UFO Brigantia issue 48

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: No. 48
Date: May 1991
Publisher: Northern Arts Publishing (printed on recycled paper)
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA, the journal of the Independent UFO Network (IUN), presents a critical and often scathing examination of the state of ufology, particularly in the United States, alongside personal accounts and reviews.

Editorial

The editorial section focuses heavily on promoting the upcoming UFO conference, urging readers to book immediately and suggesting accommodation options. It also mentions an A4 poster enclosed with the issue for display in local libraries and tourist offices to help promote the conference. The editor expresses a desire to discuss topics beyond American ufology but acknowledges its influence. The editorial criticizes Jerome Clark's theories in 'Fate' magazine, suggesting that claims of imminent revelations about UFOs, such as the Roswell incident, are repetitive and serve to sell books and magazines. A significant portion of the editorial is dedicated to a plea for donations to Kurdish relief funds, emphasizing a moral obligation due to Western involvement in the region.

The IUN

A brief section explains the formation of the I.U.N. as an accidental outcome of a cold fusion experiment. It describes the organization's evolution from attempting to justify its existence through UFO investigations to its current state of 'messing about' and engaging in activities like running UFO lectures, courses, and investigating cases, while also humorously mentioning communing with the 'Corn Circle Goddess'. The I.U.N. aims to convince people they know what they are talking about, with a speculative mention of the 'White Lodge' in Twin Peaks, USA, as holding the ultimate secret about UFOs.

Articles

The Sorry State of UFO Research

Authored by John A. Keel, this lengthy article offers a deeply critical perspective on ufology. Keel argues that the field is dominated by 'misguided egos' and 'unreason,' with no single undisputed leader. He traces the history of ufology from its early days, criticizing figures like H. Taylor Buckner and the 'skeptics movement' led by Marcello Truzzi. Keel asserts that ufology is a 'dead end' and that the real problem lies with the advocates and hobbyists, not the phenomenon itself. He calls for a psychological study of these individuals to understand their emotional structures and inability to cope with facts. Keel contrasts the 'shabby underpinnings' of modern ufology with the more professional approach seen in European ufology since the 1970s. He laments the decline of the field, noting that by the mid-70s, many professionals had dropped out, leaving a residue of 'die-hard fanatics.' He criticizes the amateurish nature of recent UFO media, such as 'UFO Cover-Up Live,' which he believes turned ufology into a national laughing stock. Keel also points to instances of fakery and betrayal within the community, citing the MJ-12 memo and a 'researcher' who sold copies of his confession. He suggests that American ufology needs to 'clear the decks and begin anew,' lamenting that it has become a 'pedantic theology' rather than a science.

Dennis Stillings and the Archaeus Project

The article introduces Dennis Stillings as a potential 'UFO Pied Piper' for the 1990s, who has gained recognition in academic circles. Stillings runs the Archaeus Project in St. Paul, Minnesota, which hosts meetings featuring speakers from science and philosophy. He has published 'Cyberbiological Studies of the Imaginal Component of the UFO Contact Experience,' a collection of articles that the author believes signifies a 'monumental breakthrough' in producing objective analysis on UFOs. The author anticipates that academic writers will be drawn to Stillings' project due to its funding and publishing capabilities. This development is expected to lead to two distinct ufologies in America: one for 'cranks and crackpots' and another for 'nearly-sane members of academia' joining the Archaeus Project. The author notes that Stillings' approach is already drawing criticism from the 'hardcore ETH' (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) proponents, who confuse objectivity with negativity.

Reviews

THE UFO ENCYCLOPEDIA by John Spencer: Reviewed by Andy Roberts, this book is dismissed as 'crap.' Roberts finds the entries obvious or pointless and believes the encyclopedia fails to concentrate on the core theories and principles of ufology. He argues that it will not generate interest and even triggered an adverse reaction in him. The reviewer strongly advises against purchasing the book.

Abduction - USA

This is part two of an account by Rick A. Hale, detailing his experiences as an abductee. Hale describes the aftermath of his initial contact, including feelings of insanity, the disbelief of others, and a hospital stay in March 1975 involving drugs, ESP, and feelings of reincarnation. He believes this experience contributed to a later contact in 1976. He recounts his life after these events, including jobs and marriage. In 1988, he contacted Bob Gribble of UFOCCI, leading to a connection with Aileeen Edwards, founder of UFOCCI, who offered him hypnosis sessions. Hale describes the hypnosis as a 'floodgate opening up a lake of forgotten memories.' He recounts an experience under hypnosis where he met three aliens, felt intense emotion, and was told to 'follow me.' He describes a small craft and a conversation with one of the beings. Hale admits to being a 'coward' during the experience, prioritizing his life over confronting the beings directly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around a strong critique of the methodology, proponents, and overall state of ufology, particularly in the USA. There's a clear stance that the field is overly focused on sensationalism, personal egos, and unproven theories rather than rigorous investigation. The magazine champions a more academic and psychological approach to understanding the phenomenon and its believers. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards the established ufological community while promoting a more critical and analytical perspective. The issue also demonstrates a commitment to social causes by including a plea for donations to Kurdish relief efforts.

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: MAY 1991
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA, dated May 1991, features a prominent article by Ralph Noyes, a former Ministry of Defence (MOD) official, discussing his perspective on UFO phenomena, government secrecy, and the Rendlesham incident. It also includes a report on a UFO landing in Belgium, an examination of the Roswell incident, and various other shorter pieces and news items related to ufology.

Ralph Noyes Speaks

The main feature is an interview with Ralph Noyes, who previously worked in the MOD and had access to TOP SECRET material. The editors note that 90% of his original contribution to the book 'Phantoms of the Sky' was cut, leading them to publish his views here. Noyes addresses suspicions about him being a government 'mole' and asserts his position. He states that during his 28 years in the MOD, he had no indication of any extraterrestrial contact, nor did Admiral of the Fleet Lord Hill-Norton, who was the Chief of the Defence Staff. Noyes believes that if the British or other governments were in touch with extraterrestrials, he would have received some intimation, even if he didn't actively seek it.

He recounts encountering several reports of 'high strangeness' from military establishments, but never any suggestion that extraterrestrials were involved. He mentions the Bentwaters/Lakenheath incident in 1956 as an example, where they suspected Russians or faulty radar, but found no evidence of extraterrestrial activity. Noyes concludes that there was never a deliberate policy of concealment or obfuscation, but rather a tendency to stone-wall and keep quiet about unexplained events.

Rendlesham

Noyes asserts that the MOD played a dishonest game over the Rendlesham affair. He references his SF novel 'A SECRET PROPERTY' and a paper titled 'UFO LANDS IN SUFFOLK...' for further details. He highlights that the responsible Minister eventually admitted the MOD received an astonishing report in 1981 from a USAF officer (Lt. Col. Charles Halt) about 'very weird phenomena' in December 1980. The MOD had denied this report until American citizens, using the US Freedom of Information Act, prompted the USAF to release a copy of Halt's report in mid-1983.

The report details the on-duty flight chief allowing three patrolmen to investigate a strange glowing object described as metallic, triangular, approximately 2-3 meters across the base and 2 meters high. It illuminated the forest with a white light, had a pulsing red light on top, and blue lights underneath, hovering or on legs. The object maneuvered and disappeared, causing animals on a nearby farm to go into a frenzy. It was briefly sighted again near the back gate an hour later.

Noyes believes the case is complex and that Halt and others encountered a striking manifestation of the 'UFO phenomenon'. He notes that the MOD resisted attempts to obtain a statement, suggesting it was because admitting such an event would either imply a senior USAF officer had a breakdown with potentially severe defence consequences, or that weird things occur for which there is no explanation. He concludes that major military mishaps cannot be concealed in the UK, and that the Rendlesham incidents were not a military misfortune like lost hardware.

What Next?

Noyes reflects that since leaving the MOD in 1977, he has seriously considered what might lie behind the 'UFO phenomenon'. He found it impossible to discuss this seriously within the Department, as it would have damaged his working relationships. He believes the phenomenon is 'veridical and important' and that methodologies developed in the study of the 'paranormal' might be relevant. He suggests that ufologists and parapsychologists might benefit from useful exchanges.

UFO Landing in Belgium?

This article, sent by Patrick Vidal of the European UFO Network and translated by Ken Phillips of BUFORA, details an encounter on May 4, 1990, in Stockay, Belgium. The witness, a 72-year-old archaeologist with significant regional discoveries to his name, initially viewed UFOs as merely unknown electromagnetic phenomena. On the evening of the encounter, after closing his greenhouse door, his cat became agitated, and numerous dogs began howling. He then noticed a luminous mass with a well-defined outline in a meadow about 200m away.

He alerted his neighbors, who did not respond, and then returned to his wife. Together, they observed the phenomenon, described as a cone with a mushroom-shaped top. After five minutes, the witness decided to investigate further. He approached the object, which was about 100-150m away and appeared solid. The underside was a luminous, opaque cone, white in the center and yellowish at the edges. The object's upper part then rose and changed from white to intense orange. The witness felt 'intercepted' and retreated. The cupola descended, and the object returned to its white color.

The witness's son later filmed four circular ground traces in the meadow, arranged in a rectangle, 8m by 10m. The grass in the center of each circle (about a meter in diameter) was twisted and depressed, with a fine yellowish powder visible. The traces vanished some days later. The site is near an abandoned mine shaft and a geological fault.

Roswell Revisited

This section presents an article by Donald R. Schmitt and Kevin Randle, responding to John Keel's theory about the Roswell incident. Keel suggested that Mac Brazel found a Japanese 'Balloon Bomb' two years after the war, which was uncovered by winds. He theorized that the government substituted a weather balloon to maintain the myth of American invulnerability, citing Japanese 'Balloon Bomb Attacks on North America' by Robert C. Mikesh as evidence of post-war secrecy regarding such incidents.

Schmitt and Randle critique Keel's theory, stating he did not review the current state of the Roswell investigation and relied on a work of fiction ('MAJESTIC'). They highlight that Keel's theory requires accepting that there was a reason for post-war secrecy, and they quote Mikesh on the voluntary censorship of balloon incidents by US newspapers and radio broadcasters. The government feared that Japanese spies would learn of the balloons reaching the US, and that Japan had plans for biological warfare if the bombing was successful. However, the Japanese abandoned this plan when they could not confirm reports of their balloons reaching North America.

Other Content

'Weird Shit': A humorous, albeit speculative, piece suggesting that UFOs might be trying to contact humans through magically charged household artifacts like hubcaps and saucepan lids. The author posits that designers were subconsciously influenced by aliens to create UFO-like designs that 'resonate' with them.

'On Scientific Answers To Enigmas & How The Crop-Searcher Could Come A Cropper' by Manfred Cassirer: This article critiques the Randles-Fuller solution for crop circles, finding it to be a unified theory that explains various phenomena, including car stalling. However, Cassirer criticizes the discussion for perpetuating 'media mythologising' and baseless superstitions. He also discusses the work of Frank Podmore and Guy Lambert, pointing out potential errors in their theories regarding poltergeists and geophysical data, respectively. Cassirer concludes that the majority of crop circle configurations are neither fakes nor natural, and that the last word on the subject, let alone UFOs, has not yet been spoken.

'Sorry!' Apologies: The magazine issues apologies for two pieces of information in its November issue. Firstly, an apology to Regina Cullen, who was wrongly stated to have been abducted. Secondly, an apology to Harry Harris, a solicitor, regarding a statement that defamed him, clarifying that he was only the cameraman and not the interviewer, and that no defamatory intention was present.

Advertisements: The issue includes advertisements for 'NEXUS MAGAZINE', 'BUFORA' (British UFO Research Association) and its publications 'UFO NEWSFILE' and 'UFOCALL', and 'STRANGE MAGAZINE'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government secrecy and its potential involvement in UFO phenomena, the analysis of specific UFO cases (Rendlesham, Belgium landing, Roswell), and the scientific or pseudo-scientific investigation of unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting different theories and perspectives while maintaining a degree of skepticism and a commitment to factual reporting, as evidenced by the apologies issued. The magazine encourages readers to form their own conclusions, particularly regarding figures like Ralph Noyes, and to engage with the broader field of ufology and related paranormal studies.

Title: UFO BRIGANTIA
Issue: MAY 1991
Date: May 1991

This issue of UFO BRIGANTIA critically examines the theory that the debris recovered near Roswell, New Mexico, in July 1947, was from a Japanese balloon bomb, a claim popularized by researcher Keel. The magazine presents a detailed counter-argument, drawing on historical records, witness testimonies, and interviews with individuals involved in the events and subsequent investigations.

Japanese Balloon Bomb Attacks During WWII

The article begins by detailing the Japanese balloon bomb campaign during World War II. These bombs were designed to drift across the Pacific Ocean on jet streams, carrying incendiary or high-explosive devices. The plan was to cause widespread damage and psychological distress. The magazine notes that the plan of censorship regarding these bombs was abandoned in the summer of 1945.

It recounts the tragic incident in Oregon where six civilians were killed by a balloon bomb. The victims included Elsie Mitchell, Jay Gifford, Eddie Engen, Sherman Shoemaker, Joan Patzke, and Dick Patze. These were the only casualties on the U.S. mainland resulting from enemy action during the war. In response to these deaths, the War Department initiated a 'whispering campaign' to inform the public about the dangers without alerting the Japanese to the extent of their success.

The article also mentions Grace Maurer of Iowa, who discovered a balloon bomb on February 2, 1945, and was later visited by the FBI. Other balloons were found in Iowa, with Civil Defense Director George Buckwalter collecting debris. Maurer delayed publishing her account until after the war ended.

Newspaper reports from the time are cited, including articles from The New York Herald-Tribune (January 2, 1945), The Washington Post (January 16, 1946), and The New York Times (February 9, 1946, and a series in 1947). These reports indicated that thousands of balloon bombs were used and discussed their impact, demonstrating that the topic was not entirely secret, even during the war.

The Roswell Incident and the Balloon Bomb Theory

The core of the article focuses on debunking the balloon bomb theory for the Roswell incident. It contrasts Keel's claims with the accounts of those who handled the debris. Major Jesse A. Marcel, intelligence officer of the 509th Bomb Group, described the debris as spread over a large area, too extensive for a single Japanese balloon bomb, which were approximately thirty-three feet in diameter.

Marcel's description of the material is detailed: it was thin as newsprint, light as a feather, nearly indestructible, and included small I-beams made of metal that were light as balsa and incredibly strong. Attempts to burn or dent the material failed, unlike what would be expected of rice paper or rubberized materials used in balloons.

Bill Brazel, the rancher who found the debris, also provided descriptions that did not align with balloon bomb components. He described a slender strand of wire like monofilament fishing line and a piece of tan-colored metal that was light as balsa but incredibly strong. He also mentioned a lead foil-like material that would unfold without creases. Crucially, Brazel never mentioned rice paper, parchment, or pictographs, elements Keel emphasized.

Witness Testimonies and Official Accounts

The article extensively interviews individuals connected to the Roswell incident and the balloon bomb theory. Many local Roswell residents, including Art McQuiddy (editor of the Roswell Morning Despatch), Jud Roberts (radio station KGFL), George Walsh (radio station KSWS), Johnny McBoyle, and Al Stubbs (newspaper reporters), stated they had never heard the theory that the Roswell find was a balloon bomb.

Interviews with military personnel also refute the theory. Lieutenant Colonel Joe Briley and Major Patrick Saunders, both involved with the 509th Bomb Group at the time, stated they had no knowledge of the debris being identified as a balloon bomb. Major Edwin Easley, Provost Marshal, called the balloon bomb theory an "idiotic story."

Historical Research and Lack of Evidence

The investigation extended to historical records. The Smithsonian Annals of Flight listed nearly three hundred balloon bomb recovery locations, none of which were in New Mexico. The Museum of New Mexico and the Chaves County Historical Museum also reported no records or indications of balloon bomb attacks in the region.

Lewis S. Rickett, who escorted Dr. Lincoln LaPaz, a leading expert on balloon bombs, stated that LaPaz believed the Roswell object was extraterrestrial and never considered it a balloon bomb. Rickett himself dismissed the theory, stating, "No way. These people (Keel) don't know anything about this country..."

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Friend, head of Project Bluebook, acknowledged hearing the balloon bomb theory but deemed it a "very, very, very remote possibility," noting it was unlikely given the time elapsed after the war.

Critiquing Keel's Claims

The article directly challenges Keel's methodology and conclusions. It points out that Keel offers no documentation, no names of witnesses, and relies on innuendo. His claims are contrasted with the detailed Unit History of the 509th Bomb Group, which mentions flying saucers but not a balloon bomb recovery. The article notes that Keel's cited articles on balloon bombs only date back to 1953, long after the Roswell event.

Keel's theory that the Army covered up the balloon bomb recovery to maintain a myth of American invulnerability is presented without proof. The magazine argues that the balloon bombs were not secret in 1947, with numerous articles published about them.

Keel is criticized for ignoring the descriptions of the metal debris found at Roswell and dismissing witness testimony. The article suggests that Keel's theory breaks down under objective research, citing the lack of witnesses, documentation, and the physical characteristics of the debris field.

Additional Perspectives and Critiques

A section titled "MORE ROSWELL DIRT" includes a subscriber's commentary from "Saucer Smear," criticizing researchers like Bill Moore, Stan Friedman, Schmitt, and Randle for infighting and questionable investigative methods. The commentary questions the value of the investigation if it relies solely on witness testimony from decades later and lacks official documentation.

Contactee Corner

The issue concludes with a "Contactee Corner" piece by Ben Obina. Obina recounts a childhood dream and subsequent experiences that led him to believe in alien races visiting Earth. He describes an encounter with an informant who revealed details about "implanting" individuals with knowledge for a future "formation" event. This section appears to be a personal account unrelated to the main article's investigative focus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the critical examination of UFO theories, specifically the balloon bomb explanation for the Roswell incident. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of Keel's claims and supportive of the idea that the Roswell debris was something more significant than a Japanese balloon bomb, based on the testimonies of those who handled it and the lack of supporting evidence for the balloon bomb theory. The magazine emphasizes rigorous investigation, documentation, and corroboration of evidence, contrasting this with what it perceives as speculative and unsubstantiated claims.