Anomalous Phenomena - No 5 - 1993

Magazine Overview

This issue of the bulletin "Anomalous Phenomena" (No. 5, July 1993) from the Kharkov Coordination Council of UKUFAS features a detailed analysis of an organizational conflict within the Ukrainian Ufological Association (UKUFAS) by A.V. Beletsky. The issue also includes a report on lunar research, a personal UFO sighting account, and a discussion on the ethics of studying anomalous phenomena.

Organizational Conflict in UKUFAS: A Scientific Analysis

The Genesis of UKUFAS

The article begins by quoting Aristotle on the wisdom of understanding causes. Beletsky argues that UKUFAS was founded by individuals with deep theoretical knowledge, but its current predicament stems from those who lack both knowledge and understanding. The association's creation is presented as a logical culmination of years of domestic ufology development.

The theoretical concept for a national ufological research system and association was first proposed in December 1988. The core principles were nationalization, professionalization, and coordination. Nationalization meant creating a nationwide, interdepartmental, functional system for scientific study of UFOs and UAP, meeting international scientific standards. This system was envisioned as a horizontal structure with professional research centers and organizations forming one 'wing,' amateur organizations the other, and the ufological association acting as a unifying functional body.

Principles of Organization and Conflict

Beletsky emphasizes that serious scientific work, including ufology, requires a high level of organization, qualified personnel, and adequate resources. Therefore, professionalization was a key principle, advocating for specialized, organizationally independent research centers as 'support points' for ufology across regions. These centers should be staffed by professionals with expertise not only in ufology but also in traditional natural, technical, and humanitarian sciences. Simultaneously, the system of amateur organizations was to be strengthened, with a focus on forming a national network of field UFO researchers.

The goal was to unite a broad spectrum of ufologists, regardless of their affiliations, status, or background, based on shared interests in ufology. The principle of coordination, rather than subordination, was central to this concept. The initial statutes of UKUFAS, adopted in February and June 1991, reflected these principles.

The Shift in Leadership and Power Grab

However, upon gaining power, the current leadership of UKUFAS allegedly began a gradual, covert restructuring to serve their own objectives. This involved curtailing democracy, limiting members' rights, and disregarding their interests. This shift is explained by the leadership as a response to difficulties, while simultaneously calling for unity and strengthening of ranks for a supposed future 'common good.'

Soon after UKUFAS's registration in July 1991, the new leadership allegedly initiated an ideological campaign against established ufologists and began constructing a mythology around their own perceived importance and contributions. Control over information channels was also consolidated. Beletsky cites an appeal from the UKUFAS president in April 1992, demanding all correspondence related to UKUFAS be routed through him to prevent 'disinformation and impurity,' marking the beginning of an open conflict.

Undermining Democracy and Legal Maneuvers

The article details how the leadership allegedly undermined democracy further. In the spring of 1992, the UKUFAS president reportedly submitted proposals for a state program called 'Alta' to the Ukrainian president's chancellery, promising solutions to various problems through ufological methods. Beletsky questions why all members were not involved and why the proposal was not widely discussed.

He suggests the answer lies in the proposed privileges for project leaders, such as special communication, state transport, and preferential treatment. This indicates a 'group of members' with the president at its head had formed, prioritizing their own interests over those of the association. This is further evidenced by a 'Resolution of the Board of UKUFAS' dated May 27, 1992, which Beletsky claims is a forged document, lacking proper discussion and decision-making.

The most significant move was the alleged illegal re-registration of UKUFAS's statutes. The leadership bypassed the congress, the highest governing body, and unilaterally re-registered the statutes with self-serving amendments based on a fabricated 'referendum.' This allowed the president to gain extensive powers, akin to those of former Communist Party leaders, including making decisions unilaterally, admitting and expelling members, directing scientific activities through a newly created 'Academic Council,' appointing staff, and setting membership fees. The presidential term was also extended from two to four years, with removal only possible by a congress that could be easily avoided or canceled.

Beletsky concludes that these actions transformed the former democratic, creative public association into a new, commercialized, corporate enterprise, resembling a 'ministry of ufology' or a 'secret order.' He asserts that the negative outcome of UKUFAS's existence is not due to flaws in the original concept but to a sharp departure from it in practice.

*** VIEWPOINT

Beletsky emphasizes that the events surrounding the 'referendum' and statute re-registration were the culmination of the conflict. Before September 10, 1992 (the date of the 'referendum resolution'), the actions could be seen as intentions to violate state laws. After September 1992, they became outright illegal acts punishable under the Ukrainian Criminal Code. While compromise might have been possible before this date, the conflict became irreversible and uncompromising afterward.

Morality and the UAP Problem

This section discusses the ethical considerations of studying UAP. It references a debate at the Odessa Telecenter involving various specialists, including philosophers, scientists, and psychologists. The discussion touches upon the complexity of UAP, the need to draw from various human knowledge systems (science, esoteric knowledge, parapsychology, religion), and the question of morality in research.

Some individuals, after dedicating years to studying UAP, have shifted their stance, attributing these phenomena to demonic forces. The article contrasts this with scientific approaches, citing works that explore UAP as potential manifestations of extraterrestrial intelligence or unknown cosmic phenomena.

Geophysicist V.V. Perevalov notes that phenomena like poltergeists and telepathic abilities manifest in geodynamic zones of high stress. He suggests that telepathy, levitation, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis warrant study, rather than dismissing them as mere superstition. The article acknowledges the difficulties in researching UAP due to a lack of material base, scientific skepticism, and threats to researchers' reputations.

It calls for a new paradigm in science, driven by individuals capable of synthesizing new knowledge. The article posits that UAP interacts with humans, and encounters can be dangerous, similar to electricity, but manageable with proper understanding and safety measures. The conclusion is that the study of UAP is ethical because it leads to methods of protecting human life, fosters spiritual growth, and stimulates scientific inquiry.

Research on the Moon at NIIAIA

This section describes a project called "Search for Extraterrestrial Artifacts on the Moon" (PVAL) at NIIAIA. The project aims to develop methodologies for searching for traces of intelligent activity on the Moon, analyze scenarios of interaction between human and non-human civilizations, and study short-term lunar phenomena (KLY) for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence. It also seeks to develop recommendations for lunar exploration using space technology.

Preliminary results have been published in the journal "SELENOLOGY" and presented at a seminar in Finland. Further details will appear in the "Earth and Universe" journal and in A. Arkhipov's book "Archaeology of the Moon. Introduction."

An informal Society of Lunar Observers (NON KLY) has been established to collect and process reports of KLY, with NIIAIA coordinating its activities. Interested individuals are invited to contact E.V. Arsyukhin or NIIAIA directly.

UAP-FACT

Stanislav Mishchenko, a technician at the Kharkov Radio Telecenter, reports a UFO sighting on August 15, 1990. He observed an object with two large pulsating lights and a red center moving horizontally at an estimated altitude of 3-4 km. The object was silent and moved smoothly. He notes that the pulsating lights were larger than those of aircraft. He also mentions that shortly after the object disappeared, two jet aircraft flew over the area.

Protocol of the Founding Conference of the Ukrainian Ufological Association (UKUFAS)

This section continues the protocol from previous issues, detailing discussions on electing key positions. A.V. Beletsky proposes the election of a scientific secretary and an expert council. The election of the expert council members and its chairman, A.F. Pugach, is described. The discussion then moves to the formation of the association's board, with proposals for its composition and size.

Law of Ukraine "On Citizen Associations"

This section continues the legal text regarding citizen associations, detailing state supervision and control over their activities, as well as financial control procedures. It outlines the responsibilities of officials and the potential measures of influence that can be applied to associations, including warnings, fines, temporary suspension of activities, and forced dissolution.

SUMMITS OF THE SPIRIT

This ongoing section, "Guidance for the Leader," continues with points 22-28. It discusses monetary systems, advocating for internal currency alongside foreign exchange, and emphasizes the importance of early childhood education, holistic development, and fostering critical thinking. It also touches upon the need for accurate language, the value of work, and the importance of distinguishing between truth and falsehood. The text advocates for a unified educational system for all genders and abilities, with a focus on natural sciences and practical knowledge. It stresses the importance of instilling a forward-looking perspective, encouraging love for the future, and understanding the interconnectedness of nations. The role of the leader is to guide the people towards the future and ensure that the grand paths of nations are not distorted by ignorance.

Announcements, Advertising

This section contains announcements for an international congress on "Spirituality, Ecology, Man" in Krasnodar, focusing on unifying religious, philosophical, and social movements for survival through human consciousness development. It outlines the congress's sections, including Spirituality and Orthodoxy, Philosophical Problems of Science and Religion, and Ecology of Man and the Noosphere. It also includes information on submitting applications and reports.

An announcement from the Association of Psychological Help Services seeking partners for experience exchange. A thank you note to a reader, Kutnyuk Petr Ivanovich, for his support.

Information about the next issue, which will include the continuation of the article on the organizational conflict in UKUFAS, the protocol of the founding conference, and a section on Agni Yoga.

Details are provided for financial support of the bulletin, with specific amounts for Ukraine and Russia. Information on reprinting previous issues is also available.

Finally, the issue includes a disclaimer that the bulletin is not responsible for the accuracy of facts presented by authors and that manuscripts are not returned or reviewed. Contact information for the editorial office is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around organizational integrity, the scientific pursuit of anomalous phenomena, and the ethical considerations involved. The editorial stance, as presented by A.V. Beletsky, is critical of centralized power and the erosion of democratic principles within organizations dedicated to scientific inquiry. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of rigorous scientific methodology, professionalization, and transparency in research. The issue also highlights the potential dangers of UAP and the need for ethical guidelines in their study, while advocating for a forward-looking, knowledge-based approach to education and societal development. The bulletin appears to champion a more open, democratic, and scientifically grounded approach to ufology, contrasting it with what it perceives as self-serving and authoritarian tendencies within UKUFAS.