Australian UFO Bulletin - 1996 03 - March

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Australian U.F.O. Bulletin, dated March 1996, is published by the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society (VUFORS). It features a range of articles and reports on UFO phenomena, government secrecy, and related topics.

Editorial and Society Information

The issue begins with a list of VUFORS office bearers, including President Judith Magee, Vice-President Paul Norman, Secretary Ted Skewes, Treasurer Clive Yates, Minutes Secretary Tony Cook, Membership Secretary Gary Wing, Sighting Investigations Officer Paul Norman, and Photographic Officer George Simpson. The editorial staff includes Judith Magee, Paul Norman, and Tony Cook. An officer, Phil Myers, is also listed.

The "Welcome" section outlines VUFORS's mission to welcome reports of unusual phenomena, evaluate them, and exchange information with similar organizations. It states that the "Australian U.F.O. Bulletin" is posted to all members quarterly. Communications should be addressed to the return address on the bulletin. A copyright notice is included, stating that no part of the publication may be reproduced without written consent. Contributions do not necessarily reflect the policy of VUFORS.

A "Membership Renewal" section advises members to check their address label for their membership status and encourages timely renewal.

Key Articles and Features

Editorial: The GAO Report

This editorial, dated August 9, 1995, discusses the Government Accounting Office (GAO) report on the 1947 Roswell incident. It notes that the eight-page letter and nine appendices found no significant revelations and offered no evidence to support the Air Force's Project Mogul hypothesis. The editorial highlights that the GAO report was objective, unlike the 1994 Air Force report, and admitted complications due to missing records. Most significantly, outgoing messages from Roswell Army Air Field (RAAF) for a specific period were destroyed without authorization, which the editorial suggests is suspicious given the conflicting military stories at the time. The absence of documentation for the 1395th Military Police Company, responsible for guarding debris, is also noted. The GAO report, while not providing definitive answers, raises questions and underscores the need for further investigation. Kent Jeffrey, Coordinator of the International Roswell Initiative, assures readers that efforts will be redoubled to investigate the Roswell case and advocate for more open government policy on UFO phenomena.

Guest Editorial: On The UFO Trail

Paul Norman writes about his experiences and interest in UFO reports, particularly mentioning the Rev. William Gill encounter in New Guinea in June 1959. He notes that this case, involving human-like figures on a craft, influenced his consideration of reports involving entities. Norman recounts how VUFORS facilitated meetings with Rev. Gill and researchers like Professor James McDonald and Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The New Guinea sighting involved mystery lights, a stationary object resembling Venus but much lower, and the appearance of four human-shaped beings. The object was described as having two decks and four legs. The following night, a similar object accompanied by smaller ones, referred to as a 'mother ship,' appeared. The article also mentions other incidents where UFOs have responded to human interaction, such as a researcher using a laser beam in Norway and a member receiving a response to a similar experiment in December 1995. Readers are encouraged to report any similar cases.

The editorial also touches upon the Papua New Guinea case being confirmed by a patrol officer and acknowledges letters and items received from members. It highlights VUFORS as Australia's largest UFO research organization and mentions upcoming guest speakers at quarterly Discussion Nights.

Compelling Evidence

This section reports on two pieces of evidence presented at the Dialog With the Universe Conference in Dusseldorf on October 28, 1995. The first is a videotape of Astronaut Gordon Cooper stating he knew a UFO landed at an airbase and that he sent the film to Washington D.C. The second is a film shown by Italian stigmatic Mr. Bongiovanni, allegedly showing a crashed disc UFO recovered in 1947 from Wright Patterson AFB. The article suggests that these, along with military gun camera films, constitute a vast reservoir of UFO information that should be made public.

Born in World War II: 'The Big Lie'

Written by Ned B. Barnett, this article posits that the government is covering up UFO involvement using techniques refined during World War II to conceal D-Day invasion plans and the ULTRA code. It draws parallels between the deception used to mislead Hitler about the Normandy invasion and the current government stance on UFOs, characterized by the 'Big Lie' (UFOs don't exist) and the use of 'discredited truth.' The article suggests that the Interplanetary Phenomenon Unit (IPU), later evolving into Project Moondust and the 4602nd Air Intelligence Service Squadron, was involved in crash retrieval and concealment. It details how witnesses to UFOs have been harassed and research organizations infiltrated and discredited. Examples include the surfacing of 'MJ-12' documents, the withdrawal of government cooperation from Linda Howe's documentary, the claims of Bob Lazar, and the discrediting of Paul Bennewitz. The author speculates that this active deception plan began in the late 1940s after sightings in Washington state and the Roswell crash.

UFO Potpourri

This section contains several short reports:

• Hale-Bopp, New Comet?: Discusses the discovery of Comet Hale-Bopp in July 1995 and speculation that it might be an artificial structure. It details its characteristics, orbit, and observations from the Hubble Space Telescope, noting a spiral pattern and ejected debris.
• Toutatis Is A Strange Object: Describes the Earth-crossing asteroid Toutatis, noting its irregular shape, complex rotation, and upcoming close approach to Earth on September 29, 2004. It highlights its scientific interest and the estimated population of Earth-crossing asteroids.

Wartime UFOs

This article speculates on why UFOs appear during wartime, suggesting possibilities like the proximity of violent death, raw emotions, and agonizing pain releasing energy of interest to UFO intelligence. It also questions whether alien social scientists are simply observing human behavior. The article notes that such speculations go beyond known facts and that UFO history appears to include strategic secrecy and tactical deceptions related to the UFO phenomenon.

Cylindrical Object Hovering in Glowing Green Haze

A report from Shropshire, England, detailing three police officers seeing a cylindrical object with a glowing green haze over Birmingham on August 24, 1995. Police suggested meteor activity, but an astronomer found no logical explanation.

Soldier Sees a Saucer!

From Adnews, England, this report features soldier Rob Cleverdon's belief that aliens exist and monitor Earth, based on his family's sighting of a saucer over their home two years prior. He claims to possess Ministry of Defense documents confirming an unidentified object but failing to provide an explanation.

Cat Reacts to UFO

A report from Ipswich, England, about Rachel Lowden seeing two large round orange lights hovering over trees, which her cat reacted to.

Cabbies' UFO Shocker

From the Southern Daily Echo, England, this report describes two taxi drivers in Southampton witnessing a mysterious glowing ball of light with a long tail speeding across the sky.

Surgeon, a UFO buff, operated and found...

This article by Steve Chawkins reports on a California surgeon who, fearing ostracization and professional repercussions, operated on two individuals who claimed to be abducted by aliens. The surgeon extracted small, unusual foreign objects from them. These objects, encased in a thick membrane, were found to contain tiny, highly magnetic pieces of a shiny black metal that glowed green under ultraviolet light.

UFOs On The Internet

This section provides information on accessing UFO resources online:

• Introducing the VUFORS Web Site: Details the new VUFORS website at http://www.ozemail.com.au/~vufors, aiming to provide information about the Society and the UFO subject.
• 30th Anniversary of UFO Crash at Kecksburg: Mentions the 1965 Kecksburg crash, where witnesses saw a bright object and later a large, tarp-shrouded object on a military flatbed truck.
• Mars Face - Exploration Priorities: Discusses the debate on the internet regarding NASA's priority for mapping the 'Face on Mars' region with the upcoming Mars Global Surveyor.
• NRO 'misplaces' $2 Billion: Reports that the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) misplaced at least $2 Billion dollars.
• Internet UFO Group: Recommends the website http://users.aol.com/iufog/ for UFO and related subjects.

The UFO Enigma

This article discusses Richard Hoagland's lecture on the 'Moon/Mars Connection,' questioning NASA's policies on space exploration and information dissemination. It highlights Hoagland's findings related to geometric symbols on Mars, including the 'Face on Mars,' and suggests that NASA's Mars Observer probe's failure to photograph these sites might be due to deliberate obstruction. The article also touches upon the unique 'double planetary system' of Earth and Moon and the disappearance of the Clementine Moon Satellite. It mentions the discovery of an equilateral triangle and three bright spots forming a tetrahedron in the Lukert Crater on the Moon, which NASA claims is a natural phenomenon.

Lord Hill-Norton Speaks Again

This piece discusses former Chief of Britain's Defence Staff, Admiral Lord Hill-Norton, speaking out again on UFO matters, particularly the 'Belgian triangle' incident of March 31, 1990. It notes a critical response from The Guardian newspaper, including a vulgar cartoon, which the author contrasts with the perceived 'culture' of the new ruling media class.

Flying Saucer Review

An advertisement for an annual subscription to Flying Saucer Review, with subscription details for the UK and overseas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include government secrecy and deception regarding UFO phenomena, the investigation of historical UFO cases, and the dissemination of information to the public. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for transparency and further investigation into UFOs, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by disinformation and cover-up tactics. The society actively engages with members and promotes research through its publication and online presence.

This issue of the Australian UFO Bulletin, dated November 1, 1995, is Bulletin #4 and focuses heavily on the International Roswell Initiative (IRI) and the ongoing debate surrounding the Santilli film, alongside reports of various UFO sightings.

Progress and Strategy of the International Roswell Initiative (IRI)

The IRI, spearheaded by Kent Jeffrey, is reported to be gaining significant international momentum. Over 20,000 signed Declarations have been collected, including endorsements from scientists, engineers, retired Air Force generals, and former U.S. astronauts. The primary objective of the IRI is to secure an Executive order for a blanket declassification of all government information pertaining to Roswell, UFOs, and extraterrestrial intelligence. Indications suggest strong public support for such transparency. The IRI's strategy has evolved from a one-time delivery of declarations to Congress and the President to an ongoing effort. The revised strategy involves continuously collecting signed Roswell Declarations, storing them in a confidential database, and periodically delivering computerized printouts of signatories, categorized by state and Congressional district, to government officials. The first formal delivery is planned for 1996. Organizations in other countries are also set to deliver lists of their signatories to their respective American embassies.

Volunteer and Media Support

The IRI is described as a grassroots movement, with all work performed by volunteers who cover their own expenses. Volunteers assist by making and distributing Roswell Declarations, and by recording data from signed declarations into the IRI database using their home computers. Packets of 500 declarations and necessary software are provided to volunteers. Media organizations have also contributed, notably 'Omni' magazine for publishing the Roswell Declaration in its October 1994 issue, and 'Sightings' for airing a human-interest story about high school students in Londonderry, New Hampshire, who collected over 800 declarations.

The Santilli Film

The issue expresses strong skepticism regarding the Santilli film, labeling it a "monstrosity" and a "hoax" that overshadows the real Roswell event. The FOX network special 'Alien Autopsy, Fact or Fiction,' aired on August 28, 1995, is criticized for its "cheap hype and irresponsible, so-called journalism," which gave the impression of expert consensus on the film's authenticity. The article contrasts this with a more objective British television production. 'Sightings' is noted for airing an 8 1/2-minute expose on the Santilli film on September 16, 1995. TF1, a French television network, is also conducting a thorough investigation. The author states that inconsistencies and lies surrounding the film make it incomprehensible to objective observers that it could be genuine, and calls statements made by so-called expert witnesses "reprehensible." The author plans a comprehensive follow-up to his earlier bulletin on the Santilli film.

Future Roswell Research

Beyond the political effort, future Roswell research will focus on finding surviving witnesses to the 1947 event and investigating all leads and information sources. The IRI is also establishing an online presence.

The Roswell World Wide Web Page

The IRI's web page is temporarily located at http://users.aol.com/IUFOG. The email contact is [email protected]. A permanent domain address, http://www.roswell.org, is expected by the end of November. The website will allow electronic signing of the Roswell Declaration, potentially increasing signatory numbers. Special reports on the Santilli film and the 1994 Air Force Report on the Roswell Incident will be available online. Regular updates are planned to begin in January 1996.

How Far Is.... Far Out?

This article by Ted Skewes explores the concept of space. It begins with the common understanding of space as a vacuum and then introduces complications based on Einstein's theories, including the concept of space-time being curved by gravity. The expansion of the universe is explained using the analogy of a balloon. Quantum physics is described as depicting space at the sub-sub-atomic level as an energetic 'foam' of virtual particles. String theory is mentioned as postulating ten dimensions of space and one of time, with seven dimensions rolled up into a seven-sphere.

Three Tornadoes Scrambled to Intercept UFO

An article by Anthony James of E.M.U.F.O.R.A. reports on an incident where three RAF jets were scrambled to intercept a UFO buzzing Edinburgh Airport. A pilot claimed the UFO was picked up on radar and seen by ground staff. The pilot stated that the jets could not keep up with the object when it suddenly shot upwards. The incident is described as being subject to a cover-up, with pilots ordered not to speak about it. An insider at Edinburgh Airport confirmed the incident but would not speak on the record. An RAF Leuchars spokesman denied jets were scrambled from there but could not speak for other stations. The report is sourced from The Sun Newspaper, dated November 24, 1995.

Bonnybridge: Britain's UFO Capital

This section details numerous UFO sightings reported in Bonnybridge, Scotland. George Wilson's 1992 sighting of a craft above a country road is cited as a catalyst for local interest. Over 2,000 people have reported sightings, with investigator Malcolm Robertson narrowing down to approximately 250 confirmed cases. Specific incidents include Neil Malcolm seeing a ball of light that lit up his car, Ray and Cathy Procek describing a silent, triangular craft with lights, and Mark Wilson reporting a cigar-shaped craft that kept pace with his car. Gary Wood and Colin Wright reported a black, saucer-shaped UFO in the Peatland Hills.

Local Reported Sightings

This section by Tony James compiles several recent UFO sightings:

• November 2, 1995, Nottingham: A small, cigar-shaped object was spotted by two colleagues in a Royal Mail van.
• November 6, Nottingham: An airship with "Phillips Light Bulbs" written on its sides was seen. Initially mistaken for a UFO, it was later identified as an advertising airship.
• November 15, Lincolnshire: A woman reported seeing two lights join together and then shoot off at high speed, followed by jets.

Black Hole in Our Backyard? Hubble Find Rare in Our Galaxy

This news report from The Toronto Sun (November 9, 1995) discusses a Hubble Space Telescope discovery of either a black hole in our galaxy or thousands of stars rushing toward the core of a globular cluster (M15). The convergence is described as a "runaway collapse." Astronomers are seeking further observation time to determine the cause.

Ohio Mini-Flap 1957

This article, originally from the Cleveland Plain Dealer on November 22, 1957, details a series of UFO sightings in Geauga and Ashtabula Counties, Ohio. Olden Moore reported seeing a large, saucer-shaped UFO with a cone-shaped dome that glowed brightly. His report led to an investigation involving Civil Defense, Army authorities, and scientists from Case Institute of Technology. Geiger counter readings in the field where the object allegedly landed indicated radioactivity. Other reports include a glowing orange object seen by Mrs. E. A. Markell, and a cigar-shaped UFO seen by John Shaffer and Timothy Sadowski. Deputy Sheriff Ray Connor reported seeing an object resembling an open umbrella. Other sightings included a blue-colored object and a reddish spinning object.

Questions and Answers About UFOs

This Q&A section by Lillian Crowner Desguin addresses various UFO-related queries:

• Earliest UFO Description: Mrs. Edna Kaehele of Columbus, Ohio, described a large cigar-shaped ship with a ramp and visible movement inside, seen in the late summer or early fall of 1945. She later received a letter from someone claiming to be "Ashtar," captain of the ship, stating she was chosen to see how she would react to such a sighting. Her experience was later corroborated by a man who saw a similar object at the same time and location.
• Edna's Cancer Diagnosis: Edna was diagnosed with terminal cancer but lived for another twenty years after her experience.

U.S. Navy Support of UFO Research

This section by William E. Jones and Dr. Irena Scott introduces Luke Laprad, a former U.S. Navy aircraft navigator from the late 1940s to early 1950s. Laprad's unit flew secret over-flight missions into the Soviet Union. A secondary purpose of his unit was to assist indigenous personnel in conducting UFO investigations, particularly in South America. Laprad's team acted as "truck drivers" for investigators, flying them to report locations. The collected reports were classified "secret" and sent back to the Pentagon via Oslo, Norway, for "diplomatic purposes." Laprad admitted that details might still be classified and that he did not learn much about the reports due to language barriers.

UFOs: Do You Believe?

This article explores the common questions surrounding UFO existence and origin. It notes the increasing interest in UFOs, fueled by movies and sightings. Bruce Cuming of Lightning Ridge UFOwatch shares his experience of seeing eight UFOs and collecting over 50 interview reports. Ray Wixted believes aliens have already landed and that more will arrive before the year 2000, suggesting government cover-ups have prevented the public from knowing the truth.

UFO Newsclipping Service

This section provides information on the UFO Newsclipping Service, which offers reports on UFO sightings, photographic cases, and landing reports. It also lists items for sale, including VUFORS lapel badges and pens, and back issues of 'The Australian UFO Bulletin.' A VUFORS Sightings Hotline is also announced.

UFO Potpourri

• Did the STS-73 Astronauts See a UFO?: This report from 'THE UFO ENIGMA' suggests that a female astronaut aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia may have stated, "We have an Unidentified Flying Object." The event occurred on October 22, at 2:06 a.m. The article speculates whether the crew saw a UFO and switched to a secure downlink to discuss it.
• Military Chief Backs UFO Alert Claim: A report from the Daily Express (September 5, 1995) states that a high-ranking British military officer is backing a claim that the government is concealing evidence of an unidentified flying object tracked by radar. Derek Sheffield's upcoming book details an incident on March 30, 1990, where four Nato radar stations tracked a triangular craft. Admiral of the Fleet Lord Hill Norton supports the claim, stating that the UK air defence organization would have been automatically alerted.
• UFO Expert Tips off X Files: Stanton Friedman, a U.S. nuclear physicist, has provided occasional tips to 'The X Files' TV series, helping to make stories more believable. He discusses his work, including the alleged flying saucer crash near Roswell.

Discussion Night

Announcements for upcoming "Discussion Nights" organized by the International Committee for U.F.O. Research and V.U.F.O.R.S. are included, with dates, times, locations, and entry fees.

Society History

This section provides a history of Victorian UFO research groups, starting with the "Australian Flying Saucer Bureau" in the early 1950s, followed by the "Australian Flying Saucer Research Society" and the "Victorian U.F.O. Research Society." It mentions the society's publications, regular meetings, and its role in maintaining the largest UFO library in the Southern Hemisphere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing efforts for UFO disclosure through initiatives like the IRI, the critical examination and debunking of alleged UFO evidence such as the Santilli film, and the reporting of numerous UFO sightings from various locations. The editorial stance is generally skeptical of sensational claims like the Santilli film, while remaining open to the possibility of genuine UFO phenomena and advocating for transparency and further research. There is a strong emphasis on grassroots efforts and volunteer contributions to the field.