Magonia - No 30 - 1988 08

Magazine Overview

This issue of Magonia, number 30, dated August 1988, is a 75p publication that delves into various aspects of ufology and anomalous phenomena. It features a collection of articles, including conference papers, and explores the intersection of UFOs with folklore, media, and psychology.

Cover Story: Ministry of Defence Conclusion

The cover prominently features a statement attributed to DDI (Tech), Ministry of Defence, dated 30th April 1957. It concludes that a specific incident was caused by "five reflecting objects of unidentified type and origin," and dismisses the possibility of them being conventional aircraft, meteorological balloons, or charged clouds. This is presented as a potential, albeit indirect, admission of UFO reality.

Articles and Features

Monsters: Amiable, Intelligent and As Daft As Brushes by Nigel Watson

This article critiques a BBC television documentary, 'Out of this World,' broadcast on 10 May 1977. Watson argues that the documentary portrayed UFO experts as "harmless cranks" by using sensationalized opening sequences and focusing on fringe elements. He notes that the documentary's producers, like Hugh Burnett, may have prioritized entertainment over serious examination, potentially influenced by government pressure or a desire to avoid controversial topics. The article highlights the distress of UFO journal editors, like Charles Bowen of Flying Saucer Review, who felt their interviews were misrepresented.

Off Limits: Ufology and the Deconstruction of Reality by Peter Rogerson

Rogerson discusses the growing separation between the 'folklore' of ufology, characterized by secrecy and conspiracy, and the views of 'serious ufologists.' He notes how themes like the 'Great Conspiracy/Crashed Saucer Saga' have become prominent, influenced by contemporary events like Irangate. Rogerson contrasts the perceived 'elite' status of those who believe in crashed saucers with the broader concept of the 'secret victim' in abduction folklore. He draws parallels between abduction narratives and ancient fairylore, where children are taken by supernatural beings. The article also touches upon the psychological implications of these experiences, comparing them to 'liminal zones' of transition and the concept of the 'space of death' as described by Michael Taussig.

Government UFO Files in the Public Record Office by Roger Morgan

This article, though its content is not fully detailed in the provided scan, is listed as a feature by Roger Morgan.

Plus: More Pieces for the Jigsaw by Hilary Evans

Hilary Evans contributes an article that reflects on the dedication of UFO researchers. He emphasizes that ufology is more than a private obsession, suggesting it is a study that could lead mankind to insights and knowledge about the fundamental nature of reality. Evans highlights the 'dedication' of contributors to BUFORA's 40-year symposium and compares the pursuit of UFO knowledge to other fields like witchcraft studies, which offer insights into human behavior and societal responses.

The Importance of Being a Ufologist by Patrick Harpur

Harpur's letter to the editor, John Rimmer, discusses the unique role of ufologists in society. He argues that ufologists fill an important 'ecological niche' by exploring the 'social liminal zone' where myths unfold. Harpur suggests that the transition from childhood to adulthood, often lacking a strong social framework, can lead to a vulnerability to UFO experiences, which he likens to abductions. He posits that UFOs represent liminal zones themselves, bridging the gap between our inner selves and the external world. Harpur concludes that ufologists, by navigating these liminal zones, can teach society to grow up.

Reviews and Guest Editorial

These sections are mentioned but their specific content is not detailed in the provided scan.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO phenomena, their representation in media, and the psychological and cultural significance of belief. Magonia appears to adopt a critical yet open-minded stance, questioning sensationalism in media coverage while exploring the deeper, often mythic and psychological, dimensions of UFO reports. The magazine seems to advocate for a more nuanced understanding of ufology, acknowledging its connection to folklore and human psychology, rather than dismissing it outright. The editorial notes express a desire to assure readers that any perceived 'ennui' was due to post-conference exhaustion, quickly replaced by optimism, and promises future content including reader letters and book reviews.

FAQ Section

The FAQ section addresses key questions about the magazine's scope, media criticism of UFOs, parallels between UFO experiences and ancient practices, and the perceived role of ufologists.

Key Facts Synopsis

This issue of Magonia critically examines the media's portrayal of UFO phenomena, highlighting how documentaries often sensationalize or dismiss UFO experts. It delves into the psychological underpinnings of UFO experiences, drawing connections to ancient rites and folklore, and questions the nature of reality itself. The magazine emphasizes the dedication of UFO researchers and suggests that ufology serves a vital role in exploring the 'liminal zones' of human consciousness and myth-making. The issue also includes a historical note on a Ministry of Defence conclusion regarding unidentified objects.

Notable Quote

"It is concluded that the incident was due to the presence of five reflecting objects of unidentified type and origin. It is considered unlikely that they were conventional aircraft, meteorological balloons or charged clouds"

Speaker: DDI (Tech), Ministry of Defence

Meta Description

Explore Magonia issue 30 (August 1988) for articles on UFO folklore, media representation of sightings, and the psychology behind belief in the unexplained.

Summary

This issue of Magonia, number 30, dated August 1988, offers a multi-faceted exploration of ufology. The cover prominently features a 1957 Ministry of Defence conclusion about unidentified objects, suggesting a historical perspective on government acknowledgment. Nigel Watson critiques a BBC documentary for its sensationalist portrayal of UFO experts, arguing it undermined serious inquiry. Peter Rogerson examines the dichotomy between UFO folklore and serious research, linking abduction narratives to ancient fairylore and psychological 'liminal zones.' Hilary Evans praises the dedication of UFO researchers, positioning their work as a profound study of reality. Patrick Harpur, in a letter to the editor, posits that ufologists occupy a crucial 'social liminal zone,' helping individuals and society navigate transitions and explore the unknown, likening UFOs to liminal spaces themselves. The magazine also includes sections on government UFO files and features reviews and a guest editorial. The overall stance is critical of media sensationalism while deeply engaged with the psychological, cultural, and mythic dimensions of UFO phenomena, suggesting that the study of UFOs offers unique insights into human behavior and the nature of reality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the theme of how UFO phenomena are perceived and represented, particularly by the media, and contrasts this with the deeper psychological and folkloric underpinnings of belief. Magonia appears to champion a more serious, albeit critical, engagement with ufology, acknowledging its complexity and its connection to fundamental human experiences and societal structures. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging deeper inquiry into anomalous phenomena, recognizing their potential to reveal profound truths about ourselves and the universe, while cautioning against simplistic or sensationalist interpretations. The recurring emphasis on 'liminal zones,' initiation rites, and folklore suggests a view of ufology as a modern manifestation of ancient human quests for meaning and understanding.

This issue of the magazine focuses on the "BRITISH GOVERNMENT UFO FILES IN THE PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE", authored by Roger J Morgan. The publication date is inferred from the file references, primarily covering the 1950s, with specific files dating up to 1958. The magazine delves into the official records and investigations into unidentified flying objects (UFOs) conducted by the British government.

The Public Record Office and UFO Files

The article begins by explaining the role of the Public Record Office (PRO) as the repository for historical government records. It notes that files are typically made available after 30 years, but sensitive files can remain closed for longer. The author's investigation aimed to uncover the extent of official UFO investigations and to debunk the notion of a secret department or cover-up. The investigation identified four relevant files, covering the period up to 1958, which corresponds to the initial 'flying saucer' phase of ufology.

Ministry of Defence Involvement

It was revealed that a section within the Ministry of Defence was concerned with receiving, recording, and evaluating UFO reports. However, the files found were not directly from this department, and details had to be inferred. The process involved departmental records officers and a 'weeding' process before files were transferred to the PRO. Politically sensitive files or those relating to individuals had longer closure periods. Notably, files from the Security and Secret Services were often closed indefinitely and not transferred to the PRO.

File 1: AIR 20 7390 (1950-1954)

This file contains a mixed bag of reports, including a 'light in the sky' report from Group Captain Cartmel, a briefing for the Secretary of State concerning an obscure Parliamentary Question, a 'daylight disc' report from RAF Topcliffe, and an investigation into an unidentified radar track. The initial reaction to such reports was dismissive, with one comment suggesting they might be useful for analysis but having no other immediate use. However, the RAF Topcliffe report, detailing a Meteor fighter shadowed by a silver disc exhibiting unusual movement, was taken more seriously and distributed widely within the Air Ministry.

File 2: AIR 20 9994 (1953-1957)

This file primarily documents two radar cases from the summer of 1957, originating from the Royal Air Force Southern Sector Headquarters. It includes standing instructions on reporting 'Aerial Phenomena' from December 1953. The file details events from April and July 1957. On April 29, a Mr L. Humphries observed a LIS, and radar stations detected two fast tracks. One track was vectored by a Javelin but disappeared. On July 29, a supervisor at Ventnor detected a very fast track over Belgium, designated an X-raid, at a high altitude.

File 3, 4, and 5: AIR 20 9320, 9321, 9322 (1955-1957)

These files document background briefings for the Secretary of State concerning Parliamentary Questions about UFOs. They reveal that between 1955 and 1956, 64 reports of unusual aerial phenomena were received, with the majority explained as balloons, meteors, or aircraft. The unexplained cases from 1956 included the 'West Freugh' incident, where a stationary target rose rapidly and then turned sharply at high speed, resolving into four objects. Other unexplained cases involved radar contacts of invisible objects, high-speed targets, and objects emitting rippling waves.

Official Conclusions and Analysis

The investigation by DDI (Tech) involved liaising with various scientific bodies, including the Royal Observatory and the Meteorological Office. The general conclusion was that most reports could be explained by known phenomena, but a significant number lacked sufficient information for a definitive explanation. The 'West Freugh' case was highlighted as a particularly impressive radar sighting where five objects behaved in a manner inconsistent with any known object. The article suggests that the official unit primarily responsible for collating and investigating UFO reports was DDI (Tech), which formalized its reporting system around 1953 and began analyzing reports from 1955.

The 'West Freugh' Incident

The 'West Freugh' incident is presented as a significant case, with the report concluding that it was due to "the presence of five reflecting objects of unidentified type and origin." It was considered unlikely that these were conventional aircraft, meteorological balloons, or charged clouds. This incident is highlighted as being close to an "official recognition that UFOs exist as artefacts."

Book Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews relevant to ufology and related topics:

• UFOs 1947-1987: the 40-year search for an explanation by Hilary Evans and John Spencer: A comprehensive collection of articles celebrating the anniversary of 'flying saucers', offering a range of perspectives from original research to the 'ridiculous'. It notes a divide between US-centric technological viewpoints and European psycho-social interpretations.
• Phenomenon; from flying saucers to UFOs - forty years of facts and research by Hilary Evans and John Spencer: A companion volume to the above, aimed at a general audience.
• Prophecy and Politics; militant evangelists on the road to nuclear war by Grace Halsell: Discusses the 'apocalyptophilia' of militant groups in the USA and their influence.
• The Reality of the Paranormal by Arthur Ellison: Focuses on spontaneous and field phenomena, influenced by Theosophist convictions.
• Night Siege; the Hudson Valley UFO sightings by J Allen Hynek, Philip J. Imbrogno, and Bob Pratt: Examines sightings of 'boomerang shaped rows of powerful lights', suggesting they may be hoaxed or related to military technology.
• The Final frontier by Dale Carter: Analyzes the transition of space flight dreams into nightmares, linking vested interests and the totalitarian ideology of the Nazi regime to the Apollo missions and the 'contactee' movement.
• Dimension; a casebook of alien contact by Jacques Vallee: Described as a compilation of Vallee's previous works, offering an introduction to his ideas but not presenting significant new material.
• The Superstitious Mind; French Peasants and the supernatural in the 19th century by Judith Devlin: Explores 'superstition' as a psychological mechanism for dealing with life's vagaries, discussing phenomena like possession and prophecy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine adopts a critical yet open-minded stance towards UFO research. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and the need to avoid both blind acceptance and outright rejection of evidence. The author expresses a personal inclination towards a 'cock-up' rather than a 'cover-up' theory of government, suggesting that errors and incompetence might explain some aspects of the UFO enigma. The issue highlights the ongoing debate between those who view UFOs as physical craft and those who see them as psycho-social phenomena or related to natural terrestrial lights. The editorial stance encourages a constructive critical approach to all suggestions and evidence presented in the field of UFO research.