Australian UFO Bulletin - 1984 09 - September

Magazine Overview

Title: THE AUSTRALIAN U.F.O. BULLETIN
Issue Date: September 1984
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 alleged cover-ups, with a strong focus on the activities and publications of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (V.U.F.O.R.S.).

Society History

The V.U.F.O.R.S. traces its origins back to the early 1950s with the formation of the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" and the "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society." Over the years, it evolved through various name changes, including the "Australian U.F.O. Investigation Centre" and the "Victorian Flying Saucer Research Society," before becoming the "Victorian U.F.O. Research Society" in 1968. The society has a history of publishing, including the "Australian Flying Saucer Review" and the "Australian U.F.O. Bulletin." It is noted for maintaining the largest U.F.O. library in the Southern Hemisphere and has held a dispassionate, scientific approach to the subject. Membership is open to all genuinely interested individuals.

Editorial and Content Overview

The editorial section reflects on the early days of UFO research, the value of differentiating fact from fiction in 'contact' stories, and the contributions of early writers such as Keyhoe, Michel, Heard, Gibbons, Girvan, Ruppelt, Cramp, Barry Downing, Sanderson, and Von Daniken. It also touches upon the re-publication of older, out-of-print books and the work of authors like the Lorenzens, Charles Bowen, and Erich von Däniken. The editorial notes the passing of Dr. J. Allen Hynek and the challenge for new researchers in navigating a vast amount of information.

On the UFO Trail

This section, authored by Paul Norman, details his experiences during a UFO research trip in April 1984. He recounts his travels through Africa and the UK, including meetings with UFO contacts and observations about the political climate. A significant portion is dedicated to the Rendlesham Forest Case, discussing the alleged cover-up by anti-UFO journalists and government officials, and the role of documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. The article also mentions the mysterious treatment of 'Art Wallace' and the possibility of a Philadelphia Experiment-like scenario.

Uncovering a Cover-Up!

Authored by Timothy Good, this article excerpts from a BBC Television Interview with Admiral of the Fleet Lord Hill-Norton. It focuses on the legal aspects of UFO cover-ups by the British Government. The Earl of Clancarty, Chairman of the House of Lords All Party UFO Study Group, is featured, discussing the statistical probability of extraterrestrial life and the government's withholding of information. The article highlights two classified documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act: a memo from J. Edgar Hoover regarding the retrieval of a crashed disc in 1947, and a cable-gram from Cyrus Vance concerning a falling space object. Lord Hill-Norton states that while information on UFOs may have come to the Ministry of Defence over decades, he would not have been allowed to disclose it. The article also mentions the House of Lords Group's consideration of introducing legislation similar to the Freedom of Information Act in the UK.

Book Review: "Clear Intent"

This review by John Aucherll covers the book "Clear Intent" by Lawrence Fawcett and Barry J. Greenwood, with a foreword by Dr. J.A. Hynek. The book is described as a comprehensive look at the most up-to-date research on the U.S. Government's cover-up of UFOs, conducted by the organization Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS). Dr. Hynek is quoted criticizing the government's stance and the secrecy surrounding UFOs. The review details how the book uses declassified files from agencies like the FBI, CIA, and Air Force to argue for the existence of UFOs and explains how the government has monitored and concealed this information. It highlights that sightings by civilian and military personnel are still investigated and discusses the implications of the U.S. government's pronouncements versus the evidence.

Space Observations and UFOs

This section discusses how space observations are recorded by systems like SPADATS and NAVSPASUR, which track man-made objects and space debris. It notes that a percentage of these are categorized as UFOs or "Unidentified Orbiting Objects." The high cost of accessing NORAD data makes comprehensive investigation of millions of reports impossible. A chapter from a U.S.A.F. Academy textbook, "Introductory Space Science," is summarized, which concludes that the UFO phenomenon appears global, may be psychological, or due to natural phenomena, but also leaves open the "unpleasant possibility of alien visitors." The text suggests the existence of multiple alien groups and notes that Dr. Clyde Tombaugh, discoverer of Pluto, has observed UFOs.

International UFO News

NORAD Document A NORAD document from November 1975 is cited, detailing suspicious unknown air activity possibly affecting national security. It lists sightings by reliable military personnel at various U.S. and Canadian Air Force bases, with one incident at Loring AFB describing an object demonstrating "clear intent in the weapons storage area."

Cosmonaut to Lead UFO Investigation A prominent Soviet cosmonaut, Pavel Popovich, is to head an official Kremlin UFO investigation into sightings of a mysterious "flying cigar-shaped" object over Russian territory. The craft was observed by air controllers near Gorky and convinced skeptical Russian experts that UFOs exist. The investigative body will be known as the Commission for the Investigation of Abnormal Atmospheric Phenomena.

A Brazilian Conference A conference was held on June 16, 1984, in Campo Grande, Brazil, by the Brazilian Society "Center for Flying Saucer Research." The event was attended by approximately 700 people, with Mr. A.J. Gevaerd reporting on the proceedings.

UFO Hunters: They Pack More Than a Picnic Lunch

This article profiles Barbara Becker, a graduate student and UFO field investigator associated with the UFO Study Group of Greater St. Louis. Becker shares her initial involvement with UFOs and her current more restrained but still dedicated approach. The article discusses the group's upcoming 4th Annual Buffet Banquet, where Mark Rodeghier will present research on vehicle interference events (EM cases). These cases are considered significant evidence of the mysterious nature of the UFO phenomenon. The article also recounts Becker's most recent investigation into a baffling incident in Missouri involving hovering lights, a memory gap, and unusual vehicle malfunctions, suggesting a possible alien encounter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include government cover-ups of UFO information, the historical development of UFO research societies, the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, and international UFO activity. The V.U.F.O.R.S. maintains a stance of dispassionate, scientific inquiry, welcoming reports and aiming to disseminate information to the public while upholding strict confidentiality when requested. The publication emphasizes the importance of differentiating between fact and fiction and encourages a skeptical yet open mind when approaching the subject.

This issue of UFO Magazine, identified as Volume 11, Issue 16, with a cover date of August 4-5, 1984, and published by VUFORS, presents a collection of articles investigating various unexplained phenomena. The magazine focuses on UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and historical mysteries, with a particular emphasis on uncovering the truth behind these events.

Articles and Reports

Mystery Siberian Cataclysm Solved

The lead article, sourced from the Australian National Newspaper and 'The Weekend Australian,' reports on the 1908 Tungusska explosion in Siberia. Soviet scientist N. Vassiliev, who led an expedition to the site, suggests that the explosion was caused by a 'space machine from another planet,' presenting evidence that challenges the long-held theories of a comet or meteorite impact. Vassiliev notes that phenomena associated with the event may indicate the existence of unknown matter in space. He also mentions that lead collected from the area was found to be 11 billion years old, though not directly linked to the explosion. The article details the immense force of the explosion, which flattened trees over a vast area and caused an earthquake. Scientific expeditions have studied the region for decades, but the cause remained a mystery until now. Vassiliev also discusses the possibility of extraterrestrial probes within the solar system and mentions a new expedition searching for material from the exploded object.

Aliens Get Invitation for Airtime

This report from the Green Bay (WI) Press Gazette details an initiative by radio station KFMH in Muscatine, Iowa, to broadcast a message of friendship to aliens every Wednesday at midnight. Program director Steve Bridges explains that the station plays messages from believers and provides location coordinates in multiple languages, inviting a response. Muscatine is noted as a hotspot for UFO activity, with over 250 sightings recorded. The station has received over 300 calls related to the broadcast, indicating significant public interest.

Monrovia Studies Space Mystery

This article focuses on Lee Graham of Monrovia, who is investigating the 1947 Roswell, New Mexico, incident. Graham, an electronics systems research technician, has meticulously documented the event, believing it to be a craft from another world whose remains were suppressed by the government. He was influenced by a former colleague, Carl Johnson, who claimed to have seen Roswell artifacts at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in the 1960s. Graham's belief was solidified after reading a 1979 National Enquirer article about Senator Barry Goldwater being denied access to materials at Wright-Patterson. Graham hypothesizes that the recovered craft's material might have been used in the development of the Stealth aircraft. Enquiries to the government and Wright-Patterson AFB have reportedly yielded denials or no information.

French Press Reports on U.F.O. Cases

This section presents translations of two French news clippings from 'Le Parisien' and 'Le Telegramme' regarding alleged UFO incidents. The first case involves Frank Fontaine, who claimed to have been 'kidnapped' by strange balls of light in Cergy-Pontoise, France, in December 1979. His friends, Jean-Pierre Prevost and Salomon N'Diaye, supported his story. However, later press releases revealed the story to be a hoax. Jean-Pierre Prevost confessed that he and Fontaine concocted the plot to gain an audience and make money. Prevost stated he organized everything, including hiding Fontaine during his supposed disappearance. The article notes that the French Gendarmerie had always suspected a hoax due to a lack of evidence. Prevost's confession came after several years, possibly to avoid legal consequences.

Scratch Another U.F.O.

This report details an investigation into two photos of a UFO sighting from the 1983 Australian Flap. A VUFORS investigator examined the photos, which were reportedly taken through a window and then from outside. A computer analysis by G.S.W. concluded that the image was a cut-out of dark paper pasted onto a window or piece of glass, indicating a hoax. The article states that the hoaxer lied and that both photos were taken from inside the building.

Press Clippings: Ballarat and Mt Isa Sightings

Two press clippings report on recent UFO sightings. The first, from 'The NEWS' in Ballarat, Victoria, on May 24, 1984, describes a Wendouree family witnessing an object resembling an H-shape with a crossbar, which moved at high speed and then appeared to stop and flutter. The object was black with a smoke-like substance trailing behind. The second clipping, from the 'DAILY SUN' in Brisbane, Queensland, on May 22, 1984, reports two policemen and a couple in Mt Isa claiming to have watched a spherical, white object with flashing lights hover for over 30 minutes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Magazine consistently emphasizes the pursuit of truth and the investigation of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded skepticism, encouraging rigorous research and critical analysis of evidence, as demonstrated by the debunking of the Cergy-Pontoise hoax and the Australian UFO photos. The magazine highlights the importance of scientific investigation, even when dealing with controversial topics like the Roswell incident and the Tungusska explosion. There is a recurring theme of government secrecy and the suppression of information, particularly in relation to the Roswell case. The magazine also showcases recent sightings, suggesting that UFO activity continues to be a subject of public interest and investigation. The VUFORS organization is presented as actively involved in research and public dissemination of information, as indicated by their upcoming general meeting and the sale of merchandise.

This document, titled "THE MAY '83 FLAP AND BENDIGO PHOTOGRAPHS", is an excerpt from a publication by V.U.F.O.R.S., dated May 1983, covering events from May 20th to May 25th, 1983. It is part of a continuation from the March issue and includes reports and photographs related to UFO sightings in Australia.

Reports from the May '83 Flap

Paul Mulqueen's Sighting (20-21/5/83)

Mr. Paul Mulqueen, identified as a sound technician at TV8 and a part-time volunteer at Radio 3CCC, recounted his experience of chasing a UFO in his car. After hearing about sightings on the radio, he went out looking and observed an object in front of him through binoculars. He described it as "coneshaped and glowed spectacularly." Mulqueen stated that the object "went through every colour of the spectrum in a continual cycle every 3 to 4 seconds, and just hovered there at least 3 to 4 miles up."

Later, while driving back to town, he noticed "7 or 8 more behind me." He expressed feeling apprehensive, realizing he was alone with something inexplicable. He further reported seeing "8 or possibly 9 objects hovering over Kyneton at about 12.30 a.m." He watched these objects through field glasses for nearly an hour, noting they were "a hell of a long way up and easily bigger than a star." He described their appearance as a "rounded cone and kept up a regular rotation of all colours." Mulqueen estimated the nearest object to be "a third to half as big again as any star he could see."

Bendigo Hospital Incident (20.5.83)

Radio Announcer Mr. John Davis reported that on May 20, 1983, "about 50 people had climbed on to the roof of the local hospital to look at the object." Subsequent investigation revealed that the witnesses were unwilling to discuss what they saw due to the possibility of being reprimanded for being in a restricted area on the hospital roof. The document notes that the hospital is the tallest building in Bendigo.

Copyright and Publisher Information

The material is copyrighted (C) 1984 by John W. Auchetti and is associated with V.U.F.O.R.S.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this excerpt are UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and photographic evidence (implied by the title). The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and reporting on these phenomena, presenting witness accounts directly and without overt skepticism. The focus is on detailed descriptions of the objects and the experiences of those who observed them.