Inforespace - No 92 - 1995

Magazine Overview

This issue of inforespace, number 92, published in November 1995, is the 24th year of publication for this semestrial review dedicated to ufology and spatial phenomena. It is the organ of the Belgian Society for the Study of Spatial Phenomena (SOBEPS), based in Brussels.

Editorial

Michel Bougard, President of SOBEPS, reflects on the declining activity of the organization compared to five years prior, yet notes the continued interest in the Belgian UFO phenomenon. He recounts his visit to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in September 1995, where he was invited by MUFON to discuss SOBEPS's investigations from 1989-1991. He mentions meeting prominent American ufologists like Budd Hopkins and Stanton T. Friedman, as well as crop circle researcher Colin Andrews and abductee Betty Hill. Bougard highlights the current focus on the Roswell case and a widely circulated film purportedly showing the autopsy of an extraterrestrial creature recovered in New Mexico in 1947. He emphasizes the complexity and potential impact of this case, noting that a definitive authentication of the film would prove the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs and expose a decades-long government deception, while a hoax would discredit the entire Roswell incident. He expresses concern about the lack of rigorous analysis surrounding the film and the hasty dissemination of spectacular images.

Bougard concludes by wishing readers a happy new year and urging them to renew their membership.

SOBEPS Bookstore Service

The magazine advertises several books available for purchase through SOBEPS, including:

• DES SOCOUPES VOLANTES AUX OVNI by Michel Bougard (SOBEPS edition), a collective work on ufological research.
• ACTES DU PREMIER CONGRES EUROPEEN SUR LES PHENOMENES AERIENS ANORMAUX (SOBEPS edition), a volume of over 200 pages from a 1988 congress in Brussels, covering research from European countries, the USA, and the USSR.
• MYSTERIEUSES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES by Fernand Lagarde and the group 'Lumières dans la Nuit' (Albatros edition), a collective work featuring reflections from researchers like Aimé Michel and Jacques Vallée.
• BLACK-OUT SUR LES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES by Jimmy Guieu (Ommiun Littéraire edition), a recently reissued classic of French ufology.
• ET SI LES OVNI N'EXISTAIENT PAS ? by Michel Monnerie (Les Humanoïdes Associés edition), which proposes a socio-psychological hypothesis for UFO sightings, suggesting misidentifications are more common than believed.

SOBEPS Pin

A new SOBEPS pin, described as a high-quality, five-color enamel pin measuring 35mm, is available for purchase to support the organization.

Membership Renewal

For 1996, SOBEPS proposes two issues of INFORESPACE (nos. 93 and 94) with updated membership fees for different categories and countries. It also provides bank and postal account details for payments.

Table of Contents

The issue includes:

• Editorial
• Our Investigations
• The Roswell 'Crash' Affair... or the 'Crash' of the Roswell Affair? (Part 1)
• Has the Roswell Alien Autopsy Film Really Been Filmed?
• International News

Investigations

The magazine presents several detailed UFO sighting reports:

• LAEKEN, August 1987: Witnesses observed lights resembling planes but silent, moving in groups and hovering for over half an hour, surrounding red, bulbous shapes. The altitude was lower than usual for aircraft, and during the sighting, conventional air traffic ceased.

• TERVUREN, November 1988 or February 1989: Witnesses reported a large, triangular UFO, described as "enormous like a football stadium" and moving slowly, appearing to be about 100 meters above the trees. Its color was greenish, and it departed rapidly towards Waterloo.

• MOLENBEEK ST JEAN, February 13, 1994: A witness observed a continuous, oblong, cigar-shaped light of unusual whiteness hovering for several minutes before moving south and disappearing. The witness noted it was the same object seen 18 years prior.

• MOLENBEEK ST JEAN, February 17, 1994: A witness observed a dark, rectangular object with blue and red lights at its corners, moving at low altitude and stopping over an industrial zone. The object was described as having a somber, grey-black color with visible structures and a wingspan estimated at 15 meters.

• ASSE-ZELLIK, April 13, 1995: A witness observed a large, cone-shaped object with luminous red bands, hovering over an industrial zone at low altitude. The object was described as having a grey, circular upper part surrounded by a ring, with lights that did not appear to be attached to the main body.

The Roswell 'Crash' Affair... or the 'Crash' of the Roswell Affair? (Part 1)

This section delves into the historical context and ongoing controversy surrounding the Roswell incident of 1947. It begins with a brief mention of the initial military press release about a "flying disc" and the subsequent retraction to a "weather balloon." The article highlights the role of Kenneth Arnold's sighting in popularizing the term "flying saucers" and notes that Arnold was not the first to report such phenomena.

It discusses the "UFO Wave of 1947," citing statistics of numerous sightings reported between June and July 1947, with particular peaks on certain days. The article also touches upon the "crash" rumors that emerged in the 1950s, largely fueled by Frank Scully's sensational book "Behind the Flying Saucers," which described alleged recoveries of alien craft and occupants.

The text details the re-emergence of the Roswell case in 1978 with statements from Jesse Marcel, who claimed to have been involved in a government disinformation campaign. This led to new witnesses and further investigations, resulting in several books on the topic. The controversy around "Operation Majestic-12," a purported secret group managing UFO incidents, is also discussed.

The article mentions the efforts by researchers and associations to compel authorities to release information, including a push for a GAO audit of the US Air Force's handling of the 1947 incident. The GAO's conclusion that relevant archives from 1945-1949 were destroyed is presented as a significant development.

The Investigators

The article introduces key figures in Roswell research:

• Stanton T. Friedman: A nuclear physicist who has dedicated significant time to investigating UFOs, particularly the Roswell case. He is credited with initiating much of the early research.
• William L. Moore: A former director of investigations for APRO and a member of MUFON, known for his work on the Philadelphia Experiment and his collaboration (and later divergence) with Friedman.
• Leonard H. Stringfield: A former journalist and public relations specialist who served in military intelligence. He was a precursor in researching UFO crashes and contributed to the Condon Committee.

The section also recounts Friedman's early encounters with witnesses, including Lydia Sleepy, who reported a military order to cease transmission of news about a crashed saucer in 1947, and the Maltais couple, who relayed the account of Grady Landon "Barney" Barnett regarding a disk crash in the San Agustin Plains in 1947.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'inforespace' strongly emphasizes the ongoing investigation into the Roswell incident, presenting it as a pivotal event in ufology with significant implications for understanding UFOs and potential government secrecy. The magazine also highlights a pattern of UFO sightings in Belgium, suggesting a persistent phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these matters, encouraging critical examination of evidence while acknowledging the challenges posed by potential disinformation and the complexity of the subject. The publication actively promotes SOBEPS and its research activities, encouraging membership and the sharing of witness accounts.

This document is a scanned issue of the "Roswell Daily Record" from July 8, 1947, focusing on the initial reports of the Roswell incident. The primary cover story announces the capture of a "flying saucer" by the RAAF, detailing the discovery of debris on a ranch near Roswell.

Key Articles and Reports

RAAF Captures Flying Saucer On Ranch in Roswell Region

The main headline proclaims the recovery of a flying saucer. The article details how the debris was found on the ranch of William Brazel. It mentions that the object was hexagonal in shape and suspended from a balloon by a cable. The object was described as resembling a high-altitude weather balloon with a radar reflector. The debris was transported to Wright Field for examination. The article notes the national interest in the story, with major news outlets attempting to break the story.

Details of the Discovery and Investigation

Further details emerge about the discovery by Mac Brazel, who found unusual metallic debris on his ranch. The article describes the material as resembling aluminum foil, yet incredibly strong and light. It also mentions that Sheriff George A. Wilcox was contacted, who then alerted the Roswell Army Air Field. Major Jesse A. Marcel was dispatched to the scene and collected the debris. The article highlights the unusual nature of the material, which defied attempts to cut, scratch, or burn it.

Military Involvement and Witness Accounts

The role of the military in the incident is central, with accounts of officers like Major Marcel and Captain Cavitt collecting the debris. The article also touches upon the testimony of Jesse Marcel Jr., who recalled his father showing him some of the strange debris. The involvement of investigators like Stanton Friedman, Charles Moore, Kevin Randle, and Donald Schmitt is noted, along with their efforts to gather witness testimonies and analyze the case.

The "Flying Saucer" and its Explanation

The initial excitement surrounding the "flying saucer" report is contrasted with the subsequent official explanation. The Roswell Daily Record itself published a retraction the following day, stating that the object was a weather balloon. The article delves into the conflicting accounts and the efforts by the military to manage the narrative, including the press conference held by General Roger M. Ramey.

Analysis of Debris and Photographs

Investigative efforts by researchers have focused on analyzing the debris and photographs from the incident. Some accounts suggest that the debris displayed in photographs might have been substituted with that of a weather balloon. The unique characteristics of the recovered material, as described by Jesse Marcel, are emphasized, contrasting with the standard components of weather balloons or aircraft.

Conflicting Testimonies and Cover-up Allegations

The article presents various testimonies, including those of General Thomas Jefferson DuBose and Lieutenant Colonel Sheridan Cavitt, which either support the idea of a cover-up or offer explanations that differ from the official narrative. The possibility of multiple flights and the deliberate misdirection of the public are discussed.

Related Incidents and Research

The issue also briefly mentions a similar incident in Circleville, Ohio, involving the discovery of a balloon and its target, which was recognized as military equipment. The article concludes by listing numerous references and books related to the Roswell incident, underscoring the extensive research and ongoing debate surrounding the event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the initial discovery of unusual debris, the military's involvement and subsequent management of information, witness testimonies, and the persistent questions about the true nature of the recovered object. The editorial stance, as presented through the reporting of various accounts and investigations, leans towards acknowledging the complexity and controversial nature of the Roswell incident, highlighting the discrepancies between witness statements and official explanations, and suggesting the possibility of a deliberate cover-up.

This issue of UFO TIMES, dated July-August 1995, focuses extensively on the controversial alleged alien autopsy film purportedly filmed at Roswell in 1947. The magazine details the timeline of events, the key individuals involved, and the ongoing debate surrounding the film's authenticity.

The Santilli Film: Discovery and Initial Claims

The narrative begins with Philip Mantle of BUFORA being alerted to the existence of an alien autopsy film by Ray Santilli in early 1993. Mantle's initial contacts with Santilli, and his subsequent discussions with other ufologists like Walt Andrus and John Spencer, set the stage for the film's emergence into the public consciousness.

Mantle, in the July-August 1995 issue of UFO Times, confirms his early involvement, stating Santilli approached him about a documentary on UFOs and later revealed the existence of the Roswell film. Mantle recounts his efforts to view the film, with Santilli repeatedly postponing viewings. A pivotal moment occurred in early 1994 when Mantle, preparing an article on a fictional Roswell film, re-contacted Santilli, who insisted he possessed the genuine 1947 footage. A firm meeting was arranged for March 17, 1995, at Santilli's London office.

The magazine also references a December 22, 1993, Daily Mirror report about Stephen Spielberg acquiring a film related to the Roswell affair, allegedly showing the bodies of four extraterrestrial beings. This report, though denied by Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment, fueled public interest.

Reg Presley's Account and Colin Andrews' Involvement

A significant development was singer Reg Presley's January 13, 1995, statement on a BBC talk show. Presley claimed a producer had obtained an alien autopsy film while searching for Elvis Presley footage. He stated he had viewed 15 reels of this film, totaling 150 minutes. This was the first public announcement of Santilli's film.

Colin Andrews, a friend of Presley and researcher of crop circles, corroborated Presley's account. Andrews recounted that Presley had told him about the film, and together they arranged to meet Santilli on February 3, 1995. Andrews' detailed account, published in the Circle Phenomenon Research International Newsletter, describes Santilli's claim that the film was offered to him by a businessman who had obtained 15 undeveloped film reels from a former military cameraman. This cameraman, allegedly fearing government reprisal, had kept the footage from the Roswell crash, including alien autopsies, for 46 years. He reportedly sold the film to Santilli for $100,000 or $150,000.

Technical Analysis and Skepticism

Andrews' account highlights the film's technical aspects, including the presence of a "RESTRICTED ACCESS A01 CLASSIFICATION SUBJECT 1 of 2 JULY 30th 1947" marking. Experts noted that the date format was unconventional for US military documents. The film itself was described as black and white and silent, showing an autopsy operation rather than a straightforward autopsy, with two figures in white working on a body. The alleged extraterrestrial was described as having a pear-shaped head, large black eyes, and possibly four fingers and a thumb.

Skepticism began to mount. Dr. Christopher M. Milroy, a pathologist, reviewed the film and concluded it depicted the autopsy of a white adolescent with a humanoid body, but found no clear evidence of alien origin. He also noted the procedure seemed more surgical than pathological.

Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist and ufologist, also investigated the film. He found that military records did not support President Truman's presence in Texas in July 1947, contradicting a detail mentioned in relation to the film. Friedman also attempted to verify the identity of the cameraman, "Jack Barnett," but found no military records under that name. He noted that the film's manufacturing date could be 1927, 1947, or 1967, but this did not confirm the date of the event.

Further Investigations and Conflicting Accounts

Various individuals and organizations continued to examine the film. Bob Shell, a photography expert, analyzed the film and suggested the footage of debris and President Truman might be on an untreated reel. He identified the camera used as a Bell & Howell Filmo 70 model D.

In July 1995, Michael Hesemann presented his findings after interviewing the alleged cameraman, J. B. Hesemann's account detailed J. B.'s alleged involvement in filming the Roswell crash site, the retrieval of alien bodies, and autopsies. J. B. claimed to have kept 22 reels of film, including a negative, which he eventually sold to Santilli. Hesemann's report included specific details about the alleged crash site, the appearance of the beings, and the military's handling of the event.

However, conflicting accounts and doubts persisted. Kent Jeffrey, founder of the International Roswell Initiative, declared the film to be a 100% fake. He argued that the depicted bodies showed human malformations rather than alien characteristics.

Commercialization and Ongoing Debate

The film's commercialization began with Santilli negotiating exclusive rights for France with TF-1's Jacques Pradel. The film was screened at various events, including a BUFORA conference in August 1995. Despite the growing interest, skepticism remained a significant factor, with experts like Dr. Paul O'Higgins expressing doubts about the film's authenticity and suggesting it might depict a human with a genetic malformation.

The magazine concludes by noting the ongoing debate, the technical analyses, and the differing opinions of ufologists, scientists, and the public regarding the Roswell alien autopsy film. The issue highlights the challenges in verifying such extraordinary claims and the complex interplay of evidence, skepticism, and commercial interests.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery surrounding the Roswell incident, the quest for definitive proof of extraterrestrial visitation, and the critical examination of evidence presented by ufologists and alleged witnesses. The magazine appears to present a balanced, albeit detailed, account of the Santilli film controversy, giving voice to both proponents and skeptics. The editorial stance seems to be one of thorough investigation and open reporting, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions from the presented information and conflicting viewpoints.

This issue of Inforespace, dated November 1995, is the 74th issue of Volume 12, published by SOBEPS. The cover prominently features the headline "VAGUE D'OVNI SUR LA BELGIQUE" (UFO WAVE OVER BELGIUM), indicating a focus on UFO phenomena. The magazine delves into the controversial Roswell autopsy film, UFO sightings, and the organizational activities of SOBEPS.

The Roswell Autopsy Film Controversy

The issue begins by addressing the ongoing debate surrounding the Roswell autopsy film, particularly focusing on the claims made by John W. Ratcliff in September 1995. Ratcliff corrected the name of the American cameraman, stating that Ray Santilli had mistakenly used "Jack Barnett" instead of "Jack Barrett." Ratcliff also revealed that Santilli's wife had given birth prematurely and that Santilli was reportedly upset that his funder, Volker Spielberg, had reaped most of the profits from the film, while Santilli himself had invested heavily.

Further details emerged from a TF-1 broadcast on October 23, 1995, which featured Jacques Pradel's show 'L'odyssée de l'étrange.' During the broadcast, Ray Santilli appeared reserved and stated he could not decide the film's fate alone. He recounted meeting a disc-jockey in Cleveland in 1992 to acquire Elvis Presley archives, during which a cameraman named J.B. (Jack Barrett/Barnett) offered him a film about Elvis Presley. The investigation team met Bill Randle, who confirmed Santilli's visit but stated he only sold rock concert footage and that Jack Barnett had died years ago, contradicting Santilli's claim that Barnett was alive.

Volker Spielberg confirmed possessing the original films purchased by Santilli, stating he wanted to keep them for personal use. Pradel's investigation suggested Spielberg's music publishing company had dissolved and his former colleagues were unaware of his whereabouts. Spielberg himself stated he wished to be left alone, considering the matter strictly personal.

Expert opinions on the film's technical aspects were also presented. Jean Badal, a cinematographer, believed the filming was done by a poor cameraman. Michel Contour, an expert in old films, confirmed it appeared to be an authentic film from the era, noting the duration of shots and reel changes consistent with 1945-1950s cameras. Medical professionals, including forensic doctor Jean-Pierre Santoro and dental expert Josiane Pujol, examined the video. Santoro noted the organs appeared to be handled by non-pathologists, and the corpse seemed to be in an advanced state of decomposition. Pujol found the skull's morphology to be anatomically similar to a human skull, even if macrocephalic.

Special effects expert Stanley Winston believed the film was not a hoax due to the realistic simulation of organic tissue moisture. Geneticist Albert Jacquard suggested the creature resembled a human too closely, proposing it might be a case of profanation of a monstrous corpse for disinformation purposes, possibly aimed at Stalin's USSR.

Other points raised included the film's release coinciding with a fictional movie titled 'Roswell,' and potential promotional collaborations with UFO organizations. Technical details like the time displayed on a clock (10:10) and the presence of a coiled telephone cord were analyzed. The possibility of the autopsy being conducted by Dr. Detlev Bronk was questioned, as he was a physiologist, not an anatomist. The speed at which the autopsy appeared to be completed was also noted as suspicious.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The issue details several UFO sightings:

• Argentina (August 2, 1995): A pilot reported a white "flying saucer" near Bariloche airport that maneuvered around his aircraft, changed color, and caused a power outage in the city.
• Italy (July 13, 1994): Witnesses Lino and Grazia observed a structured object with lights flying nocturnally over the Abruzzo region, describing it as a low, square-shaped platform with fixed lights that later became diamond-shaped.
• France (September 22, 1994): Brigitte Raffein and her daughter witnessed a large, triangular object with colored lights and beams over a neighboring house in Sorny.
• Belgium (November 22, 1994): Mrs. C.M. observed a triangular object with red and yellow lights that later took the shape of a diamond and detached a smaller golden object.
• Belgium (November 28, 1994): Mrs. Laura Miller filmed a golden object that moved silently and detached a smaller "bomb"-like object.
• Belgium (November 28, 1994): S., son of Mrs. B., observed a luminous, circular object above his house that emitted smaller lights.
• Belgium (November 28, 1994): Mme Miller and her daughter observed a second object similar to the first, which emitted "luminous particles."
• Belgium (November 28, 1994): S. observed a triangular luminous object that circled his house and emitted a loud, grinding noise.
• Belgium (November 29, 1994): S.B. observed an orange, oval object that blinked and expelled a luminous spot.
• Belgium (December 6, 1994): M. C.M. observed a trapezoidal object composed of six red lights.
• Belgium (December 17, 1994): G.K. observed a large luminous mass that evolved erratically in the sky, from which about sixty smaller "shooting star"-like objects were released.

Commercialization and Disinformation

The commercial aspect of the Roswell film is highlighted, with plans for distribution in the US and significant pre-orders. The article questions the motives behind the dissemination of such information, suggesting the possibility of a deliberate disinformation campaign regarding the Roswell case.

SOBEPS Activities and Publications

The magazine outlines the activities of SOBEPS, a non-profit association dedicated to the rational study of unidentified aerial phenomena. They conduct investigations, publish a semiannual review (Inforespace), and organize conferences. SOBEPS emphasizes the need for member collaboration and rapid reporting of observations. They offer access to their library, administrative support, and a collection of 360 slides on UFO phenomena. Two guides are available: "Guide de l'enquêteur" (Investigator's Guide) and "Guide de l'observateur" (Observer's Guide).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent controversy and alleged disinformation surrounding the Roswell autopsy film, the detailed reporting of UFO sightings with witness testimonies, and the analytical approach of SOBEPS in studying these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking factual evidence and scientific analysis while acknowledging the complexities and potential for manipulation within the field of ufology. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine scientific investigation and commercial exploitation or deliberate misinformation.