<OVNI>

Magazine Overview

Title: <OVNI>
Issue: November 1993
Publisher: Phenomenon Research Association
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £1 (Free for Members)

This issue of the OVNI newsletter, published by the Phenomenon Research Association, covers a range of UFO-related topics, including a significant personal loss within the UFO community, numerous sighting reports, and discussions on government transparency.

The Sudden Death of Stuart Smith

The newsletter opens with a somber announcement of the sudden death of Stuart Smith, head of "Enigma Design & Publishing" and editor of "UFO Brigantia." Smith was a prominent figure in UFO circles, known for organizing excellent International Conferences in Sheffield that featured speakers like Jacques Vallee, Budd Hopkins, and Linda Moulton-Howe. He passed away in Austria while attending a UFO conference, reportedly from Flu, at the age of 45. His passing is noted with sadness due to his friendly personality and intense interest in the UFO subject.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Iceland

A report from Iceland suggests a possible UFO landing, with rumors of military activity and cordoned-off areas. UFO investigator Tony Dodd has reportedly flown to Iceland to investigate.

Canada (1991)

The issue recalls an alleged UFO landing in Canada in 1991, involving a multi-colored craft with flashing lights and flares on the ground. It humorously notes that Timothy Good reportedly discarded a copy of the video.

Flying Triangles

Several reports focus on "Flying Triangle" sightings:

• Oklahoma, USA (September 5, 1993): An eleven-year-old girl, her sister, a neighbor girl, and a woman in her forties witnessed a triangle-shaped UFO with red/white lights and a detached red light. It made a slight buzzing sound, moved slowly at an estimated ten miles per hour, and was as large as a neighborhood house. Car alarms reportedly went off as it sped up.
• Pensacola, USA (October 11 & 17, 1993): Witnesses reported seeing "boomerang" or "V" shaped crafts with thirteen "poker chips" associated, described as dull matt grey and visible against the night sky. The area between the "V" was luminous, but no distinct lights were visible. No sound was associated with the objects.
• Pensacola, USA (November 1, 1993): A large black triangular craft, the size of a jet liner, was seen moving slower than traffic at 0715. It was preceded by about one hundred small silver objects. An investigation was pending.
• Derby, UK (November 11, 1993): Ian Hitchcock saw a triangular object surrounded by glowing and flashing red lights. It moved fast from North to South, then changed course to the South-East. The observation lasted about two minutes. The witness described it as the size of a one pence piece at arm's length, under clear sky conditions.

Other Sightings

• Holmesfield, UK (Early November 1993): Radio Sheffield reported two witnesses saw a bright cigar-shaped light at 4.40pm.
• Ashbourne, UK (October 7, 1993): A mother and her 20-year-old daughter reported a strange silent craft that followed them down Green Road. Initially an elongated H shape, it transformed into a saucer and then a cigar shape before disappearing. The encounter left the car interior feeling icy cold.

Chronological List of Sightings (September 1993)

A detailed list of UFO sightings from September 1993 is provided, researched by Alan Hitchcock. It includes map numbers, object shapes (including triangles, discs, and lights), dates, times, locations (such as Newstead Abbey, Chaddesden, Belper, Matlock, and Bakewell), and directions. The list also clarifies that "LITS" denotes "Lights In The Sky."

A map compiled by Alan Hitchcock on 16/11/93 visually represents the locations of these September 1993 incidents.

Government Secrecy and Alien Contact

This section discusses the pursuit of government information regarding alleged Alien Contact. It questions the point of such pursuit, referencing an ex-military intelligence operative's sentiment that the public might not need to be informed. The article touches upon the potential impact of revelations on religious beliefs and commerce.

It speculates on the extreme measures taken to "keep the lid on" UFO information, including deathbed statements and threats to witnesses. The efforts of the American organization "Citizens Against UFO Secrecy" (CAUS) are mentioned, noting President Clinton's response was to consider their ideas but decline to attend a meeting. The UK group "Campaign For Alien Acknowledgement" is also discussed, with the possibility of achieving official acknowledgement deemed remote.

The article highlights the role of modern technology and "black budget" operations in military sources keeping developments secret from the public.

A letter from Larry W. Bryant, Director of the Washington D.C. Office of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy, to President William J. Clinton (dated July 11, 1993) is included. Bryant urges Clinton to issue an executive order releasing a former U.S. military intelligence officer from secrecy oaths regarding government-retrieved crash-landed "flying saucers." The letter mentions an enclosure: a two-page excerpt from the "leaked" presidential briefing paper on "Operation Majestic-12."

Tale Enders and Upcoming Events

• Radio Sheffield Report: Eileen Fletcher reported a segment on Radio Sheffield about UFO sightings, including a bright cigar-shaped light seen near Holmesfield.
• Police Officer's Sighting: A Nottingham police officer reported a strange bright light, which was identified as the star Sirius with the help of Garry Stapleton's computer Sky Chart.
• Magazine Exchange: The Southampton UFO Group inquired about exchanging magazines, praising the OVNI newsletter's material.
• Apologies: The late issue of OVNI is attributed to the Editor's travel to Hampshire to visit a sick parent.
• Morris Minor Club Talk: The Morris Minor Owner's Club of Derby has requested a talk on UFOs.
• SOBEPS (Belgium): Their latest UFO magazine has arrived, featuring more stories on Flying Triangles.
• Next Meeting: Busty Taylor, a Crop Circle photographer, will give a visual/audio talk on the latest Crop Circles on Friday, December 3rd, at 8 pm at The Stanley Club, Stanley Common, near Ilkeston. Members pay £1.00, non-members £2.00.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of UFO sightings, particularly the prevalence of "flying triangle" reports, and the ongoing debate about government secrecy and the potential for official acknowledgement of UFO phenomena. The newsletter maintains a stance of documenting these events and discussions within the UFO community, while also acknowledging the personal impact of events like the death of Stuart Smith. The editorial tone is informative and investigative, presenting various reports and perspectives.