BUFORA Journal - Volume 01 No 102- Spring 1967

Magazine Overview

This document is the Spring 1967 issue (Volume 1, Number 12) of the BUFORA JOURNAL AND BULLETIN, published by the British UFO Research Association. The cover features the title prominently, along with publication details and a graphic illustration. The issue is dated Spring 1967 and is the twelfth issue of the first volume.

Editorial: The State of UFO Research

The editorial, written by Editor J. Cleary-Baker, Ph.D., addresses the perceived lack of practical research among UFO enthusiasts. It criticizes the tendency to postpone research until ideal conditions (funding, instrumentation) are met, suggesting that such conditions will only arise once research yields significant results. The editor dismisses the idea that UFO research is hampered by hypothetical government censorship, arguing that authorities likely possess little information. A primary critique is leveled against self-styled researchers who, lacking a clear methodology, resort to blaming officialdom or lamenting a lack of resources rather than formulating practical scientific programs. The editorial emphasizes the need for researchers to develop the skill of "winnowing the grain from the chaff" and to possess requisite knowledge of the subject. It cites Jacques Vallee's observation that groups often focus on sensational cases like Mantell or Lubbock Lights without exploring a wider range of reports. The editor uses the example of the Felix Moncla case to illustrate how official explanations can be dismissive and how a lack of transparency can obscure the truth.

The Flying Discs and the USSR

This article, translated from Portuguese by Luiz Paulo Pastorino, examines the Soviet Union's stance on UFOs. Historically, the USSR maintained a skeptical silence, often denying UFO existence or attributing sightings to hallucination or propaganda. However, the article suggests that despite official denials, UFOs have been observed within Soviet airspace, with occasional reports appearing in publications like the "Australian F.S. Review." One notable incident cited is the "Three discs over Moscow" admission by the Soviet Air Force in August 1959, where radar detected three disc-shaped objects near Vnukovo Airport, which Soviet jets failed to intercept. The article notes the Soviet explanation of "optical illusion" or "atmospheric reflection" as unusual, given their typical denial of UFOs. It draws parallels with the US military's systematic study of UFOs while releasing little information. The author argues that the USSR's investigation of airspace violations implies a more rigorous internal inquiry than publicly admitted, a process obscured by the Soviet political system.

The article further delves into specific alleged UFO encounters in the Soviet Union. It mentions reports of pilots firing on flying discs, similar to actions by pilots in other countries. A significant case from 1961 near Irkutsk describes a grounded rocket-like machine with four feet, with its occupants photographed by a local doctor. Another extraordinary case from 1961 details the disappearance of a mail-plane and its four occupants over the central USSR, only for the plane to be found intact two days later near Tobelak, Siberia. A large circle of burned grass and disturbed soil was found near the plane, suggesting a UFO landing and its capacity to abduct passengers.

Electronic Data Processing or Panacea?

Written by Malcolm Bull, this article explores the potential of electronic data processing (EDP) for UFO research. The author cautions against viewing computers as a magical solution, stating that they can perform no more than a human worker, albeit at incredible speeds. The power of computers lies in their speed and ability to perform complex sequences of operations. The article emphasizes that programmers and systems analysts must first devise a method for analyzing sighting reports before feeding data into a computer. The high cost of computer time necessitates careful pre-planning to ensure that the analysis yields useful and valuable results. The author references a previous article in the BUFORA Journal that outlined statistical tests suitable for UFO data analysis. While acknowledging that punched cards and sorting machines can achieve similar results to computers for certain tasks, the author suggests that computers open the door for more extensive investigations. However, the initial stages of data input, including punching data into cards and standardizing sighting details, present significant challenges.

Annual General Meeting, 1967

This section provides preliminary notification for BUFORA's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, October 7th, 1967, at 6 p.m. in the Kensington Central Library. It outlines the process for nominations for various officer positions and seats on the National Executive Committee, with a deadline of August 26th, 1967. Resolutions for debate must also be submitted by this date. The notice states that if no rival nominations are received, current officeholders will be re-elected unopposed. It also clarifies that only members in good standing are entitled to vote.

Letters to the Editor

This section contains a letter from T. Whitaker, Honorary Secretary of the Halifax Branch of BUFORA, expressing dissatisfaction with the 1966 AGM. The letter proposes several suggestions for improvement, including holding the AGM as an extra meeting in mid-October, making the entire meeting for members only, ensuring reports from all sections are presented with opportunities for questions, including an item for policy and general discussion, and eliminating extra speakers in favor of incorporating them into an Annual Conference. The editor agrees with Mr. Whitaker's sentiments.

Personal Column

This section includes urgent requests for members with radio equipment skills to contact Mr. Edgar Hatvany for the installation of equipment in BUFORA's Mobile Research H.Q. It also includes an advertisement for BUFORA envelope stickers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical assessment of UFO research methodologies, the investigation of UFO phenomena in the Soviet Union, the application of technology (specifically data processing) to UFO studies, and the internal organization and improvement of BUFORA. The editorial stance is one of advocating for rigorous, scientific, and practical research, urging enthusiasts to move beyond mere speculation and towards systematic investigation. There is a clear emphasis on the need for methodological rigor and a critical approach to evidence, even when dealing with sensational cases. The organization's commitment to its aims and the improvement of its operational efficiency is also evident.

This issue of 'NOTES & QUOTES' from BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) is Volume 1, Issue 12, dated Autumn 1966. It serves as a platform for various viewpoints within the UFO research community, covering historical accounts, scientific discussions, organizational news, and book reviews.

UFO 'OUT IN THE '45?'

This section presents an extract from John Prebble's book 'Culloden,' detailing an event in August 1748 where eleven men and women in Aberdeen reported seeing three globes of light in the sky. These lights increased in brilliance, and twelve tall men in clean and bright attire were seen crossing a valley. The account also mentions a vision of the Battle of Culloden, which occurred two years prior to the reported sighting.

MORE VANISHING AIRCRAFT.

A letter from Mrs. Helen G. Hartmann in Florida reports the disappearance of three planes on January 18th: one en route from Puerto Rico to Nassau, one in the western Caribbean, and one over the Florida Keys. No trace has been found, leading to speculation about the cause of repeated aircraft losses in the area and a potential connection to the UFO mystery.

"CONTACTS & "OPERATORS"

Dr. W. Buhler, a UFO researcher from Brazil, is quoted as charging that renowned research personnel, including Peter Norris, Richard Hall, and Cleary-Baker (BUFORA), are against the open discussion of 'contacts.' The author clarifies his position, stating that contact claims devoid of fraud or self-delusion receive his attention, but he has a large file of 'operator' reports. He explains that he writes little on these reports because there is insufficient evidence to form firm conclusions, and the subject is too cluttered with vague speculations.

THAT PETITION!

BUFORA is criticized in a letter reproduced in the Isle-of-Wight Society's 'UFOLOG' for declining to support the 'National Petition' for the release of UFO information. The author clarifies that BUFORA will not support the petition officially, as explained in the Autumn 1966 Editorial, but it is untrue to suggest that BUFORA prevents its members from supporting it individually.

'GUS THE GREMLIN STRIKES AGAIN!'

This is a lighthearted note about a typographical error in the previous issue where a quotation from John Evelyn's Diary was mistakenly dated 1964 instead of 1694, attributed to 'Gus,' BUFORA's resident 'little green man.'

BUFORA MOBILE HEADQUARTERS.

An announcement that a suitable vehicle has been purchased and is being fitted up as BUFORA's mobile headquarters. Contributions of cash or equipment are still needed to get it on the road.

SUGGESTION FOR SKY-WATCHERS.

A suggestion for sky-watchers to learn constellations and use multiple observation points many miles apart to plot UFO courses. This method, using parallax and a long baseline, is believed to be more effective for gathering data than mass gatherings at a single point, which have often proved abortive.

AS OTHERS SEE US!

A report from the University of California's School of Criminology is mentioned, alleging that 'flying saucer enthusiasts' are often elderly, in poor mental and physical health, have low formal education, and come from a lower middle-class background. The author anticipates a future report on 'researchers' who are arrogant and self-complacent.

GHOSTS & UFOs.

A letter in 'Woman' magazine describes a vision seen near Otterburn of ragged soldiers, possibly connected to the Battle of Otterburn in 1388. On all three occasions, the witness's taxi engine died, reminiscent of automobile engine failures near UFOs. The author speculates that these soldiers might be actual men viewed through a 'warp-in-time,' suggesting time may be involved in UFO operations.

EINSTEIN AND THE UNIFIED FIELD THEORY

By John Crabtree. This article addresses a misconception within BUFORA regarding the Unified Field Theory. Crabtree explains that while a Unified Field Theory would be beautiful and useful, the initial optimism at the turn of the century was based more on allegiance to old regimes than genuine physical insight. He traces the history of physics from the complacency of the late 19th century, where atoms were seen as hard spheres and theories like Universal Gravitation and Maxwell's unified theory of Electricity and Magnetism seemed complete. However, Planck and Einstein's work exposed tiny flaws, leading to a continuous development of theories that increasingly disagreed with observations, resulting in a vast accumulation of uncorrelated phenomena.

Einstein himself conceived the idea of a Unified Theory of Matter and unsuccessfully dedicated a large part of his life to proving it. The article posits that with the implications of Relativity and Quantum Theory, the Unified Field Theory had no place and was an anachronism. This advance also involved a step away from 'common sense' into mathematics. The author argues that there is no Unified Field Theory linking electromagnetism and gravity, and no immediate prospect of one, with cosmologists believing it is likely impossible. He criticizes the attitude of those who dismiss theories they cannot grasp and hopes for more fruitful speculation.

EDITORIAL COMMENT:

This comment, by J. C-B., states that BUFORA JOURNAL is a forum for all viewpoints and prints John Crabtree's article despite disagreeing with much of it. The comment elaborates on the Unified Field Theory, noting that classical physics provided little basis for it. Einstein's work aimed to bridge Relativity and Quantum Theory, linking gravity with electromagnetic forces. While Einstein failed to construct a satisfactory theory, his efforts were not wasted, similar to the astronomers' work on the heliocentric model. The editorial criticizes the complacency of scientists and the idea that physics has cut itself off from ordinary understanding, quoting Wilbert Smith's description of scientific theory as a 'mathematical monstrosity.'

BOOK REVIEWS

• 'The Great Flying Saucer Hoax' by Mrs. Coral Lorenzen: A paperback edition is available for 6/-, issued in the UK by The New English Library, Ltd. The title in this edition is 'Flying Saucers - The Startling Evidence of the Invasion from Outer Space.' It is highly recommended.
• 'UFOs AROUND THE WORLD.' Edited by Ed. J. Babcock & Timothy Green Beckley: This is a mimeographed publication with contributions from Colman Von Keviczky, Professor Oberth, Jacques Vallee, and Frank Edwards. The reviewer notes its interest to UFO researchers but regrets that it was not printed in a more permanent format.
• 'THE REFERENCE FOR OUTSTANDING UFO SIGHTING REPORTS.' by Thomas M. Olsen: This is a valuable contribution to UFO literature, containing 160 outstanding reports with a numerical reliability value, presented chronologically and cross-indexed. It is highly recommended for serious researchers.
• 'OTHER WORLDS THAN OURS.' by C. Maxwell Cade: Published by the Museum Press, Ltd., priced at 30/-. This book is described as a lively introduction to the problem of life on other worlds, covering evolution, radio astronomy, and robotic intelligence. The reviewer disagrees with Cade's predilection for 'Bug-Eyed Monsters' and notes that his chapter on 'Folklore & Flying Saucers' makes puzzling reading, with insufficient discrimination between scientific UFO study and 'crankeries.' Despite some obscurities, the book is recommended.
• 'PIECE FOR A JIGSAW.' by Leonard G. Cramp: Published by the Somerton Publishing Co. Ltd., priced at 27/6. This book is timely as Mr. Cramp's work has recently faced criticism due to the scientific retreat from the conception of a Unified Field Theory. The book details Cramp's theories on UFO propulsion in terms of 'Anti-Gravity,' which the reviewer finds fit the facts of observation well. The reviewer wishes Cramp had devoted more space to colour changes associated with UFOs and compared his theories with those of Plantier and Oberth. The final chapter, 'Vindication of a Scout Ship,' which attempts to demonstrate the technical conceivability of Adamski's 'three balls' saucer, is criticized, with the reviewer expressing a lack of conviction regarding Adamski's photographs and projections. However, the book is considered a remarkable work and a bargain.

ASSOCIATION JOTTINGS

THE JUNE 24th. SKYWATCH.

The author reaffirms a previous statement that 'BUFORA National Skywatch Day' is an apt description for an event organized on a nationwide scale, contributing to 'International Skywatch Day.' The author questions whether critics are serious UFO researchers or 'hysterical schoolgirls.'

CRITICISMS - FAIR & UNFAIR.

This section addresses criticisms leveled against BUFORA. It is regretted that spokesmen of Member-Societies sometimes criticize BUFORA or permit outsiders to do so before consulting the National Executive Committee. The article notes that Member-Societies do not fully utilize their rights and privileges, and the affiliation fee is nominal. The BUFORA Constitution guarantees Member-Societies autonomy in their internal administration, and a similar autonomy for the Committee in managing the central organization is deemed reasonable.

WHO CAN JOIN BUFORA?

In response to a suggestion that any group or society can affiliate with BUFORA, it is clarified that this is incorrect. Groups have been refused admission, and individual applicants are generally not refused unless they advocate opinions directly at variance with BUFORA's Aims.

CREDULITY VERSUS CONVICTION.

An assumption that 'UFO-denizens' exist may stem from credulity, but it can also be a conviction arising from years of study. The article suggests that while some individuals are easily convinced, others require a high standard of proof. If an investigator is convinced that UFOs are alien craft, they should not be blamed for basing their future activities on that premise.

NEW VOLUME - NEW LOOK!

This is the twelfth and last issue of the first volume of the 'JOURNAL.' The author expresses hope for further progress and notes that BUFORA has brought a greater measure of unity to UFO research in the country.

UFO ACTIVITY IN BRAZIL DURING 1965

This extensive section compiles UFO sighting reports from Brazil during 1965, extracted from 'BULLETIN UFO AMATEURS, S.B.E.S.D.V.' It lists numerous incidents with dates, locations, descriptions of objects (e.g., silvery metallic balls, luminous objects, flying saucers, round objects), and their sources from various Brazilian newspapers. The reports detail observations of objects with varying characteristics, including speed, altitude, luminosity, and behavior, with some involving military radar detection and eyewitness accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the historical context of UFO sightings, the scientific challenges and philosophical implications of physics (particularly the Unified Field Theory), and the internal dynamics and public perception of UFO research organizations like BUFORA. The editorial stance, as expressed in the 'EDITORIAL COMMENT,' is one of openness to diverse viewpoints within the association, while also maintaining a critical perspective on scientific complacency and the tendency towards overly speculative or mathematically abstract theories that detach from common understanding. There is a clear emphasis on empirical evidence and a cautious approach to claims, particularly regarding 'contacts,' while acknowledging the value of dedicated investigation.

This document, identified as issue 19 of "UFO Monthly," primarily consists of a detailed list of UFO sightings and a directory of regional information officers. The sightings are predominantly from Brazil, with a few mentions of UK-based UFO groups. The content focuses on observational reports and the infrastructure for collecting and investigating such phenomena.

Regional UFO Sightings The majority of the document is dedicated to cataloging UFO sightings, primarily from August and early September, with a strong concentration in Brazil. These reports detail various observations:

• August (undated): A descending object with variable colors (dark green, red, light blue) was observed for two hours.
• August 11th: In Araguari, Minas, the Director of the D.A.M., Edesio Daher, reported seeing a "flying saucer" (FS) with wings that retracted at times.
• August 11th: A luminous FS was seen flying over Maracâna.
• August 12th: In Central do Brasil, a motionless luminous object was observed, which later departed at high speed.
• August 15th: In Bairro Cascadura, an object shaped like a plate performed evolutions for eight minutes.
• August 16th: In Vila Madeiro, a policeman named Joao Batista Goncalves observed a FS performing evolutions over the town before heading southwards.
• August 19th: In Bairro Tamamarinheira, State of Recife, hundreds of people witnessed a luminous round object, motionless at an altitude of 1000 meters. It displayed an intense light of changing colors, performed evolutions, and then gained height in a zigzag fashion over a 12-minute observation period.
• August 23rd: In Niteroi, Joao Abud, a juridical councillor, reported seeing a FS of considerable dimensions with red rays.
• August 30th: In Bairro Engenho do Meio, Recife, an intensely brilliant object was seen moving from side to side before disappearing over the horizon.
• September 2nd (05:50): In Sorocabana, a circle of light was observed descending "obliquely" while losing speed.
• September ? (04:40): In Sao Paulo, Mario de Lurdes Tomazini reported seeing an enormous yellow FS motionless over the State Bank building.

These reports are attributed to various sources, including local newspapers such as DIARIO DE PERNAMBUCO, O JORNAL, O DIA, O FLUMINENSE, and ULTIMA HORA.

Regional Information Officers Following the list of sightings, the document provides a comprehensive directory of "Regional Information Officers" across the United Kingdom and, implicitly, Brazil (given the location of the sightings). The stated purpose of this network is to ensure that details of recent UFO sightings are sent immediately to Area Information Officers. This allows for prompt local investigations while the incidents are still fresh in the minds of witnesses. An immediate telephone call to the concerned Information Officer or the Central Information Office in London is recommended, with costs to be refunded.

The directory lists contacts for various regions, including:

• Cumberland, Durham, Northumberland, North Riding of Yorkshire: Tyneside UFO Society (W. D. Muir, J.L. Otley)
• Lancashire, Wirral Peninsula, Isle of Man, Anglesey, North Wales: Merseyside UFO Research Group (R. Donnelly, John Harney)
• Cheshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire: Direct Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (A. Tomlinson, Mrs. J. Nelstrop)
• Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, East & West Ridings of Yorkshire: Halifax Branch (J. M. Stear)
• North-east Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Wales south of and including Cardiganshire & Montgomeryshire: Cheltenham Flying Saucer Group (A. R. Cole, J. Whitaker)
• Warwickshire: Stratford-on Avon UFO Group (J. D. Llewellyn)
• Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Rutland, Suffolk: Cambridge University Group for the Investigation of UFOs (A. C. H. Durham, J. A. Popple)
• Oxfordshire: Oxford University UFOs Study Group (R. N. Ball)
• Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, South-western Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire: British Flying Saucer Bureau (G.F.N. Knewstub)
• Hampshire, Isle of Wight: Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society (Mrs. K. Smith)
• Surrey: Croydon UFO Research & Investigation Society (H. Roberts)
• Scotland: Scottish UFO Research Society (Glen Chandler)
• Northern Ireland: T. Thompson
• London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Middlesex, Sussex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire: Central Information Office (Ken Rogers, E. Hatvany)

Contact details, including telephone numbers and preferred times for calls, are provided for most of these regional contacts.

Advertisements

The issue also contains advertisements for two books:

• "The Scoriton Mystery" by Eileen Buckle, published by Neville Spearman Ltd. The advertisement poses the question, "Did Adamski return P" and describes the book as "fully illustrated."
• "The Warminster Mystery" by Arthur Shuttlewood, also published by Neville Spearman Ltd. This book is described as featuring "astounding UFO sightings" and is also "fully illustrated."

Both books are presented as "perhaps the two most controversial books yet published on UFOs," with a publication date in mid-May. Their prices are listed as 31s. 6d. for Scoriton and 26s. 6d. for Warminster.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this issue are the documentation of UFO sightings and the organization of a network for reporting and investigating these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and data collection, emphasizing the importance of timely and accurate reporting. The extensive list of regional contacts suggests a structured approach to UFO research, aiming to gather evidence systematically. The inclusion of book advertisements for "The Scoriton Mystery" and "The Warminster Mystery" indicates an interest in prominent or controversial UFO cases within the UFO community.