UFO Newsclipping Service - 1984 09 - no 182

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Newsclipping Service, dated September 1984, focuses on the U.S. government's evolving perspective and handling of the UFO phenomenon. The cover story, "A new look at how government views UFO phenomenon" by Terry Hansen, highlights how formerly classified documents, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), reveal a long-standing government interest and concern regarding UFOs, contradicting public debunks.

Government Views and Secrecy

The lead article by Terry Hansen details the findings presented in the book "Clear Intent" by Lawrence Fawcett and Barry J. Greenwood. It asserts that U.S. defense and intelligence agencies have considered the UFO phenomenon real and a potential national security threat since the early 1950s. Despite public explanations often attributing sightings to conventional aircraft or natural phenomena, internal government documents suggest a deeper, more serious assessment. The article points to a 1952 CIA document that outlined perceived dangers from UFO reports, including psychological impacts like mass hysteria and the potential for use in psychological warfare by adversaries. Furthermore, early assessments in the 1950s considered the extraterrestrial origin hypothesis, and a 1963 National Security Agency document warned of "serious survival implications" if this hypothesis were true.

The FOIA has been instrumental in uncovering this information, allowing researchers to piece together a narrative of government investigation that often met with resistance, including legal battles to obtain documents. While many documents remain classified, enough has been released to confirm numerous incidents and suggest that government agencies have been actively studying UFOs for decades.

Specific Incidents and Theories

The issue highlights several specific incidents and theories related to UFOs. Reports from Malmstrom Air Force Base in the 1970s describe UFOs triggering security alarms near missile silos, with explanations of 'unidentified helicopters' proving inconsistent. The phenomenon of 'black helicopters' is also discussed, with speculation that they might be part of a classified 'rapid deployment force' involved in UFO-related activities or animal mutilations. A 1950 FBI memo is cited, reporting the recovery of three 'flying saucers' in New Mexico containing human-like bodies, though this was not reflected in official Air Force reports.

Modern sightings are also featured, including reports from Boone County, Missouri, and Mason, Michigan, describing silent, multi-colored lights and unusual craft. The article "Strange Sights Brighten The Night Skies Upstate" by Jeffrey Schmalz discusses numerous sightings in northern Westchester County, Dutchess and Putnam Counties, and western Connecticut, often described as V-shaped or circular objects with brilliant lights, leading to theories of secret weapons or close encounters.

Theoretical discussions include the possibility that UFOs emit powerful electromagnetic fields and microwave energy, suggesting a connection to antigravity technology. A Canadian Department of Transportation memo from 1950 is referenced, indicating that the U.S. government considered UFOs a highly classified subject, even more so than the H-bomb.

UFO Research and Organizations

The issue mentions several organizations dedicated to UFO research, including the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) and the Center for UFO Studies, headed by Dr. J. Allen Hynek. These groups actively investigate sightings and advocate for scientific study. The article "UFO research goes scientific" notes Dr. Hynek's intention to shift UFO study from a fringe topic to a more respectable scientific discipline.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The overall tone of the magazine suggests a critical view of government transparency regarding UFOs. The articles emphasize the persistence of witnesses and researchers in seeking answers, often in the face of official denials or explanations that do not fully satisfy. The recurring themes include government secrecy, the potential national security implications of UFOs, the scientific investigation of sightings, and the persistent mystery surrounding unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be that while many sightings can be explained, a significant portion remains unexplained and warrants serious investigation, challenging those who readily dismiss witness accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around government secrecy and its impact on UFO research, the persistence of witness accounts despite official skepticism, and the ongoing scientific and theoretical exploration of the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance is critical of government obfuscation and supportive of rigorous, scientific investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena. The publication aims to inform the public about the complexities of the UFO issue, encouraging a more open-minded approach to witness testimony and government documentation.

This issue of "FOREIGN NEWS" from May 3, 1984, published by ANGLIA ADVERTISER, focuses heavily on the topic of UFOs, with the cover headline proclaiming "U.F.O. - OFFICIAL PROBE!". The issue delves into official investigations, witness testimonies, and various unexplained aerial phenomena reported across different regions.

Official Probe into UFOs

The lead article by Michael Vinter, Science Correspondent, discusses an "OFFICIAL PROBE!" into UFO activity, particularly concerning the penetration of a strategic NATO airbase. It reveals that American security agencies have been forced to release formerly classified memoranda due to the significance of UFO incidents. One such incident involved two close encounters in Rendlesham Forest, lasting three hours, where alien pilots allegedly communicated with a high-ranking American officer. The report suggests that the UFO problem "transcends the level of individual responsibility and is of such importance as to merit cognisance and action by the National Security Council." The article also mentions that a Ministry of Defence spokesman, in conjunction with the Pentagon, confirms details of the report, and an investigation into further sightings in Lancashire is underway. Chief Inspector Norman Collinson of CID Salford notes that many sightings in the Rossendale Valley might be explained by misobservation or rare meteorological phenomena, but he himself witnessed a brilliantly lighted circular object performing impossible maneuvers. Sir Patrick Wall, a prominent MP, is mentioned as being ready to table a question in the House of Commons regarding these sightings.

UFO Sightings and Theories

Several articles detail specific UFO sightings and related theories:

• Droitwich and Bromsgrove: A mysterious caller reported seeing a "bunch of two white lights and three red going roughly east to west" at about 1,000 feet, describing them as "cruising" and taking 30-40 seconds to disappear with no noise.
• Malvern Gazette: Two UFOs, described as a large, slow-moving spherical object followed by a smaller, more defined object, were heard and seen by residents. The noise was "terrifying," and the objects emitted bright lights. A weather expert suggested a "fireball theory" as a possible natural explanation.
• STAR, Auckland, New Zealand: An article titled "Someone out there likes us" discusses Dr. Boris Fesenko's theory that a nebula (NGC 6543) is a signal from extraterrestrial beings who are trying to establish contact and may "diminish the danger of a nuclear catastrophe on earth." The article also notes that the Rossendale Valley has been nicknamed "UFO Valley" due to numerous sightings. Coalminer Tom Schofield reported seeing two figures in silver suits with no faces. Teenagers Mark Ashworth and Simon Heyworth encountered an alien dressed in a dark cloak with a large forehead.
• Iberian Daily Sun: A survey indicates that 50% of Spaniards believe in life on other planets, and 25% are convinced Earth has been visited by extraterrestrials.
• Portage Leader, Canada: Several Delta Beach cottage owners reported seeing a mysterious bright light over Lake Manitoba. While some sightings in Manitoba are explained as crop dusting planes hit by lightning, others remain unexplained. The number of reported sightings in Manitoba has doubled compared to the previous year.
• Sunday Times, Perth, Australia: Mark Heelas claims to have proof of UFO existence through an official US document from 1950 detailing the discovery of three crashed flying saucers in the New Mexico desert, with three bodies found inside.
• Evening Sentinel, England: Cinema boss Steve Parry reported seeing an orange, unidentified object hovering near his home, with no navigational lights and no solid outline.
• Yorkshire Post: Claims that York Minster was set on fire by an alien space ship are met with skepticism by churchmen, though two drivers reported seeing a Zeppelin-shaped object flying over the cathedral on the night of the fire.
• Mail, Oxford, England: Reports of strange sightings of a "fireball" in the sky near Wantage, described as a bright searchlight that turned north at great speed before bursting into flames.
• Eastbourne & District Advertiser: Philip Taylor, a UFO authority, dismisses "mystery marks" in a cornfield near Seaford as an elaborate hoax, not alien activity.
• Goole Times, England: Further sightings of a strange object with lights were reported near Goole, described as similar to a "big star" but brighter and with two lights that moved off.
• Sun, London, England: PC Alan Godfrey claims he was "drummed out of the force" after reporting a close encounter with a UFO and meeting "tall humanoid with eight small robots."
• Northern Despatch, Darlington, England: Schoolboy Christopher Wardell reported seeing a triangle-shaped series of green lights.
• New Zealand Herald: A science fiction series, "Children of the Dog Star," is being launched, based on the idea of an alien probe from the Dog Star Sirius B.
• The Pinkney Report: Steve Gourlay reported seeing a massive, cylindrical UFO "longer than an ocean liner" emerge from shooting stars and hover over him.
• TRUTH, Auckland, New Zealand: "Big Foot" UFO sightings are back, with eerie orange lights seen near Oamaru and at sea off the Otago coast.
• STAR, Auckland, New Zealand: A "Death Ocean Mystery" is discussed, concerning a "Bermuda Triangle" in the Pacific Ocean where over 48 craft have gone missing.
• Evening Telegraph, England: A "Riddle of the flying saucer" is presented, with two schoolboys in Rushden reporting a strange silvery object spiraling towards them.
• WORLD, Tahoe City, CA: Another sighting of the "Lake Tahoe Monster" is reported, described as a dark, black, undulating creature 17 to 20 feet long.

Bigfoot and Other Mysteries

• Examiner, San Francisco: An article details an expedition "Gunning for a fabled beast without guns" in pursuit of Bigfoot in the Siskiyou Wilderness. It discusses the creature's habitat, alleged sensory abilities, and the debate over hunting it. A humorous anecdote involves mistaking Smokey Bear for Bigfoot.
• Examiner, San Francisco: "Creature's part of local economy in Willow Creek" highlights how Bigfoot lore has become a significant economic driver in the town of Willow Creek, with businesses and attractions themed around the creature.
• Herald, Rutland, VT: Dr. Warren Cook, an anthropologist, is researching recent Bigfoot sightings in New York and Vermont, advocating for the creature's protection rather than hunting.
• 8 O'CLOCK, Auckland, New Zealand: "Amorous Mrs Yeti" reports that two Chinese scientists claim to have encountered a female Yeti in Southern Tibet.
• HERALD-JOURNAL, Syracuse, NY: An "Aliens' theory revived in huge Siberian blast" discusses the 1908 Tungusska explosion, with a Soviet scientist suggesting it may have been caused by an alien spaceship.
• PIERCE CO. HERALD, Ellsworth, WI: An "Unidentified object lands west of SV" describes an icy blue glob that landed in a ditch, with the sheriff's department collecting samples.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, official investigations into these phenomena, and the broader concept of extraterrestrial life. There is a clear emphasis on presenting witness accounts, even those that are unusual or potentially controversial, alongside attempts at scientific or official explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events with a degree of seriousness, acknowledging the public's interest and the ongoing investigations by various authorities, while also including some skepticism and alternative theories. The inclusion of Bigfoot and other cryptid reports suggests a broader interest in unexplained mysteries beyond just aerial phenomena.