Australian Flying Saucer Review - 1970 03 - no 1 VUFORS

Magazine Overview

This is the inaugural issue, Number 1, of the Australian Flying Saucer Review, dated March 1970. It is a non-profit educational publication produced by the Victorian U. F. O. Research Society, based in Moorabbin, Victoria. The society's aim is to collect and share information on Flying Saucers or Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

The magazine features a new format, produced on the society's own printing machine due to rising costs. The editorial emphasizes that the content will continue to present UFO news and opinions with objectivity, despite recent attacks on UFO research.

Office Bearers and Subscriptions

The V.U.F.O.R.S. office bearers are listed, including Peter E. Norris (President), Judith M. Magee (Vice President), and others in secretarial and officer roles. 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.). Single copies are available for 25c plus postage.

Contents

The issue includes an editorial, articles discussing the Condon Report from different perspectives, a piece on UFO investigation methods, pilot sightings, questions about Ufonauts revealing themselves, press cuttings, a specific sighting report (The Spackman Sighting), a book review, and a letter to the editor.

Editorial

The editorial highlights the shift to a 'home-made' format due to printing costs. It asserts that the magazine will continue to present UFO news and opinions with objectivity. The editors note that this issue appears at a time of 'detrimental attacks' on UFO research, referencing Edward Condon's negative summary to the Colorado Project Report and the US Air Force's disbandment of Project Blue Book. However, they also point to continued interest from scientists and a recent symposium sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, suggesting that Ufology is not yet defunct. The editorial concludes by stating that the future of UFO activity is unpredictable and may depend on the UFOs themselves.

The Condon Report – In Bits and Pieces

Authored by Paul Norman, this article critically examines the Condon Report, calling it a 'symbol of the Low-Condon mind' and an 'attempt at public deception'. Norman argues that the report dismisses numerous UFO reports and uses specious argumentation, exhibiting bias. He cites the BOAC case of June 30th, 1954, where Captain James Howard and passengers observed UFOs, as an example of a significant case that the Condon Report allegedly mishandled, concluding it was a 'rare natural phenomenon'. Norman also mentions three similar Australian cases presented to the committee, which he believes are in official RAAF files. The article references the sighting by Reverend Browning in Cressy, Tasmania, in 1960, involving a cigar-shaped object and smaller discs, which was investigated by the RAAF.

A Dissenting View of the Condon Report

By James E. McDonald, this article presents a scientific critique of the Condon Report. McDonald disputes the report's negative conclusions, citing several grounds: it analyzes only about ninety cases, omits significant puzzling cases urged for study, considers many trivial cases, uses specious argumentation, exhibits bias, presents incomplete evidence, and casually dismisses 'unexplained' UFOs. He criticizes the report's bulk and superficial analysis, stating it fails to support Condon's negative recommendations and will be an 'embarrassment' to the National Academy of Sciences.

UFO Investigation

N. E. Thornhill outlines the methodology used by the V.U.F.O.R.S. for investigating UFO reports. The process begins with a sighting report, followed by a preliminary 'Sighting Report Form A'. If warranted, a Sightings Officer conducts a personal interview, gathering detailed information verbally and through comprehensive report forms, sketches, and photos. The evaluation process involves analyzing the collected information, assessing witness credibility, and identifying potential flaws or misinterpretations. A points system is used to cross-check statements, with sightings scoring below 20 points considered possibly explainable as natural phenomena. The article emphasizes that all information is kept as it could be valuable for future UFO phenomenon solutions.

Sighting Reports

Several specific sighting reports are detailed:

• Sighting No. 1 (Jan 12, 1968, Chadstone, Victoria): A witness observed a flashing ball of light over a power station, which moved erratically, emitted flashes, and disappeared vertically. The witness experienced an ear-bleed and pins and needles sensation.
• Sighting No. 2 (Mar 11, 1968, Mordialloc, Victoria): A cigar-shaped object with a bright dome was seen low in the sky, leaving a grey trail as it moved slowly and then disappeared at high speed.
• Sighting No. 3 (Apr 11, 1968, Gisborne, Victoria): Details are continued on page 12.
• Sighting No. 4 (Apr 13, 1968, South of Tooradin, Victoria): A 'pulsating cloud' object changed shape to a disc, appeared yellow at the front, and became invisible.
• Sighting No. 5 (Jun 13, 1968, Oak Park, Victoria): Two witnesses observed an object moving much faster than a jet plane, with pale yellow and red lights, which disappeared behind houses.
• Sighting No. 6 (Nov 11, 1968, Young, New South Wales): Mr. Stan Rheema observed a bright light changing colour, moving closer, and then disappearing at great speed.
• Sighting No. 7 (Jun 17, 1969, Highett, Victoria): A witness observed a grey shape moving in a perfect arc across the sky.

Pilots Watch as UFOs Manoeuvre (Zanthus Report)

This report by Captain Gordon W. Smith details a sighting on August 22nd, 1968, above the Zanthus area of Western Australia. While cruising at 8,000 feet, Captain Smith and pilot Walter Gardin observed a formation of aircraft, including one main ship and several smaller ones. Radio communications were lost for about ten minutes during the sighting. The main ship split into two sections, and the smaller craft maneuvered around them. The entire formation departed at tremendous speed. The report concludes that the objects were not balloons, gases, tricks of light, or conventional aircraft, noting the main UFO's ability to split and change shape slightly.

Are the Ufonauts Gradually Revealing Their Presence?

By Judith Magee, this article explores the possibility that UFOs are becoming more overt in their appearances. It traces UFO sightings from ancient times to the modern era, noting how early sightings might have been dismissed as falling stars. The author questions why governments invest in UFO research if the phenomena are easily explained. Magee suggests Ufonauts might be trying to make humans think for themselves, making their appearances more spectacular, including landings, burned circles, hovering near launch pads, and pacing cars. The article raises questions about their origin and purpose and discusses the potential effects of their propulsion systems and possible 'force fields'.

Case 1 (Paynesville, Victoria)

A motel proprietor reported being paced by a large, enormous object, estimated at 100 feet above his car, traveling at speeds up to 130 mph. The object would become bright and disappear, then reappear. The witness felt compelled to follow it.

Case 2 (Mortlake, Victoria)

An ex-nurse reported an object with red domed lights and a green flashing light at the rear, pacing her car for several miles at speeds up to 80 mph. The object's rapid directional changes and the beam of green light directed at her caused distress, throbbing, and chest distension.

The Zanthus Report continues, discussing the shape of the main ship and smaller craft, their unusual travel patterns, and their departure at tremendous speed. Notes on UFOs clarify that distance is hard to gauge due to unknown size, but the main ship was comparable to a Boeing 707. Radio communications were restored after the UFOs departed.

Book Review: 'UFOS OVER THE AMERICAS'

This review by Peter E. Norris discusses the book by Jim and Coral Lorenzen. Norris praises the authors' detailed and conservative investigation methods. The review highlights the book's access to unpublished sightings from South America and discusses cases that suggest a dimension not apparent in Australian cases, possibly due to Australian reluctance to report macabre sightings. It also touches upon the 'secret government' potentially knowing more about UFOs than admitted and the surveillance of UFO groups. The book includes an appendix with information on the Robertson Committee on UFOs.

The Spackman Sighting

This article details a sighting by Peter Spackman near Roleystone, Perth, Western Australia, in May 1969. Spackman observed a silvery, shining object and later organized nightly vigils. He photographed a flat disc shape with an outer rim. The RAAF investigated the photos, finding them genuine. The object was described as being about the size of a lounge-room, with portholes all around. Radio station 6IX also received calls about the sighting. A photogrammetric analysis supported Spackman's report.

McDonald Blasts Condon

This section reports on UA Physicist James E. McDonald protesting an attempt to get Vice President Spiro Agnew to intervene in scientific discussions on UFOs. McDonald called Condon's actions a 'transparent effort to suppress scientific criticism' of the UFO study and stated he would protest via AAAS channels. Condon expressed surprise at the objection.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of official UFO investigations, particularly the Condon Report, and the presentation of evidence from civilian and pilot sightings. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena and a belief that UFOs are real and warrant serious study, despite skepticism from some quarters. The editorial stance is one of continued pursuit of UFO knowledge and a belief in the importance of open discussion and investigation, even when faced with official opposition. The magazine aims to be a platform for presenting diverse viewpoints and evidence within the field of ufology.

This issue of the Australian Flying Saucer Review, Volume 4, Issue 9, dated April 1970, focuses heavily on a critical examination of the Condon Report. The magazine, published by the Victorian UFO Research Society, presents a dissenting view on the report's findings and methodology, alongside reports of recent UFO sightings from Australia.

A Dissenting View of the Condon Report

The article "A Dissenting View of the Condon Report" (continued from page 18) expresses strong dissatisfaction with the Condon Report and the National Academy of Science's endorsement of it. The author, who has independently studied the UFO problem, believes that significant progress in scientifically clarifying the issue will not occur until the report's inadequacies are fully exposed. The author intends to dedicate personal effort to this objective and mentions that NICAP is preparing an extended rebuttal report. The influence of the Condon Report is seen as negative, except possibly regarding USAF decisions about Project Blue Book, and is expected to be short-lived.

The author notes that an ad hoc UFO Subcommittee within the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), chaired by Dr. J.P. Kuettner, has made recommendations that are cautiously qualified and nearly opposite in tone to Condon's. This is seen as a hopeful sign, with the AIAA being an ideal professional society to re-examine the UFO problem. The author also hopes the House Committee on Science and Astronautics, which held a UFO Symposium in July 1968, will recognize the basis for continued concern and hold another session.

In the long run, the author believes that the persistence of unexplained UFO reports from reliable witnesses will ensure adequate scientific confrontation. The Condon Report is described as a setback, having wasted an unprecedented opportunity. The author finds the UFO evidence, superficially examined by the Condon Project, to imply a problem of extraordinary scientific content with profound implications. The global nature of UFO reports suggests a potential breakthrough from scientists abroad. The possibility that UFO phenomena are related to extraterrestrial surveillance by advanced technology is taken seriously, as the author finds it hard to conceive of any reasonable alternative explanation for the full range of UFO evidence, despite the difficulties with the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

The Condon Report in Bits and Pieces

This section continues the critique of the Condon Report, dissecting specific explanations provided by official bodies. One example cited is an "explanation" from the Directorate of Air Force Intelligence, RAAF, in 1961, for a sighting on October 4, 1960, near Cressy, Tasmania. The RAAF attributed the phenomena to moonrise and meteorological conditions. However, the author meticulously debunks this explanation, pointing out that the moon would not have risen in the ESE direction as stated, and that a dense rain storm and Tasmania's mountain ranges would have obscured the moon. The author argues that such official explanations often have a "curiously familiar ring" to those who have studied numerous USAF 'explanations'.

The author, interested in atmospheric optics, dismisses the idea that "scud" clouds could optically distort the moon into resembling the reported phenomena. The article strongly refutes the notion, often asserted by Dr. D.H. Menzel and others, that the sun and moon can be "reflected" off clouds to produce distinct images, stating that decades of meteorological observations support no such thing, except for the "undersun" phenomenon under specific conditions (tabular ice crystals in non-turbulent air). The author concludes that the RAAF's meteorological explanation demonstrates a lack of scientific knowledge.

The RAAF is noted for stressing the Condon conclusions when responding to UFO inquiries, but official letters reportedly omit contradictory cases and inconsistencies within the report. The article also alleges outright acts of deception, such as enlisting the Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, to write to foreign embassies requesting information on government investigations abroad. The letter, found on pages 556-557 of the Condon Report, stated that the University of Colorado was not interested in studies by private UFO groups. The author suggests this statement is digested as fact by those unaware of the UFO problem.

Furthermore, the article claims that members of the Condon Committee were aware of efforts to retain the cooperation of NICAP, the largest private research group. Letters requesting information on UFO reports and an invitation for the author to visit the project to provide examples of Australian cases are mentioned, implying that the committee knew that travel expenses were paid to acquire this information. The author questions the integrity of such documented lies.

The article also points to indications that Dr. Condon was disturbed by the increasing number of people checking his conclusions. It mentions his alarm and attempt to cancel a symposium on Unidentified Flying Objects held by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) on December 27, 1969, even appealing to the Vice President of the United States in a desperate effort.

Rejection by Education Department

The Victorian Education Department has also rejected the Condon advice. After finding his recommendations to discourage school children from studying UFOs amusing, the Department responded by publishing three articles in educational publications recommending that teachers give credit for UFO studies.

Dr. Allen Hynek, Chief Civilian Consultant for the US Air Force for twenty years, is quoted as stating in a book review that the Condon Report failed to explain as many UFOs as the Air Force. Soon after this, Dr. Hynek was dismissed, leading to the comment that "Officialdom has no use for an awakening scientist. The CIA prefers the Menzelian Kooks! There is a grave need for now batch of Condonian Kooks!"

The article concludes this section by stating that Project Blue Book has been officially and loudly closed, questioning the name and methods of the next project that will be quietly opened for whitewashing investigations.

Letters to the Editor

This section features correspondence from readers. One letter from Dr. Paul Zeck in Perth, W.A., corrects a report about a UFO sighting over Rockingham. He personally interviewed three individuals involved, who stated they were misreported. They described the light in the sky as flickering on and off, which was not in response to their torch, and felt their torchlight was too feeble to be seen from a short distance.

Stop Press!

This section provides brief news items:

• Hamilton "Spectator" (January 15, 1970): A farmer in Dartmoor, Victoria, discovered a 40-yard strip, 4 feet wide, mown in his fern property near the Glenelg River, raising questions about its origin.
• Heywood (Vic.) "Express" (February 27, 1970): Farmer Mr. Tommy Melbourne reported that UFOs started using his farm as a "runway" and that he found another "launching-pad." The story is promised for further coverage.
• Moe "Advocate" (March 5, 1970): Three girls in Newborough reported seeing a large, plate-like object, described as greyish with luminous areas, about half a mile away, spinning and moving.
• Geelong "Advertiser" (March 13, 1970): Reports described a bright red light performing manoeuvres across the sky, travelling from southwest to northeast, then returning from the north, making a U-turn, and heading west before turning north. The object flashed during turns but was a constant red color when moving in line.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the strong criticism of the Condon Report, portraying it as a flawed and potentially deceptive document that hindered serious UFO investigation. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of continued, open, and scientifically rigorous investigation into UFO phenomena, suggesting that official explanations are often inadequate or misleading. There is a clear skepticism towards government-sponsored projects and a belief in the importance of independent research and reliable witness testimony. The publication also highlights unexplained phenomena and potential extraterrestrial connections as serious possibilities that warrant further study.