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Magazine Overview

Title: Nouvelles Internationales
Issue Date: November 1981
Cover Headline: Les petits hommes n'étaient pas verts (The little men weren't green)

This issue of Nouvelles Internationales details the events surrounding a purported UFO landing in Vauvert, France, on November 25, 1981. The article, written by Jean-Pierre Troadec, reveals that the incident was, in fact, an elaborate hoax orchestrated by military cadets from the Salon-de-Provence Air Base.

The Vauvert Incident: A Detailed Account

The incident began early on Wednesday, November 25, 1981, near Vauvert in the Gard region of southern France. A metallic object, described as a polyhedron approximately 3 meters high and 2 meters wide with irregular facets, silver in color, a small dome on top, and two antennae, was found in a vineyard. Its appearance quickly attracted a large crowd, including the gendarmerie, firefighters, and eventually helicopters. The presence of soldiers forming a security cordon suggested a significant event, leading to speculation about the object's occupants and its potential radioactivity.

Despite initial concerns about radioactivity, a Geiger counter test revealed no dangerous levels. Authorities even cut off potable water in the area. The press, radio, and television were present, documenting the scene. Witnesses near the object reported hearing indistinct noises from within.

The Unveiling of the Hoax

At approximately 12:30 PM, the truth was revealed. Two individuals emerged from the object, laughing. They were not small aliens but rather cadets from the 1981 graduating class of the Military Air School in Salon-de-Provence. They were dressed in glittering tights and hoods, not the typical alien attire, but enough to fuel the extraterrestrial narrative.

It was revealed that the press had been informed in advance, contributing to the detailed coverage. Jean-Claude Bourret, on TF1's 1:00 PM news on November 26, reported an unknown object falling in the Gard, but downplayed the UFO aspect, suggesting it was likely a satellite.

The Mechanics of the Hoax

The tradition of the graduating class at Salon-de-Provence was to stage a large prank, and the UFO theme was chosen for this year. The object was constructed by an artisan operating a metal construction workshop near Vedène in Vaucluse. The artisan, M. Bernard Bailland, and his worker, Eric Anthon, spent eight days building the UFO in secret. On Tuesday, November 24, at midnight, 18 military personnel from the Salon-de-Provence air base transported the hoax object on a covered truck to Vauvert. They arrived at 4:00 AM and placed the craft in a pre-selected, open area. The cadets then took up positions to observe the reactions.

The soldiers forming the security cordon were also part of the elaborate staging. A pseudo-researcher from the CNRS was even dispatched to the scene to investigate, adding to the deception. The article notes that through contacts with ufology groups like VERONICA and PALMOS, and an independent ufologist, Charles Gouiran, the author learned about the extent of the operation.

Official and Public Reactions

While the Prefect and the Colonel of the Gendarmerie in Nîmes were aware of the hoax, other authorities were not. The Prefecture of the Gard reportedly received calls from the American and Spanish embassies seeking information. Some individuals claimed to have seen a fireball descend into the vineyards, further fueling the landing narrative. The military had strategically placed elements to make the event seem authentic, including claims of radar detection of the object by military radars near Narbonne and Nice, moving at supersonic speeds.

The scenario was comprehensive: a witness reporting an unidentified flying object, false radar detection, a metallic appearance with a dome and antennae, a roadside landing site away from the main town, and a military cordon for security. Some went as far as to suggest that a genuine third-type encounter had been staged and camouflaged with a fake object.

Ufological and Media Analysis

The article questions the presentation of the event, noting that it could have caused panic, citing historical incidents related to UFO reports. It suggests that the operation might have been a test by sociologists to gauge official and public reactions, or a dual operation combining a hoax with a sociological study.

The media's role is scrutinized, particularly Jean-Claude Bourret's report on TF1, which, while acknowledging an unknown object, dismissed the UFO hypothesis in favor of a satellite crash. The author points out that the information was significantly altered, and that objective reporting would have been limited to discovering an unknown object in the vineyards.

The article also considers what might have happened if a genuine advanced UFO (RR3) had appeared, suggesting that the situation might have escalated beyond control, especially if ufologists were not informed promptly.

It is questioned whether the GEPAN (Groupe d'Études et d'Informations sur les Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés) was informed. While the gendarmes of Vauvert, unaware of the hoax, intervened early, it is noted that the GEPAN did not appear to be present during the morning. The article suggests that even if the gendarmerie had informed the GEPAN, the latter would likely not have had enough time to mobilize and investigate such an incident promptly.

Evolving Public Perception

The article observes an evolution in public mentality, noting the absence of panic or mass hysteria at the Vauvert event. The idea of extraterrestrial visitors was readily accepted, largely due to the military's efforts to frame the object as such. However, the author senses an underlying unease, suggesting that society is not yet fully equipped to handle genuine UFO cases. The media presented conflicting reports, gendarmes were unsure how to proceed, scientists were absent, and ufologists were not informed early enough.

A hypothetical scenario is presented where a hoax orchestrated by ufologists might have been more insightful, allowing for the study of crowd reactions and testimonial divergence. The article also includes a postscript referencing a previous incident in Avignon where a hot air balloon was mistakenly reported as a UFO by a newspaper, highlighting the media's tendency to sensationalize.

Subscription Information

The issue includes a section requesting members to renew their subscriptions for 1983, providing details on ordinary, student, and supporting member rates for Belgium, France, and other countries, along with payment instructions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, distinguishing between genuine sightings and hoaxes, and analyzing the role of the military, media, and scientific institutions in shaping public perception. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalism, advocating for rigorous investigation and a clear distinction between fact and fiction in ufology. The article emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting and the potential for deception in UFO cases, while also acknowledging the evolving public interest and acceptance of the possibility of extraterrestrial encounters.