UFOIC Newsletter - No 17 December 1967

Magazine Overview

Title: U.F.O.I.C. NEWSLETTER
Issue: No. 17
Date: December, 1967
Publisher: U.F.O.I.C. (Unidentified Flying Objects Investigation Committee)
Type: Bi-monthly publication

This issue of the U.F.O.I.C. Newsletter addresses production difficulties that have been overcome, ensuring uninterrupted publication. It highlights the significant Soviet announcement of an official UFO research group, involving approximately one hundred scientists, including university professors and military personnel, to study the phenomenon at a high scientific level. This initiative is seen as comparable to the Colorado University Project in the USA, suggesting that both leading space-faring nations possess vital information about UFOs and may be preparing for eventual contact with extraterrestrial civilizations.

Key Articles and Reports

UFO Over Dallas, Texas

On the night of September 28, 1966, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Mr. Fred Loven observed a bright light from his kitchen window. Upon going outside, he saw an object flashing with four or five white lights arranged along its rim. The object was disc-shaped, about 30 to 40 feet in diameter, with a barely visible red dome on top. It moved southward over his house at an estimated altitude of three to four hundred feet and a speed of 70 to 80 mph. Mr. Loven called his wife, Theresa Loven, who also witnessed the event. They heard a humming sound similar to a generator. The object moved west of downtown Dallas, then turned back, swerved north, and disappeared. The entire sighting lasted about ten minutes. The sky was clear, and the moon was high.

Distinguished Scientist-Priest Sees and Photographs UFOs

Rev. Segundo Benito Reyna, an internationally recognized astronomer and Jesuit Priest in Argentina, and director of the Adhara Observatory, asserts that Unidentified Flying Objects exist and are craft manned by beings from another world who are studying Earth. He believes they will establish formal contact with mankind. Father Reyna has observed and photographed UFOs through his observatory's telescope, with one photograph showing a typical oval UFO shape. His convictions align with his religious beliefs, suggesting that God has created rational beings on other planets who have developed advanced civilizations and may have already explored space. He estimates that in our galaxy alone, there are over a million planets capable of sustaining life, and these beings could have developed civilizations and are likely observing us.

LOOK Magazine Special Issue on Flying Saucers

In commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the modern era of flying saucers (since Kenneth Arnold's sighting on June 24, 1947), LOOK Magazine published a special 67-page issue. This volume features color and black-and-white photographs of flying saucers, portraits of leading UFO researchers, and a comprehensive account of the phenomenon, exploring conflicts among theoreticians. The magazine is described as having a positive yet objective view, and is considered a must for UFO students. UFOIC has obtained a few copies directly from the USA.

Near Landing in New York State

On April 5, 1967, a noiseless disc was observed hovering about 200 feet above the farm of Joseph Powers in Castleton, New York. The object had blue and red lights and a tail of blue flame. It was estimated to be 75 to 100 feet across with a row of windows. The area beneath was illuminated as the object moved towards high-tension power lines. It circled for about five minutes before rising and disappearing.

Man Burned in Canada Landing

On May 29, 1967, Steve Michalak was prospecting near Falcon Lake, Manitoba, Canada. He noticed two red objects approaching at high speed. One object landed, disturbing leaves and rock lichens, while the other hovered. Michalak observed the landed object, described as stainless steel radiating rainbow colors and emitting heat. After about 25 minutes, a door opened, revealing a purple light mixed with flashing red, green, and blue lights. A high-pitched whining sound was heard, and an odor resembling burning electrical coils was detected. Michalak approached the object and heard voices, but received no response when he called out. The door closed, and the engine stopped. He touched the machine with rubber-coated gloves, which began to melt. The object rotated counter-clockwise and blew him to the left with hot air, setting his clothes afire. He sustained a minor burn on his face and second and third-degree burns on his chest, arranged in a peculiar chess board pattern. He experienced nausea, diarrhea, and lost 22 pounds in four days. Blood tests showed a severe drop in white cell count. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police were informed, and gloves were taken for examination.

Cigar-Shaped UFO Over Heidelberg, Germany

On January 26, 1967, around 8 p.m., the daughter of a Lieutenant Colonel on a US Army base in Heidelberg saw a pulsating sound. Looking out the window, she and her father observed a cigar-shaped object, about 50 to 60 feet long, hovering motionless about 150 feet above the ground. A crowd of 50 to 60 people gathered to watch. The object appeared metallic and shiny, displaying alternating red, green, and blue lights. During the 15-20 minute observation, local military police and the Air Force were alerted. As jets were heard, the object's lights intensified, and it rapidly moved away and disappeared.

Brisbane Sighting

A recent sighting in Brisbane, Australia, involving photographs by James Wallace, caused considerable excitement. However, the Queensland Flying Saucer Research Bureau, in conjunction with Brisbane University, concluded the photographs were faked. The discrepancies in shadow lengths between photos indicated a lapse of 1.5 hours, not the stated 7 minutes.

UFO Obstructs Car

On November 15, 1967, Farmer Alan Pool was driving his Landrover near Perth, Australia, when he heard a humming sound. He then saw a strange airship speeding towards him. The object, described as grey and metallic like an inverted saucer, about 12 feet in diameter and 6 feet high, landed a few feet away. It had six portholes. When Pool tried to open his car door, the object prevented him. He swore at it, and his own voice was repeated from the craft. The object then rose vertically and disappeared. Upon examination, the grass was undisturbed, with no burn marks. His wife reported TV interference during the time of the sighting. The New Norcia police investigated and were mystified but regarded the case as genuine.

Newcastle UFO Exhibition

The newly formed N.U.F.O.I.C. Newcastle branch organized a UFO exhibition on the third floor of a departmental store, covering an area of 50 x 30 feet. The exhibition featured blow-up photographs, newspaper clippings, posters, books, and periodicals. Models of Adamski-type flying saucers, a magnetic UFO detector, and a 'Theaterette' for showing slides and playing tapes were also presented. The exhibition ran for three weeks, from November 20th to December 19th, attracting enthusiastic gatherings and reinforcing convictions about the importance of UFOs in world affairs.

New Canberra Society

A new society, the "Canberra Unidentified Flying Objects Research Society," was established in Canberra on September 5th to investigate and disseminate UFO reports. Office bearers elected include President Mr. Harry Zwankhuizen, Secretary Mrs. Vicki Klein, and Treasurer Mr. John Brooks. The society aims to investigate sightings, including a significant one on November 9, 1957, when astronomers at Mt. Stromlo Observatory sighted a bright pink object, and another on July 15, 1965, at Canberra Airport, where a 'glowing white spot' was observed for 40 minutes.

UFOIC News & Forthcoming Events

October Members Meeting: Attended by 120 people, featuring 56 slides of UFOs from world publications. Commentators discussed the authenticity of photos, noting that even one genuine photo justifies UFO study.

Social on Friday, November 3rd: Attended by 43 members, with a talk on Radionics by Mr. Dutton and Mr. Barnes, which generated significant interest.

Annual General Meeting: Scheduled for Tuesday, December 5th, including election of officers, presentation of the Annual Report, constitutional alterations, and film showings.

Christmas Party: The final social event for 1967, on Saturday, December 16th, at 8 p.m. at 33 Woodward Avenue, Strathfield. Members are advised to bring their own refreshments.

Junior Section Meeting: The first meeting for the Junior Section will be on Sunday, February 18th, 1968, at 3 p.m. at the President's residence. Arrangements will be made for lectures on various subjects related to UFO understanding.

Foreign Publications

The newsletter lists recommended overseas UFO journals, with subscription costs averaging $2.50 Australian. Recommended publications include NICAP, APRO, APRG Publications, Saucer News, Flying Saucers, Saucer Scoop, UFO Reporter, and Understanding from the USA; Flying Saucer Review, Bufora Journal, Spacelink, and Orbit from the UK; Saucers, Space & Science, and UFO Journal from Canada; and UFO Contact from Denmark. Information on obtaining foreign-language journals and paperbacks is also provided.

Recommendations

Two publications are highly recommended: the 10th Anniversary number of the Canadian magazine "Saucers, Space & Science" (85¢ Aust.) and Jim Moseley's "Book of Saucer News" ($4.50 Aust.).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The U.F.O.I.C. Newsletter consistently reports on UFO sightings from around the world, emphasizing eyewitness accounts and photographic evidence. There is a strong focus on scientific investigation and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. The publication encourages the formation of new societies and the sharing of information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the complexities and doubts surrounding the subject while maintaining a belief in the reality and significance of UFO phenomena. The newsletter also highlights the growing international interest and research efforts, particularly between the USA and USSR.