Irish UFO News - No 7

Magazine Overview

Title: IRISH UFO NEWS
Issue: 7
Date: Summer 1979
Publisher: Irish UFO Research Association (IUFORA)
Price: 35p

This issue of Irish UFO News, dated Summer 1979, is heavily focused on the theme of government secrecy and alleged cover-ups related to UFO phenomena, particularly the role of the CIA. The cover boldly proclaims "TOP SECRET!" and features a dramatic image of a UFO in the sky, hinting at the clandestine nature of the content within.

Editorial and General Information

The editorial section discusses the inherent difficulties in ufological research, contrasting it with concrete scientific investigation. It highlights the danger of partial knowledge and criticizes the US government's historical silence on UFOs, drawing parallels to the Watergate scandal to question the ability of intelligence agencies to maintain secrecy. The editorial mentions the alleged surfacing of UFO conspiracy information through the resolve of Ground Saucer Watch and notes that knowledge "leaked" in the 1950s and 60s fueled public curiosity.

Irish UFO News is described as a quarterly journal published by IUFORA, available to members, via exchange of publications, or by subscription for £3.00 per annum (British Isles). The editorial address is provided as 4 Copeland Drive, Comber, Co. Down, N. Ireland. The editor welcomes articles, notes, and letters, reserving the right to amend or refuse publication. Contributions are joint copyright IUFON and the contributor unless stated otherwise.

Key Articles and Features

Top Secret: David Patterson Investigates CIA Cover-ups

This lengthy investigative piece by David Patterson delves into the alleged involvement of the CIA in UFO investigations and cover-ups over several decades. It begins by referencing a court case brought by the Phoenix-based UFO research group Ground Saucer Watch against the CIA under the Freedom of Information Act. As a result, the CIA was compelled to release documents, including a sworn statement from two retired US Air Force Colonels who claimed to have seen the dead bodies of humanoid aliens removed from crashed UFO wreckage.

The article traces the history of USAF UFO investigation projects, starting with Project Sign (also known as Project Saucer), followed by Project Grudge, and finally Project Blue Book. It suggests these were cover-up projects designed to hide the real investigation, which was allegedly powered by the CIA. The author posits that the CIA exerted influence over military authorities and intelligence agencies, aiming to control the narrative and discredit genuine sightings.

Key historical incidents are detailed:

• Kenneth Arnold Sighting (June 1947): Arnold described UFOs as saucer-like, flying at high speeds. This incident is presented as a catalyst for CIA involvement.
• Maury Island Mystery (July 1947): Two harbour patrolmen claimed to have found UFO material. The incident involved a mysterious man in black and a subsequent B-25 bomber crash, which the article suggests may have been shot down to prevent the UFO material from reaching its destination.
• Captain Thomas Mantell Incident (February 1948): Mantell was killed while pursuing a large, metallic UFO over Kentucky. The official explanation of chasing a weather balloon is questioned, implying a cover-up.
• Project Sign, Grudge, and Blue Book: The article details the progression of these projects, suggesting they were manipulated by the CIA to produce predetermined conclusions, such as UFOs being atmospheric phenomena or misinterpretations.
• Lubbock Lights (1951): Hundreds of residents in Lubbock, Texas, reported seeing formations of greenish lights, but the reports were dismissed as natural atmospheric phenomena.
• Trent-McMinneville Photograph (1950): Two photos of a disc-shaped object were taken by a farming couple in Oregon. While examined and deemed real by a photoanalyst, the Air Force denied having information on the sighting.
• Newhouse Film (1952): Delbert Newhouse, a US Navy photographer, filmed a dozen disc-shaped craft. The film was analyzed, and the conclusion was that he had filmed seagulls or balloons.
• Washington Invasion (July 1952): Skies over Washington D.C. were filled with unknowns, leading to fighter plane scrambles and sightings of objects moving at incredible speeds, including 9000 mph. The official explanation was natural phenomena, but the article highlights the hiding of thousands of sighting reports.

The article concludes that the CIA's influence extended to scientific and administrative departments, including the Senate. It notes the establishment of the Condon Committee to study UFOs, headed by Dr. Edward Condon, which was intended to shift responsibility from the USAF. However, allegations of a memorandum suggesting the project should be carefully managed to appear objective led to resignations and shook the CIA. Despite the Condon Report's publication in 1969, which led to the closure of Project Blue Book, the article questions what secrets remain locked in CIA vaults and why such a blatant cover-up was necessary.

Space Watch by Miles Johnston

This section focuses on the challenges and problems encountered with NASA's Space Shuttle program. The 1979 launch date for Shuttle orbiter 002 (Columbia) was unlikely to be met due to persistent issues. A destructive failure and fire during a static engine test in December of the previous year caused significant damage. Further tests in February revealed more delays due to cracks in turbine blades and fuel injector problems. A National Research Council Assembly report criticized the Administration for not maintaining a program to prevent cracks in blade platforms. Additional difficulties arose in certifying the engine test bed due to discrepancies between ground and orbiter configurations. Furthermore, numerous tiles on the leading edges of the wings and tail stabilizers broke away during a flight test, necessitating the replacement of 7,000 out of 34,000 tiles.

The section also briefly mentions "Large Space Structures," referring to a composite materials deployable structure measuring 35'x30' that can be deployed from the shuttle's payload bay.

Other Content

• Items for Publication: An invitation for articles, notes, and letters related to UFOs and related subjects.
• Advertisements: The issue contains advertisements for The Diazit Dart Dry Plan Printer, The Plansafe AO Vertical Plan Filing Cabinet, a TI-1790 DataChron calculator/watch/stopwatch, JVC video equipment (HR-3300 Video Cassette Recorder and GC-3300 Colour Video Camera), and Rainey Business Machine Services in Belfast.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The dominant theme of this issue is the alleged extensive cover-up and secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena by government agencies, particularly the CIA. The editorial stance is critical of official explanations and supportive of independent researchers attempting to uncover the truth. There is a strong emphasis on historical UFO cases as evidence of a long-standing pattern of deception. The inclusion of the 'Space Watch' section, while seemingly unrelated, may serve to highlight ongoing technological advancements and potential future encounters or discoveries in space, indirectly linking back to the broader theme of the unknown.

This issue of IUFORA, dated 'FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE' and presented as 'Page 1 of 2' and 'Page 2 of 2' for its main report, focuses on UFO investigations and space exploration news. The primary article details a 'Close Encounter at North Woodburn Reservoir' in Ireland, investigated by John Hind and Danny Wilson of IUFORA. Other sections cover Soviet space news, the Voyager mission's findings on Jupiter, and the development of a robotic UFO witness replacement named FRED.

Space Watch

The 'Space Watch' section begins with a brief note on ambitious plans for larger structures in space, potentially leading to a fully operational space station by 2001.

Soviet News

A Progress Five tanker/transport successfully docked with Salyut 6 on March 12th, allowing cosmonauts to refuel, refurbish, and boost the station's orbit. The Salyut crew also claimed a first by growing plants in a new centrifuge. Space processing experiments using French samples were conducted in early April. On March 31st, the unmanned Cosmos 1090 was launched into a 354 x 212 km orbit at 72.9 degrees.

Voyager One

Voyager One provided significant data from its flyby of Jupiter and its journey towards Saturn. The spacecraft made its closest approach to Jupiter on March 5th, at a distance of 350,000 km. Key discoveries included Jupiter possessing a small, very thin ring, accidentally discovered during a run on the moon Amalthea. Amalthea itself is described as distorted by Jupiter's gravity. Jupiter's atmosphere showed increased turbulence compared to the Pioneer encounters, with scientists like Andrew Ingersoll noting that atmospheric textures could reveal information about atmospheric processes. Auroras were observed even during the Jovian day, and energetic plumes or auroral arcs, some 30,000 km long, were seen as the spacecraft departed. Intense lightning storms indicated a highly energetic atmosphere, potentially conducive to the development of complex molecules. Large, puffy clouds appeared in striated bands, described by Ingersoll as characteristic of Jovian convection with lateral shear. These features, including the Great Red Spot, were characterized as anti-cyclonic, similar to hurricanes. Detailed analysis of time-lapsed films revealed flow disruption around these spots, possibly due to 'wake turbulence' or a blocking effect, which could be analogous to blocking effects of high-pressure areas on Earth, potentially explaining weather changes.

Voyager also detected seasonal temperature changes in Jupiter's polar regions due to its inclination. The 'Flux Tube,' an interaction between Jupiter's magnetic field lines and the moon Io, generates a massive current estimated at ten million amperes. Io's ionized outer atmosphere acts as a conductive medium, and its movement through Jupiter's magnetic field causes electrical currents. The distortion of this flux tube by the induced magnetic field requires precise measurements to confirm if Voyager passed through it.

Regarding Jupiter's moons:

• Io: Described as an 'extraterrestrial pizza,' Io exhibits significant volcanic activity, with three types identified: explosive volcanism (gas outflow/geyser type), slow-moving lava outflow (Hawaiian/Icelandic type), and volcanic vents emitting volatile material. This activity creates a torus of ionized sodium surrounding Jupiter. Some data on Io's volcanic activity was lost due to magnetic and electrical storms over Canberra, Australia.
• Europa: Observed 750,000 km from Jupiter, Europa is slightly smaller than Earth's moon and is expected to have less volcanic activity due to weaker gravitational influence from the other Galilean moons.
• Ganymede: The largest moon, with a diameter of 5270 km (larger than Mercury), is riddled with craters, including one 1000 km wide with preserved shock waves in its ice crust. It has a lower density than Io or Europa and features ridges and grooves caused by tectonic forces.
• Callisto: The outermost Galilean moon, similar to Ganymede in size and density, features a large bullseye-like structure with surrounding rings, and has the largest number of craters of any known planetary body.

It was hoped that Jupiter's atmosphere would be sufficiently changed for scientists to conduct sample analysis in July, with Voyager 2 expected to visit.

FRED: Mechanised UFO Witness Project

IUFORA's Robotics Division has designed FRED as a replacement for human UFO witnesses, addressing perceived imperfections. The design considered, but discarded, a microelectronic, battery-powered soul for energy economy. FRED is equipped with:

1. Radio Antenna: 4-piece aluminum telescopic aerial.
2. Compass: Miniaturized magnetic compass in a protective bubble.
3. Microphone: SHURE microphone capable of detecting whispers up to one kilometer and adjusting to loud screams.
4. Arc-Lamp: 85-watt halogen lamp for illumination.
5. Camera (1): 16mm movie camera, with film converted to micro code.
6. Loudspeaker: Incorporates a modulator with reverberation and high resonance tweeter for communication or deterrent sounds.
7. Micro-Computer: Powerful microprocessor with 500 million characters storage, multi-lingual word processor programmed by Von Daniken, terrestrial/atmospheric analysis, and other secret facilities. Includes a 'floppy-disc' that can be ejected to resemble a 'flying saucer' manufacturing device.
8. Tape Recorder: Multi-track device for recording interviews.
9. Field Sampling Unit: For gathering mineralogical samples.
10. Sworn Affidavit: Laminated affidavit signed by Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Dr. E. Condon.
11. Telescopic Legs: Laser-proof material for facing entities.
12. Tracks: US army bazooka-proof tracks for rough terrain.
13. Tyres: For pursuing UFOs on highways.
14. Stabilisers: To anchor witness.
15. Charging Socket: For recharging dry cells.
16. Geiger Counter: Monitors radioactivity with scale reader and six sensors.
17. Cassette Transport: Japanese cassette recorder with automatic rewind.
18. MIB Detector: Classified.
19. Back-Up MIB Detector: Extremely classified.
20. Camera (2): CCTV using satellite networks for live UFO incident coverage.
21. Infra-Red Prismatic Lens: For use when arc lamps are impracticable.
22. Atmospheric Analyser Antenna: Monitors atmospheric pressure changes.
23. Multi-Sensory Panel: Detects UFOs within 50 miles and entities in crowds.
24. Multi-Purpose Antenna: Broadcasts to networks, with jamming capability.
25. Solar Cell: Adapted from a NASA lunar module.

A special notice states that only one FRED model was made, and its blueprints mysteriously disappeared. FRED reportedly destroyed himself after listening to a House of Lords debate on UFOs and is unlikely to be replaced.

Close Encounter at North Woodburn Reservoir

This article presents a detailed report on a UFO sighting investigation conducted by IUFON. The case involves witness Steven Harbinson, an eighteen-year-old storekeeper from Newtownabbey, County Antrim, Ireland.

Background: The investigation began after an article in the 'Sunday News' mentioned the Irish UFO Research Association's hotline, leading to numerous calls. This sighting was the only high strangeness event among them. Investigators John Hind and Danny Wilson arranged an interview with Steven Harbinson in early January, later visiting the scene with him and his younger brother, Gary.

Steven Harbinson's Account (November 9, 1978):

Steven was fishing at North Woodburn reservoir around twilight (estimated between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM, consistent with sunset and moonrise on that date). He noticed trout jumping and then saw a white glow under the water, which grew brighter as a 'strange vessel' emerged. He described it as 'Mexican hat' shaped, silvery-white, metallic, and seamless. The object broke water about twenty meters away, estimated to be between six and ten meters in diameter. Details noted included crystal or diamond-like windows on the lower portion and a row of pinkish lights at the base of the dome. The object rose slowly, leaving a concentric wave, briefly halted, turned on its side, and shot off vertically in a NE direction at high speed. During this time, Steven felt a 'tingly feeling' as if touched by electric current, mostly on his eyes and face. He described the sound as 'clicking and purring' on the report form and 'whistling' during the interview. He stated he was 'just a bit scared' but it was 'nothing special'.

Subsequent Events and Corroboration:

• The 'Strange Cloud', 'Wall of Force', and 'White Bird': Years prior, Steven and Gary saw a giant white bird emerge from trees and fly low across the road. They described it as having a 20 ft. wing span, far too large to be a normal bird.
• 'Hit with Great Force': On another occasion, Gary was cycling when he was 'hit with great force' by an unseen object, hearing a bang but seeing nothing.
• The Amorphous Object: In March 1978, while cycling up a slope near farm buildings, Steven and Gary saw a large cloud-like object move across the skyline. It was amorphous, cigar-shaped, and glowed pearly-white. It drifted NE, then suddenly increased speed and moved out of sight.
• Mrs. Colville and the Cry for Help: In November or December 1962, while a patient in a Belfast maternity hospital, Mrs. Colville heard a distressed human voice crying for help. Later, she heard a similar high-pitched noise, and an object with red and green flashing lights rose from behind buildings.

Follow-Up Investigations:

Danny Wilson checked with the occupant of Commons Farm, who was also the game warden, but he had no recollection of unusual events. Wilson contacted Steven's mother, learning Steven felt the investigators didn't believe him. When hypnosis was suggested as a way to prove his story, Steven declined, claiming he was 'scared'.

Analysis and Conclusions:

The author (Hind) concludes that the case has low credibility due to having only one witness, who is not considered particularly credible. While there are no major inconsistencies, the author believes a credible scenario can be formed suggesting the event is a fantasy projection. The author notes that the area (Woodburn Forest) might hold 'magical garden' associations for Steven and Gary, where reality rules are suspended for fantasy projection. The confusion Steven showed between the UFO light and the moon's reflection suggests the latter may have formed the basis of his fantasy. The author posits that Steven observed the moon's reflection, fantasized it was a UFO, and then escalated the story, possibly by telling his mother upon arriving home.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of IUFORA demonstrates a recurring theme of detailed UFO investigation, presenting witness testimony and the investigators' analysis. The editorial stance, particularly regarding the North Woodburn Reservoir case, leans towards skepticism, suggesting that some sightings may be rooted in psychological factors or fantasy projection rather than objective reality. However, the magazine also dedicates significant space to reporting on scientific space exploration, such as the Voyager mission, indicating an interest in both unexplained phenomena and established scientific endeavors. The inclusion of the FRED project highlights a forward-thinking approach to UFO research methodology.

This issue of "Twilight" (Volume 2, Issue 23, dated September 1978) is a UK-based publication by Nigel Watson, a seasoned ufologist specializing in high strangeness UFO reports. The magazine explores the "twilight side" of ufology, focusing on the complexities, psychological aspects, and potential governmental involvement surrounding UFO phenomena.

The Presumption of Extra-Terrestrial Spacecraft

Nigel Watson opens by addressing the common assumption that UFOs are spacecraft from advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. He acknowledges the logical chain of reasoning that leads to this conclusion, given the vastness of the universe and the possibility of advanced civilizations. However, he questions why, if UFOs are physical craft, there is a lack of convincing evidence, such as clear photographs or artifacts. Watson cites Donald A. Johnson, who stated that explanations based on current UFO evidence are "wholly inadequate," and J. Allen Hynek, who expressed concern that UFOs might be related to psychic phenomena rather than purely physical science.

Watson argues that the focus on physical evidence has led to the neglect of other aspects of the UFO phenomenon, often for the sake of "scientific respectability." He notes that ufologists are prone to elaboration and sensationalization of mediocre sightings, and that some investigators may censor evidence that contradicts their pre-existing theories.

Censorship and Witness Accounts

The article highlights the issue of censorship in UFO investigations, both conscious and unconscious. Witnesses may be reluctant to report their experiences, and investigators might consciously or unconsciously filter out information that doesn't fit their hypotheses. Jacques Vallee's work is referenced, suggesting that the number of obtainable reports depends on the witness's willingness to share and the investigator's approach. Vallee's research indicated that amateur organizations and private researchers receive more reports of landings and occupants than official bodies like the police.

John Beloff's discussion on parapsychological research is used to illustrate how the failure to produce significant results can be disguised by a focus on published, successful experiments, and how self-censorship can occur due to discouragement.

The Trench Family Case

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the experiences of Mrs. Trench and her son Edward. Mrs. Trench's first sighting in 1957 involved a silver, Saturn-shaped object. Her second sighting in 1959 was of a brilliant blue-green flame resembling a U-shaped magnet. Edward Trench, around 12 years old, reported two sightings: one where a disc-shaped object with colored lights moved in sync with jet aircraft, and another of a disc-shaped object with a flashing light on its underside. These sightings occurred during periods of heightened public interest in space exploration (Sputnik 1 in 1957 and the Apollo missions later).

Edward also questioned whether there is a secret government cover-up and if UFOs are of earthly origin. The article notes that Edward's first sighting was significant because the object's maneuvers seemed to suggest cooperation with airforce bases.

Government Cover-Ups and Scapegoats

The concept of a government cover-up is presented as a fascinating, yet convenient, ufological scapegoat. Desmond Leslie is quoted suggesting that governments might hide information about UFOs to maintain control. However, the article posits that it is "highly unlikely that any government has the ultimate secret of the UFOs buried away in some chromium security computer." The idea of a conspiracy is seen as potentially arising from the dull lives and suggestibility of some ufologists, leading to "persecution fantasies."

David Sydeserff's survey on political parties' awareness of UFOs is mentioned, with John P. Mackintosh of the Labour Party suggesting it's not a primary political issue but of interest to a small number of people. Sydeserff's cynical remark, "whichever party comes to power, it is always the Director-General of the Security Forces who runs the country!" underscores a theme of hidden governmental control.

The Ministry of Defence (Air) claims to investigate UFO sightings for national air defence, assuming all sightings can be explained. The article suggests this department might be a pawn in a larger D15 (Security Services) agenda. Steven Spielberg's film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" is cited as a portrayal of how the USAF might dismiss UFO evidence and the potential for a secret government cover-up to prevent public panic.

International UFO Reports

France: GEPAN Publish

The French government's "Groupe d'Etudis Des Phenomenes Aerospatiaux Non-Identities" (GEPAN) published its first report, detailing investigations into high-credibility, high-strangeness UFO cases in France. Out of eleven cases studied, only one had a conventional explanation, and two involved humanoids. The report's methodology, including psychological factors, is praised as superior to the Condon Report. GEPAN concluded that in ten of the eleven cases, witnesses observed a material phenomenon not explainable as natural or a human device, suggesting a deeper underlying phenomenon.

United States: More to this than meets the FBI

A report from "International UFO Reporter" details a bureaucratic fallout from US Air Force Security Service files concerning a 1967 incident in Cuban airspace. Cuban air controllers reported a UFO, and two MIG-21 jets were scrambled to intercept. The object, a bright metallic sphere, was tracked at 660 mph. After an unresponsive radio challenge, the lead pilot opened fire, but his jet disintegrated and crashed. The object then climbed rapidly. When investigator Robert Todd sought further information from the Air Force, CIA, and NSA, the CIA suggested he contact the Cuban government. Subsequently, FBI agents visited Todd, threatening him with prosecution under espionage laws. Todd revealed his source, a "National Enquirer" reporter. The FBI's response regarding the information's classification was ambiguous, leading to the conclusion that "military intelligence is a contradiction in terms."

Australia: Valentich Mystery

The disappearance of Australian pilot Fredrick Valentich created a media sensation. While the initial reports were treated cautiously, more information has become available, including a report from the Centre for UFO Studies and a letter from the Australian Department of Transportation. The transcript of Valentich's conversation with his control is substantially as reported, but there is no evidence to support claims that the Department withheld details. Notably, Valentich filed a one-way flight plan and did not arrange for landing lights at his destination, making landing impossible. No trace of Valentich or his aircraft has been found. The CUFOS team suggests the incident might have been a bizarre suicide, with the UFO report being a hoax, possibly due to Valentich not being in the claimed area. The article concludes that the Valentich mystery is unlikely to be solved, but if it was a planned suicide, it was a successful act of "romantic mystery-creation."

Book Review: "Conjuring up Philip"

The issue includes a book review of "Conjuring up Philip: An Adventure in Psychokinesis" by Iris Owen and Margaret Sparrow. The book details an experiment by the Toronto Society for Psychical Research to create a ghost named 'Philip'. The experiment involved a group of eight people developing a personality and life history for 'Philip' and conducting meditation sessions. Initially unsuccessful, they switched to duplicating Victorian seance conditions. The experiment reportedly yielded spectacular results, including communication raps, partial levitation, and uncontrolled table motion. The authors claim qualitative differences between 'Philip' raps and normal raps, and that the phenomenon can be repeated. The reviewer notes that the book suffers from being unsure of its target audience, failing to be effective as either a scientific report or popular communication, and is poorly organized and tedious.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, moving beyond simplistic extraterrestrial explanations. There is a strong emphasis on the psychological aspects of both witnesses and investigators, the role of censorship and potential government secrecy, and the need for more rigorous and unbiased research. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a call for a more nuanced approach to understanding UFO reports, acknowledging the possibility of psychic phenomena and hoaxes alongside genuine unexplained events. The magazine encourages a detached, scientific attitude while also exploring the more "puzzling aspects" of the phenomenon.