U.F.O.I.C. NEWSLETTER

Magazine Overview

This issue, No. 31, of the U.F.O.I.C. Newsletter, published bi-monthly in June/July 1971, is a 6-page periodical from Sydney, Australia, priced at 20c. It serves as a communication channel for the U.F.O. Investigation Centre (U.F.O.I.C.), providing updates on activities, reports, and discussions within the ufology community.

Office Bearers

The newsletter lists the full slate of office bearers for the U.F.O.I.C., including President F. J. Phillips, Senior Vice-President T.W. Dutton, Vice-Presidents T.V. Homan and W.E. Moser, Treasurer H. O'Brien, Research Officer Frank Wilks, and various other secretaries, librarians, and committee members. Contact details for investigation officers Mr. Barry French and Mr. Martin Drawbridge are provided for reporting sightings.

Sightings and Investigations

Members are urged to report any UFO sightings to the investigation officers. The newsletter also highlights the importance of the U.F.O.I.C. library, which is well-stocked with books on UFOs and related subjects, and provides details on postal rates for borrowing.

Membership and Meetings

Information is provided for new members wishing to join, with contact details for the Secretary, Mr. W.E. Moser. Old members are encouraged to recruit new members. The newsletter mentions upcoming meetings in the Adyar Hall on August 3rd, featuring a talk by Dr. K. Sims on 'Measurements of Distance in Astronomy', and on October 5th, with Mr. F. Dixon speaking on 'Some Aspects of Cosmology'. Member socials are also announced for July 3rd and September 4th.

A Full Report on the Burragorang Valley Expedition

This extensive report details an expedition undertaken by U.F.O.I.C. members into the Burragorang Valley. The expedition was prompted by rumors of strange happenings and a sighting of a metallic disc by a pilot, which led to the disappearance of the pilot and subsequent search party members. The team, including the author Frank W. H. Wilks, faced challenging terrain, including rough bush tracks, waterlogged paths, and steep inclines. They experienced unusual phenomena at night, including blinking lights, red streaks, and a blood red light that appeared to open and close like camera shutters. A brilliant white star-like object with a long, smokey, tapering tail was also observed. The report concludes with the arduous trek back and the lasting impression of the valley.

UFO's - Setback or Advance?

This section discusses the impact of the Condon Report, which concluded that UFOs did not merit further investigation. The author expresses disappointment with the public's uncritical acceptance of the report and highlights that a group of six leading scientists and a conference in Boston rejected the Condon report's findings, calling for more UFO study. The closure of the US Air Force's Project Blue Book is also noted as a setback. The author questions why people don't think for themselves and suggests that the disbandment of ineffective groups might allow for progress with open minds.

Albury Photo

This report addresses a previous mention of the Albury photo. A committee member interviewed the photographer and developer, confirming that the photographer did not see an object. Analysis by Photo Laboratories at Lucas Heights, Sydney University, and C.S.I.R.O. concluded that the UFO image was a double exposure caused by a faulty Instamatic camera with a weak spring that caused the film to spring back.

Professor McDonald

The newsletter reports the death of Professor James E. McDonald of Arizona on June 14th, noting his visit to Australia and his significant contributions to UFO investigation.

UFOLOGISTS AWAKE!

Written by Frank W. H. Wilks, this article expresses concern over the current silence in UFO reporting, despite the year being potentially significant for flying saucer activity. It mentions a worldwide pattern of UFO activity, including a blackout in New York, sightings in Western Australia, and unexplained explosions in New South Wales. The article emphasizes the upcoming Earth-Mars conjunction in August, occurring every 15 years, and urges readers to participate in camp-outs and sky watches, and to submit reports.

A Few Approximate Oppositions of Earth and Mars

This section provides a diagram and a list of facts related to the oppositions of Earth and Mars, detailing orbital speeds, distances, and characteristics of the planet and its moons, Phobos and Diemos.

Letter to the Editor

Noel Wheeler, a committee member, discusses the predictability of UFO organizations closing down. He suggests that insufficient attention has been given to the hidden meanings in folklore related to UFOs, such as 'The Three Men in Black'. He posits that the current era signifies disruptive changes and that the 1970s, with a favorable planetary alignment, may see increased travel between Earth and other planets. He calls for individuals with vision, courage, and leadership to address the potential confrontation with other life forms.

What are U.F.O.'s and Who Is In Them?

By Des Bellamy, this article delves into the classification of UFOs and their occupants. It highlights the challenges of classification due to inaccurate reporting and intentional fabrications. The article outlines eight basic UFO shapes and four specialized task groups for occupants, including 'VULYA' for interstellar flights, 'VUNU' for mother ships, 'VIMANA' for scout ships, and 'VIDYA' for scanners. It discusses various humanoid and non-humanoid descriptions of occupants, including those from Lemuria and Clarion, as well as grotesque monsters and beings associated with poltergeists. The author notes that some contactees claim to have received information that could revolutionize physics.

Fees

A reminder is issued for members to pay their 1971 fees, with options for full membership ($5) and senior citizens/students ($2). Associate membership is also available for $2.

Notes

This section provides brief updates on recent U.F.O.I.C. activities. The social on May 1st featured a demonstration of a magnetic detector and a viewing of the 'Albury' photos. A book by Dr. Bill Williams on ABC Radio talks was recommended. Mr. Moser gave a talk in Canberra. A three-way radio talk about UFOs involved President F. J. Phillips, Mr. Peter Norris, and Dr. Bill Williams.

Books & Magazines for Sale

A list of available publications, including U.K. F.S. Review, Case Histories FSR, Special Reports FSR, Spacelink, S S and S (Canada), and books by M. Hervey, R. Tampling, and Bearne, is provided. Information on UFO Kits, Badges, and Car-stickers is also available. The upcoming publication 'Harmonic 695' by Capt. Bruce Cathie is mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes active participation in UFO research, encouraging members to report sightings, utilize the library, and attend meetings. There is a clear stance against uncritical acceptance of official reports like the Condon Report, advocating for independent thought and investigation. The publication also explores speculative themes, such as the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation and the implications of planetary alignments, reflecting a commitment to exploring the UFO phenomenon from various angles.