AFU Newsletter - No 27 - 1984

Magazine Overview

This issue of the AFU Newsletter, number 27, covers the period from January to December 1984. The publication announces a temporary pause in its regular schedule, with the editor, Anders Liljegren, explaining his need to focus on long-term projects. The newsletter highlights AFU's archival work and its integration into Swedish information services.

Editorial: AFU Enters a New Direction

Anders Liljegren, the editor since early 1976, announces that this issue will likely be the last for several years. He explains that his personal interest in ufology has not waned, but his time is increasingly consumed by long-term projects requiring his full attention. He had envisioned the AFU Newsletter as a 'Scandinavian Flying Saucer Review' but found it impossible to achieve this ambitious goal with his existing workload and the difficulty in recruiting co-workers. Liljegren states that for AFU to become a more serious institution, the current newsletter format must be postponed. He details several developments within AFU during 1984, promising more information on these point-by-point.

The Kölmjärv Ghost Rocket Crash Revisited

This article, by Clas Svahn and Anders Liljegren, reviews one of the most substantial cases from the 1946 ghost rocket wave. The authors conducted a reinvestigation, re-interviewing witnesses and the military personnel involved in the search of Lake Kölmjärv. They also incorporated details from contemporary newspapers and AFU archives. The case involves a mysterious object embedded in the bottom mud of the lake, approximately 50 meters from the shore. The military conducted a two-week search using special instruments but found nothing due to the muddy bottom.

The summer of 1946 saw a surge in sightings of unknown, rocket-like objects across Sweden, with the Swedish Defence Staff receiving 300 reports in four days in July alone, totaling 997 sightings by the end of the summer. Many suspected the Russians were testing captured German V-type weapons.

The Kölmjärv sighting occurred on July 19, 1946, around noon. Farmer Knut Lindbäck and his maid Beda Persson witnessed a two-meter-long, ashen-gray projectile dive into the lake. Lindbäck described it as having a snub nose and a pointed stern, possibly with small winglike protrusions. The impact created a tall column of water. Frideborg Tagebo, who was near the northern shore, described the sound as 'horrible' and like a bomb detonating.

Investigations:

Following the incident, police and Home Guard personnel cordoned off the area. A military group from the Ing. 3 engineer corps arrived to search for the object. Lieutenant Karl-Gösta Bartoll led a group that began preliminary investigations. The military used sounding methods and mine search equipment, but the deep mud and the depth of the water (only 2 meters at the deepest) hindered the search. Scientists from the Research Institute of National Defence (FOA) were also involved.

Professor Gustaf Ljunggren of FOA noted that it was too early to determine the object's nature. He speculated about steering equipment or radio control. The military widened the search area after establishing that the projectile had bounced off a submerged rock.

Sabotage:

The military investigation was reportedly disturbed by mysterious persons seen in the woods near the crash point, leading to the deployment of live ammunition. Authorities denied rumors that the 'ghost bomb' had been found, and the investigation was eventually suspended without results.

Comparison Cases

The article details several other similar incidents from the 1946 ghost rocket wave:

• Kattistjärn: Fifteen minutes before the Kölmjärv crash, 11-year-old Kurt Larsson witnessed an object hit a small lake, creating a water column. The lake's five meters of mud prevented investigation.
• Bölebyn: Farmer Leonard Danielsson and his sons observed a cylindrical, aluminum-shining object crossing the sky.
• Mid-Norrland: Four people reported hearing a hissing sound and seeing a fast-moving, airplane-like object crash into a lake.
• Mjosa, Norway: On July 18, 1946, a farmer and his family witnessed two rocket-like objects crash into Lake Mjosa.

The Helge Case: A Physical Contact

This section, by Håkan Blomqvist, details the Helge case, described as a physical contact similar to the Adamski type. Helge, a rockblaster by profession, reported encounters with humanoids in 1965 and 1966. The first encounter occurred on December 9, 1965, near Uddevalla, where Helge saw a saucer-shaped object land and four entities emerge. After a 'sign conversation,' Helge was healed of kidney stones. The second contact on August 24, 1966, involved receiving a metal plate and an order to go to the Bahamas.

Helge and his wife, Anna, traveled to the Bahamas multiple times between 1967 and 1969. During these visits, Helge met with 'brothers' and was shown earth's evolution, with a mission to start a peace movement in Sweden. Anna also met one of the entities during their third visit.

Helge acted as a courier for the spacepeople, translating manuscripts and providing information on Swedish military bases. He claimed to have traveled in spaceships and worked for them until his death in 1977.

Dr. E., a retired doctor of medicine, consulted by Helge between 1968 and 1972, found no indication of mental aberration but noted Helge's fear. Dr. E. also recalled Helge mentioning visits to Latin America and cigar-shaped ships.

The article suggests that the spacepeople may have had ulterior motives, possibly involving infiltration or a conspiracy.

Other Sections

• Notes & References: A list of sources used in the articles, primarily Swedish newspapers and AFU publications.
• Ljudbandsarkivarie (Sound Archive): An appeal for a volunteer to help build AFU's collection of sound recordings.
• Book Review: To study paranormal phenomena within an academic framework: Anders Liljegren reviews Solveig Almquist's dissertation on revenants in Swedish folklore, highlighting the importance of context and personality in research.
• AFU Searches For: A list of literature AFU is seeking to complete its collections, including specific journals and books on UFOs and related phenomena.
• Editorial, continued from page 1: Discusses the international interest in the Ufocode library classification system and its potential use.
• AFU's integration into society: Details AFU's efforts to be listed in official Swedish directories for libraries and information services.
• "Ghost rockets" files finally located!: Anders Liljegren describes finding and obtaining extensive government files on the 1946 ghost rocket wave, a project that has become his primary focus.
• Computer acquisition planned: Liljegren outlines plans to purchase a personal computer to manage the vast amount of UFO data.
• The new status of AFU: Explains the decision to centralize AFU operations in Norrköping and the increased activity with three people working in the library and archives.
• New editorial members: Introduces Clas Svahn and Dan Mattsson as new contributing editors.
• New copier increases AFU efficiency: Details the acquisition of a Mita DC-111 copier to improve the library's services.
• If you plan to visit Sweden: Information for international ufologists wishing to visit AFU's library in Norrköping.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly the 1946 ghost rocket wave, and the detailed documentation of contactee cases. The editorial stance, as expressed by Anders Liljegren, is one of serious, academic-oriented research, emphasizing thorough documentation and archival work. There is a clear desire to move ufology towards a more respected institutional status, even if it means pausing popular publications like the newsletter. The importance of rigorous investigation, source criticism, and the integration of UFO research into broader academic and informational frameworks is evident throughout the issue.

This issue of the magazine, identified as issue number 11 from 1984, features a cover story titled "UFOs in time and space" by Dan Mattsson. The article delves into a study of UFOs and earthquakes in Sweden, exploring potential correlations between these phenomena. The magazine is published by UFO-Sweden and appears to be in English, originating from Sweden.

UFOs and Earthquakes in Sweden: A Study by Dan Mattsson

Dan Mattsson presents an abridged version of his article, originally published in "UFO-Sverige Aktuellt" in 1984, which examines the relationship between 153 registered Swedish earthquakes and 494 published UFO observations from 1963-1978. The study is based on data from the Swedish Catalogue (SweCat) and seismological statistics from the University of Uppsala.

Persinger's Tectonic Stress Theory

Dr. Michael Persinger's theory posits that anomalous luminosities, such as UFOs, could originate from tectonic stress. According to this theory, an increase in UFO reports in certain areas might precede an increase in earthquakes, with a typical time lag of about six months, though larger earthquakes could extend this to two years. The seismic areas involved could span several hundred kilometers.

UFO Waves and Sunspots

The article notes the uneven distribution of UFO sightings in time and space, defining 'flaps' as periods of increased sightings in limited areas and 'UFO waves' as worldwide occurrences. Suggestions by J.B. Delaire are mentioned, linking UFO waves to higher sunspot numbers, occurring approximately once every ten years. Figure 1 illustrates the sunspot cycle against UFO waves, showing a correlation. The study also compares the frequency of sunspots with earthquakes in Sweden (Figure 2), revealing a striking resemblance between the two curves.

Geographical Distribution of UFO Sightings

Figure 3 displays the geographical distribution of 494 UFO observations from 1963-1978. While population density partly explains the distribution, larger cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala, and Norrköping have fewer observations than expected, possibly due to lighter night skies and poorer observation conditions. The northern part of Sweden shows twice the expected number of sightings, with exceptions in the western mountainous region. Specific 'UFO-windows' (areas with consistently higher observation numbers) are identified:

1. Gislaved and Gnosjö district: 3.6 times the expected number. This area experienced a strong earthquake on September 6, 1977, followed by several UFO sightings, including one woman reporting white-dressed beings. Sightings decreased after the quake.
2. Nyköping and Oxelösund district: 4 times the expected number. This district has had a high rate of sightings for 20 years, often near magnetic fields and the Bråviken fault line. No significant earthquakes were registered in this specific area.
3. Köping, Arboga, and Kungsör (KAK) District: 8 times the expected number. While an active UFO-Sweden group exists, sightings ceased after 1978. No earthquakes were registered nearby.
4. Vallentuna: 4 times the expected rate. This area experienced a significant flap in 1973-74, with notable observations including pillars of light and yellow-white beams.
5. County of Dalarna: Two times the expected number. Sightings follow the mining district and are also in a populated area with earthquakes. A recent flap occurred in January 1985.
6. Sundsvall and Härnösand area: 2.5 times the expected number. This area has a large population and an active UFO-Sweden group. Sundsvall is an earthquake center with remains of an old volcano, making it particularly interesting.
7. Kiruna and Gällivare: Four times the expected rate. This is a major mining district and an area with many earthquakes.

Temporal Correlations: UFO Flaps and Earthquakes

The article further investigates 'flaps' in SweCat (Swedish UFO Catalogue) and their correlation with subsequent earthquakes. Several flaps are identified between 1965 and 1977, associated with specific geographical areas.

• 1973-74 flap in Vallentuna: Occurred in an area with no prior registered earthquakes, but a powerful quake was registered 35 km away on December 23, 1979, suggesting significant tectonic stress buildup.
• Sundsvall-Härnösand area: This area is highlighted for its strong correlation between UFO reports and earthquakes, with data showing that UFO peaks in 1967, 1971, and 1973 were followed by earthquake peaks. The high UFO peak of 1976 coincided with an earthquake peak.
• Figures 7-12 provide maps illustrating UFO observations and earthquakes during specific periods, showing correlations in areas like Dalarna and the Sundsvall-Härnösand region.
• Figures 13-16 present graphical comparisons of UFO sightings and earthquakes over time for the Sundsvall-Härnösand area, Lake Vänern area, Dalarna, and Västerbotten-Norrbotten, with the Sundsvall area showing the strongest correlation.

The Seismograph as a Ufologist's Tool

The author concludes by suggesting that the seismograph can be a valuable tool for ufologists. The "Project Hessdalen" in Norway has implemented a seismograph, though it has not yet recorded bedrock movements in the valley. The article invites contact with other ufologists involved in similar studies.

Book Reviews

"On coding of the observed 'reality'" - A review of Fortean Times' 10th anniversary issue

Clas Svahn reviews the 10th-anniversary issue of "Fortean Times," which covers monsters, UFOs, and parapsychological phenomena. The review discusses Charles Fort's mission to collect "damned facts" and the current efforts to continue his work. The editor, Bob Rickard, proposes a model for improving feedback between central organizations and local groups through computerization for data collection and analysis. However, UFO author Hilary Evans warns against rigid systems and blind faith in computers, emphasizing the importance of witness testimony and the potential for odd details to be overlooked. Evans suggests that breakthroughs will come from "data-jugglers" rather than mere data collectors. Jacques Vallée also expresses caution about the limitations of computers in understanding the UFO problem, advocating for rapid publication of cases. The review notes that "Fortean Times" does not shy away from strange phenomena, unlike some ufology groups that sift out extreme aspects. The review also touches upon the Cottingley fairies case and the difficulties science faces in handling unexplained phenomena, citing the Piltdown Man hoax as an example of scientific credulity.

"Shi Bo: La Chine et les extraterrestres" and "OVNI: L'armée parle" - Two important UFO books in French

Lars Adelskogh reviews two books in French.

• "OVNI: L'armée parle" (UFO: The Army Speaks) by Jean-Claude Bourret: This book examines army documents related to UFO phenomena, including interesting WWII and post-war secret documents that show the UFO phenomenon was taken seriously by high-ranking officers. It mentions a letter from General Marshall to the President in 1942 and an interview with Chilean army corporal Armando Valdes, who claimed to be "dematerialized" by a UFO. The book also covers French army and police documents, with officials admitting UFOs are unknown to science.

• "La Chine et les Extraterrestres" (China and the Extraterrestrials) by Shi Bo: This book addresses the often-overlooked aspect of UFO phenomena in China. Shi Bo, a Chinese author, collected observations from ordinary people across China, finding that they align with characteristics of the phenomenon as known in the West. The book details modern reports before 1980, the 1981 UFO flap, humanoid encounters, and answers from Chinese scientists. Aimé Michel suggests in the preface that Chinese authorities may be breaking their silence on UFOs to avoid the negative consequences of a conspiracy of silence, as seen in the West and USSR. The book is praised for its wealth of information and includes photos and drawings.

"UFOs in the great totalitarian state" - Book review by Anders Liljegren

Anders Liljegren reviews Jüri Lina's book "UFO-forskning i Sovjetunionen" (UFO Research in the Soviet Union). The review begins by describing the oppressive atmosphere of Estonia, a Baltic state under Soviet rule, and the difficulties faced by private UFO researchers in the Soviet Union and its satellite states. Despite these challenges, a chain of private researchers has emerged, collecting and checking UFO incident reports. Liljegren notes that Soviet researchers tend to accept the extraterrestrial nature of UFOs, which may explain the government's reluctance to publish findings. He also points out that Lina's book, while valuable, has some flaws, including a less-than-perfect command of Swedish and a tendency to place UFOs in a semi-religious context. Lina estimates that about 50% of Soviet UFO cases published in the West are fakes. The review highlights Lina's chapters on Konstantin Tsiolkovskij and the history of UFO research in the Soviet Union. Liljegren suggests the book should be translated into English, but with a critical review of Western sources and faked Russian cases. The review concludes by recommending the book to support Jüri Lina's initiative.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, with scientific and societal issues. There's a strong emphasis on empirical data, correlation studies (like UFOs and earthquakes), and the critical analysis of evidence. The publication appears to champion the work of researchers like Charles Fort and those who investigate phenomena that fall outside mainstream scientific paradigms. The reviews of books on UFOs from various countries, including Sweden, France, and the Soviet Union, indicate a broad international perspective. The magazine also seems to value the contributions of independent researchers and organizations dedicated to studying these phenomena, encouraging dialogue and further investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging critical thinking while not dismissing unusual claims outright.

Title: AFU Newsletter
Issue: 27
Publisher: Archives for UFO Research (AFU)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish (with English abstracts/sections)
ISSN: 0349-2346

This issue of the AFU Newsletter, dated from the period of 1983-1984, provides a detailed look into the activities of the Archives for UFO Research (AFU) in Sweden and sheds light on the landscape of UFO research in the Soviet Union.

Soviet UFO Research and Case Analyses

The newsletter features a significant section dedicated to Soviet UFO research, highlighting the work of the A. Popov Society in Moscow. This group is headed by Vladimir Azhazha (oceanographer, chairman), Lev Gindilis (vice chairman), and Nikita A. Schnee (secretary). The article details the challenges faced by these researchers, including severe restrictions on internal travel and communications, which force them to rely on mail and telephone for contact. Nikita A. Schnee, who is photographed for the article, has reportedly been warned by the public prosecutor in Moscow, and his correspondence to the West often fails to reach its destination.

Several UFO cases are discussed, with comments provided by Mr. Schnee and his colleagues:

• Case of the forest rangers 'blasted by a bizarre ray': Reported in the National Enquirer (1982-04-06), this case was investigated by the Azhazha group's local correspondent in Karelia, who had never heard of it. Mr. Schnee concludes, "It is completely safe to say that the case is a hoax."
• Case of the Soviet ship and a UFO coming out of the sea: Mentioned in the National Enquirer (1983-03-30), Mr. Schnee affirms this case is genuine. The ship was identified as the research vessel "Vladimir Vobyrov," led by Professor Platonov. The article notes that disinformation often surrounds Soviet ships, particularly research vessels used for espionage.
• Case of the 'space baby': Reported in the National Enquirer (1983-11-22) and Bild (1983-11-14), this case claimed a UFO crash near Frunze on July 14, 1983, resulting in the discovery of an egg-shaped capsule with a child-like being. The Azhazha correspondent in Frunze had no local information, suggesting it is likely a hoax, though the article acknowledges that such an event might not reach the general public.
• The Borisglebsk case: Initially considered part-hoax/part-genuine by USSR researchers, this case, attributed to a book by Alberto Fenoglio, seems to have gained more credibility. It involves Vladimir Paltsev and his son Aleksander, who witnessed a disc-shaped object. Aleksander was later hit by a laser-like beam, suffering severe burns and numbness, and requiring military hospital treatment. A special military unit detected strong radioactivity in the area, and local insects and plants were affected.

The Azhazha group also released three landing reports in 1984, which occurred on June 13 and 14, 1980, and in March 1981. These are mentioned as being published in Jüri Lina's book, but AFU Newsletter lacks space for detailed translations.

Archives for UFO Research (AFU) Activities

The newsletter details the operational and financial activities of AFU for the years 1983 and 1984.

Key activities and decisions include:

• Shift in Publication Strategy: A significant decision was made in late 1984 to cease the regular publication of the AFU Newsletter. The organization will focus on long-term documentary projects for the next 3-4 years (1985-1987), as the production of the newsletter consumes too much of the limited volunteer time.
• Archival Development: AFU aims to develop its technical resources to function as a "professional" documentation center. This includes acquiring a copier (purchased in September 1984) to facilitate the creation of reference collections, assist researchers with copies from the AFU archive, and lend out materials like press clippings.
• Acquisition of Swedish Defense Documents: In the autumn of 1984, AFU gained access to a large volume of previously classified Swedish defense documents concerning early Swedish UFO observations. This has significantly increased their historical UFO documentation material, now estimated at 3,000-4,000 pages, plus thousands of press clippings.
• Library and Collection Management: The library's book collection was cataloged using a new classification system, Ufocode, with 15 main classes and approximately 500 subject headings. This system is designed for computerized information retrieval and has garnered international interest. The book catalog was computerized in early 1984, allowing searches via about 1,000 "entries."
• Press Clipping Collection: The press clipping collection received 501 clippings in 1983 and 344 in 1984, reflecting a stable but lower level of interest compared to the 1970s. The clipping service is shared with Riksorg. UFO-Sverige.
• Journal Collection: The journal collection has grown through donations, subscriptions, and exchanges. AFU is interested in exchanging duplicate journals for other publications.
• Physical Space: In 1984, two larger shelving units (approx. 20 shelf meters) were added to the library for press clippings and Nordic journals. The collection was reorganized to mitigate damage from potential flooding, and a telephone was installed.

Financial Reports:

• 1983 Income: Total income was 14,223.94 SEK, primarily from annual fees, sales, donations, and AFU board contributions.
• 1983 Expenses: Total expenses were 10,599.54 SEK, including printing of newsletters, postage, book purchases, press clipping services, library rent, and administrative costs.
• 1984 Income: Total income was 29,797.53 SEK, with significant contributions from AFU board funds and the book fund.
• 1984 Expenses: Total expenses were 19,087.43 SEK, including costs for newsletter printing, book purchases, press clipping services, library rent, and a new copier.

Donations and Acknowledgments:

The newsletter expresses gratitude to numerous individuals and organizations for their financial and material contributions, including books, journals, press clippings, and other materials. Special thanks are given to those who donated to the book fund and for review copies of publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent interest in UFO phenomena, the challenges of conducting research in the Soviet Union, and the dedication of organizations like AFU to documenting and archiving UFO-related information. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, distinguishing between credible cases and hoaxes, and a commitment to building a comprehensive historical record of UFO sightings and research. The shift towards long-term documentation projects indicates a strategic move to consolidate and preserve valuable information for future study.