Magonia Supplement - No 26 - 2000 04

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA Monthly Supplement, Issue No. 26, dated April 2000, is an English-language publication focused on interpreting contemporary vision and belief. The editor is JOHN HARNEY. The issue features an editorial discussing libel laws in the UK and their impact on UFO authors, and a main article titled 'DIVING TO EARTH' by Martin S. Kottmeyer, which analyzes the phenomenon of aliens depicted in space suits.

Editorial: Libel Laws and Ufology

The editorial highlights the restrictive nature of British libel laws, which it argues inhibit UFO authors from exposing dishonesty and unethical behavior among ufologists. It cites a recent libel case against Demon Internet, which was sued by physicist Dr Laurence Godfrey for failing to remove defamatory statements, resulting in a £500,000 settlement. The editor warns caution when writing about ufology's alleged fraudsters and hucksters.

Main Article: DIVING TO EARTH by Martin S. Kottmeyer

Martin S. Kottmeyer explores the historical depiction of aliens in space suits, drawing parallels between early science fiction metaphors of space as an ocean and actual UFO reports. He references John Raphael's 1912 story 'Up Above,' which described aliens in atmospheric diving bells collecting specimens from Earth. Charles Fort's concept of a 'Super-Sargasso Sea' from which strange creatures were 'shaken out' is also mentioned, along with Fort's evidence of luminous bodies with sail-like structures and reports of 'sky-hooks'.

Kottmeyer notes that aliens in diving suits began appearing in Europe in the 1950s, particularly during France's 'Great Martian Panic' of 1954. He provides a tally of space-suited alien reports by decade:

• 1950s: 22
• 1960s: 17
• 1970s: 24
• 1980s: 5
• 1990s: 0

He acknowledges ambiguities in classifying cases, such as those involving disembodied heads or human accomplices, and notes that estimates for the 80s and 90s might be low due to a lack of comprehensive catalogues. Despite this caveat, the decline in reports is considered significant.

The article discusses how early science fiction and pulps frequently depicted aliens in space suits due to the understanding that other planets had different atmospheres. Examples include films like 'The Man from Planet X' (1951) and 'Earth vs. the Flying Saucers' (1956). However, Kottmeyer argues that the scientific understanding of life evolving in ecological feedback loops suggests that life-bearing worlds might develop similar atmospheres, potentially negating the need for specialized suits.

He also considers the possibility that advanced aliens might engineer biological modifications, making cumbersome suits unnecessary. While acknowledging that film production issues might have influenced the portrayal of helmets, Kottmeyer suggests that the decline in space-suited alien reports is likely tied to cultural factors and the rise of specific abduction narratives, such as those popularized by Budd Hopkins and Whitley Strieber, which often feature 'Greys' without suits.

The article touches on the geographical distribution of these reports, noting their initial prevalence in Europe and later in the US, with specific mention of the Falkville policeman photos in 1973 and the Gulf Breeze case. It questions why Europe favored the space-suited form in the fifties while the US did not, and mentions the 1952 Monguzzi photo hoax and the 1954 Quarouble affair as early examples.

Kottmeyer also addresses the inconsistencies in the appearance of these suits (spherical, cylindrical, transparent, opaque, with or without faceplates, hoses, antennae) and suggests these variations might be explained as different alien races or fashion choices. He notes that while some reports mention aliens having breathing difficulties, David Jacobs' theory that Greys do not breathe is presented as a significant departure from biological norms.

The author concludes that the decline in space-suited alien reports points to cultural effects. He does not take a definitive stance on whether suited or unsuited aliens are more probable, acknowledging that while the 'Gaia argument' for similar atmospheres is compelling, the older argument for the necessity of suits also holds weight. He suggests that new ways for life and atmosphere to co-evolve might exist and that the concept of suits should not be entirely dismissed.

Notes and News from Nigel Watson

Nigel Watson contributes a section titled 'Notes and News'.

The Scareship Mystery

This section announces the release of a book titled 'The Scareship Mystery,' which reviews airship scares between 1909 and 1918. The book includes contributions from several authors, including Granville Oldroyd, David Clarke, Eddie Bullard, Robert Bartholomew, Mr X, and Nigel Watson. It is available for £9.95 from Domra Publications.

Rumours of Neo-Nazis

Watson discusses the insidious nature of neo-Nazi ideas and their supporters, linking them to the denial of the Holocaust by historian David Irving. He recounts a past experience where a paper co-authored with Granville Oldroyd, 'Snow on their Boots,' about World War I rumors, was used by a French journal, 'Akribeia,' to support neo-Nazi propaganda alleging that 'the final solution' did not occur. This misuse of their work, intended to analyze rumors, led to the journal being described as a vehicle for neo-Nazi propaganda.

Watson also mentions theories that top Nazis developed flying saucers during World War II and escaped to bases in Antarctica or the Earth's center. He references Corrydon Hammond's claim that an alliance of Nazis, CIA, and NASA have brainwashed people to rule the world. A particularly striking claim mentioned is that the 'Greys,' known for piloting flying saucers and abducting people, are actually Nazi clones.

He suggests that the David Irving libel case serves as a grounding influence against such baseless rumors and conspiracy theories.

Spring-Heeled Jack

Watson then shifts to discussing contemporary folklore, referencing a character called 'Spring-Heeled Jack,' described as a black-cloaked figure with a yellow face and green hair, who reportedly terrorized teenage girls in London in the 19th century. He notes that this character is now featured in the comic section of The Sunday Times and is part of a Scooby-Do serial. Watson speculates that such stories, when assimilated in childhood, can trigger paranormal experiences in adulthood, questioning whether this might spoil childish fun.

Contact Information

Information is provided for obtaining back issues of MAGONIA Monthly Supplement via their website (www.magonia.demon.co.uk) and for submitting letters and articles to the Editor, John Harney, at the provided UK address, fax number, and email address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates a critical approach to ufology, evident in the editorial's focus on libel laws and the potential for fraud, and in Nigel Watson's critique of neo-Nazi conspiracy theories and the sensationalism surrounding paranormal folklore. The main article by Kottmeyer adopts an analytical stance, examining the historical and cultural evolution of UFO imagery, particularly the space-suited alien, and seeking rational explanations for observed patterns. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between factual reporting, historical context, and unsubstantiated claims or propaganda.