AFU Newsletter - No 36 - 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: AFU Newsletter
Issue: Nr 36
Date: January - December 1991
Publisher: Archives for UFO Research (AFU)
Country: Sweden

This issue of the AFU Newsletter, dated January-December 1991, focuses heavily on debunking the persistent Spitsbergen UFO crash and retrieval legend. The cover prominently features "General Doolittle and the ghost rockets - we have searched the Swedish archives for the answer!" alongside headlines about the Spitsbergen incident and "The Spitsbergen rumour - the truth behind the myth." The issue also includes a piece on "Crop circles in 1992.

Credulity Has No Limits

Anders Liljegren, the editor, opens the newsletter with a critical piece titled "Credulity Has No Limits." He laments the state of Swedish ufology, which he believes is being relegated to occultism and superstition. Liljegren criticizes authors like Sune Hjorth and Rauni-Leena Luukanen, whose books are found in the astrology section of bookshops. He notes the renewed interest in UFOs following Whitley Strieber's books, but points out that many people fail to distinguish between abductions and contacteeism. A Russian study is cited, showing that only four out of 106 contactees were considered psychologically healthy. Liljegren argues that voluntary contact with UFOs often fulfills a psychological need or compensates for personal deficiencies. He criticizes the media for promoting contactee narratives without critical examination, citing examples like Sune Hjorth promoting the Meier photos and Boris Jungkvist claiming Jesus was a spaceman. He also mentions individuals like Sten Lindgren, Bertil Kuhlemann, Anders B. Johansson, Sören Broman, Jūri Lina, Kristina Wennergren, and Rauni-Leena Luukanen, who tour New Age centers. The article also discusses Tony Eckhardt's video featuring contactees and an anonymous "UFO pilot" without critical commentary, and the visits of Howard Menger and Wendelle Stevens to Sweden. Liljegren concludes that a serious debate with these individuals is impossible due to their refusal to engage with critical information. He states that fact-minded ufologists face a double responsibility: to constantly point out fallacies in cultists' data and theories, and to counter them with their own positive, well-researched data, noting that too much energy is spent on the former.

The Spitsbergen UFO crash/retrieval incident

Ole Jonny Brænne's article meticulously investigates the Spitsbergen UFO crash and retrieval incident, which has been a subject of rumors for nearly 40 years. The story, which claims wreckage was discovered by jet pilots and transported to Narvik for investigation, allegedly revealed unknown metallic alloys and an extraterrestrial origin. Brænne traces the story's development through various sources, starting with a German newspaper article from Saarbrücker Zeitung on June 28, 1952, titled "Auf Spitzbergen landete Fliegende Untertasse" (Flying Saucer Landed on Spitsbergen).

The article details the account of Norwegian jet pilots encountering a "metallic, glittering circular disc" on the icy landscape of Spitsbergen in mid-June 1952. The object was described as 40-50 meters in diameter, with a cockpit structure. Radio communication among the jets was disrupted, and radar indicated an unknown object. The pilots circled the object for an hour without detecting life signs. Following this, five flying boats equipped with landing skis were dispatched, landing next to the disc. Dr. Norsel, a Norwegian rocket specialist, identified it as an "infamous flying saucer" and noted that its radio direction finder operated on a frequency unknown to any country.

Further details from a German newspaper report suggest the object was unmanned, round, 48.88 meters in diameter, and made of an unknown metal compound. It was equipped with 46 automatic jets and a plexiglassed center ball containing measuring and control devices with Russian symbols. Its action radius was estimated at over 30,000 km, and altitude over 160 km. The object was believed to have sufficient room for high explosive or nuclear bombs. The Norwegian specialists initially assumed a Soviet origin due to a malfunction during transmission or reception. A German V-weapon designer, Riedel, suggested it was a typical V-7.

The article notes that the initial "Zeitung" article's author, J.M.M., could not be traced. The story was also published in Berliner Volksblatt and Der Flieger, eventually reaching CIA archives. Key figures mentioned in the discovery and investigation include Air Captain Olaf Larsen and Dr. Norsel.

In 1954, the Hessische Nachrichten reported that a Norwegian General Staff board of inquiry was preparing a report. Colonel Gernod Darnhyl stated that the flying disc was not built by any country on Earth and its materials were unknown. He indicated that extensive reports would be published after discussions with US and British experts.

Lieutenant Brobs and Lieutenant Tyllensen claimed that flying discs had landed in the polar zone, suggesting it might be an air base for unknown craft. Colonel Darnhyl believed that within twelve months, the technical problems would be solved, and that the Spitsbergen material could reveal its secrets through nuclear crushing.

South-American Report of Flying Saucer in Norway!

This section discusses a report from the Uruguayan newspaper "El Nacional" about a flying saucer discovered on Heligoland, which it claimed was the same saucer that fell on Spitsbergen in August 1952. The report attributes the discovery to Norwegian scientist Hans Larsen Løberg, who allegedly won a physics prize in Hungary. The saucer was described as 91 feet in diameter, with a thickness of about 70 feet. Its control room had push-buttons, and it was deduced to travel using magnetic forces. No engine, rivets, fuses, or bolts were found. The material was light, hard, and heat-resistant. Inside, they found heavy water, pills (possibly food), a small radio without an antenna, and books with unknown writing. Seven bodies, burned beyond recognition, were found inside, believed to be men aged 25-30, about 1.65m tall.

Dr. Larsen Løberg also spoke of a "beam-gun" using magnetic rays, which he believed explained unexplained window breakages on cars in several US cities and possibly the crash of pilot Mantell. The article notes that inquiries in Oslo about Hans Larsen Løberg revealed the name to be completely unknown.

Crew Burned to Death

This section continues the discussion of the Helgoland incident, suggesting the saucer's crash might have been caused by the American hydrogen-bomb explosion, which created atmospheric pressure changes. The newspaper that published the story in Brazil admitted its fantastic nature but noted it was not officially denied.

Postscript to Spitsbergen

Anders Liljegren provides a postscript that further analyzes the Spitsbergen story and its various interpretations. He notes that the "original" articles from 1952-54 bear resemblance to modern tabloid stories, often with questionable details that enthusiasts overlook. Liljegren points out factual inaccuracies, such as the claim of TV set interference in northern Sweden in 1954, when Swedish TV transmitters were not operational until 1956.

He emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural context, noting that 1952 was a tense year in Europe, with incidents like the shooting down of a Swedish DC-3 and a Catalina aircraft by the Soviet Union heightening tensions. Several saucer stories at the time attributed saucers to the Kremlin. The article mentions the sighting of East German mayor Oskar Linke in spring 1952, who thought the object was a new Soviet military machine. Danish sources in 1953 speculated about a Russian saucer base in the Arctic, and Swedish air force radar detected unknown blips.

Liljegren highlights that the Spitsbergen story was emphatically denied by Norwegian authorities, but these denials were often ignored by the UFO community. He cites a Blue Book file indicating the US Air Attaché in Oslo was asked to confirm the incident, and the Norwegian Air Force stated the story was "definitely false." This exchange was reported in the Norwegian newspaper Morgenposten.

Another "twist" to the Spitsbergen legend is presented from a letter by "B.S." of Stockholm, who claimed a Norwegian fighter pilot reported a landed saucer on Spitsbergen and subsequently disappeared. Liljegren notes that when he enquired about "B.S.", he received a strange reply indicating mental aberration. He concludes that the Spitsbergen story has become a modern urban legend, embellished with each retelling.

Spitsbergen Facts

This section provides factual information about Spitsbergen (Svalbard), describing it as a group of islands in the Arctic, belonging to Norway, and largely covered by ice and snow. It details the geographical location, area, and population of the islands. The Hinlopen Straits, the alleged crash site, are described. The section also mentions the agreement between Norway and the Soviet Union for coal mining and the increase in tourist traffic.

Norwegian Jet Fighters

This section analyzes the types of jet fighters available to the Norwegian Air Force in 1951-52. It rules out De Havilland DH 100 Vampires due to their limited action radius. The F-84 Thunderjets (F-84E and F-84G) are considered, with the F-84G having a promising action radius of 1610 km. However, the article concludes that even the F-84G's range was insufficient due to the location of airfields in northern Norway and the need for extensive upgrading of runways. The F-84 aircraft were stationed in southern Norway, making a long-range operation to Spitsbergen unlikely. The author concludes that the Spitsbergen story, and the Helgoland story, are "classic H-O-A-X!" (Hoax).

Conclusion

The author concludes that the Spitsbergen and Helgoland stories are hoaxes, attributing them to a lack of knowledge of Norwegian military aircraft by the original authors. Despite the lack of factual basis, the author predicts that the story will continue to be a subject of books and magazines, attracting "researchers" who ignore factual arguments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims, the debunking of persistent legends like the Spitsbergen crash, and the analysis of misinformation and its role in UFO lore. The editorial stance, as expressed by Anders Liljegren, is one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a call for rigorous, fact-based research. The newsletter actively seeks to separate credible UFO phenomena from sensationalism and what it terms "occultism and superstition." The issue also highlights the importance of understanding historical context and the influence of geopolitical factors, such as the Cold War, on UFO narratives.

This issue of AFU Newsletter 36, dated March/April 1992, focuses on international cooperation in UFO research and critically examines several well-known UFO cases and figures. The cover headline highlights 'Russian UFO investigators in Stockholm,' featuring discussions between Swedish and Russian scientists.

Russian UFO Investigators in Stockholm

Two investigators from the Russian Academy of Sciences visited Sweden in December 1991 for a five-hour discussion with Clas Svahn, chairman of AFU and UFO-Sweden. The meeting aimed to explore future cooperation and methodology in UFO research. Professors Sergey Chernouss and Vladimir Pivovarov, affiliated with the Polar Geophysical Institute near Murmansk and members of the Russian Academy of Sciences' UFO group, shared their approach. Their committee investigates 10-15 cases annually, prioritizing the most spectacular ones. Professor Chernouss estimates that 99 percent of cases have a satisfactory explanation, often related to human activities like rocket launches. The group emphasizes the importance of tangible evidence such as films and pictures over mere witness statements. They also have access to all-sky cameras used for scientific purposes, though no UFO proof has emerged from this research.

All-sky cameras record launches

The Academy UFO group utilizes all-sky cameras, typically used for recording northern lights, to scrutinize sightings occurring near them. However, this research has not yet yielded any proof of UFOs.

The Tblisi pilot sighting

One case discussed is the Tblisi sighting from September 7, 1984, where an airliner crew reported a strange light. Previously considered a genuine UFO report, it is now identified as the launch of a rocket, with the description matching that of a rocket booster firing and ascent.

Voronezh and Petrozavodsk

The Voronezh sighting in September 1989, involving children seeing a bright 'craft' and creatures, is correlated with a rocket experiment at Volgograd. The 'Petrozavodsk jellyfish UFO' of September 20, 1977, is linked to the launch of the spy satellite Kosmos 955 from the Plesetsk cosmodrome. James Oberg's book "UFOs & outer space mysteries" is cited, and additional pictures from Finnish all-sky cameras show the Kosmos 955 booster contrails forming a jellyfish shape. The Russian Academy group also has access to military reports and has explained a film taken by a Baltic fighter pilot as a scientific balloon.

The private UFO groups

Professor Chernouss expresses disappointment with private Russian UFO groups, suggesting many are more interested in financial gain from publications than in genuine investigation. He notes that UFOs have become a significant business in former Soviet republics.

Howard Menger - master of contradictions

This article by Clas Svahn and Håkan Blomqvist details a presentation by contactee Howard Menger in Stockholm on January 30, 1992. Menger, known for his 1959 book "From outer space to you," claims contact with extraterrestrials and visited the Moon in 1956, describing cooperation between various nationalities and space beings. His talk, illustrated with poorly exposed slides, included claims of a saucer construction propelled by 'electromagnetic gravitation.' A physicist noted that Menger's experiments showed well-known phenomena. Menger's claims are presented as contradictory, including past statements about Pentagon experiments and a shift in terminology from 'extraterrestrials' to 'brothers from the other side.' The article also mentions a 1979 advertisement for a talisman sold by Menger, which he attributes to a hoaxer, despite buyers being asked to make checks payable to him. His message is described as religious, occult, and conservative.

General Doolittle and the ghost rockets

This extensive article by Anders Liljegren investigates the 1946 visit of General James H. Doolittle to Stockholm, Sweden, and its alleged connection to the mysterious 'ghost rockets' phenomenon. Doolittle, a renowned WWII military figure and then vice president of Shell oil company, arrived on August 20, 1946. His visit, officially for commercial reasons, was accompanied by speculation linking it to American intelligence interest in the 'ghost rockets' sighted over Sweden that summer. Doolittle's itinerary included meetings with Swedish military officials, including General Nordenskiöld, head of the Swedish Air Force. The article presents conflicting accounts from newspapers and official statements regarding the purpose of his visit, with Shell management denying any connection to ghost rockets, while some reports suggested discussions about 'military oil problems.'

Douglas Bader, another war ace, accompanied Doolittle on this tour. The article details their extensive travel itinerary across Europe and Africa, flying in a Percival Proctor plane named 'Willie Uncle.'

The article delves into the 'ghost rocket' phenomenon itself, noting that Swedish authorities had no knowledge of the origin of these objects, and that the US War Department initially attributed them to the USSR. It highlights the difficulty in confirming the origin of these phenomena, with suggestions that they might have originated from the United States.

Further investigation by Clas Svahn and the author uncovered documents, including a confidential letter from Colonel Curt Kempff of the Swedish Defence Staff to Colonel Arvid Eriksson, the Swedish military attaché in Washington. This letter suggests that General Doolittle had superficial knowledge and limited interest in the ghost rockets, a stance that seemed atypical for an intelligence operative. Another letter from Olof Rydbeck, Swedish ambassador in Washington, also notes the press speculation and the denial from the Swedish Defence Staff regarding any connection between Doolittle's visit and the ghost rockets.

The article examines the possibility of an intelligence exchange, noting that while direct evidence is scarce, there were regular contacts at the military attaché level. It mentions that Swedish authorities provided excerpts of their final 'ghost rocket' report to American intelligence in 1947. The Doolittle-Sarnoff connection is largely portrayed as a media event, with Colonel Kempff complaining about journalists seeking information on the ghost rockets.

Despite Doolittle's denials of investigating 'ghost rockets' and his claims of a purely civilian tour, suspicions persist. Stanton Friedman's research links Doolittle to high-level UFO research, including alleged involvement with the MJ-12 committee and his role in NACA. However, the article concludes that there is no firm evidence linking Doolittle to actual rocket or 'ghost rocket' investigations in Sweden, suggesting the story might have been a journalistic blunder.

General Sarnoff

General David Sarnoff, president of RCA, also visited Stockholm on August 20, 1946, independently of Doolittle. His visit was part of a European tour, and he was portrayed alongside Doolittle and Bader in newspapers. Sarnoff expressed conviction that the ghost rockets were real missiles and offered his services for confirmation. He also sought to establish a distribution center in Sweden for his company's products.

The Kempff letter

Colonel Curt Kempff's letter to Colonel Arvid Eriksson reveals that an American journalist inquired about General Doolittle's willingness to share his experience with rocket missiles concerning the ghost bomb affair. Kempff stated that Doolittle had no viewpoints to offer on the matter, suggesting a lack of deep involvement.

The Rydbeck letter

Ambassador Olof Rydbeck's letter to the Swedish ministry of foreign affairs confirms the press attention on Doolittle and Sarnoff's visits and the official denials of any connection to the ghost rockets. It also mentions the demonstration of English radar materials to Swedish buyers.

Thirteen witnesses saw Lake Storsjön monster

This brief report describes an incident on April 29, 1992, where thirteen students and workers at a bridge construction site on Frösön island in Lake Storsjön witnessed a large, unidentified creature in the water. The creature was described as 8-10 meters long with a head and tail. A sketch was made and approved by the witnesses. Local historian Sten Rentzhog notes that until the mid-1980s, the monster was sighted regularly each summer. A scientific study of sightings is planned.

The 1992 crop circles in England

Clas Svahn reports on his visit to England and crop circle sites in 1988, 1991, and 1992. He notes that fewer, less complex circles were spotted in 1992, with increased signs of hoaxing. The article criticizes many crop circle researchers for focusing on commercial aspects and speculation rather than objective investigation, making it difficult to distinguish real circles from hoaxes. Several new books are reviewed, with the author noting that most treat the phenomenon as genuine without adequately addressing hoaxing. The article highlights "The Crop Watcher" edited by Paul Fuller as a magazine that regularly publishes accounts of hoaxes. It also mentions a TV appearance by Colin Andrews and a laser show organized with American ufologist Steve Grear, which yielded no results.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes a critical and evidence-based approach to UFO research. It aims to debunk misidentifications, particularly those involving rocket launches, and to expose questionable claims from contactees and researchers. The editorial stance favors scientific rigor, tangible evidence, and a sober, objective analysis of phenomena, contrasting this with what it perceives as sensationalism and commercialism within parts of the UFO community. The issue highlights the importance of international cooperation in research while maintaining a skeptical outlook on unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of "The Unexplained" (Issue 21) focuses on the phenomenon of crop circles, particularly examining the 1992 season and the role of alleged hoaxers. The magazine questions the state of research in the field, highlighting a perceived decline in scientific rigor and an increase in speculation.

The State of Crop Circle Research

The article begins by questioning the direction of research, specifically mentioning meteorologist Terence Meaden. Meaden, who has written books on Stonehenge and megalithic sites, is noted for not having visited any crop circles in the current year and for being affected by public criticism after a TV appearance. The author suggests that while Meaden possesses the knowledge for good science, his recent energy has been directed more towards self-promotion and book sales than actual research. The piece also notes that Meaden's speculations have attracted criticism from professional archaeologists, while some ufologists have used him as an 'alibi' for their own theories.

The 1992 Circle Season

The author expresses growing disappointment and uncertainty about a genuine phenomenon behind the circles after visiting England and investigating reports from Sweden. A visit to the Lockeridge pictogram, formed just two days prior, revealed a complex formation of three connected circles, but it was later identified as a hoax by witnesses who saw perpetrators leaving the site. Similarly, a 'snail' formation at Alton Priors and another at Stanton St. Bernard are also suspected hoaxes. The author notes that the 1992 season saw a significant decrease in the number of formations compared to previous years, with over 100 circles counted by early August, half the figure of the previous year. This reduction is interpreted as an indication that some of the most skilled hoaxers may have withdrawn from the market, though others remain active, with evidence suggesting multiple groups are involved.

The Doug Bower Interview

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an interview with Doug Bower, identified as part of the "number one hoaxing-team" along with Dave Chorley. The interview, conducted by the author and Håkan Ekstrand (vice chairman of UFO-Sweden), took place a week after a crop circle competition. Bower refused to show a map detailing the hundreds of circles he and Chorley claim to have made since 1978, estimating the number to be between 330 and 420 sites. He stated he would reveal the map at another opportunity. Bower made it clear that he and Chorley did not create all reported circles but maintained that there is no genuine phenomenon behind them, though the basis for this certainty was not explained.

During the 1 hour and 15-minute interview, Bower provided details about their activities since 1978:

• They never deliberately left signs or tracks, except for the "DD" sign in 1991.
• They never left pathways.
• They never used poles in the center, thus leaving no holes.
• The longest trip they made was 180 miles one way in a single night.
• They were paid for a "Today" article, but not a large sum.
• The "MBF-Services" copyright was a newspaper gimmick.
• They plan to write a book about their hoaxing.

Bower expressed concern about the profit-making aspects of the crop circle phenomenon. The article questions whether Bower and Chorley are the "real McCoy," noting that no one has yet provided evidence for making the hundreds of circles they claim. However, it acknowledges their ability to fool enthusiasts. Bower claims to remember every circle they made and intends to provide a list of lesser-known circles at a later time.

The author speculates that the crop circle phenomenon might eventually be categorized alongside other Fortean phenomena, such as falling fish or frogs, or possibly be linked to the same "energy" behind some UFO reports, or caused by whirlwinds or "plasma vortexes."

The article concludes by urging researchers to be more scientific and less biased, and to "research the subject objectively."

Crop Circle Video

Information is provided for ordering an English interview video (approximately 45 minutes) from AFU in Norrköping, Sweden, for USD 30.00. Payment details are included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of crop circles, the skepticism surrounding their origins, and the impact of hoaxes on research. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, urging for objective and scientific research while acknowledging the complexity and potential for misinterpretation within the phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine occurrences and deliberate deceptions, and a call for researchers to maintain scientific integrity.