UFO Times - No 34 - Mar Apr 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Times
Issue Date: March/April 1995
Publisher: BUFORA Ltd.
Country: UK
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO Times, a bi-monthly publication by BUFORA, delves into various aspects of ufology, with a strong focus on the controversial Linda Napolitano abduction case and the political considerations surrounding UFO research. The cover prominently features "Malevolence in Manhattan," an abduction story described as unlike any other, alongside other significant articles such as "Alien Soul Infection" and "Pleiadean Contact."

Editorial: Manhattan by Night

The editorial discusses the paradox of UFO abductions, which are often intensely personal and subjective yet also possess threads of evidence suggesting objective events. The editor highlights the rarity of independent witnesses to abductions, but then introduces the Linda Napolitano case from November 30, 1989, as a pivotal event. Napolitano was allegedly abducted from her 12th-floor apartment in Lower Manhattan, and crucially, several independent witnesses reportedly saw the event. Among these witnesses were the then UN Secretary General Javier Perez de Cuellar and his two security guards. The editorial notes that George Hansen's cover story in this issue will present an overview of the case and its implications for abduction research. It also mentions that the case has caused significant controversy and drawn firm lines between different camps of thinking, drawing parallels to the Gulf Breeze debate. The magazine promises to bring stories from other protagonists involved in the case in future issues.

News

British Government Thirty Year Rule Guarantees Secrecy: This section reports on the rules governing the public release of government documents, noting that the 30-year disclosure period can be delayed if files are deemed too sensitive. This practice can prolong the secrecy of UFO-related material held by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), making it a long process for ufologists to access information. The article calls for a British Freedom of Information Act to counter this secrecy. It also notes that the MOD received 250 UFO reports in 1994, a figure similar to previous years.

Strange but True? is a TV Hit: The LWT networked program "Strange but True?", which explores paranormal topics, has achieved significant success, attracting 12.5 million viewers for its final episode. This episode featured an in-depth reconstruction of the Rendlesham Forest events of December 1980. Jenny Randles, involved in the research, expressed confidence that a second series would be commissioned due to the high public interest in the paranormal and UFOs.

UFOS: THE EVIDENCE - "The biggest and best UFO conference of '95": This section announces an upcoming major UFO conference.

BUFORA Doing Ufology - BUFORA Lectures for the North: BUFORA plans to organize quarterly lectures in Liverpool, Leeds, and Newcastle starting in September 1995, complementing a revitalized London lecture program. These lectures will have a similar pricing structure to the London ones (£1.00 for members, £2.00 for non-members) and will be scheduled to avoid clashes. The success of these lectures depends on member support and publicity, as they must be self-financing. An initial lecture in Liverpool in May 1995 is mentioned, featuring presentations by Jenny Randles, Anthony Eccles, and Mark Glover. The article also seeks organizers for lectures in Glasgow/Edinburgh, Birmingham, and the South West of England, urging interested individuals to contact Mike Wootten.

Co-operate to Accumulate

BUFORA has appointed Phil Walton as an inter-group co-ordinator to foster closer cooperation with other UFO groups across the UK. Walton, who has been active in ASSAP, will work to identify and contact groups to offer support to BUFORA's Research and Investigation departments and to coordinate the loan of specialist equipment. The policy has shifted from encouraging affiliation to recognizing the importance of local independent groups, while still emphasizing the vital need for cooperation.

New BUFORA Consultants

BUFORA has recruited several new consultants with diverse expertise. Jonathan D. Inman, a hypnotherapist and paranormal researcher, is involved in past-life regressions and stress relief. He is also a writer and broadcaster. Carl Nagaitis, who runs a PR and publicity company, will advise BUFORA on PR and publicity activities. Tony Lawrence, holding a B.Sc. and pursuing postgraduate study, has presented and published papers on the paranormal and has been accepted as a Ph.D. candidate.

Sky's the Limit for Arthur C. Clarke

This section announces the upcoming 13-episode series "Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious Universe" on the Discovery Channel, starting April 3, 1995. The series will explore various mysterious phenomena, including UFO abductions.

BUFORA UFO Newsfile

This is a bi-monthly publication providing the latest UFO stories from the press, available for £7.00 for members and £8.00 for non-members, with overseas prices available on request. Back issues are also available.

Notice of Annual General Meeting of BUFORA Ltd.

Details are provided for the Twentieth Annual General Meeting of BUFORA Ltd., to be held at the University of Westminster on Saturday, April 1, 1995. The agenda includes receiving reports from the Chairman, Council of Management, Treasurer, Director of Research, Director of Investigations, and Director of Publications. The meeting will also cover the adoption of accounts, appointment of the auditor, and the election of Council Members. Walt Andrus, International Director of MUFON, is announced as the Guest of Honour for a lecture following the AGM.

THE SOUTH WALES UFO GROUP presents "THE PARANORMAL CONFERENCE OF THE CENTURY"

This section announces a paranormal conference to be held in Cardiff in August 1995, organized by Kerry Blower. The conference aims to cover various paranormal subjects, including Ghosts and UFOs, believing there is a common thread connecting them. It promises presentations by top speakers and offers full weekend tickets for £25.00.

8th International UFO Congress Provisional Programme

A provisional program for the 8th International UFO Congress, organized by Philip Mantle, is detailed for Saturday, August 18th, and Sunday, August 20th, 1995. The congress features speakers from various countries, including the USA, Scotland, Italy, Denmark, Russia, Austria, Spain, and Zimbabwe, covering topics such as Scottish Ufology, UFO data management, multiple participant abductions, atmospheric evolution on Mars, the Bentwaters-Woodbridge incidents, and declassification of UFO archives.

Masquerade of Angels

This is an advertisement for the book "Masquerade of Angels" by Karla Turner, Ph.D., described as a true and astonishing story about a prominent southern psychic named Ted Rice.

Attempted Murder vs. The Politics of Ufology: A Question of Priorities in the Linda Napolitano Case

This in-depth article by George P. Hansen critically examines the Linda Napolitano abduction case. It details Napolitano's claims of being kidnapped, assaulted, battered, harassed, and nearly drowned by two U.S. government agents. Prominent ufologists such as Budd Hopkins, John E. Mack, David M. Jacobs, Jerome Clark, and Walt H. Andrus Jr. reportedly accept her claims. The article highlights a conflict: while Hopkins has collected extensive materials that could aid in apprehending the agents, he, along with Clark and Andrus, has argued against reporting these crimes to law enforcement authorities, citing potential "politically damaging" consequences for UFO research. Hansen questions their priorities, noting that Napolitano herself was initially afraid to file charges but later expressed willingness to testify. The article recounts specific details of the alleged incidents, including Napolitano being forced into a car, interrogated, and nearly drowned. It also mentions the discovery of stationary bearing a Central Intelligence Agency letterhead. Hansen expresses his personal disbelief in Napolitano's claims but acknowledges that figures like Dr. John E. Mack and David Jacobs believe her. He is puzzled by the opposition from Hopkins, Andrus, and Clark to a federal investigation, emphasizing the potential risks to public safety if federal agents are involved in such crimes.

Evidence Accumulated by Hopkins

Budd Hopkins has reportedly accumulated approximately 80 pages of letters from the two alleged agents, Richard and Dan, which may help identify typewriters and contain fingerprints. He also possesses tape recordings that could be used for voiceprint identification. Hopkins claims to know the government agency that employs the two and the identity of the dignitary they were guarding, suggesting this person could help locate and identify the agents. Linda Napolitano identified the dignitary as Javier Perez de Cuellar, former UN Secretary General.

The Counsel of Ufology's Leaders

Despite the author's personal skepticism, notable ufologists like Dr. John E. Mack and David Jacobs have expressed conviction in Linda Napolitano's account. Jerome Clark and Walt Andrus, described as influential figures in U.S. ufology, have also been persuaded by additional secret evidence. However, when the author proposed requesting a federal investigation into the alleged attempted murder, Hopkins, Andrus, and Clark vigorously objected, deeming such action "politically damaging to ufology." The author finds their reasoning and priorities puzzling, stressing the importance of bringing alleged perpetrators to justice for the sake of public safety and the integrity of UFO abduction research.

LETTER: Natura Foundation, Romania

This section contains a letter from Istvan Peter, Managing Director of the Natura Foundation in Romania. The foundation aims to study parapsychological phenomena and UFO activities in their region, driven by increased local interest. They are seeking to collect information, conduct scientific analysis, and establish international relations to facilitate a flow of information and professional contacts, requesting any possible help due to their country's limited resources.

Billy Meier: Finally Shot Down

This article by Jon Erik Beckjord critically examines the Billy Meier case, expressing long-held skepticism about the fanatical belief in Meier among ufologists. Beckjord recounts attending lectures and viewing materials related to Meier, including alleged UFO photos and footprint casts, which he found to be "incredible rubbish." He details how Nathan Daniels and Kal Korff presented evidence suggesting Meier's photographs were faked. They infiltrated Meier's circle, purchased photos, and discovered that neighbors did not believe Meier's stories. Evidence suggests Meier doctored photos by pasting UFO cut-outs onto scenery, using salad bowls, and re-photographing the results. Korff's computer enhancement tests on first-generation prints allegedly failed. The article also debunks endorsements of Meier's work, claiming they are false and that companies were misrepresented. Beckjord highlights numerous errors and misrepresentations in Meier's books, including mislabelled tests and fabricated expert opinions. The article further details how Meier allegedly used miniature trees as props and thin wires or balloons to suspend UFO models for photographs, creating the illusion of larger objects. The presence of a car without wheels in one photo is cited as further evidence of staging.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Times revolve around the critical examination of UFO cases, the politics and potential pitfalls of ufology, and the importance of evidence-based research. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that is skeptical yet open to investigation, particularly evident in the detailed critique of the Billy Meier case and the questioning of the priorities of prominent ufologists in the Linda Napolitano case. BUFORA's role as a research organization is emphasized through its lecture programs, consultant recruitment, and the establishment of a picture library. The issue also highlights the international scope of UFO research and interest, as seen in the mention of the International UFO Congress and the letter from Romania.

Title: UFO Times
Issue: 11
Date: N/A
Publisher: N/A
Country: N/A
Language: English

This issue of UFO Times features a critical examination of prominent UFO cases and research initiatives, with a strong focus on debunking and questioning alleged phenomena.

Billy Meier: A Case of Doubt

The article "Billy Meier Moments" and accompanying text cast significant doubt on the claims of Billy Meier, an alleged contactee who reported numerous encounters with Pleiadeans, including the extraterrestrial Semjase. The author highlights that a photograph of Semjase, presented by Guido Moosbrugger, was traced to a Swedish modeling directory. The article suggests that Meier's experiences, which began in January 1975 and produced hundreds of photographs and film footage, are suspect. It points out that the Pleiades star cluster, where Semjase is said to originate, is too young to sustain life, contradicting Meier's narrative. The text also mentions Meier's past, including time in prison and the French Foreign Legion, and his alleged past life as a Pleiadean. The author criticizes ufologists who accept claims on faith, likening it to a "house of cards," and urges readers to "check, check and double check" all evidence, questioning the availability of negatives and the possibility of them being "lost" or "unavailable."

The Roswell Incident: Myth, Mayhem, and Movies

The "Investigations Diary" by Philip Mantle dissects the Roswell incident, addressing the persistent myth surrounding it. It debunks rumors of Steven Spielberg making a £50 million movie about the crash, citing denials from Spielberg's production company, Amblin Entertainment. The article also details the official US Air Force (USAF) report, which concluded that the recovered material was consistent with a Project Mogul balloon, designed to monitor Soviet nuclear tests, and not alien debris. The General Accounting Office (GAO) audit, initiated at the request of Congressman Steven H. Schiff, also failed to find records of alien bodies or materials. Despite these findings, the Roswell story continues to be a subject of debate and media attention. The issue also discusses the TV movie "ROSWELL," based on Kevin Randle and Don Schmitt's book, which dramatizes the story of Intelligence Officer Jesse Marcel.

A Minor Case of Alien Soul Infection

Miles Johnston's article "A Minor Case of Alien Soul Infection" recounts his experiences at a UFO meeting and subsequent investigations. He describes meeting Roy Evens, who showed videos of strange craft over Las Vegas and Area 51. Johnston details his involvement in taping these videos and receiving vast amounts of information from Evens regarding cover-ups and conspiracies. He also mentions Vicky Wickfield and her association with witchcraft, and Mary Seal, who organized the Global Deception Conference. The article touches upon John Chamberlin's severe depression and near-firing from Sky, which coincided with the airing of a UFO special. Johnston also recounts his trip to Las Vegas for a UFO congress, where he met with TEMS members and experienced unsettling events, including a psychic lady who claimed GREYS had entered her hotel room.

UFO Studies and SETI Initiatives

The "From the Ukraine With Love" section introduces the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP), a major academic UFO/SETI organization established in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). RIAP aims to study the UFO problem and non-classical SETI using scientific methods, in collaboration with CIS academic institutions. The article outlines RIAP's research directions, including developing methods for monitoring UFOs, studying landing sites, reconstructing anomalous events, creating a UFO database, developing physical models of UFOs, and psycho-physiological investigations of contactees. It also discusses SETI studies, particularly the "Search for Alien Artifacts on the Moon" (SAAM) program. The institute is seeking financial support and international collaboration.

Readers Write: Debates and Correspondences

The "Readers Write" section features several letters and responses, highlighting ongoing debates within the ufology community.

• Correction: Philip Mantle corrects an error regarding the sale of a video, providing the correct address.
• Steuart Campbell Replies: Steuart Campbell defends his use of cautious language in his review of "The UFO Mystery Solved," arguing that scientific certainty is rare and that readers should evaluate explanations themselves. He addresses the issue of understanding stellar images and defends his approach to analyzing witness accounts, comparing UFO skeptics to dogmatic ufoists.
• Tony Sandy on Abductions: Tony Sandy questions the link between sleep paralysis, temporal lobe activity, and abduction experiences, challenging the assumption that these phenomena are purely psychological. He questions why victims of sleep paralysis don't report abduction-like experiences and why abductees share consistent details across different researchers.
• Mike Wootten on BUFORA: Mike Wootten addresses concerns about BUFORA losing case files and photographic evidence. He outlines a plan to reorganize and secure the archives, improve tracking of materials, and establish response timescales for research requests.
• Peter Henden on BUFORA: Peter Henden expresses support for the editor's stance on BUFORA's archival issues and commends Mike Wootten's reform efforts.
• Erik Beckjord on Ilkley Moor Photo: Erik Beckjord offers to provide enhanced photos of the Ilkley Moor incident but expresses concern about copyright issues and the potential for legal threats from Peter Hough. He discusses the legal aspects of copyright in the UK and USA and seeks assistance in obtaining further information.
• Albert Budden on Electromagnetic Pollution: Albert Budden defends his electromagnetic pollution approach to UFO cases, asserting that it explains a broad range of phenomena. He challenges Ken to look for these factors and notes that many cases, including the Tony Burfield/'Quantock Horror' case, conform to his predictions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism towards sensational UFO claims, particularly those of Billy Meier, and a critical examination of the Roswell incident. There is a strong emphasis on scientific methodology and evidence-based research, contrasting with what the magazine perceives as faith-based acceptance within parts of the UFO community. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to debunk hoaxes and expose inconsistencies in UFO reports, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation. The magazine also highlights the importance of proper archival practices within organizations like BUFORA and promotes scientific approaches to understanding anomalous phenomena.

Title: UFO Times
Issue: 21
Volume: 21
Date: August 19-20, 1995
Publisher: UFO Times
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of UFO Times features a detailed investigation into a mysterious luminous object sighted over Spain, primarily in the regions of Huelva, Cadiz, and Seville. The article, titled "EUROPEAN DIMENSION: SPAIN Radio Sonde Balloon or UFO?" by Moises Garrido Vazquez, questions the official explanation that the sightings were merely radio-sonde balloons, presenting witness testimonies and analytical arguments to support the possibility of an unidentified flying object (UFO).

The Huelva Incident: A Radio Sonde Balloon or UFO?

The article begins by recounting an incident where inhabitants of Huelva, Spain, reported seeing a brilliant object in the sky. The National Institute of Aerospace Technology attributed this to a radio-sonde balloon experiment launched in Italy. The object was observed moving slowly from east to west, taking approximately 45 minutes to cross the horizon. However, the author, Moises Garrido Vazquez, expresses a preference for deeper investigation, involving interviews with witnesses and analysis of their recollections, to confirm or refute the radio-sonde hypothesis.

Witness Testimony: Juan Fernandez

One of the key witnesses interviewed was Juan Fernandez, a civil servant and amateur astronomer from Huelva. He described observing a luminous object of a bluish-white color and larger than any star between 21:35 and 22:00. Using a 60mm aperture telescope, he determined the object's shape to be akin to an electric-light bulb with three protuberances, two on the sides and one in the middle. The side protuberances emitted an orange-colored pulsating light, while the middle one showed a steady green light. After ten minutes, a smaller, lenticular object with pulsating orange light appeared below the main object. This secondary object emitted two luminous rays that met at a point, from which a third, intermittent white light ray emerged. The lenticular object then detached, descended, stopped, ascended rapidly, and revolved before the main object. Simultaneously, the main object distorted into the shape of a folded sail, shrunk, and disappeared. The secondary object descended slowly towards Mazagone. Fernandez concluded that this was not a radio-sonde balloon but a UFO.

Witness Testimony: Father Enrique Lopez Guerrero

Another significant witness was Father Enrique Lopez Guerrero, a parish priest from Seville known for his interest in paranormal phenomena. He observed the object from 21:15 for about fifteen minutes. He described its intense, brilliant bluish-white luminosity, which he identified as emanating from a source, ruling out a solar reflection. He also concluded it was neither a radio-sonde balloon nor an artifact, but a UFO. He noted the object's absolute immobility, confirmed by observing the Moon's movement relative to clouds. Suddenly, a vertical ray of light emerged from the object, materializing a smaller object of similar luminosity. This smaller object, described as an 'aisle' followed by a 'small mound', descended, inverted its position, and then accelerated away rapidly. The 'aisle' remained for a few moments before receding slowly in the same direction as the larger object.

Father Guerrero estimated the object's altitude to be between 80,000 and 90,000 meters, with an apparent size of one quarter of the full Moon, suggesting a diameter of 300 to 400 meters. He stated that radio-sonde balloons are not of this magnitude.

The Investigation Deepens

Following the initial event, the author's colleague, Francisco Bayo, contacted Roberto Laquidain, editor of Telesur, who had prepared media information on the affair. Laquidain shared two versions of the event: one from the Meteorological Institute of Madrid supporting the radio-sonde hypothesis, and another from an astrophysics specialist who observed the object with a telescope and found it to be non-identifiable and at variance with the radio-sonde explanation. Laquidain himself, after viewing video footage, expressed his conviction that it was a UFO.

Months later, an interesting letter was received from M. Rafael Cabello, a witness from Seville who had photographed the object multiple times. He provided a color photo clearly showing a principal object with a secondary object beneath it. The negatives were taken with a telephoto lens and specific film settings.

At the first meeting of Andalucian ufologists in Granada, the author viewed a video film of the apparition taken by a person from Granada who captured the static object in the sky during family filming.

Conclusions and Rejection of the Radio-Sonde Hypothesis

The article concludes that thousands of people attest to the truth of the incident, which even caused a traffic jam in Seville. The reports are supported by photographic and film evidence that has been analyzed. The author strongly refutes the radio-sonde hypothesis, arguing that for the object to be seen simultaneously in multiple towns like Huelva, Seville, Cadiz, Malaga, and Granada, it would need to be of colossal dimensions. While radio-sondes can reach a diameter of 20 meters at high altitudes, this is considered too small to be seen within the reported radius. Furthermore, the object's observed duration of one and a half hours (20:30 to 22:00) and its ability to rise vertically at high speeds (over 300 m per minute) are inconsistent with radio-sonde capabilities.

The abnormal maneuvers, including prolonged immobility followed by rapid flight against the wind with autonomous movement, and the descent and ascent of the secondary object, are presented as further contradictions to the radio-sonde explanation. The article also questions why a radio-sonde would emit such lights of great luminosity over its entire surface area, as radio-sondes are known to only reflect sunlight.

The author notes that the event had little relation to the launching parameters of balloons used in Spain. The Spanish Institute of Meteorology states that radio-sonde balloons are launched at midnight, with an operational time of about half an hour from inflation to disintegration. The author suggests that accepting the radio-sonde explanation was an act of self-deception, possibly driven by disinformation aimed at manipulating the truth when it is inconvenient for certain sectors.

Ultimately, the author concludes that the phenomenon observed does not correspond to any conventional machine and remains an unidentified flying object, as no alternative explanation could be proven.

Conference Announcements

The issue also includes information about upcoming UFO-related events:

• 8th International UFO Congress: Organized by the British UFO Research Association, held at the University of Hallam, Sheffield, on August 19-20, 1995. The congress will honor Walt Andrus and feature international speakers such as Dr. Leo Sprinkle, Vicente Juan Ballester Olmos, Jiles Hamilton, Per Andersen, Malcolm Robinson, Cynthia Hind, Peter Robbins, Maurizio Verga, Dr. Helmut Lammer, and John Carpenter. Special attention is given to the potential attendance of Russian scientists Dr. Sergey Chernouss and Dr. Yulii Platov.
• BUFORA Spring '95 Lectures/Meetings Programme: A list of upcoming lectures and meetings organized by BUFORA, including talks by Miles Johnston, Mike Wootten, and John Spencer.
• Provisional Programme for the Travel and Earth Mysteries Society (TEMS): Details of talks by Marcus Allen on conspiratorial history and Peter Williams on the Knights Templar, as well as field trips.
• Fortean Times Unconvention '95: A two-day conference at the University of London Union on April 22-23.

UFOCALL Service

An advertisement promotes UFOCALL, a telephone service providing the latest national and international UFO reports, news, and views, edited by Jenny Randles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the critical examination of official explanations for UFO sightings, particularly the radio-sonde balloon hypothesis. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards simplistic explanations and a commitment to thorough investigation, witness testimony, and the pursuit of evidence. The magazine actively promotes UFO conferences and information services, indicating a dedication to fostering discussion and research within the ufology community. The issue highlights the challenges faced by investigators in uncovering the truth amidst potential disinformation campaigns.