Merseyside UFO Bulletin - Vol 3 No 4 - 1970

Magazine Overview

Title: Merseyside UFO Bulletin
Issue: 3:4
Volume: 3
Date: September 1970
Editors: John Harmey and John Rimmer

This issue of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin delves into the evolving landscape of ufology, particularly in light of the Condon Report and the controversial ideas of John Keel. It explores the tension between ufology as a scientific pursuit and its connections to the occult and parapsychology, while also critiquing the structure and effectiveness of UFO investigation groups.

Editorial: Science and Occultism

The editorial reflects on the impact of the Condon Report and its publication by the American Academy of Sciences. It suggests that the scientific community's acceptance of the report implies that conventional scientific tools are insufficient for investigating the UFO phenomenon. While acknowledging that many UFO witnesses are sincere, the report, and by extension the scientific community, is seen as unwilling to pursue the matter further, leaving ufology in a state of being a 'pseudo-science' akin to astrology. The editorial notes that many ufologists, upon agreeing with the Condon team's findings that physical evidence is often spurious, have either abandoned the subject or turned towards occultism. A minority continue with scientific methods, but the author posits that the combination of occultism and science is problematic and likely to fuel debate within UFO journals.

Ufology is Dead --- and Here's Why: by Michael Harris

Michael Harris argues that the field of ufology is suffering from internal strife, characterized by 'petty squabbles' among amateur groups and even among leading experts. He contends that this rivalry and 'ego-wounding' prevent progress in understanding the UFO mystery. Harris suggests that major ufologists like Vallee and A. Michel should re-examine the work of others, such as John Keel's articles on 'Mystery Aeroplanes of the 1930s'. He advocates for greater collaboration among researchers, proposing that they work together in the field to achieve more efficient and accurate results. Harris cites the Scoriton case investigation by Norman Oliver and Eileen Duckle as an example where initial evidence was abundant but 'loose ends' and injected factors complicated the investigation. He emphasizes the importance of clinging to a rule of loyalty to ufology itself, rather than to individual claimants, as demonstrated by Mr. Oliver's work in uncovering more evidence. Harris also notes that John Keel's work on the 'Little Man' of North Carolina and subsequent reports suggest that initial evidence might not be as authentic as first thought. He concludes by urging ufologists to overcome arguments and name-calling, suggesting that reading and applying principles from 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' could help resurrect worldwide ufology.

Letters to the Editors

From John A. Keel:
John Keel writes humorously about ordering black suits for his 'Oriental-looking aides' for a 'kidnapping operation' involving the editors, whom he wishes to recruit for work in the US. He states that his 'MIBs' (Men in Black) are searching for open-minded ufologists with a sense of humor, a qualification he finds rare in the US. Keel believes that ufology should be a branch of psychical research, noting that psychical researchers have developed scientific methods for dealing with paranormal material and have found reasonable answers. He dismisses 'crackpot cults' but emphasizes that 'New Ufology' must engage with all paranormal manifestations, including those with 'unsavoury psychical elements'. Keel asserts that ufology is not dying but is in a 'painful transitional period'. He suggests that UFOs have been present since humanity's origin and will likely remain long after humans are gone. He posits that the 'New Ufologists' will focus on unseen forces and their manifestations, suggesting that 'psychical pollution' and peculiar interactions between humans and 'Them' might be causing an upset in the 'balance of the universe'.

From Peter Booth:
Peter Booth expresses difficulty in visualizing a rational conclusion to the UFO phenomenon being reached by either science or psychic researchers. He suggests that open-minded ufologists should encourage science to update its outlook, noting that the Condon Report left gaps for scientists to explore. Booth believes that while the Society for Psychical Research may not receive large grants, John Keel's revelations should be checked and shared with researchers like Vallee and Hynck for lobbying international science. He also stresses the importance of encouraging non-reporting 'sighters' to come forward. Booth mentions Dr. Hynek's article in the Christian Science Monitor and Andrew Tulley's book 'The Super Spies', which suggests US-Soviet intelligence involvement in UFO events, citing the Muscarello-Exeter sighting as an example.

From Peter Rogerson:
Peter Rogerson clarifies that his previous remark about 'self-styled' investigators was not aimed at Dr. Cleary-Baker but at local investigators. He states he did not suggest support for the ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) as equivalent to defending the 'old-time ufological establishment'. Rogerson recommends John Keel's 'Strange Creatures' and 'Trojan Horse', and Jacques Vallee's 'Passport to Magonia', viewing Keel's and Vallee's books as complementary in demonstrating the unity of paranormal phenomena and folklore. He describes a disturbing picture emerging from 'flap areas' in the US, with reports of strange lights and ape-like creatures. Rogerson notes that in England, communities were once held in thrall by phantom dogs, and recently strange lights were seen in Doncaster. He criticizes the tendency for individuals to resort to mysticism and 'belief' when confronted with the unknown, arguing that intelligence requires effort. Rogerson suggests that the current situation might be a psychological phenomenon or the work of an external intelligence, leading to a 're-birth' of Magonia, the world of madness. He criticizes many national UFO groups as 'assemblages of space brother enthusiasts' and 'unsavoury cultists', with Contact (UK) and NICAP (GB) being outside the pale of serious research. BUFORA is described as a coalition of factions but has developed a more scientific attitude. Rogerson requests copies of MUFCB, Vol. 1, and MUFORG Bulletin. He advises UFO researchers to read William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'.

From Josephine J. Clark:
Josephine J. Clark writes that objective reasoning collapses when confronted with the unknown, leading people to embrace mysticism. She believes that human intellect is capable of understanding anything with sufficient effort, but individuals often prefer 'belief' and 'faith'. She asserts that intelligence is involved with flying saucers, implying physical life. She concludes that intelligence is involved with flying saucers, and intelligence implies physical life.

From Gerald Lovell:
Gerald Lovell expresses dismay at an article by John Rimmer, accusing him of fabricating an address in Neasden, London. Lovell claims this act of 'wild irresponsibility' has set back British ufology by ten years, likening it to the Condon Report's negative impact. He questions Rimmer's character and motives. Lovell also mentions that the latest Bulletin has introduced a new inside joke.

From Richard C. Beet:
Richard C. Beet, Secretary of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (SIGAP), expresses dismay at John Eamer's article 'The Death and Life of British Ufology', feeling that John Rimmer 'overstepped the mark' in his criticism of British UFO groups. Beet outlines a three-point basis for supporting the UFO organizational system: the need for developing and applying suitable investigation techniques through discussion and action; the provision of public access points for information exchange; and the obligation of groups to provide information and meeting places. He argues that while individual 'Armchair Ufologists' have a place, UFO groups, when run properly, are also valuable. Beet notes that the mention of 'UFO group' seems to provoke hysteria in Mr. Fimmer. He provides appendix statistics for SIGAP, showing average member age and membership numbers from 1967-1969, indicating a slight decline in 1970 applications possibly due to Condon and reduced press coverage.

John Rimmer Replies:
John Rimmer defends his criticism of UFO groups, stating he has not gone far enough. His main objection is the 'totally random way' in which groups are formed and run. He argues that groups claiming to be responsible, scientific organizations must prove it through published work. Rimmer reiterates his view that local societies are 'rag-bags of assorted characters', and while individuals may be intelligent, the overall effect is to reduce the group to a 'lowest common denominator'. He asserts that ufology deserves serious scientific attention, and scientists cannot be blamed for dismissing ufologists as cranks when confronted with such groups. Rimmer suggests that scientists visiting local groups are likely to be repelled by 'prattling cranks' with 'meagre minds'. He criticizes the current system and proposes a future structure of individual studies by researchers, uniting for specific purposes and calling in specialists. He suggests that informal meetings in pubs are preferable to forming societies with 'high flown titles' that claim to be official spokesmen.

From Mr Richard C. Beet (continued):
Beet continues his argument by stating that the standard reply to criticism of UFO groups is to question who has the right to judge. He argues that groups must judge potential recruits, stating 'We don't have room for you here'. He believes that improving the present system is only a partial solution. In 'Death and Life', he attacked the group system and suggests a future structure of individual studies, uniting for specific purposes, and working together informally, similar to other scientific disciplines. He feels that informal pub meetings are better than forming societies with official titles.

Objections to the Parapsychological Hypothesis: by John Harney

John Harney addresses the growing trend of viewing the UFO as a psychic phenomenon, a shift driven by disillusionment with the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). He notes that the parapsychological hypothesis has the appeal of encompassing virtually any occurrence, comparing UFO entities to ghosts and fairies, and physical effects to psychokinesis or teleportation. Harney acknowledges that psychical research findings are often deemed unacceptable by scientists, attributing this not just to conservatism but to the inability of parapsychologists to provide rigorous, irrefutable, and repeatable experimental proof. He cites psychologist Robert Thouless, who suggests that the main task is not to convince the world of parapsychology's reality but to establish sufficient grounds for belief, making it a worthwhile field of research. Harney points out that the reality of psychic phenomena remains a matter of faith rather than demonstrable fact. He argues that ufologists should confine themselves to collecting data and passing it to experts, but acknowledges that investigators often operate with a working hypothesis, seeking evidence to support it and ignoring contradictory details. He uses John Keel's focus on mysterious strangers and Keyhoe's support for the ETH as examples, contrasting them with Menzel's view of UFOs as a delusion. Harney concludes that as the parapsychological hypothesis gains traction, opponents will argue that ufologists, by abandoning physics and psychology principles, will not be taken seriously and will only convince themselves.

References:
1. Mackay, Ivar. UFOs and the Occult-1. Flying Saucer Review, 16, 4, p27.
2. Thouless, Robert H. Experimental Psychical Research. Penguin Books, 1963.

The Liberation of the UFO: by John A. Rimmer

John Rimmer reviews John Keel's 'Operation Trojan Horse', calling it a 'very good mystery story' and a 'first-rate UFO textbook'. He acknowledges that critics may find the thriller style unacceptable and point out factual errors, but argues that these do not invalidate Keel's arguments, especially given the current lack of documentation in ufology. Rimmer highlights that the book points to new avenues of research, particularly the 'neglected flap years of the twenties and thirties'. He states that Keel's thesis is impossible to fully outline without spoiling the mystery aspect of the book. Keel's work is described as liberating ufology from twenty-five years of oppression and misunderstanding by challenging the definition of 'Unidentified Flying Objects' and the established framework of ufology. Rimmer suggests that Keel's evidence destroys ufology as it was previously known, comparing those who study the phenomenon as revealed in 'Operation Trojan Horse' to 'tadpole-hunters' trying to study marine ecology. He concludes that Keel has liberated ufology, posing the question of whether ufologists are capable of liberating themselves.

Rimmer then reviews Keel's 'Strange Creatures', describing it as a more straightforward and slighter book, integral to 'Operation Trojan Horse'. The book examines 'weird animals and pseudo-animals' and attempts to distinguish between apparently physically real creatures and manifestations described as 'occult'. Like 'Operation Trojan Horse', it provides directions for new aspects of study. Rimmer calls it a 'good, scary, flesh-creeping book' and a 'very good horror story', as well as a 'scientific catalogue of anomalous apparitions'. He notes that Keel's writing style, which combines the paranormal with the mundane, may be unacceptable to some. Both books are praised for having good indexes, a rarity in UFO literature. The review includes bibliographic details for both books.

An Index to British UFO Journals Published Since January 1, 1970

Compiled by John A. Rimmer, this section provides a coded index of British UFO journals and their editors, along with a cross-referenced list of articles published within them. The index covers journals such as Merseyside UFO Bulletin, Flying Saucer Review, Spacelink, SWUAPIG Bulletin, BUFORA Journal, BUFORA Research Bulletin, SHUFOIG Journal, SIUFOP Newsletter, Cos-mos, UFO Chronicle, Pegasus, and Awareness. The article references are categorized by subject, including Aircraft & Airships, Aliens, Alternative Realities, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Angel Hair, Angels, Animals (UFO Effects On), and Apparitions. The compiler notes that many small items are not titled, making adequate indexing difficult. References to UFO sighting reports are not included, as they are recorded in other publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently grapples with the identity and direction of ufology. A central theme is the perceived crisis in ufology, stemming from the Condon Report and internal conflicts within UFO groups. There is a strong debate about whether ufology should align itself with conventional science or embrace parapsychology and occultism. John Keel's work is presented as a pivotal force, challenging existing frameworks and advocating for a broader, more integrated understanding of the phenomenon. The editors, through their publication and contributions, appear to favor a more rigorous, yet open-minded, approach to research, encouraging collaboration and critical self-examination within the ufological community. The critique of UFO groups suggests a desire for greater professionalism and a move away from what is perceived as amateurish squabbling and unscientific speculation. The inclusion of an index indicates a commitment to organizing and disseminating UFO-related information.

MUFOB 3 is an issue of a publication focused on UFOs and related phenomena, primarily serving as an index for articles and reports. The content spans a wide array of topics, including archaeology, biology, psychology, folklore, and scientific investigations into phenomena like plasma and ball lightning. The issue references numerous articles, their authors, and their publication details within the MUFOB series, suggesting a comprehensive archive of UFO-related literature.

Key Articles and Topics

Archaeology An article by G. Creighton discusses "More UFO Cave drawings?"

Ball Lightning E.W. Palmer writes about "Ball lightning," and R. Toft discusses the "Temperature of ball lightning."

Biology R. Toft explores whether "Germ survives on the moon."

Blue Book An editorial by R. Toft discusses "Blue Book."

Bryant, Arthur N. Oliver contributes on "Again Scoriton" and "Bisected Book."

Computers SITU is mentioned for its "Computerised UFO research."

Condon & Condon Report J.A. Hynek comments on the AAAS symposium, and J.E. McDonald writes about "What you won't read in the Condon Report" and defends "Arthur, defender of the faith."

Crankery J. Cleary-Baker's editorial "Crankery" is noted.

Dimensional Change E.L. Blandford discusses "Dipped into ground - shrinking."

Direct Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena (MANCHESTER) J.A. Rimmer expresses "Doubts at DIGAP."

Dreams R. Gable and E.L. Blandford present "Dreamers."

Exhibitions and Conventions Several events are listed, including the National Space & UFO Convention in Woburn, BUFORA West and North Regional Conferences in Bristol and Wakefield, and a UFO Exhibition at Weybridge. J.A. Hynek's commentary on the AAAS symposium is also mentioned.

Extraterrestrial Hypothesis P. Braczyk explores "Tiptoe through the theories," J. Rimmer looks at "The alternatives," P.F. Sharp discusses "Interstellar refugees," and the question "Is there life on other worlds?" is posed.

Folklore D. Butcher examines "Fact or folklore?"

Fossils B. Ratcliff writes about a "Fossil from another world."

Ghost Rockets J. Keel discusses "Mystery aeroplanes of the 1930's."

Groups and Societies K.W. Raine reports on the SHUFCIG meeting. J. Rimmer discusses "Death and life of British ufology," and "Doubts at DIGAP." D.I. Simpson comments on "Sceptical SIUFOP." Other groups mentioned include the Hull UFO group and a "New UFO Group."

Hallucinations C. Grove writes about "Hoax and hallucination" and "UFOs - psychological theories and their defects."

Hoaxes J. Cleary-Baker addresses "Words to a cynic." C. Grove discusses "Hoax and hallucination." N. Oliver's "Bisected Book" and editorial are noted. A. Shuttlewood urges to "Root out these stupid hoaxers," and D.I. Simpson discusses "Confidence trick? Kore about John Searle."

Hollow Earth Theory P. Fraczyk discusses "Tiptoe through the theories," and J. Rimmer looks at "The alternatives."

Invisibility R. Brice writes about "UFO optical manipulation & optics."

Journals J. Cleary-Baker discusses "Redundant publications." J. Rimmer writes on "Death and life of British ufology." R. Toft provides an editorial.

Keel, John J. Harney discusses "Transcendental ufology73." J. Keel replies.

Legends, Local Mentions of "Iceland" and "Scandinavia" in relation to legends, folklore, and mythology.

Leys R. O'Neill introduces "leys."

Lindtner, Miran L. Beer writes an obituary.

Linguistics P.M.H. Edwards discusses "Speech of the aliens."

Time & Time Paradoxes G. Duplentier questions "Do spacemen live for centuries?"

Mars P.F. Sharp discusses "Interstellar refugees."

Mass Media F.O. Gardner comments on "what the papers say." J. Harney discusses "How to be interviewed." D.I. Simpson critiques "Exaggerated press reports exaggerated."

Memory D. Butcher offers advice on "How to catch your witness at his brightest."

Mercury R. Toft writes about "Mercury reveals its secrets."

Meteorites R. Toft discusses "Organic compounds found in meteorites."

Misinterpretation N. Oliver discusses "As true as I'm talking to this Venusian."

Moon R. Toft reiterates that "Germ survives on the moon."

Moore, Patrick A. Shuttlewood writes about "What Patrick Moore and children saw over Cradle Hill, Warminster."

Mysticism J. Harney discusses "Transcendental ufology?" A. Shuttlewood writes about "Great truths forming in the void?"

Mythology, Local W.R. Drake discusses "Space gods of Scandinavia."

Nufrology A. Shuttlewood writes about "Great truths forming in the void?"

Optics R. Brice discusses "UFO optical manipulation and invisibility."

Photography and Photographic Evidence T. Childerhouse discusses "Camera sky coverage." G. Creighton comments on "disappearing photographs."

Physical Evidence J. Gregory discusses "Canada's mysterious chunk of metal" and a "Mysterious substance defies analysis."

Precognition D. Butcher discusses "Signs in the sky."

Psychical Research J. Cleary-Baker writes on "Psychical research and UFO research."

Psychology C. Grove discusses "Psychological theories and their defects," and J. Rimmer looks at "The alternatives."

Publicity J. Harney discusses "How to be interviewed." D.I. Simpson critiques "Exaggerated press reports exaggerated."

Religion V. Zaitsev discusses "Visitors from outer space."

Reports, Analysis J.A. Hynek provides "Twenty-one years of UFO reports."

Sagas G. Creighton discusses "On unipeds and asparagus."

Scorriton N. Oliver writes on "Again Scoriton" and "Bisected Book."

Shuttlewood, Arthur Several entries relate to Arthur Shuttlewood, including his reply, "Great truths forming in the void?", and D.I. Simpson's comments on his gullibility and defense of his faith.

Skywatches N. Oliver discusses "As true as I'm talking to this Venusian." A. Shuttlewood urges to "Root out these stupid hoaxers." R. Toft provides an editorial.

Solar System J. Gregory discusses "New era in space exploration." The question "Is there life on other worlds?" is addressed, and G.D. Williams writes about "Our solar system."

Ufology J. Bostock questions "UFOs yes, flying saucers, maybe." M.C. Holt discusses "Changing world of ufology." J.A. Hynek presents "Twenty-one years of UFO reports." J. Rimmer writes on "Death and life of British ufology." A.W. Sharp asks "Whither ufology?"

Warminster J. Cleary-Baker discusses "Words to a cynic." O. Fowler writes about "Ghostly footsteps in Warminster." A. Shuttlewood urges to "Root out these stupid hoaxers" and describes "What Patrick Moore and children saw over Cradle Hill, Warminster." D.I. Simpson comments on the gullibility of Arthur Shuttlewood.

Local UFO Report: Warrington On August 14, 1970, a mysterious object described as a cylindrical, bright red object with a flashing light was reported to have plunged out of the sky into the Mersey near the works of Joseph Crosfield and Sons Limited in Warrington. Several people witnessed the event, and an investigation was to be conducted by the Mersey and Weaver River Authority.

Notes, Quotes & Queries This section includes a legend about "The Phantom Nun of Poulton Hall" in Bebington, concerning a ghost said to haunt the vicinity of the Hall. It recounts an encounter by James Crossland and another motorist who saw a figure of a girl. The section also includes a philosophical quote on reality from Keith Roberts' "Pavane."

SpaceLink Information is provided about "SpaceLink," an independent magazine specializing in World UFO News and Flying Saucer Scene, including subscription details and distribution information for the UK, US, and Canada.

Merseyside UFO Bulletin Details are given for the "Merseyside UFO Bulletin," including its editor, associate editor, science editor, and contact information. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by the editors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in MUFOB 3 revolve around the investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on cataloging and indexing information. There's a clear effort to cover a wide spectrum of related topics, from scientific explanations like plasma and ball lightning to more anecdotal accounts, folklore, and even psychological interpretations. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough documentation and open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and research findings without necessarily endorsing any single theory. The inclusion of letters, quotes, and index entries suggests a community-oriented approach to UFO research, aiming to consolidate and disseminate information among interested individuals.

The publication seems to encourage critical thinking, as seen in articles questioning sensationalism and urging for rigorous scientific methods. The inclusion of specific incidents like the Warminster "Thing" and the Warrington object, alongside scientific discussions, highlights a dual approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon. The overall impression is that MUFOB serves as a vital resource for those tracking the history and development of UFO research and reporting.