
I appreciate that this subject is one which generates
a good deal of interest in many countries of the world and
is studied by a great many private organizations such as
the groups you have mentioned.
As far as the Ministry of Defence is concerned,
however, such information as is held is classified and
so may not be made available other than to defence
personnel who are entitled to receive it.
I regret that I am unable to give you a more helpful
answer.
Yours sincerely,
(A. J. Faulkner)
Minister of Defence
Mr G. Bell,
405 Breezes Road,
CHRISTCHURCH 7.Writer: Mr Grahame Bell, 405 Breezes Road, CHCH. 7.
MINISTERIAL No. 356
Subject: U.F.O.s Date of letter: 23 Oct. 1973
[Stamp: RECEIVED 26 OCT 1973 DEFENCE OFFICE]
Date Acknowledged: 25.10.73 (PM's
office)
Referred to 1. AS(Pol)
2. Reference: AIR 244/10/1
3.
Comments:
Item 502 1,500 pads/1/72—5526 W (Tumble)[Stamp: RECEIVED 25 OCT 1973 OFFICE OF HON. A. J. FAULKNER]
GN:VL Air 244/10/1
25 October 1973
Mr G. Bell,
405 Breezes Road,
CHRISTCHURCH 7.
Dear Mr Bell,
The Prime Minister was interested to
learn that you are a Christchurch U.F.O.
investigator.
He has asked me to refer to the office
of the Minister of Defence your request
that you be allowed to see any information
contained on Air Force files on this subject.
You may expect a reply from the Minister's
office in due course.
Yours sincerely,
Private Secretary
Private Secretary,
Minister of Defence.
Referred accordingly.
[Signature: Johnells]
SECRETARY OF DEFENCE
For draft reply.
For reply by direction.
For comments.
Referred.
[Signatures] P.A. Quaider
NSerg.
25.10.73.
[Box: BRING UP ON... TO... INITIALS...
FILE DATE 1/11/73 INITIALS [Signature]]Air 244/10/1
[Stamp: Prime Minister 24 OCT 1973 RECEIVED]
405 Breezes Rd.,
Christchurch.7.
23/10/73.
Dear Sir,
I am a Christchurch U.F.O. investigator, and I'm wondering
what the Govt. position is in relation to the phenomena and
the investigation of it.
Would it be possible to see the compleat Air Force files on
the subject.
I'm a member of two Christchurch groups, Aerial Phenomena
Research Group and Independent U.F.O. Investigation.
Yours faithfully,
[Signature: Grahame Bell]
Grahame Bell.
[Box: Aerial Phenomena
Research
Group
[Image of UFO]
SECRETARY
P.O. BOX 5169
PAPANUI
CHRISTCHURCH]
[Box: BRING UP ON... TO... INITIALS...
FILE DATE 1/11/73 INITIALS [Signature]]CONFIDENTIAL MINUTE
[Stamp: 2 0 OCT 1972 AIR CLASSIFIED REGISTRY 18TH COT 72]
CONFIDENTIAL 18TH COT 72 EDS
FROM WELLINGTON S/44/51/4
TO CANBERRA 2448 -PRIORITY- REFERRED TO
[Initials]
B2 133
S 1350 [Signature]
FOR ILO FROM DJIB.
YOUR IL 75.
SOVIET LEGATION WAS ADVISED 15 JUNE PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THE
1968 AGREEMENT ON THE RESCUE AND RETURN OF ASTRONAUTS AND THE RETURN
OF OBJECTS LAUNCHED INTO OUTER SPACE THAT ASHBURTON SPACE DEBRIS
WAS PROBABLY OF SOVIET ORIGIN AND GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXAMINE
IT. IN REPLY 14 AUGUST SOVIET GOVERNMENT FORMALLY DENIED OWNERSHIP.
UNDER THE AGREEMENT IT WOULD HAVE HAD THE RIGHT TO CLAIM RETURN OF
THE OBJECTS AS LAUNCHING AUTHORITY.
2. THE DEBRIS WAS SUBSEQUENTLY LENT TO UNITED STATES AUTHORITIES
FOR FURTHER EXAMINATION. THEY HAVE NOW CONFIRMED THAT IT IS NOT OF
UNITED STATES ORIGIN.
3. SINCE THE ONLY POSSIBLE LAUNCHING AUTHORITIES OF THIS PARTICULAR
DEBRIS HAVE BOTH NOW FORMALLY DENIED OWNERSHIP, OBJECTS WILL BE
DISPOSED OF BY THE POLICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH NORMAL NEW ZEALAND LAW.
PRESUMABLY BY RETURN OF THE OBJECTS TO THE OWNERS OF THE LAND ON
WHICH THEY FELL.
4. NO CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION WAS MADE. AS NO DAMAGE WAS CAUSED THE
QUESTION DID NOT ARISE.
Z 50323
SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (DEF)
SECRETARY OF DEFENCE
18/0650Z OCT
CONFIDENTIALRESTRICTED [ILLEGIBLE STAMPS: STAFF / DCAS / SAEO / DAJS / DCAS]
2444/9/
2444/10/
JOINT INTELLIGENCE BUREAU (NEW ZEALAND)
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
WELLINGTON 20/6/[ILLEGIBLE]
JIB(NZ) 37/72 26 May 1972
ASHBURTON SPACE DEBRIS
Five spherical titanium alloy pressure vessels were
found in the Canterbury Province of New Zealand between 3 April
and 12 May 1972. They were clearly space debris associated with
the decay of a large object in the atmosphere which occurred at
approximately 1 am on 3 April (1300 2 April Universal Time).
2. Sightings. Although the apparent atmospheric track
of the debris covered some 300 nautical miles of south west
New Zealand, most of it was over mountainous and sparsely
populated country with few observers about at 1 am. Nevertheless
15 probably valid sightings were reported. Analysis of these
indicates that decay of the main object had already commenced
before the earliest sighting at Manapouri (45°34'S/167°36'E) and
fragmentation to 15-20 or more pieces was reported from
Queenstown and Clyde. Several other reports from Macetown and
Lake Hayes (44°50'/168°50') mentioned 7 to 9 objects with long
tails and "rumbling noises". The final separation of the
"Ashburton balls" appears to have taken place over Lake Aviemore
(44°38'/170°20') where an observer described an object "flaring,
disappearing and re-appearing a few seconds later as five distinct
tracks". He also reported hearing five distinct sonic booms.
This occurred some 20 nm before the landing of the smaller ball
in the Hakataramea Valley and about 70 nm before the group of
four larger balls landed near Ashburton.
3. Landing Sites. The first ball, (but 3rd to be found),
landed in rough grazing country at an estimated height of 2,000 ft
in the Hakataramea Valley. The ball must have passed over the
Kirkliston Range with its peaks of 5,600 ft seven miles earlier.
The other four balls landed in flat cultivated farm land, near
sea level, five to twenty miles south west of the town of
Ashburton. In each case the balls made indentations of up to
six inches in depth on landing, then bounced out, coming to rest
a few feet away. Grass in contact was scorched. The actual
positions were as follows:
DSIR Ref Longitude Latitude Finder Date
AT 182/1 171°44.4'E 43°58'S J.G. Lindoves 3 April
/2 171°30.1'E 44°07.4'S G.S. Thompson 8 April
/3 170°40'E 44°22'S C. Finney 13 April
/4 171°37.4'E 44°01.3'S W.D.M. Bayne 29 April
/5 171°30.5'E 44°04.3'S D.M. O'Sullivan 11 May
RESTRICTED[ILLEGIBLE HEADER]
2.
These positions lie on a line of 59° or 60° azimuth. Four of
them are almost exactly in line and one about 2½ nm SE of the
line. Sighting reports are consistent with this track.
4. Satellite Tracking Evidence. Summaries of space
objects published by N.A.S.A. show that only two objects
decayed in the atmosphere near the time of this event. One
of these, debris from a U.S. Titan 3c launched in 1965, had an
orbital inclination of 31.7° and would therefore not pass over
New Zealand. The second object, No.5921 associated with the
Soviet COSMOS 482 Satellite, was launched on 31 March 1972
with an inclination of 51.5° and would have passed over New
Zealand at the relevant time. It was predicted by NASA to
decay on 2 April. Object 5919 which is believed to be the
COSMOS 482 pay-load, is still in orbit. Object 5921 was
apparently part of the multi-stage launching rocket for COSMOS
482. To show that object 5921 could have been the source of
the Ashburton balls, it is necessary to show that the ground
track of this object, known to be in an orbit with an inclination
of 51.5°, is compatible with the observed sightings and landings
along the 60° azimuth at latitude 44°S. The relationship is
given by
cosine (inclination) = sine (azimuth) x cosine (latitude)
Inserting the values of inclination and latitude, the azimuth
can be readily calculated as follows
cos i = sin az cos lat
sin az = cos i / cos lat = cos 51.5° / cos 44° = .8654
azimuth = 59.9°
The agreement is thus surprisingly exact and convincing. Repeating
this calculation for other latitudes gives
Latitude 45° (Queenstown area) Azimuth 61°41'
Latitude 45.5° (Manapouri) Azimuth 62°38'
The observed track and the alignment of the landing sites therefore
agrees closely with the calculated track of COSMOS 482. A track
Chart is at Annex.
5. Construction of the Objects. A detailed description of
the objects is given in the DSIR Report but may be briefly
summarised as follows :
a. All the objects are spherical titanium alloy
pressure vessels of the type used in both US and
Soviet space craft for the purpose of either
pressurising fuel tanks or for stabilisation jets.
Each has been fabricated out of pressed alloy
sheet (Ti-5% Al-4%V) with automatic welded joints
around the circumference and around bosses at top
and bottom. The melted remains of threaded
fittings are present in some cases. In one case
RESTRICTED[ILLEGIBLE HEADER]
3.
the thread can be identified as of metric
form.
b. Dimensions are as follows :
Diameter Thickness Weight
Ashburton balls 14.92 in 0.276 in 33 lb^x
(4) (379 mm) (7 mm) (15 kg)
Hakataramea ball 9.8 in 0.189 in^xx 9.48 lb
(249 mm) (4.8 mm) (4.3 kg)
x No.1 ball weighed only 30 lb (13.6 kg) owing to
the loss of a section by melting.
xx Thickness calculated from weight assuming a
density of 4.6 Mg/m³.
c. Splashes of aluminium alloy on the surface
indicate probable shielding by another structure
during part of the re-entry period.
6. History. All the objects show signs of heating of the
surface to melting point in places but elsewhere only superficially.
Their appearance is consistent with their having been heated by
air friction to the point of visibility as described in the sighting
reports.
7. Markings. Stencilled markings had been painted on the
objects but these had been burnt off in the heat of re-entry. The
markings have been examined and photographed by the DSIR and are
described in their Report. Under infra-red light it is possible to
distinguish some Russian letters beyond reasonable doubt, but also
a letter N which is not found in the Russian alphabet. It is
suggested that this particular marking could have originated in
East Germany, Poland or Czechoslovakia. It is noted that this non-
Russian letter appears only on the small sphere and a Russian
factory mark occurs elsewhere on the same object. Probable marks
include :
АИ
БТК
ОЗ☆ (Д) N - 135 200 АТМ
While most of the markings are indecipherable the above examples
confirm the indications of Soviet origin.
8. Evidence of Shielding. Splashes of metal on some of
the Ashburton balls have proved, on analysis, to be of an aluminium
based alloy which is presumed to have come from an enclosing or
supporting structure. It is likely that this would have been part
of a rocket body which burnt up on re-entry. This structure could
have provided some shielding for the balls and would account for
the varying degree of heat damage between one ball and another.
RESTRICTED[ILLEGIBLE HEADER]
4.
9. Radioactivity. All the objects were tested for
radioactivity at the National Radiation Laboratory, Christchurch
before being despatched to the DSIR, Wellington, for detailed
examination. The tests were negative.
10. Australian Precedent. An article in J. Spacecraft
Vol.2 No.5 September 1965 entitled "Re-entry of Space Vehicle
Fragments" by P.M. Twiss of the Weapons Research Establishment,
Salisbury, South Australia, examines the likely re-entry history
of one of two similar titanium balls found in Australia in April
and June 1963. They had diameters of 14.75 inches and 16.6 inches
and although much lighter at 11.5 lb and 21.6 lb respectively,
the method of calculating the skin temperature of 2000°F reached,
appears valid for the Ashburton balls. A follow up article in
the July 1966 issue of the same Journal and written by Capt P.W.
Merrill of USAF HQ Space Systems Division, Los Angeles, confirmed
that the Australian balls were from a U.S. Agena spacecraft. The
largest sphere had contained helium at a pressure of 2500 psi to
pressurise the main propellant tanks and the smaller sphere had
contained nitrogen at 3600 psi, which was ejected through a nozzle
to provide vehicle stabilisation in orbit. This article concluded
that "The heat of re-entry does not necessarily destroy all space
objects, particularly smooth objects, that re-enter from a near
earth orbit. Additional considerations that may affect survival
are the melting point of the material and the amount of shielding
structure which may protect an object during the high heating
periods of re-entry". These conclusions apply equally to the
Ashburton balls.
11. Conclusions. The coincidence of the track of the COSMOS
482 launcher in time and azimuth, with the sightings and final
position of the balls, points strongly towards a Soviet origin.
Taken in conjunction with the apparent remains of Russian letters
and the probable metric thread form on the fitting attached to
No.2 ball, the evidence is convincing. The only contrary evidence,
the letter N on No.3 ball, is not conclusive. It is therefore
considered that the debris is of Soviet origin, probably associated
with COSMOS 482.
* * * * *
RESTRICTED[MAP] 172°E CHRISTCHURCH Ashburton Timaru Hakataramea Valley Lake Aviemore Oamaru DUNEDIN Clyde Arrowtown Lake Hayes Macetown Manabouri 167°E 168° 169° 170° 44°S 45° 46°S X LANDING SITE ⊙ SIGHTINGS M 315
A7090 X824.
POLICY OPS. C/SDENVE POLICIES
FROM OPS.
[ILLEGIBLE] The Manning at Makaoni
50 miles from [ILLEGIBLE] former knowing
in their [ILLEGIBLE] later has a sharp effect
your center [ILLEGIBLE] about [ILLEGIBLE] TSPC out
[ILLEGIBLE] eight of the [ILLEGIBLE] out
a large [ILLEGIBLE] meeting at [ILLEGIBLE] during [ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE]
but [ILLEGIBLE] best [ILLEGIBLE] signs of [ILLEGIBLE] clear
[ILLEGIBLE] areas a [ILLEGIBLE] certainly
included [ILLEGIBLE] not necessarily [ILLEGIBLE]
to [ILLEGIBLE] best [ILLEGIBLE] important [ILLEGIBLE] want
[ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] agent [ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] Army [ILLEGIBLE]
by [ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] authority [ILLEGIBLE]
to [ILLEGIBLE] Air Kippar [ILLEGIBLE] any [ILLEGIBLE]
to prevent [ILLEGIBLE] DOTS [ILLEGIBLE] Army [ILLEGIBLE] recently [ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] information [ILLEGIBLE] Auckland [ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE]
U.S. N.Z.
1 .85
2 1.70
3 2.55
4 3.40
5 4.25
6 5.10
7 5.95
8 6.80
9 7.65
10 8.50
11 9.35
12 10.20
13 11.05
14 11.90
15 12.75
16 13.60
17 14.45
18 15.30
19 16.75
20 17.00OFFICE OF THE AIR ATTACHE AMERICAN EMBASSY WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND Group Captain A. F. Tucker RNZAF Headquarters Director of Operations Bunny Street Wellington [Signature]
Best For all-
CAMERAS
ILFORD
ILFORD FP3 FILM
ILFORD
ILFORD SELOCHROME
ILFORD
ILFORD HP3 FILM
NAME.................... ORDER No.............
use
ILFORD
ILFORD SELOCHROME film
G. M. Studios Ltd.
Photographers & Dealers
Queen St ONEHUNGA. Ph. 565-261
Films Developed...............Size......
Prints.......................".........
Enlargements.................".........
Enlarging
reveals the beauty hidden in a small negative. It turns a print into a picture. We specialise in artistic enlargements and give individual attention to each picture. Care is taken to select from a wide range of papers the most suitable.STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO Group Capt Fred Tucker DATE: 26 aug '65
FROM: Col J Bennett [ILLEGIBLE]
SUBJECT: UFOs
Fred- By our discussion last evening,
attached are pictures taken & inscribed by
Capt Cathie, NAC. I am forwarding a
similar set to Wright-Pat.
He would appreciate it if you could get his negatives.
[Handwritten annotation below:]
D of I.
Please hold
pending discussions
which Capt Cathie of NZNAC claims.
I cannot comment on attached.
[Signature]
DOTS 3/c
3/15.[PHOTOGRAPH: Three black-and-white photographs of spherical titanium alloy pressure vessels (balls), showing grid/mesh surface texture from different angles. No legible text visible on objects.]
[PHOTOGRAPH: Three black-and-white photographs of spherical titanium alloy pressure vessels (balls), showing grid/mesh surface texture from different angles. No legible text visible on objects.]
RESTRICTED
DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[Received stamp: 23 MAR 197[0] AIR]
RESTRICTED 20 MARCH 70
FROM CANBERRA.
TO PP WELLINGTON 462.
UNIDENTIFIED BALLOON : FLYING OBJECT.
FURTHER OUR 444. DEPARTMENT OF SUPPLY HAVE NOW PROVIDED EXTERNAL
WITH FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON NATURE OF PACKAGE :
"THE SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT IN THE PAYLOAD COSISTS OF AN
ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPE TO PHOTOGRAH HIGH ENERGY X-RAY SOURCES IN THE
GALAXY. THIS WORK IS ALLIED TO A NUMBER OF OTHER SCIENTIFIC PROJECTS
INVOLVING THE INVESTIGATION OF THE GALACTIC SOURCES OF X-RAYS,
GAMMA RAYS, ETC. AND IS OF CONSIDERABLE INTEREST TO AUSTRALIAN
UNIVERSITY SCIENTISTS FOR WHOM THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO LAUNCHING
BALLOONS WITH SCIENTIFIC PAYLOADS."
2. OTHER BACKGROUND INFORMATION IN TODAY'S BAG.
X12087
SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SECRETARY OF DEFENCE
[Signatures]
RESTRICTED
50,000/1/69-57858 W244/10/1
[Stamp: C5]
[Received stamp: 20 MAR 1970 AIR]
CONFIDENTIAL 18 MARCH 70
FROM CANBERRA.
TO PP WELLINGTON 444
UNIDENTIFIED BALLOON : FLYING OBJECT.
OUR 436 AND MULLINS' TELEPHONE CALL YESTERDAY.
EXTERNAL CONFIRM ACCURACY OF THE FACTS SET OUT IN PARA A
OF YOUR 465. FROM THE AUSTRALIAN POINT OF VIEW THERE IS NO OBJECT-
ION TO THE RELEASE OF THE PACKAGE TO UNITED STATES EMBASSY
WELLINGTON.(EXTERNAL UNDERSTAND THAT VAN OSS IS EXPECTING IT).
DEPARTMENT OF SUPPLY HAVE ALSO TOLD EXTERNAL THAT CERTAIN PHOTO-
GRAPHIC PLATES IN THE PACKAGE, IF NOT RPT NOT DAMAGED, SHOULD BE
"TREATED" IN THE UNITED STATES WITHOUT DELAY. WASHINGTON WAS
CALLING CANBERRA THIS MORNING.; WE GATHER THERE IS CONSIDERABLE
URGENCY TO GET THE PACKAGE BACK TO THE UNITED STATES.
X 11725
SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SECRETARY OF DEFENCE
18/0400Z MAR2 44/10/1
[Stamp: CAS]
[Handwritten: 7.6]
RESTRICTED
DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[Received stamp: 16 MAR 1970 AIR]
RESTRICTED
FROM WELLINGTON
TO CABERRA 465
UNIDENTIFIED BALLOON-FLYING OBJECT
An unidentified object was found at a beach near
Kaitaia on 4 January last. After investigation the
United States Defence Attache has informed our Ministry
of Defence that the following advice has been received
from the United States Department of Defence:
"a. Device positively identified as US civilian
origin. It is part of an unclassified joint US/Australian
scientific experiment with no intelligence value. Launched
on 16 April 1969 from balloon launch facility, Mildura,
Victoria, Australia. Device is an instrumentation
package designed to measure x-ray emissions from celestial
bodies. These measurements were being made as a
cooperative effort of US and Australian Nationals. Mr
John Hillier, Manager, Balloon Launch Facility, Mildura
and Mr R. Leslie, American Projects Branch, Department of
Supply, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia are Australian
Nationals knowledgeable with the Project. Professor
Walter Lewin, Building 37, Room 601, MIT, Cambridge,
Mass., Zip 02139, Area Code 617, phone 864-6900, ext
4282 is knowledgeable American. Device not equipped with
telemetry. Data recorded on film by on-board camera
hence recovery of instrument package necessary for project
success.
b. Normally device brought down by Balloon Launch
Facility at Mildura. Subject device inadvertently lost
at sea. It is a singularly important package in that in
conjunction with this particular flight, an observatory
in Australia recorded data which adds appreciably to the
conclusion which can be developed from the recorded data.
The film in the camera is of great personal interest to
Dr Lewin of MIT."
2. Grateful if you would have Australian External
confirm facts in a. above.
EXTERNAL
X 11073
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Secretary of Defence
SENT 0730z 13 March 1970
RESTRICTED
60,000/8/68-52394 WRNZAF-527 From: Group Captain R.F. Watson, OBE, AFC.
In your reply please quote this number:
OH : 3/1/1/AIR
ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE
Station: OHAKEA
Date: 8 November 1962
Dear Doug,
Attached is a copy of a letter received from
Dannevirke.
I have acknowledged receipt of this letter
and have told [REDACTED] it has been sent to the
Staff at Air Department, "who are constantly
watching the matters to which you referred," to
quote my letter.
Yours age,
Bob
Group Captain D.F. St. George, DFC, AFC,
Air Department,
WELLINGTON.
[Handwritten annotations:]
[Signature]
[Signature]
File-
Flying
Saucers [Signature]COPY
You will no doubt recall a report of mine on a strange space-craft
flying over this town, which report you kindly forwarded on to the
Air Ministry, Wellington, who later informed me they, too, had not a clue;
though I subsequently discovered the nature of the amazing visitor, which
came from near Pleione in the Pleiades, and was circling this planet
on a exploratory trip. Now I am aware that a recent Air Force meeting
addressed by an old friend, Staff Sgt Fulton, of Whenuapai, stated as its
opinion that some UFO's or FS's came from other planets and were
piloted by intelligently equipped beings. This meeting being at New
Plymouth, and this emboldens me to make this sworn statement to you and
the RNZAF and Air Authority as taxing on anyone's credulity as it may
appear, though so would officers Gagasim Glenn and Coy a few years ago,
and the information I give is not for the general public, but for the
RNZAF & RAAF, as those most virtually concerned, and this will absolve
me from any accusation of notoriety and fame seeking and so on.
2. A la Adamski, other American leg pullers either wilfully so, or very
misled. For I have not forgotten the laughter of the Auckland Civilian
Investigation Committee at some perfectly true statements of mine, the
results of some thirty years and more of intensive study and observation
of the FS problem, and certain incapable conclusions of mine and some of
these telescopic, as from 4" to a 12" reflector in use. On this occasion
only S-Sgt H. Fulton and Flt Lt G. Purden and Pilot Officer Tennant ex
RAF, keeping open minds and the invariable courtesy I have received from
the Air Force on all occasions of approach, even though it might well
have been privately thought, "Well, the old bloke may be mad, or somewhat
balmy, but still in these times, one never knows". I wish to state,
firstly, that I use telepathy largely, with other methods of fine
communication to any distance, having perfected this since instances I
saw in 1914-18 between our lads at the front and LOVED ONES
in NZ and "Blighty" instances so clear-cut and definite as to be impossible
of contradiction. and I further state that at Ashley Clinton HB, when
a farmer, and in the presence of [REDACTED] and our three youngsters,
roughly 29 years ago and on near approach of a small FS, I contacted its
pilot thereafter and began the long story of my fuller experience of FS
and their origins and folks and especially of our own Solar Alliance
patrols, headed by the Squadrons of Venus, with those of Mars and Saturn
and Plutos outer guard forces, as as the other planets and moons of our
system do not have space forces except of a different, in fact several
different sorts or types than these sometimes visible ones termed
"flying saucers" "Cylinders" and sonon. and I wish emphatically to state
also that no ship or pilot or crew is solid and dense matter as we are,
though they can DENSIFY at will (as Air Ace Chrichesler also knew, and
saw in his solo flight over the Tasman.) by quickening or slowing the
vibratory life of the matter of themselves and ships but whose normally
balanced state is one of electro - magnetic radiant matter energy with
a powerful, surrounding, magnetic field, very dangerous to approach, as
I told Air Vice Marshal L.D. Dowding in a letter, when he demanded that
I, to prove my genuineness, should cause a space ship of our alliance
to land on a lonely moor of HIS specification. So that he and his
friends could converse with our officers. An impossibility. At
first, I had no authority to do so, and secondly I had no desire to
end the good Vice Marshal's earthly career, nor his friends' lives! But
I gave him a "sign" of my verasity by telling him his huge MOTH WINGED
craft, flew over my house, on its southern visit, was not airworthy,
and as its subsequent crash was conrurrent with the arrival of my letter
or near it, I have often wondered what L.D. Dowding thought, as he never
replied to that letter; and now I would like to tell you of the recent
descent over New Plymouth, of one of our"flagships"that of Space and
Zone Commander Zimar - Aultra (Zimaran) of HH VENUSIAN forces and
S-alliance, the great "Saucer" coming down almost vertically, slowly, and
oscillating slightly, while I kept contact telepathically and through
the ANTENNAE of my finger tips with my first space contact and oldest
interplanetary friend - in Command; who then fired his full broadside
of "Star chasers" and rays, very like vivid lightening of the sheet
variety, back and forth vibratory in dazzling light, each burst coinciding
with my signals as he HUNG stationary over the city and answered;- 2 -
"nally casting a ray so as to form circles on distant clouds! I then
instructed the two friends with me, a lady and gentleman, how to obtain
contact and repeat my signals, and the Commander puts on the show again
for them, to their great pleasure! (They are of my highest students and
Senior members of our Scientific and Cosmic - religious association.
The order of the "Rose of Paradise" founded just after 1914-18! If you
wish, I will ask permission to give their names, but I don't wish to
expose them to the ridicule. I have had to face, as he holds an important
public position, and she is a leader in several movements, so it would
be in confidence with the Air Force in any case and should they agree.
and should they agree. Next night , which was cloudy, and we had a
meeting, I was asked to show them again, and obtained contact with a
½ squadron by Antenna, four or five learning how and feeling the electra
spiritual magnetic fluidity tingling in their finger tips. (I would be
prepared to demonstrate this and telepathy to you and your officers, as
I did telepathy to senior forms at a school here by request and most
successfully as the youngsters were excellent and sensitive.) Now, to
come to date, the heavy boom eastwards of Dannevirke at 7.55 on
Thursday night (At the very moment the British Scientist brought down the
Russian"Orbiter I", which had heat scorched their surface installations
with solar mirrors, in radio play "1,2,3,4, Zero" from Palmerston North-
As dozens can verify-including white-bus employees and ourselves!) was
not caused by a meteor or "thunder bolt" fireball as some surmise; for
eye witnessess and neighbours state they saw no moving body in the sky,
but first a discharge of vivid sheet lightening (out of a clear sky with
a few clouds blowing slowly West to East, and no electrical conditions
apparent:)- followed by the "sudden appearance" of a stationary "ball of
red gold fire" and its "disappearance at once!" With the boom and blast
rattling windows and houses strongly, and followed in a few minutes by a
much more distant boom, and 20 minutes later the sighting and reporting
to Observatory, , of a
large bright UFO at high speed over Hutt Valley. which all adds up to the
incredible as it may appear, but confirmed from Hdqrs Venus and Solar
Alliance, that the "fire ball" and "boom" were a timed burst of an invisible
ray from our ship, and timed exactly by sensitive antensice and telepathy
aboard her to the bring down of "Orbiter I" in the play over the air, to
which Zimaran and his merry men and Maids were also listening in, as they
do even on Venus and Mars and Saturns good air moon and elsewhere,
incredibly sensitive powers and antennae. and as I also receive here in
Dannevirke from their powerful minds a helio senders
a sample; of which I've had thousands! Now "All earth men are more or
less mad" is a common saying outside earth; but I don't think I am, so as
you'd notice and for over thirty years of FS experience eh? And if my word
of Honour and oath on the book, before God and the holy bride, and an
earthly Magistrate, are any help, Sir, here with you have them, bearing
in mind the Martian Slogan also "It is better to die than to lie" which
is right. And so I remain yours faithfully, in in these faithless
dangerous time.B8F-325
NZWN/SY AVOID VERBAL ORDERS
TO D A NO LANE [ILLEGIBLE]
SUBJECT [ILLEGIBLE] DATE 15/1/65
[Stamp: AERODROME SUPERINTENDENT
18 JAN 1965
DATE
WELLINGTON AIRPORT
CIVIL AVIATION]
15/0900 Z POSITION 166 25E 38 25 S
WHILST SIGHTING CANOPUS HEIGHT 59° BRG 130°T
Light passed just over Canopus on head of approx
300°T.- Presumed to be a [ILLEGIBLE] Satellite altho
it was moving much faster than any other sighted Satellites
HEIGHT 24,000'An Air Force spokesman said today that as
a result of its investigations it is satisfied
that the origin of the objects sighted by an
Electra crew on Wednesday lay in ice crystals
in high cirrus clouds at sunset.
It is common that following any substantiated
report of sighting unidentified objects in the
sky a spate of other reports follows. The
satellite Echo [ILLEGIBLE] has also been sighted in
various centres on recent evenings.
The Air Force regards the incident as closed.
Released by DPR (on CAS
authority-) 15/1/65./
Duty officers briefed [Signature]C.A.-206 Please Quote
WAP 78/2/33
[Stamps: RECEIVED 19 JAN 1965 Air Dept No. 1]
CIVIL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
AIR DEPARTMENT
Wellington Airport,
36 Tirangi Road.,
Wellington E8
18th January 1965
The Secretary,
Dept. of Civil Aviation,
Wellington
Attention: Director of Operations and Technical Services
Satellite Sighting Report
Attached is a Satellite Sighting report
received at this office. I understand that you
are dealing with these personally.
[Signature]
(C.S.Greager)
Aerodrome Superintendent
Encl: /
[Handwritten annotations:]
[Signature] Referred
[Signature] DoTS
[Signature]
19/1/6578.2.34
Air Traffic Control Centre,
Departmental Buildings,
Stout Street,
WELLINGTON,
14th January 1965.
Secretary for Civil Aviation.
Dept. of Civil Aviation,
Private Bag.
WELLINGTON.
ATTENTION DOTS and CATS.
Unidentified Aircraft.
As requested herewith Air Traffic Controllers report
detailing the action taken by this Unit on the unidentified
aircraft seen by Qantas flight Christchurch to Sydney on
13th January 1965.
L.Mexted
L.Mexted.
Station Air Traffic Control Officer.
ENCL. [Signature] Tucker.
Herewith report as requested
15/1/65.
[Signature]
DOTSMINUTE TO The SATCO WELLINGTON ACC.
DATE 14th January 1965.
UNIDENTIFIED AIRCRAFT APPROACHING WELLINGTON.
TIME
132040 Radar released to technician.
132105 Air Traffic Control Officer at Auckland Centre advised
that Qantas outbound from Christchurch to Sydney had
sighted seven high flying aircraft inbound to Wellington
at approximately 45000'. Position 41south- 168east at
2050.
132107 Asked technician to switch radar back on. Discussed
matter with Ohakea Air Traffic Control Officer.
132110 Endeavoured to contact Duty Air Staff Operations Officer.
132115 Wing Commander Tucker advised by phone. At the same
time technician warned that a delay of thirty minutes
required due defect at Radar Head. Wing Commander
Tucker requested Radar be made available regardless of
delay. Technician instructed accordingly.
132130 Radar on and available. Radar search commenced.
Mr Bowman arrived on duty.Wing Commander Tucker phoned
intention of using Air Traffic Control Centre as
co-ordination centre. Air Comm[ILLEGIBLE] Gill also on his
way to Air Traffic Control Centre.
132145 Wing Commander Tucker arrived at the Centre and took
command. Auckland Centre asked for more details. Pilot,
Captain Shannon, reported Condensation trails but could
add nothing further except E.T.A. and aircraft call sign.
132150 Various radar echos plotted in South.East quadrant -
suspected angels. Liason maintained throughout with
Ohakea S.R.E. and echos compared when relevent.
132200 Broadcasting news phoned requesting details of seven
unidentified a[ILLEGIBLE]craft seen approaching Wellington.PAGE TWO.
Air Comm[ILLEGIBLE] Gill instructed me to confirm the report
but to add that the matter had been investigated and what
was infact seen was a pecular cloud formation caused
by a Jet Stream over the Tasman Sea area.
Mr Bowman and myself continued Radar search throughout
the period using long and short ranges and double
checking all echos. An outbound DC3 bound Christchurch
asked to visually check echo in his vicinity. Nothing
sighted though, by comparison of blips this apparent
angel was moving at 100kts. We were plagued with strong
Angel paints. No aircraft echos seen.
132305 Air Comm[ILLEGIBLE] Gill released radar watch.
Copy of radar log attached.
[ILLEGIBLE signature]
P.L. McDermott.
Air Traffic Control Officer.CA 67
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AVIATION
AREA RADAR LOG
[ILLEGIBLE header row]
Station Wellington ACC.
Date 13.1.65
Aircraft | MON | DIR | Time | Director's | Remarks
Identity | | | | Initials |
| | | | |
| | | 2147 | | Radar echo
| | | | | 155°M 70NM. On heading
| | | | | of 180°M est speed 120kts
| | | | |
| | | 2152 | | Seven slow moving echos
| | | | | bearing 150°M 20-40 NM.
| | | | | all leaving trails but
| | | | | suspect 'Angels'.
| | | | |
| | | 2158 | | Heading 150°M turning on
| | | | | to 180°M at 40 NM.
| | | | |
| | | 2210 | | Response sighted at 132°M
| | | | | 50NM Heading 135°
| | | | |
| | | 2215 | | Response sighted at 180°M
| | | | | 55NM Heading 180°M est
| | | | | speed 150kts.
| | | | |
| | | 2220 | | Nat 371 asked if he could
| | | | | sight echo in his vicinity.
| | | | | No sighting.
| | | | |
| | | 2230 | | Echo speed approximately
| | | | | 100kts on comparison with
| | | | | DC3 speed.
| | | | | Echos in SE quadrant
| | | | | continued to appear and
| | | | | disappear.
| | | | |
| | | 2305 | | Radar Released.F. Sigs. 52
N.Z. ARMED SERVICES
COMBINED
MESSAGE FORM
Office Serial No. [ILLEGIBLE]
Registry File No. [ILLEGIBLE]
FOR COMM CEN/SIGNALS USE
CONFIDENTIAL
PRECEDENCE-ACTION | PRECEDENCE-INFO | DATE-TIME GROUP | MESSAGE INSTRUCTIONS
ROUTINE | DEFERRED | |
FROM RNZAFHQ WN PREFIX GR
TO DEPAIR SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
CONFIDENTIAL
INFO HQOPCOM ORIGINATORS NUMBER
JOZCAN A0302 JAN 1565
ATTENTION DAFI PD HQOPCOM 1344152 REFERS PD PAR ONE PD IN VIEW REF TO RADAR
RESPONSES IN HQOPCOM SIGNAL PARA 5 SEARCH OF AREA BY MARITIME AIRCRAFT ON
JAN 14 REVEALED NOTHING EXCEPT AN UNUSUALLY LARGE NUMBER OF HIGH DENSITY
CLOUD RADAR CONTACTS PD UP TO 10 AT ONE TIME WERE OBTAINED AT RANGES UP TO
70 NMS PD PARA TWO PD OF I RNZAF INTERVIEWED CAPT SHANNON AT WELLINGTON
EVENING JAN 14 PD SHANNON ENLARGED ON REPORT BUT NOTHING SIGNIFICANT ADDED PT
PARA THREE PD UNLESS YOU HAVE FURTHER INFORMATION WE PROPOSE TO LET MATTER DROP
PD PRESS REPORT HAS RESULTED IN FLOOD OF UFO SIGHTINGS
[ILLEGIBLE handwritten annotations]
[ILLEGIBLE handwritten: by]
[ILLEGIBLE signature]
[ILLEGIBLE] 15/
Page 1 of 1 pages
REFERS TO MESSAGE DRAFTER'S NAME OFFICE TEL. No.
CLASSIFIED
[ ] YES [ ] NO HANSON D OF I [ILLEGIBLE]
FOR | R | DATE | TIME | SYSTEM | OPERATOR | D | DATE | TIME | SYSTEM | OPERATOR | RELEASING OFFICER'S SIGNATURE AND RANK
OPRS | | | | | | | | | | |
USE |
CONFIDENTIALCATEGORY AC CONFIDENTIAL
NO UNCLASSIFIED [ILLEGIBLE] OR REFERENCE SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Registry File No. / /
RBC 1820
RNZAF MESSAGE Station Serial No. 3.09/1
RECEIVED BY
SECURE MEANS PRIORITY
PRECEDENCE
[stamp: 14 JAN 1965]
From: HOBSONVILLE DTG: 1416002
Distribution
To: RNZAFHQ WN Action Information
Info:
D OPS
ACTION COPY
A PURPLE 1 JANUARY 14
B BROWN 1 JANUARY 13
C AIRBORNE 132340Z ON TASK 140100Z OFF TASK 141315Z
WATERBORNE 141440Z X AREA SEARCHED 120 NM EITHER
SIDE OF LINE JOINING HOBSONVILLE AND 36 SOUTH 167
EAST PLUS 100 NM EITHER SIDE OF LINE JOINING 34
SOUTH 166 EAST 43 SOUTH 166 EAST
X UNUSUALLY LARGE NUMBERS OF HIGH DENSITY CLOUD CONTACTS
PD UP TO 10 AT ONE TIME WERE OBTAINED UP TO A
RANGE OF 70 NM
CONFIDENTIAL
CP(P) 2
[ILLEGIBLE signature]
DDOps [ILLEGIBLE]7P1[stamp: UNCLASSIFIED] 134
NNNNCZC CAA001 [stamp: OPERATIONAL
IMMEDIATE] 244/101
DD WN ACC132235M AK ACC
FOR RNZAF OPS. [stamp: R.N.Z.A.F. MAIN SIGNALS SEC.
13 JAN [ILLEGIBLE]
PHONE NUMBER TO CONTACT CAPT SHANNON 15 MINS AFTER ARRIVAL IS WELLINGTON]
MU042 SYDNEY AIRPORT.
OPs 2CONFIDENTIAL CATEGORY A
PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED
YCA216MCA090XYA898 LYB385WLA511MCA059UWWW826 HH
PP RBYQAE
DE RAYR 121 13/1424Z
P R 131415Z
FM HQOPCOM
TO RAYSD/DEPAIR
RBYQAE/RNZAFHQ
INFO RAYDKA/NZJSLS
BT
C O N F I D E N T I A L 1700 ATTENTION DAFI RNZAF DCAS AND
RNZAF STAFF LIAISON OFFICER PD FURTHER TO TELECON DDOPS RNZAF AND
S INTEL HQOPCOM CONCERNING SIGHTING OF UFOS BY QUANTAS CREW FLIGHT
363 CAPTAIN SHANNON ON 13 JAN PD FOLLOWING ARE PERTINENT POINTS
OBTAINED FROM INTERVIEW CLN -
PARA ONE PD AIRCRAFT POSITION 41S 167E COURSE 275 M HEIGHT
20000 FEET TIME 130845Z SHORTLY AFTER SUNSET PD otherwise
PARA TWO PD WEATHER CLN STRATA CLOUD TOPS 7000 FEET CMM CLEAR OTHERWIS
CMM VIS 30 DASHH40 CMM NIL JET STREAMS CMM FRONT APPROX
169EPD
PARA THREE PD OBJECTS CLN SINGLE VAPOUR TRAIL APPEARED TO NORTH
[stamp: ACTION COPY] [stamp: INFORMATION COPY]
[stamp: NO UNCLASSIFIED REPLY OR REFERENCE]
[stamp: RECEIVED BY SECURE MEANS]
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE TWO RAYR 121 13/1242Z C O N F I D E N T I A L
WEST TRAVELLING EAST AT APPROXIMATELY MACH ONE PLUS
BECOMING SEVEN DISTINCT CONTRAILS APPARENTLY MADE BY
H LARGE AIRCRAFT IN LOOSE FORMATION PD ALTITUDE ANGLE FROM
OBSERVERS APPROXIMATELY 30 DEGREES PD HEIGHT ESTIMATES
H35 DASH 45000 FEET PD TRAIL DISSIPATED FROM REAR PD
PARA FOUR PD OBSERVERS CLN ALL CREW MEMBERS OBSERVED TRAILS FROM VAR[O]
PARTS OF AIRCRAFT AND AGREE WITH LITTLE VARIATION TO
ABOVE PD SOURCE CONSIDERED RELIABLE PD
PARA FIVE PD OTHER INFORMATION PD SECOND PILOT ALSO RECALLS THAT AT
APPROXIMATELY LONGITUDE 166E THIS MORNING ON THE SYDNEY
DASH WELLINGTON FLIGHT HE NOTICED WHAT HE CONSIDERED AS
ELEVEN SHIPS IN GROUP ON HIS RADAR SCREEN PD
PARA SIX PD FOR DAFI CLN RNZAF ADVISE SURVEILLANCE RADARS AT WELLINGTO[N]
AND OHAKEA RECORDINR NOTHING AT HEIGHT WITHIN 15-200 MLS
EXCEPT 10 QUOTE ANGELS UNQUOTE SOUTH OF WELLINGTON SPEED
APPROX 100 KTS PD NZ PRESS ARE AWARE THAT A SIGHTING
HAS BEEN REPORTED AND RNZAF HAS SUGGESTED TO THEM THAT
WEATHER PHENOMENON IS POSSIBLE EXPLANATION CMM AT THIS STAGE
BT
CONFIDENTIAL
[handwritten annotations: DDOPS]244/10/1
CONFIDENTIAL
139
[stamp: R.N.Z.A.F. MAIN SIGNALS SEC. 13 JAN [ILLEGIBLE] WELLINGTON]
YCA216MCA090XYA898 LYB385WLA511MCA059UWWW826
PP RBYQAE
DE RAYR 121 13/1424Z
P R 131415Z
FM HQOPCOM
TO RAYSD/DEPAIR
RBYQAE/RNZAFHQ
INFO RAYDKA/NZJSLS
BT
[stamp: CATEGORY A
PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED]
[stamp: NO UNCLASSIFIED
REPLY OR REFERENCE]
[stamp: PRIORITY]
[stamp: RECEIVED BY
SECURE MEANS]
[stamp: INFORMATION COPY]
C O N F I D E N T I A L 1700 ATTENTION DAFI RNZAF DCAS AND
RNZAF STAFF LIAISON OFFICER PD FURTHER TO TELECON DDOPS RNZAF AND
S INTEL HQOPCOM CONCERNING SIGHTING OF UFOS BY QUANTAS CREW FLIGHT
363 CAPTAIN SHANNON ON 13 JAN PD FOLLOWING ARE PERTINENT POINTS
OBTAINED FROM INTERVIEW CLN -
PARA ONE PD AIRCRAFT POSITION 41S 167E COURSE 275 M HEIGHT
20000 FEET TIME 130845Z SHORTLY AFTER SUNSET PD
PARA TWO PD WEATHER CLN STRATA CLOUD TOPS 7000 FEET CMM CLEAR OTHERWIS
CMM VIS 30 DASHH40 CMM NIL JET STREAMS CMM FRONT APPROX
169EPD
PARA THREE PD OBJECTS CLN SINGLE VAPOUR TRAIL APPEARED TO NORTH
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE TWO RAYR 121 13/1242Z C O N F I D E N T I A L
WEST TRAVELLING EAST AT APPROXIMATELY MACH ONE PLUS
BECOMING SEVEN DISTINCT CONTRAILS APPARENTLY MADE BY
H LARGE AIRCRAFT IN LOOSE FORMATION PD ALTITUDE ANGLE FROM
OBSERVERS APPROXIMATELY 30 DEGREES PD HEIGHT ESTIMATES
H35 DASH 45000 FEET PD TRAIL DISSIPATED FROM REAR PD
PARA FOUR PD OBSERVERS CLN ALL CREW MEMBERS OBSERVED TRAILS FROM VAR[O]
PARTS OF AIRCRAFT AND AGREE WITH LITTLE VARIATION TO
ABOVE PD SOURCE CONSIDERED RELIABLE PD
PARA FIVE PD OTHER INFORMATION PD SECOND PILOT ALSO RECALLS THAT AT
APPROXIMATELY LONGITUDE 166E THIS MORNING ON THE SYDNEY
DASH WELLINGTON FLIGHT HE NOTICED WHAT HE CONSIDERED AS
ELEVEN SHIPS IN GROUP ON HIS RADAR SCREEN PD
PARA SIX PD FOR DAFI CLN RNZAF ADVISE SURVEILLANCE RADARS AT WELLINGTON
AND OHAKEA RECORDINR NOTHING AT HEIGHT WITHIN 15-200 MLS
EXCEPT 10 QUOTE ANGELS UNQUOTE SOUTH OF WELLINGTON SPEED
APPROX 100 KTS PD NZ PRESS ARE AWARE THAT A SIGHTING
HAS BEEN REPORTED AND RNZAF HAS SUGGESTED TO THEM THAT
WEATHER PHENOMENON IS POSSIBLE EXPLANATION CMM AT THIS STAGE
BT
FOR D DOPS CONFIDENTIALMINUTE SHEET / / A-13
/ John Drew -1
[ILLEGIBLE]
last night single object
2100 approx
Satellite thought to be-
West to East
Very bright.
Manville
Sailing clear then blenk.
[ILLEGIBLE circled signature][ILLEGIBLE] 3rd 1038
Dave Shannon
WN
1825 ETA.
[bracket]
John Hawthorne
NAC.
Supervisor
- change.
[end bracket]
Goes out 1030W/c [ILLEGIBLE]
All members crew conference.
Con traits
One - split.
Supersonic
Large a/c
loose form +
no cloud above
Had pulled apart. 100 miles.
130452. Time of sighting
2000 1013 276°m. Overcast
Sunlight.
35 - 45000
|| 11 surface ships in group - "submarine" Same as
away this morning
|| Shannon in w.z. tomorrow - Check Quantas.
Comment
— Sunlight.
Ice particles @ contrail bit-
Shooting effect: Sunlight
Direction aboveml.[handwritten signature: Mrs Dermott / Duty Controller]
05 [stamp: 1965 JAN 13 WELLINGTON]
ZCZC WUA17
M
ZCZC AWA105 CZC CAA001
DD WN ACC132235M AK ACC
FOR RNZAF OPS.
PHONE NUMBER TO CONTACT CAPT SHANNON 15 MINS AFTER ARRIVAL IS
MU042 SYDNEY AIRPORT.C.A. 78 AIR DEPARTMENT N.Z. CIVIL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION AERONAUTICAL MESSAGE FORM 10,000 pads/12/63-79834 M Date Stamp [handwritten - largely ILLEGIBLE] DCAS [ILLEGIBLE] ops [ILLEGIBLE]. FF [ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] 245 [ILLEGIBLE] / Check [ILLEGIBLE]
C.A. 78 AIR DEPARTMENT N.Z. CIVIL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION AERONAUTICAL MESSAGE FORM 10,000 pads/12/63-79834 M Date Stamp [handwritten] Quantas flight 373 Chr[istchurch] - Syd[ney]. ETA Syd[ney] 1532. Capt [ILLEGIBLE] SHANNON Sighted 0850Z. approx 300 M. Due west w[ith] 41 S. 168° E.
STOKES VALLEY
2150 MON
30000' 10 SECS
4-5000 MPH
10° DUE E-W
WEEK BEFORE
2 OBJECTS
JUST ABOVE HORIZON
E-W MILE APART
2 WEEKS AGO
FLYING CRANE ?
50 OFF HILLTOP
BACK OF WIGHTMANS VALLEY
15/1/65 H DD.I.DI A-19
[ILLEGIBLE] MINUTE SHEET / /
/
D[ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE]
int [ILLEGIBLE]
Sec
[ILLEGIBLE]
Newtown
Fishing at Makara Beach
and observed moving [ILLEGIBLE] objects
at 0200 and 0300 on 11/1/65.
The objects were travelling from
West to East and were visible
for some time and disappeared
in the East.
The objects were very bright
& appeared larger than the
largest star
[ILLEGIBLE signature]
12/1/65 H DDI.CONFIDENTIAL. 244/10/1
133
NNNNVMK YQA139VV YCA216MCA090XYA898 LYB385WLA511MCA059UWWW826 H
PP RBYQAE
DE RAYR 121 13/1424Z
P R 131415Z
FM HQOPCOM
TO RAYSD/DEPAIR
RBYQAE/RNZAFHQ
INFO RAYDKA/NZJSLS
BT
[stamp: NO UNCLASSIFIED
REPLY OR REFERENCE]
[stamp: ACTION COPY]
[stamp: PRIORITY]
[stamp: CATEGORY A
PARAPHRASE NOT [ILLEGIBLE]
RECEIVED BY
SECURE MEANS]
C O N F I D E N T I A L 1700 ATTENTION DAFI RNZAF DCAS AND
RNZAF STAFF LIAISON OFFICER PD FURTHER TO TELECON DDOPS RNZAF AND
S INTEL HQOPCOM CONCERNING SIGHTING OF UFOS BY QUANTAS CREW FLIGHT
363 CAPTAIN SHANNON ON 13 JAN PD FOLLOWING ARE PERTINENT POINTS
OBTAINED FROM INTERVIEW CLN -
PARA ONE PD AIRCRAFT POSITION 41S 167E COURSE 275 M HEIGHT
20000 FEET TIME 130845Z SHORTLY AFTER SUNSET PD
PARA TWO PD WEATHER CLN STRATA CLOUD TOPS 7000 FEET CMM CLEAR OTHERWIB[SE]
CMM VIS 30 DASHH40 CMM NIL JET STREAMS CMM FRONT APPROX
169EPD
PARA THREE PD OBJECTS CLN SINGLE VAPOUR TRAIL APPEARED TO NORTHCONFIDENTIAL
PAGE TWO RAYR 121 13/1242Z C O N F I D E N T I A L
WEST TRAVELLING EAST AT APPROXIMATELY MACH ONE PLUS
BECOMING SEVEN DISTINCT CONTRAILS APPARENTLY MADE BY
H LARGE AIRCRAFT IN LOOSE FORMATION PD ALTITUDE ANGLE FROM
OBSERVERS APPROXIMATELY 30 DEGREES PD HEIGHT ESTIMATES
H35 DASH 45000 FEET PD TRAIL DISSIPATED FROM REAR PD
PARA FOUR PD OBSERVERS CLN ALL CREW MEMBERS OBSERVED TRAILS FROM VAR[O]
PARTS OF AIRCRAFT AND AGREE WITH LITTLE VARIATION TO
ABOVE PD SOURCE CONSIDERED RELIABLE PD
PARA FIVE PD OTHER INFORMATION PD SECOND PILOT ALSO RECALLS THAT AT
APPROXIMATELY LONGITUDE 166E THIS MORNING ON THE SYDNEY
DASH WELLINGTON FLIGHT HE NOTICED WHAT HE CONSIDERED AS
ELEVEN SHIPS IN GROUP ON HIS RADAR SCREEN PD
PARA SIX PD FOR DAFI CLN RNZAF ADVISE SURVEILLANCE RADARS AT WELLINGTON
AND OHAKEA RECORDINR NOTHING AT HEIGHT WITHIN 15-200 MLS
EXCEPT 10 QUOTE ANGELS UNQUOTE SOUTH OF WELLINGTON SPEED
APPROX 100 KTS PD NZ PRESS ARE AWARE THAT A SIGHTING
HAS BEEN REPORTED AND RNZAF HAS SUGGESTED TO THEM THAT
WEATHER PHENOMENON IS POSSIBLE EXPLANATION CMM AT THIS STAGE
BT CONFIDENTIAL
[ILLEGIBLE handwritten signatures/initials]2 444/10/1
MINUTE NO /1963
INFO. [ILLEGIBLE signature]
To : D Ops.
SIGHTING OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT
1. The following Log Entry from Wellington Control Centre (CAA) was telephoned
to the Directorate of Intelligence by the Flight Information Officer (Mr Blake,
telephone 71-349 Ext 10) at 122215Z. He was of the opinion that it had not been
previously reported to any other authority:
(a) Target Radar. (Surveillance Hawkins Hill) observed an UFO:
(i) Vicinity White Bluff
(ii) Travelling 030° magnetic
(iii) Speed 50 knots.
(b) S.A.F.E. Bristol reported Blue light 5 degrees to 10 degrees
elevation above him.
(c) NAC Viscount reported object below. But could not identify
anything.
(d) Time : 1756 12 June 1963.
(e) No other aircraft were known to be in the area.
(f) Checked with Met Office. No balloon in area.
(g) Object tracked to vicinity Cape Terawhiti and then disappeared.
[signature: T.S. George]
(T.S. GEORGE)
Flight Lieutenant
Sec 1
13 June 1963R.N.Z.A.F.-554
20/49/6
ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE
FROM RNZAF Station Ohakea
TO Air Department Wellington
DATE: 3 April 1963
REF. OH : 30/2/AIR
SIGHTING REPORT - CANBERRA NZ6111
1. The details of the following incident were passed
verbally to Operations 1 by Senior Operations Officer on 27
March 1963. The following report is submitted in order to
record the details.
2. On 26 March 1963 Fg Off J.S. Hosie was carrying out a
night navigation exercise in Canberra NZ6111. At 1901M Canberra
NZ6111 was approaching start Point (40S 176E) heading 060(T) at
an altitude of 18,000 feet when the pilot saw a regularly flashing
white light which appeared to be moving on an estimated heading of
090(T) at an approximate range of 2-3 miles. The light was to
the north of the Canberra's position and appeared to be at a
slightly higher altitude. The light appeared to be moving at
about the same speed as the Canberra and was observed for approx-
imately one minute against 8/8 cloud. The Canberra was at this
time in VMO. On reaching start point a right turn was made on
to a SW heading. After turning the pilot again searched for the
light but was unable to locate it.
3. At the time of sighting, Ohakea Air Traffic Control
confirmed that there was no other known traffic in the area.
Ohakea then checked with Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch
with negative results.
4. Wellington Radar had Canberra 6111 plotted at the time but
had no trace of any other aircraft in that area. It is understood
however that an aircraft to the north of Start Point would be in
the fringe of Wellington Radar's coverage so may not be picked up.
5. Subsequent to receiving the report the following points
were checked:
(a) The pilot confirms that the light was observed whil[e]
the aircraft was in straight climbing flight.
(b) The pilot is quite sure that it could not possibly
have been reflection of his own lights.
(c) There were no meteorological balloons in the area.
[handwritten: Daft for info elm]
FILE. 244/10/1 [signature: M.A.R. Gaspard]
9/4/1963 [ILLEGIBLE] Initials (M.A.R. GASPARD) Sqn Ldr
for Group Captain CommandingCONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
RNZAF—683
FILE
Registry No. JHH/10/11
6/19/1962
Initials
LMK
RECEIVED 23P9
SECURE MEANS
RNZAF MESSAGE
ROUTINE
PRECEDENCE
O UNCLASSIFIED REPLY
Date Stamp
24 SEP1962
CENTRAL CRYPTO RELAY
From: LAUTHALA BAY DTG: 2422002
Distribution
To: RNZAFHQ WELLINGTON Action Information
Info:
2,500 pads/4/60—21255 W D OF I
ACTION COPY
AG714 SEP 2462
YOUR AG704 AUGUST 1662 PD EQUIPMENT UPLIFTED
BY JTF8 ON 24 SEPTEMBER
p/0.of I This refers to the equipment located by the Tofua + subsequently
recovered by L.Bay.
[signed]
CONFIDENTIALN.Z. ARMED SERVICES CONFIDENTIAL 691/8
COMBINED Office Serial No. 691/8
Sigs. 52 (Large) MESSAGE FORM Registry File No. 933/10/1...
244/1/10
FOR COMM CEN/SIGNALS USE
TOL 2325
[stamp] 15 AUG 1962
PRECEDENCE—ACTION PRECEDENCE—INFO DATE—TIME GROUP MESSAGE INSTRUCTIONS
PRIORITY DEFERRED 15 2020 Z.
FROM RNZAF HQ. WN
O
LAUTHALA BAY
TRANSMITTED BY
SECURE MEANS
NFO
PREFIX GR
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
CONFIDENTIAL
ORIGINATORS NUMBER
AG 704 AUG 1662.
FILE COPY
Your AG 922 AUG 1562 PD. Recommend you OFFER
EQUIPMENT To JTF8 PD IF Not ACCEPTED BY THEM ENDEAVOUR
To ESTABLISH SERVICE OF ORIGIN PD ADVISE ACCORDINGLY
FILE.
16/8/1962. [initials]
Page ....of......pages REFERS TO MESSAGE DRAFTER'S NAME OFFICE TEL. No.
CLASSIFIED CARTER D DI /9
[ ] YES [X] NO
FOR R DATE TIME SYSTEM OPERATOR D DATE TIME SYSTEM OPERATOR RELEASING OFFICER'S SIGNATURE
OPRS RANK [signed]
USE
CONFIDENTIALSECRET
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
RNZAF—069
Registry File No. 244/1/10...
Station Serial 2/8
NMN 0750
RECEIVED BY
SECURE MEANS
RNZAF MESSAGE
PRIORITY
PRECEDENCE
NO UNCLASSIFIED REPLY
[stamp] 15 AUG1962
From: LAUTHALA BAY DTG: 1505152
Distribution
To: RNZAFHQ WELLINGTON Action Information
0/0 [THIS COPY
Info: FOR]
D OF I
2,500 pads/4/60—21255 W
ACTION COPY
AG922 AUG 1562
PARA 1 FURTHER TO OUR AG920 OBJECT NOW AT [LAUT] HALA BAY PD
INSPECTION REVEALS THAT OBJECT IS SPENT HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOON
(POLYTHENE) COMPLETE WITH THREE ELECTRONIC PACKAGES CMM EACH
SURROUNDED BY TWO INCH FOAM PLASTIC PD
PARA 2 THE PREVIOUSLY REPORT WHITE CONDE SHAPED HORN WHICH
PROTRUDES FROM ONE OF THE PACKAGES HAS THE FOLLOWING MARKINGS
CMM TRANSMITTER RADIO SODE T435A AMT4B SERIAL NUMBER 8478
BENDIX CORPORATION FRIEX INSTRUMENT DIVISON ORDER NUMBER 19303
PC 61 US PD THE OTHER TWO PACKAGES CARRY NO EXTERNAL MARKINGS
PD THE PACKAGES ARE TIED CLOSELY TOGETHER THIS FORMING ONE
LARGER PACKAGE PD
PARA 3 ALTHOUGH AS YET NOT DISCUSSED WITH THE JTF8 UNIT IT
WOULD APPEAR MOST LIKELY THAT THIS BALLOON IS ONE OF THEIRS
POSSIBLY RELEASED FROM AMERICAN SAMOA (EARLIER NOTAMS REFER)
INITIAL DESCRIPTION INDICATING THREE PACKAGES BUT NOT HOW
TOGETHER PROBABLY DECEIVED THEM CMM THIS ACCENTUATED BY
YELLOW COLOUR WHICH APPEARS TO BE RESULT OF SALT WATER
IMMERSION CMM NOT ORIGINAL COLOUR WHICH WOULD BE WHITE PD
PARA 4 ALL UNITS EXCEPT BALLOON APPEAR IN GOOD CONDITON
PARA 5 REQUEST DISPOSAL ACTION SOONEST AS IF INTENTION IS TO
PASS OVER TO JTF8 HERE THEY LEAVE THIS STATION FOR GOOD
PM TOMORROW
PARA 6 INTENTION IS NOT TO RELEASE ANY DETAILS [REDACTED] UNTIL
RECEIPT OF FURTHER DIRECTION
SECRETRNZAF—683
RM
2247
RECEIVED BY
SECURE MEANS
CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
RNZAF MESSAGE
PRIORITY
PRECEDENCE
[...] REPLY
Registry File No. 244/ 1 / 10
Station Serial No. 327/8
[stamp] 14 AUG1962
From: LAUTHALA BAY DTG: 142150Z
Distribution
To: RNZAFHQ WN Action Information
Info:
2,500 pads/4/60—21255 W D OF INT
AM 920 AUG 1462 ACTION COPY
FURTHER TO MY AG911 PD OBJECT TAKEN ON BOARD
YATULAU AT 0840M PD OWING TO INSECURE COMMUN-
ICATIONS WITH VESSEL CMM AT THIS STAGE CAN ONLY
ADVISE OBJECT APPEARS TO BE OF INTEREST PD
INTENTION IS TO MEET VESSEL IN YOTUA LAGOON
SOMETIME PM THIS DAY PD WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED
CONFIDENTIALRNZAF—683
RM 0001
RECEIVED BY
SECURE MEANS
CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
RNZAF MESSAGE
PRIORITY
PRECEDENCE
NO UNCLASSIFIED REPLY
Registry File No. 244/ 1 / 10
Station Serial No. 320/8
[stamp] 13 AUG[1962]
From: LAUTHALA BAY DTG: 132200Z
Distribution
To: RNZAFHQ WN Action Information
Info:
2,500 pads/4/60—21255 W D OF INT
AG 919 AUG 1362 ACTION COPY
FURTHER TO OUR AG916 PD HOPEFUL OF CONTACT WITH
OBJECT BY SURFACE VESSEL AT DAYLIGHT TOMORROW
AUG 1562 PD VESSEL (YATULAU) WITH RNZAF PARTY
ON BOARD PROCEEDING AT FULL SPEED (8 KNOTS) FROM
SUVA PD THE OBJECT IS BEING HELD UNDER AIR SUR-
VEILLANCE PD DRIFT OVER PAST 12 HOURS APPROX 2
MILES PD AIR PHOTOGRAPHS HAVE NOT PROVIDED ADD-
IONAL INFORMATION ON IDENTITY PD [REDACTED]
CONDITIONS IN THE AREA STILL GOOD BUT MAY DETER-
IORATE PD HOPEFUL OF RECOVERY PD WILL KEEP YOU
INFORMED
CONFIDENTIALN.Z. ARMED SERVICES 6TS/8
F. Sigs. 52 (Small) COMBINED Office Serial No. 244/1/01.
MESSAGE FORM Registry File No. 244/1/10
FOR COMM CEN/SIGNALS USE
[stamp] 13 AUG1962
PRECEDENCE—ACTION PRECEDENCE—INFO DATE—TIME GROUP MESSAGE INSTRUCTIONS
PRIORITY DEFERRED 130305Z
FROM RNZAF HQ WGTON.
TO LAUTHALA BAY
TRANSMITTED BY
SECURE MEANS
INFO
PREFIX GR
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
CONFIDENTIAL
ORIGINATORS NUMBER
AG. 703 AUG 1362.
Your AG916 AUG 1362 PD No knowledge here
of likely nature PD We hope you CAN ARRANGE
recovery AS THEY MAY BE OF PARTICULAR INTEREST
[REDACTED]
Page ....of......pages REFERS TO MESSAGE DRAFTER'S NAME OFFICE TEL. No.
CLASSIFIED D.LEVINE D.A.I. x 718
[X] YES [ ] NO
FOR R DATE TIME SYSTEM OPERATOR D DATE TIME SYSTEM OPERATOR RELEASING OFFICER'S SIGNATURE
OPRS RANK [signed]RNZAF—683
NMH 0222
RECEIVED BY
SECURE MEANS
CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
RNZAF MESSAGE
PRIORITY
PRECEDENCE
NO UNCLASSIFIED REPLY
Registry File No. 244/ 1 / 10
Station Serial No. 308/8
[stamp] 13 AUG1962
From: LAUTHALA BAY DTG: 130150Z
Distribution
To: RNZAFHQ WN Action Information
Info:
2,500 pads/4/60—21255 W D OF I
ACTION COPY
AG916 AUG 1362
FURTHER TO MY AG915 GRATEFUL IF NAVY HAS ANY
KNOWLEDGE OF FLOATING OBJECTS THIS NATURE IN
AREA PD LACHLAN BEING INFORMED ALSO
CONFIDENTIALRNZAF—683
TEM
0110
RECEIVED BY
SECURE MEANS
CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
RNZAF MESSAGE
PRIORITY
PRECEDENCE
NO UNCLASSIFIED REPLY
Registry File No. 244/ 1 /10
Station Serial No. 306/8
[stamp] 13 AUG1962
From: LAUTHALA BAY DTG: 122241Z
Distribution
To: RNZAFHQ WELLINGTON Action Information
Info:
2,500 pads/4/60—21255 W D OF I
AG915 AUG 1262 ACTION COPY
FURTHER TO AG913 AIRCRAFT HAS LOCATED
AND CONFIRMS DESCRIPTION IN MY EARLIER
SIGNAL OF OBJECTS REPORTED BY TOFUA PD
POSITION 1951S 17807W PD WOULD APPEAR
THIS STAGE OBJECTS MIGHT CR2 MIGHT BE
SPENT HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOON OF TYPE
UNKNOWN TO LOCAL METEOROLOGISTS OR
AMERICAN TASK FORCE 8 PD INTENTION
TO CONTINUE COVER OBJECTS AND ENDEAVOUR
ARRANGE RECOVERY BY SURFACE VESSEL FOR
EXAMINATION PD INDICATIONS ARE LOCAL
ISLAND VESSEL WILL BE IN VICINITY IN NEXT
THIRTY HOURS PD WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED
CONFIDENTIALRNZAF—683
LMK
1508
RECEIVED BY
SECURE MEANS
CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
RNZAF MESSAGE
[PRIORITY]
PRECEDENCE
NO UNCLASSIFIED REPLY
Registry File No. 244/ 1 /10
Station Serial No. 238/8
[stamp] 12 AUG1962
From: LAUTHALA BAY DTG: [?]1050Z
122250Z
To: RNZAFHQ WELLINGTON Distribution
Action Information
Info: 00
D OF I [THIS COPY
2,500 pads/4/60—21255 W FOR]
AG913 ACTION COPY
MESSAGE FROM TOFUA 3 FLOATING YELLOW BOXES 1 WITH
WHITE HORN SIGHTED IN POSITION 1948 SOUTH 17802
WEST PD 1 BOX 3 FEET SQUARE OTHER 2 BOXES 12 INCHES
BY 18 INCHES ALL SECURED TOGETHER AND APPEAR TO BE
ENVELOPED IN LARGE QUANTITY OF POLYTHENE PD TOFUA
DID NOT RETRIEVE BOXES BUT SOME PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN
FROM 30 YARDS DISTANCE PD BOXES VISIBLE FOR 3 MILES
FROM 50 FEET AND APPEARED TO BE MADE OF LIGHT
MATERIAL PD LAUTHALA BAY DISPATCHING AIRCRAFT AT
121615Z FOR AREA PD WILL ADVISE FURTHER
CONFIDENTIAL244/10/1
K4/1/61 [initials]
ALLEGED GREEN FLARE IN COLONIAL KNOB AREA on 14/12/61
14-12-61
1.11 am Radio call from car 463, Constable ED[M]ONDS. Reports
seeing a green flare or rocket in the region of Colonial
Knob. Also seen by another motorist in the area. Seen
from Johnsonville.
1.15 am Constable AITKEN, Wharf Police, contacted Beacon Hill-
no reports-no ships in the area.
1.18 am Constable LINES, Central Police, contacted Wellington
radio. Nothing reported to them.
1.25 am Mr EDE, Colonial Knob, contacted. He had been asleep and
had sighted nothing. Making a visual search of the area.
1.25am Car 463 and car 358 making a search of coastline. (463
Makara and 358 Titahi Bay)
1.35 am Beacon Hill report a plane in an area S.3W. of them.
1.37 am Civil Aviation contacted. They cannot sight alleged plane.
No reports from the Colonial Knob area. Last plane left
Wellington for Christchurch at 11.45 pm and landed at
Christchurch at 1.15 a m.
1.42 am Mr EDE, Colonial Knob, thinks that he can see a small green
light out to sea behind Mana Island.
2.1 am Constable AITKEN, Wharf Police, reports Beacon Hill
definitely sighting plane over the Orango-rongas flying
toward Wellington. (Beacon Hill 'phone 18.066)
2.3 am Civil Aviation still have no report of any aircraft in the
area. (Phone 71.349)
2.8 am Mr EDE, Colonial Knob, lost sight of alleged light. Thought
that it could possibly have been a ship well out to sea.
2.15 am Car 358, Constable FLY[N], can sight nothing in the Titahi
Bay-Pukerua Bay area.
2.30 am Car 463 reports no trace at Makara beach or vicinity.
Up to 7am no further information was received that would
assist in establishing if light seen was a flare or rocket
nor any information as to any person in distress....
Constable B.Edmonds has yet to submit a report on original
sighting of flare.
[signed]RNZAF—683
22582
OJT
RECEIVED BY
SECURE MEANS
CONFIDENTIAL
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
RNZAF MESSAGE
ROUTINE
PRECEDENCE
Registry File No. 1 / 1
Station Serial No. 280/9
[stamp] 12 SEP1961
From: NZJSM WASHINGTON DTG: 121316Z
Distribution
To: RNZAFHQ WELLINGTON Action Information
Info:
2,500 pads/4/60—21255 W D OF INT
NO UNCLASSIFIED REPLY ACTION COPY
A129 SEPTEMBER 12
HAVE HAD REQUEST FROM DOCTOR CLIFTON ELLYETT OF NZ
DEFENCE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE WHO ATTENDED RECENT
SYMPOSIUM ON METEORS CONDUCTED JOINTLY BY USAF AND
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE. HE PRESENTED PAPER 'ABSENCE
OF INFRA RED FROM METEOR TRAILS'. HE NOW REQUESTS
WE ENDEAVOUR OBTAIN PUBLICATION BY DOCTOR ARTHUR
KANTROWITY 'INFRA RED RE-ENTRY RADIATION' WHICH IS
RELEVANT TO WORK DONE IN NZ AND FORWARD IT TO
RNZAFHQS FOR HIS USE. PUBLICATION IS CLASSIFIED
SECRET REQUEST AUTHORITY TO PROCEED AND MAKE FORMAL
APPROACH FOR PUBLICATION ON YOUR BEHALF
CONFIDENTIALN.Z. ARMED SERVICES 666/9
F. Sigs. 52 (Small) COMBINED Office Serial No. 666/9
MESSAGE FORM Registry File No.
FOR COMM CEN/SIGNALS USE
[stamp] 13 SEP1961
PRECEDENCE—ACTION PRECEDENCE—INFO DATE—TIME GROUP MESSAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Deferred DEFERRED 130430Z
FROM RNZAFHQ WN
TO
NZJSM WASHINGTON
TRANSMITTED BY
SECU.... MEANS
INFO
PREFIX GR
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
CONFIDENTIAL
ORIGINATORS NUMBER
AI 594
Your AI 29 Sep 1261. Approach authorised and if obtained forward
publication this H.Q.
Page ...1...of...1....pages REFERS TO MESSAGE DRAFTER'S NAME OFFICE TEL. No.
CLASSIFIED Carter DDI 719
[X] YES [ ] NO
FOR R DATE TIME SYSTEM OPERATOR D DATE TIME SYSTEM OPERATOR RELEASING OFFICER'S SIGNATURE
OPRS RANK [signed]CONFIDENTIAL 17
From : RNZAF Station Woodbourne
To : Air Department Wellington (Attention D of I)
Date : 30 June 1961
Ref. : C 7/AIR
REPORT ON PHENOMENON OBSERVED IN WAIRAU VALLEY : OBSERVER
FLT LT B. HILDRETH
1. Forwarded herewith is a report of an observation made
by Flt Lt Hildreth on 6 June 1961. Following the incident,
Flt Lt Hildreth claims to have suffered severe pain in the
eyes, a fact which he reported to the Medical Officer. A
culture was taken and forwarded to the Wairau Hospital for
analysis.
2. The Commanding Officer has this day received the medical
report and has advised that Flt Lt Hildreth's eye condition
was related to an infection as opposed to any other cause.
3. Flight Lieutenant Hildreth's report is precise. It
is unsubstantiated by other reports but the time of day may
account for this.
4. The report is therefore forwarded for evaluation.
[signed]
(C.M. JENNINGS) Flt Lt
for Group Captain Commanding
Encl: [b] RNZAF Station Woodbourne
D.D.I.
I see little point in pursuing this one.
[signed]
CONFIDENTIALCOPY
CONFIDENTIAL
REPORT ON A PHENOMENON OBSERVED IN THE WAIRAU VALLEY 17a
REPORT BY: Flight Lieutenant B. HILDRETH
DATE OF OBSERVATION: 6 JUNE 1961
TIME: 0245M
PLACE: RENWICKTOWN
POSITION: 41° 30' 50"S 173° 50'E
ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS : TEMPERATURE LOW (below FP)
SKY : CLOUDLESS
WIND : NIL
MIST : NIL
NO MOON OR STREETLAMPS
STARRY SKY
DIRECTION OF OBSERVATION: DUE NORTH (GEOG) FIXED BY STARSIGHT FROM
SOUTHERN CROSS AFTER OBS.
ANGLE TO ZENITH: (FIRST OBS.) 45° APPROX
ANGLE TO ZENITH: (LAST OBS. ) 10° APPROX
DURATION : 3 MINUTES (APPROX)
ESTIMATED DISTANCE FROM OBSERVER: 2.5 to 3.0 MILES. (Estimated from
distance to northern hills)
APPEARANCE: A BRIGHT OPALESCENT GREEN DISC TENDING TOWARDS
TURQUOISE-BLUE THOUGH DOMINENTLY GREEN.
SIZE OF DISC: DIFFICULT TO ESTIMATE BUT DIAMETER CALCULATED AS SLIGHTLY
LESS THAN FULL MOON
LUMINOSITY: SIMILAR TO ARC-WELDING SEEN AT CLOSE QUARTERS.
ASSOCIATED PHENOMENA: DISC SURROUNDED BY GREENISH MIST WHICH MOVED
WITH IT. VAPOUR TRAIL: NIL SOUND : NIL
EMITTED LIGHT SUFFICIENT TO BRIEFLY ILLUMINATE A
STATIONARY OBJECT (MOTOR VEHICLE)
DIRECTION OF MOTION OF PHENOMENON: VERTICALLY DOWNWARDS. MOTION
WHEN FIRST OBSERVED NIL BUT MOVEMENT COMMENCED APPROX.
10 SECONDS LATER.
SPEED OF DESCENT: SLOW (Approximating speed of artificial satellite)
GENERAL: PHENOMENON DESCENDED SLOWLY TO APPROX. ANGLE OF 20° to
ZENITH WHEN MOTION STOPPED. HILLS BECAME APPARENT
BEHIND PHENOMENON DUE TO GLOW. MOTION DOWNWARDS
RECOMMENDED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AND PHENOMENON DISAPPEARED.
ESTIMATED POSITION OF DESCENT: WAIRAU RIVERBED.
(B. HILDRETH)
WOODBOURNE Flight Lieutenant
6 JUNE 1961
CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL R.N.Z.A.F.—36A
CONFIDENTIAL
ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE 16
FROM RNZAF Station Wigram FILE. 244/10/1
TO Air Department Wellington 13/3/1961 [initials]
DATE: 10 March 61
REF. WIG. C43/2/AIR
SIGHTING OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT
1. Reference is made to Air Department letter
244/10/1 dated 7 March 1961 requesting any further
possible information on the report forwarded from
Wigram on 20 February 1961.
2. The second Devon on the navigational trip in
question was flying the same route as the aircraft
which made the "sighting" and approximately 6 miles
behind. About the time Fg Off Ragg and crew made
their sighting the crew of the second Devon, Flying
Officer Dalziell and F/S Sig Karauria, saw an object
some miles in front of them which, as they were half
expecting to see the other Devon, they took to be
the aircraft. However, a few moments later they
could no longer see the aircraft and because of the
falling night and distance involved they thought
nothing further of it.
[signed]
(S.M. HOPE) Wg Cdr
for Group Captain, Commanding
RNZAF Station Wigram
[handwritten] Further investigation of this
incident not [warranted] - isolated
& uncorroborated [?].
D.D.I.
13/3/61
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL 15
Air Department, Wellington
RNZAF Station, Wigram
7 March 1961
244/10/1
SIGHTING OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT
1. Reference your letter C43/2/AIR dated 20 February 1961 and
the associated reports by Fg Off Ragg and Sgt Cowan.
2. It has not as yet been possible to make a complete evaluation
of this incident owing to the non-receipt of any other reports
of sighting/s at or about the same time.
3. In Sgt Cowan's report, he states that "on arrival back at
base the incident was mentioned by one of the other Devon crews,
who attached no significance to the sighting".
4. Should the member/s of the other Devon referred to be able
to throw any further light on the incident, it is requested that
any information or opinion they provide be forwarded to this
Headquarters.
[signed]
(R.R. CARTER)
for Wing Commander
Director of Intelligence
CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL C/43/2/AIR
RNZAF Station
Wigram
14 February 1961
U.F.O. SIGHTING
Sir,
I have the honour to report that on the night of
31 Jan 61, I was engaged on a navigation exercise entailing a
flight at 7000' from Wigram to the Oamaru area, North to Conway
river mouth, and back to base. The forecast for the route was
clear skies and light winds, and this was the weather
encountered throughout the exercise. A noticeable feature
initially was the impressive sunset, and rather unusual
light, up until approx. 2100 hours. As we approached our
first turning point at Orari, my signaller Sgt Cowan, drew
my attention to traffic ahead, approaching very swiftly and at
approx our altitude. I was prepared to take avoiding action
when I realised that the object had slowed, and as we watched,
it appeared to hover about 5 - 600 yards away, remaining there
fully thirty seconds before moving off extremely quickly to
the South-west. Nearing Waimate, 25 minutes later, a further
sighting was made of the object, this time a considerable distance
to the west, but still in the area where it initially disappeared.
The flight continued normally and without further incident
back to Wigram.
2. The first sighting of the U.F.O. was at 2054M, and at
this time the ground below was blanketed in near darkness,
while above, a broad, bright orange band behind the hills, the
sky was quite light. The object approaching was a dark
silouette and was at first, obviously moving towards us very
quickly indeed. The rate of growing then became difficult
to discern before we realised it had stopped right in front
of us. There were no lights to be seen on the object, and
although the shape of it was obvious, its edges were not
sharply defined. It was basically cigar shaped with a
convex protrusion sited centrally on top. At one stage there
appeared to be a two legged 'undercarriage' attached in the
down position. A short period of time elapsed, during which
we did not appear to gain on the object, and then it moved
a short distance to the west before accelerating at a phenomenal
rate to the S.W., maintainaing straight and level until well
over the hills and almost out of sight, when it again moved
west, this time apparently losing altitude. During the second
sighting, the object 'flew' three different headings before
disappearing again and was probably at a lower altitude. At no
stage did it appear to bank, and changes in direction were
effected instantly.
3. The length of time allowed for our observations was
sufficient to enable us to discuss the possible nature of the
subject. My first thought as I prepared to take evasive action
was of a DC3 although this was quickly discounted. Sgt Cowan
and myself discussed the possibility of meteorological phenomena,
The Commanding Officer
RNZAF Station
WIGRAM
/ Canberra ... ...
CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL R.N.Z.A.F.—36A
CONFIDENTIAL
ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE 14
FROM RNZAF Station Wigram
TO Air Department Wellington
DATE: 20 February 1961
REF. WIG : C43/2/Air
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
1. Attached are two reports covering the sighting of
an unidentified flying object in the Timaru area, during
the late evening of 31 January 1961. The sightings were
made by Flying Officer Ragg and his Air Signaller Sergeant
Cowan, from a Devon aircraft, whilst on a night cross
country navigation training flight.
2. There is no reason to doubt the veracity of the
reports - both Ragg and Cowan are responsible aircrew
members. Indeed perhaps the most unusual aspect of the
case was their reticence in making known the 'sighting'
on return to base for fear of possible ridicule; it was
not until some days later that the matter came to
official notice.
3. Ragg has been questioned closely, but apart from
being quite definite as to the evidence of his senses
he seems to be just as mystified as are his superiors.
[signed]
(S.G. GUILL.)
Group Captain Commanding,
RNZAF Station Wigram.
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL P/F
RNZAF Station
WIGRAM
15 February 1961
U.F.O. SIGHTING
Sir,
I have the honour to report that on the evening of
31 January 1961 an unidentified object was sighted by the
crew of Devon 1807.
2. My own observations concur with those of Fg Off Ragg
in that I originally thought the object was an aircraft on a
collison course and reported this information to the Captain.
Events then followed as detailed in Fg Off Ragg's report.
3. I would definitely state that the object seen was under
positive control and capable of extremely rapid course changes
without deviating from straight and level flight. It appeared
to be about the size of a DC-3 but cigar shaped with a small
cockpit in a central position on the top surface. Although
silhouetted against a bright evening sky the outline was not
clearly defined but slightly distorted around the edges. On
arrival back at base the incident was mentioned by one of the
other Devon crews who attached no significance to the sighting.
I feel I cannot add any further information than that given
in Fg Off Ragg's report.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(.K.COWAN)
Sergeant Signaller
The Commanding Officer
RNZAF Station
WIGRAM
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL
-2-
Canberra, foreign body on our aircraft, or reflections, and
both noted the time of sighting. We closed our eyes, looked
away and back again, moved our heads, and I moved the aircraft
slightly from our course while the objects remained apparently
motionless ahead. I was about to call a Devon following
2 - 3 minutes behind me when the object moved off, so I
abandoned the call intending to mention the incident on
completion of the exercise, however I concluded that the
object was definitely solid, and did not exhibit conventional
flight characteristics.
I have the honour to be,
Sir
Your obedient Servant,
(G.M.RAGG.)
Flying Officer
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIALTHIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD FROM RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESERVE PERSONAL PRIVACY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT SECTION 9 (2) a
THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD FROM RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESERVE PERSONAL PRIVACY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT SECTION 9 (2) a
THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD FROM RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESERVE PERSONAL PRIVACY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT SECTION 9 (2) a
THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD FROM RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESERVE PERSONAL PRIVACY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT SECTION 9 (2) a
COPY
STATEMENT MADE BY MRS F.E. MORELAND
OLD RENWICK ROAD, BLENHEIM, TO GROUP
CAPTAIN A.P. GAINSFORD ON MONDAY,
13th JULY 1959.
It was about 25 to 6 this morning when I switched on the
cowshed light and walked out across the paddock to bring in the
cows. When I got about half way across the paddock, I noticed
a green light above me in the clouds. - There was complete
low cloud cover, and while I was looking at it wondering what
this green light was, I saw an oval shaped object appear from
which two green beams shone straight down. They were
definite lights. The object appeared to be coming down, and then
it sort of stopped, and I could see fiery orange jets round the
outside edge. They went round and round, and seemed to be rotating
opposite ways, and were travelling at a very high speed, but
appeared to slow down when the object stopped.
The green light came from under the bottom of the object and
diffused over a large area - approximately 50 yards. As soon
as I found myself enveloped in this peculiar green glow, I made
for some pine trees, having run from the centre of the paddock
to the shelter of the trees on the approach of the object.
From where I stood under the trees I could see this glassy
cowl over the top and I could also see two men in it. The rear
one stood up and appeared to lean forward and rest his hands on a
table, and appeared to be looking down between his hands. After
a second or two he sat back and the machine tilted and the orangy
lights stopped whirling. The men appeared to be encased in
silvery shiny suits from the waist upwards when they were sitting.
Their headgear seemed to be like divers helmets which glittered very
brightly. They appeared to be normal sized people. One of the
men never moved at all. I could not see that they were carrying on
any conversation at all.
The circumference of the object appeared to be about [ILLEGIBLE]
yards across and about 4 to 5 feet through. When it
to stop, it was about 15 feet above the ground.- 2 -
When the object was hovering and I could see the two
men, the light inside seemed like ordinary electric light.
When I was half way across the paddock, I had my torch
switched on, but when I was enveloped in the green light I
could not see my torch light at all. The orange lights were very
bright, but the green light cut the orange light out completely
for a while.
The object appeared to hover for a few seconds, and then
with a high pitched whistle it took off straight up into the
sky and disappeared. After a while I was left in a whaft of
hot peppery air, or it smelt like pepper. When the object had
gone, there appeared to be no difference in the surroundings.[CONFIDENTIAL]
WITH MRS MORELAND AT HER HOME ON THURSDAY
23rd July 1959 AT 2000 HRS
INTRODUCTION
1. Because of inconsistencies earlier, and in order to
reshape information available, the above interview was
held. Mrs Moreland did not convey to me any impression
of being excitable by nature: she was helpful and, I
believe, quite honestly convinced that she did in fact see
a craft descend, hover, tilt and then ascend vertically
... "at a speed which would make a Vampire look
like it was standing still .... I've never seen anything
like it."
2. Mrs Moreland has had an association with
farming and farm machinery in the past, and as a
result she has developed a good mechanical sense. She
has seen jet and piston-engined aircraft in flight
and has at least a rough idea of speeds of each type.
INTENTION
3. To take, step by step, the sequence of events alleged
to have taken place, care being taken to relate sizes to
everyday objects. [Any questions formed, have of
necessity been most carefully put, to avoid begging
the answer.]
4. To investigate this, and any other similar
occurrence, with a completely open mind.
ALLEGED FACTS
5 DESCENT
(a) Time 0530-0545 on Monday 13th July 1959
(b) First noticed as a green glow above the
cloud, descended through the cloud when the
green light became twin lights.
(c) Just after breaking cloud (fairly low), orange
flames visible, radially disposed and notNB. Mrs Moreland, bathed in green light from the
object, ran to take shelter under pine trees as
shown on sketch (E1C). She remained there
until the object finally disappeared. She claims
to have been afraid but also curious.
(d) The object descended below the level of the pine trees.
(e) Orange flames were coming from ports - about the size
of an average saucer - arranged in two layers.
d) Numerous flames in each layer, each one separated
from the rest by about twice its own diameter.
(g) Flames from ports brilliant orange, fading to yellow at
the tips, each one being less than an arm's length, but
not much, from source to tip.
(h) There was no noticeable sound, but in her fear she
suggests that she would have been unlikely to have
heard it.
(j) Mrs Moreland did not recall any air
movement, pressure build-up, or other physical
forces which might have been detected.
6 TRANSITION TO HOVER
(a) Descent arrested suddenly about 15ft above
ground, with no noticeable sound.
(b) Radial flames vanish to reappear almost
immediately, the top layer trailing a clockwise spin,
the bottom layer trailing an anti-clockwise spin.
[directions as viewed from above the object] Spin
was very fast, and appeared to be reached
almost immediately.
(c) Axis of spin vertical
(d) Mrs Moreland now notices low frequency
humming; green lights "sort of
fluoresent" continue.
CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL
7. POINTS NOTICED DURING HOVER
(a) Green lights continue (observers attracted towards
them but did not move ???)
(b) Object has circular plan form with a canopy
above the spinning sections. The canopy 4' to 5'
(but not a double arm span) wide, was a full
diameter in length.
(c) The canopy of some ribless clear material, was
lit by a very bright snow-white light, whose
source was not obvious.
(d) Canopy had two occupants seated "....along
the depth of the canopy, facing the same way..."
they would hardly have had enough room
to stand.
(e) Between the two occupants, and coming from some-
where below seat level, was a quite noticeable
flickering light which reflected from the back of the
forward occupant
(f) Foreword occupant did not move at all
See row (g) Rear occupant swung forward on his hands, partly
E15 arising, to peer down at the flickering light which
reflected from his clothing.
(h) Occupants being viewed from three-quarters rear.
(j) Clothing was skin tight "like a frogman but in
aluminium foil which wrinkled as arms bent.
(k) Rear occupant returned to his seat. Both wore helmets
going out full shoulder width, if not transparent from rear.
(l) Mrs Moreland was still afraid, but now feeling
drawn towards the green light and contends that she
had to fight an attraction tending to overcome her fear.
(m) Between the spinning sections is a metal-coloured
section, not flanged. The under body was metal
CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL
(n) Diameter of the craft, related to a shed on the, would
be about 20 to 30 feet.
(o) There was no evidence of heat etc at this stage.
8. TRANSITION AND ASCENT
(a) The craft tilted, jets still rotating.
(b) Tilt angle was small (witness's estimation ≃ 15°) and
occupants faced uphill.
(c) Jets cut off, re-appearing immediately, radially.
Humming stops as the jets stop spinning.
(d) Take-off was vertical at excessive speed, flames..."coming
out like the spokes of a wheel, not spinning as before..."
sounds heard were:-
(i) loud swishing or rush of air
(ii) "Very high-pitched thin piercing whine... not
loud" but unnerving to the observer.
(e) Green lights stayed on until craft vanished
thro' the cloud
9. FINAL OBSERVATIONS
(a) The air was much warmer - like going into warm room.
(b) There was a smell "as of pepper heated in an oven..."
a strong, pungent smell which seemed to clog the nose
and throat, but without irritation. No desire to
sneeze.
(c) "It was certainly a nice machine, whatever it was"
...."I was relieved that the attracting power of
the green lights had gone."
CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL
Conclusions
10. Mrs Moreland gave every evidence of being
completely sincere, although she was initially wary
that she would be ridiculed. The above alleged
observations were cross-checked by questions
dissociated in sequence; her statement stands up
in all respects.
[Margin: Can't [ILLEGIBLE]
count of
[ILLEGIBLE] ???]
11. By using an audio oscillator and speaker, and
by approaching two identified sounds in as many
ways as possible, Mrs Moreland identified the
following frequencies
(i) 240-250 cycles/sec as the sound made by the
craft during hover
(ii) 2Kc/s ± 0.05 Kc/s as frequency of the sound
generated during ascent.
12. Mrs Moreland was not absolutely precise
in definition of the lower frequency; she identified
the upper with complete accuracy on all
occasions, and was physically affected by it.
13. Mrs Moreland specifically mentioned the
fascination the green lights held for her, to her
husband immediately after the event. He
confirms her statement in this respect. [There is
a possibility of self-induced reaction not to
be overlooked here.]
CONFIDENTIALTOP SECRET TOP SECRET CONFIDENTIAL [15A] [Drawing of a human figure in a suit with the following labels:] Helmet Small Visor Dark Objects Like Tubing. Material silvery - like picture but much tighter. Raps with Buckles. Dark Sheath. Wide Belt - smooth like leather or rubber Uten not Glove Black Disc Detail Unknown [Inset circle diagram:] Knob Bright Spot (Metal) TOP SECRET CONFIDENTIAL
NFF. Draft PR release cleared by CDS
for [ILLEGIBLE] Thursday 25 Jan 79.
35
RNZAF UFO SIGHTING REPORT
The unidentified radar and visual sightings reported by aircraft and
the Air Traffic Control radars off the north east coast of the South Island
recently, are the result of natural but unusual atmospheric phenomena. (a)
This is the conclusion arrived at in the Air Force's just completed
investigation into the sightings.
Before arriving at his conclusions, the investigating officer
interviewed all the principle witnesses involved in the sightings on the
nights of 20 and 30 December. He also worked closely with the Department
of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Civil Aviation Division of the
Ministry of Transport, and the Meteorological Service.
His report reveals that during the months of December and early (a)
January, atmospheric conditions over New Zealand were conducive to freak
effects on radar and light waves. Also, the planet Venus was rising in the
eastern sky early in the morning, and at this time of the year is unusually
bright in appearance. (b)
It was also revealed that for some time the Wellington Air Traffic
Control radar has been giving spurious returns off the east coast of the
South Island. (c)
Over the period more than 50 Japanese squid boats sailed from
Wellington to a position 120 miles off Banks Peninsula.
Not only would the squid boats give a good source of radar return
whilst in transit to the squid fishing grounds, but they generate a very
large amount of light when fishing at night. Each boat generates about
200kilowatts of light to attract squid to its lures, and this light source
cannot be discounted as a cause of some of the visual sightings. (d)2.
The investigating officer also speculates that lights seen in the
Clarence River mouth could have come from trains or vehicles travelling
along the coast, and affected by unusual atmospheric reflections and
refractions. (e)
There is no evidence to connect the many radar and visual sightings
in the Clarence River and the larger lights seen to the east. (g)
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said the Ministry was completely
satisfied there were no unexplained physical objects in the skies at the
time of the sightings.
The lights were almost certainly from surface or planetary sources
affected by atmospheric reflection, refraction and distortion.
Radar sets are known to be subject to spurious returns, and it was
significant that on the occasions the large light was being filmed by a
television team on board the Argosy freighter, neither Christchurch or
Wellington radars reported any related visual sightings on their screens.
The spokesman said that the Ministry of Defence was not specifically
charged with formal responsibility for investigating so-called unidentified
flying objects in peacetime. However, the Ministry does take an active
interest in all such reports and within the limitations of its resources,
conducts investigations as necessary.
Commenting on some media speculation that the country was defenceless
against air attack, the spokesman said that New Zealand did not have
a complex air defence system, comprising sophisticated radar equipment
and a force of missiles and interceptor aircraft.3.
The recently announced Defence Review explains that over the next
decade at least, a physical threat to New Zealand's security, by sea
or from the air, is so remote that expenditure of funds on such
sophisticated air defence equipments could not be justified.
No costing of a comprehensive air defence system for New Zealand
had been done, but the Defence spokesman said that the bill would be
enormous and well beyond current resource levels.
The Defence spokesman concluded by saying that the Ministry totally
discounts the possibility of visits to New Zealand, and particularly
to the areas of the country where the recent reports have suggested, of
alien aircraft or other flying machines. It also categorically discounts
any suggestion that air activity of any kind has taken place which poses
any threat to New Zealand's security. Defence does not share the view of
those who believe we are visited from outer space, or covertly by the air-
craft or machines of potentially unfriendly nations.RESTRICTED
Air 39/3/3 11th January 1979
REPORT ON UNIDENTIFIED VISUAL AND
RADAR SIGHTINGS EAST COAST SOUTH ISLAND
DECEMBER 1978
Introduction
1. On the nights of 20/21 December 78 and 30/31 December
78 Wellington ATC Radar, and the crews of SAFE Argosy aircraft
(both visually and on radar) made many unidentified sightings
off the east coast of the South Island. The first sightings
gave rise to much publicity by the media and eventual involvement
of the RNZAF when it was decided to conduct an Orion surveillance
of the area on the night of 2/3 January 79. At that time it was
decided to start a Defence investigation and this report is
submitted in accordance with DCAS instructions to provide a report
on the events surrounding the various sightings.
2. Air Staff was first advised by Civil Aviation Division
of Ministry of Transport (CADMOT) of these events mid-morning 21
December 78. Historically, Defence has adopted a 'low profile'
in connection with reports of unidentified sightings. Thus
CADMOT has not normally reported unusual sightings to Defence.
However, because of the number and nature of reports on the night
20/21 December 78 the Director of Civil Aviation specifically
instructed his staff to advise Defence. On the basis of the infor-
mation received Air Staff decided that should any further similar
instances occur we would, if possible, carry out an investigation
by the most appropriate aircraft available over the Christmas
period. CADMOT were advised to contact the Defence Duty Officer
in the event of any more sightings. As it transpired the memor-
andum from CADMOT Head Office to the ATC Centre was not delivered,
thus the events of 30/31 December 78 were not reported to Air
Staff until the next day.
3. Other Government agencies, notably DSIR and NZ Meteor-
ological Services, are conducting their own investigations and
have provided relevant input to this report. The report is
confined to the events of 21 and 31 December 78. It does not
take into account the film made by TV1 on 3 January 79 which is
now being examined by DSIR and will most probably prove to be a
film of Venus and Jupiter rising.
4. When interviewing witnesses it was pointed out to them
that this was not a judicial enquiry. The credibility of
witnesses' statements was taken at face value. However, witnesses
were not necessarily interviewed separately because it was con-
sidered that, with a fairly emotive issue such as 'UFOs', corrob-
oration was best achieved by interviewing observers of the same
events together.
/Events 20/21 ...
RESTRICTEDRESTRICTED
-2-
Events 20/21 December 78 (Refer Chart at Annex A)
5. On 20/21 December 78 there were two SAFE Argosy flights
from Woodbourne to Christchurch one of which proceeded to Dunedin
and terminated, and the other returned to Woodbourne. The first
aircraft departed Woodbourne 210110 NZDT. At 0159 when south-
bound to Christchurch the aircraft captain was asked by Wellington
Radar to check the Clarence River area because Wellington ATC
was receiving radar returns from there. The crew observed lights
at low level that could possibly have been off the Clarence River
mouth but when the aircraft was about 30 miles north the lights
appeared to go out or disappear. During this period Christchurch
was visible and the sky was clear. Later in the morning (0406)
when the aircraft was northbound the crew was again requested to
check the area because Wellington Radar was again picking up radar
returns in that vicinity. The aircraft crew confirmed that lights
were visible to seaward and the crew got the impression of the
lights making rectangular patterns at irregular frequency. The
lights had a beam appearance rather than a point source appearance
and seemed to turn away rather than turn off. One light appeared
to illuminate the surface of the water and the aircraft captain
assesses that the source of the light could have been at about
1,000 feet. However, it is the reporting officer's opinion that
from the aircraft's height (14,000 feet) it would not be possible
to judge accurately the height of lights below the aircraft.
One possibility is that the aircraft captain was observing lights
from cars or trains because the main road and railway run parallel
and very close to the coast for some miles in this area. However,
the aircraft captain considers that the sightings could have been
produced by four or five helicopters and the whole thing was 'quite
undramatic'. The likelihood of such extensive aeronautical
activity has not been confirmed by any reports received from the
Police or local inhabitants. In fact, no reports have been
received and the Police do not have any interest in the area.
6. The second aircraft, which departed Woodbourne at 0315,
was also asked by Wellington Radar to look at the Clarence River
mouth area because Wellington was picking up radar returns there.
That aircraft crew did not observe anything in the region either
visually or on radar.
7. Subsequent investigations and scientific observation
carried out by DSIR proves conclusively (in the reporting officer's
opinion) that Wellington SRE Radar does give anomalous radar
returns off the east coast off the South Island. This was proved
by DSIR observation of the Wellington radar 8/9 January 79 and
taking a series of photographs of the radar presentation throughout
the night. Concurrently three field parties were stationed at
vantage points along the east coast with radio communications to
the Radar Control Centre. On several occasions during the night
when many large returns were painting on Wellington Radar the
observers on the coast could see nothing either in the air or on
the sea in the positions passed to them by the Radar Controller.
/Furthermore
RESTRICTEDRESTRICTED
-3-
Furthermore, from discussions with two or three controllers it
is evident that the Wellington SRE has for several months been
giving anomalous radar returns in the Clarence area and south
of Wellington. It is possible that this could be caused by
a modification that was recently made to the radar head at
Wellington depressing it one degree. DSIR scientists are following
up this possibility and their findings should be available in due
course.
8. There is no evidence to suggest that there was any
clandestine activity in the vicinity of the Clarence River mouth.
It is possible however that surface vessels could have been in
the area with or without navigation lights but it is doubtful
that such vessels could have given rise to the visual observation
made by the aircraft crew. The fact that Wellington Radar 'keyed'
both aircraft captains to look for objects in the Clarence area
might well have induced observations from the air which might or
might not have been related to the Wellington Radar returns.
9. From information supplied by DSIR, the NZ Meteorological
Services, and astronomers, it is evident that during this period,
and indeed for the last month or so, atmospheric conditions have
been conducive to freak propogation of radio and light waves.
Thus it is possible that the lights observed by the aircraft captain
could have been produced by ships' lights reflected or refracted
from afar. Such anomalous propogation (ducting) could also give
rise to spurious radar returns. Note: The reporting officer has
just received (1155 NZDT) a report from Auckland that ATC has
issued a NOTAM that Auckland Radar is giving spurious returns caused
by atmospheric conditions.
10. During the period that the Wellington Radar Controller
was in dialogue with the aircraft captains about radar returns in
the Clarence area the radar was also tracking a steady return on
a track of 140°(M) which started at Wellington, proceeded to 30
miles and then, with less consistent radar returns, tracked out to
60 miles where it became stationary for 35 minutes. It then moved
west and appeared to 'track' the second southbound Argosy at about
0328. The Wellington Radar Controller alerted the captain that
there was a strong radar return about 25 miles to the port of the
aircraft. The aircraft crew observed on that bearing a very bright
light which they variously describe as a bright orb, pear shaped
with a reddish tinge that then turned white. From the aircraft
the object appeared to be stationary by visual observation but by
the aircraft radar appeared to track the aircraft. The light
appeared to be very close - less than ten miles. Although the
aircraft radar return and the visual observation of the light were
on more or less the same bearing the crew cannot confirm that the
range was coincident. It is significant that within a few minutes
of the crew's observation, Venus was rising on a bearing that
coincided with their visual observation. DSIR optics, physics,
and meteorological experts have confirmed that prevailing atmos-
pheric conditions might well have produced most unusual but not
unknown phenomena that could have made Venus appear large, bright
and orange. There is a plethora of astronomical information that
describes this phenomenon. Thus it is highly probable that the
aircrew's observation was an unusual view of Venus.
RESTRICTED /11. The radarRESTRICTED
-4-
11. The radar returns observed on the aircraft radar might
have been caused by a natural return by a ship or perhaps could
have been anomalous returns caused by the prevailing atmospheric
conditions. During the period 19 - 28 December 78 some 50
Japanese squid boats sailed from Wellington to the area of the
Mernoo Bank (120 miles east of Banks Peninsula). These vessels
departed Wellington in groups of about 10 and their track to
their fishing grounds is almost identical to the radar track
plotted by Wellington radar. While there is no conclusive proof
that these vessels could have caused the fairly steady trace
observed by Wellington it is a fact that during the period of all
these observations there was no shortage of shipping in the area.
Furthermore, once in position and fishing, the squid fleet would
have produced an intense light source which coupled with prevailing
meteorological conditions could have been responsible for many and
varied reflected or refracted light images. (Each boat puts out
about 200kw of light.)
12. A further observation (which has not been reported by
the media) was made by the crew of this the same Argosy when the
aircraft was some 50 miles north east of Christchurch. The
captain observed five consecutive blips on the aircraft radar which
over a period of five seconds traced a pattern towards the aircraft
and then veered off very sharply to its port. Simultaneously the
co-pilot observed a flashing white light (which looked like a
strobe light) describing the same sort of path. For the brief
period that the returns were received on radar the object must
have been travelling at about 10,800mph! This sighting, above
all others during the night, caused the crew considerable consterna-
tion! It is possible that such a phenomenon could be produced
by a meteor which are not unknown at this time of the year. A
further possible explanation could be that the effect was caused
by a 'double bounce' radar contact produced by ducting. It is
note-worthy that an RNZAF Orion crossing Cape Palliser on 9 January
78 at 1652 NZDT observed a radar contact at 15 miles moving fast
towards the aircraft. There was no cloud and no surface contacts
visible. The radar return crossed the aircraft's track one mile
ahead, but there was no visual sighting. The closing speed was
calculated at 1,000mph thus the object itself was travelling at
some 630 mph. OPHQ staffs have considered the possibilities and
assess that the radar return could have been of an object 200
miles north of NZ (perhaps cloud) with freak propogation giving
rise to the radar observation made in the aircraft. But for
knowing that a Defence enquiry was under way OPHQ would not normally
have considered it necessary to pass on this information.
13. A further sighting on the 20/21 December 78 was made by
the Orderly Officer and Duty Air Traffic Controller at RNZAF Base
Woodbourne. At 2350 the Orderly Officer saw what he considered
to be three lights of a Bristol Freighter three to four miles
from Woodbourne. However, as no aircraft could be heard and the
lights did not appear to get any closer he checked through binoc-
ulars and determined that the lights appeared to be going towards
Wellington. Of the three lights the middle one appeared as a
white beam pointing northward. The lights appeared to move upward
/and around
RESTRICTEDRESTRICTED
-5-
and around in a rectangular pattern but at random speed. He
observed the lights for about 50 minutes. The bearing from
Woodbourne was about 080° (M), i.e., towards Cape Campbell.
At one stage the lights appeared to 'rush forward' but generally
over the period seemed to move northward and eventually fade.
In comparative terms the observer considered that the lights'
pattern looked like somebody 'spotlighting'. The Duty Air
Traffic Controller observed the same lights from the control
tower balcony. His impression was that the lights comprised
one bright orange light and two less intense white lights. The
large light appeared to remain stationary while the other two
seemed to move north. A shaft of light periodically appeared
to 'beam down' from the white lights at about 40° in a northerly
direction. Using binoculars apparently had no enlarging effect
on the lights! This could indicate that the lights were at
a great distance from the observer and not in Cook Strait as he
imagined. This thesis is supported by the fact that on checking
with Wellington Radar the Woodbourne observer was advised that
the radar was painting five targets in the Clarence area but no
mention was made of any returns in Cook Strait. It is highly
improbable that the radar returns and the visual observations were
in any way connected.
14. The reporting officer awaits a copy of the taped conver-
sation between the Wellington Radar Controller, the aircraft and
the Woodbourne observer and in addition the Woodbourne observer
is preparing a sketch map showing bearings, etc, in more detail.
When these two pieces of evidence are available they may shed
more light on the occurrence!
Summary
15. It is the reporting officer's opinion that almost all
the sightings made 20/21 December 78 can be explained by natural
but unusual phenomena. There were atmospheric conditions that
could have produced unusual visual and radar returns. There
is no doubt that Wellington SRE was (and still is) giving spurious
radar returns in the area under surveillance. With some of the
visual sightings of 'beams' of light it is only possible to
speculate on possible causes. On-going investigation by DSIR
scientists and the reporting officer may help to clarify this
in due course. Perhaps the most difficult aspect to explain
away is the apparent concern - even apprehension - of the aircrews
involved in the sightings. At present they do not seem to be
prepared to accept the fact that they might have observed Venus.
Thankfully, however, neither do they believe that they saw a visitor
from outer space! Perhaps when more scientific evidence is
gathered their minds will be set at rest.
Events 30/31 December 78 (Refer Chart at Annex B)
16. On 30/31 December 78 an Argosy on a routine flight (but
carrying the TV crew that made the film shown on Australian TV)
departed Wellington at 2346 to proceed Christchurch and then
/return
RESTRICTED-6- return to Woodbourne. 17. At 0013 while climbing to 14,000 feet the aircraft crew observed four to five lights close to the surface near the coast of the Kaikoura Peninsula (possibly in the Clarence River area but the crew were not sure and did not confirm with their radar). On checking with Wellington ATC the crew were advised that Wellington Radar had contacts 13 miles ahead of the aircraft (these would have been off Clarence). The crew observed a pulsing type of white light that looked like a helicopter search light zooming on to the beach somewhere north of the Kaikoura Peninsula. Again, it is difficult to explain the lights, short of them being some anomalous type of reflection or refraction, cars, or trains. However it is most probable that the Wellington Radar returns were spurious. 18. At 0018 when the aircraft was about 10 miles north of the Clarence River mouth, Wellington Radar advised the crew that there was a strong radar return behind them. They orbited and saw nothing. This was almost certainly a spurious radar return. 19. At 0042 when the aircraft was about 10 miles northeast of Motunau Island, Wellington Radar advised the crew that there was a large radar target behind the aircraft that appeared on the radar screen as a blip larger than the aircraft return and appeared to be tracking the Argosy. The aircraft captain carried out a left orbit but neither he nor the first officer saw anything. The crew did not refer to the aircraft radar and Christchurch radar was not operating for ATC purposes at the time. 20. Just before crossing the coast near Woodend the crew observed a white light on the starboard side of the aircraft and Christchurch Radar advised that there was a target at three-o'clock to the aircraft that 'moved off' when the aircraft was about 1.5 miles from touch down. No reports have been received from inhabitants of the area of any unusual lights or aeronautical activity. Thus, again, the natural explanation is that the light and radar return were spurious, possibly caused by some sort of anomalous propogation. 21. It is interesting to note that while taxiing to dispersal both the aircrew on the Argosy and the ATC officers in the control tower observed lights to the right of Sugar Loaf Hill which seemed to have the same pulsating characteristics as the lights observed earlier during the flight. The bearing of these lights would almost certainly coincide with the bearing of the squid fleet from Christchurch and if the lights could be proved to be refracted or reflected returns from the squid vessels much of the mystery would be solved! 22. At 0216 the aircraft departed Christchurch on the 033 radial. When overhead Woodend both crew members observed a large white light to the northeast. They also observed on the aircraft radar a very large target at 18 miles from the aircraft. The crew cannot be positive that the light and the radar return were coincident but that was the appearance that they gave. Slightly before these observations, the first officer had noticed through thin . cloud a light which he describes as having the RESTRICTED
-7- appearance of a squashed orange. Eventually this light became fully visible and measured against the thumb at arms length appeared to be about two inches long, that is, a very large source of light. The crew observed this light for some minutes while cruising at 13,000 feet. Between 35 and 40 miles from Christchurch the aircraft captain, of his own volition, turned towards the light. This necessitated a 90° turn onto a heading of about 125° at about 25° bank. The aircraft speed was 215 knots. The image on the aircraft radar moved to 10 miles from the aircraft but the crew cannot say whether this was due to their velocity or the movement of the radar return. The radar image then stayed in the same relative position to the aircraft for a few minutes (as if it were 'backing up' at the aircraft's speed). At this stage the large light appeared to go above, behind, and below the aircraft as the captain turned left to regain track and avoid further 'confrontation' with the object! This series of events occurred over a time frame of about 20 minutes. Throughout, Christchurch radar was working but reported nothing. Wellington Radar had been observing the aircraft during the period but did not report any unidentified radar contact in that area. 23. The visual observation made by the crew is consistent with an unusual view of Venus. The bearing of the observation coincides with the point at which Venus would have been visible. However, this observation was made at about 0225 and Venus did not rise until about 0328. Nevertheless, DSIR scientists have advised that with super refraction it would be possible to see the planet some time before it's actual rising and if it were seen it would have the appearance that the crew described. The last effect of the light passing above, below and behind the aircraft could be explained by an astronomical phenomenon known as the 'troublesome layer'. In the prevailing conditions with a marked inversion above about 10,000 feet, and fairly strong westerly winds with standing waves on the leeward side of the Alps the inversion layer can take on a marked wave form. Thus at the time that the light performed its convolutions around the aircraft it is possible that the aircraft was passing from one side of the inversion layer to the other. The fact that the light was no longer visible tends to support this thesis and it is most probable that the aircraft's radar return was spurious or of a ship, in view of the lack of confirmation of any other targets in the area by the Wellington Radar. 24. As the aircraft approached Kaikoura two or three radar contacts were noted on the aircraft radar at about ten o'clock position. These would be consistent with the radar returns Wellington had noted in the Clarence area for most of the night - and were almost certainly spurious. 25. Approaching Cape Campbell the aircraft captain observed what he thought was a fishing fleet off Cape Palliser. These might well have been part of the squid fleet enroute south. 26. As the aircraft turned towards Blenheim the first officer observed what appeared to be orange lights in the Nelson Bay area which appeared to move across the sounds towards Picton. No explanation can be offered for this observation but it has not RESTRICTED /been confirmed
RESTRICTED
-8-
been confirmed by any sightings made from the ground. The
aircraft landed at Blenheim at 0315.
Conclusions
27. The foregoing report has been compiled after interviews
with most of the principle witnesses involved with the sightings
20/21 and 30/31 December 1978. The SAFE pilots were most help-
ful to the reporting officer in the very frank manner in which
they related their experiences and the time they spent in inter-
view. It is considered that the reporting officer should, as
soon as possible, informally debrief the SAFE aircrew involved
on the general tenor of the findings to date.
28. It is evident that because of the interest over these
sightings reports will continue to come in from various sources
and on-going investigations by DSIR and meteorological officers
will probably serve to correlate much of the information.
Nevertheless, it is considered that Defence should issue a PR
statement fairly soon in order to tone down much of the wild
speculation that has existed over recent weeks.
29. In summary the reporting officer has made the following
findings:
a. During the period of the observations, and indeed
now, atmospheric conditions over NZ are conducive
to freak propogation of radio and light waves.
b. Venus was rising in the eastern sky and at this
time of the year is unusually bright in appearance.
c. Wellington Radar has been giving spurious indica-
tions off the east coast of the South Island for
some time but over recent weeks anomalous returns
seem to have been more prevalent.
d. During the period an unusually large number of
vessels (the squid fleet) sailed from Wellington,
often at night, to position off Banks Peninsula.
Not only would these vessels provide a good source
for radar returns but the lights that they use
when fishing could explain some of the visual
sightings of unusual lights.
e. The reporting officer speculates that the observa-
tion of lights in the Clarence area might have
been caused by trains or cars.
f. The reporting officer is of the opinion that
the large number of unusual occurrences on
/the nights
RESTRICTEDRESTRICTED
-9-
the nights in question made some aircrew and
air traffic controllers particularly respon-
sive to the various sightings.
g. There is no connection between the many sightings
in the Clarence area and the larger lights seen
to the east (and which were the subject of the
much publicised TV films).
h. Almost all the sightings can be explained by
natural but unusual phenomena. The few for
which the evidence to date is inconclusive may
well be explained in due course when current
investigations are completed.
[ILLEGIBLE]
(J.B. CLEMENTS)
Wing Commander
Director of Operations
RESTRICTEDRESTRICTED DOPS REPORT DATED 11 JAN 79 N(T) [north arrow] NELSON BAY REGION WOODBOURNE 0315 ARGOSY LANDS. 2346 ARGOSY LEAVES WN. Road/Rail CLARENCE 0013-18 LIGHTS/RADAR RETURNS. A/C INVESTIGATES 'LARGE' RADAR RETURN BEHIND THE A/C - SEES NOTHING AGAIN, N/BOUND A/C INVESTIGATES RADAR CONTACTS AT 10 O'CLOCK. (CLARENCE AREA) 0042 A/C ADVISED BY WN RADAR LARGE TARGET BEHIND. A/C ORBITS - SEES NOTHING. MOTUNAU ± 0235 A/C TURNS TOWARDS LIGHT AND RADAR RETURN - LIGHT EVENTUALLY GOES ABOVE, BELOW, BEHIND AND DISAPPEARS. 'SOUTH BOUND A/C SEES LIGHT TO RIGHT. CH RADAR MOVES A TARGET THAT POSITION 0225 WHEN N/BOUND A/C SEES ORANGE LIGHT AT 2-0-CLOCK POSITION. BEARING ON WHICH VENUS WOULD RISE AT 0328 2478 LIGHTS VISIBLE FROM CH AIRPORT TO THE RIGHT OF SUGAR LOAF (SQUID FLEET LIGHTS REFRACTED?) OBSERVATIONS 30/31 DEC 78 SQUID FLEET RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED DOPS REPORT DATED 11 JAN 79 N(T) [north arrow] WOODBOURNE 0159 LIGHTS OBSERVED FROM WOODBOURNE APPARENTLY THIS POSITION - MOVED NORTH RADAR RETURN 'TRACKED' 84 W/ TO 60NMS Road/Rail 2350 ± 0130 0159 [0406] RADAR RETURNS CLARENCE THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT CLARENCE c328 ARGOSY SEES LIGHT THAT SEEMS VERY CLOSE STATIONAR 35 MINS THEN RADAR RETURN MOVES WEST 0328 RADAR RETURN APPARENTLY 'TRACKS' S/BOUND ARGOSY AND APPARENTLY 'WAITS' FOR N/BOUND ARGOSY THEN BRIEFLY TRACKS IT! VENUS RISING 0327 SQUID FLEET TRACK FROM WELLINGTON 0400 ARGOSY SEES VERY FAST TARGET ON A/C RADAR. MOTUNAU ARGOSY TRACK 2478 OBSERVATIONS 20/21 DEC 78 SQUID FLEET RESTRICTED
4-4-79
Dear Mr. McLean,
I do trust that I have spelt your
name correctly as I have only heard it over the phone.
May I first introduce myself. I am Mrs. McCallum, formerly
Moreland, of 1959 U.F.O. fame. You no doubt have had
my name under your nose a lot, lately.
So, to my problem. Lately, for some unknown reason
the U.F.O. ball has been rolling my way in no
uncertain terms, and I am by no means pleased
about it. After 20 years, a new name, and a new
place of abode, I was hoping to sink into oblivion,
but somehow I have been found, and am receiving
letters from all over. I am also being pressured into
allowing the full report of my sighting made public.
This, I do not propose to agree to, for several
reasons. Firstly, my privacy would be nil. In spite
of all Ameny's promise that my name, and where-
abouts would be kept secret, and that the media
would be kept off my back. Some hope!Secondly, I do not feel that the public should know
everything that is secret, just because someone feels
that they should. A lot of harm has been done in
the past, throughout the world for just that feeling.
If you have knowledge of the full events of that awful
morning, you will realise, that to suggest that the U.F.O.
people are friendly is a laugh, as I know full well, and there
is also the matter of the language. The media would have a
ball that's for sure.
I hope you can appreciate my feelings on this matter. I
am 20 years older, have a full life, and enjoying life in
general. I just couldn't bear to be put through the mill
again. Mr. Ameny wants my answer by next Wednesday, as
he feels time is running out, for what I have not yet
gathered, and I know he will be upset at my decision.
Why can't everyone be satisfied with what is already
known, and leave it at that.
Please, then, will you not allow my report to be made
available, for as long as I feel that it should not be. Maybe
I am wrong, but that is how I feel. Perhaps in another 20 years
it will all be old hat and no one will ever remember me or it.
Thanking you for allowing me to waste your time,
I Remain, Yours Sincerely,9 April 1979
Mrs Eileen McCallum,
Dear Mrs McCallum,
Thank you for your letter of 4 April about the requests
you have been receiving for release of your information about
UFO's. I am happy to know your view on the matter. You may rest
assured that this Ministry will do nothing to release the
results of the enquiry conducted by Air Force without your
permission. I have made this point in response to enquiries I
have received from a press and television journalist. The sole
interest of the Ministry of Defence in this matter is to protect
your confidences and privacy arising out of your association with
Defence at the time the incident took place.
Yours sincerely,
(D.B.G. McLean)
Secretary of DefenceAIR 39/3/3
28
MUFON MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, INC.
103 Oldtowne Rd
Seguin Texas
78155 USA
To:- Director Opperations,
Air Staff Headquarters,
Wellington, N.Z.
Mutual UFO Network
Sectional S I Director
Harold J Knapman
PO Box 22638 High St
Christchurch NZ
Phone 527953
RECEIVED
18 JUL 1983
CENT. REGISTRY
DEFENCE HQQTHS
Dear Sir,
I am writing this request for any information the Airforce has
regarding UFOs. Any information I recieve will be garanteed confidential
& will remain thus. The information is to be used for research perposses
only, on our computers etc. I have been in contact with Sqaudron Leader
Bunn at Wigram Airforce Base at CHCH & I have passed on to him copies of
my files on Micro Film, plus a set of our Questionnaires which I no doubt
he has sent to your Headquarters. I would like if its possiable to work in
with the Airforce to investigate & to exchange information on UFOs.
I have investigated hundreds of sightings with the help of a very excellent
team of Proffesional people. I will be bringing my files up to date on the
micro films very shortly & will send to Squadron Leader Bunn the up to date
set of Films. I could quote if you like the case of Mrs Moreland 13 July, 1959.
I
respect her request for confidentiality of her name etc. Our research team
is the only present one in N.Z. that is investigating UFO sightings in a
scientific manner & we hope your Dept may help us in the future. We also
have all available data on the Kaikoura sighting 1978 - 79. films, ATC tapes
etc, except the Airforce report. Thank you for your Attention, hope to hear
from you soon.
FERRED TO
[ILLEGIBLE]
Kindest Regards,
Harold J Knapman,
Director MUFON N.Z.
Harold J KnapmanAir 39/3/3 PR
30
5 August 1983
Mr Harold J Knapman
Director MUFON NZ
PO Box 22638 High Street
CHRISTCHURCH
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your letter requesting information
on Unidentified Flying Objects and to work with the RNZAF
to investigate information and exchange information.
The RNZAF, as I explained in my letter to you
of 15 October 1981, does not undertake investigations into
the sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects.
When a sighting is reported to the RNZAF it
consults with other Government agencies such as the Civil
Aviation, the Meteorological Service and the DSIR in an
effort to eliminate obvious causes.
Your interest in assisting the RNZAF in this
matter is appreciated but as I have said the RNZAF is not
involved in UFO investigations.
Yours faithfully,
(C.D. COLE)
Squadron Leader
RNZAF Public Relations OfficerMUFON MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, INC.
103 Oldtowne Rd
Seguin Texas
78155 USA
27/8/83
To:- Squadron Leader C.D. Cole,
RNZAF Public Relations Officer,
c/- Chief of Air Staff,
Defence Headquarters,
Private Bag, Wellington.
RECEIVED
30 AUG 1983
CENT. REGISTRY
DEFENCE HQQTHS
Mutual UFO Network
Sectional S I Director
Harold J Knapman
PO Box 22638 High St
Christchurch NZ
Phone 527953
Air 39/3/3 PR.
31
Dear Sir,
I thank you for your letter 5 August 1983. on the request of the
retrieaval of information of UFO's. I may have misquoted in asking for
information of UFO's, I request that it should of been through the or
under the Official Information Act. If I handnt at the time Im sorry,
I wish to at this time request any information leading to the release
of UFO data or Films, photos, etc, Under the Official Information Act.
I will look forwards to your reply soon.
Kindest regards,
Harold J Knapman,
S.I. Sectional Director for,
MUFON - N.Z.
Harold J Knapman
FILE.
1 /18 [Initials]Air 39/3/3
32
14 September 1983
Mr Harold B Knapman
PO Box 22638
High Street
CHRISTCHURCH
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your letter of 27 August concerning
the release of information on Unidentified Flying Objects
under the Official Information Act.
Your letter does not specify what information
you seek on UFOs.
Under the Act any request for information must
be for a specific subject. Once that request is received
it will be reviewed and the decision reached on whether
or not that information can be released.
Of course charges are involved. These are 10c
reproduction fees for each copy in excess of 50 and $10
per half hour for research after the first hour.
Yours faithfully,
(C.D. COLE)
Squadron Leader
RNZAF Public Relations Officer
FILE.
1 /10 [Initials]MUFON MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, INC.
103 Oldtowne Rd
Seguin Texas
78155 USA
17/9/83
To:- Cheif of Air Staff,
Defence Headquarters,
Wellington,
RECEIVED
21 SEP 1983
CENT. REGIST
DEFENCE HQDTHS
Mutual UFO Network
Sectional S I Director
Harold J Knapman
PO Box 22638 High St
Christchurch NZ
Phone 527953
Air 39/3/3 -
45
Dear Sir,
Thankyou for your reply to my Sept 14 1983.
letter. In reply to your letter 14 Sept, I request the following information
if possible through the information act.
In April 1954 several movie films were taken by civilians & turned over to
the Airforce for examineation & report, if possible a copye of that report
& Or some frame copies of the film.
On Aug 18, 1954, a Snr NCO stationed at Whenuapai A.F.Stn saw a cigar shaped
object & reported it, an investigation was done, if possible a copy of this
report.
July 13. 1959 Mrs F. Moreland Blenheim Disc shaped object seen, Investigated by
the Airforce. A copy of the report please.
the RNZAF report of the Reconnaissance Flight Jan 2nd 1979 Kaikoura ufos.
have no objections to paying for this material, as I said in previouse
letters to you any information received from the Airforce is for my files
only, for research. The wittnesses will not hear from me or my collegues
in any form about their sightings, I do respect ther privacy, I do hope you
ill grant my request for research, hope to hear from you soon.
[ILLEGIBLE stamps/routing]
Harold J Knapman
Kindest regards,
Harold J Knapman,
Director for MUFON N.Z.Air 39/3/3
47
17 November 1983
Mr H.J. Knapman
P.O. Box 22638
High St
CHRISTCHURCH
Dear Mr Knapman,
Thank you for your letter of 17 September in which
you sought details of various UFO sightings, under the Official
Information Act.
Firstly, quite an amount of research and investigation
has been done on your behalf but unfortunately we have no record
or copies of the 1954 movie films to which you refer. Neither
do we have a report or any information on the sighting that you
attribute to a SNCO at RNZAF Whenuapai in August 1954. We
have also checked records held by the National Archives but
have been unable to find any information which may be of help
to you.
With regard to the 1959 sighting by 'Mrs F. Moreland'
I can advise that the report is confidential and an assurance
was given to the witness by the Secretary of Defence, that the
Ministry of Defence would do nothing to release the results of
the enquiry conducted by the RNZAF without her permission. The
witness has been contacted and she has requested that her
privacy be respected and consequently the report will not be
made available.
The RNZAF issued a Press Release regarding the
reported Kaikoura sightings in Dec 78/Jan 79 and a copy of
this is enclosed although I feel sure that you will have a
copy of your own already.
Quite obviously I have been unable to give you
any substantial new information so although considerable time
and effort has been spent in researching the background
/material-2-
material to give you a reply no charges will be made as would
normally be the case for Official Information Act requests.
Yours faithfully
[ILLEGIBLE]
(P.J. LYNCH)
Squadron Leader
for Chief of Air Staff
Enclosure: 1. RNZAF UFO Sighting Report13
[ILLEGIBLE]
R 090355Z
FM LB
TO R ZAFHQ WN
BT
ROUTINE
ACTION COPY
U N C L A S A0554 FOLLOWING RECEIVED FROM TARAWERA QUOTE 1841 HRS
AT NUKUNAU VERY BRIGHT GREEN FIERY OBJECT WITH RED TAIL CROSSED
OVER ISLAND EAST TO WEST AT HIGH SPEED BELOW CUMULUS CLOUDS
BURNING OUT TO SOUTHWEST APPROX ALTITUDE 30 DEGREES. VISIBLE FOR
FIVE SECONDS IN DAYLIGHT AND UNLIKE A METERORITE UNQUOTE
BT
[Handwritten:] D of I
For your info + action
10/1/61. [ILLEGIBLE] S/C
FILE.
10 1 61. [Initials]
09 JAN 1960 [stamp]
WELLINGTON [stamp]R.N.Z.A.F.--Form 683a AIR FORCE MESSAGE
SECURITY CATEGORY Registry File No. 14
EK
1142
From: LB Serial No. and Date:
312/2 3 JUN 60
To: RNZAFHQ WN Time Received:
Repeated: Time Despatched:
[PRIORITY]
UNCLAS A1958
ON ROUTINE NAVEX YESTERDAY AIRCRAFT CAPTAIN
NOTED SULPHUR DEPOSIT AND SMOKE FROM SOUTH
EAST SIDE HUNTER ISLAND 2220 SOUTH 17205 EAST.
NO ACTIVITY REPORTED THIS ISLAND SINCE 1895.
CHIEF GEOLOGIST BEING CARRIED ON AERIAL IN-
VESTIGATION FLIGHT MTD 032000Z FOR 8 HOUR
FLIGHT.
[Handwritten:] Geophysics contacted
Text passed to Dr Robertson
FILE. [ILLEGIBLE]
2330Z 3/6/1960 --------Initials
ACTION COPY
DISTRIBUTION:
Action copy........[REDACTED] D.OF I
Info. copy.............................CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL 244/10/1.
From : R.N.Z.A.F. Station Woodbourne 11
To : Air Department, Wellington
Date : 9th March, 1960
Ref : WOOD.C.7/AIR
SIGHTING OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT
1. Reference is made to this station's letter S.7/AIR
dated 25th August, 1959, and R.N.Z.A.F. H.Q. reply
224/10/1 D. of I. of the 1st September, 1959.
2. Attached is a copy of a statement received from
the same person describing a further alleged sighting on
the 5th March, 1960. A copy of a report from
Flt.Lt. C.M. Jennings who investigated the previous
incident is also attached. The reports are submitted
for evaluation.
3. The previous incident was the cause of considerable
publicity much of which was of a derogatory nature, due in
part to a press statement issued by Mrs. Moreland. On
this occasion she has requested that the matter be treated
as confidential to the Service. Her wishes are being
respected, and unless instructions are received to the
contrary, it is not intended to pursue the matter further.
[ILLEGIBLE signature]
(A.P. GAINSFORD)
Group Captain, Commanding
(Encl. 2) R.N.Z.A.F. Station Woodbourne
[Handwritten:] D of I think of nothing it.
[ILLEGIBLE] cadre for this Initials
better for [ILLEGIBLE]
FILE. [ILLEGIBLE]
CONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIALTHIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD FROM RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESERVE PERSONAL PRIVACY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT SECTION 9 (2) a
THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD FROM RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESERVE PERSONAL PRIVACY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT SECTION 9 (2) a
THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD FROM RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESERVE PERSONAL PRIVACY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT SECTION 9 (2) a
17 A[UG] 1959 *EVENING POST* Report From New Guinea 'BREATH-TAKING FLYING SAUCERS' SYDNEY, Aug. 16.—"Flying saucers," bathed in a shaft of blue light and carrying "illuminated men," have been reported from New Guinea by an Anglican priest, according to the Sydney "Sun-Herald." It said the priest, the Rev. Father W. B. Gill, of Boianai Anglican Mission, Papua, claimed the "men" had waved and exchanged signals with a group of people. In an account sent to Brisbane and running to eight typed foolscape pages, Father Gill listed incidents of "breath-taking activity" by identified flying objects over mountain areas inland from Port Moresby, the newspaper said. They included sightings of a fleet of up to eight flying objects, including a "mother ship," exchange of signals from the mother ship with 12 people at Boianai Mission, and simultaneous sightings by a group of 38 people. The "Sun-Herald" said the account gave detailed times, names of witnesses, and sketches of flying objects in "confronted sightings" on June 21, 26, 27, and 28 this year. It quoted Father Gill's account as saying: "...a group of 12 people, including myself, saw a large flying object and two smaller ones just after sunset. Figures On Deck "Four figures appeared on top of the large object, which seemed to be a mother ship. The figures looked as though they were doing something on the top deck." The account continued: "One figure seemed to be standing, looking down at us. I stretched my hand above my head and waved, to our surprise, the figure did the same." "Another person and myself waved both hands over our heads and all four figures seemed to do the same." Father Gill said that later, as darkness descended, a torch was flashed and the object apparently acknowledged by making several wavering motions backwards and forwards. The object then moved slowly towards the group on the ground, halted, and the four figures went below deck. The "Sun-Herald" said Father Gill claimed that altogether that night there were four hours of flying object activity—"at times absolutely breath-taking." "There is no doubt whatever that they are handled by beings of some kind," he said. Many Witnesses He said that the large object appeared to be the same as one sighted the previous night by 38 witnesses, when it was clearly visible and mostly stationary for 25 minutes. The colour was dull yellow when stationary and very bright when moving, changing from thin white to deep red and then blue-green. A shaft of blue light emanated from the top of the object and the "men" were illuminated from the waist up, the newspaper quoted the account as saying.—N.Z.P.A. (Rec. 11am). --- Two More Sightings Of Object Reported Two people have communicated with The Express stating that they could confirm the reported sighting by a Grovetown woman on Friday night of a green-coloured object which travelled across the western sky about 6.50 p.m., illuminating a large area around them. The Grovetown woman told a reporter on Saturday morning that the object, about eight inches in diameter, travelled from south to north, and appeared momentarily as it came out from behind a cloud and travelled across an open space, to be hidden again behind another cloud. This morning two persons who had each decided not to say anything about what they had seen in case they were ridiculed, said they felt better about what they had seen on reading that their reports had been corroborated. Each of these two people spoke independently of the other to The Express, and neither knew that the other had seen the object. However, they both gave an identical description to that reported by the Grovetown woman. SEEN FROM RENWICK One person, Mr G. H. Rogers, who works at the R.N.Z.A.F. Station, Woodbourne, said he was quite relieved to see the report in Saturday's Express about the Grovetown woman's sighting, as it confirmed what he had seen. He said he was travelling along the road from Woodbourne Store at Renwick to his home in Gee Street, when the ground was suddenly illuminated by a greenish light. He looked up and saw an object the shape of a ball, and about eight inches in diameter, travelling across the sky in a northerly direction. There was no sound from the object. Another person to observe the object was Mr Gordon Western, of Brancott Road. He had not intended to say what he had seen when approached by a reporter. Mr Western said he was waiting on the roadside outside Mr J. B. Laidlaw's home on Brancott Road, where he resided, for a taxi to arrive for him. At about 6.50 the ground and surroundings for a distance of about 100 yards were illuminated. There was a "greenish-coloured" object about eight inches in diameter crossing the sky to the west. Mr Western said he heard no noise from the object. 10 AUG 1859 [MARLBOROUGH EXPRESS] --- Woman Reports [MARLBOROUGH EXPR...] Seeing Unusual Object In Sky A Grovetown woman inquired from The Express this morning if reports had been received about a flying object last evening. She had seen something—something which illuminated the ground, and she was certain other people must have seen it. She said that about 7.00 she and her son went out to the front lawn to get the paper. It could not be found, and her son went to get a torch. "Suddenly I realised I could see the ground, the paper lying almost at my feet, the hedge and shrubs in the garden," she told a reporter. It was a greenish light, she added. Simultaneously a round object about eight inches in diameter caught her eye as it moved at a moderate speed from behind a dark cloud, across a clear patch and behind another cloud. The object was a bright green colour and it was the green light from this that illuminated the ground. When she saw the object it was travelling from south to north at an angle of about 60 degrees in the western sky. So far no other reports of an object being sighted last evening have been received by The Express. 8 AUG 1959 --- EVENING POST U.S. Year Ahead [Britain's] Flying Saucer IT looks as if Britain has been pipped on the post in marketing its Flying Saucer—the experimental SRN1 hovercraft—for commercial purposes. America's Curtiss-Wright Corporation said today their "air car" will be available a year ahead of the Saunders-Roe counterpart. "We are ready to go into production right away," he said. "Our prototype is on hand for demonstration in our South Bend, Indiana, headquarters any time you like." The Curtiss-Wright "saucer," he explained, looks much like the Saunders-Roe product, but works on a different air cushion principle. "The whole of the underside is open. The difference between an electric fan and a jet. Our latest model is a 300hp vehicle. In its tests it has come very close to 60mph. "It carries four passengers. But we are now working on a prototype 'air car' with payloads of up to 40 passengers." An advertisement published today claims the Curtiss-Wright "air car" can skim at a height of 6in to 12in "over land, water, swamps, or mud"—London, Express Service. 14 AUG 1959
MORE SIGHTINGS OF OBJECTS REPORTED Two people in the Lower Wairau Valley, Marlborough, reported sighting an unidentified object in the early hours of Monday, July 13. Mr Roy Holdaway, a farmer at Dillon's Point, and a neighbour who rises at 4.30 every morning to milk for the town supply, which has to be ready at 7 o'clock every morning, noticed the phenomenon. The neighbour's wife, hurrying across the paddock at 4.40 a.m., glanced up and was aware of a very bright light in the eastern sky travelling in a horizontal position from north to south. "Imagine the sky as a 4 clock face," she said, "the light travelled across from eight to four o'clock." She told her family, but said nothing to other people because, she said, there was one bright light and where a jet leaves a trail of vapour, this left a trail of light and even I have enough sense to know that a light can't trail. It was not a star, nor a comet. As I watched, the light went out as though it was shut off." Mr Holdaway woke about 4.30 to see a bright light through his bedroom window. He lives near a corner and car lights usually illuminate his room. "I thought it was a car coming from the east," he said. "Then I thought it was a funny colour for a car light, a greeny colour, and much brighter than car lights, and there was no noise. It did not pass as car lights do, and I could see it travelling from east to west towards Blenheim." NELSON SIGHTINGS On Tuesday night about 7.50 Mr N. Keesing and Mr E. Avery were sitting talking in a car at the corner of Rutherford and Examiner streets when their attention was attracted by a bright object low down in the southern sky, directly over Nelson College from where they were. Thinking it might be a reflection through the windscreen they got out of the car and watched the object for about five minutes. It was bigger than any star they had ever seen. The object did not appear to move while they watched it but kept changing in colour from a deep red to green and then yellow. [ILLEGIBLE] Several people in town and country reported that they saw the object in the sky last night, at about 7.30 and at 11.30. --- REPORT FROM TAKAKA An unidentified object was seen in the sky over Golden Bay at 10.5 o'clock last night. Mr Jim Bensemann and his wife and daughter, of Takaka, reported today that they watched the object for a considerable time. It showed red and green lights which blinked on and off. It appeared to be hovering in the sky over Onekaka. It was the second report in recent weeks of an unidentified object in the sky over Golden Bay. The previous report was by Mr L. Stratford, of Upper Takaka, who reported seeing a similar object. --- Explanation Of Some Lights In The Sky Reports of strange objects seen in the sky over Nelson may have simple explanations. Yesterday morning a high-flying jet aircraft left a spectacular condensation trail behind it as it flew over and caused widespread speculation. The aircraft spread speculation. The aircraft was an R.N.Z.A.F. Vampire on a cross-country flight. In the evening red and green lights were seen in the sky south of Nelson. They came from a National Airways Corporation Douglas airliner circling before making a landing at Tahunanui airport. Reports have also been received of lights in the sky at a high altitude over the Waimea plains. These probably came from a Viscount airliner flying between Auckland and Christchurch. Nelson is on the path of aircraft flying to Harewood airport and after dark their lights can be seen with the naked eye. Silver weather balloons with lighted candles attached are also released during the night to test the wind in the upper levels. They sometimes make a weird sight as they bob upwards after being released from the Meteorological station at Nelson airport. NELSON EV. MAIL - 6 AUG 1959
THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD FROM RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESERVE PERSONAL PRIVACY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT SECTION 9 (2) a
(5) Note for File On the night of August 7th 1959, the Planet Venus magnitude -4.1 was at 1850 hours bearing 287° T altitude 16° 38'. Weather conditions were
CONFIDENTIAL Further note for file: F/Lt. Jennings advised D of I_ 1515 hrs. 28 Aug. That Mrs Morela[nd] received "poison-pen" letter, containing "You have talked"; postmarked "Blen[heim] 6[p.m.], 26 Aug." I advised him to pass this aspect of the case over to the Police, to whom he was at liberty to disclose such information from file as may be necessary to help them in their inquiries. [signature] Wing Commander DIRECTOR OF INTELLIGENCE 28/8/59 CONFIDENTIAL
THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD FROM RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESERVE PERSONAL PRIVACY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT SECTION 9 (2) a
THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD FROM RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESERVE PERSONAL PRIVACY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT SECTION 9 (2) a
THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD FROM RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESERVE PERSONAL PRIVACY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT SECTION 9 (2) a
SECRET CONFIDENTIAL From : R.N.Z.A.F. Station Woodbourne To : Air Department, Wellington Date : 20th August, 1959 Ref : WOOD.S.7/AIR SIGHTING OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT 1. As a result of the incident reported in this station's letter C7/AIR of the 15th July, 1959, and of further telephone calls to station (one of which is quoted in E4 on the enclosed file) the Commanding Officer appointed Flt.Lt. C.M. Jennings Tech(E) to receive all information and, if necessary, to investigate further any such reports. 2. Flt.Lt. Jennings had no previous interest in matters of this nature and commenced his task with an open mind. 3. As a result of his investigation and of the matters revealed (which are known to Mrs. Moreland, the Commanding Officer and himself only), the classification of the material has been raised as a precautionary measure and is forwarded for evaluation. 4. As a result of the symptoms mentioned in the report Mrs. Moreland has agreed to submit herself to examination by the Station Medical Officer providing the matter is kept highly confidential, but is not willing to consult her civilian Doctor or to discuss the incident with anyone outside the Service. 5. The Medical Officer has been acquainted briefly with the circumstances and will submit a report in due course. The symptoms shown could of course be self induced due to nervous strain. 6. According to Mrs. Moreland there have been at least two occasions subsequent to the initial sighting when she has noticed the peculiar smell of "burnt pepper" in the air while rounding up the cows at approximately the same time as previously in the early morning. 7. It is considered desirable that elementary tests for radiation be carried out, particularly immediately following any reported re-occurrence of the odour mentioned above. For this reason it is requested that a Geiger counter of the visual recording type be made available to this unit as a means of verifying or disproving the possibility of the presence of radio activity. 8. Flt.Lt. Jennings has spent considerable private time on this matter, is convinced that Mrs. Moreland is genuine, and is an extremely worried person. He is prepared to turn out at any hour of the day or night to personally investigate further incidents. 9. The enclosed recorded action has been taken in longhand for obvious reasons, and is forwarded for evaluation by Headquarters Intelligence Staff. Your further advice is awaited. [signature] (A.P. Gainsford) Group Captain Commanding R.N.Z.A.F. Station Woodbourne CONFIDENTIAL SECRET
THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD FROM RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESERVE PERSONAL PRIVACY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT SECTION 9 (2) a
[R.N.Z.A.F. Form 2008
SECRET
Confidential
FILE. REFERENCE.
#S. 7/AIR.
AIR DEPARTMENT OR R.N.Z.A.F.
UNIT:...
SUBJECT: AIR: SIGHTING OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS.
List of Relevant Files and Papers on Reverse of this Cover.
TRANSIT DIRECTIONS
Referred to | Encl. | Date. | Initials. | Referred to | Encl. | Date. | Initials. | Referred to | Encl. | Date. | Initials.
[all rows blank]
NOTE.—1. The existence of this file should be known only to persons directly concerned.
2. For detailed instructions on the handling of this file see A.P. 3086.
Confidential
FILE OPENED:............... SECRET FILE CLOSED:...............RELEVANT PAPERS SUBJECT: FILE: [blank] TREATMENT OF FILES AND CORRESPONDENCE 1. The movements of files classified as "TOP SECRET," "SECRET," or "CONFIDENTIAL" are to be recorded by staffs, in a register especially maintained for the purpose. 2. This file must be circulated under sealed cover or by hand of an officer and kept in a steel safe, chest, or cupboard under lock and key when not in use, or in the event of the office being left unattended. Do not forget to notify Secret Registry when passing file by hand. 3. This file may be closed only on the authority of a responsible officer of the Branch usually dealing with its contents. 4. For detailed instructions on the handling of this file see R.A.F. A.P. 3086 (2nd Edition), and appropriate Air Department Orders. 2,000 '12/55—1005d] [R.N.Z.A.F. Form 2008
TOP SECRET CONFIDENTIAL C.O. Copy of Mrs Moreland's statement to Air Dept already has this. CONFIDENTIAL TOP SECRET
TOP SECRET CONFIDENTIAL (1A) An initial rough pencil sketch of the object - see E1C for better sketch. [sketch area - ILLEGIBLE] CONFIDENTIAL TOP SECRET
TOP SECRET CONFIDENTIAL (1B) Copy of Statement by Mrs Moreland to Blenheim Police. Air Dept has this. [lined area - blank] CONFIDENTIAL TOP SECRET
TOP SECRET
CONFIDENTIAL
(1C)
Sketch (improved on E1A). This copy
forwarded to show modified lighting
and jet structure details. ef.
[DRAWING: disc-shaped object viewed from slightly below, with annotation "MORE LIKE THIS" pointing to underside lighting area]
[SITE MAP:
OLD PENWICK ROAD [vertical label on left side]
HOUSE [box]
SHED [box]
SHED [box]
COW YARD [dashed box] COW SHED [dashed box] PINE
TREES.
40 yd
FRUIT TREES APPROX 10-12 FT HIGH
PINE TREES APPROX --- 50 yd --- 100 FT HIGH
X [marker]]TOP SECRET CONFIDENTIAL (2) E 2. is our copy of Woodbourne's letter to A/Dept Ref Wood C.7/Air dated 15th July 1959. NB our copy carries C.O's note to the effect that 1. Mrs Moreland describes centre section as being 4'-5' deep 2. Jets above and below a blank centre 3. Square edges rather than pointed - see mod to sketch at E1C. CONFIDENTIAL TOP SECRET
(copy) TOP SECRET c.7/air. (3)
WOODBOURNE.
16th July 1959.
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM for :
Officer in Charge
Blenheim Police Station
BLENHEIM.
SIGHTING OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT
1. Herewithal copy of a statement taken from Mrs F.J.
Moreland, of Old Renwick Road, Blenheim concerning
the sighting of an unidentified object on 13th July 1959.
2. Attached is a sketch of the object and of the
site based on a description by Mrs Moreland.
A.P. GAINSFORD etc.
CONFIDENTIAL
TOP SECRETTOP SECRET
COPY
CONFIDENTIAL RNZAF STATION
WOODBOURNE.
21st July 1959.
Sgt H. Fulton,
Sgts Mess,
RNZAF Station,
WHENUAPAI.
Further to your request for information, herewith copies of statement together with a sketch of the area and a drawing of the unidentified object as described by Mrs F.E. Moreland of Old Renwick Road, Blenheim, sighted at approximately 0540 hours Monday 13th July 1959.
A Mr R. Haldaway, of Willows Point Road Blenheim, some 3 miles to the east of the above area has since reported the following:-
"At approximately, 0430 to 0500 hours on the morning of 13th July, he got up for a drink of water and after returning to bed was lying awake when he saw a bright light shining thro' the windows. As car lights of vehicles approaching along the road shine thro' his windows, he idly waiting for the sound of the engine. The light which appeared to be of a whitish orange colour became brighter until they reached a high intensity and then gradually faded away with out any accompanying sound. The light was travelling from east to west."
P.S. For your information, it is L.G. Youngs.
advised that in spite of rumours FLIGHT LIEUTENANT.
to the contrary, the grass field where
the incident took place has not become
discoloured and has not been
ploughed since the event nor has Mrs
Moreland been unwell since the
incident.
[Copy of letter to Sgt Fulton, who is director of an organisation known as C.S.I. (N.Z.), at his request for information on the subject.]
CONFIDENTIAL
TOP SECRETTOP SECRET
CONFIDENTIAL
NOTE FOR FILE:
Having been appointed by the Commanding Officer to investigate UFO's in the Blenheim and surrounding areas, I have proceeded to interview Mrs Moreland again as a result of inconsistencies in reported size of the object (E1 and 1B report)
Results of this interview at E6.
[Signature] Jennings 7/8/.
CONFIDENTIAL
TOP SECRETTHIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD FROM RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESERVE PERSONAL PRIVACY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT SECTION 9 (2) a
TOP SECRET
RESULTS OF AN INTERVIEW CONFIDENTIAL (6)
WITH MRS MORELAND AT HER HOME ON THURSDAY
23rd JULY 1959 AT 2000 HRS
INTRODUCTION
1. Because of inconsistencies earlier, and in order to reshape information available, the above interview was held. Mrs Moreland did not convey to me any impression of being excitable by nature: she was helpful and, I believe, quite honestly convinced that she did in fact see a craft descend, hover, tilt and then ascend vertically .... "at a speed which would make a Vampire look like it was standing still .... She never seen anything like it."
2. Mrs Moreland has had an association with farming and farm machinery in the past, and as a result she has developed a good mechanical sense. She has seen jet and piston-engined aircraft in flight and had at least a rough idea of speeds of each type.
INTENTION
3. To take, step by step, the sequence of events alleged to have taken place, care being taken to relate sizes to everyday objects. [Any questions framed, have of necessity been most carefully put, to avoid begging the answer.]
4. To investigate this, and any other similar occurrence, with a completely open mind.
ALLEGED FACTS
5 DESCENT
(a) Time 0530-0545 on Monday 13th July 1959
(b) First noticed as a green glow above the cloud, descended through the cloud when the green light became twin lights.
(c) Just after breaking cloud (fairly low), orange flames visible, radially disposed and not rotating.
CONFIDENTIAL NB/
TOP SECRETTOP SECRET
CONFIDENTIAL
7. POINTS NOTICED DURING HOVER
(a) Green lights continue (observers attracted towards them but did not move ???)
(b) Object has circular plan form with a canopy above the spinning sections. The canopy 4' to 5' (but not a double arm span) wide, was a full diameter in length.
(c) The canopy of some ribless clear material, was lit by a very bright snow-white light, whose source was not obvious.
(d) Canopy had two occupants seated "....along the length of the canopy, facing the same way..." they would hardly have had enough room to stand.
(e) Between the two occupants, and coming from somewhere below seat level, was a quite noticeable flickering light which reflected from the back of the forward occupant
(f) Foreward occupant did not move at all
See now
E15 (g) Rear occupant swung forward on his hands, partly rising, to peer down at the flickering light which reflected from his clothing.
(h) Occupants being viewed from three-quarters near.
(i) Clothing was skin tight "like a frogman but in aluminium foil which wrinkled as arms bent.
(k) Rear occupant returned to his seat. Both wore helmets going out full shoulder width, if not transparent from near.
(l) Mrs Moreland was still afraid, but now feeling drawn towards the green light and contends that she had to fight an attraction tending to overcome her fear.
(m) Between the spinning sections is a metal-coloured section, not flanged. The under body was metal coloured, with green lights pointing vertically downwards. See had to sketch at E1c.
CONFIDENTIAL TOP SECRETTOP SECRET
CONFIDENTIAL
CONCLUSIONS
10. Mrs Moreland gave every evidence of being completely sincere, although she was initially wary that she would be ridiculed. The above alleged observations were cross-checked by questions dissociated in sequence: her statement stands up in all respects.
Can I get
one out of
her?? 11. By using an audio oscillator and speaker, and by approaching two identified sounds in as many ways as possible, Mrs Moreland identified the following frequencies:
(i) 240-250 cycles/sec as the sound made by the craft during hover
(ii) 2Kc/s ±0.05 Kc/s as frequency of the sound generated during ascent.
12. Mrs Moreland was not absolutely precise in definition of the hover frequency: she identified the upper with complete accuracy on all occasions, and was physically affected by it.
13. Mrs Moreland specifically mentioned the fascination the green lights held for her, to her husband immediately after the event. He confirms her statement in this respect. [There is a possibility of self-induced reaction not to be overlooked here.]
CONFIDENTIAL
TOP SECRETTOP SECRET (7)
CONFIDENTIAL
NOTE: from Commanding Officer.
"You may be interested in the enclosed. Please keep together on file when you have finished with it"
Signed
Date 29.7.59.
Data referred to held as enclosures 7A-D inclusive and consisting of:-
7A - Letter to C.O. from Sgt H. Fulton, self-styled director Civilian Saucer Investigation (NZ). giving some references, and gr thanking C.O. for information and sketches sent to him.
7B - A bulletin "SPACE PROBE"
7C - Confidential Bulletin from CSI(NZ) and written by Fulton.
7D - Vol 6 No 1/2 July-Dec 1958 Bulletin "SPACE PROBE"
COMMENTS: A lot of work in the above, very largely suspect in that the CSI(NZ) body claimed to be given to scientific investigations. Its publications fall far short of scientific investigation however, because
(a) more often than not they beg the question
(b) far too much emotive language and potted thinking.
[Signature] Jennings 7/8/.
(The above refers to pamphlets, letters and printed material forwarded to N.Z. by Sgt Fulton of C.S.I.(N.Z.) and held on station file.)
TOP SECRET CONFIDENTIALTOP SECRET (9)
CONFIDENTIAL
Newspaper report of sighting.
Headline: "WOMAN REPORTS SEEING UNUSUAL
OBJECT IN SKY"
1. An article in the Marlborough Express of Saturday 8th August 1959.
2. It covers the main points of E10.
3. not mentioned by name.
——"——
Note for File:
After some very useful work by the reporting staff of the above newspaper, three names were given to me in connection with the above. Interviews appear above, on file as E 10, 11, 12.
[Signature] Jennings 7/8/.
CONFIDENTIAL
TOP SECRETTOP SECRET (10)
STATEMENT BY
CONFIDENTIAL
TO FLT LT CM JENNINGS AT 1600 HRS ON 10 AUG, 1959.
On Friday 7th August 1959 at about 6:50PM I was looking for my newspaper on the front lawn. The night was dark although there was a new moon giving off virtually no light - certainly not enough to see by. I could not see my newspaper (which was almost at my feet). I could not see the hedge nor the guy wires to the radio aerial mast.
My son was inside the house getting a torch. My husband was putting the car in the shed.
Gradually I began to be able to see details around me more clearly. I noticed my paper, picked it up, and thought, "that's funny, where's the light coming from?" So, I looked up and saw a green ball of light which was definitely behind thin cloud. The ball was about eight inches diameter and appeared to have a funny trail behind it, sort of cone-shaped, but not coming to a point. The rest of the ball was funny around its outline, too, but did not have a projection as at the back.
The speed of the object was fairly slow and I think it was very high - much higher than the clouds. It was at an angle to the overhead and off to the West and travelled from South to North roughly.
I could not hear any sound except a car going along the main road. The object itself was a definite and bright milky-emerald green whereas the light on the ground was blueish-green in tint - on the grass particularly. The object appeared to have a raw-bright but still green section, somewhere in the centre. It finally disappeared behind thick cloud and once it did so, there was no more light from it. I had the thing in view for several seconds, and got the impression that it was tumbling over or spinning but much faster than it was going along.
NOTE: has been promised that her
Name will not be made public in any way
ChJ.
CONFIDENTIAL
TOP SECRETTOP SECRET
STATEMENT: By 79772 LAC ROGERS.G.E. CONFIDENTIAL (11)
TO FLT. LT. C.M. JENNINGS AT 1430 HRS ON 10 AUG 1959
I was cycling towards my home at about 1845-1850 hrs on Friday 7th August 1959. The night was dark, no moon showing, with a clear sky in patches. Suddenly I felt myself compelled to look up: the feeling was very strong.
High, very high in the sky I saw a vivid green sphere travelling in a N.W. direction. The sphere lit up the ground so that I could see all the road. Prior to this, I could only see that part of the road lit by my cycle dynamo.
The sphere was making no noise and was travelling very fast. I can not compare it with aircraft speeds as I have not seen aircraft flying enough to make a fair comparison.
This sphere was in view for a few seconds only. Its outline was blurred - not at all like a moon going along. My direct impression at the time is that the object was rotating because it looked rather like a catherine-wheel fireworker when lit.
I can not really describe this green colour, because it was unlike any other green I have seen. It was very vivid indeed, tho'.
I have had a considerable amount of experience in the Royal Navy during the war. I am not excitable. I did see this object whatever it was, and state quite definitely that this was unlike anything I have seen before. I have seen plenty of falling stars, shooting stars and so on, but nothing like this.
I can produce six witnesses to prove that I spoke of this matter within half an hour of seeing it, which was, of course, long before Saturday's paper mentioned the sighting of an unusual object.
CONFIDENTIAL
TOP SECRETTOP SECRET
CONFIDENTIAL (12)
STATEMENT: BY: FARMHAND.
TO: FLT LT CM JENNINGS AT 1515HR ON 10 Aug, 1959.
Last Friday night about ten to seven - I'd put it more nearly nine minutes to - I was standing out in front of the pine trees by the roadside, waiting for a taxi. My taxi was late, it was dark, and there wasn't any moon that I saw. I was looking down the road towards Woodbourne Station to see if the car was coming.
Suddenly a green light lit up the road around me for about 100 yds. I could then see quite clearly. In fact I could see to the next pine trees down the road.
I looked up and saw a round green thing about 9" diameter moving at about jet aircraft speed, to the N.W. I have no idea of its height, but the cloud was pretty high. It came out from behind cloud and was visible for only a few seconds before going in behind the cloud again.
There was another break in the cloud over Blenheim way. I looked to see if I could see it again over there but I couldn't.
The colour of this light was a bright green up in the sky, but down here it was just enough for me to see the stones on the road and that is all.
I only saw green and I heard no noise. I mentioned this to [REDACTED] when he arrived about seven o'clock.
There is nothing else I can add.
CONFIDENTIAL
TOP SECRETTHIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD FROM RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESERVE PERSONAL PRIVACY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT SECTION 9 (2) a
TOP SECRET (14)
CONFIDENTIAL
Newspaper report of sightings.
Headline:- "TWO MORE SIGHTINGS OF
OBJECT REPORTED."
1. An article in the Marlborough Express of Monday 10th August 1959.
2. It merely covers the salient points of E10, 11, 12.
3. A foot-note appears from Tuesday's paper which corrected a name in Monday's article.
4. The article stresses the reluctance of people to come forward with information - they do not want to be disbelieved.
[Newspaper clipping attached - text ILLEGIBLE due to image rotation and print quality]
CONFIDENTIAL
TOP SECRETTOP SECRET (15A) CONFIDENTIAL [Sketch of a human figure in a suit with the following annotations:] HELMET SMALL VISOR DARK OBJECTS LIKE TUBING. MATERIAL SILVERY - LIKE PICTURE BUT MUCH TIGHTER. STRAP WITH BUCKLE. DARK SHEATH. WIDE BELT - WITH LIKE LEATHER OR LARGER MITTEN NOT GLOVE BLACK DISC DETAIL UNKNOWN [Inset circular diagram with annotations:] KNOB BRIGHT SPOT (METAL) TOP SECRET
THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN WITHHELD FROM RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESERVE PERSONAL PRIVACY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT SECTION 9 (2) a
TOP SECRET (16)
CONFIDENTIAL
NOTE FOR FILE
1. Thursday 13th August Mrs Moreland again detected "smell of burnt pepper." She called her husband who could not detect anything.
2. By the time her husband arrived on the scene the smell was very faint only, Mrs Moreland claimed.
3. See E 8
4. Next thursday I shall visit the area at about 0330-0400 hours and remain until daylight. I shall take a geiger counter with me.
[Signature] Jennings 7/8/.
CONFIDENTIAL
TOP SECRETTOP SECRET (17)
CONFIDENTIAL
NOTE FOR FILE
1. Because of subject matter on E15, I this day requested two courses of action to be taken:-
(a) Subject Mrs Moreland to a full medical examination for exposure to radiation. She is agreeable.
NOTE She has developed a few blisters on hands, one on lip, others between shoulders.
(b) So arrange LAC Moreland's ground duties that he can be at home nights for the next six weeks or so, in the interests of Mrs Moreland's general health.
2. Both requests made to C.O.
3. C.O. acquainted with new developments and asked to confirm or otherwise my assessment of changed security classification of this investigation.
[Signature] Jennings 7/8/.
18th August 1959.
CONFIDENTIAL
TOP SECRETCONFIDENTIAL
CONFIDENTIAL [ILLEGIBLE] 39/7/3
(1)
From : R.N.Z.A.F. Station Woodbourne
To : Air Department Wellington (attention A.C.A.S.)
Date : 15th July 1959
Ref : WOOD. C.7/AIR
SIGHTING OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT
1. Herewith statements concerning the alleged sighting of an unidentified object in the vicinity of Blenheim.
2. On Monday 13th July 1959, 73847 LAC Moreland F.J., a Patrolman employed at RNZAF Station Woodbourne, described to me an object which his wife had reported seeing early that morning.
3. LAC Moreland has a small farm holding situated at Old Renwick Road, approximately two miles from Blenheim township.
4. Mrs Moreland had reported the matter to the Blenheim Police. A copy of her statement is attached.
5. Acting on instructions from RNZAF H.Q., I informed Senior Sergeant Adams of the Blenheim Police of my intention to visit the site and he suggested that Detective Sergeant Hoy should accompany me.
6. Detective Sergeant Hoy informed me that the police consider Mrs Moreland to be a rational and stable person from their personal knowledge of her when she was of assistance to them on another matter.
7. Attached is a description of the object together with sketches based on a rough pencil drawing by Mrs Moreland and a sketch of the area at which the sighting took place.
8. At the time of the visit there were no visible signs of anything unusual nor was there any trace of the peculiar smell mentioned by Mrs Moreland.
[Signature]
(A.P.GAINSFORD)
Group Captain Commanding
R.N.Z.A.F.Station Woodbourne
Encl: 3
FILE.
24/7/1959 DDI Initials CONFIDENTIAL [REDACTED]
CONFIDENTIALCOPY
STATEMENT MADE BY MRS F.E. MORELAND (1A)
OLD RENWICK ROAD, BLENHEIM, TO GROUP
CAPTAIN A.P. GAINSFORD ON MONDAY,
13th JULY 1959.
It was about 25 to 6 this morning when I switched on the cowshed light and walked out across the paddock to bring in the cows. When I got about half way across the paddock, I noticed a green light above me in the clouds. - There was complete low cloud cover, and while I was looking at it wondering what this green light was, I saw an oval shaped object appear from which two green beams shone straight down. They were definite lights. The object appeared to be coming down, and then it sort of stopped, and I could see fiery orange jets round the outside edge. They went round and round, and seemed to be rotating opposite ways, and were travelling at a very high speed, but appeared to slow down when the object stopped.
The green light came from under the bottom of the object and diffused over a large area - approximately 50 yards. As soon as I found myself enveloped in this peculiar green glow, I made for some pine trees, having run from the centre of the paddock to the shelter of the trees on the approach of the object.
From where I stood under the trees I could see this glassy cowl over the top and I could also see two men in it. The rear one stood up and appeared to lean forward and rest his hands on a table, and appeared to be looking down between his hands. After a second or two he sat back and the machine tilted and the orangy lights stopped whirling. The men appeared to be encased in silvery shiny suits from the waist upwards when they were sitting. Their headgear seemed to be like divers helmets which glittered very brightly. They appeared to be normal sized people. One of the men never moved at all. I could not see that they were carrying on any conversation at all.
The circumference of the object appeared to be about 20 yards across and about 4 to 5 feet through. When it appeared to stop, it was about 15 feet above the ground.- 2 -
When the object was hovering and I could see the two men, the light inside seemed like ordinary electric light. When I was half way across the paddock, I had my torch switched on, but when I was enveloped in the green light I could not see my torch light at all. The orange lights were very bright, but the green light cut the orange light out completely for a while.
The object appeared to hover for a few seconds, and then with a high pitched whistle it took off straight up into the sky and disappeared. After a while I was left in a whaft of hot peppery air, or it smelt like pepper. When the object had gone, there appeared to be no difference in the surroundings.COPY
RECORD OF TELEPHONE MESSAGE
TIME: 7-a.m. DATE: 13th July 1959: POLICE STATION: Blenheim
FROM: Mrs MORELAND ADDRESS: Old Renwick Road: PHONE: 3600
TO: W/HOUSE.
RECEIVED BY: Constable RIBBENS C.J.W.
MESSAGE : "You may think that I am mad, but I saw a flying
saucer about 5-40 a.m. this morning.. I was walking
from the house to the cowshed, and when going
across the paddock, I noticed a green glow in the
cloud, and then all at once a round thing came down
into view with two green lights pointing to the
ground, I could see a light greenish glow on the
ground, and around the edge was what appeared to be
something like two elevator belts, one going one way,
and one the other. As it came down, it was just
low enough for me to see a long cowling affair, and
there were two men in it, and one stood up, and
leaned forward, and I could see as he leaned over
something that he was silvery coloured, and he shone
all over.
I have told my husband, but he thinks I am drunk,
and by the way , it left a smell just like
pepper, well that's how I can describe it, and as it
left it made a high pitched whine noise. It
was about 30 feet across, and when I saw it it was
above my head and to one side, and I did notice
that there were some sparks flying also as it left."[ILLUSTRATION: Sketch drawing of a craft/object above a landscape with two figures visible, and below it a map diagram showing:
OLD RENWICK ROAD (along left side)
HOUSE
SHED
SHED
COW YARD COW SHED.
PINE TREES.
40 yd
FRUIT TREES. APPROX
10-12 ft
HIGH.
50 yd.
PINE TREES APPROX - - 100 ft. HIGH.]RNZAF Station, Woodbourne
24 July 1959
39/3/3
SIGHTING OF U.F.O.
1. Receipt of your C7/AIR dated 15 July 1959 is
acknowledged.
2. Due to the absence of corroborative evidence, the
report does not appear to warrant further action.
No. 2
27 JUL 1959
DESPATCHED
(J.K. McGLYMONT, Sqn Ldr)
for Air Commodore
ASSISTANT CHIEF OF AIR STAFF
FILE.
24/7/1959 DDI Initials[R.N.Z.A.F. Form 2009
CONFIDENTIAL
FILE. REFERENCE.
244/10/1
AIR DEPARTMENT OR R.N.Z.A.F. VOLUME. 1.
UNIT: R.N.Z.A.F. HEADQUARTERS
SUBJECT: INTELLIGENCE : MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS : REPORTS
OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS.
List of Relevant Files and Papers on Reverse of this Cover.
TRANSIT DIRECTIONS
Referred Encl. Date. Initials. Referred Encl. Date. Initials. Referred Encl. Date. Initials.
to to to
Reg/. / 12/1 8
DDI8. 14. 21/2 6
P&I - 11/4 le3
D of I 17 5?/6/ [ILLEGIBLE]
DDI. 1 5/7 [ILLEGIBLE]
DDI. 9/1/ [ILLEGIBLE]
DBI 13/[ILLEGIBLE]
Reg - 16/1 [ILLEGIBLE]
20 (AIR) 29.10.64[ILLEGIBLE]
75 HC 3 8-5-71[ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE]. 11/7 [ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE] 10 MAY 1971 [ILLEGIBLE]
1/USAKO 20/9/77[ILLEGIBLE]
SASO 20/9/72 [ILLEGIBLE]
SITO 20/[ILLEGIBLE]
OReg.1 20 JU.. 1973 N
DCAS 24-8-76[ILLEGIBLE]
3SASO 12-8-78 [ILLEGIBLE]
90(POL)A SC 3/4 [ILLEGIBLE]
SASO [ILLEGIBLE]15[ILLEGIBLE][ILLEGIBLE]
NOTE.—1. The existence of this file should be known only to persons directly concerned.
2. For detailed instructions on the handling of this file see A.P. 3086.
LE OPENED : 21/7/59 CONFIDENTIAL FILE CLOSED :RELEVANT PAPERS
FILE:
[REDACTED]
TREATMENT OF FILES AND CORRESPONDENCE
1. The movements of files classified as "TOP SECRET," "SECRET," or
"CONFIDENTIAL" are to be recorded by staffs, in a register especially maintained
for the purpose.
2. This file must be circulated under sealed cover or by hand of an officer and
kept in a steel safe, chest, or cupboard under lock and key when not in use, or in the
event of the office being left unattended. Do not forget to notify Secret Registry
when passing file by hand.
3. This file may be closed only on the authority of a responsible officer of the
Branch usually dealing with its contents.
4. For detailed instructions on the handling of this file see R.A.F. A.P. 3086
(2nd Edition), and appropriate Air Department Orders.
2/51—10955]
[R.N.Z.A.F. Form 2009