IUFOPRA Information Network Newsletter - 1997 07-09

Magazine Overview

This issue of the IUFOPRA Information Network Newsletter, Issue 3, dated July/August/September 1997, focuses on UFO-related events and research. It details the organization's efforts to host the 'First Ireland UFO Conference' and reports on significant UFO sightings and a book review.

IUFOPRA UFO Conference - 1997

The newsletter chronicles the planning and organization of Ireland's first one-day UFO Conference, spearheaded by IUFOPRA. The initiative involved contacting Graham Birdsall, editor of UFO Magazine, and his colleague Russell Callaghan, to gauge their willingness to participate and sponsor the event. After initial venue scouting in the Dublin area, including hotels and the RDS Concert Hall, a date was set for Saturday, June 7th, for Graham and Russell to visit Dublin. The visit involved checking potential venues, with Jury's Hotel and Towers in Ballsbridge ultimately being selected. The conference was scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 1997, at Jury's Hotel. The article expresses excitement about the event, highlighting the inclusion of international speakers and the aim to make it a major annual occurrence. Ticket prices were set at IR£7.50 for adults and IR£5.50 for concessions.

Airline Pilots See UFO

This section reports on an incident where the pilots of an Aer Lingus passenger jet encountered a mystery flying object over England. The pilots of a Stansted-bound BAe 146 aircraft reported seeing a red, white, and blue striped aircraft flying at high speed at 9,000 feet over Hertfordshire on a flight from Dublin. Despite extensive inquiries by British investigators, no trace of another plane was found, and the airprox working group concluded that what was seen 'was not an aeroplane'. The source is cited as the Evening Herald, Thursday, June 12th, 1997. The newsletter notes that the lack of a specific date for the incident makes investigation difficult but that IUFOPRA has begun its own inquiry.

Book Review: Left At East Gate

The newsletter features a review of the book 'Left At East Gate' by Larry Warren and Peter Robbins, published by Michael O'Mara Books Ltd. The book is described as a 'riveting read' and 'the second most amazing discovery' after the wheel, ranking as potentially the most important and influential book of the last forty years. It details the Rendlesham Forest incident in 1980, with Larry Warren, a former security policeman at RAF Bentwaters, being one of the witnesses. The review highlights claims of UFOs, 'alien beings' with large black cat-like eyes, telepathic communication, and the presence of superior technology. It mentions that the US government allegedly knew about the technology for some time and that 'Religion was created for the human race' was a statement made by a 'grey being' to Warren. The book also touches upon the potential involvement of the NSA, surveillance of Warren and Robbins, and the possibility that the incident was a cover-up related to NATO's tactical battlefield nuclear weapons stored at RAF Bentwaters and Woodbridge. The review notes that Colonel Charles Halt also witnessed 'beings' and made an audio tape of the events, which was sold for a significant sum. The reviewer expresses amazement that a photograph of an 'alien' taken by Warren was not included in the book and criticizes other books on the subject, such as 'Skycrash'. The review concludes by praising the book as a potential bestseller and a 'landmark' in ufology, suggesting it could be made into a film.

The Arizona X Files

This section details a significant UFO sighting that occurred on the night of March 13th in Arizona, USA. The event began with a retired police officer in Paulden reporting red lights heading south, followed by reports of one red and four white lights from Prescott. Hundreds of calls overwhelmed police and fire departments in Wickenburg, Glendale, Phoenix, and Scottsdale. Bill Grava, an air traffic controller at Sky Harbor International Airport, saw the UFO but it did not appear on radar, describing it as 'weird, inexplicable'. The object was described as very large, blotting out stars for more than a mile, V-shaped with lights on each side and one trailing, moving at a steady 30mph at altitudes between 500 and several thousand feet, and making no sound. The sighting was linked by callers to Luke Air Force Base, which officials denied. F-16 fighter jets were observed taking off and veering towards the object, which then shot straight up and disappeared. The article suggests that the Air Force's lack of confirmation contributes to claims of a cover-up.

IUFOPRA Common Sense Warnings When Dealing With A UFO

IUFOPRA provides a list of safety guidelines for individuals who encounter a UFO on the ground:

1. Do not touch or attempt to touch a landed UFO, as the craft's skin may be hot and there's a possibility of radiation and steam.
2. Do not stand under a hovering UFO at low altitude due to potential radiation danger.
3. Do not attempt to contact aliens; any movement could be seen as aggression. Back away slowly without gestures.
4. If possible, note the time, take photographs, and observe the craft's shape and size using nearby objects for comparison.
5. Do not touch any artifact from an alien spacecraft, as it may be dangerous; leave it to authorities.
6. Get away quickly and inform IUFOPRA, local authorities, police, military, or another reputable government agency, especially if national security is warranted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes IUFOPRA's activities, particularly the organization of the First Ireland UFO Conference. There is a strong emphasis on investigative journalism, with detailed reporting on UFO sightings and incidents, such as the Arizona case and the Rendlesham Forest incident. The publication also engages with the broader ufology community by reviewing books and promoting events from other organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging member participation and providing information and warnings related to potential encounters. The coverage of the Rendlesham Forest incident, in particular, delves into themes of government secrecy and potential cover-ups.