Awareness - 1970 - 03 - March

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Issue: March 1970 (Extra Volume)
Publisher: Contact (U.K.)
Type: Magazine

This issue of "Awareness", subtitled "The Journal of Contact (U.K.)", dated March 1970, focuses on the international activities and reach of the "Contact" organization. The cover features the magazine's title prominently, with a logo and an image of a galaxy. The content highlights the global expansion of "Contact" and details specific UFO sightings and research efforts.

The International Scene

Brinsley Le Poer Trench, International Chairman of Contact, reports on the organization's global presence. "Contact" is operating in twenty-two countries, with plans to expand into Israel, Australia, and Yugoslavia. Despite initial "teething troubles" such as members leaving due to illness or lack of interest, the organization is growing steadily. The United Kingdom, South Africa, and Pakistan have the largest memberships, followed by Norway and Puerto Rico. The UK branch, "Contact (U.K.)", has approximately 400 members and has elected a new national chairman, Mr. F.W. Passey, who has introduced beneficial ideas. Derek Mansell is noted for his work in building Contact (U.K.)'s reputation in UFO research, assisted by a team of scientists. Anne Patterson is organizing London meetings, and contributions from committee members Doris Cropper, David Lloyd, and Adrian Turner are acknowledged. Silvia Staples has resigned from the committee due to unpredictable work hours but continues to assist with correspondence.

Contact (South Africa) has four branches and maintains liaison with the international chairman. Mr. J.H. Elliot serves as National Chairman, and Mrs. Evelyn von Vloten as Hon. Secretary. The organization has between 300-400 members and a working arrangement with the South African Air Force for UFO information exchange. Pakistan's organization is believed to be well-knit, largely due to the efforts of M.Habibullah Bahar. Norway has three active members: Nils Jacob Jacobsen, Knut Aasheim, and Sverre Wiseth, who run a group called UFO-INFORMASJON and participate in Contact. Puerto Rico, an autonomous member country, has over 100 members, with Noel E. Rigau as the representative. Rigau has consolidated three separate UFO groups on the island and has been active in TV and radio programs. He also participated in a skywatch on Mona Island, discovering interesting lines on its surface possibly related to "Leys".

Professor Richard A. Frondizi is the international committee member for Argentina and is researching possible UFO bases in the Salta area and near Lake Titicaca. Mrs. Carol Halford-Watkins is welcomed as the new international committee member for Canada, taking over from Jim Deacove. Carol is also the Hon. Secretary of the Ottawa New Sciences Club and editor of the UFO magazine "Topside", which will now include "and Contact (Canada)" in its name, providing publicity for the organization.

In Fiji Islands, Yugeshwar Prakash has gathered about twenty-five members and is working to build up Contact (Fiji). Like many other countries, they face a shortage of material such as books and photographs. The article suggests that UK, South Africa, and Canada could send copies of their magazines free of charge to other member countries. Yugeshwar has also proposed a UFO course for members, a concept also suggested by UK school teachers, which could be introduced into school curriculums.

Italy is a new member country, with Dr. Alberto Perego organizing Contact (Italy). He is the author of several UFO books and recently wrote a paper titled "Forty Flying Saucers in a Cross over the Vatican City", published in this issue.

Mexico has an active group under Ian Norrie, an Englishman living there. Attempts to establish Contact (U.S.A.) have faced difficulties, with Timothy Green Beckley, Don Karr, and Madoline Teagle trying to form a group. The Philippines has Mr. N.A. Villarruz recently starting Contact, focusing on building a strong foundation. New Zealand is also a new member country, with P.R. Austin confident of forming a successful group. Tasmania is being organized by Alwyn Bird, who is exchanging information with Derek Mansell of Contact (U.K.). The importance of constant contact between member countries and the international committee is stressed.

Czechoslovakia's Ivo Brodsky has been silent, possibly due to the political situation. Belgium has welcomed Comtesse R. d'Oultremont as its international committee member, assisted by young flying saucer enthusiasts. In Colombia, Albert Ron is building a group of dedicated young people for Contact. Ceylon, Holland, and Sweden have representatives but have seen little progress due to lack of interest. Cyprus is the newest member country, with Mr. Coudounaris.

The article concludes by acknowledging the uphill struggle but noting good progress and spreading of wings. An international magazine for Contact is proposed, requiring financial support. In the interim, an international newsletter will be circulated to international committee members. The issue announces the launch of Contact (Australia), bringing the total number of member countries to 23.

Forty Flying Saucers in a "Cross" Formation Over the Vatican City

This section features a letter to all UFO researchers by Dr. Alberto Perego, Director of the Italian Centre for Electromagnetic Aviation of Rome and Chairman of Contact (Italy). Perego criticizes the Condon Commission's conclusions and presents the Rome sighting of November 6th and 7th, 1954, as evidence of extraterrestrial origin and non-hostility.

On November 6th, 1954, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Perego observed about one hundred flying saucers over Rome. At noon, forty of them formed an enormous "cross" over the Vatican City. The following day, about fifty UFOs were seen for two and a half hours. Perego reported this to Italian authorities and the American Embassy, receiving acknowledgments from Italian Minister Martino and General Grunter, Supreme Commander of NATO.

Perego began an investigation, traveling extensively and meeting hundreds of witnesses. He founded the "Italian Centre for Electromagnetic Aviation" and wrote three books on the subject. He initially believed UFOs were secret experiments of the Great Powers but changed his view after a "wave" of sightings reported in France and Italy in August and September 1954, including a "cigar-shaped craft" over Rome. On October 30th, 1954, he observed two "white spots" moving in opposite directions over Rome, which he perceived as aircraft.

On November 6th, 1954, at 10:45 p.m., he witnessed "white spots" again. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the next day, he observed dozens of flying machines at altitudes of 7-8000 meters, flying at speeds up to 1200-1400 km/h. These machines appeared as "white spots," sometimes with a short trail, forming squadrons of 4, 7, 12, or regular "lozenges" and "V" shapes. At 12:00, he saw a large formation of 20 machines forming a "V", and another identical formation approaching from the opposite direction. These converged to form a perfect "Greek cross" of 40 machines over the Vatican City, which lasted less than a minute before breaking up.

A large bluish shadow was observed, followed by another shadow ten minutes later, with objects concentrating and forming squadrons. Perego estimated about one hundred objects in total. He described a strange, filamentous, shining material that fell from the sky, resembling Christmas tree filaments but thinner and longer, which evaporated after some hours.

On November 7th, 1954, Perego was surprised that newspapers had not reported the previous day's events. He contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other officials, finding no one informed. He returned to the observation site and saw machines again for two and a half hours. On this day, there were fewer objects, with the largest formation numbering 12 machines. They performed reconnaissance over different sections of Rome, assembling five times at intervals of about 10 minutes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the global expansion and organization of UFO research groups under the "Contact" umbrella, the sharing of information and resources between these groups, and the detailed reporting of specific UFO sightings. The editorial stance, as expressed by Brinsley Le Poer Trench and Dr. Alberto Perego, is one of active engagement in UFO research, a belief in the extraterrestrial nature of many sightings, and a desire to foster a cohesive international network for the study of these phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of communication and collaboration among member countries and researchers worldwide.

This issue of 'Contact' magazine delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, personal experiences, and scientific speculation. It features detailed accounts of sightings, discussions on potential origins, and broader implications for humanity.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The magazine begins with a detailed personal account of UFO sightings over Rome in early November 1954. The author describes observing formations of objects flying in regular patterns, sometimes concealed by a bluish cloud. These "concentrations" occurred over specific zones of Rome. The author notes the presence of "shining filaments" falling from the sky. Subsequent investigations reveal that radar was not operational on the days of the most significant sightings (November 6th and 7th), explaining why these phenomena were not captured by official monitoring.

Further reports mention a flying saucer landing at Nuoro, Sardinia, on November 4th, 1954, departing with a "light hiss." The author also references press reports from "Il Messaggero" about mysterious squadrons and "white spots" seen in England, including London, during the preceding days.

Interviews with officials, including the Chief of the Cabinet of the Defence Ministry and the Chief of Cabinet for Foreign Affairs, indicate a lack of official knowledge or surprise from the military authorities regarding these events. General de Vincenti, Commander of the Territorial Air Defence, confirmed that radar was typically only active in specific zones and not continuously monitoring the entire area.

The issue also touches upon international sightings, noting press reports of "flying saucers" seen in Chile, Peru, Brazil, Malaya, and Yugoslavia in November 1955. A specific report from June 25th, 1952, details an object of 25-30 meters, aluminium-colored, travelling at 10-15 Km/per hour in Myrenon.

Contactee Accounts and Theories

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the experiences and theories of UFO contactees, with a particular focus on George Adamski. Adamski, described as a philosopher and student of telepathy, claimed contact with Venusians in 1952. His story, co-authored with Desmond Leslie in "Flying Saucers Have Landed," is presented as a well-known account. The magazine discusses Adamski's "beyond the Nuts and Bolts" approach, emphasizing an open-minded perspective on the universe and the unknown.

The text questions the nature of Adamski's contact, suggesting it might have been a way to address fundamental questions about civilization's breakdown or perhaps a more profound philosophical insight than Adamski himself realized. The magazine also mentions other claimed contactees and their books, noting the scarcity of interviews and lectures on the subject.

Time Travel Speculation

David Lloyd's article, "A LONG TIME AGO," explores the concept of time travel as a potential means for humanity to escape its self-destructive tendencies. The author posits that advanced civilizations might have developed time travel to reach other planets or understand societal collapse. The article speculates on the nature of time machines and the experience of observing them, suggesting that time travelers might appear to come from other planets.

Solar Radiation and Health

Jimmy Goddard's article, "HARMFUL ASPECTS OF SOLAR RADIATION," examines the potential negative effects of the Sun's radiation on human health. While acknowledging the Sun's necessity for life, Goddard highlights evidence suggesting that harmful rays can penetrate the atmosphere. He describes personal experiences of feeling tension and depression, particularly during mid-summer, and contrasts this with feelings of calm in mid-winter. The article suggests that solar radiation might influence health variations, contribute to cancer, and affect longevity. It draws parallels with the "season of goodwill" around the winter solstice and discusses the potential impact of excessive solar radiation on populations in hot climates. The author also briefly touches upon other radiation sources, such as domestic television sets.

Poetry and Community Notices

The magazine includes a poetry section with a piece titled "ON THE HILL" by David Brophy, which appears to be a spiritual reflection. The "NOTICE BOARD" section provides information on upcoming meetings and events for "Contact" members, including talks by Rex Dutta and Mrs. Jacqueline Thorburn, and details about the Annual General Meeting. It also outlines plans for an "International Flying Saucer Sighting Day" and a "Telepathic Experiment" involving members.

UFO Reports

A small section presents "UFO REPORTS," featuring older reports that have recently come to light, sent from U.F.O Information in Oslo, Norway. One report details an object seen on June 25th, 1952, in Myrenon, described as 25-30 meters in size, aluminium-colored, and travelling at 10-15 Km/per hour.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'Contact' magazine consistently explores the unexplained and the potential for advanced phenomena, whether extraterrestrial or related to natural forces like solar radiation. There is a strong emphasis on personal observation, anecdotal evidence, and speculative inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging members to share their views and contribute to the organization's understanding of UFOs and related subjects. The magazine promotes a proactive approach to research, including skywatches and telepathic experiments, fostering a sense of community among those interested in these topics.

This issue of CONTACT magazine, dated from November 1957 to January 1970, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and the establishment of a new research initiative. The primary content includes a detailed "UFO Register" section, which documents numerous witness accounts of unidentified flying objects from various locations, primarily in Europe. Alongside these reports, the magazine also provides extensive lists of satellite re-entries, detailing their catalog numbers, sources, names, and estimated decay dates from late 1969 into early 1970.

UFO Sightings Reports

The "UFO Register" section presents a chronological compilation of UFO sightings, starting with an event in Bergen in November 1957, where a witness named Dag Hundvin described a massive, blue-white-green object traveling in an arch over houses, estimated to be about 7 meters across and appearing like flames. Subsequent reports detail sightings in Goteborg, Sweden, in September 1966, involving an object observed through a telescope with its nose pointing downwards. In November 1966, an event in Holland described orange-colored objects dropping in a falling-leaf motion, followed by another object rising and disappearing south. A sighting in Goteborg on April 25th, 1967, reported an object changing color from red and blinking, identified as an Adamski type.

Further reports include an object observed in Eidsvoll, Norway, between November 25th and 27th, 1968, which moved slowly, stopped, and hovered, described as soundless and larger than an airliner. In Oslo on December 26th, 1968, Mrs. Dagmar Fjeld witnessed an object that changed shape and emitted flashes of light, appearing as a cigar-shaped object with luminous spheres. A sighting in Eidsvoll on January 10th, 1969, described an object moving silently with a pulsating motion, appearing orange and garden table-sized when viewed through binoculars.

Local reports include an incident in Coventry in November 1969, where Mr. J. Brandon saw an object shaped like an Arabian sword, followed by a circular object. In Kenilworth on December 8th, 1969, Mr. S. Butler and two others observed a longish, silverish object that changed brightness. A significant report from the Isle of Man on December 12th, 1969, details colored lights and an object described as dartboard-sized and shaped like a threepence, observed by multiple witnesses. Finally, Miss M.S. Allen reported a circular, bright white object moving erratically near Benfleet on December 20th or 21st, 1969.

Satellite Re-entries

The magazine includes extensive tables listing satellites that have re-entered Earth's atmosphere. These lists, spanning from late 1969 to early 1970, provide catalog numbers, satellite names (e.g., Cosmos, Intelsat, Intercosmos, Meteor), their sources (USSR or US), and the estimated dates of their decay. These tables are presented across several pages, indicating a significant effort to track and document orbital debris.

UFO Research Initiative

The issue announces the formation and operational status of a research section within CONTACT, which became fully operational on January 11th, 1970. This section is dedicated to systematically recording, analyzing, and classifying factual information from UFO reports. The results will be published twice yearly in a new publication called the "UFO Register." The first issue is expected in June 1970, with subsequent issues appearing at six-month intervals. The research is based at 75 Norreys Road, Cumnor, England, and the organization is building a reference library of books, press-cuttings, films, photographs, and tape-recordings.

The personnel involved in this research program are listed: Mr. D.N. Mansell (propulsion and classification), Mr. F. Passey (observer reliability), Mr. A Turner (weather evaluation), Mr. J.B. Delair (distributional patterns and historical backlogging, general editorship), and Mr. R. Underwood (performance characteristics and UFO behavior). Mr. Mansell will manage the library and correspondence, while Mr. Delair will oversee the general editorship.

The organization plans to address historical UFO sightings as backlog and evaluation are completed, comparing them with recent sightings and publishing trends in tables and graphs. Copies of the "UFO Register" will be sold at 3/-d each, postage included, with anticipated international sales aiming to establish CONTACT as a leading UFO research organization.

The magazine also appeals for donations of UFO reports, books, press-cuttings, tape-recordings, photographs, or films, assuring that all contributions will be appreciated and acknowledged.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed documentation of UFO sightings and the systematic approach to UFO research. The editorial stance is one of serious investigation and data collection, aiming to establish a comprehensive archive and publication for UFO-related phenomena. The magazine emphasizes factual reporting and analysis, as evidenced by the detailed witness accounts and the structured approach to the new "UFO Register" publication. The inclusion of satellite re-entry data suggests an interest in distinguishing between known and unknown aerial phenomena.