UFOIC Newsletter - No 24 July 1969

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O.I.C. NEWSLETTER, No. 24, dated July 1969, is a bi-monthly publication from Sydney, Australia. The cover features a stylized illustration of a UFO. The publication apologizes for its late release due to extensive material for Review No. 10, which is expected to be published in late October or early November and will contain over seventy pages.

World Scene

U.S.A.

Colonel James A. McDivitt, astronaut for the Apollo 9 Lunar Test Mission, confirmed at a Dallas press conference on October 5th, 1968, that he had sighted three unidentified UFOs during the June 5th, 1965 orbital flight. NASA admitted one of the photographed objects remained unidentified, with McDivitt stating, "They're there, without a doubt, but what they are is anybody's guess."

UFO Spotlights Boat

On November 22nd, 1968, off Biloxi, Mississippi, the shrimp boat "Gulf Central" was searching for a missing vessel, "Bobby Charles." The crew, including Preston Mallette, his son Kenneth, and skipper's brother William Mallette, witnessed a brightly lit, round object descend rapidly towards them. The object, approximately 15 ft. in diameter with a flat top and a bulge at the bottom, moved at terrific speed, leveled off, executed a 45-degree turn, and descended pulsatingly until directly over their boat. It hovered a few hundred feet overhead, throwing a beam like a spotlight. The light then went out, and the object shot straight up and disappeared in less than a minute. Other witnesses, crews of shrimp boats near Pascogoula and Chandeleur Islands, also reported seeing the object.

Spain

Triangle Evades Jet: On September 5th, 1968, in Madrid, a UFO sighting caused a traffic jam. The Spanish Air Force dispatched an F104 jet fighter to investigate. The jet chased the object to 50,000 ft., but gave up the pursuit. Air Force radar screens tracked the UFO to 90,000 ft., and astronomers at the Madrid Observatory observed and photographed a triangular-shaped object through a powerful telescope. Despite investigations and pilot testimonies, the "triangle" remained unidentified.

Italy

Tourists Buzzed: On August 22nd, 1968, near Terracina, a bus load of tourists reported being paced by a sharply defined disc. Mrs. Kenneth W. Collins described the metallic grey UFO as having a domed top, square windows, and a small darker spot in the middle, flying parallel to their bus in a slow, straight line. Other reports of the same object were received from surrounding areas.

Canada

Prospecting by UFO?: On March 20th, 1967, at 6 p.m., Mr. Kenneth Green, a CNT linesman at Destruction Bay, observed something moving at the top of a mountain behind his house. He initially thought it was a snowmobile but realized the object was as large as two railway carriages. Using binoculars, he observed the object for half an hour. It had a wide, oval shape, was brownish, with a cone-shaped light beneath that changed colors between red and yellow. The object moved vertically and horizontally, then descended slowly, flying just above the surface, and moved between mountains before disappearing. White vapor trails were seen after its departure. Other technicians and neighbors also witnessed the sighting. A check with the transport department confirmed no helicopters or other vehicles were in the area. The article notes the mineral wealth of the Yukon Territory and speculates that UFO activity might be related to microwave stations vital to the North American defense complex.

England

Thousands see strange lights over England: On November 20th, 1968, at 7:20 p.m., Mr. Charles Bowen, editor of the London Flying Saucer Review, received numerous calls about lights crossing the London sky. Reports described several glowing objects with multi-colored tails. Lieut. Commander V. J. Chown described the lights as assembled as if around an invisible tube. Scientist John Rosevear stated the group of lights covered about 10 degrees of arc in the sky, traveled horizontally, and passed into clouds. Mr. Edwards reported eight red lights passing over his farm. Most of the 40,000 fans at a League Cup soccer match also saw the lights. Greenwich Observatory attributed the lights to a decaying satellite, while a meteorological establishment suggested a meteorite shower. The Royal Observatory identified them as the Russian rocket "Cosmos 253" re-entering the atmosphere. However, Mr. Bowen's inquiry to the Russian Embassy revealed a firm denial, confirmed by the Russian News Agency. The general consensus was that the official explanation was "absolute rubbish."

Florida

Force Field Over Florida?: On January 1st, 1969, Manuel Lopez and Miss Kay Russell were parked behind a supermarket in Key West when they heard a deep, penetrating sound. A sheet of concentrated hail hit their windshield and the front of their car. The engine refused to turn over, and they experienced warmth, weightlessness, and an uncontrollable force tugging at them. Their eyes were guided upwards to a brilliant silver-hued object. Manuel described being able to "penetrate with our new power of vision, into millions of miles of outer distance." Kay Russell described being in a suspended state until the sound returned, and the force field, ray, beam, and object disappeared, leaving them in a "Deep Freeze" chill. Lt. Terry Jones of the Sheriff's department investigated and found small pittings on the windshield and car roof.

South America

Man sees Saucer and dies: The London Sun reported on July 19th, 1969, that doctors in Colombia were baffled by the death of Arcesi Bermudez, aged 50, who fell ill after reportedly seeing a blue and orange flying saucer with flashing lights in his back garden. He claimed to have approached within three yards of the saucer before it flew away. A week later, he was found near death with vomiting, diagnosed as gastro-enteritis, but with an unusually low temperature. He remained lucid and kept repeating he had seen a spaceship.

Australian Scene

UFO Over Country Weir

On May 17th, 1969, at 4:10 a.m., Tony Hocking and Lindsay Dillon, near Deniliquin, observed a bright light in the sky, as big as a basketball, over Steven's Weir road. Through a theodolite, it appeared as a spherical object that flashed red and green lights around a brilliant-yellow, pulsating middle. It rose rapidly and silently, then descended, weaving a pattern. Hocking felt a tingling sensation as it descended but was not scared. The object moved erratically, dulled to a glowing yellow, and darted off in a north-easterly direction. Hocking reported the sighting to local police and newspapers.

High Tension UFO

On April 21st, 1969, Mrs. D. Mostyn of Cronulla observed a solid whitish disc, about the size of a weather balloon, with a transparent top and four antennae-like appendages, hovering 200 feet up and 75 yards away. It pulsed and alternated between solid and clear transparency before moving rapidly north-east. The weather bureau denied the presence of meteorological balloons in the area.

Disc Looks at Sydney

On February 21st, 1969, at 7:30 p.m., Leslie Miller, 15, in Sydney, saw a shiny, spherical-shaped object, about the size of a cricket ball, encircled by a brilliant band of light. It ascended and descended silently, traveling faster than a jet. When it hovered overhead, sparks seemed to surround it, and it pulsated brightly. It then darted away south-west. Miller initially thought it was an airplane but was puzzled by the lack of engine noise.

UFOIC Newsletter No. 24. July, 1969. Page 4.

The Stolen Tully Colour Film: A report from the Queensland Flying Saucer Research Bureau details the case of a color film of UFOs, stolen after its arrival at Kodak, Melbourne, in March 1968. The film was exposed on two occasions when UFOs were visually observed. After being mailed to Melbourne, the container arrived empty. An investigation by a CIB detective suggested the film was with the Department of the Interior, and the sender was advised to forget it. Mr. Seers of Q.F.S.R.B. contacted Colin Bennett, M.L.A., who made representations. The Minister for Air, Gordon Freeth, stated he was unable to offer an explanation and questioned the relationship between science fiction and reality. Mr. Seers criticized Freeth's statement, suggesting he quit reading science fiction and base opinions on factual evidence. Seers believes an employee of Kodak is also on the payroll of a Government Department. He noted that an empty container only required a 5-cent stamp, not 14 cents, indicating a mistake by the thief.

UFOIC News and Forthcoming Events

• Meeting Adyar Hall, June 3rd, 1969: An audience of nearly 200 attended a screening of the film "Critical Path" and "Earth versus Flying Saucers." The latter film was poorly received, with many visitors leaving.
• Junior Meeting, June 21st: Eight juniors attended a lecture on astronomy by Mr. Moser, accompanied by colored slides. Dr. Lindtner reviewed common UFO misinterpretations and scientific explanations. Junior meetings continue monthly.
• Social, July 5th: Held at Wentworthville, hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Blatman, with fifty members attending. Dr. Lindtner spoke on the weaknesses of UFO research and the need for more scientific data. The escalating cost of producing UFO Review was discussed, with Mr. De Cusack expressing confidence in members' support. Dr. Lindtner's upcoming departure for overseas to present a paper at the World Veterinary Congress was mentioned. A report on the St. Michael's Golf Club landing was presented, with samples of earth and grass tested and found negative for radiation but suspected to contain kerosene, suggesting a hoax.
• Meeting concluded July 24th, 6 p.m.: The meeting concluded in a friendly atmosphere.

New UFO Groups Still Forming

UFOIC is assisting newly formed groups at Auckland University (NZ) and the Deniliquin High School UFO Club (NSW). Newchapel Observatory in England also requested articles from Dr. Lindtner, Dr. Herbison-Evans, and Mr. Moser.

Secretary's Outstanding Efforts in Correspondence

Mr. W. Moser, Secretary of UFOIC, was congratulated for his extensive correspondence, answering and writing over 163 letters monthly. He is appealing for copies of old "Flying Saucer" Magazines issued 1953 to 1955.

Membership Fees

Membership fees are $4 for joint, $2 for Senior Citizens, Juniors, and Students, payable in January. Dues for 1969 were still outstanding for some members.

UFO KIT

The UFO KIT, developed by Dr. Herbison-Evans, a miniature polariser and spectroscope, is gaining publicity and popularity. Over 500 have been sold locally and overseas.

Junior Meeting, August 16th

Over twelve members attended, including three new members. Dr. Herbison-Evans discussed the Condon Report. Mr. Moser also pointed out aspects of the report and discussed overseas publications. The next meeting is September 20th.

Upcoming Events:

• August 5th: Guest speaker Dr. Keith Bigg (CSIRO) on "Methods of Study of U.F.O. Sightings."
• October 7th: Guest speaker Dr. L. R. Allen (University of Sydney) on "Radio Waves from Outer Space."
• September 5th: Social Members' Meeting at Mr. and Mrs. Simpson's, featuring taped sightings from New Zealand and slides of the Apollo Mission.

Editorial Committee

The editorial committee reports the tragic, untimely death of Dr. Miran Lindtner, President of UFOIC, in an accident while traveling in Germany. Dr. Lindtner was instrumental in the society for sixteen years, serving as editor of the Newsletter and Review. His passing has left a significant gap in the organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently reports on UFO sightings from around the world, often questioning official explanations and highlighting witness testimonies. There is a strong emphasis on scientific investigation and the need for more data. The publication also serves as a hub for UFO enthusiasts, promoting new groups and sharing information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, often critical of dismissive official responses and skeptical of sensationalized media portrayals.