AFU Newsletter - No 33 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: AFU Newsletter
Issue: 33
Date: January-June 1989
Publisher: Archives for UFO Research (AFU), Sweden
Language: Swedish (with some English content)

This issue of the AFU Newsletter is heavily focused on debunking a prominent Swedish UFO case, the "Domsten Saucer" incident, and also features articles on international UFO organizations and research into UFO abductions.

The Domsten Case: A Hoax Revealed

The lead story, "A Saucer - Two Men - and 'Little Creatures'", details the investigation and eventual debunking of the 1958 Domsten UFO incident. The cover headline, "After 30 years: Swedish UFO abduction attempt disproved," sets the tone for this exposé. The article, primarily written by Clas Svahn, reveals that the case, long considered one of Sweden's most interesting UFO events, was a complete fabrication.

Witness Testimony and Motivations

Christian Johansen, a childhood friend of the alleged witnesses Stig Rydberg and Hans Gustafsson, comes forward after 30 years to confirm the hoax. He states that he had promised Rydberg and Gustafsson to keep silent but felt compelled to speak out after their deaths and the publication of the investigation. Johansen recounts how the story was concocted by Hans Gustafsson, who was motivated by a desire for quick money and attention. The incident began as a prank, with the 'saucer' being a bottle, and escalated as the perpetrators realized they could profit from it.

Johansen's mother, Martha Christiansson, also corroborates that the story was a lie, stating that Hans Gustafsson admitted it was a fabrication shortly after the alleged event.

The article explores the motivations behind such hoaxes, including financial gain, the need for attention, the desire for validation, and even a sense of humor. It highlights how the media's interest and potential financial rewards can fuel such fabrications.

The Investigation Process

Clas Svahn and Anders Liljegren spent years investigating the Domsten case, meticulously examining police reports, newspaper interviews, and recordings. They found numerous inconsistencies and contradictions in the witnesses' accounts. The breakthrough came when Artur Gustafsson, Hans' brother, admitted that the entire story was a bluff and that they had used a bottle to create the 'landing marks'.

The Book "Domstensfallet: En svensk närkontakt 1958"

The issue promotes a book titled "Domstensfallet: En svensk närkontakt 1958" by Clas Svahn, which is described as a classic in Swedish UFO literature and a thorough investigation of the case. The book is presented as a result of years of field and archival work, with proceeds supporting future research.

International UFO Scene

Another section, "Internationell ufologi" (International Ufology), reports on the state of UFO organizations and publications worldwide. It notes the closure of several organizations, including APRO and The UFO Research of Finland, and the cessation of publications like APRO Bulletin and UFO-Nachrichten. The article mentions the passing of Coral Lorenzen, a prominent figure in UFO research, and the unfortunate decision to burn APRO's extensive archives.

On a more positive note, it highlights the launch of a new, active English-language magazine, "The UFO Times," by BUFORA in the UK, which focuses on research and case follow-ups. Other organizations mentioned include SVL in Belgium, which has shifted to English-language publications, and the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies in the USA, which has revived its scientific journal.

CUFOS is noted for its new research projects, including a study of abduction cases and an investigation into the Roswell incident. The Italian organization CISU is recognized for its active role and multiple publications, including the "International UFO Reporter," which AFU considers one of the most interesting UFO magazines.

Budd Hopkins and Abduction Research

Anders Liljegren contributes an article discussing Budd Hopkins' book "Intruders: The Incredible Visitations at Copley Woods." The article delves into Hopkins' research on UFO abductions, where individuals report missing time and strange encounters, often involving medical examinations and genetic experiments.

Liljegren shares personal childhood memories that resonate with the themes of abduction and unexplained phenomena, raising questions about potential early exposure to such experiences. He notes Hopkins' methodology, which involves hypnosis to retrieve memories, and the psychological impact on abductees.

Hopkins' theory of genetic experiments, where UFO beings may be creating hybrids, is presented as a new and controversial element in UFO research. The article mentions cases where abductees report forced insemination or the removal of fetuses for extraterrestrial purposes. The potential implications of such theories for understanding human origins and the nature of consciousness are explored.

Critiques and Future Research

The article acknowledges skepticism towards Hopkins' work, with some critics suggesting that 'bedroom visitations' are a known phenomenon in parapsychology. However, it distinguishes abduction cases from conventional contact reports, noting the distress and negative experiences reported by abductees. The formation of support groups for abductees in the US is also mentioned.

Hopkins is reportedly working on a new book, "Impact: The Effect of UFO Experiences on Everyday Life," which will focus on the psychological and therapeutic aspects of these experiences and the impact on individuals' lives, particularly children.

Book Reviews and News

The newsletter includes a "Klipp-sidan" (Clipping Page) and "Utländska boknyheter" (Foreign Book News) section, featuring reviews and announcements of various UFO-related books. These include:

• A review of "Thunderbirds" by Mark A. Hall.
• "UFO abduction at Maringa" by A.J. Gevaerd & Wendelle C. Stevens.
• "UFO abductions, the dangerous game" by Philip J. Klass.
• "The encyclopedic guide to the UFO phenomenon" by Jerome Clark.
• "The October scenario" by Kevin D. Fandle.
• "UFO contact from planet Umo vol. 2" by Antonio Ribera & Wendelle C. Stevens.
• "The Armstrong report. ETs and UFOs: They need us but we don't need them" by Virgil Armstrong.
• "UFO crash/retrievals: Is the coverup lid lifting?" by Leonard H. Stringfield.
• "Messages from the Pleiades" by Eduard Meier.
• "Don't look up" by Danny Gordon & Paul Dellinger.
• "Intimate abduction" by Ann Carol Ulrich.
• "On the (UFO) road again" by Aileen Edwards.

A new Finnish UFO book, "Ufojen Kosainen Viesti" by Tapani Koivula, is also reviewed. Koivula argues that humanity is heading towards destruction and that a change in lifestyle is necessary, contrasting scientific progress with a more spiritual approach.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims, the importance of rigorous investigation, and the distinction between genuine experiences and hoaxes. The editorial stance, particularly from Anders Liljegren and Clas Svahn, is one of skepticism towards sensationalism and a commitment to uncovering the truth, even if it means debunking popular cases. There is a clear emphasis on the need for a clean and honest UFOlogy, free from charlatans and fabrications. The issue also highlights the psychological and societal impact of UFO experiences, particularly abductions, and the ongoing research in this complex field.

This issue of the AFU Newsletter, number 33, published in 1989, delves into several key topics within the field of UFO research. The primary focus is on the persistent phenomenon of 'ghost rockets' that occurred in Scandinavia, particularly in 1946, and the ongoing efforts by AFU to document and understand these sightings. Additionally, the newsletter provides an in-depth exposé of the infamous Donsten case, revealing it to be a carefully constructed hoax. It also touches upon UFO research activities in the Soviet Union and updates on Swedish UFO archives and related investigations.

'Sagotidningar' and Tabloid UFO Stories

The issue begins by critiquing sensationalist UFO stories often found in tabloids like 'Weekly World News', which fabricate tales of alien technology and encounters. It highlights how these publications often present fictional accounts as fact, sometimes citing exotic locations and even claiming alien intervention in human affairs.

The Donsten Case: A Hoax Exposed

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to the Donsten case, which involved two men, Stig Rydberg and Hans Gustafsson, reporting a close encounter with a landed saucer and strange creatures in 1958. Initially gaining international attention, the case was later subjected to an 18-month investigation by Clas Svahn. The investigation uncovered numerous inconsistencies and weak points in the witnesses' accounts, including conflicting timelines, questionable details about the encounter, and the lack of corroborating evidence. The newsletter details how the witnesses' backgrounds, including a tendency towards heavy drinking and a desire for attention, cast further doubt on their story. The case was eventually revealed as a hoax, with confessions from individuals who knew the truth, including Christian Johansen, who sold tickets for lectures about the alleged event. The article emphasizes that the 'creatures' were likely a product of imagination, possibly influenced by contemporary science fiction and popular UFO literature of the time. The newsletter also notes the eventual deaths of Rydberg and Gustafsson due to alcoholism, and the impact the affair had on their lives.

Project 1946 - Ghost Rockets

The newsletter provides a status report on AFU's ongoing project to reinvestigate and document the 1946 wave of 'ghost rockets' over Scandinavia. The project has amassed a substantial file of over 1,500 cases, with work now shifting from case collection to more detailed analysis. Key areas of research include the continued sightings of 'ghost rockets' since 1946, which appear to be a largely unnoticed phenomenon, the correlation of these sightings with Soviet air/space capabilities in 1946, and detailed interviews with Swedish defense and industry specialists. The project also involves historical archival studies and attempts to access remaining defense files. Despite requests to defense authorities, further official documentation has not been forthcoming, suggesting that lost documents may be a matter of misplacement rather than deliberate concealment. Research into ghost rockets has also been conducted in Norway, Finland, and Denmark, though with limited success.

UFO Research in the Soviet Union

The newsletter reports on UFO research activities in the Soviet Union, including a major congress held in Tomsk, Siberia, attended by over 300 researchers. The congress covered various aspects of UFO phenomena, with lectures and discussions on recent investigations, including a case near Vladivostok. The report highlights the growing interest in UFO research within the Soviet Union, facilitated by the era of 'glasnost'. It also mentions a UFO seminar held in Petroskoi, which aimed to promote UFO research through the press and attracted significant media attention.

UFO Archives and Personnel

AFU has taken over the national UFO report archive from UFO-Sverige, integrating it with other collections to create a comprehensive Swedish archive. The newsletter also mentions the passing of Donald Keyhoe, a prominent figure in UFO investigations and former leader of NICAP, who died at the age of 91. It also notes the retirement of Sture Wickerts, the long-time spokesperson for FOA (Swedish Defence Research Agency) on UFO matters.

Cryptozoology Bibliography

A brief mention is made of a new bibliography on mysterious animals and cryptozoology, titled 'Mystiske dyr', published in Denmark.

Other Noteworthy Items

• Contactee Stories: The newsletter touches upon the phenomenon of 'contactee' stories, particularly in relation to the Donsten case, and the influence of figures like George Adamski.
• Hypnosis in UFO Investigations: The use of hypnosis in investigating UFO cases is discussed, with a cautionary note about its reliability and the potential for 'hypno analysis' to be influenced by the subject's will.
• Friedrich Jürgensson: The passing of Friedrich Jürgensson, a Swedish-international painter and parapsychologist known for his theories connecting UFOs to spiritual voices, is noted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The AFU Newsletter consistently adopts a critical and investigative approach to UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained events, the publication prioritizes rigorous research, evidence-based analysis, and the debunking of hoaxes and unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalism and a commitment to uncovering the truth, even when it leads to discrediting popular cases. The emphasis on archival research, witness verification, and correlation with known phenomena underscores a desire for scientific rigor in the field of ufology. The newsletter also highlights the challenges faced by researchers, including financial constraints and the difficulty of obtaining official information.