Abduction Watch - No 02 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: Abduction Watch
Issue: 2
Date: September 1997
Theme: Critical examination of ufology, particularly abduction claims and potential hoaxes.

Editorial Content

This issue of "Abduction Watch" opens with an acknowledgment of the positive response to AW1 and a note on the strong negative feelings towards certain investigators. The editor expresses gratitude for suggestions and directions for research.

Bob Dean and John Lear

The editor notes that others are seriously looking at Bob Dean's claims and is grateful for received information. A question is raised about Dean's interest in ufology and his claims stemming from experiences at SHAPE over 30 years ago. The editor cannot recall hearing of Dean until after John Lear and Robert Lazar's "proofless ramblings" and asks if anyone can place earlier references to Dean's discoveries, suggesting he first saw Dean in print around 1992.

Dr. Albert Kellar of Manchester

Regarding Harry Harris's hypnotists, the editor now knows of a reference to a 'Dr Albert Kellar of Manchester' in Jenny Randles' book "MIB". However, uncertainty exists about when his hypnotic services were used. Dr. Kellar is not listed in the 1997 'Medical Directory' or 'Medical Register', nor in the current internal phone directory of Manchester universities. The editor seeks further advice on this matter.

David Sivier and Abduction Accounts

David Sivier, a writer and commentator whose work appears in "Strange Daze", is mentioned for suggesting links between professionals and commentary on the psychological issues of regression and the production of abduction accounts. The editor is working on this, hoping to secure contacts, and is compiling material for a "special issue". This material is described as professional, published in peer-reviewed journals, and deals with complex anomalous experiences. The editor believes that making this material accessible within ufology will make denial more difficult for those whose income might be affected.

The Unnamed Soldier - A Hoax of Importance?

This section delves into the suspicion of a hoax within the abduction narrative. The author acknowledges the difficulty in spotting hoaxes amidst the "irrational muddle of faith and belief" that characterizes abduction claims. While many researchers like Tony Dodd, Jon King, David Jacobs, and Budd Hopkins seem to genuinely believe their findings, their willingness to believe could make them susceptible to hoaxes that confirm their preconceptions and offer them "special and secret information".

The author suspects an extensive, subtle, and unpleasant hoax is currently being conducted, likely based in the UK, given the evidence noted relates to the UK, though it possesses American characteristics. This hoax is termed "The Unnamed Soldier" because it typically involves a supposed ex-military source seeking anonymity for fear of government prosecution, providing information for publication. The author is researching this early on and seeks additional sources or data, emphasizing that it is too early to draw firm conclusions. The hoax precisely fits the need for a form of "authority" in the absence of convincing physical evidence for abduction scenarios.

Published Material and Sources

The published material found so far includes articles in "UFO Reality" (issues 3, 5, 6, 7), "Sightings" (Vol 2 No 2), "UFO Magazine" (Sep/Oct 1996), "The Unopened Files" (No 1), "Global UFO Investigation Magazine" (June/July 1997), and "International UFO Library" (Vol 3 No 4, 1995). The latter, a US publication, features an article on 'Operation Aeneid' in 1970-71 concerning supposed UK defence activities derived from anonymous UK sources. The author questions if Tony Dodd has written about 'Operation Aeneid' elsewhere.

Most articles have sources that cannot be identified from the print, and the impression is given that the author/investigator does not know the source's identity. A similar article in "Encounters" (now "Alien Encounters") Issue 3 (Jan 1996) names Paul Stokes and provides an "RAF number". Some sources are given pseudonyms like 'Mark', 'James Prescott', and 'Alan S', or descriptions like 'a Scottish gentleman', 'British Military Personnel', or 'An Ex Soldier'. Tony Dodd explains that his sources are "very keen to keep their names secret for obvious reasons" and have been meeting in "motorway lay-bys, various car parks and Railway Stations". The author finds this method offers little scope for verification.

Recurring Themes and Suspicions

The author suspects an organized hoax due to recurring themes and keywords. It's possible that multiple hoaxes are operating, with one copying the other. The author plans to analyze types of events and their reporting dates if more information becomes available.

The 'Unnamed Soldier' Account Details

The most extreme and recent 'Unnamed Soldier' account appears in "Global UFO Investigation Magazine". It features a nameless ex-Special Forces ('Security 580') soldier discussing a "specially trained elite security task force" dealing with UFO-related matters. Special cap badges, bases in Scotland, Wales, Germany, Hereford, Aldershot, Sunnybridge(?), and beneath Salisbury Plain are mentioned. The account includes armed men called 'Senators' guarding secret bases, burnt trees, and allegedly photographs of burnt, mutilated, tortured, and dead humans and animals. The author advises those involved to take such photos to the police.

Global's informant concludes these activities relate to "reproductive systems and cell research between the Americans and ETs", linking it to abductions. The investigator and magazine editor believe they are being harassed, followed, and investigated by a counter-intelligence group. The perpetrator is seen as having a "nasty and vindictive streak" and should be made to explain the origin of the 'photos' of 'mutilations'.

Similar Themes and Locations

Similar themes recur: mysterious NATO and US soldiers, blue berets as "special operational forces" tasked with recovering UFOs, RAF Woodbridge, RAF Machrihanish, distinctive cap badges, massive UFOs, suppressed reports, Salisbury Plain as a UK Area 51 with secret bases, and hidden alien beings and craft. The "deeply unlikely North Wales UFO Crash of 1974" is mentioned, with Tony Dodd stating contact with a retired Army officer involved in recovering alien bodies. "Underground military bases" for implant operations are confirmed by "M", a "well-known British psychic", via remote-viewing, according to "UFO Reality". Confrontations on Salisbury Plain are recalled through hypnotic regression.

Contradictory Accounts

The account from "Alan S" in "Sightings" appears to contradict elements of other stories, including the Machrihanish encounter in "The Unopened Files". The article also mentions an alleged encounter between Larry Warren and 'blue berets' at RAF Woodbridge, which Graham Birdsall of "UFO Magazine" later acknowledged never took place. Despite contradictions, "Alan S" and his wife appear to believe they are abductees, leading to confusion.

Conclusion on the Hoax

The author summarizes the themes: clear narratives, a lack of tangible proof, and a group of people who "want to believe". The author is unsure if it's one hoaxer or several working together, or individuals using military knowledge and reading newsstand magazines to target investigators. The method involves reading lists of UFO groups or contacting magazines directly.

Pernicious Nature of the Mythos

Underlying the themes is something "nastier, and more pernicious". The abduction mythos exploits fear of governments, Americans, NATO, military, black helicopters, flying triangles, underground bases, alien technology, and the mutilation of humans and animals. This fuels "real crackpots", militias, fascists, and bombers. It seems Britain is now targeted for this "madness".

Comparison to Crop Circle Hoax

The author draws a parallel to the crop circle hoax, noting its persistence, planning, investigation, information gathering, secrecy, deceit, and manipulation. While not believing the crop circle hoax has government links, it demonstrates the extent of intelligent, organized, and sustained hoaxing.

Call for Help and Warning

To progress the investigation, the author requests help with additional sources, articles, videos, and magazines, as well as interpretations and guesses. A warning is issued to those publishing this material, presenting two alternatives: either the accounts are true but unproven, or the writers/publishers are promoting fiction for personal gain. The author cautions that if they are being fooled, it's due to inadequate investigations and rushed publication. Raising standards is advised to avoid future embarrassments or tragedies.

The Fife Incident/Falkland Hill Landing

This section discusses a complex series of anomalous experiences in the UK, known as the Fife Incident or Falkland Hill Landing. The experients reportedly received varied treatment from two research organizations. Malcolm Robinson of SPI initially sent an "A70" abductee, whose recall was achieved through hypnotic regression, and was briefed by Linda Moulton Howe.

Tony Dodd of Quest reportedly delegated the investigation for "UFO Magazine" to a "Glasgow social worker". The author is interested in learning more about this person and their qualifications. Tony Dodd's response to an inquiry was dismissive, suggesting the author's admiration for Social Services and ego were misplaced and that UFO matters should be left to "experts". Dodd credited "our Scottish Field Investigator Brian Rooney" for "splendid work" and for "expertly counselling the families concerned - being qualified to do so by virtue of his profession".

However, the author questions the "expertly counselling" claim given comments made by the family. The author demands to know Brian Rooney's profession, knowledge, experience, and whether he acted properly according to professional conduct rules, especially concerning the reported trauma. The author argues that if ufologists claim to be qualified to counsel distressed people, they should provide evidence of these qualifications. Tony Dodd's public assertion of Rooney's qualifications, which could lead others to trust him, necessitates Rooney's willingness to openly support and evidence this assertion.

Mindbenders - Strange Tales of Hypnotism and Hypnotists

Following up on AW1, the editor wrote to Nicola Martin, Principal of the London College of Clinical Hypnosis (ICH). Martin had previously spoken highly of Robert La Mont as an "excellent hypnotherapist" and expressed serious concern about the abduction situation, believing La Mont was providing a worthwhile service. Based on La Mont's data, she concluded that "it's very subtle, it's very clever we are being invaded - something like 2% of the population are being abducted - across the world it is horrendously widespread... they don't want to claim it's happened it destroys their lives in many cases."

Mr. La Mont lectures for the ICH and describes himself as a "clinical hypnotherapist". The editor questioned Ms. Martin about whether La Mont holds a formal position as a "clinical" hypnotherapist in a hospital or conventional medical setting, or possesses any recognized medical qualification, or has grounds for using the term "clinical" apart from his ICH qualification.

To date, no reply has been received. The editor notes that the ICH notepaper states "Clinical Hypnosis Limited Registered in England No. 2979586". The editor poses a rhetorical question: if one sets up a company called "Brain Surgery Limited" and awards oneself a qualification, can one fairly describe oneself as a brain surgeon?

Further Reading

• A list of magazines is provided for further reading, including:
• Magonia (£1.50)
• Strange Daze (£1.50)
• Saucer Smear ($3)
• Naro Minded (£1.50)
• The Armchair Ufologist (£1.50)
• Skeptics UFO Newsletter ($10 for 3 issues)

The editor suggests buying one of each to understand the landscape.

Book Offer

"The Fortean Times Book of the Millennium" is offered as a free gift with a year's subscription to Fortean Times. The editor finds the book useful but overpriced and undersized, and considers the subscription offer a bargain.

Next Issue Preview

The next issue will focus on "animal mutilations" and their association with alien abduction arguments. It will explore how mutilations are marketed, their significance, and whether animals have suffered to provide evidence for this "oddest and feeblest of beliefs". It will also feature more on 'The Unnamed Soldier'.

Subscription Information

Subscriptions to "Abduction Watch" are priced at £5 for 5 monthly issues in the UK, 4 in Europe, and 3 internationally. Outside the UK, issues are sent by economy air mail. A special offer for UK subscribers provides 12 issues for £10. Payments should be made out to Kevin McClure and sent to 3, Claremont Grove, Leeds, LS3 1AX, England.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently adopts a skeptical and critical stance towards sensationalized claims within ufology, particularly abduction narratives. The editor actively seeks to debunk potential hoaxes, such as the "Unnamed Soldier" phenomenon, by scrutinizing sources, questioning methodologies, and demanding evidence. There is a strong emphasis on professional investigation, verification, and the psychological aspects of anomalous experiences. The editorial stance is one of rigorous inquiry, aiming to separate credible research from unsubstantiated beliefs and potential manipulation. The magazine appears to be a platform for critical analysis rather than uncritical acceptance of UFO phenomena.