UFO Times - No 37 - Sep Oct 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Times
Issue: Number 37
Date: September/October 1995
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
ISSN: 0958 4846

This issue of UFO Times delves deeply into the controversial Roswell incident, focusing on the alleged alien autopsy footage and the 'tent footage'. It also marks a significant step for BUFORA into the digital age with the launch of their new website. The cover features a striking headline, "Morgana, the downfall of Merlin?", hinting at deeper themes within the publication.

Editorial: Handling the Roswell Footage

The editorial, written by Mike Wootten, addresses the increasing criticism BUFORA has faced regarding its handling of the infamous Roswell footage, allegedly owned by Ray Santilli. Wootten acknowledges that some criticism may stem from prejudice or a lack of understanding, but commits to outlining BUFORA's perspective and where their judgment may have been flawed. He details the timeline of events, starting in March when Philip Mantle confirmed viewing what was purported to be an initial examination of a recovered body from the crash site. BUFORA quickly assembled a team of experts, including cooperation from Kodak UK and film effects professionals, to analyze the footage. A set of criteria was sent to Santilli for a non-destructive analysis, with a deadline set for the film to be provided. However, this deadline passed without the film being delivered. Wootten reflects that BUFORA may have inadvertently signed away the possibility of Santilli providing the film from the outset. The media frenzy that followed the premature announcement of the film's existence is also discussed, contrasting with the relative quiet within the BUFORA council.

BUFORA had initially planned to show the film at their Congress in August, confident in their ability to analyze it beforehand. However, as months passed, this goal became increasingly difficult to meet, despite tickets selling rapidly. New deadlines were set and broken by Santilli, while Union Pictures agreed to record the analysis for a documentary, a plan Santilli seemed to evade. The Council finally viewed a video sequence of the 'tent scene' and the first autopsy in June, shown by a representative from Merlin Communications. This sequence was the same one used in a press viewing that BUFORA had not been invited to. To date, the only piece of film BUFORA received was a short segment of an empty autopsy room, deemed worthless. Despite having the right team and objectives, Santilli chose to pass video excerpts to other specialists of his own choosing, including Dr. Milroy, a senior lecturer in forensic science.

News Special: BUFORA Leaps into Cyber-Ufology

This section announces BUFORA's significant move into the digital realm with the launch of BUFORA On-Line, a comprehensive UFO-related World Wide Web site in the UK. Mike Wootten highlights the explosive growth of the internet and its potential to revolutionize information exchange, potentially making traditional journals and magazines redundant. He notes the significant increase in internet usage in the US and the proliferation of UFO-related websites. In Britain, while the internet's impact on ufology has been less pronounced, initiatives like UFONet, a London-based Bulletin Board System, are paving the way. The Roswell Footage has been a major catalyst for online discussion. BUFORA Chairman John Spencer states the aim is to create a visual mouthpiece for British ufology, fostering data exchange without boundaries, and hopes other UK groups will contribute. The site is developed in conjunction with Eclipse Internet Solutions, promising unique innovations and a link to other major web sites globally. BUFORA On-Line will be hosted within 'The Citadel', a large interlinked web site by Eclipse. The site will feature four main areas: The Magazine, Research & Investigation, Main Contacts, and Members Only. A significant commitment is the inclusion of BUFORA's Case Report Database, aiming to index its 6000 case reports dating back to 1932, with plans for phase 2 to include full case histories online.

Won't Get Fooled Again? Alien Autopsies: Ufology and the Failure of Investigation

Written by Andy Roberts and Dave Clarke, this article critically examines the Roswell autopsy film and the investigation surrounding it. The authors express skepticism towards tales of alien autopsies, viewing them with weariness. They question the authenticity of the Roswell Autopsy film, calling it potentially the world's waiting 'proof' of extraterrestrial visitation. The article details their involvement at the invitation of BUFORA, offering their views on the film and its impact on ufology. They employ the maxim: "if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then you can be damned sure a duck's quite out of the question." They argue that the film is the sole piece of evidence, an "invalidated artifact attempting to validate one invalidated event." The authors criticize the ufological tendency to be overly impressed by film evidence, noting that moving film is taken more seriously than still photos, which are often dismissed as hoaxes. They trace the film's entry into ufology back to Ray Santilli and Philip Mantle, noting the strange behavior and lack of transparency surrounding its acquisition and analysis over two years. The article questions the financial difficulties Santilli allegedly faced in obtaining a copy, suggesting that a genuine 'find' of this magnitude should not be hindered by money. They dismiss Santilli's claim of acquiring the film from an aged cameraman who had it for 40 years as highly improbable, given the nature of evidence emerging through media sources. While not directly accusing Mantle or Santilli of hoaxing, they suggest the possibility of them being unwitting dupes. The article highlights Philip Mantle's past reputation for seeking publicity and suggests his involvement in the Roswell case may be driven by personal gain. They note that BUFORA, despite having the right team, failed to conduct a proper investigation, partly due to Santilli's control over the film and his refusal to cooperate fully. The authors criticize BUFORA's ethical lapse in not investigating the film thoroughly before presenting it as a highlight at their Congress. They also point out the failure to investigate the cameraman's identity, despite his alleged phone call to Mantle. The article further discusses the examination of the film by professionals, including Dr. Milroy, who found aspects inconsistent with a genuine alien autopsy, and Creature Effects, who described it as a "good fake body" with evidence of a moulding seam. The authors express concern that BUFORA became a marketing tool for Santilli, prioritizing investment over investigation. They also highlight Jenny Randles' suggestion for a panel discussion on the film, which was vetoed by Philip Mantle, illustrating a failure of cohesive organization within BUFORA and the prioritization of individual agendas over scientific integrity.

The article also touches upon the 'wreckage' shots, suggesting they resemble 'video TV' and contain clues pointing towards a hoax. It notes that the alien depicted does not match descriptions from other Roswell witnesses, leading to the conclusion that at least one account is false. The comments by anatomist O'Higgins regarding the 'alien' possibly being a deformed human raise ethical questions about the promotion of such material, suggesting it could be akin to peddling obscenity or exploiting a sick fascination.

The authors outline three possible outcomes for the case: proven hoax, unproven but doubtful, or proven genuine. They argue that a genuine proof would require an official US Government announcement and independent validation of any physical evidence by world scientists, which they deem highly unlikely. They conclude that the film is likely a hoax, and that BUFORA's handling of the case was flawed, allowing the myth to continue and profiting from it at the expense of ufology.

The Other Roswell Footage Question

John Spencer's article focuses on the 'Tent Footage' associated with the Roswell incident, suggesting it offers alarming pointers that have been overlooked amidst the intense scrutiny of the autopsy footage. He notes that while the autopsy film is much debated, the 'tent footage' was the first released by Ray Santilli to Philip Mantle and shown to the BUFORA council. Curiously, Santilli later stated he was not using this footage because it could not be authenticated. Spencer contrasts the 'tent footage' with the 'wounded leg alien' autopsy film, describing the former as filmed in a fixed position, possibly unmanned, in a dimly lit, tent-like enclosure. A figure lies on a platform, covered by a sheet, with doctors examining its left hand. A dark-coated figure, possibly military, observes. The figure's head, feet, and hands are visible, with the head potentially resembling a classical 'gray' alien: bald, domed, with large black eyes, slim, and flat-bellied.

Spencer posits that this footage depicts the 'emergency' examination of a recovered alien body, possibly by a crash retrieval team in the desert before being transported to a hospital. He argues this scenario fits the Roswell story with greater accuracy than the autopsy film, as many witnesses do not find the alien in the autopsy film to resemble described creatures. He references Stanton Friedman's book 'Crash at Corona,' which describes a dimly lit tent at the retrieval site. The article highlights the existence of two distinct types of alien depictions from the same source (Santilli), raising questions about whether they represent different crashes, as Friedman suggests there were two crashes in the incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes critical analysis and skepticism regarding UFO evidence, particularly the Roswell footage. The editorial and the article by Roberts and Clarke highlight concerns about the authenticity of the film, the questionable methods of investigation, and the potential for personal gain and marketing to overshadow scientific integrity within ufology. There is a clear stance against accepting evidence uncritically, especially when its provenance is dubious. The magazine also champions the embrace of new technologies, as evidenced by the launch of BUFORA's website, signaling a forward-looking approach to information dissemination and engagement within the UFO community. The recurring theme is the need for rigorous, ethical investigation and a cautious approach to sensational claims, particularly those presented through media channels.

Title: UFO Times
Issue: 13
Volume: 13
Date: July 28th, 1995
Publisher: BUFORA
Country: UK
ISSN: 0263-7732
Cover Headline: The GAO Report: What does it Prove?

The Santilli Footage Controversy

The issue extensively discusses the controversial Santilli 'Roswell' footage, with a significant portion dedicated to analyzing its authenticity. The article "Wilde would no doubt have pointed out..." presents three propositions for the footage: that it is genuine, that it is genuine 1947 film of a field examination but not alien, or that it is a deliberate hoax. The author leans towards the hoax theory, suggesting that the filmmaker, Ray Santilli, may have been involved in its creation, possibly after being educated on the significance of Roswell by Philip Mantle. The use of special effects experts is also considered, with the possibility that the 'alien' was constructed from latex. The article notes that while Bob Shell authenticated a piece of film as containing an image of an empty autopsy room, this was not the 'tent footage' but the 'famous' film, raising further questions about the evidence.

The GAO Report and Roswell

Mike Wootten's article, "The GAO Report: What does it Prove?", examines the findings of the United States General Accounting Office (GAO) regarding the Roswell incident. The report revealed the discovery of only two documents related to the crash, neither confirming a crashed disc. However, a significant revelation was the evidence of documents being destroyed without proper procedures, fueling speculation and conspiracy theories. The article notes that the USAF's attempt to circumvent the report's release by claiming the crash was of a secret balloon for Project Mogul has not brought clarity. The GAO report also highlighted that balloon crashes were not classified under air accident procedures at the time, potentially explaining why reports might have been destroyed, though the lack of proper procedure suggests a deliberate act to hide the truth.

A FBI teletype message dated July 8, 1947, is reproduced, detailing the recovery of a hexagonal object suspended from a balloon near Roswell, New Mexico. The object was described as resembling a high altitude weather balloon with a radar reflector, but this was not confirmed by telephonic conversation. The message indicates national interest and attempts by news agencies to break the story.

Investigations Diary

Gloria Dixon's "Investigations Diary" details numerous UFO sighting reports received by BUFORA. These include:

• July 7, 1995, Hackpenhill, Wiltshire: Mr. and Mrs. S. video-recorded fifteen unusual lights in the sky.
• 1995, Kingsthorpe, Northampton: Jenny W. reported and video-recorded unusual lights and a disc-shaped object.
• July 30, 1995, Cala Llonga, Ibiza: Mr. and Mrs. T. video-recorded an extremely bright ball of light witnessed by many people.
• August 10-28, 1995, Glastonbury, Somerset: A wave of twenty sightings of triangular objects.
• March 27, 1995, Grimsby, South Humberside: Jacqueline H. and a friend observed a triangular shaped object with lights.
• August 11, 1995, Hurstierpoint, West Sussex: TB observed flickering red and white flashing lights.
• June 7, 1995, Scropton, South Derbyshire: Ruth A. observed a blaze of lights resembling an old 3d piece.
• July 14, 1995, Norris Green, Liverpool: David L. noticed a silver grey object travelling horizontally at phenomenal speed.
• July 30, 1995, Low Bradfield Village, Sheffield: Five witnesses observed a triangular object and an orange ball of light.

Many of these sightings are still under investigation by BUFORA and its associates.

Newsbites and Other Features

The UFO Wave of 1947: Jan L. Aldrich has launched a project to research the magnitude of the 1947 UFO wave, cataloguing newspaper reports and other sources worldwide.

Area 51: A New Band for Alien Clubbers: A new ambient/techno group named 'Area 51' is using UFO footage in their shows to promote awareness of UFOs and are seeking to build a network of interested individuals.

Admiral in UFO Cover-up Claim: The Daily Star reports that Admiral of the Fleet Lord Hill-Norton backs claims of government suppression of evidence of a 1,000 mph UFO.

New Consultant for BUFORA: Dave Newton, a Physics teacher, has agreed to be a consultant for BUFORA to assist in case evaluation.

UFOS: THE EVIDENCE: The Proceedings of the 8th BUFORA International UFO Congress, compiled and edited by Mike Wootten, is advertised. This 56-page document includes papers from 11 speakers and an interview with Ray Santilli.

Research Review by Steve Gamble: This section discusses the increasing use of computers and bulletin boards for communication, particularly within the UFO community. It explains how bulletin boards and networks like UFOnet function and how BUFORA members can communicate through "Stairway to Heaven."

Kevin O'Crean Allegations: The issue addresses allegations posted on Usenet that two individuals connected to BUFORA threatened Kevin O'Crean and his wife to prevent him from raising questions about the Santilli footage at the BUFORA conference. BUFORA denies these allegations, stating they prefer to ignore such postings.

ISCNI*Flash Report: A report from Argentina describes a luminous object observed by a flight crew and aviation officials, which caused airport instruments to behave strangely.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing controversy surrounding the Santilli 'Roswell' footage, the investigation into the historical Roswell incident through the GAO report, and the cataloging of numerous contemporary UFO sightings. The editorial stance, particularly from Mike Wootten, appears critical of the Santilli footage's authenticity, leaning towards it being a hoax. There is a strong emphasis on evidence-based investigation and a desire to bring UFO information into the public domain, as seen in BUFORA's stance on showing the footage and their financial support for research. The magazine also highlights the growing role of the internet and bulletin boards in UFO communication and research.

Title: UFO Times
Issue: 21
Date: August 1995 (estimated from content)
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of UFO Times, number 21, focuses on current events and ongoing investigations within the ufology community. It features a 'Stop Press' section addressing the controversial Roswell autopsy film, a detailed review of the BUFORA 8th International UFO Conference '95, and various news items and reader correspondence.

Stop Press: Roswell Autopsy Film Debate

The 'Stop Press' section highlights fresh debate surrounding the alleged alien autopsy film. A US viewer, Jim Tippins, noticed reflections in the autopsy room's glass screen that he believes indicate the film is a hoax. Tippins points to a reflection showing a cameraman possibly wearing a 'Hard Rock Cafe' shirt, suggesting the film was staged. Mike Wootten, while acknowledging the reflection, suggests it might be a case of the mind interpreting grain in the NTSC video standard. BUFORA has passed this information to video enhancement specialists for further analysis.

BUFORA 8th International UFO Congress '95 Review

Philip Mantle reviews the BUFORA 8th International UFO Congress held in Sheffield on August 19-20, 1995. The conference, sponsored by Colombia Records/Sony Music and Jeff Wayne's 'War of the Worlds', attracted 1300 delegates from around the world.

Day 1 (August 19th):

• Walter Andrus, International Director of MUFON, opened the conference with a history of BUFORA.
• Malcolm Robinson presented on Scottish ufology.
• Dr Sergey Chernouss discussed the 'Petrozavodsk Phenomenon', concluding it was a natural phenomenon.
• Per Andersen presented on 'Double Moons' and recent events over Denmark.
• Maurizio Verga detailed the management of UFO data using computers.
• Dr Leo Sprinkle gave an insight into psychical aspects of contactee and abductee experiences.
• Ray Santilli presented the alleged alien autopsy film, showing segments of the film and alleged debris from the crashed vehicle. The screening was met with silence and packed theatres, igniting debate.

Day 2 (August 20th):

• Cynthia Hind discussed recent sightings in Africa and a significant 1994 event in Ruwa, Zimbabwe, involving school children.
• Dr Yulii Platov presented research into UFO reports received by the Academy of Sciences in Moscow, attributing sightings to natural phenomena and Russian rocket launches.
• Dr Helmut Lammer presented a scientific and technical analysis of the 'face on Mars', arguing it was not evidence of indigenous Martians but possibly humanoids from another planet.
• Peter Robbins, accompanied by US military witness Larry Warren, presented research into the RAF Woodbridge events in Suffolk, 1980, highlighting it as a significant UK UFO event.
• John Spencer, BUFORA's Chairman, discussed the 1938 'War of the Worlds' radio broadcast by Orson Welles, presenting research that found no evidence of widespread panic.
• Michael Hesemann shared his research into the alleged Roswell film, finding no evidence of a hoax and noting elements that could support its genuineness.
• Vicente-Juan Ballester-Olmos detailed his access to and research into Spanish Air Force files on UFOs.

The conference concluded with presentations: Walter Andrus received a plaque from BUFORA, Gloria Dixon was recognized as BUFORA's investigator of the year, and Odd-Gunnar Roed of UFO Norway presented the author with artwork.

The conference faced typical challenges like technical issues and timetable delays but was deemed a success, particularly for featuring Russian scientists and the controversial Santilli film.

The Morgana Pictures

This section, authored by John Spencer, discusses three photographs received by UFO Times, Fortean Times, and Union Pictures, which appear to show an alien head being airbrushed and painted. These photos were sent by 'Morgana Productions UK 95' without explanation. Spencer details how his business contacts in the special effects industry were used to investigate the origin of these images. It is revealed that a team of special effects people for the film industry admitted producing the photographs as a project to expose the ease with which the Roswell autopsy footage could be duplicated and to alert ufologists to the potential for manipulation. They aimed to demonstrate that they could recreate an alien from existing images. The 'Morgana' name was chosen as it is the Nemesis of Merlin. The article notes that the media were unable to use the pictures due to copyright issues. It also touches on rumours about Ray Santilli knowing the creators and questions his potential concerns.

Morgana Productions UK Statement

Morgana Productions UK issues a statement explaining 'The Morgana Project'. Their principal aim was to highlight the ease of duplicating the Roswell footage and to counter irresponsible journalism. They also sought to alert ufologists to the danger of blindly accepting the archive footage without verification. Morgana believes the archive film is a hoax and hoped their project would uncover new evidence and motives. They ensured their alien depictions differed from the autopsy footage but shared a common origin. They note that the general consensus after the film's release was that it was a fake. Morgana hopes Ufology will learn to be more discerning.

Newsbites

• The Earl of Clancarty: An obituary for William Francis Brinsley Le Poer Trench, the second editor of FLYING SAUCER REVIEW and founder of the International Sky Scouts and CONTACT INTERNATIONAL. He was an advocate of the 'Ancient Astronaut' theory and founded The House of Lords UFO Study Group, initiating a UFO debate in the Lords in 1979. He published seven books on the subject.
• Sighting in Colorado: Reported by Shari Adamiak, a witness driving near Fairplay, Colorado, on April 27, 1995, saw a spinning silver disc, approximately 3ft off the ground and 3-4ft in diameter. The object had a small cupola and two block-like areas, and it vanished after spinning in the opposite direction.

The Earl of Clancarty (Continued)

This section continues the tribute to the Earl of Clancarty, mentioning his role in opening BUFORA's First International UFO Congress in London in 1979 and his refusal to be censored. It highlights his eccentric ideas and his status as a respected ufologist and Vice-President of BUFORA.

Investigator Correspondence Course

A note states that the BUFORA investigator training course has been suspended until further notice.

Advertisements

• Roswell Internet Debate: An advertisement encourages readers to join an internet debate on Roswell and offers a PC disk for £2 or a Mac version for £2.50 from 'Information Management'.
• UFOCALL: A phone number (0891 12 18 86) is advertised for 'the latest in Ufology', with call costs specified.

Diary

This section lists upcoming BUFORA lectures and other UFO-related events:

• BUFORA London Lectures:
• November 4th: 'The Witness Bites Back' by Ken Phillips.
• December 2nd: 'Flight before Wright' by Lionel Beer.
• January 6th, 1996: 'The Comic Message and Other Topics' by The Atherius Society.
• BUFORA Newcastle Lecture: October 28th: 'The New Welsh Window Area' by Eric Morris.
• BUFORA Liverpool Lecture: Details of a lecture at Haigh Conference Centre.
• Other Events:
• October 26th: 'UFOs: Earths Cosmic Watergate' at Brixton Academy by Stanton Friedman.
• November 18th: One Day UFO Conference at Bournemouth University, featuring Lionel Beer, David Kingston, Peter Hough, and Lynn Picknett.

UFO Newsfile

An advertisement for 'UFO Newsfile', a British UFO Newsclipping Magazine, published bi-monthly for £7.00 (£8.00 for non-members).

Readers Write

This section features reader correspondence:

• John Watson (Hull) writes about his negative experiences ordering files and videos from 'The New Ufologist', 'Information Management', and 'Merlin Communications', expressing frustration and warning others about potential 'fraud'.
• Editorial Comment: Responds to John Watson's letter, explaining that 'Information Management' is waiting for stock from BUFORA, Jenny Randles has a backlog due to a move and personal loss, and 'Merlin Communications' is behind on orders but will send the requested items.

Conference Notes

Several comments are included from attendees of the BUFORA conference:

• D.N. (Newcastle Upon Tyne): Praises the conference as a success, noting the good mix of speakers and the excitement over the Santilli film. Suggests a coordinated, electronically available UFO data bank would be valuable.
• M.R. (Scotland): Makes a humorous booking for guests, including 'screaming weans', pensioners, dogs, and a parrot.
• A.H. (Producer, BBC World Service): Expresses thanks for the brilliant organization and riveting content of the conference, highlighting the smooth arrangement of delegate interviews for their BBC series.
• S.P. (Surrey): Praises the organization but notes difficulty understanding some speakers due to language barriers, suggesting speeches could be read in the future. Found Helmut Lammer's talk on Mars and the presentations by Cynthia Hind and Malcolm Robinson particularly engaging.
• D.L. (Birmingham): Congratulates BUFORA on a well-organized and interesting seminar.
• L/S. and B.J. (Sheffield): Express disappointment with the event, citing uncomfortable room conditions, poor sound quality, and boring speakers. They felt inspired to believe in aliens and flying spaceships but were left feeling uninspired.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing debate concerning the authenticity of the Roswell autopsy film, the challenges and successes of organizing large-scale UFO conferences, and the importance of rigorous research and critical thinking within ufology. The magazine also highlights the efforts of organizations like BUFORA in coordinating research, disseminating information, and bringing together researchers and enthusiasts. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting open discussion, critical analysis, and a commitment to uncovering the truth behind UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the difficulties and controversies inherent in the field. The issue emphasizes the need for verification and warns against blind acceptance of evidence, as seen in the 'Morgana Project' and the discussion around the Santilli film.