THE CSETI PROJECT STARLIGHT DISCLOSURE STRATEGY

Editors note: To be Fair, I Am Presenting More Than One Viewpoint
from the standpoint of more than individual.

Project Starlight Coalition

by Steven M. Greer, M.D. International Director of CSETI

The Project Starlight Coalition (PSC) is a voluntary association of researchers, scientists, world leaders and concerned citizens who are dedicated to effecting a non-harmful disclosure on the UFO/ETI (Unidentified
Flying Object / Extraterrestrial Intelligence) issue in the near future.

Since its inception in July 1993, the PSC has developed a strategy to coordinate a high level disclosure on
the UFO/ETI subject, and has successfully been able to brief numerous world leaders. We have found that
wide consensus exists among senior political, scientific and military / intelligence figures for a public acknowledgement of the reality of UFOs and ETI.

The PSC envisions the process of disclosure to go forward in four phases:

I. Collection of evidence and the testimony of senior government, military and intelligence witnesses on the
UFO/ETI subject; development of strategy; building networks and early pre-briefing of senior world leaders (underway).

II. Upon finalization of evidence and witness testimony collection, the formal briefing process will begin.
The briefing process, to begin just prior to a public disclosure, will be geared towards the world's senior
government, scientific, cultural and religious leaders and organizations.

III. The public announcement will include an event covered by the world's media where the best evidence
and witnesses will be presented publicly, making an undeniable case for the reality of UFOs and ETI.

IV. The Post Announcement Era. As follow-up to the announcement concerning the detection of ETI, a
continuing effort of public education, conferences and in-depth briefings will occur. This continued
educational program is to ensure a calm, orderly and ultimately constructive assimilation of the
knowledge that we are not alone in the universe, and to empower the world community to assume
open responsibility for management of the subject, thus ending current exclusive covert control.

The interested and concerned public is invited to join PSC to assist in this global disclosure effort.
Specifically, help is needed in the following areas:

1. Collection of best evidence and witnesses. High quality, multiple witnessed UFO/ETI cases, official
documents, photos, video, movies, hard evidence such as metal samples, biological samples, etc.,
and first-hand government / military witnesses are being sought. If you have access to, or possess
high quality evidence, please contact us as soon as possible. Important witnesses to current or past
operations dealing with this subject may be assured of confidentiality and a serious approach to their
security needs and national security oaths / obligations (see below).

2. Network building. In order to provide briefings, serve in an advisory capacity and gather support for
the project, we invite those with bona fide contacts in the following areas to contact us: government
leaders and organizations, scientific leaders and organizations, military / intelligence leaders and
organizations, cultural and economic leaders and organizations, including the media, religious leaders
and organizations, other leaders and organizations who need to be briefed or could provide assistance

3. Funding. We have ultimate funding needs of approximately $5 million. If you know of individuals,
institutions, philanthropic organizations or other groups who could help with funding, please contact us.

WITNESS TESTIMONY

A key part of the Project Starlight Coalition's strategy is the identification of important government
witnesses to the UFO/ETI subject. This includes scientists, corporate contractors, military and
intelligence officers and officials, civilian government employees, NASA and other space officials
and employees, and political figures. The combination of bona fide witness testimony from credible
witnesses of stature with other evidence, such as pilot sightings, general reports, government
documents, photos, videos, hard evidence, etc., will make an undeniable case for the reality of the
UFOs and the existence of ETI.

We are acutely aware of the sensitive security issues and needs of these types of witnesses, and have
taken measures for their protection. Very senior US government briefings have occurred and steps are
being taken at appropriate levels of the Executive Branch of the US government to provide release for
these witnesses from their national security obligations, and to provide for their protection.

Moreover, an important dynamic is created by gathering together multiple credible witnesses in a
coalition - there is safety in numbers - and by coordinating a strategy for all of these witnesses to
come forward in unison and at the same time, credibility is enhanced and an unassailable case is
made for the reality of the subject.

Nevertheless, we recognize that courage and a genuine sense of altruism and dedication to the
ideals of democracy are required for individuals to come forward. We have already located a number
of such witnesses and invite others to come forward. The time for the truth to be told has come, and
with the end of the Cold War, there can be no justification for continued secrecy. Indeed, the future
of democracy may depend on the courage of individuals willing to come forward and share what
they know about a subject which must become the domain of all the peoples of the world. Such
witnesses are key to the success of the Project Starlight strategy. Witnesses may contact Steven
Greer, M.D. directly at 704-274-5671, or Kevin Foley at 612-378-1485.

If you can help us fulfill the goals of the Project Starlight Coalition, please feel free to join us:

By writing: Project Starlight Coalition, c/o CSETI, PO Box 15401, Asheville NC 28813.
Calling: 303-798-2694 or 704-274-5671. Faxing: 704-274-6766 or 303-798-2694 (333).

CSETI NEWSLETTER.
Vol.3 No.1
May 1994

YOU HAVE MY PERMISSION TO QUOTE FROM THIS INFORMATION IN
PRESS RELEASES, PERIODICALS, AND SPEECHES. INCLUSION IN ANY
OTHER MEDIA REQUIRES MY EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION.
THIS FILE CAN BE FREELY DISTRIBUTE AND/OR PHOTOCOPIED.

The last three months have seen extraordinary - even historic - developments in the
CSETI project CSETI has launched Project Starlight, which is designed to educate
world leaders, leaders in society and the world's population to the fact that the earth
is being visited by advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. A comprehensive and world
encompassing strategy has been designed to achieve these educational goals, which
will culminate in a world announcement regarding the existence of extra-
terrestrial life forms.

Much has been learned through a number of preliminary meetings with leaders of
society of preliminary meetings with leaders of society and government, in the U.S.,
England, and Japan.

We have found a remarkable degree of agreement that now is the time to move
decisively towards openness and disclosure on this important subject, and that this
should be achieved in the next one to two years. The end of the Cold War, the
increasing disclosures and declassification of documents by the Department of Energy
and CIA, the continuing world-wide extraterrestrial sightings in Europe, Mexico,
South America, and elsewhere all support the trend towards a new openness on this
subject.

What I am about to write next is something which I would not have believed six
months ago, but I feel that I must share this with you since it is a significant new
perspective that affecour overall strategy and thinking.

Through a number of significant meetings which I and others working on Project
Starlight have had, I have reached the tentative conclusion that virtually all of the
U.S.'s elected and appointed officials, including the President and Cabinet members,
are "out of the loop" on this subject. This is an informal opinion based on significant
meetings with relevant and knowledgeable people. Exactly who, then, is at the reins
of this whole area, both in the U.S. and internationally, remains a mystery. But we
have a good idea of the nature of this group. It is probably:

1. Multi - National
2. Multi - Agency
3. Quasi - Governmental
4. Quasi - Private
5. Extraordinarily Secret

If true, this means a number of things:

1. The President of the U.S., the Cabinet, and perhaps even the Joint Chiefs of Staff
may not be able to disclose anything on this subject, since they probably do not have
access to the real information. And if they ask, I am not at all confident that they
would be told the truth, if anything at all.

2. Those controlling this subject may do so without any legal, constitutional, or moral
authority. This would be true both in the U.S. and abroad.

3. Those controlling the subject should be approached and convinced that the world
has changed, and it is time to also change the current policy of secrecy to one of
openness and disclosure. Not to do so is both dangerous, and without rational or
moral foundation.

4. Knowledgeable and sincere civilians a round the world must come together collect
the best available evidence on this subject, and then educate world leader, leaders in
society, and our fellow humans. We must not assume that those controlling this subject
(and who possess "hard evidence") will do this without a leadership initiative (such as
Project Starlight).

Along the way, one of the stranger, and more telling things I have learned is that a
number of people in the UFO community actually do not want a major public
announcement of this issue!

This sentiment has been expressed by more that one person, and speaks volumes.
Of course, with a sudden, alarmist, and poorly thought out strategy for an
announcement, any sane person would resist.

But even a well thought out, unalarming and positive announcement has been
rejected by these individuals. Why?

As always, the primary purpose of CSETI remains real -- true research and diplomacy
with extraterrestrial intelligence. We have to conduct four to six RMIT expeditions this
year, and continue to develop and expand working group operations world - wide.
But we also must realize that our effort at open contact cannot occur in a vacuum.
I am convinced that to the extent world leadership and the world's population is
correctly educated and accepts the reality of extraterrestrial civilizations, to that
extent CSETI will have more and more direct and open CE-5 events. I believe ETI is
waiting for us to educate our own people and soon. In this sense, Project Starlight
and the CE-5 initiative of world-wide research and diplomacy are symbiotic, synergistic,
and mutually supportive.

When the world finally accepts that we are not alone in the universe, flood gates of
open contact to ET civilizations will open. May our lights, our tones, and our minds be
ready!

Wishing all of you the best all worlds!

For responses please send E-mail to 102036.440@compuserve.com (no longer a valid
e-mail address)

Subj: Message from CSETI/Greer

FYI and distribution as you see fit.

Steven M. Greer M.D.
Director of CSETITHS

                RELATED TO THE UFO/EXTRATERRESTRIAL SUBJECT

                    copyright 1996 Steven M. Greer M.D.

A number of first hand military, intelligence and government-associated
witnesses to covert projects dealing with UFOs and Extraterrestrial
Intelligence (ETI) have been identified by CSETI's Project Starlight
effort.   Over the past three years, we have located several dozen such
potential witnesses as part of a comprehensive strategy to collect
adequate evidence for a global, definitive disclosure on this subject.
The story which these important government witnesses can tell will make a
credible, undeniable case for the reality of UFOs and the existence of
extraterrestrial life forms in proximity to the earth.

One of the persistent obstacles to this testimony coming out into the
public arena has been the issue of so-called national security oaths and
restrictions placed on these witnesses. Some feel that they are not free
to speak unless 'released' from these national security oaths and
restrictions, and so we have been working to encourage Congress and the
White House to take actions which would remove these restrictions.

In the summer of 1995, a number of these witnesses gathered at a witnesses
summit, and we all signed a letter to President Clinton asking him to take
actions leading to the release of these restrictions. While receipt of
this letter was acknowledged by a special assistant to the President, we
still await specific action from the executive branch of the US government.

With this said, it is important to visit the question of whether or not
such national security oaths and restrictions are themselves legally valid.

We have compelling witness testimony that the operations dealing with this
subject currently exist, and have existed for several decades, outside of
normal governmental projects. Members of the Project Starlight Team have
met with very senior members of the Administration, Congress, the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, the CIA and other relevant government agency operatives.
The picture which emerges from these discussions is that of an operation
dealing with UFOs which is functioning outside of the normal channels of
government, as it is usually considered. Indeed, we have found that the
most senior levels of the executive branch, Congress, the military etc.
are totally out of the loop on this extraordinary matter.

This then brings up the sobering question of who is in the loop, and under
what authorization are such projects operating? It is our assessment that
for the large part, these operations do not fall under
any constitutionally sanctioned avenues of authorization, and as such are,
perforce, illegal.

Aside from the lack of oversight and authorization from the executive branch
and Congress, these operations have, from time to time, engaged in deceptive
practices which have frustrated the organs of constitutionally legal
inquiries and democratic processes. Any such operation which behaves in this
fashion unilaterally removes itself from the inherent legality and
protection which exists for projects which are consonant with constitutional
law.

This being the case (we are eager - nay, desperate- for someone to prove
otherwise...) all of the so-called 'national security oaths' and other
'restrictions' placed on military, intelligence and government
contract workers are null and void. That is, they appear to have no legal
validity since the operations for which they were obtained are themselves
illegal. In a constitutional democracy, it is a basic requirement of law
that such operations be constitutionally legal, and if they are not, then
all that flows from them - including such 'oaths'- are illegal and therefore
non-binding. IF these operations
are legal, nobody in the Congress, executive branch or senior military with
whom we have spoken knows of it. The production of a single current executive
order or congressional directive authorizing these projects, which can be
independently verified, would convince us otherwise.

More than one covert contact has told us that, indeed, any such witnesses
can and should speak out at the right time and place since no legal entity
would - or legally could - do anything about it.   We agree.

Beyond this, it is the legal, moral and patriotic duty of such witnesses to
come together, and at the highest, best and most credible venue possible,
speak out in unison regarding the truth on this matter.   Granted, if only
one or two such persons come forward, the case will be weak, and the risk
will be unacceptable. But if ten, twenty or more such witnesses come
together, and united, resolve to share their information and experiences
on this subject, then a definitive case will be made , and a great service
to the world and their country will be fulfilled.

The return of this matter to the legal channels of government and the
deliberation of the people is one of the great unfulfilled tasks of the
post cold war era. Over half a decade has elapsed since the end of the cold
war, and there can no longer be a justification (if there ever was) for
this type of extraordinary secrecy and covert agenda. Both national and
world security requires that this matter be returned to the world community
as soon as possible.

We recommend that men and women of vision, courage and dedication join with
us in fulfilling this task. Far from being a legal violation of 'security
oaths', the public testimony by such witnesses is a highly moral and legal
act. Further, is it not true that the continuation of this secrecy itself
is illegal and immoral, given the inherent unconstitutionality of such
programs? Credible witnesses, joining together and providing their
testimony in a united strategy can return this subject to legal oversight
and control, and thereby enable the people of our country and of the world
to begin the public deliberations which should have occurred 50 years ago.

21 October 1996
Steven M. Greer M.D.
Director of CSETI
PO Box 15401 Asheville NC 28813
704-274-5671; fax:704-274-6766;

Comprehensive Briefing Document / Project Starlight - Assessment Summary

Steven Green, M.D. / CSETI (Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence)

original source | fair use notice

Summary: The summary from the comprehensive assessment of the UFO phenomenon by CSETI.
"Some UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft (ETS) which are piloted by extraterrestrial biological
entities (EBEs) who originate on another planet, and most likely another star system."

April 1997 version 1.1
copyright 1997 CSETI

CSETI COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT SUMMARY

Recent worldwide trends of increasing extraterrestrial activity, coupled with significant
advancement in CSETI research results, suggest that imminent extraterrestrial events and
CSETI initiatives will soon overtake current government policy on this issue. It is recommended
that governments worldwide review and change existing policy to one of increasing openness,
disclosure and cooperation with civilian research teams. (See section IV on Strategies and
Rationale for Changing Government Policy).

Some UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft (ETS) which are piloted by extraterrestrial biological
entities (EBEs) who originate on another planet, and most likely another star system.

� More than one extraterrestrial civilization is represented in the current activities involving earth.

� These extraterrestrial civilizations are working in concert and not competitively, although there
is some specialization in function and activities for the various groups. This indicates that there
exists either an emerging or well established organization for these groups.

� These beings have bases within this solar system and may maintain temporary bases on earth,
particularly under water.

� The variety in sizes and shapes of ETS observed is due to: varying civilizations of origin, and
more importantly, specialization of function, which include general reconnaissance, medical
research and intelligence, earth environmental research, central command and base operations,
energy generation and transfer, and human technology, military and space program research
and reconnaissance.

� Sudden and fully open contact with human civilization has been avoided because of a number
of interrelated factors, including:

the need to avoid an untimely disruption of earth civilization including military, political,
geopolitical, cultural, economic, technological and religious upheaval;

risks to their own civilization and "people" as well as overall mission, given human xenophobia
and tendencies towards violent armed reactions; and up to this time, such massive and open
contact has not been necessary, and has not been consonant with their overall long term mission
and purpose.

A Plan is in place to allow for gradually broader and deeper contact with human society and
individuals so that humans may become accustomed to the reality of other intelligent beings in
the universe, and so that needed research and observation may take place on both sides. Limited
but increasing opportunities for bilateral and human initiated contact will occur in the reasonably
near future.

Sudden and large scale contact will occur only in the event of a significant worldwide emergency
(manmade or natural).

While ET observation and interaction with earth is probably an ancient as opposed to purely
modern phenomenon, the marked increase in activity coinciding with World War II and the
dawning of the "nuclear age" indicates that ETI are quite concerned about this transitional stage
of human social evolution.

� � Extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) technology is strictly guarded by both ETI and human
governmental agencies because of its potential for military applications which would greatly
threaten world security. It is imperative that this technology not find significant human
applications until such time as the earth is ready for it

� The US government, at least at the level of a highly compartmentalized top secret group, has
known about the reality of these ETS and their occupants since at least 1947. A strict secrecy
has been maintained due to:

Fear of public panic and social disruption;

Security issues surrounding possible military and technology application of ETI technology,
especially in the setting of a world beset with Cold War tensions and competing interests;

Uncertainty and mistrust regarding ETI motives and intentions;

Embarrassment and consternation over human military inability to secure world air space from
repeated penetrations by ETS.

The U.S. government possesses several ETSs and the deceased bodies of several EBEs.

The nature of "reality" of these craft and these beings has been incorrectly characterized by
some as belonging to "another dimension and reality" from this dimension. Unfortunately, these
statements are made without fully considering what "this reality" is. A more correct understanding
of this is that the Full Spectrum of Reality is a singular, integrated one which may be perceived
wholly or in its various aspects, such perception being entirely dependent on the level of
consciousness of the perceiver. The various aspects of "dimensions" of this reality, which are
limitless in number, are not restricted to or by time and space as we know it commonly. These
beings and their craft belong to the same Reality as humans, however, their advancement in the
realms of physical science and the science of consciousness has given them competence in a
broader aspect of the Full Spectrum of Reality than is usually experienced by humans. The
difference, then, is one of degree and not fundamental reality, since humans potentially have
access to all aspects of the Full Spectrum of Reality just as extraterrestrial beings do. These
differences are not insurmountable, nor are they truly fundamental; in fact they are relative and
only temporary. While these beings are utilizing and experiencing a broader aspect of the Full
Spectrum of Reality, so too can and will humans, for we are as "inter dimensional'' by nature
as they.

ETS energy and "propulsion" systems utilize principles and laws of the physical universe not
yet fully appreciated by human science, and may include:

Gravity/anti-gravity and electromagnetic/gravity technology; Space energy and so-called hyper
dimensional energy systems; Matter energy interchangeable technologies; and Possible
Consciousness Assisted Technology (CAT) and Technology Assisted Consciousness (TAG).

Some, if not all, EBEs have advanced mental capabilities which include telepathy, precognition,
remote viewing and others, indicating that they have developed the "science of consciousness"
to a degree which parallels or surpasses their advanced physical technologies. Humans also
possess these capabilities, but these remain largely undeveloped by most humans.

EBEs are more developed or advanced than humans in a number of respects, but are not
superior to humans as beings. Our point of unity and equality with EBEs is in our mutual
existence as conscious intelligent beings. While these various EBEs may have values and
priorities which are different from those of some 20th century humans, their motives and
ultimate intentions are non- hostile and do not include the acquisition or subjugation of the
earth and its peoples.

The establishing of a lasting world peace and a just and effective world government is
essential to the long-term ETl-Human relationship.

Return to the PADRAK UFO Website Main Page

SECRECY OATHS REGARDING EXTRATERRESTRIAL MATTERS EXPIRED DECEMBER 31ST, 1996.

Date:   Wed, 01 Jan 1997 22:21:31 -0800
From:   "A.J. Craddock" 
Cc:     Steven Greer <103275.1472@compuserve.com>,(Ed:compuserve no longer exists)
        Shari Adamiak <102542.3573@compuserve.com>, (Ed: Shari is now deceased)
        Joe Burkes 
Subject:CSETI deadline to US Govt. re ET secrecy oaths expires.
        Public disclosure planned

[Minor reformatting and spelling corrections made on Jan. 7, 1996.  PB]
{Reformatting made for this greatdreams.com site on March 30, 2008 DF]

Dr. Steven Greer, CSETI founder, today advised the US Government that the 
deadline for them to declare that Secrecy Oaths regarding Extraterrestrial 
matters were Constitutional 
expired December 31st,1996.

Consequently, as the Secrecy for these projects was not Constitutionally 
mandated, the planned public disclosure of all such UFO/ETI matters involving 
numerous government, intelligence, military and defense contractor witnesses 
would proceed on schedule in a 
non-threatening manner.

This matter is covered in detail on CSETI's Home Page at: www.cseti.com.

Tony Craddock

15 November 1996

To: President William Jefferson Clinton
    Vice President Al Gore
    National Security Advisor Tony Lake
    Secretary of Defense William Perry
    Secretary of State Warren Christopher
    DCI John Deutch
    General Shalikashvili, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
    Mr. Arlen Specter,  Chairman, Senate Intelligence Committee
    Mr. Larry  Combast,  Chairman, House Intelligence Committee
    Mr. Strom Thurmond,  Chairman, Senate Armed Services Committee
    Mr. Floyd Spence,   Chairman, House  National Security Committee
    Dr. Daniel  Goldin, Director of NASA
    FBI Director Louis Freeh
    Attorney General Janet Reno

From: Steven M. Greer M.D., Director of CSETI

RE: Planned Disclosure on the UFO/Extraterrestrial Subject and
    National Security Oaths

The CSETI (Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Project 
Starlight initiative has now identified several dozen former and current 
military, intelligence and defense contractor related witnesses to UFO/ETI 
events and projects.  As set out in a number of documents and briefings 
(see enclosures) it is our intention to have these important witnesses 
provide open, public 
testimony on this matter in the very near future.

In the summer of 1995, we requested that the President take appropriate 
steps to allow these witnesses to speak openly, without civil, military or 
other penalties. Since then, there has been an exponential growth in the 
number of such witnesses who wish to come forward.  Some of them are elderly, 
and suffering from serious medical conditions.  We feel that these patriotic 
and courageous heroes of our country - who very much wish to tell their 
fellow citizens the truth on this matter- must not take this information
to their graves. Therefore, we are asking from you a clear determination
regarding their freedom  to speak openly on this subject.

Over the past three years, we have found that members of Congress, the 
Executive Branch, military and intelligence leaders have not been briefed 
on this important matter, and that operations related to the subject exist as 
'unacknowledged' specialaccess projects.  Most operations exist in the private 
aspects of the military 
industrial sector, with apparently extra-constitutional funding and oversight.

As such, and until established otherwise to our satisfaction, we regard these 
operations, and all so-called 'security oaths' derived from them, as illegal,
and therefore non-binding for these witnesses mentioned above.

Therefore, UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED BY 1 JANUARY 1997, we will move forward
with a series of events whereby these witnesses may provide open, public 
testimony.  If we do not hear from you, or if we hear that you  concur, we will
proceed with a public disclosure after that date. Only if you notify us 
specifically that such witnesses to UFO/ETI related matters are still bound to 
silence will our plans for a disclosure by then be altered.

As mentioned in previous briefings and documents to members of the Administration,
the military, the Congress and others, it is our intent to effect this disclosure
in a way which is scientific, forward looking and hopeful. It is not our intent
to cause instability for our nation or the world, but , rather , to mitigate the
clear dangers which current covert management of this issue presents. We invite
your advice, assistance and support in this process of disclosure on a matter 
which is arguably the most important of the twentieth and early twenty first 
centuries.

Testimony from these witnesses will include but not be limited to:

*  Retrieval of disabled extraterrestrial devices and extraterrestrial life 
   forms

*  Reverse-engineering projects related to extraterrestrial technology

*  Reconnaissance and tracking of UFO/Extraterrestrial vehicles

*  Covert projects related to the subject

*  Confirmation of military/UFO encounter cases

*  The nature and scope of disinformation programs related to the subject

We hope to hear from you regarding this matter as soon as possible.

Thank you for your attention to this request for a determination on the status of 
these witnesses as it relates to providing public testimony during 1997.

Respectfully,

Steven M. Greer M.D.
Director of CSETI
Email: 103275.1472@compuserve.com

enclosures

**********************************************************************

At 12 am today, 1 January 1997, the deadline expired for US Government correction 
of our previously stated position that military, intelligence and other government 
related witnesses to UFO events/projects were free to speak openly of their 
knowledge and experiences.

In a letter dated 15 November 1996, CSETI Project Starlight stated the position 
that, since projects related to UFOs exist and have existed outside legal 
constitutional oversight and control, that all security oaths related to such 
projects are null and void.  The letter stated that, UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED, 
that this assessment would be regarded as accurate and that all such government
witnesses would be free to speak openly as of 1 January 1997.

This letter was sent to, and acknowledgment of receipt has been obtained, from:

President Bill Clinton
Vice-President Al Gore
National Security Advisor Tony Lake
Secretary of Defense William Perry
Secretary of State Warren Christopher
Director of Central Intelligence John Deutsch
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Shalikashvili
Chairman Senate Intelligence Committee Arlen Specter
Chairman House Intelligence Committee Larry Combast
Chairman Senate Armed Services Committee Strom Thurmond
Chairman House National Security Committee Floyd Spence
Director of NASA Daniel Goldin
FBI Director Louis Freeh
Attorney General Janet Reno

Additionally, this document has been sent to the US Supreme Court and
acknowledgment of receipt is pending.

The letter is attached to this file. Numerous background and position papers
were enclosed with this letter, including a detailed listing of agencies, 
entities, corporations, and covert facilities associated with the UFO/ET subject.

The UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED (UNOD) format is routinely used in governmental 
and military situations and indicates that unless otherwise instructed, the 
position and described actions are approved implicitly. This letter clearly 
stated that we intend to assemble as many bona fide government officials and 
witnesses as possible, and that they will speak publicly and openly about their 
knowledge of UFO/ET events and covert projects.

Since the letter was issued, senior and reliable intelligence sources have stated 
that no response or interference would be forthcoming vis a vis plans for 
government witnesses to publicly come forward with their testimony.

Significantly, as of 1 January 1997, no government entity, official, agency,
department or office has contradicted this assessment or stated that such 
government witnesses are any longer bound to silence.

CSETI Director Dr. Steven Greer has been meeting with various government 
officials, including members of the US Congress (House and Senate) to discuss 
this matter and ask for open hearings on the subject of UFOs/ETI.

In preparation for these disclosures, and in light of the expiration of the 
above deadline, a meeting of such military, intelligence, government and 
corporate witnesses will be held later this winter.  Bona fide witnesses, or 
contacts to such witnesses, should contact Dr. Steven Greer immediately 
concerning participation in this event. A similar, but smaller, event was 
organized by CSETI in 1995, and was attended by US Astronauts, US and Russian 
military officials and others.

The meeting this winter will assemble a significant number of such government UFO 
witnesses to meet with congressional and other public officials and to request 
open hearings within the Congress, so that they may testify openly about their 
knowledge and experiences related to UFOs/ETI.

Should Congress not agree to open hearings, other venues, such as the United 
Nations or a private disclosure event, will be pursued to effect a public 
acknowledgment of the reality of UFOs/ETI.

This notice may be distributed freely among all news groups, media and interested 
parties, without further permission or restrictions.

CSETI
1 January 1997

Steven M. Greer M.D., Director
Tel: 704-274-5671
Fax: 704-274-6766

INCIDENT AT JOSHUA TREE

SPECIAL REPORT:

FROM: http://www.nhne.com/newsflashes/nfgreer.html

DR. GREER CLAIMS RIGHT TO USE "BEST EVIDENCE" DOCUMENT,
BUT UFO RESEARCH COALITION DECLARES HIS ACTION ILLEGAL
CNI News Answers Criticisms of June 1 Story on DC Briefings

The lead story in the June 1, 1997 edition of CNI News recounted details of the
April 9-10 Washington DC "closed briefing on UFOs and Extraterrestrial Intelligence"
hosted by Dr. Steven Greer's Project Starlight Coalition for members of Congress
and invited press. In the June 1 story, CNI News claimed that Greer had improperly
duplicated and distributed a copyrighted document referred to as
"The Best Available Evidence" or BAE.

CNI News has been severely criticized for this story on several counts, not only by
Greer but by a number of other readers.

The first criticism is that CNI News did not report Steven Greer's side of the story.
This criticism is valid and is corrected below.

The second criticism is that CNI News mixed personal opinion statements of writer
Michael Lindemann in with factual reporting, which is considered unacceptable
journalistic practice. This criticism is valid. CNI News and its writers are entitled to
express opinions in clearly designated Editorials, not in other stories. An editorial
statement concludes this special report.

The third and most important criticism is that CNI News defamed Steven Greer by
making blatantly false and libelous accusations. The main purpose of this special
report is to answer this criticism. CNI News agrees that some details in the original
June 1 story were inaccurate, and they are corrected in this report. Steven Greer
disputes those who say he misrepresented his right to the BAE document, and his
position is reported here. However, the UFO Research Coalition, which holds the
copyright on the published version of the disputed document, and others who were
involved in its creation, staunchly maintain that Greer acted illegally and that his
version of events leading to the creation of the BAE is highly inaccurate and self-
serving. An attorney for the Coalition has sent Greer a cease and desist warning
in this regard, citing specific violations of law. In light of these complaints, CNI
News and Michael Lindemann maintain that they are not guilty of defaming
Dr. Greer.

In order to give Steven Greer a full opportunity to express his position, most of
the text of his written rebuttal to our June 1 story follows. [His complete text can
be found at the CSETI web site, http://www.cseti.org]. CNI News editor Michael
Lindemann also spoke with Greer by phone for over an hour on Saturday, June
7 in order to better understand his position. Further details from that conversation
follow Greer's text.

==+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++==

REPLY TO MICHAEL LINDEMANN/CNI ARTICLE

[by Steven M. Greer M.D.]

3 June 1997

We are in receipt of the Michael Lindemann/CNI News article regarding the
April 9, 1997 briefings in Washington DC.

It is unfortunate that Mr. Lindemann decided to write and distribute such an
article without first consulting with CSETI regarding the numerous false
accusations mentioned therein.

The Lindemann/CNI News article is filled with falsehoods, poorly researched
information and egregious and libelous statements regarding the Best Available
Evidence briefing document. Lindemann never called or wrote to me or CSETI
to ascertain the facts of the matter before publishing statements which are
defaming, false and blatantly inaccurate....

Regarding the Best Available Evidence document (hereinafter referred to as the
BAE), the following are the facts related to its creation, concept, title,
development and use:

After beginning the CSETI Project Starlight UFO/ETI disclosure effort in the
summer of 1993, I was invited to a meeting at Mr. Laurance Rockefeller's JY
Ranch near Jackson Hole WY, where I met Mrs Marie (Bootsie) Galbraith. I
shared with Ms. Galbraith and the others gathered there our plans regarding
collecting the Best Available Evidence regarding UFOs and our plans to provide
briefings for world leaders and the public on the subject.

Mrs. Galbraith indicated a keen interest in assisting with this effort. Subsequently
I provided to her, to Mr. Rockefeller and to the BSW Foundation a full complement
of our plans, strategy and an outline of the BAE, including inclusion and exclusion
criteria for cases, the title 'Best Available Evidence', the concept and strategy for
its use, etc.

For nearly 2 years we collaborated on this matter, and CSETI continued to provide
consultation and strategic input. In addition to my creating the title, concept, criteria
and strategy for the use of the BAE, I flew to New York to meet with Galbraith et al
and spent considerable time discussing specific cases to be selected for the BAE.
Additionally, numerous hours were spent via long distance telephone discussing
the BAE with Mrs. Galbraith and in selecting specific cases to be used.

Subsequently, Mrs. Galbraith and BSW Foundation, with funding assistance from
Mr. Rockefeller and others, offered to take on the task of completing and writing the
BAE. The BAE was to be a collection of classic, if traditional, UFO cases of strong
evidential integrity. It was decided that my efforts should go into obtaining
extraordinary evidence and deep cover first-hand military and intelligence data
and witness testimony.

It was always the explicit and repeatedly stated intention of Mrs. Galbraith, BSW,
Mr. Rockefeller and CSETI to create a BAE which would be a PUBLIC DOMAIN,
NON-COPYRIGHTED DOCUMENT which would be used to brief VIPs, world and
national leaders. We worked, without compensation and freely in good faith, to
create such a BAE document.

Subsequently, BSW and Mrs. Galbraith hired Don Berliner and Antonio Huneus
[sic] to work on writing the BAE, although Berliner was the primary paid writer/
researcher.

In the fall of 1995, some 2 years after first providing the concept, title, strategy etc
to Mrs. Galbraith et al, she mailed me a NON-COPYRIGHTED Best Available
Evidence document to be used for briefing leaders as stated above. We
SPECIFICALLY AND EXPLICITLY DISCUSSED THE USE OF THIS JOINTLY
CREATED DOCUMENT AS A PERMANENTLY NON-COPYRIGHTED, PUBLIC
DOMAIN DOCUMENT. Mrs. Galbraith reiterated Mr. Rockefellers intent to have
this document become a briefing tool to be freely used for its intended purpose
-- a purpose and concept originated by me personally.

Unfortunately, subsequent to this, Mrs. Galbraith, in collaboration with the so-
called and newly formed UFO Research Coalition attempted to seize this jointly
created BAE document, copyright it, and restrict its use, in clear and reprehensible
violation of the spirit of how the document was created. In doing so, Mrs. Galbraith
violated our working agreement, and further violated her arrangement with the
founder and principal of BSW foundation, a long time friend of Mrs. Galbraith.

Both the principal of BSW and CSETI protested this extraordinary and divisive act,
but Mrs. Galbraith and the UFO Research Coalition persisted in this behavior. I
wrote Mr. Rockefeller personally informing him of this treachery. I further informed
him that we intended to use the BAE document, which I originated and named and
for which I selected many of the cases, in the manner which he - and all of us - had
intended: as a non-copyrighted, public domain document, jointly created in good
faith, to be used for educating world leaders on the UFO subject. No corrective
instructions were ever sent to us regarding this clearly stated position.

Subsequently, an historic gathering was convened in Washington DC on
April 9, 1997 at which a number of congressional offices, congressmen and other
VIPs were present. As part of the materials provided, this non-copyrighted, public
domain BAE was presented as a complete document, as well as an executive
summary in the larger CSETI Briefing Document ( a separate item) which was
given to the VIPs in attendance. This use is wholly in keeping with the spirit and
stated purpose behind the collaborative creation of the BAE document. It was not,
nor has it ever been, sold by CSETI, contrary to false and defaming statements
made by others. This BAE clearly stated that it was written by Berliner, so how
could it have been plagiarized? Unfortunately, if appears that Lindemann does
not even know the definition of the word, since it requires the taking of another's
written material and without crediting the writer, claiming to have written it. On
the title page, we did also credit CSETI and myself for the title, strategy , concept
etc, and it is wholly appropriate that we did so, since it is the documented truth.

The CSETI Briefing Document which currently is available for purchase does not
contain any part or reference to this BAE document. We have behaved entirely
ethically and within our rights in this matter, and, unlike other parties who have
aggrieved us, have refused to try to seize this BAE document, copyright it, or
make plans for its sale.

At this juncture, due to the unpleasantness of the entire matter, we are not even
providing this document gratis to VIPs who should receive it.

I should point out that the principal of BSW, who provided significant funding
(along with Mr. Rockefeller) for the writing of the BAE, has been quite concerned
over the attempt to seize and copyright the document. Notwithstanding the fact
that BSW partially funded the document, Mrs. Galbraith and the so-called UFO
Research Coalition will not even allow BSW to purchase copies of the document
for free distribution to VIPs and world leaders.

Lindemann/CNI News also falsely claims that I altered the BAE document to make
it look like it was written by me. This is completely false: the BAE document,
except for the title page which was changed to reflect the true, above stated origins
and credits, was provided to the VIPs with only very minor and occasional changes
from the original given to CSETI by Mrs. Galbraith.

The above is a true and factual account of this matter. There are multiple witnesses
and dated documents which support these facts. It is profoundly regrettable that Lindemann/CNI News failed to engage in due diligence to ascertain these facts
prior to publishing the false, defaming and libelous article in question.

In the Lindemann/CNI News article, Lindemann states that I am "grossly dishonest,"
am possessed of "deplorably bad judgment", am a "plagiarist" who acted with
"stupidity" and that I acted with "treachery". These are serious, defaming, false and
libelous comments.

Mr. Lindemann and CNI News must publish a full retraction and apology, or
appropriate actions will be taken against Mr. Lindemann and CNI News and any
others engaged in similar defaming and libelous behavior.

I have watched for 18 months as the BAE document was seized, misrepresented by
many as originating from Galbraith et al and generally used in bad faith by those
who falsely lay claim to it. As a gentleman and as a person who sincerely wishes
for the general advancement of the UFO subject, I have chosen, up to now, to be
restrained on this matter. But the appearance of such libelous and defaming comments
in a publication and on the internet cannot and must not go unanswered....

I recommend that the public refer to the CSETI Report on the DC Briefings,
available from CSETI and also located on the CSETI website (www.cseti.org). This
reply constitutes my official public response on this matter, and further inquiries
will be referred to this document...

[end of Greer text]

==+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++==

As the foregoing statement makes plain, Steven Greer distributed a version of
the BAE which he claims was not covered by the UFO Research Coalition copyright.
Moreover, he claims he had verbal assurances, given repeatedly during 1994 and
1995, that the BAE would not be copyrighted, and that CSETI as well as other
organizations would have access to it for public education purposes.

In a phone conversation with CNI News editor Michael Lindemann on June 7, Greer
said that he considers the subsequent copyrighting of the BAE by the UFO Research
Coalition, and the exclusion of CSETI from any rights to the document, to be a theft
of intellectual property and a breach of verbal contract, among other things. He also
restated his conviction that the version of the BAE that he distributed during the DC
briefings was not covered under the copyright.

Nonetheless, he conceded that fighting with the UFO Research Coalition over the
copyright issue at this point is probably fruitless. "I made a mistake and I regret not
having legally pursued this... a year and a half ago, because all that did was to put off something that's going to have to be dealt with now," Greer told CNI News. "We
certainly could have gotten an injunction against copyright at that point, and it's going
to be harder to get that now. That was a mistake."

Greer also said he had no intention of using the document again. "They [the UFO
Research Coalition] have asked us to stop using the document and we've agreed to
do so," he said.

In contrast to Greer's position, Richard Hall of the UFO Research Coalition told CNI
News that Greer's use of the document in Washington DC was a clear act of copyright
infringement. According to Hall, a letter to Greer from an attorney representing the
Coalition called Greer's action "piracy" and accused him of "copyright infringement"
under Federal Copyright Statutes 17 U.S.C.#101 et seq and 17 U.S.C.#405(a).
Furthermore, the attorney said Greer's act of replacing the document's cover made
him guilty of "false advertising," "unfair competition" and "false designation of origin"
under the Federal Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C.#1125(a). Further, although Greer's naming of
author Don Berliner on the replacement CSETI cover protected Greer from the charge
of plagiarism, it constituted another infraction by falsely associating author Berliner
with the CSETI organization, an association Berliner regards as disparaging to his own
reputation.

A statement posted (as of June 9) at the top of the Fund for UFO Research web
site (http://www.fufor.org) says: "Alert: The UFO Research Coalition has given
Dr. Steven Greer and CSETI legal warning to stop distributing or selling copies
of a copyrighted report written by Don Berliner and prepared for Laurence [sic]
Rockefeller; and to stop misrepresenting its origins." This alert is linked to a
longer statement inside the site, which reads in part:

"Dr. Steven Greer, MD, leader of CSETI (the Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence) has improperly published and distributed scores of copies of a preliminary
draft of the Best Available Evidence briefing document. He knew it was original material
of the UFO Research Coalition which was protected by copyright law against
unauthorized reproduction.

"His claim that his version of the document was not copyrighted is pointless, since all
drafts of a copyrighted work are automatically protected by copyright law. His claim
that he was told that none of the versions would be copyrighted is without basis.

"Greer removed the original cover of the document and substituted one of his own
that states that he and the CSETI 'Starlight Team' are responsible for the 'concept, title,
strategy and case selection.' In reality, neither Greer nor CSETI had any involvement at
any stage in the preparation of the genuine document.

"Greer's pirated version of the document retained the name of the true author --
Don Berliner -- to avoid accusations of plagiarism. Berliner states emphatically
that he received no input from Greer or any of his associates at any stage of the
planning and writing of the document. In particular, Greer's claim that his
'Starlight Team' selected the cases summarized in the document is completely
empty, as Berliner insists he, alone, chose the cases for the document. And he
finds the implication that he worked with Greer and CSETI to be highly insulting and
damaging to his reputation as a professional writer."

On June 9, Richard Hall told CNI News editor Michael Lindemann that a long and
detailed statement of the UFO Research Coalition's position and accusations
against Greer and CSETI/Starlight, including a point by point rebuttal of Greer's
letter to Lindemann and CNI News, was in the final stages of preparation. This
statement will be posted on the FUFOR web site before the end of this week.
Interested readers are encouraged to visit that site [http://www.fufor.org]
for more information.

In the spring of 1996, when the final version of the BAE was first published and
distributed by the UFO Research Coalition, Steven Greer complained in a letter
to Laurance Rockefeller that the final document unfairly deleted any credit to
him and CSETI. In answer to this complaint, author Don Berliner and co-author
Antonio Huneeus both wrote statements specifically denying any involvement by
Greer in the writing of the document.

The statement of Huneeus, dated April 2, 1996, notes that he was contacted as
early as the fall of 1994 by Sandra Wright of the BSW Foundation to assist in
creating the BAE. Ms. Wright was then and still is a friend and associate of
Greer and CSETI. Huneeus says he asked Ms. Wright at the beginning whether or
not Steven Greer would be involved, because he did not want to work with Greer.
He says he was assured by Ms. Wright that Greer would not be involved in the BAE
project. On that basis, Huneeus agreed to participate, although it would not be
until August of 1995 that he actively joined the project.

To summarize: Steven Greer and the UFO Research Coalition hold very different
views concerning how much Greer and CSETI were involved in creating the BAE.
Greer says the Coalition stole intellectual property from him, broke verbal
agreements, unfairly copyrighted the final document and are wrong in claiming
that the version Greer distributed in Washington is covered by that copyright.
The UFO Research Coalition says that Greer had almost nothing to do with
creating the BAE, and that the version he distributed in Washington is covered
by their copyright. They therefore accuse Greer of "pirating" the document and
infringing their copyright; and, for substituting his own cover, they further accuse
him of false advertising, unfair competition and false designation of origin.

The UFO Research Coalition does hold the copyright on the BAE. To change that,
Greer would have to undertake legal action against the Coalition, and Greer
concedes that such an action would probably not succeed at this point. In any
event, Greer says he does not plan to fight the Coalition, and he will stop
using the document as ordered.

==+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++==

EDITORIAL: DID CNI NEWS DEFAME STEVEN GREER?

by Michael Lindemann
Editor

In the June 1 article on Steven Greer's April briefings in Washington, I wrote
that "potentially important information was presented in a dignified and
persuasive way to a small but significant group of people. We see evidence that
Greer's organization is making good, at least to some degree, on its stated
strategy." With respect to the press briefing in particular, I wrote: "The combined
impact made by this lineup of witnesses was extremely impressive... we feel that the
reporters who attended must have gone home with plenty of food for thought, and
perhaps this will make them more ready to do responsible reporting on the UFO
subject at a later time." The point of such comments was to show approval and
support for Greer's efforts.

I then characterized his use of the BAE document as "treacherous," "dishonest,"
"stupid" and "deplorably bad judgment." These personal attacks on Greer did not
belong in a news story, and for that I apologize. I also incorrectly accused him
of plagiarism, an error which has been explained and corrected in the preceding
article. But did I defame Steven Greer? No, I did not.

The preceding story demonstrates that the BAE document Greer distributed in
Washington is a nearly identical version of the document copyrighted by the UFO
Research Coalition. Whether or not Greer's version is covered by the copyright
can only be settled by legal experts. But Greer knew before the DC briefings
that his legal right to use the BAE was questionable at best and would certainly
be contested by the UFO Research Coalition. Furthermore, he had amassed hundreds
of pages of other documents in his overall briefing package, so much other
documentation that inclusion of the disputed BAE could be considered superfluous.
Furthermore, Greer could not fail to be aware that the UFO Research
Coalition strongly disagrees with CSETI philosophy and methodology, and
therefore could be counted upon to react negatively to his appropriation of a
document they regard as their own.

Greer spent several years creating the conditions for these April briefings to
take place. He has taken extraordinary pains to protect names of witnesses as
well as government participants, because the situation is so sensitive for all
concerned. Yet, he is willing to introduce into this situation a document which
cannot fail to arouse suspicion and outrage in various quarters, a document
which attracts unwanted allegations of wrongdoing to himself and CSETI and which
can potentially stain an otherwise promising program in Washington DC. He is
willing to hand this tainted document to the very government people he most
hopes to impress.

As a person genuinely sympathetic to the intent of Greer's efforts, I maintain
without apology that his use of the BAE showed "deplorably bad judgment" and was
an act of stupidity. For the good of his ongoing efforts, I hope he avoids such ill-
advised actions in the future.

Was his action "treacherous" and "dishonest"? If the UFO Research Coalition view
of his actions prevails, the answer would probably be yes. That view, of course,
is in dispute, and short of legal action, that dispute might remain unresolved.
The terms "treacherous" and "dishonest" therefore represent a biased judgment on
my part, but insofar as they reflect one side in a pre-existing dispute, I am
guilty only of taking sides, not of defamation. If I were writing the June 1 article today,
though, I would leave it to the attorneys to sort out where the treachery lies.

In conclusion, I regret that this has episode may have caused erosion of trust
and cooperation between various UFO organizations, all of whom, I think, are
sincerely interested in getting to the truth of the UFO phenomenon. I hope all
parties to this dispute will put the matter behind them as soon as possible and
get on with the difficult and important work at hand.

==+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++==

This CNI News Special Report may be redistributed in all media.

==+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++==

Steven Greer's Complete Response to the Michael Lindemann/CNI NEWS Article:

http://www.cseti.org/cni.htm

CSETI's Report on the DC Briefings:

http://www.cseti.org/dc.htm

FUND FOR UFO RESEARCH (FUFOR):

http://www.fufor.org/fufor-update.htm

CNI NEWS:

http://www.cninews.com [Ed: This domain is no longer CNI NEWS:

To be fair, I have provided the following links to Michael Lindemann's work:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=%22Michael+Lindemann%22

UPDATE AND CLARIFICATION

8 April 1998

For over four and one half years, CSETI has been diligently implementing a strategic plan to effect a disclosure on the UFO/ETI subject. Recent misinformation and disinformation regarding this process which has appeared on the Internet and elsewhere necessitates a reiteration of that strategic plan and an update on the process.

In the summer of 1993, a group of CSETI advisors and military consultants met to discuss how to best develop a reliable point of contact (POC) to the US government. This was felt necessary after a number of CSETI CE-5 encounter incidents had occurred which resulted in team members expressing concerns about covert attempts to interfere with the CE-5 diplomatic initiative. It was felt a reliable POC was needed for communication and briefing purposes, thus reducing the likelihood of an undesired outcome or event.

Ultimately it was decided that we should pursue various POCs within the Executive Branch of the US government and the military and to approach congressional leadership at a later point in the process.

A strategic plan was devised to 1) collect and identify the Best Available Evidence related to UFOs/ETI; 2) identify top-secret military and intelligence witnesses to the matter who were willing to come forward and disclosure what they knew; 3) create a team of briefers and advisors to Executive Branch officials and military officials who would conduct briefings and recommend near-term disclosure of the subject and the end to secrecy related to the subject.

By September of 1993 this plan was in action, and with the assistance of a senior official at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a meeting was set up at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base with the top-secret Foreign Aerospace Science and Technology Center located there (this had previously been the Foreign Technology Center to which the 1940's New Mexico UFO crash remains had been sent; it is now called the National Air intelligence Center -NAIC). The discussions at Wright-Patterson AFB were cordial and constructive.

Eventually, a number of consultants became involved with the briefing and disclosure process, including national security think tank heads, friends of the President and others. Continued networking resulted in briefings for senior Clinton Administration officials, including CIA Director James Woolsey.

During these briefings, we recommended decisive government action to end the secrecy surrounding this subject and that the Administration should work to disclose substantial facts about the UFO/ETI issue as soon as possible. In the materials provided for senior White House, CIA, DOD and other officials we set out the rationale for the timeliness of this disclosure and the dangers associated with continued secrecy. We also clearly stated in writing that if the government did not coordinate this disclosure, that we would bypass the government and work to disclose these secrets unilaterally.

However, we made it clear that it was in the nation's (and world's) best interest to have so weighty a matter disclosed cooperatively by the government.

Unfortunately, very senior Executive Branch officials, including the CIA Director, senior Presidential advisors and Pentagon officials found it difficult to penetrate the ultra-secret 'black' programs dealing with this subject. As CIA Director Woolsey pointed out to me, they cannot disclose what they do not know or have access to.

It is now a matter of public record that Assistant Attorney General and close Presidential friend Webster Hubbell had been asked officially by the President to look into the UFO issue (see Hubble's book 'Friends in High Places"). Hubbell stated that they were not satisfied with the answers they were getting from NORAD and elsewhere. It is disturbing to think that the President - our Commander-In-Chief - and his inner circle may not have high enough clearances to be briefed fully on this matter...

After a period of extensive briefings for US, foreign and UN leaders, it became obvious that 1) these leaders were deliberately being kept in the dark on the subject and 2) that they did not possess the courage or political will to take on the covert apparatus managing the UFO/ETI matter. In fact, they were visibly shaken by the situation.

As more and more top-secret witnesses, documents and other evidence was identified, it became clear that - unless a Presidential executive order effectively ended the secrecy and resulted in disclosure - that our next best option would be to identify a member of congress who would call for and hold open congressional hearings on the subject.

At this point, a number of old wags in the UFO subculture stated that we should just come forward with what we knew, identify the top-secret witnesses and let it all come out. This facile strategic recommendation overlooked three major problems:

1. The foundation of the disclosure process is the pool of dozens of top-secret military and intelligence witnesses to unambiguous UFO/ET events and programs. These courageous witnesses have asked for a safe, effective and official means of coming out with their testimony, if at all possible.

CSETI felt a moral responsibility to vigorously pursue an officially sanctioned venue for so momentous a disclosure, if at all feasible. To this end, CSETI has - for 4 ½ years - attempted to secure the highest, safest official venue possible for this disclosure. These courageous military witnesses have asked this of us, and we have faithfully pursued that request. Some of these witnesses are in fear for their lives; others fear other sanctions and punishment. All of them would prefer to come forward in an official setting, freed from the restraints of their national security oaths etc.

2. The disclosure of the reality of UFOs and ETI is no small matter. Neither the CSETI leadership nor our witnesses wanted to appear to be upstaging the US government, the UN or other concerned governments. It was imperative that we make good-faith efforts to get our national and world leaders to deal with this subject officially, prior to a unilateral privatized disclosure. The implications of such a disclosure are so vast and so profound that only a very reckless person or group would attempt to effect this disclosure without first offering to work cooperatively with our governments. We have assiduously created a paper trail which fully documents these efforts, lest we later be accused of disclosing the ultimate secret without first consulting with the government. While this process has been in turns tedious, rewarding, exasperating, expensive and time-consuming, we are certain that it was the right thing to do.

3) In the absence of significant funding for a privatized disclosure, the best and most cost-effective way to achieve this goal was to convince the government or the Congress to take on this task. A congressional hearing, obviously, would be funded by the Congress. A private disclosure will need to be funded by - who? Those who think that you simply hold a press conference with the witnesses (arranging that - including flying into one place, lodging etc dozens of witnesses- would alone cost tens of thousands of dollars, if not hundreds of thousands) have never dealt with big media on this subject. We are not willing to expose these witnesses unless it is strategically effective. There is no point in taking such risks unless there is a reasonable likelihood that the status quo will be changed. To privately see that this is the case -with no support of congress or the government - will be a very complex and expensive undertaking, far outside the resources of the UFO community at this time (or at any time in the past).

In light of the above, from 1995-1997 CSETI pursued a number of briefings with members of Congress. One year ago, on April 9,1997, we convened the historic CSETI briefings for members of Congress, White House figures and senior military figures, among others (see the CSETI Report on the DC Briefings). Since April of 1997, we have continued to provide briefings and recommended to key congressional committee chairmen that open hearings be convened as soon as practical. Hundreds if not thousands of CSETI supporters have written these key congressional leaders recommending open hearings on the UFO/ETI subject.

I have personally met with numerous members of Congress. Key committee chairmen have been fully briefed and given unambiguous evidence and top-secret witness testimony, in person and on videotape. And everyone is tossing this hot potato to someone else's committee. Not unlike the refrain Not In My Backyard, it appears our leaders are saying Not In My Committee .

To recap, we have over the past four and a half years assiduously fulfilled a strategy to identify the best scientific evidence and government witnesses, brief and advise world leaders, members of Congress, the Pentagon, the UN and others and have fully documented this process. We have done everything humanly possible, at immense cost in funds, time and human life, to see that this process was done properly. In good faith to our witnesses we took no shortcuts and have consistently asked the President, the Congress and others to allow this disclosure to take place officially and safely through proper channels.

While we are willing to continue to brief members of Congress, Pentagon leaders and other government leaders when called upon, and while we still prefer official government involvement in this disclosure, the time has come to begin these disclosures without the government. We cannot allow this process to be delayed indefinitely by bureaucrats or timid politicians who will not take on this responsibility. The opportunity has been offered to them, and we continue to offer our cooperation should Congress or the President decide to do the right thing and become involved in this disclosure process.

Ultimately, however, the time comes when closure is needed regarding the government briefing process, and 'we the people' should exert our rights to free speech and come forward with the truth as we have found it.

Without the cover of a Congressional subpoena, many witnesses may be reluctant to step forward. However, we know that the most courageous and resolute government witnesses will come forward with us, independent of the government. They, more than we, are weary of the excessive secrecy and ridiculing which surrounds this subject. With these courageous witnesses, we will come forward with a privatized, civilian led program to disclose the truth of this subject, in the most credible, highest and most effective manner possible.

This will consist of a world news conference, multi-part prime time expose documentary series, compendium books and a world scientific summit. This process, once begun, must be relentless, high quality, serious and thorough.

Ironically, numerous members of Congress, White House staff, and very senior Joint Chiefs of Staff personnel have recommended that we bypass the government altogether and come forward with the evidence and witnesses. Of course, this is somewhat self-serving, since it gets them off the hook and ignores the fact that many of our best witnesses will not come forward without officially sanctioned approval and immunity from prosecution for violating national security regulations. Nevertheless, after four and half years of thorough strategic implementation, the time has come to see that the truth comes out via a civilian, privatized multi-media process. And we have been told by members of Congress that once this happens, the likelihood of open Congressional hearings will be significantly enhanced.

These are the crossroads at which we find ourselves: The Congress, like Caesars's Senate, pursues trivialities while Rome burns, and the main stream news media regards the pursuit of sexual peccadillos as the summit of investigative reporting. How tragic.

Meanwhile, it is left to the people to resolve one of the most important issues of our time: That we are not alone, that intelligent life is visiting this planet, and that a cabal of covert programs and entities are hiding the truth from our leaders and from the people. And the means for generating immense amounts of pollution-free energy is hidden away in black projects, while the earth's geophysical equilibrium is increasingly upset.