Merseyside UFO Bulletin

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin, Volume 1, Number 5, dated September-October 1968, features a prominent cover headline asking, "SHOULD 'MEN IN BLACK' REPORTS BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY?". The editorial staff includes Editor John Harney, Asst. Editor John A. Rimmer, and Science Editor Alan W. Sharp. The bulletin addresses the growing debate within ufology regarding the 'respectability' of the field and the image projected by UFO groups and journals.

Editorial: The Image is the Message

The editorial discusses the resistance to making the UFO scene 'respectable', which some feel moves away from the 'grass-roots' of old-time ufology. This 'respectability' is seen as a question of image, with proponents suggesting that projecting a more serious scientific image by dropping terms like 'flying saucer' and eliminating 'crackpot fringe' elements would attract scientific interest. The editorial argues that the new image needed is not for the investigators, but for the phenomenon itself, which is currently linked with 'small cliques of terribly sincere nuts'. It suggests that the current image is one of a subject inextricably linked with such groups, regardless of their scientific rigor.

The editorial proposes that perhaps UFO groups and journals should close down for a few years, allowing the UFOs to become a public concern rather than the 'private property of the UFO underground', potentially leading to genuine explanations.

SHOULD 'MEN IN BLACK' REPORTS BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY?

This article by John Harney delves into the problem of 'Men in Black' (MIB) reports, which involve witnesses or investigators being threatened or warned to keep silent about their UFO sightings. The article poses two main questions: How serious is the problem, and what are the best methods for discovering its cause?

Brief History of MIB Reports

The article traces the history of MIB reports, starting with the alleged Maury Island sighting in June 1947. Harold A. Dahl reported being visited by a man in a black suit who warned him not to discuss the events. While the U.S. Air Force claimed the Maury Island case was a hoax, the article notes that elements of the story, including the MIB incident, recur in later cases. Another classic MIB case cited is that of Albert K. Bender, who closed his organization, the International Flying Saucer Bureau, after being warned by 'three men in black'. Bender's story, published in 1963, suggested the MIB were aliens extracting a substance from seawater. The article notes that this explanation was unconvincing to most believers.

Despite skepticism, stories of witnesses being silenced by sinister figures or men posing as government officials persisted. The article highlights the work of John Keel, who claims MIB are real and active, and mentions a local appeal for information in the Liverpool Echo and on BBC Radio Merseyside, which received only three responses, mostly requests for information.

Different Aspects of the Problem in the U.S.A.

The article discusses the persistence of MIB stories in the U.S.A., where witnesses claimed to be visited by men purporting to be FBI agents or Air Force officers who confiscated photos and issued warnings. In 1967, Colonel George Freeman, Pentagon spokesman for Project Blue Book, stated the Air Force was also annoyed by these mystery men and had been unable to identify them. The article also notes incidents involving mysterious 'men in black' driving old black cars, evading police, and taking flash pictures of houses at night, describing these actions as nonsensical.

It suggests that the conservative approach of American enthusiasts has led to the neglect of bizarre aspects of the mystery. The article points out that Project Blue Book often filed UFO reports as 'C.P.' (Crackpot), and similar policies were adopted by more serious UFO organizations, leaving these reports to groups with questionable competence.

How Serious is the Problem?

Critics argue that focusing on MIB reports distracts from the main UFO problem and may be the result of hoaxes, delusions, or lies. The article acknowledges the difficulty in assessing the reliability of reports due to the lack of physical evidence and the unpredictable nature of the phenomena. It references Hansell's work on how intelligent people can be fooled by faulty memory, cheating, and wishful thinking. However, it concludes that MIB reports should be studied seriously along with other UFO phenomena.

How Should the Problem be Tackled?

The article addresses the criticism of John Keel's work, suggesting that critics should investigate his claims themselves rather than dismiss them. It notes that some MIB reports can be explained by mental illness or delusions, while acknowledging evidence of government agencies interfering with amateur UFO investigations in some countries.

Conclusions

The article tentatively concludes that some MIB reports warrant serious investigation, that existing investigation work should be checked, rational explanations should be sought for individual reports, and newcomers should be warned of the potential psychological dangers of becoming involved with this aspect of the subject.

UFO TERMINOLOGY

This section by Jacques Bonabot discusses the need for precise terms and definitions in ufology. He welcomes comments on terms like "Alternate Realities" and proposes definitions for "UFO" and "Flying Saucers". He critiques the term "Ufology" as merely an abbreviation and suggests alternative terms such as "Cliveologie" (from the Italian "CLYPEUS" and "ologie") and "roformologie" (from "abro" and "form" and "ologie"). He also devises the term "exterobjectology" for the study of extraterrestrial objects, though he considers it too sophisticated for conversational use.

BOOK REVIEWS

Warnings from Flying Friends by Arthur Shuttlewood

This review discusses Arthur Shuttlewood's second book, which contains exciting chapter headings and photographs of UFOs. The book is described as 'New-Age' literature, focusing on the views of people who believe the world is nearing its end and will be followed by a 'Golden Age'. The review notes the presence of pseudo-scientific speculations and apocalyptic visions, and mentions an elaborate joke about a Venusian language and script.

The review also touches upon Shuttlewood's account of the Warminster phenomena, contrasting it with the reviewer's own experience and noting Shuttlewood's annoyance with a critical review published in the MUFCRG Bulletin.

New UFO Breakthrough by Brad Steiger and Joan Whritenour

This paperback is described as exploring the more fantastic aspects of the UFO subject, including men in black, strange creatures, holes in the poles, the Shaver Mystery, and the Allende Letters. The review notes that while much has been written about the Allende Letters, few have checked the allegations of fantastic scientific experiments by the U.S. Navy in 1943-44, which allegedly caused side-effects like invisibility and ships vanishing. The review suggests the Allende Letters affair may be a hoax that has captured public imagination.

The "Shaver Mystery," which began in 1944 with Ray Palmer, is also discussed. It involved stories of mysterious people in underground caverns with strange powers, which became instantly popular and disturbing to readers. The review concludes that while the incidents may not stand up to critical examination, they make fascinating reading.

Local UFO Reports

No local UFO reports were received.

NEW ZEALAND UFOs alleged to have caused car crash

A report from the Daily Telegraph on November 13th, 1968, details a magistrate in Napier dismissing a charge of dangerous driving against John Dow, 19. Dow claimed his car was chased by a flying saucer, causing him to lose control and crash into a shop. The magistrate stated Dow's state of mind led to the loss of control.

Contact Information

The issue provides contact details for the Editor (John Harney), Assistant Editor (John A. Rimmer), and Science Editor (Alan W. Sharp) of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin, along with postal and telephone addresses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature and seriousness of 'Men in Black' reports, the need for precise terminology in ufology, and the critical review of UFO-related literature. The editorial stance suggests a cautious but open approach to the MIB phenomenon, acknowledging its persistence while questioning its origins and the methods of investigation. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of image and respectability within the UFO community, with a critique of how the subject is perceived by the public. The bulletin also highlights the ongoing debate about the scientific validity and interpretation of UFO evidence, advocating for serious study while warning of potential psychological pitfalls for researchers.