LUFORO Bulletin - Vol 2 No 07-- 8 Jul Aug 1961

Magazine Overview

Title: LUFORO BULLETIN
Issue: Vol.II Nos.7-8
Date: JULY-AUGUST 1961
Publisher: LONDON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT RESEARCH ORGANISATION

This issue of the LUFORO Bulletin provides an overview of the organisation, its aims, membership, and publication details. It also delves into the concept of UFOs, their investigation, and the proposal for an international federation of researchers. The issue includes a segment discussing a BBC television program on the topic and a literature recommendation list for further study.

Organisation and Aims

The LONDON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT RESEARCH ORGANISATION, known as "LUFORO", is a non-profit society founded on July 11th, 1959. It is supported by membership subscriptions and donations, with a global reach of members and correspondents. LUFORO's primary aims are the unbiased scientific investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and associated claims, the collection of first-hand verifiable data, the dissemination of information through bulletins, and the promotion of cooperation and understanding among UFO researchers.

Membership is available for 10/-d. (or 1 dollar 50 cents) annually, which includes a subscription to the "LUFORO BULLETIN". The bulletin is published monthly, containing at least eight pages, with a subscription rate of 5/-d. (or 1 dollar) for 12 issues. Single copies cost 6d. (or 10 cents). Publication commenced in early 1960, and back numbers are available.

The Honorary Secretary is Miss S.R. Stebbing, the Chairman is Mr. G.N.P. Stephenson, and the U.S.A. Representative is Mr. L.P. Maccubbin. The Editor of the LUFORO Bulletin is Mr. Lawrence G. Moore. However, the July and August issues were combined and edited by the Chairman due to the Editor's temporary absence.

Remittances should be made payable to "London U.F.O. Research Organisation" or "L.U.F.O.R.O." and addressed to the Hon. Sec. in England or the U.S.A. Representative in the United States.

International Investigation Envisaged

LUFORO has been actively working towards the formation of a FEDERATION OF U.F.O. RESEARCHERS since December 1959. Following proposals in newsletters and bulletins, and receiving positive comments from other groups, plans are nearing fruition. Over a dozen U.F.O. research societies in the British Isles have been approached, with the expectation that these efforts will culminate in a large conference in London to establish a British Federation. This Federation would then seek cooperation with UNESCO to establish an International Body for UFO research on a global scale. The article stresses the need for international investigation, supported by governments, as many civilian researchers are losing interest due to a lack of comprehensive information. Individual researchers and societies worldwide are urged to provide advice and assistance, with the hope that societies in other countries will support the British Federation until an international project is established.

Introduction for New Readers: Definitions and Concepts

This section defines "Unidentified Flying Object" (UFO) as an airborne object whose behavior or appearance does not correspond with any known object. The official U.S. Air Force definition from A.F.Regulation 200-2 (September 14, 1959) is provided, distinguishing UFOs from familiar objects like aircraft, birds, balloons, and astronomical bodies.

The term "UFO" is an abbreviation for "Unidentified Flying Object", with "flying saucer" being its popular name. The article notes that UFOs have been observed hundreds of times over the last seventeen years, tracked by radar, and that authentic films and numerous photographs exist, though some have been faked.

It addresses the tendency towards "Wishful Thinking", where some accept the reality of UFOs and assume most reports are genuine, which is cautioned against as most can be explained as conventional objects. Conversely, it warns against "False Generalizations", where the ignorance of facts leads to dismissing all reports because most can be explained. The existence of an official definition counters this fallacy.

Extra-terrestrial?

The behavior of UFOs often suggests intelligent control, leading to the popular hypothesis that they originate from other worlds rather than being secret Earth devices. Evidence cited includes historical records of similar objects, global geographical distribution of sightings, intricate maneuvers and rapid acceleration indicating unknown power sources, and witness claims of encountering non-human occupants (though this last point is noted as having little supporting evidence).

The article also points out that there are "Different Types" of UFOs, such as "green fireballs" (possibly cometoids) and small luminous spheres (possibly electrostatic phenomena), distinct from disc-shaped or cupola-towered objects that might be extra-terrestrial craft. It emphasizes that considerable research is needed to scientifically prove these explanations.

Investigations

LUFORO outlines a structured approach to UFO investigations, emphasizing that each report must be evaluated on its own merits. Investigators should first attempt to explain sightings as known objects. Only if inexplicable in conventional terms should it be classified as a UFO. Detailed reports are then submitted for analysis. Known objects identified serve as valuable "controls" for learning about witness descriptions, memory reliability, and error limits. The research process is divided into stages: Collection of Reports, Investigation, Analysis of Reports, Theorising, and Demonstration of predicted appearances.

LUFORO began stages 1a, 1c, and 2a in early 1960, with other stages initiated later. The lack of sufficient local investigators has hindered the investigation of many reports.

British Viewers Learn About UFOs: BBC Television's "Court of Mystery"

This segment reviews a BBC Television program from July 13th, 1961, titled "Court of Mystery: The Flying Saucer". The program featured Valentine Dyall as the "President of the Court" and explored the mystery of the flying saucer. It included a science fiction film extract and discussed thousands of UFO reports from the past fifteen years. Photographs from France (1952) and by George Adamski (1950-1951) were shown. The program asserted that UFOs are not mere hallucinations and that special government departments in many countries are tasked with analyzing UFO reports.

The program cited the 1290 A.D. Chronicles of Bylands Abbey, Yorkshire, describing a "great portent" as a "large round silver thing like a disc" flying over the Abbey. It also "reconstructed" the case of Kenneth Arnold, who described objects as "like saucers skipping across water" on June 24th, 1947. A case involving a pilot's death while chasing a UFO on January 7th, 1948, at Godman Air Force Base, Kentucky, was presented. The pilot, Captain Mantell, reportedly ascended to 20,000 feet without oxygen and his plane crashed; the explanation of him blacking out due to lack of oxygen was favored over the idea of him being shot down.

The program also discussed the July 19th, 1952, incident where radar operators at Washington National airfield detected multiple targets, some moving at extremely high speeds (up to 7,000 knots). A pilot reported a "small round light" on his tail, and observers saw a "big orange fiery ball". The official explanation of "weather targets" was disputed, with the program asserting that experienced operators could distinguish between weather phenomena and solid echoes. Meteorite explanations were also dismissed due to their different flight characteristics.

Project Blue Book Analysis

The skeptical member of the "Court" expressed disbelief in "flying saucers", but the "President" mentioned that the U.S. Air Force "Project Blue Book" files were used for the program. Figures from 1947-1952 revealed 4,400 reports received, with 1,600 investigated after half were discarded. Of the investigated reports, 20% were discarded for lack of evidence. The remaining reports were analyzed, with approximately half explained as balloons (18%), aircraft (12%), astronomical bodies (14%), or other phenomena (5%). This left 429 reports that could not be explained by any conventional means, considered the true "Unidentified Flying Objects".

The "President" summarized that the program aimed to show that "flying saucers" are taken seriously, the types of mistakes that lead to misidentification, and that hundreds of unexplained sightings have been made by responsible people over six years.

Literature Recommended for Study

This section provides an extensive list of books, reports, and articles for further study on UFOs. Books recommended include works by Captain Edward J. Ruppelt, Major Donald E. Keyhoe, Lt. Col. Lawrence J. Tacker, Professor Donald H. Menzel, Dr. Carl G. Jung, Charles Fort, and Aimé Michel. Reports include analyses of the Air Force Project Blue Book Special Report No.14 and a report on Papuan Unidentified Flying Objects. Articles from "Flying Saucer Review" by Professor Charles A. Maney and Wilbert B. Smith are also listed. The National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (N.I.C.A.P.) is highlighted as an unofficial body with headquarters in Washington, D.C.

A "Suggested Course" advises readers to carefully study the literature, extract salient points, and present them in a scientific manner in a report not exceeding 50,000 words, with the possibility of publication for the best submission.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The LUFORO Bulletin consistently advocates for a scientific and unbiased approach to UFO research. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, data collection, and analysis. The publication promotes international cooperation among researchers and societies to tackle the complex phenomenon of UFOs. While acknowledging the possibility of conventional explanations for many sightings, it maintains that a significant number of reports remain unexplained, warranting continued serious investigation. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, grounded in scientific methodology, and a commitment to uncovering the truth behind UFO phenomena.

This issue of the LUFORO Bulletin, published by LONDON UNIDENT, focuses on the "ANALYSIS OF REPORTS" concerning Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The publication date is inferred to be around 1961, based on the content and a late news flash dated July 28th, 1961. The magazine presents a detailed breakdown and evaluation of UFO sightings, drawing from reports received by LUFORO and analyzed by UFO researcher Dr. J. Cleary-Baker.

Analysis of Reports

The introductory section explains that since LUFORO's formation two years prior, they had received approximately two thousand UFO reports. Many of these were published in exchange for other UFO magazines, but often lacked sufficient detail for proper evaluation. The bulletin highlights that reports are sometimes copied or translated, potentially introducing inaccuracies. For the year 1960, 120 separate object sighting reports were collected and passed to Dr. J. Cleary-Baker for analysis.

Dr. Cleary-Baker's evaluation of these 120 reports is presented. He notes that the reports were from a variety of sources and thrown together during the organization's early period, with very few detailed enough for exhaustive analysis. The initial breakdown showed:

• Reports not evaluated owing to lack of data: 20 (16.7%)
• Balloons: 14 (11.7%)
• Aircraft: 5 (4.2%)
• Hoaxes & Hallucinations: 6 (5.0%)
• Others - clouds, satellites, lightning etc.: 22 (18.3%)
• Astronomical Phenomena - stars, planets etc.: 16 (13.3%)
• Unknown: 37 (30.8%)

Dr. Cleary-Baker further explains that some sightings in the 'Unknown' category might have been mis-identified known objects if more data were available. However, to adhere to the rules, he left them as unknowns. This led to a further breakdown:

• Reports classifiable as borderline cases: 11 (9.2%)
• UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS: 26 (21.6%)

Pages 12 to 17 were intended to provide a few of the 'Unknown' reports with Dr. Cleary-Baker's comments, though only pages 12-17 are visible in the provided scan.

Specific Sighting Reports

The bulletin then details several specific sighting reports:

Report 1 (S3R.16): Tyrrhenian Sea - North of Sicily (April 19, 1961)

Reported by Lt. Cdr. C.J. Paterson of H.M.S. Maxton. At 19:40 (local time), an object was sighted to the W.N.W. at high altitude, moving fast. An orange trail grew wider, and the object emitted a strong greenish light. It appeared to heave to for thirty seconds, then climbed and increased speed, disappearing to the N.W. The trail thinned and stopped. The observer described it as forcing its way into dense atmosphere. Estimates included height of 20,000ft (?), distance 10-4 miles, speed Mach 2-3. The object appeared as a star, but its light was the size of a quarter moon. Weather was partly cloudy with 10 miles visibility. 10-15 witnesses.

Report 2 (S3R.17): Mediterranean Sea - South of Sardinia (April 20, 1961)

Another report from H.M.S. Maxton, this time at 04:50 (local time). The object appeared in the sky to the north and moved towards the zenith along an irregular course, with a trail indicating large and abrupt alterations. The behavior was similar to the previous night, with a lingering orange trail. Estimates were height 20,000ft, distance 10-4 miles, speed Mach 2-3. The object disappeared to the N.N.E. The observer noted that if told it was an I.C.B.M. type rocket, he would have believed it. Object sighted from other ships and the shore in Malta. Several other witnesses.

S.R./A.28: Cheltenham, England (August 6, 1954)

Observed by Mr. Eric Jones and twelve witnesses. Two circular, silver objects with fuzzy outlines were seen. The larger one was inclined, then flattened out. The smaller object was rising and falling while proceeding. Estimated speed was very fast. The objects resembled the Adamski photos. Dr. Cleary-Baker commented that the objects were bona-fide UFOs, though the sketch might have exaggerated the likeness to Adamski photos.

S.R./A.88: Betley, England (October 27, 1956)

Observed by Mr. G.M. Shaw. A sharply outlined, silvery white object, brighter than the sky, was seen keeping pace with four pursuing jet planes. The object suddenly sped up and rushed away, disappearing in about half a minute. Speed was estimated as fast as jet aircraft, about 50 ft in front of the planes. Estimated distance was 10,000 feet or more. Dr. Cleary-Baker commented it was not an aircraft, balloon, or other known object or phenomenon.

S.R./A.94: Woodthorpe, England (May 25, 1957)

Observed by Mrs. G.M. Shore. A rectangle, sharply outlined and brighter than the sky, remained stationary then disintegrated into white vapour. Two silver balls disappeared at terrific speed from two corners. The white vapour later had a queer purplish-blue colour. The rectangle was estimated to be the size of a bedroom window. Speed was terrific, faster than any jet. The report notes a possible explanation from Aimé Michel's book regarding a zinc-like rectangle seen over Orly Airport.

S.R./A.43: Dursley, England (November 1957)

Observed by Mr. Donald Gibbard, a policeman. A sharp globe shape, brilliant white, was seen circling, then moving S.W. Estimated height less than 100 feet, distance ½ mile, speed 500 m.p.h. The sighting affected TV reception. Dr. Cleary-Baker found the TV interference interesting and noted it was not a conventional object or natural phenomenon. The witness stated it resembled a sighting at Orly Airport.

S.R./A.34: Kilkenny, England (April 23, 1958)

Observed by Sheila James. Two circular objects, buff or yellowish, appeared from opposite directions, moved towards each other, becoming oval-shaped and brighter, then disappeared. The objects looked like those in an aerial photo taken by Fay M. Clark over Hiawatha, Iowa. Dr. Cleary-Baker called it a most interesting report that he could not explain.

S.R./A.16: Winchester, England (July 17, 1958)

Observed by Mr. F.D. Harding, an ex-R.A.F. Air-Gunner, and F. Rogers. Four-engined airliner was being watched when two discs tilted, one behind the other, above and beyond the aircraft. The discs were seen diving at about 135°. Estimated speed was 800-1,000 m.p.h. The discs seemed smaller than the aircraft. Dr. Cleary-Baker was satisfied the plane was "buzzed" by two unknown objects.

Air Ministry Asked for Information

The bulletin states that the Technical Intelligence Branch of the Air Ministry is being contacted for information on UFOs reported in the bulletin, particularly those near aircraft, and for a report on a UFO sighted by R.A.F. officers in 1952.

Late News Flash

A brief news flash from Radio Australia on July 28th, 1961, reports a UFO traced and seen flying over various parts of Australia, which the R.A.F. was unable to identify.

Book Review: Flying Saucers and the Straight-Line Mystery

The issue includes a review of Aimé Michel's book, translated from French. The book explores the study of UFOs by looking for relationships between sightings and introduces the terms "orthotenic lines" and "orthoteny." It suggests that sightings plotted on a map can lie on a straight line, but that the objects reported along these lines vary in shape (cigars, saucers, spheres, cylinders), indicating the alignment is not due to a single object's trajectory. The review notes an appendix by Alexander D. Mebane on American sightings and the presence of orthoteny in America. The reviewer, F. Malcolm Bull, finds the argument sound but the problem far from answered, whetting the appetite for more investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the systematic collection, analysis, and reporting of UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation, with a commitment to presenting findings and seeking explanations, even when they remain unknown. The publication encourages readers to submit comments and information. There is a clear effort to categorize and evaluate reports, distinguishing between known phenomena and unexplained events. The inclusion of Dr. Cleary-Baker's comments provides expert opinion on the nature of the sightings.

This document is a report from the Cleveland U.F.O. Society, dated July 4 & 5, 1961, detailing a series of unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings over Akron, Ohio. The report is published by the London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation (LUFORO).

Akron Flier Sights Mystery Object

The main article details sightings by Ernie Stadvec, an experienced pilot and operator of Stadvec Aviation Inc. On Tuesday night, around 10:15 PM, while flying at approximately 5,000 feet with two other men, Stadvec observed a 'brilliant green and white object' to his right. The object suddenly dived towards his aircraft, stopped abruptly, executed a 180-degree turn, and ascended into a haze layer. Stadvec initially thought it was a jet but later concluded it could not have been.

The following night, Wednesday, Stadvec was flying at about 4,500 feet, heading towards Cleveland Hopkins Airport, when he saw the same greenish light. This time, the object began climbing and sped away. Significantly, the Cleveland Control Tower reported observing the same light but could offer no explanation. Stadvec also recalled seeing a similar greenish light while flying over Japan during World War II.

Accompanying Stadvec on his flights were Charles Richard Swain, an Akron truck driver, and Clyde Skelton, an employee of radio station W.A.K.R.

Object on Radar

Supervisor John M. Gleb from the Cleveland Hopkins Airport tower confirmed that an object was detected on radar around the same time as the visual sightings. He reported that the object 'flared up on the screen and faded' within minutes.

U.S. Air Force Sends Investigators

The report notes that the U.S. Air Force has dispatched investigators to look into the matter. Major Robert Friend, from the Foreign Technological Division at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, is leading this investigation. No official report from the Air Force had been released to the press at the time of publication.

LUFORO Services and Structure

The document also outlines the services and structure of LUFORO:

Information Service Members can access LUFORO's postal Information Service by writing to the Hon. Sec. with a stamped addressed envelope and clearly marking the request 'Information Service'. Replies depend on correspondence volume, and only information already held by LUFORO can be provided.

Investigations Witnesses are required to complete a special UFO Sighting Report Form (S.3.) with an exhaustive questionnaire. Local investigators are tasked with interviewing witnesses and submitting full reports under the Chairman's direction. The organization is actively seeking more investigators.

Foreign Department This department, recently established, is headed by Mr. F.M. Bull, Secretary, Foreign Department, located in Halifax, Yorkshire, England. It handles foreign language correspondence, reports, and publications for translation into English.

Stratford-on-Avon Affiliate Group This group is chaired by Mr. J.D. Llewellyn and holds monthly meetings in Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, England.

Affiliation LUFORO will consider affiliation requests from other groups, but the organization itself is not affiliated with any other entity.

Photographs Investigation Section A section dedicated to investigating photographs of alleged UFOs is in formation, seeking individuals with expert photographic knowledge.

Associate Membership Associate membership is free and grants access to the Information Service only.

Contact Investigation Section Led by Secretary Mr. R. Shephard in London, this section focuses on investigating 'contact' claims, particularly within the British Isles. Membership is open to full and associate members, with no charge for admission but requiring a special application form.

Index of Reports An index of recently received UFO sighting reports is published periodically as a supplement to the LUFORO BULLETIN.

Future Programme of London Meetings

The document lists upcoming meetings in London:

• Saturday, September 23rd, 1961, 7.30 PM: A 'Brains Trust' panel discussion at Caxton Hall, Westminster. Panelists include Graham F.N. Knewstub (LUFORO's President), an Air Ministry spokesman (if confirmed), Charles H. Gibbs-Smith (author and Director of 'Flying Saucer Review'), an astronomer, and Antoni Szachnowski (Chairman of the Anglo-Polish U.F.O. Research Club).
• Saturday, October 14th, 7.30 PM: A lecture titled "The Flying Saucer Paradox" by John Dale, President of Manchester U.F.O. Research Society, at Caxton Hall.
• Saturday, November 4th, 7.30 PM: A lecture by Leonard G. Cramp, author of "Space, Gravity and the Flying Saucer", at Caxton Hall.
• Saturday, December 2nd: A provisional date for the Annual General Meeting, followed by a social event for full members only, at Caxton Hall.

Admission for these meetings is 2/6d, with tickets available at the door.

Features of Especial Interest in Back Numbers of LUFORO Bulletin

A list of notable articles from previous issues of the LUFORO Bulletin is provided:

• Vol.1, No.6: British Flying Saucer Bureau's methods of Research (report on Mr. Knewstub's lecture).
• Vol.2, No.1: "Slow Moving Green Fireballs and UFO's" by Eric Smith, B.Sc.
• Vol.2, No.2: Suggestions for accurate data-finding regarding UFO sightings; Report on UFO photographed by the Brazilian Navy in the Atlantic.
• Vol.2, No.4: Human Perception in the Evaluation of Data (lecture report).
• Vol.2, No.5: Details for constructing a simple magnetic UFO Detector Alarm.
• Vol.2, Nos.7-8: Introduction for New Readers; Report on B.B.C. T.V. Programme; Analysis of Reports; Reports from H.M.S. Maxton.

Appointment

Mr. R.J.F. Brothers has been appointed as the HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVE for LUFORO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, radar detection of UFOs, the investigation of such phenomena by civilian organizations like LUFORO and governmental bodies like the U.S. Air Force, and the promotion of UFO research through meetings and publications. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry into UFO reports, encouraging witness testimony and systematic investigation, while also providing a platform for discussion and information sharing within the UFO research community. The organization appears to be well-structured, with various departments and affiliate groups dedicated to different aspects of UFO research and public engagement.