Chroniques de la CLEU - No 27 - Decembre 1983

Magazine Overview

Title: Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U.
Issue: No 27
Date: December 1983
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.' delves into the historical phenomenon of 'foo-fighters' observed during World War II. It details numerous sightings by pilots from various nations and explores the early governmental efforts to understand these unidentified aerial objects.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Christian PETIT, addresses the influx of UFO observations received in late November. He notes that many of these sightings, when described, clearly pointed to meteorites, which he considers identified phenomena that do not warrant further investigation beyond paperwork. PETIT advocates for focusing on truly close-range and unexplained cases, suggesting that excessive investigation of mundane sightings wastes time and provides ammunition for skeptics and rationalists. He praises the GEPAN's approach of reserving gendarmerie reports, seeing it as a realistic method. He contrasts this with groups that he believes engage in superficial storytelling. PETIT also discusses the financial challenges faced by the organization due to rising costs of postage, paper, and ink, necessitating an increase in membership fees for 1984. He also announces that several families within the CLEU community are expecting new arrivals in 1984, which will limit the organization's participation in international UFO events. Despite these challenges, he assures that the CLEU will continue its work and the publication of 'Les Chroniques'. The editorial concludes with New Year's wishes.

The "foo-fighters" Story: Historical Dossier of UFOs (1939-1945)

This section, authored by Roger THOMÉ of Groupe 5255, provides a detailed historical account of 'foo-fighters' during World War II.

Generalities on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Observed During That Era:

1. Global Manifestations: 'Foo-fighters' were observed on almost all fronts during WWII. German Luftwaffe pilots initially believed they were a new secret weapon of the Allies, while Allied pilots suspected them to be a secret weapon of Hitler.
2. Pilot Perceptions: For fighter and bomber pilots, 'foo-fighters' were a known phenomenon. They were described as curious, relatively small luminous 'houles' (waves) that sometimes infiltrated cockpits without explanation, or disappeared and reappeared, seemingly mocking bullets and shells. Their behavior differed significantly from known terrestrial aircraft, exhibiting silent flight, slow or very rapid speeds, and the ability to immobilize and maneuver at fantastic speeds. Some had elongated, cigar-like or cylindrical shapes and were perceived as being controlled by an intelligence.
3. Geographical Observations: Manifestations were frequent between Haguenau (Alsace) and Neustadt (Rhineland). American bombers over Japan and the Pacific front also reported these phenomena. Japanese pilots reported similar strange, unknown objects. These objects were described as 'balls' or 'discs' without light, or elongated, flying silently, matching aircraft speeds, and disappearing at extraordinary speeds. They could also stop abruptly and maneuver without being affected by aerial battles.

Photographic Evidence:

• Photo no. 1: An unknown spherical object (foo-fighter) closely following light twin-engine bombers 'Lily', type 99, of the Japanese Imperial Air Force, over the China front in 1945.
• Photo no. 2: A 'foo-fighter' in attack formation above a light twin-engine bomber 'Lily', type 99, of the Japanese Imperial Army, preparing to take off from a South Pacific base in the Philippines, September 1942.
• Photo no. 3: A strange bright white object, appearing as large as the sun, seen low in the sky on the trajectory of heavy twin-engine bombers 'Sally', type 97, at the central air base in China, late 1941.
• Photo no. 4: Another unknown object approaching a bomber 'Lily', type 99, of the Imperial Japanese Army, over the Burma front in 1942.
• Photo no. 5: Five strange small 'balls' leaving luminous trails, approaching very close to a Japanese training aircraft 'Vabe', type 97, of the Imperial Air Force Academy of Avene, in the Japanese sky in 1944.
• Photo no. 6: A cooperation aircraft 'Ida', type 98, of the Japanese Imperial Air Force, encountered two 'foo-fighters' above the Suzuka Mountains in Japan in 1943.
• Photo no. 7: Three 'foo-fighters' appeared above a formation of light bombers 'Ann', type 97, of the Japanese Imperial Air Force, flying over the Chinese front in October 1942.
• Photo no. 8: A formation of 'foo-fighters' approaching bombers that had left a Japanese naval aircraft carrier in the Pacific Ocean, late 1944.
• Photo no. 9: A formation of 'foo-fighters' flying over 'Sally' bombers, type 97, of the Japanese Imperial Army. Photographic document dated July 16, 1942.

Further Details on 'Foo-fighters' and German Research:

• Japanese Observations: In Japan, the G2 section of the General Staff collected pilot reports. Initially, they suspected a new Allied weapon, naming them 'Hidama' and 'Kadan'.
• Swedish Sightings (1945): After hostilities ended, mysterious luminous objects appeared in the Swedish sky between May and July 1945, according to official Swedish services.
• Conclusion on Origin: Military witnesses and experts generally agree that these phenomena were unlikely to be of terrestrial technology.

J244: A German Special Bureau for the Study of Unknown Objects

• Establishment of 'Sonder Buero no 13': The secondary period of the UFO phenomenon begins in 1944, marked by the creation of the first official government body dedicated to solving the mystery of celestial objects. Troubling official reports from war pilots led the German Air Force Superior Staff to create the 'Sonder Buero no 13' (Special Bureau No. 13), codenamed 'Operation Uranus'.
• Composition and Purpose: This bureau comprised aviator officers, aeronautical engineers, and scientific advisors. Its initial task was to gather and study all UFO reports submitted to the General Staff. However, the bureau was dissolved with the end of the war.
• Professor Georg Kamper: Professor Georg Kamper was the director of 'Operation Uranus'. He had compiled documentation, including military reports, photographs, and films, and had studied the problem extensively. He intended to publish his findings, but journalists at the time could not obtain further information, and Professor Kamper has not been heard from since.

Examples of Official German Reports:

• Report from Banak Air Base (Norway), December 1941: A pilot, Hauptmann Fischer, intercepted a silent, cigar-shaped object about 100 meters long and 15 meters in diameter, with antenna-like rods. The object exhibited no wings and ascended vertically at high speed, leading Fischer to conclude it was not man-made.
• Report from December 18, 1943: An object was tracked by multiple German bases (Holgoland, Hamburg, Wittenberg, Neustrelitz) at an average speed exceeding 3000 km/h (noting the sound barrier was only broken in 1947). A patrol of two Focke Wulf 190 fighters observed a cylindrical object above Hamburg, described as having a nose cone, a large hole at the rear, and a panel, composed of numerous convex rings.
• Report from February 12, 1944 (Kumersdorf): During an experimental rocket launch attended by high-ranking officials, a spherical object was recorded by a tracking camera ascending and accompanying the rocket. This led to speculation of new enemy craft, but similar phenomena were reported over Allied bases, leading the Allies to believe they were new German secret weapons.
• Report from September 29, 1944 (Rechlin-Roggenthin): A pilot testing a new Messerschmitt ME 262 observed two luminous points that resolved into a cylindrical object over 100 meters long, with round openings and vertical rods, moving at speeds exceeding 2000 km/h. The pilot approached within 500 meters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly the 'foo-fighters' of WWII, and the challenges faced by UFO research organizations. The editorial stance, as expressed by Christian PETIT, emphasizes a critical and selective approach to UFO reports, prioritizing unexplained cases over those with clear terrestrial explanations. There is also a clear focus on the practicalities of running a UFO research group, including financial management and the impact of personal life events on organizational activities. The publication also highlights the international nature of UFO research by listing correspondents from various countries and noting the CLEU's membership in the CNEGU.

This issue of "L'Écho des Mystères" (The Echo of Mysteries) focuses on historical UFO sightings, with a particular emphasis on events from the 1940s, alongside contemporary reports from the early 1980s. The magazine presents a collection of documented cases, including military encounters, radar detections, and witness testimonies.

Historical UFO Sightings (1940s)

Pacific Front, April 26, 1945

The issue details a significant event on April 26, 1945, when a US Navy aircraft carrier in the waters of Nasei-Shoto (Ryu-Kyu Archipelago) detected a rapid approach of approximately 300 large objects on its radar. The objects were reportedly moving at an astonishing speed of around 1500 km/h, a speed far exceeding that of conventional Japanese bombers. The formation passed over the fleet at low altitude and disappeared quickly. Despite intense scrutiny of the radar systems, which were functioning perfectly, and confirmation from escort ships, no conventional explanation was found. The incident caused considerable perplexity among high-ranking military officials, and similar reports of strange, circular aircraft observing combat without participating were being received by the armed forces at the time. The article notes that by the end of hostilities, most countries had established UFO commissions.

'Foo Fighters' Reports

The magazine presents an official Japanese report concerning photographs of 'Foo Fighters' taken by military pilots of the Imperial Army and Japanese Naval Air Force during World War II (1939-1945). These objects were discovered by Mr. Yusuke J. Matsumura, a journalist and aviation reporter. Japanese Army pilots referred to them as 'Hidama' and Naval Air Force pilots as 'Kadan,' with other nicknames including 'soap bubbles' or 'aerial moduses.' These objects were encountered over China, Burma, and the Pacific front, as well as during air raids by US Air Force B-29 bombers over mainland Japan. These official military documents have since been declassified.

Another section discusses the German Luftwaffe's accumulation of reports during World War II regarding unidentified flying objects. These objects were described as having no visible engines, wings, or propellers, being curiously silent, and appearing to be surrounded by hot air. They were observed at altitudes well below freezing.

Two specific photographic examples are presented:

• Photo no. 10: An Imperial Japanese Air Force document from 1944, from the Pacific front, showing two luminous 'bubbles' following the trajectory of Japanese bombers during an aerial raid.
• Photo no. 11: An official document from the Imperial Japanese forces, showing a reconstitution of an observation made by Japanese bomber pilots on August 28, 1945.
• Photo no. 12: A Luftwaffe document from May 1944, depicting a disc-shaped 'foo-fighter' with a metallic sheen, of considerable size, with what appears to be a 'dome' in the center. This photograph was taken by two Luftwaffe pilots during a raid from Norway to Munich and Kaernton.

Other Historical Cases

• Fireball over Germany (December 4, 1983): An enormous fireball was observed near Goslar/Bochum, Germany, terrifying thousands. Police and the Bochum observatory received numerous calls reporting UFOs. A truck driver described seeing bright flashes on the horizon and the object heading towards Earth at high speed. Professor Heinz Kaminski identified the object as a meteorite that entered the atmosphere at approximately 50 km/h, producing intense heat and breaking into two pieces. The debris was likely to have fallen near Kassel.
• 'Baby-UFO' from Russia: A report from the US 'National Enquirer' claims that Russian scientists allegedly saved a baby from a crashed UFO and kept it alive for 11 weeks. The baby reportedly had no hair, violet eyes, did not cry or laugh, and showed no signs of movement. Professor Kaminski expressed doubt about the report's authenticity, stating that such conditions are impossible to sustain in an extraterrestrial environment, and the UFO would have taken 40 years to reach Earth. The report details a UFO disintegrating over Frunse, ejecting a capsule containing the baby, which later died of an infection.

Contemporary UFO Sightings (1983)

UFOs in the Lorraine Sky

The magazine highlights recent UFO sightings in the Lorraine region of France. On November 19, 1983, at 19:00 in Amanvillers, a man observed a luminous object described as a large ball, tearing through the darkness. He initially thought it was a flare but noted its silent movement, horizontal trajectory, and flame trails, lasting for ten seconds.

On November 20, 1983, at 19:45 near Courcelles-sur-Nied, a woman and her daughter stopped their car to observe a very large, luminous object with a flame trail moving from west to east, described as the size of a football.

Coincidentally, the same phenomenon was observed by a couple in Magny at the same hour. Other observations were reported in the Fensch valley and the Vosges. The gendarmes were investigating and requested that any witnesses contact the nearest brigade, emphasizing discretion.

UFOs in Luxembourg

In Hollerich, a suburb of Luxembourg City, a septuagenarian observed a phenomenon on Thursday evening around 23:00. He noticed a fireball approximately one decameter in diameter above his neighborhood. After a few seconds, the object ascended and disappeared into the sky.

CNEGU Session Report (October 15-16, 1983)

The 16th session of the CNEGU (Northeastern Groupments of Ufology) was held in Medernach, Luxembourg, on October 15-16, 1983. The session included a seminar on investigation methods, focusing on the importance and fragility of testimony and its influence on investigation outcomes. Two investigation teams were formed, each working separately after receiving concise reports and interviewing witnesses. They conducted field investigations and presented their findings and conclusions, highlighting differences in perception and interpretation of events.

The session also addressed correspondence, including a letter from ADRUP (Dijon Association of Ufological Research and Psychologics) announcing their withdrawal from CNEGU due to integration complexities, but expressing a desire to maintain contact. CNEGU responded by clarifying that integration issues were practical, related to the committee's size and efficiency, and reiterated its suggestion for regional committees. They welcomed the creation of the CIGU for the Paris region and the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Ufological Committee proposed by ADRUP.

Discussions also covered mutual data transmission agreements and a proposal for French CNEGU representatives to attend a German CENAP congress in Mannheim. A report from GEPAN on the Fontainebleau case was also mentioned, with Group 5255 requesting information on cases of abduction, animal mutilation, and teleportation.

A specific case of military hunters (1977) was reviewed, with René Faudrin presenting findings from a counter-investigation into the observation of a UFO by a Mirage IV on March 7, 1977, as reported in J.CI. Bourret's book. The analysis of official documents suggested contradictions that supported the UFO hypothesis.

The agenda for the next CNEGU session, planned for February 1984, was set, including topics like 'strangeness index,' specified maps, AMTD protocols, technical notes, investigation presentations, and a German investigation.

Ariane Launcher (Part 2)

This section details the operations of the Ariane launcher, focusing on the first test flight (L-01) on December 24, 1979. It describes the assembly of the rocket stages, the installation of equipment, payload, and fairing, and various tests. The launch chronology, including the filling of fuel tanks with cryogenic propellants (liquid hydrogen and oxygen), is outlined, along with the process of topping off the tanks due to evaporation. The text also mentions that the final phase of the launch, involving the third stage, can be adapted for different missions, such as planetary probes or satellites requiring low, high, or heliosynchronous orbits.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are historical UFO sightings, particularly those from military contexts during World War II and the immediate post-war period, and contemporary UFO reports from Europe. The magazine appears to present these cases with a degree of seriousness, often citing official reports, military testimonies, and photographic evidence, while also acknowledging skepticism and scientific explanations (like meteorites). The CNEGU reports indicate a focus on methodical investigation, data sharing, and the development of ufological research methodologies. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting various cases for the reader's consideration.

Title: Espace Information
Issue: 17
Date: April 1980
Publisher: Espace Informations
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Espace Information is divided into two main sections: a detailed technical description of a rocket launch and a report on a ufology research group meeting.

Rocket Launch Details

The first part of the magazine provides a step-by-step account of a rocket launch, likely for a satellite named L-01. The process begins with automated checks and countdowns, culminating in the ignition of the first stage engines. The rocket lifts off, initially held by hydraulic clamps until sufficient thrust is achieved. Theoretical acceleration values are provided for different stages of the ascent, noting the significant atmospheric friction and heating experienced by the rocket's outer shell, which is kept below 100°C.

Around H+23 seconds, the rocket begins to tilt eastward, modifying its trajectory. By H+1 minute, it reaches the speed of sound, with acoustic vibrations reaching 133 decibels. The first stage engines operate for a total of 144 seconds.

The second stage separation occurs around H+2 minutes 24 seconds, at an altitude of approximately 47 km, with acceleration peaking near 41 m/s². Shortly after, at H+2 minutes 27 seconds, the first stage is detached and will be destroyed by explosives over the Atlantic. The second stage engine ignites, and its propulsion lasts for approximately 140 seconds, reaching an altitude of over 135 km and an acceleration exceeding 47 m/s².

The second stage separates around H+4 minutes 50 seconds at an altitude of 138.8 km. This stage is also programmed for destruction, with its debris expected to fall into the Atlantic more than 2000 km from Kourou.

The third stage ignites around H+4 minutes 52 seconds. It operates for about 9 minutes, reaching a speed of 9760 m/s relative to the ground (absolute speed of 10200 m/s) at an altitude of 210.6 km. The third stage is designed to automatically shut down once the mission's required velocity is achieved. Approximately ten seconds later, the third stage and satellite are oriented for injection into a transfer orbit, positioned over the Atlantic, near Ascension Island.

The satellite is released about 70 seconds after the third stage shutdown, around H+15 minutes. The third stage is then deliberately maneuvered to avoid collision or contamination of the satellite, entering a highly elliptical orbit that will eventually lead to its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, likely in early 1982. The satellite begins its own mission, entering a transfer orbit towards its apogee at 36000 km, expected to be reached in about 5 hours.

The technological capsule is expected to transmit for nearly 4 days. The third stage's re-entry is estimated to occur around 1985.

Ufology Research and Information Sharing

The latter part of the issue reports on the 15th session of the CNEGU (National Committee for the Study of Anomalous Aerial Phenomena) held in Nancy on December 18-19, 1983. The meeting was attended by representatives from various ufology groups, including ADRUP, CIGU, GEPSI, CVLDLN, GHREPA, and the host GPUN. The CLEU was not represented.

A key discussion point was the dissemination of information generated by the CNEGU. This was prompted by an article in the "Nostradamus" review concerning the association and the CNEGU. An explanatory letter from the author was read, leading to a debate on controlling the information shared during sessions and transmitted through publications like catalogs and bulletins.

Participants discussed the principle of circulating information among a maximum of researchers without restriction, emphasizing the need to ensure the seriousness and accuracy of the information to prevent its distortion. Michel Coste of CIGU shared the method used by the Ile-de-France Committee, which involves a mutual data transmission agreement ('contrat') based on mutual trust. An example of this agreement was to be shared at the next session.

It was reiterated that all information reproduced or published from CNEGU work must be accompanied by its sources.

Several commissions were formed, including one for 'copying' CNEGU reports, which dispatched three surveys from the Groupe 5255 and GPUN. The aim is to increase the 'heritage' of serious information within each group.

Two other commissions, 'investigation seminars' and 'catalog 82 and symbology,' did not take place due to the absence of organizers and a lack of local catalogs, respectively.

Ufological Observations and Research Methods

Robert Fischer presented his latest observation from May 4th in the Moselle valley, where he and another witness observed two luminous objects and took several black and white photos. The case was under investigation.

Thierry Larquet of GEPSI shared his own observations from Bretagne during the 33rd wave.

A round table discussion highlighted that many researchers had witnessed strange phenomena. Questions were raised about whether ufologists' testimonies differ from others', the attitude of witnesses towards their observations, and whether witnesses of multiple observations are 'favored'.

The majority of researchers agreed that no witness should be considered inherently more or less credible than others, regardless of their profession or hobbies, and that all observations should be recorded regardless of their perceived importance at the moment.

On Sunday morning, the focus was on exploiting maps and creating a 'strangeness index.' The previous year's regional map, created by Gilles Munsch, had not stimulated further research. However, the assembly discussed potential studies useful for investigation work.

The ATHPI suggested creating specialized regional maps to better understand investigation fields (e.g., EDF maps, fault lines). It was decided that each group would prepare a list of elements for these maps for the next session.

Raoul Robé presented a project for creating a strangeness index, stemming from an open letter dated October 25, 1982. The discussion led to the agreement that interested individuals would consult existing indices and present their completed work at a future session.

Miscellaneous Information and Future Meetings

In the afternoon, information and questions were exchanged. The list of addresses and phone numbers was updated. Michel Coste discussed the activities of CIGU, noting the growing interest in regional committees in France. The AIHPI reported that a listing of historical regional cases was being compiled for each association.

The agenda for the next session was established. The meeting concluded around 4:00 PM in a positive atmosphere.

Commission Luxembourgeoise d'Etudes Ufologiques (CLEU)

This section details the membership structure and benefits of the CLEU. There are three main membership types:

• Active Investigator: Costs 500 ER plus a photo ID. Benefits include receiving CLEU Chronicles, the right to publish articles on ufology, participation in activities, free entry to meetings, the possibility of becoming an investigator based on skills, and receiving a free CLEU sticker.
• Correspondent: Costs 350 ER. Benefits include receiving CLEU Chronicles and information (written or spoken) gathered from the press or their surroundings, and a free CLEU sticker.
• Sympathizer: Costs 200 ER. Benefits include supporting the commission and receiving a free CLEU sticker.

There is also a 'Member of Honor' category, with details on bank transfers provided for Luxembourg and international members.

Members receive CLEU Chronicles regularly. Those joining mid-year will receive back issues for that year.

The CLEU operates solely on member contributions and does not receive financial support from external sources. Members are encouraged to renew their subscriptions for 1984.

Calendar: Upcoming CLEU meetings are scheduled for January 20, February 24, and March 23, 1984, all held at their headquarters, La Florentina, rue d'Audun in Esch/Alzette, starting at 8:00 PM.

Issue No. 28 Summary: This issue will cover the shuttle, a report on the general assembly, ideas for volunteers starting in ufology by Thierry Pinvidic, and a retroactive Luxembourg catalog, as well as an observation in Germany.

Members are informed that they cannot be individually notified about participation in international congresses and meetings; they are encouraged to attend the regular meetings for updates.

Important Note: Ufology groups can obtain Chronicles for free in exchange for other publications of a similar nature. Reciprocal advertising is also mentioned.

The CLEU wishes everyone a Happy New Year and hopes to maintain their trust in 1984.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the technical aspects of space exploration, specifically rocket launches, and the organizational and research practices within the ufology community. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous scientific inquiry, open information sharing (with an emphasis on source citation and credibility), and collaborative research among ufologists. The magazine also highlights the importance of recording all observations, regardless of perceived significance, and the need for structured approaches to data analysis, such as the proposed 'strangeness index' and specialized regional maps.