UFO Research Australia newsletter vol 5 no 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Research Australia newsletter
Issue: VOLUME 5, NO. 3
Date: MAY-JUNE, 1984
Publisher: UFO Research Australia
Country: Australia
ISSN: 0726-1764

This bi-monthly magazine is published by UFO Research Australia and presents the work of UFO researchers, stating its independence from any specific UFO organization. The views presented do not necessarily reflect the magazine's own stance.

Editorial: The World-Wide UFO Research Network

The editorial discusses the ideal versus the reality of a formal world-wide UFO research organization. It posits that such a structured entity might be prone to political disharmony and internal power struggles. Instead, the publication advocates for an informal, loosely-knit network where UFO research organizations and individuals can exchange information and support each other globally. The editorial expresses admiration for the integrity, thoroughness, and willingness to share information demonstrated by local and overseas writers through UFORAN, viewing this collaborative trend as the true essence of a world-wide UFO research network.

Article 1: Cash-Landrum Case – A Retrospective Summary

This article provides a detailed account of the Cash-Landrum incident, which occurred on December 29, 1980. Vickie Landrum, her grandson Colby, and Betty Cash were driving home near Lake Houston, Texas, when they encountered an intense, diamond-like light descending from the sky. The object, described as a 'diamond of fire,' periodically emitted flames downwards. The witnesses exited their vehicle due to extreme heat, which caused them to sweat profusely and use the car's air conditioner despite it being a winter night. After the object ascended, they observed numerous helicopters in the area. Betty Cash, who had the most direct exposure, suffered severe health consequences, including nausea, swollen earlobes, facial blisters, and prolonged hospitalizations. The witnesses filed administrative claims with the U.S. Air Force, which denied any involvement of military personnel or equipment. The witnesses subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking $20 million in damages. The article also includes a warning about unauthorized individuals soliciting donations for the victims.

Article 2: Western U.S.A. - 1947, The Beginnings

Authored by John Burford, this article examines the year 1947 as the commencement of the modern UFO epoch. It distinguishes reports from this period from earlier accounts, such as 'airship' or 'ghost plane' sightings, which were likely explainable by known technology. The 'flying saucer' flap of 1947, characterized by reports of apparently solid, artificial flying devices incompatible with contemporary aeronautics, is presented as a distinct phenomenon. The article contextualizes 1947 as a period between the devastation of World War II and the dawn of the space age, suggesting this backdrop might have influenced the emergence of UFO lore. It highlights several key events:

• Precursors: Reports of 'foo fighters' during WWII, and earlier sightings like the 'ghost rockets' over the Baltic in 1946. Specific sightings in April and May 1947 included a domed disc, a silver object disintegrating, and other disc-shaped objects over Virginia and the Colorado Desert.
• Maury Island Incident (June 21, 1947): A boatman reported six donut-shaped objects dropping metallic material, which injured his son and killed their dog. The incident gained attention through pulp magazine editor Ray Palmer.
• Kenneth Arnold Sighting (June 24, 1947): Arnold, flying near Mt Ranier, Washington, reported seeing nine shiny, crescent-shaped objects moving in a unique manner, leading to the term 'flying saucer.' His report was investigated by the Air Force, which attributed it to atmospheric conditions.
• Subsequent Sightings: Numerous reports followed in late June and early July 1947 across the Western U.S., including sightings in New Mexico (White Sands, Corona), Arizona, and Idaho. The article notes the prevalence of shiny metallic discs and ovoids, formations of objects, and sightings near mountains.
• Roswell Incident (July 1947): The article briefly mentions the Roswell crash, referencing reports of a 'disc' recovered by the 8th Air Force, and a subsequent military directive to halt communication. It notes that details of this event, particularly the recovery of debris and 'little humanoids,' emerged later in a book.
• Interplay of People: The article emphasizes the role of individuals like Ray Palmer, editor of 'Amazing Stories,' who published early UFO-related material, including the 'Shaver Mystery,' and speculated about 'space ships.' It also discusses the involvement of government intelligence men in investigating early reports.
• Other Notable Sightings: The article mentions a sighting by pilot Richard Rankin before Arnold's, and the experiences of pilot Dave Johnson, who was tasked with searching for flying discs.

The article concludes by noting that many reports described shiny metallic discs or ellipses, often with an undulating motion, and that entity reports were rare, with the Roswell crash being a notable exception.

Article 3: The Bent Headlight Beam Case Revisited

This article, by Bill Chalker, revisits the Bent Headlight Beam Case. (Details of this article are not fully available from the provided OCR, but it is listed in the table of contents).

Reference Library

This section, on page 30, is likely a listing of books or resources related to UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around historical UFO events, particularly the pivotal year of 1947, and the ongoing efforts of UFO researchers. The editorial stance clearly favors a collaborative, informal network of researchers over rigid organizational structures, emphasizing the importance of information sharing and mutual support within the UFO community. The magazine aims to present research findings while maintaining independence from any specific UFO organization.

This issue of "WESTERN U.S.A. - 1947" delves into several significant UFO events and investigations from that pivotal year, alongside a detailed examination of a later Australian UFO case. The content explores witness accounts, official inquiries, and the persistent questions surrounding the nature and origin of unidentified flying objects.

The Arnold Sighting and Investigation

The issue begins by detailing the experiences of a witness named Arnold, who reported a sighting of multiple disc-shaped objects over Mt Ranier, Washington, on June 24, 1947. Arnold's initial report, driven by a search for answers, gained traction when a second letter arrived, prompting him to respond to the Air Force. His sighting was reportedly confirmed by ground staff at his base, though the independence of these witnesses is questioned. Flights of P-51 fighters were deployed to scour the country but found nothing.

Arnold later received a letter from publisher Ray Palmer, who, after an initial lack of response, sent a second letter. Palmer then shared details of a report from the Maury Island incident and asked Arnold to investigate and obtain samples of residue. Arnold agreed and also advised the Air Force that he had spoken to the United Airlines crew who claimed to have seen similar aircraft near Pendleton, Oregon, on July 4. Captain E.J. Smith, the pilot, was a friend of Arnold's.

Arnold felt that other reports from the period described similar objects, including those from Western Airlines employees and an engineer in Illinois, as well as Captain Smith and Copilot Stevens. Dave Johnson, an aviation correspondent, provided a character reference for Arnold to UFO investigator J. Allen Hynek, vouching for his credibility. Air Force intelligence officers, Capt. W. Davidson and Lt. F. Brown, also visited Arnold and were impressed, though at a loss to explain the sighting. They were particularly interested when Captain Smith mentioned he would be in Boise, where Johnson's squadron was based, making it possible for all three to discuss the events.

Arnold's report generated significant mail, with officers sifting through inquiries from various organizations. The convenience of Arnold, Johnson, Smith, and Stevens observing UFOs so close in time is noted. Arnold's own subsequent sighting on July 29 involved a score of brass-coloured objects near Union, Oregon, which he filmed but could not photograph clearly. He also noted a strange cluster of birds reported by locals.

Upon reaching Tacoma, Arnold found no accommodation but secured a room at a hotel. He located Dahl, the 'harbor patrolman' who first sighted the 'flying donuts'. Dahl claimed a stranger in a dark suit had warned him to keep quiet about what he had seen. Dahl then took Arnold to a rundown house, his 'office', where his 'secretary' worked amidst piles of paper. Arnold was given a piece of slag-like residue used as an ashtray.

Dahl then spoke of an anonymous letter suggesting flying discs were manned by beings less dense than humans, made visible by atomic explosions, and that these were vehicles used by 'gods' to protect Earth from evil forces. Arnold and Smith, after interviewing Crisman, who provided another sample of slag, became suspicious of a hoax or Russian espionage. They were alerted by a United Press report from Ted Morello that an anonymous caller was providing details of their conversations.

Later, Dahl and Crisman brought more residue and introduced Arnold and Smith to other crew members of a 'bombed vessel'. However, no confirmation of the sighting was sought. Arnold and Smith were uneasy about the slag, finding it inconsistent with their understanding.

Arnold and Smith contacted Air Force men Brown and Davidson. Brown initially refused to talk but later called back. Paul Lance, a newsman, also appeared unexpectedly. Dahl gave out a contact number and left. Smith discussed with Crisman how Ray Palmer learned of the Maury Island sighting, with Crisman citing 'Venture' magazine, which did not exist.

Davidson and Brown interviewed Arnold, Smith, and Crisman. Davidson produced a drawing of a disc that Arnold recognized. Crisman offered slag samples, but the officers showed disinterest. Crisman was later believed to have been recalled to service and flown to Alaska and Greenland.

Arnold's plane experienced engine failure after takeoff, leading to a dead-stick landing, with Arnold suspecting sabotage of his fuel valve. Palmer suggested Arnold mail the residue samples rather than risk carrying them. Crisman spoke to Palmer, who recognized his voice but said no more. Crisman took Arnold and Smith to the 'harbor patrol' vessel, which showed no signs of bombardment. Crisman evaded questions about film he claimed to have taken.

Paul Lance published an article hinting at sabotage in the bomber crash. The anonymous caller to Morello claimed Smith's airliner had been fired upon and Arnold's plane shot at. The B-25 crash was attributed to a 20-mm round, with claims of secret material on board. Maj. G. Sander confirmed 'classified material' was aboard.

Arnold could not find Crisman, who had disappeared. Morello's caller claimed Crisman was flown to Alaska. Maj. G. Sander suggested Arnold and Smith were victims of fraud and showed them similar slag at a smelting yard, but Arnold and Smith found it different.

Arnold and Smith visited Dahl's secretary's house, finding it empty and dusty. Dahl had vanished, and Paul Lance died shortly after. Brown and Davidson reportedly died in the B-25 crash. Arnold continued to be involved in UFO research and spoke at rallies into the 1960s. Palmer later claimed slag samples were stolen from his office.

Crisman was identified as a former WWII flier and linked to an article in 'Amazing Stories' about experiences in an Indian cave. He was also identified as 'Fred Lee Crisman of Tracoma, Washington', with investigators implying CIA involvement or undercover activity.

The 'Bent Headlight Beam Case'

The issue also features an in-depth investigation by Bill Chalker into the 'bent headlight beam case' that occurred on April 4, 1966, at Burkes Flat, Victoria, Australia. This case is unique in ufology for describing the headlight beams of a car being 'bent' in the presence of a UFO. Other related cases include a searchlight 'bending' near a UFO on film and a torchlight being bent during a spectacular UFO episode in France.

The Australian incident involved witness Ron Sullivan, who was driving when his headlights were inexplicably pulled to the right, illuminating a fence instead of the road. He saw a column of coloured light, shaped like an ice-cream cone, hovering above the ground. The light complex then vanished. Sullivan's car headlights returned to normal after the object disappeared.

Sullivan and reporter Hugh Hunter visited the site and found a saucer-shaped impression in a paddock. Tragically, the night before their visit, Gary Taylor was killed in a car accident at the same spot where Sullivan had experienced the headlight anomaly.

Chalker's investigation included original newspaper accounts and an interview with Ron Sullivan. The sequence of the UFO's behavior and the alleged 'light bending' is described and illustrated. The case also mentions a physical trace (a depression) and a related car fatality at the same spot.

CIA and UFOs

A section titled "CIA is watching UFOs" reports on documents obtained in a lawsuit against the CIA, suggesting the agency has been secretly involved in watching UFOs since 1949. Ground Saucer Watch, a research organization, claims the CIA repeatedly stated it had closed its books on UFOs in 1952, but documents reveal a continued surveillance and direction of information to the CIA, the White House, and the National Security Agency.

According to the report, a 1952 CIA memo recommended continuing surveillance of 'flying saucers' and urged that no indication of CIA interest should reach the press or public. Mr. W. Spaulding, head of Ground Saucer Watch, believes UFOs are 'here on surveillance missions' based on links and patterns in the sightings. The documents also include sworn statements from retired US Air Force colonels about two UFO crash-landings in Mexico (1948) and Arizona (1953), with alleged recovered alien bodies.

Among the documents are reports of USAF attempts to intercept or destroy UFOs. A 1976 incident in Iran involved F4 Phantom jets pursuing a UFO that deployed smaller craft. The suit seeks access to 57 items that could provide 'hard evidence' of UFOs or 'retrievals of the third kind,' including motion pictures, gun-camera film, and residue from landings.

The article also notes that a later memo urged that no indication of CIA interest should reach the public. The suit allegedly revealed evidence of two wrecked UFOs with crew bodies recovered by the USAF from Mexico in 1948 and Arizona in 1953, but does not mention any CIA interest or UFO crash in New Mexico in 1947.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the theme of UFO sightings being intertwined with potential hoaxes, government investigations, and cover-ups. The Arnold case and the Maury Island incident are presented as examples where the line between genuine sightings and fabricated stories is blurred. The investigation into Crisman's background and potential CIA links raises questions about the motivations behind such events, suggesting they could be part of larger intelligence operations or sociological experiments.

The 'bent headlight beam case' is highlighted as a unique and intriguing incident, emphasizing the importance of detailed investigation and the presentation of original documentation. The article by Bill Chalker underscores the value of retrospective research in uncovering less-publicized aspects of UFO cases.

The recurring theme of government involvement, particularly the CIA's alleged surveillance of UFOs, suggests a long-standing interest and potential efforts to control public perception and information. The issue questions the nature of these events, whether they are genuine phenomena, elaborate hoaxes, or part of covert intelligence activities, and encourages readers to study the people involved rather than just the reports.

This document revisits the "Bent Headlight Beam Case" that occurred in Burkes Flat, Victoria, Australia, on April 4, 1967. The primary focus is on the account of Ron Sullivan, who reported a bizarre phenomenon where his car's headlight beams appeared to bend towards a mysterious light display in a nearby paddock.

The Incident

Ron Sullivan was driving on a straight, sealed road near Burkes Flat when he noticed his headlight beams diverting to the right, as if pulled by a magnet, illuminating a fence. He described the phenomenon as lasting for only a short time, between 10 to 20 seconds. Before the beams diverted, they flickered similarly to television interference. He observed a display of gaseous lights in the paddock, described as 'all the colours of the spectrum,' appearing about 20 feet from the ground and moving rapidly up and down.

Sullivan, who was familiar with the roads, found his car's headlight fittings to be normal after reaching St Arnaud. He reported his experience to "The Advertiser" newspaper upon his return.

The Fatal Accident and Coincidence

Tragically, on the same Thursday night (prior to Sullivan's Monday night experience), a 19-year-old youth, Gary Taylor, was killed when his car crashed into a tree near the same spot. Sullivan later pinpointed the location of his experience, and it was found to be directly opposite the tree where Taylor's car had crashed. This striking coincidence, where Sullivan's headlights were drawn to the right towards the fence, and Taylor's car crashed just at the left edge of the road, was reported to the Bealiba police.

Physical Evidence and Investigation

On Good Friday afternoon, Sullivan and Hughie Hunter of "The Advertiser" visited the scene. They found a depression in the fallowed ground, approximately 3 feet in diameter and a few inches deep, near where Sullivan had seen the lights. The property owner confirmed the depression was not present before he finished fallowing. There were no footprints or paw prints around it, just a bare impression.

Further investigation by Paul Norman in March 1978 verified the depression's location, which was precisely in line with the tree Taylor's car hit. Photos from 1966 showed a distinct green circular patch, still visible twelve years later. However, the author (Bill Chalker) visited the site in 1980 and could not confirm the patch's visibility, noting the paddock was largely fallow.

A headlamp, ostensibly from Taylor's car, was studied by Dr Geoff Stevens twelve years after the event, but its poor condition prevented determining if it had been exposed to a powerful electromagnetic field.

Witness Accounts and Corroboration

Ron Sullivan, in a later interview with the author, David Reneke, and Michael Hough, recalled the experience, noting that while some quantitative details might be inconsistent due to the time elapsed, the qualitative aspects remained. He described the light as a brilliant white oval on the ground, which then opened up to reveal another oval on top, forming a cone with colored lights travelling up and down. The entire phenomenon disappeared after a transition.

Another driver, who had been following Taylor's car, reported seeing bright lights near the accident scene. More recently, a phone call to VUFORS reported a motorist seeing a UFO in the Burkes Flat paddock while driving in the opposite direction, suggesting the lights had "blinded" Taylor.

Explanations and Conclusions

Given the passage of time, definitive conclusions are impossible. The article acknowledges that some sort of extraordinary light display was present and likely produced the depression. The perception of bent headlights is linked to this display. The coincidence with the fatal accident is considered extraordinary.

Several explanations are considered:

• Water vapour or airborne matter: The presence of such matter could resolve a beam, making it visible.
• "Mini-sun" magnetic field: An early theory suggesting a body with a magnetic field, but this is deemed a crude analogy and unsupported by evidence.
• Localized atmospheric "lens" effect: This could explain the subjective geometry of the beam bending as Sullivan approached the spot.
• Visual Illusion/Motion Parallax: The author suggests that Sullivan might have fixated on the "UFO", causing the foreground (including headlight beams) to appear to move relative to the background, creating an illusion of bending. However, the author notes a lack of precedent in psychological literature for this specific explanation and admits it falls short of being provable.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The article highlights the difficulty in investigating such cases due to the passage of time and lack of immediate, thorough documentation. It emphasizes the need for rapid and comprehensive investigation of similar future events. The author expresses hope that further details will emerge and welcomes constructive dialogue and information. The overall stance is one of acknowledging a genuinely strange and provocative event, while also exploring potential prosaic explanations, ultimately leaving the case as an "evocative, haunting glimpse of something which still seems beyond our comprehension."

This issue of 'reference library' features a review of James E. Oberg's book, "UFOs & OUTER SPACE MYSTERIES," published in 1982 by The Donning Company/Publishers. The book is reviewed by George W. Earley. The issue also includes a review of the book "Clear Intent" by Lawrence Fawcett and Barry J. Greenwood, reviewed by Bill Chalker. The publication date for Oberg's book is listed as 1982, with a price of $6.95.

Book Review: UFOs & OUTER SPACE MYSTERIES by James E. Oberg

George W. Earley reviews James E. Oberg's "UFOs & OUTER SPACE MYSTERIES," describing Oberg as a significant UFO skeptic, alongside Robert Sheaffer and Philip J. Klass. Oberg, an ex-USAF captain, transitioned from NASA's space shuttle program to work for McDonald Douglas in NASA Mission Control, Houston, Texas. He is a prolific writer, contributing to OMNI magazine and other publications, and has authored previous books on space topics.

Earley notes that Oberg's book is a "pastiche" of earlier articles and papers, with many cases having a space connection. Oberg's tone is generally objective but can be harsh towards deliberate hoaxers. The introduction, "Suggestions from a Sympathetic Skeptic," offers advice to UFO believers on improving their investigation techniques. The book contains nine chapters, with six focusing on UFOs. Some chapters, like "The 'Jellyfish UFO' Dilemma" (on Russian UFO reports), "The Sirius Mystery," and "The Tunguska Echoes," are noted as fitting more into the "ancient astronaut" theme or being non-UFO related, suggesting Oberg may have included previously written material.

The reviewer finds the chapters on the Apollo 11 UFO hoax pictures, George Leonard's fantasies about alien moon mining, and several UFO hoaxes to be the best. These chapters highlight the importance of investigative legwork and skepticism, demonstrating how hoaxers like Simpson and Monteleone left clues that credulous investigators overlooked.

Earley acknowledges Oberg's point that while the hoax problem may not be entirely under control, it's also unsubstantiated that all unsolved UFO cases are hoaxes. He states that the UFO community has largely ignored Oberg's message, tuning him out due to his skepticism and selective case examination. The core of Oberg's message, according to Earley, is that studying UFO reports is valuable, but the methods of investigation need continuous improvement, and nothing should be taken for granted.

Despite initial reservations, Earley found Oberg's book to be better than expected, agreeing with many of its points upon re-reading. A significant drawback noted is the absence of an index, which hampers the book's re-use.

Book Review: Clear Intent

Bill Chalker reviews "Clear Intent," a book by seasoned UFO researchers Lawrence Fawcett and Barry J. Greenwood. The book, subtitled "The Government Coverup of the UFO Experience," investigates the U.S. government's "secret" history concerning the UFO controversy. It heavily relies on official documents obtained through the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.

"Clear Intent" suggests that despite the curtailment of the U.S.A.F. UFO Project 'Bluebook' in 1969 and public statements about the Condon Report, the government maintained an "intense governmental interest" in UFOs and that "threats to national security have been evident on numerous occasions."

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, in the book's foreword, states that intelligence agencies were long aware of UFOs and their global extent, calling CIA and NSA claims of innocence "prevarication."

The book details intriguing incidents, including intrusions into Strategic Air Command (SAC) bases along the USA-Canadian border in late 1975. One account describes a football-shaped UFO hovering near nuclear weapons storage areas at Loring AFB. The book also covers the CIA and FBI's involvement, though Chalker suggests their real involvement might be overstated. The NSA's role is described in shadowy terms, with references to "UFO hypothesis and survival questions."

Other events discussed include the Rendlesham Forest affair. The book concludes with official documentation of UFO intrusions over Kirtland Air Force Base in August 1980, where a UFO hovered near the Manzano weapons storage area.

The authors of "Clear Intent" conclude that the U.S. government views UFOs as a serious matter and that effectively dealing with them will likely lead to the revelation of new truths. Chalker finds the book well worth reading for anyone interested in the subject.

Chalker compares "Clear Intent" with Philip Klass' debunking book, "UFOs the Public Deceived," suggesting readers compare their treatments of the CIA involvement, the Iranian incident, and SAC base intrusions. Chalker leans towards believing the SAC base intrusions were extraordinary, despite ambiguous observations. He finds Klass' interpretations of the Iranian case problematic and suggests relying on military documentation over media reports. Regarding CIA involvement, Chalker believes the reality lies between the positions of Klass and Fawcett/Greenwood.

Chalker notes that the FBI memo from March 22, 1950, referring to "crashed saucers" and "dead aliens," likely relates to the New Mexico "saucer" crashes publicized in 1950 and detailed in Frank Scully's book, "Behind the Flying Saucers." This memo, despite its notoriety stemming from FBI sources, is not necessarily a direct path to truth.

Regarding the Kirtland AFB 1980 reports, Chalker mentions FSR reproductions of documents related to radar jamming and alleged covert UFO projects by NASA (Project Aquarius). He cautions that these documents' validity is in question and may not originate from official circles.

Obituary

The issue notes the passing of George Hume, who was involved with the Perth UFO Research Group (PUFORG) for over twenty years, holding roles such as President and Sightings Officer. The publication extends its sympathy to PUFORG.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO skepticism, the critical examination of UFO cases, and the role of official documentation in understanding the UFO phenomenon. The reviews highlight the importance of rigorous investigation and skepticism, particularly in debunking hoaxes. There is a strong emphasis on government secrecy and coverups, as evidenced by the detailed analysis of "Clear Intent." The editorial stance appears to favor a balanced approach, acknowledging the value of studying UFO reports while insisting on methodological rigor and a critical evaluation of evidence, even from official sources. The publication also seems to be committed to continuing informative series, as indicated by the note about "An A to Z of UFO Explanations" being postponed due to space limitations.