BUFORA Journal - Volume 02 No 12 - Summer 1970

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA JOURNAL
Issue: Volume 2, Number 12
Date: Summer 1970
Publisher: British U.F.O. Research Association

This issue of the BUFORA JOURNAL delves into various aspects of UFO research, critical analysis, and reported incidents. It features an editorial stance on scientific methodology, detailed investigations into alleged hoaxes and hallucinations, statistical analyses of sighting data, and a directory of member societies.

Editorial

The editorial criticizes the reluctance of mainstream scientists to engage with UFO research, which it argues has left the field open to "scientific cranks" who present specious theories. The author distinguishes between simple confidence tricksters and more complex individuals with "idées fixes" who twist facts to support their beliefs. Examples cited include Atlantologists and proponents of the Hörbiger-Bellamy hypothesis. The editorial emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific thinking and behavior for UFO researchers to gain credibility. It also cautions against confusing true science with a materialistic outlook that can hinder progress, particularly in psychical research. The core advice is to prioritize fact and logic over personal predilections.

Hoax & Hallucination: the Evidence

This article explores the challenges in distinguishing between genuine UFO reports and those resulting from hoaxing or hallucination. While a definitive theory is yet to be developed, the author suggests examining witness personality characteristics and using statistical methods. Data from the USAF's Project Blue Book is discussed, with the author questioning its conclusion about a direct relation between newspaper publicity and report frequency. The article highlights that UFO reports show an inverse relationship with population density, a finding contrary to psychological theories. It also notes correlations between UFO reports and the synodic period of Mars, and differing distributions of UFO types, which are difficult to explain through psychological mechanisms alone. The piece dismisses the idea that UFOs are solely products of national anxiety and suggests that while hallucinations can be discounted as a primary cause, a proportion of cases may be explained by sophisticated hoaxing or, alternatively, by genuinely alien objects.

An Analysis of the 1967 UFO Wave

This section presents a geographical analysis of 179 UFO reports from England and Wales in 1967. The author developed a sighting probability figure to detect reporting waves. The analysis found that while counties with higher populations like Lancashire and Yorkshire reported more sightings in absolute numbers, less densely populated counties such as Devon, Berkshire, and Dorset exhibited higher sighting rates per million population. The article also touches upon potential alignments of sightings, including a connection to Charles Fort's 'London Triangle,' and suggests a possible link between UFO alignments and geological fault lines.

Root Out These Stupid Hoaxers

This article addresses specific UFO sightings recorded by BUFORA at Cradle Hill, Warminster, on June 28-29, 1969. Initially considered authentic UFOs due to their hovering behavior against the wind, rumors of hoaxing using helium-inflated balloons emerged. The author, Richard Heller, defends the authenticity of these sightings, citing a subsequent report from the following week that described similar phenomena. He recounts a personal sighting on June 29th, describing a bright, whitish-orange object that accelerated suddenly and traversed the sky, ruling out a balloon. The report also mentions disturbed birds prior to the sighting, suggesting a possible unknown factor.

Other Sections

The issue also includes a list of "Member Societies" and "Branches" of BUFORA as of April 1, 1970, providing contact details for various regional UFO research groups. Other articles mentioned in the table of contents include "Notes & Quotes," "Two BUFORA Conferences," "Annual General Meeting 1970," "The Changing World of Ufology," "Sceptical SIUFOP," and a "Book Review."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the rigorous investigation of UFO phenomena, the need to differentiate between genuine sightings and misidentifications, hoaxes, or hallucinations, and the importance of applying scientific methodology. The editorial strongly advocates for a fact-based, logical approach, free from personal bias and the dogmatism of both mainstream science and pseudoscientific speculation. There is a clear emphasis on the challenges faced by UFO researchers in gaining acceptance and the necessity of maintaining high standards of evidence and analysis. The publication also serves as a directory and communication channel for its member organizations.

This issue of the BUFORA Journal, Volume 2, Issue 24, dated September 1970, is published by the British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association (BUFORA). It covers a range of topics related to UFO research, including specific sightings, historical cases, organizational matters, and evolving public perception.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The issue begins with an account of a UFO sighting on July 1st, 1969, near Cradle Hill. John Cotton, a foreman at 27 Command Workshops of REME, reported seeing a large cylindrical object. Simultaneously, Sergeant John Bosley of Warminster Police observed a glowing circular object overhead, noting its lack of conventional aircraft characteristics and its silent movement. These accounts are presented as evidence that prompted an investigation, with the question posed as to why pranksters would be active in the area after BUFORA members had left.

An editorial comment by J.C-B. clarifies that the account is condensed from Arthur Shuttlewood's manuscript. J.C-B. was present on Cradle Hill on the night of June 28-29th, 1969, and witnessed disputed objects, which he suggests might have been lighted balloons but keeps an open mind. He notes that outstanding UFO manifestations can provoke spurious confessions from publicity seekers and that UFO investigators sometimes dismiss reports without adequate evidence. He cites the sighting and ground marks at Tyneham in Dorset in August 1969 as fitting into this category.

The editorial also touches upon the conflict between 'radical' and 'conservative' approaches to the UFO enigma in Britain and the U.S.A. It includes a relevant observation by Professor Ludwig von Bertalanffy, who states that there is no necessary opposition between rational, empirico-deductive thought and intuitive experience, suggesting both can co-exist.

Notes & Quotes

This section includes several brief items:

• A Critic of the 'Journal': The end of Volume 2 of the BUFORA JOURNAL is noted. The editor, J.C-B., mentions having edited 21 of the 24 issues and contributed significantly. He acknowledges criticism from Ron Toft, Editor of 'Pegasus,' regarding the journal's size and content, attributing limitations to available cash for production and appealing for contributions from qualified researchers.
• That Byland Abbey UFO: This refers to a silvery disc sighting that reportedly caused terror among monks at Byland Abbey in A.D. 1290. Despite the Condon Report, it is suggested this might not have been a schoolboy fake, referencing a report by H. T. Wilkins in the 'Chronicle' of William of Newburgh.
• 'Earth's shifting crust.': A 'Telegraph' news item from April 21st, 1970, is mentioned, suggesting evidence that the Sahara was once the Earth's South Polar region 450 million years ago. This finding is presented as vindicating the work of Hapgood and Campbell and their crustal slip theory.
• A note for UFO sceptics: A quote from John Stuart Mill is provided: "The greatest of all causes of non-observation is pre-conceived opinion."
• Meteorites on Exhibition: The Chairman and J.C-B. visited the 'Meteorite Pavilion' at the Natural History Museum, South Kensington, noting fragments from historical and modern meteorites, including the Barwell Meteorite of 1965. An exhibition of Moon photographs at the Geological Museum is also recommended.
• Humanoids reported from British Columbia: A report from the Cowichan Valley describes two human-like beings seen inside a hovering UFO on New Year's Day 1970. The author posits that life elsewhere would likely have evolved in similar forms to those on Earth, challenging the 'bug-eyed monster' concept.

BUFORA Constitution

Pages 3-6 detail the Constitution of the British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association (BUFORA). Key articles cover:

• Title: The association is named "British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association," with the short title "B.U.F.O.R.A."
• Aims: To encourage unbiased scientific investigation, collect and disseminate UFO data, and coordinate UFO research nationally and internationally.
• Administration: Vested in a National Executive Committee comprising Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, and up to eight other members. Meetings require a quorum of five members.
• Membership: Open to individuals aged 16 and over who complete an application, are approved by the Committee, and pay a subscription. Parental consent is needed for applicants under 16. Members' personal views do not reflect official Association opinions.
• Member-Societies: Organizations of UFO researchers can affiliate, subject to Committee approval. These societies contribute reports and information.
• Council: An Advisory Council may be convened to coordinate UFO research.
• Branches: The Committee can authorize the formation of Branches or Sections.
• Meetings: Annual General Meetings are held in London in the autumn. Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meetings can also be convened. A quorum of twenty members is required for General Meetings.
• Journal: The Association issues "The B.U.F.O.R.A. Journal" quarterly, with articles not necessarily representing official views.
• Subscriptions: Annual subscriptions are due on September 1st. Failure to renew within three months leads to lapsed membership.
• Expenses: Members may be reimbursed for legitimate expenses incurred in the Association's work, subject to prior authorization and Committee approval.
• Finances: The Honorary Treasurer manages accounts, with an annual statement presented to the Committee and members. The banking account is in the name of "B.U.F.O.R.A."
• Amendments: The Constitution can be amended by special resolution at a General Meeting or via postal ballot.
• Dissolution: Dissolution requires a two-thirds majority vote. No refunds of subscriptions are given, and liabilities are settled before residual funds are devoted to other purposes.

BUFORA Conferences

Two BUFORA conferences are reported:

• Northern Regional Conference, Wakefield, 6 September 1969: Organized by the Halifax Branch, this conference featured a display of UFO items and lectures. C. Maxwell Cade spoke on topics ranging from space travel to parapsychology. Other speakers included Anthony Durham on UFO occupants, Stephen Smith on investigation methods, Colin Ingleton on witness perception, and Dr. E. P. Cadogan on perception. The conference highlighted the importance of witness perception in UFO research.
• Western Regional Conference, Bristol, 16 May 1970: Organized by the British Flying Saucer Bureau, this conference focused on possible UFO manifestations in the past. Captain Edgar Plunkett reviewed Old and New Testament passages for UFO context. The event also included talks on modern dating techniques and a Q&A session.

The Changing World of UFology

This article by M. C. Holt, B.A., discusses the significant shift in public attitude towards UFOs. The author contrasts the period of 1947-1957, marked by disbelief and defensiveness among enthusiasts, with 1957-1967, when UFOs became a subject of jokes but researchers began to emerge. For the current period (1967-1977), Holt observes a more accepting attitude among the public, attributing this to:

• More reliable sighting reports and improved investigative techniques.
• BUFORA's responsible media engagement, leading to more objective reporting by news media and programs like 'Panorama'.
• The perceived failure of authorities to effectively dismiss UFOs, making researchers' arguments more credible.
• Increased serious consideration of the subject by scientists and universities, fostering the possibility that "we are not alone in the Universe."

BUFORA's efforts in public education through exhibitions and lectures are acknowledged. The author notes that the public now often accepts the existence of UFOs without much difficulty, sometimes questioning the nature and purpose of Extra-Terrestrial Vehicles (ETVs) rather than their existence. The article concludes by urging ufologists to shift their focus from proving existence to researching the 'whys and wherefores' of ETVs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing investigation of UFO phenomena, the organizational structure and activities of BUFORA, and the evolving public and scientific perception of UFOs. The editorial stance, particularly from J.C-B., emphasizes a balanced approach, acknowledging the potential for hoaxes while advocating for open-minded yet rigorous investigation. There is a clear effort to present UFO research as a serious scientific endeavor, moving beyond sensationalism. The journal also highlights the importance of witness perception and the need for a more scientific approach to data collection and analysis. The shift in public attitude towards UFOs is seen as a positive development that requires a corresponding evolution in the approach of ufological societies, moving towards more in-depth research into the nature and purpose of potential extraterrestrial visitors.

This issue of SIUFOP, identified by page number 15, presents a critical and skeptical perspective on the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), particularly the concept of 'flying saucers.' The primary article, authored by D. I. Simpson, Chairman of SIUFOP, argues that while intelligent extraterrestrial life might exist and potentially attempt contact, the evidence presented by many ufologists is flawed.

Sceptical SIUFOP Article

The article begins by acknowledging the high probability of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe and the possibility of contact attempts. However, it immediately pivots to a critical examination of how UFO sightings are interpreted. Simpson asserts that many ufologists abandon logic for 'exciting mysticisms' when interpreting lights in the sky.

SIUFOP's methodology involves scrutinizing sighting reports for common human errors of observation. The article points out that witnesses' occupations are sometimes listed to imply superior observational skills, which is not always the case. A key argument is that witnesses often estimate the speed of a UFO without being able to estimate its height, which Simpson deems impossible. He explains that at low light levels, the human eye sees in black and white, with color being a product of imagination. Angular sizes of small lights are also frequently overestimated.

While acknowledging that some cases contain seemingly inexplicable information, Simpson suggests that witnesses should not be branded as liars but rather as human. He states that common human errors account for many mysteries, and the remaining cases are often descriptions of natural or man-made phenomena. Examples of misidentification by ufologists include satellites, aeroplanes, meteors, and stars, which are sometimes turned into 'flying saucers' exhibiting erratic courses.

Despite this critical stance, the article concedes that a 'few (very few)' sighting reports defy explanation, along with a few 'contact' claims.

SIUFOP's investigation process involves examining the witness. If the witness is found to be highly imaginative, relates desired outcomes (e.g., 'Master-Ship') instead of actual observations, or provides contradictory stories, the report is dismissed.

In SIUFOP's opinion, the small number of remaining reports does not constitute proof that 'flying saucers' exist. The organization defines 'proof' as 'scientifically verifiable evidence' and a 'flying saucer' as 'an unidentified terrestrial or extra-terrestrial vehicle.'

Simpson addresses accusations of being 'narrow-minded' and 'biased,' stating that SIUFOP's aim is not to prove that flying saucers do not exist (which he deems impossible) but to investigate objectively. He invites anyone who can demonstrate their opinions are wrong to come forward.

Book Review: "A Reference Book of UFO Sounds"

On page 16, a book review by J.C-B. discusses "A Reference Book of UFO Sounds" by Dan Butcher, published by S.I.G.A.P. The reviewer praises the author for compiling an exhaustive account of sounds associated with UFOs, calling the booklet a 'classic' and invaluable to researchers.

The review notes that the old belief of UFOs being silent has been challenged in recent years, and Butcher's work should definitively counter this notion. While some references are deemed of questionable value, and occasional excursions into the occult are mentioned as minor defects, the overall value of the work is not diminished.

The book covers attention given to ultra and infrasound in UFO contexts, as well as fascinating topics like voices and singing heard from UFOs. The reviewer heartily recommends the book to all students of UFOs.

Organization Information (BUFORA)

Page 3 details the officers and aims of BUFORA (British UFO Research Association). The honorary officers include President G. W. Creighton and Vice-Presidents L. G. Cramp, Dr. G. G. Doel, and R. H. B. Winder. The Executive Committee is chaired by Captain I. Mackay, with L. E. Beer as Vice-Chairman.

BUFORA's aims are to encourage and promote unbiased scientific investigation and research into UFO phenomena, to collect and disseminate evidence and data, and to co-ordinate UFO research on a national and international scale.

Membership is open to all persons supporting these aims, with an annual subscription of 30/- or $5 U.S.A. and Canada. Application forms are available from Miss C. Henning. The journal is published quarterly and available to members only or by exchange.

Contact Information and Advertisements

Page 4 provides contact details for various roles within the organization, including correspondence to the Vice-Chairman (L. E. Beer), General-Honorary Secretary (Miss B. Wood), Subscriptions (Mrs. A. Harcourt), Editorial (Dr. J. Cleary-Baker), Librarian (Capt. I. Mackay), UFO Report/Press Cuttings (Omar Fowler), and Research (S. L. Smith).

Advertisements are also listed, with rates for personal columns and display ads. The printing of the publication is attributed to Burnetts Printing Works.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is a skeptical and evidence-based approach to UFO phenomena, championed by SIUFOP. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, emphasizing the importance of scientific rigor, verifiable evidence, and the acknowledgment of common human observational errors. While not outright denying the existence of UFOs, the publication clearly aims to debunk sensationalist claims and promote a more grounded understanding of sightings, attributing many to misidentification and psychological factors rather than extraterrestrial craft. The inclusion of a book review on UFO sounds and organizational details for BUFORA suggests a broader interest in UFO research, but always filtered through a lens of careful scrutiny and scientific methodology.