Awareness - 1983-84 - Vol 12 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS
Issue: ISSUE 4
Volume: 12
Date: 1983-4 (Season 1983-84)
Publisher: Contact (UK) Publication
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of Awareness Journal of Contact International delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, featuring reports on recent sightings in the UK, an enigmatic Italian skywatch, and a re-examination of the Fatima apparitions through a UFO lens.

Editorial: New U.K. UFO Flap?

The editorial highlights a significant increase in UFO reporting activity in the UK during July 1984. This surge includes the reappearance of crop circles in Hampshire and Wiltshire, similar to those seen in 1983. A notable event was a photograph published in the Daily Mail on August 4th, showing a large circle surrounded by four smaller ones, suggesting a craft with landing gear. The regularity of the spacing is emphasized as making a hoax unlikely.

The editorial also details several sightings reported to headquarters between September 1983 and April 1984, with a notable increase in July. These include a small metallic disc seen flying east at Wheatley on July 15th, a spherical object hovering at Wheatley on July 21st, and a massive object sighted over the North Sea near Hartlepool on July 25th, accompanied by numerous lights and downward beams. Six telephone calls were received on July 26th regarding an object visible between 12:15 and 12:30 a.m., described as a blue, green, red, or white light, seen by witnesses across a wide area of 70-80 miles. On July 27th, a large red object was seen at Oxford at 1:15 a.m., along with two large flashes of brilliant blue light reported from Oxford between 12 and 1 a.m.

The editor notes that some of these reports arrived just before publication and will be further investigated. The editorial also points out the occurrence of freakish weather in the UK during the last week of July, including thunderstorms and a tornado, and a significant earthquake, suggesting a potential correlation with UFO frequency for those who associate such events. The visibility of the planet Mars around midnight during the sightings is also mentioned.

Italian Skywatch Enigma

This section reproduces an edited translation of a report from Contact International (Italy) members concerning a skywatch on February 20th, 1983. During this event, a photograph was developed that showed an apparent UFO in motion, although no member of the team directly witnessed any such phenomenon during the observations.

The skywatch took place north of Rome, near Olgiata and Formello. The team, consisting of Marsino Barbabella, Gianluca Caldana, Raul Forciniti, Guido Giralico, Amerigo Latini, Gianluca Petitto, Gianni Posella, and Ennio Lottici, set up instruments to detect changes in electromagnetic fields and prepared cameras. They attempted telepathic contact with potential UFO occupants, but the author suggests that distractions like birdsong and traffic may have hindered this.

After the telepathic session, several photographs were taken. The magnetic instrument registered positive movements, triggering an acoustic warning, but no record was made of these signals. Gianni Posella filmed the sun and was attracted by a Goodyear dirigible-shaped object in the southeast. He also took pictures to the northeast and east using a Konica TC-200 camera with a 125mm telephoto lens. The skywatch concluded at 12:00 p.m. without any direct visual confirmation of UFOs.

Developing the Film: Upon developing the film, Gianni Posella discovered something unusual. While nothing was seen during the skywatch, a negative revealed a white ball-like entity. The printed photograph showed this object more clearly. Franco Leonardi, a photographer with an open mind, examined the print. He noted that the picture had excessive contrast, making the object appear absurd. The blackness of the object was considered inconceivable, yet the developed print was undeniably strange.

Description of the Photograph: The object in the photograph is described as appearing at 80° from magnetic north, at an estimated altitude of 110-130 meters above sea-level. A sketch (Fig. A) shows it as nearly spherical and absolutely black, surrounded by a grey halo that is narrower at the front. The halo has an irregular makeup and appears like 'flames'. A strange configuration, like a small arc, is visible on the front. A lighter zone envelops the back, forming a 'tail' approximately eight times the diameter of the object.

Only one picture out of about 100 taken showed these abnormal characteristics. Signals from the magnetic detector did not coincide with the taking of this photograph. Kome University examined the photograph, and a Professor of Physics proposed three theories:

1. Defect in the film: A hole in the film's gelatin could create a black impression, potentially explaining the arc. However, the white 'tail' contradicts this theory.
2. Ultra-violet Light: The film might have registered an emission of U.V. light, but the center would be expected to appear white, not black.
3. Light absorption: The object could be a light absorber, appearing black. However, nothing in the sky could have absorbed light.

Data Research Comment: The editor suggests that the object is likely caused by a defect on the film. A foreign body on the photo-sensitive surface could prevent exposure, resulting in a black object. The 'tail' might be explained by a foreign body entering the film during manufacturing, causing a thinning of the film due to drag. The editor notes similarities to dispersed pigment particles in plastic films.

The photograph is to be submitted to experts at Oxford University. While para-normal explanations are not entirely ruled out, they are considered unlikely given the circumstances.

The article concludes by noting that the skywatch occurred in daylight, unlike most UK observations, and invites correspondence on the benefits of daytime versus nighttime skywatches.

The Apparitions of the Virgin at Fatima

This article, authored by Joaquim Fernandes of CNIFO (National Commission for the Investigation of the UFO Phenomenon) in Portugal, considers the 'Fatima Apparitions' in relation to the UFO phenomenon. It suggests that modern technology and developments in paranormal research offer alternative explanations for the events that began in May 1917.

Introduction: Dr. Fina d'Armada and Joaquim Fernandes have compiled extensive evidence suggesting a new perspective on the 'Aparitions at Fatima'. They note that even two years prior to 1917, some young people reported seeing luminous beings, moving objects in the sky, and headless entities.

Dr. Fina d'Armada, a historian, received a government grant to study the Fatima documentation. Their research led to the discovery of the testimony of Caroline Carraira, designated the 'fourth percipient'. Her account describes a telepathic contact with a fair-haired, small being who instructed her to 'Come here and say three Ave Marias'.

Their 1982 book, "Intervencao Extraterrestre em Fatima as Aparicoes e o Fenomeno OVNI", posits that the 'Apparitions phenomenon' is real and occurs within our space-time coordinates but involves an external, possibly religious, component. They argue that the physical and psychophysiological features of the 'Apparitions Phenomenon' are closely linked to the modern 'UFO Phenomenon'.

Material and Methods: The research is based on interrogations and statements from the three principal percipients (Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta) and about a hundred other testimonies. The authors believe this material points to the cause of the 'Marian Apparition' being identical to the cause of 'UFO Phenomena'.

Lucia's description of a 'very shining lady' about 1 meter 10 cm tall, wearing a narrow skirt and cloak, who moved from 'above' and vanished in the inverse direction, is detailed. The entity was transported within a beam of light, possibly emitted from a 'cloud' with anomalous movement against the wind. The article mentions modern examples of 'solid light'.

Regarding the 'solar phenomenon' of October 13th, 1917, the distribution of witness standpoints within a 70-meter band in the Cova da Iria area is analyzed. Witnesses within this band reported sudden intense heat, drying of clothing and soil, and physiological effects ('miraculous cures'). These effects occurred after the 'object' approached, localized at about the height of a pine tree, 'mimicking' the Sun.

This triple effect, along with the testimony, supports the veracity of the occurrence and suggests an external source, refuting theories of hallucination.

Results: The article compares the 'chromatic effects' recorded in 1917 with modern cases, noting that the 1917 eyewitnesses anticipated experiments in Magnetohydrodynamics by Jean-Pierre Petit. The 'object' over Fatima produced a coloration of the surroundings, possibly due to its electrical field or power source.

A further deduction suggests that microwaves may have been involved in Fatima as a means of communication. This is supported by eyewitness accounts of hearing a 'humming of bees', a feature common in Type 1 Close Encounter Cases. The properties of microwaves, studied by James McCampbell, align with the triple evidence at Fatima: intense heat, sudden drying, and physiological cures. The humming sound consistently occurred when the 'Lady' spoke to the percipients without moving her lips. The article suggests extensive use of the microwave electromagnetic spectrum (300 MHz to 300,000 MHz) at Fatima.

Discussion: Fresh laboratory investigations have provided support for the thesis, corroborating the 'humming or buzzing effect' observed by Fatima witnesses. Experiments by the Canadian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, particularly by James C. Lin, Sergio X. Salles-Cunha, Joseph Battoctlettic, and Anthony Sances, are cited. These studies are promising for verifying secondary physical or psychical effects produced by UFO phenomena and their energy sources.

The 'Microwave Auditive Phenomenon' is presented as a tool to establish the type of communication system in 'Contact cases with Messages', whether secular or religious. The article notes that this phenomenon is especially relevant in cases like Fatima, characterized by the 'Contact-Syndrome'. Canadian experiments involving microwave radiation on human subjects are described, where subjects perceived buzzing or 'popping' noises when exposed to microwaves within a specific range and potency. These sounds were perceived as coming from inside the head or the rear of the cranium. The 'fourth percipient' at Fatima reported hearing the 'angel's' words inside her head.

The buzzing sensation at Fatima was not limited to the three main percipients but was also heard by others nearby. Although an interview with Lucia, the only living percipient, was not secured, experimental evidence suggests the buzzing phenomenon originated from an external source, likely the communication system of the luminous 'Lady' within the beam of light. The authors conclude that the vehicle of communication between the Fatima entity and the percipients lies within the microradiation zone.

They express a desire for further studies on radiation effects on witnesses and semantic analysis of conversations held by contactees. The 'messages and secrets' of Fatima are cited as a mythical tradition.

Dr. Claude Rifat's hypotheses regarding apparent distortions of content in UFO and Marian apparition experiences are recalled, emphasizing the role of the 'Locus Coeruleus' in the brain, where dreams are induced. It is suggested that radiation sources might interfere with brain function by emitting microwaves, leading to distortions in messages based on the subject's subconscious.

Classic UFO Cases - Assessments & Classic UFO Cases 11, 12

This section appears to contain discussions and assessments of classic UFO cases, with 'D. Mansell' credited for 'Classic UFO Cases 11, 12'. Specific details from these articles are not fully legible in the provided scan, but they contribute to the issue's coverage of documented UFO encounters.

Letters to the Editor

This section is dedicated to correspondence from readers, providing a platform for discussion and feedback on the journal's content and UFO-related topics.

Advertisements

Advertising rates are provided for the journal, indicating options for per-page, half-page, quarter-page, and lineage advertisements, with prices listed in British Pounds (£).

Contact International Council

The issue lists the members of the Contact International Council, including its Founder President, Lord Clancarty; President, Ruth Rees; Vice President, Geoffrey E. Ambler; National Chairman (UK), John Sear; Hon. Treasurer, Derek Mansell; Hon. Membership Secretary, Mrs. Sandie Robb; Investigations Co-ordinator, Mr. E. Lockwood; Research Eng. & Editor, Geoffrey E. Ambler; Librarian, Bernard Delair; and Data Information/Typing, Mrs. Frances Copeland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, seeking rational and scientific explanations while not entirely dismissing paranormal possibilities. The journal emphasizes detailed case studies, photographic evidence analysis, and the potential for technological or scientific phenomena (like microwaves) to explain aspects of reported encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging detailed reporting and analysis of UFO sightings and related events, with a particular focus on UK and European cases. There is a clear effort to connect seemingly disparate phenomena, such as religious apparitions and UFO sightings, through a common underlying cause or mechanism.

This issue of the magazine focuses on UFO phenomena, featuring two main articles. The first, "Support for Vallee's Hypothesis from an Unusual Quarter" by M. Soper, delves into the 1957 Levelland, Texas UFO incidents and proposes an interpretation through the lens of the I Ching. The second, "Origins of the Men in Black" by B.J. Burden, investigates the alleged harassment of Albert K. Bender and his International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB) by unidentified men in black suits, positing government involvement.

Support for Vallee's Hypothesis from an Unusual Quarter

This article by M. Soper examines a series of UFO sightings that occurred in Levelland, Texas, on the night of November 2/3, 1957. Several witnesses, including Pedro Saucedo, Joe Salaz, Jim Wheeler, Jose Alvarez, Newell Wright, and Frank Williams, reported encountering a brilliant, torpedo-shaped UFO, approximately 200 feet long. The object was described as yellow and white. During these encounters, vehicles in the vicinity experienced engine stalls and electrical failures, with lights failing and then coming back on after the UFO departed. In at least six cases, car engines were affected, and there were reports of 10 landings or near passes. A map illustrates eight distinct landing sites, with two landings occurring in pairs.

Soper proposes that this behavior might not be random but could be a form of communication or a message. He draws a parallel with the I Ching, an ancient Chinese text, noting its association with concepts of 'eight', 'six', 'lights', and 'interruptions'. The article explains the basic structure of the I Ching, including its trigrams and hexagrams, and how it is used as an oracle. The author suggests that the Levelland events could be interpreted through the symbolism of the I Ching, particularly the trigrams representing 'space', 'mountain/stillness', and 'water/moon', with the latter being associated with the direction where lights fluctuated.

The article also touches upon the philosophy of Carl G. Jung, who saw the I Ching as a counterpoise to the West's aggressive, 'force-dominated' approach. Jung's concept of 'synchronicity' is mentioned as a way to understand phenomena that defy simple cause-and-effect explanations. Soper concludes that the message from Levelland, if interpreted through the I Ching, could emphasize 'Care, structure, space, persistence and modest changes', with a need for 'femaleness'. The author's amateur interpretation of the hexagrams suggests a sequential message of 'Look----Develop Modesty'.

Origins of the Men in Black

This article by B.J. Burden M.A., M.Phil. investigates the phenomenon of the 'Men in Black' (MIB), a term coined following the experiences of Albert K. Bender in 1953. Bender, founder of the International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB), claimed to have been harassed by government agents, a proposition Burden seeks to demonstrate.

The article chronicles the rise and fall of the IFSB, which Bender organized in 1952. Gray Barker, author of 'They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers', became Bender's friend and representative for West Virginia. The IFSB aimed to investigate UFO incidents and published a periodical called 'Space Review'. In January 1953, Bender established a Department of Investigation, appointing experts to analyze sightings, with Barker serving as Chief Investigator.

Burden details several incidents that suggest harassment of Bender and the IFSB. On August 20th, a red fireball incident in New Haven led to an investigation where an FBI agent questioned Gray Barker about IFSB activities. A meticulously researched report by an IFSB investigator, August Roberts, analyzing a UFO photograph, went missing and was returned under mysterious circumstances, suggesting police involvement designed to make things difficult for the IFSB.

A significant event occurred around September 16th, when Bender received a letter from Gray Barker, instructing him to cease accepting new memberships. Bender then claimed to have been visited by 'three men in black suits' who ordered him to close the IFSB but allowed him to continue publishing 'Space Review'. Bender alleged that these men were from the U.S. Government and that they revealed a terrifying truth about flying saucers, stating that the government had known about them for two years (since 1951) and that a defense against them could not be found.

The article discusses the prediction made by Bender regarding the government revealing information about saucers, noting that the four-year timeframe aligns with presidential terms. It highlights the men's assertion that they had access to Bender's information, including his addresses and those of his associates. The men also confiscated IFSB back issues and made comments about the widespread nature of the IFSB's representatives.

Burden explores the possibility that Bender's experiences, including physical coercion and potential administration of a nausea-inducing drug, were part of a deliberate effort to intimidate him. The article also touches upon the political climate, mentioning the establishment of the CIA and a secret commission known as the Robertson panel. This panel, formed in January 1953, concluded that UFO groups should be watched due to their potential influence and possible subversive use.

The article refutes an allegation by Coral Lorenzen that Bender fabricated the 'Men in Black' story to exit the IFSB due to a withdrawn backer, with Barker assuring that there was no truth to this. Burden suggests that Lorenzen may have been used to spread 'black propaganda' against Bender.

Ultimately, the article posits that Bender was a victim of government harassment, aiming to suppress his research and the activities of the IFSB. The 'Men in Black' incident is presented as a clear example of such interference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, government secrecy, and the potential for covert operations and harassment related to UFO research. The articles suggest a critical stance towards official explanations and a belief that governments may be actively suppressing information about UFOs. The use of the I Ching as a framework for understanding UFO phenomena indicates an openness to unconventional interpretations and a search for deeper meaning beyond simple sightings. The 'Men in Black' narrative highlights concerns about government overreach and the intimidation of civilian researchers.

Title: Awareness
Issue: 2
Volume: 1983-84
Publisher: Contact International
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Awareness magazine delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, government involvement, and historical accounts. It features discussions on the controversial 'Men in Black' phenomenon, statistical analyses of reader-submitted UFO case assessments, and detailed examinations of specific UFO encounters.

Bender and the 'Men in Black'

The article begins by revisiting the work of Bender, who initially indicated that the 'men' he encountered were government agents from 'another branch' rather than the FBI. The author notes that the CIA's alleged collaboration with the mafia and adoption of their methods has since become notorious, potentially explaining the unusual behavior of these agents. Two key questions remain unanswered: the information that led to Bender being ordered to close down the IFSB, and the information about flying saucers that scared Bender. The former is deemed unanswerable without access to government information, while the latter is open to speculation, with possibilities including deliberate lies to frighten Bender or a trade for his silence.

UFO Behavior and Military Interception

The text touches upon the behavior of UFOs, suggesting that they 'shoot back if fired upon.' An excerpt from Major Lewis Norman's account describes the steps in a UFO interception, emphasizing caution and the potential suicide risk of engaging in combat. Norman's perspective highlights the danger of firing upon an unknown craft, even if it appears strange.

The Itaipu Fort Incident and Government Concern

The issue questions whether the Itaipu Fort incident was isolated, noting the proliferation of UFO incidents since 1947. In 1953, according to Keyhoe, military and intelligence officials believed the increase in UFO activity, especially involving military aircraft, indicated a potential interplanetary war. The article also mentions that if 'Men in Black' were government agents, their concern about civilian UFO investigation was validated when APRO members, while investigating mysterious activities in the Florida Everglades, stumbled upon a secret military operation involving Cuban exiles being prepared for the abortive invasion of April 1961.

Keyhoe's Findings and Government Knowledge

Keyhoe's book, published shortly after Bender's ordeal, supports some of Bender's statements. According to Bender, the US government had known about flying saucers since 1951. Keyhoe writes that a select group of high government officials had been secretly briefed by Air Force Intelligence, leaving even former skeptics 'badly jolted.' Bender also reported a visitor stating that the government couldn't find a defense for UFOs. Keyhoe's epilogue calls for immediate disclosure if an attack or invasion is planned.

Classic UFO Cases: Summary of Assessments

The magazine presents a statistical summary of reader responses to ten UFO cases over the past year. The responses are categorized as: (a) Genuine UFO, (b) Possibly a UFO, (c) Misidentification, and (d) Hoax. The sixth case, the Fatima Apparitions, was reworded with categories including Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Religious Miracle, misinterpretation of natural phenomena, deliberate hoax, and earlier encounters being contrived.

Case 1: April 24th 1964, Socorro, New Mexico: 61% Genuine UFO, 39% Possible UFO.
Case 2: June 26th 1959, Boianai, New Guinea: 78% Genuine UFO, 17% Possible UFO, 5% Hoax.
Case 3: September 10th 1954, Quarduble, France: 50% Genuine UFO, 33% Possible UFO, 17% Hoax.
Case 4: April 1958, Saude, Brazil: 83% Genuine UFO, 17% Possible UFO.
Case 5: September 4th 1957, Portuguese Air Space Incident: 61% Genuine UFO, 39% Possible UFO.
Case 6: May-October 1917, "The Fatima Apparitions": 19% Close Encounter with Extra Terrestrial, 31% Possibly Close Encounter, 19% Religious Miracle, 12% Misinterpretation of Natural Phenomena, 12% Earlier encounters true, later ones contrived, 7% Other explanation.
Case 7: Summer 1962, Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan: 44% Genuine UFO, 44% Possible UFO, 12% Misinterpretation.
Case 8: September 1950, Korean Airspace Incident: 89% Genuine UFO, 11% Possible UFO.
Case 9: August 17th 1968, Oradea, Hungary: 67% Genuine UFO, 33% Possible UFO.
Case 10: February 19th 1951, Kilimanjaro, Africa: 67% Genuine UFO, 33% Possible UFO.

In seven cases, acceptance of a genuine UFO was higher than 50%. Cases with 50% or less acceptance included Quarduble, France (witness considered unreliable), Fatima (divergence of opinion), and Haneda Airport (possibility of aircraft). Only two cases (New Guinea and Quarduble) had any respondents suggesting a hoax.

Detailed Case Studies

Case 11: September 19th 1961, Betty and Barney Hill Contactee Case, New Hampshire, USA. The couple reported seeing a star-like object moving unusually. Barney investigated with binoculars and saw a craft with persons behind windows. Frightened, they drove off. They later experienced missing time and underwent hypnosis. Betty recalled a three-dimensional star map shown by an alien, which was later found to coincide with known constellations. They were told they would not remember the incident.

Case 12: 1965, Chalac, near Formosa, on the Argentine-Paraguay Border. Several saucers were seen flying in circles, and one landed. Three beings emerged, enveloped in luminous halos. The local Toba tribe witnessed this, with one Indian being dissuaded from approaching the craft. A voice from a visitor urged calm, stating that 'Space people would return' to convince Earth of their existence and bring peace. The beings returned to the craft, which then took off, blinding the Indians with its luminosity.

Letters to the Editor

Alternative Explanation for the Fatima Incident: A reader suggests an alternative explanation for the Fatima incident, citing R.L. Dione's book "God Drives a Flying Saucer." Dione lists seven characteristics of the Fatima incident that are also common in UFO sightings: a roar like thunder and flash of light, a luminous globe, a hovering luminous cloud, a buzzing sound, angels' hair, an unbelievable drying effect, and strange coloured lighting. The strong wind and ball of light at the first meeting, and the physiological effects on Jacinta and Francisco, are also noted as common in UFO encounters. The children's compulsion to kneel and pray is interpreted as a possible hypnotic trance or telepathic communication. The luminous cloud and buzzing noise at the third meeting are also linked to UFO phenomena.

Dione's Conclusion: Dione argues that the Fatima miracle was a physical event with associated parapsychological elements, not involving the real sun due to the lack of global impact.

Moon Base and 'Foam Metal': A reader inquires about an article on the USA establishing a permanent moon base, mentioning that the US Army had contingency plans for such a base in 1960. The reader recalls that the Roswell saucer was reportedly made in part from 'foam metal.'

Extraterrestrials Only Group: A reader shares information about a US-based group claiming to be for 'Extraterrestrials Only,' with over 500 members who are supposedly ETs living incognito on Earth. The group charges $10 annually for a newsletter and membership card.

Advertisements

The issue includes advertisements for various UFO-related publications and services:

• The Quest Journal: A bi-monthly magazine from the Yorkshire UFO Society.
• UFO and Space Age Publications: A selection of titles including works by George Adamski, Lou Zinsstag, Timothy Good, Robert Temple, John Keel, Jenny Randles, J. Allen Hynek, and Dr. Frank E. Stranges.
• UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE: A regular newsclipping service providing up-to-date reports on UFOs and Bigfoot.
• BOOKS AND MAGAZINES FOR SALE: A selection of over 300 titles on UFOs and mysteries.
• WORLD UFO DIRECTORY 1983: A guide to UFOs, Fortean groups, societies, and related services.
• PHOTOCOPYING SERVICE: Available from CONTACT headquarters.

Financial Advice

FACTS --- FACTS --- FACTS: This section provides financial advice, highlighting that the £ Pound halves its value in just 7 years due to 10% inflation. It stresses the importance of reviewing investments and tailoring plans to individual needs, such as retirement income or school fees. It mentions possibilities like improved Building Society performance, retirement plans, portfolio valuation, and specialized investments. Avon Bard Brokers is recommended for initial, no-obligation discussions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with government secrecy, potential cover-ups, and the scientific or pseudoscientific investigation of unexplained events. There's a clear interest in presenting detailed case studies, statistical analyses of witness accounts, and alternative explanations for events often attributed to religious or natural phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor open inquiry into UFOs, encouraging readers to research and form their own conclusions, while also acknowledging the financial realities of inflation and investment. The inclusion of advertisements for UFO-related materials and services reinforces the magazine's focus on the UFO community.