AFU Newsletter - No 07 - 1976

Magazine Overview

This issue of NYHETSBLAD (Issue No. 7, Volume 2) from July-September 1976, published by the arbetsgruppen för ufologi (AFU) in Sweden, focuses on the application of data processing in UFO research. The cover headline, "Databearbetning – ett sätt att förenkla!" (Data processing – a way to simplify!), sets the tone for the lead article.

The magazine provides contact information for AFU, including phone numbers for Kjell Jonsson (library) and Anders Liljegren (editor), and an address in Södertälje. It also details the annual membership fee and how to contribute financially or with material.

Lead Article: Data Processing – A Way to Simplify!

The main article discusses the evolution of information handling, from manual routines to data machines, and how this has influenced UFO research. It references the Blue Book project's report no. 14 from 1955 as an early example of statistical analysis using a punch card machine. The author, likely Anders Liljegren, addresses common misconceptions about data technology, emphasizing its role in simplifying complex calculations and documentation. However, it highlights the challenges of using data processing for subjective UFO reports, where nuances and personal experiences can be lost when reduced to coded data. The article contrasts this with administrative or technical applications where precise facts are paramount. It notes that the complexity of UFO phenomena, involving subjective descriptions and the observer's experience, makes it difficult to fit into rigid data structures. The risk of reducing UFO problems to answers on coded, data-adapted forms is a significant concern.

Book Reviews

'The Invisible College' by Jacques Vallée

Reviewed by Håkan Blomqvist, this book is presented as a continuation of Vallée's work, exploring the UFO phenomenon's influence on the human race. It draws parallels between modern UFO research and medieval 'invisible colleges' that operated underground due to societal pressures. Vallée suggests that scientific and military authorities now exert a similar 'tyranny of opinion.' The review highlights Vallée's view that the ET hypothesis is naive and that UFO phenomena share similarities with religious and parapsychological manifestations, citing the Fatima events as an example. Three types of experiences are identified: inexplicable event connections, voices within the observer's head, and time/space distortions. Vallée warns researchers against blindly accepting information from alleged UFO beings, suggesting they are not necessarily more advanced than humans. The reviewer notes Vallée's concept of a 'control system' rather than extraterrestrial visits, and his belief that the answer lies within ourselves.

'The Edge of Reality' by J. Allen Hynek & Jacques Vallée

Reviewed by Anders Liljegren, this book is praised for its open and personal approach to UFO research, contrasting with the often financially driven nature of modern science. It discusses the authors' shared disappointment with how scientists have treated the UFO phenomenon, referencing Hynek's experiences with Project Blue Book and Vallée's disgust with the Condon Committee. The book is described as a product of discussions between Hynek, Vallée, and Dr. Arthur Hastings, offering a fresh perspective. Both authors are presented as not being strong proponents of the ET hypothesis, with the conversation often delving into psychic projections and parapsychology. The review mentions the book contains harrowing accounts of close encounters and discusses the future of research, including data processing. It advocates for publishing all UFO information in English to ensure wider access, criticizing the centralization of data in anonymous archives. The use of hypnosis in UFO research is also discussed, with a warning against its use by non-professionals.

'The Eighth Tower' by John A. Keel

Reviewed by Anders Liljegren, this book is presented as Keel's attempt to explain the UFO phenomenon not as physical craft from outer space, but as temporary materializations from another time-space dimension. Keel suggests that UFOs change form, appearing as red balls, then mechanical objects, before disappearing. He links these phenomena to radiation, sound, and odors, and notes similarities with religious and folkloric beliefs, comparing UFO beings to 'elemental beings' from theosophy. Keel's central idea is that UFOs are part of a 'control system,' which he calls the 'eighth tower,' a 'devil theory' where Earth is a living, conscious organism. He warns researchers against believing what UFO occupants say, comparing them to 'elemental beings.' The review also touches upon Brinsley le Poer Trench's theory that some UFOs originate from inner Earth and that 'secret entrances' exist at the poles. Trench suggests that UFO activity might be a Trojan horse to hide an infiltration of society.

UFO Articles from the Swedish Press

This section summarizes various articles and reviews published in Swedish newspapers and magazines concerning UFOs:

• "UFO-utmaningen!": A review of Rehns' fourth book by Thure Almroth in Västerviks-Tidningen, which, despite criticizing the anti-parapsychology stance, finds few other objections to Rehns' arguments. Almroth suggests that while Keel and Vallée's theories might seem plausible, they tend to dissolve upon closer examination, implying that UFOs are more likely visitors from 'world realms' than 'tomtar and trolls' (gnomes and trolls).
• "Finns de 'små gröna'?": An article in Svenska Journalen by Björn Nihlén about American telescope searches for new planets.
• "Atomkrig ödelade planeten...": An article by Anders Palm in Saxons Veckotidning discussing Russian scientists' theories about the planet Phaeton.
• "Allvar bakom det otroliga i TV-serien!": An article in the magazine NU! discussing Erich von Däniken, Piri Reis, and UFOs.
• "En mystisk triangel": An article by 'sign. Boella' in Allas veckotidning about a mysterious triangle.
• Review of Rehns' new book: Stig Aggestad in Folket praises Rehns' mastery and scientific clarity.
• "Existerar de flygande tefaten?": A continuation of an article series in Skövde Nyheter, discussing landings and UFO observations by Jimmy Carter.
• "Skänningebon som sett de flygande tesaten": An interview with Carl-Axel Jonzon in Svenska Dagbladet.
• "Fallet med den försvunna jagaren": Two articles in Sydsvenska Dagbladet questioning the narrative of a missing fighter jet.
• "Filosofiska telat": A review of Rehns' book by Carl-Magnus Stolt in Borås Tidning, finding it interesting and hard to put down.
• "Verkligheten överträllar TV-serien": An article by Stig O Lundberg in Vecko Revyn discussing how technology described in the series 'Månbas Alpha' already exists or is in development.
• "Snart får vi veta om det finns levande varelser...": An anonymous article in NU! speculating about life on Mars and mentioning humanoid cases.
• "Det skulle tystas ner...": An article about a police chase at 160 km/h.

Book News

A list of newly arrived books in AFU's library is provided, including titles by Anonym, Terence Dickinson, George D. Fawcett, J. Allen Hynek & Jacques Vallée, John A. Keel, Friedrick von Krüger, and Brinsley le Poer Trench. It also lists other UFO-related publications and symposia proceedings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the need for rigorous, systematic research in ufology. There's a clear critique of simplistic explanations, particularly the ET hypothesis, and a call for deeper analysis that considers psychological, historical, and even philosophical dimensions. The magazine promotes the idea that UFO research is evolving and requires careful data collection and analysis, while also warning against the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on technology or uncritical acceptance of claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging researchers to look beyond conventional explanations and to develop more sophisticated methodologies. There's a recurring theme of comparing UFO phenomena to ancient myths, religious experiences, and psychological states, suggesting a complex interplay of factors rather than a single, straightforward explanation. The importance of detailed, well-documented reports and the challenges of synthesizing subjective experiences into quantifiable data are also prominent.

Title: Svensk ufologi
Issue: 11
Volume: 1976
Date: 1976

This issue of Svensk ufologi delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, including sightings, literature reviews, and the activities of Swedish UFO organizations. The magazine presents a critical yet engaged perspective on UFO research and related topics.

Articles and Reviews

Cover Story: "70 turister såg tefat lande på Kanarie-öarna"

The cover story, an article from NU! nr 26/76, reports on 70 tourists who allegedly saw a UFO land on the Canary Islands. The article also touches upon other well-known Swedish UFO observations.

"Tekatssyner synade"

An article by Göran Dengtsson in Sydsvenska Dagbladet (June 6, 14, and 27, 1976) critically examines the paranormal literature, focusing on Swedish UFO literature. Dengtsson expresses concern about a "flood of contaminated mysticism" overwhelming the field, stating, "I couldn't have said it better myself. And compared to this flood, K Gösta Rehn ultimately appears as a relatively harmless drop in a fairly harmless duck pond."

"Nu sammarbetar CIA med folk från andra planeter"

Per Gahrton, former chairman of FPU, comments in Göteborgs-Tidningen (July 22, 1976) on Rehn's latest book. Gahrton expresses amusement and concern about a future of "THX worship and UFO belief," questioning if the "old, real superstition was not more harmless than this new mysticism under a scientific guise."

"Var kommer UFO-logernas glöd ifrån?"

Reviews in Nerikes Allehanda (July 24, 1976) and Motala Tidning (July 27, 1976) by Karl G Fredriksson discuss a book, likely by K Gösta Rehn. Fredriksson believes the book does not serve the cause of UFO lodges, as it provides ample material for opponents regarding a lack of source criticism and half-digested scientific theories.

"Min kropp var som is, något hemskt borrade sig rakt in i hjärnan"

An article in Hemmets Journal nr 29/76 by an unknown author details strange sound phenomena reported in the Warminster area, England, during 1964/65.

Book Reviews and Mentions:

• "Evighetsmaszriner, tejät och andra musterier...": A review by Sture Wahlström in Nordvästra Skånes Tidningar (August 12, 1976) of Hjalmar Larsson's book 'Perpetuum Mobile och andra mysterier'. Larsson is quoted on UFO literature: "The only great advantage of this flora of literature is that if someone has wavered in their 'belief' before reading the book, they will not waver when they have read it."
• "Tecken i skyn": Erik Lundberg reviews Rehn's new book in Göteborgs-Posten (August 21, 1976), noting that because the phenomena are miraculous, they cannot be earthly and must be extraterrestrial. Lundberg concludes, "How much folly can thus lead a person! I personally prefer science fiction, which is pure fantasy and a fun literary genre, over the reality of UFO researchers."
• "Dödstriangeln där tusentals människor försvunnit": An article by Stig Aggestad in the newspaper Folket (August 25, 1976) discusses the "Death Triangle" where thousands have disappeared.
• "UFO-utmaning": A brief review by sign. C.S. in Dagbladet (August 31, 1976) of a book by Rehn, calling it "very readable" and stating that Rehn provides "clear and distinct UFO observations that should give UFO deniers something to think about."
• "Här är första bilden på en kvinna frin yttre rymden": An article in the weekly magazine NU! nr 30/76 presents a new Swiss contact case involving a woman from outer space.

"FORTGAR TIMAZ"

This section reviews 'Fortean Times', edited by Robert J N Rickard. The magazine is described as essential for any 'fortean' enthusiast, praised for its ambitious effort in compiling news and articles on strange events and phenomena. It aims for the standard of 'Flying Saucer Review' and includes contributions from Hunt Emerson. The review provides subscription details for the UK.

"UFORALIA"

A review of 'UFORALIA', a relatively new Danish magazine subtitled 'Journal for UFO Literature', published by Dansk UFO-Center and the organization of bibliographer and ufologist Willy Wegner. The magazine primarily features reviews of new and old literature on forteana and UFO topics. Most reviews are by "bo-" (possibly Per Borgaard?), and are noted for their charm and extensive knowledge. Future issues promise a bibliography of Scandinavian UFO literature from 1950-75. It is available by contacting Dansk UFO-Center in Thisted, Denmark.

UFO Organizations and Activities

Köping UFO-förening

Sveriges Radio's Karlstad editorial office aired a TV program on September 14 about the youth activities within the Köping UFO association. The program was filmed in May with assistance from Thorvald Berthelsen of the Köping group.

UFO-Sverige Conference

UFO-Sverige's next national conference is scheduled for March 19, 1977, in Malmö. The Malmö municipal representation committee has agreed to provide the town hall for the event, free of charge.

Gävle UFO-Förening

The Gävle UFO-Förening, led by amateur astronomer Roland Östlund, organizes observation sessions from Kungsberget every other weekend, including radio contact with other UFO groups. They plan to host an exhibition at the Gävle City Library in the autumn.

Bärke UFO-Förening

The Bärke UFO-Förening has been formed with 16 members in the Söderbärke area. In August, they organized an information meeting. Gudrun Andersson is the chairperson.

Ludvika UFO-Förening

Ludvika UFO-Förening was founded on July 17, and at its annual meeting on August 27, a permanent board was established with Juan Manzanares as chairperson, Berndt Svendsen as vice chairperson, and Helge Nordli as secretary. Manzanares became interested in UFOs in 1956 and has given lectures in Ludvika and Falun.

Enköpings UFO-Förening

Enköpings UFO-Förening was established on August 15 with 16 members. They plan to hold information meetings in the autumn. Aaro Laine is the chairperson, Birgitta Andersson is the secretary and treasurer, and Olle Björklund is also involved. The UFO-Sverige local chapter in Enköping has a hotline number.

Henry Svensson Lecture

In mid-September, Henry Svensson was scheduled to give a UFO lecture organized by IOGT-NTO.

Ongoing Projects

"ufo - forteana"

This section invites readers to submit tips and reports on phenomena within the UFO and forteana categories, including humanoid encounters, other beings, interesting effects, or psychic phenomena. They also accept reports and press clippings about older events. Contact information for Håkan Blomqvist and Anders Liljegren is provided.

Svensk UFO-bibliografi

Kjell Jonsson is working on a Swedish UFO bibliography, a list of books, writings, and articles on the subject. He appeals to anyone with collections from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s to contact him so the bibliography can be as complete as possible. He will reimburse postage costs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features reviews of UFO literature, often with a critical eye towards sensationalism or lack of scientific rigor, as seen in the commentary on K Gösta Rehn's work. There is a clear emphasis on documenting and analyzing UFO reports and related phenomena. The magazine also serves as a platform for UFO organizations across Sweden, highlighting their activities, meetings, and initiatives. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging reader participation and the collection of data, while also maintaining a degree of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims.