Project Red Book vol 3 no 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of YUFOS magazine, titled 'PROJECT RED BOOK' (Vol 3 #3, September 1999), is published by the Yorkshire UFO Society and priced at £1:50. The cover features a cartoon illustration related to UFOs and highlights an exclusive interview with Jerome Clark, the 1967 Sheffield saucers, and the 'Peter Controversy'.

Exclusive Interview with Jerome Clark

The magazine features an extensive interview with Jerome Clark, a prominent UFO authority. Clark details his entry into ufology in 1957 after reading Edward J. Ruppelt's book, and how he later became a 'Fortean' influenced by Charles Fort. He clarifies that his recent work, co-authored with Loren Coleman, 'Cryptozoology A to Z', is more conservative and scientifically grounded, moving away from 'paranormalist' views. Clark discusses his current projects, including books on otherworldly beings and folk music. He dismisses the 'pelican' theory for the Kenneth Arnold sighting and argues that many 'classic' unexplained cases remain puzzling. Clark criticizes the 'Psychosocial Hypothesis' (PSH) as unscientific literary criticism that attempts to domestic the UFO phenomenon. He advocates for the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) as the only logical explanation for technologically advanced, non-human UFOs, citing cases like the RB-47 incident, Delphos, and Socorro as strong indications of anomalous phenomena. He contrasts American ufology, which he sees as more process-driven and pragmatic, with British ufology, which he feels sometimes uses 'American ufology' as an epithet. Clark expresses admiration for researchers like Budd Hopkins and Hilary Evans, and regards Allen Hynek and James McDonald as ufology's greatest heroes. He also shares his positive interactions on internet discussion groups, emphasizing that differences of opinion do not necessitate personal conflict.

1967 Sheffield Saucers (Part 4)

This section, by Dr. David Clarke, details the UFO flap of 1967 in Sheffield. It begins with Harry Dodgson's sighting in February 1966 of a luminous object with a white tail, initially suggested to be a shooting star or satellite debris but described by Dodgson as 'marvellous' and 'out of the ordinary'. The article notes that 1966 was a peak year for UK UFO reports with 95 logged by the MOD, followed by a staggering 362 in 1967. It then focuses on the 'flying cross' sightings in southern England starting October 24, 1967. The Stephen Pratt photo case from Conisborough is presented as a mystery, with a teenager capturing an image of three saucer-shaped craft despite seeing an 'orange glow'. The article raises suspicions about the photo's focus, suggesting it might be a hoax, despite claims of Kodak experts deeming it genuine. The 1967 flap in Sheffield is further detailed, including an appeal from the Ministry of Defence for information and sightings of red and green lights by Nicholas Slater and others. The article concludes that the Pratt photo's authenticity remains uncertain without further analysis and that the distinction between observed phenomena and the photographic evidence is unclear.

Nick Pope and 'The Peter Controversy': The Right to Reply

This section addresses the controversy surrounding Nick Pope's letter in a previous issue, where he used terms like 'Cats', 'Pigeons', 'Can', and 'Worms'. The article suggests that some people are reacting strongly to Pope's comments, indicating a 'bite back' from those involved.

UFOs for the New Millenium

Andrew Ashmore questions how ufology will evolve in the 'New Age', suggesting a potential shift in perspective or methodology as the new millennium approaches.

Forum: Moongate

This brief section poses the question of whether NASA actually put men on the moon, hinting at conspiracy theories surrounding the Apollo missions.

From Around the World - And Beyond!!

This section provides a collection of brief UFO-related news items: a Navy report predicting power failures due to Y2K, a reported rift at the CIA concerning UFOs, and UFOs filmed over the English Channel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, historical cases, and the ongoing research and debates within the ufology community. The editorial stance, as represented by Dave Baker, appears to be one of open inquiry while maintaining a critical perspective, as indicated by the disclaimer that views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the society. The interview with Jerome Clark highlights a preference for scientific and logical explanations over purely speculative or 'paranormal' interpretations, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions. The inclusion of diverse articles, from historical case studies to contemporary controversies and future outlooks, suggests a commitment to providing a comprehensive and nuanced view of the UFO phenomenon.

YUFOS magazine, Volume 3, Issue 3, dated September 1999, features a prominent debate on 'The 'Peter' Controversy - The Right to Reply' on its cover. The issue also includes articles on historical UFO sightings, government investigations into UFOs, and a discussion on the Apollo XI moon landing.

The 'Peter' Controversy - The Right to Reply

This section is a lengthy exchange of letters and statements concerning Nick Pope's book "The Uninvited" and his handling of a witness's story, referred to as 'Peter.' Jenny Randles, Andy Roberts, and Dr. Dave Clarke, all prominent figures in ufology, respond to statements made by Nick Pope and the magazine's editor, who had published Pope's book review and an interview with Jenny Randles.

Jenny Randles defends her comments about Nick Pope, stating that while he is a nice man, his views on UFOlogy are naive. She acknowledges that Pope may have been promoted as Britain's 'Fox Mulder' but suggests his role was more akin to a civil servant meticulously documenting cases rather than a dramatic investigator. Randles clarifies that the italicized note in the magazine, which seemed to imply she linked Nick Pope to 'Peter,' was her own editorial note, not Jenny's statement. She expresses concern about the 'Peter' story being shrouded in confusion and criticizes the use of hypnosis to extract information, particularly in cases that might not be typical alien abductions.

Andy Roberts suggests a direct approach to resolve the 'Peter' controversy, proposing that Jenny Randles issue a public statement confirming that Pope identified Peter and quoting relevant sections from unpublished works. He believes this would prevent further speculation and Pope's potential use of the story for personal gain.

Dr. Dave Clarke echoes the sentiment that the 'Peter' business is a joke, with Peter's identity being common knowledge within ufology circles for years. He argues that Nick Pope has no right to accuse others of seeking publicity when his own career appears to be built on UFOlogy. Clarke asserts that if someone says 'I can't confirm and I can't deny,' it means 'Yes it's true.' He also criticizes the practice of using hypnosis to create abduction narratives.

Jenny Randles further elaborates on her role, emphasizing her commitment to BUFORA's 'Code of Practice' which forbids the release of witness identities. She explains that she lost her job as BUFORA Director of Investigations partly due to a member breaching this code. Randles states she knows Peter's identity but declined opportunities to reveal it publicly, even when offered significant sums, due to her principles and the code. She points out that Nick Pope himself revealed Peter's identity to many people long before she became aware of it, and that Peter only recently requested his identity be kept confidential.

Andy Roberts reiterates his stance, arguing that witness confidentiality is no longer an issue since Pope has made claims in public. He suggests exposing the story fully to prevent it from becoming further folklore.

Dr. Dave Clarke also weighs in, stating that Peter's identity is common knowledge and that Nick Pope's claims of confidentiality are disingenuous. He believes that if many people in ufology know Peter's identity, Nick doesn't need to reveal it, and that Peter's identity would be revealed when the time was right.

Jenny Randles concludes by reaffirming her promise to keep Peter's identity confidential as requested, but expresses frustration at being accused of seeking publicity while Nick Pope profits from the story.

UFO Sightings in Sheffield and the UK

The magazine reports on several UFO sightings. One incident from October 24, 1967, describes Eileen Scott of Sheffield seeing a long, oval-shaped, dark-coloured object moving across the sky with a loud droning noise. Another report details two Sheffield children, William (11) and Jackie Bamforth (9), who claimed to have seen four round, bright UFOs with fire shooting out. The article also mentions a sighting by two policemen in Stalybridge, Cheshire, of a bright cross-shaped object at 1,000 feet, which was also reported in nearby Mottram and Glossop. Police in Stocksbridge reported a flurry of sightings in June 1968, including a steelworker seeing a silvery object and witnesses reporting blue flashing lights.

UFO Report Reveals Rifts at CIA

This article discusses a secret CIA history of its UFO investigations, commissioned in 1993. The report, completed in 1997, reveals internal debates and skepticism within the agency regarding UFO phenomena. It highlights that the agency initially dismissed sightings as 'midsummer madness' but later considered their potential use by Moscow for mass hysteria or to overload air warning systems. The report concludes that 'misguided' attempts to keep sightings secret fueled widespread belief in a government cover-up.

UFOs Filmed Over English Channel

Dr. David Clarke reports on a camcorder video film taken by a Sheffield family showing at least two, possibly three, unidentified flying objects alongside a passenger jet over the English Channel. The objects, described as ball-shaped and grey, were captured on footage edited a week after the flight. Examination at Sheffield University identified potential features, and the objects appeared to be hovering at cruising altitude.

From Around the World... And Beyond!!

This section compiles various news items:

• Y2K: Secret Navy Study Predicts Widespread Power Failures: A U.S. Navy report predicts probable or likely power failures due to the Year 2000 technology problem, a more dire assessment than the White House's. The report was initially available online but later removed.
• UFO Report Reveals Rifts at CIA: (As detailed above).
• UFOs Filmed Over English Channel: (As detailed above).

Forum: Moongate: The Apollo XI Mission

Jon Slater responds to Eileen Fletcher's letter questioning the moon landings. Slater dismisses the theory that the Apollo XI mission was fabricated by NASA, citing the global television broadcast and the impossibility of controlling tens of thousands of people involved in the mission's security. He argues that the astronauts' consistent accounts over 30 years outweigh conspiracy theories.

UFOs for the New Millennium!

Andrew Ashmore reflects on the perception of UFOs over time, from ancient cave paintings and religious beliefs to modern interpretations. He questions how future generations will view UFO phenomena and whether current findings will be passed on. Ashmore suggests that humanity may have exhausted explanations for UFOs and hopes for a radical breakthrough or a clean disclosure from those holding significant data.

An Apology to Uri Geller

Dave Baker issues an apology to Uri Geller for a typographical error in a previous issue of PRB that misquoted Andy Roberts's statement about James Randi. The error implied Geller was a bully, when the intended quote was 'SOME people think...'.

Next Meeting

A notice for the next YUFOS meeting on Tuesday, 12th October, 1999, at The Three Cranes in Sheffield.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena, witness testimony, and the potential for government cover-ups. There is a strong emphasis on debating the credibility of sources and the methods used in UFO research, particularly the use of hypnosis. The editorial stance appears to favor open discussion and critical examination of claims, while also upholding principles of witness confidentiality, as seen in the extensive 'Peter Controversy' section. The magazine also touches upon broader societal concerns like the Y2K issue and historical interpretations of unexplained events.

YUFOS magazine, Volume 3, Issue 3, dated September 1999, is a publication focused on UFO phenomena and related topics, including space exploration and government activities. The issue features articles on the Cassini spacecraft's mission, a reported UFO sighting, and a significant investigation into government surveillance activities.

Cassini Completes Rendezvous with Earth

This article details the Cassini spacecraft's successful flyby of Earth on Tuesday, August 17, 1999, at 8:28 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. The spacecraft passed 727 miles (1,171 kilometers) above Pitcairn Island in the South Pacific. Launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA, on October 15, 1997, this flyby marked the conclusion of Cassini's "tour" of the inner planets, having previously visited Venus. Each flyby of an inner planet provided a "gravity boost," increasing the spacecraft's speed and refining its trajectory for the long journey to Saturn. Cassini's primary mission is to study Saturn, its moons, rings, and its magnetic and radiation environments over four years. A key objective is to deliver the European Space Agency's (ESA) Huygens probe via parachute to the surface of Saturn's largest moon, Titan. The Earth flyby provided a speed boost of 5.5 kilometers per second (12,000 miles per hour), propelling the spacecraft towards Saturn, nearly one billion kilometers away. During this flyby, nine of Cassini's twelve science systems were activated and aimed at Earth and the Moon for observations. The next significant event for Cassini is a flyby of Jupiter on December 30, 2000, which will bend its flight path for an orbital arrival at Saturn on July 1, 2004. The Huygens probe is scheduled to be deployed onto Titan on November 30, 2004.

Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP) Report

The magazine includes a section where the author, Dave Baker, appeals for information regarding a video of an unexplained aerial phenomenon. The video was filmed by a family and shows an object in the sky. The author is unable to reach conclusions about the object, considering possibilities such as meteorological balloons or optical illusions. The family is attempting to identify the exact time and date of the filming to facilitate further investigation and has offered the video for computer enhancement and analysis. The footage is being copied for examination at two university departments. The author requests anyone who can offer contacts for independent expert analysis to reach out via email. No details of this incident have yet appeared in the press, and a full report is promised for a future issue of PRB.

Spy Scandal – Tim Matthews Reports!

This investigative report by Tim Matthews focuses on a scandal at Capenhurst, a village in Cheshire, near Ellesmere Port on the Wirral Estuary. Channel 4 News exposed a decade-long spying operation by the British government, which used an anonymous telecommunications tower from 1989 to intercept all data traffic between Britain and the UK. This operation is described as having rocked the British and Irish governments, particularly during sensitive times concerning peace in Northern Ireland, and may have serious implications for future joint efforts. The report questions the basis of trust given this "dirty secret." The Irish Green Party expressed horror, calling it a "fundamental breech of human rights."

On July 17th, the magazine's reporters visited Capenhurst to photograph the tower and surrounding facilities. The article notes that Capenhurst has a history of controversy, including peace protests in the 1980s and early 1990s against British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. (BNFL) for pumping radioactive sewage into local waterways and polluting the North-Western coast. Capenhurst was also linked to nuclear reprocessing and the nuclear weapons industry.

The spying activities at the adjacent MOD facility reportedly continued until early 1999. The Telecom tower is now covered in cream-coloured screening, stands approximately 100ft high, and is encased for sale or removal, with an estimated price tag of £20 million. The Channel 4 team gained access to bunkers beneath the tower, showing footage of severed high-tech communications and intercept equipment. Channel 4 News indicated that the system has been replaced by a superior one, suspected to be the Echelon global satellite system. The report argues that while spying on terrorists is one thing, the Capenhurst tower was used to intercept economic, political, and personal information. It mentions that several Members of Parliament have been unsuccessful in challenging the activities of the National Security Agency (NSA) site at Menwith Hill, North Yorkshire, where phone calls, faxes, and emails are routinely intercepted.

The report suggests that US business has gained an unfair advantage over European competitors, citing an instance where Boeing was able to outbid Aerospatiale due to NSA activities. The article concludes by advising researchers to stay within the law when conducting investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of space exploration with potential unexplained phenomena (Cassini's mission and the UFO report) and the critical examination of government secrecy and surveillance (the Capenhurst spy scandal). The magazine appears to adopt a stance of skepticism towards official explanations for unexplained events while also being vigilant about government overreach and the protection of civil liberties. The editorial tone is investigative and aims to inform readers about potentially hidden truths and controversial government actions.