SUFOG Newsletter No 059

Magazine Overview

This is the August 1995 issue, number 59, of the Southampton UFO Group Newsletter. The cover features a striking image of two grey aliens flanking a US Air Force object, with the group's name and 'Newsletter' prominently displayed. The issue is primarily dedicated to analyzing the media's reaction to the Roswell alien autopsy film and cataloging numerous UFO sightings reported in various newspapers and magazines.

Editorial: The Roswell Autopsy Film Controversy

The editorial opens by questioning the worth of the Roswell autopsy footage shown on British television, specifically referencing the program 'Secret History: The Roswell Incident'. While the author enjoyed the personal sightings and stories, the autopsy film itself was unconvincing. The editor declares it to be the 'biggest hoax in the field of Ufology this century', while acknowledging that readers may hold a different view. The editorial then meticulously chronicles media coverage of the incident from March to August 1995, highlighting key statements and shifts in opinion.

Initially, on March 5th, Philip Mantle of BUFORA was quoted in 'The People' stating, 'The footage is unique. It is the only known instance of Aliens on film'. By March 28th, the 'Daily Mail' reported Mantle as being convinced he had seen one of the 14 canisters of film, showing an alien body. However, by July 6th, 'The Independent' quoted Jenny Randles, who had resigned from BUFORA's council, stating that BUFORA, headed by Philip Mantle, was endorsing the film for 'purely COMMERCIAL reasons' and that this was undoing the work of serious ufologists for 20 years. The article also reveals that Ray Santilli admitted to withholding the film from ufologists for commercial reasons, fearing it would be copied and lose its value.

The editorial continues by citing Graham Birdsall, editor of 'UFO Magazine', in 'The Sun' on July 28th, who declared the film a fake and intended to prove it. Conversely, Philip Mantle, Director of Investigations at the British UFO Research Association, argued in the 'Daily Express' on August 14th that if it were a hoax, it would require an incredibly elaborate operation. He also mentioned the film was being scientifically studied and that Kodak confirmed it could have been taken in the late forties. However, by August 20th, 'The People' reported Mantle stating that new data suggested the bodies in the film were human and connected with germ warfare experiments, a statement that the editorial's 'ED' (Editor) sarcastically notes shatters dreams of aliens.

Further media scrutiny is presented, including a 'Daily Mail' report on August 21st noting that the order form for the film stated its filming date could not be currently warranted and that while medical reports suggested the creature was not human, this was unverified. The editorial also criticizes the hype surrounding the film, mentioning Santilli's refusal to show it until the auditorium was cleared for hidden cameras.

The editorial then discusses the physical characteristics of the alleged alien body as described by two scientists who examined it, noting the absence of a ribcage and the skull having the consistency of a melon. It concludes that there is no reason to believe the film portrays an alien autopsy and that it could have been produced by a special effects department. The editor suggests that only an audience wanting to believe would find it convincing, sarcastically proposing T-shirts with the motto 'GLAD TO BE GULLIBLE'.

Finally, the editorial mentions an article by Roy Hattersley and references the introduction to Whitley Strieber's book 'Majestic', written by Nicholas A. Duke, which describes a similar scenario of documents, photographs, and film being presented, including a photograph of a dead alien. The editor questions why Nicholas A. Duke has not released such film footage if it is genuine.

Media Coverage Round-up (July-September 1995)

This section provides an extensive list of newspaper and magazine articles related to UFOs and crop circles published during the month prior to the newsletter's publication.

• National Articles:
• 'Independent on Sunday': 'Strange Things' in Sky Puzzle Minister.
• 'Daily Mail': 'One Positive UFO Sighting', 'DR, About this Alien...', 'Believe this and you must be from another Planet'.
• 'Daily Telegraph': 'Minister is true Believer in UFOs'.
• 'Sunday People': 'Look out...There's lots of Aliens About !'.

• Regional Articles:
• Numerous articles from various regional papers across the UK, including Denbyshire, Wiltshire, York, Colchester, South Wales, Pontypool, St Albans, Chelmsford, Ilkley, Rossendale, Warrington, Bolton, Bridgwater, Wharfdale, Aireda, and Glasgow, covering topics such as UFO sightings, alien minds, unexplained observations, and alleged UFO chases by military jets.

• Crop Circle Articles:
• Articles from Southampton, Sunday Telegraph, Oxford Mail, Wolverhampton, and Dorset Evening Echo discussing crop circles, their potential meanings, and whether they are hoaxes.

• Newspaper Unknown:
• 'Crop Circles, UFOs and Little Grey Men'.

• Press/TV/Radio Matters (August 15 - September 15, 1995):
• Press:
• 'Daily Express' (Aug 14): 'Can we prove that Alien Encounters are Fact or Fiction?' - a two-page investigation into the abduction phenomenon, featuring the Roswell alien body photo and an interview with Philip Mantle.
• 'Daily Express' (Aug 15): 'Britain's UFO Capital' - focusing on Bonnybridge, Scotland.
• 'Southampton Evening Echo' (Aug 18): 'Cabby's UFO Shocker' - detailing a sighting by two taxi drivers, Michael McMahon and Mike Swatridge, of a glowing ball of light over Southampton. The object was described as nearly as big as the moon, moving horizontally, and displaying red and green lights. Hampshire UFO expert Lucy Pringle noted that UFOs seem attracted to the area.

• Radio:
• 'BBC Radio 2' (Aug 15): 'Hayes Over Britain' featured Dr. Susan Blackmore and Philip Mantle, with a phone-in with Ros Reynolds.
• 'Radio 4' (Sep 11): Featured Elsie Oakenden and an interview about new skeptical magazines.

• Television:
• Channel's science fiction week (Aug 26-29) was deemed disappointing. Two programs were highlighted as not putting Ufology in a good light.
• 'Secret History: The Roswell Incident' (Aug 28, CH4) was screened. The editor enjoyed the documentary and witness interviews but found the alleged alien autopsy unconvincing. A video version was quickly released for £33, which the editor considered a waste of time, containing brief interviews and the autopsy footage.
• 'In Advance of the Landing' (Aug 26) focused on beliefs about alien contact in the 1950s and 60s.

Further Media and Personal Accounts

• Newspaper Unknown (July 29):
• 'Crop Circles, UFOs and Little Grey Men'.

Press/TV/Radio Matters (August 15 - September 15, 1995):

• Press:
• 'Daily Express' (Aug 14): 'Can we prove that Alien Encounters are Fact or Fiction?' - This article explored abduction phenomena and featured the Roswell alien body photograph and an interview with Philip Mantle.
• 'Daily Express' (Aug 15): 'Britain's UFO Capital' - This piece focused on Bonnybridge, Scotland, known for its UFO encounters.
• 'Southampton Evening Echo' (Aug 18): 'Cabby's UFO Shocker' - Two taxi drivers, Michael McMahon and Mike Swatridge, reported seeing a mysterious glowing ball of light with a long tail moving horizontally across the sky above Southampton. The object, described as nearly as big as the moon, displayed red and green lights. Hampshire UFO expert Lucy Pringle commented on the credibility of the sighting due to the witnesses' genuine fear and suggested UFOs are attracted to the region.

• Radio:
• 'BBC Radio 2' (Aug 15): 'Hayes Over Britain' featured Dr. Susan Blackmore and Philip Mantle, discussing the Roswell footage and opposing views. A phone-in with Ros Reynolds was also included.
• 'Radio 4' (Sep 11): The latter part of the program included an interview about new skeptical magazines.

• Television:
• Channel's science fiction week (Aug 26-29) was criticized for not presenting Ufology favorably.
• 'Secret History: The Roswell Incident' (Aug 28, CH4) was reviewed. The editor found the documentary and witness accounts compelling but the alien autopsy unconvincing. A £33 video version was released, which the editor deemed a poor value, containing minimal new footage.
• 'In Advance of the Landing' (Aug 26) explored beliefs about alien contact from the 1950s and 60s.

• Further Newspaper Articles:
• 'Weekly News' (Aug 19): 'Mystery of the Exploding Mountain' - An article from Jenny Randles' book 'UFO Retrievals' about an incident in Llandrillo, Wales, on January 23, 1974.
• 'The People' (Aug 20): 'You won't miss THIS alien... he looks like Robert Redford' - Discussed an alien from the Intergalactic Council of Nine and a flying saucer home for sale.
• 'News of the World' (Aug 20): 'The Real X-Files' - Covered the second series of 'The X-Files' and the 'Secret History: The Roswell Incident' program.
• 'Daily Mail' (Aug 21): 'Believe this and you must be from another Planet' - A review by Roy Hattersley of the BUFORA conference, which he found unimpressive.
• 'Southampton Evening Echo' (Aug 21): 'UFO Riddle Deepens with more Sightings' - Reported on a glowing light seen by cabbies in Southampton, with further reader reports following.
• 'Daily Mail' (Aug 24): 'A Real Alien... or an Earthly Hoax?' - Reviewed the CH4 program 'Secret History' and its photographic stills from the Santilli program.
• 'Weekly News' (Aug 26): 'Did High-Speed Military Jet Pursue UFO Across Skies At Night?' - A second article by Jenny Randles, examining Ufology and a 1979 UFO sighting in Yorkshire.
• 'Radio Times' (Aug 26-Sep 1): 'The X-Files: Fact or Fiction' - Discussed the second series of 'The X-Files' and 'Secret History: Incident at Roswell'.
• 'What's on TV' (Aug 26-Sep 1): 'Is this Creature from Another Planet?' - Reviewed 'Secret History: The Roswell Incident' and Channel 4's science fiction week.
• 'Southampton Evening Echo' (Aug 29): 'UFO sighting' - A Bitterne family reported a UFO moving erratically above Southampton.
• 'Southampton Evening Echo' (Aug 29): 'Close Encounter of the Third Kind (Letter)' - A letter describing a ball of light observed on August 18th moving across the sky above Southampton, with a tail of red sparks, questioning if it was a satellite entering the atmosphere.

• Sunday Telegraph (Sep 3):
• 'Pilotless spy planes heading for Britain' - An article discussing the potential arrival of new American spyplanes, described as lozenge-shaped and unmanned, which the editor suggests might be reported as UFOs in the future.

• Daily Mail (Sep 4):
• 'Eurocrats' Close Encounter of the Expensive Kind' - This article detailed a proposal from the European Parliament to establish an office to track UFO sightings, stemming from the persistence of British UFO researcher Derek Sheffield regarding a triangular object chase over Belgium. Retired Admiral Lord Hill-Norton supported the claim of a cover-up. The European Parliament's energy, research, and technology committee was set to advise on establishing a 'European Observation Station for the Sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the skepticism surrounding the Roswell alien autopsy film, the commercialization of UFO evidence, and the extensive media coverage of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly critical of the Roswell film, labeling it a hoax, and expresses disappointment with how some media portrayals of Ufology. The newsletter also highlights a wide range of UFO sightings reported in the press, suggesting a continued public interest in the subject. The potential for government cover-ups and the establishment of official UFO investigation bodies are also touched upon, indicating a broad scope of UFO-related topics covered by the publication. The editor frequently interjects with personal opinions and sarcastic remarks, particularly in the editorial section, reinforcing a critical and discerning approach to UFO claims.

This document comprises content from what appears to be an issue of "Ufology News," specifically referencing "IUFOPRA Journal : Vol 4 No 7, Summer 1995" and "IUFOPRA Newsletter bulletin : No 15, July/August 95." The publication details various UFO-related events, sightings, and media appearances from August and September 1995, alongside reviews of other UFO periodicals. The overall tone suggests a dedicated readership interested in UFO phenomena, crop circles, and related investigations.

Television and Media Mentions

The issue begins with a log of television appearances and broadcasts related to UFOs in August 1995. This includes:

• August 16, 1995: A mention of "Newsnight" featuring Ralph Noyce and Dr Susan Blackmore, with a request for anyone who recorded it to lend it to the editor.
• August 20, 1995: "Mysteries, Magic and Miracles" (Discovery Cable TV).
• August 21, 1995: Reg Presley appeared on Wire TV, discussing Ufology, crop circles, and the Roswell footage with a group.
• August 24, 1995: "Sky News" featured Roswell footage lasting 3-4 minutes.
• August 25, 1995: GMTV featured Timothy Good and Ray Santilli discussing the Roswell Film, with a similar request for recordings.
• September 1, 1995: The James Whale Show featured Colin Andrews and Reg Presley discussing Roswell footage. The editor missed this and requested recordings.
• September 3, 1995: "Mysteries, Magic and Miracles" (Discovery Cable TV) discussed the "Galactic Federation."

Magazine Reviews

The core of the document consists of reviews of various UFO-related publications:

1. IUFOPRA Journal : Vol 4 No 7, Summer 1995: This journal is recommended for all Ufologists and groups. It contains articles on arguments against the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), an alien hunt, the Bible and UFO connection, an Irish case file, and the Eduard Meier case. It features a new layout with black and white photos and is available from IUFOPRA, P.O Box 3070, Whitehall, Dublin 9, Ireland.
2. IUFOPRA Newsletter bulletin : No 15, July/August 95: This bulletin provides an update on the Roswell/John E. Mack investigation and other tidbits. Contact information is the same as for the IUFOPRA Journal.
3. Circle Hunter; No 17/18 1995: This magazine is noted for its coverage of 1995 crop circle reports, a crop circle gallery (part 4), and a crop circle recognition quiz. Issue 18 was announced as the last issue, with the editor leaving for university. The review expresses sadness at its folding.
4. OVNI; August 1995: This edition covers the 1995 crop circle season, UFO reports from Derby, Binsted (West Sussex), Flying Triangle reports from South Indiana (America), and Lancaster. It also includes an article by Michael Newark on 1995 crop circles and a UFO report from Portsmouth (Hampshire). Contact: Omar Fowler, 94 The Circle, Sinfin, Derby, DE25 9HR.
5. Heartland UFO Journal ; No 38, 5/95: This American journal is highly regarded. The reviewed edition includes a report of a white disc over Polk County, Missouri, a 1956 photograph of the moon (TLP or UFO?), an update on midwestern sightings from March 15th, and the case of a hovering helicopter. The reviewer expresses interest in including articles from this journal.
6. TRANS - UFO ; No 2, September 1995: This magazine is recommended for its translated articles and reports from countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Argentina. Eileen Fletcher is credited for her work in creating this information-packed magazine. Contact: Eileen Fletcher, Derwent Cottage, Derwent Dam, Bamford, Sheffield, S30 2AQ.

Book Review: Ockhams Razor

Steve Gerrard of the Southampton UFO Group loaned a new book, "Ockhams Razor," by N.L. Williams, described as a 'fantasy' but covering UFO abductions and related scenarios. The reviewer, Mr. Ernie Seers, found the book to be a "gem," keeping him enthralled. While some philosophical chapters might be challenging for non-believers, the book explains many aspects of UFO experiences. It reportedly discusses the lack of internal organs in alien autopsy cases and suggests aliens ingest substances through body pores. The book costs £6.95 and is published by Merlin Books, Braunton, Devon. It is considered an excellent buy that provides much food for thought and potential answers to Ufological mysteries.

The Wheatear: End of Season Report

This section discusses the 1995 crop circle season, particularly in Hampshire, which reportedly had the most formations. The National Farmers Union offered £1,000 for information on hoaxers, highlighting the significant financial damage crop circles can cause (£300 per half-acre formation). The author questions why farmers are not more vigilant. Wiltshire is noted as being quiet, with the famous Eastfield left unmarked, possibly due to surveillance. However, a messy circle was found at South Field. Hampshire experienced numerous formations, especially around Andover, home to "circle celebrity" Reg Presley and photographer Busty Taylor. The Winchester area also had about 10 formations. The public receives a mix of sensational tales and 'little green men' narratives. Reg Presley is quoted as reporting a UFO seen near East Field travelling at 4,000 MPH and also recounted a story of 3.5 million gallons of water disappearing overnight in Japan, leaving a circle. He also mentioned a similar event at a reservoir near Andover. Reg Presley is presented as a firm believer in the alien autopsy, and it's suggested he might use footage in a music video. The report states that Reg believes 95% of crop circles in 1995 were hoaxes, though he had not personally entered any formations that year. An update on Reg and the Roswell alien suggests a 90% certainty of genuineness in August 1995. The author concludes that Reg appears to be continuing the tradition of Doug and Dave in potentially destroying belief in crop circles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Ufology, crop circles, and the review of UFO-related media and publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement with the UFO community, providing news, reviews, and investigative updates. There is a clear interest in documenting sightings, media coverage, and the ongoing debate surrounding phenomena like the Roswell incident and crop circles. The publication seems to support the work of organizations like IUFOPRA and encourages reader participation through requests for recordings and information. The reviews are generally positive, highlighting the value of the journals and newsletters discussed. The "Wheatear" report, however, adopts a more critical stance on crop circles, emphasizing the likelihood of hoaxes and questioning the sensationalism surrounding some Ufologists like Reg Presley, while simultaneously acknowledging the potential genuineness of the Roswell alien.