BUFORA Bulletin - No 03 - Mar 1982

Magazine Overview

This issue of the BUFORA BULLETIN, identified as No 003 and dated March 1982, covers the period 1981/82. It is published by BUFORA, a UK-based organization dedicated to the scientific research of unidentified flying objects.

Key Articles and Features

BUFORA Investigations-A New Initiative

This article by Jenny Randles, the new Director of Investigations, outlines a significant overhaul of BUFORA's investigational structure. BUFORA, described as the longest-standing and largest membership society on a national scale in Britain, had seen its investigational prowess decline. The 'New Initiative' aims to address this by replacing the previous Regional Investigation Centres (RICs) with a system of 'Accredited Investigators' (AIs). To become an AI, members must meet specific standards, undergo training, and will be empowered to handle potentially productive cases. AIs will receive a smart card as proof of status and will need to be re-accredited periodically. The initiative also involves forming a National Investigation Committee (NIC) to coordinate efforts across eight provisional regions of the UK, appointing Area Representatives (ARs) to manage regional administration and liaise with local groups. The NIC's tasks will include defining training programs and report formats, accrediting investigators, and discussing high-strangeness cases. The article also mentions the potential absorption of UFOIN, a small-scale investigation team, into the BUFORA system. Members interested in becoming AIs are recommended two books: 'UFO Handbook' by Allan Hendry and 'UFO Study' by Jenny Randles.

Code of Practice for UFO Investigators

Printed in full on pages 10 and 11, this Code of Practice was approved after legal vetting at a meeting of a Joint Working Party of UFO organizations in Bristol on February 20, 1982. It consists of three sections: Responsibility to the Witness, Responsibility to the Public, and Responsibility to Ufology. Key points include: the identity of a witness is confidential and must not be disclosed without consent; interviews should ideally be conducted by two investigators, with a female investigator present if the witness is a woman or child; investigators must not enter private property without permission; and any damage caused by an investigator must be made good. Specialized techniques like hypnosis require the consent of the witness and guidance from a medically qualified psychologist.

Project UFO-MD

This section details a project initiated by Richard C. Niemtzow, M.D., running from October 1981 to October 1983. The project, titled 'National Investigation of Medical Injuries Associated with Alleged UFO Close Encounters,' aims to investigate cases where medical injuries are reported alongside UFO sightings. These injuries are classified into three categories: temporary (paralysis, dizziness, blindness), chronic (skin lesions, gastrointestinal disturbances, psychological manifestations), and slow healing. The project's specific goals are to investigate at least 12 cases and, if possible, create a catalogue correlating injury with the UFO mishap. The methodology involves interviews with patients and their chosen physicians, with Dr. Niemtzow acting as a consultant. Existing UFO organizations are expected to provide expertise in evaluating non-medical data. Medical guidelines include clinical evaluation, laboratory tests (blood count, electrolytes, glucose, cortisol, urine ketones), chest X-ray, skin biopsies, and photographs of injuries. Communications protocols emphasize immediate examination by a physician and contact with Dr. Niemtzow, respecting patient anonymity. Results to date indicate that while UFO organizations have provided useful data, no thorough medical investigation on a national scale has been attempted. Reports will be issued quarterly.

ASSAP and UFO Investigation in Britain

This article by Hilary Evans, Publications Officer for ASSAP, clarifies the organization's role. ASSAP states it was not created to replace or compete with existing UFO groups but to address issues like duplication of effort, rivalry, reluctance to share information, and the lack of a national structure. ASSAP aims to be a neutral, objective, and scientific national organization that coordinates and correlates UFO investigation efforts. Its functions include establishing a communication system, providing a forum for groups, acting as a media liaison, and offering interdisciplinary expertise and access to technical facilities. ASSAP emphasizes that it is an 'Association,' not a 'Society,' comprising members from existing groups who believe the study of anomalous phenomena needs greater discipline, cooperation, and acceptance of scientific standards.

Other Content

The issue also includes "Notes and Notes," "Identified" (an article by Hilary Evans about an IFO experience), information on "London Lectures" (including upcoming talks on 'Seeing and Believing,' 'The Interface Between the UFO Report and New Information,' and 'Alien Intelligence'), "Forthcoming Publication" (a report on the Livingston Close Encounter case by Steuart Campbell), "Edinburgh Conference" (preliminary report in the next issue), "ASSAP Training Workshop," information on the "Festival of Mind, Body and Spirit" at Olympia, and "UFO-MD" contact details. "Book Reviews," "Correspondence," "Scottish Sighting Abstract No 11," and "Obituaries" are also listed in the contents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the professionalization and organization of UFO research in the United Kingdom. There is a clear emphasis on establishing standardized procedures, improving data collection and dissemination, and fostering cooperation among different UFO organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting a more scientific, rigorous, and coordinated approach to UFO investigations, moving away from what is perceived as a fragmented and sometimes unprofessional past. The articles highlight the need for credibility, scientific standards, and a unified effort to advance the study of UFO phenomena.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated February 1982, is identified as 'No.2' of the 'Pre-1947 UFO Bulletin' and focuses on the responsibilities of UFO investigators, historical context of UFO phenomena, and recent sightings. It also includes obituaries of prominent figures in the ufology community.

Section Two: Responsibility to the Public

This section outlines the ethical guidelines for UFO investigators concerning their interactions with the public and official bodies. Investigators are mandated to cooperate with police and other official bodies, especially in circumstances affecting national security. If an investigation uncovers a situation that is or could become dangerous to the public or result in property damage, the investigator must immediately notify the police or other responsible authorities and take reasonable steps to protect the public and property. Information gained during interviews is not to be released prematurely to the news media, and investigators must not issue unsupported statements. It is also noted that investigators have no special privilege and may be required to disclose confidential information to courts.

Section Three: Responsibility to Ufology

This section addresses the investigator's responsibility within the ufology community. It emphasizes that the free flow of information should not be restricted for personal gain. Investigators are encouraged to make data available promptly to accredited investigators, giving due credit to the source. All interviews concerning cases of high strangeness should be electronically recorded unless the witness objects. Reports must indicate the persons present during interviews and their status. Confidential information, due to inherent factors within the code, must not be included in the edited report intended for external use. The witness's identity is confidential and must not be included unless released by the witness. For witnesses in sensitive occupations, it may be desirable to restrict details of the time, place, and circumstances of the incident to those UFO researchers who 'need to know'. Investigators are also advised not to discuss their personal theories with a witness during an investigation.

Organisation for Scientific Evaluation of Aerial Phenomena (OSEAP)

OSEAP has been formed by merging the resources and efforts of the societies FUFOR and MAPIT, with support from AR (Tony) Pace, former Director of Research for BUFORA. OSEAP plans to produce two new journals, 'OSEAP JOURNAL' and 'CENTRE UPDATE', both twice yearly. Their resources centre is located at 92 Hilcrest Road, Stockport, Cheshire, SK2 5SE.

Electromagnetic Effects

This article by Manfred Cassirer discusses the prevalence of references to electro-magnetic (EM) effects in UFO literature, noting that BUFORA's Vehicle Interference Project only includes two British case studies. The author questions the existence of this phenomenon, citing doubts from sources like Hendry's UFO Handbook. While some favor a 'nuts-and-bolts' approach, the article suggests that the field-force required to stall a car would be of lethal magnitude. Meheust's Law, correlating 'obtrusiveness' with 'elusiveness', is introduced. The article posits that 'ufonauts' act selectively to attract attention, and if cars are stalled, it is for this reason, not due to a real EM effect causing engine failure. The effect is described as psychological, forcing the driver's attention on the object or occupants. This enforced observation is characterized as furtive, often disguised as an accident, and typically brief. The paradox of obtrusiveness and elusiveness is compared to psychic phenomena and apparitions, which insist on being perceived.

Paralysis of the Observer

This short piece notes that paralysis of the observer has been reported at various stages of phantom encounters. Ufonauts are said to paralyze victims with an 'instrument'. The author cautions against accepting this at face value, likening it to proclaiming ufonauts as real spacemen. Further research is deemed necessary, and closer cooperation between ufologists and parapsychologists is expected to lead to a breakthrough in this 'virgin territory'.

Pre-1947 UFO Bulletin No.2

This article, likely an editorial or introductory piece, highlights the growing awareness among ufologists of the need to study attitudes and beliefs that influence UFO experiences and perceptions. The author references their own article in Magonia No.3 (Spring 1980) about the 1909 and 1913 mystery airship waves in Britain, suggesting a link to rumors of German spying activities and the real threat of a German invasion. This view is supported by an article by Charles Lowe in the Contemporary Review. The author contends that politicians and journalists exacerbated public fears. The article also mentions Roger Sandell's work on national panics and the broader context of social and political turmoil in pre-1914 Britain.

Historical Context: German Expansionism and Airship Panics

This section delves into the historical context of public anxieties, particularly the threat of German expansionism in Britain before World War I. Sightings of mysterious aerial phenomena were linked to Germans, and the activities of Count Zeppelin threatened British sea power. The author draws a parallel to Matthew Arnold's poem 'Dover Beach', reflecting insecurity caused by social changes and the implications of aerial technology. The article contrasts the British situation with the American airship panic of 1897, noting how American sightings signified the power of the industrial and scientific revolution, fueled by mass-circulation newspapers. The breakdown of airships is seen as pointing to the failure of technology. The article also references John Fletcher's work suggesting that the Ohio airship sightings in 1897 were linked to social, political, and economic turmoil, and a 'non-conformist religious revival', where airships symbolized millennial salvation through technology.

Reviews

Casebook of a UFO Investigator by Raymond E. Fowler

This review praises Raymond E. Fowler's book, highlighting his experience as a former chairman of NICAP and Massachusetts State Director for MUFON. The reviewer commends Fowler's ability to write in an interesting manner and his focus on finding answers to the UFO problem, rather than channeling the enigma in multiple directions. The book covers a wide range of UFO investigations from 1947 to the present, including misreports and misidentifications. The reviewer appreciates that Fowler does not attempt to disguise or explain away alien contact and abductions, and finds his chapter on 'Consistent Characteristics of Real UFOs' to be a lesson for 'woolly-minded professors'. The book includes comprehensive notes, references, and a bibliography.

Space Aliens Took Me To Their Planet by Claude Vorilhon 'Rael'

This review dismisses Claude Vorilhon's book as a purported true account of meetings with beings from another planet. The reviewer notes Vorilhon's claims of meeting Jesus, Buddha, and Moses, being plied with food and drink by robot women, and experiencing paradisiacal sights. The beings are said to have discovered Earth 25,000 years ago and created all living things. Vorilhon is presented as their chosen prophet. The reviewer strongly advises against taking the book seriously, especially for ufologists.

Letters

Alive and Kicking!

Geoff Ambler, Editor, writes to address remarks made about Contact UK's investigation network. He states that Contact's investigational team consists of 120 individuals across the UK, who are well-trained and have passed aptitude tests. Contact (UK) is described as primarily a research group and a 'silent service'. Their Data Research team meets weekly, and they publish 'Awareness' and 'UFO Register' magazines. Free circulation of these magazines has been restricted due to economic pressures, but the group remains active and persevering.

Scientific Veneer?

M. Cassirer critiques Moira McGhee's article 'Amnesia in CE witnesses', suggesting her approach to anomalies via technology has a 'precarious pattern'. Cassirer questions her assumptions about advanced ET intelligence and its ability to prevent memory storage for unknown reasons. The author concludes that serious ufologists are increasingly recognizing the power of the human psyche, viewing extra-terrestrials and their 'interference' as unsubstantiated lucubrations of science fiction writers.

Scottish Sighting Abstract No 11

This section details several UFO sightings reported in Scotland:

• February or March 1953, Edinburgh: An 11-year-old boy and his brother witnessed a huge red object hovering, changing color from pink to orange and red, moving in a clockwise diamond pattern, and then shooting away very fast.
• August 1974, Wigtown: James Rodger and others saw a 'big blue star' rushing from the north, which disappeared and reappeared on a reciprocal course, flaring up before vanishing.
• October 27, 1981, Dunbar: Mrs Violet Sheridan saw a bright orange ball fall from the sky, split into two, and disappear behind houses.
• April 17, 1981, Blackburn: Mrs Marion McMillan and her daughter saw a curious object with a bright blue light at the front and windows, tapering to a point, moving above trees.
• September 24, 1981, Wester Hailes, Edinburgh: Henry Duncan and his daughter observed a distinct triangular shape outlined by large red discs, reflecting light, which accelerated towards Edinburgh Airport.
• October 19, 1981, Edinburgh: Frances Forsyth saw an unusual bright blue-white light move north-west, shoot out a curved beam of light, and disappear behind radio masts. The object was also seen by other family members.
• November 8, 1979, Edinburgh: Postman James Forsyth saw two bright white lights alternately moving towards and away from each other for about an hour.

Obituaries

This section commemorates the lives and contributions of several prominent individuals in the ufology community:

• Captain Ivar Mackay and John Cleary-Baker: Two prominent BUFORA members whose deaths are noted.
• Major, Doctor Geoffrey Gilbert Deel (MRCS, LACP, DMRE): Died on November 10, 1981, aged 71. His interest in UFOs began with Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. He was a founder-member of LUFORA and BUFORA, serving as Chairman and later President. He was involved in photographic analysis, journal proof-reading, and assisted with investigations, including the 'Scoriton Mystery' and 'Joyce Bowles' claims. He also had a distinguished medical career and was awarded the rank of Major. He was Secretary of the Medical Arts Society.
• Charles Harvard Gibbs-Smith (MA, FMA, Hon. Comp. RAS, FRSA): Died on December 3, 1981, aged 72. After graduating from Harvard, he worked at the Victoria and Albert Museum and was Director of Public Relations for the Ministry of Information. He authored books on aeronautical history and was convinced of the Wright Brothers' pre-eminence in aircraft development. He was the first Lindbergh Professor of Aerospace History. He was known to ufologists as a lecturer and director of FLYING SAUCER REVIEW.
• Gilbert L Bernier: Died suddenly in November 1980, likely in his late fifties. He ran a UFO Information Centre and circulated newsworthy items and magazine articles from the States at his own expense. He did not attribute esoteric or parapsychological causes to UFOs, advocating for instrumented research and physical data.

Advertisment

This section lists publications available from BUFORA, including 'UFO Investigation', 'Congress 179', and 'Vehicle Interference', along with prices for members and trade. It also advertises the 'BUFORA Journal' and 'BUFORA Bulletin', with details available upon request. Publications can be ordered from Arnold West in Burgess Hill, Sussex, England. Terms are cash with order, and members should quote their membership number. A disclaimer states that the British UFO Research Association does not hold or express corporate views on UFO phenomena, and contributions reflect the views of the editor or authors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the importance of responsible investigation protocols, the historical context of UFO phenomena and public perception, and the contributions of key individuals to the field of ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, data sharing within the community, and a critical approach to unsubstantiated claims, particularly those of a purely speculative or sensational nature. There is a clear emphasis on scientific methodology and evidence-based research, as seen in the reviews and the discussion of electromagnetic effects. The obituaries highlight the dedication and diverse contributions of individuals to the study of UFOs. The bulletin also serves as a platform for organizational updates, such as the formation of OSEAP and the ongoing activities of Contact (UK).