LUFORO Bulletin - Vol 2 No 09 - Sept 1961

Magazine Overview

Title: LUFORO BULLETIN
Issue: Vol. II, No. 9
Date: September 1961
Publisher: London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation (LUFORO)
Price: 6d

Editorial Content

This issue of the LUFORO Bulletin, published by the London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation, focuses on the ongoing efforts to uncover information about UFOs and reports on various sightings and related developments.

NICAP's Drive for Release of UFO Information

The lead article discusses the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), described as the largest and most progressive UFO organization in the United States. Headed by retired Major Donald Keyhoe, NICAP has submitted a six-point plan to a UFO Subcommittee in the U.S. Congress. The plan aims to bring about the speedy release of all UFO information withheld by the Air Force and to prevent further secrecy. NICAP highlights two key dangers: the risk of accidental war if UFO formations are mistaken for a Soviet sneak attack (citing a 1958 incident where U.S. bombers were launched against Russia due to radar tracks of unidentified objects), and the danger of the Soviet Government falsely claiming UFOs as their own weapons. The article notes that the U.S. Air Force is likely to face scrutiny from NICAP and the Subcommittee, and that the Air Force has previously denied or untruthfully explained specific UFO sightings. The report also mentions that the U.S. Navy has issued recognition charts showing two types of UFOs to ships, indicating a contradictory attitude among military factions.

Letters to the Editor

Roger G. Wyld of Northwood, Middlesex, contributes a letter questioning the interpretation of UFO phenomena. He argues that conclusions about UFOs are often based on personal viewpoints rather than objective evidence. Wyld dismisses the 'Interplanetary Manned Saucer' theory, stating it collapses under the weight of its own evidence, such as high speeds and lack of sound. He also notes the increase in both UFO sightings and natural catastrophes, suggesting that while some speculate UFOs cause these events, it's equally plausible that UFOs are present in greater numbers due to ongoing global changes. Wyld also touches upon air disasters, noting that UFOs are sometimes blamed, but argues that correlation does not imply causation. He concludes that scientific 'proofs' are not necessarily True and that even fundamental scientific beliefs, like those concerning the Sun, may be unfounded.

Why I Study UFO's

James Maney, Deputy Director of 'Interplanetary Intelligence of Unidentified Flying Objects' in Oklahoma City, USA, outlines his four reasons for studying UFOs:

1. Unidentified Objects: He studies them because they are objects that cannot be identified, citing the U.S. Air Force's own definition of a UFO.
2. Insatiable Curiosity: Maney dislikes enigmas and mysteries, seeking to unravel them to restore order and understanding.
3. Awakening the Populace: He believes the public should be aware of the possibility of serious implications related to UFOs, not to spread hysteria but to prepare for potential unknown factors.
4. 'Where there's smoke, there's fire': He believes that the persistent nature of UFO reports over fourteen years suggests there is substance to them, distinguishing them from mere oddball matters found in occult magazines.

Maney also notes that defenders of UFOs come from diverse political and professional backgrounds, united by an interest in the subject. He quotes the Honourable Carl Albert, who stated that UFOs are a center of public interest and concern. Maney's philosophy is that UFOs are a matter of interest and concern, not a cause for hysteria, and that their study could be highly rewarding if they are proven to be real and extraterrestrial.

British Sightings

This section details several UFO sightings reported in the UK:

• Belfast Couple See Mystery Object in Sky: A couple in Belfast reported seeing a "flashing red ball" object that moved erratically, stopped, and then proceeded in the opposite direction. It was observed for over two minutes.
• Sun Brings Out the Saucers: A report from Stockport explains that sunlight reflecting off an Air France Caravelle jet was mistaken by people for flying saucers, with about 20 small whitish objects reportedly seen.
• Isle of Wight Sighting: Residents reported seeing mysterious objects hovering, including one described as a hovercraft with lights that left a smoke ring, and a spherical object observed for extended periods.
• UFO's in Northern Ireland: A sighting near Bangor involved a sudden bright flash among clouds, followed by observations of what appeared to be two objects, one described as a "yellow light," which witnesses stated were stationary, discounting a plane theory.
• Green Cigar Shaped Object Over Newcastle: Two witnesses independently reported seeing a fluorescent green cigar-shaped object, about the size of a sixpence at arm's length, travelling silently from west to east for 5 seconds.

Overseas Sighting Reports

• U.S.A. - Tyndall (S.Dakota) Air Force Base Under Surveillance: A strange glowing round object was observed maneuvering above Tyndall AFB for 90 minutes, tracked by radar and Air Police. A jet and helicopter attempted an intercept but the object escaped. An Air Force report noted that the object's speed and behavior ruled out conventional aircraft or missiles, and that radio interference was experienced.
• Ring-Like UFO Seen Over Cincinnati U.S.A.: Four witnesses observed an uneven circle of light that appeared stationary before moving upward and changing direction. The object maintained constant brightness and speed, with no beams of light visible.

News Items

• Barra Bangs: A mystery explosion was reported off Barra Head in the Outer Hebrides. Skippers of two fishing vessels heard a "terrific explosion" in the air, though an army spokesman stated no rockets had been fired.
• Extract from a meeting held by the British Association for the Advancement of Science: Professor Siforov of the Russian Academy of Science suggested that advancements in rocket technique and radio electronics would help solve the problem of establishing contact with "wise creatures of other worlds."
• Is Venus Connected with This Incan Calendar?: A Soviet speaker, A. Kasantew, proposed a connection between an ancient Incan calendar (Tiahuanaco Calendar) and Venus. The calendar has 290 days, and new information suggests a Venusian year is 225 earth days, with a Venusian day equivalent to 9-11 earth days, potentially aligning with the calendar's structure.
• Polish Scientists Say the Earth Has Three Moons: This is mentioned as a continuation on the back cover.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The LUFORO Bulletin consistently promotes the unbiased, scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. It highlights the importance of evidence and detailed reporting while also acknowledging the challenges in interpreting sightings. The publication seems to lean towards the possibility of genuine unexplained aerial phenomena, as evidenced by its coverage of NICAP's efforts to combat government secrecy and its reporting of numerous sightings. There is a clear editorial stance against dismissing UFOs outright and a belief that the subject warrants serious attention and research. The inclusion of diverse perspectives, from personal reflections to scientific discussions, suggests an open-minded approach to understanding the UFO mystery. The publication also emphasizes international cooperation in UFO research, as seen with the mention of a UFO study group in East Germany.

This document is a supplement to the LUFORO BULLETIN, published by the London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation. It details the various services, departments, and activities of LUFORO, aimed at members and those interested in UFO phenomena.

LUFORO Services and Departments

Information Service Members can utilize LUFORO's postal Information Service for enquiries. All correspondence must be addressed to the Hon. Sec., include a stamped addressed envelope, and be headed 'Information Service' in block letters. The time for a reply depends on the volume of correspondence and available information.

Investigations Witnesses of UFO sightings are required to complete a special UFO Sighting Report Form (S.3.), which is an exhaustive questionnaire. LUFORO seeks local investigators to interview witnesses and submit full reports, operating under the direction of the Chairman. There is an urgent need for more investigators to cover local areas and conduct tests.

Foreign Department This department has recently been established to handle foreign language correspondence, reports, or publications. Mr. F.M. Bull serves as the Secretary of the Foreign Department, located at 14, Battinson Street, Southowram, Halifax, Yorkshire, England. All foreign materials should be sent here for translation into English.

Stratford-on-Avon Affiliate Group This group holds monthly meetings. Mr. J.D. Llewellyn is the Chairman, and the group is located at 80, West Green Drive, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, England.

Affiliation LUFORO's committee will consider granting affiliation to other groups upon request, under specific terms. It is explicitly stated that LUFORO is not, and has never been, affiliated with any other organization, and any contrary statements are false.

Photographs Investigation Section A section dedicated to investigating photographs of alleged UFOs is being formed. Individuals with expert photographic knowledge are invited to offer their assistance.

Associate Membership Associate membership of LUFORO is free of charge. Associate members are entitled to use the Information Service without cost.

Contact Investigation Section This section, led by Secretary Mr. R. Shephard (88, Heathcroft, Hampstead Way, London, N.W.11, England), focuses on investigating 'contact' claims, particularly those originating from the British Isles. This is a subsidiary activity of LUFORO, open to both full and associate members, with no admission charge 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.

News and Upcoming Events

UFO Sightings and Reports

• Polish Moon Observation: Polish scientists report observing two extra moons, described as not yet having a solid state, raising questions about landing on them and the capabilities of American moon probes.
• Munger Hoax: On July 15, over 400 people were reportedly hoaxed in Munger, Minnesota, by telephone calls from someone claiming to be an 'outer-space man from Mars' who announced a landing. The space-man never appeared.
• Upcoming Issue Content: The next issue of the bulletin will feature 1960 Dumfriesshire sightings, New Papua sightings, and new developments concerning the Hertfordshire lights.

Brains Trust Meeting A Brains Trust meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 23rd, at 7:30 pm in the Caxton Hall. The panel is expected to include LUFORO President Graham F N Knewstub, author Desmond Leslie, Charles H Gibbs-Smith (Director of 'Flying Saucer Review'), Mr. Antoni Szachnowski (Chairman of the Anglo-Polish UFO Research Club), and potentially an Air Ministry spokesman and an expert astronomer. Admission is 2/6d, and attendees are encouraged to bring written questions.

Related Organizations and Publications

The Preston and District Astronomical Society This society is open to anyone interested in astronomy and allied sciences. They hold weekly meetings from September to May, featuring lectures, film shows, practical astronomy, and visits to scientific sites. A quarterly journal is provided to members. Annual subscriptions are 15/-, with a reduced rate of 5/- for persons under 16. Further details can be obtained from the Secretary, Mr. C. Lynch, 51 Bispham Road, Carleton, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancs.

Ray Palmer's 'Flying Saucers' Magazine This magazine is available from the Hon. Secretary for 2/10d. Contact details are on Page 1.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin emphasizes the organizational structure and operational procedures of LUFORO, highlighting its commitment to systematic investigation of UFO phenomena. There's a clear focus on gathering witness testimony through standardized forms and utilizing local investigators. The establishment of a Foreign Department and an index of reports suggests a growing scope and systematic approach to UFO research. The mention of affiliate groups and associate membership indicates an effort to broaden participation and information dissemination. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFOs, evidenced by the detailed departmental descriptions and the upcoming Brains Trust event featuring experts in the field. The inclusion of a notable hoax serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the need for rigorous investigation.