IUSI - No 24 1980

Magazine Overview

This document is an internal bulletin from the Swedish organization UFO-Sverige, titled "UFO-Sverigeinformation", issue number 24, dated August 11, 1980. It is published by Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige and is intended solely for the organization's internal use, not to be shared with third parties.

Editorial Content

Letter from the Editor (Mats)

The editor, Mats, begins by acknowledging the significant transformation UFO-Sverige has undergone, calling it a "historical" period. He announces the upcoming launch of a new publication, "UFO-Sverige Aktuellt," which has been a long and challenging project. He expresses gratitude to the local groups and individual members for their substantial economic and material support, emphasizing that such contributions are vital for the publication's existence. He also wishes readers a pleasant and warm summer.

Organizational Matters and New Publication

The issue details several organizational updates. A protocol from a meeting of the UFO-Sveriges Centralgrupp on May 12, 1980, is included. Key points from this meeting include:

• The withdrawal of Carl-Axel Jonzon and the UFO-Information association from Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige.
• Consequences of this withdrawal, including that UFO-Information is no longer the membership organ, the membership register is inaccessible, and the archive of UFO reports previously held by Carl-Axel Jonzon is no longer directly accessible.
• A decision to have mail addressed to UFO-Sverige in Skänninge be forwarded to their Sala address.
• A decision to contact Carl-Axel Jonzon to discuss legal and practical matters arising from the withdrawal.

The launch of the new magazine, "UFO-Sverige Aktuellt," is highlighted. A large thank you is extended to the editor, Håkan Ekstrand, and his team for their dedicated work, as well as to all local associations and members for their financial contributions that made the publication possible. The magazine is now distributed to thousands of interested individuals across Sweden and is expected to be well-received.

Cooperation Agreement

A cooperation agreement between UFO-Sverige and AFU (Arkivet för UFO-forskning) regarding clipping services is detailed. The agreement outlines how clipping subscriptions will be handled, with UFO-Sverige receiving the clippings first for their own use and then forwarding them to AFU for archiving. The costs are shared, with AFU covering 60% and UFO-Sverige covering 40%. This arrangement aims to significantly reduce costs for both organizations.

Membership Drive and New Initiatives

To attract more members and subscribers for "UFO-Sverige Aktuellt," the organization has developed membership card booklets. These are designed to be carried by members to recruit new individuals on the spot. The annual membership fee is set at 30 SEK.

"Ordet fritt" (Free Speech) Section

This section features several opinion pieces and letters:

• Regarding the Rikstämma (National Conference): An article addresses concerns and departures from the Rikstämma, emphasizing the importance of internal harmony and tolerance within the organization. It stresses that the Centralgrupp, as appointed by the Rikstämma, must be respected.
• Energy Saving Tips: An article discusses the benefits of using wind-powered generators for water pumping, noting a resurgence of interest due to high energy costs. It also mentions the increased popularity of ceiling fans as an energy-efficient alternative to air conditioning.
• UFO Observations: An article references a Saxon's weekly magazine article claiming "A thousand flying saucers sighted every day!" It discusses the high number of UFO observations globally and the reluctance of some individuals, including police and military personnel, to report them due to societal stigma. It highlights the work of the International UFO Investigative Bureau in Indiana, USA, in collecting these reports.
• Velikovsky's Theory: A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Immanuel Velikovsky's controversial theory presented in his book "Worlds in Collision." The article explains Velikovsky's ideas about cosmic catastrophes that allegedly altered Earth's history and the solar system's configuration. It notes that his theories, initially dismissed as heresy, are gaining traction as recent space exploration and discoveries seem to corroborate some of his claims, such as the planet Venus originating from Jupiter and the Earth's orbit being dramatically altered by celestial events.
• Internal Communication: Another piece in the "Ordet fritt" section expresses regret over internal disagreements within UFO-Sverige, referencing a "palace revolution." It calls for unity and cooperation, emphasizing the hard work of initiators like Carl-Axel Jonzon and Thorvald Berthelsen. It also touches upon the challenges of decentralized operations and the need for a unified approach.

Other Content

• A section titled "Centralgruppen Informerar" (Central Group Informs) announces an upcoming exhibition in collaboration with the Postmuseum and UFO-Sverige, scheduled to open on September 26th. It also seeks translators and illustrators for "UFO-Sverige Aktuellt" and mentions the departure of two UFO associations, UFO-Tumba and UFC-Söderköping.
• Information is provided about the next Rikstämma, scheduled for March 14th, and an invitation to participate in the "SPACE CON. 80" congress in October.
• A brief mention of a large tumor removal surgery at the University of California Medical Center.
• Contact information for UFO-Sverige's main address, postgiro, and report central is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are organizational unity, the development and promotion of the new publication "UFO-Sverige Aktuellt," and the exploration of controversial scientific and historical theories, particularly Immanuel Velikovsky's ideas about cosmic catastrophes. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting internal cohesion, encouraging member participation, and engaging with and disseminating information on topics related to UFO phenomena and alternative scientific perspectives. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of the organization's work and the need for members to support its initiatives.

This issue of "UFO-Sverige-Aktuellt" (Issue 1, 1973) is a Swedish magazine focused on UFO phenomena and parapsychology. The cover prominently features the launch of this new publication from Sala, Sweden, with its publishers Håkan Ekstrand, Mats Nilsson, and Anna-Nita Nilsson.

Immanuel Velikovsky's Controversial Theories

The magazine delves into the controversial theories of Immanuel Velikovsky, particularly his ideas presented in "Worlds in Collision." Velikovsky proposed that cosmic catastrophes, such as planetary collisions and near-misses, have dramatically reshaped Earth and other planets throughout history. His work challenges established scientific paradigms, including Darwin's theory of evolution, by suggesting sudden mass extinctions and mutations rather than gradual change. The article highlights the scientific community's initial skepticism towards Velikovsky's ideas, noting that while many scientists dismissed his work, his theories have gained traction and continue to be debated and studied. The text mentions the impact of probes like Pioneer 10 and 11, and Mariner 10, which provided data that some interpret as supporting Velikovsky's concepts regarding Venus and Mercury. A significant event discussed is Velikovsky's participation in a rigorous seven-hour debate at an AAAS symposium in February 1974, where he defended his theories against a critical panel.

Ingo Swann: The Parapsychological Phenomenon

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to Ingo Swann, an artist and subject of parapsychological experiments at the Stanford Research Institute. Swann claims to possess psychic abilities, including influencing the temperature of objects in sealed containers and affecting compass readings. The article describes experiments where Swann's mental energy seemingly caused temperature fluctuations in insulated flasks and influenced a magnetometer. It also touches upon his experiences of 'out-of-body' perceptions. Swann believes that humans are dual beings, both spiritual and physical, and that his abilities stem from this spiritual aspect. The magazine notes that while scientists are intrigued by the measurable effects Swann produces, his abstract explanations are not fully embraced. His unique paintings, which depict energy fields around living beings, are compared to Kirlian photography, a Soviet technique that reveals similar phenomena.

Scientific Debates and Historical Context

The issue also touches upon broader scientific discussions. It references Charles Darwin's observations of catastrophic changes in South America and his contemplation of mass extinctions. The article contrasts Darwin's gradualism with Velikovsky's catastrophe theory. Furthermore, it explores the historical research into the possibility of developing sight through the skin, referencing the work of Jules Romains and the concept of 'X-ray eyes,' though noting that such research has largely been dismissed by mainstream science.

The Birth of UFO-Sverige-Aktuellt

The magazine announces the launch of "UFO-Sverige-Aktuellt," a new publication aimed at exploring UFOs and related phenomena. The initial print run is 9,000 copies, funded by voluntary contributions. The magazine intends to cover both historical and contemporary UFO events, encouraging critical discussion and debate. It also mentions upcoming UFO events in Sweden, such as the UFO-expo in Köping and Svensk UFO-80 in Västerås.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of science and the unexplained, the re-evaluation of established scientific theories in light of new evidence or interpretations, and the exploration of human consciousness and potential beyond conventional understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, giving voice to controversial theories like Velikovsky's and phenomena like Ingo Swann's abilities, while acknowledging the ongoing scientific debate and the need for empirical evidence. The magazine positions itself as a platform for exploring these challenging subjects.