Awareness - 1980 - Vol 09 No 4 - Winter

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Subtitle: The quarterly journal of Contact (UK)
Issue: Volume 9, No. 4
Date: Winter 1980

This issue of "Awareness" magazine, published by Contact (UK), focuses on exploring the origins of UFOs. The editorial board aims to broaden the spectrum of thinking on the subject by presenting diverse viewpoints. The magazine also announces the reformation of the Contact International advisory committee to improve communication with overseas affiliates and includes a supplement from the Contact International newsletter.

Editorial

The editorial reflects on the past year, noting that the UFO enigma remains unsolved despite ongoing research. It mentions the announcement of Voyager I's shots of Saturn and its moons, and the potential significance of Titan's nitrogen-based atmosphere in the search for extraterrestrial life. A dramatic sighting on Christmas night of a large, bright multiple object over southern England and Wales is highlighted, which led to an influx of calls to the CONTACT hotline. The editorial notes that while some attributed the object to a satellite or meteorite, experienced witnesses provided evidence of something more sophisticated. The issue features two articles on UFO origins: one debating extraterrestrial and ultraterrestrial alternatives, and another exploring the possibility of UFOs being products of Nazi technology. The editorial policy is to present these contrasting ideas to broaden understanding until definitive proof emerges. A coincidence is noted between the death of Admiral Doenitz and the Christmas night UFO sighting. The Contact International advisory committee has been reformed, aiming to enhance communication with overseas affiliates, and its newsletter will now be integrated into "Awareness". Subscription renewals are due, with the committee recommending the £5. rate be maintained for the following year.

Articles

"UFO Origins: The Alternatives Considered" by J.B. Delair

This article critically examines the extraterrestrial (ET) hypothesis for UFO origins. Delair begins by acknowledging the difficulty of definitively answering the question of where UFOs come from due to conflicting evidence. He notes that UFO activity fluctuates in regular "waves" and that data from catalogues like UFOCAT and WUFOC indicate a high daily global frequency of sightings, averaging around 7 per 24-hour period. Delair argues that the common interpretation of UFOs as originating from "outer space" is improbable given these high numbers. He defines "outer space" in both a loose sense (beyond Earth's atmosphere) and a stricter astronomical sense (beyond the solar system). Using the speed of light as a benchmark, he calculates that travel from the Sun to Pluto takes less than four hours, while travel to the nearest star, alpha Centauri, takes approximately four years. Travel to more distant stars like Sirius or the Andromeda nebula would take millions of years. Delair contends that for an average of 7 daily visits to occur from such distant locations, UFOs would need to be constantly travelling at light speed, which he finds absurd. He also discusses the immense communication challenges, where radio signals would take years or millennia to travel between Earth and potential distant bases, making conversations impractical. Delair suggests that if UFOs need to communicate, their origin must be much nearer to Earth. He considers hypothetical concepts like hyperspace and time-warps but deems them speculative. The article touches upon the Barny and Betty Hill abduction case and star maps constructed by Marjorie Fish, which suggest potential origins beyond our solar system, but questions the validity of these maps. Delair also analyzes statements from UFO occupants who claim to come from "the sky" or "up there," suggesting these might not refer to outer space but rather to an "invisible world" or another dimension. He introduces the ultraterrestrial (UT) hypothesis, advocated by figures like Keel, which proposes that UFOs originate from a parallel space-time continuum and enter our dimension through "windows." This hypothesis, he argues, better explains the frequency of sightings, sudden materializations/dematerializations, and time anomalies experienced by witnesses. Delair draws parallels between UFO events and fairy/goblin lore, noting similarities in short visit durations and reluctance to interact extensively. He links recurrent UFO "waves," occurring every 10-11 years and 4 years, to sun-spot cycles and magnetic/electrical activity, suggesting these phenomena might affect the hypothetical invisible realm from which UFOs originate. The article also briefly mentions other proposed origins, such as secret military inventions, Nazi technology, ancient civilizations, time travel, inner-Earth origins, holograms, and mentally induced imagery, dismissing most as far-fetched or lacking evidence. Delair concludes that only the ET and UT theories remain viable for serious discussion, with the UT theory appearing to offer more plausible explanations for observed phenomena, despite requiring belief in an invisible continuum.

"Ufological Illusions" Part I Heavenly Bodies by G.E. Ambler

This article, the first part of a series, is not fully detailed in the provided scan, but its title suggests an examination of common misconceptions or misinterpretations related to UFO sightings, particularly those involving celestial objects.

"Nazi UFOs" by Data Research

This article explores the theory that UFOs might be a product of advanced technology developed by Nazi Germany. The editorial notes that this is a controversial idea that will likely be at odds with the extraterrestrial origin theories.

"Selected UFO Reports" by D.N. Mansell

This section likely presents a compilation and analysis of specific UFO sighting reports, offering details and potential interpretations.

"Public Impressions" by Graham and Mark Birdsall

This article appears to focus on public perception and reactions to UFO phenomena, possibly examining media coverage or anecdotal accounts of public awareness and belief.

Reviews, Advertisements, Announcements, and Supplements

The magazine includes sections for "Reviews," likely of books or other media related to UFOs and paranormal topics, "Advertisements" for related products or services, and "Announcements" of upcoming events or news from Contact (UK). A "Contact International Supplement" is also included, indicating a new integration of content from this related publication.

The Contact (UK) Directory

A directory lists key personnel within Contact (UK), including the National Chairman (J. Sear), Hon. Secretary (J. Loveridge), Hon. Treasurer (D.N. Mansell), Hon. Membership Secretary (Mrs. S. Robb), Public Relations Officer (P. Flatman), Research Enquiries (G.E. Ambler & J. Sear), Senior Research Officer (D.N. Mansell), and Archivist (E. Cox), along with their respective addresses.

Editorial Stance and Disclaimers

Contact (UK) explicitly states that the opinions expressed in the journal are not necessarily those of the Editor or staff, and contributors are solely responsible for the factual accuracy of their texts. Material is copyrighted by CONTACT (UK) 1981, with reproduction requiring prior permission, except for review purposes. Advertising rates are provided, ranging from £15. per page for 4 issues to 50p per line for lineage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme of this issue is the exploration of UFO origins, presenting a range of hypotheses from the scientific to the speculative. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, aiming to broaden the reader's perspective by featuring diverse and even conflicting viewpoints, such as the extraterrestrial versus ultraterrestrial theories and the controversial Nazi UFO hypothesis. The magazine emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and analysis, as seen in J.B. Delair's critical examination of the ET theory. There is a clear commitment to providing a platform for researchers and contributors to share their findings and theories, while maintaining a disclaimer about editorial responsibility for factual accuracy. The integration of the Contact International newsletter suggests an effort to foster a broader community and information exchange within the field.

This issue of 'UFOLOGICAL ILLUSIONS', Volume 15, Issue 12, published in 1980 by Flying Saucer Review, focuses on identifying unexplained aerial phenomena and exploring their potential origins. The cover headline is 'UFOLOGICAL ILLUSIONS', and the issue is divided into sections discussing astronomical bodies, potential UFO origins, and specific UFO reports.

UFO Origins and Alternatives

The issue begins by dismissing less tenable explanations for UFO origins and narrows down the possibilities to three main alternatives: the Extra-Terrestrial (ET) hypothesis, the Space-Dwelling (SD) alternative, and a theory suggesting UFOs originate from mobile artificial worlds parked in far orbit around the Sun. The SD theory proposes that UFO occupants are space dwellers who move between locations, with their 'worlds' potentially positioned midway between planetary systems to ease travel and communication. This could also account for skyfalls of organic material. The author concludes that while pinpointing exact origins is difficult, these three explanations are the most reasonable.

Identifying Celestial Bodies

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to helping investigators distinguish UFOs from natural or man-made phenomena, particularly celestial bodies. The series 'UFOLOGICAL ILLUSIONS' by G.E. Ambler, Part 1, 'HEAVENLY BODIES,' aims to assist in this identification. It explains the concept of 'magnitude' in measuring the brightness of celestial objects and provides a list of bright objects in the UK sky, including the Sun, Moon, planets (Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto), and stars (Sirius, Rigel, Capella, Procyon, Altair, Aldebaran, Arcturus, Vega).

The article cautions that untrained observers might mistake objects with negative magnitudes for UFOs. It highlights specific celestial bodies that are commonly mistaken for UFOs:

• Sirius: The brightest star, appearing white and twinkling, visible in the Northern Hemisphere, and known to be a binary system by the Dogon tribe.
• Mercury: Difficult to see due to its proximity to the Sun, limiting its potential for misidentification.
• Venus: The brightest object after the Sun and Moon, often mistaken for UFOs due to its reflective clouds and occasional observed light distortions, sometimes appearing closer to Earth than it is.
• Mars: Known as the 'Red Planet,' it appears orange and is only visible at certain times, with its magnitude of -2.3 when in 'opposition' to Earth making it a potential candidate for misidentification.
• Jupiter: A consistent and bright object, appearing white and not twinkling. Its four large moons can aid identification. It moves slower than Venus, making it less likely to be mistaken for a UFO.
• Orion Nebula: A hazy patch of light below Orion's belt, potentially seen as a solid object.
• Pleiades (Star Cluster): A fuzzy patch of light in Taurus, appearing as a myriad of small stars through binoculars.

The article emphasizes that planets do not twinkle, while stars do due to atmospheric effects. Planets appear first after sunset, and in misty conditions, they are often the only visible objects. Stars and constellations maintain fixed positions throughout the year. The issue also provides a table of when these celestial bodies are best visible during 1981, noting that most are best seen in winter months.

Nazi UFOs Theory

Another section, 'NAZI UFOS' by the Data Research Team, investigates the possibility that UFOs are advanced Nazi aircraft or secret weapons. It suggests that the Nazis were researching flying machines similar to saucers as early as 1938, capable of high speeds, smokeless, and soundless propulsion. The theory posits that three top German research teams dispersed after WWII, with one fleeing to South America. Evidence cited includes the discovery of sunken 'U-Boats' carrying vast amounts of mercury, their destinations remaining a mystery, possibly South America or Antarctica. Reports of Nazis in South America conducting research in underground bunkers are also mentioned.

Post-war UFO incidents are presented as enhancing the Nazi origin theory:

• In Norway (1964), a fisherman witnessed a large circular craft hovering over water, beaming green light, and using a ladder to move objects into the water above a sunken German cargo ship carrying mercury.
• In England (1965), a lorry driver reported a dome-shaped object landing on the Yorkshire moors, from which 36 men in olive green tunics and hoods emerged, speaking a guttural language similar to German.

Witnesses have described identical objects seen since 1970 around the UK, approximately 85 feet in diameter, moving slowly, with drawbridge doors, and seen in isolated areas. The occupants are often described as blond, fair-skinned, and speaking a Germanic language.

The article lists eight facts that support the Nazi origin theory, including the suspicion that Germany had craft similar to flying saucers, a dedicated research team, special long-range 'U-Boats', sunken 'U-Boats' with mercury cargos, a UFO extracting something from a sunken German cargo ship, a 1965 landing with German-speaking occupants, sightings of blond occupants speaking Germanic languages, and similar craft seen since 1970.

The authors acknowledge that the Nazi origin theory may be as plausible as the ET hypothesis. They raise questions about how mere mortals and their craft could remain undetected for 35 years and suggest a further possibility: that Nazis, as part of a 'Master Race,' have been chosen by superior Extraterrestrials to be their agents on Earth, receiving advanced technology.

Selected UFO Reports

The issue concludes with a section of 'SELECTED UFO REPORTS' by D. N. Mansell:

• July 21, 1979: A large white sphere with flashing red, green, and blue lights was observed moving slowly for half an hour in Simi Valley, California, USA.
• July 23, 1979: Three large discs were reported in Lordsburg, USA, with no further details.

References

A comprehensive list of references is provided, including books and articles by authors such as J. Jeans, C. Fort, J.G. Fuller, C. and J. Lorenzen, T. Bethurum, B. Le Poer Trench, J.A. Keel, J. Vallee, J.B. Delair, P.J. Klass, V.H. Gaddis, C. Bowen, and Mattern Friedrich. These references cover topics ranging from astronomy and general UFO phenomena to specific cases and the Nazi UFO theory.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the challenge of distinguishing genuine UFOs from misidentified celestial or terrestrial objects, and the exploration of unconventional origins for UFOs, particularly the speculative Nazi connection. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and evidence for readers to consider, while emphasizing the importance of rigorous data research and astronomical knowledge in understanding UFO reports. The editor's note suggests that current understanding of physics, particularly regarding time and space, may be incomplete, leaving room for possibilities like faster-than-light travel and the potential for inter-stellar distances to be less vast than commonly believed.

This issue of "Awareness" magazine, identified by its page numbering as issue 23, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related paranormal phenomena. The content spans multiple pages, detailing numerous specific incidents and also includes reviews of books and films pertinent to the subject matter. The magazine appears to be a publication for enthusiasts of the unexplained, with a clear interest in UFOs, Forteana, and related topics.

UFO Sightings Reports

The magazine presents a chronological list of UFO sightings from July and August 1979. These reports are detailed and geographically diverse, covering locations in the USA and the UK.

• July 25th, 1979, 7:15 a.m., Canoga Park, California, USA: Several witnesses, including a police officer, observed a cylinder-shaped object hovering silently. It was estimated to be 12 feet long and 6 feet in diameter.
• July 25th, 1979, 3:15 a.m., USA: Another object was seen, described as a group of globular lights with flashing. One witness, a young waitress, experienced nausea and blisters on her legs, and reported a half-hour memory lapse.
• August 1st, 1979, 4:05 p.m., Green County, USA: A helicopter pilot reported an object of indistinct shape, about 2 feet in diameter and 8-10 inches deep, observed at a distance of 50 feet. It emitted a loud "wooshing" noise.
• August 1st, 1979, 1:35 a.m., New York, USA: A police officer witnessed a large white globe moving rapidly. The object reappeared at 1:47 a.m. in a different direction and caused the police radio system to jam.
• August 1st, 1979, 11:50 p.m., London SW17, UK: A witness returning home from the theatre saw a very large cone-shaped object, stationary and low in the sky, appearing several times larger than a full moon. It had two dark zig-zag lines. The object moved silently down the road, gained height, and disappeared.
• August 5th, 1979, 1:42 a.m., Cannock Staffs., UK: A witness in his garden noticed a large moving star that approached and resolved into a bright sphere with several colored lights (red, blue, yellow, orange). It travelled fast, made a low buzzing sound, left a smoke trail, and disappeared into a cloud.
• August 11th, 1979, 6:15 p.m., Westchester County, USA: Witnesses, including a police officer and his wife, saw a strange craft with a spoon-handle shaped front and a bubble-like main body. It had a forward portion with small wings and a large antenna system, and was charcoal grey.
• August 11th, 1979, 10:25 p.m., Banbury Oxon., UK: Three witnesses saw two bright lights that stopped, then moved towards them, appearing to merge into one object. Six lights were evident: four large white lights, a red light in the center, and a small blue light. The object passed overhead emitting a bright white beam, with a loud whistling noise, and was the size of a football.
• August 13th, 1979, 3:20 p.m., Aldridge West Midlands, UK: Several young women at their office saw an unusual object moving quickly from South to North, tilting as it moved. It was about 10-12 inches in size, disc-like, possibly black or grey underneath and silver grey on top. Its speed was rapid, with no sound or smoke trail. It tilted upwards at about 45 degrees and disappeared.

"Public Impressions" and Contact (UK)

This section, attributed to Graham and Mark Birdsall, details their efforts to promote Contact (UK) through a display at the Odeon cinema in Leeds during the run of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." They aimed to create an intelligent and professional display, using case histories, artwork, and newspaper clippings. The display was successful, with 1,300 leaflets distributed and 59 genuine replies from interested individuals. A representative from Bufora congratulated them on an "excellent display," indicating positive public reception and organizational growth.

The authors emphasize the importance of bringing the name "Contact (UK)" to public awareness and encourage smaller, more compact promotional exercises.

Editor's Note

The editor expresses gratitude to Graham and Mark Birdsall for their efforts in Leeds, noting that the campaign was successful and led to several new members. The revised film of "Close Encounters" has been circuited nationally, and the magazine has reviewed it.

Book Review: "Photographs of the Unknown"

This review, by J. B. Delair, discusses the book "Photographs of the Unknown" by Robert Rickard and Richard Kelly. It is described as a remarkable and unique collection of photographs of paranormal subjects, likely to become a classic. The book contains over 300 astonishing photographs, many in full-color and previously unpublished, covering UFOs, ball-lightning, aquatic monsters (like 'Nessie'), 'Yeti,' 'Bigfoot,' and various psychic phenomena. The review notes that the book includes cryptic but accurate texts, though it warns that some illustrations may be disturbing and recommends withholding it from the very young or those easily upset. The reviewer concludes that the book presents evidence of strangely interrelated phenomena that scientific methods cannot yet explain, and that such evidence has often been confined to specialist journals.

The book is highly recommended for its value at £7.95p.

Film Review: "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (Special Edition)

This review, by G. E. Ambler, analyzes Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" Special Edition. The reviewer acknowledges that opinions will vary, calling it a "masterpiece or rubbish." The special edition aims to remove irrelevant parts and add detail, particularly to the conclusion with longer glimpses of alien entities. The film is described as modern, American, and brash, contrasting with earlier sci-fi films. The reviewer notes that the film mentions "UFO" only once and often uses vague terms like "strange experience" instead of "UFO" or "Flying Saucer." Despite this, the innuendos create drama and tension. The plot involves an alien race abducting people and objects from Earth, seeking to barter them. The film depicts the aliens returning hardware from the "Bermuda Triangle" and ditching aircraft and a tanker. It includes elements like engine failures, power black-outs, and red facial burn marks, which are known UFO activity features, alongside more gimmicky elements like people being beamed up. The reviewer questions whether the film's depiction of government and military involvement is a portent of the future or pure fiction, concluding that it is a unique experience worth seeing for anyone interested in UFOs.

Advertisements and Publications

The magazine includes several advertisements for books and journals:

• "Lost Knowledge": Reproductions of an 1885 lecture by William Wynn Westcott on "Ever-Burning Lamps" are available for 40p.
• "God's Weapon": A monograph by David Medina exploring the history of the electronic and radionic weapon called the Ark of the Covenant is available for £1.10.
• "Lantern": A quarterly journal of East Anglian oddities, edited by Ivan Bunn, is available by subscription for 85p.

UFOs and Space Age Publications

A comprehensive list of books available from stock is provided, including titles such as:

• "UFOS THE STARTLING FACTS" by Tim Furness (65p)
• "SPACEQUEST" (Issues 2 and 3, 90p)
• "THE JANOS PEOPLE" by Frank Johnson (£5.50)
• "FLYING SAUCERS FROM THE EARTH'S INTERIOR" by Dr. Raymond Bernard (£4)
• "THE TUJUNGA CANYON CONTACTS" by Ann Druffel & D.Scott Rogo (£7.60)
• "WORLD OF THE STRANGE" by Susy Smith (£1.50)
• "THE FORBIDDEN UNIVERSE" by Leo Talamonto (£1.30)
• "THEY DARED THE DEVIL'S TRIANGLE" by Adi Kent T. Jeffrey (85p)
• "HOW TO BE MORE PSYCHIC" by Ivor Powell (£1.15)
• "TO MEN OF EARTH" by Danial Fry (£3.20)
• "FLYING SAUCERS & THE INNER EARTH" by Kurt Glemser (£1.20)
• "THIS TIMELESS UNIVERSE" by Peter Kolosimo (£1.15)
• "THE DEVELOPMENT OF ASTRONOMICAL THOUGHT" by Patrick Moore (67p)
• "THE WORLD BEYOND UFOs and future development" by New Dimensions Foundation (£5.20)
• "MYSTERIOUS WORLD" by Arthur C. Clarke (£10.00)
• "WARNINGS FROM FLYING FRIENDS" by Arthur Shuttlewood (£2.10)
• "ALIENS FROM EARTH" by Joshua Strickland (£3.00)
• "THE EDGE OF REALITY" by Jacques Vallee (£5.20)
• "THE SECRET WORLD" by Ray Palmer & Richard Shaver (£8.00)
• "THE INVISIBLE COLLEGE" by Jacques Vallee (£3.20)
• "THE WELSH TRIANGLE" by Peter Paget (£1.55)
• "GODS OF AQUARIUS" by Brad Steiger (£1.55)
• "STRANGE STORIES of UFOs" by Len Ortzen (£1.25)
• "THE ANDREASSON AFFAIR" by Raymond E. Fowler (£7.60)
• "OVERLORDS & OLYMPIANS" by W. Gordon Allen (£6.80)
• "PHANTOM OF THE POLES" by William Reed (£5.80)
• "GODS & SPACEMEN" by W.R. Drake (£2.50)
• "PAGE RESEARCH LIBRARY NEWSLETTER" (3 issues £2.40)
• "UFOs & OTHER CRAFT" (£1.50)
• "ANIMAL MAGNETISM" by Jerome Glen (£7.00)
• "ORGONE ENERGY" by Jerome Eden (£5.00)
• "THE MANNA MACHINE" by Sassoon & Dale (£1.55)
• "ROUND TRIP TO HELL IN A FLYING SAUCER" by Cecil Michael (£2.50)
• "I WAS PICKED UP BY A UFO" by J.Wornach (£1.50)
• "THE LAST BATTLE FOR EARTH" by Walter Wiers (£4.60)
• "1973 YEAR OF THE HUMANOIDS" by David Webb (£5.25)
• "UFOs & THE ROOTS OF CONSCIOUSNESS" by J. Mishlov (£6.95)

Orders for these publications should be sent to Miss Susanne R. Stebbing.

The Christian UFO Research Association

This organization exists to help those who have experienced unpleasant UFO events, indicating that mounting evidence suggests malevolent purposes underlying some UFO activity. They encourage contact with Rev. E. Inglesby for further information.

Res Bureaux Bulletin

This section recommends a monthly journal covering scientific and inexplicable events, including sky-falls, UFOs, strange animals, and astronomical discoveries. It is described as professionally printed, of extraordinary value, and fully referenced. Subscriptions can be arranged by contacting "Mr. X" in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Announcements: 2nd London International Congress

Bufora has announced a congress to be held on May 24th and 25th, 1981. Speakers include Bertil Kuhlemann (Sweden) on "The Link Between the Investigator and the Scientist," Charles Bowen (Editor of "Flying Saucer Review") on "Reflections of an Editor," Nigel Henbest FRAS on "The Possible Influence of Black Holes on Space Travel," Dr. Bruce Maccabee Ph.D (USA) on "Changing Views on the Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis," and David Haisell (Canada) on "The Need for Collaboration - The Canadian Experience." The congress fee is £15.00 for two days.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena, and the promotion of organizations and publications related to these subjects. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained events, with a particular focus on UFOs, while also acknowledging the need for critical evaluation (as seen in the book review's mention of hoaxes and the film review's discussion of gimmicks). The magazine actively promotes Contact (UK) and other related journals and books, suggesting a community-oriented approach to the subject matter. There is an emphasis on evidence, both photographic and anecdotal, and on the potential for these phenomena to challenge conventional scientific understanding. The inclusion of announcements for conferences and the listing of numerous books indicate a desire to inform and engage readers with the latest developments and resources in the field of ufology and the paranormal.

This issue of Contact International, published in London in 1981, serves as a newsletter and includes several supplements. It covers organizational news, a prize essay competition, a report on the Annual General Meeting, and a letter from the President discussing UFO activity and government cover-ups.

Prize Essay Competition

The first prize essay competition has been won by Mr. M. J. Craig of Berlin, West Germany. His winning entry, titled "How I Would React to a Personal Confrontation with a UFO Occupant," was selected from a small but select entry and will be published in the Spring 1981 edition of "Awareness." Mr. Craig will receive an award of £15.00. The subject for the 1981 essay competition will be announced shortly, with the hope of greater member participation.

Car Stickers

Contact (UK) has commissioned attractive car stickers in black on a yellow background. A facsimile is shown on an accompanying leaflet. Members are urged to purchase these stickers to promote the organization and help defray the costs of professional production. The price is 45 pence each, plus a stamped addressed envelope.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held at St. Neots, Cambridge, on January 24th. A full report of the proceedings is scheduled to be published in the next edition of "Awareness."

Newsletter from the President

The President's letter, dated London 1981, begins by explaining the delay in correspondence due to the one-sided nature of communications from C.I. branches and the high cost of postage and duplication. Future newsletters will be included within "Awareness." The President emphasizes the importance of member countries informing him of their activities to provide a resume of member country activities, noting that failure to do so is a missed opportunity for publicity and exchange of ideas. The Durban, South Africa branch is commended for its consistent contact and loyalty.

The President observes a recent lull in UFO activities, suggesting it's due to media disinterest in basic reports and a more effective worldwide cover-up. He cites a November incident near Barcelona airport where five planes, including passenger aircraft, had to take evasive action to avoid a UFO that split into five. The report in the Spanish newspaper "La Vanguardia" detailed the pilots' statements and air-traffic control's alarm, noting the UFOs did not appear on radar. Subsequent denials from authorities are described as "phoney," with an excuse of a tanker plane refuelling another plane. The article notes that aircraft experts believed the objects were indeed UFOs.

For 1981, the President's major aim is to break the government cover-up, requiring significant effort and member participation. He asks for information on the official situation regarding UFOs in each country. In the UK, there is indignation about the government's dismissive attitude towards UFOs, which the President believes stems from fear. He argues that openness is wiser than delaying the issue until a potentially worrying manifestation occurs.

The President expresses interest in branches establishing trained investigators for UFO sightings and offers to share information on effective training methods, noting the UK branch's expertise.

Open Mind and Information Gathering

The President urges members to maintain an open mind, cautioning against dogmatic pronouncements from self-proclaimed UFO experts. He stresses the need for circumspection in accepting information, acknowledging that the true nature of UFO occupants is unknown but possibly more intelligent than humans. He questions why, if UFO occupants wished to influence Earth, they would not speak directly to world leaders rather than to individuals, suggesting a potential lack of "marketing skills" despite their intelligence.

Lord Clancarty's Committee and Advisory Council

Lord Clancarty, the founder-president, continues his work with his UFO Committee in the House of Lords, supported by eminent men, to expose the official cover-up. Contact International plans closer cooperation with this committee. The next newsletter will summarize the committee's meetings, with Bernard Delair addressing them on February 10th.

The Advisory Council has been strengthened with five members from Contact International UK, who are also part of the Data Research team in Oxford. This has led to a more professional and expert council, streamlining functions. New members include Sandy Robb, Sue Rees, Geoff Ambler (Editor), John Sears (National Chairman), and Derek Mansell (Senior Research Officer).

In Memoriam and Financial Matters

The modification of the Council was partly due to the recent deaths of Dr. John Cleary-Baker and Captain Ivar Mackay. Both were respected figures in the UFO scene, and their passing is deeply felt. The President suggests they may now have found answers to many questions.

Financial matters are highlighted, with subscriptions due in January. Branch annual subscriptions are £10.00, and individual subscriptions are £5.00. Prompt payment is requested to cover printing, paper, and postage costs, especially given recent increases in British postal rates. Free interchange of magazines can no longer be sustained.

International Vice-President

Contact International (Durban) has accepted the invitation to appoint a new International Vice-President for the next two years. Mr. Walter Pople, the Chairman of the Durban branch, will assume this role. Further news will be provided in the next newsletter. The address for Contact International (Durban) is PO Box 743, 4000 Durban, Natal, South Africa.

The newsletter concludes with warm regards from Ruth Rees, President of Contact International, looking forward to correspondence in 1981.

Contact International UK Recruitment

A separate page announces that 1981 is a recruitment year for Contact International UK. Members are encouraged to purchase the new car stickers (vinyl, black on yellow, 45 pence each plus S.A.E.) and investigators are urged to recruit at least three new members. While no awards are offered, increased subscriptions will go towards improving the organization. The message emphasizes that this effort will be worthwhile.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena, the perceived government cover-up, the importance of organizational communication and membership, and the financial sustainability of the publication. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, critical analysis of official statements, and a call for active participation and information sharing among members to advance the understanding of UFOs and challenge secrecy.