European Working Team - Issue 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of NOTICE, identified as Volume 1, Number 4, dated June 1982, is a production of GESAG and the European Working Team (EWT).

Editorial and Publication Context

The editorial section, attributed to 'The Editor', expresses significant challenges in publishing NOTICE. These difficulties stem from post office taxation and the prevailing economic situation, which also affect the GESAG Bulletin's edition. To maintain continuity, the proposal is to integrate NOTICE as an appendix within the GESAG Bulletin, starting with the December issue. While acknowledging that this will inevitably provide publicity for EWT, it is presented as the only viable method to sustain an important European-level contribution. The editor seeks reader agreement on this proposal, including whether to mention their identity.

Research Methodology: Strangeness Factors

The document details a research methodology focused on 'Strangeness Factors' applied to UFO cases. The introduction explains that the research selects 'Type 1 phenomena' from very strange cases and typical UFOs, potentially including nocturnal lights and balls of fire. A selection of 621 cases (out of nearly 3000 examined) has been applied to 103 indices of strangeness, grouped into 12 characteristics.

Case Documentation and Classification

Primary documentation consists of a chronological file of the 621 cases and a list of 103 indices. These indices are further categorized into 5 groups, ranging from 'most strange' (factor 5) to 'normal' (factors 1-4), a classification developed by J. Bonabot. The research also considers indices related to science-fiction (S) and mythology (M), drawing from works by B. Méheust and J. Bastide, respectively. The data can be listed in various ways: by country, year, strangeness index, level of strangeness, factor, S/M indicators, or chronological order.

Aim of the Study

The primary objective is to investigate correlations between different indices, location, time, and circumstances. The ultimate goal is to discover a 'scenario' for the phenomenon, understand its mechanics, reactions, evolution, and identify its true nature. However, the author notes the current limitations due to a small sample size, making statistical or comparative studies difficult. The immediate step is to expand the existing files, hence the appeal to EWT members for case submissions.

Subjectivity and Limitations

The research is acknowledged as subjective, with arbitrary index choices that are inherently incomplete. The selection of cases and indices is based on the reported facts, which are not always clearly representative.

Case Listings

The issue contains extensive lists of UFO cases, categorized by country:

Belgian Cases (Strangeness)

This section provides a detailed list of Belgian cases, including date, time, location, province code, and various indicators such as 'BEL', 'METEORITE', 'BALLOON', 'HOAX', 'PSYCHOLOGICAL', 'PROB. HOAX', and specific codes (e.g., C10C13, T05, M07). The list spans from 1935 to 1976, with entries like 'P 1935 N MALINES' and 'En 02.12.1969 night Vallauris'.

Negative Type 1 Phenomena Reports in Belgium

This section lists alleged Type-1 UFO cases and other strange phenomena reported in Belgium since 1698 that have been explained in conventional terms. The data includes date, time, location, Belgian province, type of explanation (e.g., METEORITE, HEALING, BALLOON, HOAX, AERIAL), and the responsible researcher or source.

Italian "Negative" Events

A preliminary list of Italian 'negative' cases (phenomena explained conventionally) that occurred at ground level. Some entries are from Mr. Verga's files, while others are new. The list includes date, hour, location (province), and explanation (e.g., PROB. BALL LIGHTNING, HOAX, VENUS, ASTRONOMICAL PHENOMENON).

Notes and Member Communications

EWT Document and Notes

References are made to EWT documents and notes, including those by J. Bonabot, M. Verga, and J.L. Overal. A questionnaire for 'awake/asleep interface cases' sent by Mr. Verga is mentioned, with a request for contributions from Mr. Keith Basterfied.

Translation Services

EWT is unable to present documents in English from members who have difficulty writing in English and directs such members to contact Miss Jenny Randles for translation.

List Compilation and Future Publications

There is a mention of receiving numerous lists, with a desire for more real research documents and short studies. Future publications planned include a list of Italian Type-1 trace cases by Mr. Verga and a computer index of UFO landing reports in the Iberian Peninsula by Mr. Vicente Juan Ballester Olmos and Mr. J.A. Fornandez.

Donations

Information is provided for making donations to support the publication of NOTICE, specifying amounts in Belgian Francs and preferred payment methods (international money orders, not checks).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges of publishing UFO research materials, the systematic cataloging of UFO sightings and related phenomena, and the development of methodologies for analyzing these events through 'strangeness factors'. The editorial stance is one of perseverance in the face of publication difficulties, a commitment to rigorous (though acknowledged as subjective) research, and a collaborative approach involving EWT members and international researchers. There is a clear emphasis on data collection and organization as a foundational step for future analysis and understanding of UFO phenomena.