Circulaire CIGU - No 02 - 1988 nov

Magazine Overview

Title: CIRCULAIRE CIGU
Issue: N°2
Volume: 8811
Date: November 1988
Publisher: Comité Ile-de-France des Groupements Ufologiques
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of the CIRCULAIRE CIGU, a publication of the Ile-de-France Groupements Ufologiques, focuses on a variety of unusual phenomena, including UFO sightings, paranormal events, and other unexplained occurrences.

La Circulaire S'exporte

The publication notes its expansion beyond its initial regions (Est, Ile de France, Normandie, Bretagne) to include Switzerland and Spain, welcoming foreign colleagues.

Nouvelles Obs. (New Observations)

Due to a postal strike, the AIHPI received no press clippings from L'Argus. This has resulted in fewer new observations being reported. The magazine presents the few available reports:

• February, Cévennes: A witness, Mme B., observed a large red ball moving very fast with a trail, which she estimated to be 2 km away. Her dogs exhibited unusual behavior.
• September 17, St Etienne-de-Montluc (44): An automobilist observed a strange phenomenon above trees, described as two large headlights connected by a fine structure, about fifteen meters wide. It hovered at an altitude of 150 meters and disappeared abruptly.
• 1950s (Summer), Pyrénées: A woman reported observing a dark, relatively slow, flying cigar-shaped object with rectilinear and regular movement during a vacation in the Pyrénées. She had never spoken of this before.

C'est la Confusion...

This section delves into the confusion surrounding certain phenomena and technological advancements.

Stealth Aircraft

It is revealed that stealth aircraft, or 'invisible aircraft,' have been in service with the USAF since 1981, with nearly 50 examples. The described silhouette suggests it might be the result of Northrop's project rather than Lockheed's F-19. The aircraft is characterized by a tormented, aesthetically unpleasing flying wing shape, a V-tail, and a polyhedral cockpit. This revelation raises questions about previously reported sightings of boomerang, V, or triangle-shaped objects.

Venus, Day and Night

An article from 'Ciel & Espace' (N° 230) discusses how the planet Venus, often mistaken for UFOs at night, can also be visible during the day under specific circumstances, even at noon, and is commonly visible in the early morning and until about 08:00 in winter.

Quel Cirque!

A mention of an Italian circus touring France that features multi-colored laser effects, humorously suggesting that one might find UFOs by following the circus.

Insolite/Paranormal

This section covers various strange and unexplained events.

Cryptoanthropology

Nepal: The 'Rahute' or 'Raute' people are described as a legendary indigenous group in Nepal, similar to the Yeti. Two travelers from Marseille reportedly lived among them, a people of whom only about 120 individuals remain and who had previously avoided contact.

Cryptozoology

Canada: An expedition of five people, including biologist Fred Aldrich, searched the waters of Bonavista (Newfoundland) for the mythical 'giant squid.'

Rumeurs (Rumors)

• France, 6th Sense: Following a catastrophe in Nîmes, rumors circulated about a resident's cat disappearing hours before the event and reappearing 48 hours later.
• Canal Truc: A rumor suggests that placing a fine sieve or flour sifter in front of the eyes can attenuate the jamming of coded broadcasts, allowing them to be watched without a decoder. This rumor was passed down through several individuals.
• Atroce Fait Divers?: A story, initially heard years ago and detailed by a colleague, resurfaced when a wife encountered a similar narrative. The similarity, despite different locations and protagonists, suggested it was a long-standing rumor.

Insolite/Paranormal (Continued)

Sectes (Cults)

• USA: The 10th anniversary of the massacre of members of Reverend Jones' sect in Guyana is noted, where nearly 900 people died on November 18, 1978, under the orders of their leader.
• Spain: Seventy members of the Church of Scientology in Madrid were arrested in mid-November. They were accused of extortion under the guise of drug detoxification programs, with alleged fraud amounting to 500 million francs.

Sorcellerie/Envoutements (Witchcraft/Bewitchment)

• USA: An article discusses the possibility of zombies, suggesting that poisons could create 'living dead.' While some specialists attribute such beliefs to madness and superstition, the topic is explored further in 'Science & Vie' (N° 854).
• RFA (West Germany): In Singen, near Constance, a 66-year-old woman was beaten to death by two septuagenarians who claimed to be expelling the devil from her body. This case is linked to a sect led by Josef Stocker, known for alleged abuse of adolescents in Switzerland.
• Great Britain: A report on 'Sorcerers of the Thames' revealed alleged diabolical practices within London's high society, including the stock market and industry circles.

Phénomènes Humains (Human Phenomena)

• China: A 36-year-old man in Xinjiang, Xue Dibo, discovered he could emit electrical discharges. He reportedly shocked his wife and has since learned he emits powerful discharges upon touching metallic objects.
• Algeria: A widow cannot obtain a pension because she is impossible to photograph due to an unexplained phenomenon. Photographers have failed to capture her image, with the developed film showing only a black shadow where she should be.

Insolite/Paranormal (Continued)

Phénomènes Fortéens (Fortean Phenomena)

• Portugal: In the village of Cibanas, northern Portugal, the population has experienced daily rain from 4 PM since late August. The rain falls in fine droplets over a 20 m² area under a clear blue sky, leading to speculation about miracles, curses, or condensation.

Divers (Miscellaneous)

• France, Nice: A 'tageur' (graffiti artist) caused a stir by 'bombing' strange figures, hybrid beings, and cabalistic signs on Nice's facades. Rumors suggested extraterrestrials, Templars, or members of a new sect.
• Disparus (Missing Persons): A couple disappeared in the Fontainebleau forest on October 31st, with no trace found. Radiesthesists consulted suggested extraterrestrial intervention and UFOs.
• Baron Noir: The article notes that the 'Baron Noir' seems to be active again, despite the arrest and conviction of Albert Maltret. Reports on TF1 and La5 mention the 'Baron Noir' and an aircraft, with a journalist from AFP reporting the overflight of the Place de la Concorde by a small plane.

Messages

• CNEGU: Is compiling a retrospective catalog of observations from 1976 in the Nord-Est region.
• Alain GAMARD: Is seeking a photocopy of 'L'homo sapiens devant l'invasion' by Roger Clement (1956) and a brochure on UFOs by a Touraine philosopher.
• Alain GAMARD: Is also looking for a copy of the magazine 'Kim' (June 1956).

Note: Readers are encouraged to report definitive responses to their messages. The magazine will confirm requests that remain unanswered.

Télé Scoops

This section has been modified to focus on presenting TV series, telefilms, and films broadcast on French and border channels. Other television information will be distributed in appropriate sections, with exceptions for media events or specialized programs.

Séries (Series)

• TF1: 'La Une est à vous' (Saturdays from 1:50 PM) programs series based on viewer demand, including SF series like 'LE SIXIEME SENS' (paranormal theme), 'LOIN DE CE MONDE' (humorous, 'ALF'-type SF/Fantasy), and 'LA QUATRIEME DIMENSION' (SF & Fantasy).
• LA 5: 'MATTHEW STAR' (Sundays around 10:45 AM), a US SF series described as 'rose-tinted,' featuring good vs. evil struggles. 'LE VOYAGEUR' (Mondays around 11:00 PM), a US series blending fantasy, police procedural, and the paranormal, noted for its shocking scenes and well-crafted episodes.
• A 2: 'LA BELLE ET LA BETE' (Saturdays around 10:30 PM), a US series updating the classic theme for the 80s/90s, leaning more towards police procedural than SF, with notable makeup. 'ROBOTECH' (Japanese animated series, Sundays around 9:30 AM), depicting the struggle of Earthlings against alien invaders ('Zentradiens') with numerous space battles. 'ALF' (Saturdays around 7:35 PM), a humorous US series about a friendly alien whose UFO breaks down and is taken in by an American family, leading to comical situations.

Téléfilms (Telefilms)

• TF1: 'COMMISSAIRE MOULIN' (October 25) - French telefilm, 'Choc en retour,' a police investigation into a sect.
• M 6: 'SORTILEGES' (September 21) - US telefilm, set in Salem in 1692, about witches. 'LA NUIT DES MUTANTS' (October 26) - US telefilm, theme: the living dead.
• RTL TV: 'Y-A-T-IL UN CERVEAU DANS L'ORDINATEUR?' (November 2) - Australian telefilm about a sophisticated computer taking over its inventor's company and life, with humor and a happy ending. 'SURVIVOR' (November 4) - US telefilm, post-atomic chronicle.

Télé Scoops (Continued)

Films

• A 2: 'LA BEAUTE DU DIABLE' (November 4) - French/Italian film from 1950, a masterpiece by René Clair on the theme of Faust, starring Gérard Philippe and Michel Simon.
• C +: 'PEUR BLEUE' (September 12) - US film from 1985 by D. Attias, about a 'beast' committing atrocious crimes, a modernized take on the Werewolf legend based on a Stephen King story.
• M 6: 'LE COMTE MORDICUS' (September 17) - British animated film by C. Randall, a feature for children about a vampire duck battling a vampire hunter, Dr. Van Goosewing.
• France/Italy: '2019, APRES LA CHUTE DE NEW YORK' (October 23) - A film described as 'post-atomic' and somewhat 'atonique' (lacking impact), called a 'navet' (dud).
• Italy: 'LE GEANT DE METROPOLIS' (October 30) - A 'fantastic' peplum about a giant fighting to save humanity from an evil individual.

TV Infos

• TF1: 'CIEL MON MARDI' with Chr. De Chavannes:
• October 25: 'L'amnésique de Fréjus' & Daniel Huguet of IMSA (touching on abduction), and 'Le Baron Noir' with Albert Maltret interviewed.
• November 1: 'Les Cimetières,' discussing the secret life of Parisian cemeteries, including Voodoo rites, animal sacrifices, and rituals involving cherry stems.
• November 15: Dany Dan invited for a distance hypnosis session with participants. Alain Cugnot, a skeptic, intervenes to question Dany Dan's abilities and denounce commercial exploitation.
• November 22: A second session with Dany Dan, Alain Cugnot, and a psychiatrist. Dany Dan conducts a distance hypnosis experiment where participants are persuaded to taste a banana as if it were a lemon, a trick based on the repulsion of lemon's taste.

• TF1: 'INTERCHALLENGES' (October 16) - A segment from the American show 'That's Incredible,' featuring a master of martial arts demonstrating telekinesis, including making an annuary spin and moving cure-dents, with skepticism from the presenters.

• Magazine: 'DEMANDEZ LA LUNE' (Last Friday of each month) - Prepared by 'Les Gédéon,' this new program hosted by Stéphane Millière, Patrice Van Eersel, and Gilles Galud is dedicated to the 'étrange' (strange).
• The first episode covered: Business shamans, Near Death Experiences, dream clubs, a portrait of Francis and Yves Rocard discussing magnetism, dream sequences, Aquarius and water babies, whether plants are living beings, telepathy, life in closed environments, hypnosis for healing, '30,000 faces,' a portrait of a medium painter, and fractals.

Note: TF1 appears to be the 'channel of the strange.'

• TMC: Two programs were noted on Télé Monte-Carlo, but their content is unknown.
• Sa 29/10: 'Via l'étrange' - A magazine on astrology.

Travaux/Activités

1. CIGU: Preparing a slide presentation of all its holdings related to OVNI advertisements, toys, and other miscellaneous documents.
2. Coordination: Alain Gamard and Gilles Durand are collaborating on a more in-depth project beyond simple compilation, aiming to create files, audio databases, video clips, slide presentations of record covers, etc., related to music and UFOs. They request continued information submissions.

Radio Scoops

Il y a 50 ans, les Martiens envahissaient les États-Unis!

On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater On The Air broadcast 'The War of the Worlds.' The broadcast, transposed to the USA in 1938, caused panic and hysteria, simulating a Martian invasion and becoming a reference for radio hoaxes.

• References are made to 'Télérama' (N° 2024) and 'Positif' (Revue de Cinéma N° 332) discussing the event's impact and Orson Welles' radio fame.
• Numerous radios celebrated the 50th anniversary, with some in Northern Europe re-enacting the broadcast by having extraterrestrials land in the Danish countryside, causing panic and people fleeing their homes.

Radio Broadcasts Mentioned:

• France Culture (Oct 30): 'Clair de Nuit' offered a 10-minute retrospective on Welles' broadcast.
• RTL: 'Les Grosses Têtes' (July/August 88) - Philippe Bouvard alluded to a hoax he perpetrated in the 1970s in the Bois de Boulogne, staging a simulated UFO landing filmed with hidden cameras.
• France Inter: J.Y. Casgha resumed a series of broadcasts on the strange and paranormal, including 'Le cas du Dr X' (November 2) and an announcement for an Exobiology Congress near Tours (November 3).
• FM 91 107.5 (BRETIGNY S/ORGE): Christian Mace hosts a weekly paranormal program, with five episodes dedicated to UFOs featuring interviews with TRR and GDD of CIGU. However, GDD was unable to receive the station.

Video UFO

• 'LE CIEL SUR LA TETE' by Yves Ciampi (1964).
• 'E.T.' by Steven Spielberg (1982).

Manifestations

Several events have taken place recently. The CIGU participated in two:

• CNEGU 31st Session, La Bresse (88) (October 29-30): About fifteen people attended this autumn session in the Vosges region. The agenda included covering departments without local UFO research structures, safeguarding UFO archives, addressing problems faced by local group leaders, the CIGU circular, and the theodolite developed by CVLDLN. Several new and curious individuals attended.

• The First European Congress on Anomalous Aerial Phenomena, Brussels (November 11-13): Gilles Durand briefly represented the CIGU. International UFO figures such as Jacques & Jeanine Vallée, Richard H. Haines, Walter H. Andrus, Jacques Bonabot, Michel Figuet, Bruno Mancusi, Ken Phillips, Eduardo Russo, Hilary Evans, and Vladimir Rubstov were present. Michel Figuet presented 'Physical, social, mythical, physiological current field work alternatives to ETH,' translated by Jacques Scornaux. Eduardo Russo also presented. Jacques Vallée spoke on 'Physical, social, mythical, physiological current field work alternatives to ETH,' supported by a slideshow. Vladimir Rubstov concluded by presenting the UFO situation in the USSR. 'Proceedings' are available from Thierry Pinvidic for 150 Frs.

A Noter Également (Also Noteworthy)

• Le Salon de la Voyance (Psychic Fair): Held November 5-20 in Paris, gathering 50 psychics and mediums.
• Fêtes en l'Air (Festivals in the Air): An event for enthusiasts of flight, held in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine on October 14-16. A conference-debate on 'Scientists and Extraterrestrials' was animated by astrophysicists.
• Festival International de la Pensée Traditionnelle et de l'Esotérisme (International Festival of Traditional Thought and Esotericism): The 4th Esoteric Book Fair took place in Carcassonne on November 18-20.

Rencontre en V.O/De Passage à Paris (Meeting in Original Version/Passing Through Paris)

A friendly meeting was held in Paris on November 16, bringing together provincial ufologists (Michel Figuet, Christine Zwigart), a foreign ufologist (Enrique de Vincente), and Parisian ufologists (Thierry Pinvidic, and CIGU representatives). A prior gathering at Place St Michel included Xavier Burot and Claude Mauge. Bertrand Meheust and Hilary Evans were expected but did not attend.

These meetings facilitated exchanges of documents and discussions on various topics, including archive preservation, the Brussels Congress, and physical effects files. E. De Vincente reportedly sketched everyone and interviewed M. Figuet. The gatherings concluded with Beaujolais wine.

Parutions (Publications)

• 'MULTIPLICATION DES APPARITIONS DE LA VIERGE AUJOURD'HUI' by Abbé Pierre Laurentin (Fayard, 1988).
• 'THE ADVENTURES OF A PARAPSYCHOLOGIST' by Susan Blackmore (Prometheus Books, 1988), reviewed in 'Science & Vie' (N° 853).

Several fictional works with UFO-related content or covers were also noted:

• 'CEUX DE NULLE PART' (reissue) by Francis Carsac (Néo, Oct. 88), featuring a cover with an Adamski-type flying saucer and a 'Venusian.'
• 'LES CONQUERANTS DE L'IMPOSSIBLE. LE NAUFRAGE DES ETOILES.' by Philippe Ebly (Bibliothèque Verte, N° 109), with a cover depicting a 'Hopkinsville' type character.
• 'ALICE ET LA SOUCOUPE VOLANTE.' by A. Sechan (Bibliothèque Verte, N° 440).
• 'LA TROISIEME CHOSE EXTRAORDINAIRE DE CE JOUR-LA.' by Yves Pinguilly (Bibliothèque Rose 'Spectacle', N° 1702), a scenario about inhabitants of the Sun, with a cover showing a sun-like object.

Presse (Press)

• Le Haut Parleur (N° 1757, Oct 15): The cover parodies the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' with the Hitachi logo replacing the spaceship, used to promote a VCR.
• Les Dossiers de l'Histoire Mystérieuse (Oct/Nov/Dec 88): Features articles by Pierre Carnac on topics like 'The Impossible Maps of Ancient Kings of the Sea,' 'Ghost Towns of the Sea and Lakes,' and 'Mysterious Easter Island.'
• Le Point (N° 838, Oct 10): Article on the Shroud of Turin, 'Le voile est levé' (The veil is lifted).
• L'EXPRESS (Sep 9): Article 'Le Faux Suaire de génie' (The Fake Shroud of Genius).
• VSD (N° 584, Nov 9-16): 'Exclusif: cette image vient-elle de l'au-delà ?' (Exclusive: Does this image come from beyond?).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of unexplained phenomena, from alleged UFO sightings and extraterrestrial encounters to paranormal events, cult activities, and historical mysteries. There is a clear interest in reporting on both contemporary events and historical cases, often drawing from various media sources like television programs, films, and other publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting information and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also incorporating elements of skepticism and critical analysis, particularly in the 'Télé Scoops' section regarding TV portrayals and alleged psychic abilities. The publication also emphasizes the importance of documentation and collaborative research within the ufological community.

This document, identified as CCIGU02/8811/F11, appears to be a collection of articles and documents from various publications, likely compiled for archival or research purposes. The primary focus seems to be on unexplained phenomena, mysteries, and potentially paranormal events, with a date range primarily in the late 1980s.

Document Analysis

"Un prêtre français et des chercheurs affirment capter d'étranges messages vidéo de personnes disparues."

This introductory snippet, likely from a press article, reports on a claim that French priests and researchers have captured strange video messages from disappeared individuals. It specifically mentions a Luxembourgish laboratory where Father BRUNE allegedly witnessed the reception of these images, described as coming from "the land of the dead."

DOCUMENTS ANNEXES.

This section introduces supplementary documents or articles.

#### Doc.1: La Meuse-La Lanterne (Belg.) Sa 17 & Di 18/09/88

Title: Miracle, malédiction, ou condensation?

This article from a Belgian newspaper reports on a peculiar phenomenon in a small village in northern Portugal called Cibanas. For a month, the village has experienced mysterious rain every day for an hour, despite clear skies. The phenomenon occurs on a specific hill and attracts crowds who gather to witness it. Locals have varied explanations, ranging from a curse related to the death of an elderly woman to a mysterious call. Meteorologists confirm the phenomenon, noting the area is heavily wooded and experiences "excessive condensation" of water vapor, though they offer no definitive explanation.

#### Doc.2: Femme Actuelle, juillet 1988.

Title: Peur sur la vieille ville...

This article from "Femme Actuelle" describes a series of mysterious "bombages" (spray-painted graffiti) appearing in the old town of Nice, France. These are not actual bombs but rather relief drawings of hybrid beings, cabalistic signs, and strange characters. The graffiti caused psychological distress and appeared on walls, shop windows, and church doors, often being erased by residents only to reappear. Some locals attributed it to "black magic" and claimed to have seen figures dressed in black with pointed hats. The city of Nice and the association of merchants filed complaints for vandalism. A group named ZUGFAT later claimed responsibility for these "works."

DOCUMENTS ANNEXES. (suite)

This section continues with more supplementary documents.

#### Doc. 3: TELE K7, p.7 3 au 9/9/88.

This entry, likely a brief note or reference, indicates information from TELE K7 magazine, page 7, from the week of September 3-9, 1988, with the notation "Info TRR."

#### Doc.4: L'Est Républicain Di.15/05/88.

This entry, likely a brief note or reference, indicates information from "L'Est Républicain" newspaper, dated May 15, 1988, with the notation "Info GMH."

#### Bref

Title: E.T. revient

This brief news item announces the return of the character E.T. to the market through video. American companies NCA Home Video and Pepsi Cola are launching a major promotional campaign for the video cassette, set to be released on October 27th in the United States at a price of $24.95 (140 F). Pepsi Cola is supporting this launch with its largest advertising campaign in history.

#### GUERRE

Title: LE CIEL SUR LA TETE

This section provides details about a French film titled "Le Ciel sur la Tête" (The Sky on the Head), directed by Yves Ciampi. The film, released in 1964, is 107 minutes long and in color. It stars André Smagghe, Bernard Fresson, Marcel Bozzuffi, Jacques Monod, Yves Brainville, Jean Dasté, and Guy Tréjean. The plot involves the crew of the aircraft carrier Clemenceau detecting an unidentified artificial satellite, leading to an alert. The article notes that this was one of Yves Ciampi's last major productions before the "Nouvelle Vague" (New Wave) movement in French cinema.

Abbreviations

The document concludes with a list of abbreviations for individuals, likely the sources or contributors of the information: GMH: Gilles MUNSCH, AGD: Alain GAMARD, TRR: Thierry ROCHER, MCE: Michel COSTE, GDD: Gilles DURAND, TPN: Thierry PINVIDIC, XBT: Xavier BUROT, MFT: Michel FIGUET.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of documents are unexplained phenomena, mysteries, and the intersection of the paranormal with everyday life. There's a clear interest in unusual events like mysterious rain, unexplained graffiti, and alleged communication with the deceased. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, presenting different perspectives and speculations without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, as seen in the "Miracle, malédiction, ou condensation?" article. The inclusion of film reviews and news about popular culture (like E.T.) suggests a broader interest in contemporary events alongside the more unusual topics.