Anomalies - No 03 - April May June 1997

Magazine Overview

Anomalies n° 3, published in the second quarter of 1997, is a French magazine dedicated to parasciences, including UFOs, the paranormal, mysterious animals, and fantastic archaeology. This issue features a special dossier on the origins of flying saucers, interviews, and articles on various unexplained phenomena.

Special Dossier: The True Origin of Saucers

The cover story delves into the origins of the flying saucer phenomenon, highlighting the historical significance of Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. The article posits that Roswell had less impact in the summer of 1947 than Arnold's observation, which was widely covered by the media. It credits Bill Bequette with coining the term 'flying saucer' and includes an interview with him. The dossier also features the first radio interview of Kenneth Arnold, recorded in Pendleton, and an account from Richard Baxter, who heard Arnold's story shortly after his sighting.

Television and Film Reviews

Dark Skies: Clone of X-Files?

The "Téloche" section reviews the TV series 'Dark Skies', describing it as a blend of 'The Fugitive' and 'The Invaders'. The series follows John Loengard and Kimberly Sayers as they uncover the secret organization Majestic-12, which combats extraterrestrials. The review notes the show's paranoid tone and its focus on extraterrestrial threats, contrasting it with 'The X-Files' by stating that 'Dark Skies' reveals more and focuses specifically on aliens, whereas 'The X-Files' covers broader paranormal topics. The article mentions the show's cancellation after its first season due to low ratings.

Contact

The "Cinoche" section reviews the film 'Contact', based on Carl Sagan's novel. It describes the plot of a scientist, Dr. Ellie Arroway, who detects a mysterious signal from the star Vega, leading to the construction of a giant machine. The review praises the film's realistic approach to the subject matter and Jodie Foster's performance. It also touches upon the film's production history, including Francis Ford Coppola's claim to paternity and Bill Clinton's appearance.

Book and Magazine Reviews

Censored... but re-edited...

This section discusses the re-edition of 'Le Livre des Damnés' by Charles Fort, noting its previous unavailability. It also mentions an article by H. Prémont in 'Écrire aujourd'hui' about the book 'Enquête sur les enlèvements extraterrestres' by M.-T. de Brosses, which was allegedly boycotted by the media.

Limousin Magazine: The Magical Magazines

The "Édition - Kiosque" section reviews the final issue of 'Limousin Magazine's' 'Spécial Mystères' series. Despite the magazine's closure due to financial problems, the issue is praised for its dynamic layout, interesting subjects, and intelligent treatment of parasciences.

Columns and Briefs

J.-P. Petit throws in the towel

Jean-Pierre Petit, author of 'Enquête sur les extraterrestres' and 'Le Mystère des Ummites', has decided to stop commenting on the Ummo issue, citing a desire for total silence. He expresses frustration with how the topic has been misunderstood.

Ummoristic plagiarism

This brief note points out a curious detail in a text about the Ummites, mentioning a reference to a page in 'Le Figaro' from January 15, 1886, which features a strange symbol and a quote attributed to Guy de Maupassant.

Animal Magnetism

This section announces the upcoming publication of Bertrand Méheust's thesis on animal magnetism, a topic related to somnambulism and hypnosis.

Cryptozoology

On the Trail of the Abominable Snowman

This article discusses the case of a hominid-like corpse presented at a fair in Bourganeuf, France. The author questions whether it is a real specimen or a mannequin, noting similarities to the Hansen specimen studied by Bernard Heuvelmans decades earlier. The article details the presentation of the 'Yeti' and the owner's claims about its origin and preservation.

The Bourganeuf 'Monster'

This piece further investigates the Bourganeuf 'monster', presenting it in a glass coffin. The author expresses skepticism, suggesting it is likely a mannequin due to the conditions under which it was displayed. The article contrasts the specimen's appearance with that of a 4000-year-old mummy found in the Tyrolean ice, highlighting the questionable preservation of the 'Yeti'.

Hansen's Specimen...

This section draws parallels between the Bourganeuf case and the Hansen specimen, a purported Neanderthal found in the ice, studied by Bernard Heuvelmans in 1967. It recounts how Heuvelmans and Ivan Sanderson discovered the specimen in a traveling fair and were in the process of acquiring it when an unknown party purchased it.

Bigfoot: A Fake Film

Bernard Heuvelmans comments on the Bigfoot phenomenon, stating that while each case requires individual study, the famous Patterson film is a hoax. He points to the unnatural movement and the smooth sole of the creature's foot as evidence of a fabrication.

Archaeology

An Extraterrestrial Disneyland in Switzerland?

This article reports on Erich von Däniken's 'Project X', a plan to create an amusement park themed around ancient astronauts and UFOs. The park, to be located in Interlaken, Switzerland, would feature three-dimensional, interactive exhibits on unexplained phenomena. The project aims to attract half a million visitors annually and is expected to boost local tourism.

Parapsychology

Mistake at the CIA...

This section details a 1965 CIA report concerning Professor Rémy Chauvin of the University of Strasbourg. The report highlights Chauvin's work in parapsychology and his potential contributions, noting his research funding and his assistant, Henri Bulzer. However, the article reveals that Chauvin himself has no recollection of an assistant named Henri Bulzer and never received public funding for his research, suggesting the CIA report was inaccurate.

UFO Case File

Filmed Abduction Near Venice?

This article investigates the case of Linda Napolitano, comparing it to a potential abduction event near Venice, Italy. The witness, F.C., reported a UFO sighting and a possible abduction, with his video camera recording strange events, including a humanoid face and car malfunctions. An investigation involving a reconstruction of the event suggests the humanoid figure was three-dimensional and that the light source was intense. The case is considered significant due to the recorded evidence and the witness's subsequent fragmented memories.

Comics

Will Eisner: "We Need to Know That There Are Forces Beyond Us."

This section features an interview with legendary comic book artist Will Eisner, who discusses his early work on 'The Spirit' and its connection to UFO phenomena. Eisner reveals that his story 'Osom Bells' (later 'UFO') was inspired by newspaper clippings about the 1947 UFO wave, including the term 'flying saucer'. He discusses his interest in the idea of extraterrestrial life and humanity's readiness to accept such a possibility, likening it to a sociological study. Eisner also touches upon the success of 'Independence Day' and the human need for a 'great enemy' to foster unity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Anomalies consistently explores the intersection of science, mystery, and the unexplained. The magazine maintains a critical yet open-minded approach to topics like UFOs, cryptozoology, and parapsychology, presenting evidence, expert opinions, and witness accounts while encouraging readers to form their own conclusions. The editorial stance appears to favor in-depth investigation and a questioning of official narratives, as seen in the critiques of media coverage and the examination of alleged cover-ups.

This issue of Anomalies, titled 'cryptozoologie', focuses on two primary subjects: the alleged 'cadaver of a yeti' and the historical origins of UFO sightings, specifically Kenneth Arnold's 1947 encounter.

Biography of a Cadaver: The Yeti of Bourganeuf

The article details the story of a 'yeti cadaver' discovered in 1967 in the Ouztau glacier in Tibet by two sherpas. The body, described as a large, hairy biped covered in coarse, reddish-brown fur resembling that of a yak, was initially hidden by monks to prevent public curiosity. It was later discovered by Mongolian soldiers and eventually acquired by Alain Nault. Nault describes the specimen as belonging to the 'Chutrey' variety, capable of reaching three meters in height. He notes its peculiar anatomy, including a head seemingly fused to the shoulders, prominent brow ridges, sunken eyes, and a broad, flattened nose. The mouth is described as wide and thin-lipped, like a monkey's. The thorax is powerful and barrel-shaped, with large breasts in females. The fingers are long and capable of tearing yak hide, and the feet leave large tracks in the snow. The creature is said to inhabit the borderlands of spruce and rhododendron forests, being active at dawn or dusk and emitting guttural sounds when threatened. A law reportedly prohibits its killing, though sherpas fear its appearance as a bad omen.

The Hypotheses of Heuvelmans...

Cryptozoologist Bernard Heuvelmans, consulted on the case, initially dated the specimen as 'a few years old' and noted the freezing technique was artificial. He later suggested it might be a mannequin, possibly a copy of a second specimen created by 'Hansen'. Heuvelmans recounts the 1968 affair involving a specimen that he believed was initially authentic but later replaced by a mannequin. He posits that the Bourganeuf yeti might be a 'copy' of this latter specimen. Heuvelmans also mentions that the first Hansen specimen he observed had a strong odor of putrefaction, unlike the second. The article touches upon the possibility of the specimen being a 'hominid' rather than a yeti, and raises objections regarding its clandestine transport and preservation over thirty years.

The Yeti in Cinema

A brief filmography of films featuring the abominable snowman is provided, including 'The Dinosaur and the Missing Link' (1915) and 'The Snow Creature' (1954).

An X-File Prehistorique: The Hansen Specimen

This section delves into the complex and controversial 'Hansen specimen' case from 1968. It suggests a connection to drug trafficking from Vietnam to the USA, with soldiers allegedly using cadavers ('pharaohs') to smuggle heroin. The narrative implies that Hansen, possibly fearing exposure of this network, may have had the original specimen replaced by a mannequin. Two theories are presented: either Hansen defrosted the cadaver, modified it, and presented it as a fake, or he destroyed the original and replaced it with a mannequin to hide the illegal entry of the body into the USA. The article concludes that the truth remains elusive, with no absolute proof for either explanation.

A Prolonged Investigation...

This section poses further questions regarding the Bourganeuf specimen, assuming it is a mannequin. It questions its potential source of inspiration and fabrication methods. The author emphasizes the blurred line between tangible proof and pseudoscience, and how the creation of a fake can reveal much about our societal reasoning and information manipulation.

A Neanderthal from Vietnam?

Professor Helmut Loofs-Wissowa discusses the possibility of a 'hairy man' (not Homo sapiens) preserved in ice, originating from Vietnam, as proposed by Dr. Heuvelmans. He mentions receiving abundant correspondence about this individual, referred to as 'Nguoi Rung' in Vietnam. Research into this phenomenon has been undertaken by Vietnamese colleagues since 1974. The article notes legends and accounts of 'forest men' in Laos and Cambodia, but highlights the difficulty in distinguishing between factual accounts and folklore.

1947: The Document - The Interview of KWRC

This section presents the full transcript of the first radio interview with Kenneth Arnold, conducted by Ted Smith of KWRC radio in Pendleton, Oregon, on June 26, 1947. Arnold recounts his sighting of nine 'flying saucer-like' objects on June 24, 1947, while flying near Mount Rainier. He describes their unusual movement, speed, and shape, comparing them to 'saucers skipping across water'. He details his landing in Yakima and subsequent discussion with Al Baxter, and his arrival in Pendleton where he was met by journalists.

50th Anniversary: The Story Begins

This article traces the events leading up to Kenneth Arnold's report. It begins with an Associated Press dispatch from June 25, 1947, reporting Arnold's sighting of nine 'saucer-like aircraft' flying at incredible speed. The article details Arnold's flight path, his search for a missing marine plane, and his observation of the objects between Mount Rainier and Mount Adams. It highlights the initial disbelief and the subsequent media frenzy that coined the term 'flying saucers'. The article also touches upon the potential involvement of the FBI and the military in investigating the sightings.

1947: The Document - Bill Bequette's Account

Bill Bequette, the journalist who wrote the first press dispatch about Arnold's sighting, shares his recollections. He describes his brief initial encounter with Arnold and his decision to send the story to the Associated Press. Bequette notes the immediate widespread interest and the flood of calls from other newspapers. He reflects on the term 'flying saucer' and his role in its popularization, stating that Arnold described the movement, not the shape, as saucer-like. Bequette expresses his skepticism about UFOs but acknowledges the possibility of secret advanced aircraft.

1947: The Investigation

This section details the author's decade-long investigation into the Kenneth Arnold case and the origins of the 'flying saucer' phenomenon. It highlights the author's efforts to locate and interview key figures, including Marjorie Palmer (wife of Ray Palmer), Bill Bequette, and Captain E. J. Smith. The author discovered a rare radio interview of Kenneth Arnold from 1947 and obtained access to Arnold's personal archives. The article also discusses the military's response to the sightings, including Project Sign, Project Grudge, and Project Blue Book, and the eventual handover of the investigation to universities.

1947: The Investigation - French Studies of UFO Sightings

This article features an interview with Pierre Lagrange, a French graduate student studying the origins of UFO sightings. Lagrange discusses his research methodology, focusing on understanding how controversies begin rather than finding definitive answers. He notes the skepticism of French social scientists towards UFO phenomena and his own open-minded approach. Lagrange details his travels in the US, interviewing key figures and collecting documents. He also mentions his efforts to locate the aircraft Arnold flew and to understand the events of June 24, 1947. The article also touches upon the author's discovery of Richard Baxter's testimony and his encounter with a 94-year-old pilot.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are cryptozoology (specifically the yeti), the historical origins and media impact of UFO sightings, and the role of official investigations and public perception. The magazine adopts a stance of detailed historical reporting and investigative journalism, presenting various accounts, expert opinions, and theories without necessarily endorsing any single explanation. There is a clear emphasis on the early days of UFOlogy and the foundational events that shaped public understanding of the phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, acknowledging both the scientific and the more speculative aspects of these subjects.

This issue of 'militaria' (issue 3) focuses heavily on the legend of the Nazi V-7 flying saucer, exploring its origins, cultural impact, and the historical context surrounding its alleged development. The magazine also touches upon related topics such as alien abductions, cryptozoology, and the enduring mystery of Neanderthals.

The V-7 Flying Saucer: A Technological Legend

The main article, "Une soucoupe volante à croix gammée: actualité du V-7" (A flying saucer with a swastika: news of the V-7), by Joseph Altairac, delves into the fascinating story of the V-7. The author recounts how the V-7, depicted as a supersonic helicopter in the shape of a flying saucer, was popularized by comic books like Lob and Gigi in the magazine Pilote. This initial fascination was later reinforced by more serious works, such as David Masters' chapter "Project Saucer" in 'German Jet Genesis'.

Maya-Thérèse de Brosses' book 'Enquête sur les enlèvements extraterrestres' is also discussed, highlighting its detailed exploration of abduction cases and the researchers involved. The article contrasts the views of those who see aliens as malevolent with those who consider them benevolent, and examines the physical 'evidence' presented by abduction proponents.

The article traces the V-7 legend back to popular press articles, particularly in Germany from 1949 onwards, and notes its eventual association with occult groups and neo-Nazi propaganda. It highlights how the V-7's propulsion system evolved in these narratives from conventional jet engines to more esoteric concepts like the 'Thule-Tachionator'. The author emphasizes that the V-7's enduring appeal lies in its construction as a technological legend, deeply rooted in modern imagination.

Cryptozoology and the Search for Hidden Creatures

Another significant section of the magazine engages with cryptozoology. An article discusses the book 'Néandertal' by John Darnton, which posits the hypothesis that Neanderthals might still exist hidden in the Pamir Mountains. The review notes the author's knowledge of Neanderthal research and his exploration of themes like violence, primitive hordes, and the possibility of telepathic abilities in these beings.

A debate within cryptozoology is presented, with a reader contesting Pierre Lagrange's analysis of 'apocryphal zoology'. The reader defends the scientific basis of cryptozoology, citing the discovery of new species and the meticulous process of identification, while also acknowledging the role of folklore and indigenous knowledge.

Other Articles and Reviews

The issue also includes reviews of other books and publications:

• Henri Chaloupek's 'Les débuts de l'ufologie en France. Souvenirs d'un soucoupiste': This book recounts the early days of ufology in France during the 1950s and 1960s, detailing meetings, publications, and the pioneers of the field.
• Jean-Bruno Renard's study on the 'Mouvement Planète': This movement, active in the 1960s and early 1970s, is described as a blend of science fiction, esotericism, and historical enigmas.
• Robert Alessandri's 'Univers OVNI': This publication is presented as a new wave of ufology, with a critical approach to UFO phenomena, questioning sensationalist claims and focusing on factual analysis.
• 'Politica Hermetica': A review of issue 10 of this journal, which covers topics such as Satanism, the Rennes-le-Château saga, and prophetic expectations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of science fiction, historical speculation, and the paranormal. The magazine appears to adopt a critical yet open-minded stance towards these subjects, encouraging rigorous research and questioning sensationalist claims. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between legend and verifiable fact, particularly in the context of UFOs and secret weapons. The editorial stance seems to favor a detailed, analytical approach, inviting readers to engage with complex topics from multiple perspectives. The magazine also highlights the cultural context, particularly American culture, in shaping narratives around UFOs and abductions.