UFO Forum - 1976 - No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Forum, number 4 from 1976, is published by Norsk UFO Center and focuses on various aspects of UFO research and phenomena. The cover highlights the table of contents, including articles on the CIA and flying saucers, speeds in space, UFO research and the press, an impending visit from Mars, and mysterious imprints.

Editorial Stance and Content

The editorial section, titled 'REDAKSJONELT', announces the transition to offset printing for UFO Forum, made possible by NUFOC Sørlandet and its leader Alf Thommassen. This change is presented as a significant improvement over stenciled publications, although it notes limitations in reproducing photographs due to cost constraints. The editorial expresses hope for increased subscriptions to support higher quality printing in the future.

CIA and Flying Saucers

An article by Thorvald Berthelsen, 'CIA OG DE FLYGENDE TALLERKENER' (CIA and the Flying Saucers), discusses the role of the CIA in UFO investigations. It references the 1953 Robertson panel, which allegedly aimed to remove the mystique surrounding UFOs. The article touches upon the historical context, including the disappearance of military aircraft in the Bermuda Triangle and statements by General Carl Spaatz and General Douglas MacArthur regarding potential interplanetary threats. It also mentions the existence of secret UFO investigation projects like 'OLD NEW MOOR' and 'PROJECT BLUE PAPER', and suggests that information is often suppressed or ridiculed.

Frede Melhedegaard's Theories

Frede Melhedegaard contributes several pieces. One article, 'UFO-FORSKNING OG PRESSE' (UFO Research and the Press), discusses how UFO phenomena have been treated in the media and the public's perception of UFO enthusiasts. He highlights the importance of provincial newspapers in disseminating information and criticizes the lack of critical engagement with UFO research by mainstream media and academic institutions. Melhedegaard also touches upon the controversial nature of religion and its potential connection to UFO beliefs, suggesting that understanding UFOs might lead to a deeper understanding of humanity's place in the universe.

Another piece details the growing international recognition of Melhedegaard's theories, particularly from Professor Louis Navia at the New York Institute of Technology. His work on ancient technology and extraterrestrial civilizations is gaining traction, leading to invitations to international conferences like the 'ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY'.

Melhedegaard also presents a case study of a mysterious handprint found in a prison cell in Pennsylvania, which has resisted all attempts at removal and is claimed to be a sign of innocence. He connects this to his broader theories about ancient technology and the potential for discovering lost knowledge.

Impending Visit from Mars

An article titled 'NÆRT FORESTÅENDE BESØK FRA MARS' (Impending Visit from Mars) reports on the claims of a psychic medium, Mrs. Irmgaard Lincoln, who predicts a visit from Mars inhabitants around the US Bicentennial celebration. Lincoln claims to have telepathic contact with Martians and that their ships are electromagnetically propelled. She suggests the Martians intend to foster brotherhood and love on Earth, and identifies 'Jon Hanson' as the President of Mars, who was previously the first US President.

UFO Research and Overstatement

A debate unfolds regarding the presentation of UFO phenomena. Tore Wi borg Andersen, writing for Akershus Arbeiderblad, expresses concern that some UFO logists tend to overstate their findings, labeling them 'sensationalists'. Per Ottesen, from NUFOC, responds by defending the rigorous methodology of NUFOC, which involves collecting and analyzing data from sightings, including physical samples and environmental factors. He argues that while most sightings can be explained, a small percentage remain genuinely unexplained, and that the term 'ufo-log' was introduced to denote serious, scientific investigation.

Book Review: 'The Edge of Reality'

The issue features a review of 'THE EDGE OF REALITY' by J. Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallee. The book is praised as a comprehensive report on unidentified flying objects, written by leading experts. It emphasizes that UFOs represent a real, unknown phenomenon and explores the implications for our understanding of the universe. The review highlights the authors' approach to analyzing UFO reports, including those involving humanoids, and their suggestions for future research methods. The book is recommended as an essential resource for UFO researchers and students.

Book Sale

A section advertises discounted books, including titles on hypnosis, dream interpretation, and astrology, available from Valby Antikvariat & Bogimport. While not directly UFO-related, the advertisement notes that hypnosis can have some connection to UFO research.

Other Content

The issue also includes a report on the new central group for UFO-Sweden, based in Köping, and mentions potential collaboration with radio amateurs. There's also a brief mention of a TV program from March 1, 1973, which is linked to the growing attention given to Melhedegaard's work.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Forum strongly advocates for a serious, scientific approach to UFO research, distinguishing it from sensationalism and pseudoscience. There's a clear emphasis on the need for documentation, rigorous analysis, and a critical examination of phenomena. The magazine appears to be critical of government secrecy and media downplaying of UFO reports. It champions the work of researchers like Frede Melhedegaard and highlights the importance of organizations like NUFOC in gathering and processing UFO-related information. The underlying stance is that UFOs are a real phenomenon that warrants in-depth investigation, and that the established scientific and media communities have been too dismissive.

Title: UFO FORUM
Issue: 4/76
Date: April 1976
Publisher: UFO FORUM
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

Sectarianism and Misunderstanding: UFO Phenomena's Most Dangerous Enemies

This article argues that after nearly 30 years of confusion, the UFO problem is finally reaching a more respectable and acceptable level. This positive development is attributed to individuals around the world who, despite unfavorable conditions, have managed to think and work constructively and logically. A key group mentioned are the "forward-thinking scientists" who largely agree on the various aspects of the UFO problem. They identify "fanatics" and "sectarians" as the biggest obstacles to bringing the UFO issue to an acceptable level.

The article notes that the publication of books by prominent figures like Professor J. Allen Hynek and Dr. Jacques Vallée has greatly benefited serious ufologists. These works allowed for a deeper understanding of the reasoning, methods, and research results of these scientists. Consequently, many cases that were previously viewed with skepticism were definitively exposed as hoaxes, often motivated by financial gain. The author describes how followers of these fraudulent figures, in a state of paranoid delusion, clung to their idols even after the self-proclaimed "Messiahs" were apprehended.

The text satirizes the messages purportedly received by "contact persons" from "space brothers," which are often contradictory and nonsensical, despite originating from the same alleged source. These messages, according to the article, are typically delivered by individuals who lack credibility and whose messages are naive and meaningless. The author sarcastically questions the purpose of intergalactic travelers with millions of spaceships, who allegedly travel light-years to tell earthlings to stop "bang-bang" (presumably warfare) and cease polluting the planet.

The article points out that in Western countries, it is permissible to seek satisfaction in quasi-religious fantasies and to market them within certain limits, combining "distorted ideas" with "pronounced business talent."

Criticism of UFO Cults and "Contactees"

The author expresses dismay that these activities are linked to the UFO problem. The article posits that even if beings from space, indistinguishable from humans, were to wander the Earth with false papers, it would have little to do with the UFO problem itself, especially if UFO reports are the basis of the work. Dr. Hynek's definition of UFOs is cited, with the article highlighting that "contact stories" do not fit this definition.

Key points made by Dr. Hynek regarding "contact stories" are listed:
1. They do not fit his definition of a UFO.
2. There is usually only one witness, and this witness is rarely among the most credible.
3. Contact narratives never exhibit the characteristics and constants found in the large number of UFO reports.
4. The narratives are never mutually consistent, and the "messages" received are always nonsensically naive and meaningless.

The article then references an interview with Knut Aasheim in the magazine "Alle Kvinner" (issue 16, April 13th), calling it a "prime example" of how to discredit the UFO cause. It criticizes the "irrational actions of the UFO cult" for negatively influencing public opinion and causing professional researchers to hesitate in associating their names with such matters.

The "Alle Kvinner" article reportedly discusses "space people" with false papers and Daniel Fry's message after flying with a "flying saucer." The author notes that while the existence of space people is unknown, Daniel Fry is said to be equipped with such means, similar to how George Adamski appointed himself a professor. Fry, too, apparently refers to himself in various academic capacities.

Knut Aasheim is quoted as saying he is seen as eccentric for his interest in UFOs. However, the article argues that his interest is not in UFOs themselves, but in how such an interest manifests. The author contends that blind submission to figures like Adamski and Fry is unlikely to generate the desired public attention.

The article concludes with a quote from Dr. J. Allen Hynek, addressing the originators of the UFO cult: "It is extremely regrettable that even mentally disturbed individuals have taken an interest in the UFO problem..."

New Research Section Needed!

This section announces that the research section in Kongsvinger is no longer able to operate due to a lack of available time. UFO FORUM has contacted all NUFOC organizational sections, requesting them to consider taking over the task of a new research section. While acknowledging that most departments are already overloaded, the magazine hopes that 2-3 sections, particularly those involved in rapid response and laboratory analysis (Tønsberg, Moss, and Porsgrunn), might have the capacity.

The article invites readers to also consider this vacant function if they have the interest and sufficient free time. The new section will receive instructions and can benefit from Kongsvinger's experience and collected data. The primary tasks will involve maintaining statistics on data from Norwegian reports from 1973 or 1974 onwards, and classifying these reports using a simple, fixed system.

It is believed that anyone with available time, interest, and some background can manage the job.

Problems with the Moss Rapid Response Section

Additionally, the rapid response section in Moss is experiencing difficulties. Section leader Arne Smevik reports that several members have had to leave due to relocation. Efforts are underway to find a solution, possibly by recruiting new members or transferring the entire rapid response section to Tønsberg. The article expresses hope that Arne Smevik will continue to be involved in the rapid response section, as he and Odd Gunnar Røed currently have sufficient personnel and equipment.

UFO Literature & Archaeoastronomy

This section is a catalog of books available for purchase from Valby Antikvariat & Bogimport. It lists titles in Danish and Swedish related to UFOs, ancient mysteries, and archaeoastronomy, along with their prices. Notable titles include "UFO-Myten og de Psykiske Fænomener" by Brinsley le Poer Trench, "De Fremmede Rumskibe og Vor Fremtid" by George Adamski, and various works by authors like Jacques Bergier, John A. Keel, and Henry Kjellson.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critique of "UFO cults" and "contactees" for their detrimental impact on serious UFO research. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of a scientific, logical, and evidence-based approach to studying UFO phenomena, as championed by figures like J. Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallée. The magazine actively seeks to distance itself from the sensationalism and irrationality associated with cult-like groups. Furthermore, the issue highlights the organizational challenges within Norwegian ufology, specifically the need for new research sections and addressing issues within existing ones, indicating a proactive stance in managing and advancing the field within the country.