Abduction Watch - No 07 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: Abduction Watch
Issue: 7
Date: February 1998
Cover Headline: KNITTING FOG AROUND CHOCOLATE TEAPOTS

This issue of Abduction Watch focuses on UFO-related topics, including a conference, alleged abductions, animal mutilations, and the phenomenon of disinformation.

Conference at Southport

The issue begins by reporting on a recent 'Abductions' conference held in Southport, which is described as the most constructive debate on the subject the author has yet witnessed. The event was well-organised, balanced, and purposeful. The author expresses hope that future, larger-scale events planned by Tim Matthews will be realised. Thanks are extended to all involved, specifically mentioning Eric Morris.

David Caton and Harry Harris presented intriguing material on behalf of Quest International. Jenny Randles is noted for beginning the process of removing the Rendlesham case from the list of unsolved UFO mysteries.

Children and BUFORA

A significant point of shock was raised by Gloria Dixon of BUFORA NIC, who reported that a number of children, aged nine and upwards, are contacting BUFORA because they have become convinced they are abductees. The author reflects on this, noting two immediate thoughts: the vital need for a competent, accessible national UFO organisation to handle such calls, and the danger of leaving this task to 'crackpot' organisations. The author advocates for supporting BUFORA to ensure it remains a positive, active, and intelligent organisation.

Dead Loss: Animal Mutilations

David Caton's presentation included information about animal mutilations. The author states that both MAFF and the RSPCA know nothing about the many reported 'animal mutilations' investigated by Tony Dodd. Caton mentioned that Quest International had support from a Professor Freemont, 'Professor of Pathology at Manchester University', who had been shown photos of mutilations and commented that 'He doesn't think it's humanly possible'.

The author identifies this likely as Professor A J Freemont, Professor of Osteo-articular Pathology at the University of Manchester. Surprised that his qualification is in human rather than veterinary pathology, the author has written to him, enclosing details of Dodd's speculations, letters from MAFF and RSPCA, and an advert for the Solihull Conference. Questions were posed regarding his views and whether he believes police and RSPCA should handle mysterious animal deaths.

Further discussion questions the claims made by Tony Dodd and Quest International. Despite advertising in the agricultural press and Professor Freemont's apparent interest, Quest has allegedly not been able to supply a single carcass for investigation, only photographs. The author questions whether Quest's claims are based on competent investigation or merely photographs, phone calls, and assertion.

Alison's Balloon: Hypnotic Regression and UFOs

Harry Harris introduced a case involving a woman named 'Alison', who had videotaped an aerial object. The author initially perceived it as a balloon, a conclusion also reached by another research group. Harris presented arguments against this, but the author notes that no independent analysis of the tape seems to have been made.

'Alison' appeared lively and intelligent. Harris explained that the circumstances of the video recording suggested 'Alison' had experienced a period of 'missing time'. Harris arranged for 'Alison' to be hypnotically regressed by a practising GP. Under hypnosis, 'Alison' became distressed and recalled being 'taken from her home into a black hole'. She chose to end the session.

The author expresses concern about the use of recovered memory techniques, especially given their known failure rates and problems (referencing AW6). The author finds it difficult to believe anyone is acting dishonestly but notes that Harris is held in low esteem by some. However, Harris is seen as pursuing an important matter responsibly by seeking a qualified medical doctor.

The author has contacted the General Medical Council (GMC) regarding the GP's involvement, seeking their view on the use of regression hypnosis in such circumstances, particularly in light of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' recent views. The aim is to establish parameters for the use of recovered memory techniques by clinicians when a patient's 'problem' stems from perceived events rather than identifiable ones.

This case, dubbed 'Alison's Balloon', could be crucial for understanding false memory and abduction research. If the video shows a terrestrial object, it would suggest the recovered memory is flawed. The author stresses the unreliability of recovered memory without objective evidence and notes that 'witnesses' can display fear and distress under hypnosis even without a 'real' stimulus.

Nazi UFOs - More Information

This section examines the 'Nazi UFO' material, concluding that much of it originates from disinformation and inadequate research. The author thanks David Sivier and Dave Newton for their contributions. The article mentions that Tim Matthews, previously criticised, generously acknowledged a mistake at his Southport Conference.

The Nazis are noted for having plans for many schemes, including circular flying machines, but there is little evidence that any flew. The 'feuerball' and 'kugelblitz' are discussed as supposedly spherical, powered, wingless craft, but evidence for them is lacking. The 'foo fighter' material is suggested to relate to lights of various colours reported by US night bombers.

The author seeks information about 'Renate Vesco', whose writings are central to the 'Nazi UFO' narrative, questioning his existence and the origin of the claims made about his background as an aircraft engineer and his work during the war. The author doubts Vesco ever existed and wonders who fabricated the story and why.

No More Unnamed Soldiers?

This section discusses disinformation, particularly concerning 'Unnamed Soldier' material and its parallels with conspiracy theories. The author notes the lack of such material in recent issues of Sightings and Alien Encounters. A newsclipping from 'Sightings Vol 2 No 9' about 'SAS soldiers' encountering 'ALIENS' in 'The Wicklow Hotspot' is cited as an example of how disinformation works.

The author expresses interest in readers' views on disinformation, noting the tendency to blame 'the government' for odd and misleading phenomena, including alien abductions, mind-control, and secret bases. The issue is framed as a choice between the government being in league with aliens or creating disinformation by blaming aliens. The 'Unnamed Soldier' material is seen as promoting helplessness and ignorance by highlighting official secrecy, which paradoxically 'leaks' information that allows blame to be placed on the government, armed forces, and even aliens.

Parallels are drawn with US Patriot and Militia groups, nurtured by disinformation about a federal government dominated by freemasons, financiers, and the New World Order. This creates self-perpetuating belief systems where official sources are distrusted. Events like Waco are seen as fueling these beliefs, which are derived more from conspiracy theory than fact.

The author argues that 'Unnamed Soldier' material, if deliberate disinformation, is unlikely to originate from government sources. Such material decreases respect for the government, promotes fear and loathing of its agents, and tempts individuals into illegal actions. The author suggests that while the government's broad intention is to promote citizen well-being, there is no sense in planting such information. An argument could be made that the government is testing gullibility, but the author believes this research is unnecessary as the results are already known.

Whoever is spreading this material, whether deliberately or out of belief, is seen as promoting fear, hatred, secrecy, and divisiveness, underpinned by lies. Parallels are drawn to witchfinders, exorcists, and those who promote doomsday beliefs. The author suggests this behaviour stems from inadequate people seeking to wield power.

Subscription Information and Editorial Notes

Subscription details are provided for Abduction Watch, with costs for UK and international subscribers. Back issues are available.

A welcome is extended to Magonia readers joining the readership. Thanks are given to Mark Pilkington for linking AW back issues to the Magonia website.

The author announces plans to return in March with comments on David Jacobs' book 'The Threat', discussing the real threat and the publishers' involvement. The author also intends to include judgements on the reliability of recovered memory from US courts, ponder whether the Lynton & Lynmouth floods were caused by cloudbusting, and share an earlier version of 'Alison's Balloon'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the nature of abduction experiences, the reliability of evidence in UFO research (particularly concerning animal mutilations and recovered memories), and the pervasive influence of disinformation and conspiracy theories. The editorial stance appears critical of unsubstantiated claims and advocates for rigorous investigation and competent, organised UFO research bodies like BUFORA. There is a strong emphasis on questioning the sources and methods used in UFO investigations, particularly regarding recovered memory techniques and the potential for manipulation or misinterpretation of evidence.