UFO Times - No 41 - May Jun 1996

Magazine Overview

UFOTIMES, Issue 41, published May/June 1996, is the journal of the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA). This issue features a cover story titled 'Desert Storm' by Terry Jones, examining a UFO crash at Socorro. Other prominent articles include 'CE3 in the North East' by Gloria Dixon, a 'Roswell Film Update' analysis by Philip Mantle, and 'Aliens in Argentina?' concerning video footage from South America.

Role Models: A Day of Abductions Conference

Editor Mike Wootten reflects on a recent BUFORA conference in Sheffield titled 'A Day of Abductions.' He contrasts it favorably with a previous congress, appreciating its balanced approach to the abduction experience, which left the audience with more questions than answers rather than sensationalism. Wootten criticizes the tendency for some researchers to 'force-feed' abductees with pet theories, citing an example where a researcher allegedly told witnesses that 'greys' would return for them and their children, and discussed alien genetic engineering and hybrid babies. He highlights BUFORA's strict Code of Practice, which includes a 10-year ban on hypnotic regression techniques, as crucial for ethical investigation. Wootten calls for a more objective and empathetic approach to witnesses and questions whether other UFO groups adhere to similar standards.

We Want Your Copy!

UFOTIMES invites submissions for publication, encouraging typed manuscripts or floppy disk submissions (MS-DOS or Amstrad), and warmly welcomes e-mail submissions.

In This Issue

• This section provides a table of contents for the issue:
• INTRO - 'ROLE MODELS': Review of the Sheffield BUFORA conference.
• UFO NEWS: Cover Story - UFO CRASH AT SOCORRO (Part one by Terry Jones) and Adventures in the Scam Trade (Part two by Andy Roberts).
• THE MEXICAN EUFORIA: Hector Escobar reviews evidence of a UFO during the 1991 eclipse.
• STRANGE ENCOUNTER: Gloria Dixon presents a BUFORA casefile.
• SANTILLI FILM UPDATE: Looking at the physical evidence of the film.
• RESEARCH UPDATE: Steve Gamble on the history of crashed saucers.
• DATELINE ARGENTINA: Andy Roberts reports on UFO video footage.
• STACK 'EM HIGH, SELL 'EM CHEAP: A piece on the Quest Conference.
• CONTACT: A section for reader feedback.

UFO News

Alien Highway

Nevada's Route 375 has been officially renamed The Extraterrestrial Highway. Area 51, nearby, is a popular destination for UFO enthusiasts. The renaming is seen as a testament to the place UFOs have assumed in contemporary American culture.

Rumours

Abductee Linda Jones's lateness to a BUFORA conference was misinterpreted as a rumour that Harry Harris had blocked her appearance due to 'contractual problems.' The rumour was quickly quashed.

30000 Have Encounters

'Encounters' magazine, published by Paragon Publishing, has reached sales of nearly 30,000 copies per month, making it the fastest-growing magazine in the UK in the 'weird word wars' category.

Malcolm Robinson Retires From UFology

Malcolm Robinson, BUFORA's Scottish Regional Investigations Co-ordinator, has retired from UFO research to spend more time with his family. He was active in running 'Strange Phenomena Investigations' and its magazine 'Enigmas.' His involvement in the Bonnybridge case led him to dedicate significant time to ufology, but the Dunblane tragedy prompted him to re-evaluate his priorities.

US Abduction Research in a Lather

This section critiques the 'American' approach to ufology, particularly concerning abduction research, which often involves hypnosis and 'cod-psychology.' It highlights the case of Dr. Richard Boylan, a US ufologist and psychologist whose licenses were revoked for gross negligence, including alleged 'inappropriate relationships' with abductees, 'massage therapy,' and 'nude hot-tubbing.' The article stresses the potential dangers of psychological techniques in dealing with abductees and emphasizes the importance of witness mental health and safety. It warns researchers to be careful and suggests avoiding such practices.

BUFORA On-Line Goes From Strength to Strength

BUFORA has launched two major developments for its internet presence: a password-protected 'Members Only On-Line' area and an open-access case report database.

Members Only On-Line

This area provides access to reports, council meeting summaries, and research findings. A private message board, functioning like a Usenet group, allows real-time discussions among members.

BUFORA Downloads Database Onto The Internet

BUFORA has made its 21-field case report database publicly accessible via the World Wide Web. Developed with the help of consultants, the database allows users to search and download data. This fulfills a pledge by BUFORA Chairman John Spencer to open the association's archives. The database, initiated in 1983, includes details like time, date, location, report type, color, and shape, while protecting witness identity with a standard three-character code.

New Planets Discovered: Intelligent Life Now 1000:1

American astronomers believe they are close to detecting radio signals from alien civilizations. Professor Paul Horowitz of Harvard University suggests the odds of advanced civilizations in the Milky Way are a thousand to one. The search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) is ongoing, with scientists warning that advertising Earth's presence could be dangerous.

Pennine Window Opens Again!

The Peak District, particularly the Longdendale Valley, has a history of anomalous aerial activity. In the past year, there has been an increase in sightings of strange balls of light, including a case where five balls of light danced around a car.

Shuttle - A Correction

UFOTIMES retracts a news item from Issue 40 about a 'Shuttle Near Miss,' admitting it was a complete hoax originating from the US Weekly World News and spread via the internet.

Mystery Triangle Filmed

A mysterious flying 'triangle' object, reportedly seen in the UK for years, has allegedly been captured on film by the Morecambe UFO Group. The video shows an object flying towards a nuclear power station, but the footage is described as disappointing due to camera shake and lack of focus, making analysis difficult. Some speculate it's a secret British project, while others suggest it might be a helicopter.

Independence Day - It's Coming

An event at the Apollo Tatton Cinema in Gatley, UK, will feature the film 'Independence Day' along with three other UFO films, guest speakers, and BUFORA support. The event is scheduled for Sunday, August 11th, 1996.

UFO Crash at Socorro

The Sequence of Events

This article, by Terry Jones, details the alleged Socorro crash retrieval of July 1st, 1947, based on the statement of Jack Barnett, a retired military cameraman. Barnett claims he was ordered to film a crash site southwest of Socorro, where he documented a disc-shaped craft and 'freak creatures.' The article outlines the events from June 1st to June 2nd, 1947, including the recovery of debris and the creatures, and the filming of two autopsies later.

Thursday June 5th 1947

Three days after the crash, a team from Washington decided to move the craft. The atmosphere inside was described as heavy and sickening. The craft was loaded onto a flatbed truck for analysis at Wright Field.

Circa Tuesday 1st July 1947

Jack was told to report to Fort Worth for filming of two autopsies. He wore protective clothing due to the creatures being a potential medical threat. He later removed his suit during filming. Another UFO was tracked on radar across New Mexico for three days.

May 1949

Jack was asked to film a third autopsy, suggesting one alien survived until then. The article references Jesse Marcel's 1978 interviews, which suggested a second crash site near Socorro, possibly connected to the Roswell wreckage.

At the Crash Site

Researcher Michael Hesseman followed Jack's directions to the dry river bed where the crash allegedly occurred. The site shows a difference from the surrounding area, with evidence of vitrification. The dry river bed does not appear on Geodetic Survey maps.

The Shape of the Craft

Jack described the craft as disc-shaped, lying on its back, with exterior struts that supported a smaller disc. It's speculated to be 'Saturn shaped' with a double cupola.

The Wreckage

Film footage shows uniformed personnel handling 'I' beam material with symbols and oblong boxes held by the aliens. The 'I' beams are described as runners for a smaller disc that could be raised or lowered.

The Creatures

The autopsy footage shows beings about five feet tall with large heads, large eyes, and six digits. They appear female but lack secondary sexual characteristics. One creature had a deep tissue injury on its thigh. Their skin tone is white or pale grey. The stomach areas are distended, possibly due to tissue degradation. They have a deep chest cavity and were heard screaming. Their internal arrangement differs from humans, with a plate-like structure instead of a rib cage.

The Aftermath

The Socorro incident was heavily covered up by the military. Survivors were treated brutally. Jack attests that three of the four crew survived. He filmed two autopsies about a month later and a third in May 1949, raising questions about the fate of the other two bodies.

Questions Raised

The article questions why the footage is called the 'Roswell film' when it pertains to the Socorro crash. It explains this is due to Roswell's publicity and the confusion arising from Jack's statement mentioning White Sands.

Notes

1. Lt. Col. Harold R. Turner may have been the commander on site.
2. George Kenney was head of Strategic Air Command; McMullan was his deputy.
3. Reference to 'The Roswell Incident' by Berlitz and Moore.
4. Reference to 'Roswell UFO Crash Update' by Kevin Randle.

Conclusion

This case is set to run for a long time, with claims of hoaxes or proof of alien visitation. Researchers are urged to investigate objectively. The case highlights how secrets can be kept, drawing parallels to Watergate. The article suggests that the information imparted by 'whistle blowers' is often dismissed if too strange, but considered if within the realm of possibility.

Postscript

Jack's statement might help identify other cameramen from Army Air Force intelligence operations, potentially leading to the Roswell cameraman. The modus operandi used in the Socorro recovery was similar to that at Roswell, suggesting potential overlap in personnel.

Adventures in the Scam Trade: Santilli's Controversial Autopsy Movie

This article by Andy Roberts critically analyzes Terry Jones's article on the Socorro crash, arguing that the widespread belief in crash retrievals is unfounded due to a lack of concrete evidence. Roberts introduces Kent Jeffrey's report, 'Santilli's Controversial Autopsy Movie,' which dissects the claims surrounding the alleged alien autopsy film.

Claim 1: The Cameraman Was Summoned and Flown Out

Jeffrey argues that the military would not have waited 10 hours for a cameraman to arrive, given the approximate 1600-mile distance and travel time.

Claim 2: The Film is of 1947 Stock

Jeffrey points out that no one has seen the original autopsy film, only video copies. While a piece of film provided by Santilli had a 1947 edge code, there's no proof it came from the actual autopsy film. Kodak has invited Santilli to provide a sample for analysis, but he has not done so.

The article further discusses the 'crashed saucer debris' and hieroglyphs, autopsy techniques, the film's history and release, special effects professionals' opinions, and the alleged buyer of the original film. It also touches on the cameraman's claims, military camera practices, and Santilli's prior claims about the Dead Sea Scrolls and Shroud of Turin. Jeffrey's report is described as a factual dissection of erroneous claims, illuminating pitfalls and problems. An offer is made to have a genuine WWII military cameraman verify or falsify Jack Barnett's claim, but it's expected to be ignored.

Roberts concludes that the net is tightening around those responsible for the hoax, and that the media's uncritical acceptance has allowed some to profit. He praises Kent Jeffrey's work in sifting evidence and proving the film to be a hoax. Roberts also expresses disappointment that BUFORA was apparently misled into showing the film unresearched at their 1995 conference.

Copies of the SCAM report are available from Andy Roberts. The International Roswell Initiative can be contacted via mail or e-mail.

The Mexican Euforia

By Hector Escobar Sotomayor, this article examines the supposed UFO seen during the Mexican solar eclipse of July 11th, 1991. Escobar, a member of the Mexican skeptical movement, studied psychology and psychoanalysis.

The Eclipse

During the total solar eclipse, many people photographed the event, and some photos revealed a luminous object, invisible to the naked eye, which was speculated to be an extraterrestrial probe. Mexican TV covered the event extensively.

Jaime Maussan, a TV reporter, produced a program about the eclipse, including videos of the object. Maussan claimed these were extraterrestrial ships, despite skepticism from researchers like Escobar, who suggested the objects were lens reflections.

The Madness

Maussan organized a group called 'Los Vigilantes' (The Watchmen) to film UFOs during subsequent events. He claimed to have hundreds of UFO videos, all showing 'real extraterrestrial ships.' Maussan launched a commercial series of 12 videos related to UFOs, including one on the eclipse object, Billy Meier, crop circles, and other contactee cases. The first video sold 15,000 copies.

The article notes that the UFO atmosphere in Mexico was ripe, with reports of UFO landings and waves in various locations.

Strange Encounter

This section likely contains a BUFORA casefile presented by Gloria Dixon.

Research Update

Steve Gamble provides information on the history of crashed saucers.

Dateline Argentina

Andy Roberts reports on 15 minutes of 'quality' video footage allegedly capturing a UFO.

Stack 'Em High, Sell 'Em Cheap

This piece discusses 'Headcandy for the gullible' at the Quest Conference.

Contact

This section is for reader feedback and opinions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFOTIMES revolve around the critical examination of UFO crash retrieval claims, particularly the Socorro incident and the Santilli autopsy film. There is a strong emphasis on skepticism and the need for rigorous, evidence-based research, as exemplified by the critiques of the Santilli film and the Mexican eclipse sightings. BUFORA's commitment to ethical investigation, witness confidentiality, and a structured Code of Practice is highlighted. The magazine also showcases BUFORA's technological advancements with its online services. The editorial stance appears to favor a rational, evidence-based approach to ufology, cautioning against sensationalism and unverified claims, while still acknowledging the possibility of genuine anomalous phenomena.

Title: UFOTIMES
Issue: 41
Date: May/June 1996
Publisher: BUFORA
Country: UK

This issue of UFOTIMES delves into various UFO-related topics, including a peculiar encounter in the UK, an in-depth analysis of the controversial Santilli film, and reports from Argentina and Mexico. It also features research updates from BUFORA and a critical look at UFO statistics.

Articles

A Strange Encounter from the North East

This article details an encounter reported by Diana Logan, who claims to have seen a 'goblin-type creature' on the grass verge of the A690 near Brancepeth Village, Co. Durham, on January 2, 1995. Logan described the creature as about two feet tall, slim, with an almond-shaped eye, moving in a puppet-like action. She initially thought it might be a leprechaun. Her husband and sister supported her account, noting her pragmatic nature and lack of interest in UFOs. The report also mentions that the police suggested she might have seen a child, which she refuted. The investigator, Dave Newton, found Diana to be a credible witness, despite her unusual delay in reporting the incident to her family.

Eclipse UFO - Mexico

The article discusses the UFO sighting during the July 11, 1991 solar eclipse in Mexico. While many photographers captured what appeared to be a UFO, analysis suggests it was likely lens flare. However, videos showed a luminous point beneath the sun. Jaime Maussan, a prominent UFO investigator in Mexico, promoted the idea of an extraterrestrial object. The article debunks this, explaining that the object was likely the planet Venus, identified through astronomical software. Witnesses who identified it as Venus and the object's behavior (brightening during the eclipse and disappearing as light returned) support this explanation. The article criticizes Maussan for not consulting professional astronomers and for relying on 'exotechnics', witches, parapsychologists, and contactees.

Santilli Film Up-Date

This section provides an update on the Santilli film, allegedly from the original Roswell crash footage. Philip Mantle, Director of Investigations, reports on attempts to date the film with Kodak UK. Kodak's Peter Milson stated that determining the precise age of film is almost impossible but offered tests based on free acid/pH and perforation shrinkage, requiring significant film samples. Bob Shell, a photographic investigator, disagrees with Milson, suggesting that specific tests can determine if the film is on an older acetate base (pre-1957) and that machinery changes in 1959-60 are also indicators. Shell believes the film could be from 1927 or 1947, likely 1947. The article notes that obtaining the required film length for testing is difficult. It also discusses how new film could be artificially aged to resemble older film, raising questions about the authenticity of the Santilli footage.

Research Update – Crashed Saucers

Steve Gamble, Director of Research for BUFORA, discusses the organization's ongoing research into alleged crashed flying saucers. He notes that there are around 100 alleged crash retrieval cases worldwide, with many considered hoaxes. Gamble contrasts this with the estimated 10 million UFO reports worldwide, suggesting that crash reports are rare. He mentions the Kalahari Desert and Carp, Ontario incidents as likely hoaxes, and a rumored crash in northern England that seems to have died down. The article touches on the Roswell incident, noting that the Santilli films are just one aspect of it. BUFORA is investigating possible UK-based witnesses to alleged saucer crashes. The article also mentions Edward Ashpole's book, which questions the scientific credentials of those interviewed about the Roswell incident. The death of a nurse who allegedly examined alien bodies is noted, though unconfirmed. BUFORA is also investigating ways to artificially age film to potentially reproduce 'genuine' 1947 Kodak film.

Dateline: Argentina – UFO Captured on Video

This report details a UFO sighting in Argentina on October 5, 1995, captured on video by Gerardo Ferrero. The object, described as pulsing with violet, green, and red lights, was estimated to be 2-3 miles away and appeared to have windows. Digital enhancement suggested a plate or saucer shape. The article also mentions earlier reports from July of the same year of a similar UFO touching down near Bariloche airport, leaving three-foot deep circular footprints and a 'gelatine like substance'. The Air Force is investigating, and Ferrero's video has been proclaimed 'unexplained'. The report suggests potential government attempts to discourage reporting due to a political summit. The article also briefly mentions a UFO 'flap' in Chile, with thousands of sightings reported near Santiago.

Contact: Galaxy UFO Sighting

This section features a letter from Nicholas Crossland Sheffield describing a UFO sighting by an ex-RAF pilot in 1969. While flying a Galaxy Transporter over Saudi Arabia at 37,000ft, the pilot witnessed a semi-spherical object at 75,000ft, described as 'like something out of Dan Dare'. The object was 30-50ft in circumference, appearing as two inverted saucers joined together, with red, green, and yellow colors. The USAF showed significant interest in the object's colors. The pilot mentioned that single-seater jet pilots have seen more due to higher altitudes, but RAF pilots must be 'absolutely certain' due to the 'ridicule factor'.

Playing the Percentages

This letter from Jean Sider of France critiques an article in a previous issue of UFOTIMES regarding UFO statistics. Sider clarifies that SOS OVNI (France) is not a UFO research association but a publication that shifted towards 'socio-psychology' and criticized ufology. He notes that OVNI-Présence has disappeared and that the review 'Phenomena' does not publish UFO reports, focusing instead on rationalistic explanations. Sider questions the claim that 98% of reports are IFOs, citing official statistics from GEPAN (France) for 1974-1978, which indicated only 3.3% identified (IFO) and 22% probably identified, totaling 25.3% IFOs, with 38% unidentified.

Roswell Footage

This article questions the purpose of filming alien autopsies, assuming they occurred. The author argues that military intelligence would have ensured high-quality photographic and film records, possibly in color and with sound, for scientific study. The author contrasts this with the perceived poor quality of the Santilli film, suggesting it resembles a 'bad home video' that might disguise the fact that the filmed event was not real. The author also suggests that a questionnaire for UFO witnesses could be a useful tool for data collection.

It's Those Mirages Again

Steuart Campbell offers a possible astronomical explanation for an incident described in 'Without Consent', suggesting the object seen was a mirage of a first-magnitude star, possibly Fomalhaut, caused by a temperature inversion. The editor's comment dismisses this as a weak explanation, comparing it to the Zeta Reticulan theory and questioning the conditions for a temperature inversion.

When the Going Gets Weird

Whitley Strieber comments on a review, stating that his writing aims to reassure witnesses that their experiences are real and not a sign of madness, rather than satisfy armchair skeptics.

Stack'em High, Sell'em Cheap - Quest International Conference – Newcastle

Dave Newton reviews the Quest International Conference in Newcastle. He expresses disappointment with the event, particularly with Tony Dodd's presentation, which he describes as a 'triumph of rumour and hearsay over solid evidence'. Dodd discussed animal mutilations, alien abductions, and government cover-ups, but provided vague details and no verifiable evidence. Newton criticizes the lack of names, dates, and places, and the reliance on 'faith' rather than evidence, likening it to a religion. He warns that such ufology can lead to the media branding all ufologists as gullible fools.

Action in Clacton

This brief report notes multiple sightings of triangular-shaped objects over Clacton-on-Sea in early May 1996, coinciding with similar sightings in the Derby area. The report indicates that a fuller report will follow once more details are gathered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFOTIMES include the critical examination of UFO evidence, the analysis of photographic and video material, and the investigation of alleged extraterrestrial encounters. The magazine appears to adopt a skeptical yet open-minded stance, favoring rational explanations and scientific investigation over sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear emphasis on debunking hoaxes and misinterpretations, while still acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance seems to be one of promoting critical thinking and evidence-based research within the field of ufology, as exemplified by the critiques of Jaime Maussan and Tony Dodd, and the detailed analysis of the Santilli film and UFO statistics.