AFU Newsletter - No 06 - 1976

Magazine Overview

This issue of Nyhetsblad, Volume 2, Number 6, published in April-June 1976 by Arbetsgruppen för ufologi (AFU) in Sweden, focuses on the theme of 'Specialization' within the field of ufology. It includes a significant article discussing the need for and development of specialization in UFO research, drawing parallels to medical specializations. The issue also features several book reviews, a survey of UFO articles published in the Swedish press, and updates on the activities of UFO organizations in Sweden.

Specialisering

The lead article, titled 'Specialisering' (Specialization), quotes J. Allen Hynek from 'The UFO Experience' emphasizing the need for specialized researchers in ufology, similar to medical specialists. It highlights existing specialists in the US, such as Ted Phillips (landing traces), Berthold Schwarz (psychiatric aspects), and Jacques Vallée and David Saunders (data analysis). The article notes that Sweden is also moving towards specialization, particularly in information processing, mentioning URD's data project and Kjell Jonsson's ongoing work on a Swedish UFO bibliography. The author, Anders Liljegren, stresses the importance of organizing and systematizing the vast amount of UFO information to identify patterns and conduct specialized investigations that could attract professional research interest. He suggests focusing on specific phenomena, like 'EM-effects' on cars, and presenting preliminary statistical analyses to physicists and engineers.

Book Reviews

"The Unidentified" by Jerome Clark & Loren Coleman

This review discusses Clark and Coleman's book, which challenges the traditional ET hypothesis by drawing parallels between UFO entities and figures from folklore, religion, and mysticism. The authors interpret the UFO complex through Jungian psychology and the collective unconscious, suggesting that ET hypotheses are weak. They compare UFO phenomena to ancient myths and legends, such as Nereids and Mexican 'ikals.' The review notes the authors' two 'paraufology laws': that UFO mysteries are primarily subjective and symbolic, and that objective manifestations are psychokinetically created by unconscious processes. The reviewer finds the psychological interpretation to be extreme and suggests that occult traditions, like those of Charles Leadbeater and Dion Fortune, offer more comprehensive explanations for these phenomena.

"UFOs, Here & Now" (formerly "Tefaten är här!") by K. Gösta Rehn

This review covers K. Gösta Rehn's latest book, which aims to reinforce his 'proof model' from 1966 and counter the 'new wave' of psychologic-occult-folkloristic speculation by John Keel and Jacques Vallée. Rehn firmly believes in the extraterrestrial hypothesis and rejects Keel-Vallée theories. The review highlights Rehn's appreciation for Allen Hynek's 'The UFO Experience' and the S-P scale for evaluating UFO reports. Rehn interprets Hynek's work as supporting the extraterrestrial hypothesis, stating that Hynek's data leads to conclusions about UFOs being of extraterrestrial origin. The reviewer notes Rehn's strong aversion to non-physical hypotheses, viewing them as 'destructive magic' and a 'dead end.' While the reviewer does not fully share Rehn's 'spaceship faith,' they acknowledge the usefulness of Rehn's critique of John Keel's work.

"Berghs flyg- och rymdkalender 1975" edited by Sven-Erik Bergh

This review is highly critical of the calendar, deeming it suitable for young teenagers and a cheap gift. It notes that the UFO articles are unoriginal, except for their 'terribly original' nature, which the reviewer attributes to the German UFO organization DUIST. DUIST is described as an organization that publishes sensationalist material without corrections, and organizes 'world congresses' featuring researchers discussing encounters with 'uranids' or 'tefatlings.' The reviewer criticizes the calendar's source material, suggesting the editor is unaware of more intellectual and critical UFO research in the US, UK, and France. The review quotes extensively from the calendar's content, highlighting its uncritical acceptance of UFO phenomena and its reliance on questionable sources.

Book News (Boknyheter)

This section lists recent and newly acquired UFO-related books in AFU's library:

• "Aliens among us" by Timothy Green Beckley (MIB cases)
• "Des soucoupes volantes aux OVNI" by Michel Bougard
• "Encounters with UFO Occupants" by Coral & Jim Lorenzen
• "Socorro saucer in a Pentagon pantry" by Ray Stanford
• "In search of lake monsters" by Peter Costello
• "UFOs, what on earth is happening?" by John Weldon & Zola Lewitt

Swedish Ufology (Svensk ufologi)

This section provides updates on UFO-related activities in Sweden:

• Henry Svensson spoke about UFOs at the Karlskoga UFO association.
• Thorvald Berthelsen resigned from his position in 'National cooperation in UFO issues' within Project URD, citing a desire to avoid involvement with other groups working on similar issues. He expressed reservations about immediate cooperation between URD and UFO-Sverige, mentioning an incident involving GICOFF in Gothenburg.
• Gunnar Telander is now UFO-Sverige's representative and leads a local study circle. He is also part of URD's leadership group, taking over the 'National cooperation in UFO issues' role.
• Arne Arvidsson became chairman of a newly formed UFO association for the Kalmar and Öland regions. The association will affiliate with UFO-Sverige. Gunnar Schelin, a UFO veteran, presented a UFO-Sverige film to students and a ladies' circle.
• Aaro Laine and Reinhold Cazlevsky organized a UFO-Sverige evening in Östersund, which was well-attended.
• UFO-Center, a new UFO-Sverige group, was formed in Olofström, Sweden.

Clippings and Comments (Klipp och kommentarer)

This section compiles various news items and short articles related to UFOs and related phenomena:

• Tage Eriksson, who previously investigated UFOs for FOA, received a 'farewell gift' of a flying saucer model.
• Reports of electromagnetic effects associated with UFO sightings in Sweden, including unusual sounds and radio interference.
• A report from the journal Nature about a ball lightning incident in England, where a woman experienced burns from a ball lightning that entered her kitchen. The incident suggests a possible connection to electromagnetic radiation.
• A mention of Richard Shaver's death and his theories about subterranean beings, popularized in 'Amazing Stories.'
• Introduction of 'Other World Memories,' a US-based research group studying reports of life on other worlds through dreams, astral travel, and mediumship.
• A survey of UFO articles published in the Swedish press from January to May 1976, covering topics like flying saucers, the Bermuda Triangle, mysterious lights, and alleged alien visits.
• A review of the English magazine 'Flying Saucer Review,' praising its well-researched articles and intellectual content, and listing its editors and contributors.

UFO-Articles 1976

This section provides a list of UFO-related articles published in the Swedish press between January and May 1976. It excludes brief notices and organizational news. Topics include:

• A series on 'Do flying saucers exist?' in Skaraborgs-Tidningen/Skövde Nyheter.
• An article on the 'Devil's Triangle' in Expressen.
• Discussions on flying saucers in 'Året Runt.'
• Articles on 'death triangles' and disappearances in FIB-Aktuellt.
• Reports on 'forest meeting places for flying saucers' in Hemmets Journal.
• An article on 'mysterious 'ghost fliers' over Värmland' in Hemmets Journal.
• A report in Svensk Polis on UFO sightings.
• A theory about 'mermaids from space' visiting Earth in Eskilstuna-Kuriren.
• An article debunking 'death triangles' in Vecko-Revyn.
• A report on a 'luminous sphere' landing on Lake Rockträsk in Hemmets Journal.

UFO-Center - Psychic Phenomena

AFU is seeking tips and reports on phenomena related to UFOs, other beings, and psychic events. They accept reports and press clippings on past and recent occurrences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the need for rigorous, specialized research in ufology, moving beyond popular sensationalism. There's a clear distinction made between proponents of the extraterrestrial hypothesis (like K. Gösta Rehn) and those who interpret UFO phenomena through psychological or folkloristic lenses (like Clark and Coleman). The magazine also highlights the importance of data collection, bibliographical work, and critical analysis of information, as exemplified by AFU's activities and the critique of less rigorous sources like DUIST. The editorial stance appears to favor a more scientific and analytical approach to the UFO subject, while acknowledging the value of diverse interpretations and ongoing research efforts.