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Australian Federal Parliament questions and answers
Back in June 2003 in the very first Newsletter, eight Project "action" items were listed. Item six on that list was "Australian Government Parliamentary questions and answers concerning the UFO phenomenon are located and documented." The purpose of this work was to examine past questions and answers which might provide a lead as to how to have future questions raised about UFOs in Federal Parliament as part of this Project.
Thanks to the dedicated work of an associate of the Project, who lives in Canberra, work on this action item has now been undertaken. David Hearder, private researcher, has compiled a listing (see Attachment A) of occasions when UFOs/flying saucers have been the subject of Parliamentary attention. The Project has then utilised its knowledge of examined Government documents, where possible, to set these questions and answers in the context of the time.
(1) 13 August 1952
"Flying saucers
Mr DOWNER-My questions, which are directed to the Minister for Air, relate to the number of flying saucers that are alleged to have been seen in various parts of Australia during recent months. Can the minister say whether such reports have been investigated by his Department, and if so, will he state the conclusions that his officers have reached? Furthermore, is the Minister in communication with the United States authorities concerning these intruders? Does he share the opinion expressed by certain American officials that the flying saucers may be visitants from another sphere, or, alternatively, that they are a novel form of espionage by a potential enemy? In reality, are they not more likely to be simply an aerial version of the Loch Ness monster?
Mr McMahon-I have not received any report from the Air Force on flying saucers in Australia. I share the view of the honourable member that these reports are probably based on flights of imagination in which honourable members who sit on the other side of the House so frequently indulge. I do not think that the Air Force has been in communication with the United States authorities on this matter. I shall certainly cause a thorough investigation to be made. If I can ascertain the source of these rumours, I shall let the honourable member have full information about them. I impress upon the House my belief that most of the rumours that have circulated in Australia have resulted from the activities of a particular political party. It is highly probable that that party is flying kites as a new form of political propaganda." (1)
Comments:
In 1952, the RAAF policy file series A703, control symbol 554/1/30 had not yet been commenced. However, the project has located four other files from that era:
- A11066, 5/1/27 Part B titled "Eastern Area Headquarters Intelligence report on Unusual Sighting 3/5/1952" which contained reports about the sky object seen over Sydney on that date
- B5758, 5/6/Air part 1 "Report on unusual activity and aerial phenomenon" extending back to August 1950 including reports from 7 Feb 1951 and 3 May 1952
- Department of Supply file D250, 56/483 which contains reports from Woomera
RAAF file PP474/1, 5/5/Air "Unusual aerial sightings" with a number of reports from WA in 1951 and 1952.
However, none of the above files throws any light on the Parliamentary question and answer.
(2) 20 November 1953
"Flying saucers
Mr DOWNER --Last year, when I directed a question to the Minister of Air about flying saucers, the honourable gentleman gave a facetious reply. Is he aware of the attention now being devoted by air force authorities in Canada and England to the nature and origin of these mysterious objects? Are similar investigations contemplated by the Royal Australian Air force, or does the Minister still regard flying saucers as a problem for psychologists rather than Defence authorities?
Mr McMAHON--On the last occasion when a question on this subject was addressed to me by the Honourable member for Angas, I gave a facetious reply. I still think the problem is one more for psychologists than for defence authorities. The Royal Australian Air Force has received many reports about flying saucers, as have the Royal Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force, but the phenomena has not yet been identified. It is peculiar that, shortly before these phenomena are observed, a meteorite flashes across the sky. It is felt that some optical illusion may follow in its wake. After the honourable gentleman asked me a question on this matter last year, I caused enquiries to be made. The Royal Australian Air Force has advised me that, so far, the aerodynamic problems relating to the production of flying saucers have not been solved. It is possible to produce a flying saucer aircraft and to fly it in a circular manner by means of ram jet engines. Aircraft of this type may be developed in the future, but I do not think there is any immediate need for them."(2)
Comments:
- Relevant documents were found on Government files. Firstly, on A705, 159/2/304 titled "Mr Downer (MP)-Parliamentary question re flying saucer." On this file the Minister called for some information from the RAAF. The file contains a copy of an undated letter from the Air Vice Marshall, Air Member for Technical Services, to the Minister. The letter advised that there were two concepts of flying saucers:
"(a) the topical concept of mysterious missiles probably from outer space, (b) the "flying saucer" as seen on the technical plan of the aircraft designer. All I can say about concept (a) is that no one has yet come forward who can say they have found one, either intact or crashed on our earth's surface, neither have the existence of strange men been confirmed."
"the topical concept of mysterious missiles probably from outer space..." Was this the author's opinion of their origin or simply the author stating the popular opinion of the day? The rest of the letter is about concept (b). The only other paper on this file is a copy of the question and answer from Hansard.
Secondly, folio 5A of the RAAF policy file A703, 554/1/30 part 1, (created in 1953) has:
"Mr Downer, MP is going to ask the Minister the following question in the House at 10am tomorrow morning.
"Last year I asked the Honourable Gentleman a question about flying saucers to which he gave a facetious reply. Is the Minister aware of the attention now being devoted in Canada and by the RAF in England to the nature and origin of these mysterious objects? Are similar investigations contemplated by the RAAF or does the Minister still regard flying saucers as a problem for psychologists rather than the defence authorities? Phoned through at 4.40pm 19/11/53."
"The Royal Australian Air force has received many reports" This is in November 1953, so the question arises as to just where the DAFI documentation of these reports may be found? As described above, the project has found WA reports from 1951 and 1952 but no DAFI file has yet been located with "many" 1953 reports on. Harry Turner's 1954 report for DAFI lists 3 cases for 1950; 4 for 1951; 5 for 1952 and 10 for 1953 (drawn from two DAFI files Turner had access to.) The RAAF's sightings series of files A703, 580/1/1 did not carry sightings pre 1955, and its 114/1/197 only from June 1954. B5757, 5/6/air part 1 Training Command Headquarters, contains a few 1953 reports. The Project is on the trail of an early file, number SEC CD2/2, which research indicates is a DAFI file. Folio 54A of SEC CD2/2 is mentioned at folio 3A of A703 554/1/30 part 1. Two leads are currently being pursued (1) NAA card indices; (2) the RAAF historical records section in Canberra
"but the phenomena has not yet been identified." No talk of what analysis had been conducted, which lead to this statement.
(3) 24 November 1959
"Unidentified Flying Objects
Mr Cash--My question is directed to the minister for Air. Do the Australian and overseas Air Forces exchange information about the frequent sightings throughout the world of unidentified flying objects, usually known as U.F.O.'s? Further, have Royal Australian Air force intelligence officers investigated reports of recent sightings of mysterious objects in the skies over Papua and New Guinea?
Mr Osborne--The Department of Air does exchange with other air forces information about unidentified flying objects. It exchanges information with the United States Air force which maintains a study research group on this subject. All well-reported sightings in Australia and its Territories are investigated by the Department of Air. The objects generally turn out to be weather balloons, high flying aircraft, stars, comets and things of that sort. The statistics on the subjects show that only a very small percentage-something like 3 per cent-of reported sightings of flying objects cannot be explained. I realize that in this age of technological mysteries it does not do to be sceptical about anything, but the honourable member may be interested to know that on the last occasion that I can recall on which a full-scale investigation was carried out into a sighting, which had taken place west of the Blue mountains and had been reported by a number of people, the object in question was found to be the planet Venus setting." (3)
Comments:
This question was apparently triggered by reports from Papua New Guinea. On the 25 Nov 1959 five of the main Australian UFO groups sent a joint letter to the Right Honourable R G Menzies-providing a copy of the VFSRS Gill report. The groups wrote that one possible explanation was that the Gill sightings were caused by a secret weapon of a foreign power. "We feel strongly that an investigation should be made..." It is unknown whether there was any connection between the letter and the question in Parliament
Note, it also talks of a 3% unexplained rate
Case in the Blue mountains. No case at this location can be found in RAAF sightings file 580/1/1 part 2.
(4) 13 October 1960
"Flying Saucers
Mr Haylen--I direct a non-combatant question to the Minister for Defence. Has the Minister investigated the statement by a Tasmanian clergyman that in a recent rainstorm he saw a group of five flying saucers, attended by a mother ship, hovering over a north Tasmanian town? Has the Minister seen a statement yesterday by the president of the Victorian Flying Saucer Association, Mr P.E. Norris, that as reputable observers are still, sighting flying saucers the federal Government should satisfy itself that un-friendly nations are not infringing Australian territorial sovereignty? Will the minister appoint a committee consisting of the honourable member for Moreton and the honourable member for Griffith to ascertain whether anything red is going on up there in the sky and report to the Government?
Mr Townley--Yes, I saw the first statement, by the clergyman in Tasmania. I did not see the second statement. (4)
(5) 18 October 1960
"Unidentified Flying Objects
Senator O’Byrne--My question is addressed to the minister representing the Minister for Defence. During the last two or three weeks there have been two eye-witness reports from Tasmania and one from Victoria of the sighting of air-borne objects known as flying saucers. Will the Minister inform the Senate whether these reports of air-borne objects have been accepted officially by the Department of Defence, or whether the air-borne objects are part of our defence system? Can he say whether investigations have been carried out to test the authenticity of these numerous reports so as to allay the concern that many people may entertain because of their growing frequency?
Senator Spooner-Perhaps, Mr Deputy President, this question could more appropriately have been addressed to the Minister for Customs and Excise. I have seen the newspaper reports but I must say that I have read them with some reservation. I have not heard any official comment upon them. I have heard a little lighthearted exchange of views, and I think I can say, on behalf of the Minister for Defence, that he does not accept the reports as something that should cause us to go to the length of remodelling our defence programme. (5)
(6) 20 October 1960
"Unidentified flying objects
Mr Duthie--Has the minister for Air read the reports of unidentified flying objects sighted in Australia in the last two years, especially the detailed description of such an object seen at Cressy in my electorate by the Reverend Lionel Browning and his wife two weeks ago, and twice last week-end? Incidentally, the reverend gentleman was my Liberal opponent at the 1951 and 1954 elections. Does the Minister accept responsibility for investigating these sightings? Does his department make any record of them? Has the Minister any information about them that may be of interest to the people of Australia?
Mr Osborne--I have read the press reports of these sightings in Tasmania, and in accordance with the usual practice, all the information that is available concerning them has been furnished to my department and is now being examined. The Department of Air does obtain information about all well reported cases of unidentified flying objects. The department not only receives information about them but also exchanges it with the Royal Air Force and the United State Air Force. There is a regular exchange of information on these matters. I can tell the Honourable member for Wilmot that although reports of this sort have been investigated very carefully for years, nearly all of them are explainable on a perfectly normal basis. Sometimes they are found to be weather balloons, high-flying aircraft or even stars. On one occasion, it was established that a reported space ship was the Moon. Of all these reports, only 3 per cent or 4 per cent cannot be explained on the basis of some natural phenomenon, and nothing that has arisen from that 3 per cent, or 4 per cent, of unexplained cases gives any form support for the belief that interlopers from other places in this world, or outside it, have been visiting us." (6)
Comment on (4) -- (6):
These three q's and a's were generated by the Rev Browning's Cressy observation
Note that the unexplained rate is now described here as 3-4 %.
(7) 23 May 1963
"Unidentified flying objects
Senator Cavanagh asked the Minister representing the Minister for Air, upon notice:-
Has the Department of Air or the Royal Australian Air Force a dossier of investigations on reported sightings of unidentified flying objects?
Senator Wade--The Minister for Air has supplied the following answer:-
The Department of Air does obtain information about all well reported cases of unidentified flying objects and maintains a dossier of investigations made into these. For the Honourable Senator's information, although many reports of this nature have been investigated very carefully, nearly all of them are explainable on a perfectly normal basis. On occasion they are found to be weather balloons, high flying aircraft or even stars. On one occasion it was established that a reported "space ship" was, in fact, the Moon. Of all these reports received to date, only approximately 3 or 4 per cent cannot be explained on the basis of some natural phenomenon and nothing that has arisen from this 3 or 4 per cent of unexplainable cases lend any support for the belief that interlopers from other places in this world, or outside it, have been visiting us." (7)
Comment:
Note that three years after the 1960 question and answer, that someone was still trotting out the same response re weather balloons and the 3-4% etc.
(8) 11 August 1964
"Unidentified flying objects
Mr Benson--My question to the Minister for Air relates to the state of our radar readiness. Has the Minister seen recent reports in the press that radar units in our northern area go out of operation during weekends? Are these reports correct? If they are, will the minister take steps to ensure that a constant watch is kept?
Mr Howon--Yes, I have seen those reports. As a rule, the radar stations in the north are not manned continuously, but it is not correct that they are only manned in normal working hours. At the moment we do not consider that the dangers to our north are such that we need to keep a constant watch. I suppose the honourable member would want a string of radar stations all the way from Canarvon to Cape York, and fighter squadrons located all over our northern area. We do not hold the fortress concept that is so beloved by members of the Opposition, but we have certain commitments. The chief demand on us at this time is to help our friends to our north, to meet any requests for assistance that they may make to us. At this stage we regard that as our first priority." (8)
Comment:
Although the heading is Unidentified flying objects, note that there is no mention of UFOs in the text.
(9) 11 August 1964
"Unidentified flying objects
Mr Harding--I direct a question to the Minister for Air. In view of reports of unidentified objects flying over north Queensland and northern Australia, can the Minister inform the people living in the area whether the sightings are imaginary? Has he any plans for positive identification in the event of future sightings?
Mr Howson--The honourable member may have read the statement I made on this subject only a few days ago, in which I said that we cannot state positively that these were not enemy aircraft. However, I can say that of such sightings that have been reported and investigated not more than 3 per cent, have been thought to have involved anything other than birds, showers of meteors and the other objects to which I referred in the statement. The object that was reported over Longreach was sighted at exactly the same time that a DC8 aircraft was passing over that town. Showers of meteors have also been sighted over Longreach in similar circumstances. I very much doubt whether the objects were anything other than what we believe them to be. As I stated in my reply to the question asked by the Honourable member for Batman, if the Honourable member for Herbery thinks that we should devote all the resources of the Royal Australian Air force to operating radar stations around our north instead of getting on with the job of meeting what we regard as a first priority, he will have to think again." (9)
Comment:
An interesting statement "...I said that we cannot state positively that these were not enemy aircraft." What enemy is being referred to?
The unidentified rate is back at 3% again.
(10) 20 August 1964
"Unidentified aircraft
Senator McClelland asked the Minister representing the Minster for Air, upon notice:-
How many reports have been received this year of unidentified aircraft flying in Australian air space?
From which areas have the reports been received?
Has radar equipment been available in the areas concerned to spot such aircraft were instructions given to Australian Air Force personnel to identify and/or intercept such aircraft; if not, why not?
Senator Wade-The Minister for Air has supplied the following answers:
Six reports.
One case from Mangoora, Northern Territory; two from Cocos Islands; two from Longreach, Queensland; and one from Barrow island off Western Australia.
No.
All reports were evaluated and where necessary the Royal Australian Air Force unit nearest the area of the reported sighting was instructed to investigate. In each case a logical explanation followed." (10)
Comment:
- This heading is about unidentified aircraft not specifically UFOs
- A check of RAAF files reveals only one of the locations mentioned. Longreach in Queensland was the location of a UFO report on 23 July 1964.
(11) 24 November 1965
"Unidentified flying objects
Mr L R Johnson asked the minister for Air upon notice-
- 1 What records are kept regarding reported sightings of flying saucers and other unidentified flying objects?
- 2 Does the Royal Australian Air Force or any other government authority investigate reported sightings. If so, how many sightings have been investigated over each of the last five years?
- 3 Have R.A.A.F. personnel or civil aviation personnel reported sightings over the last five years; if so, what are the details?
- 4 Does Australian consult with other countries regarding the sighting of unidentified flying objects?
- 5 If so, when and where have the conferences been held, what countries have been involved in the discussions, and what findings have resulted?
- 6 From evidence available, is it reasonable to speculate that some unidentified flying objects originate from other (a) countries or (b) planets?
Mr Howson-The answers to the honourable member's questions are as follows:-
- 1. Persons reporting unusual aerial sightings complete a form entitled "Report on Aerial Object Observed." If possible, this report is completed in the presence of a RAAF officer in order that the best possible information can be obtained. After examination and evaluation, these reports are filed in the Department of Air.
- 2. Yes, the RAAF Sightings reported and examined since 1960 are-
1960.................... 20
1961.................... 14
1962.................... 26
1963.................... 17
1964.................... 17
1965 (up to mid Sept) 46
The increase in 1965 can be explained by a spate of reports from Tasmania and Papua and New Guinea arising from a flurry of public interest.
- 3. Yes. Fifteen reports of unidentified flying objects have been submitted by RAAF or civil aviation personnel from 1960 to September 1965. The majority of these were assessed as being caused by meteors.
- 4. Yes.
- 5. Consultations occur with other countries as necessary in relation to the examination of these reports. My department receives advice from other countries about their investigations of unidentified flying objects through its overseas offices.
- 6. No." (11)
Comment:
A count of the raw reports on the relevant RAAF 580/1/1 series files reveals the following numbers for cases
- 1960...20
1961...16
1962...23
1963...18
1964...16
1965...37
(12) 4 June 1968
"Unidentified flying objects
Mr Stokes-I ask the minister for Air a question which relates to representations which I have made to him on behalf of the Commonwealth Aerial Phenomena Investigation Organisation, requesting a government grant to assist with research into unidentified flying objects. Has the Minister seen recent press reports of sightings of unidentified flying objects in the Wonthaggi district of Victoria? Is he in a position to say whether some Commonwealth assistance in this matter may be expected?
Mr Freeth--I have acknowledged receipt from the honourable member on representations seeking Commonwealth assistance in the investigation of reports of unidentified flying objects. This matter is being considered. I cannot undertake to give the honourable member very great encouragement, because as far as government are concerned, no precise determination has ever been made as to where science fiction begins in relation to reports of unidentified flying objects or to what extent the reports are related to reality.
Mr Stokes--The United States of America is making investigations.
Mr Freeth--I know that far more intensified investigation of this matter is proceeding in the United States. I hope to be able to give the honourable gentleman a reply to his representation in the near future.’ (12)
Comment:
- "sightings of unidentified flying objects in the Wonthaggi district of Victoria" We have been unable to locate such cases in the RAAF sightings files
- 554/1/30 part 2 folio 10 contains a copy of this q and a.
Beyond 1968
On the 10 October 1984 Sen TheHon. G J Evans, Attorney General, in response to a question from Sen. G N Jones, in a question without notice stated:
"Unidentified Flying Objects: Cunnamulla
Senator Jones-Has the attention of the Minister representing the Minister for Defence been drawn to a Press report last week in the Brisbane Daily Sun of an unidentified flying object terrorising people in the Cunnamulla area of outback Queensland? It was not the National Party. Is he aware that a number of Cunnamulla women who were playing golf at the time were startled by a loud explosion and the sight of what appeared to be a delta-winged aircraft in the distance, a view that was confirmed by 25 trail bike riders? There was a further report of great vapour clouds and violent shaking homesteads. Will the Minister indicate whether the Royal Australian Air Force was operating any delta-winged aircraft in the Cunnamulla area at the time or whether similar reported sightings of UFOs in that area have been received?
Senator Gareth Evans--The Minister for Defence has been advised that there were no delta-winged RAAF aircraft in the Cunnamulla area at the time and that there have been no reports to the RAAF of such a sighting. The only suggestion of which the Minister for Defence is aware is that it may have been Beryl flying off course." (13)
David also found the following Parliamentary "Question on notice" from 1996 on the Federal Government Parliament web site:
Question 835 from Mrs Johnston on 2 December 1996, responded to by Peter McGauran, MP, Gippsland, Science and Technology.
- "Mrs Johnston asked the Minister for Science, Industry, and Technology, upon notice on 17 October 1996:
(1) How many reports of unidentified flying objects have been received by the Minister's Department and agencies under the Minster's control in each year since 1994.
(2) Are the reports investigated; if so, (a) how and (b) by whom.
(3) How many of the reports have not been explained by natural or human activity."
- Mr McGauran-The answer to the honourable member's questions is as follows:
(1) There have been no reports of unidentified flying objects (UFO) received by the Department of Industry, Science and Tourism (DIST) in the years since 1994. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) receives approximately 30 UFO reports per year.
(2) Neither CSIRO or any other agency in my portfolio undertakes any investigation of UFO reports.
(3) Many of the CSIRO UFO reports received lack sufficient detail upon which to base a definitive scientific investigation; nevertheless the great majority could be reasonably interpreted as being consistent with observations of natural phenomena or human activity." (14)
Question 836 from Ricky Johnston, MP Canning responded to by Ian McLachlan, MP Barker, Defence on 18 November 1996:
"Mrs Johnston asked the Minister for Defence , upon notice on 17 October 1996:
- (1) How many reports of unidentified flying objects have been received by the Minister's Department and agencies under the Minster's control in each year since 1994.
(2) Are the reports investigated; if so, (a) how and (b) by whom.
(3) How many of the reports have not been explained by natural or human activity."
Mr McLachlan-The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:
- (1) The Australian Defence Force (ADF) ceased recording and investigating sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in December 1993. Members of the community seeking to make reports to the ADF are referred to a number of civilian UFO research organisations (presently these number 11, including two national organisations.) I have provided the honourable member with a list of these organisations.
(2) & (3) I am not aware of the subsequent handling of reports by the civilian UFO research organisations. (15)
Question 837
Mrs Johnston asked the Minister for Transport and Regional Development, upon notice on 17 October 1996:
- (1) How many reports of unidentified flying objects have been received by the Minister's Department and agencies under the Minster's control in each year since 1994.
(2) Are the reports investigated; if so, (a) how and (b) by whom.
(3) How many of the reports have not been explained by natural or human activity."
Mr Sharp-The answers to the honourable member's question is as follows:
(1) Nil
(2) Not applicable
(3) Not applicable."(16)
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References
(1)Australia, House of Representatives 1952, Debates, Senate and House of Representatives -- 1 Eliz II in three volumes, p223.
(2) Australia, House of Representative 1953, Debates, vol H of R2 (new series), p364.
(3) Australia, House of Representatives 1959, Debates, vol H of R2 (new series), p2990.
(4) Australia, House of Representatives 1960, Debates, Vols H of R 28 &29 (new series), p1987.
(5) Australia, Senate 1960, Debates, vol S 18 (new series), p1110.
(6) Australia, House of Representatives 1960, Debates, vol H of R 29 (new series), p2208.
(7) Australia, Senate 1963, Debates, vol S23 (news series), pp794-795.
(8) Australia, House of Representatives 1964, Debates, vol H of R 43 & 44 (new series), p18.
(9) Australia, House of Representatives 1964, Debates, vol H of R 43 & 44 (new series), p19.
(10) Australia, Senate 1964, Debates, vols S 26 & 27 (new series), pp153-154.
(11) Australia, House of Representatives 1965, Debates, vol H of R 49 (new series), p 3163.
(12) Australia, House of Representatives 1968, Debates, vol H of R 59, p1888.
(14) http://parlinfoweb.aph.gov.au/plweb/view_document.aspx?id=33922&table=HANSARD of 23 Feb 2004.
(15) http://parlinfoweb.aph.gov.au/plweb/view_document.aspx?id=49958&table=HANSARD of 23 Feb 2004.
(13 http://parlinfoweb.aph.gov.au/plweb/view_document.aspx?id=180246&table=HANSARD of 23 Feb 2004.
(16) http://demos.anu.edu.au:7007/cgibin/passtimepub/article.pl?dir=years/1996/nov/18/hansard/reps&cart+141
Other Project research on files
(1) ---- Parts 21-26 of the RAAF sightings file series 580/1/1 have been digitised on the NAA website (www.naa.gov.au) and are available for anyone to look at. The Project has commenced work on summarising these and preparing lists of sightings.
(2) ---- The 1953 Downer file (A705, 159/2/304) has been digitised on the NAA website.
(3) ---- The mystery of why the Women's Royal Australian Army Corps should apparently have a file on UFOs has been solved. File PP580/1 control symbol R372/1/2 date range 1972-1975 titled "Fire services-general UFO [WRAAC-14th Women's Royal Australian Army Corps]" The Perth office of the NAA recently advised the Project that the "UFO" in this title did not stand for "unidentified flying objects" but "Unit fire orders." They are altering their file title to avoid future UFO related queries on this file.
(4) ---- Part 3 of the Amberley RAAF base's file series J63 5/40/air has just appeared on the NAA Recordsearch. Date range 1974-1979 the Project has asked for it to be examined for release.
(5) ---- File PP959/1 5/3/air, date range 1966-1971 titled "[Western Australian Squadron Air Training Corps] Investigation of Unidentified flying objects" has just been digitised on the NAA web site following a request by the project. Disappointingly, the file simply consists of copies of RAAF UAS summaries.
(6) ---- File PP956/1 control symbol 45/38 titled "Observations-general by outside authorities (including UFO) (Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology]" has been opened at our request and a copy ordered by the Project.
(7) ---- It is truly amazing what can be found on the Internet! An idle inquiry using the words "Woomera" and "UFO" brought up a UFO record in the University of Adelaide's archives! In 1954 the Acting Chief Superintendent Woomera sent a copy of a UFO report to Adelaide University. The Project sent a request to the University archives for a copy of the record, and promptly received back a three page document. It was a copy of the "dancing light" report of 21 October 1954 which we had previously found on file D174 control symbol SA5281 located at the Adelaide Office of the NAA. The University had kept this correspondence for 51 years!
(8) ---- A9755 Part 10, recently appeared in RecordSearch. The Project asked the NAA for it to be examined. The NAA advised that the date range meant it remains closed and unavailable to us.
(9) ---- Some files take quite a while to be examined for release. E1327, 5/4/Air part 1 "Unusual Sightings-incidents" and E 1327, 5/3/Air part 1 "Maritime and air incidents/contacts" are such examples. It took from March 2004 until May 2005 for the files to be examined and released to us. Hard copies of these are now on their way to us.
(10) ---- "Operation Paperclip" was the codename for a Project to relocate German scientists to the USA after World War 2. The Project wondered if any such similar operation occurred to relocate German scientists to Australia, possibly to work at Woomera on Defence projects. Recently a file was received by the Project. It was MP1038/2, drawer 2/26, date range 1948-1951 titled "Shadow organisation-Top secret German." This file confirmed that yes indeed there were discussions between the Australian and British Governments about relocating some German scientists to Australia! Whether or not any were involved at Woomera remains unclear. File D1915, SA 16636 "List of German scientists in Australia" is held in the Adelaide Office of the NAA. Arrangements are being made to view the file.
(11) ---- Action from the NAA is still awaited on files:
- A6826, 136/1/1-3, "Earth satellites, space vehicles and UFOs-general"
- J63, 5/40/air part 3 "Reports on UFOs"
- MT1131/1, A31/1/102 "Request for information flying objects"
- E1327, 5/4/air part 6/7 "Unusual sightings and incidents"
- MP1279, 99/1/478 "Operation of foreign and/or unidentified aircraft over or in the vicinity of Australia and territories."
Lobbying the Government
Way back in June 2003 in the very first Newsletter, eight Project "action" items were listed. Item eight on that list was "The Federal Government is lobbied to fully and openly reveal the extent of its knowledge of the UFO phenomenon."
Can the project gain any insight from these Parliamentary questions and answers (q & a) as to how best to lobby the Federal Government?
An examination of the q and a between 1952 and 1968 reveals that it was often recent UFO sightings which generated the questions e.g.
- 13/8/52 "...the number of flying saucers that are alleged to have been seen..."
- 24/11/59 "...reports of recent sightings of mystery objects in the skies of Papua and New Guinea..."
- 20/10/60 "...an object seen at Cressy..."
- 11/8/64 "In view of report of unidentified Flying Objects flying over North Queensland and northern Australia"
So, one generator of past Parliamentary q and a has been a high profile UFO report or series of reports. High profile reports are seemingly, much rarer these days. Therefore, it is unlikely that a modern day MP or Senator is going to raise a question in parliament in this way.
Another reason q and a were asked in the past was by an MP asking for information from the official Government UFO agency, namely the Department of Air. However, today there is no longer any Government Agency which accepts reports of UFOs. It is therefore likely that any question which was asked today would receive the same answer as the 1996 series by Mrs Johnston.
In summary, it is difficult to see how UFO groups might collectively seek to have any MP or Senator raise a future question re UFOs in Federal Parliament. Naturally, the Project would be pleased to receive suggestions as to how this could actually be achieved.
The $64,000 question
Getting away from having a question about the Government's knowledge of UFOs raised in Parliament, how else could the Government be lobbied to fully and openly reveal the extent of its knowledge of the UFO phenomenon? The Project welcomes your views on how this might be achieved. You can contact us:
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