1997 - 50 years of UFOs, 9th International conference

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Proceedings of The 9th BUFORA International UFO Congress is a compilation of material related to the 9th BUFORA International UFO Congress, focusing on UFO phenomena from 1947 to 1997. The cover prominently features the themes of Conspiracy, UFOs, Close Encounters, Abduction, and Cover-up, highlighting the magazine's commitment to investigating these aspects of the UFO mystery over 50 years.

Editorial Stance and Key Figures

The magazine is associated with UFO Magazine, edited and published by Don & Vicki Ecker. They are described as journalists and investigators who have set the standards for American ufology. Don Ecker also hosts the radio program UFOS Tonite. The editorial stance, as articulated by Don Ecker, is one of uncompromising honesty, aiming to pierce the veil of nonsense and report the truth as they find it, even if it makes enemies. They reject 'fuzzy feel-good' or 'space brother' interpretations in favor of rigorous investigation.

Historical Context and Key Cases

The issue delves into the history of UFO investigations, starting with the 1947 sighting by Kenneth Arnold near Mt. Rainier, which introduced the term 'Flying Saucers'. It touches upon the military's early concerns, including the suppression of a 1948 Air Materiel Command report and the aftermath of the Roswell Incident. The Korean War saw numerous reports of soldiers encountering advanced craft, with some outperforming U.S. Air Force fighter jets like the F-86 Sabre. A significant event highlighted is the Washington D.C. overflights in July 1952, which prompted a major Pentagon press briefing and led to a policy change, with the Air Force attempting to explain the sightings as weather inversions.

Government Investigations and Cover-ups

The Robertson Panel, convened by the CIA in January 1953, is discussed. This panel, comprising prominent scientists, aimed to study UFOs, with a focus on debunking and monitoring domestic UFO-watch groups. The issue criticizes Project Blue Book, suggesting it was largely a public relations effort to assuage public concern, rather than a genuine investigation. It is noted that the Air Force claimed UFO cases involving national security were handled by a specific agency. The role of the CIA in potentially manipulating the UFO narrative for psychological warfare against the USSR is also mentioned.

Key Researchers and Controversies

Major Donald Keyhoe, a former U.S. Marine and aide to Charles Lindbergh, is presented as a significant figure who wrote extensively on UFOs and challenged the 'silence group' within the military and intelligence agencies. His organization, NICAP (National Investigative Committee on Aerial Phenomena), included influential members like Admiral Roscoe Hillenkoetter. The issue also addresses the 'contactee' phenomenon, exemplified by George Adamski, whose claims of encounters with Venusians and messages about nuclear disarmament are discussed. NICAP viewed such figures as harmful to legitimate UFO research.

Another significant controversy detailed is the Condon Committee and the University of Colorado Study. The committee, tasked with objectively studying UFOs, faced accusations of bias, particularly after a memo from Condon aide Robert J. Low suggested presenting the project as objective while internally viewing the group as non-believers. This led to the withdrawal of support from UFO groups.

Personal Accounts and Alternative Theories

The issue includes a personal account from Debbie Jordan (formerly Kathy Davis), who describes a military involvement experience involving a possible abduction. She underwent lie detector tests and medical examinations, and her story was brought to light by researcher Budd Hopkins. Jordan's account details a disorienting experience involving medical procedures and a strange facility.

Paul Devereux, an authority on 'earthlights', is presented as offering alternative explanations for UFO phenomena. He argues for a re-invention of ufology, suggesting that many sightings might be 'earth light' phenomena—glowing or metallic forms—rather than extraterrestrial craft. He also mentions his own sighting of a large, black airship, which he does not attribute to an ET craft, suggesting possibilities like time slips or archetypal phenomena.

Disinformation and Media Coverage

The magazine addresses the issue of disinformation, citing the case of Jim Spelser and the alleged 'submarine's encounter with a giant UFO'. It also discusses the controversial theory regarding President John F. Kennedy's assassination, involving his limo driver, William Greer, and the Zapruder film. The magazine criticizes the spread of such narratives, labeling them as 'urban myths' and destructive disinformation.

Nick Redfern, an investigator and author of 'A Covert Agenda', is featured for his work in uncovering British government files on UFOs. His research into the RAF Cosford incident of December 10th, 1963, where a dome-shaped UFO reportedly landed, is detailed. The conflicting explanations offered by the Ministry of Defence and the media's persistence in investigating the case are highlighted, suggesting a potential government effort to hide information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, recurring themes include government secrecy, the challenges of investigating UFO phenomena, the distinction between genuine sightings and hoaxes or misinterpretations, and the magazine's commitment to truth. The editorial stance is clearly defined as one of critical inquiry and a dedication to exposing what they perceive as the truth, regardless of the consequences. The magazine positions itself as a platform for serious research, distinct from sensationalism or unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of Enigma Magazine features several articles and interviews focusing on UFO phenomena, government cover-ups, and the role of intelligence agencies. The cover highlights Brian Clarke, editor of Enigma and a soon-to-be Doctor of International Relations, who speaks about the cover-up and intelligence community. The magazine also includes contributions from Matthew Williams, Derek Sheffield, Derrel Sims, and Malcolm Robinson, detailing their research and experiences in ufology and the paranormal.

Brian Clarke: The Military Role in the UFO Phenomenon

Brian Clarke, editor of Enigma, discusses his upcoming talk at a BUFORA conference. He highlights his appearance on the late-night show 'The Funky Bunker' where he played a fictional character, 'The Man in Black'. Clarke's interest in the paranormal and UFOs stems from his university years, where he specialized in intelligence communities. He believes that by studying intelligence operations, one can better understand the military's role in the UFO phenomenon. Clarke expresses a desire to move beyond simply cataloging UFO sightings and to delve into the meaning behind the interactions. He also mentions his academic background, including a Master's degree in Intelligence in International Relations, which focused on how nation-states interact globally and the role of intelligence agencies, often leading him to areas related to UFOs and the New World Order.

Matthew Williams: Investigating Government UFO Files

Matthew Williams, a former civil servant and investigator of the UFO phenomenon for seven years, presents his findings on high-level Ministry of Defence (MOD) investigations into UFOs. He claims to have 'absolute proof of a British UFO cover-up' and discusses efforts to mislead MPs seeking UFO files. Williams uncovered details of a major underground facility at RAF Rudloe Manor, which he states was involved in UFO investigations, housing a command and control center and a listening post within 35 miles of underground tunnels. He has also traveled to the US to study secret facilities and the contactee situation, and visited the Czech Republic for UFO research. Williams describes his experience at the Public Records Office in Kew, London, detailing the procedures for accessing files and the challenges of finding relevant information, suggesting that the disorganization might be intentional to obscure UFO-related data. He notes that while many files are mundane, gems of information, such as evidence of Provost and Security Services involvement in UFO investigations, have been found. Williams also highlights the difficulty in obtaining information due to the lack of a Freedom of Information Act in the UK.

Derek Sheffield: The Belgian NATO Radar Incident

Derek Sheffield, a retired Printing Ink technologist with a high IQ, discusses his research into UFO phenomena, particularly focusing on the Belgian NATO radar incident of March 30/31, 1990. Sheffield highlights the lack of transparency from the MOD regarding this event. He questions why the MOD claimed the detection did not constitute a threat if they were not informed at the time. Sheffield points out that five NATO radar stations confirmed the detections, experienced operators could not identify them, and the Belgian Air Force (NATO) attempted interceptions for over an hour, with radar 'lock-on' achieved 15 times. He notes that the NATO Air Defence Ground Environment (NADGE) system mandates notification of such events to other NATO radar stations, including those in the UK. Despite evidence suggesting prior knowledge by the Ministry of Defence, including a confidential report from the American Defence Intelligence Agency, the MOD has repeatedly failed to provide clear answers. Sheffield also expresses concern about the lack of British press coverage of the incident, suggesting a ban on investigative reporting.

Derrel Sims: Alien Implants and Roswell Debris

Derrel Sims, known as 'The Alien Hunter', approaches the subject of alien implants with a hands-on methodology. He claims to have successfully recovered seven implants from abductees and has regressed many subjects, showing evidence of multiple abductions. Sims pioneered the 'blacklight' technique, which reveals fluorescent markings on bodies, sometimes resembling handprints. He is using science to find answers and has established a fund with surgeon Roger Leir to finance further research. Sims' work involves displaying alleged implants and crash debris, presenting medical and scientific reports from various institutions. A press conference in Roswell, New Mexico, is scheduled to present results of scientific tests on crash debris, concluding that the Roswell debris is manufactured material of extraterrestrial origin. Sims also offers workshops on finding physical evidence without special skills and detecting when a person has had recent alien contact.

Malcolm Robinson: UFO Sightings and Investigations

Malcolm Robinson, founder of SPI (Strange Phenomena Investigations), has been involved in ufology and the paranormal since 1979. He has written numerous articles and appeared on TV and radio, drawing media attention to Bonnybridge, Scotland, due to numerous UFO sightings in the area. Robinson's SPI aims to collect, research, and publish accounts of strange phenomena to find answers. He is a member of MUFON and BUFORA. Robinson recounts a specific incident on September 23, 1996, where Mary Morrison, her son Peter, and friend Jane witnessed a large white stationary light that split into two, followed by a triangular object with red lights. Later, they observed a bright blue spinning light. The witnesses reported seeing small grey figures and a larger 'tan brown' being in the woods. The incident also involved unusual bruises on the witnesses. Robinson's investigation into this and other cases, including correspondence with the Ministry of Defence, suggests that official explanations, such as 'night-time low-level flying training' by Tornado jets, do not align with witness accounts.

Our Investigations and Further Events

This section details the ongoing investigations by SPI, including the discovery of strange bruises on witnesses of UFO events. It also describes a further incident on October 20, where a young boy named Peter reportedly saw a small 'white being' with jagged teeth in his bedroom, which then vanished. The report notes that the MOD's response to a specific incident, citing Tornado jets, was questioned by SPI, who had received other reports of triangular black objects in the same area.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government secrecy, intelligence agency involvement in UFO phenomena, the search for evidence of extraterrestrial contact, and the challenges faced by researchers in obtaining official information. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that questions official narratives and encourages a deeper investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena and alleged cover-ups. The articles collectively advocate for transparency and a more open approach to understanding the UFO mystery.

This issue of UFO Magazine focuses heavily on the Rendlesham Forest UFO incident, featuring authors Larry Warren and Peter Robbins, who have dedicated eight years to uncovering the truth behind the December 1980 event. The magazine details their struggles with government suppression and media skepticism, positioning them as credible 'whistleblowers' who have brought the public closer to understanding the incident.

The Rendlesham Forest Incident: A Witness's Account The core of the issue revolves around Larry Warren's firsthand account of the Rendlesham Forest incident. As a nineteen-year-old air force security policeman, he was on guard duty when he monitored unusual radio transmissions describing unidentified lights. He was subsequently involved in a convoy that entered the woods to investigate a disturbance, which turned out to be a 'machine of undetermined origin or manufacture.' The incident was suppressed under the American national security act of 1947 and Her Majesty's Official Secrets Act, remaining largely in folklore until a significant press coverage in October 1983.

Peter Robbins's Involvement and the Book 'Left at East Gate' Peter Robbins, a researcher, details his involvement with Larry Warren, beginning in 1984. He describes Warren as a controversial witness who had faced numerous accusations, including being an intelligence agent or a liar. Robbins agreed to co-author the book 'Left at East Gate,' which took eight years to write, with the understanding that he could pursue and publish his findings regardless of how they reflected on Warren. The book aims to provide a detailed account of the incident from Warren's perspective, supported by extensive investigation, including questioning witnesses, taking depositions, and revisiting sites.

Other Investigations and Cases The magazine also touches upon other related topics and cases:

Brenda Butler & Dot Street Brenda Butler, described as the first investigator on the scene of the Rendlesham Incident, along with Dot Street, authors of 'Skycrash,' have been instrumental in bringing the case to the attention of the British media. They have questioned civilians and military witnesses, noting that some provided disinformation. Butler recounts her own early experiences with UFOs, starting at age five, and a sighting in November 1979. She also mentions an interaction with someone from the MOD after discussing the possibility of a non-UFO explanation for an event, leading to the cancellation of her radio broadcast.

David Percy and the Moon Hoax David Percy, an independent film producer and co-author of 'Two Thirds,' is featured for his work on the NASA Moon Hoax photographs. Percy argues that the Apollo moon landings were faked in a studio, citing continuity errors and discrepancies in the photos and TV coverage. He points to specific images, like the 'Astronaut Collecting Moon Samples,' questioning the lighting and the presence of multiple shadows, suggesting a hidden agenda by NASA. Percy is working on a new book, 'Whistleblowers,' which will delve into issues surrounding the Apollo missions, including rocket technology and shielding against cosmic radiation.

Odd-Gunnar Roed: Project Hessdalen and Norwegian Cases Odd-Gunnar Roed contributes a section on the unsolved phenomenon in Hessdalen, Norway, where scientists have established the lights as real physical phenomena outside of known physics. The section also presents several 'Close Encounters of the 4th Kind' (CE-IV) cases from Norway: * Spitsbergen-crash of 1952: Dismissed as a rumor with no truth. * Two sisters meet a man from space: Two Norwegian sisters encountered a man who spoke an unknown language and departed in a saucer-shaped vehicle. * Norwegian girl made pregnant by alien in Spain: A family reported seeing strange lights and creatures, with telepathic communication. * Mandal 1989-1997: Reports of strange lights resembling a large cruise ship, with power outages in the vicinity. * Case of Kate T.: A woman experienced recurring images of the universe and small grey beings during hypnotic sessions, leading to a book project. * Possible Implant from lady's foot in Horten: A woman experienced persistent pain in her toe, which resolved after a small metallic object was found and removed. * Three women abducted in a car: Three women experienced a car malfunction and lost time, with hypnosis revealing possible insemination and pregnancy. * A strange experience on the way home from the cup-final: Four people lost three hours of time after driving through a tunnel-like phenomenon.

UFO Call A service called UFO Call is advertised, providing recent sightings reports and investigation updates, updated by ufologist Jenny Randles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this issue are UFO incidents, government cover-ups, witness testimonies, and the challenges of investigating unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking and presenting the truth, especially concerning the Rendlesham Forest incident, and questioning official narratives from governments and space agencies like NASA. The magazine champions the voices of witnesses and researchers who challenge established explanations, suggesting a pattern of secrecy and deception surrounding UFO events.