A s the International Director of the Mutual UFO Network
(MUFON), the world's largest and most geographically
widespread independent UFO research organization, I am
aware, perhaps more than most, that the UFO phenomenon
is a truly global one. Unidentified Flying Objects are
experienced by people all over the world and the World Atlas of
UFO's shows this continent by continent.
The World Atlas of UFO's also highlights areas of large
countries - remote or less technological countries - where
UFO's are rarely reported. It becomes apparent that UFO
reporting is confined to those areas that have UFO investigators
to whom these events can be reported. Those of us involved in
the study of this phenomenon are convinced that if there were
more people to whom sightings could be reported, then more
cases deserving of serious study would reach UFO researchers.
During my twenty years at MUFON I have determined at
least two important things: first, that the UFO subject is serious
and deserves to be treated with greater respect by scientists,
world governments and the public than it presently is; second,
that this subject is bringing people together across the world, and
in a way that brings out their best talents. Thousands of people
are donating hundreds of hours per year without fmancial
compensation to helping those who do not seem to understand
their own experiences or who may be unwilling victims of
traumatic experiences.
The annual MUFON International UFO Symposium attracts
hundreds of people from all over the world who come together in
a spirit of joint endeavour· that breaks down international
boundaries. Both the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) and the
British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) are organizations
to which the author and many of the contributors belong. They
have a stated objective to educate the public in a responsible and
authoritative manner, to encourage other groups and organizations
around the world to share their work, and to proceed
towards a solution to this intriguing and mysterious subject. This
book is part of that process.