Australian Flying Saucer Review - 1967 09 - no 7 VFSRS

Magazine Overview

Title: Australian Flying Saucer Review
Issue: No. 7
Date: September 1967
Publisher: Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society (V.F.S.R.S.)
Country: Australia

This issue of the Australian Flying Saucer Review, the seventh in its publication, offers a comprehensive look into the world of UFO phenomena, blending investigative journalism, theoretical analysis, and eyewitness accounts. The V.F.S.R.S., a non-profit educational publication, aims to collate and disseminate information on Flying Saucers and Unidentified Flying Objects (U.F.O.'s).

Editorial: UFOs over State

The editorial highlights the growing scientific interest in UFO phenomena, noting that Australian ufologists are now having their reports scientifically evaluated after facing official ridicule. It points to a significant breakdown in the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency's debunking policy, with investigations shifting to Colorado University's Department of Physics and Astrophysics. The Public Relations Officer, Paul Norman, visited Boulder, Colorado, to brief the Condon Committee on the Australian UFO scene. He also met with Dr. Allen Hyneck, Jacques Vallee, and Professor James E. McDonald, a leading UFO scientist from the University of Arizona. Professor McDonald's visit to Australia is expected to boost research, with his decision to interview key witnesses and his interest in the subject being noted as significant.

V.F.S.R.S. Office Bearers

The issue lists the office bearers of the V.F.S.R.S., including Peter E. Norris (President), Geoff. Rumpf (Vice President), Judith M. Magee (Secretary), Morris Anderson (Treasurer), Paul Norman (Public Relations Officer), and others.

Subscription Rates

Subscription rates are provided: Full Membership ($4.20 per annum), Pensioners and Juniors ($2.10 per annum), and Overseas Membership ($2.50 U.S.A.). A single copy costs 40c Aust. plus 4c. postage.

A Psychiatrist Looks at the Hills Encounter

Dr. Paul Zeck, a psychiatrist, offers a critical analysis of the Betty and Barney Hill case, as reported in the Melbourne Herald. He explains the technique of abreaction and hypnosis used to recover memories, cautioning that while hypnosis is a pathway to truth as felt by the patient, it does not guarantee objective reality. Drawing parallels with science fiction and the Bridey Murphy case, Dr. Zeck suggests that the Hills' experience might be a symbolic representation of sexual indignities and assault, rather than an alien encounter, due to the couple's anxiety and the need for psychiatric treatment. He concludes that while he believes in extraterrestrial beings, the Hills' account does not provide evidence of contact.

Theoretical Evidence in U.F.O. Sightings

Leonard G. Cramp, M.I.S.A., A.R., Ae.S., contributes an article exploring theoretical evidence for UFO propulsion. He argues that focusing solely on the craft's technology is less important than understanding the intelligence behind them. Cramp suggests that the primary challenge for UFOs is opposing gravity, and proposes a 'motivating field theory' where craft would create a field energy to counteract gravity. This theory, he posits, would explain the lack of acceleration felt by occupants and potential ground effects. He encourages readers to study UFO behavior in terms of this G. field theory.

Recent Activities of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society (Adelaide)

This section details a display by the South Australian Society at John Martin Company Ltd., showcasing UFO photographs. It also reports on several sightings from Adelaide and surrounding areas in 1967, including objects described as bright orange, round, green lights, and a red round object.

U.S. Scientist Addresses U.F.O. Societies

Dr. James E. McDonald, an astrophysicist from the University of Arizona, visited Australia and addressed local UFO societies. His visit is seen as a significant boost to Australian UFO research, with his interviews of witnesses and appearances on media programs being highlighted. McDonald's work in atmospheric physics and his private investigations into UFOs are noted. He also met with U.N. Secretary-General U. Thant to brief him on UFOs.

U. Thant and the U.F.O.

Professor McDonald reportedly briefed the U.N. Outer Space Affairs Group on UFOs. A San Francisco radio station reported U. Thant as regarding the UFO problem as second only to the Vietnamese war in international importance, though McDonald later advised that U. Thant had denied this statement.

U.F.O.s over New Zealand

This section presents several UFO sighting reports from New Zealand in 1967. These include a bright object seen over Auckland with a vapour trail, a shiny, cigar-shaped object over Wellington, a bright orange flashing light over Napier, and a large object described as a 'Sunderland' or 'Friendship' seen by many people across Napier, Hastings, and Hawke's Bay Province. Some reports detail unusual characteristics like fin-like projections and disintegration.

U.F.O. lands in Norway — in 1943

Neville Thornhill reports on a sighting from December 1943 in Oslo Fjord, Norway. A witness observed a hazy orange, bell-shaped light with electromagnetic effects, including car stalling and a crater impression. The object then moved off at high speed and disappeared.

U.F.O. Photographed over Hallam

John Coyle submitted six photographs of a UFO taken on March 5th, 1967, in Hallam, Australia. He describes the object as silver-like aluminum, disc-shaped with a slight rise on top, and very dark underneath. It circled them for about two and a half minutes at a very slow speed without making any sound. The photographs have been submitted for analysis.

The Scoriton Mystery

Eileen Buckle reviews a book about E. A. Bryant's sighting of a UFO and his encounter with space beings on Dartmoor. The review discusses the investigation into Bryant's experience, including mysterious messages and repeated failures of 'Space Folk' to keep appointments. It raises questions about the nature of these beings and whether they are 'Goodies and Baddies,' suggesting that 'Forces of Earthbound powers' might be involved. The review emphasizes the need to examine such claims in light of Holy Scripture.

Religious Interpretations of UFOs

An article explores the possibility of UFOs being linked to biblical prophecies, questioning if they are 'signs in the heavens' or instruments of deception. It discusses the idea of 'space men' claiming to be servants of God and mentions a 'space-lift' of followers. The author urges Christians to react rightly by testing all claims against Scripture and seeking guidance from the Holy Ghost, emphasizing that the Bible speaks of a future judgment and a new heaven and earth.

Girls Chased by Flying Saucer

Three young girls in Junee, Australia, reported being chased by an unidentified flying object for over 15 miles. The object was described as bright, cigar-shaped, and later like a football. Constable Eric Apps observed the object, noting its movement. The report includes witness accounts of the object glowing and following their car.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, advocating for a scientific approach and challenging official debunking policies. There is a strong emphasis on eyewitness accounts and the collation of data. The issue also reflects a growing interest in the theoretical aspects of UFOs, particularly propulsion, and includes a section that explores religious interpretations of UFOs, suggesting a potential link to biblical prophecies and future events. The overall stance is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to examine new facts and contribute their own reports.

This document is a single page from a magazine titled 'The Review', featuring a 'Stop Press!' section detailing a new contact claim and an advertisement for a reference book on UFO sighting reports.

Stop Press! New Contact Claim.

The primary article, 'New Contact Claim.', investigates a report from a Melbourne man who claims he was nearly abducted by a UFO. The incident allegedly occurred on the Hume Highway, about 10 miles south of Wodonga, Victoria, on August 24th, around 5 p.m. The witness, who wishes to remain anonymous, was riding his motorcycle when he was surrounded by a brilliant bluish-white light that blinded him, causing him to stop his bike.

Upon recovering his sight, he observed a disc-shaped object on the ground approximately 100 feet away. Two figures, described as about 5 feet tall and wearing metallic overalls with helmets, appeared beside the UFO. Driven by curiosity, the witness took a step towards them, and the figures mirrored his movement. One of the figures then beckoned to him.

This gesture caused the witness to panic. He immediately got back on his bike and sped away. He then heard a humming sound and looked up to see the UFO following him at a distance of no more than 150 feet.

The article notes that space constraints prevent further details of this case but promises a full account and the Society's evaluation in the next issue of 'The Review'.

Reference for Outstanding UFO Sighting Reports

Below the main article is an advertisement for a reference book titled 'REFERENCE FOR OUTSTANDING UFO SIGHTING REPORTS'. This book is described as an excellent source of information for any UFO researcher, providing a selection of reports from the files of Project Blue Book, Hicap, Apro, Australian Flying Saucer Review, Aime Michel, and others. It is presented as an essential source of information, bound in a sturdy black and white cover with a plastic binding. The publisher is identified as UFO IRC, INC., P.O Box 57, Riderwood/Maryland, 21139, U.S.A., with a cost of $5.95 (U.S.), post paid.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The content suggests a focus on UFO sightings, close encounters, and the investigation of such phenomena. The magazine appears to be a platform for reporting and analyzing UFO incidents, with a commitment to providing detailed accounts and evaluations for its readership. The advertisement for the reference book further reinforces its dedication to UFO research and documentation.