Anomalies - No 04 - October 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: Anomalies
Issue: 4
Date: October 1998
Publisher: L'Observatoire des Parasciences

This issue of Anomalies focuses heavily on the Roswell incident, presenting a dossier that aims to 'put an end to Roswell.' It also features an in-depth interview with Jacques Vallée, discussing cults, UFOs, and societal trends, as well as an analysis of the official Air Force report on Roswell.

Dossier: Putting an End to Roswell

The main dossier tackles the Roswell incident, featuring an investigation by Kent Jeffrey, described as a respected UFO specialist. Jeffrey's conclusion is that no saucer crashed at Roswell and that no cosmic Watergate is underway to cover up the facts. The debris, he states, were from a Project Mogul balloon, a conclusion consistent with the 1994 Air Force report. This stance has made Jeffrey a target for conspiracy theorists. The dossier includes articles on the 'corpse film' (Tempête de sable sur Roswell), the official US Air Force investigation (Les nouvelles révélations de l'Air Force), and the alleged cover-up of plane accidents (Et l'Air Force effaça toutes les traces du crash...). It also examines the Roswell autopsy myth (document Roswell: l'autopsie d'un mythe) and disappearances related to the phenomenon (Disparitions de Steve Schiff et du colonel Corso).

The Air Force's Official Explanation

Barry Greenwood analyzes the second Air Force report on Roswell, which addresses the alleged alien bodies. The report suggests that sightings of 'bodies' were likely misinterpretations of anthropomorphic mannequins used in high-altitude parachute tests in the 1950s. The report argues that witness memories from 1947 may have become conflated with events from later years, particularly the parachute tests which began in 1953. The Air Force posits that the 'disappearing nurse' mentioned by witness Glenn Dennis never existed, a conclusion reached by researcher Paul McCarthy. The report acknowledges that the Roswell incident, though officially explained, has become a modern myth that resists rational explanation.

The 'Corpse Film' and its Investigation

Nicolas Maillard recounts his investigation into the alleged autopsy film of an extraterrestrial from Roswell. He details how the film was sold by producer Ray Santilli, who provided a story about its origin involving a former Air Force cameraman named Jack Barnett. Maillard's investigation revealed that Barnett existed but was not affiliated with the Air Force and had died in 1967. The investigation into the film's complex production history, involving multiple companies and individuals, remained inconclusive, but Maillard demonstrated that the film was a fabrication.

The Second Autopsy Film

The issue also mentions a second, less-publicized autopsy film, reportedly shot under a tent and deemed unusable by Santilli. This film was allegedly made by Keith Bateman and Andy Price Watts.

Interview with Jacques Vallée

Jacques Vallée discusses his reaction to the Heaven's Gate suicides, expressing anger at himself for not doing more to warn people and at his colleagues for dismissing his earlier concerns about such groups. He explains that Heaven's Gate was part of a broader belief system where people seek to escape the complexities of modern life and technology. Vallée criticizes the 'business' of alien abductions, where ufologists use hypnotic regression to implant fantasies into subjects, making real study impossible. He notes that many people are ready to believe anything due to a lack of scientific understanding and the rapid advancement of technology.

Vallée argues that the current societal climate, marked by a blurring of lines between fact and fantasy, creates a market for fraud in parapsychology and ufology, and opens the door to extremist religious and spiritual movements. He points out that Heaven's Gate, despite its 25-year history, linked itself to contemporary themes of conspiracy and distant vision found online, suggesting a resonance with the public's confusion.

He elaborates on the evolution of Heaven's Gate, explaining that after the death of Bonnie Nettles and her failure to resurrect, Applewhite altered the doctrine to emphasize leaving the body behind, leading to the group's suicidal conclusion. Vallée believes that the group's members were not initially fanatics but were susceptible to manipulation and the search for meaning.

Vallée also touches upon the role of the internet, suggesting it will lead to new forms of spirituality and entities that exist solely online. He expresses concern about the potential for people to abandon critical thinking and for technology to create a sense of discontinuity with the past, leading some to seek radical solutions like suicide.

He criticizes the lack of critical inquiry in ufology and parapsychology, where people accept belief systems wholesale without questioning. He uses the example of the 'fireballs' explanation for UFOs and the current use of mannequins as a denial tactic by the Air Force. Vallée believes that the Roswell incident, like other UFO phenomena, has become a myth that resists rational explanation, driven by a societal need for extraordinary experiences.

Other Articles

The Sturrock Report

The issue briefly mentions the Sturrock Report from Stanford University, which concluded that some UFO observations are accompanied by physical traces deserving scientific study, but did not imply extraterrestrial intelligence.

The "Magic Magazines"

A section on magazines highlights 'Science & Frontières,' a publication that covers public health issues, scientific problems, and the paranormal, featuring articles on topics like the Turin Shroud and UFOs.

Falsification: A Propos of a Attempt to Legitimize Negationist Theories

Pierre Lagrange analyzes 'Akribeia,' a review founded by Jean Plantin, which he accuses of attempting to legitimize negationist theories (denying the Holocaust) by misrepresenting and co-opting research on contemporary myths and legends. Lagrange details how Plantin deceived researchers and publishers to use their work for his agenda, highlighting the manipulative nature of 'Akribeia' as a propaganda tool for a monstrous ideology.

Images: The New Face of Mars

This section discusses the 'Face on Mars' phenomenon, explaining that recent high-resolution images from the Mars Global Surveyor have revealed the 'face' to be an optical illusion caused by shadows and low image resolution from the 1976 Viking mission.

L'IMI Gets a Makeover

An announcement about the revitalization of the Institut Métapsychique International (IMI), founded in 1919, with a new board and a focus on parapsychology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that challenge conventional scientific or societal understanding, including UFOs, paranormal events, cults, and historical mysteries. There is a strong emphasis on critical analysis and debunking hoaxes or misinterpretations, as seen in the detailed investigations of the Roswell incident and the alleged autopsy film. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards simplistic explanations and conspiracy theories, while remaining open to rigorous scientific inquiry into unexplained phenomena. The interview with Jacques Vallée highlights a concern with the spread of misinformation and the societal impact of embracing unverified beliefs, particularly in the context of ufology and cults. The critique of negationism underscores a commitment to historical accuracy and a rejection of ideological manipulation.

This issue of The New York Times, dated Wednesday, June 25, 1997, features a prominent cover story titled 'Il fut le tout premier observateur...' focusing on Kenneth Arnold and the origins of ufology. The issue also includes extensive coverage of the Roswell incident, presenting a critical analysis that debunks the popular UFO crash narrative.

The Roswell Report: A Critical Examination

The lead article, 'Le 2 rapport nie l'affaire de l'US Air Force sur le crash de Roswell,' discusses the implications of the second Air Force report on the Roswell incident. It highlights that the report, released on June 24, 1997, reiterates the official explanation that the event involved crash dummies and spy balloons, not an extraterrestrial craft. The article notes that the Air Force's handling of the incident's public relations was considered a 'monumental military blunder' by some officers.

The Air Force's Public Relations Fiasco

An officer named David Shea, who analyzed the public relations failures of the Air Force in 1972, is mentioned. The article suggests that the military has not learned from past mistakes, referencing the 1997 press conference as evidence.

Identification of Aircraft

A section titled 'IDENTIFICATION DES AERONEFS: TABLEAU OFFICIEL DE L'US AIR FORCE' presents official US Air Force classifications for various flying objects, including 'BALLON-SONDE' (weather balloon) and 'FEU FOLLET' (will-o'-the-wisp), implying these were the explanations for some sightings.

'And the Air Force Erased All Traces of the Crash...'

This section, 'Les sites d'accidents d'avions et ce qu'ils nous apprennent sur Roswell,' by Curtis Pebbles, uses the analysis of conventional aircraft crash sites to draw parallels with the Roswell incident. Pebbles argues that even after fifty years, traces of terrestrial crashes remain, questioning the idea that an extraterrestrial craft could be completely erased.

Two Crash Sites

Pebbles details his investigation of two aircraft crash sites: a YB-49 prototype that crashed in 1948 and a B-1A prototype that crashed in 1984. He describes the physical evidence left at these sites, such as burnt ground, metal fragments, and melted aluminum, contrasting this with the lack of definitive physical evidence attributed to the Roswell crash.

The Unrecoverable Crash

This part discusses a B-36 bomber incident in 1957 where a MK-17 nuclear bomb was dropped, creating a large crater and scattering debris. It emphasizes that even with highly explosive materials, complete recovery of all debris is virtually impossible, suggesting that a truly secret crash would leave some trace.

Searching for the Unfindable Crash

Pebbles discusses the difficulties in locating crash sites, even with precise descriptions. He recounts his own experience searching for the crash site of a ZEL (Zero Length Launcher) test vehicle, highlighting how challenging it can be to pinpoint the exact location.

The ZEL Crash Site

An example is given of a F-100 aircraft that crashed after a booster malfunction. Despite initial descriptions, finding the exact impact site proved difficult, illustrating the challenges of site recovery.

The Roswell Site

Merlin and his team searched the Roswell area based on descriptions but found no definitive evidence. The article notes that the Roswell site, unlike others, had not been extensively documented photographically.

Roswell: Autopsy of a Myth

This article by Kent Jeffrey, a former pilot, presents a historical perspective on the Roswell incident, arguing that it is a myth. Jeffrey, who was involved in the 'Roswell Declaration' project, reveals the results of his investigation.

The 'Roswell Declaration'

Jeffrey explains that the IRI (International Roswell Initiative) aims to declassify government information on UFOs. He addresses a letter from a student named Lauren M. who believes in aliens and Roswell.

Misleading Information

Jeffrey criticizes books and documentaries that promote the UFO crash theory, citing misleading information and selective presentation of facts. He disputes claims of numerous witnesses, suggesting that the number of credible witnesses is far smaller than often portrayed.

The Case of the 'Eight Witnesses'

Jeffrey recounts his experience with a ufologist who claimed eight secret witnesses saw alien bodies. His attempt to verify this through lawyers proved fruitless, as only one witness came forward, and their story was later discredited.

The Roswell Incident: A New Scam?

This section critiques the book 'The Day After Roswell,' written by a retired officer, which claimed to reveal secrets about the Roswell crash and the alleged reverse-engineering of alien technology. Senator Strom Thurmond, who wrote the preface, later disavowed it, stating he was misled about the book's content.

The Witnesses

This part focuses on the testimony of Jesse Marcel Jr., son of Major Jesse Marcel, who was involved in the recovery of debris. Pebbles recounts his interview with Dr. Neil Hibler, a hypnotist, to help Marcel Jr. recall details about the debris.

Hypnosis and Memory

Hypnosis sessions with Jesse Marcel Jr. did not reveal any extraordinary details about the debris, suggesting that his memories were consistent with terrestrial objects. Pebbles concludes that the debris was not extraterrestrial.

The Significance of Roswell

The article posits that the Roswell incident has become a cultural phenomenon, a quest for meaning and wonder in a world perceived as lacking them.

The Missing Adhesive

Irving Newton, a weather officer at Fort Worth, identified the Roswell debris as belonging to a radar target (ML-307). Newton's recollection of symbols on a wooden stick, not on adhesive tape, contradicts some accounts and supports the idea that the debris was terrestrial.

A Remarkable Resemblance

A drawing made by an illustrator based on Jesse Marcel Jr.'s description closely matched Newton's recollection of the symbols on the debris, further supporting the terrestrial origin.

The Alleged Substitution

Photographs of the Roswell debris taken in General Ramey's office are examined. The article argues that these photos show the actual debris, not a substitution, and that it is consistent with a radar target.

The Guardians of the Hangar

This section introduces Walter Klinikowski, a former B-29 navigator and later part of the Foreign Technology Division (FTD) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. His involvement is significant due to his position in intelligence and his access to information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for a rational and evidence-based approach to the Roswell incident, debunking the UFO crash narrative. It emphasizes the importance of official documents, scientific analysis, and critical examination of witness testimonies. The editorial stance is clearly against the popular myth of an extraterrestrial crash, attributing the phenomenon to misinterpretations, psychological factors, and a desire for extraordinary explanations. The articles highlight the role of conventional technology, such as weather balloons and radar targets, in explaining some sightings, and critique the sensationalism and lack of credible evidence supporting the UFO crash theory.

This issue of Anomalies magazine, titled 'spécial roswell' and identified as issue number 4, published in January 1998, focuses heavily on debunking the Roswell UFO incident. The cover prominently features the headline 'Disparition du sénateur Steve Schiff' and a special section on Roswell.

The Roswell Incident Debunked

The lead article presents a strong case against the Roswell UFO crash narrative, citing interviews with three former high-ranking officers from the Foreign Technology Division (FTD) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base: Walter Klinikowski, Walter Vatunac, and George Weinbrenner. All three unequivocally state that no alien spacecraft or bodies were ever brought to Wright-Patterson. Klinikowski, who served as Director of Foreign Activities, and Vatunac, former Director of Intelligence Collections, both found the idea of alien bodies and secret hangars to be mere rumors. Weinbrenner, who commanded the FTD for six years, also dismissed the story, stating he would have known if such an event had occurred. The author emphasizes his trust in the sincerity of these men, questioning the logic of a prolonged cover-up involving them.

The article argues that the Roswell incident has been a 'false trail,' diverting attention from the real UFO phenomenon. It challenges proponents of the crash theory to explain how ordinary debris, described as small rods, metallic foil-like sheets, and light plastic-like material, could constitute an alien spacecraft. It also highlights the coincidence that these debris closely resembled those of a radar target suspended from balloons, which disappeared in the same region weeks earlier. Furthermore, it points out the lack of discussion about the alleged crash among the 509th Bomb Group pilots and navigators, despite the widespread news of the event.

Senator Steve Schiff's Investigation

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to Senator Steve Schiff, who represented New Mexico's 1st district and passed away from skin cancer on March 25th. Schiff was instrumental in initiating the General Accounting Office (GAO) investigation into the Roswell affair in early 1994, prompted by constituents' concerns and the Air Force's evasive responses. While the GAO found no conclusive evidence, its inquiry led the Air Force to be more transparent. Schiff expressed satisfaction with the investigation's outcome and, after being briefed by private investigator Karl Pflock, leaned towards the explanation that the debris found in 1947 were likely from balloons used in the top-secret Project Mogul, designed to spy on Soviet nuclear progress. He stated, 'From a personal point of view, I would tend to look for a down-to-earth explanation.' He also noted that the GAO informally learned that relevant archives had been destroyed 40 years prior, regretting the loss of potential explanations.

Other Articles and Reviews

The UFO Phenomenon and Science Fiction: The magazine explores the connection between science fiction and UFO sightings, referencing works like 'Saucer Attack!' by Eric and Leif Nesheim, which examines pulp magazine covers and their cultural context. The article 'SV-SF: nouvelles questions' by an anonymous reader questions Michel Meurger's thesis that UFO sightings are solely a product of science fiction, arguing that the influence of pulp magazines on the general public in the 1940s is not definitively proven and that other factors, like the Cold War and McCarthyism, may have played a role. The reader also suggests a distinction between UFO observation reports and abduction accounts obtained under hypnosis, with the latter requiring a broader psychological and folkloric perspective.

• Book and Website Reviews: Several books and websites related to ufology are reviewed:
• 'Le syndrome des faux souvenirs' by Elisabeth Loftus and Katherine Ketcham is discussed in relation to the controversy surrounding recovered memories and satanic ritual abuse.
• 'La Sorcière du marais' by Theodore Sturgeon, a collection of short stories, is highlighted for its inclusion of UFO-themed narratives.
• 'Le Signe du Linceul' by Odile Célier analyzes the controversy surrounding the Shroud of Turin.
• 'FBI Dossier UFO' by Paolo Toselli is reviewed as a balanced summary of the FBI's involvement with UFO cases.
• 'Diccionario Temático de Ufología' by Matías Morey Ripoll is praised as a comprehensive thematic dictionary of ufology.
• The magazine also promotes its own 'Catalogue martien' of used paranormal books and journals.

Government Archives: The issue directs readers to online resources for declassified UFO documents from the NSA, FBI, and CIA, noting that these agencies have released numerous files related to UFO sightings and investigations.

Publisher's Notes: The magazine includes contact information for the 'Observatoire des Parasciences' and its publications, along with a strict note regarding copyright and unauthorized online distribution of the digital version.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of the Roswell incident, the debunking of UFO crash narratives through official testimony, the influence of science fiction on UFO beliefs, and the importance of government transparency regarding UFO investigations. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of the more sensational UFO claims, favoring evidence-based analysis and historical research, while acknowledging the enduring mystery and cultural impact of the UFO phenomenon. The magazine encourages rational debate and critical thinking.