Australian UFO Bulletin - 1983 09 - September

Magazine Overview

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN
Issue Date: SEPTEMBER 1983
Publisher: The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin provides a comprehensive look at UFO research, history, and recent events, with a strong focus on Australian cases and organizations.

Society History

The 'Society History' section details the evolution of UFO research groups in Australia, beginning with the 'Australian Flying Saucer Bureau' and 'Australian Flying Saucer Research Society' in the early 1950s. It traces the lineage through the 'Australian U.F.O. Investigation Centre' and culminates in the formation of the 'Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society' (later renamed 'Victorian U.F.O. Research Society' or V.U.F.O.R.S.) on February 17, 1957. The society has published various papers, including the 'Australian Flying Saucer Review' and the 'Australian U.F.O. Bulletin', and once sponsored a radio program. V.U.F.O.R.S. maintains a dispassionate, scientific approach to UFOs and boasts the largest UFO library in the Southern Hemisphere, making its resources available to members across the Commonwealth.

Welcome and Membership

The 'Welcome' section invites reports of unusual Aerial Phenomena, assuring confidentiality. It states that the Society exchanges information with similar organizations and disseminates public information through its quarterly publication, the 'Australian U.F.O. Bulletin'. Subscription rates are listed: Full Membership for Australians is $5.00 per annum, including the magazine, while overseas membership is $7.00 U.S.A. A single copy costs $0.50 (Aust.) plus postage.

The 'Office Bearers' list includes Judith M. Magee (President), Paul Norman (Vice-President, Sightings Investigations Officer), Mark Sawyers (Secretary), Clive Yates (Treasurer), Stafford Hall (Membership Secretary), John W. Auchettl (Librarian), M. Fernandez (Publications Officer), and Capt. John Bell (Officer).

Editorial and Secret Documents

The 'Editorial' discusses the well-known Clifton Bore Episode and the Rev. Gill's experience with 38 witnesses observing a UFO with humanoids over New Guinea in 1959. It highlights the significance of a secret U.S. Government document from March 22, 1950, revealed through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This document, addressed to the FBI Director, stated that the Air Force had recovered three circular UFOs in New Mexico, each about 50 feet in diameter, occupied by three-foot-tall humanoids in metallic suits. The document suggested that powerful radar in the area might interfere with the saucers' control mechanisms.

The issue also offers Volume 1 of FOIA documents for $US25.00 and Volume II for $US30.00, or both for $US55.00. A draft paper by Dr. Bruce Maccabee reviewing UFO history in light of new information from government documents is included. Contributions for these documents can be sent to the Fund for UFO Research.

The C.E. III Problem

This section delves into the emotive aspect of UFO encounters, specifically 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' (CE3). It addresses the skepticism faced by witnesses and calls for a more objective, analytical approach from the scientific community. The article argues that despite scientific protestations, UFOs continue to appear, and objective investigation could enhance human knowledge. It introduces a new CE3 case from South Australia in January 1974, noting that less secrecy and more openness are needed to understand the UFO phenomenon.

The author, Kevin McNeil, recounts the 'Clifton Bore Episode', detailing an encounter experienced by a witness named 'Ben'. Ben, a 38-year-old man with a background in ornithology and paleontology, was in the Sturts Stormy Desert in South Australia in January 1974. He reported seeing a large, brilliantly green light in October 1972 near Broken Hill. The main incident involved Ben being approached by two humanoid beings about one meter tall, dressed in seamless, silvery suits. They beckoned him to follow them to a silver-colored, 'hot dog' roll-shaped object, approximately 7.5 meters long and 1.4 meters high. Inside the craft, which defied conventional physics with its enormous interior despite its small exterior dimensions, Ben saw about 20 similar beings, including females. He was offered a drink from a metallic tumbler, after which he passed out. Upon waking, he was on the floor of the craft and felt rejected. He observed numerous TV screens and a large mirror-like screen displaying various images. He also witnessed two young human female children, aged 12-13 and 8-9, in a cage-like structure, seemingly in a trance. Ben was disturbed by this observation and felt the aliens might take the children. He was then returned to the desert floor. The incident lasted approximately 1.5 hours. McNeil notes that Ben was very specific in his account and was emotionally affected, particularly by the children's presence. He emphasizes that the witness's full name and current whereabouts are unknown.

UFO Sightings Reports

Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia - January 9, 1980: A cylindrical UFO, about 50 feet long with a dark rear body and a rounded, shining mid-section, was observed for 5 minutes. It rose into the sky, sped off, and disappeared without sound. Nine pictures were reportedly taken, but only one was in focus and viewable by V.U.F.O.R.S.

Lake Berryessa, California, U.S.A. - November 5, 1980: A pilot flying at 8,000 feet observed a tear-drop shaped, orange, glowing UFO. The object had a pulsing orange nose and a spinning ring of red, blue, and white light. It increased in brightness, shot forward about 3 miles, turned vertically, and ascended at high speed, disappearing in about 5 seconds. The same object was reportedly seen again on August 8, 1981.

On the UFO Trail

This section, by Paul Norman, summarizes his experiences from March 26 to September 4, 1983, on the 'UFO Trail'. It includes meetings in America and the Third International Congress near London, hosted by BUFORA. Highlights include a lecture by Dr. Bruce Maccabee on government secret documents and cover-up policy, and a summary of UFO activity in South America by Dr. Willy Smith. The author describes interactions with various individuals holding diverse views on the UFO phenomenon. At the International Congress, Dr. J. Allen Hynek gave an overview, followed by presentations on 'Identification' by Dr. Harley Ruttledge, and 'Danish Scientists and the UFO Phenomenon' by Per Andersen. Peter Warrington discussed 'An Evaluation of the Evidence for UFO Events from Radar Observations'. Harry Harris presented a video on 'Hypnotic Regression of UFO Witnesses'. Jenny Randles spoke on 'Opening Up the Windows', presenting cases where UFO events are frequent. An interesting film was shown by Mr. Peter Day. Stanton Friedman, a nuclear physicist, addressed 'Noisy Negative Advocates' in the UFO community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical development of UFO research in Australia, the detailed examination of a significant CE3 contact case (Clifton Bore), the impact of government transparency (FOIA) on UFO knowledge, and reports of recent sightings. The editorial stance, as stated, is that UFOs are a scientific problem deserving close attention, and the V.U.F.O.R.S. maintains a dispassionate, objective approach, aiming to enhance man's knowledge of himself, his world, and the universe through scientific investigation.

This issue of WEEKLY WORLD NEWS, dated June 7, 1983, features a sensational cover story titled "AIR FORCE REVEALS: UFOS HAVE LANDED!" accompanied by the claim that "We recovered bodies of 9 aliens, say government documents" and "UFO COVER-UP IS OVER...". The cover also includes an illustration of two alien figures.

Top Secret U.S. Government Papers Reveal Stunning New Evidence of UFOs

The lead article details how top-secret U.S. government documents, released under the Freedom of Information Act, provide startling new evidence that UFOs exist. Sensational reports from the files of the Air Force, Defense Department, and State Department reveal that UFOs landed at a top-secret Air Force base in New Mexico in 1980. During this incident, super-sophisticated radar systems at the base and a nearby airport were blacked out simultaneously. The article also mentions a huge UFO, estimated to be 10 miles in diameter, sighted in Kuwait in 1980, and in the same country, a UFO completely shut down an oil field pumping system in 1978. Furthermore, Peruvian Air Force jets unsuccessfully tried to shoot down a UFO in June 1980.

UFO expert Dr. Bruce Maccabee, a U.S. Navy physicist and chairman of the Fund for UFO Research, is quoted as saying that this evidence proves the government knows much more about UFOs than they have been telling the public. He added that the government simply refuses to release much other material on UFOs. These reports come from over 2,000 pages of recently declassified government documents made available to The ENQUIRER from the Fund for UFO Research.

The article highlights several baffling close encounters, including a series of UFO sightings in August 1980 at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, reported by the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations. On August 8, three security policemen sighted an unidentified light that traveled over the base and landed in Coyote Canyon. Later, another security guard observed a round disk-shaped object that took off vertically at high speed when he approached it. Five days later, on August 13, the radar systems for Kirtland and Albuquerque Airport were mysteriously blacked out for over five hours. A New Mexico state patrolman also sighted an aerial object.

The article also details incidents in Kuwait, where a UFO reportedly caused an oil company's pumping equipment to shut down automatically. State Department cables describe a senior Kuwait Airways pilot reporting an unusual "light phenomenon" on June 20, 1980, and a "huge ball of bright light" with an estimated diameter of 10 miles. The article also mentions mysterious UFO sightings in Peru in June 1980, where the Air Force attempted to intercept and destroy a UFO without success.

UFO expert Stanton T. Friedman is quoted stating that these documents are important because they show that someone in the government knows much more about UFOs than they are letting on.

The Melton Police Encounter

This section details an incredible encounter that began with the Victorian UFO Research Society on July 21, 1983. A woman reported seeing a UFO near her home in Melton. Although she did not follow up, events at the Melton Police Station were to unfold the next morning, July 22, 1983. The encounter gained media attention with reports on TV and radio. Initially, the sighting was thought to be a hang-glider or aircraft, but descriptions from Constables Raymond Ellens and Peter Ferguson, and drawings by Chief Inspector of Police, Melton, indicated something unusual. An investigation was initiated.

The encounter involved multiple sightings by police officers. At 12:40 am, Constables Ellens and Ferguson observed a stationary light over Melton. They later saw an object hovering at approximately 200 feet, described as about 20 feet long with two large lights, a tubular framework, and a fin. It had bright white lights at the front and a single red light at the rear, emitting a low-pitched humming sound. The object evaded their spotlight and moved towards Fogerty Airfield.

Subsequent sightings occurred throughout the night, with the object gaining height, moving over the township, and reappearing in different locations. Radar contact was made by Melbourne radar units. At approximately 5:00 am, both van crews sighted the object to the east, which then moved towards them. The constables felt it would collide with the "Australian Army Rockbank Receiving Station's antennas" but it reversed and made an arc northwards.

At 5:30 am, the object was sighted again over the Melton township. Chief Inspector Hickman and Sergeant Harman witnessed the object hovering at a very low altitude (100-150 meters) over the Melton Ambulance Station. A third encounter described the UFO as similar to an inflatable life raft, 12 meters in length with rounded sides and a shallow body of about 2 meters in depth, with a red flashing light. It emitted a quiet wind noise or low-pitched humming sound. The object moved off towards Rockbank. Constables Ferguson and Ellens observed it again, noting it was grey in colour, looking like a rubber raft, unlike the framework structure seen earlier.

The article lists unusual factors and questions, including 14 eyewitnesses (5 constables, 1 chief inspector, 1 inspector, 1 security guard, 1 retired policeman) plus 4 witnesses who had seen the object earlier. The police and Department of Aviation investigated but could not find any conclusions or locate any such aircraft. The Australian Army also began investigations. Radar contact was made, and the control tower made a visual sighting. Unusual factors included the object's ability to fly for 6 hours, hover, fly backwards, produce a low humming noise, and its appearance unlike any known aircraft.

The conclusion states that this is one of the best UFO encounters since 1978 and requires further research.

Book Review: "Insights into Prehistory" by Michael Baran

This section reviews Michael Baran's book "Insights into Prehistory," a sequel to "Atlantis Reconsidered." The book explores the secret force harnessed by ancient civilizations like Atlantis and Lemuria, which Baran believes was earth core gravitational energy. This energy, he posits, was key to their technological achievements and longevity. The review notes that Baran's orientation is historical, and he seeks to understand unexplained phenomena like the Bermuda Triangle, drawing parallels with Homer's Odyssey and Pueblo Indian legends. Michael Baran, born in Boston, Massachusetts, has degrees from Boston University and a background in biological and physical sciences. His books are available from Exposition Press.

VUFORS Merchandise and Meetings

This part of the magazine advertises VUFORS merchandise, including T-shirts (white with VUFORS emblem) and windcheaters (navy blue with emblem). It lists prices and postage costs, with a 10% discount for orders of five or more garments. It also reminds members that sending cash through the mail is an offense and advises sending cheques or money orders. Finally, it announces a Discussion Night and General Meeting to be held at The Royal Society, 9 Victoria Street, Melbourne, with elections for office bearers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the revelation of government secrets regarding UFOs and extraterrestrial life, detailed UFO sightings and encounters, and the investigation into these phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance that UFOs are real and that governments have been actively concealing information from the public. The articles present evidence from official documents and eyewitness accounts to support the existence of UFOs and the possibility of alien visitation. The inclusion of the Melton Police Encounter and the book review on ancient civilizations and unexplained phenomena further reinforces an interest in mysteries and the unknown.