Intern Avis For NUFOC - 1977 no 01

Magazine Overview

This document is the first issue of 'INTERN avis for NUFOC', an internal newsletter from the Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC), dated March 23, 1977. It is volume 1, issue 1, and costs 20 Norwegian Kroner per year for subscription. The newsletter is edited by Terje Hansen and NUFOC ØSTL. The cover features various stylized illustrations of UFOs and figures, along with the NUFOC logo.

Editorial and Purpose

The editorial section, titled 'Et nytt fremskritt?' (A New Advancement?), introduces the internal newsletter as a means to improve communication within NUFOC. It aims to relieve the workload of the main publications, 'Rapportnytt' and 'UFO - Forum', by handling internal matters and information that may not be suitable for public release. The newsletter also intends to foster discussions among members, allowing for a less reserved approach than external communication. The editor expresses hope that the newsletter will contribute to the organization's positive development, emphasizing that its success depends on member participation and submitted material.

NUFOC's Functionality and Reporting Issues

An article by K. Stenødegård, 'NUFOC FUNGERER GODT, MEN IKKE GODT NOK' (NUFOC Functions Well, But Not Well Enough), critically assesses the organization's performance in tracking UFO reports. While NUFOC's own analysis of Norwegian press coverage in 1975 and 1976 showed a certain number of mentions, a report from the press clipping agency Argus revealed that NUFOC had missed over half of the UFO-related articles in 1976. This indicates a significant failure in their registration system, with an estimated effectiveness of less than 50%. The article highlights a 'marked failure' among some reporters, going beyond mere 'slips'.

To address this, NUFOC ØST, represented by Kåre Elvik, has acquired its own Argus press clipping subscription, funded personally by Elvik. This initiative is seen as a positive step, with the intention of benefiting the entire NUFOC organization. The article also notes that NUFOC has historically been fortunate to have dedicated individuals ('ildsjeler') who contribute beyond their expected roles.

Regional Reporting Challenges

The 'NORD - NORGE ET PROBLEM' (North Norway - A Problem) section addresses the persistent issue of weak reporter coverage in the northernmost counties of Norway. Despite having reporters in Fauske, Bodø, and Tromsø, there has been little or no recent communication from them, even after attempts to engage them for an apparently significant case. Kåre Elvik has offered to cover North Norway using his personal Argus subscription, a move that is viewed very positively by the organization.

The article stresses that stagnation is regression and that constant improvement and development are necessary, especially given the volume of UFO-related activity globally. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of NUFOC's functions, where a failure in one area can have ripple effects throughout the organization.

Global Section Issues

The 'GLOBAL SEKSJONEN' (The Global Section) is identified as NUFOC's most significant problem area. It has struggled to function as an independent unit, with other sections often taking over its duties. Anton Lidstrøm and Astrid Svelmoe have been heavily involved, along with NUFOC Vest, which has handled translation work. However, these individuals are already overloaded, leading to many tasks of the Global Section remaining undone. NUFOC Sør has recently agreed to take over the Global Section, but it is too early to assess the results. The section requires a substantial number of staff to handle its broad scope, including international contacts and translation.

Interesting Cases Under Investigation

'INTERESSANTE SAKER UNDERSØKES' (Interesting Cases Under Investigation) details several intriguing reports:

• Braathens Flight Incident: On February 8, 1977, a Braathens flight en route to Værnes reported being followed by a mysterious object. The flight control at Værnes stated no other aircraft were in the vicinity. Astrid Svelmoe investigated, finding that the incident was not logged at Værnes. The flight was SAFE flight 893. NUFOC contacted the airline and the captain, sending a report form. Representatives in Hafrsfjord are following up.
• Luminous Object in Nordland/Nord-Trøndelag: On the night of February 8, 1977, numerous witnesses in Nordland and Nord-Trøndelag reported a luminous object. It was observed by personnel at Værnes Airport using night vision, described as very high, equipped with two reflectors and a strong central light, and moving slowly. Anton Lidstrøm in Nordli also witnessed it, along with others, estimating its size to be larger than Venus. Meteorological data indicated minimal wind above 2,500 meters. Representatives in North Norway have not yet responded to inquiries.

Press and UFO Articles: Flips or Facts?

An article titled 'PRESSE OG UKEET AD ARTIKLER. UFC fleip eller fakta ?' (Press and Weekly Ads Articles. UFO Flips or Facts?) discusses the nature of UFO reports and explanations. Kai Møller, a UFO representative for SUFOI in Sønderjylland, suggests that many observations have natural explanations. He notes that while SUFOI receives many reports, finding definitive explanations is difficult due to varying witness accounts and imprecise geographical knowledge.

• Jet Crash near Frørup: Following a jet crash near Frørup, some witnesses claimed an 'fireball' followed the plane. The official explanation involved the pilot flying upside down, which Møller finds unlikely.
• Common Misidentifications: Møller points out common misidentifications, such as satellites and meteorological balloons being mistaken for UFOs. Ionized clouds and city neon lights can also create illusions.

Men in Black (MIB)

The section 'MIB (MEN IN BLACK)' discusses the phenomenon of 'Men in Black' as reported in UFO literature. These are typically described as three men, dressed entirely in black, who appear to witnesses of UFO events. They are often associated with strange occurrences, such as televisions malfunctioning during sightings. While many dismiss them as folklore, the article notes that many individuals claim to have had direct encounters. The article suggests that the MIB phenomenon may be linked to the American Air Force or CIA, but also notes reports of them disappearing instantly. The article mentions that the MIB seem particularly interested in individuals researching the 'Hollow Earth' hypothesis. It is suggested that the MIB may have established a presence in Sweden, with a Swedish colleague being a target of their attention.

The Hollow Earth Theory

'MER OM DEN HULE JORD' (More About The Hollow Earth) explores the 'Hollow Earth' theory, which posits that the Earth is hollow and inhabited. The article mentions the existence of 'THE HOLLOW EARTH SOCIETY' in London, which has many members engaged in research on the topic. A case from Paris is recounted: a young woman who disappeared for two months was found and told a story of falling into a hulesystem, being attacked by 'fur-clad beings', and taken to a strange place resembling a laboratory. This story, though seemingly fantastical, was reportedly followed up by the British organization, which found evidence of the elevator shaft damage in Paris. The article notes that the theory is considered absurd by many but suggests staying informed about developments in this area. It also mentions a book titled 'THIS HOLLOW EARTH' by Warren Saidth.

Flying Force (Flyvåpenet)

The 'FLYVÅPENET' (The Air Force) section discusses the potential for the Air Force to provide valuable UFO observation data. However, this information is not publicly available. The article notes that the Air Force uses questionnaires similar to those used by UFO organizations but does not release the data. It is suggested that the Air Force may eventually become more involved in tracking and registering UFOs due to their radar capabilities, but a 'barricade' exists regarding the release of information. The article also mentions that in the USA, presidential candidate J. Carter has pledged to make all classified UFO reports public, stating he has seen a flying saucer himself in Georgia in 1975.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting, information gathering, and internal communication within NUFOC. It highlights the challenges faced by UFO organizations in collecting and verifying data, as well as the need to distinguish between genuine phenomena and misidentifications or hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, willing to investigate even seemingly fringe topics like 'Men in Black' and the 'Hollow Earth' theory, while maintaining a critical perspective and acknowledging the difficulties in proving such phenomena. There is a clear call for increased member participation and a commitment to improving the organization's operational efficiency and information dissemination.