BUFORA Journal, Volume 3, Number 6, Spring 1972

This document is the Spring 1972 issue (Volume 3, Number 6) of the BUFORA Journal, published by the British U.F.O. Research Association. The journal serves as a central repository for the association's administrative reports, research findings, and sighting logs. The editorial content, authored by Dr. J. Cleary-Baker, reflects on the 'psychological saucer' theory, suggesting that while some UFO reports may be psychological projections or illusions, a small percentage (5-10%) likely represent physical, material objects of unknown origin. The Chairman's Annual Report, provided by Roger Stanway, details the association's administrative health, financial stability, and recent activities, including the 'August flap' of 1971 and the organization of the National Sky Watch. The report highlights the appointment of C. A. E. O'Brien as the new National Investigations Co-ordinator, who provides a detailed breakdown of sighting reports received between September and December 1971. O'Brien notes the challenges of filtering genuine reports from hoaxes and media-driven hysteria, particularly regarding the 'Banbury Flap.' The journal also includes a 'UFOLOG' section, which logs specific sighting reports from across the British Isles, such as those in Newbury, Banbury, and West Malling, with accompanying evaluations or appraisals by BUFORA researchers. Scientific and philosophical discussions are present, including articles on the risks of advertising human existence to extraterrestrial civilizations, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (CETI), and Soviet space research updates from the Novosti Information Service. The journal emphasizes the need for a more rigorous, scientific approach to ufology, advocating for a 'think tank' of experts to analyze the phenomenon and calling for better cooperation between researchers. The document concludes with notes on the association's future prospects, including plans for regional conferences and the registration of BUFORA as a charity.