LDLN - No 273-274

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), Volume 30, Number 21F, dated March-April 1987, is dedicated to exploring unexplained phenomena, with a strong emphasis on animal mutilations and alleged cover-ups.

Editorial: A Nous de Choisir! (We Must Choose!)

Gilbert Cornu's editorial, "A Nous de Choisir!", addresses the need for the magazine to adapt to the changing landscape of ufology. He notes that reports of UFOs are becoming rarer, potentially threatening the magazine's information flow. Cornu proposes three possible paths for "LDLN": gradual decline due to diminishing information, artificial survival by focusing solely on past ufological history, or diversification into other unexplained phenomena. He advocates for the latter, arguing that these other phenomena are equally fascinating and pose similar questions, citing popular books on mysteries as evidence of public interest. He believes this broader approach will provide sufficient information and renew reader interest, ensuring the magazine's vitality. Cornu emphasizes that this decision rests with the entire readership, investigators, and regional delegates, urging them to respond to a survey to gauge their opinions.

Content Highlights

The issue features a table of contents listing articles on various topics:

• Editorial: "A nous de choisir!" (Page 3)
• La planète des singes (The Planet of the Apes) (Page 7)
• Mutilations animales (Animal Mutilations) (Page 10)
• Contre Darwin: c'est la Bible qui a raison (Against Darwin: The Bible is Right) (Page 25)
• Polognes (3 - suite) (Poland (3 - continued)) (Page 33)
• Seine-Maritime (Page 36)
• Deux observations en Loire-Atlantique (Two Observations in Loire-Atlantique) (Page 37)
• Côte-du-Nord (Page 39)
• Marne (Page 40)
• Quasi-atterrissage à La Garde (Var) (Quasi-Landing at La Garde (Var)) (Page 41)
• Nouvelles de ces derniers mois (News from recent months) (Page 45)
• Courrier (Mail) (Page 46)
• Lumières dans la Nuit : une mine de documents (Lights in the Night: A Mine of Documents) (Page 47)

Subscription Information

Details are provided for subscribing to "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT," a 48-page bimonthly magazine on the UFO problem. Annual subscription rates for 1987 are 125 F (ordinary) and 150 F (support). Foreign subscriptions incur an additional 35 F charge. Payment can be made via international money orders or other means. Contact information for correspondence and subscriptions is provided.

Article: La Planète des Singes (The Planet of the Apes)

J.-P. Petit, a Research Director at the CNRS, discusses the stagnation of UFO research, referencing Allen Hynek's critique of the Condon report and the perceived lack of progress from French organizations like GEPAN. He notes the scientific community's general disinterest, attributing it to a desire to maintain a stable paradigm. Petit draws parallels between biological cell behavior and societal structures, suggesting that life is fundamentally about adaptation and survival. He argues that scientific progress requires transgressing existing paradigms and that resistance to new ideas is a form of "homeostatic defense." He criticizes the scientific community's tendency to dismiss or ignore phenomena that challenge established beliefs, likening it to an "inquisition." Petit also touches upon the evolution of human society from hordes to communities, facilitated by language and writing, and the role of technology in driving change and instability.

Article: Mutilations Animales - Phase 3: Les Preuves du Cover-Up (Animal Mutilations - Phase 3: The Proofs of the Cover-Up)

Jean Sider presents an in-depth investigation into animal mutilations, primarily focusing on cases in North America, particularly the United States. He details the historical context, noting the phenomenon's rise in 1973 and a subsequent decline in official reports. Sider outlines common anomalies observed in these cases, including the precise removal of organs (especially reproductive organs, eyes, and ears), the use of surgical-like instruments, the absence of blood, and the lack of scavenger interest in the carcasses. He highlights unusual positioning of the carcasses, suggesting they were moved post-mortem, and the presence of fractures indicating forceful handling. Sider notes the frequent, yet often unidentified, sightings of helicopters in affected areas.

His investigation involves extensive correspondence with various US officials, including sheriffs, veterinarians, and state agricultural departments. He recounts receiving numerous evasive or negative responses, with some officials citing destroyed records or lack of authorization to disclose information. Sider points out the reluctance of authorities to admit to unsolved cases, often attributing them to predators to calm public anxiety. He criticizes the work of Dr. James R. Stewart, a sociologist, and Dr. Nancy Owen, an anthropologist, for their conclusions that predators were responsible, arguing they were influenced by biased scientific opinions and overlooked crucial evidence.

Sider scrutinizes the report by M. Kenneth Rommel, an ex-FBI agent, who concluded that animal mutilations were solely the work of predators. Sider refutes Rommel's findings by highlighting the lack of expertise in wild predators among the state veterinarians Rommel consulted. He provides expert opinions from wildlife specialists and veterinarians who confirm that predators do not typically perform the precise, surgical-like excisions observed, nor do they leave carcasses untouched by scavengers. Sider also details discrepancies in official reports, particularly concerning Sergeant F. and Lieutenant R. in Arkansas, suggesting potential falsification or manipulation of evidence to support the predator theory. He points to the unusual circumstances surrounding the investigation in Benton County, Arkansas, and the involvement of Sergeant F. as a coordinator for mutilation cases, further fueling suspicions of a cover-up.

Nos Activités (Our Activities)

This section outlines various ways readers can participate in the magazine's activities:

• Enquêtes (Investigations): Readers can become investigators by obtaining an official investigator's card and guide.
• Groupe Technique et Recherches (Technical and Research Group): Offers a "Reader Service" for advice and guidance, with a fee for participation costs (5 stamps at 1.60 F per question). It also provides instructions for creating local telephone networks and schematics for various electronic detectors (magnetic, light, acoustic, Geiger counter, pulsograph, frequency meter) and a brochure for an automatic photographic station.
• Donations: The magazine appeals for donations of old postcards, books, comics, and stamps to help maintain its activities.
• FIDUFO: A call for participants to help establish and process UFO documentation on computers, including secretarial work, translations, and data entry.
• Recherches d'Archives (Archive Research): Encourages readers to search local archives and newspapers for overlooked information.

Call for Reports

Readers are urged to send in any reports of observations they may have knowledge of.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a stance of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and animal mutilations. It challenges official explanations and scientific orthodoxy, suggesting that a deliberate cover-up often obscures the truth. The editorial board encourages critical thinking and active reader participation in research. There is a clear skepticism towards simplistic explanations, and a willingness to explore unconventional theories, while maintaining a commitment to evidence-based investigation. The magazine positions itself as a platform for disseminating information that might otherwise be suppressed or ignored by mainstream media and scientific institutions.

This issue of "Phénomènes Spatiaux" (Spatial Phenomena), issue number 271/272 from January-February 1987, published by L.D.L.N. in France, delves into a multifaceted exploration of unexplained phenomena, scientific controversies, and historical interpretations. The cover prominently features "LE PÉCHÉ ORIGINEL" (The Original Sin), suggesting a theological or philosophical undertone to some of the content, while the magazine's broader scope encompasses UFO reports, animal mutilations, and a critical examination of evolutionary theory.

Animal Mutilation Investigations

The magazine presents detailed accounts and photographic evidence of animal mutilation cases, particularly focusing on incidents in the United States. It highlights the work of investigators like Jean SIDER, Dr. James R. Stewart, Dr. Nancy H. Owen, and Kenneth M. Rommel, Jr. The articles question the prevailing explanations of predation, emphasizing the surgical precision of the wounds, the lack of blood, and the absence of struggle signs. Specific cases from Kansas, Wisconsin, Montana, and New Mexico are detailed, with accompanying photographs. The text suggests a pattern of meticulous, almost surgical, removal of specific body parts, raising questions about the perpetrators and their motives. The investigation into the New Mexico cases is particularly scrutinized, with allegations of deliberate obfuscation by some involved parties.

UFO Sightings and Analysis

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to UFO reports, with a focus on observations in Poland and France. The Polish section details multiple sightings from the archives of the "Groupe de Recherche OVNI" (UFO Research Group), including reports from Zebrzydowice, Brzeg, and the region of Piotrkow Kujawski. These accounts describe various luminous objects, some in formation, exhibiting unusual movement patterns, colors (yellow, red, blue, white), and emitting light or smoke trails. The silent nature of these phenomena is frequently noted. The French section includes an investigation by Christian Soudet into a sighting in Seine-Maritime, France, involving a triangular object with large end-balls and metallic lights. Another report by D. de Tarragon details two observations in Loire-Atlantique, France, from 1954, involving multiple bright, silent objects observed by students and hundreds of others. The magazine also features a map illustrating a UFO trajectory in Côtes-du-Nord, France.

The Evolution Debate: Science vs. Belief

François TOULET contributes a lengthy and critical examination of Darwin's theory of evolution, titled "CONTRE DARWIN : C'EST LA BIBLE QUI A RAISON" (Against Darwin: The Bible is Right). This section challenges the scientific consensus on evolution, arguing that it is not "scientifically demonstrated" as widely claimed. Toulet questions the empirical evidence for evolution, stating that no one has directly witnessed the transformation of one species into another or the spontaneous appearance of complex organs. He critiques the concept of transitional fossils and highlights the apparent lack of significant change in many species over millions of years (panchrony), citing examples like cockroaches and sharks. The article also delves into the historical development of evolutionary thought, mentioning figures like Darwin, De Vries, Buffon, Huxley, and Dubois, and critically analyzes the discovery and interpretation of fossils like Pithecanthropus and Piltdown Man, suggesting instances of scientific misinterpretation or even fabrication.

Biological Racism and Historical Context

Building on the critique of evolutionary theory, the magazine explores the concept of "LE RACISME BIOLOGIQUE" (Biological Racism). It cites historical texts from prominent figures, including Darwin and Teilhard de Chardin, which allegedly suggest a hierarchy of human races based on evolutionary principles. The article questions the scientific validity of these claims and expresses concern about the potential for such ideas to be used to justify discrimination. It contrasts the historical view of racial inferiority with contemporary demographic trends.

Religious and Philosophical Perspectives

The issue touches upon religious interpretations of origins, particularly in the context of the "Original Sin" and the creation narrative. It references the catechism's explanation of Adam and Eve and contrasts it with modern interpretations that question their literal existence. The magazine also briefly touches upon philosophical objections to evolution, emphasizing the complexity of biological systems and the perceived improbability of their development through gradual, random processes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the questioning of established scientific paradigms, particularly evolutionary theory, and the exploration of phenomena that fall outside conventional scientific explanations, such as UFOs and animal mutilations. The magazine adopts a critical stance towards mainstream science, suggesting that it can be dogmatic, prone to error, and influenced by prevailing ideologies. There is an underlying skepticism towards official explanations and a willingness to consider alternative hypotheses, often drawing parallels between different unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor a more open-minded, investigative approach, encouraging readers to form their own conclusions based on the presented evidence and arguments, even if they challenge conventional wisdom. The inclusion of religious and philosophical viewpoints suggests an interdisciplinary approach to understanding reality.

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), dated the second quarter of 1987, is issue number 43. It is printed in France and focuses on UFO and UAP phenomena, with a strong emphasis on witness testimonies and investigative reports.

Main Feature: Quasi-Landing in La Garde (Var)

The central article details a significant UFO sighting that occurred in La Garde, Var, France, on Saturday, March 13, 1974, between 8 PM and 9 PM. The report, designated "Rapport n° 1303 lg 745" and classified as C.A.N.6, was investigated by Lydia Vaissband, Jean-Pierre Vite, and Patrice Seray. The incident involved a witness identified as M.C., a 43-year-old civil servant, who was with a female companion (Mlle X) in a parking area on the industrial zone road between La Farlède and La Garde, facing Mont Coudon.

M.C. describes the observation in two parts. Initially, he noticed a luminous source, about ten times the size of a star, at medium altitude. The object, described as cigar-shaped, began to approach, increasing in size and descending obliquely. As it got closer, its color changed to a darker hue, and it appeared more oval. At one point, it was about 15-20 meters from the car, filling the windshield and appearing immense and volumunous, with a shape that was not perfectly round but rather oval, or "mal définie" (poorly defined).

The object then stopped its descent, hovering at an estimated altitude of about 6 meters above the ground, though M.C. could not be certain if it was touching the ground. During this close approach, M.C. experienced a profound sense of being frozen, unable to speak, and felt an overwhelming impression that he was being ordered not to move and that no harm would come to him. He described this as a mental command rather than an audible one.

Upon departure, the object accelerated away at a "vertiginous speed" in the direction it had approached. M.C. reported that the object was seen the next day in a local newspaper, "Var-Matin," which also reported a similar sighting by a truck driver near Carcès.

Other Witness Accounts and Reports

Boulay Region Sightings

The issue also includes several accounts from the Boulay region. Patrick Schoun recounts his own observation of a cigar-shaped object with a visible "hatch" and red and green lights, which moved with a swaying motion. He also presents a report from a colleague who witnessed two "full moons" in the sky, one of which was a luminous disk without any discernible features. This testimony was corroborated by a pharmacy client who saw the same phenomenon. A young woman also reported seeing a "second moon" around 7 AM with her father, and importantly, she shared her account before knowing about the other testimonies.

Other UAP Reports

Several other recent UAP observations are condensed from press reports:

• St-Pierre-des-Nids (Mayenne), Summer 1986: A family observed a dried grass circle, approximately 20.8 meters in outer diameter and 1.70 meters in inner diameter. Poultry were reluctant to enter the circle.
• Hénin-Beaumont (Pas-de-Calais), November 11-12, 1986: Witnesses and police observed a large, luminous sphere moving silently or remaining stationary. Later, a "fireball" was seen descending and landing behind slag heaps.
• Alaska Airspace, November 17, 1986: A pilot reported observing a spherical object about 120 meters in diameter, accompanied by two smaller cubic objects, which formed circles around his aircraft.
• Louveciennes (Yvelines), November 24 and 26, 1986: A couple witnessed a flying saucer, about 5-6 meters in diameter, with a blue and white halo, performing zigzags before disappearing.

Letters and Editorial Stance

The magazine includes letters from readers, such as Joseph Giordan discussing Medjugorje and the potential for UFO investigations, and Patrick Ferrryn responding to previous articles about ancient civilizations and artifacts. The editorial section, titled "LA POLÉMIQUE, STÉRILE, NE CONDUIT A RIEN DE POSITIF. L'ARGUMENTATION, BIEN ÉTAYÉE, EST CONSTRUCTIVE," emphasizes the magazine's commitment to constructive debate and well-supported arguments, rather than polemics.

Back Issues and Subscriptions

"Lumières dans la Nuit" also provides a list of available back issues, detailing their content and prices, and promotes its "MACARON L.D.L.N." (sticker).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are close encounters with unidentified aerial phenomena, the importance of credible witness testimony, and the investigation of physical traces. The magazine maintains an open-minded yet analytical approach, encouraging detailed reporting and constructive discussion. The editorial stance clearly favors reasoned debate and evidence-based argumentation, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of UAP phenomena without resorting to sensationalism or personal attacks. The publication also highlights its long history, having published extensively since 1958.