Awareness - 1971 - 06 - June

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Subtitle: THE JOURNAL OF CONTACT (U.K.)
Issue Date: June 1971
Publisher: Contact (U.K.)

This issue of Awareness magazine focuses on the evolving landscape of ufology, particularly concerning the perceived decline in UFO sightings in the UK and the increasing scientific credibility of the subject. It features an editorial, several articles, and book reviews.

Editorial: THANK YOU Dr. CONDON.

The editorial highlights a significant decrease in UFO activity in the UK, noting only occasional, low-value observations. It speculates whether this is a lull before a predicted 'flap' in October 1972. More importantly, the editorial emphasizes the growing acceptance of UFO phenomena within the scientific community, citing the 'UFO Symposium' by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in late 1969 and a session by the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics in January 1970. These events involved prominent scientists and researchers. The editorial posits that Dr. Condon's involvement, despite the controversial Condon Report, inadvertently lent credibility to UFO research, breaking a cycle of ridicule and allowing for more serious investigation. The report itself is characterized as a 'red herring' that ultimately served the cause of research.

Article: SHADOW OF DOUBT by David G. Guyatt

This article scrutinizes the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) analysis of UFO observations in the United Kingdom, suggesting it has been inadequate. The author compares the MOD's survey data with that of the UFO Register (UFOR), particularly regarding the 1967 'flap'. A significant discrepancy is noted: the MOD recorded only 362 cases, with 46 unexplained, while the UFOR documented 1873 cases, with 541 unexplained. This differential suggests the MOD has a lack of initiative in collecting reports and may be misleading in its conclusions. The article questions the MOD's methodology, especially its categorization of phenomena, and points to a statement by Mr. Merlyn Rees, Under Secretary of State for Defence, who attributed many sightings to Venus or aircraft, while admitting some lights could not be identified but were not 'alien objects'. The author argues that the MOD's focus appears to be on public relations rather than objective study, as their analysis does not resemble the more thorough 'Data Research' or the extensive scope of the UFOR programme.

Article: Operation Trojan Horse by John A. Keel (review by J.B. Delair)

This section reviews John A. Keel's book, 'Operation Trojan Horse: An Exhaustive Study of Unidentified Flying Objects'. The reviewer notes that while much of the content may be familiar to ufologists from Keel's previous articles, the book brings them together coherently with new data, making it a landmark in UFO literature. Key aspects highlighted include the peculiarity of high UFO activity occurring on Wednesdays, the time scale factor, localized sighting periodicity, and connections between UFOs and 'elementals'. The review also mentions the book's discussion of early UFO 'waves' in 1896-7 and 1909, and 'mystery aeroplanes' in the 1930s. Keel's theory that UFOs and their creators emanate from another dimension, possibly engaging in deception, is discussed, along with the implications of entities possessing knowledge of individuals' pasts. The reviewer commends Keel for addressing the difficulties and dangers faced by ufologists.

Book Reviews

INVISIBLE RESIDENTS. by Ivan T. Sanderson.

This book, published by The World Publishing Co, New York, is reviewed by Brinsley Le Poer Trench. It is described as an expensive but worthwhile read for UK residents. Sanderson, a former member of British Naval Intelligence and a naturalist with degrees in Botany, Geology, and Zoology, proposes two main themes: an ancient underwater civilization and the nature of the 'Bermuda Triangle'. He suggests the Triangle is actually lozenge-shaped and identifies other similar areas globally where strange events occur. The review recommends the book for its insights and appendices.

PASSPORT TO MAGONIA, by Jacques Vallee.

Reviewed by the magazine, this book by Jacques Vallee is published by Neville Spearman, London. Vallee, a consultant on NASA's 'Mars Map' project, is known for previous works like 'Anatomy of a Phenomenon'. This new book is described as a departure from his earlier, more analytical style, delving into folklore, fairies, and 'little people'. The reviewer finds it fascinating and warm, presenting new ideas on UFO origins based on folklore and historical accounts. The book is well-researched and contains reference notes, making it a valuable addition to a UFO library.

MYSTERIOUS FIRES AND LIGHTS, by Vincent H. Gaddis.

Published by Bell Publishing Co. Inc., New York, this paperback is presented as a fantastic resource for ufologists. Gaddis postulates that 'foo fighters' from World War II might have been living creatures. The book covers mysterious fires, human torches, and balls of light, including a chapter on fire-walkers and poltergeist incendiaries. The reviewer's main criticism is the lack of an index, which is considered a significant omission given the book's wealth of UFO incidents and material.

Other Content

The issue also includes sections such as 'Contact (UK)', 'Accounts', 'Book Reviews', 'Pen Pals', 'Notice Board', 'Special Offer', 'Gossip Col.', 'Data Res.', 'Ufo Reports', and 'Satellite Re-Entries'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the state of UFO research, the growing scientific acceptance of the phenomenon, and critical analysis of official government reports versus independent investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for serious, objective UFO research, critical of official dismissals, and supportive of organizations like Contact (U.K.) that strive for thoroughness. There is a clear emphasis on comparing data from different sources and questioning the validity of conclusions drawn from limited or biased investigations.

This issue of CONTACT (U.K.) magazine, dated March 1971, is primarily focused on the challenges and integrity within the field of ufology. The issue features articles discussing the importance of truth and trust, the prevalence of false reports, and detailed accounts of recent aerial phenomena sightings.

The Consequences of Bearing False Witness

This lead article by David T. Prockter, Editor of U.F.O. News, addresses the critical need for truth and trust in ufology. Prockter argues that the field is plagued by lies and deceit, making it difficult to discern genuine evidence from fabricated accounts. He emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding changes in ufology and the need to accept or reject information critically. The article highlights the statement, 'THERE ARE AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF LIARS IN UFOLOGY,' and laments the difficulty in distinguishing honest witnesses from those who are not. Prockter points out that many potentially valid ideas are rejected due to this pervasive dishonesty. He expresses the organization's patient efforts to understand the purpose and origin of UFOs, but notes that this task is hampered by deliberately falsified reports and misinterpretations of phenomena like temperature inversions, weather balloons, satellites, birds, fireflies, kites, and hallucinations. Prockter also voices his opposition to the computerization of UFO reports, arguing that it would be ineffective without a reliable method to sort authentic reports from faulty or fabricated ones. He suggests that the reliability of witnesses cannot be solely depended upon, and that their motivations for reporting should be considered. Ultimately, Prockter concludes that truth and trust are essential for the survival of ufology.

A REPORT ON RECENT, UNUSUAL AERIAL PHENOMENON, OVER AND NEAR COVENTRY.

This article by R.W. Tibbetts categorizes recent unusual aerial sightings into two groups: those believed to be the result of a meteorite shower and those attributed to UFO activity. The author speculates that the UFO sightings might be connected to the meteorite events.

Meteorite Shower / Satellite Re-entry

On February 18th at 8 p.m., a ball of fire with a brilliant blue flame was observed traversing the sky from the North. An official from Elmdon (Birmingham) Airport suggested it was a satellite burning up on re-entry. Another theory, proposed by local expert Mr. M. Jones, suggested it was a meteorite that fell near Coventry. Two witnesses, Lionel Hunt and Jim Corcoran, reported seeing a vivid blue-white light with a long trail making a descending arc, possibly landing North of Coventry around 7:15 p.m. Mr. Jones, a spokesman for the Leicester Museum, stated that evidence from 26 witnesses suggested the object landed within a 10-mile radius of Nuneaton and might have landed intact. Another mysterious light was seen on March 2nd by two men in Eastern Green, Coventry, described as very bright with a greenish light behind it, moving horizontally.

Mr. H.G. Miles, director of the artificial satellites section of the British Astronomical Association, is investigating an object sighted at Arley, near Nuneaton on February 18th, but does not expect to find a local meteorite. He suggests that the Arley sightings might not be linked to a meteorite shower and were not due to satellite re-entry, believing the object passed over England and fell into the Irish Sea. The article recaps the February 18th events: a 7 a.m. sighting with a whizzing noise, thud, house lights dimming, and a smell of sulphur; a 7:15 p.m. sighting of a vivid blue/white light; and an 8 p.m. sighting of a ball of flame. Further fireball events were reported on February 23rd and 24th, and March 2nd.

UFO Activity Sightings

On February 23rd at 6:20 a.m., Mr. C. Gilbert reported seeing a brilliant object, like a magnesium flare, hovering and then moving at tremendous speed. He described it as travelling from North to South and realized it was a UFO when it moved horizontally. Four policemen (P.C.s Brian Hewitt, Graham Edwards, John Crutchlow, and John Wilson) reported seeing three single white lights in formation over Nuneaton on February 24th at 6:15 a.m., moving at high speed. They noted the lights were far apart and appeared to be in formation, moving at a speed that would make a 600 mph aircraft seem slow. P.C. Hewitt stated he doesn't believe in flying saucers but could not explain the sighting, and confirmed with Air Traffic Control that no aircraft landed for 45 minutes after the sighting.

The article notes that North Coventry and Nuneaton areas have a high frequency of UFO visitations. A particularly spectacular sighting occurred on March 25th at 2 a.m. over Coundon, reported by Michael Piff and his wife Joyce. They were woken by flashes and observed an object with four dull yellow lights in the shape of a cross. Michael Piff then saw 30 to 50 similar cross-shaped objects in 'banks or wave' formation moving from North to South. His wife described the objects as diamond-shaped with equally spaced yellow lights. These objects were very high up and traversed the sky until they were no longer visible. Similar flashes were noticed in Wyken.

Illustrations on page 15 depict Michael's description of the objects and his wife's description, along with a diagram labeled 'Bank or Wave Formation'.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of CONTACT (U.K.) was held on May 22nd, 1971. Attendance was noted as very poor. The meeting opened at 2:15 p.m. The treasurer presented his report and accounts, and the secretary reported a mediocre year for ufology and the organization due to public disinterest, although magazine sales had increased. Two resignations were received (Adrian Turner and Carla Rudd). The committee was re-elected en bloc, and Paul Harris and Maureen Russell were elected to fill the vacancies. A decision was made to discontinue London lecture meetings due to poor attendance. The meeting closed at 3:30 p.m.

CONTACT (U.K.) Financial Report

The Profit & Loss Account for the year ended March 31st, 1971, shows total expenditure of £226.39 and receipts of £226.39. Key expenditures included Printing (£169.12) and Postage (£20.02). Receipts included Subscriptions (£109.145) and UFO Register sales (£16.705). The account also shows a 'Loss on years work' of £65.445. The Balance Sheet indicates a balance brought forward from last year of £63.25, with the 'Loss on years work' of £65.445 resulting in an overdraft at the bank of £2.195.

Pen Pals and Magazine Exchange

The 'Pen Pals' section features a request for pen-friendship from Miss Elaine Perkins of Wolverhampton. The magazine also provides details for exchanging magazines with D. Mansell in Cumnor, Oxford, and lists three other national branches of Contact that produce magazines.

Special Offer

Neville Spearman, a publisher of UFO literature, is offering books to CONTACT (U.K.) members at a 15% discount plus postage. Members are urged to order through David G. Guyatt in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.

Gossip Column

The Suppertime UFO

This section reports on a case from the APRO BULLETIN concerning Judith de Jesus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. On December 29th, 1970, she heard strange sounds and discovered an 18-inch diameter object humming quietly and emitting a blue light. The object maneuvered around her kitchen and disappeared through an open window, leaving her terrified.

Condon's Conspiracy

It is revealed that Dr. Edward Condon, of the Condon Report, refused an invitation to a UFO symposium in December 1969. Dr. Thornton Page of NASA disclosed that Dr. Condon made attempts to stop the meeting, using the then Vice President of the U.S.A., Mr. Spiro Agnew, as a channel.

Unusual Skywatch

The Essex branch of Contact (UK) experienced an unusual skywatch during the International Skywatch week. Their mini van got stuck in a muddy ditch for two hours, they were chased by bullocks, and then the rain started, forcing them to abandon the watch.

Data Research

The organization is seeking good investigators and newspaper cuttings, particularly from Cornwall, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Suffolk, Wiltshire, Scotland, and Wales. The first free UFO Register is due out in July (Vol. 2. part 1), and back issues are available for purchase. The journal is published twice yearly.

Advertisements

Advertisements include 'SPACE-DRIVE & UFO MIRROR' magazine, offering accounts of space beings and illustrated content, with subscription details for UK and overseas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical importance of truth and integrity within ufology, the challenges posed by misinformation and falsified reports, and the documentation of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by David T. Prockter, is one of caution, a demand for rigorous investigation, and a strong emphasis on the need for honesty and critical awareness among researchers and the public alike. The organization, CONTACT (U.K.), appears to be actively involved in collecting data, publishing findings, and fostering a community of ufologists, despite facing challenges like poor attendance at meetings and financial constraints.

This document is an excerpt from a publication titled "U.F.O. Reports," specifically pages 20 and 21, along with several pages listing satellite decay data (pages 3, 4, and 5) and a promotional section for "Saucers, Space and Science" magazine (page 5). The primary content consists of a series of witness reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena, dated from February to May 1971.

UFO Sightings Reports

The "U.F.O. Reports" section details multiple incidents:

February 1971

• February 13th, 1971, 9:30 p.m., Egham, Surrey: Miss C. Phillips and Mr. M.E. Moore reported an oblong or rugby ball-shaped white object with a large light in front and smaller lights along the side. It was moving slowly, stopped for five minutes, then disappeared instantly. It was estimated to be about 500ft high and not less than three miles away. The object was described as being the size of a sixpence held at arm's length.
• February 18th, 1971, 7:15 p.m., Botley, Oxford: Mr. Dunn and Miss L.C. Pratt witnessed a flash of light, like a shooting star, that shot upwards and then dropped and seemed to explode. They then saw a dark grey oval shape with two lights at the top, two at the bottom, and a row of small lights across the middle. The object hovered, moved quickly to the left, stopped, and repeated this before being lost from sight. It was estimated to be the size of a football held at arm's length.
• February 18th, 1971, 7:15 p.m., Loughborough, Leicestershire: An unknown witness saw a fiery object, described as a ball of fire with a tail, which was red and white and descending towards Leicester. The head and tail were separated by a thin dark line.
• February 18th, 1971, 7:15 p.m., Leicester: An unknown witness saw an oblong object, pointed at the front, colored yellow and white, with a sparkling back end. It descended in the Pailton area.
• February 18th, 1971, Time Unknown, Nuneaton, Warwickshire: Mrs. K. Squires reported a fluorescent white ball with a tail that crossed from N.E. to S.W. on a steady flight. As it moved away, the tail seemed to disappear, and the object appeared to drop to the ground behind some trees.
• February 18th, 1971, 7:20 p.m., Rugby, Warwickshire: An unknown witness saw an object shaped like an egg, silvery in color, with a green haze. As it descended, a short jet of flame came from the rear. It disappeared just above the ground.

March 1971

• March 2nd, 1971, 8 p.m., Corby, Northants: Mr. J. Dandy and Mr. W. Gouidie saw a round object, the size of a football held at arm's length, colored blue/green, which emitted red sparkes. It was visible for only 5 seconds and was dropping quickly, appearing to be about 1,000 yards away.

April 1971

• April 13th, 1971, 12:41 a.m., Between Dorchester on Thames and Burcot, Oxon: Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Delair reported a rapidly falling, generally round-shaped, bright object. It was white with a blue encircling band, surrounded by a diffuse light. The object was sharply outlined, the size of a pea held at arm's length, estimated to be about 20ft in diameter and about three-quarters of a mile away, travelling quite fast.
• April 14th, 1971, 4:45 a.m., Nr. Brinswich, Perth, Aust.: Mr. and Mrs. G. Richards noticed a light following their car. The light raced up to the car, stopped about 20 yards behind for several seconds, then shot back to the horizon. This happened four times, with the object also glowing red like fire and then turning white. Witnesses also saw another light in front of the car, which approached three times, pulling up each time. The lights hurt the witnesses' eyes.

May 1971

• May 19th, 1971, Night, Southbourne, Hants: Mrs. Williams reported a different kind of event where no object was seen, but she was kept awake by a terrifying noise for 1.5 hours. The noise was described as similar to a train crash or the roaring of a prehistoric monster. Her husband and neighbors heard what was described as 'interplanetary music' floating through the air. The police received no reports from anyone else.

Satellite Decay Data

Pages 3, 4, and 5 contain extensive tables listing satellite catalog numbers, satellite names (e.g., Titan 3C4 Deb., Cosmos 396 Deb., Ariel Rocket), sources (US, USSR, ESRO), and estimated decay dates. These tables provide detailed chronological data on the de-orbiting of various satellites throughout early to mid-1971.

Promotional Material

Page 5 also includes a promotional section for "Saucers, Space and Science," a Canadian UFO magazine. It highlights the publication's content, including photographs, drawings, and descriptions of UFO reports from North America, as well as news of ufologists and upcoming events. The subscription cost is mentioned as $2.50 annually, with a sample available for $0.75. Contact information is provided for a Canadian distributor (G. Duplantier) and a UK distributive agent (Miss Susan Stebbing).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the documentation of UFO sightings and related unexplained aerial phenomena, presented as factual reports from witnesses. The publication appears to be a compilation of such accounts, aiming to inform readers about recent UFO activity. The promotional material for "Saucers, Space and Science" suggests an editorial stance that supports and disseminates information about the UFO phenomenon, positioning itself as a valuable resource for enthusiasts and researchers.