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There is in many of us, obviously, a deep-seated desire to assent to extraterrestrial forces — to be embraced by them, overwhelmed by them, and if possible deprived by them of our own weary responsibility for ourselves. "Hiccups from Outer Space" Russell Davies, reviewing Close Encounters of the Third Kind in The Observer, March 19, 1978 Although the UFO phenomenon is highly complex and stretches the boundaries of the scientific method, I am not prepared to abandon the rational approach to knowledge for conclusions based on faith, intuition, or the alleged messages recieved by "channels" and contactees. There is too much at stake. We have a rare opportunity to improve scientific techniques and to glimpse beyond the limits of ordinary reality. But it would be foolish to attempt it without a clear recognition of certain pitfalls. What I will call, in Chapter Eight, the "triple coverup" is concerned with these pitfalls: the UFO phenomenon is shielded from direct study by the persistent, misguided official denial of its very existence; it is made more confusing by the reactions and fears of witnesses; and it is further protected from ultimate discovery by its own structure. The subject also carries political overtones. As a source of rumors within military as well as civilian populations, UFO stories can be manipulated for a variety of reasons that may have nothing to do with the government's interest in the phenomenon. We live in a world where any rumor can be exploited, any cult is a potential force, any belief can alter established regimes. The expectation of extraterrestrial visitors is a powerful potential source of new social and political trends. There is no proof that the UFO phenomenon is of extraterrestrial origin. On the contrary, we see in Chapter Nine that several compelling arguments converge to deny the extraterrestrial hypothesis. Finally, in Chapter Ten, I present a possible framework for an extension of our current research into the form of reality where the UFO phenomenon seems to originate. We are pleased to acknowledge receipt of your letter... regarding the photographs showing UFOs in formational flight, which you mention were taken by Captain Orrego of the Chilean Navy near Antarctica in 1948. Regarding this matter we wish to inform you that recently we recieved a communication from Captain Orrego stating that he had not seen any UFOs over Antarctica in 1948. Therefore the photographs requested by you do not exist. 5 yen OS DY a) RT oe OY atk It is forbidden for TV, radio, newspapers, and other news media to divulge UFO reports without the prior censorship of the Brazilian Air Force. woot at taka Rr A a Institutional Act No. 5, State Security Brazilian Government Regulation PART THREE: A CHALLENGE TO RESEARCH 8. Fighting the Triple Coverup Letter from the Chief of the Chilean Naval Mission to an American writer