Fund for UFO Research Inc.

Magazine Overview

This document is a Quarterly Report from the Fund for UFO Research Inc., covering the period of October to December 1987. It details the organization's activities, appeals for donations, research initiatives, and notable events in the UFO field.

Activities and Initiatives

The Fund continued its appeals for donations to fund the verification and analysis of "abduction traces," specifically chemical samples. A significant effort was being made to analyze approximately 2,000 letters received by Budd Hopkins in response to an article on abductions in OMNI magazine. The goal was to develop a database from these letters.

The organization also produced a one-hour videotape summarizing the International MUFON Symposium, created by Fred Whiting, Secretary-Treasurer of the Fund. This tape focuses on current research into crash/retrieval cases and the abduction phenomenon. Additionally, four audio tapes were made available, featuring complete abduction panel discussions, Bill Moore's dinner lecture on his MJ-12 investigations, presentations by Juan Ballester-Olmos (Spain) and Jun-ichi Yaoi (Japan), and a panel discussion on government involvement in the UFO controversy across several countries.

Media Appearances and Defense of Abductees

Dr. Bruce Maccabee, Chairman of the Fund, made several notable media appearances. In October, he appeared on the Geraldo Rivera TV program with Budd Hopkins and abductees. In December, he was on the "Larry King Live" TV show with Rona Barrett, Whitley Strieber, Dr. Harvey Ruben, and Philip Klass. During these appearances, Dr. Maccabee utilized findings from a Fund-supported psychological study of nine abductees. He corrected Dr. Harvey Ruben's suggestion that abductees are mentally ill and countered Philip Klass's implication that the study showed abductees were psychologically disturbed. Dr. Maccabee emphasized that the study's key finding was that standard psychological tests revealed no deficit that could explain why the abductees reported their experiences.

Australian UFO Incident

A significant UFO incident was reported in Australia in late January. An object reportedly chased a truck, lifted a car with four passengers, and then dropped it, leaving a residue of black ash on the roof. The object also buzzed a tuna boat. The report highlighted the rarity of a daylight sighting with multiple witnesses, the apparent levitation of an automobile, and the presence of physical traces.

Financial and Operational Matters

The Executive Committee authorized an immediate payment of up to $500 to investigate the Australian case, contacting Walt Andrus of the Mutual UFO Network and Keith Basterfield, the principal Australian investigator. This highlights the need for a rapid response capability for UFO investigators globally.

The Fund established a Rapid Response Fund to cover the expenses of investigators in such cases, relying on public support. Contributors of $50 or more to this fund would receive a report on the Australian physical trace case.

The Treasurer's Report for the 4th Quarter of 1987 shows total assets of $3,363.81 at the end of the quarter, with expenditures totaling $10,612.99. Income, primarily from donations ($2,835.30) and sales ($2,454.80), amounted to $5,272.74. The report notes that expenditures included significant amounts for supplies, mail services, printing/video, and postage. Donations included funds specifically for MJ-12 document verification and abduction trace analysis.

Due to the costs associated with printing and mailing the Quarterly Report, the Fund announced that beginning in the 1st Quarter of 1988, the report would only be mailed to individuals who had contributed at least $5.00 in the previous year. Contributors of $10 or more would receive a "I Support UFO Research" button.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The report consistently emphasizes the importance of scientific research into the UFO phenomenon, the need for rigorous investigation, and the value of documenting and analyzing evidence, including witness testimony and physical traces. The Fund positions itself as a facilitator of this research, relying on public donations to support its activities. There is a clear stance against dismissing abduction reports as mere psychological disturbances, advocating for a more evidence-based approach. The organization also highlights the role of media in disseminating information and the importance of having resources available for rapid case investigation.