LDLN - No 283-284

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: N° 283-284
Volume: 31st Year
Date: January-February 1988
Publisher: GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL
Country: France
Language: French
Cover Headline: CRASHES D'OVNI : ENFIN DES PREUVES ! OPÉRATION MAJESTIC 12

Main Articles and Content

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" delves into two primary areas: the comprehensive analysis of reader responses to a questionnaire and an extensive investigation into the controversial "Operation Majestic 12" and alleged UFO crash evidence.

Questionnaire Analysis (Part 2)

Gilbert Cornu presents the second part of the analysis of the "Questionnaire LDLN de Mars-Avril 1987." He notes the continued influx of responses even after the initial deadline, bringing the total to 64 additional replies and a final count of 64 responses, representing 14.4% of the total. This late influx required significant revisions to statistical tables, graphs, and maps, though it did not alter the overall conclusions. The analysis highlights that the majority of readers (92.5%) are in favor of expanding the magazine's scope to include other unexplained phenomena beyond UFOs, a sentiment that aligns with the magazine's historical roots. The geographical distribution of responses shows some shifts, with the Alpes-Maritimes, Finistère, and Yvelines seeing an increase in replies. Notably, the number of departments with no responses has decreased significantly.

UFO Crashes: Finally, Proof! (Operation Majestic Twelve: Reality or Fiction?)

This section, authored by Jean Sider, focuses on the "Operation Majestic 12" and its alleged connection to UFO crashes, particularly the Roswell incident. Sider introduces the concept of a top-secret US national security group established in 1947 under President Truman to investigate UFOs. He discusses documents that have surfaced, claiming to confirm the existence of this group, designated "Majestic-12" (MJ-12).

Sider meticulously examines the translated documents, including a memorandum prepared for President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower in November 1952. He details the purported members of MJ-12, including high-ranking military and scientific figures like Admiral Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter (MJ-1) and Dr. Vannevar Bush (MJ-2). The document outlines the group's mandate to investigate UFOs, particularly in the aftermath of the Roswell crash in July 1947, where debris and alien bodies were allegedly recovered.

The article scrutinizes the details of the Roswell incident, including the discovery of four small, deceased human-like creatures and the subsequent cover-up involving a meteorological balloon explanation. Sider analyzes the technical aspects of the purported Majestic 12 document, commenting on the typing style, font, and potential authenticity, suggesting it appears genuine but acknowledging the possibility of a sophisticated forgery. He notes the paradox in the views of some scientists, like Dr. Donald Menzel, who were reportedly part of MJ-12 but also publicly downplayed UFO phenomena.

Sider also discusses the evolution of US government projects related to UFOs, such as Project SIGN and Project GRUDGE, which eventually became Project BLUE BOOK. He highlights the secrecy surrounding MJ-12, its direct reporting to the President, and the unusual circumstances of James Forrestal's replacement.

The article delves into the potential implications of the Majestic 12 findings, including the possibility of extraterrestrial origins for the craft and the creatures. It touches upon the theory that the Moon's dark side might have served as a base for extraterrestrial civilizations, referencing a statement by Carl Sagan. Sider concludes by examining the paradoxes in the public and private stances of some individuals involved, suggesting that their apparent contradictions might be explained by their roles within the secret operation.

Other Content

• Subscription Information: Details are provided for annual subscriptions, including rates for ordinary and supporting subscriptions, as well as international postage. Payment methods and correspondence addresses are listed.
• Reader Mail/Feedback: A section includes a note about the publication of documents, stating that their inclusion does not necessarily imply endorsement but rather that they are considered worthy of interest and potentially leading to the truth. It also asserts copyright protection for the magazine's content.
• Letters to the Editor: A brief mention of letters from readers expressing their views and contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's editorial stance, as articulated in the introductory and concluding remarks, is a passionate pursuit of truth regarding unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs. The publication aims to be a platform for rigorous research and open discussion, encouraging reader participation. There's a clear emphasis on critical analysis and discerning fact from fiction, even when dealing with controversial topics like the Majestic 12 documents. The magazine appears to be committed to uncovering information that may be suppressed by mainstream media or official channels, positioning itself as a vital source for those seeking deeper understanding of these mysteries. The expansion of topics beyond UFOs suggests a broader interest in the paranormal and unexplained, reflecting a belief that these phenomena may be interconnected.

This issue of LDLN, dated September 1987, delves deeply into the controversial MAJESTIC-12 document and related UFO phenomena. The magazine critically examines the document's authenticity, presents various witness accounts, and explores the scientific and historical context of UFO sightings. It features articles on the alleged cover-up surrounding UFO events, the scientific analysis of UFO characteristics, and the historical presence of UFO-like objects in art.

Analysis of the MAJESTIC-12 Document and Roswell Incident

The issue begins by addressing critiques of the MAJESTIC-12 document, particularly from James Moseley, who questions the authenticity based on arguments about Dr. Menzel's supposed involvement. The author defends the document's credibility, citing Dr. James E. McDonald's strong refutation of Menzel's views. The text highlights that debris from the alleged Roswell crash bore undecipherable writing, a point corroborated by a letter from Jesse A. Marcel Jr. The article suggests that the difficulty in deciphering the writing is due to its unknown origin, language, and symbolic system.

Further analysis of the Roswell incident suggests that the lack of understanding regarding the propulsion and energy source of the craft was expected at the time, but advancements in the past 40 years might shed new light on these aspects. The possibility of a 'Project SNOWBIRD' within the U.S. Air Force, tasked with testing recovered UFO prototypes, is also mentioned. The author speculates on John Von Neumann's potential involvement in establishing modern computing based on UFO crash data, drawing parallels to the sudden emergence of micro-computing.

Page 5 of the magazine details the structure and purpose of the U.S. Air Force projects like SIGN, GRUDGE, and BLUE-BOOK, which allegedly served to funnel unexplained UFO reports to MAJESTIC-12. The clandestine nature of MAJESTIC-12 is emphasized, with information being passed through hierarchical channels, potentially involving individuals like General Twining. The article also touches upon the second UFO crash reported on December 6, 1950, near the Texas-Mexico border, as relayed by correspondent Todd Zechl, who claims a small humanoid corpse was recovered. This incident is cross-referenced with an earlier report by Zechl dating the crash to 1948, raising questions about date discrepancies.

The magazine discusses the reasons for the "black-out" on UFO information, citing technological, international, and public panic concerns. It concludes that the MAJESTIC-12 document, while not definitively proven authentic, maintains a consistent internal logic.

Corroboration and Analysis of Key Points

Pages 2 and 3 present a detailed breakdown of key points from the MAJESTIC-12 document and their corroboration, including:

1. Roswell Crash and MAJESTIC-12: The document's assertion of the Roswell crash and the establishment of MAJESTIC-12 are corroborated by five other documents (two of which are suspect) and multiple witnesses to the Roswell crash.
2. MAJESTIC-12 Membership: Members were likely appointed for life, with the case of James Forrestal cited as partial corroboration.
3. Extraterrestrial Hypothesis: The extraterrestrial hypothesis gained traction early on, supported by the Roswell crash and a letter from General Twining to General Schulgen.
4. Roswell Witnesses: Witnesses to the Roswell incident were debriefed, as confirmed by William Moore's investigation into the Marcel family and other witnesses.
5. Second Crash (1950): The December 6, 1950, crash near the Texas-Mexico border is corroborated by information from Todd Zechl and Len Stringfield, though date confusion exists.
6. Humanoid Recovery: The recovery of four humanoid bodies from Roswell is partially supported by rumors and William Moore's research, including an interview with a doctor who autopsied an alien body.
7. Research on Wreckage: Research on the Roswell wreckage was supervised by General Twining (military) and Dr. Vannevar Bush (scientific), corroborated by a memorandum from Wilbert B. Smith.
8. Humanoid Autopsies: Autopsies of the Roswell humanoids were supervised by Dr. Detlev Bronk, who termed them "Extra-terrestrial Biological Entities" (EBEs). This is not directly corroborated but aligns with testimonies from military personnel and doctors about autopsies of alien bodies.
9. Project Longevity: Projects SIGN, GRUDGE, and BLUE BOOK were maintained for over twenty years primarily to supply MAJESTIC-12 with unexplained reports.
10. Personnel Ignorance: Personnel involved in these projects were kept unaware of MAJESTIC-12, except for program heads who transmitted reports. This is partially supported by E.J. Ruppelt's writings.
11. Roswell UFO Range: The Roswell UFO was estimated to have a "low action radius," suggesting its origin might be close to Earth.
12. Roswell Debris Markings: Fragments from the Roswell UFO bore writing or symbols, corroborated by six witnesses, including the son of Major Jesse A. Marcel.
13. Dr. Donald Menzel's Books: Menzel's debunking books were likely written on the recommendation of MAJESTIC-12, given his contradictory stance.
14. NICAAP and Civilian Reports: Admiral Roscoe Hillenkoetter directed NICAAP to provide MAJESTIC-12 with "good reports" from civilians, complementing military reports.

The author also addresses the issue of William Moore's redaction of "TOP-SECRET/MAJIC - EYES ONLY" markings on the document, suggesting it was an attempt to manage its release. Further discussion on the document's authenticity considers three possibilities: a hoax by an individual, a hoax by a state agency, or the document being authentic.

UFOs in Art and Historical Sightings

Henry Durrant contributes an article titled "UNE PEINTURE EXTRAORDINAIRE - II" (An Extraordinary Painting - II), discussing historical artworks that appear to depict UFOs. He highlights a painting by Arndt Van Gelder showing a baptism scene with a flying disc, and another attributed to Filippo Lippi featuring a lenticular object with rays behind the Virgin Mary. Durrant argues that these depictions cannot be dismissed as mere fantasy, given the context of the artists and the striking resemblance to modern UFO sightings, including the reaction of a dog to the object.

Brazilian UFO Incident of May 19, 1986

Dr. Willy Smith details a significant UFO incident that occurred in Brazil on May 19, 1986. A Brazilian Air Force Xingu aircraft, piloted by Colonel Osirès Silva and co-piloted by Alcir Pereira da Silva, encountered unidentified objects. Radar systems in the region, including those at Brasilia and Sao José dos Campos, became saturated. Fighter jets (F-5E and Mirage III) were scrambled to intercept the objects, but their attempts to approach were unsuccessful. The objects, described as changing colored lights, were observed for approximately three hours before disappearing towards the ocean. The Minister of the Air confirmed the radar detection and visual sightings, stating that the objects were solid and not optical illusions. The article notes the difficulty in precisely determining the objects' speeds due to radar limitations, but estimates ranged from 1,500 km/h upwards.

Other UFO Reports and Activities

The magazine also includes a section on "Nos activités" (Our Activities), detailing how readers can participate in UFO investigations, join research groups, and contribute to the LDLN network. It lists available back issues and special supplements.

Several brief reports of UFO sightings from various locations are presented:

• Luberon, France (July 3, 1987): A luminous mass observed between Luberon and the St-Jacques-de-Cavaillon hills, which split into fragments and then disappeared.
• Pordenone, Italy (August 7, 1987): Three travelers reported a blinding red light, their vehicle's engine stopped, and they observed an 8-meter long object overhead. After the light vanished and the engine restarted, they found themselves 90 km away.
• Pordenone, Italy: Two farmers reported a discoidal silver object emitting an azure light that caused two chickens to disappear.
• Fort-de-France, Antilles (August 21, 1987): Multiple witnesses, including a pilot and airport control personnel, observed four luminous points moving north-south, later described as a red main ball surrounded by seven points.
• Shanghai, China (August 27, 1987): An object resembling an oval dish or a comet with a parachute-shaped tail was observed for 40 minutes, sometimes rotating.
• Nort-s-Erdre, France (September 7, 1987): A 10-year-old boy reported a circular object with a powerful orange light that hovered and then disappeared. A similar object was observed by another witness the following day.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent debate surrounding the authenticity of UFO documents like MAJESTIC-12, the ongoing investigation into the Roswell incident and its implications, and the presentation of diverse UFO sighting reports from around the world. The magazine also emphasizes the historical context of UFO phenomena, as evidenced by its analysis of art. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical and analytical approach, encouraging readers to contribute to research while remaining cautious about sensationalism and potential disinformation. The author advocates for constructive argumentation over unproductive polemics.

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue Date: 1st Quarter 1988
Publisher: R VEILLITH
Country: France
Language: French
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" primarily serves as a price list for past issues of the magazine, detailing prices for individual and double issues from 1973 through 1987. It also includes two "ANNONCES" (Announcements/Requests) sections, a note on price inflation, and publication details.

Back Issue Price List

The magazine provides a comprehensive list of its back issues with corresponding prices. The prices are listed by year and issue number. For instance, single issues from 1973 (N°126) were priced at 3 F, while N°124 with a supplement (P.Sup) cost 10 F and without the supplement cost 7 F. Prices increased over the years, with double issues from 1986 (e.g., N° doubles 259-260) costing 19 F, and double issues from 1987 (e.g., N° doubles 271-272) costing 21 F.

Older issues from the late 1970s and early 1980s are also listed with their prices: N° 174-180 from 1978 cost 8 F, N° 182-190 from 1979 cost 9 F, N° 192-200 from 1980 cost 9 F, and N° 201-210 from 1981 cost 10 F. Double issues from 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986 are also detailed with their respective prices, showing a steady increase.

A notable disclaimer (N.B.) explains that for most years, it was impossible to maintain the original cover price due to the age of the copies and significant inflation, and that the increases are only partially passed on.

Announcements (ANNONCES)

Two specific requests are featured in the "ANNONCES" section:

1. Research Request: Claude Maugé is seeking the Brazilian book "Os Discos Voadores" by A.B. Simões, specifically a copy of the passage concerning observations made by astronomers Hall and Hess on May 20 and 22, 1950. Any related references are also requested. Correspondence should be addressed to Claude Maugé at 28, rue Lécuyer, 93300 AUBERVILLIERS, France.

2. Back Issue Acquisition Request: Marc BLANCHARD is looking to purchase or obtain photocopies (with shipping costs covered) of specific back issues of "Contact-lecteurs" and "LDLN". The requested "Contact-lecteurs" issues are n° 95 bis, série 3 n° 1, and série 5 n° 3 and 4. For "LDLN", the requested issues are nº 171, 122 to 130, 119, 113 to 117, 111, and all previous issues except 106. Contact can be made with M. Marc BLANCHARD at lieu dit Bougnot, St-Sauveur-de-Meilhan, 47200 Marmande, France, or by phone at 53.94.34.33.

Publication Details

The magazine was printed in France. The Director of Publication is R VEILLITH. The publication has a Commission Paritaire registration number 68.468. The printing was done by Imprimerie Imprilux in St-Etienne. The legal deposit was registered in the first quarter of 1988.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary focus of this particular issue is the business aspect of maintaining a magazine, specifically addressing the availability and pricing of past issues. The editorial stance, as indicated by the price list and the disclaimer about inflation, suggests a commitment to providing access to historical content while acknowledging the economic realities of publishing. The inclusion of specific research and acquisition requests in the "ANNONCES" section highlights the magazine's role as a hub for enthusiasts and researchers within the UFO and unexplained phenomena community, facilitating connections and information exchange.