UFO Brigantia issue 36

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: No. 36
Date: January 1989
Publisher: The Independent UFO Network (I.U.N.)
Type: A Journal of UFO Investigation.

Editorial

The editorial welcomes new readers due to a joint subscription deal with Northern UFO News and thanks readers for Christmas cards. It highlights two feature articles representing different ends of the ufological spectrum: Wim Van Utrecht's paper on UFO statistics and UNICAT balances, and John Lear's potentially world-changing material. The editorial then delves into American activities, offering a subjective rumination on Whitley Strieber's new book, 'Transformation'. It also introduces a questionnaire for market research to ensure the magazine serves its expanding readership.

Feature Articles & Reviews

WHAT WHITLEY DID NEXT: TRANSFORMATION: THE BREAKTHROUGH by Whitley Strieber

This review critically examines Whitley Strieber's follow-up book to 'COMMUNION'. The reviewer notes Strieber's motivation for writing the book, citing both financial gain and new 'experiences'. The review highlights Strieber's claims of having certificates to prove he is not unstable and mentions his upstate New York holiday home with a hot tub. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the 'proof' offered and draws parallels to Carlos Castaneda's books, suggesting a pattern of embellishment and the introduction of new elements to maintain reader interest. The article criticizes Strieber for incorporating a wide range of phenomena (Fatima, Halloween, Chernobyl) to support his narrative, calling it a "never clearly defined" theory that "just doesn't work." The reviewer suggests that Strieber's experiences, like those of other UFO writers, are difficult to prove or disprove, belonging to the realm of "Believe it or Not." The article also touches upon the controversy surrounding Strieber, including allegations from MUFON State Director Shirley Coyne, who claims Strieber said he would "get into something else" if he couldn't make money from UFOs.

The review further discusses the difficulty Strieber creates in separating genuine ufological experiences from sensationalism, likening it to separating "the ufological baby from the cosmic bathwater." It notes Strieber's extensive media presence, including over 250 TV appearances in the US. The reviewer questions the nature of the 'visitors' and their messages, citing an example where they warned Strieber about eating sweets. The article also touches upon Strieber's speculations about the "weirder nature of the visitors" and his inclusion of crashed saucers and government documents, finding the narrative inconsistent. The reviewer is particularly critical of the theorizing about a UFO documentary filmmaker who claimed to have seen documents and footage of crashed discs and alien cadavers, noting the similarity to common UFO cover-up narratives.

The reviewer predicts that 'TRANSFORMATION' will have a sequel, similar to 'COMMUNION', and that a film is planned. The article advises ufologists to wait for the paperback version and acknowledges that the book illustrates what is happening in American ufology and the power of individuals to influence others.

STEALTH ARRIVES by David Clarke

This article reports on the official confirmation by the United States Air Force on November 10th, 1988, of the existence of the F-19 Lockheed 'Stealth' fighter, now designated F-117A. The Pentagon released pictures of the aircraft, stating that it would operate from a wider range of bases and during the day, as previous flights had been almost exclusively at night. The article notes that the Stealth fighter first flew in June 1981 and has been operational since October 1983, with 52 aircraft in existence. It suggests that some of these aircraft are likely based in Britain due to its importance in NATO and European defence.

The article references 'Pilot' magazine (December 1988), which indicated the Stealth fighter was operating out of three main airbases in England: Alconbury, Wetherford, and RAF Binbrook. It speculates that Binbrook might be a surprising choice but links it to recent sightings of low-flying triangular shaped objects in South Yorkshire and the Midlands. The article mentions an article by John Harlow in the Daily Telegraph (November 12th) revealing that RAF personnel were being trained by the USAF in Nevada to fly the Stealth fighter. A Pentagon spokesman stated it was logical to assume the F-117A would eventually be based in Britain, but declined to discuss it.

The author has spoken with an expert on aeronautics and aircraft technology who believes the Stealth fighter has been operating in UK airspace for years and that recent UFO sightings could be attributed to it or a related prototype. A journalist contact was surprised to learn from a Home Office official that he would not be surprised if some recent sightings were the result of a 'visit' from the Stealth.

UFO MAY BE NEW BOMBER

This section reports on sightings of a triangular UFO flying low over the fens at night. Teddy Taylor, MP for Southend East, intends to investigate if the Stealth bomber is operating from Britain. The article notes that the Stealth's hi-tech makes it invisible to radar and its role is to penetrate enemy territory. It mentions that the U.S. Air Force denies the Stealth bomber is based in Britain, but experts believe at least one is operating from an East Anglian airbase.

The article references Bill Cash, MP for Stafford, who has been questioning the Defence Ministry about sightings in Staffordshire. He was told by Defence Minister Roger Freeman that the sightings were "probably due to an increase in activity of aircraft waiting to land at Birmingham airport." Despite this, Mr Cash intends to continue his enquiry. The section also mentions a 'flap' of sightings of a large triangular object with multi-coloured lights in the North Lancashire area (Blackburn and Darwen), which is under investigation by IUN members Rodney Howarth and Peter Simpson.

The Gulf Breeze Case

This section critically examines the Gulf Breeze photographic case, questioning the evidence and the motivations of those who support it. The author expresses concern that the case has become a "pantomime" with sides taken and insults exchanged. The article highlights questions about why all photos have not been released, why some appear different, and the discrepancy between still and 3D photos. It criticizes MUFON for reprimanding or sacking members who dare to disagree with the prevailing view on the case.

The article questions the credibility of the witness, Mr. Ed, noting that he has allegedly made hoax photos of 'ghosts' and 'demons' in the past. The author suggests that nine out of ten American ufologists appear to be accepting the case at face value. The article praises dissenters like Robert Boyd who are trying to get to the bottom of the case from within the UFO community, rather than making definitive statements about alien origins.

Dr. Robert Nathan from NASA Jet Propulsion Labs is quoted as stating that many of the Gulf Breeze images appear to be "double exposure photographs" and "just don't check out." The article questions why believers cannot tolerate dissent and argues that stifling dissent hinders growth and change. It posits that if Boyd and other dissenters are proven right, egos will be deflated and faces lost.

The author criticizes the rush to publicize cases as proof of extraterrestrials, suggesting that evidence should be analyzed thoroughly before public release. The article states that the basic problems surrounding the Gulf Breeze case are applicable to ufology in general, attributing the obsession to the subject's indefinable and non-quantifiable nature, which becomes an idea and then an obsession within individuals and groups.

The article concludes that the Gulf Breeze case will likely remain ambiguous, with believers continuing to believe and skeptics remaining unconvinced. It also notes that Mr. Ed is expected to profit from his book.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

UFO Brigantia, particularly in this issue, adopts a critical and questioning stance towards UFO phenomena and the organizations investigating them. The editorial expresses a desire for open investigation and acknowledges the subjective nature of belief, while also being willing to "poke fun" at strange beliefs. The review of Whitley Strieber's book is highly skeptical, questioning the author's motives and the validity of his claims. The article on the Stealth fighter and the Gulf Breeze case both highlight a critical approach to evidence and the potential for misinterpretation or even deception within the UFO community. The magazine appears to value rigorous analysis and dissent, as evidenced by its criticism of organizations that stifle opposing viewpoints. The overall tone suggests a commitment to exploring UFO topics without succumbing to dogma or uncritical acceptance of claims, even while acknowledging the inherent difficulties in proving or disproving such phenomena. The editorial's closing remarks about the "future of ufology-and it stinks" indicate a deep concern about the direction and state of the field, characterized by "bigots, believers, hidebound thinkers, people with no sense of humour whatsoever."

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: JANUARY '89
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Articles

Grudge 13: The Missing Report?

This section, authored by John Lear, presents information gathered from interviews with Bill English, focusing on the elusive 'Grudge 13' report, which was supposedly part of the USAF's investigation into UFOs (Project Grudge/Blue Book). Lear suggests that while reports 1-12 and 14 were generally innocuous, report 13 is missing and potentially sensitive. Bill English, a former information analyst for an RAF 'listening post', was tasked with analyzing this report. Lear claims that English has determined the US government 'most definitely' supports a project dealing specifically with UFOs and captured aliens. According to English, the US government captured a trio of aliens, and as of mid-1981, one being was still alive. Furthermore, English suggests that from the early 1950s to the mid-1960s, the Air Force maintained colonies for people who had experienced close encounters, isolating them for life, though he doubts these colonies still exist. English dictated his recollections from the Grudge 13 report onto two audio cassettes, which were then transcribed into handwritten notes.

The article also touches upon the idea that 'silent aircraft' with appropriate lights could mimic UFO behavior, potentially being used for psychological warfare to ensure clandestine activities continue without publicity. The use of belief in UFOs is presented as an ideal method for achieving this, with rumors about 'secret underground UFO bases' and crash/retrievals being seeded. The information about Stealth technology is linked to William Spaulding's 'Federal Hypothesis', suggesting a manipulation of belief systems.

A report mentioned discusses civilian and military personnel being terminated for national security reasons and notes that General James Doolittle's predictions were considered potentially correct. A quotation states, "By presidential order, certain aspects of research had been undertaken." This report was prepared by John Lear, with contact details provided.

Keel Comment

This section features a comment by John A. Keel, excerpted from 'The Cosmic Question'. Keel discusses 'displaced family' rumors in UFO lore, where families allegedly disappeared after military trucks appeared on their property. He also mentions cases where families vanished after a member was burned or injured, and a 1967 incident where a farm family was reportedly carted away by air force trucks after a strange object landed on their property. Keel traces such stories back to the 1800s and notes that similar yarns appeared in the 1920s, including one about an inventor who claimed to make automobile engines run on water.

UNICAT - Not so unique after all?

Authored by Wim Van Utrecht, this article critically examines the UNICAT project, a database of high-quality UFO sightings conceived by Dr. J. Allen Hynek and physicist Willy Smith. The author argues that despite its scientific aims, UNICAT suffers from the same imperfections as its predecessors and that 'ufology' has not established a balanced system for sorting relevant data. The article highlights three main problems with UNICAT:

1. The competence of the collaborators: UNICAT relies on over sixty correspondents, many of whom are described as unconditional and fanatic supporters of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), potentially promoting hoaxes. Some associates refuse to share material unless others share their conviction that UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft.
2. The problem of selection: The criteria for including cases are questioned. While stringent conditions are stated, the article points out that 'special circumstances' can allow single-witness incidents, and cases involving witnesses with a military background seem to have a higher chance of inclusion, suggesting a lack of objectivity. The author notes that the chance of inclusion is high when the witness has a military background.
3. The problem of definitions: The article criticizes the lack of fitting definitions within the UNICAT system for terms like "high-quality sighting" and "reliable witness," which it deems a major obstacle in ufology.

The author further analyzes specific cases presented in UNICAT, including the 'Trancas affair' and the 'Yacanto photograph'. Regarding the Yacanto photograph, taken by Hugo F. Niotti, the article disputes Dr. Smith's interpretation. Smith emphasized details like the object's black base and a horse seemingly looking at the object. However, the author suggests that the photograph shows a small object, likely tens of centimeters, and that Smith's interpretation of the horse's behavior and the object's size is flawed. The article points out that Niotti's surprise at seeing the horse in the photo, after the object's departure, is presented as evidence of his concentration, but the author suggests the horse might have been intentionally placed in the picture. The article concludes that the Yacanto case is a dubious photograph that has not been seriously analyzed.

The article also discusses the 'Flying Saucers: An Analysis of the Air Force Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14' by Leon Davidson. It mentions that UNICAT contains cases from various sources, including newspaper articles, and that the language of the report is not a barrier to inclusion. The author expresses skepticism about the reliability of cases written in Dutch without proper scrutiny.

Comparisons are made between UNICAT and 'FALSECAT', a database of imaginary cases. A study by Smith indicated that the catalog of imaginary cases does not differ statistically from UNICAT, leading to the conclusion that the FALSECAT effort was a waste of time. The author suggests this similarity arises because both catalogues are built from the same dubious information, with participants guided by their detailed knowledge of the UFO phenomenon when preparing 'imaginary cases'.

The article concludes that the UNICAT system will not withstand scientific scrutiny and that its verdict is clear: it contains the same dubious information as other catalogues. The author believes the project developed too fast, hindering its potential for comparative analysis.

Reviews

Death By Supernatural Causes?: Reviewed by Andy Roberts, this book by Jenny Randles and Peter Hough is praised for going beyond simply stating that things are mysteries, instead exploring *why* they are perceived as such. The review highlights chapters on the Valentich disappearance, the Scottish Nanny accused of witchcraft, the Jaqueline Fitzsimon SHC case, the Adamski death/Godfrey abduction, cattle mutilations, and the Genette Tate murder. Roberts notes the book's appeal for more tolerance and open-mindedness regarding the paranormal and considers it one of the best paranormal books of 1988.

The Cosmic Question by John A. Keel: Mentioned in the 'Keel Comment' section, this book is the source of the excerpt discussing 'displaced family' rumors.

News

IUN Reports: The IUN has released three comprehensive reports dealing with UFO 'flaps':

1. The AUGUST REPORT (David Clarke): Details sightings during the August 1987 UFO flap.
2. The HULL REPORT (Gary Anthony): Investigates a UFO flap over Hull on December 9th, 1987.
3. FLY-BY-NIGHT (David Clarke): A large, over 150-page report analyzing the initiation and development of a major UFO wave in 1988, including reports, maps, photographs, and statistics.

These reports are available from Dave Kelly.

Forthcoming IUN Reports: The IUN plans to release three more reports by the March issue:

• Philip Mantle is completing a definitive work on the Peter Beard (Barnsley) sightings.
• Philip Mantle will also edit an MOD report from the 1950s.
• Andy Roberts is nearing completion of 'CRACOE - UFO into IFO', detailing the infamous Cracoe saga.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a critical and skeptical stance towards UFO databases and research methodologies, particularly evident in the detailed critique of the UNICAT project. There is a strong emphasis on rigorous analysis, questioning the validity of sources, and identifying potential biases and flaws in research. The magazine also covers aspects of government secrecy and potential cover-ups related to UFO phenomena, as suggested by the 'Grudge 13' report. Book reviews and news on UFO organizations indicate an engagement with current developments in the field, often from a critical perspective. The editorial stance appears to favor well-documented, scientifically scrutinized cases over anecdotal evidence or unverified claims.

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: JANUARY '89
Date: 1989-01
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA focuses heavily on alleged government cover-ups, classified reports, and detailed accounts of UFO encounters and alien phenomena. The primary narrative revolves around Bill English's recollection of reading a document identified as 'Project Grudge/Blue Book Report No. 13' in June 1977. This report, allegedly from 1953, is presented as evidence of a massive government deception regarding the existence of flying saucers and the capture of alien beings.

Project Grudge/Blue Book Report No. 13 - Bill English's Account

Bill English describes accessing a diplomatic pouch containing the 'Grudge/Blue Book Report No. 13'. The report, approximately 624 pages, was marked 'Top Secret Need to Know Only Crypto Clearance 14 Required'. English recounts that the report detailed the U.S. Government's involvement in a significant deception concerning UFOs, including the existence of several captured UFOs and at least three live aliens in secret storage.

• The report's structure included sections on:
• Generators for molecular translation and spacetime manipulation.
• 'Close Encounters of the 1st Kind' (sightings), 'Close Encounters of the 2nd Kind' (proximity), and 'Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind' (extraterrestrial life forms and personal encounters).
• 'Military Encounters with UFOs', including radar and electronic surveillance.
• Analysis reports, notably by Lt. Col. Friend and J. Allen Hynek.

English emphasizes that the version he saw was annotated, with additional inserts and notes.

Key Cases and Findings from the Report:

• Witness Relocation: People determined to have had genuine CE3s were allegedly moved in the middle of the night by Air Force personnel to various sites in the midwest and northeast U.S. These individuals sometimes experienced physical ailments attributed to radiation exposure.
• Darlington Farm Case (Ohio, October 1953): A family witnessed a hovering object and their son was taken by small beings. The family was subsequently relocated by the Air Force.
• Human Mutilations: The report detailed cases of human mutilations. A notable case involved Sgt. Jonathon P. Lovette, abducted by a UFO at White Sands Missile Test Range in March 1956. His mutilated body was later found, with his tongue, eyes, and genitalia removed. The report noted the absence of blood and vascular collapse, suggesting a non-conventional cause of death.
• Alien Autopsies: The report included photographs of alien bodies undergoing autopsy. These depicted small, non-humanoid beings with rounded craniums, almond-shaped eyes, and other distinct physical characteristics. The autopsy procedures involved incisions and the examination of internal organs, with one finding suggesting a chlorophyl-based liquid.
• UFO Recovery and Testing: The report mentioned a UFO recovery program, possibly involving alien bodies and autopsy reports. It also referred to a UFO test flown as part of 'Project Red Light' which blew up mid-flight in the mid-1950s. Additionally, it noted that 11 alien cadavers were stored at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, with others at different medical institutions. Damaged UFO discs were reportedly stored at McDill and Elgin Air Force Bases.
• Military and Industrial Incidents: The report indicated sensitive military and industrial areas experienced 'missing time' and personnel associated with projects like the North American X-15 rocket plane project also reported missing time.
• Extraterrestrial Species: The report accounted for 17 different extraterrestrial species, referred to as A.L.F.s (Alien Life Forms).
• Ultrasonic Weapons: The report mentioned ultrasonic weapons found in Germany at the end of WW2 capable of shattering thick armor.

English's account was transcribed from cassette tapes and is presented as a memorandum from August 1987.

Personal Encounters and Security Concerns

Bill English recounts a meeting arranged for security reasons, explaining that he had faced several attempts on his life since making his cassette tapes about the Grudge 13 report six years prior. He describes being met by two men in dark suits and sunglasses, who later joined him and his contact, 'Peter' (a friend in security services), at a bar and subsequently accompanied them to English's farm.

English's employment in England was with RAF Security Services Command at RAF Chicksands. His friend 'Peter' provided information about a UFO crash in England in August 1987, involving the retrieval of the craft and occupants by SAS and an American team, possibly in upland country.

Editorial and Reader Correspondence

The 'Letters to the Editor' section features correspondence from readers:

• Christopher Allan (Alsager, Cheshire): Questions the existence of a 'dossier' supposedly sent by CNES to French research groups, similar to John Lear's statement. He suggests writing to CNES to verify its existence and challenges the reliability of George Andrews' statements. Allan also expresses interest in documented evidence for teleportation, hoping it's not another 'Philadelphia Experiment' scenario.
• Alan Staithes (Preston, Lancs.): Praises Regina Cullen's incisive thinking and suggests she deserves her own column. He expresses a belief that 1989 will be the year governments 'let the cat out of the bag' regarding UFOs. He also shares the information from his friend 'Peter' about the alleged 1987 UFO crash in England.
• Regina Cullen: Her previous letter and the 'dossier' are mentioned.

An 'editors note' indicates that letters have been sent to French researchers and information will be printed as it becomes available.

Subscription News

Details are provided for subscribing to UFO BRIGANTIA, including a joint subscription offer with Jenny Randles' Northern UFO News. The offer provides a combined total of over 250 pages of ufology per year for £11.

Observer: David Austin

A small cartoon by David Austin depicts a person looking at a UFO with the caption 'OH LOOK! A UFO!'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine presents a strong focus on alleged government secrecy and cover-ups related to UFO phenomena. It highlights classified reports, witness testimonies, and detailed accounts of alien encounters and autopsies. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging investigation and critical thinking, as evidenced by the publication of reader letters that question and challenge information. The magazine aims to provide readers with a varied view of the UFO phenomena and foster cooperation within the ufology community. The inclusion of Bill English's detailed account of the 'Grudge 13' report, despite his claims of security threats, underscores the magazine's commitment to exploring controversial and potentially suppressed information.