Chroniques de la CLEU - No 14 - Septembre 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U.
Issue: No. 14
Date: September 1980
Publisher: Commission Luxembourgeoise d'Etudes Ufologiques (C.L.E.U.)
Country: Luxembourg
Language: French

This issue of 'Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U.' is dedicated to ufological investigations and reports, with a strong focus on the Cergy-Pontoise case and other notable sightings. The cover features a stylized illustration of various flying objects.

Editorial

The editorial highlights the importance of collaboration between ufological groups and local media, citing an example where a local newspaper helped locate an OVNI witness in Luxembourg. It also addresses the issue of sensationalism in reporting, using the Cergy-Pontoise case as an example where media reports inflated witness numbers, thereby discrediting ufology. The editorial announces an upcoming meeting of four CNEGU groups at the Château de Hollenfels.

L'affaire de Cergy Pontoise. Enquête réalisée par le GEOS

This section details an investigation into the Cergy-Pontoise case, which involved the disappearance of Franck Fontaine in November 1976. The investigation, conducted by P.J. Froment, M. Piccin, and G. Lebat, relies heavily on interviews with the gendarmerie and the witnesses themselves.

Gendarmerie's Initial Findings

Upon arriving at Cergy-Pontoise, the investigators met with Commandant Courcoux of the gendarmerie. Courcoux stated that while he believed something unusual had occurred, he could not definitively explain it. He described the witnesses as sincere but noted the absence of any material evidence, such as radioactivity readings from the car or the location, or unusual behavior from a police dog brought to the scene. The witnesses had initially delayed reporting the incident for two hours after it occurred.

The Witnesses

Jean-Pierre Prevost (25), a dynamic fairground vendor, was described as the most alert witness. Salomon N'Diaye (25), a sales agent, appeared fatigued, with the disappearance of his friend weighing heavily on him. Franck Fontaine (19), unemployed, had joined his friends to earn money at a market. He had a habit of informing his mother of his whereabouts.

The Incident

On the morning of the incident, the three friends were preparing to drive to the Cisor market in a borrowed Ford Taunus. While attempting to start the car, which was parked on a slight incline, they noticed a luminous, elongated object descending from the north. The object appeared to be white and luminous, initially mistaken for a falling plane. Salomon went to get a camera, while Jean-Pierre continued loading the car. Franck, concerned, decided to drive towards the object's apparent location.

During this time, Salomon observed a dense, luminous mist surrounding the car, with four distinct colored balls within it. This mist then entered a luminous tube and ascended at high speed. When Jean-Pierre and Salomon went to the car, they found it empty, with the door ajar, the engine running, and a gear engaged. Franck was gone.

Investigation and Media Coverage

The police arrived in force, and the case was transferred to the gendarmerie. The investigators noted that the witnesses seemed sincere, and there was no apparent motive for Franck to disappear voluntarily. The media, however, sensationalized the event, with one newspaper initially reporting 100 people waiting at the rendezvous point, later escalating to 1000, and then 2000. The article questions the objectivity of such reporting.

Franck's Reappearance

Franck Fontaine reappeared on December 3, 1979, eight days after his disappearance. He stated that he had driven the Ford Taunus to get a closer look at the object. He described a round object, like a tennis ball, landing near his car, which was then enveloped in a whitish mist. He experienced tingling in his eyes and then lost consciousness. He woke up at the same spot where he disappeared, finding his car gone. He returned to his friends' apartment, where he learned of the extensive search for him.

Further Investigations and Analysis

Legal authorities and scientific experts from GEPAN (including a biologist and a physicist) attempted to investigate further. However, the witnesses refused any in-depth scientific examination of Franck. A blood sample was taken, but its analysis was pending. The witnesses also refused hypnosis, and psychiatrists and doctors were unable to elicit further information. The press reportedly ridiculed the witnesses' reaction to the GEPAN experts.

Doubts and Criticisms

The investigators acknowledge the lack of irrefutable proof and the financial limitations preventing frequent on-site investigations. They note several "clues" that suggest a potential hoax: the gendarmerie was not notified early enough, allowing time for a staged scenario; one witness's brother is reportedly passionate about OVNIs, potentially providing knowledge for fabricating the story; RTL was anonymously tipped off about Franck's reappearance; the witnesses allegedly demanded money from Paris-Match for photos and an interview; and their memory seemed to improve when discussing potential financial gain. The witnesses also avoided providing detailed descriptions of the phenomenon and refused scientific testing.

Conclusion on Cergy Case

The investigators conclude that the Cergy case, regardless of whether it was a genuine encounter or a hoax, is unlikely to yield serious scientific findings that could advance the study of OMNIs. They deem it a wasted effort.

Observation d'un objet inconnu à Bouxières-les-Dames

This report details an observation made on December 11, 1979, near Bouxières-les-Dames, France, by two witnesses (later joined by a third unidentified person). While driving, they were impressed by a previous observation of a fixed luminous phenomenon. During their current drive, the driver spotted a different, very distinct phenomenon. They stopped the car and observed an object that was initially fixed, then moved and transformed. A passing motorcyclist remarked, "oh ben merde alors" (oh damn it). The witnesses then drove to a higher vantage point near their home but saw nothing further.

The object was described as having a luminous, fixed point, with its brightness and dimension suggesting it was not an astronomical object. The phenomenon was later described as a moving and transforming object. A drawing by the witness depicts a central object with radiating lines and a surrounding mist-like effect.

Valensole en 1965

This section briefly mentions the Valensole case from 1965, noting that the accounts presented in sensationalist books are far removed from the original, factual reports from the time.

Le cas Vidal

This case is listed in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

L'atlantide

This case is listed in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Les éphémérides

This section is listed in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Compte-rendu du CNEGU de Nancy

This section is listed in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Dans la presse

This section is listed in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of specific OVNI cases, the critical analysis of media reporting on ufology, and the challenges faced by researchers in obtaining credible evidence. The editorial stance emphasizes the need for objectivity, collaboration, and a scientific approach, while cautioning against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The C.L.E.U. positions itself as a serious research organization, a member of broader European ufological coordination committees (CECRU and CNEGU).

This special issue of NUMERO SPECIAL CNEGU, published by the Comité Nord-Est des Groupements Ufologiques (CNEGU), delves into various unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, alleged teleportation, and historical mysteries.

UAP Sighting in Bouxières-aux-Dames

The issue begins with a report of an observation in Bouxières-aux-Dames, France. Witnesses reported seeing a phenomenon on the western horizon, estimated to be less than 2000 meters away. The object appeared fixed in the 250° direction and disappeared to the left beyond 220°. Its altitude was estimated at a few tens of meters, and its speed was described as fairly slow. The object itself was described as rectangular, with an illuminated aluminum body and a strong pale green light at the rear, along with two white beams at the front. The dimensions were estimated to be significantly larger than the setting sun. The atmospheric conditions were noted as an 'Ouest storm' with excellent horizontal visibility. The region is described as heavily trafficked, with the A31 highway, the Strasbourg-Paris SNCF line, and a canal nearby, along with numerous high-tension power lines.

An investigation was conducted, and only Madame This could be interviewed. She responded amiably to questions and visited the site with the investigators to identify the observation parameters. The principal witness was reportedly very impressed by the observation and admitted to panicking, as did her son. The investigators were convinced of the witness's good faith. Checks at the Essey air base revealed no aircraft activity in the area at the time.

The Valensole Landing Case (July 4, 1965)

This section details a significant UAP landing incident that occurred in Valensole, France, on July 4, 1965. Maurice Masse, a farmer, reported witnessing a large, mysterious object land in his lavender field. He described the object as having a rectangular body and a pale green light. After the object departed at high speed, he discovered a circular hole in the ground, approximately 20 cm in diameter and 50 cm deep, at the pivot point of the landing. Strange X-shaped traces were also noted radiating from the hole. The earth around the orifice was described as petrified and as hard as cement, unlike the surrounding soil which crumbled into dust. Masse stated that immediately after the craft's departure, the earth had the consistency of almost liquid mud, which he found strange given that it had not rained for a long time.

The incident attracted considerable attention, with gendarmes and journalists from across France visiting the site. The emotion in Valensole and the Basses-Alpes region was high. Despite initial skepticism, the physical evidence and Masse's credible testimony convinced many. Masse, a well-known and respected figure in Valensole, was not considered prone to hallucination or fabrication. The report notes that the field was trampled, and the lavender would not bloom there again. Masse expressed regret for not having immediately concealed the traces of the landing.

The investigation by the gendarmerie, including the displacement of Captain Vairet, was thorough. Samples of the earth were taken for analysis. The incident sparked considerable debate, with some suggesting a hoax and others a serious event. The authorities' attention to the matter was seen as a sign of its potential significance. The report draws parallels to other reported UFO sightings and acknowledges the inherent skepticism surrounding such events, but emphasizes the compelling nature of the Valensole case and its physical evidence.

Further details emerge from a witness, Roger Cattoia, who was on the Rhône river at 5:45 AM on the day of the incident. He reported seeing a green light of unusual intensity illuminating the boat and the landscape for over ten minutes. He initially thought it was a catastrophe but came forward after reading about the Valensole incident. The report questions whether this was a theoretical phenomenon or related to the Valensole sighting.

Masse reiterates that the object was not a helicopter, describing it as having the shape of a giant spider with six legs and a central pivot. He noted that the legs began to rotate as the craft took off with a low hum, unlike any helicopter sound. He also mentioned seeing a small figure, about the size of an 8-year-old child, near the craft. The entire event, from discovery to disappearance, lasted about 30 seconds. Masse, now reluctant to discuss the event further, is described as a serious individual, not prone to joking. The gendarmerie's rigorous investigation is confirmed.

The Vidal Case: Teleportation to Mexico City (May 1968)

This section details a case involving alleged teleportation, focusing on Gerardo Vidal, an attorney from Buenos Aires, and his wife, Senora Raffo de Vidal. In May 1968, they were traveling to Maipu, a town near Chascomus, Argentina. While driving, they encountered a thick fog and subsequently lost consciousness for approximately 48 hours. They awoke to find their car parked in an unknown location. Both were unharmed but experienced neck pain and a sensation of having slept for hours. They discovered their car's bodywork was scorched, as if by a blowtorch, and their watches had stopped. Upon inquiry, they learned they were in Mexico City, over 6400 km away.

After contacting the Argentine consulate in Mexico City, they were informed that everything was fine and given the details for their return flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, Senora Vidal was taken to a private clinic for treatment of nervous shock, while Dr. Vidal recounted their strange adventure. The car, a Peugeot 403, was sent to the United States for scientific study, and the Vidals were provided with a replacement vehicle.

The case was met with a "curtain of silence," with the notary public Martin Raballini denying the phone call from Mexico City, despite familial connections to the Vidals. Other relatives, however, confirmed the story. Journalists noted that most of the notary's relatives had suddenly disappeared from Maipu, presumably to avoid questions.

Another significant point mentioned is that a man was admitted to the Maiņu hospital for medical treatment on the night of the Vidals' disappearance. He reported driving on Route 2 when a strange fog appeared and dissipated, leaving him shaken.

The report draws parallels between the Vidal case and the experience of Barney and Betty Hill, including scorched vehicle surfaces (Vidal's car, Hill's car cap), stopped watches, and a 48-hour period of lost time. The article suggests that psychotherapeutic and hypnotic methods, similar to those used with the Hills, could potentially reveal more details about the Vidals' subconscious experience.

Other Articles and Themes

The Cartoon

A cartoon depicts aliens arriving at an event labeled "Official Delegation from Planet Xitron Pressé." The aliens are greeted by a figure in elaborate costume, with one alien remarking, "Bravo children, your disguise is very successful!" This serves as a humorous commentary on the theme of alien encounters.

Atlantis

This section explores the mystery of the lost continent of Atlantis, referencing Plato's dialogues, the Timaeus and Critias. It discusses the legend of a powerful civilization destroyed by a cataclysm 9000 years before Plato's time. Four main theories regarding Atlantis's location are presented:

1. Atlantic Atlantis: Located in the Atlantic Ocean, possibly near the Azores or Canary Islands.
2. Scandinavian Atlantis: Proposed by German pastor Jürgen Spanuth, situated in the North Sea.
3. Bahamas Atlantis: Linked to recent discoveries of cyclopean structures off Bimini.
4. Mediterranean Atlantis: Favored by scientists, placing Atlantis on the island of Santorini, destroyed by a volcanic cataclysm about 3500 years ago.

Ephemerides

A section on astronomical events provides information on the visibility of planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) and meteor showers (Piscids, Taurids, Giacobinides, Orionides) for September and October. It also lists lunar reference points.

Bibliography

The issue includes a bibliography of related books, such as "Les Agressions de l'Invisible" by Emile Timané, "La Confrérie des Sages du Nord" by Christian Jacq, "Contacts OVNI Cergy-Pontoise" by J. Guieu, and "Les Mystères des OVNI" by Jack Perrin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO/UAP sightings and landings, unexplained disappearances and reappearances (teleportation), and historical mysteries like Atlantis. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of these phenomena, presenting witness accounts, physical evidence, and official inquiries, while also acknowledging the controversial and often debated nature of the subjects. The inclusion of astronomical data and historical theories suggests a broad interest in the unexplained and the cosmos. The tone is generally informative and investigative, aiming to present cases and theories for the reader's consideration.

This issue, dated December 1980, is the 15th publication from C.L.E.U., a ufological group based in Luxembourg. The cover features a cartoon titled 'LES OVNI DANS LA PRÉHISTOIRE' (UFOs in Prehistory), depicting a caveman expressing concern about a lack of understanding, with UFOs visible in the sky and a volcano erupting.

CNEGU Conference Report

The magazine provides a detailed report on the 6th session of the CNEGU (Comité Nord-Est des groupements ufologiques) held on June 21-22 in Nancy, hosted by the Groupe Privé Ufologique Nancéien. Four groups participated: CLEU (8 people), CVLDLN (3 people), Groupe 5255 (2 people), and GPUN (7 people). The program included group welcomes, agenda review, a report from the previous CECRU meeting, updating the protocol of agreements, investigator training, and preparation for public information.

Key discussions included the harmonization of work between CNEGU and CECRU, particularly in investigator training. A decision was made to modify and complete the protocol of agreements established at the 2nd CNEGU session. Investigator training involved participants preparing exposés on various themes such as photography, astronomy, meteorology, aeronautics, physical phenomena, geology, topography, misidentifications, useful addresses, symbology, bibliography, archival research, and practical field application. The goal was to create a practical aide-mémoire for investigators, with a standardized presentation format (21x29.7 cm) and the use of the CECRU investigation report format for inter-group exchanges. A catalog of phenomenon forms was also under study.

Press Review: UFO Sightings

The issue includes several press clippings detailing UFO sightings from various locations:

Argentina

An article from 'Avenir du Luxembourg' (June 17, 1980) reports on UFOs observed on a Saturday evening in Buenos Aires and other parts of Argentina. Hundreds of witnesses saw luminous objects in the shapes of saucers, cigars, and triangles, some of which were photographed. A flight controller at Buenos Aires airport noted an unidentified object moving on a trajectory that would have led to a collision with aircraft. A pilot confirmed the object changed course and rapidly gained altitude. The air force suggested the phenomena were due to ice clouds illuminated by the sun or moon.

Greenland

'La Liberté' (July 14, 1980) reports on a significant number of UFO sightings along the western coast of Greenland since the beginning of the year, leading locals to believe in a massive invasion. Despite military silence and meteorological explanations, residents remain unconvinced. The local newspaper 'Groenlands Posten' published accounts of people frequently reporting the same phenomenon at the same time. Objects were described as double flying saucers, vehicles with illuminated portholes, and more. Students in Sissimut observed two UFOs scanning the sea, fjords, and their school with powerful projectors. In Narssag, Mme Andrée Hansen reported an object approaching her house at low altitude, avoiding collision with a rapid maneuver, ascending vertically, and disappearing. Around a hundred people in Aasiat saw a luminous metallic object moving up and down, then taking the shape of a blue cigar before disappearing at high speed. In Atangnik, M. Adolf Jensen observed a 'rocket-shaped object projecting flames'. The commander of Danish forces in Greenland stated that aviation or the navy had made no observations. A meteorologist suggested the phenomena might be explained by strong depressions causing auroras due to atmospheric temperature differences, but the Greenlanders were not convinced.

Italy

A report published in Italy, kept secret for over two years by the Italian Ministry of Defense, details testimonies from air traffic controllers. An appearance of a UFO during a military exercise on October 27, 1977, led to message exchanges between the Elmas military base (near Cagliari), the NATO base at Decimomannu, and the US aircraft carrier 'Saratoga'. The UFO, observed by multiple pilots, flew at approximately 1500 feet and remained visible for 4 minutes, traveling at about 500 knots. An air traffic controller in Pisa, alerted by a colleague, observed an object shaped like a star, rapidly changing color from red to violet, then to green and yellow, at an altitude of about 1500m and a distance of 9 km, remaining visible for 2 hours. Earlier, on the night of August 3-4, 1977, three employees at Naples-Capodichino Airport control tower saw two circular UFOs emitting a very bright white light.

Luxembourg

'Républicain Lorrain' (August 20, 1980) reports a sighting in Cents, a suburb of Luxembourg City. Around 11:20 PM on a Monday, an inhabitant claimed to have seen a luminous orange object of round or oval shape approach him to within a hundred meters. A smaller object of the same shape detached itself, emitting an intense light, then reattached to the larger object, and the combined entity moved away at high speed. The witness, who stated he did not believe in flying saucers, was less affirmative later but insisted it was not an airplane due to his familiarity with their lights.

Upcoming Events and Membership

CNEGU Meeting in Luxembourg

The next CNEGU meeting is scheduled for September 6-7, 1980, at the Château de Hollenfels in Luxembourg. Participants will include GPUN, Groupe 5255, and Cercle Vosgien LDLN, with C.L.E.U. organizing. Topics will include the symbology for observation maps, investigator specialization, and the content of a special CNEGU issue. The evening will be dedicated to sky observation.

Calendar of Events

A calendar lists upcoming meetings:

• September 6-7, 1980: CNEGU meeting at Château de Hollenfels, Luxembourg.
• September 26, 1980: Meeting at La Fiorentina in Esch.
• October 11-12, 1980: CECRU meeting in Lyon.
• November 7, 1980: Meeting at La Fiorentina (Diaporama on Mars).
• November 28, 1980: Meeting at La Fiorentina.
• December 12, 1980: Meeting at La Fiorentina (Diaporama on Apollo XI).

Contents of Issue No. 15

The table of contents for issue No. 15 includes:

• Report from Hollenfels
• A UFO in Luxembourg: CLEU investigation report
• The most mysterious places on Earth (continued)
• Our library
• In the press

Membership Information

The association welcomes new members. There are three categories:

• Active Member (400 FB): Allows participation in activities and meetings, regular receipt of the Chroniques, and potential inclusion in the investigator network after training.
• Corresponding Member (250 FB): Allows receipt of the Chroniques and requires members to send press clippings about UFOs in any language, noting the source and date.
• Sympathizing Member: Contributes financial support to the group.

Interested individuals can join by sending their cotisation to CCP Luxembourg no. 6958-71 or Banque Internationale account 5-130/7180. International postal money orders are accepted for foreign members via CCP.

The address for C.L.E.U. is: boîte postale no 9, Belvaux, G.D. Luxembourg.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, both historical (prehistory) and contemporary, across various continents. There is a strong emphasis on the organization and standardization of UFO investigation and reporting, as evidenced by the CNEGU conference discussions. The publication also serves as a communication channel for ufological groups, announcing meetings and encouraging membership, highlighting a collaborative and information-sharing stance within the ufological community.