BUFORA Journal - Volume 02 No 09 - Summer 1969

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 2, No. 9
Date: Summer 1969
Publisher: British U.F.O. Research Association (BUFORA)

This issue of the BUFORA Journal delves into various aspects of UFO research, presenting a range of perspectives from scientific investigation to more speculative theories. It includes organizational details, editorial commentary, articles, and reports.

Editorial

The editorial, likely written by the Journal Editor & Evaluation Officer J. Cleary-Baker, Ph.D., discusses the limitations of the simple Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis in explaining UFO phenomena. It suggests that UFOs may not arrive in conventional ways but might use a 'hyper-dimensional link' that bypasses space and possibly time. The editorial posits that understanding the motives and purposes of UFO occupants is crucial. It quotes Allen H. Greenfield, proponent of the 'Alternate Reality' Theory, who suggests that UFO entities have interacted with humans throughout history for various purposes, including domination or combating malevolent forces. The editorial also touches upon the idea that 'little men' might be degenerate subgroups of UFO entities or 'biological robots,' and emphasizes that hypotheses must be framed to embrace available facts, acknowledging that new discoveries can shatter existing theories. It concludes by stating that smugness has no place in UFO research.

Obituary

The journal announces with regret the death of Dr. Miran Lindtner, a leading Australian UFO researcher and publisher of "Australian Flying Saucer Review" (UFOIC). Dr. Lindtner, an Australian Government Scientist, died in an accident involving an express train at Frankfurt, Germany, while touring Canada and Europe. The association extends its sympathy to his wife and family.

Moon Shots & The UFO's

This article, attributed to J. C-B., reflects on the significance of the U.S. Space Programme in relation to potential contact with alien civilizations. It dismisses the possibility of life on other planets in our solar system (Mars, Venus, Mercury, outer planets) based on current scientific understanding, defining 'life' as we know it. The article suggests that UFOs, if extraterrestrial, must originate from planets beyond our solar system and use a hyper-dimensional link for travel. It notes that UFO occupants have shown no inclination to communicate, and this is unlikely to change unless humanity understands the hyper-dimensional link. The author considers the possibility of alien bases on sister planets but finds artificial orbiting bases more advantageous. The article contrasts the clumsy technology of human spacecraft with the technical perfection of UFOs and humorously speculates that future moon voyagers will not be met by aliens.

Techniques of Subversion and Conquest

Reprinted from "Saucer Scoop," this article, edited by Joan Whritenout, outlines a seven-step strategy for the enslavement of an entire planet, presented as a game already in progress on a global scale. The steps include: controlling the press, controlling the economic situation (manipulating currency and gold), controlling communications (radio, mail, telephone), diverting armed forces (citing Vietnam), usurping religious/moral control ('God is Dead'), introducing anarchy (youth revolt, sexual revolution, drugs, sabotage), and suppressing leaders who resist. The article suggests that the current world situation, characterized by chaos and breakdown, is the result of a carefully planned, long-term strategy executed by hidden forces. It concludes by posing a hypothetical scenario where, after global chaos, benevolent space beings might offer salvation, leading humanity to accept their takeover.

Flying Saucers in Moon Orbit

This article, reproduced from "S.I.U.F.O.P. Newsletter," features an interview with John Searle, an electrical engineering contractor who claims to own three small flying saucers in orbit around the moon. Searle states these craft were launched on June 28th, 1969, and could have rescued the Apollo 11 astronauts if needed. He cites tax concerns as a reason for not demonstrating his craft publicly. Searle claims his saucers are not radio-controlled from Britain but from Porto, Portugal, and can travel faster than light, necessitating a special propulsion system involving three rings that generate 10 million volts and 150 amps. He asserts they can re-enter Earth's atmosphere at 140,000 miles per second. The article critically examines Searle's understanding of physics, noting his misconceptions about gravity, motion, and ionization. It also questions the necessity of onboard computers and dials if the craft are highly automated. Searle claims his fleet, built by Lunic Enterprises, includes one 38' saucer and two 20' ones named Swallows F1, FD1, and FD2, with a larger craft planned. He believes Britain could have reached the moon years earlier with sufficient investment and offers a low cargo rate. Searle also provides explanations for various UFO sightings over Britain, attributing them to his Swallow craft on special missions. He claims Swallow F1 has stopped car engines and was involved in the American power failure and a Gemini flight incident. The article notes that Searle's project is supported by voluntary donations and that he hopes to send men to Mars in 17 seconds, while still citing tax issues as a barrier to wider recognition and funding.

Annual General Meeting, 1969

This section details the Annual General Meeting of BUFORA, scheduled for 1969. It lists the agenda items, including the election of officers, presentation of accounts, and discussion of the journal and future activities.

Many a Mickle Makes a Muckle

This appears to be a short, possibly anecdotal or philosophical, piece, the content of which is not detailed in the provided scans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores the nature of UFO phenomena, moving beyond simple explanations to consider more complex hypotheses like hyper-dimensional links and alternate realities. There's a clear emphasis on scientific investigation, as stated in BUFORA's aims, but also an openness to speculative theories. The editorial stance, particularly in the main editorial, is one of critical inquiry, urging researchers to seek probable motives and purposes rather than just speculate on mechanisms. The article on subversion suggests a darker, more conspiratorial view of global events, potentially linking to UFO phenomena as a means of control or intervention. The piece on John Searle highlights the challenges of verifying extraordinary claims and the blend of technical detail with questionable scientific understanding often found in UFO reports. The journal appears to maintain a balance between rigorous research and the exploration of the more unusual and speculative aspects of the UFO subject.

This issue of the BUFORA Journal, dated July 28th, 1969, features a "Letters to the Editor" section, an editorial comment, book reviews, a report on UFO sightings in Manila, and organizational announcements.

Letters to the Editor

Carl Grove expresses dismay over two articles in issue 2:7: "Vibrations, power sites and quartz crystal" and "Orgone energy and space ships." He argues these articles do considerable violence to BUFORA's image as an objective research organization. Grove characterizes the article on vibrations as a "semi-mystical rehash" of occult and pseudo-scientific ideas, and "orgone energy" as an "unscientific nonsense" comparable to Dianetics. He criticizes the disclaimer that the editor and contributors are solely responsible for their views, stating it will not impress scientifically oriented individuals. Grove questions how the decision to publish these articles was justified, fearing damage to BUFORA's and ufology's reputation.

D. Peter Maddock comments on opinions from Fred O. Gardner and the editor in the Spring 1969 issue. He states that despite 25 years of ufology and a sizeable literature, basic questions like "do they exist," "what are they," "where do they originate from," and "how are they propelled" remain unanswered critically. Maddock suggests that while conventional explanations might suffice, the lack of corroboration for alien spaceship theories is notable, with the Condon Committee findings indicating the reverse. He urges ufologists to accept that UFO phenomena might be stranger than generally imagined and to avoid a sterile, orthodox viewpoint. Maddock advocates for continued investigation, including the development of instrumented facilities, but also stresses the need to enlarge conceptual horizons and examine all ideas, including "teleportation," with ways to test them.

Editorial Comment

The editor expresses a desire to include more "scientific" matter in the journal but laments the lack of reader contributions, forcing the editor to "beat my brains out" to compose copy. The editor notes that individuals who complain about the lack of scientific content often show an "extreme unwillingness to get to work on the research necessary to generate such matter." Regarding Wilhelm Reich, M.D., the editor acknowledges his reputation in orthodox science as an associate of Sigmund Freud but suggests his later work on "Orgone Energy" may represent a "digression into pseudo-science" that has not been "exhaustively and impartially examined."

Book Reviews

J. C-B. reviews "Unidentified Flying Objects" by Robert Chapman, published by Arthur Barker Ltd. The reviewer describes the book as an excellent introductory account of the UFO problem, valuable for newcomers and a refresher for long-time enthusiasts. Chapman is characterized as neither a believer nor a complete skeptic, maintaining an open-minded and detached approach. The review notes Chapman's light treatment of "lunatic fringe" figures like Cedric Allingham and Arthur Bryant, and his perplexity regarding George Adamski. The book includes photographs, such as views of a shadowy object over Cannock and the "UFO that wasn't." The author visited Warminster and Cradle Hill with Arthur Shuttlewood, witnessing aerial manifestations he could not explain. The review highlights Chapman's "restrained and unenthusiastic" treatment of the Condon Report. J. C-B. heartily recommends the book.

J. C-B. also reviews "Harmonic 33" by Captain Bruce Cathie, published by A. H. & A. W. Reed. The book proposes that UFOs are reconstructing a world-wide magnetic grid system. The reviewer finds the thesis interesting but believes Cathie has fallen into a trap of finding patterns in random observations, similar to Alfred Watkins and Michel's Orthoteny theory. The review mentions that Cathie regards Frank Scully's "Behind the Flying Saucers" as reliable, a narrative the reviewer believes was exposed as fiction. The book suggests UFOs cause seismic activity while repairing the grid using alien artifacts planted underground. The reviewer agrees with Henk J. Hinfelaar that it is illogical for UFOs to depend on an earthly grid for power and questions their ultimate motives. The review notes that the Great Pyramid, Stonehenge, and Aztec ruins are fitted into Cathie's grid theory, which the reviewer finds to have no connection with terrestrial magnetism. The reviewer encourages study of the book, acknowledging that discarded hypotheses can contain useful material.

Witnesses Report: UFO's in Manila

This section reports on UFO sightings in the Philippines. Three Filipino farmers and a construction engineer submitted eyewitness accounts. Retired Filipino military officials, Col. Aderito de Leon and Col. Rufino C. Santiago, were inclined to believe the reports. However, U.S. Air Force Col. Alfred K. Patterson expressed skepticism after an initial inquiry.

The sightings occurred on four occasions in the past eight months, including November 1st and June 10th, near the Philippine Communications Satellite ground station in Rizal Province. De Leon's report on the November sightings, based on interviews with the farmers, described a white, low-slung, saucer-shaped vehicle landing and taking off, with two Caucasian-looking passengers in white flying suits and glasslike headgear.

Engineer Leonardo de Luna reported seeing a large, yellowish "ball of fire" followed by a hovering, blinking red light on June 10th. De Leon sent his report to Sgt. Lonnie Zamora in Socorro, New Mexico, noting similarities to an account published in "Pageant." De Leon made his report available to UPI "in the interest of science."

Col. Patterson, the air attaché of the American Embassy in Manila, was skeptical, suggesting De Luna's sighting might have been a plane. He stated that the U.S. Air Force had conducted numerous investigations and found "there ain't no such thing" as UFOs, acknowledging this was the first such report from the Philippines brought to his attention.

Organizational Announcements and Appeals

The issue includes information about the BUFORA Annual General Meeting 1969, scheduled for October 4th at the Kensington Central Library. Nominations for various offices and committee seats are due by August 23rd, 1969. Dr. Cleary-Baker is revising the Constitution, and members are asked to forward proposals for changes to him.

Advertisements, correspondence, subscriptions, editorial contacts, librarian information, UFO report/press cuttings contacts, and research contacts are listed with their respective addresses and individuals.

A notice announces the first lecture of the 1969/70 session on September 13th at the Kensington Central Library.

Under the heading "MANY A MICKLE MAKES A MUCKLE," a message to members urges them to send a small donation to the Hon. Treasurer, Arnold West, to fund new projects, including expansion of the Research Department, due to rising living costs. The message calculates that if half the members contributed 5/- and half of the remainder contributed 10/-, it would result in a staggering £200.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of ufology and its scientific credibility. There is a clear tension between those who advocate for rigorous scientific investigation and those who explore more speculative or unconventional theories, such as "orgone energy" and "vibrations." The editorial stance, as expressed in the "Editorial Comment" and implied in the reviews, leans towards a desire for more scientifically verifiable content, while acknowledging the challenges in obtaining it and the need for open-mindedness. The issue also highlights the international scope of UFO interest, with reports from the Philippines and book reviews from New Zealand and the UK, alongside appeals for financial support for BUFORA's research endeavors.