BUFORA Bulletin - No 10 - Sep 1983

Magazine Overview

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated September 1983, is published by the British UFO Research Association. It features news from the organization, investigation reports, and an in-depth analysis of a complex UFO case.

News and Association Activities

The "NEWS" section details BUFORA's summer meeting held on July 2nd, 1983, at Hans Streuli's home. Key discussions included rationalizing BUFORA's journals for better continuity and stability. A new publishing program was outlined, with plans to make publications more visually attractive. The editors of J-TAP, BUFORA Bulletin, and Probe Report welcomed contributions from members. The 1983 Congress organization was reported as progressing well, with a satisfactory number of applications. Membership numbers were reported as rising after a dip in late 1982/early 1983. BUFORA's finances were described as healthier, with an emphasis on member recruitment. A library of books, tapes, magazines, and case reports was being organized by Robin Lindsay. Stephen Gamble, the new Director of Research, outlined his future plans.

BUFORA Structure and Contacts

Page 2 provides a detailed organizational chart for BUFORA for the 1982-83 period. It lists the President, Vice-Presidents, Council Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Council Members. Key administrative roles are also detailed, including the Secretary, Membership Secretary, Treasurer, Director of Publications and Editor, Public Relations Officer, and Librarian. The Research and Investigations departments are headed by the Director of Research and the Director of Investigations, respectively. Contact information, including addresses and telephone numbers, is provided for various officers and branches, such as the Edinburgh Branch. Information on member societies and BUFORA's aims and membership is also included. BUFORA's entry on the PRESTEL viewdata system is also mentioned.

Investigation Department Reports

Case 54 AA: Carlisle, Cumbria (Mid November, 1954)

This report details an incident involving a soldier named Stanley during his passing-out parade at Carlisle Castle. He observed two silvery bands, resembling interlocked wedding rings, spinning and hovering in the sky. The objects reflected sunlight and remained stationary for about five minutes before moving away and disappearing. Stanley later discovered that other soldiers had also seen the object. No explanation was forthcoming, and suggestions of a ceremonial kite were considered but dismissed due to the soldiers' ignorance.

Case 79-272: Speke, Merseyside (23rd November, 1979)

This case involves a witness, also named Stanley, who reported a close encounter with what is described as ball lightning. While driving, he observed a bright green ball appearing from behind a factory building. The object was solid, spherical, and quiet, leaving a faint trail. It floated majestically across the road and disappeared behind buildings. The witness estimated its size to be several feet in diameter and its height to be 20-30 feet. The report notes that ball lightning does not exclusively appear in thunderstorm conditions.

Case 82-013: Vero Beach, Florida, USA (2nd March, 1982)

This case involves a British witness, referred to as Miss JF, who was piloting a light aircraft. She observed a bright white light, initially assumed to be landing lights, which appeared to be a fuzzy star and exhibited erratic movement. The light seemed to vary its distance, moving rapidly away at right angles to her line of flight. It occasionally disappeared into cloud and became hazy. The object was last seen as she piloted her plane into low clouds. While Venus was suggested as an explanation, the witness disputed this due to the object's proximity and rapid movement. The case was investigated by Philip Taylor, who reportedly provided a scientific explanation.

My Money Is On Auntie - A Footnote to the Fontaine Case

This extensive article by John Barrett delves into the complex and controversial Fontaine case, which began in Cergy Pontoise, France, on November 26th, 1979. The incident involved three market traders: Jean Pierre Prevost, Salomon N'diaye, and Franck Fontaine. According to their account, a brilliant cylindrical white light passed overhead, and shortly after, Franck Fontaine disappeared from a car enveloped in a misty halo of light. The police were informed, and the case generated significant media speculation.

The article details the subsequent investigation, including hypnosis sessions with Prevost, who claimed to have been taken to an alien laboratory. Fontaine himself recalled little of the experience. The narrative highlights inconsistencies in the story, with Hilary Evans' report containing numerous details that were difficult to verify or contradicted other accounts. The author explores various possibilities, including the idea that Fontaine may have disguised himself as a female ('Francine') to evade detection and remain hidden among friends, potentially within Prevost's and N'diaye's apartment, which was crowded with visitors.

The author questions the likelihood of Fontaine having escaped detection given the widespread publicity. He suggests that Fontaine might have remained in the Cergy area, possibly hiding in plain sight, and that the 'two men seen driving away' might have been involved in his disappearance or concealment. The article concludes by suggesting that Fontaine's aunt might hold the key to his whereabouts during the missing week, and that the 'garrulous aunt' might have provided the crucial, unrecorded information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue emphasizes the importance of scientific research and evidence-based investigation within ufology, as reflected in BUFORA's stated aims. There is a clear effort to rationalize and professionalize the reporting and publication of UFO-related material, as indicated by the plans for journal upgrades and a structured publishing program. The Fontaine case, in particular, highlights the challenges of investigating complex phenomena, the role of media speculation, and the potential for hoaxes or misinterpretations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking logical explanations while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding UFO phenomena.

This issue of UFO News Update, dated Summer 1983 and identified as Volume No.6, is published by BUFORA and focuses on various aspects of UFO phenomena, historical cases, and psychological interpretations. The content spans from historical reports of 'ghost rockets' to contemporary sightings and debates within the ufological community.

Articles and Reports

The Cergy-Pontoise Case and Sociological Interpretation

The issue begins by discussing the Cergy-Pontoise case, suggesting that the anarchical Prevost, possibly disguised, could have been involved in the events. The author expresses skepticism about the case's improbability and questions why participants concocted it and why it was believed. A quote attributed to Mark Twain is used to describe the case as "Interesting if true .... but interesting anyway," highlighting its sociological rather than extraterrestrial significance.

Jenny's Solution: The Planet Venus

This section presents a solution to a UFO sighting, identifying the object as the planet Venus. It explains that Venus, at 05.05 EST on March 2nd, 1983, was visible from Florida at a specific altitude and azimuth, matching descriptions. Venus is known to be mistaken for UFOs and can appear to 'pace' vehicles. The author emphasizes the importance for investigators to check obvious astronomical sources before accepting witness statements at face value, even from experienced witnesses.

UFO News Update: UK Activity and International Reports

This section provides a roundup of recent UFO news. A woman in Paignton, Devon, reported a close encounter with three circular objects of light. Reports from Berkshire included one denied from an air force base. South Africa experienced a surge of reports on the night of April 19th-20th, with jammed switchboards and disturbed animals. Witnesses described aerial fireworks, an elongated craft, and a blue round object. Two green lights were reported to follow a train, with one witness claiming their vehicle sped up significantly.

The Royal Australian Air Force began an investigation into four cylindrical shapes seen hovering over Bendigo. In California, Ruth Norman was preparing a landing site for ETs, claiming to have visited 32 planets.

UK activity included reports of flattened circles appearing in a barley field near Westbury, with theories ranging from whirlwinds to animal activity. Smaller circles were also found, with suggestions of hoaxing or army helicopters landing in fields. A previous incident of three circles found at the Devil's Punch Bowl in 1981 is mentioned.

The issue also notes a Reuter report about CAUS demanding the release of extraterrestrial remains held by the USAF. A declassified document reportedly revealed the USAF removed three small, 3ft tall bodies dressed in metallic cloth from craft that came down in New Mexico in 1950.

A Ghost Rocket Tailpiece

This article by Steuart Campbell delves into the 'ghost rocket' phenomena reported over Sweden in 1946. The term predates 'flying saucer' and described rocket-like, glowing objects. Swedish authorities initially suggested they were electronically directed missiles, possibly from the Soviet Union. A newspaper report mentioned a fragment of metal with letters found, but nothing further came of it.

Intimidating Sweden

Further analysis of the 'ghost rocket' events by R.V. Jones suggests that the idea of Russia intimidating Sweden was accepted by British Air Intelligence. Jones, however, was skeptical, believing the reports were caused by meteors or misinterpretations due to observers seeing the same object simultaneously with varying watch errors. He questioned the purpose of such a display and the reliability of the supposed Russian flying bombs. Jones challenged his staff to produce evidence, and when presented with irregular solid lumps, he suspected they were merely coke, not evidence of a mysterious element.

FOAX and Misinterpreted Stimuli

This section draws parallels between the 'ghost rocket' story and modern UFO reports, suggesting that the stimuli for these reports are often misinterpreted. The 'ghost rockets' were interpreted as evidence of Russian power, while today's UFOs are often seen as evidence of alien power. The article questions the logic of this conclusion, noting the lack of UFO fragments as significant.

A Definition of a 'UFO'

Iain Nicolson's definition of a UFO is presented: an object seen in the sky whose nature cannot be determined by the observer. Nicolson notes that most sightings can be explained by known phenomena, but a residue remains. The most popular explanation is extraterrestrial spacecraft, though Nicolson finds this improbable given the nature and frequency of sightings. The article also includes a personal sighting by the author over Highgate, described as a small, dark-edged oval object observed for two hours, possibly a kite.

Pre 1947 UFO Bulletin No.6: Critique of Contactee Theories

This section features a letter from Nigel Watson critiquing Brian Burden's article on the Andreasson affair and H.G. Wells. Watson argues that hypnotic regression cannot distinguish fact from fantasy and that contactee experiences have psychological roots, similar to mystical experiences and hallucinations, conditioned by culture. He suggests that Wells' 'The Time Machine' and the Andreasson affair share similarities because they are derived from the human mind. Watson also criticizes the idea that extraterrestrial forces influence contactees, posing rhetorical questions about the extent of such influence.

Brian Burden replies, asserting his expertise on Wells and contactee syndromes. He invokes Jung's concept of archetypal symbols and suggests that Jung regarded contactee experiences as 'physic realities.' Burden believes that the 'contactee syndrome' is vindicated by the growing body of knowledge.

Burden concludes by stating that the author does not accept the reality of UFO phenomena, questioning his involvement in the field. He differentiates between 'nuts and bolts' sightings and the paranormal nature of contactee cases, advocating for a sympathetic ear to contactees to accumulate knowledge. He also questions the etiquette of debunking contactees.

LBC and the ASSAP Garden Party

This report details the ASSAP Garden Party held at Imber Court Cottage. Dr. Hugh Pincott explained ASSAP's purposes, and Brian Inglis opened the event. Dowsing experiments, a pendulum over an electric circuit board, Kingston earth zodiac figures, ley lines, and Raelian contactee experiences were discussed. The author outlined theories recognized by BUFORA. The event was attended by approximately 200 people and included participants from various groups. The event raised nearly £60.

Books: George Adamski: The Untold Story

This section reviews the book "George Adamski: The Untold Story" by Lou Zinsstag and Timothy Good. The review describes the book as a re-examination of Adamski's claims, divided into Miss Zinsstag's reminiscences and Mr. Good's analysis of the evidence. Adamski's claim of meeting a Venusian in 1952 is discussed, along with the debate surrounding whether he was a charlatan or a mystical figure. The review notes that Adamski's claims match the scientific knowledge of 1952, while later contactee stories align with the knowledge of their respective eras.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the analysis of historical UFO cases like the 'ghost rockets' and the Cergy-Pontoise incident, the exploration of psychological and sociological explanations for UFO experiences, and the critical examination of contactee claims. There is a clear emphasis on rational investigation, checking for mundane explanations (like astronomical sources), and questioning the validity of claims that lack concrete evidence. The editorial stance appears to favor skepticism towards extraordinary claims while acknowledging the need for continued research and open-mindedness towards unexplained phenomena.

Title: BUFORA BULLETIN
Issue Date: November 1983
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Content Analysis

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin delves into the complex and often controversial world of UFO phenomena, with a significant focus on the legacy of George Adamski and the broader implications of contactee experiences.

The Adamski Case and its Impact

The article "Experiences only that which they themselves already know..." critically examines the enduring belief in George Adamski's claims, suggesting that his encounters with 'benign' extraterrestrials from Venus perfectly suited the public's expectations in the 1950s, a period influenced by science fiction like "The Day The Earth Stood Still." The author posits that Adamski's claims, if made today, might not generate the same level of public interest or panic, given the advancements in scientific knowledge and the increasing sophistication of UFO reports. The piece highlights how the nature of contactee experiences has evolved, becoming more bizarre over time. A comparison is drawn between Adamski's 1952 encounter and the subsequent 14 years, questioning if similar 'silver-suited and helmeted' alien sightings have increased since Neil Armstrong's moon landing.

Despite detailed research by Timothy Good, which included re-interviewing witnesses to the 1952 encounter and reviewing films, the article concludes that it remains impossible to definitively label Adamski as either a liar or truthful. However, he is described as a "catalyst" whose claims fundamentally altered public thinking about UFOs, transforming what was considered scientific fact into "fourth-rate pulp fiction." The popular press, it is noted, exploited these narratives, making it difficult to discern truth from fiction. The article expresses gratitude for Timothy Good's efforts in restoring balance to the discussion, mentioning that some of Adamski's associates believed his contacts were genuine but that the aliens later worked to discredit him.

The piece further explores the socio-historical context of the Adamski case, particularly the UK's post-war distrust of the USA, which may have influenced the press's reception of his story. The author suggests that Adamski's foreign-sounding name and the California setting of his encounters were used to imply untrustworthiness and a connection to Hollywood's superficiality. The article notes that Adamski's lecture tours and his audience with Juliana of the Netherlands, who was seeking a cure for her daughter's eyesight, received widespread attention, but the press ultimately discredited him, a mockery that has persisted for decades and hindered serious UFO research.

The author finds Adamski to be an enigmatic figure, admitting to lingering doubts about the truth of his claims even after reading a book about him. The complexities and contradictions in his story make it a fascinating read, akin to a mystery novel without a clear resolution.

Contemporary Contactee Cases

The bulletin also addresses the continued prevalence of contactee stories, referencing "Alien Contacts" by Jenny Randles and Paul Whetnall. This book investigates the claims of Marion Sunderland and her three children in Wales, who reported encounters with UFOs, entities, and strange phenomena between 1979 and 1981. While the research is described as painstaking, it remains inconclusive regarding the true nature of these events. The authors of "Alien Contacts" propose intriguing hypotheses, including the "bow wave" effect, suggesting that future cataclysmic events, like a nuclear holocaust, might send back 'waves' of impending disaster, manifesting as CE3 (Close Encounter of the Third Kind) experiences that become increasingly bizarre.

Book Reviews

Two books are reviewed:

1. "How To Build A Flying Saucer And Other Proposals in Speculative Engineering" by T.B. Pawlicki: This book is strongly advised against, with a "government health warning" suggested. The author, an amateur physicist, is criticized for jumbling scientific knowledge and presenting a "crude and undisciplined" work. The review highlights that the book covers topics like ancient megaliths, global communication networks, Velikovsky's theories, element transmutation, and time travel. The chapter on flying saucers, which was selected for translation at the MUFON international conference, is particularly scrutinized. The reviewer laments the spread of pseudoscience and quotes Pope's warning about the dangers of "a little learning."

2. "Alien Contacts" by Jenny Randles and Paul Whetnall: This book is presented as an investigation into the claims of the Sunderland family. While the research is acknowledged as thorough, the conclusions are noted as inconclusive. The review mentions the possibility of a "bow wave" effect related to future cataclysms as a potential explanation for the reported phenomena.

BUFORA Activities and Information

The bulletin includes advertisements for BUFORA publications such as "Close Encounter at Livingston," "UFO Investigations," and "Vehicle Interference Project," providing details on pricing and ordering. It also lists BUFORA periodicals, including the "BUFORA JOURNAL" (Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena) and the "BUFORA Bulletin."

Meetings and Events

Upcoming BUFORA meetings are announced for October 8th, 1983 (UFOs and Fallucinations with Dr. Sue Blackmore), November 12th, 1983 (US Intelligence Agencies and UFOs with Timothy Good), and December 10th, 1983 (AGM followed by "Take Me To Your Leader" with Jenny Randles). All meetings are scheduled to be held at the London Business School.

BUFORA's 3rd International Congress '83, held from August 27th-29th, 1983, at High Wycombe, is reported to have had over 90 delegates and significant international representation. A summary of the highlights is promised for the November 1983 issue of the Bulletin.

Jenny Randles, BUFORA's Director of Investigation, is mentioned as a contestant on the Thames TV programme "Tell The Truth."

Editorial Stance

The British UFO Research Association states that it does not hold or express corporate views on UFO phenomena, and contributions reflect only the views of the editor or authors. Original material is copyright to both contributor and BUFORA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO contactee claims, particularly the enduring influence of George Adamski, and the distinction between rigorous UFO research and the proliferation of pseudoscience. The bulletin advocates for careful investigation and analysis, as evidenced by the reviews of books and the reporting on BUFORA's activities. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, acknowledging the complexity and ambiguity inherent in the UFO phenomenon while encouraging continued research and discussion.