BUFORA Bulletin - No 30 - Nov 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA BULLETIN
Issue: Number 30
Date: November 1988
Publisher: BUFORA Ltd (British UFO Research Association)
Content Type: UFO Research News and Views

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, dated November 1988, presents a range of articles and discussions pertinent to the field of UFO research. The cover prominently features 'MJ 12', indicating a significant focus on this topic within the issue. The bulletin also includes updates on cases, reader contributions, and organizational information.

Editorial

The editorial addresses concerns about BUFORA's perceived decline, stating that the association has overcome past difficulties and is now experiencing a resurgence in membership, receiving approximately 90 requests per month. It emphasizes that BUFORA's aim is not to be the 'biggest' UFO group but to foster a greater understanding of the phenomenon and share information. The editorial also touches upon the negative impact of sensationalist UFO reporting in newspapers like the 'Sunday Sport' and the damage it causes to serious research.

MJ12: The Update

This feature article by Bob Digby reports on the controversial MJ12 saga. It details a presentation by Jamie Shaudera at a MUFON conference in June 1988, which discussed the leaked documents concerning Operation Majestic 12. These documents purportedly detail a secret US government initiative established in 1947 to handle the recovery of an alien spacecraft near Roswell, New Mexico. The article explains that the documents were initially received as undeveloped film in 1984, containing photographs of classified documents. The presentation also covered the dealings of intelligence operatives with the research team (SMF - Shaudera, Moore, Friedman) and the ethical rules they adopted, including no violation of journalistic, legal, or moral ethics, and a commitment to verification. The article discusses the concept of 'national security' in relation to UFOs and the potential for government cover-ups. It notes that the SMF team, while unable to personally verify the documentation, still has leads to follow and maintains that no conclusive evidence of fraud has been presented.

Yorkshire Cases Round-up Two

This article by Dave Clarke presents a collection of UFO cases from Yorkshire.

Mundrabilla: A Case Briefing

Kieth Basterfield and Ray Brooke provide a case briefing on the Mundrabilla incident.

Stealth into the Open

Mike Wootten writes about UFO phenomena that have moved from being hidden to being more openly discussed or observed.

Readers Write

This section features letters and opinions from BUFORA members.

Booklook... Reviews

This section provides reviews of books related to UFO research.

Ufology: Divided by Two Nations?

Jenny Randles explores the differences or divisions in ufological perspectives between two nations.

Witness Confidentiality

A statement from BUFORA Bulletin clarifies its policy on witness confidentiality, stating that names and addresses of witnesses not in the public domain will not be published. Material from witnesses whose names have appeared in the media will be handled with care.

Organizational Information

The issue includes details about BUFORA's council for 1987-88, listing key personnel such as the President (Major Sir Patrick Wall), Vice President (Lionel E. Beer), Founder President (G.F.N. Knewstub), and Council Chairman (Arnold West). It also lists Council Members, Membership Secretary, Secretary to Council, Information Officer, Director of Research (Stephen Gamble), and Director of Investigations (Jenny Randles). Information is provided on BUFORA's aims, membership, and member societies, including the oldest UFO group, BFSB.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing investigation and discussion surrounding the MJ-12 documents, the importance of rigorous and ethical research practices, and the challenges posed by sensationalist media coverage of UFOs. The editorial stance emphasizes a commitment to unbiased scientific research, information sharing, and maintaining the integrity of the UFO subject, while also acknowledging the need for organizational strength and member engagement. The issue also highlights the importance of witness confidentiality in UFO investigations.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, Number 30, focuses on UFO phenomena, featuring a detailed round-up of cases from Yorkshire, an exposé on the secret Operation Majestic 12, and an in-depth report on the Mundrabilla incident in Australia. The publication appears to be a newsletter or magazine dedicated to UFO research and investigation.

Article: SMF and the Game of Information

The issue begins with a discussion about an entity referred to as SMF, which is allegedly playing a 'game' involving the release of information. SMF suggests that their actions are part of a protracted conditioning process that has been ongoing for the last forty years, starting with themes like 'life out in space' and 'Close Encounters and ET'. They believe that everything happening so far is 'due process' and that this phase is entering a new phase, with SMF hoping to release all their evidence in the coming months. They claim to have received overtures from high-level individuals in Washington, which came as a surprise. The article touches upon the reasons why Bill Moore could not attend a presentation in Lincoln, and Jamie Shaudera assured the audience that the upcoming revelations would be an 'incredible story'.

Following Shaudera's presentation, predictable questions were raised regarding the purpose of Star Wars (SDI) and why the government allows SMF to disseminate information. The author personally finds the arguments for and against to be inconclusive, stating that only ultimate proof would settle the debate. The author notes a surprising amount of disbelief even within an audience conditioned to UFO topics, suggesting that SMF might be dealing with the 'unacceptable' within the UFO community. The article concludes by pondering that if the scenario is true, it might be 'unsaleable' even to those interested in the subject.

Document: Operation Majestic-12 Preliminary Briefing

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a declassified document: "OPERATION MAJESTIC-12 PRELIMINARY BRIEFING FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT EISENHOWER," prepared on November 18, 1952. The briefing officer was Adm. Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter. The document states that Operation Majestic-12 (Majic-12) is a TOP SECRET Research and Development/Intelligence operation directly responsible to the President of the United States. It was established by President Truman on September 24, 1947, based on a recommendation by Dr. Vannevar Bush and Secretary James Forrestal. The members of the Majestic-12 Group are listed, including prominent figures from military and scientific fields. The document notes the death of Secretary Forrestal in 1949 and the subsequent appointment of Gen. Walter B. Smith as his permanent replacement in 1950.

Article: "Rencontres de Lyon" 29-30 Avril/ler Mai

This section announces the third European "Rencontres de Lyon 1989" Congress, scheduled for April 29th, 30th, and May 1st in Lyon, France. The congress is open to individuals and groups interested in increasing their knowledge or debating the UFO phenomenon. It is described as a French forum, with French as the official language, providing a platform for ufologists worldwide to share research. The event acts as a 'crossroad' for ufologists and scientists to exchange views and for authors to publicize books or secure translation rights. Information on how to contact Philip Mantle for further details is provided.

Book Announcement: PHENOMENON

This section announces a book titled "PHENOMENON," edited by John Spencer and Hilary Evans and commissioned by BUFORA. It is described as a "COMPLETE ANTHOLOGY OF INTERNATIONAL UFO RESEARCH." The book is available in hardback (sold out) and paperback (£3.95). Contact information for BUFORA (PUBS) is given.

Newsclipping Reference Library Opens

Michael Hudson from Canterbury has launched a comprehensive 3500 newsclipping reference library, featuring a detailed index with over 5000 references. This library is available on request.

Feature: YORKSHIRE CASES ROUND-UP TWO

By Dave Clarke, this feature provides a summary of numerous UFO sightings in Yorkshire, UK, primarily from February 1989. The cases include:

• February 3/4: Mrs. Henry of Beauchief observed a circular object with bright lights maneuvering below a Derbyshire hill-line.
• February 4/5: Mr. & Mrs. Morton at Ecclesfield saw a light aircraft pursuing a circling light source.
• February 5: Multiple sightings occurred: an observer in Risca, South Wales, saw a triangular object with flashing red lights making a roaring noise; Mr. & Mrs. Hardy in Hillsborough watched a "block of flats all lit up" with coloured lights; Mike Carter & J. Williams saw a huge cross-shaped object like the space shuttle; observers in Ecclesall saw a V-shaped object; and two observers in Crookes saw two brilliant objects like spotlights.
• February 8: The Blakebrough family in Cantley, Doncaster, saw a white light like a beach ball; Ian Smith and Allen Peters reported elongated objects with bright lights, one shaped like an ice-cream cone.
• February 9: Mrs. Topley saw two brilliant lights stationary in the sky over East Sheffield.
• February 10: Ivy Blakethorpe saw a white light over Cantley, Doncaster.
• February 11: Sarah Carter and E. Masters saw a strange object with bright lights over Parsons Cross, flying towards Ecclesfield; Mrs. Hillman in Wombwell saw a huge object with coloured lights beneath rooftops; Mrs. Petermann and others in Wombwell saw a huge pyramid-shaped object; Mrs. Williams and her daughter saw a huge triangle-shaped object; Mr. Swallows saw a triangular object over Mexborough.
• February 12: Miss Anderson saw a large square object with coloured lights over Fox Hill; Mrs. Wilson saw a saucer-shaped object that moved slowly towards Rotherham.
• February 13: Steve Lucas saw a low-level, triangular-shaped object with red and white lights.
• February 14: Mr Green saw a cigar-shaped, orange object in daylight; two YUFOS members saw a large ruby-red diamond-shaped object rise from hills in the Wentworth area and hover.
• February 15: Mr. Bailly and wife watched brilliant coloured lights maneuvering in the night sky.
• February 16: Two YUFOS members saw a formation of five red objects.
• February 18: An observer in Ecclesall, Sheffield, saw an object with red and green lights.
• February 18 (later): Julie Thomas saw a huge marrow-shaped object with red lights flying low over the road near Stannington; Mrs. Oldfield and her husband saw a "huge" triangular shaped object with red and white flashing lights.
• February 19: Mr. Anderson and his wife saw a cluster of brilliant lights that moved rapidly northwest.
• February 19 (Night): Mr. Cross at Goldthorp saw a low-level lighted object.
• February 24: A family at Ecclesfield observed a large lighted object that discharged small objects and landed.
• February 28: Mark and Sarah Rodber saw a ball of white light that descended and "blinked out"; Roger Hunt reported an object like a plane's fuselage without wings, appearing to fall away in flames.
• February 28 (later): Mrs. Hodgkinson saw a shooting star that split in two; Mr. O'Leary saw an object hovering over his land.
• March 3: Four students saw a large lit triangular-shaped object pass over moors.
• March 9: A girl observed strange lights over Mexborough.
• March 25th & 27th: Residents of Greasborough, Rotherham, observed a large star-like object with red light.
• March 27th: Fiona Chaplin saw an elongated object with lights flying between houses.
• March 30: A "fireball" was seen by many people in Sunnyside, Rotherham, which crashed and fizzled out; Mr. Lloyd saw lights over Rotherham.
• March 31: Ken Mitchell and a friend watched a brilliant light moving in a semi-circle over Kimberworth Park.

The conclusion of this section suggests that many sightings, particularly those from February 2nd, may be attributed to a dangerous low-flying aircraft with "V" shaped lights beneath its wings. Efforts to trace the origin of this aircraft have failed, with RAF bases denying involvement. YUFOS investigators in Rotherham claim to have photographed and filmed light formations, but the quality is poor. Dave Clarke has enlisted the help of MP Bill Cash to collect evidence for an official investigation, and BUFORA RIC Clive Potter is also involved in liaising with Dave Clarke. Dave Clarke has lodged a formal complaint with the Ministry of Defence and the Civil Aviation Authority on behalf of witnesses.

REPORT: MUNDRABILLA: A CASE BRIEFING

By Keith Basterfield & Ray Brooke, this article presents a preliminary report on an incident involving the Knowles family near Mundrabilla, Western Australia, on January 20th. The family, travelling from Perth to Melbourne, reported seeing a light approaching that disappeared and reappeared, described by the driver, Sean, as "looking like a spaceship." The object then appeared behind their car, and despite accelerating, it reappeared in front. The sequence of events became confused, including a tyre blowing out, the car roof feeling like a "spongy" substance, a "greyish-black mist" entering the car, their voices changing pitch, and the belief that the car was lifted off the road. They also reported a humming sound. Sean blacked out, and the family became hysterical. They reported the vehicle was "dropped" back to the ground. After hiding in the scrub, they returned to the car, changed the tyre, and proceeded to the Mundrabilla Motor Hotel.

An investigation was initiated, and the family was interviewed by Channel 7 Adelaide. The car's inspection was not possible as it was held by Channel 7. Key notes from the investigation include that the event occurred in darkness, lasted approximately 1.5 hours, and there was confusion regarding the exact time and time zone. The family is described as down-to-earth individuals caught up in events beyond their control.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of numerous UFO sightings, particularly in the Yorkshire region, and the investigation into potential government cover-ups or secret projects like Majestic 12. There is a clear emphasis on presenting evidence and witness testimony, even when it is confusing or difficult to verify. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the collection of data and advocating for official investigations into reported phenomena. The inclusion of the Majestic 12 document suggests a focus on historical UFO-related government activities, while the Yorkshire cases highlight contemporary sightings. The Mundrabilla case adds an international dimension to the reported incidents. The bulletin aims to inform its readers about ongoing UFO research and significant historical cases.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, number 30, features a prominent article on the "STEALTH INTO THE OPEN," detailing the public unveiling of the B-2 Stealth Bomber. The magazine also includes several reader letters and editorial comments discussing various aspects of ufology, including theoretical debates, case investigations, and the challenges of identifying genuine unexplained phenomena.

Stealth Bomber Unveiled

The lead article by Mike Wootten describes the highly anticipated public debut of the B-2 Stealth Bomber. After years of speculation and secrecy surrounding this revolutionary aircraft, its design was finally revealed to 500 invited guests at Northrop's manufacturing plant in Palmdale, California. Security was tight, with the public kept at a distance and television pictures strictly controlled. The bomber, with a wingspan of 189 feet and a height of 17 feet, is estimated to cost around £277 million and is primarily constructed from plastics and non-metallic carbon-based materials. It is described as an "awesome machine" with an expected range of 10,000 miles without refuelling and the capability to deliver up to 16 nuclear-tipped missiles. The article speculates that this public unveiling will allow for planned test flights in January 1989, potentially avoiding the high costs associated with keeping the project under top-secret conditions. However, it also notes that some UFO researchers believe the bomber may have already flown in Britain, generating reports of 'humming, triangular shaped objects,' with a dossier of this information being compiled by BUFORA investigators for potential questions in Parliament.

Readers' Write: Debating UFO Theories

The "Readers Write" section features correspondence that highlights ongoing debates within the ufology community.

Paul Fisher from Illinois writes to challenge Steuart Campbell's article in a previous BUFORA Bulletin, which attributed the Socorro (New Mexico) incident of 1964 to a stellar mirage. Fisher points out that the witness, police-officer L. Zamora, reported seeing two short figures, and that the bushes in the landing area were still smouldering when another officer arrived. Fisher argues that a mirage cannot explain these details and considers the mirage theory an insult to serious researchers attempting to explain the Socorro case.

In response, the Editor acknowledges that many readers disagreed with Steuart's thesis but advises caution against dismissing the mirage theory entirely, suggesting that 'thermoclines' might explain some UFO reports.

Regina Cullen from London questions the premise of an editorial (Bulletin 28) that suggested British ufology is 30 years ahead of the USA. Cullen argues that American ufology arrives at conclusions based on equally valid evidence. She criticizes the editorial for suggesting meteorological explanations and folklore correlations as new, for promoting the earthlights theory as a serious contender, and for calling prosaic explanations 'more natural' than the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). Cullen also expresses disbelief that British researchers are credited with making almost all the breakthroughs. She contends that many leading ufologists in the US are still focused on 'little green men, crashed saucers and mythological government secrecy,' and questions whether the Roswell incident was a 'double bluff' to cover up secret military weapon tests. Cullen suggests that the Rendlesham Forest incident might also be a double bluff. She concludes by stating that while she is open to speculation about the psychic or psychological, the ETH is not necessarily precluded, and that the magazine should not make unfounded generalizations or allow sarcasm to substitute for facts.

Editor's Comments on Reader Correspondence

The Editor responds to Regina Cullen, clarifying that the editorials do not necessarily reflect BUFORA policy but are personal viewpoints intended to provoke discussion. The Editor states that the editorial was not intended as an attack on Americans but rather to highlight the American UFO press's openness to ETH, crashed saucers, and ET abduction theories, while seemingly overlooking other prosaic explanations. The Editor criticizes the tendency in ufology to put the cart before the horse by deciding the origin of a UFO first and then seeking to prove it. The Editor maintains that while the ETH is a logical theory, it is not the only one, and requires more evidence to be convincing. The Editor promises to print any article that proves the ETH is the only logical theory.

Regarding Cullen's mention of 'UFO Conspiracy' and 'Above Top Secret,' the Editor expresses suspicion that cases like Roswell might have been 'double bluffs' to conceal secret military weapon tests, and suggests Rendlesham Forest might be another example.

The Editor also addresses Cullen's annoyance about her letter not appearing in a previous issue, explaining that space limitations prevented its inclusion alongside the Editor's lengthy reply, and asks for patience.

Viewpoint: UFOs Divided by Two Nations?

Jenny Randles, Director of Investigations, discusses the perceived differences in ufology between the USA and other countries, particularly Britain. After attending international conferences, Randles has realized that there is a 'dilemma' in ufology, suggesting that there may not be one UFO problem but two, due to irreconcilable differences in approaches and data between regions. Randles notes that in Britain, media interviews often presume UFOs and alien spaceships are interchangeable, leading to the assumption that seeing a UFO means being visited by 'little green men.' She argues this is an oversimplification and that the ETH, while logical, is not the only explanation.

Randles identifies several reasons for this division: the rise of abduction research and the MJ-12 affair have been poorly received; differences in how ufology is practiced in the USA versus Britain, Europe, and Australia; and an increased tendency towards sociological and psychological theorism in Britain. She suggests that perhaps researchers are trying to reconcile differences that are fundamentally irreconcilable.

Randles critiques the 'alien assumptions' that often accompany UFO sightings, noting that aliens are often expected to behave in human-like ways rather than alien ones. She also points to a 'reductionist logic' where the existence of millions of potential life forms in space leads to the conclusion that life from space must be visiting Earth, and if so, we should see it. Randles finds this analysis plausible but riddled with assumptions. She posits that many people *want* UFOs to be alien spaceships, and would not invest as much time and effort into investigating them if they were proven to be something else, such as a new atmospheric phenomenon.

She acknowledges that the ET theory is a viable concept and deserves to live on as a catalyst for meaningful research, but questions the presumption that it is the only answer.

90% IFOs: Identifying Misidentifications

This section emphasizes the importance of identifying Identified Flying Objects (IFOs) in UFO investigations. The author states that a significant majority of UFO sightings turn out to be IFOs, and that investigators must be aware of this to avoid jumping to conclusions. Several examples are provided:

• January 1988 Sighting: A teenager in Kensington, West London, reported a bright shape in the sky through her telescope. Police officers were baffled, but BUFORA AI, Mike Wootten, reconstructed the sighting and determined it was likely due to the witness being a novice with a telescope, whose cheap lens distorted point sources into blurred shapes, possibly a bright planet.
• Planet Jupiter Misidentification: The article mentions a case where a witness saw a "bright planet" and "computer simulation immediately showed us the planet was Jupiter (as suspected, because it) and other key facts emerged." This highlights how common celestial objects can be misidentified.
• Media Sensationalism: The article criticizes media coverage of certain cases, such as one that became a national BBC TV news story, despite being potentially explainable. It mentions 'Dr' Richard Lawrence of the Aetherius Society being presented as an expert, whose status is described as "highly dubious."

BUFORA's approach is described as focusing on promising cases and dumping simple IFOs after basic checks. However, the bulletin acknowledges the need to correct false impressions about innocuous aerial objects.

One Out of Ten: Genuine Unknowns

This section discusses the remaining cases that do not have simple explanations and are considered "real ufology."

• Isle of Wight Case (May 19, 1985): A small ovoid object was observed near Ventnor, making a quiet rush of air noise. Investigator Paul Fuller investigated and found a nearby secret radar base and a Navy exercise involving drones, suggesting a possible explanation involving classified military technology (RPV).
• Dukinfield Case (April 4, 1986): A white ball of light was seen over a man's head in Dukinfield, Lancashire, making a throbbing noise. Investigator Georgina Mills found no simple answers.
• Whitechurch Case (June 1987): A series of three white lights in a triangle formation remained stationary and then switched off. This case is described as rare but consistent, with approximately fifteen similar cases found in BUFORA archives, likely an optical or atmospheric phenomenon.

The author emphasizes that these cases, while not easily explained, do not automatically prove the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The article also mentions a widely publicized case from December 9, 1987, where witnesses described "A football field in the sky." Investigators Philip Mantle, Dave Clarke, and Clive Potter linked this to "fairground lights," a description also used in the US.

Booklook: Reviews

This section features reviews of two books:

• "The New Age: Notes of a Fringe Watcher" by Martin Gardner: Reviewed by Mike Wootten. The book is a collection of Gardner's articles that debunk claims of pseudo-scientists, parapsychologists, and cultist religions. It covers topics like perpetual motion, psychic surgery, and the Martian stone face, and critically examines the work of figures like Shirley MacLaine and Uri Geller. The reviewer recommends the book as essential reading for anyone involved with paranormal research, stating it will open one's mind, even if one doesn't agree with all of Gardner's points.
• "Disneyland of the Gods" by John A. Keel: Reviewed by Werdner Strebor. The reviewer describes Keel's book as a guide to anomalous phenomena, but criticizes its lack of references and index. Keel explores ideas of extradimensional beings and parallel realities as alternatives to the ETH. The reviewer notes that Keel acknowledges extraterrestrials may not be the answer but continues to explore these alternative hypotheses. The review concludes by stating that the book is not recommended for those who have already encountered Keel's previous works.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of BUFORA Bulletin strongly advocates for a critical and evidence-based approach to ufology. The editorial stance, particularly from the Editor and Jenny Randles, emphasizes the need to rigorously investigate all sightings, identify misidentifications (IFOs), and avoid automatically assuming an extraterrestrial origin for unexplained phenomena. There is a clear skepticism towards the uncritical acceptance of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) and a call for open debate that includes all possible explanations, not just those that align with popular preconceptions. The magazine highlights the differences in ufological approaches between countries, particularly between the USA and Britain, and stresses the importance of distinguishing between genuine unknowns and misidentified objects. The reviews of books by Martin Gardner and John A. Keel further underscore this theme, with Gardner's work being praised for its critical debunking of fringe claims, while Keel's is critiqued for its speculative nature and lack of rigorous evidence.

Title: BUFORA Bulletin
Issue: 30
Publisher: BUFORA Publishing
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Date: Undetermined

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin delves into several aspects of ufology, beginning with an analysis of a sighting at RAF Mildenhall involving multiple aircraft perceived as a single UFO. It then explores the nuances of ufological research, distinguishing between American and British approaches, and discusses the characteristics of residual UFO cases. The bulletin also provides updates on BUFORA's member services, including its postal library and lecture schedule.

RAF Mildenhall Sighting and Ufological Interpretation

The issue opens with a description of an event at RAF Mildenhall where two KC-135 tankers and several F-111 fighters, hooked up to giant fuel tanks, were observed. The author notes that while the lights on the aircraft were seen, witnesses often interpolated a single shape and drew consistent, though likely incorrect, conclusions about the nature of the object. This phenomenon is attributed to the tendency for witnesses to see the lights as part of one giant UFO, leading to a shared, but potentially mistaken, interpretation.

The author recounts a BBC radio interview where this perspective was met with skepticism, highlighting the challenge of presenting alternative explanations to those who believe in the literal interpretation of witness accounts. The piece cautions against the dangers of over-reliance on witness testimony without considering the potential for misinterpretation, even when multiple witnesses provide similar accounts.

Two Ufologies: American vs. British Approaches

The bulletin posits the existence of "two ufologies," differentiating between American and British approaches. American ufology is described as being more committed to the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), while British ufology is characterized by an over-zealous endorsement of vague psychological theories. This distinction suggests different underlying methodologies and conclusions within the field.

Characteristics of Residual UFO Cases

The article then shifts to discuss the characteristics of "residual UFO cases" – those that remain after initial investigations. It highlights that these cases often have tangible evidence, such as photographs, radar tracking, and some movie film. A key point is made about the average number of witnesses per case, which is noted to be similar to that of misidentifications (IFOs). However, the author argues that this statistical similarity does not prove that residual cases are merely misidentifications. Instead, it suggests that just as most sources of IFOs are real (e.g., aircraft, planets), so too are most sources of residual UFO sightings, meaning that anyone in the right place at the right time can observe them.

BUFORA Member Services

The latter part of the bulletin focuses on BUFORA's services for its members. Following a major reorganization, BUFORA is making available copies of rare and classical titles related to UFO research at moderate costs. These include works by authors like Wilkins, Hynek, and Ruppelt. For a comprehensive list, interested parties are directed to write to BUFORA SALE.

BUFORA is also announcing upcoming lectures at the London Business School on dates in January, February, and March 1989, featuring topics such as "The Myth of Extra-Terrestrial Visitation" and "How to Investigate Spontaneous Cases." All lectures are open to the public.

Regrettably, the BUFORA Correspondence Course has been suspended due to flooding that resulted in the loss of documents and artwork. The association plans to replenish the lost materials.

Finally, the BUFORA Postal Library, which is newly organized and comprehensively stocked with rare titles, is open for business. Books are available against a returnable deposit, less postage costs. Members interested in this service are directed to BUFORA (PL).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of UFO evidence and interpretation. The bulletin advocates for a nuanced approach to witness testimony, cautioning against premature conclusions and highlighting the potential for misidentification. It also emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and characteristics in analyzing UFO cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, encouraging members to engage with the subject matter critically while also providing valuable resources and community engagement through its library and lectures.