APCIC - Vol 08 No 09 - 1983

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: VOLUME 8 NO. 9
Date: SEPTEMBER 1983
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: CLEVELAND, OHIO, USA

This issue of UFO News delves into a variety of UFO-related events and allegations, with a strong focus on a significant "Big UFO Mystery" in Australia and claims of a government cover-up.

Big UFO Mystery in Australia

The lead story highlights bizarre cone-shaped UFOs spotted over Australia by hundreds of people, including a police constable. The Royal Australian Air Force has launched a full-scale investigation into these sightings. Senior Constable Harry Witkiss of the Victoria State Police in Romsey described seeing a bright white light with a conical shaft of green light, and another similar object. He was astonished to see the UFO himself after being called to investigate a motorist's report. The objects were described as having revolving red and green lights at their broad base.

On the nights of May 20 and 21, hundreds of people in the Bendigo area reported spotting UFOs. Radio disc jockey Mike Evans captured a photograph of one of these objects, which appeared cigar-shaped on film, though Witkiss described it as cone-shaped. Bendigo TV station technician Paul Mulqueen also witnessed the UFOs, matching descriptions given by others. Flight Lieutenant Brett Biddington of the Royal Australian Air Force confirmed that radar did not pick up the objects and stated that an interim report revealed no definite cause for the sightings, with the investigation continuing.

Further reports from Australia include the RAAF investigating high-speed radar signals detected by Sydney Airport controllers. These signals, traveling at speeds up to 2780kmh, were not identified as satellites or Australian military aircraft. The RAAF is attempting to correlate these radar sightings with known air activity.

Government Cover-Up Allegations

Another major theme is the alleged government conspiracy to deceive the American public about the existence of UFOs. Top secret documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act suggest that agencies have used prominent figures like the late Walt Disney and Arthur Godfrey to assist in this cover-up. Disney, known for his creation of fantasy characters, and Godfrey, with his broad appeal, were allegedly used to label UFOs as fantasy or to convince people they did not exist. The Scientific Bureau of Investigation (SBI), founded by Pete Mazzola, claims that U.S. government documents provide evidence that the government is suppressing, censoring, or concealing the existence of UFOs, possibly because they are seen as a threat to governmental authority.

An FBI report from March 1950 is cited as offering proof of the alien origin of UFOs, detailing the recovery of three circular "flying saucers" in New Mexico, each about 500 feet in diameter, carrying three-foot-tall occupants. The report speculates that these UFOs crashed due to high-powered government radar interference. A July 8, 1947 FBI memo also mentions the discovery of a "flying disc" near Roswell, New Mexico, whose fate remains a mystery, with investigators claiming officials used a weather balloon explanation to deceive the public.

International Sightings and Encounters

The issue also covers UFO sightings in Europe. An article titled "UFO ALIENS BLITZ DOZENS OF CITIES" reports on UFOs described as shimmering stars terrorizing Europe. Sightings are reported daily in cities like Turin, Italy, and Hamburg, Germany. The German Air Force has reportedly tried to intercept these objects with Phantom jets, and the Vatican has appealed for prayers regarding these phenomena. Pietro Arduini, a banker in Venice, described seeing a round, lighted object with long windows emitting a humming noise that caused him to pass out. In Cologne, West Germany, two policemen witnessed a huge, round object making a whining sound before it disappeared. Aviation authorities in Dusseldorf admit tracking a UFO on radar, which the Air Force attempted to intercept with Phantom jets but could not find.

UFO Buffs and Symposia

The magazine highlights a symposium held in Guilderland, New York, where about 150 UFO buffs and researchers gathered to swap stories, compare notes, and discuss their findings. Pete Mazzola, director of the Scientific Bureau of Investigation, stated that the organization is trying to expose what it calls "Cosmic-Gate," a 36-year government cover-up of UFO existence. Mazzola's own fascination with UFOs began during his Army service in Vietnam, where he claims to have seen his first UFO.

David Waters, a UFO investigator in upstate New York, shared accounts of a June 1955 incident at Albany County Airport involving an elliptical-shaped object with lighted windows, and an alleged abduction of two men by a cigar-shaped UFO in Indian Lake.

Other Notable Reports

Another article features accounts from Grand Forks, North Dakota, where Mark Anderson and a truck driver named Marvin Dobos reported seeing a golden-colored, round object shaped like a cigar or bullet. Dobos, who had previously not believed in UFOs, stated, "I believe in them now."

Wayne Aho, a former Army colonel and leader in the movement to acknowledge UFOs, claims that flying saucers are visiting Earth more frequently to deter nuclear war. He asserts that over 13 million people in the U.S. have seen UFOs, but many are reluctant to report them due to ridicule. Aho believes that alien beings are sending messages through thought communications, urging humanity to abandon nuclear weapons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings globally, the alleged efforts by governments to conceal information about them, and the scientific and investigative approaches taken by various organizations and individuals. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these reports and allegations as significant phenomena worthy of investigation and public awareness, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the challenges in verifying such claims. The magazine actively promotes the work of the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping & Information Center (A.P.C.I.C.) and its news releases.

This issue of the Sunday Independent, dated April 3, 1983, features a prominent cover story titled "UFOs have a thing about WA," highlighting numerous sightings and encounters with unidentified flying objects in Western Australia. The magazine delves into the growing belief in the reality of UFOs and their potential interest in the region, drawing on the views of researchers, ufologists, and individuals who have experienced these phenomena firsthand.

UFOs in Western Australia

The lead article, "UFOs have a thing about WA" by Lorraine Brown, asserts that extra-terrestrial life-forms are not only flying around WA skies but are also walking among us. The question of their existence is deemed irrelevant, with people now asking about their intentions. The article cites the firm views of a research physicist, amateur ufologists, and local individuals who have had UFO experiences, all confirming that UFOs are a reality and appear to be distinctly interested in Western Australia. The Perth UFO Research Group has recorded hundreds of reports over the years, with Michael Borley, the group's co-ordinator, stating that the evidence clearly shows extraterrestrials are here and do contact people. In the week prior to publication, five sightings were reported in Western Australia, including four from the metropolitan area and one from Busselton. Each report is carefully checked to eliminate explicable causes and hoaxes, though it's noted that up to 60 percent of reports are identified as meteors or aircraft.

Specific Sightings in WA

Several specific incidents are detailed:

• March 3, 1983, 7:30 pm: Two people driving towards Northam on the Great Eastern Highway observed a round object with bright pulsating lights hovering about 1km away. Their car radio suddenly produced only static. They watched for three minutes before the object rapidly moved off. Other cars also slowed to look at the object.
• March 1, 1983, 2:30 am: Mr. R. of Yokine, while closing a shed door, saw lights in the shape of a pyramid around a large object in the sky. He and his wife watched the phenomenon for about three minutes.
• March 15, 1983, 3:40 am: Joy of Bakers Hill witnessed flashing blue and orange lights manoeuvring across the sky. Through binoculars, the orange lights appeared in the shape of a football.
• March 18, 1983: Two young men from Bakers Hill reported seeing a large, glowing object.

Advanced Technology and Parallel Worlds

Stan Deyo, a Perth-based research physicist and one of three Western Australians who claim to understand UFO craft technology, is developing the "Lorentz O drive" system, which uses phase-slipping electrical current around two coils to create a powerful tornado. This research has led to new properties being discovered, suggesting the possibility of parallel worlds co-existing in different "matter-wave frequencies." This, in turn, leads to speculation that some UFOs may not be from outer space but are living among us, hidden by magnetic fields.

International UFO Reports

The magazine also includes reports from other parts of the world, broadening the scope of UFO phenomena.

Texas Group Seeks Closer Encounters

An Associated Press report by Kristin Gazlay details the work of Walt Andrus, international director of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), a non-profit organization formed in 1969 with about 1,100 members worldwide. Andrus, who has dedicated 35 years to UFO research after a sighting in Arizona in 1948, believes that scientists who examine the data would not question the existence of UFOs. MUFON investigates cases, distinguishing between hoaxes and genuine sightings, particularly those involving baffling physical evidence or "close encounters with alien entities." Andrus suggests UFOs may be observing Earth, collecting samples, or satisfying alien curiosities. The report highlights an Air Force document describing a bizarre encounter at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota on November 16, 1977, where two airmen reported seeing an individual in a glowing green uniform. The intruder fired a bright flash that disintegrated an M-16 rifle and caused burns. The airmen then observed the intruders enter a saucer-shaped object that departed vertically.

Flying Saucers on West Flight Path

London-based journalist Barry Everitt, a specialist in Ufology, suggests that Dundry Hill in Bristol could be under a regular flight path for unidentified flying objects. He is investigating a sighting of two UFOs over Dundry by two policewomen, who followed one of the objects for two miles. Six other local residents also reported UFOs. Everitt links these incidents to documented sightings over South Wales in January, where two detectives reported a gigantic object followed by a smaller craft, and numerous reports from Cardiff. He posits that a flight path from Morriston, South Wales, through Cardiff, would pass south of Bristol near Dundry.

Terrified Hillbillies Wage Gun Fight With UFO Aliens

A report by Lewis Clifford describes an incident in Kentucky where a family allegedly shot at "space aliens" near their "space base." Mrs. Glennie Lankford described one alien as having a "shimmering bright metal" appearance, like a five-gallon gasoline can with a head and small legs. The confrontation involved shotguns and rifles. The report includes a sketch based on Elmer Sutton's description of an alien with swept-back ears, yellow slit-like eyes, a thin mouth, a powerful upper body, and spindly legs with talon-like hands. Law enforcement authorities investigated, finding a patch of luminous grass but no sign of the invaders.

UFO Scare for Wife

Reports from Bridgwater, Somerset, detail a "UFO scare for wife" where Pat Stark reported seeing a "huge" object glowing like a coal coming towards her house during a thunderstorm. The object seemed to waver and disappeared towards the motorway. Details were passed to the RAF. Graham Knewstub, spokesman for the British Flying Saucer Bureau, suggested the object might have been a spaceship looking for a landing site, fitting descriptions from other reports worldwide. The Ministry of Defence stated they would investigate if the reports were sent to the Civil Aviation Authority.

Dundee U.F.O. Sightings

Residents in the western area of Dundee reported seeing a bright, bluish-white object falling for about a minute before disappearing. Mr. George Cobb described it as like a large Guy Fawkes rocket but far bigger and brighter. Two other witnesses reported a "bluish object surrounded by red with a white tail" travelling westwards. The object emitted a "bright flash" before disappearing.

Have You Seen a UFO? Then Join the Club

David Hastings is forming a Croydon branch of the British Unidentified Flying Objects Society (BUFOs). He encourages open-minded people to join sky watches and discussions, believing that extraterrestrials might be watching us. He recounts his own experience of seeing a "Perspex dome with a flat bottom and red lights shining" hover outside his house for 30 seconds.

Mystery Object Sighting

A husband and wife in Minchinhampton reported seeing a "large blazing orange object" moving in an easterly direction. It appeared ball-shaped but then took a southerly direction, estimated to be 5-6,000 feet up. Amidst orange street lights, they described it as a "metric shape, roughly kite shaped." All lights then went out simultaneously.

Couple's 'Close Encounter'

In Halesowen, Andrew Crowson and Elaine Rogers reported seeing a triangular object with flashing green, red, and blue lights. They watched it for an hour as it moved upwards slowly, described as a "brightly-coloured flying saucer." The report was passed to RAF Strike Command.

Riddle in the Sky

Reports of mysterious flashing green lights over South Tyneside were attributed by coastguards to meteor activity, not alien spacecraft. They explained that a clear night allowed many people to see meteorites.

U.F.O. Sighting Still Baffles the Boffins

Peter Day, of Thame, has a 25-second film taken in January 1973 showing an "orange ball" travelling above the tree line near Cuddington, which then disappeared without a trace. The film has been examined by experts worldwide and remains a mystery. Day has been invited to present his film at the third International Unidentified Flying Object Congress. He states the film is the "only hard evidence of a UFO sighting that can't be explained in the UK."

Silent Silver UFO Sighted Over Town

Roy Humphries of Huddersfield reported seeing a silver bell-shaped object for about two minutes, emitting a brilliant, flashing white light with no engine sounds. Police confirmed the report but had no other similar sightings.

Light in the Sky Remains a Mystery

Mrs. Jessie Land of Kingsbury reported seeing an extremely bright light in the sky on August 3. She described it as a "smudge" behind the light and that it moved slowly before disappearing. The sighting was reported to RAF Strike Command and is being investigated by the British UFO Society.

UFO Evidence From Police

A photograph taken by a policeman's wife in the Yorkshire Dales shows three points of light near a cliff face. The Yorkshire UFO Society claims this is "one of the most conclusive sightings ever" of an unidentified flying object. North Yorkshire police stated it was not an official police picture or report.

Midnight Sighting Sparks Oldham UFO Mystery

The Hague family of Oldham reported seeing a "ball of light," twice the size of an aeroplane, moving at up to 500 mph. Mark Hague described a red light flashing intermittently. His father and sister also witnessed the object, which made no noise and disappeared towards the Sholver area before briefly returning.

Cop That! PCs Spot Giant UFO

UFO spotters in Yorkshire claim a picture taken by two off-duty policemen provides "conclusive proof of alien visitors." The snap reportedly shows a massive cigar-shaped object hovering 100ft above the ground near Skipton.

UFO Sightings (Western Coastguard Stations)

Western coastguard stations from Stornoway to the Isle of Man were inundated with calls about a UFO sighting. Belfast coastguard launched a lifeboat, but police and coastguard spokesmen attributed the sightings to meteors, ball lightning, or atmospheric conditions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout the issue is the increasing number of UFO sightings and the growing conviction among witnesses and some researchers that these are not easily explained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these incidents with a degree of seriousness, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions, while also acknowledging the possibility of misidentification and the skepticism that surrounds the topic. The inclusion of reports from various locations suggests an attempt to present a global perspective on UFO activity. The emphasis on "hard evidence" like Peter Day's film highlights the ongoing search for irrefutable proof of UFOs and their origins.