Merseyside UFO Bulletin - Vol 2 No 2 - 1969

Magazine Overview

Title: Merseyside UFO Bulletin
Issue: VOLUME 2 NUMBER 2
Date: MARCH - APRIL 1969
Publisher: Merseyside UFO Bulletin
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin focuses on the ongoing search for physical evidence related to UFO phenomena, particularly in light of the Condon Report. The editorial, "A Shift of Emphasis," notes a growing research focus on witness testimony and the psychological aspects of UFO encounters, moving beyond the initial goal of proving extraterrestrial origins.

The Search for Physical Evidence - Part 2: Our First Reactions to the Condon Report

Editorial: A Shift of Emphasis

The editorial highlights a recent shift in UFO research. Previously, the focus was on proving UFOs were intelligently directed vehicles from other planets, with 'believers' like Keyhoe and skeptics like Menzel holding opposing views. Now, the emphasis is moving towards studying the witnesses, the strange happenings accompanying UFO events, and the backgrounds of these events. This shift is driven by the increasing number of reported close encounters with UFOs and their "occupants," which theoretically should produce definite physical proof. However, the evidence found at encounter sites is often equivocal, leading ufology to increasingly engage the attention of psychologists and psychical researchers.

Angel Hair

This section details the phenomenon known as "angel hair," described as a white, fibrous substance resembling spiders' webs, wool, or nylon, which floats down to earth and often coincides with UFO reports. It is unstable and tends to sublime or vaporize. Early reports from France in 1952 (Oloron and Gaillac) are described, involving sightings of unusual aerial objects and subsequent falls of this substance. Attempts to preserve it for analysis were unsuccessful. The article notes that while some reports could be explained by spiders being carried by wind and thermals, this theory doesn't fit all cases. The Condon Report is mentioned as being unilluminating on the topic, stating only that the composition or origin is "uncertain." Anthony Durham's lecture at the BUFORA Northern Conference is cited, proposing explanations involving metastable chemical polymers produced in tornado funnels or dust particles aggregated by high electrical fields.

References

Several references are listed, including works by Aime Michel, Donald E. Keyhoe, and the "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects."

Letters to the Editor

From Mr Gary R. Lesley: Mr. Lesley clarifies points regarding the Dahl/Crisman correspondence published in a previous issue. He states that the letters were released without his knowledge and permission and that he did not have telephone calls from Mr. Dahl or Mr. Crisman, nor does he believe his mail or phone have been tapped. He suggests the identical signatures were a matter of imagination. He expresses respect for the Merseyside UFO Bulletin and understands they published information they believed to be of value.

From Mr Arthur Shuttlewood: Mr. Shuttlewood praises the expanded vision and consciousness shown in the Merseyside UFO Bulletin. He emphasizes that UFO phenomena cannot be measured by Earth's scientific yardsticks and that progress will be made when this is recognized. He dismisses the idea of UFO crews being hostile and predicts that within five years, the world will know UFOs are factual. He urges a focus on higher aspirations beyond materialism in ufological discovery.

From Mr Lucius Farish: Mr. Farish thanks the editor for the issue, calling it "advanced thinking" in ufology. He found the "fairies" article excellent and was particularly interested in the Crisman/Dahl information via Gary Lesley, noting Crisman's connection to the Garrison investigation and the Maury Island affair. He mentions correspondence with a "F. Lee" who shared an address with Fred L. Crisman.

From Mr Alan O'Toole: Mr. O'Toole disputes the theory that Albert Bender suffered from delusions, citing Bender's statements and the Shaver Mystery. He believes Bender's book was a misrepresentation and that his reference to the Shaver Mystery was a way to explain his shock and future sightings. He urges investigators to note how witnesses describe Men in Black (MIB) similarly and to consider that for every silenced incident, ten go unheard.

Notes, Quotes & Queries

Hidden Data: Mr George Cregeen comments on flying saucers, mentioning Robert Chapman's book revealing 84 unexplained cases out of 808 investigated by the Ministry of Defence. He shares a personal account of observing two brilliant objects flying in formation with a Boeing Stratocruiser in 1951, witnessed by himself and the flight deck crew.

Earth calling Jupiter: The US satellite Explorer 38 has detected natural long-wave radio signals from Earth, similar to those from Jupiter, possibly related to Earth's magnetic field. The author speculates that some ufologists might interpret these as "Dero" communication.

Amiable Eccentrics v. Boring Conformists: A lighthearted comment on the positive reception of the previous editorial and a playful anticipation of backlash from "boring suburbanites."

No Comment: A report from the Liverpool Daily Post quotes Arnold Wilson, a bookshop manager, stating he does not stock books on "phoney things, like Unidentified Flying Objects," but will order them if requested.

Our First Reactions to the Condon Report (by the Editors)

Alan W. Sharp: Sharp assesses the Condon Report, finding its scientific literature lacking but its contribution to understanding the subject of general interest. He cautions against uncritical acceptance or outright rejection, stating the committee faced an "almost insuperable task." While acknowledging the report found no evidence for the extraterrestrial hypothesis, he notes the treatment was incomplete and many cases were dismissed too readily. He suggests the report's lack of 100% success is unsurprising and that complete success wouldn't be the correct criterion.

John A. Rimmer: Rimmer argues that Condon's sweeping assertions in Chapter 1 are unjustified, though he agrees that the scientific fallout from UFO research over 20 years has been small. He highlights the valuable chapters on natural phenomena and the analyses of sightings in Sections VI and III. He mentions the report's discussion of the extraterrestrial hypothesis, intelligent life, visual perception, radar, and astronauts' sightings. Direct physical evidence, like ground markings and magnesium fragments from Sao Paulo, are discussed and deemed inconclusive or of terrestrial origin. "Angel hair" and "space grass" are also mentioned. Rimmer recommends obtaining the report for detailed study.

John Harney: Harney concludes that despite UFO organizations' reactions, the U.S. government has no secret evidence of UFO origins. He describes the report's tone as bored and detached, quoting Dr. Condon's reluctance to investigate the subject. Harney believes the scientific padding is intended to impress fellow scientists, while the actual UFO work, though methodical, doesn't convey genuine interest. He criticizes the "Conclusions and Recommendations" chapter as a nineteenth-century materialist approach, stating that UFO study has not advanced scientific knowledge and further study is not justified. He suggests this reflects an attitude that if they can't find answers, the subject itself is uninteresting. He also notes Condon's recommendation to discourage schoolchildren from reading certain UFO books, viewing it as a reaction against modern educational methods.

Book Review

Unidentified Flying Objects, by Robert Chapman: Reviewed by the editors. The review notes that British ufologists will be familiar with the topics covered, including Warminster and the "Flying Cross." Chapman describes seeing strange lights in the sky at Warminster with Arthur Shuttlewood. The reviewer finds Chapman's treatment of the subject fair and open-minded, recommending the book for newcomers to ufology. The Cedric Allingham story is deemed "probably the biggest UFO leg-pull ever perpetrated in Britain."

Local UFO Reports

Farnworth, near Bolton, Lancashire: A report from April 29th, 1969, about a large, metal, cigar-shaped machine with red, flashing lights that was reported to have broken up in flight.

Other Reports: Mentions one or two local reports and rumors of reports, with increasing UFO activity in the Midlands. The fireball of April 25th was seen on Merseyside by the editors and others.

Beyond Condon...

This section advertises the "Flying Saucer Review" Special Issue No. 2, titled "Beyond Condon..." It covers North American UFO cases and research, including new contactee cases, witness intimidation, and comparisons of old and recent UFO waves.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Merseyside UFO Bulletin consistently adopts a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO research. The issue emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, moving beyond sensationalism to analyze physical evidence and witness testimony. There's a clear acknowledgment of the psychological and sociological dimensions of the UFO phenomenon. The editors express a desire to understand the subject through careful study, even while critiquing official reports like the Condon Report and challenging conventional explanations. The publication appears to cater to a more serious, analytical segment of the UFO community, encouraging deeper thought and research rather than simple acceptance or dismissal.

This document is page 25 of MUFOB, issue number 2, part of volume 25. It appears to be a UK-based publication focused on UFOs. The primary content on this page is an advertisement and listing of various UFO-related publications and resources.

Featured Publications and Resources

The Condon Report

The page prominently features information on obtaining "SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS (The 'Condon Report')". It directs readers to Lionel Beer at 15 Freshwater Court, Crawford Street, London WLII 1H6, stating the price is 14/-, including postage. The publication also notes that many other UFO books and magazines are available and a free list can be obtained.

UFO DIGEST

UFO DIGEST is described as aiming to provide a 'Reader's Digest' style service of UFO news and articles. It plans to reprint selected articles from numerous UFO bulletins and periodicals globally. The first issue is in progress and will include results from a public opinion poll conducted by the magazine. It will also feature regular columns by well-known researchers. The US price is listed as 8/3 (3 dollars) for a 6-month subscription. The editor is Conrad Hunter, located at 1434 West Fairfield, Charleston, S.C. 29407, U.S.A.

SAUCERS SPACE AND SCIENCE

This is identified as Canada's leading UFO publication, published quarterly by Gene Duplantier. It is a 20-page offset magazine with an "interesting style" and is enlivened with sketches by the editor, who is a commercial artist. It is available in Britain from Miss S. Stebbing at 87 Selsea Avenue, Herne Bay, Kent.

Merseyside UFO Bulletin

The Merseyside UFO Bulletin is listed with its editorial team: John Harney (Editor), John A. Rimmer (Assistant Editor), and Alan W. Sharp (Science Editor). Contact details are provided: John Harney at 53 Woodyear Road, Bromborough, WIRRAL, Cheshire, L62 6Y, with telephone number 051-327 2146. John A. Rimmer is at 6 Norgate Street, LIVERPOOL, L4 0RH. Alan W. Sharp is at 35 Radstock Road, LIVERPOOL, L6 3AU, with telephone number 051-263 5685. The bulletin is available for exchange or for one shilling, if available, and is published and printed by the Editors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the dissemination of UFO-related information through various publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of supporting and promoting UFO research and literature by providing access to reports, magazines, and bulletins from different sources and regions. The inclusion of contact details and pricing suggests a focus on accessibility for enthusiasts.