Awareness - 1980 - Vol 09 No 1 - Spring

Magazine Overview

AWARENESS, the quarterly journal of Contact (UK), Volume 9, no:1, dated Spring 1980. The cover features the title 'AWARENESS' prominently, with the subtitle 'The quarterly journal of Contact (UK)' and the date 'SPRING 1980'.

Editorial

The editorial announces the retirement of the editor after more than ten years in the post, effective April 1st. The editor expresses a mixture of relief and sadness, noting the challenges of producing the journal on time but also the excitement of the task. He reflects on the changes in ufology over the past decade, mentioning cases like Pascagoula, the 1973 ufo wave, the Travis Walton case, and the Dyfed Enigma sightings. He notes that despite extensive research and literature, little real progress has been made, with the intensification of abductions and the debate in the House of Lords being notable developments. The editor also mentions the rise and fall of the British UFO Documentation Centre (BUDC) and the emergence of Jenny Randles. He expresses hope that his successor will continue to cover new developments in the field. He thanks numerous individuals for their assistance and states his intention to continue supporting Contact International (UK) and serving as its librarian, though business commitments limit his active involvement. He also notes that editorial mail should henceforth be sent to 48 Crown Road, Wheatley, Oxford.

Contents

The issue includes an editorial, subscription reminder, report on the Annual General Meeting, prize essay competition details, and several articles:

• "MIBS AND THE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY" by Brian Burden (pages 6-13)
• "SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE PREVIOUS ARTICLE" by J.Bernard Delair (pages 13-17)
• Readers' Letters (pages 17-20)
• Advertisements and Publicity (page 20)
• Book Reviews (pages 21-22)
• "FURTHER NEWS ON THE FREDERICK VALENTICH CASE" by D.Reneke (pages 22-23)
• Advertisements (pages 23-24)

The Contact (UK) Directory

Lists the National Chairman (J.Sears), Hon. Secretary (J.Loveridge), Hon. Treasurer (D.N.Mansell), Hon. Membership Secretary (Mrs.S.Robb), Public Relations Officer (P.Flatman), Research Enquiries (J.Ambler and J.Sears), Senior Research Officer (D.N.Mansell), Librarian (J.B.Delair), and Archivist (E.Cox), along with their addresses.

Subscription Reminder

Members are reminded that their annual subscription is due on April 1st, with the new rate set at £5.00p per individual, necessitated by inflation. Renewals should be sent to Mrs Sandy Robb.

Report on the Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting for 1979-1980 was held on February 9th, 1980, at Oxford Town Hall. Key decisions included the resignation of National Chairman Mr Fred.Passey due to business commitments and the election of Mr John Sears as the new National Chairman. Mr Jeoffrey Ambler was appointed to the National Committee. The Hon. Treasurer reported that while the organization was financially viable, an increase in the annual subscription to £5.00p was necessary due to inflation. A new annual trophy for the most efficient field investigator was proposed and agreed upon. The meeting included public lectures on recent trends in ufology by John Sears, UFO origins by J.Bernard Delair, and the Dyfed Enigma by Randall Jones Pugh.

Prize Essay Competition

Contact International (UK) has inaugurated an annual Prize Essay Competition for paid-up members. Essays must be submitted by January 1st, 1981, on one of two themes: reacting to a UFO occupant or evidence for a government cover-up. The winning essay will be published in 'Awareness'. Essays should not exceed 1500 words and must be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope. Members of the National Committee are ineligible to enter.

"MIBS AND THE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY" by Brian Burden

This article examines the phenomenon of Men in Black (MIBs) and their potential connection to intelligence agencies. It discusses several cases:

• Luis Castillo: In March 1967, a man named Luis Castillo was arrested in Manila and investigated for a plot to assassinate President Marcos. He was allegedly programmed with multiple identities and could be controlled by specific cues. The FBI showed interest in the case. Castillo's memories included participation in a plot to assassinate President Kennedy.
• Maury Island: In July 1947, a man named Dahl reported seeing six unidentified craft near Maury Island. This incident occurred shortly before Kenneth Arnold's famous sighting. Dahl was later contacted by a mysterious man in black who warned him to keep quiet. The article suggests this might have been an elaborate intelligence scenario.
• Albert Bender: In 1953, Albert K.Bender, head of the International Flying Saucer Bureau, was visited by three men in dark suits who coerced him into dropping out of the UFO business. Bender's account suggests they were aliens, while Gray Barker's interpretation points to a government agency. The men confiscated membership lists and noted serial numbers of Bender's tape recorders. The encounter left Bender sick and terrified, with an alternative explanation suggesting an attempt at hypnosis or electric shock.
• James Thornwell: A US Army private was subjected to an intelligence officer's interrogation using LSD in 1961, causing him to believe he was being hypnotized or shocked. This was part of US Army experiments with LSD for 'softening-up' subjects.
• Pill-Popping: John A.Keel describes a character named "Tiny" who exhibited signs of distress and needed to take a pill during an interview with a UFO witness. The article links this to a 1958 report by Dr Louis Gottschalk suggesting intelligence agencies could control people through addictions.
• Sanitisation: The article discusses how MIBs often use new, immaculate black cars, sometimes with unissued license plates. This is explained in terms of 'sanitisation' procedures used by intelligence agencies to disclaim connection with operatives, similar to Colonel Fletcher Prouty's description of pilot preparation for missions.

The article concludes by considering the Socorro case of 1964, where a 'mystery motorist' conveniently confirmed policeman Lonnie Zamora's sighting of a UFO.

"SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE PREVIOUS ARTICLE" by J.Bernard Delair

This article appears to be a response or commentary on the preceding article by Brian Burden, offering observations on the topics discussed, particularly concerning the intelligence community's involvement with UFO phenomena.

Readers' Letters

This section contains correspondence from readers, likely discussing topics related to ufology and previous articles in the journal.

Advertisements and Publicity

This section includes advertisements and promotional material, likely related to ufology publications, books, or organizations.

Book Reviews

Reviews of books related to ufology and related subjects are presented.

"FURTHER NEWS ON THE FREDERICK VALENTICH CASE" by D.Reneke

This article provides updated information or further details regarding the well-known Frederick Valentich UFO incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the Men in Black (MIBs) phenomenon, the role of intelligence agencies in UFO investigations, government cover-ups, and the ongoing debate and research within the ufology community. The journal maintains a stance of reporting on various aspects of ufology, encouraging member participation through competitions and discussions, and providing a platform for different viewpoints, as evidenced by the 'Readers' Letters' and the commentary article. The editorial reflects a critical yet engaged perspective on the progress of the UFO subject over the past decade.

Title: Contact
Issue: 19
Volume: 9
Date: 1980
Publisher: Contact
Country: USA
Price: £1.20
Cover Headline: MIBs: The Government's Secret Weapon?

This issue of Contact magazine delves into the complex and often unsettling world of Men in Black (MIBs) and their potential connection to government intelligence operations and UFO cover-ups. The articles explore historical incidents, declassified documents, and witness testimonies to piece together a picture of clandestine activities aimed at discrediting or controlling the UFO phenomenon.

MIBs and 'Phantom Flashers'

The issue begins by examining the phenomenon of 'phantom flashers,' individuals who use bright flashes of light during encounters. John A. Keel is cited for his description of journalist Mary Hyre being 'photographed' by a man with a very bright flash gun, and another incident where a UFO witness encountered a black-clad intruder using a similar flash. The article connects these events to a declassified CIA memo proposing a 'flash blindness incapacitation' device, intended to disorient and impair vision. Researchers reportedly proposed 'sophisticated primate studies' to understand the effects of such a device. The author suggests these incidents might be 'field trials' targeting UFO believers, who would naturally explain such experiences within the UFO framework.

Oswald and the FBI

The article then shifts to the experiences of Lee Harvey Oswald's comrades in the Marine Corps after his defection to the Soviet Union in 1959. It highlights an account by Edward Jay Epstein, who reported that Oswald's base was taken over by 'civilians in dark suits' who interrogated men about Oswald's access to classified information. Despite extensive efforts, Epstein could not determine the origin of these 'civilians,' though their activities had the base commander's full approval. This experience is presented as evidence that some MIB-like figures are indeed intelligence operatives.

Conclusions on Harassment and Surveillance

The issue's conclusions suggest that as more information about incidents like the 'blindness device' memo (publicly known in 1979) and LSD experiments (revealed over twenty years later) comes to light, many exotic forms of harassment endured by UFO witnesses and researchers may become explicable in terrestrial terms. This prospect is deemed 'hardly reassuring.' The article posits that the 'rot' began with the Robertson Panel's report, which seemingly legitimized the UFO field as a target for surveillance and harassment. Gray Barker's conviction that the UFO field had been infiltrated by government spies and mischief-makers is mentioned, as is Jacques Vallee's documentation of a case involving government-sponsored sociologists infiltrating a UFO cult.

The article further suggests that the majority of MIB incidents occurring on the American continent point to a 'essentially domestic nature of the phenomenon.' While not questioning the reality of UFO phenomena, the author advocates for seeking the measure of the 'opposition, earthly or unearthly.'

Notes & References

A comprehensive list of notes and references is provided, citing various authors and publications such as Walter Bowart's 'Operation Mind Control,' John A. Keel's 'The Mothman Prophecies,' E.U. Condon's 'Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects,' Albert K. Bender's 'Flying Saucers and the Three Men,' Gray Barker's 'They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers,' Edward J. Epstein's 'Legend,' and Jacques Vallee's 'The Invisible College.'

Appendix I: Maury Island - The Flammonde Thesis

This section discusses the controversial Maury Island incident, which divides ufologists. The incident, purportedly preceding the Kenneth Arnold sighting, was not reported until after a series of sightings in the Tacoma area. The principals allegedly told their story to a publisher rather than the local press. The article contrasts Walter Bowart's 'intelligence scenario' interpretation with Captain Ruppelt's assertion that it was a hoax. It also references H.T. Wilkins' conclusion that the case was officially suppressed. The author relies on Kenneth Arnold and Ray Palmer's 'The Coming of the Saucers' as the primary source, acknowledging Palmer's controversial involvement. The text suggests that the MIB involvement in this case might have been part of a 'field training exercise' for intelligence operatives, using the UFO theme because it was 'emotive and, simultaneously, growing at a very fast rate.' The possibility is raised that government agencies, possibly alarmed by UFO capabilities, decided to 'scotch this ufo business' by discrediting Kenneth Arnold and the UFO phenomenon.

The article details the events of June 1947, a period of intense UFO sightings, including those over Spokane, Washington. It notes that the term 'flying saucer' had not yet been coined, and the objects were not described as discs. The author suggests that intelligence units were likely monitoring these sightings from at least 1945, possibly even earlier with 'foo-fighters' and 'ghost rockets.' By 1947, they may have been aware of the potential seriousness of Arnold's sighting and sought to discredit the subject.

The Maury Island event is concluded to be a combination of a genuine UFO sighting and a hoax, with cover-up attempts following the crash of a B-25. While Arnold and Smith's reputations were not significantly tarnished, the incident apparently served to muddy the UFO waters for a time.

MIBs and Their Cars

The article addresses the distinctive appearance of MIBs, particularly their preference for black, new-looking old-style cars. It suggests this might be a deliberate policy to create a conspicuousness that belies their covert activities, a tactic akin to Hitler's method of deception. The author questions the car-hire firm explanation, noting legal restrictions on license plates and the unlikelihood of hire companies offering outdated vehicles. The recent diminution of MIB reports is speculated to be due to their old cars becoming too aged or conspicuous.

Readers' Letters

This section features letters from readers. One writer expresses appreciation for the magazine 'Contact' and suggests professional typesetting. Another reader discusses the theories of Erich von Daniken, finding them thought-provoking but questioning their authenticity. A third letter strongly refutes any link between UFOs and witchcraft or devil worship, asserting that UFOs come in peace and love. The editor's response to this letter suggests that UFO occupants might not all emanate from a single source and could have differing policies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the potential for government infiltration and manipulation of the UFO phenomenon. The concept of Men in Black (MIBs) as intelligence operatives, rather than extraterrestrials, is strongly explored. The issue highlights the use of psychological tactics, such as 'flash blindness,' and the possibility of systematic surveillance and disinformation campaigns dating back to the post-WWII era. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking rational, terrestrial explanations for many UFO-related events while acknowledging the persistent mystery of the phenomena themselves. There is a clear emphasis on historical analysis and the examination of declassified documents and witness accounts to understand the broader context of UFO research and its potential suppression or manipulation by official agencies.

This issue of Awareness magazine, identified as volume 7, number 3, from Autumn 1978, is published by Contact International (UK) and focuses on UFO phenomena. The cover headline highlights the crash of Flight 401 in the Florida Everglades, which killed 101 passengers, and poses a question about a detailed UFO sighting report related to this event, seeking input from US UFO counterparts.

Letters to the Editor

The issue includes correspondence from readers. D.K.Clark (Mr.) inquires about a detailed report of a UFO sighting from the Flight 401 crash and suggests that John G.Fuller's book, "THE GHOST OF FLIGHT 401", might be of interest. The editor responds positively, indicating an intention to investigate and comply with the request, and also recommends Fuller's book.

Allan P. Trethwick writes to express his views on a British government cover-up concerning UFOs, believing the military is scared and that the British and US military machines are not isolated. He questions why the French government, part of NATO, is funding a public inquiry into UFOs.

The editor addresses Mr. Trethwick's concerns, stating that Contact International (UK) is working on the problem and following various leads. The editor acknowledges the delicate nature of this investigative work and assures that if concrete evidence of a British cover-up is found, it will be published in the journal, noting that many share Mr. Trethwick's conclusions.

Advertisements & Publicity

News from the Essex-based "EARTHLINK" magazine is shared, noting the dissolution of the 'Essex UFO STUDY GROUP' and announcing new subscription rates for EARTHLINK magazine. The rates are £2.75p (adults) and £2.00p (under 16) for 4 issues in the UK, with single copies at 70p. Overseas, it's £4.00p for 4 issues, and single copies are £1.00p. All payments are to be made to "EARTHLINK" magazine and sent to 16 Raydons Road, Dagenham, RM9 5JR, Essex.

THE CHRISTIAN UFO RESEARCH ASSOCIATION is mentioned as existing to help, indicating that mounting evidence suggests malevolent purposes underlying some UFO activity. Those seeking further information or who have experienced unpleasant UFO events are advised to contact Rev. E. Inglesby at Spring Cottage, West End Gardens, Fairford, Glos., GL7 4JB, with a reminder that CHRUFORA exists to help.

Book Reviews

The magazine features several book reviews:

• "The House of Lords UFO Debate" by Lord Clancarty and notes by John Michell (Open Head Press, London, 1979). This book reprints a famous debate on UFOs held in the House of Lords on January 18th, 1979. The review highlights the debate's significant attendance and the public's interest, leading to the sell-out of the Hansard report. The reprinted version includes marginal notes, autobiographic information, and photographs. The reviewer highly recommends it as an important historical occasion in British ufology.
• "Les Apparitions d'Humanoides" by Eric Zurcher (Editions Alain Lefeuvre, Nice, 1979). Although in French, this book is considered a significant contribution, detailing 202 French UFO landings with occupants from 1906 to 1977. It includes documentation, systematic treatment of cases, graphs, drawings of occupants and UFOs, maps of landing sites, and sections on ground traces and effects on witnesses. An English edition is hoped for.
• "The UFO Phenomenon" by Johannes von Buttler (Sidgewick and Jackson, London, 1979). This review is highly critical, describing the book as a let-down with numerous errors, ludicrous interpretations, and incredible omissions. The reviewer feels it's a hasty attempt to capitalize on the UFO publishing trend and cannot recommend it, suggesting the publisher should engage a more knowledgeable author.

Further News on the Frederick Valentich Case

Mr D.Reneke of Sydney, Australia, provides an update on the Frederick Valentich disappearance case, based on information from "The Sun" (Australia) of April 23rd, 1979. A psychic group claimed to have made contact with the pilot during a seance. The leader, Mr Colin Amery, stated that Valentich conveyed five pieces of information: he was safe, now a light body, his plane was in another dimension, he was working with people from the Great Bear Constellation, and that the Melbourne tape recording was missing one and a half minutes. Mr Amery also mentioned contact with Mr Valentich for about eight minutes. The article notes that this information is startling but not confirmable, referencing previous coverage of the Valentich case in "Awareness" and other materials like John G.Fuller's book.

Advertisements

Several advertisements are present:

• "UFO Directory of UFO Societies": An invaluable list of UFO societies, groups, and publications worldwide, available for £1.00p from UFO Network, 2 St Ivian Court, Colneyhatch Lane, London, N10.
• "Some Close Encounter Cassette Specials": Twenty-four titles are available, including sightings, humanoid, and contact experiences, with actual witness excerpts. Some tapes are not suitable for the nervous. Examples include "THE WILDMAN CASE/THE BANBURY 'FLAP!'", "THE WINCHES ER ENCOUNTERS/SPACEMEN IN THE HOUSE", and "THE FIRST 'FLYING SAUCERS' (Arnold)/THE MAURY ISLAND CASE". Narration is by Norman Oliver, FRAS. Each cassette is priced at £3.00p, postage and packing included. Orders should be sent to "Skyquest (C)", 95 Taunton Road, London, SE12 8PA.
• LANTERN: A quarterly journal of East Anglian oddities, edited by Ivan Bunn, priced at 85p for a one-year subscription.
• FOR EAN TIMES: THE JOURNAL OF STRANGE PHENOMENA: Edited by Bob Rickard, this journal covers scientific anomalies and inexplicable events. Details can be obtained by sending a S.A.E. to R.M.J.Rickard c/o of Dark They Were and Golden Eyed, 9-12 St. Anne's Court, London, W1.

Space Age Publications

A list of publications available directly from stock is provided, including titles such as "THE ANDREASSON AFFAIR", "THE INTERRUPTED JOURNEY", "THE WALTON EXPERIENCE", "MORE UFOS OVER WARMINSTER", "UFO MAGIC IN MOTION", "UFOS A BRITISH VIEWPOINT", "THE EDGE OF REALITY", "FLYING SAUCER INTELLIGENCE SPEAKS", "FLYING SAUCER REVELATIONS", "THE PARALLEL UNIVERSE", "PEOPLES OF THE SEA", "THE UFONAUTS", "WORLDS BEYOND", "INTO THIN AIR", "MESSENGERS OF DECEPTION", "UFOS: GOD'S CHARIOTS", "THE ROOTS OF CONSCIOUSNESS", "OMENS OF AWARENESS", "THE DYFED ENIGMA", "SUNGODS IN EXILE", "FLYING SAUCERS HAVE LANDED", and "APPARITION PHENOMENON". Prices are listed, and booklists are available for 25p. Enquiries should be sent to Miss S.R.Stebbing at 41 Terminus Drive, Beltinge, Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 6PR.

RES BUREAUX BULLETIN

This section promotes a monthly journal covering scientific anomalies and inexplicable events, including sky-falls, UFOs, strange animals, sky bangs, and astronomical discoveries. It is described as professionally printed, good value, and fully referenced. Interested parties are instructed to send a stamped addressed envelope to Mr "X", P.O.Box 1598, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 5C8, CANADA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged government cover-ups, and the documentation and analysis of UFO phenomena through books, journals, and personal accounts. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of information, while maintaining a critical approach to unsubstantiated claims, as evidenced by the review of "The UFO Phenomenon" and the cautious presentation of the Valentich seance information. The magazine actively promotes related publications and organizations within the ufological community.