Summary of Declassified Documents
I believe there is a connection between the unimaginable human rights violations I have been continually appealing and the AHI (Anomalous Health Incidents), previously known as Havana Syndrome, which affected multiple U.S. Embassy personnel in Havana, Cuba, in 2016, and later impacted U.S. personnel worldwide over the next few years.
The following article from The Asahi Shimbun Globe was published on October 21, 2021, updated on January 23, 2022, and reposted as an archive on May 4, 2024.
This article cites reports from U.S. online media regarding AHI originating from Havana, based on documents that were declassified following the media request.
Here is the declassified document ↓
This document is a rapid response evaluation of the incidents in Cuba, compiled and submitted by JASON(*) in November 2018, upon request.
(*) JASON: An independent group of elite scientists that advises the United States federal government on issues of science and technology, primarily those involving classified matters.
Despite being declassified, much of the content remains redacted.
In this post, I will provide a chapter-by-chapter summary of the document.
I also referred to chapter summaries created by Chat GPT-4.
The original PDF file contains two vertical lines on each page, making accurate OCR impossible, so I manually transcribed the text.
1 Executive Summary
Tasks Assigned to JASON
Evaluate the sources of the acoustic and other sensory phenomena reported by the personnel (and their families).
(Redacted)
Propose methods to protect personnel within their residences to avoid medical impacts in the event of similar incidents occurring in the future.
Review Items
Audio and visual recordings of high-frequency sounds recorded by U.S. personnel
Recent multiple case reports
(One item is either redacted or a descriptive term for the next item is redacted)
Personal descriptions of sensory phenomena and medical symptoms
Results of publicly released medical evaluations
Unpublished medical data
Interviews were also conducted with embassy personnel who personally experienced one of these events in Havana and recorded the incident.
Findings
Many victims reported hearing unusual sounds.
However, the only instance where the recorded sound coincided with the onset of symptoms was in May 2018.
Other recorded sounds had different times and locations from when and where the victims were affected.
Some victims did not report hearing any sounds.
1.1 Findings
1.1-1 Single Energy Source is Unlikely:
There is no single energy source (such as radio/microwaves or sound waves) that can cause both the recorded audio and video signals and the reported medical effects.
Impact of Sound Pressure Levels:
The sound pressure levels of the recorded sounds themselves are not the cause of the reported long-term harm.
They are sufficient to explain short-term symptoms (such as headaches and nausea) but do not lead to long-term medical issues.
1.1-2 Actual Medical Evidence:
There is objective medical evidence that the victims' suffering is real and requires treatment.
However, the currently available data are insufficient to accurately determine the nature of these incidents:
There is no baseline data on the victims' health before their assignment to Cuba.
There is a lack of comparison with control groups (people with similar backgrounds and job histories as the victims) regarding medical abnormality levels.
1.1-3 Reports of Unusual Sounds: Many victims reported hearing unusual sounds, but some did not report any sounds.
1.1-4 Origin of the Sounds: The recorded sounds are likely mechanical or biological rather than electronic.
The most probable source is the call of the Indies short-tailed cricket.
1.1-5 Recorded Sounds: The recorded sounds were not produced by nonlinear detection of high-power radiofrequency or ultrasonic pulses (*).
(*) This likely refers to phenomena such as the generation of harmonics (waves at integer multiples of the original frequency) or interference (the creation of noise).
1.1-6 Pulsed RF and Acoustic Signals: The idea that pulsed RF could mimic acoustic signals both in the brain (through the Frey effect) and in electronic devices (through RF interference/pickup) is considered highly unlikely.
Although the sounds themselves are harmless, there is also mention that they might have been used to disguise another method causing the victims' pathological symptoms.
It cannot be ruled out that the perceived sounds, while not harmful, are introduced by an adversary as deception so as to mask an entirely unrelated mode of causing illness in diplomatic personnel. In that case, the medical data must be most carefully assessed.
1.2 Recommendations
This section is mostly kept confidential, but Chat GPT-4 has provided the following information.
Judging it to be plausible content, I am presenting it as is.
Primary Goals: JASON recommends prioritizing the following two goals:
1. Enhancement of specific investigations and analyses
2. Improvement of the evaluation of victims' health conditions and treatments
Additional Recommendations:
1. Further investigation of the sources of sound and their impacts
2. Provision of appropriate treatment and support to victims
3. Implementation of further data collection and analysis
4. Identification and evaluation of other potential causes
2. Introduction
Locations where U.S. personnel were affected: residences in Cuba and several different hotels
2.1 Briefing
JASON received a two-day briefing, during which the State Department provided an overview of the current situation.
2.2 Embassy Employee Interview
<Most of this section is redacted, and it is believed that specific details are provided here.>
The sounds in the personnel's homes were not localized like a beam of light but originated from a single location (the back door) and gradually decreased in intensity with distance from the source.
This contrasts with previous reports of highly localized sounds.
2.3 Audio Recordings of Sounds
In at least eight cases, access was granted to the sounds recorded by those who experienced them.
The review was requested to consider sensors for monitoring the source of the sounds or the energy producing them.
2.4 Descriptions of Perceived Sensations
JASON also obtained information about some of the victims' sensory experiences, most of which were already described in published medical papers (*).
(*) Swanson, R. L., et al. (2018) Neurological manifestations among US government personnel reporting directional audible and sensory phenomena in Havana, Cuba. JAMA. 10.1001 ama2018.
Although these data are influenced by individual interpretations and biological differences, they may contain important clues.
Several individuals, including two of the three patients who did not hear any sounds, described their sensory stimulation as similar to the "buffeting" experienced when driving with a car window partially open.
(*) The English term used is "baffling," but it is likely a mistake, and the correct term should be "buffeting."
2.5 Medical Evaluations
Results of the evaluation by the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Brain Injury and Repair (Target group: 21 individuals stationed in Havana from late 2016 to August 2017)
Most commonly reported symptoms:
Persistent sleep disturbances: 18 individuals (86%)
Visual symptoms: 18 individuals (86%)
Cognitive difficulties: 17 individuals (81%)
Headaches: 16 individuals (76%)
Balance problems: 15 individuals (71%)
Auditory symptoms: 15 individuals (71%)
Others:
Symptoms lasting more than three months: 20 individuals (95%)
Suspected cognitive impairment: 16 individuals (76%)
3. Analysis of The Audio Recordings
The analysis was conducted on two MP4-format mobile phone video files recorded by embassy staff, focusing on the signal designated as sample "X."
Observations
1. Consistency with Memory of the Sound: The recorded sound matches the sound remembered by the recorder.
2. Sound Intensity: The intensity of the sound is not strong enough to require covering the ears and does not cause pain.
3. Sound Spread: The sound is audible over a wide area of the apartment.
4. Effect of Doors: The state of the sound changes with the opening and closing of the back door connecting the kitchen and the backyard.
5. Sound Level: The level of the sound recorded on the smartphone is comparable to the level reported by the residents.
6. Impact of Other Electronic Devices: During the recording, other electronic devices (such as a Netflix TV via WiFi) were operating normally.
3.1 Evidence that the Signal is Periodic
Observations:
The recorded signal is likely periodic.
Similar characteristics are observed in other samples, although there are slight differences in frequency components.
3.2 Recordings Provided Show Similar Characteristics, but Different PRFs
PRF: Pulse-repetition frequency
Multiple provided recording samples (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) exhibit similar characteristics but are not identical. Each has distinct features and differences.
＜The latter part is entirely redacted＞
3.3 The Signal's PRF Varies Irregularly on a Timescale of Seconds
＜Entirely redacted＞
3.4 Summary of Findings from Analysis Recordings
Conclusions:
The signal is not due to nonlinear detection of high-power radio frequency pulses (high confidence).
The recorded sound matches biophonic noise, and the sound spectrum closely aligns with that of a specific insect.
The power level of the acoustic signal is too low to cause physiological damage.
The pulses of the signal may not be electronically timed (moderate confidence).
The acoustic signal may be generated by bearing noise from some rotating machinery (moderate to low confidence).
4. Mechanical and Biological Sounds Consistent with Recordings
4.1 Portable Gasoline Generators at ~ & 4.2 Bearing Noise
Observations:
Short recording samples of a concrete vibrator using a portable gasoline generator and a pool pump with worn bearings were downloaded and compared to the target signal.
While the sounds from the concrete vibrator and pool pump were similar to the target signal, the differences in the sound sources might not explain the cause of the damage.
4.3 Insects
The sound recorded in Cuba was found to match the Indies short-tailed cricket.
Other insects, such as the robust conehead, were also investigated but did not match completely.
Additionally, there is no evidence that insect sounds cause neurological damage.
Examples of Insect Sounds
Below are URLs of insect sounds introduced in this section and not redacted.
↑ I think the third (loudest) recording of the third sound on the above site corresponds to "Approaching him without some kind of hearing protection is absolutely excruciating!"
↑ When I listened to the first 4 seconds of the sound recorded on the above site, I intuitively felt that it might be similar to the sound I currently classify as "insect in the grass" or "cicada," which is one of the three types of tinnitus attacks I primarily experience. However, when I listened to it again the next day, it felt different.
Indies short-tailed cricket
↑ The "ringing" sound mixed into the second recorded sound on the above site seems close to the intense version of what I call "ringing tinnitus attack.
Regardless of the actual situation, I can personally understand why victims might recall such sounds as those they heard.
4.3.3 Future Directions for Exploring the Insect Hypothesis
Obtain additional recordings of insects making similar sounds in Havana.
Use UV light to attract insects and observe what happens.
Investigate the time history of incidents, as katydids and crickets primarily chirp at night.
Play ultrasonic sounds emitted by bats and see if the sound stops.
Particularly interview nearby residents.
5. Other Experimental Results
<Almost all content, except for section titles and figure descriptions, is redacted>
5.1 Acoustic Measurements with Single Tone and with Composite Waveform
<It appears that measurement settings for acoustic measurements are shown here>
5.2 Smartphone Audio Fidelity
Evaluation of whether the audio from smartphone video recordings can maintain the fidelity necessary for the experiment.
5.3 Radiofrequency Measurements
<From the figure descriptions, it seems that experiments were conducted to determine whether microwaves are non-linearly converted into audio signals using smartphones>
5.4 Proposed Experiments
Find an antenna that can transmit acoustic or radio waves in a specific direction, likely from a distant location.
6. Explanatory Scenarios with Pros and Cons
6.1 General Considerations
< All details are classified >
6.2 Discussion of Acoustic Scenarios
6.2.1 Calculation of sound penetration of a window
Windows transmit low-frequency sound better than high-frequency sound.
6.2.2 Scenario: Acoustical harassment gone awry
It is not possible to explain physiologically, but it can be explained physically how sounds can cause actual damage beyond mere annoyance. <Further details are classified>
6.2.3 Scenario: Infrasound
Further research is needed to determine the extent of damage that low-frequency sound below 20Hz can cause to the central nervous system. However, symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and sleep disturbances have been reported to be associated with exposure to low-frequency sound (*).
(*) Persinger, M. A. (2014) Infrasound, human health, and adaptation: an integrative overview of recondite hazards in a complex environment. Nat. Hazards, 70, 501-525.
<A sentence from a paper summarizing the examination results of 21 victims in Havana is cited>
The sounds were often associated with pressure like (n = 9, 43%) or vibratory (n = 3, 14%) sensory stimuli, which were also experienced by 2 of the 3 patients who did not hear a sound.
<The latter part of section 6.2.3 is mostly classified.>
6.2.4 Ultrasonic
Discussion on the safety limits and effects of ultrasound frequencies above 20 kHz. It mentions the impacts of high-frequency ultrasound on the human body and notes the uncertainty about how ultrasound energy converts into audible sounds reportedly heard by U.S. personnel.
6.2.5 Ultrasonic Device run amok
It mentions that high-frequency inaudible ultrasonic signals can sometimes generate low-frequency audible sound waves. <The latter part is classified.>
6.3 Discussion of Electromagnetic Scenarios
6.3.1 Scenario: <The title and all content are classified.>
6.3.2 Scenario: RF Source
It appears that the power required to irradiate an entire 3m x 5m room with RF waves at the safety limit intensity of a microwave oven door (10 mW/cm² = 102 W/m² = 10% of sunlight) has been calculated. <The calculation part is classified.>
JASON seems to exclude the possibility of a beam RF being the cause, as they are quite confident that the signals perceived by humans and cell phones are actually acoustic.
6.3.3 Scenario: Electro-Thermal-Acoustic
Discussion on the possibility of electromagnetic pulses heating the brain to make sounds perceivable, with the Frey effect as a representative example. Citing testimonies from victims, it mentions:
1. The ability to estimate the direction of the sound.
2. The intensity of the sound does not decrease even when a pillow is pressed against the ear.
JASON acknowledges that, if these testimonies are true, it suggests the possibility of acoustic pressure being generated within the head as a result of the absorption of impactful electromagnetic energy.
However, it emphasizes that this mechanism does not explain the sounds recorded by electronic devices.
6.4 Other Scenarios
6.4.1 Structure-borne vibration
A scenario where sounds from concrete vibrators or other sources propagate through a building's structure, producing loud and highly unpleasant sounds in living spaces. The main issue is that this scenario does not explain the reported medical symptoms.
6.4.2 Scenario: Spatial and temporal masking/Maskirovka
A model in which individuals were exposed to sound only as a decoy, and the true etiology (i.e., cause) of the symptoms reported by U.S. personnel is unrelated to the sounds, is considered. (Amended on June 14, 2024)
The explanation for unclassified parts notes that machine noises or insect sounds might have been used to obscure or deny the use of abnormal electronically generated signals.
6.4.3 Scenario: Chemical or biological attack
Regarding the possibility of chemical or biological attacks, there is currently no evidence supporting these possibilities.
7. < All Contents Including Titles are Classified >
The only information available is the title of section 7.1, "A Two Stage Approach," listed in the table of contents.
This chapter may contain the key to uncovering the truth.
8. Mitigation
< Most of this chapter is classified >
It is useful to reassure individuals who feel they are in danger that protective measures are being taken.
It is possible to provide a certain level of protection.
9. Medical Evaluation and Considerations
9.1 The Importance of Objective Measures of Neurological Damage
It is important to distinguish between symptoms (reported by the patient) and signs (observed by medical professionals).
Concerns about objectivity are especially important when there is a matched (*) control group and no baseline measurement of the individuals prior to the reported exposure.
(*) An appropriate control group would consist of a set of U.S. personnel with similar deployment histories and experiences who were not deployed to Cuba, which would be extremely difficult or impossible to create.
In the evaluation of 21 U.S. personnel in Havana, objective signs of nerve damage, such as oculomotor dysfunction and vestibular dysfunction, were observed, indicating that the personnel may have experienced actual health impacts.
Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is mentioned as a possible maladaptive response.
MRI neuroimaging was performed on all 21 individuals examined at the University of Pennsylvania, but only incidental and nonspecific findings were obtained.
Although CT and PET imaging were not conducted, similar conclusive findings are not expected.
9.2 Information that Might be Learnd from Affected Pets/Animals
The most objective evidence would come from pathological studies of the cochlea and vestibular organs.
No tests were conducted on household pets of the affected personnel, but it would be unreasonable to sacrifice pets.
9.3 The Importance of Baseline Medical Testing Pre-Deployment
(*) While some individuals in the Pennsylvania study clearly demonstrated cognitive impairment on objective (i.e., difficult to falsify) tests, it is unclear whether the damage occurred in Cuba, during previous assignments, during job assignments, or during non-work-related activities.
Due to the lack of control group analysis, JASON has yet to see "conclusive evidence" that the sounds and sensations reported by U.S. personnel are causally related to the reported neurological deficits.
U.S. personnel assigned to Cuba should undergo a series of medical evaluations before departure.
9.4 Sound Waves and the Vestibular System
This section examines the mechanical effects of high-frequency vibrations on the vestibular system.
While acoustic waves may stimulate hair cells, the extent to which acoustic energy affects the vestibular system is unclear.
9.5 Psychogenic Illness
Psychogenic illness may potentially explain the reported symptoms, given the lack of scientific evidence clearly establishing a causal relationship between RF (radio frequency) or acoustic weapons and brain damage, and the absence of baseline measurements and control groups with similar backgrounds.
Psychological effects on vestibular function are common.
Citing an explanation from the chapter on "functional (psychogenic) dizziness" in a clinical neurology handbook:
"Functional and mental disorders that cause vestibular symptoms (i.e., dizziness, unsteadiness, vertigo) are common. In fact, they are more common than many well-known structural vestibular disorders."
9.6 Unpublished Claims of Physical Harm to Personnel
The claims of mild traumatic brain injury by Dr. Michael Hoffer of the University of Miami require independent verification.
His comments and claims have not been published in peer-reviewed scientific or medical journals.
It is unclear whether there are independent evaluations of patients using the same tests he conducted.
The diagnostic system he is developing has not been approved by the FDA.
In Dr. Hoffer's 2011 study on traumatic brain injury in Iraq, issues were raised regarding conflicts of interest, improper management and operation of the study, quality of patient care, and defects in the review and approval process of the study.
10. Conclusions
Since the final conclusions end with a summary chart (which is entirely hidden) and its explanation, it is believed that no definitive conclusions or assertions about the cause of the phenomena have been made.
Supplement
The parts classified in section 1.1.3 are believed to correspond to the text at the beginning of Chapter 1.
