UFO Mail - No 272 - 2018

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Mail, number 272, published by Skandinavisk UFO Information on September 24, 2018, is titled 'Tilbage til de gode gamle dage' (Back to the Good Old Days). It focuses on the work and influence of UFO researcher Gordon Lore and the history of the NICAP organization.

Gordon Lore: A Key Figure in UFO Research

The main article, written by Kim Møller Hansen, introduces Gordon Lore as a significant figure in UFO research. Lore spent five years working within the USA's largest UFO organization, NICAP, and was closely associated with prominent UFO historians such as Donald Keyhoe, Richard Hall, James E. McDonald, J. Allen Hynek, and Jacques Vallee. This immersion placed him at the heart of UFO mythology.

Lore is the author of the 460-page book 'Flying Saucers from Beyond the Earth: A UFO Researcher's Odyssey'. The book's title and cover accurately reflect its content, presenting a perspective on the UFO myth prevalent from 1950-70, which posits that UFOs are extraterrestrial visitors and that the sheer number of reported experiences serves as proof.

Before becoming active in NICAP, Gordon Lore experienced three UFO sightings in the 1950s, which solidified his belief in the presence of alien spacecraft in our atmosphere. He joined NICAP's headquarters in Washington, D.C., in 1965, initially as an office assistant and treasurer, and later became vice-president and Donald Keyhoe's right-hand man. When Keyhoe was dismissed in 1969, Lore also lost his position at NICAP. He subsequently founded his own UFO organization, UFO Research Associates (UFOR), which operated from 1970 to 1980.

The book 'Flying Saucers from Beyond the Earth' does not offer in-depth analyses or new investigations of the UFO experiences Lore encountered during his time at NICAP or those sent to him while he and his wife managed UFO Research Associates. Instead, it provides summaries of many case histories. These cases offer a good insight into what many people experienced at the time and the reports received by NICAP and other UFO organizations.

The article notes that while Gordon Lore was close to key figures in the early days of UFO research, including Donald Keyhoe (whom Lore seemed to admire), and James E. McDonald, his book does not present groundbreaking new information about these individuals. For more detailed information on Donald Keyhoe, readers are directed to books like 'UFO'er - Myter og viden' (UFOs - Myths and Knowledge), and for James E. McDonald, to Ann Druffel's 'Firestorm - Dr. James E. McDonald's Fight For UFO Science'.

Gordon Lore is also credited as the author of numerous other books and editor of several periodicals. He inspected a spot on a road in South Hill, Virginia, on April 21, 1967, as documented by NICAP.

NICAP: A Pivotal UFO Organization

The issue provides an overview of NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena, 1956-1980). NICAP was known for favoring reports from pilots, police officers, military personnel, and individuals in trusted positions, considering them the most credible witnesses. Conversely, UFO proponents like George Adamski and those with extraordinary close-range observations were kept at arm's length and ignored.

In 1957, the retired Major and author Donald E. Keyhoe (1897-1988) took leadership of NICAP. However, in 1969, Keyhoe had to step down from NICAP's leadership due to the organization's catastrophic financial state, which was caused by a sharp decline in membership. The membership dropped from 14,000 in 1966 to under 5,000 by December 1969. This membership loss occurred in the wake of the Condon Report's conclusions, which deemed the study of UFO phenomena a waste of time.

NICAP maintained close ties with the CIA throughout its existence. Several members of its board and affiliated consultants came from CIA ranks, and many were acquaintances of Donald Keyhoe. For instance, the first director of the CIA, Admiral Roscoe Hillenkoetter, who also served as chairman of NICAP's board, had attended military academy with Keyhoe. Gordon Lore's book states that his own dismissal from NICAP was orchestrated by the CIA.

Selected issues of NICAP's newsletter, 'U.F.O. Investigator', are available for reading. Today, NICAP continues to exist in cyberspace through a website containing source material about the former organization.

Book Reviews and Recommendations

The issue features a section on 'Aktuelle bøger' (Current Books), including personal anecdotes about UFO sightings. One description recounts hearing a buzzing sound and seeing a bright, football-sized sphere that moved around a kitchen ceiling before dissolving with a loud 'plop'.

It also reviews Ole Henningsen's book 'Ildkugler over Danmark' (Fireballs over Denmark), describing it as a book that radiates great engagement and passion for UFO myths and stories, while also being factual and well-researched. The book is praised for its writing, layout, and numerous photographs and illustrations.

Another recommendation is for 'UFO'er - Myter og viden' (UFOs - Myths and Knowledge), which is described as Denmark's most comprehensive UFO book. Readers are encouraged to learn more about it and watch a video.

E-books and Resources

The magazine promotes free e-books on the UFO phenomenon available on 'Onlinebøger'. It also highlights SUFOI's own e-book publications available for purchase on Saxo, including seven titles in the 'Fakta & Myter' series and Ole Henningsen's 'Ildkugler over Danmark'.

Readers are invited to read UFO reports on www.ufo.dk under the 'Observationer' (Observations) section.

Support SUFOI

The issue encourages readers to become members of SUFOI's support circle for 2019. SUFOI, Skandinavisk UFO Information, is run by volunteers and aims to provide the public with serious information about the UFO phenomenon through ufo.dk, and to register observations of unusual aerial phenomena. Membership contributions, starting at 250 DKK, help sustain the organization's work. Members can choose one of four complimentary titles as a thank you gift: 'Ildkugler over Danmark', 'UFO'er - Myter og viden', 'Mysteriet om UFO'er', or 'Firestorm'.

Copyright and Contact Information

UFO-Mail is published by Skandinavisk UFO Information. The copyright is held by SUFOI 2018. Articles may be quoted with proper attribution, but full reproduction requires written agreement. Printing and photocopying of UFO-Mail content are subject to Copydan fees. Contact details for the website, sending UFO-Mail to a friend, subscribing, and unsubscribing are provided. The organization's address is Eilekiersvej 14, 4100 Ringsted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical aspects of UFO research, particularly focusing on key figures like Gordon Lore and organizations like NICAP. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious, well-researched information about UFO phenomena, encouraging public engagement through reading, reporting, and financial support for the organization. There is a clear emphasis on historical cases and the foundational work done in the field during the mid-20th century.