South Lincs UFO Study Group Newsletter - No 31 - 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: SOUTH LINCS UFO STUDY GROUP NEWSLETTER
Issue: No. 31
Date: May 1971
Publisher: South Lincs UFO Study Group
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This newsletter issue focuses on UFO research, featuring contributions that advocate for the serious study of the phenomenon, discuss historical sightings, and propose a broader approach to understanding it.

UFO Research Today, by Fred O. Gardner, FRGS

Fred O. Gardner, sending greetings from afar, expresses his personal conviction that UFO research holds significant, perhaps underestimated, importance. He addresses the common question of whether there is 'proof' of UFO existence, stating that proof is subjective and depends on individual requirements. Gardner asserts that the sheer volume of evidence and witnesses constitutes proof admissible in a court of law. He criticizes skeptics who, despite incontrovertible evidence, refuse to give the case a fair hearing, arguing that their attempts to disprove UFOs are often more illogical than the claims of proponents.

Gardner highlights that Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) of various shapes and sizes have been consistently reported by competent and reputable individuals worldwide. He notes the existence of numerous global research groups led by qualified experts, including scientists, astronauts, pilots, astronomers, engineers, and clergymen. The bibliography of UFO literature is vast, exceeding a thousand books. An effort to bring the UFO matter before the United Nations for global consideration has been thwarted.

He personally is convinced of the validity of the UFO case but, as a cautious individual, continues his research. Gardner suggests that a purely materialistic or scientific approach alone will not suffice. While a scientific basis is necessary for appraisal, it must be complemented by a willingness to broaden and deepen terms of reference to grasp the full significance of the UFO phenomenon. He emphasizes the need to acknowledge the importance of religion and conventional concepts of science, criticizing the destructive activities of 'super-powers' that lead to a 'dying planet'.

John A. Keel's Perspective

The newsletter references John A. Keel, an American journalist and author of "UFOs - Operation Trojan Horse." Keel's extensive research, spanning four years, involved systematically dissecting myths and misunderstandings surrounding UFOs. His work suggests that theological and philosophical aspects are more crucial for understanding the UFO phenomenon than purely scientific accounts of aerial anomalies. Keel posits that physicists and scientists alone cannot fully unravel the UFO problem unless they are also schooled in liberal arts, theology, and philosophy, as demanding scientific disciplines often leave practitioners with little time for subjects outside their immediate fields.

A Short History of UFOs, by Nigel H. Watson

Nigel H. Watson provides a brief historical overview of UFO sightings:

1. Ancient Astronauts: Erich Von Daniken's book "Chariots of the Gods" is mentioned, correlating events in sacred books to suggest astronauts may have visited Earth thousands of years ago.
2. Shakespearean Reference: A quote from Shakespeare's "Henry VI, Part III" describes three suns joining into one, interpreted as a celestial omen.
3. Great Airship Wave: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mysterious objects resembling airships, with superior aerodynamic characteristics, were sighted in Britain and New Zealand.
4. Mystery Aircraft: Approximately thirty years prior to the newsletter's publication, mystery aircraft were chased by military authorities in Norway, Sweden, and Finland during blizzards, with fruitless results.
5. WWII Mystery Lights: In 1944-1945, pilots reported seeing intelligently controlled balls of white light, initially suspected to be Nazi weapons, but later found to be beyond earthly capabilities.
6. 'Flying Saucers' Coined: On June 24, 1947, Kenneth Arnold sighted nine UFOs over Mount Rainier, leading to the coining of the term 'Flying Saucers'.

Watson also references a Harris Poll showing that a significant portion of the public is skeptical about extraterrestrial life, with one-third denying its existence and 30% believing in Flying Saucers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this newsletter issue revolve around the persistent nature of UFO sightings throughout history, the debate surrounding the definition and acceptance of 'proof' in UFO research, and the call for a more holistic, interdisciplinary approach to understanding the phenomenon. The editorial stance, as represented by Fred O. Gardner's contribution, is one of firm belief in the significance of UFO research, advocating for open-minded investigation that integrates scientific inquiry with broader philosophical and theological considerations, while also critiquing excessive skepticism and the destructive tendencies of modern society.