Magonia Supplement - No 15 - 1999 05

Magazine Overview

Title: MAGONIA Monthly Supplement
Issue: No. 15
Date: May 1999
Publisher: Magonia
Editor: John Harney

This issue of the Magonia Monthly Supplement, formerly the ETH Bulletin, focuses on critical examination of UFO phenomena and related topics, with a particular emphasis on the reliability of evidence and witness testimony. The editorial expresses surprise at Stanton Friedman's association with believers in invulnerable, invisible aliens. The main article, 'ETH - TWO UNANSWERED QUESTIONS', challenges the core tenets of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), questioning how such phenomena could remain secret and highlighting the lack of concrete proof, especially in multi-witness cases.

Editorial: Inconsistency of Belief

The editor, John Harney, notes Stanton Friedman's shift towards more unconventional UFO beliefs, questioning the consistency of associating with those who believe in invulnerable, invisible aliens capable of passing through walls. Harney suggests there might be an inconsistency in Friedman's own beliefs.

ETH - TWO UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

This section critically analyzes the evidence for the ETH. The author argues that multi-witness cases, often cited as proof, either have mundane explanations or fail under scrutiny. The article points out that many cases with multiple witnesses are difficult to verify, as attempts to contact other witnesses often fail, and independent verification is lacking. This lack of corroboration is deemed vital for extraordinary claims to be taken seriously by the scientific community.

The Karachi Incident

A case involving Frank J. Parker, who claimed to have witnessed a UFO while on National Service in the RAF in Karachi on March 23, 1955, is presented as an example. Parker described an orange-colored ball hovering over the city, visible to him and his companions. Upon arrival in Karachi, they encountered thousands of people kneeling and praying while looking at the object. Parker estimated the object was about 125 feet above the ground and watched it for over an hour. However, the author expresses doubt about Parker's account, suggesting that despite the alleged thousands of witnesses, independent corroboration is unlikely, and no records would be found in Karachi newspapers. The author also notes that Raymond Fowler, who investigated this incident, only heard of it in 1988, over a decade after it supposedly occurred, allowing ample time for confabulation.

The Secrecy Argument

The article tackles the argument that proof of the ETH is suppressed by government agencies. The author poses the question of how such a continuous surveillance by extraterrestrial spacecraft could be kept secret for over fifty years. Using the analogy of a government discovering a comet on a collision course with Earth, the author argues that imposing secrecy on such matters would be futile and damaging to national interests. Similarly, if alien craft are present, governments have no control and cannot maintain secrecy. The article suggests that any evidence of crashed UFOs could fall into anyone's hands, and attempts at concealment would likely backfire. It contrasts this with recent news of data leaks concerning nuclear weapons and satellite tracking systems, and the publication of MI6 officials' names, implying that in the modern era, very little can be kept secret except perhaps crashed saucers and their pilots.

Satanism Update

This section provides an update on a Satanic abuse trial in Pembroke, following up on a previous summary in Magonia. Journalist Byron Rogers has published another article on the case, prompted by a conference on child abuse attended by figures like Cherie Blair and Hilary Clinton. The article highlights concerns raised by Mr Justice Kay, who presided over the trial, noting that convictions were based solely on children's testimony without adult testimony or forensic evidence. The description of the alleged events includes lurid scenarios like orgies, pits of urine and faeces, and animal sacrifices, mirroring patterns seen in other investigations. Nick Ainger, the local MP, expresses serious reservations and believes the cases of those convicted should be reviewed. The section also mentions that one of the boys involved, now 18, is considering legal action against social workers who removed him from his family, despite making no allegations himself.

Letters

Allagash Abductions Questioned: Luis R. González from Malaga, Spain, writes to challenge Hilary Evans's assertion that the Allagash abductions provide definitive evidence for alien abductions. González argues that despite witness regressions, significant differences exist in their accounts of the UFO arrival order, the examination procedures (including medical examinations and alleged masturbation), and the interior of the UFO. He concludes that these discrepancies deeply undermine the reliability of the evidence and question Raymond Fowler's investigative credibility.

John Harney's Comment: John Harney adds a note to González's letter, pointing out that the Allagash incident, supposedly occurring in August 1976, was not reported to Raymond Fowler until May 1988, when one of the witnesses approached him. Harney suggests this significant time lag allowed for the development of confabulation and false memories.

Letters (Continued)

Defense of BUFORA: A correspondent, Nigel Watson from Colebrook, Plympton, expresses disgust at Magonia's perceived destructive attitude towards BUFORA (British UFO Research Association). Watson defends BUFORA as a well-established institution that provides a home for enthusiasts and suggests it should actively promote the subject through books, videos, and other media to generate revenue for research. He contrasts this with Jenny Randles's view that ufology has become a mass-market product controlled by PR companies and the media.

Vampire Apology: Watson also shares an amusing apology from 'The X Factor' magazine regarding an article about Sean Manchester staking a vampire. The apology corrects the location and date of the alleged event, highlighting the strict etiquette of vampire impaling. He also references Leonard R.N. Ashley's 'The Complete Book of Vampires', which refers to Sean Manchester as 'late', and quotes Carol Page describing him as a 'bore' and disagreeing with his claims of descent from Lord Byron.

Flying Triangles: Christopher Allan from Stoke-on-Trent discusses the Hudson Valley UFOs and Omar Fowler's booklet 'The Flying Triangle Mystery'. Allan notes that all reported cases of Flying Triangles (FTs) in the UK and Europe occurred at night, and all photographic or video evidence shows only night lights. He questions whether these are truly UFOs or simply Identified Flying Objects (IFOs), and expresses a need for reliable daytime sightings of FTs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards extraordinary claims in ufology, the critical examination of evidence, and the potential for psychological factors like confabulation to influence witness testimony. The editorial stance is clearly one of critical inquiry, challenging widely accepted narratives within the UFO community and demanding rigorous proof. The magazine also touches upon unrelated but sensational topics like Satanic abuse and vampire lore, suggesting a broad interest in the unusual and unexplained, but always with an underlying critical perspective.