Magonia - No 45 - 1993 03

Magazine Overview

Title: Magonia
Issue: 45
Date: March 1993
Publisher: Not specified
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Price: 95p
Cover Headline: Manhattan Transfer: John Rimmer on the case that's tearing American ufology apart

This issue of Magonia, a publication known for its skeptical approach to ufology, features a range of articles examining various facets of the UFO phenomenon. The cover highlights key articles on the 'Manhattan Transfer' case, 'Crashed Saucers or Grounded Research', UFO paranoia in the 1960s, and an examination of David Jacobs' 'Secret Life'. The magazine celebrates its 25 years of publication, emphasizing its consistent critical stance.

Editorial and Subscription Information

The editorial panel includes John Harney (Founding Editor), Roger Sandell, and Nigel Watson, with Corresponding Editors Peter Rogerson, Michael Goss, and Robert Rankin. Subscription details are provided, with rates for the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States. The magazine is available by exchange with other publications or by subscription. Correspondence, subscriptions, and exchange magazines should be sent to the editor, John Rimmer.

Editor's Column: A Tribute to Johns and 25 Years of Magonia

The editor's column begins with a tribute to the two Johns (presumably Rimmer and Harney) for their 25 years of producing MUFOB and Magonia. The column reflects on the longevity of the journal, especially during times when other UFO publications have struggled. It notes the evolution of UFO topics over the years, from early concepts like UFO detectors and ancient astronauts to modern fads such as earthlights, abductions, and crop circles. The editor questions whether modern abductees are fundamentally different from earlier contactees and highlights how ufologists have become more willing to listen to unusual tales.

The column also touches upon the origins of some modern UFO fads, tracing them back to earlier phenomena. It contrasts the extraordinary Snettisham story with modern psychic questing and mentions the 'Snettisham story' and the 'Scoriton story' as precursors to some UFO narratives. The editor expresses concern about the direction of psychic questing, particularly in cases involving grief-stricken individuals.

'Magonia has never had to backtrack on its scepticism' by Peter Rogerson

This article strongly defends Magonia's skeptical stance, arguing that it has remained consistent over the years and has become the 'routine verdict of mainstream ufology'. Rogerson criticizes 'witness led ufology', where the witness's account is accepted without question, comparing it to contactee cults. He argues that Magonia's 'cynical' reputation stemmed from its refusal to publish nonsense for fame or money, but rather from a critical examination of claims.

Rogerson criticizes the tendency of some ufologists to accept extraordinary claims without sufficient evidence, leading them into 'sticky situations'. He also expresses dismay at the willingness of some UFO editors to promote conspiracy theories, citing an example involving a speaker who mentioned 'protege of Ezra Pound' and linking it to medieval antisemitic superstition. He criticizes the promotion of Lyndon LaRouche's theories, which he labels as 'barmpot' ravings.

The article argues that the main problem with ufology is the assumption that everything is mysterious unless proven otherwise. Rogerson states that the correct skeptical response is to acknowledge the lack of personal knowledge ('I don't know what happened') rather than assuming an anomaly. He asserts that the onus is on those proposing anomalies to prove their existence.

He addresses Jenny Randles' claim that ufologists know the UFO phenomenon is real and not all misperceptions. Rogerson agrees that some cases are hoaxes or 'virtual experiences' (like abductions), but questions whether there are any cases that are neither misperceptions, virtual experiences, nor hoaxes. He concludes that the null position (lack of proof for anomalies) is as reasonable as any other given the current state of knowledge.

The article references the 'Day film' as an example of what was once considered strong evidence, now largely dismissed. It also mentions the Fatima eyewitnesses, questioning whether thousands of testimonies can resolve an issue. Rogerson ends by noting that the ongoing nature of the UFO debate ensures plenty of material for Magonia in the future.

'Crash at Corona' and the MJ-12 Papers: A Critical Review by Christopher Allan

This section reviews 'Crash at Corona', the third book on the Roswell incident in twelve years, and discusses the 'Majestic 12' (MJ-12) papers. Allan criticizes the book for its 'biased choice of data and wild speculation'. The authors of 'Crash at Corona' propose that there were two separate saucer crashes in July 1947, one near Corona and another on the Plains of San Augustin, with eight alien bodies and wreckage recovered. They also suggest that Stalin was aware of the Roswell incident in 1947 and had Soviet scientists investigate it.

Allan finds the authors' claims about Stalin's involvement highly speculative, noting the limited UFO literature available at the time. He also points out inconsistencies in the book, such as the date of Bill Brazel Jr.'s alleged visit and the confiscation of UFO fragments. The review questions why the MJ-12 committee, if they recovered a crashed saucer, would have ignored Frank Scully's 1950 bestseller about the incident.

The article also scrutinizes the 'Smith-Sarbacher connection' and the MJ-12 members' details. It criticizes the one-sided discussion of the documents and the presentation of Dr. Roger Wescott's analysis, omitting that Wescott later changed his mind and had been chosen for his belief in paranormal phenomena.

Allan highlights the authors' speculative explanation for the omission of the San Augustin crash from the Eisenhower paper, suggesting it was omitted due to 'limited credence'. He also points out that the authors accept the MJ-12 papers as genuine, despite the lack of definitive proof. The review questions the authors' handling of witness testimonies, such as Jesse Marcel's account, and the Lydia Sleppy teletype story, noting how versions have changed over time.

The article concludes that 'Crash at Corona' is less credible than previous books on the subject and that the authors' attempts to reconcile conflicting accounts and dates are unconvincing.

'Is credibility being stretched, is the truth being drawn out or are our legs being pulled?' by Christopher Allan

This is a continuation of Christopher Allan's review of books related to the Roswell case. He continues to question the validity of the evidence presented, particularly concerning the MJ-12 papers and witness testimonies. Allan points out inconsistencies in dates and accounts, such as the differing recollections of Bill Brazel Jr. regarding his UFO fragments. He also notes the convenient omission of Frank Scully's 1950 account from discussions of the Roswell incident by proponents of the MJ-12 papers.

The review highlights the authors' attempts to explain away discrepancies, such as the 'limited credence' given to the San Augustin crash. Allan also discusses the 'FBI teletype' story, noting how it has evolved over time and includes new elements not present in earlier accounts. He questions the authors' acceptance of witness accounts, like Jesse Marcel's, and the claims about the wreckage being difficult to damage.

Allan also addresses the testimony of Gerald Anderson, who came forward in 1990 after seeing a TV documentary. He finds Anderson's detailed recall of events from 43 years prior, including alien faces and military insignia, to be highly suspect. The article notes that Anderson passed a polygraph test, but questions the validity of this given the circumstances. The review also mentions the testimony of Glenn Dennis, a mortician who claimed to have heard about alien bodies from a nurse.

The article criticizes the authors' acceptance of claims about secret USAF movie footage and the 'invention of transistors' being linked to Roswell wreckage. It also touches upon the government's alleged fear of a stock market crash and depression as reasons for a cover-up.

The San Augustin Controversy Report

This section summarizes the proceedings of a conference held in Chicago in February 1992, which aimed to investigate the 'second alleged saucer crash' on the presumed date of the Roswell incident. The conference featured a debate between Friedman and Berliner on one side, and Kevin Randle, Donald Schmitt, and Thomas J. Carey on the other, with Professor Michael D. Swords acting as moderator.

The article notes that the main topic of discussion was the credibility of Gerald Anderson, whose testimony was presented as supporting documentation. However, the review suggests that Anderson is a 'complete fraud' who obtained his knowledge from existing books and documentaries. Friedman's rejection of this assessment is mentioned, with him continuing to promote Anderson as a key witness.

The discussion also centered on Dr. Winfred Buskirk, whom Anderson identified as the leader of an archaeological team at the crash site. Investigations revealed that Buskirk was an anthropology teacher at the same school Anderson attended years later, and Buskirk denies any knowledge of a UFO crash.

The article acknowledges the extensive research conducted on Roswell over thirteen years, with hundreds of people interviewed. However, it states that crucial evidence, such as actual UFO hardware or alien bodies, has never been found and is unlikely to be. The review questions the extent of contamination of witnesses' memories and the influence of the UFO subject on their perceptions.

It concludes that while some debris was found on Mac Brazel's ranch and the military was involved in its retrieval, the only official document is an FBI teletype from July 8, 1947, which described the object as a radar target with a balloon. The 'San Augustin' crash is deemed entirely fictitious, based on a secondhand tale told to Stanton Friedman years later.

Randle and Schmitt are planning a second book, and the article anticipates further articles promising 'breakthroughs' that will likely never materialize, but suggests that Roswell will continue to provide entertainment and speculation.

'Swinging Through the Sixties' by Martin Kottmeyer

This article, Part Two of 'What's Up Doc?', examines the UFO belief and literature of the 1960s, describing it as a 'manic time for UFO belief'. Kottmeyer notes that flying saucers were perceived as real, advanced machines posing a potential threat, and that authorities were urged to admit the problem's reality.

The author cites book titles from the era, such as 'Flying Saucers: The Startling Evidence of the Invasion from Outer Space' and 'The Real UFO Invasion', to illustrate the prevailing mood of urgency and fear. He mentions the efforts of NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena) to press for Congressional hearings on UFOs. The Air Force, however, warned that such hearings would legitimize the problem and increase publicity.

NICAP published 'The UFO Evidence', sending copies to congressmen to support their case that UFOs were real and posed a danger to society, potentially causing widespread panic if an external threat were suddenly revealed. The article suggests that a confrontation with extraterrestrials could have disastrous results for morale.

It references the 'swamp gas fiasco' of 1966, which led to a loss of credibility in the Air Force's handling of UFOs. This resulted in Congressional hearings and the creation of the Condon committee to investigate the issue. The Condon committee's conclusion, that further study of UFOs was unlikely to advance scientific knowledge and that the phenomenon did not pose a defense problem, is presented. The report also noted that the subject had been widely misrepresented by a small number of individuals.

Kottmeyer highlights that ufologists were angered by Condon's perceived jokes about witnesses and his pre-judgment of the outcome. Condon admitted that the study focused on physical science aspects and ignored psychiatric aspects, partly due to a lack of observed psychopathology. However, the article suggests Condon overlooked the 'emotional commitment' of UFO believers and the 'extremes of conduct' their faith could lead to.

The article criticizes the Condon report's failure to provide conclusive explanations for a minority of cases, stating that extraterrestrial vehicles are not a convincing explanation for the remainder. It points out that these unexplained cases lacked corroborative integrity, consistency, and seemed irrational. Examples of unexplained cases are cited, including one involving a medical student with emotional disturbance and another involving teenagers seeking to frighten themselves.

The article then delves into the UFO literature of the 1960s, mentioning the writings of the Lorenzens and their premise that UFOs are engaged in reconnaissance, mapping the country, and testing defense capabilities. The 1952 D.C. incidents are interpreted as accidental revealings. The Ubatuba explosion is seen as self-destruction to prevent technology from falling into human hands. The Lorenzens suggest that UFOs are powerful radioactive sources and that a future war could involve all nations fighting against a common extraterrestrial foe.

UFOs Over the Americas and Frank Edwards' Warnings

This section discusses the book 'UFOs Over the Americas' (1968), which is described as more suffused with confusion than fear. It notes a new phase of UFO activity involving car chases and a tendency for UFOs to be sighted near cemeteries, speculated as a way to understand funeral processions. The authors criticize the scientific community's view that UFOs show 'no intelligent pattern of behaviour', yet elsewhere observe that extraterrestrials' motivations are 'so well-concealed as to suggest a deliberate attempt to confuse'. The book calls for a UN-sponsored agency to investigate UFOs.

The article then focuses on the writings of Frank Edwards, described as the best-selling author on UFOs in the 1960s. Edwards' book 'Flying Saucers - Serious Business' includes a 'flying saucer health warning', which the author of the Magonia article sees as epitomizing the 'hypochondriacal spirit of the sixties'. The warning advises people not to stand under or touch hovering or landed UFOs due to potential radiation danger and the risk of burns from rays. It suggests getting away quickly and letting the military handle the situation.

Edwards affirms cases involving eye damage, burns, temporary paralysis, and physiological disturbances. He discusses heat waves, stun rays, and the potential for UFOs to interfere with electrical systems. Despite these hints of malevolence, Edwards ultimately proclaims that contact will be the 'greatest experience of the human race'.

His sequel, 'Flying Saucers Here and Now', was prompted by the increase in UFO sightings in the mid-1960s. This book includes James McDonald's call for a full-scale Congressional investigation. Edwards maintains UFOs are not hostile but warns that contact will have significant theological, psychological, and sociological impacts, describing contact as imminent.

George Fawcett's 1965 article is mentioned, surveying UFO cases for repetitive features, including pursuit, increased background radiation, electrical shock, burns, blackouts, temporary paralysis, and hostile acts. Fawcett also cites cases of UFO chases, deaths attributed to close encounters, and electromagnetic interference. He expresses concern that it might be 'too late' for governments to act on the UFO problem and that international boundary crossings by UFOs could lead to 'accidental World War III'. He joins the chorus calling for verification of UFO reality, urging a worldwide probe through the United Nations.

The article concludes by mentioning Jacques Vallée's works as essential reading for ufologists.

The Hypochondriac Themes and the 'Disease Metaphor'

This section continues the discussion of UFO literature, noting the 'imperative quality' of the UFO problem expressed in terms like 'plague' and 'grave need'. Aimé Michel is cited for using a 'disease metaphor', suggesting aliens 'dominate us only to the degree that the microbe dominates us when we are ill'.

The article critiques the 'hypochondriac themes' as 'multiform and collective equivalents of motifs commonly encountered in psychotic fantasy'. The call for an international commission to verify UFO reality is seen as a universally shared concern. The talk of sleeping drugs in the water supply is linked to 'poisoning fantasies', and the talk of war and civilization toppling fits into 'world destruction fantasies'. The fear of invasion is compared to historical panics like the Great Fear in 1789 France and the 1913 Scareship wave, and H.G. Wells's 'War of the Worlds'. The concern over blackouts is paralleled with 'loss-of-life-energy fantasies' in schizophrenia.

'Flying Saucer Occupants' (1967) is described as less fearful than earlier books, focusing on non-contactee ufonaut reports. While preferring to assert the reality of these entities, the authors admit an alternative theory: that the population is falling victim to a 'particularly insidious and apparently contagious mental disease' that generates hallucinations involving airships and humanoids.

This 'disease metaphor' is noted as being infectious, appearing in the writings of J. Allen Hynek, who suggested that if an investigation yielded nothing, one could 'shrug off the UFO problem with, There must have been a virus going around'. Hynek's 'The UFO Experience' is also mentioned, where he questions if these people are 'truly sick' and if a 'strange "virus"' is attacking them.

Gordon Creighton is quoted as stating that these stories constitute a 'fascinating social, psychological - and possibly also a parapsychological enigma'. He argues that if the growing numbers of people claiming these experiences are indeed hallucinated or suffering from the stresses of the Nuclear Age, then they are in 'grave need of psychological study and medical attention'. He expresses concern that valuable time has been lost in addressing this potential 'new psychosis'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia revolve around skepticism towards UFO claims, critical analysis of UFO literature and research, and historical perspectives on the phenomenon. The magazine consistently questions the evidence presented, highlights inconsistencies and speculative elements in witness testimonies and book publications, and critiques the methodologies and conclusions of ufologists. The issue emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the need for rigorous proof, contrasting Magonia's approach with what it perceives as a more credulous stance within the broader ufology community. The editorial stance is clearly one of critical inquiry and a demand for verifiable evidence, often challenging widely accepted narratives within the UFO field, particularly concerning the Roswell incident and the MJ-12 documents. The magazine also explores the psychological and societal factors that may contribute to UFO beliefs, as seen in the discussion of 'hypochondriac themes' and the 'disease metaphor' in 1960s UFO literature.

This issue of Magonia, identified as issue 11, delves into the complex and often controversial landscape of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on abduction narratives and the psycho-social interpretations that have emerged. The magazine presents a detailed and seemingly unbiased report on the UFO mystery, exploring its potential to reveal a complex, intelligent life beyond Earth.

Key Articles and Themes

UFOs and the Hypochondriacal Mindset

The issue begins by examining how the UFO phenomenon can lead to a 'hypochondriacal mindset,' characterized by a call for international scientific commissions to verify evidence and separate imagination from physical reality. This is linked to themes of fear and the potential for a 'world destruction fantasy.' The works of authors like Jacques Vallee are discussed, particularly his books 'Challenge to Science' and 'Passport to Magonia,' which explore the behavioral aspects of UFO entities and question the reliability of their messages.

Brad Steiger and Fear-Based Narratives

Brad Steiger's books are highlighted as sources of 'hypochondriacal themes,' including recommendations for objective panels to study UFOs, concerns about UFOs creating blackouts and scrambling power plants, and the notion of hypnotic drugs being beamed into water supplies. A particularly striking example cited is the suggestion of 'galactic experiments in cremation' and the idea that UFOs were ready to invade the US on a full scale, necessitating peaceful communication or annihilation.

J. Allen Hynek and the 'Swamp Gas' Affair

J. Allen Hynek's shift in perspective following the 'swamp gas' affair is discussed, where he expressed fears that the Russians might solve the UFO mystery, potentially with results that would dwarf the Sputnik launch. Hynek's suggestion that official denials were a cover for secret study is explored, along with his acknowledgment of 'psychotic and paranoid signals' in UFO reports and his advice to drop cases where witnesses exhibit signs of persecution.

Jerome Clark and the 'Dismal Swamp' Statement

Jerome Clark's reaction to Hynek's comment about a 'dismal swamp' being an unlikely place for a UFO visit is analyzed. Clark argued the opposite, suggesting such locations are ideal for stealth. The discussion touches upon themes of UFOs causing injuries, the idea of self-defense, and a perceived shift in attitude from earlier decades where UFOs were seen as possessing 'savoir-faire.'

The Call for Verification

The recurring theme of a call for verification of UFO reality is noted, exemplified by a resolution from a 1967 gathering of UFO enthusiasts proclaiming UFOs as extraterrestrial vehicles and a vital global issue.

John Fuller and Physiological Effects

John Fuller's writings are described as rich in themes of blackouts, physiological reactions, and mechanical interference, alongside the persistent call for large-scale scientific investigation due to 'startling, alarming, and dangerous material.' His work is noted for its 'mounting seriousness' and a book dedicated to the idea that UFOs were ready to invade the US.

Abduction Narratives and Sexuality

Peter Rogerson's article, 'Hunters gatherers and secret abductors,' reviews David M. Jacobs' book 'Secret Life: firsthand accounts of UFO abductions.' This section delves into the heady brew of sexuality, apocalyptic themes, missing babies, and women's fears associated with abduction narratives. It describes the violation of women, the spectral shapes of 'Grays,' and the subject's experience of being taken to a place of ordeal for medical examinations and 'grotesque psychodramas.' The narrative explores themes of forced sexual congress, the impregnation by 'other' forces, and the disturbing imagery of fetuses being grown in incubators.

The 'Antechamber to Hell' Vision

Jacobs' descriptions of Grays are characterized as 'the dead, exiled from the organic round and lusting after the living.' The abduction locations are compared to an 'antechamber to Hell,' with imagery of Auschwitz and corridors filled with the sounds of machines and moans. The concept of a 'breathing pool' is mentioned, along with travelogues of apocalypse and messages from a 'Tannoy-voice of God.' The article notes that Jacobs suggests abductions can occur daily, leading to post-traumatic stress, and that the only defense is videotaping sleeping victims.

Psycho-Social Analysis vs. ETH

The debate between psycho-social interpretations and the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) is evident. The article discusses how Jacobs' technique secularizes and standardizes abduction stories, dismissing elements that don't fit his model as confabulation or hypnotic influence. It draws parallels between abduction narratives and those of the Satanic abuse hunters, noting the appeal to deep fears of loneliness and not being believed. The article also contrasts this with the 'theophany' tradition, where abductions are seen as divine interventions.

The Linda Napolitano Case

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the Linda Napolitano case, a controversy dividing ufologists in the USA. The case involves Linda's claims of abduction from her Manhattan apartment, with subsequent hypnosis revealing details of the event. The involvement of two individuals, 'Richard' and 'Dan,' who claimed to be security agents, and their subsequent harassment of Linda, is detailed. The article discusses the differing opinions on the case, with some, like ufologist George Hansen, arguing for police involvement, while others, like Budd Hopkins, Jerome Clark, and Walt Andrus, advocated for a 'hold' on the investigation to examine the ufological aspects.

Political Undercurrents in Ufology

The Napolitano case leads into a discussion of the 'political undergrowth of American ufology,' with a heated exchange of circulars between Jerome Clark and George Hansen, comparing the latter to Torquemada. The article notes the intemperate tone of these letters and the broader context of ufological feuds.

Further Investigations and Criticisms

George Hansen, Joseph Stefula, and Richard Butler's report on the Napolitano case is presented as a significant contribution, with the authors described as 'knee-jerk debunkers.' Their investigation included on-the-spot interviews and the discovery of a key piece of information: the supposed abduction site was opposite the night loading bay of the New York Post, a location that apparently registered no unusual activity. The report highlights inconsistencies in the accounts of 'Richard' and 'Dan' and discusses the potential ecological disaster and alien involvement in ending the Cold War mentioned in a letter attributed to 'the third man.'

Critiques of Ufology's Establishment

The article presents a critique of the 'establishment' of American ufology, particularly concerning the Napolitano case. It suggests that some leaders may not truly believe their own UFO investigations, likening their behavior to 'fantasy role playing' akin to Dungeons and Dragons. The authors argue that the 'high priest' role of figures like Hopkins, Clark, and Jacobs, and their patronizing references to Linda's intelligence, serve to maintain control. The conclusion suggests that those involved in helping abductees are vulnerable to deception.

Letters to the Editor

The 'Letters' section features correspondence from readers, including Terry Lee of Hixson, Tennessee, who praises Magonia for its diverse viewpoints and requests more articles on psycho-social themes and field reports. He also expresses appreciation for the balance Magonia strives for. Another letter from Kevin McClure of St Austell, Cornwall, discusses the Bullard-Evans-Rogerson debate on abductions, questioning the methodology of regression hypnosis and the 'marketable' nature of some folklore-derived narratives. He suggests that recent abduction narratives may not have roots in true folklore. Jerome Clark also writes to inform readers about a special price for his books, 'Emergence' and 'UFOs in the 1980's.'

Back Page: Miscellaneous Ramblings

The 'Back Page' section includes miscellaneous items. One item discusses an advertisement for a regression hypnosis service for retrieving memories of 'missing time,' sexual abuse, and other traumas, questioning the prevalence of such agencies and their potential link to the rise in abduction and child-abuse memories. Another item reports on the death of Aimé Michel, a French ufologist known for his 'orthoteny' theory, which linked UFO sightings along straight lines. The article notes that Michel's work, while influential, has faced scrutiny regarding its statistical validity and the compromise of raw data.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Magonia consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with psychology, folklore, and societal anxieties. The recurring themes include the nature of evidence in UFO investigations, the potential for psychological factors to shape narratives, the role of belief systems in interpreting experiences, and the political dynamics within the ufological community. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging diverse perspectives and critical analysis, while acknowledging the complexities and potential for deception inherent in the subject matter. The magazine aims to present a balanced view, contrasting psycho-social interpretations with the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis and highlighting the importance of rigorous investigation and clear reporting.