UFOIC Newsletter - No 22 February 1969

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFOIC Newsletter, No. 22, dated February 1969, addresses persistent delays and irregularities in its publication schedule. The editorial team acknowledges the valuable contributions of Mrs. J. Van der Vord and Mr. N. Drury in preparing "UFOIC News and Social Events" and "World Scene," respectively. This allows the editor, Dr. M. Lindtner, to be relieved of some of his workload. The new Editorial Committee expresses confidence in providing readers with interesting UFO data and general information on a bi-monthly basis.

World Scene: Brazilian Landing

The "World Scene" section details two cases investigated by Dr. Methodios Kalkaslief and Dr. Max Berezavsky on behalf of the Brazilian Commission for the Confidential Investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects.

Case 1: Highway Patrolman Sighting

A highway patrolman, on kilometer 124 in November of the previous year, witnessed what he initially thought was a plane crash. Upon closer inspection, the object was observed to be stopped in midair approximately 500 meters above the ground, described as "elongated" and made of aluminum with visible riveting and apparent hatchways. It appeared to be spinning and emitted an extremely powerful "aura of lights" and a loud humming noise. The patrolman's car would not start, and the lights of a distant police cabin flickered off as the object approached, only to return as it ascended. The patrolman's car then started, and he reported the incident.

Case 2: Encounter with "Frogmen"

Two nights later, on November 28, at 2:30 a.m., the same patrolman experienced another sighting. The object hovered about 30 meters above the ground, 50 meters away. Two figures, described as "frogmen" wearing skin-tight clothing with wide, glittering belts, emerged from a hatch on the underside of the craft. Illuminated by a dull light, they appeared aware of the patrolman's presence and one of them spoke, telling him to put his gun away as they meant no harm and would return later. After this, the patrolman found his legs weak and could not control them. The object then took off and disappeared. The patrolman later submitted an official report to the Commandant of the Highway Police in Sao Paulo.

Brazilian Scientific Group Concludes UFOs Are Space Craft

The Brazilian Colloquium on UFOs, led by the president of the Brazilian Institute of Aeronautics and Space Sciences, announced the conclusion that "flying saucers exist, and are extraterrestrial objects" after a twenty-year scientific study. The group, attended by official military and intelligence personnel, stated that the UFO enigma is a global phenomenon inexplicable by current scientific knowledge. They urged increased public and scientific acceptance and proposed constant information exchange between private researchers and official agencies.

United Nations Warned About UFOs

U Thant has been aware since June 30, 1965, that UFOs might emanate from outer space civilizations. This warning was issued to the United Nations by Coleman Von Kevicsky, a holder of a Master of Military Science and Engineering degree and a scientific investigator of UFO phenomena for 14 years.

Von Kevicsky's proposal to the UN, based on his expertise, outlined four fundamental articles for the scientific exploration of outer space. These articles emphasize the security of Earthly nations, peaceful activities, and the prohibition of war actions in space against extraterrestrial beings. Only the United Nations is authorized to represent Earth-man in interplanetary relations. Peaceful extraterrestrial beings and their property within Earth's ionosphere are under UN protection, with landing jurisdiction belonging to the territorial government but governed by UN constitution. The UN General Assembly is authorized to stop any exploratory mission if offensive danger is expected. To enforce these articles, the UN Secretariat, in cooperation with member nations, should establish a research and analytic group to monitor UFOs and Earthly exploratory activities.

The United Nations' "International Space Security Pact," adopted by 67 nations, incorporated several of Von Kevicsky's ideas, including Earth and human security under UN authority, international responsibility for damages by exploring nations, astronauts as envoys of mankind, and reporting all space phenomena to the Secretary General.

Furthermore, the UN, alerted by Von Kevicsky, established two committees: the Outer Space Group, headed by Ghana's Ambassador A. it. Abdel, reporting to U. Thant, and the Outer Space Affairs Committee, headed by Austria's Ambassador Kurt Waldheim, reporting to the UN Assembly.

Strange Death in New Zealand

On February 2, 1968, Amos Miller, 39, was found dead on his New Zealand farm. His son, Bill, reported the incident to the police. Police found Miller in a gully with half the skin missing from his head. Bill, taken into custody, maintained his father was murdered by UFO occupants. He described hearing a high-pitched noise and seeing a round object hovering about 40 feet off the ground, not shaped like a helicopter but with a turret-like top and emitting a glow. Two prongs lowered from the bottom, acting as landing gear, and the object settled on the ground. Amos approached the object and was engulfed in a brilliant light, falling to the ground. The object then ascended rapidly, emitting a whining noise. Bill found his father dead, with half the skin on his head gone.

Police were initially dismissive of the boy's account, but an autopsy was performed. Dr. John Whitty, who headed the autopsy, was puzzled as there were no marks on the body, apart from the missing skull skin, to indicate a blow to the head. The autopsy also revealed a total absence of phosphorus in the dead man's bones. Five days later, Bill was released without further comment, and the Miller family was asked to keep silent. The article notes a similar incident in Australia where cattle died without apparent cause and with no marks on their bodies, and also without normal phosphorus levels.

Russian Rocket-UFO

At 2 a.m. on April 5, 1968, an unidentified rocket-shaped object was observed streaking over Baku, USSR, emitting a loud roar and a bright blue-white glow. It had no wings but featured two large scoop intakes. The object, estimated to be 75-100 feet long, was reported by many people. Soviet scientists suggested it was a jet airplane, but the object's characteristics, such as glowing and flying without wings, were not consistent with known Soviet aircraft.

Toronto Airport Official and Policeman Watch UFO

On August 29 of the previous year, a local policeman and a control tower operator at Toronto International Airport observed an aerial object with white lights around its rim and green and orange lights on top, flying over Oakville, Ontario. The object was seen at an estimated height of 1,000 feet above Oakville Lake. It did not register on radar but was observed by the constable for 20 minutes and by flight observers for 45 minutes using high-power binoculars. Many local citizens also reported seeing the object, which vanished at daybreak.

British Coastguard Witness Flying Cone

Eight British coastguardmen witnessed a large metallic conic object hovering over Brixham on April 28 of the previous year. The object was first reported by a man in town and was visible against the blue sky at an altitude of about 15,000 feet. Mr. Brian Jenkins, an official, described the object as having a sharp end pointing upwards, constructed of white metal, and shining as if highly polished. A triangular-shaped opening or door was noted near the bottom, with a white rim. The bottom appeared crinkled and consisted of strips of metal hanging down. Jenkins made sketches of the object as it revolved on a vertical axis. Despite a northeasterly wind, the cone hovered in place. At 12:30 p.m., a jet plane approached the cone, and Jenkins estimated the cone's size to be about 150 ft. wide by 200 ft. high. The jet circled the cone once and flew off. The object moved north-west against the wind and was lost in cloud by 12:45 p.m. All coastguards present agreed with Jenkins' sketches. Deputy Chief Inspector Douglas stated it was not a balloon, but they couldn't identify it. Defence Headquarters in London could not explain the sighting, with a spokesman suggesting it might be a reflection of car headlights or meteorological phenomena. The coastguardsmen dismissed this explanation, citing their cumulative experience. British Member of Parliament, Mr. Peter Bessell, has written to Defence Secretary Denis Healey seeking an official explanation.

Australian Scene: Hoax Exposed

A sensational contactee claim by a Sydney man was recently exposed as a hoax by a UFOIC investigation team. The man claimed that ten years prior, while on a hunting trip near Goulburn, he shot at something that made a terrific noise like a dinosaur, and a ray scorched his arm, leaving a wound that festered for a year. He claimed the wound took the shape of the planet Saturn. He later returned to the area, claimed to have photographed and communicated with a UFO occupant. However, an investigation by Dr. Lindtner, Dr. Herbison-Evans, and Mr. Neville Drury revealed serious defects in his story. The photographs were out of order, taken at different times and angles, suggesting the object was much closer than claimed. The man eventually admitted the story was bogus and the photographs were taken using a small wooden model. UFOIC emphasizes the importance of careful investigation to avoid accepting fabricated stories.

Flying Saucer Follows Car

On November 25, 1968, Mr. J. A. W. Wyatt, a motor mechanic from Port Victoria, S.A., was returning home with Christopher Bolton when they noticed a bright white light high in the sky. The light traveled parallel to their car for about nine miles, then made a half-circle turn and descended rapidly. It grew larger, appearing about a quarter of a mile above the car, and traveled parallel at speeds estimated between 200 and 300 miles per hour. Mr. Wyatt was scared and drove faster. Upon reaching home, Mr. Wyatt watched the object through binoculars. Constable D. Guerim also saw the object at a distance of about 4 miles, describing it as a "brilliant light that really radiated." It sped off to the west but returned and remained for 3-4 minutes. The constable, who does not believe in flying saucers, was sure it was not an aircraft.

Dentist and Wife See UFO

On the evening of November 9, Mr. Allen Webster, a dentist from Concord West, N.S.W., observed a round, 15-foot sphere about 450 yards away, traveling east in a straight line at an altitude of about 500 yards. The object's red light suddenly went out, and a much smaller yellowish-white light continued its path for about 20 seconds, resembling a large incandescent lamp. Mrs. Webster also witnessed the smaller light before it appeared to fall to earth. Mr. Webster was puzzled that the red light did not illuminate the countryside, but the yellow light did. The object was last seen near the Parramatta River. Mr. Webster contacted the "Daily Telegraph" but received no further information, assuming no one else had seen it.

UFOIC News and Forthcoming Events

Christmas Party

A Christmas Party was held at Dr. & Mrs. Lindtner's residence, attended by new members and committee members. Mr. Marvin W. Smith, a visiting American with 20 years of experience in UFO organizations, was among the guests. He found Australia fascinating and challenging.

February Meeting

A capacity audience of 230 attended Dr. Herbison-Evans' presentation on "The Scientists' View on UFOs" at Adyar Hall. He analyzed UFO hypotheses and scientific skepticism. The talk covered theories of planetary formation, atmospheric development, and the evolution of life in different environments, suggesting that while the galaxy is dense with planetary systems, life may not be based on the same chemistry as Earth's. The discussion involved Mr. Phillips, Mr. Dutton, and Dr. Lindtner, with lively debate clarifying conflicting views.

Junior Group

The Junior Group met on February 16th at Strathfield and planned an active program for 1969, including building a light modulator and completing a UFO detector. Meetings are now held on the third Saturday of the month. Interested individuals should contact Mr. Moser.

Thank You for Voluntary Work

Mr. Szep and Mr. Doherty were thanked for their contributions. Mr. Szep constructed stands for UFOIC display boards, and Mr. Doherty, a wood turner, created two beautiful models of flying saucers to be used as collection plates at public meetings.

Changed Telephone Number

Mr. T. Homan's (UFOIC Sightings Reports Officer) telephone number has changed to 660-2729. Members are urged to keep this number and report UFO sightings promptly.

Membership Secretary

Responsibilities for the membership office have been redistributed among Mr. & Mrs. Sayers and Mrs. Vandervord. Telephone inquiries are handled by Mr. & Mrs. Sayers until 9 p.m. Correspondence will be managed by Mrs. J. Van der Vord. Mr. W. Moser is now the General Secretary.

Ladies Committee

Mrs. L. Lindtner is available to provide information regarding social activities.

Flying Saucer Review & Space Link

These English publications can be obtained from the General Secretary, Mr. W. Moser. Space Link costs 40¢ per copy over the counter or 50¢ posted, published 4 times a year. Flying Saucer Review costs approximately $3 per year posted. Other American, Canadian, and New Zealand magazines are also available.

UFOIC on T.V.

Dr. Don Herbison-Evans was interviewed on Channel 9's "To-Day Show" explaining a miniature polariser and spectrograph kit available from UFOIC. He stated that authorities would not recognize UFOs until presented with irrefragible evidence. Dr. Miron Lindtner appeared on Channel 7, showing photographs of fakes and warning hoaxers. He also stated that hundreds of confirmed UFO sightings exist globally, but authorities require material evidence. He discussed the division among scientists and the growing support for the extraterrestrial theory, despite the failure of the Colorado Project. Three photographs were screened: two from the Brazilian Navy and one from Wilcannia in 1966. These interviews are generating public interest and promoting a scientific approach to the UFO problem.

Unfinancial Members

There are still unfinancial members, and the newsletter expresses hope that they will become financial in 1969.

Meetings and Socials for 1969

The newsletter lists scheduled meetings and social events for 1969. Meetings in Adyar Hall are held on the first Tuesday of alternating months, advertised in the Sydney Morning Herald. Socials are held on the first Friday of alternating months, with some exceptions for Saturday. At social functions, ladies provide a plate and gentlemen provide drinks. Guests are asked to arrive around 7:30 p.m.

In Memoriam

Mrs. Mary Mathieson, a foundation member of UFOIC, passed away on January 17th. She is remembered as an enthusiastic and tireless worker who was instrumental in the society's success and provided her city office for meetings and as a library. She was also a founder of the Childrens' Library and Arts & Crafts Movement and a graduate in Psychology.

Captain Robert Loftin Died

Captain Robert Loftin, author of "Identified Flying Saucers," died on his way to a UFO meeting in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was a well-known author, and his book was in high demand. His passing is considered a great loss to UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed accounts of UFO sightings and investigations from around the world, with a particular focus on Brazil. There is a strong emphasis on the need for scientific rigor in UFO research, the exposure of hoaxes, and the frustration with the lack of official recognition of UFO phenomena due to insufficient "irrefragible evidence." The editorial stance supports the extraterrestrial hypothesis and advocates for a systematic, data-driven approach to the subject, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by speculative claims. The newsletter also highlights the social and organizational aspects of the UFOIC, including meetings, events, and membership drives, underscoring the community aspect of UFO research.