Awareness - 1989-90 - Vol 16 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: AWARENESS JOURNAL OF CONTACT INTERNATIONAL
Issue: 2
Volume: 16
Date: 1989-90
Publisher: Contact (U.K) Publication
Country: England
Language: English

Editorial Content

This issue of Awareness Journal of Contact International delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, with a strong emphasis on historical cases, investigations, and alleged cover-ups. The editorial section highlights the publication's recent investigation into a 'corn-circle' formation near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, noting the unusual evidence and questioning conventional explanations like whirlwinds or hoaxes. It also announces an upcoming UFO conference in Oxford.

Articles and Features:

• Freedom of Information Act - UFO Cases (Pages 2-7): This section presents UFO cases released by the US government under the Freedom of Information Act, dating from 1948-1952. These cases, originating from East Germany, French Morocco, West Africa, and off the coast of Canada, are presented as proof of a physical phenomenon investigated by the U.S. military and the C.I.A. One detailed case describes a radar detection of an object (U13L) moving at high speed and describing irregular circles. Another account details an eyewitness testimony from Oscar Linke, who reported seeing a large, 'frying pan'-shaped object with a conical tower in the Soviet Zone of Germany, and the subsequent investigation by West Berlin intelligence officers. The article emphasizes the risk taken by these witnesses and the official recognition of the phenomenon.

• UFOs Historical Sightings 1900-47 Part 3 (Pages 7-9): This installment continues a catalog of historical UFO sightings, focusing on the period leading up to 1947. It includes numerous brief reports from various countries, detailing objects described as pseudoplanes, winged cigars, discs, fiery objects, and more. The section notes a significant increase in sightings in 1945-46, possibly linked to the end of World War II and the subsequent Arnold experience in 1947.

• The Authorities Prove Our Case (Pages 9-13): Written by Michael Soper, this article examines a 1955 report released under the American Freedom of Information Act concerning unidentified flying objects. It details a debriefing session involving US Army officers and Senator Richard Russell, who witnessed two unconventional aircraft resembling flying discs taking off vertically near a Soviet train. The report emphasizes the witnesses' credibility, the unusual behavior of the aircraft, and the reaction of Soviet trainmen, suggesting these were genuine, advanced craft.

• Cover-Ups 1989 Part III (Pages 13-16): By G.E. Ambler, this article examines political situations with elements of 'cover-up,' focusing on the Iran-Contra affair and the death of Pakistan's President Zia-ul-Haq. Regarding the Iran-Contra affair, it discusses the covert shipment of arms to Iran and the transfer of revenue to Nicaraguan rebels, suggesting a complex operation involving various figures. The article then details the suspicious crash of President Zia's aircraft, highlighting the lack of thorough investigation, the hasty funerals, and the potential for foul play, with Epstein's investigation suggesting murder. It explores possible motives involving terrorist groups, the USSR, India, and even the USA.

• Circles in the Corn (Pages 16-19): Michael Rutter reports on his investigation into corn circles found in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. He describes the discovery of five circles, including a large central one and four smaller ones, and details measurements and observations. Rutter notes the absence of evidence for a hoax and quotes the farmer's belief that they are not man-made. He also observes patterns in the corn's lay (clockwise and anti-clockwise) and mentions the proximity to a housing estate. A stop press note mentions a flash about circles found in Cheltenham.

• UFOs: Facing Up to Some Facts (Pages 19-25): This article likely provides a more in-depth analysis or compilation of facts related to UFO sightings and investigations, though specific details are not fully elaborated in the provided text.

• Reviews (Pages 26-27): This section would typically contain reviews of books, films, or other media related to UFOs and related topics.

• Letters to the Editor (Pages 27-28): This section provides a platform for readers to share their views, experiences, and comments on articles published in the journal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Awareness Journal of Contact International include the persistent investigation of UFO sightings, the examination of historical cases, and the critical analysis of alleged government cover-ups. The journal appears to adopt a stance that supports the physical reality of UFOs, presenting evidence from official documents (like FOIA releases) and eyewitness testimonies from credible sources. There is a clear interest in challenging official explanations and uncovering hidden truths, whether related to aerial phenomena or political events. The inclusion of 'corn circles' suggests an expanding scope of interest within the unexplained phenomena field. The publication seems dedicated to providing a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share information and perspectives on these complex subjects.

AWARENESS, Issue 19, dated January 6th, 1990, focuses on the phenomena of UFOs and corn circles, presenting a critical analysis of the evidence and the field of ufology. The cover prominently features a diagram of the Aylesbury circles and the headline 'UFOS: FACING UP TO SOME FACTS'.

UFOS: Facing Up to Some Facts by J. Bernard Delair

This lead article by J. Bernard Delair aims to provide a fresh and unbiased look at ufology. Delair begins by acknowledging the speculative nature of the subject and the tendency for some to accept unproven aspects as fact. He traces the history of the 'flying saucer' phenomenon back to Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting and the subsequent widespread adoption of the term UFO. The article categorizes the vast amount of reported UFO sightings, noting the bewildering range of configurations and performance characteristics reported, often exceeding current earthly technology. It also addresses the phenomenon of ground markings, such as corn circles, which are difficult to attribute to conventional causes.

Delair discusses the diverse backgrounds of witnesses, ranging from honest individuals to those with ulterior motives, and notes the international willingness to report UFO activity. He also touches upon reports of physical contact with UFOs or entities, leading to classifications like 'close encounters'.

The article then critically examines the 'evidence' for UFOs. Delair distinguishes between different types of evidence: hard physical evidence, which he states is lacking; circumstantial evidence, which suggests a common factor but isn't conclusive; photographic and film evidence, which records something but lacks confirmatory proof of physical reality; interferential evidence, such as animal behavior or power disruptions, which suggests a UFO as a likely agent but remains inferential; and anecdotal evidence, which forms the largest category but is often subjective and personal recollection.

Delair argues that while the collective testimony of anecdotal evidence offers scope for study, it is often unreliable due to variables and potential fabrication. He criticizes the tendency for ufologists to accept unproven theories as fact and highlights the lack of universally accepted explanations for UFO origins or propulsion.

In his conclusions, Delair states that despite abundant eyewitness testimony and studies, no decisive facts currently exist to support the absolute reality of UFOs. He suggests that photographic evidence is the most promising, though not fully conclusive. He emphasizes that the internal patterns within collective anecdotal evidence offer the best chance for a universally acceptable answer. Delair also notes the mixed motives of ufologists, which can undermine public confidence in the field. He concludes that for ufology to gain scientific support, it must rigorously segregate real facts from imagined ones, thereby taking its rightful place as a significant area of human inquiry.

Reviews

Circular Evidence by Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews

Reviewed by G.E. Ambler, this book is praised for the superb quality of its photographs of corn circles and related drawings, despite its price. The authors, Delgado and Andrews, report para-normal experiences and state they do not believe the circles are created by freak whirlwinds, as proposed by Dr. Meaden. Ambler notes that the book has changed his attitude towards the corn circle phenomenon, suggesting it is the beginning of something significant.

Controversy of the Circles by Paul Fuller and Jenny Randles

Also reviewed by G.E. Ambler, this paperback is described as containing a wealth of information on the history and explanations of corn circles. However, Ambler finds the book disjointed due to the writing style and small typeface. He criticizes Jenny Randles' patronizing attitude towards other researchers and her conclusion that the origin of circles lies in Dr. Meaden's whirlwind theory. Paul Fuller's sections, which lay out ground rules for UFO investigation, are seen as defensive. Ultimately, both Randles and Fuller opt for the whirlwind explanation. The review notes that a section featuring opinions from scientists, writers, and meteorologists resulted in no clear conclusions, with experts not opting for UFOs but also not fully concurring with the whirlwind theory.

Letters to the Editor

Letter from Maurizio Pieroni (CONTACT Italia)

Pieroni responds to a UFO survey, providing information from his group regarding UFO categories: (a) Extraterrestrial, (b) Intraterrestrial, and (c) Man Made Objects. He lists several individuals from Italy who are involved in their survey.

Letter from Kevin John Knight

Knight writes to express his interest in the current quiet period for UFO sightings, referencing his own experiences with local media and Contact International. He mentions his article in Contact International and an interview on Southern Sound radio. He seeks suggestions for furthering local investigation and notes past sightings in Sussex. He also references books like 'Light Years' by Gary Kinder and 'Above Top Secret' by Timothy Good, wondering about new developments.

Conference Announcement

A 'CONFERENCE '90' is announced for Saturday, January 6th, at Oxford Town Hall, starting at 2:30 PM. The page also features images of various UFO sightings from different locations and dates, including Attigneville, France (May 1955); Low Fell, Gateshead, UK (Aug 1967); McMinnville, Oregon, USA (May 1950); Siggerud, Norway (Jan 1969); Oakland, New Jersey, USA (1957); and Baildon, Yorkshire, UK (Jul 1967).

Advertisements

The issue includes advertisements for various UFO-related books, including 'Above Top Secret' by Timothy Good, 'Alien Animals', 'The Mummanoids', 'Intruders', and 'Project Blue Book'. It also advertises a UFO Newsclipping Service and lists UFO books available from Excalibur Books and other publications from Ms. S.R. Stebbings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO evidence, the analysis of corn circle phenomena, and the challenges faced by ufologists in establishing the field as credible. The editorial stance, particularly evident in J. Bernard Delair's article, is one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a call for rigorous, fact-based investigation. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine evidence and speculation or wishful thinking. The magazine appears to advocate for a more scientific and less sensational approach to the study of UFOs and related phenomena.