UFO Times - No 36 - Jul Aug 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Times
Issue: Number 36
Date: July/August 1995
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
ISSN: 09584846
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO Times, a bi-monthly publication by BUFORA, is dedicated to examining UFO evidence and features a strong focus on the controversial claims surrounding the Roswell incident and the nature of government secrecy.

Editorial: Roswell or Bust

The editorial by Mike Wootten addresses the claims made by Ray Santilli regarding photographic proof of the 1947 Roswell crash retrieval. Wootten notes that many researchers are skeptical, viewing the claims as "too-good-to-be-true." He highlights that BUFORA has been offered the opportunity to analyze the film evidence, including aging and historical continuity, and is prepared to do so independently. Wootten clarifies BUFORA's position, stating that they have not declared the film genuine but are committed to fundamental investigation rather than dismissing it based on speculation. He defends BUFORA's decision to invite Santilli to speak at their congress, emphasizing that proceeds will fund research, not individuals, thus benefiting ufology regardless of the film's authenticity. Wootten also addresses criticisms, suggesting some stem from "sour grapes" and reminds critics of the adage about "people in glass houses." He argues that this episode has demonstrated the UFO research community's ability to react quickly and prepare for analysis, and he looks forward to the results of BUFORA's investigation and congress success.

News

Santilli Claims: The Friedman Faxes

This section features correspondence from Stanton Friedman, a leading authority on the Roswell crash. Friedman challenges Ray Santilli to "Put up or shut up" by presenting inconsistencies in the information available regarding the alleged Roswell crash retrieval film. Friedman's faxes highlight several points:

1. Truman's Location: Friedman confirmed with the Truman Library that Truman was not listed as being in Dallas in June or July-October 1947, contradicting Santilli's claim that he had verified Truman's presence in Dallas at the time of an autopsy.
2. Cameraman's Origin: Santilli provided conflicting information about the cameraman's origin, telling Michael Hessemann he was from Cincinnati, Ohio; Philip Mantle he was from Cleveland, Ohio; and Friedman himself that he was from Orlando, Florida.
3. Dr. Bronk's Profession: Friedman suggests that Dr. Bronk, who was allegedly involved in an autopsy, was not a medical doctor but a physicist, physiologist, and bio-chemist, making his involvement in an autopsy questionable.
4. Curled Telephone Cords: Friedman is investigating the chronology of curled telephone cords, noting that early versions were cloth-covered. This is relevant to the Santilli footage.
5. Italian Reception: Friedman notes that only Italians are reacting positively to the footage and is working on them, suggesting Santilli's Italian name might be a factor in the trust placed in him.
6. London Itinerary: Friedman includes his itinerary for May 28-June 5 for media programmes and interviews.
7. MUFON Journal: Friedman understands that MUFON Journal Editor, Dennis Stacey, will publish his challenge and comments.

Friedman requests any articles about Santilli film festivals.

Curly Wires Crossed

This article points out that a telephone shown in one of the Santilli scenes has a curled telephone lead. According to BT (British Telecom), telephones in the UK did not have curled leads until around 1959/60. However, further checks with the New York Pioneer Museum indicate that telephones with curled leads were available in the United States after World War II, and earlier phones had cloth-covered cables, casting doubt on the historical validity of the footage.

Rumours about Rumours

This brief item addresses a rumor that Ray Santilli's company, Merlin Communication, is bankrupt. BUFORA conducted a search through Companies House and found no evidence of Santilli's business interests entering receivership or liquidation.

Sweden's New High for UFO cases

UFO-Sweden reported a record number of UFO reports in 1994, with 468 new and retrospective cases recorded at their National Report Centre in Uppsala. Many cases are still under investigation, so a definitive number of "true UFOs" cannot yet be given. Reports are received via hotline, local groups, and field investigators.

BUFORA to Release UFO Data

BUFORA is planning to make its entire UFO computer database available to researchers to encourage data exchange. The database, compiled using Microsoft Access, will contain details like time, date, location, and type of case, excluding witness names and addresses. It will be available in various formats, including basic text files, and will be a free service, with a small levy for postage. BUFORA Chairman John Spencer stated that this move aims to foster greater data exchange. Future plans include housing photographs and investigator reports, with online access via the Internet.

The Psychology of Dreamland: How Secrecy is Destroying Public Faith in Government and Science

By Terry Hansen, this article explores the secrecy surrounding the Groom Lake facility in Nevada, often referred to as "Area 51" or "Dreamland." Hansen argues that official maps and charts deliberately omit any indication of the sprawling, top-secret test range, which includes what appears to be the world's longest runway. This cartographic deception is seen as aimed at the American public, similar to how CIA spy planes' operations were kept secret from the public while known to foreign intelligence agencies.

The article highlights that tens of billions of dollars are spent annually on "black projects" with undisclosed purposes, as outlined by Tim Weiner in "Blank Check: The Pentagon's Black Budget." While explanations often focus on advanced aircraft like the "Aurora" or TR-3A "Black Manta," Hansen suggests that more sensational R&D projects involving extraterrestrial technology are also rumored to be underway. He notes that while mainstream journalists avoid such topics due to their implausibility, the evidence for these otherworldly projects may be as strong as for conventional ones.

Hansen describes the area as a "tangled and shadowy jungle of officially forbidden knowledge," ruled by intelligence community "high priests" who deter investigation with life-threatening signs and disinformation. He recounts how the Air Force illegally seized land around Groom Lake and, in 1993, sought to close the last publicly accessible sites like White Sides Mountain and Freedom Ridge, ostensibly for heightened secrecy, though reasons were not publicly disclosed.

The article references claims by Robert Lazar, who alleged in 1989 that government flight tests of alien spacecraft were occurring at a secret facility near Papoose dry lake known as S-4. Lazar's testimony, documented in George Knapp's "UFOs: The Best Evidence," is presented as a key account, though Lazar's story has gaps and inconsistencies. Knapp, who has extensively interviewed Lazar, believes he may be telling the truth.

Hansen also discusses documents obtained via FOIA requests, published in "The UFO Coverup," which indicate a large-scale, ongoing interest in UFOs by military-intelligence authorities even after the closure of Project Blue Book. A 1950 FBI memo from agent Guy Hottel reported that an Air Force investigator described three flying saucers recovered in the New Mexico desert, complete with humanoid bodies.

The article challenges the Air Force's cover story that the Roswell wreckage was merely a weather balloon, citing former KLAS-TV reporter Bryan Gresh, who learned from a former scientist at the Moscow Aviation Institute that Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin had requested an assessment of the Roswell UFO situation and was informed it was real and not manufactured in the US.

In September 1994, the Air Force finally admitted to lying about the Roswell events, introducing a new explanation: a secret Project Mogul balloon used to detect Soviet nuclear weapons tests. However, the article criticizes William J. Broad of The New York Times for defending this deception as a "white lie" and dismissing witnesses as "flying-saucer fans and cover-up theorists." The article concludes that this new explanation still leaves many unanswered questions.

Supporting testimony for alien technology in Nevada comes from sources other than Lazar, with George Knapp stating that such information has been circulating since before Lazar's claims. Knapp mentions that UFO files contain testimony from former military personnel who claim to have seen disks, alien material, or even alien bodies at military facilities. Residents of Lincoln and Nye counties have also reported sightings of flying disks and UFOs in the area since the early 1950s. Knapp notes that many of his sources work for companies funded by the U.S. government and fear repercussions if they go public.

Newsbites

Liverpool Lecture Plays to Packed House

A BUFORA lecture in Liverpool on May 13th was a success, with approximately 70 attendees. Mark Glover and Anthony Eccles presented case details, while Mike Wootten discussed the UFO Enigma and hypnotic regression techniques. BUFORA plans to hold regular meetings in Liverpool and Newcastle starting in September to increase accessibility.

BUFORA to Move Book Library

BUFORA is planning to move its extensive book library from Burgess Hill to the University of London. The archive will be merged with the growing ASSAP library. BUFORA Director Phil Walton is overseeing the move, expected to be completed by Autumn, including re-cataloging. Members will be informed about borrowing procedures.

Swiss Army Sees No Security Threat from UFOs

The Swiss army has officially denied any threat to national security from flying saucers. The defense ministry stated it has no reason to believe UFOs pose a danger and denied speculation about a special unit tracking UFOs, emphasizing that no UFO landings have occurred on government property.

Roswell Internet Debate

A 720 Mb high-density disk containing the worldwide Internet debate on Roswell is available for £2. It can be run on any IBM compatible computer and allows for searching keywords and provides help screens.

When People Say 'Panic', Why do They Always Think of Orson Wells?

By John and Anne Spencer, this article critically examines the popular belief that governments suppress UFO knowledge due to fear of mass panic, often citing the 1938 'War of the Worlds' radio broadcast as evidence. The authors argue that the widely accepted narrative of extreme panic, hysteria, and mass evacuation following Orson Wells' broadcast is largely a myth.

They trace the origin of these extreme claims to Hadley Cantril's 1940 study, "The Invasion from Mars," and subsequent media reports that sensationalized the event. The article contrasts these accounts with a dispassionate analysis of the broadcast itself.

The authors detail the broadcast's structure, noting that it was presented as a "Mercury Theatre On The Air" production and clearly stated its theatrical nature at the beginning and during an interlude. They point out that listeners familiar with the weekly series, or who recognized Orson Wells' distinctive voice, would have known it was a play. Even for new listeners, the broadcast's dramatic compression of time and its theatrical elements would have made it difficult to mistake for a real news event.

The article analyzes the broadcast's content, highlighting that the "live action" segments, which listeners might have mistaken for reality, lasted only about 37 minutes out of the 56-minute duration. During this time, the events described (explosions on Mars, a cylinder landing, the emergence of Martians, and the use of a heat-ray) were presented in a way that, while dramatic, was still theatrical. The authors argue that even if listeners believed it was real, the military's response and the confined nature of the "invasion" would not have prompted immediate mass flight. They suggest that most people would have stayed by their radios to gather more information.

The authors conclude that the idea of tens of thousands fleeing their homes is an exaggeration. They suggest that the tabloids likely invented or amplified panic stories to create a sensation, possibly influenced by Wells himself seeking publicity. The article posits that the "panic" narrative has become a convenient example for those arguing that governments fear public reaction to UFO disclosures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Times strongly emphasizes the critical examination of evidence and the questioning of widely accepted narratives within ufology. The editorial stance, particularly from Mike Wootten, is one of rigorous investigation and transparency, advocating for BUFORA's role in conducting independent research rather than succumbing to speculation or sensationalism. There is a clear theme of debunking myths, as seen in the analysis of the 'War of the Worlds' broadcast panic, and a focus on the challenges of obtaining and verifying information, especially concerning government secrecy and alleged UFO cover-ups. The magazine also highlights BUFORA's commitment to advancing UFO research through data sharing and continued investigation.

Title: UFO Times
Issue: 11
Issue Date: Autumn 1995
Publisher: UFO Times
Country: UK

This issue of UFO Times delves into several key topics within the UFO and paranormal community, with a strong focus on debunking common myths and presenting detailed investigations. The cover story highlights the 8th BUFORA International UFO Congress, emphasizing the presentation of UFO evidence, particularly the controversial Roswell film footage. The magazine critically examines the alleged mass panic caused by Orson Welles' 1938 'War of the Worlds' radio broadcast, presenting arguments that the hysteria was largely a media construct. It also features an in-depth look at Ray Santilli's Roswell film, including its acquisition and initial analysis, alongside a report on a UFO abduction case in Australia.

The 'War of the Worlds' Broadcast and Mass Panic

The article "UFO Times" on pages 11-12 scrutinizes the widely held belief that Orson Welles' 1938 radio dramatization of 'The War of the Worlds' caused widespread panic. The author, drawing on research and interviews, including with Robert L. Hall PhD, suggests that the extent of the panic was significantly exaggerated by the media. Hall's analysis of mass panic situations indicates that the conditions required for such an event were not met during the broadcast. The article posits that while some individuals might have been concerned, the 'typical' image of mass panic, requiring urgent threat, abruptness, novelty, surprise, ambiguity of action, and limited communication, did not apply. Even in the 1930s, the perception of aliens was influenced by science fiction magazines that generally portrayed humans as ultimately victorious, reducing the likelihood of an 'urgent threat' perception. The social context of impending World War Two might have heightened anxieties, but the article concludes that the media's role in reporting and potentially amplifying reactions was a key factor, leading to a "panic of the news media" rather than the public.

The Roswell Film Footage: An Investigation

Pages 16-19 are dedicated to "The Roswell Film Footage: A Special Report" by Philip Mantle. Mantle details his involvement in investigating the film, which Ray Santilli, Managing Director of The Merlin Group, claims to possess. Santilli recounts acquiring the footage from a veteran cameraman who had previously filmed Elvis Presley. Mantle describes his initial skepticism and the numerous attempts to view the film, eventually leading to a meeting with Santilli in March 1995. During this meeting, Mantle was given a segment of the film, described as "on-site examination footage." This footage, though of poor quality, appears to show an examination of a partially covered figure on a table, possibly an alien, with individuals in white coats present. Mantle notes the black and white, silent nature of the film and the presence of what appear to be gas or oil lamps. He also discusses the challenges in verifying the cameraman's story, including his oath to his country and concerns about IRS implications. Santilli states his intention was to produce a documentary and release the footage in a controlled manner, denying any intention to sell it on the open market. He expresses frustration with the "world of UFOLOGY," citing infighting and politics, and prefers to work with neutral advisors. Santilli provides details about the phone and clock visible in the footage, suggesting they date from around 1945 and 1936 respectively, and states the creatures appear to be female. The article also addresses rumors about the film's origins and offers of analysis, including a proposal from BUFORA and potential analysis by Kodak and Hasan Shah Films. Despite the ongoing investigation, Mantle remains on the fence regarding the film's authenticity.

The 8th BUFORA International UFO Congress

Pages 13-15 extensively cover the upcoming 8th BUFORA International UFO Congress, titled "UFOS: THE EVIDENCE," scheduled for August 19th and 20th, 1995. The event, held at the Pennine Theatre complex, was a sell-out, requiring an overflow auditorium. The congress featured 13 international keynote speakers and the launch of a digitally remixed version of Jeff Wayne's 'War of the Worlds' album. Speakers included Walt Andrus (Mutual UFO Network), Malcolm Robinson (Scottish Ufology), Maurizio Verga (Italy) discussing UFO data management, Per Andersen (Denmark) on recent phenomena, Dr. Sergey Chernouss and Dr. Yulii Platov (Russia) examining UFO activity and physical phenomena in Russia, and Dr. Leo Sprinkle (USA) on evaluating UFO experiences. Ray Santilli was scheduled to present the Roswell film footage. Other topics included the controversial 'face on Mars' and the 'Bentwaters-Woodbridge Incidents' from an American perspective, presented by Peter Robbins. Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos was to discuss declassified UFO archives of the Spanish Air Force, and Cynthia Hind would present recent UFO sightings in Africa. The event also included exhibits from UFO-related companies.

Dateline Australia: A Double Abduction?

Pages 20-21 recount an interview with a South Australian couple, Julian and Lydia, who described a UFO abduction experience that occurred in July 1989. During a drive home, Julian felt he was being watched. Later that night, after going to bed, Lydia recalled an entity entering their bedroom. The entity was described as short, skinny, with an oval head, large black tear-drop eyes, no hair, no visible nose, and a slit mouth. It communicated telepathically, indicating an interest in their bodies. Julian then found himself paralyzed and experienced a sensation of floating. He recalled seeing lights in the house and a taller, stocky being with a white/green glow. He felt this being was interested in his son, whom he saw in the being's arms. Julian's next recollection was of being in a dark, cold 'room' or 'space,' lying on a flat table, with three identical entities staring at him. The entities appeared to be about 125cm tall with pumpkin-shaped heads and deep black eyes. Julian felt they held no malice. He then recalled floating back to bed and falling asleep. The following morning, both Julian and Lydia felt disoriented and strange, with Lydia feeling as if she had been in a trance. Julian had vague impressions of activity and being experimented on. They now consider themselves healers and are at peace with the incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and investigative stance, seeking to debunk sensationalism and present evidence-based analysis. There is a clear skepticism towards claims of mass hysteria, particularly regarding the 'War of the Worlds' broadcast, attributing such narratives to media exaggeration. The publication also demonstrates a commitment to rigorous investigation of UFO evidence, exemplified by the detailed examination of the Roswell film footage and the efforts to verify its authenticity. The editorial stance appears to favor a balanced approach, acknowledging the complexity of UFO phenomena while demanding credible evidence and avoiding unsubstantiated claims. The inclusion of diverse perspectives, from researchers across different countries and the detailed reporting of the BUFORA conference, underscores a dedication to exploring the subject matter comprehensively. The magazine also highlights the importance of independent research and the challenges posed by internal politics within the UFO community.

This issue of UFO Times, dated June 1995, features a lead article by Gloria Dixon detailing a significant UFO sighting in the North Tyne Valley on August 21, 1994. The issue also includes a 'Stanton's Stand' column by Stanton Friedman, a 'Competition' section related to H.G. Wells stamps, an 'EXCLUSIVE Discount to BUFORA members' for video titles, a regular 'UFnet' feature on internet UFO discussions, a 'Research Review' by Steve Gamble, and a 'Readers Write' section with several letters and editorial comments.

Strange Nights in the North Tyne Valley UFO Photograph

The main article recounts the experience of Peter Nelson, who retired to bed on Sunday, August 21, 1994, when his alarm system activated. Upon checking his property, he noticed a bright object in the night sky moving slowly in an easterly direction. As it moved over the Tyne Valley, he observed a glowing, coppery dome shape. Nelson describes the experience of the object approaching, feeling the air pulsating and smelling ozone, with the hairs on his arms bristling. He retrieved his camera and took five photographs of the object, noting that the bright light underneath the disc intensified and the object accelerated rapidly to the north. His observation lasted approximately twelve minutes, and he described the object as larger than the full moon. He heard no sound and the night was clear and dry.

This sighting was corroborated by five other people west of Ovington who observed a similar object around 11:30 pm. The Hexam Courant and Evening Chronicle published articles about the sighting, and UFO investigator Phil Mantle contacted Nelson. The author of the article, Gloria Dixon, met with Peter Nelson, examined the negatives and the camera used, and kept the negatives for examination. The photograph shows a coppery dome-shaped object with light emanating from underneath, with the moon visible for scale. The object seen by other witnesses was described as an orangey-yellow colour in two parts hovering above trees a few miles west of Ovington.

Following the sighting, Peter Nelson was visited in September by two military officials from RAF Prestwick. They briefly showed identification, asked numerous questions about the object, and requested the negatives. Nelson provided them with a copy of the photograph. The officials were interested in the object's sound, movement, height, and approximate distance. They spent over an hour with Nelson and then went to a nearby golf course, where they used binoculars, appearing to look around. Nelson and his daughter felt their conversation might have been taped.

The article notes the proximity of Otterburn Army Range to Nelson's home and the residents' objections to a planned large military base in the area. The photograph was to be forwarded to a photographic analysis consultant.

Analysis of Peter Nelson's Photographs by Dave Newton

Dave Newton analyzed Peter Nelson's photographs, taken with a simple Hanimex 35mm camera and 'Klick' 200 ASA colour print film. The camera had a wide-angle lens with a focal length of approximately 70mm. Newton highlights photograph 35A, which shows the full moon and, to its right, patches of red and orange light with a 'jet' of yellow-white light. He notes that the moon provides a reference for size and brightness, although it is slightly blurred, distorting the UFO image. Newton suggests that the image could represent the body of the UFO if it were a solid machine, but more likely, given the dark conditions and short exposure, it shows the hot, glowing gas emitted from a jet or rocket engine. He concludes that it is impossible to determine the exact nature of the aircraft captured on film, but hopes further analysis will reveal more information.

Stanton's Stand Softens

Stanton Friedman's column discusses his research into Ray Santilli's purported Roswell film footage. He details conversations with an A.T.&T. expert regarding the patent for curled phone cords, which were awarded to Western Electric in 1936 and manufactured from 1937, suggesting no issue with the telephone cord seen in the 'autopsy' scenes. Friedman also investigated Truman's travels in June 1947, checking the NY Times Index and the Readers Guide to Periodical Literature. He confirmed that President Truman did visit Ottawa publicly and met with Canadian Prime Minister McKenzie King. He also visited Independence, Missouri, and attended a reunion in Kansas City. Friedman found no indication of Truman being in Texas or New Mexico during June-October 1947, noting the absence of high-performance jets at that time. He also addresses an internet posting where Santilli claimed Friedman offered him $100,000 for footage, stating that the offer was made on April 17 and was contingent on the footage being genuine and an interview with the cameraman, to which Santilli never responded.

Competition

This section announces the launch of a set of postage stamps commemorating the 100th anniversary of H.G. Wells' 'The Time Machine'. It provides details about the stamps and offers a competition for BUFORA members to win presentation packs by answering two questions related to 'War of the Worlds'. The questions are: 1. Which planet did the invaders in War of the Worlds come from? 2. Which American actor's radio narration of War of the Worlds proved so realistic that many who heard it 'fled to the hills'? Answers are to be sent on a postcard to BUFORA.

Exclusive Discount to BUFORA members

This section advertises a discount on video titles from Labyrinth for BUFORA members. It lists eight video titles, including 'Visitors from Space', 'UFOs - The Evidence', and 'UFO Files - File 1 & 2', with their RRP and member prices. An order form is mentioned to be enclosed with the issue.

UFnet

This regular feature by Neil Doyle provides a flavour of UFO discussions on the internet, particularly Usenet. Doyle notes that the Oklahoma bombing was speculated to be a federal cover-up for UFO files or that Timothy McVeigh was under alien influence. He highlights bizarre conspiracy theories prevalent online. The column also discusses Ray Santilli's alleged Roswell footage, with a consensus forming that the film is a hoax due to modern-looking items like the telephone cord and wall clock. However, research suggests the coiled cords were available since 1939. Santilli's recent posts on CompuServe have not added clarity. The article mentions 'alt.paranet.ufo' and 'alt.ufo.reports' as sources for sightings, noting an increase in Australia, with reports of egg-shaped, bright orange lights over Brisbane and Canberra. Similar sightings are reported in Oregon and Holland, described as bright lights larger than the moon or orangey lights. The column also touches upon 'Skyquakes' in the US associated with UFO sightings, and reports of black triangular craft, including an anonymous pilot's account of nearly colliding with a large black triangle in a cloud, experiencing instrument failure and unusual physical sensations.

Research Review by Steve Gamble

Steve Gamble discusses the importance of studying 'repeat events' in UFO phenomena to identify patterns. He categorizes repeat events into three classes: 1) multiple UFO events in the same area over a defined period, 2) the same witness or group experiencing multiple UFO events over time, and 3) the repetition of the same kind of event. Examples given include the Warminster area and reports from Dyfed. Gamble mentions John Spencer's research on the Faulkner photograph. He also outlines ongoing projects within BUFORA, including Ken Phillips' work on Witness Based studies, Roger Chinery's photographic analysis, and his own assistance with computer-based image analysis. Nabil Shaban is heading the 'Pilots Project' to catalogue pilot reports, as pilots are considered experienced observers. The 'BOLIDE Project', cataloguing reports of strange balls of light, is continuing, with a possible booklet publication. Gamble also notes the need to recruit someone to study Crop Circles and is investigating joint studies. He mentions the resignation of Paul Fuller and the search for a statistical adviser. New projects include exploring the link between UFOs and psychic/spirit entities, and a multidisciplinary panel to study Electro-magnetic Interference and UFO Reports. A study into 'cover-ups' and 'Men in Black' is also starting.

Readers Write

This section contains several letters:

• 'Angry Magonia Reader' denounces the editor as a 'literary charlatan' and criticizes his articles on 'The Secret World Order' and 'Universal connectedness', accusing him of undermining institutions and setting back ufological research. The editor acknowledges the criticism and states he is quitting his editorship unconditionally.

• Regina Cullen expresses disapproval of Albert Budden's book 'Allergies and Aliens', stating that her use as a statistic on page 23 is false and that her address is not within 400m of a transmitter. She claims Budden was abusive when contacted and refused to name his sources. She finds his work dishonest.

• J. Dillon questions the existence of BUFORA and the regular issues of UFO Times, expressing concern about the magazine's running.

• Mrs Heaton writes a brief, supportive message.

• Philip Mantle responds to Elsie Oakensen's letter (not included in this scan), clarifying his past interviews with her and the publication of his book 'Without Consent'. He states that Elsie has refused to correct alleged discrepancies in the book and that he has treated witnesses sympathetically. He emphasizes that his writing projects and BUFORA work are separate and that his offer to Elsie to correct the book remains open.

• The Editor's comments throughout this section address the letters, often with a philosophical or defensive tone, particularly regarding the criticism of Albert Budden's work and the editor's own departure.

URANE UFO Model

This section advertises a 1/87 scale UFO model called 'URANE', described as a conversation piece for ufologists. The model is 25 cm in diameter, weighs 700 grams, is light-grey, and features retractable landing legs and a printed circuit lighting effect. It is mounted on a plastic base with a chrome steel stand and costs £50 including postage and packing, available from URANE in Remoulins, France.

UFOCALL

An advertisement for UFOCALL, a telephone information service for UFO reports and news, edited by Jenny Randles. It is described as the only regularly updated UFO information service in the UK, accessible by dialing 0891 121886. Calls cost 49p per minute during peak rate and 39p per minute at other times.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed accounts of specific UFO sightings with photographic evidence, analysis of such evidence, and the involvement of military or official bodies. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony and the challenges of verifying such accounts. The magazine also covers ongoing UFO research projects, the debate surrounding controversial footage like the Roswell film, and discussions about UFO phenomena on the internet. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for rigorous analysis. The editor's impending resignation suggests a potential shift in the magazine's direction or editorial approach.