UFO Information - 1970 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-INFORMATION
Issue: No. 5-70
Date: July 1970
Publisher: ARBETSGRUPPEN FÖR UFOLOGI (Working Group for Ufology)
Language: Swedish
Country: Sweden

This issue of UFO-INFORMATION, published by the central group for UFO-Sverige, functions as a mouthpiece for the organization and is issued 10 times per year. The address for UFO-Sverige is Box 311, 591 03 Motala 3, with a contact telephone number of 0141/70191.

Allmän Information (General Information)

The issue begins with a report on a worldwide UFO observation action that took place on June 13-14. The goal was to establish contact with UFO crews in Earth's vicinity. Results from this 24-hour observation period will be compiled by a UFO group in South Africa. Swedish UFO groups are requested to submit their observations from this period. Specific sightings mentioned include a disc-shaped UFO observed in Fornåsa, which hovered vertically before moving away, and another sighting in the Linköping area where UFO-Linköping members Åke Andersson and Sten Sundquist used a spotlight to signal and observed a UFO appear in the Big Dipper constellation. Their signals were not answered.

I.G.F., Stockholm, has produced a badge for UFO-Sverige, available for 15 öre per piece with a minimum order of 25. Motala handles the orders. The magazine also promotes a summer gathering for UFO-interested youth, offering free land for camping and discussions, organized by Kurth Johansson in Mammarp.

Antoni W. Szachnowski, responsible for the international UFO petition to the UN, reports on the project's progress in the monthly newsletter "Perception." He notes a slowdown in the collection of signed forms due to factors like the Condon report, the end of Project Bluebook, and a general lull in UFO activity. However, he anticipates increased interest as UFO activity rises and urges all co-ordinators to familiarize themselves with their roles and prepare for renewed activity. Szachnowski acknowledges that the petition faces increasing 'attacks' from critics, some driven by envy, but remains confident it will not be stopped due to its international and self-sustaining nature.

He mentions that a statesman from a neutral country will officially represent the petition at the UN once 30,000 forms are collected (preferably half a million). So far, approximately 10,000 forms have been gathered from 34 countries. The article appeals to readers to order forms promptly. The section concludes with well wishes for a pleasant summer and an invitation for readers to submit suggestions and ideas for UFO-Motala and other groups, announcing the upcoming opening of a reader's letter section.

The article series on Vimanas is scheduled to resume in issue number 6.

Material efterlyses... (Material Wanted...)

An appeal is made for material concerning the "ghost bomb" phenomenon of 1946. This includes newspaper clippings, letters, personal accounts, public and political reactions, observations, photographs, reconstructions, drawings, and maps from the period 1946-1949. The requester also seeks contact with individuals willing to search local newspapers for information on ghost bombs. Information on newspapers available in libraries and newspaper offices, including microfilm, is provided.

Additionally, there is a request for drawings and sketches of UFOs and their pilots, preferably in color, for an international client. These illustrations are intended for creating slides for presentations. The requester, Anders Liljegren, can arrange for slides to be made from submitted drawings if they are deemed worthy of copying. His address is Ljuragatan 61, 603 51 Norrköping.

I.G.F. in Stockholm offers the loan of two series of slides: Series 1 contains 31 slides from photographers like G. Adamski, D. Fry, and H. Menger, while Series 2 has 16 slides taken by Paul Villa. A maximum loan period of one week (excluding shipping) applies. Readers are advised to order well in advance.

Därför hemlighåller regeringarna sanningen om de flygande tefaten (Why Governments Conceal the Truth About Flying Saucers)

This section presents 13 reasons why governments allegedly conceal information about flying saucers:

1. Governments are afraid.
2. Flying saucers and their implications pose a threat to the unchecked power of governments.
3. UFOs represent a superpower in the sky, a check on human free will and destructive tendencies.
4. By hiding the truth, governments might trick 'enemies' into believing UFOs are their own weapons, leading to a military advantage.
5. Concealing the truth could allow governments time to copy UFO technology, potentially leading to global domination or interstellar war.
6. Governments fear public panic, recalling the 1938 Orson Welles radio broadcast of "The War of the Worlds."
7. UFOs and their occupants exhibit both physical and non-physical aspects, making official acknowledgment difficult.
8. The public needs to be prepared for the truth, with 'little green men,' UFO prophets, filmmakers, and science fiction writers acting as educators until the time is right for official disclosure.
9. Governments employ a strategy of making UFOs a subject of debate, encouraging and then denying sightings to keep the public engaged and divided.
10. Governments lack sufficient knowledge about UFOs to make official statements and are secretly gathering evidence.
11. Revealing the truth about UFOs could disrupt the economic policies of capitalists who benefit from the status quo.
12. 'Security reasons' are cited, though the true motives are likely more complex.
13. Governments hope that UFOs will eventually disappear and leave them alone.

This section is an excerpt from "Flying Saucer Pilgrimage" by Bryant & Helen Reeve.

Modern Folktro... (Modern Folklore...)

This section explores the potential connection between modern UFO phenomena and ancient folklore. It suggests that while many mythical beings like trolls and elves are not considered realistic today, there might be underlying truths. The author notes that UFO reports often involve encounters with meter-high beings, but extremes exist. The article then recounts two cases from after 1945, presented without claiming a direct UFO connection, but suggesting they might be of interest.

The first case is an article from the Norrköpings Tidningar, dated August 22, concerning a mysterious "Will-o'-the-wisp" (lyktgubbe) that caused fear on an island near Karlshamn. The figure, described as a large, stooped individual carrying an old-fashioned lantern with a strong red glow, was seen by numerous inhabitants. Fisherman Karl Berndtsson described the encounter, noting the figure's imposing presence and the chilling effect it had on him and his companions, despite their sobriety.

The second case involves a young man from Tärnö who, after encountering the mysterious figure, experienced a powerful shock and fainted. He attributed this not to the sight itself, but to an inexplicable, chilling impulse emanating from the figure's location.

Lyktmannen (The Lantern Man)

This part continues the story of the "lantern man" on Tärnö. The area where the figure is most often seen, Surviken, is described as a gloomy place that even cows avoid. The phenomenon has been occurring for a long time, but only recently became known outside Tärnö. About twenty men and women have witnessed the figure, which was initially speculated to be related to espionage or smuggling during the war.

A 21-year-old woman from Norrköping recounts an experience from when she was 5-6 years old (around 1954/55). While visiting her grandparents, she saw a tiny "gnome" or "dwarf" near a woodpile. The creature, described as very small but strong, refused to be taken to her grandparents, stating it needed to go to its "gumma" (old woman/wife). It then disappeared into a hole in the woodpile. The woman was alone in seeing the figure, which she estimated to be no more than 30 cm tall, wearing a "jacket, cap, and rubber boots." She felt a strange impulse from the figure. Her adult relatives dismissed her story as childish fantasy. The author notes that the woman still maintains her account after 15-16 years and wishes to remain anonymous.

Den verkliga jordens fullhet av Kristian Örn Karlsen (The True Earth's Fullness by Kristian Örn Karlsen)

This article discusses the history of cosmological models, starting with the Ptolemaic geocentric view, followed by Copernicus's heliocentric model. It mentions Giordano Bruno, who was burned at the stake for proposing that the Sun is just one star among many. The article touches upon Shapley's discovery that the Sun is on the outer edge of the Milky Way galaxy. Kristian Örn Karlsen claims to have discovered in December 1942 that the Andromeda galaxy (M 31), also known as "Adamma" or "Adam" in Hebrew, is the original "Earth" created by God in the cosmos. He believes that humanity will eventually understand this truth and that those who are meek will inherit this "Earth" (Andromeda) and be transferred there via spacecraft.

Karlsen, who has been interested in astronomy since his school days and is the leader of an astronomical group in Kristiansand, Norway, founded in 1960, acknowledges UFOs as spaceships from other worlds and ESP phenomena. He believes the time is ripe for his discovery to become widely known. He references biblical passages to support his claims.

The article is followed by a note from UFO-Linköping, signed by Åke Andersson and Sten Sundquist.

Teknik vid en visuell observation (Technique for a Visual Observation)

This article provides guidance on how to make reliable UFO observations. It warns against mistaking common celestial objects like Venus for UFOs. The author stresses the importance of being familiar with astronomical and meteorological phenomena, as well as aircraft types and flight patterns, to avoid misidentification. The article discusses the psychological aspect of observation, noting that people tend to see what they expect to see.

It then details how to identify common astronomical objects visible to the naked eye:

• Mercury: Rarely seen, always close to the sun, appearing as a faint morning or evening star.
• Venus: The brightest object after the sun and moon, visible as a morning or evening star, and sometimes during the day, leading to many UFO reports.
• Jupiter: Less bright than Venus, visible along the ecliptic.
• Mars: Distinctly reddish and sometimes bright.
• Other planets: Only two others are usually visible to the naked eye and can be mistaken for faint stars.

Meteors are described as visible every night, with bright ones (fireballs) sometimes seen during the day, often accompanied by sonic booms or explosions. The article suggests that mistaking a meteor for an intelligent craft is unlikely.

Satellites, numbering in the thousands, are also frequently mistaken for UFOs. The article notes that when re-entering the atmosphere, they can resemble meteors.

Observation Techniques

This section continues the discussion on UFO observation techniques. It highlights that the absence of sound distinguishes UFOs from most aircraft. While UFOs can move in any direction and their paths may be slightly curved, their direction and speed do not change abruptly. The observed speeds of UFOs between stars fall within a specific range.

The article emphasizes that other astronomical objects are unlikely to be mistaken for UFOs. Comets, contrary to popular belief, do not flash but appear gradually and can be identified with prior observation. Most comets are reported by astronomers long before they become visible to the naked eye.

Masses of poor or incomplete reports are common, with descriptions like "the size of a football" or "the size of the moon." The article suggests that only three key aspects can be reliably determined from most reports: position, direction of movement, and brightness.

To estimate position, observers need to know cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) and celestial navigation cues like the sun's position and stars. For example, an object's position can be described relative to known stars, such as "8 degrees in the northeast direction" or "12 degrees west of Canopus."

Estimating brightness is more difficult, as the moon's luminosity varies significantly. The article advises caution against comparing UFO brightness to the moon's full phase. Even astronomers find it challenging to estimate the brightness of faint objects.

For moving objects, estimating speed is important, but direct km/h calculations are impossible. Observers can estimate angular movement over a specific time (e.g., "it moved 60 degrees in the ten seconds I saw it"). This, combined with reports from other locations, can help estimate the actual speed and direction. The article urges observers to be thorough to ensure their reports are taken seriously and not dismissed as nonsense.

Ofte inrapporterade UFO-typer (Frequently Reported UFO Types)

This section presents a table summarizing common UFO shapes based on a study of hundreds of reports from NICAP's "UFO-evidence" (1964). The drawings are generalizations, omitting details like windows or protruding parts. The table categorizes reported shapes:

• Flat disc: 26% of reports resembled a disc.
• Disc with dome: Not quantified separately but implied in some disc descriptions.
• Saturn-shaped disc: Not quantified.
• Hemispherical disc: Not quantified.
• Flattened spherical: 17% were described as spherical.
• Spherical: Not quantified separately.
• Elliptical: 13% were elliptical.
• Triangular: 2% were triangular.
• Cylindrical: Not quantified.

Additional data includes:

• 3.3% were detected by radar.
• 8.3% were cigar-shaped.
• 24.3% were point-shaped.
• 6.1% had no description.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings and research, particularly within Sweden. It promotes UFO-Sverige as an organization and encourages active participation from its members and the public. There's a strong emphasis on collecting evidence, sharing information, and educating the public about UFO phenomena. The publication also explores the intersection of UFOs with folklore, historical mysteries, and even cosmological theories, suggesting a broad approach to the subject. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFOs, advocating for open discussion and investigation while acknowledging the challenges posed by government secrecy and public skepticism.

This document, titled 'FÄRG (källa: UFO-evidence)', presents data and accounts related to UFO sightings. It includes statistical breakdowns of reported UFO colors observed in different lighting conditions and lists various maneuvers attributed to UFOs, accompanied by illustrative diagrams. A central focus is the detailed narrative of a UFO encounter experienced by Police Officer Herbert Schirmer.

UFO Color and Maneuver Data

The first section provides a table detailing the reported colors of UFOs. In daylight or twilight, 'Silver or metallic' was reported in 15.3% of cases (NICAP) and 17.7% (USAF), while 'White' was reported in 14.1% (NICAP) and 23.5% (USAF). 'Reflective (shiny or gleaming)' accounted for 5.9% (NICAP), and 'Gray' for 3.3% (NICAP) and 0.2% (USAF). At night or in twilight, 'Red' was reported in 10.8% (NICAP) and 8.1% (USAF), 'Orange' in 4.3% (NICAP) and 10.1% (USAF), and 'Yellow' in 4.9% (NICAP) and 7.2% (USAF). 'Green' was noted in 3.7% (NICAP) and 6.5% (USAF), 'Blue' in 4.5% (NICAP) and 4.2% (USAF), and 'Black' in 0.0% (NICAP) and 0.2% (USAF). A 'Silhouette (dark or black)' was reported in 5.4% (NICAP) and 2.6% (USAF).

The second section, 'MANÖVRAR SOM UFOS SETTS FÖRETA' (Maneuvers UFOs Have Been Seen To Perform), illustrates common UFO actions. These include achieving fantastic speeds, accelerating enormously, flying in zig-zag or wavy patterns, traveling at high speed in very tight circles, landing in a peculiar 'falling-leaf' manner, performing 'impossible' 90-degree turns without slowing down, hovering above the ground with rocking movements, stopping suddenly after high-speed travel, splitting into two or more objects, and merging into a single object.

The Herbert Schirmer Case

The main narrative details the experience of Police Officer Herbert Schirmer in Ashland, Nebraska, on December 3, 1967. Schirmer, a 22-year-old police officer, was on patrol when he encountered a strange, oscillating object on the main street. Initially mistaking it for a stalled vehicle, he approached it. The object's lights were described as oscillating, similar to being illuminated by his headlights. Schirmer reported a time gap of at least 20 minutes between his encounter and his return to the police station.

Schirmer's experience is presented as a significant UFO contact case, comparable to the Barney and Betty Hill abduction. He underwent a period of psychological strain as he tried to recall the lost half-hour. Two years later, information from this encounter remained partially suppressed in his memory.

Following a standard UFO report, Schirmer was interviewed by members of the Condon Committee. He was flown to the UFO group headquarters at the University of Colorado and placed under hypnosis by Dr. Leo Sprinkler. During hypnosis, Schirmer recounted details of an encounter with UFO occupants. He described being affected by light from a 'ray gun' causing temporary paralysis. The beings allegedly used electromagnetic fields to disable his car's engine and radio. He was invited aboard the UFO and received information about the occupants' origin and technology. Schirmer initially had a blackout regarding the encounter, recalling only that the object had shot up into the sky. It was only through hypnosis that the details of the contact emerged.

Schirmer expressed initial disbelief in flying saucers, stating he had no prior interest in the subject. He recounted approaching the object, its lights oscillating, and then it disappearing. He later recalled checking his wristwatch before approaching the object, a habit for accurate police reports. The hypnosis session revealed shocking details about the contact with the UFO crew.

He mentioned being approached by two UFO experts who were not affiliated with the government. They questioned him for two weeks and then arranged for a hypnotist from New England to help him recover the lost memories. This process involved hypnosis, truth serum, and a lie detector test.

Schirmer described himself as an ordinary young man with typical interests. He recounted the incident again, noting a time gap of at least 20 minutes. He returned to the station and wrote his report, which simply stated: "Saw a flying saucer at the intersection of Schlammstrasse and Main Street 63. Believe it if you want."

After his night shift, Schirmer went home experiencing a headache and a ringing in his ears. He also noted a red swelling along a nerve behind his ear, approximately 5 cm long and 1 cm wide, initially attributing it to a blow. A researcher later informed him that such a swelling is common in individuals who have experienced memory loss after a UFO encounter.

The University of Colorado became interested in Schirmer's case. Following press coverage, a Condon Committee member interviewed him. Physicist Roy Cray and psychologist John Ahreus recorded his testimony and examined his police car. They were reportedly puzzled by the red swelling, the missing minutes, and Schirmer's disorientation.

Later, Schirmer and a friend were taken to Boulder, Colorado, for further testing at the Condon Committee facilities. Under hypnosis by Dr. Leo Sprinkler, Schirmer provided details about the 'diffuse white object'. He stated that his police car's engine and headlights were disabled. An unofficial report from Boulder included a Q&A session where Schirmer responded to questions about his encounter. He was prevented from drawing his pistol and using the police radio. He could not see details of the approaching figures, describing them as 'white and very hazy'. When asked about their origin, he stated 'From Venus, Jupiter, and other planets. Their home is in nearby galaxies.' He claimed their purpose was not to harm humans and that they landed in Ashland to absorb electricity from a power line. When asked how they did this, he could not explain, stating, 'It means, I cannot say right now.' He indicated their craft operated against gravity.

Further Details and Investigations

Schirmer's account continued, describing the craft's operation using 'interchangeable electromagnetic energy' that nullified gravity. He mentioned a central rotor connected to two high pillars, possibly reactors. The craft's speed was estimated at 150,000 miles per hour or per second, a figure he found difficult to comprehend. He was informed that humans were 'acting wrongly' and that the UFO occupants were not there to change humanity but perhaps to mislead them.

He was told that making contact was easy and that there was no pattern to the selection of contactees. He believed they might use future contacts to keep people in suspense. Schirmer's report concluded with the observation that the craft was made of 100% pure magnesium, with no visible signs of welding. It had a walkway around it and a door on top, leading to the walkway. Inside, he saw computer-like apparatus, tables, and chairs. The occupants were described as approximately 1.40-1.50 cm tall, with pronounced chests, thick hair, and a military bearing. They had thin heads, narrow faces, long, flat noses, and thin lips, with a grayish-white skin color. Their uniforms were gray-silver work suits without seams or fasteners, with belts holding holsters for ray guns. They wore gloves, and their helmets had a reinforced ear area and a short, retractable antenna.

Schirmer described a smaller 'miniature UFO' inside the main craft, used for transport and data transmission. This smaller craft sent images and sound to a screen inside the main vessel. He noted that two crew members stood guard outside the ship during his encounter. He felt the beings were highly militaristic and cautious, similar to astronauts, and that evidence was difficult to obtain due to their control over information.

He was told that the craft operated using 'interchangeable electromagnetic energy' that nullified gravity. A central rotor connected to two high pillars, possibly reactors, enabled this. The craft's speed was estimated at 150,000 miles per hour or per second. Schirmer was informed that humans were 'acting wrongly' and that the UFO occupants were not there to change humanity but perhaps to mislead them. He was told that making contact was easy and that there was no pattern to the selection of contactees. He believed they might use future contacts to keep people in suspense.

Schirmer's account detailed the craft's propulsion system, which used 'interchangeable electromagnetic energy' to counteract gravity. He mentioned a central rotor and two high pillars, possibly reactors. The craft's speed was estimated at 150,000 miles per hour or per second. He was informed that humans were 'acting wrongly' and that the UFO occupants were not there to change humanity but perhaps to mislead them. He was told that making contact was easy and that there was no pattern to the selection of contactees. He believed they might use future contacts to keep people in suspense.

The craft was reportedly made of 100% pure magnesium. It had a walkway around it and a door on top. Inside, Schirmer observed computer-like equipment, tables, and chairs. The occupants were described as being about 1.40-1.50 cm tall, with pronounced chests and thick hair, moving in a military fashion. They had thin heads, narrow faces, long, flat noses, and very thin lips, with a grayish-white complexion. Their uniforms were gray-silver work suits, and they wore gloves. Their helmets had reinforced ear areas and a short antenna.

Schirmer also described a smaller 'miniature UFO' within the main craft, used for transport and data transmission. This smaller craft sent images and sound to a screen inside the main vessel. He noted that two crew members stood guard outside the ship during his encounter. He felt the beings were highly militaristic and cautious, similar to astronauts, and that evidence was difficult to obtain due to their control over information.

Conclusion

The summary of Schirmer's story is that he saw an extraterrestrial craft land at the intersection of Main Street 63 and Schlammstrasse. When he approached, it lifted off and disappeared. The investigation into this event was prompted by the 20 lost minutes. The results obtained through hypnosis and psychopharmaca, such as scopolamine, were highly interesting, leading to a thorough examination of the alleged landing site. This revealed clear impressions of three landing gear supports and a circular area of burned grass. The subsequent follow-up by state authorities appeared to aim at confusing and misleading the public regarding the details of this encounter. The article concludes by suggesting that Schirmer may be reluctant to discuss future encounters with extraterrestrial beings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are UFO sightings, alien encounters, the use of hypnosis in UFO investigations, and potential government involvement or cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting detailed accounts and data related to UFO phenomena, particularly focusing on witness testimony and the investigative processes involved, while acknowledging the controversial nature of the subject and the challenges in obtaining verifiable evidence.