MUFORG Bulletin - 1966 08

Magazine Overview

Title: MUFORG Bulletin
Issue Date: August 1966
Publisher: Merseyside Unidentified Flying Objects Research Group (MUFORG)
Editor: John Harney

This issue of the MUFORG Bulletin, dated August 1966, addresses the group's perceived stance on ufology, aiming to clarify its position as one of the more conservative and skeptical publications. The editor emphasizes a desire to encourage serious UFO research and analysis, while also acknowledging the need for constructive commentary on UFO organizations. The bulletin includes news, reports of UFO sightings, book reviews, and discussions on prevailing theories and investigative methodologies.

Policy and Editorial Stance

The editorial begins by acknowledging correspondence that labels the MUFORG Bulletin as conservative and skeptical. The editor clarifies that while the group appreciates serious research, it will continue to offer comments on the conduct and attitudes of UFO organizations, assuring readers that no personal offense is intended. The bulletin expresses a commitment to serious UFO research and invites the submission of details on research projects, investigations, and analyses of UFO 'flaps'. It also notes that humorous or less serious aspects of ufology will be confined to private correspondence.

MUFORG News

Key news items include the resignation of Paul Hopkins as Chairman due to his move to the South of England. Mr. and Mrs. Oldfield are dissatisfied with the explanation of their 'spaceship' film and plan to show it to DIGAP (Manchester), with MUFORG members invited to attend. A humorous note reveals that the 'Professor of Herpetology' announced as an Honorary Member in the February issue is actually only 13 years old, but the group decided to allow him to remain a member.

Prime Minister Questioned on UFOs

On July 19th, Sir John Langford-Holt questioned the Prime Minister, Mr. Wilson, about allocating the assessment of wider implications of unidentified flying objects to a specific department, as the Defence Secretary was only responsible for air defense implications. Mr. Wilson stated he would not do this, asserting that reports are taken seriously when adequate information is available, and many are reports of natural phenomena or balloons. The exchange is presented as an example of the 'hilarity' that often greets serious attempts to draw public attention to the UFO problem, with Mr. Quintin Hogg attempting to make political capital from the issue.

Trench Interview

The bulletin discusses an interview with the Hon. Brinsley le Poer Trench by the 'Charles Greville' column in the Daily Mail. While acknowledging Trench's useful work in stimulating interest in UFO history, the article quotes him suggesting that flying saucers seem to follow old pre-Roman leys or ancient tracks. The 'Greville' column dismisses this by questioning why activity is concentrated in the US and if the Roman Empire was larger than thought.

Recent North West Reports

Freckleton, Lancashire (May 7th)

Two men reported seeing two flickering lights in a field that revolved clockwise, then moved into the air. The object followed their car to the outskirts of Blackpool before vanishing. An RAF station is noted nearby at Warton.

Temple Sowerby, Westmorland (June)

Three men fishing in the River Eden reported an 'incredible thing' in the water, described as bear-like with large, sparkling red eyes. It emerged from the water and moved towards them when they made noise.

Litherland, Lancashire (July 18th)

Schoolchildren observed an oval, white object drifting slowly across the sky, which the report suggests is consistent with a weather balloon regularly sent up from a nearby radio-sonde station.

Recent Type I UFO Reports

Oklahoma, U.S.A. (March 23rd)

An electronics teacher reported a 'perch-shaped' object, approximately 75 ft. long and 8 ft. high, blocking Highway 70 at a 45-degree angle. The craft had four brilliant lights and a porthole, with a 'human' figure checking its underside. The witness observed serial numbers on the craft. It lifted off with a high-speed drill noise and sped away at an estimated 700 m.p.h. This report, initially deemed of low value by IIOUFO, is being further investigated.

Missouri, U.S.A. (April 1st)

A woman reported sighting two brightly lit, oval or egg-shaped objects near a farmhouse. One object circled while the other landed. When a train passed, the circling object turned off its lights and hovered near a tree. After the train departed, both objects rested on a hill. The witness heard loud shouting in a foreign language and sounds like a pig being butchered. Bright, star-like points of light, about 18-20 ft. in length, were seen emanating from the objects. No physical traces were found.

Pennsylvania, U.S.A. (August 1st)

An unidentified flying object described as 'cube-shaped, whitish or metallic' reportedly landed near Erie. A teen-age girl described a 'formless' creature. A photograph showed a dragging, claw-like imprint in the sand, with Air Force markers present. The incident is to be investigated by the Ohio state office of IIOUFO.

France (March 26th)

A 3-year-old shepherd reported a 'wheel-shaped' object, milky-white with red 'teeth', about 80 cm in diameter, moving at 25-30 km/h. The object followed the ground contours and appeared slightly flexible. A similar incident at Puy-Saint-Galmier in 1955 is noted.

Type I UFO Reports: Investigation, Research and Hypotheses

The bulletin states a concentration on Type I reports for several reasons: their clarity, the detailed circumstantial information they provide, their manageable number, and their potential to be objectively proved or disproved. The article notes the significant increase in these reports and the difficulty in compiling them without prejudice. It highlights the historical issues in ufology, such as prejudice, preconception, and obscurantism, and the tendency for both extreme skepticism and extreme credulity to be nonsensical. The goal is to find a sensible and consistent working hypothesis.

The article proposes to record all reports of UFO landings or low-altitude sightings, including 'operators' and contactees, to facilitate analysis and distinguish genuine reports from hoaxes. It invites ufologists working on Type I reports to share their methods and discoveries. The bulletin poses several questions for workers in the field, including methods for compiling data, significant details to look for, the reliability of investigators, and the distortion of reports by sensationalism or translation.

Theories About UFOs

Two main theories are presented: 1) the subject is a modern myth, and 2) UFOs are spaceships from other planets. The first theory is subscribed to by most scientists, but the article argues that many skeptics have not studied the subject deeply and are unaware of its extent. It suggests that scientific skepticism is often motivated by prejudice or conservatism, drawing a parallel to Galileo's time. The bulletin posits that some scientists privately show an open mind or favor the interplanetary hypothesis but publicly display skepticism to avoid ridicule.

"Odd" Organisations and UFO Petition

This section addresses reactions to previous remarks about the M.I.A. Petition and 'odd' organizations. Martyn C. Harper of the Midland Interplanetary Association clarifies that M.I.A.'s association with the Cosmic Brotherhood Association is for data collection and does not imply endorsement of their policies. The article suggests that the objective way to judge an organization is by the quality of its published work. BUFORA has decided to ignore the UFO Petition, aligning with MUFORG's view, while M.I.A. reports a high demand for petition forms.

Recent Books

"Anatomy of a Phenomenon" by Jacques Vallée

This book is highly praised as an objective and important work that encourages serious, rational investigation of the UFO problem. Vallée defines the phenomenon under study as the witness's report, not the UFO itself, emphasizing that the report is observable and analyzable by scientists. The book discusses ancient and modern UFO reports, theories, and methods for improving investigation quality. It is recommended as essential reading for every ufologist.

"The Flying Saucer Story" by Brinsley Le Poer Trench

This book is described as a fairly standard flying saucer book, discussing sightings, crashed UFOs, and alleged government cover-ups. However, the author's final chapter reveals his belief in the existence of an 'International Sky Scouts' organization preparing mankind for membership in a 'Galactic Community.' The reviewer expresses suspicion about Trench's conclusions and suggests that prospective members might be accused of 'idle curiosity' if they ask for proof.

New American UFO Books

Frank Edwards' "Flying Saucers - Serious Business" is mentioned as well-received in the U.S. but not yet available in Britain. A new paperback, "Strangers from the Skies," reportedly deals with Type I reports.

"Phénomènes Spatiaux"

This French quarterly journal is recommended for its detailed accounts of individual UFO reports, providing a valuable record for researchers. It is suggested that readers brush up on their French to read it.

Announcement

An announcement for the Interplanetary Intelligence Report (IIOUFO) is included, detailing its establishment in August 1957 for the scientific investigation of UFOs. IIOUFO is an international organization with representatives in 35 countries and 50 U.S. offices, backed by scientists. Membership is $3.00 annually in the U.S. and $4.50 elsewhere, including the publication. IIOUFO members are tasked with reporting UFO activity and conducting investigations. The report is recognized as a leading UFO publication. IIOUFO was permitted to access Air Force Project Blue Book files in 1964 and was featured on NBC and in a French documentary. They conducted on-the-spot investigations during the August 1965 wave of sightings and were associated with the Tulsa, Oklahoma photograph. Their headquarters are in Oklahoma City, with overseas mail handled by Robert Stiff.

MUFORG Bulletin Contributions and Distribution

Information is provided for the editor, John Harney, and details on contributions (articles, letters, comments, reviews, press cuttings) are welcomed. It is stated that published contributions are the responsibility of their authors and do not necessarily reflect MUFORG's views. Copyright allows free reprinting of original material with credit. The bulletin is distributed to UFO organizations in Britain, Western Europe, and the U.S.A.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, the challenges posed by skepticism (both scientific and public), and the critical evaluation of UFO organizations and their publications. The editorial stance is one of encouraging rigorous, evidence-based research while maintaining a critical perspective on unsubstantiated claims and organizational policies. The bulletin actively seeks to engage readers in the process of developing a sound working hypothesis for understanding UFO reports, emphasizing the importance of objective analysis over emotional reactions or preconceived notions.