IUFOPRA Information Network Newsletter no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: IUFOPRA: INFORMATION NETWORK NEWSLETTER
Issue: ISSUE NO 1. (INAUGURAL ED.)
Date: Sept/Oct-1995
Publisher: IUFOPRA
Country: United Kingdom

This inaugural issue of the IUFOPRA Information Network Newsletter marks the beginning of a regular publication aimed at disseminating information on ufology and paranormal research to members and colleagues worldwide. The newsletter is an extension of the IUFOPRA organization, which identifies itself as a UFO and Paranormal Research Organization.

Roswell Videos

The newsletter reviews two new videos related to the Roswell incident: "DOWN IN ROSWELL" and "REPLY TO THE AIR FORCE REPORT ON THE ROSWELL INCIDENT." Both videos are produced by Paul Davids. "DOWN IN ROSWELL" reportedly examines media coverage and the SHOWTIME movie "UFO CRASH AT ROSWELL," featuring interviews with individuals like Senator Barry Goldwater and Congressman Schiff, who recall their efforts to investigate the incident and the infamous "BLUE ROOM" at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The second video aims to dismiss the Air Force's official explanation of the Roswell events. The newsletter notes that these videos are currently available in America and anticipates their eventual release elsewhere.

Australian Network

IUFOPRA announces an information network exchange with Moira Mc Ghee of INUFOR (Independent Network of UFO Researchers) based in New South Wales, Australia. This marks IUFOPRA's first such exchange outside of Europe and America, and Moira Mc Ghee has joined the Editorial Board of the IUFOPRA Information Network.

"BIG BROTHER" IS ALREADY WATCHING US.

This section discusses the launch of Europe's first spy satellite, Helios 1A, by an Ariane 4 rocket in French Guiana. The satellite is designed to monitor radio transmissions. However, the article highlights a case where satellite surveillance led to the dismissal of Roy Hammonds, a long-distance lorry driver, who lost his job after his routes were tracked by the Star Track satellite system. He was dismissed for "gross misconduct" after making detours that shortened his route by 21 miles on 22 occasions. Hammonds claims he took these routes to avoid a town where parents were protesting about lorry hazards for schoolchildren, deeming the official route unsafe. This is presented as the first case based on satellite technology evidence.

Condolences

The IUFOPRA Information Network extends its deepest sympathy to Chief Director Pat Delaney on the recent death of his mother. It also offers condolences to colleagues in CONTACT INTERNATIONAL on the death of their Founder and President, Brinsley Le Poer Trench (the Earl of Clancarty). Trench was a significant figure in ufology, known for his books, his initiation of the Great UFO Debate in the House of Lords in the 1960s, and his involvement in UFO research for over 27 years. He was also a former editor of FLYING SAUCER REVIEW.

U.S. GOVERNMENT SAY UFO PROJECTS DON'T EXIST!

This article reports on the release of US Government documents that allegedly verify the existence of two highly sensitive Crash Retrieval Projects: BLUE FLY and MOON DUST. These projects are reportedly linked to data concerning Project BLUE BOOK, as outlined in a Declassified CIA Document from December 17th, 1953. The document indicates that the Air Technical Intelligence Command (ATIC) handed over BLUE BOOK files to AIR DEFENSE COMMAND. The article notes that the Air Force continues to deny the existence of these programs, having allegedly lied about it five times. It is suggested that these programs were initiated shortly after the 4602nd AIR INTELLIGENCE SERVICE SQUADRON was tasked with investigating UFOs in 1953. The article mentions that a copy of a 1967 document relating to PROJECT MOON DUST can be found in the Sept/Oct issue of UFO MAGAZINE, published by Quest International.

THAT ROSWELL FOOTAGE AGAIN!

The newsletter briefly mentions the screening of Roswell footage on Channel 4 on August 28th. IUFOPRA is compiling an extensive report on this footage, which will be published in the next issue of the IUFOPRA Information Network JOURNAL. Copies will be made available to members.

Total Eclipse of the Sun

Information is shared from a member in Malaysia regarding a total solar eclipse observable over Kudat town on October 24th, 1995. Kudat is located on the northern tip of Borneo Island.

Paranormal Update: Miraculous Severed Hand

This section details the story of the severed hand of Saint Father Kemble, a 17th-century figure. His right hand was cut off after he was tortured and hanged. The hand is said to possess amazing healing powers through touch. It has been in the Church of St. Xavier's in Hereford, England, for over two hundred years, with hundreds of people witnessing healings. A recent incident involved Father Jenkins, who was blessed and touched with the hand after being given up for dead by doctors following a stroke, leading to his instant recovery. Another case mentions Father William O'Connor, who recovered after the hand was placed on his chest while he was dying.

Strange But True

A new series called "Strange But True" returned to UTV on September 8th, featuring topics like reincarnation and a woman with healing powers.

New Public Relations Officer

The IUFOPRA Information Network welcomes Carl Nally as its new PRO. Nally is described as dedicated to the study of ufology and the paranormal and has already contributed to recent changes within the organization.

The Roswell Incident - "Secret History" Channel 4, 28/08/1995

This article, authored by Aonghus de Barra, critically examines the documentary aired on Channel 4's "Secret History" series, which featured footage allegedly of an autopsy performed on a UFO occupant by Ray Santilli. The author notes the tremendous interest generated by the film, despite significant inconsistencies in Santilli's claims and flaws in the film itself. The article questions the authenticity of the footage, suggesting it is likely a fake and could damage the credibility of serious UFO researchers. Key claims by Santilli are debunked:

• Crash retrieval, debris field, and Autopsy shown: The author states this is wrong, as no outdoor sequences are shown, and the wreckage depicted consists of only a handful of slabs with symbols, which Jesse Marcel Jr. noted were unlike those he saw on the actual wreckage.
• President Harry Truman attending the retrieval & Autopsy: This claim is dismissed as part of the "Hype machine." The footage shown does not identify any faces, and Santilli suggests further reels exist, bought by a collector in Japan.
• Film authenticated by Kodak as 1947 origin: This is also stated as wrong. Kodak reportedly confirmed that a salesman had indicated the markings were consistent with stock made in 1927, 1947, or 1967. Santilli has yet to provide a film sample for chemical analysis.

The article also discusses a documentary segment featuring Frank Kaufmann, who claimed to be part of a secret recovery team codenamed 'The Nine.' Kaufmann described bodies (and one live alien) at the crash scene, along with a peculiar craft. The article reproduces a sketch by Kaufmann, noting its resemblance to the F-19 Stealth fighter, a craft whose existence the military denies. The Testor corporation produced a model of a similar craft in the mid-80s, which the Air Force later claimed was a myth when they unveiled the F-117a, though the B2 Stealth bomber was later shown to exist. The author questions whether Kaufmann copied the F-19 shape or encountered a predecessor to stealth craft.

The article points out several basic mistakes in Kaufmann's sketches, suggesting they depict an impossible craft. These include wing tip curvature, twin tail angles, window placement, and the depiction of tails not shown in other views. The author questions the necessity of sketches if the craft was recovered and photographed.

Despite the doubts, the article acknowledges that proof exists of something crashing in the Brazel Ranch in July 1947, and there is evidence of an extraordinary crash. The debate continues, with ufologists suggesting the Santilli film and new evidence might be part of a disinformation plot to discredit researchers and quell public curiosity. Alternatively, it's suggested that Santilli and others may be exploiting public credulity for financial gain.

Finally, the article mentions that Channel 4 was informed by "Government sources" about classified documents soon to be released that would shed new light on the Roswell events, hinting at a potential resurgence of the "Hype machine."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The IUFOPRA Information Network Newsletter appears to adopt a stance of critical inquiry into UFO phenomena and related topics. While presenting information on various sightings, alleged government cover-ups, and paranormal events, the newsletter also scrutinizes claims and evidence, as seen in the detailed analysis of the Roswell documentary and the questioning of Frank Kaufmann's testimony. There is a clear commitment to disseminating information and fostering discussion within the UFO research community, evidenced by the network exchange with Australia and the promise of detailed reports on significant events like the Roswell footage. The publication also acknowledges and mourns prominent figures within the ufology field, indicating a sense of community and respect for past contributions.