APCIC - Vol 12 No 07 - 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue Date: July 1987
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Description: This issue of UFO NEWS focuses on alleged government cover-ups of UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and ongoing research into the phenomenon. It highlights concerns about transparency and the need for scientific investigation.

Cover Story: Mena Resident Seeks UFO Sighting Reports

The lead article, "Mena resident seeks UFO sighting reports" by Lamar James for the AR-DIG LITTLE ROCK ARKANSAS GAZETTE (April 26, 1987), introduces Edward F. Mazur, a 65-year-old semiretired aerospace engineer and Arkansas director for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). Mazur is seeking volunteers to investigate UFO sightings and unusual occurrences in Arkansas. He notes that MUFON members include many PhDs, physicists, and university professors.

Mazur, who moved to Arkansas from Florida, was intrigued by the state's unique geological formations and plant life. He finds Mena to be an ideal location. His children were educated at the University of Arkansas, and he works as a consultant in electronics and lighting systems, writes for technical publications, and is a ham radio operator.

He suspects more UFO sightings go unreported in Arkansas and encourages people to report incidents. Mazur recounts a personal sighting in 1981 near Hector, Arkansas, where he and his wife saw a bright blue circular object flying low to the ground, which wobbled as it sped away. He believes UFOs often wobble due to unstable flight patterns.

Mazur acknowledges that UFOs are not making headlines as frequently as in the past, and the field has more theories than facts. However, drawing on his aerospace engineering background in weapons systems, he states unequivocally that "we don't have anything approaching the capability of the performance of some of these objects." He suggests that alien visitors, if they exist, are unassuming and do not appear hostile. He concludes that the universe is mind-boggling and "maybe we're not alone."

Ministry 'Scared of Panic': Whitehall's Secret Dossier

An article from the SUNDAY MIRROR, LONDON (May 17, 1987), titled "Ministry 'scared of panic': into Whitehall's secret dossier," reveals allegations that defence chiefs have been keeping secret startling evidence of UFO sightings. Two new books, "The UFO Conspiracy" by Jenny Randles and "Above Top Secret" by Timothy Good (with a foreword by Admiral of the Fleet Lord Hill-Norton), support these claims.

Jenny Randles states the ministry is "frightened of telling the public the truth because they fear there will be panic." She emphasizes that the evidence points towards a UFO phenomenon that must be investigated, not little green men.

The ministry reportedly has locked away over 3,000 UFO reports collected over 25 years. An announcement in 1982 about publishing these reports was reversed 18 months later, with the ministry citing lack of money and staff, which Randles dismisses as "complete garbage."

Lord Hill-Norton, former Chief of Staff, confirms that British governments have "deliberately concealed" information about UFOs, despite the evidence coming from credible witnesses. He notes that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) claims its sole interest in UFO reports is defense-related and that it has more important matters to deal with.

UFO Hotline and Close Encounters

The SUNDAY MIRROR (May 17, 1987) also reports on a UFO hotline opened in Fulham Road by the Aetherius Society to monitor extraterrestrial sightings. Over 300 sightings were reported in the first few weeks. The closest encounter reported was a "shimmering white triangle with a blue base" seen over Wimbledon Common. Sir George King, president of the Aetherius Society, claims one in ten Londoners have had firsthand UFO experiences.

Rendlesham Forest Incident

The SUNDAY MIRROR (May 24, 1987) revisits the "astonishing evidence" that Whitehall has been keeping UFO sightings secret, focusing on a remarkable incident at a Suffolk airbase in December 1980. Senior military men at RAF Woodbridge reportedly witnessed a mystery craft. Lieut-Colonel Charles I. Halt, Deputy Commander at RAF Bentwaters, spotted a red sun-like object, and USAF Wing Commander Gordon Williams claimed to have seen alien beings.

An inspection of the site the next day revealed three depressions in the soil that Colonel Halt's report indicated were radioactive. The MoD initially denied any unusual events, but under America's Freedom of Information Act, Colonel Halt's memo was released. The MoD admitted seeing the memo but refused to comment until the story reached the British press, after which efforts were made to discredit the incident. The flashing lights were explained as lighthouse beams, and the depressions as rabbit holes, with no explanation for radioactivity.

Jenny Randles claims this is part of a massive cover-up. The MoD's reversal on publishing UFO reports is attributed to a lack of funds and staff, which Randles disputes. The article questions why the MoD received a memo from a high-ranking USAF officer and decided no action was needed, especially when radar stations tracked the unidentified intruder.

Housewife Lynsey Kent recalls being questioned by a Ministry intelligence officer after she and a friend saw a strange, egg-like object near her home when she was 10 years old.

Admiral of the Fleet Lord Hill-Norton, following a House of Lords debate on UFOs in 1982, called on the government to "come clean with the public." He was aware of UFO research by the CIA and FBI and urged the UK government to share its investigation results.

The MoD's standard reply is that "there is no unit within the Ministry of Defence for the study of UFOs."

Guest on a Space Ship: Alan Godfrey Case

The SUNDAY MIRROR (May 24, 1987) details the case of Alan Godfrey, a police constable in West Yorkshire, who in November 1980, saw a dome-shaped object hovering above the road. His car engine cut out, and he experienced a 15-minute time loss. Under hypnosis, he recalled being taken aboard the craft and encountering aliens who spoke telepathically. Godfrey was forbidden by the police force to discuss the events.

'Aliens' in Silver Suits

An adapted excerpt from Jenny Randles' book "The UFO Conspiracy" recounts the story of Hughie Green, who in July 1947, heard news of a spaceship crash in New Mexico. The man who discovered the debris described a shiny disc about 30 feet wide, with bodies nearby wearing silvery suits, three feet tall. The official explanation was a "weather balloon."

When the Flying Saucer Took Off

This section details Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of nine mysterious flying objects over Washington State, which led to the coining of the term "flying saucers." The government officially listed the incident as a "mirage."

Eerie Lights Stir UFO Hunt in Glenwood

A report from the CO-DR DENVER ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS (May 23, 1987) by Deborah Frazier describes mysterious lights seen over Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Dozens of residents, including police officers, reported seeing bright, multicolored lights. Lt. Don Williams of the Glenwood Springs Police Department noted the lights appeared about 11 p.m. and vanished within 30 minutes.

While a police officer suggested solar reflections from satellites, another officer described the lights as looking more like headlights than stars. Astronomers ruled out the aurora borealis. Officials at NORAD and NOAA had no explanation. NORAD stated that an Air Force study on UFOs ended in 1969 and there is no ongoing research. NOAA's solar terrestrial physics division noted the descriptions did not match known phenomena.

Bruce Maccabee, a research physicist and chairman of the Fund for UFO Research, spoke in Aspen about the need to rethink humanity's position in the universe, suggesting that visitors from other parts of the universe have become increasingly daring. He mentioned that a recent public opinion poll showed two-thirds of Americans believe UFOs might exist. Maccabee also noted that scientists from 12 countries would present evidence of a U.S. government cover-up of UFO sightings at an upcoming symposium in Washington, D.C.

Skeptics Don't Sway UFO Guru

The WA-DIS SEATTLE TIMES (May 8, 1987) features Dale Goudie, a Seattle resident who has spent 14 years researching UFOs and using the Freedom of Information Act to collect federal documents. Goudie claims these documents prove UFOs exist, contradicting the official U.S. Air Force position that Project Bluebook ended in 1969 and was succeeded by Project Aquarius.

He states that since 1942, there have been an estimated 60,000 UFO sightings in the United States, with only 5% reported. By analyzing the characteristics of these sightings, Goudie identified 250 different shapes, suggesting multiple species are involved. He emphasizes, "The bottom line is: Don't believe me, but do read what is available."

Goudie has interviewed about 40 people who claim to have been abducted by UFOs, many of whom suffered physical scars. He believes the government has an obligation to be more forthcoming due to national security threats and risks to civilians.

He has a videotape of an object flying over Tacoma in 1982, enhanced through "video negative photo analysis," which he believes shows "plasma" covering the object's true shape. He has established CUFON, a computerized UFO bulletin board, and runs UFO Information Service International.

UFO Guru Continues Research

Continuing the report on Dale Goudie, the article notes that while professional skeptics like Philip Klass debunk UFO sightings, Goudie finds their explanations unsatisfactory. He has consulted with optical physicists who have performed "video-negative photoanalysis" on UFO videos.

Goudie believes the government is reluctant to admit the existence of UFOs for fear of mass hysteria. He points to responses from the NSA regarding Project Aquarius, which deny dealing with UFOs, as contradictory. He theorizes that the government is saying one thing and doing another.

Spokesmen for the Pentagon, Air Force, and NSA either declined comment or denied active UFO investigations. However, Goudie suggests that military personnel have helped with Freedom of Information requests, indicating a desire for public disclosure. Documents he has obtained suggest "suspicious unknown air activity" at top-security military installations.

Former Georgia governor Jimmy Carter's statement in 1973 about not laughing at UFO sightings because he had seen one himself is mentioned. NASA spokesman Dave Garrett recalls the agency's response to the president's inquiry about UFOs was a polite refusal.

Dennis Chadwick of the NSA stated that the NSA project named "Project Aquarius" does not deal with UFOs, a stance that Goudie finds disingenuous given other NSA responses.

President Carter had asked NASA to look into resuming active UFO investigations in 1977. Goudie's goal is to make UFOs a subject of serious scientific inquiry, believing people deserve the facts.

Lights in the Sky Fuel UFO Interest

A report from the CO-DR DENVER ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS (May 23, 1987) by Carolyn Dougherty covers the UFO sightings in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The article mentions that Earthlings might not be the only tourists visiting western Colorado. Bruce Maccabee, a research physicist, spoke in Aspen about the sightings and the need to rethink humanity's place in the universe.

Maccabee stated that visitors from other parts of the universe have become increasingly daring, even abducting humans. He cited a poll indicating two-thirds of Americans believe UFOs exist. He also mentioned an upcoming International Symposium on Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon where evidence of a U.S. government cover-up of UFO sightings would be presented.

Lt. Don Williams of the Glenwood Springs Police Department confirmed the sightings but noted they had not reappeared due to cloudy weather. He stated he is "neither a believer or a disbeliever" in UFOs but expressed a desire to be convinced.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS revolve around government secrecy and alleged cover-ups concerning UFO phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimonies, the efforts of researchers to collect and disseminate information, and the perceived reluctance of official bodies to acknowledge or investigate UFO sightings openly. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for transparency, scientific inquiry, and public awareness regarding UFOs, challenging official denials and promoting the idea that UFOs are a genuine phenomenon worthy of serious study.

This issue of "UFOs" from the Ottawa Citizen, dated May 9, 1987, is a compilation of reports and articles detailing sightings, encounters, and investigations into unidentified flying objects and potential extraterrestrial visitors. The publication delves into specific incidents, expert opinions, and the broader implications of UFO phenomena.

Saskatchewan Incident (November 27, 1973)

The lead article recounts a series of events that occurred outside Balcarres, Saskatchewan, on November 27, 1973. Remi Tucanow's truck broke down with a melted electrical system, inexplicably on the Peepeekisis Indian reserve. Later that day, Milt Tyreman photographed a hovering object. That afternoon, Fred Starblanket's house burned down, with Starblanket claiming a craft had flown over his house. Constable Jack Briscoe and other Mounties responded to reports of lights in a farmer's field. Witnesses described the object as mushroom-shaped, approximately 50 meters in diameter and 30 meters high, with varying colors (orange to magenta) and bright red and orange lights. The object appeared to be playing tag in the field, moving rapidly and changing light intensity. Constable Briscoe noted that through a scope, the object had portholes. When snowmobilers arrived for a closer look, the object sped away. Investigations with the Air Force and air traffic control yielded no radar evidence. The following night, locals reported a return, but the Mounties dismissed it as a distant farmhouse light. RCMP Constable Jack Briscoe, now posted to the RCMP staff college in Ottawa, stated that while he's not a "UFO nut," he saw something and it left him with questions, particularly regarding the truck, fire, and picture. Inspector Hap Armstrong, now in Edmonton, stated, "It bloody well wasn't any weather balloon."

UFO Reports and Investigations

The issue highlights that UFO reports, numbering 100-200 annually, are collected by the National Research Council's planetary sciences division. While about a third are explained as Venus or aircraft, most remain unexplained and are stored at the Public Archives. Sightings have occurred in bursts, notably after World War II and in the mid-1970s, coinciding with cultural phenomena like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." UFOs are described in various shapes and sizes, often with lights. Official explanations include swamp gas, spent fuel, weather balloons, and Venus.

Melanie Wandryk Sighting (August 4, 1977)

Melanie Wandryk, then 16, reported seeing an object land behind the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital. She described a conical outline with flashing blue and white lights. Desk clerk Shirley Pearson also sighted the lights. The object disappeared before police arrived, leaving no trace, though the RCMP report noted the information was genuine despite the lack of physical evidence. Melanie died a year later, but Shirley Pearson recalled her excitement.

Scientific Skepticism and Possibility of Extraterrestrial Life

Dr. Allen McNamara, chief of the NRC's planetary sciences division, remains a hard cynic regarding visitations, stating there is "no concrete evidence" of extraterrestrial visits. However, he acknowledges the vastness of the universe, with 100 billion stars in our galaxy and billions of galaxies, suggesting the probability of intelligent life elsewhere is high. SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) is mentioned as a worldwide effort to monitor electromagnetic waves for signals. McNamara points out that Earth has only been emitting radio waves for about 60 years, and signals travel at the speed of light, meaning our signals are only 60 light years out in a 100,000 light-year-wide galaxy. He also notes the mathematical improbability of another civilization existing at the same time, given the potential lifespan of civilizations.

Notable Sighting Accounts

Several other accounts are detailed:

• Brian Mosychuk (February 1978, Alberta): Reported a huge UFO that hovered, shone a light, and melted a spot in the snow. Authorities collected the snow for analysis. A follow-up noted the incident was similar to "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."
• Rupert L. Wedgar (1975, Bezanson, Alberta): Described a beautiful, pink, perfectly round light hovering near a lilac bush, moving up and down repeatedly. He swore on its reality.
• Ken Sumner and friends (1980, Gustafson Lake, British Columbia): Reported seeing a streak overhead, later a light so intense it lit their camper from the outside. They felt the vehicle shake and a sensation of rising. Randy Belway later downplayed the event.

Government Secrecy and UFO Conspiracy

Jenny Randles, a UFO researcher and author of "The UFO Conspiracy," posits that governments have engaged in a 40-year conspiracy to hide the truth about UFOs. She states that governments worldwide are baffled by the phenomenon and that official secrecy, obscurity, and bureaucratic hedging hinder serious research. Randles criticizes the media's sensationalism and religious interpretations of UFOs, emphasizing that while 90% of reported sightings are explained, the remaining 10% involve genuine unexplained phenomena.

Documented Cases of Government Involvement

• Case No. 1: Rendlesham Forest (December 27, 1980): Three US Air Force men investigated a mysterious light and found a triangular metallic object. Despite multiple witnesses, the MOD took over two and a half years to admit the incident and claimed no action was taken.
• Case No. 2: Risley, Cheshire (March 17, 1978): Ken Edwards encountered a glowing white mass that emitted light beams, causing his radio to explode and leading to his later illness and death.
• Case No. 3: Huffman, Texas (December 29, 1980): Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and Colby reported a diamond-shaped object and were affected by heat and light. Helicopters appeared to shepherd the object. The witnesses became ill and lost hair, with Betty Cash suing the US Government.

UFOs and Alien Abductions

The issue discusses the growing attention to UFO abductions, citing books like Whitley Strieber's "Communion," Budd Hopkins' "Intruders," and Gary Kinder's "Light Years." Hopkins' research focuses on "missing time" and suggests a long-term genetic experiment by aliens. The descriptions of aliens often include tiny bodies, grayish skin, large heads, slit mouths, and large black eyes. Bruce Maccabee, a U.S. Navy research physicist, notes over 300 documented abduction cases, suggesting many more occur under hypnosis. Some theories suggest aliens may be from other dimensions or are modern equivalents of angels or demons.

International UFO Activity

Reports indicate that governments in China, France, Spain, the USSR, and the USA are studying UFOs. The USSR reportedly revealed details of major close encounters. Australia, Spain, China, and Russia have established UFO research centers. The issue mentions a classified report from Yugoslavia regarding aliens found in the wreckage of a starship in the Soviet Union in 1985, who were described as sexless, covered in scales, and mouthless.

Specific Incidents and Theories

• Alaska Incident: Reported by Japan Air Lines pilot Kenji Terauchi, who claimed his plane was trailed by a walnut-shaped craft twice the size of an aircraft carrier. The FAA initially reported detecting a craft on radar but later attributed it to a malfunction.
• Delta Air Lines Jet Encounter (June 1987): A Delta Flight 1083 pilot reported an object resembling a missile or rocket passed by the aircraft at high speed. The FAA and Defense Department could not identify it, suggesting possibilities like a blimp-shaped helium balloon.
• British Airways Jet Diversion (April 1987): A British Airways jetliner crew reported seeing an unidentified flying object over the Soviet Union, which vanished quickly. Soviet air traffic control reported no other aircraft in the vicinity.
• Theories on Alien Motivation: Theories range from exploratory missions to a cosmic conspiracy involving elemental spirits. John Keel suggests aliens are intelligent forms of energy that fool mankind. Some scientists believe alien civilizations might be preparing humanity for major changes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistence of unexplained UFO sightings, the apparent efforts by governments to conceal information, and the ongoing scientific and public fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting evidence and diverse viewpoints, encouraging readers to consider the reality of UFO phenomena beyond sensationalism and skepticism. The articles collectively suggest that while definitive proof remains elusive, the sheer volume and consistency of reports warrant serious consideration and open debate.

This issue of the Evening News, dated May 14, 1987, focuses on the evolving public and governmental perception of UFOs and extraterrestrial life. The cover story, 'Come in ET... we are waiting,' suggests a shift towards belief, with non-believers becoming a minority and the government reportedly admitting that 'nothing is impossible.' The magazine features articles, eyewitness accounts, and expert opinions on UFO phenomena, government secrecy, and the possibility of alien visitation.

Attitudes to UFOs are Changing

The lead article by John Evans highlights the work of Richard Lawrence, a 33-year-old Londoner who set up the country's first UFO hotline. Lawrence believes extraterrestrials are friendly and that one in seven people in the UK have experienced sightings. His hotline has received 300 calls, including one describing a triangular, blue craft over Wimbledon that dematerialised, which he argues could not have been of terrestrial origin. Lawrence criticizes the arrogance of assuming humanity is alone in the universe and points to historical scientific shifts, like Galileo's recantation, as examples of how accepted truths can be overturned. He advocates for expanded thinking, suggesting that even the Star of Bethlehem might have been a flying saucer.

The Aetherius Society is organizing a London Symposium on UFOs, where topics like the origin of flying saucers and the timeline of alien visits will be debated. The society claims recent polls show a majority in Britain and the USA believe in UFOs as extraterrestrial spacecraft.

Government Cover-ups and International Perspectives

Richard Lawrence suspects the British Ministry of Defence, along with Russian and American authorities, may be involved in a global cover-up of UFO evidence. He recalls Andrei Gromyko dismissing a sighting report and notes that the Russians are now less certain about UFOs. The article contrasts the perceived openness of the Americans, citing the Federal Aviation Office's release of 300 pages of data on an Alaskan sighting involving two tanker-sized objects tracked by radar, with the British Ministry of Defence's reticence. The MoD claims a lack of staff and resources to release UFO files accumulated over 40 years, leading to suggestions that some evidence may have been wilfully destroyed.

Historical Incidents and Evidence

The issue revisits the Tunguska event of June 30, 1908, in Siberia, where hundreds of square miles of forest were obliterated by what witnesses described as a pipe-shaped object exploding in the sky. The detonation was heard 200 miles away, and tremors were felt on distant continents, with the night sky glowing brightly enough over London to read by. The article questions whether this was a collision with a black hole or a doomed alien spacecraft.

Kenneth Small, a hotelier from Torcross, South Devon, recounts his experience in the RAF at Tangmere in the 1950s. He was tasked with typing the report of two pilots who claimed a saucer-shaped object approached their Gloucester Meteor Mark IVs. Small was later instructed to burn his copy of the report, a period known for UFO activity and official skepticism.

The Majestic-12 Controversy

An article from The Observer, dated May 31, 1987, discusses the alleged recovery of bodies of four 'aliens' from a crashed UFO 40 years prior, as detailed in a document obtained by researcher Timothy Good. This document purportedly describes the formation of a secret committee, code-named Majestic-12 (MJ-12), by President Truman to investigate and cover up UFO incidents. The briefing paper, allegedly for President-elect Eisenhower, describes the creatures as human-like but with different biological processes. However, inquiries at the National Archives, and by former Presidents Truman and Eisenhower's offices, failed to authenticate the briefing paper. New evidence emerged from US Intelligence files in the form of a White House memorandum to General Twining about an 'MJ-12' briefing, declassified in January 1987. While this memorandum suggests the existence of an MJ-12 group, archivists found it to be a 'very strange document' with no supporting minutes. UFO writer Bary Greenwood raises the possibility of a sophisticated fraud, noting the unsigned nature of the memo and suggesting it might have been inserted into official records.

Eyewitness Accounts of Close Encounters

Several personal accounts of close encounters are featured:

• Edwin Wilson Kembery: A retired audiologist from St Leonards, Sussex, claims to have been visited regularly for three months by two aliens, five feet tall, wearing grey rubber wet suits with deep sunken eyes and flat noses. They took biscuits and cheese in exchange for what he believed were galactic 'diamonds,' later identified as unidentifiable rock crystals. Kembery's experience is noted by an expert as not tallying with previous descriptions of aliens, though sightings in silver suits have been reported.
• Linda Taylor: A businesswoman from Altrincham, Cheshire, believes a blond male alien used her for a medical experiment. While driving home, she saw a huge, black 1930s-style car followed by a huge craft that dive-bombed her three times. Upon returning home, she had lost two hours. Under hypnosis, her subconscious revealed she had been taken aboard a craft by a long-haired blond in a silvery suit, where he was beside a pool with a sick dolphin and made it better by taking her hand.
• Paul Devine: A space surgeon reportedly beamed Devine aboard his ship six months prior, where needles were stuck into him. He described a five-cornered room with a surgeon-like man in a plastic suit, having an almond-shaped face, wide eyes, and clear white skin. Three others stuck a reflective needle into his abdomen. He was given a button that looked like an opal stone with three holes. An expert expressed skepticism about this account, suggesting it might be from his unconscious mind and unlikely that two officials would investigate.
• Jimmy Brown: An Irishman reported a close encounter with three spacemen walking up the middle of the A23. They wore outfits like monks' habits made from sparkly silver material. He then saw an aluminium trough-shaped craft zoom up like a rocket, making no noise. Brown, who had lost an hour, had his button-like object taken by police. The expert noted that silver clothes are common and the trough-shaped ship resembles a cigar-shaped craft, suggesting that things can appear and disappear through a different frequency level.

Regional UFO Activity

Yorkshire is reported to be the top region in the UK for UFO sightings, with 75 reported in the county in the last year compared to only 13 confirmed reports in the country. A meeting of the Yorkshire UFO Society in Leeds discussed these figures. However, Professor Michael Woolfson of the York Astronomical Society remains unconvinced, stating that much stronger evidence is needed and that few scientists would support such views, though he does not exclude the possibility of UFOs, acknowledging well-authenticated accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the growing acceptance of UFO phenomena, challenging official skepticism and highlighting alleged government cover-ups. The Aetherius Society and Richard Lawrence are presented as key figures advocating for a more open and serious consideration of extraterrestrial visitation. Personal testimonies, while varied in detail, contribute to a narrative of widespread and potentially significant alien activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and a willingness to explore these phenomena, as indicated by the concluding sentence of the 'Close encounter' piece: "Sceptical though we are of flights of the imagination, our natural curiosity and instinct for a news story finds us supporting his call."