BUFORA Journal - Volume 02 No 02 - Autumn 1967

Magazine Overview

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL, Volume 2, Number 2, from Autumn 1967, is published by the British U.F.O. Research Association. The cover prominently features the organization's name and title, "BUFORA JOURNAL," with the issue details "Vol. 2 No. 2 AUTUMN 1967" at the top.

Contents

The table of contents lists several articles and sections:

• Editorial
• We Must "Rethink The Image"!
• The Problem of the Unidentified Flying Objects
• Notes & Quotes
• Satellites and UFOs.
• Letters to the Editor
• Association Jottings
• Book Reviews
• UFOs in Chile
• Obituary
• BUFORA Information

The British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association

Page 3 provides background on BUFORA, founded in 1964. Its aims are to encourage unbiased scientific investigation and research into UFO phenomena, collect and disseminate evidence, and co-ordinate UFO research globally. It lists numerous member societies across the UK and abroad, as well as its honorary officers, including President G. W. Creighton and Vice-Presidents L. G. Cramp, Dr. G. G. Doel, and R. H. B. Winder. The Executive Committee and co-opted executives are also listed. Membership details are provided, with an annual subscription of one guinea for individuals in the UK and $3 for the USA and Canada. The journal is published quarterly and available only to members or by exchange. Advertising rates and contact information for the Publicity Officer, Mr. L. E. Beer, are included. General correspondence and subscriptions are to be sent to the Hon. Secretary, M. C. Holt, while UFO reports should be directed to regional or central information officers.

Editorial

The editorial discusses the recent wave of scientific interest in UFOs, noting that scientists are not as enthusiastic as might be expected, possibly due to a belated response to a challenge that should have been accepted twenty years prior. It highlights the persistent, worldwide reports of unusual flying machines since 1947, which scientists should have investigated as a working hypothesis. Instead, the initial scientific reaction was one of impugning witnesses' integrity and mental stability, followed by a 'blanket explanation' tactic using phenomena like sounding balloons, ball lightning, or light phenomena. The editorial acknowledges that many reports can be explained by misidentified objects or natural phenomena, but emphasizes that a significant residue of 'rogue' reports remains, exhibiting a 'family resemblance' and behaving like flying machines. The author suggests these should be provisionally classified as flying machines of unknown origin.

We Must "Rethink The Image"!

Authored by A. David Beach, this article explores the mysterious motive power of UFOs, including their speed, altitude, acceleration, and hovering capabilities. Beach posits that the current scientific understanding of mass, space, and time is insufficient. He proposes a radical hypothesis: that 'mass' is not a fundamental property but an observed effect of inertia (I) and gravitation (G). If inertia and gravitation are manipulable 'second order' phenomena, then introducing an asymmetry could lead to extraordinary effects. Beach suggests using a reactor to reduce inertia in a specific direction, allowing a craft to accelerate with minimal force, potentially even converting energy into kinetic motion without expending mass. He further speculates that such an asymmetry could affect space-time, enabling faster-than-light travel and true interstellar flight.

The Problem of the Unidentified Flying Objects

By James E. McDonald, this article summarizes a talk given to the American Meteorological Society. McDonald argues that while atmospheric phenomena, hoaxes, and misinterpretations account for many UFO reports, a substantial residue of unexplained sightings from credible observers remains. He dismisses geophysical, astronomical, technological, and psychological hypotheses as insufficient. McDonald concludes that the extraterrestrial hypothesis (Category 7) is the least unsatisfactory explanation, despite its low a priori probability based on current scientific knowledge. He criticizes past official Air Force investigations, particularly Project Bluebook, as superficial and lacking scientific competence, suggesting they have deliberately 'debunked' UFOs to reduce public attention. This policy, influenced by the CIA in 1953 due to the 1952 UFO wave, led to strict regulations that limited information release and compromised military radar data. McDonald highlights discrepancies between Bluebook classifications and publicly available facts, citing examples like the Arnold sighting, Washington National Airport sightings, and the Levelland, Texas case. He stresses the urgent need for more scientific examination of UFO evidence to determine if these objects are extraterrestrial probes. The article recommends "THE UFO EVIDENCE" by Richard H. Hall, published by NICAP, for a summary of documented UFO cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the need for rigorous, unbiased scientific investigation into UFO phenomena, challenging conventional explanations, and exploring unconventional hypotheses, particularly the extraterrestrial origin. The journal's stance is critical of past official handling of the UFO problem, advocating for greater transparency and scientific rigor. There is a clear emphasis on the scientific community's responsibility to address the UFO mystery seriously, moving beyond dismissive explanations and embracing the possibility of unknown phenomena or technologies.

This document is a collection of "NOTES & QUOTES" from a UFO research publication, likely a newsletter or magazine, with content spanning various aspects of the UFO phenomenon. The issue features discussions on UFO suppression, analysis of sightings, book reviews, and organizational updates.

Who Are The Silencers?

A significant portion of the content addresses the alleged suppression of UFO information. A Pentagon spokesman is quoted as revealing that unknown individuals, some in Air Force uniforms or with forged credentials, have been actively trying to silence UFO witnesses and confiscate photographic evidence in the United States. The author speculates whether a worldwide organization of religious cranks might be behind these efforts and invites BUFORA members who experience similar attentions to communicate in confidence.

A Cult at Warminster?

The editor of 'Flying Saucer Review' had expressed concern about the potential emergence of a "cult" based on UFO manifestations in Warminster. However, the author, who has been studying the phenomena in the area since January 1965, states that no such cult signs have appeared and that neither BUFORA nor the author would support such a manifestation.

It's Only Being So Cheerful....!

This section includes an extract from a report to the International Astronautical Congress in London, warning about the potential danger of deadly biological agents, possibly from other planets, and the production of botulinus toxin, which could have catastrophic global consequences.

Sightings & More Sightings.

The author critiques BUFORA's policy of hoarding every UFO report, suggesting that vague and doubtful reports should be filed as 'dud' statistics. The emphasis is placed on the importance of quality over quantity in UFO research, stating that learning from ten good reports is more valuable than cataloguing a hundred poor ones, given limited staff and facilities.

Timely Reminder on 'Mother Ships.'

This section quotes from Jacques and Janine Vallee's book 'Challenge to Science,' highlighting the potential size of UFOs ('Mother Ships') and their hypothetical ability to traverse interstellar distances and escape detection by leaving our space-time continuum.

UFO-Denizens - Friendly or Hostile?

An extract from a letter by Australian UFO-researcher Fred Stone warns of two opposing forces at work: one assisting and one destroying. It stresses the need for clear discrimination between positive and negative forces, emphasizing that UFO research is not a trivial pursuit.

The UFO in Cartoons.

This section briefly mentions several cartoons inspired by UFOs from various publications, including the 'Christian Science Monitor,' the National Press, and the 'Evening News,' humorously depicting UFO encounters and public reactions.

Still No Contributions.

A plea is made to readers for contributions to the 'Journal,' noting a lack of response to a previous appeal.

Satellites and UFOs.

An article by R. A. Jahn addresses the challenge of distinguishing artificial Earth satellites from UFOs, especially since October 4, 1957. It provides guidance on appearance (pin-points of light, white, may flash), motion (steady course, curved trajectory), and prediction methods, advising researchers to consult the Radio and Space Research Station and daily newspapers for satellite observation times. The article concludes that familiarizing oneself with satellite appearances by observation is crucial for eliminating them as explanations for UFO reports.

Letters to the Editor

J. A. Hodgkinson of Frodsham writes to challenge an article in 'Flying Saucers UFO Reports' No. 2 regarding theories about life on Mars and the origin of Venus. Hodgkinson disputes the claim that many astronomers believe life exists on Mars and refutes the theory of Venus being ejected from Jupiter. He also corrects temperature readings for Venus and argues against five points suggesting Mars's satellites (Phobos and Deimos) are artificial, proposing they are captured asteroids and that their spirality is natural for captured bodies. He stresses the importance of distinguishing fact from speculation.

Association Jottings

This section provides updates on BUFORA (British UFO Research Association). It notes positive feedback on the 'new-look' Journal, welcomes new member societies, and clarifies factual errors in a Daily Telegraph Magazine article about BUFORA's Secretary. It mentions a meeting with the Scottish UFO Research Society and updates on membership numbers (now over 600). The Honorary Secretary requests members to check and renew their subscriptions. Details for the Northern Regional Conference are provided. A suggestion for a BUFORA Translation Service is mentioned, with a call for volunteers. The Surrey Investigation Group is noted for receiving good press. The BUFORA Library has been relocated to London, and members are advised to phone ahead before visiting.

Book Reviews

'Challenge to Science' by Jacques & Janine Vallee:

Reviewed by J. C-B., this book is praised for its excellent production and its development of Vallee's ideas from 'Anatomy of a Phenomenon.' It aims to awaken scientific interest in UFO events. The reviewer notes Vallee's cautious approach, declining to entertain UFOs as extraterrestrial vehicles definitively, which may strengthen its impact on scientists. However, the reviewer expresses reservations about Vallee's critique of Captain Ruppelt's method for assessing UFO reports, finding the substituted 'reliability weights' less definitive. Despite faults, it's recommended for UFO researchers.

'Flying Saucers - Serious Business' by Frank Edwards:

Reviewed by J. C-B., this is described as a lively and popular account of UFO investigation in the United States. The writer's untimely death is noted as a loss to UFO research.

'Einstein: Espaco-Tempo' by Hernani Ebecken de Araujo:

Reviewed by J. C-B., this book explores time travel theories. The reviewer finds the author's hypothesis to be based on an imperfect understanding of Einstein's theories and a confusion between real duration and clock-time measurements. The author cites prehistoric cave drawings as 'proof' of UFOs and a potential 'Poseidon' satellite of Earth in 12,000 B.C., which the reviewer dismisses as speculative and possibly a distorted version of the Hoerbiger-Bellamy 'Cosmic Ice Theory.' While acknowledging the possibility of time and space playing a role in UFO phenomena, the reviewer finds the author's conceptions crude. The review concludes by suggesting that transcending the speed-of-light barrier in space travel might lead to breaking down the walls of time.

UFOS IN CHILE

This section presents two reports of UFO sightings in Chile.

BOLETIN INFORMATIVO DE DIOVNI (July-September 1966):

On June 1, 1966, two National Health Service officials returning to Los Morros saw a ball of fire, which descended to about 100 meters. It was described as oval, 70 meters in diameter, with violet antennas and a cupola. It exhibited a swaying movement. About an hour later, a reddish spinning top-shaped object approached, emitting light and a piston-like mechanism. Six such objects, two to the north, two to the south, and two towards the mountains, were observed. They gained height and appeared to follow the truck. Four people later saw the objects depart at high speed.

BOLETIN INFORMATIVO (1st quarter 1967):

On February 27, 1967, five objects in V-formation were observed at daybreak in Valparaiso and surrounding districts. Described as circular structures with a cupola discharging beams of light, they were seen at various times. While morning papers reported magnetic disturbances detected by the National Fleet, there was no official confirmation. Reporters from Channel 9 of TV and 'El Diario Ilustrado' sighted a strange object near Llay-Llay, comparing it to an artificial satellite and a plane, and identified it as a UFO. The newspaper man, Juan Virot, took a photograph of the object, which was published the following day.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent mystery of UFOs, the challenges in researching them, and the potential for misidentification (e.g., satellites). There's a strong emphasis on rigorous, quality-based research, moving beyond mere cataloging of sightings. The publication also touches upon the controversial aspects of UFOs, such as alleged suppression and the speculative nature of some theories (like time travel). The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging evidence-based analysis while acknowledging the profound implications of the phenomenon. There's a clear distinction being made between factual reporting and speculative theories, with a call for clarity and a rejection of immature approaches to UFO research.

This issue of 'DIOVNI INVESTIGATIONS' focuses on UFO sightings and related activities, primarily from the mid-1960s. The magazine details reports from various locations, including Chile, Bulgaria, Uruguay, and France, and also includes information on UFO research organizations, publications, and notable figures in the field.

DIOVNI Investigations

The issue begins with an account of DIOVNI's visit to the district where numerous UFO cases had been recorded. Two members of DIOVNI, Juan Aguillón (director) and Alberto Bernal (asst. director), along with Eugenio Aranguiz of CICA's department of Astronomical Photography, visited the area for five days in February of the previous year. The report highlights significant cases, with accompanying geographical sketches.

Case Reports from Chile:

• June 25th, 1965: At nightfall, near Sta Bárbara, Señor Cerda, while driving, witnessed a 'ball of fire' that disappeared behind a road bend. It re-emerged as a 'beam of light' that crossed the road, causing his car's engine to stop, though the car continued on its own momentum.
• December 2nd, 1965: At 04:00 hours, near San Carlos de Purén, Señor Samuel Burgos Ramírez observed an ellipsoidal object with yellowish luminosity and a bluish ring. Its brilliance diminished to a reddish point. The object moved silently and swiftly from the cordillera to the sea, then changed direction and flew northwards towards the cordillera. Señor Burgos was accompanied by Señor Carlos Paredes Díaz.
• January 7th and 8th, 1966: At 23:00 hours, Sra Victoria, widow of Puelma, observed from her country house 'La Victoria' (six kilometres from Santa Bárbara) an object that remained motionless at an altitude of about 35 degrees for several hours. The object, approximately the size of the moon, appeared as two plates joined at their narrowest points, with four 'ox-eyes' discharging green beams of light. The body was dull reddish. The observation was repeated four days later with the same characteristics.
• February 3rd and 4th, 1967: In the same district, the same observer and Sra Yolanda de Büchi observed a luminous object of yellowish colour. It rose, oscillating, and descended, attaining considerable altitude with brilliance equal to a first-magnitude star.

International Reports

A Mysterious Celestial Object in the Bulgarian Sky:

• April 9th, 1967 (Reported): The Observatory of Stara Zagora reported a mysterious celestial body observed on Thursday, April 6th, 1967, at 18:30. The object was triangular in shape, followed by a hardly visible trail, and rapidly lost its luminosity.

Flying Saucer Photographs from Uruguay:

• March 16th, 1967: The private Uruguayan observatory ANTARES announced it had taken 21 clear colour photos of an 'unidentified object' in the sky north of Montevideo. The object was oval, maneuvering at nearly 6,000 metres, with a cupola and a hatch. It launched three smaller oval objects of varying colours. ANTARES deduced it was a 'mother saucer' releasing 'satellite saucers'.

Unidentified Luminous Object in the Sky at May Dur Orne, France:

• April 17th, 1967: An inhabitant of May sur Orne, M. Joseph Ivanicki, observed a luminous object, the size of a football, heading north. The object 'wobbled' like a dead leaf and disappeared from sight after ten minutes.

Obituaries

• Frank Edwards: The death of Frank Edwards, a well-known American radio-commentator, author, and UFO-researcher, is announced. He was known for opposing the Pentagon's policy of secrecy on UFOs and campaigning with Major Donald Keyhoe. His passing is considered tragic, especially with the potential findings of the Condon Panel.
• Mr. E. A. Bryant: The death of Mr. E. A. Bryant of Scoriton, the central figure in the 'Scoriton Affair,' is also announced. His death was sudden and attributed to a brain tumour. The nature of his 'contact' experience remains uncertain.

BUFORA Information

• Personnel Changes: Members are informed that Mr. Ken Rogers is no longer connected with BUFORA administration. Correspondence should now be directed to John Myers.
• Regional Information Officers: A revised list will be printed in the next issue.
• Star Maps: A free Star Map is planned for the next Journal.
• Around and About: Lionel Beer (Vice Chairman) visited the Isle of Wight U.F.O. Investigation Society and the British Flying Saucer Bureau in Bristol, discussing future publications and the BUFORA Convention in Bristol in 1968.
• Back Numbers Wanted: Anyone wishing to sell back numbers of 'The Flying Saucer Review' or other UFO books/journals is asked to contact Mr. Lionel Beer.
• UFOLOG: This journal will continue to be published by the Isle of Wight UFO Investigation Society. Editors John Feakins and Mrs. "Kath" Smith request carbon copies of UFO reports. Subscriptions are 10/6d for 12 issues, sent to Mrs. K. Smith.
• Bristol Convention: Graham Knewstub and the BRITISH FLYING SAUCER BUREAU will host a one-day BUFORA convention in Bristol, provisionally scheduled for May 18th, 1967. The B.F.S.B. was a pioneer UFO society that published 'FLYING SAUCER NEWS'.
• Lectures: The Association sponsors monthly meetings in London. Details for member societies should be obtained directly from them.
• Editorial Material: Please send editorial material to the Editor at 3 Devenish Road, Weeke, Winchester, Hants.

Advertisements and Publications

• GEOS UFO DETECTOR: An advertisement for a Swiss-made magnetic UFO detector, available for 50/- including post.
• FLYING SAUCER BOOKS and MAGAZINES: An offer for magazines from the U.K., U.S.A., and Australia, with a free list available from Lionel Beer.
• "SPACELINK" Magazine: An advertisement for 'Spacelink', an independent magazine covering UFO News and Flying Saucer Topics, with single copies at 3/6 and annual subscriptions at 13/6.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, investigations, and the dissemination of information within the UFO community. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting and documenting UFO phenomena, facilitating communication between researchers and organizations, and acknowledging significant figures in the field, including those who have passed away. There is a clear emphasis on collecting and sharing evidence, such as photographs, and promoting ongoing research and discussion.