SUFOI Intern - 1998 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of SUFOI INTERN, dated February 1998, serves as an internal newsletter for Skandinavisk UFO Information. It is published approximately on the 15th of each month for the organization's representatives. The editorial team is led by Per Andersen, with contact information provided for mail and email.

SUFOI Headlines

The issue highlights several key points: the 25th anniversary of SUFOI-Aalborg, the availability of new videos for loan, and a commentary from Clas Svahn.

Editorial and Administrative Information

The newsletter provides administrative details, including the publication schedule and contact information for the editor, Per Andersen. It also includes a call for representatives to send in their email addresses.

Rep. Meeting Announcement

A representative meeting (rep.mødet) has been moved from Århus to København due to practical reasons, specifically a lack of accommodation. The meeting is scheduled for March 28-29 at IDC Scandinavia in Østerbro. An open program for Saturday is being planned. Representatives are reminded to submit their six-month reports to Per Andersen by March 7th.

Deadlines

Key deadlines are listed: April 10th for the next 'Intern' newsletter and April 2nd for 'UFO-Nyt' issue number 2.

Activities

SUFOI-Aalborg 25 Years

SUFOI-Aalborg is preparing a major event to celebrate its 25th anniversary in Nordjylland. This includes a UFO congress, exhibition, and lectures on Saturday, February 28th, from 12-17 at the Aalborg Kongres & Kultur Center. Press releases and folders have been distributed to members. A new exhibition will be set up a week prior to the event. The mayor's office has granted a subsidy of 2,500 DKK for local exhibition materials, and the deputy mayor will open the event. A smaller reception for invited guests and press will take place at 13:30, coinciding with the first public lecture.

SUFOI Copenhagen

SUFOI Copenhagen held a meeting on February 10th, featuring a presentation by Kim Møller Hansen on the Bermuda Triangle, accompanied by images and video. The meeting was well-attended with many questions. Future events include a video night in March and an annual 'observation tour' in April, focusing on more common celestial phenomena with the guidance of an amateur astronomer.

New Videos

Several new videos are now available for loan:

• Area 51, The True Story: This video explores the secrets of Area 51, also known as Groom Lake or "Dreamland," and claims of US government "back engineering" of alien spacecraft. The review notes it relies heavily on Bob Lazar's unconfirmed claims but contains interesting clips.
• UFO Sightings & Photographic Evidence: A review of photos and videos, largely based on Wendelle Stevens' archives and interviews. Described as interesting but not particularly untraditional.
• Hidden Memories (Budd Hopkins): This video analyzes symptoms reported by UFO abductees. The reviewer humorously notes they would not recommend going to Hopkins but admits to having an opinion without seeing the video.

SUFOI in CNI News

Per Andersen contributed an article about Project PORT and the psychosocial theory of UFOs to CNI News (Vol. 3 No. 22), published on January 16th, following a trip to Brazil and contact with Michael Lindemann.

Personal News and Email Addresses

This section lists representatives' email addresses, encouraging them to send updates to Per Andersen. New contact information for Peter Nørgaard is highlighted.

Dry Figures

Membership statistics for 1998 are not yet available. Initial giro information for 1998 is also missing. However, the status of funds is provided: Research Fund has DKK 3,686, and Support Fund has DKK 13,213. A breakdown of the cash box as of December shows budgets, expenditures, and remaining balances for various individuals (HKP, TB, PA, KMH, JH, KF, TH, LT, CKL, OH, MS, JB, IHS, PN, BN, BM, LHA).

Debate

Commentary from Clas Svahn, UFO-Sweden

Clas Svahn, Chairman of UFO-Sweden, responds to a letter from Brian and Kai Eskildsen Møller concerning SUFOI's critical stance. Svahn acknowledges that running a UFO organization that satisfies everyone is difficult. He relates to criticisms he has received, such as being called a "debunker" or a "CIA agent," similar to those faced by UFO-Sweden members and subscribers. Svahn explains that UFO-Sweden, founded in 1970, initially aimed to promote the message of alien visitation but later realized the complexity of the issue. They now focus on critical investigations using scientific methods. Svahn views SUFOI as a role model for its critical analysis and well-researched articles. He argues that finding explanations for UFO cases, while potentially narrowing the organization's focus, is the correct approach. He believes the goal should not be to gain popularity but to find explanations for reports, even if it means discovering unknown phenomena. Svahn emphasizes that the organization's aim is not to be popular but to clearly mark its chosen path and attract like-minded members. He anticipates that some members may leave if the organization's stance no longer aligns with their views, but he encourages open debate. The commentary is dated January 26th, 1998, from Stockholm.

Observation Reports

Page 5 presents a detailed table of UFO observations recorded between December 1st, 1997, and January 31st, 1998. It includes observation dates, start times, duration, location (including postal code and town), number of observers, colors, potential identification (e.g., satellite, fly, Lysrefleks, Meteor?), status, and who received the report. Locations mentioned include Strøby Strand, Silkeborg, Rødovre, Skanderborg, Fakse Ladeplads, Helsingør, Munkebo, Brædstrup, København N, Kirke Stillinge, Slagelse, Odder, Kandestederne, Greve, Viborg, Boeslunde, Kirke Hyllinge, Skagen, Snertinge, Hvidovre, Fåborg, Snekkersten, Tenerife, Broager, and Horsens.

Page 6 provides a key to the status codes used in the observation reports, explaining abbreviations like A (Alarm received), B (Message received), C (Forwarded to), D (Observer contacted), E (Schedules sent to observer), F (Schedules received from observer), G (Report recorded), and H (Report sent to Report Central). It also explains how status codes combined with initials indicate the current status and the responsible report recorder.

Benson's View Cartoon

Page 8 features a cartoon by Steve Benson titled "BENSON'S VIEW." The cartoon depicts a UFO beam shining down on a figure labeled "ROSWELL CULTISTS" and "SCAM ARTISTS," with the text "ONE ALIEN ABDUCTION STORY THAT'S ACTUALLY BELIEVABLE:" above it, implying skepticism towards certain UFO narratives.

Sandheden er (måske) derude (The Truth is (maybe) out there)

This article by Andreas H. Kraul profiles Per Andersen, the chairman of Denmark's largest UFO organization. Andersen is portrayed as not fully believing in spaceships and Martians, finding unknown natural phenomena equally interesting. He is also tired of TV series like "The X-Files." The article recounts the founding of "Sydjysk UFO Investigation" (SUFOI) in 1957 by men who believed governments were hiding UFO information. Today, SUFOI, now known as "Skandinavisk UFO Information," has over 1,000 members and has largely abandoned the idea of official government recognition of alien encounters. The article describes Andersen's home as surprisingly normal, with only a Tintin rocket model hinting at his interest. Andersen himself does not believe in spaceships.

Skuffende Normal (Disappointingly Normal)

The article contrasts the public perception of UFO enthusiasts with the reality of Per Andersen's life, describing his home and work environment as ordinary. His personal theory leans towards unknown natural phenomena rather than extraterrestrial visitors. He expresses skepticism about time travelers and parallel universes, finding little evidence to support UFOs being spaceships. This skeptical approach is presented as the general stance of SUFOI, which prioritizes thorough investigation over pre-conceived theories.

Danish UFO War

The article touches upon internal conflicts within SUFOI. It mentions that some Danes remain convinced of spaceship existence and government cover-ups. A schism occurred in 1965 when Major H.C. Petersen and his followers, who believed in George Adamski's accounts of alien encounters, left SUFOI in protest. They formed the "International Get Acquainted Program" (IGAP), which, to Per Andersen's regret, often receives more media attention. The article suggests that media coverage tends to favor sensationalism over critical investigation.

Welcome to Château Carignan Santé!

This section is an advertisement for Château Carignan wine. It describes the vineyard's history, location, grape varietals (Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon), and the resulting wine quality. It includes contact information for the importer, Vingaarden A/S.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO investigation, organizational news, and a critical approach to the phenomenon. SUFOI, as represented by Per Andersen, leans towards skepticism regarding extraterrestrial visitation, preferring to explore natural explanations and emphasizing rigorous, evidence-based research. The internal debates and historical schisms within the organization highlight the diverse perspectives within the UFO community. The newsletter also serves as a platform for announcing events, sharing observation data, and disseminating news relevant to its members.

This issue of "Sandheden er (måske) derude" (The Truth is (Maybe) Out There) delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, government secrecy, and related cultural and spiritual topics. The magazine features articles on Danish UFO reports, the work of UFO investigation organizations, historical cases, and the broader implications of potential extraterrestrial contact.

SUFOI and UFO Investigations in Denmark

The article "UFO HOT-LINE" highlights the efforts of SUFOI (an organization investigating UFO phenomena) in Denmark. It details their 'UFO Hot-Line,' which receives around 300 reports annually. These reports are investigated by 30 'report takers.' While most sightings are explained as natural phenomena like meteors or aircraft, a few cases remain unexplained each year. An example is a 1995 incident near Vejle where a man reported his car's instruments failing and a bright light from a hovering object.

Per Andersen, a UFO expert associated with SUFOI, expresses frustration with the lingering influence of fictional portrayals like "X-Files," which he believes have distorted public perception and fueled myths about government cover-ups. He emphasizes that the fascination lies in the unknown, whether it's an unknown natural phenomenon or something else entirely.

Historical UFO Cases and Government Secrecy

An article titled "UFO-rapporter skrives" (UFO Reports are Written) discusses the historical handling of UFO reports by the Danish military. H.C. Petersen, a former air traffic controller, recounts how reports from the 1950s were allegedly dismissed or hidden by the Defense Intelligence Service. He recalls a 1955 incident where many UFOs were detected on radar, but official directives discouraged further investigation. Colonel Birger Hoff from the Defense Intelligence Service confirms the existence of a classified report instruction (Rapport 209) but states that very few reports are filed, with the latest being from 1996. These reports are forwarded to the Scandinavian UFO Center and the National Archives.

Another piece, "Forsvaret skjuler sandheden om UFO'er" (The Defense Hides the Truth about UFOs), features retired military leader Kurt Abildskov. He claims that the truth about UFO incidents in the 1950s was deliberately concealed by the defense establishment. Abildskov recounts personal sightings of UFOs, including a cigar-shaped craft during a NATO exercise in 1952 and another object hovering over Dronninglund in 1956 that outmaneuvered a jet fighter. He criticizes the military leadership's dismissive attitude towards such reports and notes that his open approach encouraged pilots to share their experiences with him.

UFOs and Cultural Perceptions

Jesper Maagaard of the UFO group IGAP, Denmark, poses questions about humanity's potential reaction to contact with intelligent extraterrestrial life in his commentary "UFO'er - hvad gør vi?" (UFOs - What Do We Do?). He questions how governments and societies would respond to such an event, considering the prevalence of fear and intolerance. Maagaard suggests that the UFO phenomenon in the US, particularly the Roswell incident and Area 51, reflects American anxieties about government secrecy and the loss of a perceived 'frontier.'

Two books are reviewed: David Darlington's "Area 51. The Dream Chronicles" and Benson Saler, Charles Ziegler, and Charles Moore's "UFO Crash at Roswell." The review suggests that these books analyze notorious US UFO stories and conclude that they reveal more about American society's self-perception and anxieties than about actual UFOs. "UFO Crash at Roswell" is described as an anthropological study of the Roswell myth as a folk narrative, while "Area 51" is presented as a journalistic account of the secret base and its associated lore, highlighting themes of mistrust in government and a search for new horizons.

Spirituality and Alternative Lifestyles

An article titled "Livet er et kosmisk ansvar" (Life is a Cosmic Responsibility) profiles Steen Landsy, editor of the alternative lifestyle magazine "Nyt Aspekt." Landsy discusses his beliefs in reincarnation, spiritual science, and the interconnectedness of all things. He advocates for taking responsibility for one's body, psyche, and relationship with the planet. Landsy explains his eclectic approach, drawing from various spiritual traditions, and emphasizes the importance of personal choice and questioning rather than blind belief. He also touches upon the concept of a 'psychic wave' and the growing public awareness of psychological phenomena.

Solveig Møller, a self-employed zone therapist in Fårdrup, shares her experiences of receiving guidance from "space people" (rumfolket) for her healing practice. She describes a contact person named Alphon from a communication center on Mars who encouraged her to start her business. Møller practices a gentler form of zone therapy, believing that extraterrestrial energies assist her in her work.

Space Debris and Orbital Monitoring

The issue also addresses the growing problem of space debris in orbit around Earth. An article titled "På udkig efter affald i rummet" (Looking for Debris in Space) features the work of A. and Inger Shukry, a Swedish couple living in Denmark who run Space Flight Data Applications. They have developed the SATBASE database, which tracks thousands of objects in Earth's orbit, including defunct satellites, rocket parts, and even personal items lost by astronauts. Their work is crucial for preventing collisions between these objects and active spacecraft, highlighting the increasing traffic and potential hazards in space.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystery of UFOs, the potential for extraterrestrial contact, and the role of government secrecy and public perception. There's a consistent thread of questioning official narratives and exploring alternative explanations, whether they be scientific, governmental, or spiritual. The magazine seems to adopt a stance of open-minded inquiry, presenting various perspectives on UFO phenomena, from skeptical analysis to belief in alien visitation and spiritual interconnectedness. The editorial stance appears to encourage critical thinking and a willingness to consider possibilities beyond conventional understanding, while also acknowledging the cultural and psychological factors that shape our views on these topics.