BUFORA Journal - Volume 01 No 04 - Spring 1965

Magazine Overview

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL AND BULLETIN, Volume 1, Number 4, from Spring 1965, is published by the British U.F.O. Research Association. It is edited by J. Cleary-Baker, Ph.D., with an editorial address in Winchester, Hampshire.

Editorial Stance and Key Articles

On Taking Over - An Editorial Note

J. Cleary-Baker begins by expressing appreciation for his predecessor, Charles A. Stickland, who nurtured the 'LUFORO Bulletin' and later edited this 'Journal' after the amalgamation of LUFORA and BUFORA in 1964. Cleary-Baker acknowledges that this issue was compiled on short notice due to his sudden appointment and apologizes for any imperfections, promising a more polished appearance in the next issue.

Editorial

The editorial reflects on the 22 years since the advent of 'Foo-Fighters' in 1943, marking an intensification of UFO activity. It notes that while unofficial UFO research has been ongoing, definitive conclusions remain elusive, beyond the establishment that unusual flying machines with advanced technology are appearing. The editorial expresses skepticism about official UFO research, suggesting that bureaucratic 'security' regulations obscure findings. It criticizes the 'will-to-believe' attitude prevalent among some enthusiasts, contrasting it with a genuine 'wish to KNOW,' and labels 'Flying Saucer Cultists' as individuals seeking a new religion. The editorial stresses that UFO research is a branch of scientific inquiry, not a 'Movement,' and that energy should be focused on data analysis rather than evangelical efforts.

It also addresses widespread illusions, such as the notion that UFOs are common, stating that 90% of reported sightings are misidentified objects or natural phenomena. The rarity of true UFOs ('rara avis') is emphasized. The article discusses the 'serious UFO-researcher's' predicament, comparing it to an artist unable to paint without a sitter, lacking a 'key' to interpret the vast amount of data collected. The author calls for a 'mental shake' and the use of 'constructive imagination' to overcome this rut.

Mr. Gordon Creighton on B.B.C.

This section reports on BUFORA member Gordon Creighton's appearance on the BBC's 'Light Night Extra' program on May 28th. He answered questions about UFOs, including the Charlton Crater incident in Wiltshire, stating the boy involved recanted his story. Creighton mentioned that approximately two thousand UFO landings have occurred globally in recent years. Regarding potential extraterrestrial bases in South America, he suggested it was unlikely for Americans or Russians to have such large craft, but possible for extraterrestrial craft. The report also notes the brief announcement of George Adamski's death. It encourages members to write to the BBC to promote further discussions on the UFO enigma.

"The Necessity of a Global International Federation of UFO Groups"

This is a report on a lecture given by Mr. Antoni W. Szachnowski, Chairman of the Angio-Polish U.F.O. Research Club, at a conference in Oxford on May 8th, 1965. Szachnowski agrees with the idea of an International Federation but notes some skepticism from others who question how much more research can be done without official disclosure. He argues that a federation is necessary for research into areas like 'Global Orthoteny' and to make existing knowledge public. He observes that after 17-18 years of collecting and verifying UFO data, achievements are not spectacular, with UFOs still largely treated as a joke or covered up. Newspapers are now mostly silent on the topic, not because UFOs have ceased appearing, but because national press editors no longer consider them newsworthy. The eclipse of the UFO question is attributed partly to sensational political news and partly to the growing space race, with some journalists prioritizing space exploration over UFOs.

Szachnowski dismisses the idea that UFOs will retreat as humanity explores space, suggesting they are controlled by intelligent beings. He highlights that UFOs generally avoid contact with humans, with 'contactee' cases being statistically insignificant exceptions. He notes changes in UFO shapes, flight patterns, and periods of activity over the years, but the rule of avoidance remains constant. He presents two alternative possibilities for UFOs' future interaction with humanity: friendly communication or hostile action. He argues that even in a friendly scenario, UFO researchers should have a say, as they have been proven right when others were wrong. He emphasizes that a 'Federation' is needed for more than just cooperation; it requires a composite organization of autonomous societies, united for international importance, strong yet flexible, and internally peaceful.

The article concludes by stating that the Federation's tasks include bringing the UFO question back to public attention, convincing scientists and governments of its importance, and achieving communication with 'the masters of these space-vehicles.' It acknowledges this is a 'tall order' but one that cannot be disregarded, as the current crisis in UFO research field is evident.

The Morton-Sooley Case

This section provides further details on the Morton-Sooley sighting from Winter 1964. Mr. Morton-Sooley reported seeing red, yellow, and green lights racing across the sky, and his clothing subsequently burned. Initial theories involving chemical contamination, such as sodium chlorate, were investigated by a chemist from CUGIUFO, but quantitative tests found no oxidising agents. Further questioning of Mr. Sooley also made chemical contact unlikely. The report suggests that the incident might be linked to the RAF, as Monday nights are known locally as 'Bombing Night' with many planes active. It is speculated that Mr. Sooley may have been hit by hot remains of a pyrotechnic device, possibly related to the colored lights seen. The report also mentions that jet exhausts, normally orange, can appear blue when afterburning is in use, and Mr. M-S had observed large blue lights crossing the sky at high speed on previous nights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the need for rigorous, scientific UFO research, the importance of organizing global efforts through a federation, and a critical perspective on both the 'will-to-believe' cultists and the lack of official acknowledgment. The editorial stance is one of advocating for serious, evidence-based investigation and the professionalization of UFO research, positioning it as a legitimate scientific endeavor distinct from sensationalism or pseudo-religious movements. There is a clear emphasis on data collection, analysis, and the potential implications of UFOs for humanity's future, including the possibility of extraterrestrial contact and the need for preparedness.

This issue of 'Notes and Quotes' (Issue 10) presents a collection of short articles, quotes, and reports related to UFO phenomena, space exploration, and historical curiosities. The content spans various topics, from alleged animal sightings and historical flying machine designs to modern space probes and eyewitness accounts of unusual aerial objects.

Peripatetic Puma

The issue begins by noting persistent reports of a large cat-like animal, dubbed a 'puma,' appearing in areas such as the Home Counties, West Country, and Dublin. It suggests that while UFO agency shouldn't be invoked for every strange happening, similar prints were reportedly found near an alleged UFO landing site in New Mexico.

Jet-propelled Chinaman

A historical anecdote recounts the tale of Wan-Hoo, an obscure Chinese official from around 1500, who allegedly designed a rocket aircraft by attaching forty-seven rockets to two large kites. The account, quoted from C. H. Gibbs-Smith's 'A History of Flying,' describes his purported attempt to fly, which ended with his departure 'to his ancestors to the accompaniment of much noise and smoke.'

Mars Probes

A report from Moscow indicates that the Soviet Mars Probe is presumed to have failed due to a loss of signal. In contrast, the American Mars Probe, Mariner 4, is continuing its mission and has recorded a significant number of micrometeorite impacts during its voyage, far exceeding those recorded by Mariner 2 on its trip to Venus.

Moon Probes

This section criticizes 'UFO-students' for blaming UFOs for the failure of TV cameras on the first U.S. photographic lunar probe. It highlights the successes of subsequent probes that have sent back numerous images of the Moon's surface, emphasizing that initial failures in rocketry are normal and should not be attributed to outside interference.

UFOs from Inside the Earth?

The article discusses the persistent belief among some American UFO enthusiasts that UFOs originate from an imaginary 'inner world' beneath the Earth's surface, accessible through polar openings. It references an American-Italian writer, Giannini, and Rear-Admiral Byrd's statements about flights 'beyond the Pole,' clarifying that Byrd's remarks implied only that the South Geographical Pole is not centrally located on the Antarctic land-mass, not a hidden world.

U-2 Incident

This section addresses the incident of an American U-2 plane piloted by Gary Powers being shot down near Sverdlovsk in May 1960. It debunks the 'lunatic fringe' theory that UFOs were responsible, explaining that the incident was due to a malfunctioning altimeter and that Powers was flying much lower than he believed. The Soviet Union downplayed this fact to enhance the perceived accuracy of their interceptor-rockets.

UFOs & E.S.P.

The article notes that both U.S. and Soviet Armed Forces are exploring Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP) as a potential weapon. It raises the question of whether UFO occupants might possess similar telepathic abilities but warns that any hasty experiments in this area could lead to widespread fraud and complicate UFO research.

The Trinidade UFO Sightings

This is a preview of a future article that will discuss the mysteries surrounding the rocky island of Trinidade in the South Atlantic, including questions about its forests, its former settlement, and a series of UFO sightings in 1957-58.

UFO SIGHTING-REPORTS - AN EXPLANATION & APOLOGY

J.C-B., the editor, explains the absence of the usual UFO sighting-reports in this issue. He cites tight deadlines due to past delays and his assumption of the editorship, which left him insufficient time to compile the reports. He also proposes that future sighting-reports might be provided as a separate supplement to reduce costs and allocate more space to articles.

Subscription Information

Readers interested in UFO sightings are directed to subscribe to 'UFOLOG,' a monthly publication from the Isle-of-Wight U.F.O. Investigation Society, for an annual subscription of 10/6.

SIGHTING REPORT BY MEMBER OF FLEET STREET UFO STUDY GROUP

This is a first-person account by 'C. D.' of an incident that occurred while flying from Bovington to Spain during the winter months of 1947. The author, operating the radio on a converted Halifax bomber, witnessed three circular aircraft maintaining station off the port wing. The aircraft disappeared and reappeared, eventually vanishing. The pilot was detained at Bordeaux, and the author felt compelled to 'soft-pedal' his story to avoid further complications, despite his crewmates' more detailed accounts. The author notes that the firm was British American Air Services Ltd. and that his logbook is unavailable.

BOOK REVIEW: "The UFO Evidence"

This section reviews the long-awaited report from the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), a prominent UFO research organization led by Major Keyhoe. The reviewer acknowledges the report's imposing nature and the energy invested in its compilation, but points out several weaknesses. These include a lack of clear categorization for the 746 UFO reports, insufficient information on evaluation techniques, and a perceived lack of attention to pre-1947 sightings. The reviewer also notes inexplicable omissions in the section on UFO photographs and films, such as the absence of the Warren Siegmond photograph. While agreeing with NICAP's disclaimer against a 'conspiratorial view of history,' the reviewer finds the section attacking official statements on UFOs redundant.

The reviewer argues that while circumstantial evidence is plentiful, it falls short of providing conclusive proof. He suggests that government circles likely possess more data but cannot publicly announce UFOs as spacecraft due to the potential for public panic. The review concludes that despite its defects, the report is a good buy for scientific UFO-researchers and impressively summarizes American UFO sightings from the past 18 years.

CTA 102

This section discusses the news of 'Life in Space' and the subsequent denials from the 'orthodox school.' It draws parallels to past instances of disbelief, such as the initial skepticism about Russian jet fighters and the atomic bomb, and the dismissal of space travel. The author then speculates about the possibility of a 'superman race' on CTA 102, noting that scientists would likely dismiss such an idea due to the immense travel time involved.

Contributed by: Mr. E. A. Hatvany

Mr. Hatvany's contribution discusses the implications of radio signals received from CTA 102, suggesting they could be from an advanced civilization. He argues that if humanity can achieve feats like splitting the atom and bridging vast distances in a short time, then a civilization millions of years older could certainly travel faster than light.

EDITORIAL COMMENT:

The editorial acknowledges Mr. Hatvany's contribution regarding CTA 102 but presents a counter-argument. It suggests that radio signals exhibiting regular patterns might not necessarily be from intelligent beings but could be natural phenomena, such as the Earth's rotation and revolution, or variations in 'radio stars.' The editorial cautions against assuming intelligent agency behind such signals.

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED

This section lists and briefly reviews several publications:

• "Informaciones Autenticas Sobre Platos Voladores en el Cielo Argentino - 1964.": A mimeographed bulletin from Argentina listing 16 UFO sightings in 1964, some of which are considered doubtful. The reviewer suggests that the compilers should have verified the reports more thoroughly.
• "N.I.C.A.P. Reporter" - March 1965: Published by a different NICAP organization than the one that produced the reviewed report, this bulletin is described as a mixed bag with some good sighting reports and some 'duds.'
• "UFO-nachrichten" - May 1965: A publication from Wiesbaden-Schierstein.

BALL OF FIRE REPORTED FLYING OVER HALIFAX

Two articles from the Halifax Courier and Guardian report on a mysterious 'ball of fire' seen over Halifax on March 12th, 1965. Eyewitnesses described it as looking like a ball of fire with a tail of flame, travelling very quickly and appearing larger than a comet. Some speculated it was a satellite burning up. Mr. Malcolm Bull, chairman of the Halifax Branch of the British Unidentified Flying Objects Research Association, suggested it was likely a fireball, similar to a meteorite but slower-moving and sometimes evaporating.

Colour Effects

This section presents differing eyewitness accounts of the 'ball of fire' over Halifax. One farmer described it as round, tapering, orange-red, and lighter in the middle, resembling a flying saucer. Mr. C. Day suggested it was a satellite returning to Earth, burning up in the atmosphere, and appearing as a bright silver-blue light at about 1,000 feet. Mr. Bull commented that while many meteors fall to Earth, there was nothing unusual about this particular fireball.

OBITUARY: GEORGE ADAMSKI

This extensive obituary reflects on the life and work of George Adamski, the author of the best-selling 'Flying Saucers Have Landed.' The author acknowledges Adamski as a colorful and controversial figure whose shadow loomed large over UFO research. While recognizing the initial appeal and plausibility of Adamski's first 'contact' story about meeting a Venusian in the Arizona desert, the author strongly criticizes his subsequent books, 'Inside the Spaceships' and 'Flying Saucers Farewell,' deeming them 'second-rate science fiction' mixed with 'Theosophy and water.' The obituary argues that Adamski's first contact story was as spurious as his later ones, suggesting that his motives were likely a combination of a liking for money, notoriety, and a form of 'pious fraud' – an attempt to propagate what he believed to be truth using questionable means. The author speculates that Adamski may have fallen into a trap of over-confidence and subconscious vanity, creating a narrative that spiraled out of control. The obituary concludes by hoping Adamski will be remembered as a pioneer in UFO research whose enthusiasm outran his discretion, quoting John Donne's reflection on the interconnectedness of humanity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with scientific inquiry, historical accounts, and public perception. There is a recurring theme of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a call for rigorous investigation, particularly evident in the book review of the NICAP report and the editorial comments on radio signals. The editor, J.C-B., appears to adopt a critical yet open-minded stance, acknowledging the possibility of UFOs while cautioning against fraud, misinterpretation, and sensationalism. The obituary for George Adamski strongly critiques his later work, highlighting a concern for the integrity of UFO research and the potential for 'pious fraud.' The overall editorial stance leans towards a rational examination of evidence, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and speculative or fabricated accounts.

Title: UFO SIGHTING REPORTS
Issue: 20
Date: Not specified
Publisher: Not specified
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of UFO Sighting Reports is primarily a directory designed to facilitate the reporting and investigation of recent UFO sightings and potential landings across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Call for Reports and Investigations

The publication strongly encourages both members and non-members to submit details of any UFO reports they encounter, whether through personal accounts, newspapers, or magazines. The emphasis is on immediate reporting to the designated Information Officer for the concerned area. This promptness is crucial for initiating local investigations while the sighting is still fresh in the minds of eyewitnesses.

A particular emphasis is placed on UFO landings. The publication stresses the importance of investigators reaching the landing site quickly, before the area becomes too disturbed, to preserve potential evidence.

Regional Contact Directory

The core of this issue is a comprehensive list of UFO investigation societies and their respective Information Officers, organized by geographical region. This directory aims to provide a clear point of contact for reporting sightings in specific areas:

• Northern England & Scotland:
• Cumberland, Durham, Northumberland, Westmorland, North Riding of Yorkshire: Tyneside UFO Society, contact William D. Muir.
• Wirral Peninsula (Cheshire), Anglesey, Isle of Man, Lancashire, North Wales: Merseyside UFO Research Society, contact Alan Rawlinson.
• Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire: Direct Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena, contact P. Harrison.
• Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, East and West Ridings of Yorkshire: Halifax Branch, contact John M. Stear.
• Scotland: Scottish UFO Research Society, contact Glen Chandler.

• Midlands & Central England:
• North-east half of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Wales south of and including Cardiganshire and Montgomeryshire: Cheltenham Flying Saucer Group, contact A. R. Cole.
• Warwickshire: Stratford-on-Avon Branch, contact J. D. Llewellyn.

• Eastern & Southern England:
• Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Rutland, Suffolk: Cambridge University Group for the Investigation of UFOs, contact A. C. H. Durham.
• Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire: Oxford University UFOs Study Group, contact T. A. Williamson.
• Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, South-western half of Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire: British Flying Saucer Bureau, contact G. F. N. Knewstub.
• Hampshire, Isle of Wight: Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society, contact F. W. Smith.
• Surrey: Croydon UFO Research and Investigation Society, contact H. Roberts.
• London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Middlesex, Sussex, Eire and Northern Ireland: BUFORA Central Information Officer, contact Dr. G. G. Doel.

Each entry typically includes the name of the society or group, the contact person, their address, and sometimes a telephone number.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the systematic collection and investigation of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of encouraging public participation in reporting and scientific inquiry into these events. The publication acts as a central hub, connecting the public with regional investigative bodies to ensure that sightings are documented and studied promptly and effectively. The emphasis on 'freshness' of sightings and the importance of preserving landing sites highlights a commitment to rigorous, timely investigation.