Merseyside UFO Bulletin - Vol 2 No 3 - 1969

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin, Volume 2, Number 3, dated May-June 1969, focuses on the nature of the UFO phenomenon and the official attitude of skepticism towards it. The cover headline boldly states this theme, and the editorial section acknowledges the difficulty of writing for a UFO magazine without succumbing to certain temptations, such as unintelligible jargon or irrelevant political commentary.

Editorial

The editorial reflects on the challenges faced by editors of small UFO magazines. It outlines three common temptations: writing in obscure jargon, commenting on the politics of other organizations, and being facetious. The editor admits to having fallen into the second temptation in the past and the third in a previous issue, but expresses a desire for volunteers to write a guest editorial for the next issue.

Local UFO Reports

Dr. James E. McDonald's Work

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a translated article by Dr. James E. McDonald, "Le Plus Grand Problème Scientifique de Notre Temps?" (The Greatest Scientific Problem of Our Time?). This work, published as a special issue of the review "Phénomènes Spatiaux," is presented as one of the best scientific responses to UFO detractors. It is described as a 86-page paperback available for 7,50 F.

Letters to the Editor

Alan O'Toole writes in response to an article on fairy lore, suggesting that the belief in a worldwide 'elder race' or troglodytic people is linked to the idea that they were the original rulers of Earth, driven underground and now plotting humanity's downfall. He cites evidence such as cave drawings depicting dinosaurs, ancient nails and gold threads found in solid stone, and human skeletons in ancient coal seams, as well as Dr. Morris K. Jessup's findings. O'Toole posits that this advanced 'elder race' might be responsible for UFOs, aiming to reclaim their ancient home and potentially preparing for an attack or experimentation on humans.

Peter Rogerson's letter discusses the potential connection between UFOs and psychical phenomena, referencing the work of Keel and Jerome Clark. He expresses concern about the prevalence of preconceived interpretations within ufological circles, particularly regarding spiritualism. Rogerson suggests examining phenomena like hauntings as localized 'flap areas' and UFOs as subconscious attempts to rationalize indefinable stimuli. He also touches upon controversial phenomena from 1904-1905 and mentions potential UFO bases under castles in the Isle of Man.

Rogerson also adds two points regarding 'Men in Black' reports, drawing parallels to the aftermath of President Kennedy's assassination and rumors of a BUFORA member being silenced. He emphasizes that he holds no definite beliefs but considers these possibilities worthy of discussion.

Local UFO Reports - Specific Incidents

• Warrington, Lancashire (June 15, 1969): Constable Sydney Edwards and two other trained observers reported seeing a light moving across the sky that stopped and vanished. The object was described as flickering like a star and was ruled out as a meteorite or satellite. The height was estimated at 1,500 ft. Air Traffic Control centers were baffled.
• Birkenhead, Cheshire (June 15, 1969): A security officer, Mr. Weil Piper, reported seeing a disc-shaped object, silvery and glowing, about the size of a dinner plate, moving slowly overhead. Police, the airport, and the meteorological office received no other reports. The object was noted to be near power lines, suggesting it might have been following them.

The Nature of the UFO Phenomenon Dictates the Official Attitude of Skepticism (by John Harney)

This article examines how UFO reports are often followed by incidents that create confusion, sometimes attributed to official obfuscation. Harney discusses several British cases:

• The Wardle Sighting (February 15, 1957): Witnesses observed a strange, circular object with a bright white glow and a smaller sphere. The incident was published in the local newspaper, and an MP inquired in Parliament. The official explanation eventually given was that the witnesses saw a pair of hydrogen-filled toy balloons illuminated by a torch bulb, a device attributed to Mr. Neil Robinson.
• The West Malling Incident (November 3, 1953): A jet fighter crew reported a UFO. Later that day, a UFO was tracked on radar. The Ministry of Defence explained it as two meteorological balloons, despite detailed reports that could not be easily dismissed. The minister's response was met with laughter, and newspapers sensationalized it as "ALL BALLOONEY."
• The Police "Hoax" at Bacup (October 27, 1967): Three police officers reported seeing a cigar-shaped UFO hovering above the police station. The incident was investigated, and months later, a police spokesman explained it as a "hoax between colleagues that went wrong." However, the constables maintained they saw the object.

Harney argues that these cases suggest a pattern of official obfuscation, where authorities are reluctant to admit they cannot explain UFOs. He notes that the details of these reports are often too clear and unequivocal to be easily dismissed as mere "lights in the sky."

Reasons for Official Attitudes to UFO Reports

The article posits that official attitudes of obfuscation are dictated by the nature of the phenomenon itself. If UFO landing and contact reports were taken at face value, they would suggest extraterrestrial visitors, which is difficult for governments to accept publicly. The author suggests that many UFO reports are "real" in the sense that witnesses genuinely believe their experiences. A thorough government investigation would inevitably contain "fantastic details" unacceptable to the public. Furthermore, officials are aware that the phenomenon is often absurd, with Aime Michel describing some cases as "veritable festivals of absurdity." The article also cites the Condon Report, noting that only a small percentage of sightings are reported, and suggests that making UFOs officially respectable could lead to an overwhelming number of reports during flaps.

Conclusions

The official attitudes of governments and authorities towards UFO reports, while frustrating, are deemed inevitable given current social and scientific circumstances. This situation allows for the quiet investigation of significant UFO reports by those seriously interested in the subject, free from the "circus" atmosphere generated by public attention.

Book Reviews

• Beyond Condon: Flying Saucer Review Special Issue No.2: Edited by Charles Bowen, this issue explores the work of North American ufologists. The editorial notes that despite decades of speculation about UFOs being spaceships, no sensational "contactee" claims have been substantiated. The issue features contributions from John Keel, analyzing UFO activity and psychic phenomena in the United States, and an article on the "Cape May Incident."
• The Taming of the Thunderbolts by C. Maxwell Cade and Delphine Davis: This book discusses ball lightning, appealing to both laymen and students of physics. It explores the science and superstition surrounding the phenomenon, tracing its references through history and discussing eyewitness accounts. The authors suggest that after accounting for balloons and other explanations, a remaining percentage of UFOs might be explained by ball lightning, cometoids, meteorites, or possibly unmanned space probes from intelligent alien races.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical stance towards official explanations of UFO phenomena, highlighting instances of obfuscation and what it perceives as deliberate attempts to discredit witness accounts. There is a strong emphasis on presenting UFOs as a serious scientific problem, as evidenced by the inclusion of Dr. James E. McDonald's work. The publication also explores more speculative theories, such as the 'elder race' hypothesis and the connection between UFOs and psychic phenomena, while maintaining a degree of caution and encouraging further discussion rather than definitive belief. The overall tone suggests a community of researchers dedicated to uncovering the truth behind UFOs, often in opposition to mainstream scientific and governmental skepticism.

Title: MUFOB
Issue: 2
Volume: 2
Date: July 1969
Publisher: MUFOB
Country: UK
Language: English
Price: 38

This issue of MUFOB, titled 'MUFOB 2', features a cover headline 'something nearer home.' and is dated July 1969. The page number is 37.

Review of 'Myths, Marvels and Miracles'

The issue begins with a review of a book titled 'Myths, Marvels and Miracles'. The reviewer, Elaine D. Wash, notes that the book cites cases where victims have died, and that ball lightning, a phenomenon discussed in the book, can enter closed rooms and burn bodies without singeing clothing. Another remarkable aspect is its ability to appear from a clear sky. The book also includes a chapter on the 'latest militarists' nightmare, the death ray,' contrasted with a piece on the peaceful uses of Synthetic Thunderbolts. The reviewer found the book to be well-written, readable, and thorough, with authors who remain open-minded. The book's introduction states its purpose is to provide a readable account of thunderbolts in fact and fiction, legend and laboratory, that is accurate and up-to-date, aiming to entertain the 'man in the street.'

Notes, Quotes & Queries

Local Haunts

This section explores the potential relationship between psychic phenomena and UFO activity, referencing recent reports of ghosts. Examples include a 'levitating lift' in a demolished hotel at Southport, a 'ghost' seen walking along the pavement outside a parish church at Chetwynd, and a similar shadowy figure reported by two couples in Winsford, Cheshire. Mrs Susan Tomlinson described seeing a dark, shadowy figure crouching at the end of her bed, prompting her to flee her home. Mrs Phyllis Orritt, living opposite, reported seeing a shadowy thing resembling the top half of a man against her front door on the same day. She noted her house felt cold and frightening afterward, and her dogs refused to enter.

UFOs in Ireland

Mr Martin Feeney, writing to the Irish Press, provides a list of places in Ireland where UFO sightings occurred during February 1969. These locations include Bantry, Mallow, Whitegate, Cobh, and Ballinascorthy-Abichill (all in Cork), Mullinahone (Co. Tipperary), Ballyragget (Co. Kilkenny), and Greystones (Co. Wicklow). The article notes that few Irish UFO reports lead to the assumption of low UFO activity there.

Planet Earth: An Easy Conquest for Hostile Aliens

This segment discusses whether Earth is prepared for a belligerent planet armed with interplanetary ballistic missiles. The Observer contacted key authorities for their responses:

• Russian Embassy: Stated it was a hard question with no immediate information or policy, but it would be referred to Major-General Leonid D. Nemtchenko.
• American Embassy: Asserted there were no plans for fighting an unfriendly planet but expressed certainty that they would help defend everybody else, especially if America's safety was affected.
• Chinese Legation: Was unsure if their government would help defend imperialist countries.
• Ministry of Defence (UK): Spokesman was fatalistic, stating no preparations had been made. He believed Americans took such things more seriously but suggested that if an attack occurred, there would be little one could do, especially if atomic rays were used. He also noted that it might be difficult to determine the origin of an attack, and while the Navy might help with Polaris, they lacked an 'anti-anti-anti-missile system.' The Army was considered more concerned with local matters.

New Publications and Bulletins

• FLYING SAUCER REVIEW SPECIAL ISSUE No. 2: A new North American report on recent UFO cases and research is now available. The price is 12/- (12/6 overseas, or $1.50, with airmail an additional $1.30). Remittances should be made payable to 'Flying Saucer Review' and sent to 49a Kings Grove, Peckham, London, S.E. 15.
• UFO CHRONICLE: This magazine is described as leaving speculation to the reader and offering a regular supply of information, not opinion, for 10/- or $2.00 per year. It can be obtained from H.E. Hill, 26 Churchside, Vigo Village, nr Meopham, Kent, England.

Merseyside UFO Bulletin

Details are provided for the Merseyside UFO Bulletin:

• Editor: John Harney, 53 Woodyear Road, Bromborough, WIRR.L, Cheshire, 162 6AY. Telephone: 051-327 2146.
• Assistant Editor: John A. Rirmer, 6 Norgate Street, LIVERPOOL, L4 ORH.
• Science Editor: Alan W. Sharp, 35 Radstock Road, LIVERPOOL, L6 3AU. Telephone: 051-263 5685.
• Editorial Assistant: Miss Elaine D. Wash, 25 Rangemore Road, LIVERPOOL, 18. Telephone: 051-724 1106.

The bulletin is available for exchange or for one shilling, as available. It is published and printed by the Editors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of MUFOB are the intersection of paranormal phenomena (ghosts and UFOs), international defense preparedness in the face of potential extraterrestrial threats, and the dissemination of information through UFO-related publications and bulletins. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting diverse reports and viewpoints, from personal accounts of hauntings and sightings to official statements on defense, while also promoting relevant literature and local UFO groups.