Disclosure Australia (AURA) - No 31 - Dec 2006

Magazine Overview

Title: DISCLOSURE AUSTRALIA
Issue: NEWSLETTER THIRTY-ONE
Date: December 2006
Publisher: DISCLOSURE AUSTRALIA
Country: Australia

This issue details the findings of the Disclosure Australia Project's extensive search for UFO-related files within Australian government records. The project, active from June 2003 to November 2006, aimed to uncover and examine documents pertaining to the UFO phenomenon, utilizing both the Archives Act and the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

UFO Files Located in the Australian Government Records System

Introduction

The search, while thorough, was acknowledged as incomplete. Key challenges included the limited indexing of the National Archives of Australia's (NAA) electronic RecordSearch system (only about 10% of the collection), the expense of broad FOI requests, and the 'hit and miss' nature of searching the NAA's database, which often required slight adjustments to search terms to reveal relevant files.

Nomenclature and Procedural Issues

A primary issue was nomenclature, as searches for 'UFOs' also yielded files with terms like 'flying saucers,' 'aerial objects,' 'unusual aerial sightings,' and 'strange occurrences.' Another challenge arose from the dual use of the Archives Act and FOI Acts, sometimes requiring files held under one act to be accessed via the other. Furthermore, files marked 'not yet examined' at the NAA had to be returned to their originating authority for clearance, a process that could take up to twelve months.

The sheer volume of material uncovered, exceeding 10,000 pages, was significant. This information has been disseminated through newsletters, 'Revelations' columns, national conferences, CD-ROM sets, and the project's website. The NAA was commended for its helpfulness, as were the RAAF's FOI staff.

Government Agencies with UFO Files

The project identified records of 146 files originating from or concerning UFOs or UFO organizations within several government bodies:

• Former Department of Supply (1952-1972): Files primarily documented incidents at Woomera, particularly in the early 1950s, but showed little analysis. The department's role appeared to be collecting and forwarding reports.
• Former Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) (1952-1973) & Current Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTRS) (1973-2005): The DCA was a lead agency in collecting 'flying saucer' reports, liaising with the Department of Air (DOA). DOTRS, its successor, confirmed having a small number of 'UFO' reports in its aviation occurrence database.
• Former Department of Territories (1959-1965): This agency referred raw reports from Papua New Guinea (PNG) to the Department of Defence (DOD) without analysis.
• Former Department of External Affairs (1954): The Federal Minister, R G Casey, showed personal interest, collecting information via Australian Embassies and corresponding with CSIRO staff.
• Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) (1956-1972): ASIO and the former Commonwealth Investigation Section (CIS) held files related to the Queensland Flying Saucer Bureau and the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society, aligning with their intelligence charter.
• Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) (1952-1989): CSIRO generally stated it did not conduct field work but some staff, like Dr Michael Duggin, investigated reports individually. Their files mainly contained responses to public queries.
• Department of Defence (DOD) (1951-2006): This included:
• Royal Australian Navy: Four files were located, two concerning the 1954 Nowra Navy pilot incident. Other files dealt with 'Unidentified flying object sightings' and 'Earth satellites, space vehicles, Unidentified Flying Objects-general.'
• Australian Army: Three files were found, including one titled 'Flying saucers re O L Alwin' and another titled 'Reports-General-Flying Objects.' Correspondence indicated the Army had received no UFO reports associated with military exercises.
• Former Department of Air / Current RAAF (1939-1973 onwards): The Directorate of Air Force Intelligence (DAFI) led the collection and examination of UFO reports from the early 1950s. The RAAF's policy files suggested that examining UFO reports was often seen as a tedious chore rather than a scientific pursuit, with the primary concern being Australian security.

Key Questions Arising from Document Examination

After reviewing over ten thousand government UFO documents, key questions emerged:

• What did these Government Departments do with the gathered material, and why?
• Did any Government Agency conduct scientific research into the subject?
• Were there any interesting 'unknowns' found in Government files?

Departmental File Details

• Department of Supply: Files focused on Woomera incidents, with security documenting sightings but offering little analysis. Head Office UFO files were not found.
• Department of Civil Aviation: Actively collected reports in the early 1950s and liaised with the DOA.
• Department of Territories: Referred PNG reports to the DOD.
• Department of External Affairs: Minister R G Casey collected information through embassies.
• ASIO/CIS: Focused on UFO groups, consistent with their charter.
• CSIRO: Responded to public queries and cooperated with the RAAF on report examination.
• Department of Defence (Navy): Files included the Nowra incident and general sightings.
• Department of Defence (Army): Limited files, with no reports found linked to military exercises.
• RAAF: DAFI was the primary collector. Internal memos revealed a pragmatic, task-oriented approach, with one quote stating, 'The investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects is understandably a tedious task and one in which the investigator may frequently have little faith or interest.' Another stated, 'As you are probably aware the Department of Air is concerned solely with any possible threat to Australian security and does not go into detailed scientific investigation of UFO reports.' However, there were indications of softening attitudes, with scientists expressing interest in 'unexplained UFOs.' DAFI attempted to delegate tasks to the Joint Intelligence Bureau and the Department of Supply.

Policy Changes and RAAF's Role

A major policy change was announced on 2 May 1984: 'UNUSUAL AERIAL SIGHTINGS - RAAF CHANGE IN POLICY.' The RAAF would henceforth investigate only those sightings suggesting a defense or national security implication. Reports without such implications would be recorded and the observer directed to civilian research organizations. This policy lasted ten years.

In 1994, the DOD policy changed again: 'Unidentified Aerial Sightings. Revised policy.' The RAAF ceased devoting resources to recording, investigating, and explaining UAS, stating 'The RAAF no longer accepts reports on UAS.' UAS related to defense, security, or public safety were to be reported to police or civilian authorities. This change was not to be publicized via press release.

Post-1994 and DOD Response

Since 1994, the DOD has referred public sighting reports to civilian UFO groups. A 2004 FOI request to various DOD areas (Army, Navy, DSTO, intelligence) for files from 1977-2004 yielded no results. The current DOD website directs inquiries about UAS to local police or civilian UFO research organizations. The RAAF's stated reason for ceasing its function was that 'the collective evidence did not warrant the continued allocation of resources.'

A letter from the Project to the then Minister for Defence, Robert Hill, sought clarification on current DOD practices regarding UAS reports, especially from DOD personnel, airline crew, and air traffic controllers, and whether any scientific research had been conducted. The response confirmed the RAAF's cessation of UAS investigation and stated that Defence does not accept UAS reports, does not maintain records on them, and has never conducted scientific research into UAS.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the Australian government's historical approach to UFO phenomena, characterized by collection and documentation rather than in-depth scientific investigation. The RAAF, as the primary agency for decades, eventually ceased its involvement, citing a lack of compelling evidence and resource allocation concerns. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination of government transparency and the historical handling of UFO-related information, highlighting the limitations and bureaucratic processes involved in accessing and understanding these files. The lack of evidence for scientific research into UFOs by government departments is a significant point emphasized throughout the article.

Title: Disclosure Australia
Issue: 31 (December 2006)
Publisher: Disclosure Australia
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of Disclosure Australia focuses on historical UFO investigations, beginning with an examination of the United Kingdom's involvement and then detailing a comprehensive list of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) reported cases.

A Detour to the United Kingdom

The article begins by exploring the RAAF's policy regarding UFOs and their inquiries into the British government's stance. It highlights the findings of Dr. David Clarke and Andy Roberts in their 2002 book, 'Out of the Shadows,' which revealed that the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD), through its Directorate of Scientific and Technical Intelligence (DSTI) and predecessors, had indeed studied UFO reports dating back to the 1950s. The DSTI's interest was primarily driven by the need to protect UK airspace from potential threats. Consideration was given to creating a scientific post for UFO investigations, with a scientist in DI55, Dr. John Dickison, being responsible for investigating interesting reports. However, by 2001, DSTI (later DIST) ceased reviewing UFO reports, concluding they were of no defence interest. The MoD, in 2000, stated that while open-minded about extraterrestrial life, they were unaware of evidence proving such phenomena existed, and an analysis concluded that studied information had no significant Defence Intelligence value.

Back to Australia: RAAF Cases

The publication then shifts focus to Australia, presenting a detailed summary of numerous interesting UFO reports found within RAAF files. These cases span from 1956 to 1987 and are presented chronologically, with dates, locations, durations, witness details, and descriptions of the phenomena observed. Each entry includes the RAAF file reference and, where applicable, an official explanation or conclusion in square brackets.

Key Incidents and Observations:

• December 7, 1956 (Tambar Springs, NSW): Witnesses reported hearing jet engines and seeing a white, disk-shaped, spinning object descend, then ascend rapidly and disappear.
• September 27, 1957 (Tasmania): An Air Traffic Controller observed a white light moving south at high speed, appearing spherical or circular through binoculars.
• June 26, 1959 (Goodenough Bay, Papua and New Guinea): An object described as a 'rugger football' with visible portholes and a glow was observed descending and hovering.
• July 7, 1959 (Burren Junction, NSW): A police constable reported a bright red light on an object hovering over trees. Other witnesses reported seeing 'big grey cattle float' and a 'large grey thing' with a dome.
• September 24, 1959 (Mandourah and Doctors Gully, NT): A large, black, shallow object was seen moving at high speed, shooting upwards.
• October 4, 1960 (Cresssy, Tas): A long, cigar-shaped object emerged from a rain squall, followed by smaller saucer-like objects.
• November 15, 1960 (15 miles north of Launceston, Tas): A USAF aircraft crew reported an unusual, translucent, fuzzy object at high altitude.
• June 3, 1961 (Darwin, NT): Radar detected an object that descended rapidly and hovered.
• February 15, 1963 (Willow Grove via Moe, Vic): A bluish, rotating object with a battleship grey upper portion was observed hovering and ascending.
• May 19, 1963 (Mt Gambier, SA): A bright red/white, bull-dozer-shaped object was seen on the road, then ascended rapidly.
• July 25, 1963 (Warragul, Vic): A circular, grey object with a noise similar to a jet aircraft was observed.
• January 23, 1964 (Between Cape Grey & NE Point, Groote Eylandt, NT): A boat's compass behaved erratically, and a strange, ghostly white light was seen in the water.
• January 13, 1965 (Shannon): Qantas flight crew reported multiple UFO sightings, including vapour trails and distinct contrails, and radar contacts described as 'angels.'
• August 4, 1965 (Orange, NSW): An object resembling a 'helicopter' with an 'aerial' was observed approaching from the SW.
• January 19, 1966 (Tully, Qld): A light grey, dull object, approximately 25 feet long and 8-9 feet deep, was seen rising vertically and rotating.
• May 10, 1966 (Melbourne, Vic): Radar detected a trace that repeatedly disappeared and reappeared.
• August 14, 1966 (Kunnunurra, WA): A bright light slowed and became stationary, with several red lights approaching, hovering, and then a silver, oval 'flying saucer' ascended and landed.
• September 4, 1966 (Yarram, Vic): An 'extended light flat on the ground' rose vertically and disappeared.
• October 10, 1966 (Laverton, Vic): Two Air Traffic Controllers observed a light maneuvering and then remaining stationary.
• October 28, 1966 (King Sound, WA): A conical-shaped glow was observed travelling fast to the NE.
• January 14, 1967 (Armidale, NSW): A noiseless white object, described as a 'square like large box kite,' revolved rapidly.
• January 21, 1967 (Kurri Kurri, NSW): An object was seen and a loud hum with 'undecipherable voices' was heard.
• July 5, 1967 (Murray Bridge, SA): A 'large dark shadow' with a greyish-blue glow was seen after car radio interference and the vehicle's engine stopping.
• April 22, 1968 (RAAF Williamstown, NSW): A yellow light traveled from S to N.
• September 9, 1968 (RAAF Laverton): A RAAF pilot saw an object below and to his left, which traveled rapidly and was lost into cloud.
• August 22, 1968 (Zanthus, WA): A formation of aircraft, including a large central craft and smaller escorting craft, was observed, which then split into two sections and departed at high speed.
• October 18, 1968 (Darwin, NT): A RAF Hercules crew observed an aircraft with white lights but no navigation or anti-collision beacons.
• November 13, 1968 (Darwin, NT): A met. Officer detected an object on radar described as a 'definite echo' that appeared to come directly towards the observer then reverse.
• February 17, 1969 (Flinders Park, Adelaide, SA): A silver grey inverted saucer was seen on the ground, surrounded by white light, with a humanoid figure walking around it.
• May 23, 1969 (Kalamunda, WA): Radar detected a strong stationary paint, and a 'big street light' was reported.
• July 5, 1969 (Roleystone, WA): A silver metallic object, several times larger than the Moon, turned and banked frequently, disappearing into cloud. Another witness saw a silver, metallic mushroom-shaped object.
• April 29, 1971 (Richmond, NSW): Flashing red, green, and white lights were observed, described as three times the size of Venus, with radar contact.
• June 2, 1970 (Zanci Station, NSW): Two small red lights were seen, which resolved into a bright diamond-shaped object, larger than a semi-trailer, which rose and faded.
• June 29, 1970 (Sepik River, PNG): Radar detected five cigar-shaped objects keeping station with an aircraft.
• June 18, 1971 (Burketown, Qld): An object resembling an illuminated cigar shape, orange to red in color, was seen traveling slowly and then rapidly.
• November 28, 1971 (Woomera, SA): An object shaped like a cross was tracked moving in a shallow upward curve.
• December 20, 1971 (Woomera, SA): A tiny silver dot, described as an aircraft, was observed ahead of a vapour trail.
• July 3 & 25, 1972 (Mooraduc, Vic): An object with an iridescent blue light hovered and followed a car.
• February 4, 1973 (Near Kimba, SA): A red and orange rectangle of light was seen with a figure in a white space suit visible within it.
• June 13, 1985 (Lake Clifton, WA): A bright orange light was observed on the road, traveling at the same speed as the witness's car, causing physical discomfort and a smoldering smell.
• June 9, 1987 (Learmouth, WA): A wispy thin cloud object, white and pulsating to amber, moved in a zig-zag pattern and then at great speed.
• July 25, 1987 (Near Jamestown, SA): A bright red craft, approximately 12 feet wide and 8-9 feet high, with portholes, was seen on the ground, and a shuffling sound was heard.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the document is the detailed cataloging of unexplained aerial phenomena, primarily focusing on official government and military records. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting factual accounts from these records, allowing the evidence to speak for itself, while implicitly suggesting that many of these cases warrant further investigation beyond the conclusions reached by the respective government bodies. The article highlights the discrepancy between the detailed nature of the sightings and the often dismissive or inconclusive official explanations, underscoring a potential lack of thorough scientific examination of these phenomena.