MUFORG Bulletin - 1966 10

Magazine Overview

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

This issue of the MUFORG Bulletin delves into the growing attention given to UFO landing reports and alleged contact with craft occupants. It emphasizes the need for critical examination and warns against premature acceptance of theories, particularly the 'space brothers' hypothesis, suggesting psychological phenomena as a possible explanation.

Comment

The 'Comment' section highlights the increasing public and ufological interest in UFO landings and occupant contact, noting that 'Flying Saucer Review' will feature this in a forthcoming special issue. The author expresses concern that many ufologists are too eager to believe in friendly alien visitors, which can impede objective investigation. A quote from Dr. J. Cleary-Baker of BUFORA Journal is included, illustrating how a skeptical suggestion about UFO occupants being ill-disposed towards humanity was met with disbelief.

The bulletin criticizes the tendency for some groups to form 'reception committees' for potential alien visitors, questioning the implications if governments were to acknowledge their existence. It stresses that while the 'space brothers' theory might be correct, other explanations, including psychological phenomena, deserve serious consideration. The author advocates for a careful, evidence-based approach, suggesting that if the psychological theory proves unworkable, it would be a step closer to final proof.

MUFORG News

Key updates from MUFORG include the election of Mr. J. Harnwell as the new Chairman in September. Members attended the BUFORA Northern Conference in Bradford on September 10th. The 'Skywatch' event was hampered by bad weather, with some observations being cross-checked with satellite data. Future General Meetings for MUFORG are scheduled for November 9th and December 14th at the Free Church Centre in Liverpool.

BUFORA Northern Conference

The BUFORA Northern Conference, organized by the Halifax Branch, took place at the Textile Hall in Bradford. The event featured displays of UFO magazines and photographs, followed by a talk by Arthur Shuttlewood of the 'Warminster Journal' detailing his experiences. A panel discussion included Dr. J. Cleary-Baker, Alan W. Sharp, J. Leslie Otley, and Stephen Smith. Topics covered included contact claims, the Charlton crater, Warminster, and the Oldfields' 'spaceship' film. During the discussion, Stephen Smith suggested treating contact claims like police investigations, leading Dr. Cleary-Baker to propose mock trials. Alan Sharp expressed skepticism about the Warminster sightings, noting the proximity to an Army range. The BBC's explanation for Mrs. Oldfield's film was found unsatisfactory by many, including the Oldfields.

Warminster's Contactee

Arthur Shuttlewood delivered a lecture at the Bradford Conference, recounting his personal UFO sighting on September 28th, 1965. He claimed to have seen 288 UFOs and obtained over 70 photographs since then, stating that witnesses come to Warminster knowing a sighting can be guaranteed. Shuttlewood described spending nights near Warminster with camera and telescope, and mentioned a friend who reportedly sighted 322 UFOs. He asserted that over 800 people in Warminster have seen UFOs and that 'space people' are concerned about humanity, can monitor thoughts, and communicate via telephone. He also described them as human-like, evolved beings wearing balaclava helmets, who sometimes act erratically, like hurling themselves in front of cars, as a message against 'mass slaughter'. He mentioned their use of unconventional electrical methods for conversion and described them as 'great levellers of society'. The author of the article found Shuttlewood's lecture amusing, noting that while some might find it inspiring, many in the audience found it entertaining.

The article discusses the confusion surrounding Warminster events, citing the Cradel Hill incident of August 17th. It notes discrepancies in published accounts of this incident, with some suggesting Shuttlewood staged it by flashing a torch or mistaking satellites for UFOs. Shuttlewood's technique is described as pointing out satellites and calling them UFOs, then claiming they landed when they disappear from view.

Shuttlewood's claims are presented as potentially exaggerated, possibly for financial gain or notoriety, or as a result of genuine self-deception. The article anticipates the review of his forthcoming book, 'The Warminster Sighting'.

Type I UFO Reports

This section presents several UFO reports:

• Colorado, USA (April 8th, 1966): Six teenagers in Daniels Park reported seeing hovering red, blue, and white lights and hearing buzzing sounds. They also described a tall figure in a raincoat and a black, football-shaped object with lights. Their car engine stalled, and the radio produced static while they were leaving the park.
• Minnesota, USA (April 20th-25th, 1966): A UFO reportedly flew down the main street of Bagley at low altitude, rose to avoid a school bus, and landed on the outskirts. Four small beings emerged, performed some work, and then re-entered the craft before it departed. The incident caused panic.

Investigation, Research and Hypotheses

The bulletin notes a disappointing response to an appeal for information on 'Type I' UFO reports, suggesting a lack of interest in serious research. However, it observes a growing interest in determined investigation and the increasing use of psychology in evaluating reports. A letter from Jacques Bonabot of G.E.S.A.G. (Belgium) is mentioned, raising points about the effect of UFOs on dogs and UFOs emitting light that does not cause shadows.

Information Wanted: Mr. Lionel Beer of BUFORA is collecting material for a book on UFO occupants and seeks information from specialists in the field, particularly on lesser-known contact reports.

The Lead Masks Deaths Mystery

This case involves the discovery of two dead men, Manuel Pereira do Cruz and Miguel Jose Viana, in Brazil on August 21st. They were found with lead half-masks and coded notes. Both were radio and television technicians who died from heart stoppage with no apparent cause. Part of the notes contained an ohm equation, and the rest was unintelligible. Witnesses reported an oval, orange object hovering over the hill at the time. Investigations considered murder, suicide, smuggling, sorcery, and attempts to contact Martians. A man who claimed the deceased were trying to contact Mars was questioned. Detectives found notes indicating the men had 'taken orange capsules' and were 'waiting for the promised sign.' A book on scientific spiritualism was found in Miguel Viana's workshop. The police concluded the deaths resulted from an experiment with psychic forces.

Trench and the Sky Scouts

Jimmy Goddard writes in response to a review of Brinsley le Poer Trench's book. He defends asking questions about UFOs as not being mere 'idle curiosity' and asserts that evidence points to the existence of controlled UFO vehicles. He acknowledges that not all intelligences may be friendly but believes most are, based on the general opinion of Sky Scouts. He mentions the 'Yamski' case as potentially genuine.

Jimmy Goddard is an organizer of the International Sky Scouts and edits 'Saucer Forum'. He is known for his work on 'leys' and theories connecting them to UFO activity.

Recent Books

• "Other Worlds Than Ours" by C. Maxwell Cade: This book explores scientific experimentation and speculation on extraterrestrial life. Cade, a scientific consultant for 'Flying Saucer Review', adopts a less conventional approach. While cautious, he finds the August 1st, 1963, London sighting inexplicable, despite indications it might have been a balloon. The book discusses the history of speculation about life on other worlds, theories of life's origin, evolution of intelligence, and psychical research. It also includes a pessimistic outlook on humanity's future if taken over by mechanical extraterrestrials.
• "Strangers from the Skies" by Brad Steiger: This paperback details spectacular UFO incidents, including the Papua sighting, the Warminster 'Thing', and a UFO incident in Iguape, Brazil. It recounts a Swedish case where UFO occupants allegedly tried to kidnap two young men, describing the occupants as 'like globs of animated jelly'. It also covers the Exeter and Michigan flaps and discusses the US Air Force's attitude towards UFOs. It is recommended for beginners.
• "UFOs Around the World": A new UFO book published by the New Jersey Association on Serial Phenomena, with contributions from various individuals. It can be ordered from the Belgian Interplanetary Studycircle.

Editor's Note

The final page provides contact information for the editor, John Harney, and details on contributions, copyright, and distribution. MUFORG welcomes articles, comments, reviews, and press cuttings. Contributions are the responsibility of their authors. Original material may be reprinted with credit to MUFORG Bulletin. Exchanges are welcome, and the mailing list will be pruned. Distribution is to MUFORG members and UFO organizations in Britain, Western Europe, and the U.S.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO landing and contactee reports, the skepticism towards overly optimistic 'space brothers' narratives, and the exploration of psychological explanations for UFO experiences. The editorial stance, particularly in the 'Comment' section, advocates for rigorous, evidence-based investigation and warns against allowing preconceived notions or wishful thinking to influence findings. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine phenomena and potential misinterpretations or hoaxes, as exemplified by the critical analysis of the Warminster reports and the discussion of various book reviews.