AFU Newsletter - No 20 - 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: AFU NYHETSBLAD (AFU Newsletter)
Issue: Nr. 20
Date: OCT/DEC 1980
Publisher: ARKIVET FÖR UFO-FORSKNING (AFU)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0349-2346

This issue of the AFU Newsletter is dedicated to exploring various UFO-related topics, with a significant focus on "The Helge File" concerning "Men in Black" in Sweden. It also provides an update on AFU's activities and collections, a review of Swedish press coverage of UFO phenomena, and details about the "New Generation" organization.

The Helge File - Men in Black in Sweden?

This feature article by Håkan Blomqvist delves into the "Helge File," a case involving alleged encounters with "Men in Black" (MIB) and UFO entities. The author explains that he began collecting notes on this case in the early 1970s, facing reluctance from witnesses due to the case's sinister aspects. Over time, some main witnesses became friends, allowing Blomqvist to learn more details. The case gained prominence due to a similar, unrelated MIB case in 1979 that corroborated data he had acquired.

The original contact experience was first presented by Ernst Linder, then chairman of the now-discontinued "Ifologiska sällskapet," on January 27, 1966. Linder was the first to investigate the case, which was later mentioned in the Swedish magazine "Sökaren" and condensed in books like "UFO-gåtan" by Bjarne Håkansson and "Tefatsfolket - vänner eller fiender" by Staffan Stigsjöö.

Helge's First Contact (December 1965)

Helge, described as an ordinary Swedish worker, around 60 years old, a rock-blaster by profession, and an atheist, possessed a strong telepathic ability. In December 1965, suffering from kidney stones, he felt compelled to take a walk on a frozen lake near Gothenburg. His dog began acting erratically, and Helge observed a saucer-shaped object, approximately 5 meters in diameter and 3 meters in height, hovering above the ice. A dark tube descended from the object, and four entities (three men, one woman) emerged. They were described as naked, with large, slanted eyes, perfect teeth, and no visible hair. The entities sprayed a gas that smelled of hyacinth, affecting both Helge and his dog. Helge experienced a breeze of hot air with a hyacinth smell. The entities communicated through signs and drawings in the snow, showing fascination with his hair. They demonstrated their technology, including a black package that sprayed gas. The older man among them explained that his people would come in "great armadas." He then produced a cylinder-shaped object, which he glided along Helge's back, relieving him of his kidney pains. The object felt warm and vibrated. The craft, surrounded by a blue phosphorescent light, then departed at high speed, changing color from blue to orange.

Helge's Second Contact (August 1966)

About ten months after the first experience, Helge felt a strong urge to return to the lake. He found the same craft hovering, with a man standing weightlessly beside it. This man was recognized from the initial meeting. The man informed Helge that he would be their contact person in the Bahamas and gave him a metal plate to wear. Helge, hesitant due to his lack of English and being uneducated, was ordered to comply. He buried the plate. He and his wife sold their possessions and planned to move to the Bahamas. A peculiar episode occurred on the plane to Nassau, where Helge noticed fourteen people resembling Catholic priests who then mysteriously disappeared upon landing.

In Stockholm, Helge and his wife met members of "Ifologiska sällskapet." A wealthy building contractor offered to finance trips to the Bahamas. Helge retrieved the metal plate from the lake. On his way to Gothenburg, he met an old man at a gas station who identified himself as Father Rapas, an associate of the "overlords" who had contacted Helge previously. Rapas, dressed in a black cape and boots, suggested a coffee break. The plate was described as 7 x 4.5 cm, with a rough backside, made of an aluminum-like material, engraved with cryptic symbols, and capable of becoming very hot.

The New Generation Organization

Helge made a second trip to the Bahamas around New Year 1967-68, this time remembering to bring the plate. He met an old negro named Joe and a girl named Li, and they traveled to an island where they entered a mountain base. There, Helge encountered various entities (giants, hermaphrodites, dwarfs) and was shown the evolution of Earth. He was also shown weapons from all ages. This base was intended to be the center for "The New Generation" organization, where Helge would receive schooling. The organization was promoted by Tryggwe Glantz, who claimed 600 members and described it as a "world-wide peace movement." The "Rapas rules," 65 philosophical points emphasizing harshness and control, were also provided to the group. However, most members felt uneasy about the threats, and the group eventually broke up after Helge returned from his second trip, feeling betrayed.

AFU Activities and Collections (1980)

The AFU Newsletter reports on the organization's activities in 1980. AFU was supported by 75 individuals, though there was a slight decrease in Swedish members, possibly due to the newsletter's increased English content. This change, however, led to AFU receiving over 100 foreign and Swedish periodicals. Two major goals were achieved: AFU was reorganized into a foundation, enhancing its ability to act as an archive and information institution, and the entire collection was moved to a newly renovated, larger location, providing ample space for future expansion.

In 1980, the library received 66 new books and acquired 30 more, bringing the total to approximately 800 individual titles and 1,530 book copies. A new catalog of the entire collection is planned for 1981. The newsletter also mentions the sale of back issues of the AFU Newsletter and the magazine "Ufologen" to generate funds for the book fund.

Valuable donations were received from several individuals, including Boris Jungkvist, Zoran Maksić, and others. The press clipping service saw a decrease in the number of clippings (45% reduction) but an increase in cost per clipping. The archive holds an estimated 15,000 clippings from 1965-1980.

The library service facilitated book lending, with 42 loans in the past year, a decrease attributed to a temporary decline. The organization welcomes donations and financial contributions to support its operations and book acquisitions.

Swedish Press Review

The newsletter includes a comprehensive review of Swedish press coverage of UFO phenomena during 1980 and early 1981. Numerous articles are cited, discussing various sightings, witness accounts, and expert opinions:

• Boris Jungkvist's book "Existerar UFOs eller s.k. flygande tefat?" received several reviews, including one in "Svenska Dagbladet" by Hans Krook, which was critical of the UFO community.
• Tore Zetterholm's novel "Cannes" was noted for borrowing motifs from Robert Temple's "The Sirius Mystery."
• Reviews of books by Erich von Däniken and Allen Hynek appeared in "Kompaniofficeren."
• An article in "Saxons" detailed the John Mann abduction case.
• Mårten Ekenstam wrote an article for "Kamratposten" on ufology.
• Louise Drangel interviewed Boris J. about flying saucers and an anonymous docent in astronomy who stated that a credible UFO phenomenon would be a "first-grade research object."
• The case of Hans Brüggener, who claimed to have seen a UFO in 1975, was revisited, with a theory suggesting it might have been a "kulblixt" (fireball).
• Henry Svensson was reportedly denied a lecture at a church due to the controversial nature of the topic.
• An exhibition on "Rymdfrimärken och UFO" (Space Stamps and UFOs) at the Postmuseum was mentioned.
• A sighting of a "Tefat" (flying saucer) near Alnö bridge by two teenagers was reported.
• Articles discussed "flygande tefat" in local contexts, including a meeting in Västervik and an interview with Matilda Nilsson who described a creature with a small head and long arms.
• Marie Forsström's observation of a glowing creature was reported.
• Kenth Andreasson wrote about "spökliftaren" (ghost hitchhikers) in Småland.
• An Austrian propeller-driven "Tefat" was featured.
• Gävleborg UFO Association's exhibition was covered, with Christer Nordin, chairman of UFO-Sverige, commenting.
• A case with EM-effects near Orebro was reported.
• Tomas Tullholm of UFO-Sverige planned to write a book on UFO cases in Norrbotten.
• Exhibitions and lectures on UFOs in Skara were mentioned, including references to 18th-century reports.
• Stig Aggestad of UFO-Sverige noted an "alarming increase in unexplained cases."
• The rock group Aura created a musical about UFOs.
• Boris Jungkvist was profiled in "DN/Nord."
• Owe Lewitzki gave a lecture on UFOs.
• Lars Andersson and Per Wahlström advocated for forming a local UFO organization in Borlänge.
• Bengt-Ake Liden, a field researcher for UFO-Information, stressed the need to take the subject seriously.
• An "UFO-jour" (UFO hotline) was established in Malmö.
• An article discussed "Did we build a nuclear reactor 60,000 years ago?" referencing Maurice Chatelain's book.
• The FBI warned about "devil's triangles," and modern piracy was linked to sensational UFO circles.
• Strange light phenomena over Vadsbo were reported, including a "glowing green 'Christ's cross'."

The press review section also includes a call for contributions related to Forteana, such as Bermuda Triangle cases, astroarchaeology, unexplained disappearances, ghost planes, and animal mutilations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter reflects AFU's broad and critical approach to UFO research, encompassing spiritual, paranormal, and scientific aspects. It emphasizes the importance of documentation, archiving, and rigorous investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the collection and dissemination of information while maintaining a critical perspective. The "Helge File" case, despite its unusual nature, is presented factually, with the author acknowledging potential doubts but asserting the importance of presenting the information. The organization's commitment to building a comprehensive archive and facilitating research is a recurring theme, alongside a call for continued support from individuals and groups interested in the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated Dec-Jan 1980/81, focuses on various aspects of UFO research, including personal contactee experiences, the phenomenon of Men in Black (MIB), and a detailed presentation of a Swedish UFO data computerization project.

Helge's Encounters and Financial Support

The article details the experiences of a contactee named Helge, who claims to have had extensive contact with alien entities. These entities were described as thin, tanned, with oriental features, long fingers, and dark eyes. Helge's wife also encountered them and perceived them as angels. During his trips to the Bahamas, Helge received financial support for his apartment and car, which he believed came from his UFO-connected contacts, as no money arrived from the Bahamas as promised. The payments were made to a special bank account, with weekly increases, but the source of the money remained anonymous.

Helge's contacts were of a specific type, unlike the initial 'bull-necked ones with pointed ears' he met in Sweden. He also met earthly contacts on the Bahamas, including a Russian and an American negro named Loftin. Tragically, Loftin was found dead with a bullet hole in his head, reportedly killed for treason after informing the CIA of a base. This event, along with others, suggests a connection between UFO phenomena and intelligence agencies.

Helge felt compelled to continue his work with these entities, stating he "cannot" stop, fearing he would meet the same fate as Loftin, implying a "way in but no way out."

The Nature of the Entities and Their Mission

Helge's contacts were described as having no feelings, with death and torture not disturbing them. However, he also found them to be "stupid" and not telepathic. They claimed their purpose was to prevent a third World War, though Helge had a different perspective. The entities could not be photographed, but sometimes a lighted square appeared where they had been. They possessed the ability to disappear instantly.

Passport to Paranoia and MIB Encounters

The article touches upon the phenomenon of Men in Black (MIB), describing them as identical to those reported by other ufologists. These MIB are associated with phantom Cadillacs and sinister-looking passengers. The author notes the lack of 'lost time' or hypnosis in MIB encounters, but mentions mythic elements like visits to mountain retreats, suggesting possible mental induction.

One contactee described the MIB group as a form of mafia, selling themselves to the highest bidder, with ordinary earth mafia paying them money. This theory was reportedly confirmed by a psychometric medium who suffered a shock after holding a plate mentioned in the context.

The MIB connection is also linked to Richard Shaver's claims about "gangster groups" in contact with criminals and corrupt politicians. The MIB are described as operating on a global basis, with consistent descriptions worldwide. John Keel's experiences with phantom Cadillacs are cited, suggesting intelligence organizations might be aware of and dealing with these phenomena discreetly.

The article speculates that these entities may not be extraterrestrial but rather of a different earthly evolution, potentially neither good nor evil, but usable by those who know how. Keel's conclusion that "We have not been viewing the masters, only the slaves" is quoted.

Project U.R.D. - A Swedish System for UFO Data Computerization

The magazine features a detailed presentation of Project U.R.D. (Project UFO Report and Data), a Swedish initiative aimed at computerizing UFO report data. The project's goal is to become a world-wide center for UFO report computerization.

Origins and Philosophy

Initiated in 1973 by members of three Stockholm UFO groups, Project U.R.D. was formalized at a meeting to pool resources for data collection and develop an educational program for investigators. A common definition of UFO phenomena was accepted. The project was structured to suit data analysis, with an educational binder and courses developed to train investigators.

In July 1975, it was formalized as the "International U.R.D. Foundation," governed by a six-headed board. Despite efforts, interest from field investigators outside major towns was limited. UFO-Sweden, the national organization, declined cooperation, viewing U.R.D. as a duplication of efforts.

Project Development and Structure

Work proceeded on an educational package and a systematic 7-page report form for computer studies. By 1974, an educational binder was ready, and courses were held to train potential investigators. In 1976, U.R.D. extended its interests to Finland, coordinating with Finnish ufologists and presenting the concept internationally.

The project faced challenges, including a lack of interest from some groups and the perception that it was too ambitious or overly focused on computer-adjusted "technological" information rather than psychological aspects.

Challenges in UFO Research

Project U.R.D. identified several critical problems in UFO research: the unpredictable nature of UFO occurrences, the heavy reliance on the "human error" factor, the scarcity of instrumental registrations, a negative psychological climate affecting reporting, a lack of technical/scientific training among investigators, and leading interview techniques that distort information.

Information Distortion

Three critical transfers of information are identified: during observation, during questioning, and during documentation. The article emphasizes the importance of training field investigators and developing specialized report forms and techniques to minimize distortion.

Computer System and Data Analysis

The U.R.D. system was designed with an on-line database and specialized programs for complex selections, intended to function as a fact-access library of report abstracts. The goal is to use the computer for initial report analysis to find recurrent patterns and provide fast feedback for adjusting investigation methods. Tapes are used for storing abstracts, and disc packs for processing. The current computer is an IBM 370/165, with facilities for plotting and telecommunications. Initially, computer usage is restricted to registration and statistics, with plans for future expansion.

Organizational Structure

The system is designed to operate on a global basis, with functional units including field investigators, national report centers, and an international center for computer registration and analysis. Investigation and research are initiated by national centers in cooperation with field investigators.

Structurization of Information

To handle UFO event information effectively, U.R.D. employs two principles: respect to information (dividing it into groups) and respect to time (analyzing events chronologically). This allows for detailed studies of phenomena, behavior, and patterns. Information is classified by time, location, observer, static characteristics, and behavior of the phenomena. The system can also document cases involving multiple objects.

Computer System Details

The computer system uses an on-line database and specially designed programs. It aims to serve as a fast feedback function for investigation methods. Currently, tapes store abstracts, and disc packs are used for processing. The system utilizes an IBM 370/165. While local computer files are a possibility, reports are ideally stored at a central site to facilitate processing. All utilization of the system is non-profit.

Book and Magazine Reviews

The issue includes reviews of several publications:

• "Photographs of the unknown" by Robert Rickard & Richard Kelly: Praised for its high-quality, dramatic, and unique photographs of fortean phenomena, though some are noted as dubious or rare.
• MAPIT Skywatch, No. 38 (Dec-Jan 1980/81): Described as having a dull layout but covering interesting topics like "Mental communications and psychological disturbance." It features reader letters, book reviews, and news.
• Magonia, No. 5, 1980: Discusses Roger Sandell's "From conspirators to contactees" and notes that the catalogue of Type I sightings has passed its thousandth entry.
• Stigmata, No. 11 (Fourth quarter, 1980): Focuses on cattle mutilations and suggests a cult connection, specifically "Sons in Satan's service."
• Nordic UFO Newsletter, No. 1, 1981: The first issue of an English newsletter by Nordic UFO Groups, concentrating on Sweden and Norway's hottest UFO cases.
• UFO-Norge Nytt, No. 5/6 (Dec. 1980): Features an article on "Aliens among us," cattle mutilations, Soviet UFOs, and recent UFO observations in Norway.
• Shavertron, No. 5 (Fall 1980): A magazine for fans of Richard S. Shaver, providing news, views, and information for collectors.
• UFO-Nyt, Nr. 1 (Jan-Feb 1981): Published by the Danish group SUFOI, it covers UFO news worldwide and Danish cases, including a report from the first PICUR committee meeting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of UFO research, including contactee experiences, alleged government/intelligence agency involvement (CIA, MIB), and the challenges of systematic data collection and analysis. There's a strong emphasis on the need for scientific rigor, as exemplified by Project U.R.D., while also acknowledging the more speculative and 'fortean' aspects of the phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the exploration of various theories and methodologies, even those that are controversial or difficult to verify. The inclusion of numerous magazine and book reviews suggests an effort to provide a comprehensive overview of the UFO literature and research landscape of the time.