Intern Avis For NUFOC - 1977 no 03

Magazine Overview

This document is an internal newsletter titled "INTERN avis for NUFOC" (Internal notice for NUFOC), issue number 3, dated May 25, 1977. It is published by NORSK UFO CENTER and appears to be from Norway. The cover features a collection of line drawings depicting various UFO shapes and figures, with the main headline "INTERN avis for NUFOC".

Table of Contents

• The table of contents for issue number 3 lists the following sections:
• Letters to the editor
• ORGANISASJONSMESSIG. Globalseksjonen, something must be done, quickly
• Visit to UFO-Sweden
• Violation of NUFOC's bylaw paragraph 14 is fatal!

Letters to the Editor

Brev til Redaksjonen (Letter to the Editor)

This section begins with a letter addressing Kåre Elvik's previous contribution and the editor's comments. The author expresses strong agreement with Kåre Elvik's views and commends the editor's remarks. The letter raises two main points: the extent to which internal communications should be 'censored' for potential outside readers, and whether certain content in the internal publication contradicts the organization's purpose as defined in paragraphs 9 and 10. The author agrees that published material can have negative effects, as suggested by Kåre Elvik, and this must be weighed against the need for free internal communication and information.

The author recalls a period of extensive correspondence within NUFOC, which was crucial for informing all leaders about all matters in detail during the organization's formative phase. This continuous contact across geographical distances is seen as a vital foundation for the NUFOC that exists today. As time has passed, members have had to prioritize other tasks, leading to a reduction in correspondence, with a shift towards circulars. However, the need to share interesting information within NUFOC remains. The author clarifies that this does not mean 'gossip' about private matters, but rather sharing interesting material not suitable for external publications.

The letter then revisits the 'MIB' (Men in Black) and 'hollow earth' phenomena mentioned in the first issue. It acknowledges the Swedish friend's experiences and suggests that the 'mystery' might be solved. During a visit to Sundsvall, Sweden, members of UFO-Sverige suggested that the 'three strangers' might have been foreigners with interests unrelated to UFOs, which seemed a plausible explanation. The author notes that MIB cases in UFO literature are often well-witnessed and should not be dismissed outright. The question is posed whether these phenomena are truly UFO-related or something else. The author advocates for filtering information based on documentation rather than perceived strangeness, stating that nothing should be rejected simply because it sounds unbelievable.

K. Stenødegrd contributes a section titled "ORGANISASJONSMESSIG" (Organizational Matters), discussing the "hollow earth" hypothesis. He notes that the case material makes this hypothesis different. He explains that the report sent to the magazine was intended to describe an event involving Paris police and subsequent investigations of an organization in England, acknowledging the story's interest. He argues against dismissing everything that seems unbelievable, especially given the bizarre nature of UFO phenomena, suggesting that digging into various materials might yield clues.

He emphasizes that irrelevant and incorrect information is a problem, but the core issue is the *type* of information being discussed, not just *what* is being discussed. He points to examples in magazines and books that violate paragraph 9 (presumably related to organizational principles or conduct). The main question remains: by what principles should the magazine's content be 'censored'? He agrees with the editor that readers' opinions on this matter should be solicited. He stresses the importance of how sensitive topics are presented to avoid misinterpretation by outside readers. He concludes by thanking Kåre Elvik for raising the issue.

GLOBALSEKSJONEN (Global Section) - Something must be done, quickly

This section describes the Global Section as NUFOC's perennial problem child, never functioning satisfactorily. The work has been divided between Anton Lidertrøm and Astrid Svelmoe, with support from NUFOC Vestlandet, but their available capacity is insufficient. Efforts to find interested individuals have been unsuccessful. NUFOC Sørlandet offered to take over at the beginning of the year, but after nearly six months, no progress has been made, leading to a critical situation for the organization's development.

ORGANISASJONSMESSIG (Organizational Matters)

This part discusses the severe consequences of the current situation for the organization's development, noting that offers for publication space from international UFO magazines have been declined, hindering progress. The author questions whether all members are so burdened with concrete tasks that no one can volunteer for the Global Section. The lack of volunteers has had negative consequences.

A potential solution is the establishment of a Scandinavian UFO Center, which might alleviate the bottleneck. The author urges everyone to make maximum effort to utilize this opportunity, emphasizing the severe negative consequences of the current helpless situation.

BESØK HOS UFO-SVERIGE (Visit to UFO-Sweden)

This section recounts an invitation to the planning conference of Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige in Sundsvall on May 7th. Despite the cost in time and money, the trip was considered worthwhile. The author describes the warm welcome and the impressive meeting facilities of the Sundsvall group. They met UFO-Sverige's new chairman, Thorvald Berthelsen, who had traveled from Køping. Many attendees had traveled considerable distances.

Berthelsen opened the meeting with an overview of UFO-Sverige's current situation and future plans, emphasizing the development of local groups and providing guidance on how to achieve this. He noted that Swedish organizations receive some public support, suggesting that similar conditions in Norway should be investigated. Riksorganisationen has 1700 members, but like many organizations, it faces the challenge of a few dedicated individuals carrying the bulk of the work.

The author then presented NUFOC's core characteristics. The discussion moved to planned Nordic cooperation, with emphasis on its importance. There was general agreement on these points, and questions arose regarding details. The planned meeting in Lillestrøm was also mentioned positively. The possibility of telephone contact with Finland was discussed, and Berthelsen provided information about the existing telephone network.

The conference included a presentation by Berthelsen, a film by UFO-Sverige, and a panel discussion. The author observed the audience's questions, noting the strong attendance. When asked about the Norwegian authorities' stance on UFOs, the author gave a cautious answer, to which Berthelsen added that NUFOC had achieved cooperation with the Norwegian police, something Swedish organizations should note and learn from.

All essential parts of the conference were recorded on tape and are available. The author noted that UFO-Sverige primarily focuses on shaping public opinion to influence government attitudes towards UFOs. However, they shared NUFOC's view on the importance of building an apparatus capable of handling emerging cases.

ORGANISASJONSMESSIG (Organizational Matters)

This section discusses how resources in Nordic countries can be mobilized according to NUFOC's guidelines to increase the effectiveness of building an 'engine' capable of achieving short-term and long-term goals. The impression of UFO-Sverige is that of a solid organization with strong administrative and organizational capabilities, with many skilled and willing individuals. While Sundsvall offered much that is missed in Norway, UFO-Sverige still has things to learn, particularly in the systematic handling of UFO material, an area where NUFOC is considered a leader.

Thorvald Berthelsen is described as a dynamic and insightful leader. The author also mentions meeting Reinhold Carleby, a private researcher known from UFO-Information, and having private conversations with him, which are too detailed to include here.

UFO - ene og oljevirksomheten (UFOs and the Oil Industry)

At the conference, R. Carleby raised the issue of UFO observations at Norwegian oil drilling fields in the North Sea and asked if the author had any knowledge of such sightings. The author states they are unaware of any but refers to an article in Rapportnytt nr. 2/77, page 20, by Kalvik, which discusses UFOs and oil drilling. Carleby suggested establishing contact with platforms in the North Sea, a suggestion the author hopes can be pursued. NUFOC is considered the most suitable organization to take on this issue, though the 'how' remains to be determined. Readers are asked to keep the matter in mind and offer suggestions.

Kontakter på Island? (Contacts in Iceland?)

During the discussion on Nordic cooperation, a question was raised about contacts in Iceland or any UFO interest there. The response was negative from all present. Thorvald Berthelsen suggested that efforts should be made to involve Iceland in the Nordic 'UFO family'. Gunnar Thoren (UFO-Sverige, Kiruna) plans to visit Iceland in the summer and will attempt to address the matter.

How UFO-Sweden proceeds when forming new groups

Riksorganisationen places great emphasis on establishing new local groups. Berthelsen explained the simplest way to form a society: gather, elect a chairman, secretary, and treasurer, and adopt statutes (by copying existing ones from UFO-Sweden, which are tailored to the purpose and meet official requirements for things like lotteries and public support). Applications for contributions are made to municipal authorities. In Sweden, a condition is that there must be members under 25 years old. Some municipalities require at least six members, others ten. Once established, a startup grant of SEK 500 is available for necessary items. Applications are directed to the county board. Further, one can seek premises and meet, for example, every two weeks. For each meeting, the requirement of having a certain number of members under 25 must be met, and municipal activity support (approx. SEK 4 per meeting) is then provided. Later, administrative support is sought, around SEK 500, for postage, phone, etc. As membership increases, so does the grant. If premises are secured, applications can be made for inventory contributions (tables, chairs, cupboards, etc.), amounting to a couple of thousand kronor.

Berthelsen stressed the importance of persistence, as municipalities might claim to have no funds, but funds are available and are to be distributed equally among organizations. Another option is to approach the cultural committee, as UFO work is also considered culture. In Køping, for example, the first request yielded SEK 200, the second SEK 400, and later a 'carousel projector' worth SEK 1,600 was purchased and is owned by the cultural committee but available for the group in Køping to use. It is important for the association to have a board that meets, for instance, once a year, preferably in January, and submits an annual report.

BRUDD PÅ NUFOC'S GRUNNLOVSPARAGRAF 14 ER LIVSFARLIG (Violation of NUFOC's Bylaw Paragraph 14 is Fatal)

NUFOC's foundation is based on recognized scientific principles, which are presented as the sole basis for reason, responsibility, and mature, constructive thinking. This stance is argued to be the only defense against any counter-argument and is considered 'unassailable'. The author claims that this is precisely what 'UFO-logy' has lacked most globally, and this deficiency has harmed the UFO cause more than any government actions. In external information dissemination, this principle is paramount, and any breach causes almost irreparable damage to UFO work.

Any attitude that deviates from the scientific is described as immature, decadent, false, ethically unworthy, and the opponent's strongest argument. These attitudes are blamed for the current predicament of the UFO cause. While these attitudes still persist to some extent, it is particularly regrettable now that individuals with common sense and an understanding of scientific principles have managed to elevate the work to a somewhat decent level.

Even within UMC (presumably a related organization), principles have been violated, leading to breaches of the bylaws and almost irreparable damage to their work. An example is given of a book published by Schibsted forlag (UFO-bok), which included an 'afterword' by the former chairman of "Norges UFO-informasjon" in Oslo. This afterword was not flattering to Norsk UM Center. The author explains that this afterword resulted from a long process where the mentioned organization sought competition with NUFOC instead of cooperation. The organization lost this competition and was 'put on ice'.

The official reason given by the organization for not cooperating with NUFOC was that NUFOC "did not measure up" and its external information was "horrible" and likely to cause harm rather than benefit. Those informed know that NUFOC, in cooperation with them, started the publication of Norsk UFO-Tidsskrift, but they ruined it. This happened in 1970, and issue 4/70 was never released. Subscribers are still inquiring about it. In the previous year, they requested help, and issue 4/70 was prepared instantly. However, the subscriber list has not been received for over a year, preventing the dispatch of the finished product to subscribers who have waited for over six years. The extensive production for newspapers was costly for them, and the clippings had to be credited to NUFOC.

The book "UFO-er - gjester fra verdensrommet?" (UFOs - visitors from space?) is described as a thin 43-page publication with many drawings of space motifs. The few pages addressing the UFO problem are filled with serious errors and misunderstandings. Apart from 'religious' books, it is considered the worst the author has ever seen. The author states that the afterword is presented in its full glory on the next page.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around organizational structure, internal communication, and the importance of adhering to scientific principles in UFO research. The editorial stance strongly advocates for transparency within the organization while also acknowledging the need for responsible reporting. There is a clear emphasis on maintaining a scientific approach to UFO phenomena, viewing it as the most crucial argument for the credibility and advancement of the UFO cause. The newsletter also highlights the importance of international cooperation, particularly with Scandinavian organizations, and discusses the challenges and strategies for organizational growth and effectiveness. The issue also touches upon specific UFO-related topics like the 'MIB' phenomenon and the 'hollow earth' hypothesis, suggesting a critical and evidence-based approach to these subjects.

This document is a scanned page from a Norwegian publication, likely a magazine or newsletter, titled "UFO-bevegelsen i Norge" (The UFO Movement in Norway), authored by Arne Børcke. The issue appears to be from 1977, as indicated by the reference to "Rapportnytt nr. 2/77" and the discussion of events from the mid-1970s.

UFO Research in Norway: Historical Context and Evolution

The article traces the history of UFO research in Norway, noting its inception in the early 1950s. Initially, the focus was on proving the existence of "flying saucers." However, in recent years, the approach has become more nuanced. The current understanding is that UFO phenomena represent an unconventional topic, and the primary goal is to determine *what* it is. The author suggests that significant breakthroughs in understanding this "greatest scientific problem of our time" are unlikely to originate in Norway, with the initiative expected to come from the USA. This sentiment is shared by an increasing number of Norwegian "ufologists."

Key Organizations and Their Approaches

The article details the activities and philosophies of prominent Norwegian UFO organizations:

Norges UFO-Informasjon, Oslo

This organization, led by Arne Børcke until late 1975, adopted a low profile in the "UFO terrain" by suspending its public information activities. Their work is now limited to registering and, if possible, grading reports without engaging in the often-fantasifulle theories surrounding the subject. They aim to secure and systematize the material for later examination by competent authorities. The group was formally established ten years prior by individuals with 10-15 years of UFO-related work experience.

NORSK UFO-CENTER (NUFOC)

Formerly known as Trondheim UFO-forening, NUFOC is described as dominating the current Norwegian UFO landscape. It primarily recruits members described as the most fervent "UFO-believers." NUFOC has established local "field groups" across the country and publishes "UFO-Forum," the sole periodic publication on the subject in Norway. For those seeking more in-depth material, subscriptions to the Danish journal "UFO-NYT" are available through Skandinavisk UFO Informasjon in Denmark, which also features content from Norway.

Controversy and Legal Challenges

A significant portion of the document (pages 2 and 3) details a controversy involving NUFOC and a publisher, possibly related to an article or statement by Arne Børcke. NUFOC asserts that certain statements are libelous and detrimental to their work. They claim the publisher formed an opinion based on clippings and did not consider NUFOC's response. NUFOC has threatened legal action against the publisher if certain accusations are not retracted. The article mentions that NUFOC is collecting newspaper clippings to support their argument against the term "UFO-frelst" (UFO-believer/fanatic), which they feel is used disparagingly.

NUFOC also raises concerns about the scientific basis of some UFO discussions, questioning the "religious" tone and lack of empirical evidence. They state that their operations are based on scientific principles and that they will take strong measures, including potentially impacting individuals' positions, against those who violate their core tenet of scientific rigor. The motto "DET FINNES INGEN ERSTATNING FOR VITENSKAP!" (There is no substitute for science!) is prominently displayed, attributed to K. Stenødegård.

Contact Information

Journalist Arne Børcke, former chairman of Norges UFO-Informasjon, invites interested individuals to contact him with reports of UFO phenomena. His address is Maridalsveien 35, Oslo 1.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the organizational aspects of the UFO movement in Norway, the evolution of research methodologies from early ufology to a more scientific approach, and the internal disputes and controversies within the community. The editorial stance, particularly from NUFOC's perspective as presented on pages 2 and 3, strongly advocates for scientific methodology, evidence-based reporting, and a rejection of unsubstantiated theories or what they perceive as libelous accusations. There is a clear emphasis on maintaining a respectable and scientific image for UFO research.