AFU Newsletter - No 13 - 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Nyhetsblad" (Newsblad), published by the "arbetsgruppen för ufologi" (Working Group for Ufology), is issue number 13, dated April-August 1978. It features an ISSN of 0347-3872 and is priced at 30 SEK. The cover headline is "Ufologins arbetsformer" (The Working Methods of Ufology), with a prominent illustration of Bigfoot and a mention of its review on page 4.

Ufologins arbetsformer (The Working Methods of Ufology)

Anders Liljegren critically examines the state of ufology, particularly in Sweden. He notes that two Swedish UFO magazines arrive regularly, providing a lot of information but often lacking depth. He argues that ufology, when pursued as a hobby, can become a tedious pursuit, especially when organizations engage in competition. This competition, he suggests, drives leaders to prioritize short-term successes, such as increasing membership and report numbers, over thoughtful, long-term research. Liljegren observes that while organizations produce interesting investigations, they struggle to attract active participants from the general public.

He criticizes the magazines for being visually appealing but sometimes superficial, prioritizing 'entertainment' and sales over substance. He points out internal conflicts within editorial teams and a general negativism towards authorities and established values, which he contrasts with his own view of UFOs as an interesting intellectual problem rather than a platform for criticism.

Liljegren also notes that while one magazine features critical articles, it sometimes lacks proper citations and relies on questionable sources. He laments the decreasing amount of material on Swedish UFO observations and the possibility that such material is archived without investigation due to commercial choices.

He summarizes that current UFO magazines are ambitious attempts to cover a vast and complex subject with limited resources. He stresses the need for good, truthful, and well-documented information, referencing a past statement that 'bad information invites ridicule.' He acknowledges the positive shift towards a more realistic ufology, breaking away from earlier, less serious groups.

Liljegren questions the allocation of resources, particularly the heavy investment in magazines that reach a limited audience. He wonders if the results justify the effort and if there's an overemphasis on 'thrill-seeking' rather than intellectual pursuit. He suggests that organizations should evaluate their activities and goals, considering that reducing magazine output might not be the solution and could potentially pacify members instead of redirecting resources.

He advocates for influencing publishers to improve the quality of translations and the overall output of UFO literature. He also suggests the possibility of starting an independent publishing house. Liljegren argues that UFO literature, rather than magazines, is the primary source for a deeper understanding of the subject and questions the role of library selectors in acquiring UFO materials.

He calls for UFOs to be debated on the cultural pages of newspapers, highlighting the quality and interest of ufological research, including observation studies and debates. He notes that many newspapers have recently published ambitious article series on the phenomenon.

Liljegren encourages deeper, long-term investigation into UFO cases, exploring the psychological and social consequences for witnesses and their surroundings. He suggests that UFO phenomena could be a subject for university theses in fields like psychology, sociology, and anthropology. He also raises questions about the statistical characteristics of UFO phenomena and their comparison with international data.

He concludes by posing the question of how to improve ufological quality, asking whether to focus on a mass movement or a smaller core of dedicated individuals. He wonders if ufology is at a dead end or on the verge of a breakthrough.

Book Reviews

"Bigfoot - tales of unexplained creatures. UFO and psychic connections"

Håkan Blomqvist reviews this anthology from Page Research Library in Ohio, USA. The book explores the Bigfoot phenomenon in the US and its Australian counterpart, the Yowie. It details similarities between the two creatures, including their appearance, vocalizations, and scent. The anthology also links Bigfoot and Yowie sightings to UFOs, psychic phenomena, and mutilated animal cases. One Australian report from 1975 describes a Yowie with a light near the roadside, and researcher Rex Gilroy has archived 3000 such reports, with the earliest dating back to 1795. The book also includes reports from Ohio, a UFO hotspot, and discusses the bizarre Loveland report involving two police officers observing a frog-like creature. Other chapters cover investigative methods and astral travel associated with Bigfoot. The review notes an excellent bibliography.

"The Hynek UFO Report"

Anders Liljegren reviews J. Allen Hynek's book, describing Hynek as a prominent PR figure for ufology, especially after his involvement in the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Hynek is recognized for his scientifically oriented research and his creation of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). The book itself is described as a dry, factual account of Project Blue Book's archives, focusing on the 'inside story' of the investigation rather than the phenomena itself. Liljegren notes that Hynek's work, while not sensational, is significant for its critical analysis of the military's inadequate and secretive UFO investigations in the USA. He highlights the potential for citizens to access declassified documents and discusses the implications of government mind-control experiments (hypnosis and drugs) as revealed by the CIA, drawing parallels to 'lost time' experiences reported by UFO witnesses.

Liljegren finds Hynek's book a valuable summary of the official US stance on UFO investigations but believes that the 'cryptocracy' will likely keep any deeper truths hidden. He speculates about Americans having 'erased' memories of crashed UFOs or encounters with pilots, linking this to the reality of mind control and induced memory loss.

"Situation Red: The UFO Siege"

Håkan Blomqvist reviews Leonard H. Stringfield's book. Stringfield, a former leader of a New York-based UFO organization, has shifted his focus to investigating UFO reports. His book is described as surprisingly open to new ideas, moving beyond the 'nuts and bolts' explanations of the 1950s. Stringfield categorizes UFO ideology as slightly to the left of 'conservative' and believes UFOs are physical interplanetary craft, with psychic effects being byproducts of advanced technology. He acknowledges the paranormal aspects of the UFO phenomenon. The book details significant events from 1973, a year marked by a global UFO flap, numerous sightings, and reports of Bigfoot and mutilated animals, all contributing to a sense of 'strangeness.' Stringfield's perspective is characterized by a pessimism regarding the visitors' intentions, viewing them in military terms of 'attack' and 'warning readiness' rather than 'demonic forces.'

CUFOS Conference 1976

Anders Liljegren reports on the proceedings of the 1976 CUFOS Conference, a collection of 35 papers on various UFO-related topics. He notes that the conference, organized by Hynek's Center for UFO Studies, is a valuable contribution to serious UFO literature but is expensive to acquire. The papers generally represent a 'middle ufology,' which is open to paranormal theories while maintaining a scientific approach. Some contributors, like Wido Hoville, warn against overemphasizing parapsychology, fearing it could discredit the extraterrestrial hypothesis. David Jacobs is mentioned for his work on the 'Great Deception' theory, suggesting that entities aim to confuse humanity. Benton Jamison proposes a practical, scientific method to investigate the link between UFO sightings and psychic phenomena by comparing UFO observers with non-observers. Sociologist Ron Westrum expresses concern about the societal impact of UFO observations, believing that the phenomenon itself controls the information disseminated to the public, leading to a 'Great Deception.' He suggests that the public's understanding lags significantly behind that of ufologists.

"The Occult Significance of UFOs"

Håkan Blomqvist reviews Douglas Baker's book, which he finds to be an unsystematic compilation. Baker, an English esotericist, presents UFOs as manifestations of nature spirits or 'devas,' drawing on his own observations and the work of Geoffrey Hodson. While acknowledging the occult tradition's belief in higher beings visiting Earth, Liljegren criticizes Baker's lack of empirical evidence and suggests he would benefit from the more grounded approach of researchers like Hynek or John Keel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the need for rigorous, intellectual, and well-documented research in ufology. There is a critique of superficiality, sensationalism, and inter-organizational competition. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific and critical approach, while remaining open to the complexities and potential paranormal aspects of the UFO phenomenon. The importance of quality literature and accurate information dissemination is a recurring theme. The issue also highlights the growing interest in exosociology and the societal implications of UFO phenomena.

Title: UFO-Aktuellt
Issue: 4
Volume: 1978
Date: 1978
Publisher: UFO-Sverige
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0345-7300

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt provides a comprehensive overview of UFO-related activities, news, and discussions within Sweden and internationally during 1978. It features reports on UFO sightings, the activities of various UFO organizations, reviews of relevant books and media, and highlights the ongoing efforts in documenting and researching the UFO phenomenon.

UFO-Sverige Activities and Plans

UFO-Sverige is actively involved in promoting UFO awareness and research. The magazine mentions plans for similar weekly events to those held in Ludvika, potentially at the technical museum in Stockholm, for the following summer. An exhibition in Koping attracted over 10,000 visitors, and there are aspirations for a permanent UFO museum, with a funding request of approximately 40,000 SEK submitted to the municipality. Local chapters are also being established, such as the one planned in Fagersta by Michael Jedselius, who was inspired by a sighting of a mysterious red light. Thomas Tullholm serves as a representative in Luleå and is a field researcher in Norrbotten. The Sala Amateur Association for Trans-Scientific Research is also featured, with plans to engage younger audiences.

New UFO Organizations and Collaborations

The issue reports on the formation of new UFO groups. UFO-South was established in Lund with Mikael Nanne as chairman, creating an alarm center and planning a member newsletter. Nanne expresses a cautious approach to information sharing due to perceived competition among UFO organizations. The Vetlanda UFO Association, with six members, is fundraising for a telescope and planning an excursion. A significant development is the formation of Nordic UFO Groups in Tønsberg, Norway, involving seven Scandinavian UFO organizations, including GICOFF, UFO-Sverige, and URD. This group aims to publish an English-language newsletter, with Willy Wegner being considered as editor. While some groups see NUFOG as a 'paraply' organization with a large membership, others, like the Danish SUFOI, are hesitant to be subordinate to a larger body. AFU is observing these developments while engaged in its own projects.

UFO Sightings and Case Reports

Several UFO sightings and incidents are detailed:

• A UFO exhibition in Koping ran from May 24 to September 3, 1975, drawing significant public interest.
• Michael Jedselius's interest in UFOs was sparked by observing a mysterious red light.
• Jan Ottosson reportedly saw UFOs on radar screens during his military service at F12.
• A case involving red lights over Öresjö, initially investigated as a UFO sighting, was later attributed to distress rockets used in a navigation course.
• A report from the Bermuda Triangle area is presented by Rodney Öhman.
• Britt Rengheden contributes a new article featuring interviews with individuals who encountered UFOs, including Sture Wickerts and pilot Ulf Christiernsson.
• An article by Jerry Buck discusses the new American TV series "Project UFO".
• A UFO case from Tranås is mentioned, where Carl-Axel Jonzon shared details at an information meeting.
• A reader submitted an account of a UFO sighting near a burial mound on August 13, 1970, which coincided with a police observation in Denmark.
• A radar observation of a potential military UFO off the coast of Gotland is reported.
• A Soviet incident involving "flying saucers" that allegedly melted window glass and pavement stones is recounted by William Dick and Henry Gris.

Media Coverage and Book Reviews

The magazine extensively covers media coverage of UFO-related topics. Numerous articles from various Swedish newspapers and magazines are cited:

• "Närkontakt av flera grader" (Close Encounters of the Third Kind): Reviews of the book by Helmer Lång in Skånska Dagbladet and by Per Gudmundsson in KvP are mentioned. Further reviews of the film adaptation appear in Nerikes Allehanda, Östg. Corresp., Gefle Dagblad, Vecko-Revyn, Arbetarbladet, Nya Norrland, Bärgslagsbladet, Gotlands Allehanda, Dala-Dem., Falu-Kuriren, Smålandsposten, and Ludvika Tidning.
• "Tefat finns dom?" (Do Saucers Exist?): A series by Esse Jansson in Norrtelje Tidning is discussed, covering various UFO cases and including a drawing and essay competition for children.
• "Flygande tefat - masshysteri" (Flying Saucers - Mass Hysteria): An interview with UFO skeptic Sven-Erik Eriksson in Borlänge Tidn. is noted.
• "Ryktets vingar låter sig aldrig klippas" (Rumors' Wings Are Never Clipped): Sven Auren writes about UFOs in SvD.
• "Oförklarligt besök i fjol. Statlig forskning på gång?" (Unexplained Visit Last Year. State Research Underway?): A FLT article by Benny Ritzen about UFO-Sverige's activities is published in numerous newspapers.
• "Flygande tefat finns dom?" (Do Flying Saucers Exist?): A report from the USA by Prof. Bengt Hoffman in Trollhättan is highlighted as a well-informed article that discusses J. Allen Hynek's new book.
• "Cheopspyramiden har nyckeln till framtidsmaskinen?" (The Cheops Pyramid Holds the Key to the Time Machine?): Björn von Bahr in Expressen refers to Lehel Répit's research.
• "Flygande tefat som människan byggt!" (Flying Saucers Built by Humans!): An article by Anders Palm with illustrations in Fib-Aktuellt.
• "Frälsning via flygande tefat?" (Salvation via Flying Saucers?): An article by Ivar Lundgren in Svenska Journalen with a Christian-religious perspective.
• "En rymdfarkost landar på jorden när som helst och då kommer det att hända saker..." (A Spaceship Lands on Earth Anytime and Then Things Will Happen...): An article about medium Ruth Norman and her husband Ernest, founders of UNARIUS Center, by Elisa Leonelli in Saxons.
• "Här på jorden och ingen annanstans finns liv." (Here on Earth and Nowhere Else is There Life.): A presentation of books by Jan Högbom in DN.
• "Var det rymdskepp profeten såg när han trodde att det var Gud?" (Was it a Spaceship the Prophet Saw When He Thought It Was God?): Michael Journath in Saxons summarizes Josef Blumrich's theory.
• "Flygande tefat - finns sådana?" (Flying Saucers - Do They Exist?): An interview in Tidsriften Triumf.

Several book reviews are also included:

• "Creatures of the Outer Edge" by Loren Coleman & Jerome Clark.
• "Les humanoides : les cerveaux qui dirigent les soucopes volantes" by Jean Ferguson.
• "Space aliens took me to their planet" by Claude Vorilhon (Rael).
• "The Walton Experience" by Travis Walton.
• "Bigfoot, tales of unexplained creatures" by Page Research.
• "The crack in the universe" by Jean-Claude Bourret.
• "Rymdens budbärare" (The Messengers of Space) by Robert Charroux.
• "Skycreatures : Living UFOs" by Trevor James Constable.
• "The Great Lakes triangle" by Jay Gourley.
• "The Hynek UFO Report" by J. Allen Hynek.
• "Parallel universe" by Adi-Kent Thomas Jeffrey.
• "Jadoo" by John Keel.
• "Celestial passengers : UFO's and space travel" by Margaret Sachs & Ernest John.
• "UFOs: a scientific enigma" by D. A. J. Seargent.
• "Socorro saucer" by Ray Stanford.
• "The spacegods revealed" by Ronald Story.
• "UFO-fenomenets tidsfordelning" (The Time Distribution of UFO Phenomena) by SUFO1.
• "UFO'er på radar" (UFOs on Radar) by SUFO1.
• "Religion and science merged (=The council of seven lights)" by George W. Van Tassel.
• "Close encounters, the strange truth about UFOs" by Alan West & David Jefferis.

Donation to AFU

A significant donation of UFO material from K. Gösta Rehn of Bromma has been received by the working group for ufology. This collection includes a vast array of books, periodicals, clippings, and stencils, representing a substantial part of Rehn's research. Due to Rehn's failing eyesight, he has decided to transfer his collection to AFU for organization and archiving. The material, some of which is rare and from the 1950s, includes approximately 50 volumes and complete runs of periodicals like APRO Bulletin and Flying Saucer Review. While much of this unique material will be made available as reference literature at AFU's premises, it will be carefully managed due to its historical and unique nature. The magazine expresses gratitude for this "magnificent gift."

Other Sections

• "Klipp och Kommentarer" (Clippings and Comments): This section features various short news items and commentary, including the formation of Nordic UFO Groups, a report on Robert Condit's ambitious plan to travel to Venus, and a call for UFO organizations to submit their materials to AFU for archival purposes.
• "NYTT PÅ BOKFRONTEN" (New on the Book Front): Lists new book releases related to UFOs and related topics.
• "NYTT I AFU-BIBLIOTEKET" (New in the AFU Library): Lists new acquisitions for the AFU library.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the documentation and dissemination of UFO information within Sweden. There's a strong emphasis on the activities of UFO organizations, the reporting of sightings, and the critical review of media and literature on the subject. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and archiving of UFO-related data, as evidenced by the detailed reporting and the significant donation to AFU. The magazine also reflects a growing public interest in UFOs, with numerous press mentions and discussions about the phenomenon.