Abduction Watch - No 04 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: Abduction Watch
Issue: 4
Date: November 1997
Publisher: Abduction Watch
Country: UK
Type: Monthly Communication

This issue of Abduction Watch, dated November 1997, focuses on critical analysis of UFO research methodologies, particularly the use of regression hypnosis, and scrutinizes various claims and individuals within the ufology community.

The Heart of Darkness - Dealing with Regression

The lead article discusses the debate surrounding hypnosis and regression in UFO research, suggesting that regression lies at the heart of the abduction problem. The author shares an assessment of the 'recovered memory' problem, referencing US court cases where therapists were sued for encouraging clients to believe false memories induced by hypnosis. The author notes positive responses from BUFORA members to this assessment, highlighting BUFORA as a sane and responsible organization in UK ufology.

The article then criticizes Malcolm Robinson of SPI for recommending regression hypnosis, calling it 'dangerous rubbish' with no medical or scientific basis. The author argues that memory is not a simple filing cabinet and that hypnotists do not hold a 'magic key' to it. Malcolm Robinson is described as an influential figure who showed sensitivity after the Dunblane massacre, but the author laments his unscientific comments on ufology. The author questions the qualifications of an SPI hypnotist/psychic involved in Malcolm's 'A70' case, noting that many hypnosis qualifications offer no professional standing.

The author details concerns about the effects of 'recovered memory' on individuals, citing the case of Garry Wood, an 'A70 abductee', who is described as 'absolutely desperate to find an answer'. The author suggests that Garry's recovered memories are likely false and that he has been led to believe in a product of imagination. The article warns that encouraging someone in Garry's state to deal with psychologically vulnerable individuals or children could lead to disasters similar to those seen in US courts.

Follow-up on Robert Dean

This section revisits claims made by Bob Dean about a 1964 NATO report, 'AN ASSESSMENT - An evaluation of a possible military threat to Allied Forces in Europe'. Dean claimed to have read this 'cosmic top secret' report, which he suggested involved massive UFO intrusions into NATO airspace. However, investigator Phil Klass has examined Dean's service record and found that despite numerous combat decorations, Dean was never involved in intelligence analysis. His role at NATO headquarters was 'Chief Clerk Language Service Branch'. The article notes that Dean has never produced objective evidence of the 'An Assessment' report.

Immortal, Invisible, Not Very Wise

This section discusses Budd Hopkins' explanation for why only those involved with abduction investigators or regressed individuals report abductions. Hopkins and David Jacobs propose 'selective invisibility' on the part of aliens, their craft, and abductees. The article critiques Hopkins' article 'Notes on the Issue of Fiction and Truth', which accepts alien abduction recollections as proof. Hopkins believes bizarre details are marks of truth, while the author argues that some leading ufologists are so deep in their beliefs they may present a danger, and that a rational approach to understanding experiences is needed.

Unnamed Soldiers Galore

This section reviews an article in 'Alien Encounters' by Jon Dillon, which features 'unnamed soldiers' and 'unnamed civil servants'. Dillon introduces several individuals with cryptic pseudonyms, including a former RAF member, a British Army soldier/Commander, and a former Royal Marine. The latter allegedly spoke of two female colleagues who worked in 'Compilation of Affairs - Intelligence Division' at Riverwalk House, London, and found a 'UK eyes-only' file suggesting the RAF and security services had determined the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs and a connection to humankind's origin. The article states these women were allegedly grabbed by an unknown agency, one disappeared, and the other related the story to her brother.

The author expresses concern that Dillon purports to believe this tale of kidnapping and disappearance, suggesting that if the story is true, Dillon should report it to the police and his MP. The author questions whether Dillon knows the tale is untrue, which would make his reporting look foolish or fraudulent.

Global's investigator, David Bryan, is mentioned in relation to Sergeant Clifford Stone, a US Army soldier who claims to have seen Santilli-type dead-alien films at Fort Belvoir, VA, in 1969. The article asks US readers to verify Stone's existence and Bryan's claims.

Tony Dodd's claims of an alien crash retrieval at Cader Berwyn in 1974 are also discussed. Dodd introduces an informant, a former British soldier who allegedly spoke to Nick Redfern. This informant claimed to be part of the British Task Force during the Falklands War and befriended Royal Marine Commandos who spoke of retrieving a crashed UFO in Wales. The officer in charge, James Prescott, was allegedly killed in action. The author intends to investigate this claim, noting that few officers, especially Marine officers, were killed in 'fire fights' during the Falklands War.

Security 580

This section refers to a continuing mystery, possibly related to previous issues (AW2 and 3). A Welsh investigator claims to have initiated research, but Global's ability to verify claims is hampered. The investigator's office, containing computer, camera with vital footage, and other investigation materials, was destroyed in an 'erroneous fire', and the investigator and family have moved to a secret address.

If the Pigs Aren't Flying, They've Probably Been Mutilated

This section reports a lack of response from Tony Dodd and Graham Birdsall of UFO Magazine regarding their claims of UK animal mutilation. The author questions whether Dodd presented evidence to the RSPCA and NFU. The article mentions a 'Sunday People' report about 'strange deaths' on the North Yorks Moors over a three-year period, with farmers gripped by fear. Dodd is quoted as attributing these deaths to aliens and mentioning reports of dead animals falling from the sky coinciding with UFO sightings.

The author expresses regret at not being able to debate Dodd at the BEAMS conference but anticipates a chance at the 'Secrets Unlocked' Conference, where Dodd is advertised to disclose 'disturbing evidence' of animal deaths being deliberately hidden.

Alien Encounters and an Illusion of Competence

The author criticizes 'Alien Encounters' magazine for publishing claims about 'black light' revealing alien markings, as recommended by Derrel Sims. The editor, Nina Pendred, is quoted as suggesting that any qualms about Derrel Sims' work should be addressed to him directly, and that the magazine is interested in article ideas not solely focused on criticizing others' work. The author views this as stifling dissent and a pathetic way to run a magazine, especially given Pendred's previous features on Sims.

Crashing and Burning at Roswell

This section discusses Dr. Russell Vernon-Clark's 'scientific' analysis of Derrel Sims' 'Roswell Debris'. Pressed by physicist Dave Thomas, Vernon-Clark has significantly backed away from his earlier claims about the accuracy of the tests. He has corrected 'huge arithmetical errors', admitted to not using a control of known isotopic origin, and suggested that Ge-75 was confused with other elements. Vernon-Clark acknowledged that the data and explanations should have been examined with greater rigor before public announcement. The author notes that it is possible to create materials with non-natural isotopic abundances, meaning the 'Roswell fragment' could have been deliberately manufactured on Earth, not necessarily of alien origin.

Selective Invisibility Over Mexico City?

The cover of 'Alien Encounters' 16 is described as featuring 'ufological banana skins' – images of a 'Stunning UFO footage filmed in broad daylight over Mexico City'. Three photos show a large, domed UFO behind a skyscraper on August 6, 1997. The author understands these images came from the Net and are copyrighted to Jamie Mausson/Lee and Brit Elders. Matthew Williams showed these images at a BEAMS Conference, claiming 20 witnesses. The author finds it absurd that only 20 people saw such a craft in broad daylight over a populous city, suggesting that if real, it would have been widely published. The similarity to Billy Meier's 'Spaceships from the Pleiades' images, and the involvement of Elders in distributing Meier's images, is noted. The author is sending the pictures to researchers in Mexico to clarify the situation and check for other witnesses or similar photos.

Subscription Information

Details are provided for subscribing to Abduction Watch, including costs for the UK, Europe, and other international locations, as well as information on back issues and payment methods. Payments should be made out to Kevin McClure and sent to 3 Claremont Grove, Leeds, LS3 1AX, England.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO investigation methods, particularly the reliability and potential dangers of regression hypnosis and 'recovered memories'. The editor consistently questions unsubstantiated claims, highlights potential misinformation and lack of scientific rigor within ufology, and emphasizes the importance of rational investigation and the well-being of witnesses over the pursuit of sensational stories. There is a strong stance against what is perceived as 'dangerous rubbish' and 'illusion of competence' within certain segments of the UFO community, advocating for a more grounded and responsible approach to the subject. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards extraordinary claims lacking verifiable evidence and a concern for the ethical implications of UFO research practices.