41 - BUFOI Magazine - No 41 - juillet-aout 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFOI
Issue: 41
Date: July-August 1976
Type: Magazine
Language: French
Country: Belgium

Editorial Stance and Purpose

The editorial section of BUFOI issue 41 sets a critical tone regarding the proliferation of self-proclaimed 'experts' in the field of ufology. It laments the superficiality of knowledge gained from a few articles or romanticized books, contrasting this with a genuine, objective pursuit of understanding. The magazine's purpose, as outlined in the "BUTS ET CHAMP D'ACTION" (Goals and Field of Action) section, is to inform the public about events concerning flying saucers, stemming from the International Get Acquainted Program (IGAP) founded by George Adamski in 1959. IGAP aims to reveal the truth about current events and foster an acceptance of humanity's cosmic citizenship. BUFOI intends to disseminate information globally, including news of interest that contributes to a broader understanding of what is happening in the world. The publication explicitly states it is not for political, religious, sectarian, or profit-driven purposes. It seeks to uncover attempts to promote a truth that is not yet officially recognized: that extraterrestrials are visiting Earth, interacting with political and scientific circles, and that their 'Science of Life' offers guidance.

Key Articles and Features

George Adamski and UFO Photography

This issue features an excerpt from the "Flying Saucer Review" detailing an observation by Hugo Luyo Vega, a Peruvian engineer, who photographed a UFO on October 19, 1973. The object's description and the photograph were remarkably similar to those taken by George Adamski at Palomar Garden, California, on December 12, 1952. The article notes that Captain Jorge Hilberg de Lima provided the information and that the Flying Saucer Review was seeking further details. Vega described the object as having a burned silver color, a dome-like upper part, a turret with small windows, a large plate-like base approximately 10 meters in diameter, and a central cone with a pulsating red light underneath. The sighting occurred near kilometer 54 on the Carretera Central, Peru.

The Stephen Darbirshire Case

The magazine revisits the case of Stephen Darbirshire, a 13-year-old English boy who, along with his 8-year-old cousin Adrian Myer, photographed a UFO on February 15, 1954, near Coniston Water in the Lake District. The object, described as having a metallic or plastic appearance, was seen flying low. Darbirshire's photos, though not perfect, indicated the shape and size of the craft. The article highlights the similarity of this object to Adamski's craft, particularly concerning the number and arrangement of its windows (hublots). Waveney Girvan, a director at Werner Laurić Ltd, is quoted as having noted that Adamski's famous photograph, when originally presented, showed four windows in a row, but due to cropping for publication, it appeared to have three. This detail supports the idea that Darbirshire's and Adamski's photographed objects were identical.

Critical Analysis of UFO Reports

BUFOI engages in a critical review of other publications, specifically mentioning an article in the magazine "Historia" (issue n°46) about flying saucers. The editorial criticizes "Historia's" claim of objectivity while presenting what BUFOI deems as biased and superficial content, including 26 texts, some unsigned, others by unknown authors, and some drawn from UFO magazines. The article points out inaccuracies in "Historia's" bibliography, such as referencing an outdated address for the "Flying Saucer Review." It also scrutinizes an article by Jean-René Germain titled "Au pays des singes verts" (In the Land of Green Monkeys), which labels an Adamski photograph as a "mystification certaine" (certain mystification). The article in BUFOI counters this by noting that the photograph was taken by Adamski and that the "Historia" article's claims about the photo's origin and interpretation are questionable.

Other Sections

The magazine includes a "SOTTISIER" (Gag reel/Joke section) and a "Lettre à Historia" (Letter to Historia), suggesting a critical and perhaps satirical approach to certain UFO reporting. "ANTIGRAVITATION" and "DANGERS ATOMIQUES" (Atomic Dangers) are listed in the table of contents, indicating broader themes explored. "PSYCHOTRONIQUE" (Psychotronics) and "Le lien universel" (The Universal Link) suggest explorations into consciousness and interconnectedness. The "DANS LA PRESSE" (In the Press) section likely covers UFO-related news from other media.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue of BUFOI include the legacy and evidence supporting George Adamski's claims about extraterrestrial contact, the critical examination of UFO photography and reports, and a general skepticism towards sensationalized or poorly researched UFO journalism. The editorial stance is one of advocating for truth, objectivity, and a deeper understanding of the UFO phenomenon, while actively debunking what it perceives as misinformation or superficial analysis within the ufological community. The magazine positions itself as a source of serious information, dedicated to the pursuit of truth about flying saucers and humanity's place in the cosmos.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, dated February 1974, delves into the controversial topic of George Adamski's UFO accounts and photographs, aiming to rehabilitate his image and explore theoretical UFO propulsion systems. The publication critically examines claims of hoax and presents arguments from various experts.

Adamski's Photographs and Credibility

The article begins by addressing claims that Adamski's photographs were faked, referencing a comparison made by Leonard G. Cramp between photos attributed to Darbirshire and Adamski, which showed identical objects. This comparison suggested either an elaborate hoax by Adamski or that the objects were indeed real. The text also mentions other similar photos, including one published in an Italian magazine in 1963, allegedly taken by an American army officer named Madeira, showing a saucer near a highway in Central America, which bore no discernible difference from Adamski's images.

The author notes that the Italian press was inundated with UFO reports in 1963, and while many were translated for F.S.R., one particular report was not published, possibly due to editorial decisions. The article suggests that the Peruvian report concerning Vega might prompt a re-evaluation of Adamski's accounts, which date back to 1952. Beyond the "bell-shaped Venusian craft," the issue touches upon descriptions of friendly, blond-haired beings, a detail Adamski described at a time when long hair was uncommon.

Rebutting Hoax Theories and Alternative Explanations

The publication strongly refutes the notion that Adamski's photos were hoaxes. It highlights that Pev Marley, a renowned Hollywood film trickster, examined Adamski's negatives and stated that if they were fake, they were the best he had ever seen, requiring a prohibitively expensive setup that Adamski likely did not possess. Furthermore, Joseph Mansour, head of Jetex Model Aircraft, a firm specializing in aircraft models, reportedly stated that the photographed objects appeared to be large, approximately 30 feet in diameter.

The article criticizes common explanations for Adamski's objects, such as being chicken feeders, incubator lids, or washing machine covers, dismissing them as simplistic and lacking evidence. It points out that no one has ever produced these alleged real-world objects. The idea that the three spheres under the craft were tennis balls is deemed particularly ridiculous.

Critiques and Counter-Arguments

The text addresses specific points raised in an article, likely from "Historia Hors Serie 46," which it deems injurious and lacking serious documentation. It refutes the assertion that Adamski's famous photo is a "certain mystification" and questions who has ever proven it to be faked. The article counters claims that Adamski was a simple cafeteria worker, stating he was never a salesman or ran a hamburger stand. It also disputes the idea that Adamski published his book about space travel in 1953 only after experiencing failure, noting that he did not claim royalties for his first book, offering the sum to Desmond Leslie.

Regarding the description of a "blond Venusian," the article clarifies that Adamski described "sand-colored" hair and grey-green eyes, not blond hair. It also corrects the assertion that Adamski claimed to be chosen to deliver a message about nuclear danger, stating he only mentioned telepathy, gestures, and drawings.

The publication questions the proof that Adamski did not take the photo through his telescope, noting that Desmond Leslie verified Adamski and six others went to the desert for his first contact. These witnesses swore affidavits, which were accepted and never revoked. The article also mentions that Air Force planes allegedly observed the encounter and took low-altitude photographs, a claim the Air Force never denied.

UFO Propulsion Theories

The issue dedicates significant space to exploring theoretical UFO propulsion systems. Jean-Pierre Petit, a researcher at CNRS, is presented as having developed a coherent hypothesis regarding UFO energy sources, based on plasma physics (magnetohydrodynamics or MHD).

Petit's theory suggests that UFOs create an electric charge in the surrounding air, with the "portholes" acting as electrodes. The upper ones are cathodes emitting electrons, while the lower ones are anodes. The craft's hull is assumed to be made of insulating material. The article notes observations of slots around the lower part of saucers that might relate to propulsion.

Petit also describes the Hall effect, where electrons follow a curved path under a magnetic field. He posits that in a disc-shaped craft, electrons would follow a spiraling trajectory from negative to positive electrodes. This would create an electric current flowing downwards, ionising the air and producing a strong downward thrust, similar to a helicopter's rotor.

This MHD system, Petit suggests, could easily handle shockwaves and turbulence. The required magnetic field could be generated using superconductivity, with the electric motor miniaturized to fit within a few cubic meters and weigh around ten tons. Such MHD-powered craft would be suitable for planetary atmospheres, while interplanetary vessels might be cylindrical, propelled by stacked "saucers" acting as electrical elements.

However, the article acknowledges that piloting such craft might be impossible for living beings due to the high electrical tensions involved, suggesting remote guidance. This contrasts with reports of crew members leaving their UFOs upon landing.

Gravitational Propulsion and Cramp's Theories

Leonard G. Cramp's theory of artificial gravitational fields is also discussed. The article references Bruno Pontecorvo, a nuclear scientist who fled to the Soviet Union in 1954 to lead an anti-gravity research team. Cramp believes UFOs are not propelled by electromagnetic or electrostatic means, but by a different method. He argues that fields capable of such acceleration and maneuvers must have a distinct propulsion system to avoid subjecting the crew to crushing forces.

Cramp suggests that only a gravitational field can progressively propel both the machine and its crew, as gravity affects all matter. He cites the work of German researcher Burchard Heim, who theorized that electromagnetic waves are accompanied by gravitational fields. Heim's research suggests that a "meson field" within atomic structure could transform electromagnetic waves into gravitational waves, thus producing mass acceleration.

Cramp proposes that a minuscule body of sufficient density could exert a gravitational force comparable to Earth's, and if reduced to a point source, would function as a pure force field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly defends George Adamski against accusations of hoax, presenting expert opinions and alternative explanations for his sightings. It also engages with theoretical physics, exploring potential UFO propulsion mechanisms like MHD and gravitational fields. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to separate fact from speculation within the field of ufology and to challenge what it perceives as prejudiced or poorly researched criticisms of contactee accounts. The publication emphasizes the need for rigorous examination of evidence and encourages readers to question the detractors of Adamski's testimony.

This issue of "MEUSE LA LANTERNE" from March-June 1976 presents a diverse range of articles, touching upon ufology, nuclear safety, and the intriguing aspects of animal behavior and consciousness.

Theoretical UFO Propulsion and Sightings

The first article, attributed to K.W. Flitcroft, delves into theoretical concepts of UFO propulsion. It invites the reader to imagine an energy field emanating from a vehicle's base, creating a gravitational field. The author discusses the inverse square law and the potential for gravitational gradients within a craft, suggesting the need for a secondary G field to equalize potential differences. Engineer Cramp and Monsieur Petit are mentioned as arriving at the conclusion that a discoidal shape is the most suitable for such an engine. The article notes that while immense efforts are underway on Earth to understand the gravitational field, this research is kept secret, potentially for military applications. It concludes by recommending Cramp's work, "Piece for à Jigsaw," for further insight.

Following this, an article titled "A PROPOS D'UN ATTERRISSAGE" (About a Landing) details a reported UFO encounter on September 27, 1973, near Avignon, France. Antoine, a local resident, claims to have seen two small, proportioned beings, approximately 1.20m tall, with normal-sized heads and wearing a béret-like cap. They were described as having fine facial features and wearing beige jumpsuits. After the beings disappeared into the undergrowth, Antoine observed a grey-blue, oval-shaped craft, about five meters long and two meters high, ascend with a slight hiss and depart at high speed towards Mont Ventoux. Upon investigating the landing site, Antoine found flattened vegetation but no other physical traces or physiological effects.

A brief report from "LE PARISIEN" dated February 24, 1976, describes a UFO sighting involving approximately 3,000 people in Tupungato, Argentina. The object, emitting an orange glow, evolved at low altitude and was observed traveling rapidly before disappearing near Las Heras.

Nuclear Dangers and Safety Concerns

The cover story, "Les fissures du réacteur BR2 : M. Halter demande d'urgence un examen approfondi de toutes les installations de Mol," highlights serious concerns about the BR2 nuclear reactor at Mol, Belgium. M. Halter, who resigned from the Centre d'étude de l'énergie nucléaire (C.E.N.), describes the fissures as an "unacceptable risk." He notes that while such phenomena have occurred in the US, the C.E.N. appears to be complacent about the alterations at BR2, which M. Halter views as a worrying lapse in vigilance and security. He urges an immediate, comprehensive examination of all Mol installations by foreign experts.

Another article, "UN CANADIEN A VOULU PROUVER QUE TOUT LE MONDE POUVAIT VOLER DU PLUTONIUM" (A Canadian Wanted to Prove That Anyone Could Steal Plutonium), reports on a demonstration by Greenpeace in Vancouver. A Canadian individual successfully proved that plutonium could be stolen despite government controls, by handing over thirty grams of the material to Greenpeace.

"Des déchets de plutonium et de césium (très radioactifs) découverts dans l'Atlantique" reports on a study by the US Environmental Protection Agency revealing contamination by plutonium and cesium in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These substances escaped from waste barrels dumped years ago. While researchers stated there was no immediate health danger, the long-term effects of plutonium are considered significant. This marks the first time such leaks have been discovered off the US coast.

"Encore une alerte radioactive : en Ecosse, des containers vieux de 20 ans ont commencé à fuir!" details a radioactive leak from 20-year-old waste containers at a storage site in Drigg, Scotland. These containers, originating from the first British nuclear program, held materials used in the manufacture of the first atomic bomb. The incident adds to a growing list of radioactive alerts worldwide, underscoring the lack of a secure solution for radioactive waste storage.

Psychotronics and the Universal Link

The section "PSYCHOTRONIQUE" explores the concept of a universal link and the field of parapsychology. It posits that experiences in parapsychology have revealed an existing connection between all things on Earth, animate and inanimate, and that this link extends throughout the Cosmos. This connection is referred to as the "PSI factor." The article discusses how living creatures receive information from their environment, suggesting that a single particle is a product of its interaction with its surroundings, making it impossible to isolate any part of the universe.

Animal Instinct and Communication

Several articles examine animal behavior and their apparent ability to sense and react to their environment in ways that defy conventional scientific explanation. The work of biologist Dr. Lyall Watson is cited, highlighting that living creatures must constantly combat forces of disorganization. The text notes that organisms regulate their habits based on day length, even when kept in total darkness, suggesting a response to the sun's cycle. Examples include Euglena gracilis responding to sunrise and squirrels entering hibernation in accordance with seasons, even in controlled environments. The article questions how these organisms register these cycles without external cues.

It is suggested that some creatures might respond to magnetic field variations, which could indicate the sun's position or day length, citing research by Brown, Bennet, and Webb. Furthermore, evidence points to the sensitivity of some organisms to gravitational force fluctuations. However, the precise mechanism by which organisms register these subtle influences remains unanswered.

The writings of Maurice Maeterlinck are referenced, describing an observation of a tree that grew extra roots to find support on a steep slope, and a plant whose roots adapted to navigate around a boot. These instances are presented as examples of intelligent guidance in vegetation.

The American beaver's dam construction is used as an example of engineering principles applied in harmony with the environment. Migratory birds are also mentioned, raising the question of what influences guide their precise formations and journeys to warmer climates, even when navigating by the sun, stars, or Earth's magnetism.

The Omotermes meridionalis termites, found near Darwin, Australia, are highlighted for their ability to construct their mounds along the north-south axis, possibly for temperature control. While genetic programming and pheromones are considered, researchers believe there's more to understanding how these ants coordinate their ventilation systems without prior instruction.

The issue contrasts human reliance on tools like watches and compasses with the automatic environmental awareness of other creatures, labeling this innate ability as "instinct." The article suggests that "instinct" is a limited term for an "instinctive action" of chemical control of genes inherited from ancestors.

Telepathy and the Future

Finally, the article "De plus en plus les chercheurs scientifiques commencent à parler d'un autre facteur..." (Increasingly, scientific researchers are beginning to speak of another factor...) discusses the growing scientific interest in factors beyond heredity and physical senses, such as "common consciousness" and telepathy. It suggests that telepathy could act as a rapid communication method between individuals. The article proposes that if telepathy is the answer to how organisms receive environmental information without sensory input, then this ability, rather than being solely a natural gift, is a valuable asset that should move beyond laboratories into everyday life. It concludes by stating that humans, as integral parts of the Cosmos, are also telepathic, and the challenge of "how to become more telepathic" may be the major task of our space age.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena (UFOs), scientific advancements and their potential dangers (nuclear energy), and the mysteries of consciousness and life (parapsychology, animal behavior). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting both theoretical possibilities and documented events, while also highlighting potential risks and the limitations of current scientific understanding. There is a clear interest in pushing the boundaries of conventional knowledge, particularly in areas like telepathy and the intelligence of nature.

This issue of MEUSE LA LANTERNE, dated 7-7-1976 (with a related article dated 9-6-1976), focuses on two distinct yet related topics: the alleged existence of a 'Yeti' in the United States, commonly known as 'Bigfoot' or 'Sasquatch', and an ongoing scientific expedition to investigate the 'Nessie' phenomenon in Loch Ness.

Un yéti aux U.S.A. ? (A Yeti in the USA?)

The main article details the claims of a creature described as timid, hairy, with a graceful and supple gait, existing somewhere between a monkey and a human. This creature is said to inhabit the vast forests of the northwestern United States. Peter Byrne, a former tiger and yeti hunter in Nepal, has established a 'Bigfoot Information Center' in The Dalles, Oregon, to gather information on this phenomenon.

Byrne has been researching the American yeti for five years, but reports of its existence date back to 1840. Out of numerous reports, experts have selected 94 credible testimonies. These accounts mention observations of 'Bigfoot' or its footprints, which are described as being similar to human footprints but significantly larger, measuring 44.45 cm in length and 17.7 cm in width.

Further analysis by British anthropologist John Napier, based on the depth of some discovered footprints, suggests the creature could weigh approximately 230 kilograms. Notably, all reported sightings and evidence originate from the same geographical area: the roughly 200,000 square kilometers of forest stretching from British Columbia down to Northern California.

Byrne's center, funded by donations including those from the American Academy of Applied Sciences, meticulously examines all incoming reports. A small team of investigators regularly visits the field. To date, no clear photographs of 'Bigfoot' exist. The only material evidence, besides the footprints, is a short 18-second film. This film reportedly shows a hairy creature walking along a stream before disappearing into the woods. Byrne believes there is a 95% chance that this film is authentic.

Peter Byrne emphasizes that his goal is not to hunt the 'Sasquatch'. He states, "They cannot be very numerous and must be protected," cautioning against those who might seek to capture or kill the creature for its remains.

Loch Ness Expedition

A separate, smaller article dated 9-6-1976 reports on the Loch Ness expedition. The leader of the Anglo-American expedition, Robert Rines, President of the Academy of Applied Sciences in Boston, defended his work against critics, asserting that it is a "serious scientific expedition" rather than a circus act. Twenty-four researchers are actively involved at the Scottish lake. An 'appetizer camera' has been deployed into the lake, with additional television cameras ready to be submerged upon any sign of 'Nessie'. On land, researchers maintain a constant vigil, monitoring their control screens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights a fascination with cryptids and unexplained phenomena, presenting both the 'Bigfoot' case in the US and the 'Nessie' investigation in Scotland. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, with a focus on collecting evidence and scientific investigation, as seen in the support from the Academy of Applied Sciences for both endeavors. There is a clear emphasis on the need for protection of the alleged creatures, particularly 'Bigfoot', rather than exploitation.