1970 - May - Research Bulletin Vol.3 No.4

Magazine Overview

This issue of the RESEARCH BULLETIN, published by BUFORA (British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association), is dated May 2, 1970, and marks the third year of its publication. The Director's editorial highlights the international circulation of the bulletin and emphasizes the importance of international exchange for the advancement of ufology. The issue details the ongoing analysis of sighting reports collected by the association, covering the period from 1925 to 1967, with a statistical breakdown of reports by year.

Papua - June 1959 Sightings

A significant portion of the bulletin is dedicated to the 1959 UFO sightings in Papua, drawing from a report by Revd. N.E.G. Cruttwell and transcripts of notes taken by Fr. William Gill. The events of Friday, June 26, 1959, are meticulously documented, with time-stamped observations of various objects, including a 'mother ship' and smaller craft. Witnesses reported bright lights, hovering, and even reciprocal waving with figures on the objects. The report notes that the objects appeared solid and metallic, and Fr. Gill emphasizes the absence of sound. The following nights, June 27 and 28, also saw UFO activity, with observations of multiple objects and an unusual loud bang on a roof on the third night.

Witness Descriptions and Official Reaction

Witnesses described the objects as circular with a wide base and upper deck, sometimes emitting a blue light upwards. The interaction where witnesses waved and figures on the UFO appeared to wave back is highlighted. The report includes sketches made by witnesses. The official reaction from the RAAF, in a letter to Mr. Peter Norris of the Victorian Flying Saucer Society, suggests that while the objects were not manned space vehicles, planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, along with light refraction and unsettled weather, could explain some observations. However, the report notes that a simple explanation for the discoid craft seen on June 26th and 27th is difficult.

BUFORA Research Section and BUFORA News

The BUFORA Research Section reports on its activities, including a meeting involving a 'tape' talk on the esoteric significance of flying saucers. Efforts are underway to pool information on Scottish sightings. Mr. Ernest Still is researching sightings from November 1968 and July 1969. The Birmingham UFO Investigation Group is also mentioned. The bulletin announces the BUFORA Western Region Conference on UFOs in Antiquity and pre-History, and details upcoming National Skywatches for May and June 1970, listing various watching posts and contact persons across the UK.

Investigation Report - March 1970

Omar Fowler, Investigations Coordinator, reports on efforts to organize BUFORA investigators into area 'cells' throughout the UK, aiming to improve coverage and emergency response. The report mentions ongoing investigations into incidents in the Crofton area near Wakefield, near Northampton, and near Bournemouth, the latter including a public opinion poll. An incident at Walthamstowe on January 1, 1970, is also being investigated.

'Advance or Retreat - A Reappraisal for 1970'

This reprinted article discusses the conflict between scientific and non-scientific approaches to ufology. It explores the reasons why people are drawn to the subject, including the appeal of the unusual, the mystical, and the desire for amateur participation. The author argues for objectivity and scientific evaluation, cautioning against mysticism and the supernatural, and highlighting the difficulty in separating fact from fiction in imaginative contact cases.

The Mirror Ball UFO

This section details an incident reported in the Birmingham Sunday Mercury. Mrs. J. Hayward described seeing a bright object that grew larger, emitted a buzzing sound, and appeared to have a circular shape. The sighting lasted about two minutes. Mrs. Hayward was unfamiliar with UFOs but had prior psychic experiences. She was interviewed by someone claiming to be from the Ministry of Defence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, there is a strong emphasis on the need for objectivity and scientific evaluation in the study of UFO phenomena, as articulated by Alan W. Sharp. The bulletin advocates for the extra-terrestrial hypothesis as a fundamental precept while eschewing mysticism. The detailed reporting of sightings, witness testimonies, and official investigations, alongside discussions on research methodology, underscores BUFORA's commitment to a rigorous and systematic approach to understanding UFOs. The magazine aims to promote serious investigation and to distinguish credible reports from sensationalism and speculation.