AFU Newsletter - No 01 - 1975

Magazine Overview

This is the first issue of the newsletter from Arbetsgruppen för ufologi (AFU), titled 'NYHETSBLAD', dated March-April 1975. The magazine is Volume 1, Issue 1. The primary focus of this issue is the announcement of AFU's new direction: establishing a specialized library for UFO research. The newsletter is published in Swedish and originates from Sweden.

AFU's New Direction: A Specialized UFO Library

The editorial, penned by Håkan Blomqvist, explains that AFU is shifting its primary objective from exploring UFO phenomena to building a comprehensive library. This decision is motivated by practical reasons, as both Kjell Jonsson and Blomqvist work in library services. They believe this specialization will best serve UFO research by creating an organized and systematic collection of UFO literature, akin to an official library. They are acquiring materials such as catalog cards and storage boxes from AB Bibliotekstjänst, the standard supplier for public and research libraries in Sweden. The aim is to develop a recognized special library for UFO literature in Sweden, overcoming the difficulties researchers face in quickly accessing specific information.

The initiative has received positive feedback, and the library already houses approximately 350 books of various titles, along with numerous magazines and press clippings. A book list is expected to be printed within the month. Members who pay the annual fee will receive the book list, updates, newsletters, information sheets about the activities, and loan regulations, along with a registration card that will serve as a library card. Those with outstanding subscription fees for the magazine 'Ufologen' will not need to pay the 1975 fee or will receive a partial credit, as 'Ufologen' will cease publication due to AFU's new focus.

AFU also plans to report on developments within the UFO community and encourages other UFO organizations to share information about their activities, goals, and working methods. They suggest designating a contact person within each organization to maintain communication. The goal is to foster better cooperation and function as a service organization for all.

Regarding future plans, AFU hopes to secure an affordable location in the Stockholm area for official opening hours. Currently, the library is housed at Kjell Jonsson's residence in Södertälje, but a dedicated space is seen as a future necessity. The newsletter concludes with an invitation to everyone to join and find the activities valuable.

Organizational News

UFO-Sverige

The general assembly of UFO-Sverige in Västerås was a success, attracting 600 people. Topics discussed included stress-meditation (by Riksdagsman Anders Gernandt), the problem of creativity and recruitment in established research (by civ.ing. Dag Romell), and ancient riddles (by Reinhold Carleby). At the end of 1974, UFO-Sverige had 1100 members and 34 affiliated member groups. The editorial office for UFO-Information has moved to a new location in Skänninge, south of Motala, where a center for UFO-Sverige has been established. This center aims to be a meeting point for individuals interested in UFOs, parapsychology, philosophy, and related subjects.

Project URD

URD (UFC Rapport och Data) has trained about 30 field reporters, primarily in the Stockholm and Gothenburg areas. A new training session is planned for the current year, led by Sten Lindgren. URD is intended as a service organization for UFO groups and is open to all, regardless of their affiliation. An information folder describes URD's objective: to scientifically process UFO phenomena using a computer-based reporting system. They believe that unbiased research is essential for clarity, and with a large number of global observations, URD aims to provide a better scientific foundation. The folder can be requested from the Arbetsgruppen för UFO-Identifiering.

Rymdsällskap i Karlskrona

A new organization, Carlskrona Rymdsällskap (CRS), was formed on January 1, 1975. Ing. Bernth Svensson was elected chairman. The society, starting with 10 members, will focus on astronomy, space travel, and UFOs. Interested individuals can contact Bernth Svensson.

Ny UFO-grupp i Markaryd

A new group named Cosmos has been established in Markaryd. Officially constituted on January 23, its goal is to demonstrate the existence of unidentified flying objects in our airspace and to conduct astronomical observations. Mats Nilsson was elected chairman. The group is affiliated with UFO-Sverige.

Dansk Ufo Center

Willy Wegner's magazine 'Dansk UFO Tidskrift' ceased publication with issue No. 3/4-74. However, individual issues may still be printed. Instead, shorter bulletins with current events in Denmark will be published periodically.

Current Literature in the Library

The newsletter lists several books available in the library:

• Ralph & Judy Blum: Beyond earth: Mans contact with UFOs (Corgi Books, London 1974, Pocket, 248 pages, illustrated). This provides a detailed account of the Pascagoula incident in the USA.
• Professor Allen Hynek's historical reports, including events from 1896-97, the Herbert Schirmer case, and a discussion of the Condon Report.
• Robert Emenegger: UFO's past, present & future (Ballantine Books, USA 1974, Pocket, 180 pages, illustrated). This book focuses on well-known historical cases like Washington, Socorro, and Michigan, with chapters on Blue Book, NASA, and UFO research.
• Dr. Frank B. Salisbury: The Utah UFO display (The Devin-Adair Company, USA 1974, Hardcover, 286 pages, illustrated). A well-documented investigation of UFO reports in Utah, USA, discussing misinterpretations, psychology, and the ETI hypothesis. It concludes with chapters on famous contact cases like Villas-Boas and Barney & Betty Hill.
• Richard Winer: The devils triangle (Bantam Books, USA 1974, Pocket, 222 pages, illustrated). A review of events and theories surrounding the Bermuda Triangle off the coast of Florida.

New on the Book Front

• SUFOI, in collaboration with Strubes förlag, has translated Prof. Hynek's "The UFO Experience" into Danish as "UFO Dokumentation og vurdering", costing D.kr. 68.50 (D.kr. 48.50 for SUFOI members).
• SUFOI has also published a 58-page illustrated booklet titled "UFO'er på radar" (1974). It includes an article by James McDonald on radar, the 1957 Gulf Coast incident, and information from the US Air Force and NATO's radar warning systems. The booklet costs D.kr. 10.00 and can be ordered from SUFOI's expedition in Denmark.

Swedish UFO Periodicals

As 'Ufologen' has ceased publication, the following Swedish UFO magazines are recommended:

• UFO-Information (from UFO-Sverige, Motala): 6 issues per year for 42kr.
• UFO-Rapport (from NRCOFF, Nässjö): 4 issues per year for 15 kr.
• GICOFF-Information (from GICOFF, Göteborg): 6 issues per year for 39 kr.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the professionalization and systematization of UFO research through the establishment of a dedicated library and information center. The editorial stance is one of proactive engagement, aiming to provide a structured and accessible resource for researchers. There's a clear commitment to collaboration with other organizations and a belief in the importance of unbiased, scientific investigation. The newsletter also serves as a platform for disseminating news about various UFO groups and promoting relevant literature, reflecting a desire to build a stronger UFO community in Sweden.