UFO Lokal Information - 1989 1 Inkomplett

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO LOKAL INFORMATION
Issue: Nr. 1-89
Date: February 15, 1989
Publisher: Enköpings UFO-förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO Lokal Information serves as a contact organ for local UFO associations in Sweden, compiled and edited by the Enköpings UFO-förening. It is published four times a year, with a deadline for submissions on May 20th.

Editorial and Organizational News

The editorial section, penned by Arnold Idebring, expresses concern about the declining number of local groups and a perceived shift away from the core UFO issue. He notes the magazine's new look and laments the 'trist' content, primarily consisting of meeting minutes. A significant announcement is the impending resignation of Christer Nordin, the president of UFO-Sverige, who has held the position for eight years. Nordin cites personal reasons and a feeling that the organization has become too bureaucratic and lost its focus on the essential aspects of UFO investigation.

Arnold Idebring also discusses the upcoming national meeting (Riksstämma) in Stockholm and wishes the Stockholm UFO-förening success in organizing it. He mentions that Enköping will not be hosting such large events anymore, opting for simpler annual meetings. He reflects on his personal tradition of awarding statuettes to those who organized the national meetings since 1981.

Christer Nordin's Resignation Letter

Christer Nordin formally announces his intention to resign as president of UFO-Sverige at the 1989 national meeting. He states that his decision is based on private reasons as well as organizational ones, feeling that it's time to step down after eight years. He recalls many pleasant memories but notes that recent developments have made him feel disconnected from the organization. He perceives an increasing bureaucracy and 'slowness' that detracts from the core mission of investigating and documenting UFO events. He mentions that criticism from various sources has reinforced his decision. The resignation is effective from the national meeting on April 8, 1989, in Stockholm.

Report from Enköpings UFO-Förening

This report details the activities of the Enköpings UFO-förening. They have met weekly throughout the autumn and winter, even without a formal study circle. They have received three UFO reports that remain unexplained. The annual meeting was held on February 5th, where the board was re-elected, though the treasurer resigned due to time constraints and Ivar Karlsson took over the role again. Arnold Idebring was elected president for another two-year term. The report emphasizes that bureaucracy has not hindered their cooperation, making local work enjoyable. Plans include a closing party in May and a new youth program for 8-16 year olds starting in the fall. They also sent out over three hundred sample copies of 'UFO-Aktuellt' in anticipation of the first 1989 issue.

Latest News (Senaste Nytt)

This section reports the formation of a new local group, 'Gottlands UFO-förening,' in Visby, welcoming them to the organization. It also mentions that two more associations are potentially in the process of being formed.

Report from Mellersta UFO-Distriktet

This section provides an annual report from the Mellersta UFO-Distriktet. The district, operating on a trial basis, has found its work to be successful, with good cooperation and contacts among functioning associations. The board has worked efficiently, making well-considered decisions. The report details board meetings held in Ludvika and Gävle. A meeting in Rättvik on October 30, 1988, included a presentation of a new UFO film and an interview with an individual who experienced a significant light phenomenon causing a memory lapse during a car stop. The district also reviewed new UFO stamps for youth engagement and found a new UFO video to be too compressed and containing old material.

Key activities mentioned include planning conferences in Sala and Östersund, with representatives from the district attending. The district has developed its own statutes based on UFO-Sverige's. They participated in the Tierpsmässan exhibition from October 6-9, 1988, which attracted around 2000 visitors and featured two exhibitions and sales of publications.

For public relations, the district produced flyers, envelopes, and stationery. They plan to collaborate with Gävleborgs UFO-förening on a traveling exhibition in 1989, including information meetings and potentially starting a UFO group. A thousand flyers will be produced for the exhibition. The annual meeting was scheduled for March 12th in Rättvik.

The report lists the board members for the year: Roland Östlund (Chairman), Bernt Berglund (Vice), Pär Anders Långsvens (Treasurer), Mats Nilsson (Secretary), and Birgit Sälgström (Vice), with Bengt-Olov Bratter, Gudrun Andersson, and Berit Bergqvist as alternates.

Letter to Sigfrid Ennart (Aftonbladet)

This letter, dated February 7, 1989, from Sala, is addressed to Sigfrid Ennart of Aftonbladet. The author, Mats Nilsson, representing UFO-Sverige as a board member, responds to an article by Ennart published on January 29, 1989. Nilsson acknowledges the existence of UFO hoaxers but emphasizes that many people genuinely try to investigate the phenomenon seriously. He believes solving the UFO enigma is nearly impossible due to numerous potential explanations, stating that about 90% of observations can be explained naturally (e.g., satellites, meteorites, planets like Venus). He also notes that some people see UFOs due to a desire for something extraordinary or to gain attention. He criticizes individuals who claim to see UFOs on demand and photograph them frequently, stating that such actions do not benefit the UFO cause and that photos do not prove extraterrestrial visitation.

Nilsson clarifies that his intention is not to criticize but to inform, stressing the importance of being serious and objective when investigating UFOs, regardless of whether the subject is a falling satellite or an extraterrestrial visitor. He mentions the Hessdalen project in Norway, where UFO-Sverige and UFO-Norge collaborated on a research project from 1982-1986, involving extensive fieldwork in extreme conditions and the observation of unexplained light phenomena.

He offers to send more information and the magazine 'UFO-Aktuellt'.

Spring Festival Announcement

An announcement for a 'STOR VÅRFEST' (Big Spring Festival) in Enköping on May 6th, welcoming attendees.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the organizational health and direction of UFO-Sverige and its local affiliates. There's a clear concern about maintaining focus on genuine UFO investigation amidst perceived bureaucracy and a desire to engage younger members. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for serious, objective research while acknowledging the challenges and the prevalence of misidentifications and hoaxes. The magazine aims to connect local groups, share information, and report on ongoing research efforts, such as the Hessdalen project.

This issue of UFO-Sverige's planning conferences, held in Östersund and Sala on October 13, 1988, documents discussions among 21 participants aimed at strengthening the organization and addressing various operational aspects. The magazine also features articles on recent UFO sightings across Sweden and reports from local UFO groups.

Strengthening the Organization

The first section, "HOW TO GET THE ORGANIZATION ON ITS FEET?", highlights a perceived lack of a driving force and central support within UFO-Sverige. Participants expressed a need for initiatives to energize local groups, drawing parallels to the directive and initiative-driven structure of trade unions. Questions were raised about the effectiveness of the board and the clarity of its purpose, making it difficult for local groups to contribute ideas. Gudrun called for an organizer, and there was a suggestion to have Roland Östlund or Bernt Berglund take over the chairmanship, though Roland stated he lacked time. The issue of the chairman election was deferred to the next national meeting. It was suggested that Christer delegate tasks, and Roland emphasized the secretary's role in supporting the chairman. There was also a call for better board training, with courses seen as valuable for networking. Ensuring the timely publication of the magazine was deemed crucial for maintaining subscribers.

Need for More Local Groups

Section 2, "MORE GROUPS ARE NEEDED BOTH IN THE NORTH AND WEST OF SWEDEN," points out the absence of a central plan for establishing new local groups. Suggestions included collaborating with study organizations to form study circles on UFO topics. Centralgruppen was encouraged to identify and contact interested individuals, including those who have reported sightings or subscribed to UFO-Aktuellt for an extended period. Centralgruppen could also inform local groups about potential contact persons in new areas. Specific leads included Nadia Roguljic's interest in starting a group in Gothenburg and a contact in Tofta, near Visby, on Gotland, who had interested individuals but faced language barriers. Reconnecting with former active members in northern Sweden was also proposed, given the significant number of subscribers and trained field researchers there.

Income Sources for UFO-Sverige

Section 3, "INCOME SOURCE FOR UFO-SWEDEN," emphasizes the need to market the organization and attract more subscribers. Measures discussed under point 6 (marketing) were referenced. Selling single issues at fairs and exhibitions was also suggested. Berit Bergqvist from Västerbergslagen proposed a travel lottery to quickly generate funds, with information folders and payment slips for UFO-Aktuellt to be distributed alongside lottery ticket sales. Obtaining a permit for the lottery required an activity report and statutes for UFO-Sverige, which were being revised. Berit Bergqvist offered to be a contact person for lottery information. Exhibitions were seen as a potential long-term economic benefit, but the cost of transporting exhibition materials was a concern, leading to the idea of a mobile exhibition that could travel across Sweden. UFO-Aktuellt was identified as the largest source of income.

Videofilm

Section 4, "VIDEO FILM," reports that the film was in its final editing stages. Nadia's contract proposal was to be circulated to board members for review. Christer had the proposal, and Roger was to contact him to obtain it. The contract was scheduled for discussion and decision at the board meeting on November 26. The planning conference in Östersund had not yet provided feedback on the videofilm due to its late arrival.

UFO-Aktuellt - Stabilized Publication

Section 5, "UFO-AKTUELLT - STABILIZED PUBLICATION," details notes from the Östersund conference. The magazine's timely publication was deemed critical for subscriber retention, with a suggestion for Håkan to receive assistance if delays were due to him. The editorial team needed strengthening. The publication schedule was to be clarified, with issues planned for the end of each quarter. Translation assistance was discussed, with UFO-Z offering help from Finnish to Swedish and a cartoonist if Swedish material was insufficient. Material exchange between local publications was also mentioned. Once the publication stabilized, Centralgruppen was to initiate a drive targeting Swedish libraries, ideally before November each year when libraries review their subscriptions. A dedicated person would be responsible for this. Local groups were asked to inquire about UFO-Aktuellt at their libraries and fill out "Suggestion for Purchase" cards to identify interested individuals. The lack of a table of contents in UFO-Aktuellt was noted as a difficulty for finding specific articles.

Notes from the Sala conference indicated that material was being sent to Håkan from Carl-Anton, Roger, and Barbro. Håkan was identified as the bottleneck in the publication process, solely responsible for compilation, layout, and delivery to the printer. Delays had occurred, partly due to Håkan waiting for images. Carl-Anton suggested filling the magazine with other content, such as advertisements, if images were missing, to ensure timely release. Håkan took responsibility for the delay of issue number 2. It was noted that if Håkan were ill, others could potentially handle the layout. The cost of printing was a concern, with Håkan charging 332 SEK per hour plus VAT, which represented significant costs for his company. The board decided to move the next meeting to Håkan's workplace in Västerås on November 26 to gain better insight into the magazine's work. Issue number 2 was expected by week 42, with material ready for issue number 3. A discussion about combining issues 3 and 4 was dismissed due to postal contracts requiring four issues per year to maintain postal delivery status.

How to Interest People in the UFO Question When Nothing is Happening?

Section 6, "HOW TO INTEREST PEOPLE IN THE UFO QUESTION WHEN NOTHING IS HAPPENING?", proposed central distribution of information to newspapers, the air force, and police, identifying contact persons for UFO incidents. Experience showed that participation in fairs and similar events was valuable for marketing. The challenge of getting newspapers to report on UFO explanations after initially reporting sightings was noted, as they were less interested when the phenomena were not "flying saucers." A "UFO - SWEDEN" sticker was to be distributed nationwide, with local groups adding their contact information. Utilizing study associations for study circles was encouraged, with Loy Solli from Sundsvall offering a study plan. Centralgruppen would distribute guidance on starting study circles. Reviving plans for study materials for schools was also mentioned.

Further marketing strategies included board members and local group members visiting libraries for exhibitions (which are free) and engaging with schools to attract younger members. Press releases to local and national media, including samples of the magazine and factual information, were proposed. A concern was raised about Paul Hellberg from Solna Astronomical Society causing trouble, with suggestions for Mats and Roger to draft a press release regarding this issue for board approval. Nadia suggested participating in book fairs to promote the videofilm and attract new members and subscribers. The possibility of free advertising in the "letters to the editor" section of publications like Hemmets Journal was explored, along with initiating a debate in the "free speech" section, though some newspapers were hesitant, preferring to cover local events only if something specific happened.

Other Questions

Section 7, "OTHER QUESTIONS," covered several points raised in Östersund. Members paying dues expected to receive the magazine regularly. A requirement for at least one board member to attend planning conferences was proposed, as their absence had hindered direct answers to questions. The creation of a central "idea bank" for proposals and ideas, preferably digital, was suggested to facilitate knowledge sharing, such as how to organize an exhibition. A proposal for a meditation course aimed at increasing consciousness, initiative, and positive thinking was also discussed, with Kurt Persson from UFO-Z Ösd offering to lead a weekend course if there was interest.

The issue concludes with meeting minutes from UFO-Nyköping for 1988, detailing board members, meetings held, and financial matters. The organization benefited from a free club room. Income primarily came from membership fees. They also subscribed to National Enquirer, Flying Saucer Review, and UFO-Aktuellt, and supported AFU. Barbro had privately purchased a videostillfilm, which the association decided to buy. Membership fees for 1989 were set at 60 SEK for working individuals and 30 SEK for students and pensioners, with a subsidized price of 75 SEK for UFO-Aktuellt subscriptions. The report also mentions Barbro's visit to Hessdalen in the summer of 1988 and the ongoing phenomena there.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around organizational development, financial sustainability, and the dissemination of information about UFO phenomena. There's a clear emphasis on strengthening the internal structure of UFO-Sverige, improving communication between central and local groups, and ensuring the consistent publication of their magazine, UFO-Aktuellt. The editorial stance appears to be one of proactive engagement, seeking to inform the public about UFOs through various channels, including publications, films, and public events, while also addressing the practical challenges of running a non-profit organization in this field. The reporting of recent sightings suggests an ongoing commitment to documenting and investigating UFO phenomena in Sweden.

This issue of Aftonbladet, dated December 2, 1988, features a prominent debate on UFOs and their potential connection to ancient mysteries, particularly the construction of the Egyptian pyramids. The cover headline, "Hade han 'närkontakt'?" (Did he have 'close contact'?), hints at personal encounters with the unexplained.

UFOs and the Pyramids

Sune Hjorth, a recurring voice in the UFO debate, returns with new arguments about the Egyptian pyramids. He cites astronomer Curt Roslund's findings, emphasizing the astonishing precision of the Cheops pyramid. Hjorth points out that the platform it stands on is almost perfectly level (deviating by only 21 millimeters over 5 hectares), the base sides are remarkably uniform (differing by no more than 7 centimeters), the corners are close to right angles (within a twentieth of a degree), and the pyramid is oriented almost exactly to the cardinal directions (with a deviation of less than half a degree). Furthermore, the ratio of the pyramid's base circumference to its height mirrors the ratio of a circle's circumference to its radius. Hjorth also notes that the side length of the Cheops pyramid is almost exactly one billionth of Mars' average distance from the sun, and its height is nearly one billionth of Earth's average distance from the sun.

Based on these facts, Hjorth concludes that the builders possessed extraordinary knowledge in mathematics, geography, and astronomy, along with a technology far beyond current human capabilities. He asserts that the pyramids must have been built by representatives of a civilization vastly superior to our own, likely extraterrestrial. Hjorth dismisses the hypothesis that ancient Egyptians could have built them in twenty years during flood periods using primitive tools and a ramp requiring three times the material of the pyramid itself, calling it "absurd."

Skepticism and Counterarguments

In contrast, Karl-Otto Hultström's short piece "Ologiskt om UFO" (Illogical about UFOs) questions the logic of UFO theories. He suggests that if extraterrestrials were involved, there would be records in their own documents. He criticizes replacing logical research with "illogical guesses."

Fritz Willrup of Malmö quotes scientists like Jurgen Niehaus and Irene Sänger Bredt, who express skepticism about the feasibility of interstellar travel and contact with extraterrestrial beings due to the vastness of space. Willrup also references Professor Ingemar Hedenius's advice: "One should not believe anything for which there are no reasonable grounds to believe."

UFO-Sverige and Official Secrecy

Boris Jungkvist contributes "USA:s astronauter observerade UFO:s" (US Astronauts Observed UFOs), detailing his research into UFO reports and discussions with American scientists. He claims that according to Maurice Chatelain of NASA, nearly all astronauts have sighted UFOs during space missions. Jungkvist asserts that a total secrecy has been maintained by both Eastern and Western powers regarding UFOs, citing hundreds of declassified documents from US agencies like the CIA, FBI, NSA, and DIA.

He highlights specific CIA documents: one from August 1, 1952, stating that flying saucer observations are most frequent near atomic energy installations, and another from 1976 summarizing that UFOs pose serious complications for survival and require urgent defensive measures. Jungkvist expresses his belief that UFO intelligences are not "benevolently" inclined towards our civilization, though multiple ET civilizations may be visiting us.

KGB Surveillance and Other Reports

The article also mentions that the KGB in the Soviet Union conducts secret UFO research and monitors UFO researchers. It notes that US documents provide clear evidence of the UFO phenomenon from reports by top scientists and military personnel.

An engineer named Danjel Ross recounts witnessing a fleet of brightly lit spaceships over Glens Falls, USA, on August 20, 1974, which then departed with incredible speed. Ross, a former US Navy engineer, believes in the existence of extraterrestrials and compliments Sune Hjorth and Karl-Otto Hultström for their contributions to the UFO debate.

UFO-Sverige Meeting Minutes

Pages 3 and 4 contain the minutes from a UFO-Sverige board meeting held on November 26, 1988. Key points include:

• Organization: Arnold Idebring chaired the meeting, with Birgit Sälgström as secretary. A guest, Nadja Roguljic, did not attend.
• Criticism: The board received strong criticism for lacking a good organizer, with a need to appoint one at the upcoming national meeting in April 1989.
• Magazine Publication: The magazine's publication is dependent on one person, and support is needed to ensure its regular release. Jörgen Granlie was appointed as a contact person to explain delays.
• Membership: It is difficult to recruit subscribers when the magazine is not published regularly.
• Press Release: A press release about the organization's work will be compiled and sent to local and national press by Gudrun Andersson and Birgit Sälgström.
• Regional Representation: Criticism was raised about the lack of board member presence at events in Östersund, leading to a decision for joint planning conferences.
• New Film: A new film by UFO-Sverige received mixed reviews, with criticism regarding the presentation of the Bispbergs case, citing factual inaccuracies and omissions. A contract with Terra-Vision is to be established.
• UFO-Aktuellt: The magazine should have fixed publication dates, with one issue per quarter. The editorial team is responsible for ensuring timely publication.
• Film Rental: The rental price for the film and a lecturer is 75 SEK plus travel expenses. Film rental alone is 75 SEK and cannot be lent to third parties. UFO-Sverige holds the copyright.
• Bylaws: 100 copies of the bylaws are to be printed.
• Next Meeting: The next board meeting is scheduled for January 14, 1989, in Sala.

UFO Seminar Program

Page 5 outlines a preliminary program for a UFO seminar on April 8, 1989, in Stockholm. The program includes internal UFO-Sverige discussions, a seminar on 20 years of UFO research, case studies like the Domsten case, a German film about an unknown object, discussions on extraterrestrial explanations, UFO research in the Soviet Union, the possibility of time travel, the Hessdalen mystery in Norway, and a debate with experts.

UFO-Sverige Exhibition

Page 6 advertises UFO-Sverige's exhibition services. The exhibition can be rented for 100 SEK per week or 15 SEK per day, plus shipping costs. They also offer three models of famous UFO cases for discussion. The exhibition is currently available in Enköping.

Product: Myslampa

A "Myslampa" (Mood Lamp) shaped like a flying saucer is advertised. It is made of polished brass and translucent fir wood, with a mahogany base. It costs 250 SEK, with 50 SEK going to UFO-Sverige's support fund. The lamp is sold through this magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing debate about UFOs, their origins, and their potential connection to ancient civilizations. There is a strong emphasis on the precision of ancient structures like the Egyptian pyramids as evidence for advanced, possibly extraterrestrial, builders. The issue also highlights the perceived secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena by governments and space agencies, citing declassified documents as proof. Skepticism is present but largely countered by proponents of the extraterrestrial hypothesis. UFO-Sverige, an organization dedicated to UFO research, is actively involved, with its activities and internal discussions documented. The editorial stance appears to favor exploring and discussing UFO phenomena, presenting arguments for extraterrestrial involvement while acknowledging dissenting views.