Internt UFO Forum - 1979 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: INTERNT UFO FORUM
Issue: Nr. 2, 1. Årgang
Date: March-April 1979
Publisher: NORSK UFO CENTER
Language: Norwegian

This issue of INTERNT UFO FORUM, the internal information organ for Norsk UFO Center, delves deeply into UFO phenomena, with a significant focus on incidents and alleged military involvement in Japan during the 1970s. The magazine also details internal communication efforts within NUFOC.

Internal Communications Network

The issue begins by addressing the perceived lack of communication between NUFOC's various departments and with other UFO organizations internationally. The Research Section in Drammen is working to establish a communication network, initially covering Scandinavia and later expanding to Europe and other continents. This network will primarily use telephone and telegraphy, with plans for direct telex. Tom R. Lemb, the section leader, has been involved in radio communication since 1973 and notes growing interest in such projects, referencing an existing local network in the Arendal district.

Two types of communication are discussed: a local network using the 11-meter band (PR-band) with a frequency of 27 MHz and AM modulation, suitable for short-range communication within sections, and a broader, more advanced system.

Japanese UFO Incidents and Military Encounters

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to alleged UFO encounters involving the Japanese military. The article "Japansk oberstløytnant drept i luftkamp med UFO!" (Japanese Lieutenant Colonel Killed in Air Combat with UFO!) by Richard Draper recounts an incident where General Lieutenant Akira Hirano, head of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), inadvertently revealed that unidentified objects are observed and investigated in secret. This statement caused a stir, and Hirano later retracted it, calling it a "slip of the tongue." The article suggests that UFOs have been approaching military bases and engaging in near-combat with fighter jets since 1974, with one instance of a UFO shooting down an armed Japanese jet.

Major Shiro Kubota, a survivor of an incident on June 9, 1974, describes a dogfight where his Phantom jet was scrambled to intercept a UFO. His wingman, Lieutenant Colonel Toshio Nakamura, was killed, and his aircraft was destroyed. Kubota believes the authorities are covering up contact with hostile, non-terrestrial forces. He recounts how his aircraft was nearly hit multiple times by the UFO before a collision occurred, leading to his ejection and Nakamura's parachute catching fire.

Further military incidents are detailed: on April 11, 1975, four F-104J Starfighters were reportedly attacked by four saucer-like objects. In September 1975, UFOs were sighted over Western Japan, described as hopping objects. In December 1976, a US Air Force C-123 transport plane was reportedly chased by UFOs near Yokota Air Base, with crew members allegedly instructed to remain silent about the event.

Investigation and Secrecy in Japan

Dr. Takafumi Narahara, an anthropologist at Tokyo University, suggests that Japanese UFO history may be deeper than commonly believed, referencing ancient legends of "inu-ningen" (man-dog) possibly being extraterrestrial visitors. He posits that these beings might be studying human development. Private researchers in Japan, such as Hachiro Kubota's group studying UFO phenomena and telepathy, and Ichiro Sunabshi's "Saucers in Japan" group, are actively investigating UFO activity near military installations, believing they are close to a solution despite government attempts to discredit them.

John Fenton, a former GI and translator in Yokohama, shares his belief that Japanese authorities know more than they admit. He investigated an incident where a UFO allegedly followed Vice President Walter Mondale's plane during a visit to Tokyo in January 1977. A US Air Force pilot reportedly provided a written account of this encounter.

Generalmajor Hideki Komura, an advisor to Prime Minister Fukuda's Cabinet Research Organisation (CRO), acknowledged awareness of UFO rumors and stated that Japan had modeled its investigations on the US "Project Blue Book" but became overwhelmed with reports. He hinted that UFO phenomena could be of national interest and mentioned cooperation with US "Foreign Technology Division," which was involved in Blue Book.

Conclusions on Japanese UFO Situation

The magazine draws three conclusions regarding the UFO situation in Japan:

1. Responsible individuals in positions of power are concerned about UFOs' interest in military installations and consider them potential hostile intruders.
2. Japanese authorities are investigating UFOs secretly, fearing public unrest.
3. There is an ongoing effort to suppress information about the entire matter.

General Lieutenant Hirano's Statement

The issue revisits General Lieutenant Akira Hirano's controversial statement. It is suggested that his comment was a "test balloon" to gauge public reaction to potential revelations about extraterrestrial visitors. A similar tactic is noted with a US announcement about President Carter reviewing secret UFO documents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are military UFO encounters, government secrecy, and the challenges of UFO investigation, particularly in Japan. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting evidence and testimonies that suggest a significant and potentially threatening UFO presence, which is being actively concealed by authorities. The magazine aims to inform its members about these developments and encourage further investigation.

Title: INTERNT UFO FORUM
Issue: 2/1979
Date: February 1979
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Cover Headline: De gåtefulle UFO'er (The Enigmatic UFOs)
Cover Subtitle: Er det liv i rommet? (Is there life in space?)

This issue of INTERNT UFO FORUM focuses on clarifying the definition of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and explores related scientific and technological advancements. It advocates for an open-minded approach to research, challenging the prevailing scientific skepticism.

Defining UFO: Beyond 'Alien Spaceships'

The lead article, "En vurdering av betegnelsen UFO - UIDENTIFISERT FLYVENDE OBJEKT, HVA BETYR DET?", critically examines the common misconception that UFOs are synonymous with alien spacecraft. It highlights how various encyclopedias define UFOs as phenomena lacking immediate explanation, with subsequent lists of potential identifications. The author laments the confusion arising from different interpretations, which often leads to discussions stagnating because participants are not discussing the same thing. A key point is the necessity of a clear and unambiguous definition for meaningful discourse.

The article contrasts the 'Condon doctrine' (DET ER UTROLIG OG DERFOR UMULIG - It is unbelievable and therefore impossible) with a more open-minded approach favored by UFO researchers (INTET BØR AVSKRIVES SOM UMULIG - Nothing should be dismissed as impossible). It argues that while scientific evidence is crucial, history is replete with examples of theories initially dismissed as impossible that later proved true, such as the Earth revolving around the sun or the concept of echolocation.

It distinguishes between an object being 'unidentified' and an object being 'identified as unidentified'. The former implies a lack of sufficient data for classification, while the latter suggests that even with data, no known category fits. The term 'Reell UFO' (Real UFO) is introduced to describe phenomena that are genuinely unknown and cannot be categorized using existing terms. A proposed definition from a Nordic UFO meeting in Tønsberg (1978) is presented: "a reported phenomenon that has stayed in the airspace and/or on the ground and which, after thorough investigation by competent researchers, cannot be identified as caused by hitherto known phenomena."

Radio Communication Networks and Licensing

Several articles discuss the development and use of radio communication networks, particularly for amateur radio operators. "Utvikling av radio-sambandsnett, forts. fra side 1" details the process of obtaining licenses from Teledirektoratet (the Norwegian Telecommunications Administration). Requirements include being a Norwegian citizen, being at least 14 years old for a B-license (or 16 for an A-license), and passing an exam. The maximum allowed power for an A-license is 600 watts, sufficient for global communication.

The range of a radio signal is dependent on factors like transmitter power, modulation type, antenna size and placement, weather, and the specific frequency band used. The article emphasizes the importance of a good receiver as well as a transmitter. The cost of a complete amateur radio station ranges from 3,000 to 15,000 Norwegian Kroner.

A table outlines recommended frequency bands (2m, 10m, 11m, 15m, 20m, 40m, 80m) for different communication ranges, specifying license requirements (A-license, B-license, or concession) and noting conditions like periodic dead periods or atmospheric disturbances. Contact information for UFO-Sverige and NUFOC's contact in Drammen, Tom R. Lemb, is provided.

Astronomical Discovery: A Giant Galaxy

The article "Kjempegalakse funnet !" reports on the identification of a colossal spiral galaxy, NGC 1961, by American astronomers. This galaxy is described as being approximately 10 times larger than the Milky Way, with hundreds of billions of stars and a diameter of 600,000 light-years. The discovery was made by Dr. Vera C. Rubin and Dr. W. Kent Ford Jr. at the Carnegie Institution in Washington, and Dr. Morton S. Roberts at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Optical observations were conducted using a 400 cm telescope in Arizona, while radio observations utilized a 90-meter radio telescope in Green Bank, West Virginia.

The Enigmatic UFOs and Scientific Openness

In "De gåtefulle UFO'er - Er det liv i rommet?", Infantry Captain Sverre Evensen contrasts the established scientific view, characterized by the 'Condon doctrine', with the more open-minded approach of UFO researchers. He argues that science has historically been too quick to dismiss novel ideas, citing examples like Copernicus and Newton. Evensen stresses that the vastness of the universe and ongoing scientific advancements suggest that what seems impossible today may be commonplace in the future.

The article suggests that the reluctance of scientists to engage with UFO research stems from a fundamental disbelief in extraterrestrial intelligence, despite significant investment in searching for signals from space. It posits that thousands of reports indicate UFOs are physical objects capable of leaving traces and withstanding impacts. The Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC) is presented as an organization dedicated to collecting and analyzing UFO observations without forming official theories, aiming to identify patterns in their behavior. They emphasize the need for detailed, accurate reporting of observations, including time, location, altitude, speed, and course.

NUFOC's work involves registering all observations, regardless of how fantastic they may seem, to find patterns. They seek experts from various fields to aid in their investigations. The article notes the lack of activity in the Kristiansand district and encourages people to send reports to Arendal, despite the large distances involved. The importance of involving young people and retirees in research is highlighted.

UFO Congress in Trondheim

A brief announcement details an upcoming UFO congress organized by NUFOC in Trondheim on April 7th and 8th. The primary goal is to review the organization's plans, regulations, and routines. The congress will be held at Hotel Phoenix, Trondheim.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a stance of open-mindedness and critical inquiry, particularly concerning the UFO phenomenon. It challenges the scientific establishment's tendency towards skepticism and encourages a more empirical and less dogmatic approach. The magazine emphasizes the importance of precise definitions and rigorous data collection in scientific research. There's a clear advocacy for continued investigation into UFOs, viewing them as a significant scientific challenge rather than mere fantasy. The articles also highlight the intersection of UFO research with advancements in technology, such as amateur radio and astronomy, suggesting that a broader understanding of science is necessary to comprehend these phenomena.

Title: UFO FORUM
Issue: nr. 2/1979
Date: 1979
Publisher: INTERNT UFO FORUM
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO Forum focuses on a significant UFO campaign and addresses the controversial New Zealand UFO sightings.

Stor UFO-kampanje (Big UFO Campaign)

The cover story details a UN delegation that convened in July 1978 to discuss a proposed resolution concerning the nature, origin, and purpose of UFOs, initiated by the government of Grenada. The delegation included notable figures such as Len Stringfield, Sir Eric Gairy, Dr. Gordon Cooper, Lee Spiegel, Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Dr. Claude Poher, Ray Nielsen, Jacques Vallee, and David Saunders. The resolution was slated for presentation to the Committee for the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in June 1979.

In preparation for this presentation, 'The Aetherius Society' announced a major campaign across England to disseminate vital information to the public. This campaign included a debate held on January 18, 1979, at the 'House of Lords' in London, and a schedule of 18 public meetings in larger English cities throughout January, February, and March.

New Zealand UFO Observations: False Explanations

The magazine also features a press release from The Aetherius Society, dated January 11, concerning the highly publicized New Zealand UFO observations around New Year's. The society asserts that these observations are genuine and labels the official explanations as a 'Cosmic Watergate,' suggesting a cover-up.

The article critically analyzes the reports from New Zealand, which consist of radio and TV announcements by pilots and journalists, along with press reports. The official explanations offered for these unique observations include Venus, weather balloons, ball lightning, Jupiter, difficult observation conditions, lights from Japanese ships, flocks of birds, meteorites, unidentified aircraft, and atmospheric phenomena.

The magazine argues that most of these explanations can be easily dismissed by anyone with common sense, especially when compared to TV footage or photographs. The Venus explanation is refuted by a first officer's statement that the object was to starboard while Venus was seen to the left. The article dismisses other suggestions as absurd, quoting Captain W.E. Startup, a pilot, who stated regarding a fleet explanation: "We know what a fishing fleet is and looks like, and we saw it that night. It was nowhere near when we saw the lights from it." He further noted that he saw the "light" after passing through a cloud and that it was unlikely a fishing fleet would be fishing at such an altitude.

A particularly striking detail mentioned is that one of the objects was reported to have moved 24 kilometers in 5 seconds, a speed exceeding 17,000 km/h.

The information for this section is provided by The Aetherius Society, 757 Fulham Road, London SW6 5UU, England.

Back Issues and Related Publications

The magazine also includes advertisements for purchasing back issues of 'UFO FORUM'. Year 1978 is available as a reprint for 30 Norwegian Kroner. Earlier years (1973-1977) are available as single issues, with prices varying from 4 to 6 Norwegian Kroner per issue. Readers are advised not to send money before receiving an invoice.

Additionally, it promotes 'RAPPORTNYTT', the journal of NORSK UFO CENTERS (NUFOC), which publishes 5 issues per year for a subscription price of 30 Norwegian Kroner. The editor is Finn W. Kalvik. The address for NUFOC is Boks 1155, 5001 Bergen.

Finally, it mentions SEMIC's new album in the series 'VÅR UKJENTE VERDEN' (Our Unknown World), titled 'UFO', which is set to be released around Easter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the international efforts to address the UFO phenomenon through official channels (like the UN resolution) and the public dissemination of information by organizations such as The Aetherius Society. The editorial stance is critical of official explanations for UFO sightings, particularly those from New Zealand, advocating for a more open and serious investigation into the subject. The magazine appears to support the view that UFOs are real and that the phenomena observed are extraordinary.