LDLN - No 265-266

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), dated July-August 1986, is the 29th year and issue number 19 F. It is published by the Groupement International de Recherches and focuses on "Mysterious Celestial Objects and Related Problems." The cover prominently features "PYRÉNÉES ORIENTALES" with a call to 'SEE PAGE 32,' alongside articles on 'A Global Vision of Ufology,' 'The Great Human Adventure,' and 'The Botta Affair.'

Table of Contents

The issue includes a detailed table of contents, listing articles on: A Global Vision of Ufology (p. 3), The Great Human Adventure (p. 8), Catalogue Francat (Part 6, p. 17), Behavior of Spanish Authorities Regarding UFOs (p. 22), The Botta Affair (p. 28), First Type Encounter in Poland (p. 30), Pyrénées Orientales (p. 32), Near Bourtheroulde (Eure) (p. 35), Near Vals-les-Bains (Ardèche) (p. 37), Saint-Etienne du Rouvray (Seine-Maritime) (p. 38), Haunted House in Grande-Synthe (Nord) (p. 41), Responses to 'Airplane or UFO?' (p. 46), and The Forum of Our Readers (p. 48).

Subscription Information

Details are provided for subscriptions, including annual rates for France (115 F) and support subscriptions (starting at 140 F), with an additional charge for foreign subscriptions. Payment methods include international money orders and other means. Correspondence should be addressed to LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT, 30250 SOMMIÈRES - FRANCE. Information is also given on how to determine subscription expiration dates based on the code on the magazine envelope.

Article: A Global Vision of Ufology

Authored by Gilbert Cornu, this article reflects on the current state of ufology, criticizing what he calls "hypercriticism" that dismisses older UFO cases. Cornu argues that this trend, while reflecting a growing public awareness, risks emptying ufology of its substance by favoring natural explanations or observational errors. He proposes that a true understanding of the UFO phenomenon requires a holistic view, acknowledging its presence across different planes of existence – testimonials, psychological aspects, and potential technological or even cosmic dimensions. He emphasizes that individual cases, while numerous, are less significant than the overall pattern and the persistent incomprehension of the phenomenon by humanity throughout history. The article suggests that the UFO phenomenon is a "fantastic adventure" that unfolds on multiple levels, and that its complexity arises from the interplay of these dimensions. Cornu also touches upon the challenges of research due to misinformation and the difficulty of accessing reliable historical data.

Article: The Great Human Adventure

Written by R. Lafanechère, this extensive article traces the evolution of the human species. It begins by noting the limited time humans occupy in geological history and the slow progression of life. Lafanechère discusses the emergence of vertebrates, mammals, and primates, leading to the development of hominids. The article highlights key fossil discoveries such as Ramapithecus, Kenyapithecus, and Oreopithecus, suggesting their role in the transition to bipedalism and the development of intellect. It details the emergence of Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Neanderthals, and finally Homo sapiens, discussing their physical characteristics, tool use, and the significance of discoveries like "Lucy." The article emphasizes the crucial role of environmental changes, such as the shift to savanna life, in driving human adaptation and the development of intelligence. It also touches upon early human culture, including the use of fire, the development of tools, and the emergence of art and burial rituals, particularly during the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods.

Article: Behavior of Spanish Authorities Regarding UFOs

This article, appearing on page 22, examines how Spanish authorities have dealt with UFO sightings. While the scanned pages do not provide the full content, its inclusion suggests a focus on official responses and potential cover-ups or investigations within Spain.

Article: The Botta Affair

Featured on page 28, 'L'affaire Botta' is presented as a specific case study within ufology. The details are not available in the scanned pages, but its prominent placement indicates it is a significant event discussed in the issue.

Catalog Francat and Other Reports

The issue includes the continuation of the 'Catalogue Francat' (p. 17), which lists reported UFO sightings and their classifications, often with brief explanations or conclusions regarding their nature (e.g., canulars, misidentifications, or phenomena like ball lightning). Several other short reports detail specific sightings or investigations, such as encounters in Poland, and various locations across France (Bourtheroulde, Vals-les-Bains, Saint-Etienne du Rouvray, Grande-Synthe).

Forum and Reader Responses

The 'Forum de nos lecteurs' (p. 48) indicates a section dedicated to reader contributions and discussions, suggesting an interactive element to the magazine. The article 'Réponses à "Avion ou OVNi"' (p. 46) implies a debate or clarification regarding the identification of aerial phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rigorous, evidence-based approach to ufology, emphasizing the need for careful source verification and critical analysis to combat misinformation and 'canulars.' It advocates for a global, holistic perspective on the UFO phenomenon, moving beyond simplistic explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking truth while acknowledging the complexities and challenges of the subject. There is a strong emphasis on historical context, both in ufology and in human evolution, suggesting a belief that understanding the past is crucial for comprehending the present. The publication also seems to encourage reader participation and investigation, as evidenced by the 'Forum' and the 'Notes for Investigators and Observers.' The magazine's commitment to documenting UFO phenomena is evident in its extensive cataloguing efforts and its dedication to publishing detailed reports and analyses.

This issue of OVNI magazine, identified as issue n° 154, pages 14 and n° 249-250, focuses on the 'Behavior of Spanish Authorities Regarding UFOs' and presents a chronological compilation of UFO sightings and official responses, primarily from Spain, but also including cases from France, Poland, and Argentina. The publication date is not explicitly stated but the content spans from the 1950s to the mid-1980s.

Comportement des autorités espagnoles à propos des OVNI

This extensive section details the official Spanish government and military's approach to UFO phenomena from 1968 to 1985. It begins with the first official declaration from the Ministry of Air in March 1968, stating that no studies were being conducted on UFOs in Spain. However, subsequent entries reveal a growing, albeit cautious, engagement. The Air Force's press service issued notes of information, including one in December 1968 advising witnesses on how to report sightings. By March 1979, the Joint Chiefs of Staff decided to classify UFO affairs as 'reserved matter,' a decision reaffirmed by the socialist government in 1983. This classification was justified by national security concerns, the potential for foreign aircraft to be mistaken for UFOs, and the difficulty of admitting unexplained phenomena. The article highlights the role of the Air Force's operations division in collecting and analyzing UFO information, with the decision to publish resting solely with them. It also notes the influence of journalist J.J. Benitez's reporting, which allegedly led to the 'reserved matter' classification. The section includes responses from various government officials, including the Prime Minister, who stated no new initiatives were planned regarding UFO studies but expressed personal interest.

Chronology of Spanish Official Actions

The chronology details specific dates and events:

• March 1968: First official statement from the Ministry of Air regarding a SPANTAX plane being followed by an unknown light.
• May 1968: US Embassy in Madrid informs Washington that no UFO studies are being conducted in Spain.
• June 1968: Captain Pedro Antonio Clavero Fernandez publishes an article on UFOs in the Air Force magazine.
• September 1968: Ministry of Air press service suggests a UFO sighting might be a weather balloon.
• December 1968: Air Force General Staff establishes principles for handling UFO information.
• October 1970: Air Force press service informs the public about satellite tracking tests that might be confused with UFOs.
• February 1972: Guardia Civil captain confirms no strange objects landed in a specific region.
• January 1974: Updated principles for UFO observation are issued.
• January 1975: Saragossa Air Region press service denies evidence of UFO landings in Navarre, attributing lights to optical phenomena.
• August 1975: General Carlos Castro Cavero reveals his personal belief in UFOs but states the Ministry of Air analyzes cases seriously.
• October 1976: Air Force Chief of Staff transmits information to journalist J.-J. Benitez.
• February 1977 - April 1977: Ministry of Air officials deny official recognition of UFO reality.
• May 1977: Aviation Commander Munoz Ferro Sastre classifies some cases as 'Fani' (unidentified aerial phenomena).
• September 1977: Information note reiterates the 1968 communication regarding UFOs.
• March 1979: Joint Chiefs of Staff classify UFO affairs as 'reserved matter'.
• March 1979: Military authorities are to conduct routine investigations of UFO phenomena.
• May 1979: Colonel Emilio Daneo Palacios states that 98% of UFO cases are explained, but 2% remain unexplained.
• November 1979: Ministry of Defense receives documentation on a TAE flight diversion possibly caused by a UFO.
• September 1980: Deputy Enrique Mugica Herzog poses questions about a forced landing of a Caravelle, but receives no government response.
• November 1980: General Andres Gonzales de Suso confirms UFOs remain classified as 'reserved matter'.
• February 1982 - November 1982: Colonel Emilio Daneo Palacios reiterates that UFO information is 'reserved matter' under state secrets law.
• November 1982 - February 1983: Guardia Civil press office states they have no information on UFO phenomena.
• January 1983: Prime Minister Felipe Gonzales states no new government initiatives are planned for UFO studies.
• April 1983: Fleet Staff confirms no knowledge of UFO observations from naval vessels.
• April 1983: Air Force Staff dismisses claims of military concealment of UFO facts.
• May 1983: Guardia Civil director states no documentation exists on UFOs within their archives.
• September 1983: Government acknowledges a UFO sighting over Spanish airspace, offering meteorite or satellite explanations.
• October 1983 - September 1984: Guardia Civil releases 25 UFO investigation files.
• December 1983: Government explains interest in UFOs is for airspace security.
• September 1984: Guardia Civil admits having information but deems it not precise enough to share.
• December 1978: A high-ranking Air Force officer allegedly provides information to J.-J. Benitez.
• May 1985: Government confirms that UFO information remains classified as 'reserved matter' by the Ministry of Defense.
• May 1985: A judge rules against public access to official UFO documents.
• May 1985: Ministry of Defense states that UFO information remains classified as 'reserved matter'.
• May 1985: Ministry of Defense official advises caution in disseminating information before investigations are complete.
• September - November 1985: Air Force intelligence reports no specific UFO investigation missions within its units.

Case Elucidated

This section lists cases that have been explained:

• March 1967: La Chapelle Taillefert
• November 1968: Fleury d'Aude
• April 1974: Saint-Florentin
• March 1975: Hostun
• January 1976: Ajoux
• March 1976: Lagny Rentilly
• November 1977: Fitz-James
• February 1977: La Sône
• March 1977: Marguerittes
• November 1978: Augisey
• November 1981: Vauvert

Other Cases Mentioned

The magazine also lists numerous other cases with brief details, often noting the lack of investigation or reliance on press reports. Examples include:

• 1954: Cases in Marseille, Joinville le Pont, Bouzais, Toulouse, Benet, Pierres Dures, Puymoyen, Bois de Boulogne, Montbazin, Montbazons, Brienne, Chatellerault, Londinière, Bailleul-Neuville, Lesparre, Gelles, Ecaillon, Fréjus.
• 1955-1980s: Cases in Ceret, Le Boulou, Chizé, Boisseuges, Feyzin, Wimereux, Boulogne, Veurey-Veuroise, Roanne, Valensole, Arc sous Cicon, Fos sur Mer, Trénal, Grasse, Nice, La Ciotat, Saint-Soulle, Draguignan, Erbalunga, Chalon sur Saône, Laujuzan, Thérines, Merville, Franceville Plage, Le Banel, Chatuzange le Goubet, Pont de Martinet, Sommérécourt.
• 1967-1983: Additional cases in France, often with notes on investigation status or media coverage.

L'affaire Botta

This article by Willy Smith examines the 'Botta Affair,' a UFO encounter reported by Enrique Botta (also known as Enrico Bossa or Enrico Carotenuto Botta) in Argentina in May 1950. The report details Botta's claim of entering a landed disc and finding three dead humanoid beings. The article highlights significant discrepancies between two versions of Botta's account, including details about the location, the number of friends present, the description of the craft, and the timeline. The author questions the veracity of the account, suggesting it might be a fabrication, possibly inspired by Frank Scully's book 'Behind the Flying Saucers.' The article concludes that the story is either true, requiring further explanation for its anomalies, or a skillful fabrication.

Rencontre du 1er type en Pologne

This report details a sighting by Jan Tarnowski in Poland on March 2-3, 1980. Tarnowski observed a bright, hovering object with two vertical beams of light, described as a tour, and three lights within. The object emitted a yellow light and later a blue light, with a strange odor. The phenomenon lasted for about 40-50 minutes. Janina Rejek also observed a similar light from her window.

Près de Bourgtheroulde (Eure)

This case involves a sighting by Mme A. Blanco on September 20, 1985, near Bourgtheroulde, France. She observed a large, bright white ball that detached a smaller yellow object. The objects moved rapidly and then disappeared. The witness estimated the object's size to be comparable to the full moon and its altitude to be around 15-20 meters.

St-Etienne du Rouvray (Seine-Maritime)

This report describes an observation by Mme Recher on August 1985. She saw a long object with red and green lights, described as beautiful and not an airplane. The object was stationary at first, then moved east without noise and disappeared into a cloud. The witness was surprised and initially feared ridicule.

Observation Lilloise le 14 Novembre 1985

This account details a sighting by a witness in Lille, France, on November 14, 1985. The witness observed a slow-moving, golden-yellow object that later appeared white, followed by three colored trails (red, yellow, green). The object was described as having a 'door' and was observed for about 17 minutes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the official handling of UFO phenomena, particularly in Spain, emphasizing government secrecy and the classification of information as 'reserved matter.' The magazine also highlights the importance of detailed investigations and witness testimonies, while critically examining potential hoaxes and misidentifications. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking factual information and encouraging rigorous research, while acknowledging the difficulties in obtaining official data. The inclusion of international cases suggests a broader interest in UFO phenomena beyond national borders.

This issue of LDLN (Lumières Dans La Nuit) presents a multifaceted exploration of unexplained phenomena, with a significant focus on UFO sightings from 1954 in the Vosges region of France, alongside a contemporary report on a 'haunted house' in Grande-Synthe. The magazine also delves into scientific and theoretical discussions, including the origin of life and aviation, and features reader contributions and responses.

Grande-Synthe: A Haunted House?

The lead article details the unsettling experiences of the Djilani Riahi family in Grande-Synthe, a seemingly ordinary neighborhood. Since their arrival in 1972, the family has been subjected to unexplained phenomena, including loud banging noises on doors, objects moving on their own, and even spontaneous fires. The phenomena reportedly cease when the children are not present, leading to speculation about a child's involuntary influence or an 'uninvited spirit.' The family's distress is such that the wife and children have moved out. The article notes the involvement of local authorities and the family's decision to seek help from both a Catholic priest and an Islamic exorcist, highlighting the unusual nature of the events. Skeptical neighbors have also reported hearing unexplained noises. The journalist, J. Sename, frames it as a case for social anthropology.

Catalogue Rétroactif 1954 des cas vosgiens

The bulk of the issue is dedicated to a retrospective catalog of UFO cases from 1954 in the Vosges region. The cases are presented with a unique identifier, location, date, witness(es), and sources. Notable entries include:

• Case N° F/98/88/541101 (01) - Viomenil "La Bataille": On November 1, 1954, around 8:30 PM, farmer Robert Didier reported seeing a white disk, approximately 40 cm in size, moving at high speed without noise towards Belrupt, leaving a multi-colored trail.
• Case N° F/98/88541102 (01) (02) (03) - Viomenil, Le Tholoy, Dogneville: On November 2, 1954, around 6:15 AM, Paul Poirot of Viomenil heard a humming sound and saw a green disk descending rapidly. Simultaneously, Robert Gegonne in Le Tholoy reported a similar disk sighting. In Dogneville, Charles Durant reported seeing a celestial body with a curvilinear trajectory, which disintegrated before disappearing.
• Case N° F/98/88541100 (01) - Beulay: In November 1954, the mayor of Beulay and several residents observed three luminous disks illuminating the valley before disappearing.
• Case N° F/98/88541231 - Region de Gérardmer: A single observation was reported on December 31, 1954, but details are scarce, with ongoing research mentioned.
• Case N° F/98/88540000 (01) - Baudricourt: Possibly in October 1954, a truck driver reported seeing a UFO that caused his headlights to turn off progressively near Baudricourt.
• Case N° F/98 8854000 (02) - Saulxures-sur-Moselotte: A shoemaker reported seeing a UFO and alerted the mayor, though only the schoolteacher initially believed him.

The magazine includes charts showing the distribution of these cases by month and hour, noting a peak in August and a wave in October. The commentary suggests that many of these phenomena might be explained as meteors, especially given the August sightings, but acknowledges the possibility of other explanations. The publication also appeals to readers for further information to aid ongoing investigations.

Courrier: Aviation, Evolution, and Scientific Debate

This section features several reader contributions:

• Albert Liso y Claret responds to a query about a triangular aircraft, suggesting it might be a custom-built ultralight motor glider (ULM) or a model aircraft, and offers to provide more information.
• Guy Coatantroch also addresses the triangular object, proposing it could be a radio-controlled model aircraft, given the proximity to a local aeroclub and the diverse forms models can take. He provides a sketch of a possible aircraft shape.
• Hervé Allard engages with an article by Charles Gouiran concerning Fred Hoyle's critique of the 'primordial soup' theory for the origin of life. Allard quotes extensively from an article by Léon Mercadet, which elaborates on Hoyle's argument that the timescale for the spontaneous assembly of amino acids into complex proteins is too short, questioning the role of pure chance in the emergence of life. Hoyle's calculations suggest an astronomically improbable number of combinations required for protein formation. Allard also touches upon the difficulty of distinguishing between genuine information and propaganda in scientific discourse.
• Henry Durrant further expands on Fred Hoyle's arguments, emphasizing the immense statistical improbability of life arising by chance. He criticizes the selective presentation of scientific experiments, like those of Miller and Urey, to support the theory of spontaneous generation while omitting results that challenge it, labeling it as disinformation.
• Hervé Allard also poses a question about luminous phenomena preceding or accompanying seismic events, referencing his father's observation during the 1954 Orléansville earthquake.

Forum de nos Lecteurs

This section is introduced as a platform for readers to ask questions and share information, aiming to enhance the collective knowledge of ufology. It encourages serious discussion and requests that questions be submitted with the reader's address and subscription number.

Responses to Readers

• G. Codoul provides recommendations for books on 'micro-vibratory physics and invisible forces' for readers interested in the 'form and direction of matter and energy,' citing works by A. de Bélizal, P.A. Morel, L. Chaumery, and Pagot.

Other Sections

• Délégation de l'Essonne: Introduces Joël Mesnard as the contact person for this region.
• Sur la route des vacances: A reminder to purchase the LDLN 'macaron' (sticker).
• Obituaries: A brief note announces the passing of J. Allen Hynek, a prominent figure in UFO research, expressing condolences and promising further coverage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious, investigative approach to UFO phenomena and related topics, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of information. There is a clear interest in cataloging and analyzing past events, as evidenced by the 1954 retrospective. The publication also engages with scientific debates, particularly concerning the origin of life, and highlights the challenges of research in these fields. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking factual evidence and reasoned analysis, while also acknowledging the more unusual and unexplained aspects of reported phenomena, such as the Grande-Synthe case.