Australian UFO Bulletin - 1987 09 - September

Magazine Overview

Title: The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin
Issue Date: September 1987
Publisher: The Victorian U.F.O. Research Society
Country of Publication: Australia
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, dated September 1987, presents a mix of news, historical accounts, and editorial commentary on UFO phenomena. It highlights a significant report on alleged US government involvement with alien bodies and features a review of a book concerning the mysterious disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich. The publication also delves into the history of UFO research in Australia and the editorial stance on current media trends.

Key Articles and Features

US Studied Four Dead Aliens: Report

This lead article, sourced from The London Observer, details a report based on top-secret documents that claim a US team recovered and examined the bodies of four aliens from a crashed UFO approximately 40 years prior (around 1947). The documents reportedly mention a committee codenamed 'Majestic-12' (MJ-12) involved in the recovery and subsequent cover-up. Admiral Roscoe Hillenkoetter, then head of the CIA, is quoted as reporting that the creatures were biologically and evolutionarily different from humans. The article notes that while inquiries could not fully authenticate the document, evidence supporting the existence of the MJ-12 committee was found. It also mentions that disc-shaped aircraft were sighted in the US on June 24, 1947, and that a rancher reported a crash in New Mexico. A secret operation began on July 7, 1947, to recover the wreckage, during which four human-like beings were discovered to have ejected from the craft before it exploded.

Book Review: "Melbourne Episode? Case Study of a Missing Pilot"

This section reviews Dr. Richard F. Haines' book about the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich. The reviewer, Paul B. Norman, acknowledges the difficulty of the case, calling it the greatest mystery in Australian aviation history. He notes that the author, Dr. Haines, is a brave scientist for tackling the subject. The review highlights that the author was geographically distant from the event and that the book contains 'padding and many loopholes.' It recounts witness reports of a large yellow light and smaller lights near Bass Strait around the time of Valentich's disappearance, and discusses the conflicting media reports and investigations that followed. The review also touches upon the possibility of advanced weapons testing at Pine Gap being involved, a theory the reviewer disagrees with, citing personal investigations in Alice Springs that yielded no corroborating evidence. Despite questioning some of Haines' scenarios, the reviewer concludes that the UFO experience itself could be a reality and recommends the book.

Society History

This section provides a brief history of the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society. It traces the origins of UFO groups in Australia back to the early 1950s with the 'Australian Flying Saucer Bureau' and the 'Australian Flying Saucer Research Society.' The Victorian branch was formed in 1957 and evolved through name changes to become the 'Victorian U.F.O. Research Society' in 1968. The society has published various papers, including the 'Australian Flying Saucer Review' and the 'Australian U.F.O. Bulletin,' and previously sponsored a radio program. It emphasizes its dispassionate, scientific approach to UFOs, its extensive library, and its open membership policy.

Editorial: Media Upswing and the Nature of UFOlogy

The editorial notes a current surge in media interest in UFOs, leading to increased book publications and media coverage. However, it expresses concern that this attention is not matched by a corresponding increase in actual sightings. The editorial suggests that the current media fascination is driven by 'American culture' and the popularity of authors like Whitley Strieber, whose book 'Communion' has achieved significant success by focusing on the more sensational aspects of UFO phenomena, such as abductions. The editorial decries a 'trendiness' that might make UFOlogy one-dimensional and risks alienating interest in other aspects of the subject. It encourages research into all areas of UFOlogy, not just those currently popular.

Other Content

The issue also includes a table of contents listing articles such as 'World news on the MJ12 Papers,' 'Confirmation of the MJ12 By Just Cause,' and 'Air Controller confirms UFO had been trailing JAL JUMBO JET.' Subscription rates for the V.U.F.O.R.S. are provided, along with contact information for the society. A 'Prewarning' announces an upcoming increase in membership costs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly the alleged government involvement in the recovery and study of alien entities (MJ-12) and the enduring mystery of the Frederick Valentich case. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of scientific inquiry and a critical approach to media sensationalism. The editorial stance advocates for comprehensive research into all facets of UFOlogy, cautioning against a narrow focus on popular topics like abductions, and highlights the society's role as a repository of information and a facilitator of research in the Southern Hemisphere. The publication also reflects on the challenges of UFO research, including media bias and the difficulty of authenticating documents.

Title: JUST CAUSE
Issue: Number 12
Date: June 1987
Publisher: Lawrence Fawcett
Editor: Barry Greenwood
Country: USA
Price: 4 issues-$10 ($15 foreign)

This issue of 'Just Cause' focuses heavily on the alleged existence and activities of a secret government committee known as Majestic 12 (MJ-12), purportedly established to investigate and cover up UFO incidents, particularly the 1947 Roswell crash.

Aliens from UFO, Top-Secret Papers Claim

The lead article, sourced from The Observer newspaper, details claims that the bodies of four aliens from a UFO that crashed in the US 40 years ago were recovered and examined by a special government team. This information is reportedly based on top-secret documents obtained by a British researcher. The documents suggest that Admiral Roscoe Hillenkoetter, then head of the CIA, reported that the creatures were 'human-like' but biologically and evolutionarily different from humans. The document purports to be a briefing paper for President-elect Eisenhower on 'Operation Majestic 12' or 'MJ 12'.

Timothy Good, a leading British UFO researcher, is cited as claiming in his book 'Above Top Secret: The Worldwide UFO Cover-up' that MJ-12 was a committee of senior US officials who investigated and covered up flying saucer crashes. However, some UFO experts believe the story could be a hoax, possibly involving the planting of a separate White House memo in Air Force Intelligence files to support the briefing paper. The Observer's inquiries could not authenticate the document, but found evidence to support the existence of the MJ-12 committee. Barry Greenwood, an American UFO writer, suggests the memo and briefing paper could be part of a sophisticated fraud, noting inconsistencies like the unsigned nature of the White House memo.

Secret Report Tells of Dead 'Aliens'

This article, from The Telegraph, reiterates the claims from The Observer regarding the recovery of four alien bodies from a crashed UFO 40 years ago. It highlights the briefing paper for President-elect Eisenhower on Operation Majestic 12 (MJ-12). Timothy Good's book is again mentioned, along with the possibility of the story being a hoax. The report notes that on June 24, 1947, disc-shaped aircraft were sighted in the US, with one apparently crashing in New Mexico, resulting in the death of its four occupants.

Confirmation of MJ-12?

This article from 'Just Cause' itself discusses the 'Cutler memo', reproduced in the CAUS Bulletin, which is presented as positive proof of MJ-12's existence. The memo, unearthed by William Moore, is described as not being overtly dramatic, with no mention of UFOs, but it does reference General Nathan Twining, who was reportedly an MJ-12 member. The date of the memo suggests MJ-12's activities extended beyond the initial Roswell incident. The article notes that the memo connects MJ-12 to the National Security Council (NSC). It recounts an incident where an NSC representative, Colonel Douglas, visited CNN but later denied the event. The authors express doubts about the Cutler memo's authenticity, questioning the security slip that allowed its discovery in the National Archives and the lack of other related documents. CAUS associate Robert Todd is mentioned as learning that the National Archives itself is questioning the document's authenticity due to format flaws, misplacement of security markings, and a mixture of classification degrees. The article concludes that while they wish to believe the information, facts dictate their decisions, and they are not ready to endorse the Cutler memo as genuine until all questions are answered.

UFOs in Gippsland... Believe It or Not!

This article from the Morwell Express by John Wells documents numerous UFO sightings in the Gippsland region of Australia. It lists several well-documented reports, including:

• Bairnsdale, April 13, 1964: A vivid blue flash and a blue and orange light spiraling down and up, observed for half an hour.
• Dalyston, November 8, 1963: An orange glow that moved and was followed.
• Drouin South, September 1968: A strange object with no lights but surrounded by blue and yellow vapor.
• Ferntree Gully, January 1968: Stationary lights seen below the moon.
• Hallam, June 12, 1964: A large red light in the sky, described as a craft shaped like a coin with a dome.
• Hallam, March 5, 1967: A silver disk seen circling a paddock, with photographs taken.

The article also mentions sightings in Korumburra, Leongatha, Moe, Wonthaggi, and Narre Warren, noting that many people are reluctant to report sightings for fear of ridicule. It highlights the Vallentich mystery and mentions reports from people who wish to remain anonymous.

Air Controller Confirms UFO Had Been Trailing Jumbo Jet

This report from the Evening Observer details an incident on November 17, 1986, where the crew of Japan Air Lines Flight 1628 reported seeing white and yellow lights trailing their Boeing 747 near the Arctic Circle. An air controller confirmed that radar showed a mysterious object following the flight. The FAA initially confirmed radar tracking but later stated it was a mistake. However, the controller's report indicated an object stayed near the JAL jet despite FAA-approved maneuvers, at times as close as 5 miles. The object was described as 'quite big' and descending. While the FAA drew no conclusion, the incident involved multiple sightings and radar confirmations.

UFOs 'buzzed bases'

This article from The Sun reports that unidentified flying objects (UFOs) have been seen swooping over US military bases, causing concern within the Defence Department, according to government documents released by UFO researchers. The documents, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, include a US Air Force document from 1980 describing the sighting of an 'unidentified light in the air' by three guards at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. The object was described as travelling with great speed, stopping suddenly, and then leaving vertically at high speed. The article also mentions a purported secret briefing prepared for President-elect Dwight Eisenhower in 1952, claiming a UFO crashed in New Mexico in June 1947, with four small, 'human-like' occupants ejected before it exploded. The article touches on claims of alien abductions, with Bud Hopkins interviewed about his research into 'abductees'.

UFO lights up the life of tax man

This report from the Melbourne Herald describes tax man Eric Risstrom seeing two large yellow objects hovering in the sky east of his North Balwyn home. He described them as metallic shaft-like UFOs, five miles apart, rotating in unison. He was certain they were not the sun or vapor trails. His wife Joyce confirmed the sighting. Local police and the H.V. McKay Planetarium reported no other UFO sightings. The planetarium director suggested it could be atmospheric conditions, but Mr Risstrom's report was treated as legitimate.

Sacked 'UFO' teacher appeals

This article from The Herald reports on John Connaughton, an Adelaide school teacher, appealing his dismissal from Smithfield Plains High School for discussing UFOs with his students. Connaughton claims he was wrongfully dismissed and that his interest in UFOs was used as an excuse. He had reportedly told staff and students he had been in contact with beings from outer space and that his life was threatened by a secret police force. He was a member of the UFO Society, and the article notes that a belief in UFOs does not mean a person is crazy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the alleged existence of a secret government committee (MJ-12) involved in UFO cover-ups, the recovery of alien bodies from a crashed UFO, and numerous UFO sightings reported globally. The editorial stance, particularly in the 'Just Cause' article, is one of cautious skepticism regarding the authenticity of some documents, emphasizing the need for factual verification before endorsing claims. There is a clear interest in investigating and reporting on UFO phenomena, but with an underlying concern for accuracy and the potential for hoaxes or misinformation.