Contact Rhodesia - No 4 - 1972

Magazine Overview

Title: AFRICA
Issue Date: April 1972
Publisher: CONTACT (RHODESIA)
Location: Bulawayo, Rhodesia, Southern Africa

This issue of AFRICA magazine, dated April 1972, serves as Newsletter No. 4 from CONTACT (RHODESIA). It addresses a considerable interval since the previous newsletter, offering apologies for the delay and bringing members up to date on recent activities and discussions within the UFO and Contact community.

Editorial

The editorial section begins with an apology for the delay in publishing the newsletter. It recaps recent events, including a tape recording of a talk on UFOs from the SUN conference and a presentation by Mrs. Elise Thompson on telepathy and its connection to UFOs. Notably, Mr. Peter Evans, known for the RTV program 'Shores of Infinity', shared his 'decidedly ANTI' opinions on UFOs. A recent skywatch, attended by twenty-five people, unfortunately yielded no UFO sightings due to weather, though attendees enjoyed observing the moon and stars. The editorial also mentions upcoming reports from South Africa and looks forward to the next International Skywatch on June 26th, suggesting a potential change of location from the Maleme Dam site. Efforts are underway to gather more data for club members by requesting tapes and films from various parts of the world. The editorial emphasizes the global reach of Contact, with thirty branches worldwide, and welcomes Hong Kong as a new member country. It highlights the role of International Contact Members (ICMs) in maintaining connections and mentions receiving information from the ICM in South Africa, Mrs. Maisie Mitchell, and greetings from the ICM in Yugoslavia, Mr. V. Strmenik. The organization expresses pride in being part of a group that transcends modern world barriers.

Brief on the International Newsletter

This section details information from the latest International Newsletter, sent by the International Chairman, the Hon. Brinsley Le Poor Trench. It notes the addition of three new members, including Hong Kong under Mr. Henry Chan, illustrating the organization's spread. A Data Research Division in the U.K. is actively collecting UFO sighting information to form a register, with data to be made available to ICMs and members. The section also addresses a situation involving Mr. K.J. Palmer, a former member of a precursor UFO organization, who is reportedly trying to persuade Contact members to join his group. The editorial stance is firm: Contact (Rhodesia) will remain with Contact International, valuing its unity and organization.

Theosophy and the U.F.O.

Written by R. Webster, this piece explores the connection between Theosophy and UFOs. It posits that the idea of other evolving and intelligent beings in the universe is not new to Theosophists. The author suggests that intelligences and their machines are approaching Earth, whether on a physical or other plane of existence, though their identity and purpose remain mysterious. A key observed phenomenon is the UFO's ability to appear and disappear at will, which is vaguely explained as entering another dimension (higher, lower, fourth, or second). The article concludes by urging humanity to behave in a way that allows these intelligences to make contact, potentially bringing scientific and moral advances.

World Round Up: Letter from U.K.

This section features a letter from Mr. D. Guyatt, editor of the U.K. Contact magazine 'Awareness'. He mentions that 'Awareness' has undergone reorganization and suggests the inclusion of a 'world spot' for articles from contributors worldwide, noting that 'Awareness' is one of the best-produced magazines globally. The U.K. secretary's address is provided for members wishing to submit articles or ideas.

Sightings in South Africa

This report details a sighting by Mrs. S. Dreier of Durban on February 12th, 1972. She observed a bright light, larger than a star and within the atmosphere, for nearly an hour and a half. The object appeared solid, remained stationary for a period, and then drifted away behind the hills of Berea. Mrs. Dreier described the object's glow as bright yellow/red with silver streaks. Her husband and a neighbor corroborated her account, and their drawings were noted for their detail, aligning with the type of sightings Contact seeks.

Summary and Comment

This section reviews Erich Von Daniken's book "Chariot of the Gods," referencing a synopsis previously published in a South African magazine. The reviewer acknowledges the book's availability as a paperback and recommends it. While appreciating the magazine's effort, the reviewer feels the article did not do justice to the book's informative and readable nature. The author's research is praised, and his presentation of a solid argument that allows readers to form their own conclusions is highlighted. The book explores the theory that spacemen may have been humanity's forefathers or mentors, suggesting that Earth's culture could be rooted in contact with space peoples, supported by historical documents and artifacts. The book's introduction is quoted: "It took courage to write this book and it will take courage to read it." The book is deemed essential for UFO enthusiasts.

What Would You Do?

This reflective piece, dated March 1972, addresses the potential reactions of individuals upon encountering a UFO, especially if they believe it to be a vehicle for extraterrestrial beings. It contrasts frightening experiences that cause fear with those that inspire awe and wonder. The author poses a hypothetical scenario: if one believes in UFOs as transports for beings from other worlds, and suddenly has a sighting, will they have the presence of mind to observe details like size, shape, and speed? The piece encourages readers to overcome fear, recognize the potential significance of such an event as a breakthrough for mankind, and be ready to extend a friendly hand to potential visitors from space. It questions whether readers are prepared for such a possibility.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing efforts of the Contact organization to gather and disseminate information on UFOs, foster international cooperation, and prepare members for potential extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance is one of commitment to the international Contact organization, a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO research, and encouragement for members to be observant and ready for significant events. There is a clear emphasis on unity within the organization and a rejection of divisive tactics.