LUFORO Bulletin - Vol 4 No 01 - Jan Feb Mar 1963

Magazine Overview

This issue of the LUFORA BULLETIN, Vol. IV No. 1, dated January/February/March 1963, is published by the London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation. The cover prominently displays the organization's name and the bulletin title, along with the issue details. The main headline on the cover is "Apologies," indicating an explanation for the issue's delay and format.

Apologies and Editorial Transition

The issue begins with an apology for being overdue and for its temporary format. It explains that Nigel Stephenson, who had been producing the bulletin almost single-handedly, was stepping down as editor due to new B.U.F.O.A. responsibilities. The committee has appointed a successor, Charles A. Stickland, and is making arrangements for the bulletin's continued production and distribution. The publication expresses good wishes to Nigel Stephenson and hopes to maintain a high standard, inviting suggestions, criticisms, articles, and letters from readers to the new editor, Charles A. Stickland, at 22, Roseberry St., London, S.E.16.

LUFORO'S AIMS

The stated aims of LUFORO (London Unidentified Flying Object Research Organisation) are: to conduct unbiased scientific investigation of reports of Unidentified Flying Objects and associated claims; to collect first-hand evidence of verifiable data; to publicise information in bulletins and by other means; and to foster closer co-operation and understanding between UFO researchers.

Committee and Officers

• The bulletin lists the organization's officers:
• President: G.F.N. Knewstub, A.M.Brit.I.R.E., A.Inst.E.
• Vice President: L.G. Cramp, A.R.Ae.S., M.S.I.Α.
• Chairman: G.N.P. Stephenson, 12, Dorset Road, Cheam, Sutton, Surrey.
• Vice-Chairman: G.G. Duel, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., D.M.R.E.
• Honorary Secretary: L. Beer, 61, Great Cumberland Place, London, W.1.
• Honorary Treasurer: V.W. Smithson, 33, West Towers, Pinner, Middlesex.

Editorial: The Scientific Attitude

The editorial, titled "Editorial," discusses the importance of a scientific attitude towards unusual phenomena. It quotes a principle: "The scientific attitude is a straight and narrow path between two deep pitfalls:- contempt prior to investigation, and credulity." The author suggests that many received accounts lack sufficient information for firm conclusions, yet verdicts are often expected. The editorial advocates for an approach similar to Scots law's "Not Proven," admitting when knowledge is insufficient for a sound judgment. It emphasizes the need for thorough homework, questioning details like the exact location and direction of observed objects (using Venus as an example). The piece criticizes sweeping statements made with little evidence from both sides of the UFO controversy. It argues that the subject's progress depends on fundamental thinking and inquiry into human observation, warning against hasty dismissals or credulous acceptance.

To stimulate thought, readers are invited to answer two questions:
1. What kind of information would convince you that a report was of a machine of extra-terrestrial origin?
2. What kind of information would convince you of the contrary?

A small prize of 5/- is offered for a letter of sufficiently high standard on this subject, with the editor's decision being final.

Talking of Money

A brief note reminds members who have not renewed their subscription to contact the treasurer, V.W. Smithson, at 33, West Towers, Pinner, Middlesex.

What Life Forms Can Exist on Mars?

This article, by Alan Watts, explores the possibility of life on Mars. It notes that current knowledge of Martian conditions is limited, describing its atmosphere as dry, alien, and composed mainly of nitrogen (93.8%) with very little oxygen (less than 0.1%), along with argon (4%) and carbon dioxide (2.2%).

The article reports on work by scientists Siegel, Halpern, Guimano, Rerawich, and Davies of the Union Carbide Research Institute, published in Nature on January 26th, 1963. Their research indicates that higher plants and marine life can exist in atmospheres with very little oxygen. Plants like lettuce, onion, and rice germinated well in an atmosphere of 2% oxygen and 98% argon. While Mars's water content is unknown, some plants germinated in water vapour only.

Terrestrial plants generally require little oxygen, and 10% can function even when it's practically excluded. Low temperatures on Mars are not seen as a barrier, as seedlings have been found to do better against frost damage in low-oxygen atmospheres. Simulated Martian conditions involved temperature cycling from 20°C during the day to -10°C at night.

More significantly, the common salt-water shrimp (Artemia Salina) hatched in a synthetic gas mixture of 0.1 Atm., suggesting marine organisms could adapt to alien environments. The black ant (monomorium minitum) maintained activity for fifteen hours in a rarefied atmosphere of 1% oxygen and 99% argon. The article concludes that many higher forms of life could exist on Mars, adapted to its conditions, though man-like forms are unlikely due to specialized needs.

Help!

This section seeks help from readers in dating undated newspaper cuttings related to UFO sightings. Three specific cases are mentioned:
1. An American sighting by the George H. Fisher family of Sylmar, who observed five lights that zig-zagged and changed colour over three nights. Chief Master Sgt. Donald Ramsden of the San Fernando Civil Air Patrol Squadron also saw them.
2. An observation by Rev. Cedric Wright of Seighford, near Stafford, of "a great illuminated crab-like thing" hovering about 80 feet in the air.
3. A sighting by Mr. Allen of Linden Cottage, Culston Bassett, of a circular object moving from north-west to south-east on a spring evening.

Readers with information are asked to write to the editor. The editor also humorously requests information on where to obtain a typewriter ribbon about 5/8ths inch or 15 mm. wide.

UFO RESEARCH

Written by Eric Smith, this article discusses the current state of UFO research. Smith argues that the terms "investigation" and "research" are often used loosely in civilian UFO circles, potentially misleading newcomers into believing that flying saucers are being adequately studied. He stresses the seriousness of this insufficiency, especially if humanity is under surveillance by extra-terrestrial intelligences. Smith believes that any scientist who honestly studies the subject must recognize Ufology as a field needing urgent and extensive study for several reasons:
1. UFOs appear to be associated with a mature technological race.
2. They seem to utilize scientific principles beyond current human knowledge.
3. Inadequate communication suggests the beings responsible are not prepared for direct contact.
4. UFO reports, as a "modern myth," present a unique subject for psychological study.

Smith acknowledges that the finances for research are not controlled by those best qualified to assess its value. He points out that modern science's social structure and conventions may relegate subjects with non-repeatable events (like psychical research) to the untouchable realm. He suggests that this social dynamic itself could be a subject for psychological study.

The article notes that studying UFO literature reveals the difficulty of casual investigation. It references the magnitude of the U.S.A.F. investigations, which barely scratched the surface. The author promises a future discussion on the U.S.A.F. approach to UFO studies, followed by a critical assessment and suggestions for research on a limited budget.

The Sheffield Sighting

This brief section announces that photographs of objects seen by Alex Birch on February 25th of the previous year are available for 2/9 each from Mr. A. Birch, 12, Moor Crescent, Mosborough, Sheffield.

Review: LES EXTRATERRESTRES by Paul Thomas

This is a review of the book "Les Extraterrestres" by Paul Thomas (Plon, 1962). The reviewer notes that previous attempts have been made to connect extra-terrestrial visits with religious history, citing M.K. Jessup's "Ufo and the Bible" and A.W. Orton's article "The Four-Faced Visitors of Ezekiel." However, Thomas's book is considered the most balanced and closely reasoned account on the subject.

The book primarily deals with events in the Old Testament, proposing that many religious leaders of that era possessed special knowledge obtained from extra-terrestrials. For example, it suggests Elijah was a pioneer of petrol in Palestine, using it to confound the prophets of Baal, a notion the reviewer finds fantastic but not without force.

Other parts of the book cover events at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, and discuss topics like the sex of angels, presenting thought-provoking ideas. The reviewer expresses hope for an English translation to make the book accessible to a larger public.

Library and Meetings

• A notice from 106, South Hill Park, Hampstead, N.W.3., informs members that the library is available on Saturdays from 4.0 p.m. Members may be engaged in conversation and possibly recruited for work under the guidance of:
• April 6: Dr. Doel (General Ufology)
• April 13: Eric Smith (Information Systemisation)
• April 20: Messrs. Midwinter & Kell (Observation and Communication)
• April 27: Basil Nubel (Photographic Analysis)

Another announcement details a meeting of THE BRITISH U.F.O. ASSOCIATION (London Area), hosted by the Anglo-Polish U.F.O. Research Club and the London U.F.O. Research Organisation. The meeting is scheduled for Saturday, 30th March, at 7 p.m. at the Polish Hearth Club, 55, Princes Gate. The program includes an introduction and a lecture titled "Flying Saucers Over Central Europe" by Antoni Szachnowski, Chairman of the Anglo-Polish U.F.O. Research Club, followed by an interval.

Meeting Details

The meeting continues with a segment titled "What I Saw," where audience members who have seen Unidentified Flying Objects will be invited to share their experiences, followed by discussion. Refreshments and alcoholic drinks will be available. Admission is 3/6. Attendees are requested to sign the Club's Visitors' Book.

Compliments

The final page contains a note: "WITH COMPLIMENTS YOUR MAGAZINE REQUESTED IN EXCHANCE ED."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the importance of a rigorous and unbiased scientific approach to UFO phenomena, the exploration of potential life beyond Earth (specifically on Mars), and the historical and religious contexts of UFO-like events. The editorial stance is one of cautious inquiry, advocating for evidence-based investigation and admitting the limits of current knowledge, while also emphasizing the significance of UFO research for humanity's future. There is a clear call for more systematic and well-funded research into the subject.