Intern Avis For NUFOC - 1977 no 02

Magazine Overview

This document is the second issue of 'Intern avis for NUFOC', an internal newsletter from the Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC), dated April 25, 1977. The newsletter is in Norwegian and serves as a platform for internal communication and discussion within the organization. It costs 20 Norwegian Kroner per year to subscribe.

Table of Contents

• The issue includes:
• Pages 1-2: Letters to the Editor ('Brev til Redaksjonen')
• Pages 3-9: Press and Weekly Magazines ('Presse og Ukeblad') - Discussion of 'For and against flying saucers'
• Page 10: Organizational Matters ('Organisasjonsmessig') - 'Interesting cases are being investigated.'

Letters to the Editor

The section 'Brev til Redaksjonen' features a letter from Kåre Elvik of NUFOC Østl. Elvik expresses concern that the editor has already violated NUFOC's statutes by publishing articles like 'Men in black' and 'The hollow earth'. He argues that these articles go against NUFOC's purpose of countering incorrect and misleading information about UFOs. Elvik emphasizes that while the newsletter is internal, its content could potentially be accessed by outsiders, leading to misunderstandings. He urges the editor to refrain from publishing such articles in the future, reminding that NUFOC is a serious organization.

The editor responds by explaining the decision-making process for including articles. The primary goal of the internal newsletter is improved internal communication, focusing on information of interest to NUFOC members. The editor clarifies that the internal newsletter's content is not necessarily as thoroughly processed as in other publications and that the aim is to avoid misunderstandings with outsiders. The editor acknowledges that the mentioned stories might pose a problem and that the internal newsletter is the appropriate forum to address such issues, aiming to counter their influence. The editor also stresses the importance of members being aware of potentially damaging 'flimsy material' to effectively counter it. The newsletter invites feedback from members on its content and format.

Press and Weekly Magazines: Debate on Flying Saucers

This extensive section (pages 3-9) presents a debate among several individuals regarding the existence and nature of flying saucers (UFOs). The discussion is framed as a response to articles in Swedish weekly magazines.

• Participants include:
• Dag Romell: Civil engineer and former associate of Hannes Alfvén, a researcher in alternative technology.
• Rubert Siemerling: Phil kand. and biologist at Uppsala University.
• K. Gosta Rehn: Phil and jur. kand., author of books on UFOs.
• Bjarne Håkansson: A leading figure in the Swedish UFO movement and author.

The debate covers several key points:

Historical Context and Prevalence: The participants acknowledge that UFO sightings have been reported for millennia, with numerous documented cases from authorities, astronomers, and seafarers. They note a significant increase in reports since 1945 and a shift in scientific and public attitudes, moving from outright denial to a greater acceptance of the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation.

Extraterrestrial Origin Hypothesis: Several participants, including Rehn and Håkansson, strongly advocate for the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs. They cite the vast amount of empirical evidence, including sightings by credible witnesses (scientists, pilots, police), and the advanced capabilities of the observed craft.

Scientific Scrutiny and Evidence: Siemerling, a biologist, expresses a more cautious approach, emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific evidence. He highlights the biological challenges of long-duration space travel, such as maintaining a viable ecosystem, and suggests that any visitors might be robotic probes rather than living beings. He points out that even at one-third the speed of light, interstellar travel takes significant time (e.g., 25 years round trip for a probe to Alpha Centauri).

Technological Capabilities: Romell and Håkansson discuss the extraordinary capabilities of UFOs, such as rapid acceleration and abrupt course changes, suggesting they operate under unknown natural laws or possess technology far beyond human understanding. Håkansson likens the human inability to comprehend UFO technology to that of a Stone Age person trying to understand an airplane.

Counterarguments and Skepticism: Siemerling remains hesitant, stating he needs more concrete proof and cannot comment on theories involving manipulation of gravity. He prefers to stick to more conventional explanations like plasma phenomena (e.g., ball lightning) until more compelling evidence emerges. He also notes that while some UFO reports might be explained by atmospheric phenomena, a significant number remain unexplained.

The Condon Report: Siemerling references the Condon Report, mentioning that the Swedish general staff showed interest in UFOs as early as 1946, predating American interest.

Human Factor and Psychology: Håkansson suggests that some scientists' resistance to UFOs stems from psychological immaturity or an inability to accept the possibility of extraterrestrial presence. He argues that a holistic view is needed, rather than relying solely on physics.

Specific UFO Phenomena: The discussion touches upon humanoid sightings, landed craft, and the 'pattern' of UFO formations, such as the one observed in Farsta, Stockholm, in 1975, where a central light was surrounded by six others that accelerated rapidly.

The Plasma Theory: Rehn brings up the plasma theory again, quoting Professor Allen Hynek, who stated that while few UFOs can be explained as ball lightning, a large number have been observed under conditions not conducive to such phenomena. Hynek himself considered UFOs one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century.

Contactee Reports: Siemerling expresses skepticism towards 'contactee' reports, finding their characterization questionable.

Possible Motives for Visitation: Siemerling speculates that extraterrestrial visitors might have scientific interests, such as collecting biological samples (viruses, bacteria), or view Earth as a nature reserve.

The Role of NUFOC: The debate implicitly underscores NUFOC's role in investigating and discussing these phenomena, aiming to provide a platform for different viewpoints and to counter misinformation.

Organizational Matters

This brief section indicates that 'interesting cases are being investigated' by the organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature and reality of UFOs, the scientific and public debate surrounding them, and the internal dynamics of UFO organizations like NUFOC. The editorial stance, as expressed by the editor and supported by some contributors, is to address UFO phenomena seriously, counter misinformation, and encourage open discussion within the organization, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and evidence. There is a clear tension between those advocating for a more open-minded, inclusive approach to UFO evidence and those demanding strict adherence to scientific methodology and established facts.

This document is a page from a publication titled 'INTERESSANTE SAKER UNDERSØKES' (Interesting Cases Investigated). It appears to be a newsletter or magazine section dedicated to exploring unexplained phenomena and cases, likely related to UFOs.

Investigations in Northern Norway

The editorial team reports on their efforts to gather information from their representatives in Northern Norway. Following a previous issue where they stated they had not heard from their contacts, they received material from their representative in Tromsø, Kristian Willumsen. Willumsen had placed a public appeal for witnesses in the newspaper 'Nordlys' and had done a commendable job.

This appeal resulted in two interesting observations being reported: one from Senja and another from Dyrøya. The publication extends its compliments to Willumsen for his effective work.

Unresponsive Pilot Case

The publication also mentions a radio message received from a pilot on a flight from Tromsø to Værnes. Despite sending inquiries with return postage, the pilot has remained silent, described as being 'as silent as the grave'. Further attempts to get a response through letters to their local representative, Jens P. Gitlesen, have also been unsuccessful, leading to the conclusion that Gitlesen might be 'out of the picture'.

Handling Unresponsive Individuals

This situation prompts an interesting question: 'What do we do when a flight captain consistently fails to respond to serious inquiries?' The publication speculates that the term 'UFO' might have made the pilot hesitant to engage, a reaction they can understand to some extent.

Future Content

The next issue is slated to discuss Article 14 of the constitution, exploring the potential consequences of its breach.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this excerpt are the investigation of unexplained phenomena, the importance of witness testimony, and the challenges of obtaining information from reluctant sources. The editorial stance appears to be one of persistent inquiry and a commitment to exploring even difficult or sensitive cases, while also acknowledging potential public apprehension towards topics like UFOs. The publication also shows an interest in the legal and constitutional implications related to their investigations.