BUFORA Journal - Volume 02 No 11 - Spring 1970

Magazine Overview

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL, Volume 2, Number 11, published in Spring 1970 by the British U.F.O. Research Association, focuses heavily on the psychological aspects of UFO phenomena and the challenges of UFO research. The cover features the BUFORA logo and title, with the subtitle "BRITISH U.F.O. RESEARCH ASSOCIATION".

Editorial

The editorial critically examines the opinion of the Society for the Investigation of Unidentified Flying Object Phenomena (SIUFOP) that there is no proof of the existence of flying saucers. The author argues that while 90% of reports are misidentifications, hoaxes, or hallucinations, the remaining 10% exhibit a consistent pattern suggestive of highly sophisticated flying machines. The editorial criticizes the U.S. Air Force's tactic of finding loopholes in individual reports and suggests that the similarity in witness accounts points to a single class of objects. It references E. J. Ruppelt's view on the definition of 'proof' and concludes that the evidence for Unconventional Flying Objects is circumstantial, requiring individual assessment.

UFOs: Psychological Theories and Their Defects

This section delves into the skepticism surrounding UFO sightings, particularly the tendency to dismiss them as the product of cranks or imagination. The author notes the lack of successful psychological explanations for credible reports and critiques the limited treatment of UFOs in psychological literature. The article discusses the difficulties in accepting hallucination as a primary explanation for UFO sightings, especially when multiple witnesses from diverse backgrounds report similar phenomena. It also examines the possibility of hoaxes, requiring motivation, means, and knowledge from the perpetrator. The article mentions a psychological theory developed by Black (1) which attempts to explain multiple-witness sightings through mutual suggestion but finds its predictions do not align with known data.

The editorial also refers to Dr. C. G. Jung's work on "Flying Saucers-a Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Skies" and Professor Heuyer's concept of a "flying saucer psychosis" for readers seeking further information on psychological implications.

Computerised UFO-Research-A Timely Reminder

This article emphasizes that data collection, even with computer analysis, is insufficient for scientific investigation without a guiding theory. It criticizes the lack of theoretical frameworks among UFO enthusiasts and older organizations, some of whom believe UFOs are machines while others focus on 'contactees' and 'space people.' The piece highlights the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained's view that UFOs are not machines but possibly manifestations of 'space people.'

It also reports on unexplained UFO sightings by astronauts during the Gemini 4 and Gemini 7 missions, as published in the Spokane Daily Chronicle. Dr. Franklin E. Roach of the Condon Committee stated that these sightings were never explained, with one object on Gemini 4 having "antenna-like extensions" and another on Gemini 7 being "spark-surrounded."

Papua-June 1959

This personal account describes the author's experience in Darwin, Australia, during June 1959. It highlights the isolation of the Northern Territory and the author's role as an announcer and reporter for the Australian Broadcasting Commission. The piece touches upon the geographical remoteness and the author's interest in neighboring regions like Papua, New Guinea, Timor, and Indonesia, mentioning the work of missionaries and the challenges faced by geographers and explorers in the area.

Other Content

The issue also includes an "Editorial Note" referencing Dr. C. G. Jung and Professor Heuyer, and clarifying that BUFORA does not endorse contributors' views. A section titled "SPACELINK" provides a brief review of a publication discussing various UFO cases and news. Information on BUFORA membership, subscriptions, and contact details is provided, along with a notice for the SOUTH YORKS UFO STUDY GROUP. A list of references for further reading is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical evaluation of UFO evidence, the challenges of UFO research methodology, and the exploration of psychological explanations for sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for rigorous, unbiased scientific investigation while acknowledging the circumstantial nature of much UFO evidence and the need for individual interpretation. There is a clear emphasis on moving beyond mere data collection to theoretical analysis and empirical validation, cautioning against both excessive skepticism and unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of the BUFORA Journal, Volume 2, Number 9, dated January 1970, focuses heavily on a significant UFO sighting that occurred in Papua in 1959, as reported by Fr. William Gill. The journal also includes updates on UFO research, book reviews, and correspondence.

Fr. William Gill's Papua UFO Sighting

The central narrative recounts the experiences of Fr. William Gill, an Anglican clergyman in Papua, who observed UFOs on two separate evenings in June 1959. The first sighting on Thursday, June 25th, involved a sparkling, bright object that appeared to descend towards his mission. Fr. Gill described the object as clear and well-defined, making no sound and leaving no vapor trail. It ascended and descended vertically and changed color from brilliant white to pale orange. The most striking aspect was the appearance of four human figures on what seemed to be a deck on top of the object. These figures were observed bending forward, appearing to work on something, and occasionally looking in the direction of the witnesses. A shaft of blue light emanated from the center of the deck. The object ascended and remained high in the sky, and between 8:28 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., four such objects were seen, including the main object and three smaller ones.

The second sighting on Saturday, June 27th, is described as the "main event." At 6:00 p.m., a "mother ship," a huge disc estimated to be 35-40 feet at the base and 20 feet at the top, was observed. Beside it, seven smaller disc-shaped objects were visible, appearing to be remotely controlled. Fr. Gill noted that on this night, they "exchanged signals" with the "mother ship." They waved, and the figures on the deck waved back. When a torchlight was flashed towards it, the object moved forward and descended close to the ground, leading to disappointment when it did not land.

The original account of Fr. William Gill's experiences was chiefly published by Rev. Norman Crutwell, an administrator at an Anglican Mission station in Papua. Both men were acquainted, and their reports to the Flying Saucer Review in 1959 provided considerable detail.

Sean Ainscough provides a footnote explaining that the article is based on a tape recording of a radio program prepared from Fr. Gill's account, with extracted notes from a report by Rev. N. E. G. Cruttwell. Stephen Smith is credited with typing the original notes and interview.

UFO Research and News

The issue reports on the cessation of Project Bluebook, the U.S. Air Force's UFO investigation agency, noting that while official operations are ending, behind-the-scenes studies are likely to continue. The impact of the Condon Report is discussed, with the observation that it, along with a scarcity of UFO manifestations, has led to a decline in public interest in UFOs.

Book Reviews

Two books are reviewed: "Operation Earth" by the Hon. Brinsley Le Poer Trench and "Mysteries of the Skies" by Gordon I. O. Lore and Harold H. Deneault.

"Operation Earth" is described as the fifth book by the International Chairman of the 'CONTACT' organization and former editor of Flying Saucer Review. The reviewer finds it difficult to review impartially, noting its deep-thinking approach to UFO phenomena, its origins, purpose, and relationship to planetary evolution. The book discusses a grim future if the planet "flips" within three decades, but offers hope through the acceptance of celestial craft and closer contact with "Sky People." It touches upon themes of heritage, genetic links, space-travel, astral projection, disappearances, abductions, Atlantis, and predictions by Edgar Cayce and Nostradamus.

"Mysteries of the Skies" is presented as a treasure-house of lesser-known UFO sightings, moving beyond the commonly reported ones. The authors, co-founders of Aerial Research Associates, claim access to extensive UFO data. The book begins with a study of the 1896/97 "Airship" flap, then retrogresses to include sightings from sea, including one by Christopher Columbus in 1492. It covers aerial phenomena from the 18th and 19th centuries, the "Battle of Los Angeles" in 1942, and the "Foo-Fighter" epidemic of World War II. The survey extends to recent years and includes important but less-publicized sightings. The book is annotated, indexed, and contains a chronology of flight history, a bibliography, and illustrations.

Notes & Quotes

This section includes an "Appreciation" for Richard Farrow's resignation from the post of Investigations Co-ordinator, thanking him for his contributions. A "Gift of Value" acknowledges a donation of an E-M detector from BUFORA member Peter Johnson. A humorous anecdote, "No report necessary," describes the Chairman, Ivar Mackay, finding "UFOs" hovering over his stand at the Chelsea Antiques Fair, which turned out to be wooden bowls suspended by nylon thread.

Letters to the Editor

Two letters are featured. The first, from C. E. Stuart-Mills, inquires about a potential connection between Mr. Bryant's claim of meeting spacemen with four fingers and an ancient legend of a woman named Oryana who had four fingers and came from the sky. The editorial comment suggests this is unlikely, given the difficulty in ascertaining Mr. Bryant's reading material.

The second letter, from I. J. Good, a University Professor, asks Dr. Cleary-Baker, the editor, to reveal the nature of the information that led him to form views in close accord with Allen H. Greenfield's observations. The editorial comment from Dr. Cleary-Baker states that he has no information not available to any BUFORA member and that his interpretation is his own, coinciding with Greenfield's based on presumably identical information.

Forthcoming Events

Several upcoming events are listed: a Bufora Western Regional Conference in Shirehampton, National Sky-Watches on May 16/17 and June 27/28, and a symposium organized by 'Spacelink' in London on July 18th. Lectures are also announced, including "Question Time Special" by BUFORA, "The Hoaxers" by Norman Oliver, and "Spacemen from the Past" by Raymond Drake, all to be held at Kensington Central Library. A lecture by Rex Dutta is scheduled for CONTACT-UK at Caxton Hall.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently promotes UFO research and the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on witness testimony, particularly from credible sources like clergymen. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging members to access information and share findings. The publication also engages with broader discussions in the UFO field, such as the impact of official reports like Condon and the cessation of government investigations like Project Bluebook. The book reviews suggest an interest in historical UFO accounts and theories concerning extraterrestrial contact and its implications for humanity's future. The letters to the editor highlight the journal's role as a platform for discussion and information exchange within the UFO community.