Journal of the National UFO Conference 1972 #5

Magazine Overview

This document is the "JOURNAL of the NATIONAL U.F.O. CONFERENCE", Issue No. FIVE, formerly "The Congress of Scientific Ufologists". It covers the proceedings of the Ninth Annual National UFO Conference held on June 23rd and 24th, 1972, in Logansport, Indiana. The main focus of this issue is the "Report of the ROBINSON COMMITTEE on Ethics, Correspondence & Membership", dated April 15, 1973.

First Closed Session, June 23, 1972

The session commenced at 2:35 PM CDT with Temporary Chairman James W. Moseley welcoming delegates. He outlined events since the last Congress and noted that the Permanent Organizing Committee (POC), acting as Permanent Chairman due to Allen Manak's resignation, had appointed him Temporary Chairman but had not accepted by-law amendments. The first agenda item was the election of a Permanent Chairman. James W. Moseley was nominated by Gray Barker and elected unanimously. Following his election, Moseley requested a minute of silent prayer for deceased members Robert Loftin and Miran Lindtner. A motion was made and carried to add Dr. James A. McDonald to the Honor Roll.

The Report of the Robinson Committee on Ethics, Correspondence and Membership was read and accepted. A motion to disband the Brasdovich Committee on Projects was carried, and the U.F.O. Watch Filter Center was retained as a project. The resignation of Treasurer Ralph Fanning was addressed, and a motion was passed to allow the Permanent Chairman to act as temporary treasurer. Proposed changes to Title IV (Membership and Ethics) were discussed. Mr. Greenfield presented his views, emphasizing that by-laws had not been amended at the Eighth Congress and that the 1970 Mid-Term Meeting lacked the power to amend them. He moved that the supervision and equitable division of dues and registration charges should fall under the sponsoring agency of each convention, which was seconded and carried, effectively nullifying a previous motion from the Sixth Congress.

The Robert E. Loftin Award was presented by Gray Barker to Allen H. Greenfield for his meritorious service. The discussion then turned to the membership of the Permanent Organizing Committee. A motion to remove the names of Allan Manak and Ralph Fanning (who had resigned or were inactive) was carried. Subsequently, a motion to add Eugene Steinberg, Geneva Steinberg, Barbara Hudson, and Kevin McCray to the POC was made, seconded, carried, and the Permanent Chairman appointed them.

Barbara Hudson moved to remove the word "Scientific" from the title "Congress of Scientific Ufologists". The motion was seconded by Mr. Greenfield and carried. Mr. Greenfield then proposed a new organizational name, "National UFO Conference", which was seconded by Mr. Steinberg and carried by a 2/3rd vote, changing the by-laws and title as of that date.

Mr. Greenfield then moved to amend the by-laws under Title III by adding Article 11, which stipulated that any POC member not participating in a mail vote between conventions would be disqualified, with votes needing to be received within one month. This motion was seconded by Mr. Steinberg and carried by a 2/3 vote.

Permanent Chairman Moseley expressed his opinion that interest in UFOs was declining, based on his lecture circuit experience. Mr. Greenfield countered by playing a tape from John Schussler of the Mid-West UFO Network, who reported successful meetings. Greenfield argued that interest remained high and urged active researchers to offer their services to scientists like Hynek, Friedman, and Saunders. Several conference members volunteered their services: Gray Barker, Barbara & Allen Greenfield, Barbara Hudson, Richard C. Marter, Eugene & Geneva Steinberg. Mr. Greenfield was appointed to coordinate these volunteers.

Kurt Sutherly reported on an attempted hoax involving fake sighting photos. A motion to adjourn was made and carried.

Second Closed Session, June 24, 1972

The session was called to order by Permanent Chairman Moseley at 2:30 PM CDT. The Chair summarized the business from the first session and asked for new business. Mr. Greenfield moved to amend Title I of the By-Laws by adding Article 2, stating that "Congress of Scientific Ufologists" and "National UFO Conference" refer to the same organization, with the former applying to business prior to June 23, 1972, and the latter to business subsequent to that date. The motion was seconded by Eugene Steinberg and carried by a 2/3 vote.

The discussion regarding bids for the next conference was reopened. Mr. Allen Greenfield placed a bid for the next conference on behalf of the UFO Observation of Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Eugene Steinberg moved for acceptance, and the motion was seconded and carried. With no further business, a motion to adjourn was made, and the conference ended.

Honor Roll

A dedicated section lists distinguished members whose research has ceased: Robert E. Loftin (November 21, 1968), Dr. Miran Lindtner (August 29, 1969), and Dr. James B. McDonald (June 13, 1971).

Robinson Committee Report (John J. Robinson)

John J. Robinson, Chairman of the Robinson Committee on Ethics, Correspondence & Membership, submitted his report. He detailed his work over the past year, including transcribing minutes from the 8th Congress, sending warning letters regarding by-law violations, aiding in the creation of an Ad-Hoc POC, and circulating a mail vote that resulted in James W. Moseley being appointed temporary chairman. He also composed and distributed Issue Number Four of the Journal. He reported the addition of one new member organization, "Air-Com Mid-West UFO Report." Finally, he noted that Treasurer Mr. Fanning had resigned after depositing personal funds to clear the Congress's debts.

The Fanning Committee on Recording (Ralph Fanning)

Ralph Fanning, P.E. Chairman of The Fanning Committee on Recording of the Congress of Scientific Ufologists, wrote to Allan J. Manak on October 12, 1971. Fanning expressed concern that Manak had not forwarded funds to the Treasury and assumed he did not intend to continue with the Congress. Fanning noted Jack Robinson's discouragement and sent a check for $39.92 to close out Robinson's account, supplementing it with $7.92 of his own funds. Fanning stated his resignation from membership and as Treasurer, citing the lack of progress and his inability to provide assistance to the Logansport organization, which had been awarded the 1972 Convention. He advised them to drop their sponsorship due to the Congress appearing defunct and his inability to provide the planned assistance. He and Mrs. Fanning regretted the necessity of this action.

Permanent Organizing Committee Appointments

Following motions carried by a 2/3 vote at the Ninth Annual Conference in Logansport, the following members were appointed to the Permanent Organizing Committee: James W. Moseley (Permanent Chairman), John J. Robinson (Recording Secretary), Gray Barker, Allen H. Greenfield, Rick Hilberg, Eugene Steinberg, Geneva Steinberg, Kevin McCray, and Barbara Hudson.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around organizational governance, the transition and renaming of a long-standing ufological body, and the challenges of maintaining interest and unity within the field. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the actions and discussions at the conference, favors a more structured and unified approach to ufology, with clear by-laws and active participation from its members. There's an underlying concern about the declining public interest in UFOs, countered by a belief in the enduring importance of the UFO enigma and the need for continued research and unity among groups and individuals.

This document contains the bylaws and code of ethics for the National UFO Conference, with a revised copy dated June 24, 1972. It details the organizational structure, operational procedures, and ethical standards for members and affiliated organizations.

Title I: Authority of this Document

This section establishes that the document serves as the fundamental guideline for the direct activities of the Congress of Scientific UFOlogists (CSU), which is understood to be the same organization as the National UFO Conference (NUFC). The CSU applies to business and transactions prior to June 23, 1972, while the NUFC applies to business and transactions subsequent to that date.

Title II: Administrative Structure

The administration of the NUFC is the responsibility of the Permanent Chairman, the Permanent Organizing Committee, other appropriate committees, the administration of a convened Conference, and the assembled delegates. Final authority is vested in the office of the Chairman of the Permanent Organizing Committee, who is also titled the Permanent Chairman. All administrative intra-structures are of equal rank unless otherwise specified.

Title III: Special Administration and Procedure

This section outlines procedures for the Permanent Chairman's temporary inability to perform duties, appointment of a temporary replacement, and election of a new Permanent Chairman if the current one is unable or unwilling to continue. A majority of delegates can elect a new Chairman, subject to a veto by a 2/3 majority of the Permanent Organizing Committee within three months. If the Chairman is unable to continue outside of a convention, the Permanent Organizing Committee acts as Chairman until the next convention. The Permanent Chairman's term is indefinite, terminable by resignation, incapacitation, or removal. Removal can be initiated by a 2/3 majority vote of delegates at a convention or by a 2/3 majority vote of the Permanent Organizing Committee at other times. Sites for future conventions are determined by the delegates, unless they provide otherwise.

Qualifications for delegates to a convention and direct administration of a convention are the responsibility of the authorized host organization or individual, subject to veto by the Permanent Chairman. Committee posts are determined through normal parliamentary channels. To host a conference, an organization must have attended at least three previous Closed Sessions (Article 9) or two immediate preceding Closed Sessions (Article 10). Members of the Permanent Organizing Committee not participating in a mail vote are disqualified. Votes must be received within one month (defined as 31 days), or membership is lost. The outcome of the mail vote depends on the remaining committee members.

Title IV: Membership and Ethics

Membership in the National UFO Conference is considered an honorary title. It can be obtained by formally declaring adherence to the general principles of the Ethical Code. Membership may be unavailable or withdrawn from individuals, organizations, or publications deemed objectionable by the committee charged with membership administration, subject to review by delegates. Delegates can remove objectionable members by a majority vote.

Title V: Parliamentary Conduct

Parliamentary conduct during closed sessions follows general rules of procedure outlined in the bylaws, Whitney's Parliamentary Procedure, and Robert's Rules of Order, Revised, with any special ground rules set by the administrative faculty. Open or public sessions follow general rules for public lectures or meetings. Committee Meetings can follow Article One or more informal means if consented to.

Title VI: Amendment Procedure

This document can be amended at a convention by a 2/3 majority vote of the delegates. Amendments can also be made at other times by a 2/3 majority vote of the entire Permanent Organizing Committee or by the Permanent Chairman, except for articles concerning the Permanent Chairmanship itself. Amendments under Article Two become effective after the involved agency makes reasonable effort to notify other appropriate agencies.

Background Information and Adoption

Background information references minutes and tapes from the Congress of Scientific UFOlogists from 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1968, as well as the Code of Ethics adopted in 1965 and amended in 1967. It also references the Robinson Committee on Ethics. The bylaws were compiled and submitted by Allen H. Greenfield and John J. Robinson. The document was adopted by the Permanent Organizing Committee, with Allan J. Manak serving as Permanent Chairman and Rick R. Hilberg as Co-Chairman. Further background information details amendments to Title III and the change of the organization's title to National UFO Conference.

Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics, originally adopted by the Congress of Scientific Ufologists on June 25, 1965, and revised on June 24, 1972, outlines principles for member organizations and individual ufologists. It stresses the necessity of cooperation and the free exchange of information. It prohibits arbitrary inhibition or suppression of free inquiry, discrediting, defaming, libeling, or slandering others. It also forbids imposing specific values or creating a monopolistic sphere of influence.

Supplement "A" for Editors urges publishers to refrain from publishing false material and to make reasonable attempts to determine facts. It disapproves of unsupported assertions unless clearly labeled as personal opinion and suggests using disclaimers for controversial material. The use of pseudonyms is reluctantly recognized as occasionally necessary. Discussions of personalities, rather than issues, are encouraged, and gratuitous conflict is opposed.

An amendment adopted on June 23, 1967, states that the Conference disconnects itself from individuals, groups, and organizations that seek to defraud or engage in unethical commercialism for personal profit. Members are expected to uphold findings regarding such practices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are organizational governance, ethical conduct, and the promotion of ufological research through structured cooperation and open information exchange. The editorial stance is one of establishing clear rules and ethical boundaries to ensure the integrity and progress of the National UFO Conference and the field of ufology.