LDLN - No 296

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), issue number 296, dated March-April 1989, is the 32nd year of publication. It is a 40-page bimonthly review dedicated to the UFO problem. The cover features a striking illustration of two fighter jets, hinting at the lead story about Polish pilots' testimonies. Other prominent cover stories include the Argentine wave of 1978 and the 'John Lear affair'. The price is 24 French Francs.

Editorial Stance: The True Meaning of Skepticism

The editorial, titled "Le scepticisme... le vrai" (Skepticism... the real thing), addresses recent reader inquiries about the magazine's stance on UFOs. The editor clarifies that "LDLN's line of conduct is skepticism." This is not the modern, colloquial understanding of skepticism as mere doubt or disinterest, but its original philosophical meaning: the suspension of judgment and the rigorous examination of claims. The magazine aims to investigate UFO phenomena objectively, gathering testimonies and evidence without preconceived notions or adherence to any particular theory.

The editor emphasizes that LDLN does not defend any specific thesis and admits to not knowing what UFOs truly are. The approach is to "consider everything and believe nothing," focusing on gathering evidence and seeking proof. The magazine acknowledges the frustrating nature of ufology, where phenomena often elude measurement and analysis, and where researchers face public skepticism. However, the commitment to understanding remains, driven by the existence of numerous credible witnesses.

Subscription Information and Editorial Policy

Details are provided for subscriptions to "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT," including annual rates, support subscriptions, and international postage. Payment instructions are given for M. J. Mesnard. A crucial note is made that checks should not be made out to "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT." Correspondence should also be addressed to J. Mesnard. Information is provided on how to determine the expiration date of a subscription based on the subscriber number on the envelope. The editorial policy states that published documents are presented because they are deemed worthy of interest and potentially lead to the truth, but they are published under the responsibility of their authors. Reproduction of articles is prohibited without authorization.

Key Articles and Features

Crashes and Recoveries of UFOs: Lifting a Corner of the Veil?

This is the fifth report in a series by Leonard H. Stringfield on the state of the question regarding UFO crashes and wreckage recoveries. Stringfield argues that this area is fundamental to understanding the UFO phenomenon. He believes that finding concrete evidence of material UFOs and their occupants could lead to a significant advancement in research, potentially ending rumors and leading to the disclosure of serious information by governments. He suggests that confirmation of even one crash retrieval case could alert the global public and possibly lead to the sharing of advanced technologies. Stringfield also touches upon the risks of disinformation and the challenges of conducting research in this field.

He details several cases, including:

• Case 1: A woman who worked at the Pentagon in 1952 allegedly saw a humanoid body preserved in ice.
• Case 2: A former marine recounted guarding a disc-shaped vehicle on a military base in 1963.
• Case 3: Former military personnel reported seeing a film in the late 1970s showing humanoid cadavers.
• Case 4: A report from the Texas MUFON team leader, Tom Deuley, about a potential crash near the Texas-Mexico border, with details from a former crew member of the USS McKinley.
• Case 5: A UFO crash in Saint Geniez, France, on March 18, 1972, which reportedly caused a fire and left behind a ceramic-like substance.
• Case 6: A retired doctor in Kentucky claimed to have discovered the skeletons of two small humanoid creatures on his farm in March 1987.
• Case 7: A UFO crash in Brown County, Ohio, in the spring of 1987, involving a crashed disc and small female humanoid bodies, with metal fragments found.
• Case 8: Information about alleged UFO crashes in Arizona in 1953, with mentions of recovery operations and small humanoids.

Stringfield emphasizes the importance of witness credibility and the need to respect their anonymity. He notes that many of these cases are difficult to verify due to disinformation or lack of access to information.

The John Lear Affair: A Flaw?

Jean Sider critically examines the "horrible hypothesis" presented by John Lear, a retired pilot and son of aircraft manufacturer William Lear. Lear's hypothesis, disseminated in a seven-page document, posits that extraterrestrial entities are implanted on Earth in several underground bases, primarily in the United States. According to Lear, these entities have made deals with the US government, exchanging advanced technology for permission to abduct and experiment on humans and livestock. Lear claims the first contact occurred on April 30, 1964, at Holloman Air Force Base.

Sider questions Lear's credibility, pointing out that Lear is a newcomer to ufology (having only been interested for about two years) and that his sources are contradictory. Lear initially cited government agencies like the CIA and DIA, but later mentioned sources such as Billy Meier, filmmaker Robert Emmeneger, and ufologists like Paul Bennewitz and Liz Stoner. Sider also debunks Lear's claims about a 1952 crash in Spitzberg, Norway, calling it a known hoax, and dismisses Lear's interpretation of the Majestic-12 document as potentially fabricated.

Sider further criticizes Lear's assertion that extraterrestrials feed on human hormonal secretions, noting that cattle mutilations only began in 1973, long after humanoid sightings. He also disputes Lear's claims about the Majestic-12 group and its alleged involvement in controlling UFO phenomena. Sider concludes that Lear's hypothesis is a sensationalized rehash of common UFO tropes, lacking solid evidence and credibility.

Polish Pilots Testify

This section features testimonies from Polish pilots who claim to have observed UFOs. The article highlights that these are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of sightings, suggesting that the phenomenon is real and warrants serious investigation.

The Argentine Wave of 1978

A brief mention is made of the Argentine UFO wave of 1978, indicating it was a significant period of sightings that is covered in this issue.

RESUFO: UFO Surveillance Network

Under the leadership of Patrice Delcros, RESUFO (Réseau de Surveillance OVNI - UFO Surveillance Network) is expanding its activities. These include nocturnal vigils, detection efforts, and telephone monitoring, as well as investigations. National vigils are scheduled for July 27 and October 28. Interested individuals are invited to contact Patrice Delcros.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical and skeptical approach to ufology championed by "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT." The magazine emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, evidence-based conclusions, and a clear distinction between fact and speculation. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness combined with a healthy dose of skepticism, rejecting sensationalism and unfounded theories, particularly those presented by newcomers like John Lear. The magazine aims to present credible information and encourage serious research into the UFO phenomenon, while acknowledging the challenges posed by disinformation and the inherent difficulty of studying such elusive subjects. The commitment to truth, as stated in the editorial policy, guides the selection and presentation of all content.

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), issue number 296, volume 24, dated September 1988, published by Lumières dans la Nuit in France, focuses on the authenticity of the alleged MJ-12 document and presents a catalog of recent UFO observations. The cover headline highlights UFO sightings by Polish pilots.

Analysis of the MJ-12 Document's Authenticity

The article "Le dossier de 'l'accusatoin'" by Michel Nique scrutinizes the stylistic anomalies in the dates presented in the MJ-12 document. Three primary peculiarities are identified: a comma after the month when it's written out, a leading zero before single-digit days, and an apostrophe used in place of '19' for the year (e.g., '30 NOV '47'). The author contrasts these with the dating conventions of military correspondence and notes that while the first two anomalies are less common, the third, the use of an apostrophe for the year, is particularly unusual. The author also examines a memo attributed to President Truman, noting differences in typography and security markings compared to the MJ-12 document, suggesting it might be authentic and thus a separate piece of evidence.

Nique posits that these dating anomalies are not random but deliberate, suggesting they were copied from the personal correspondence of researcher William Moore. He proposes that a state agency might have orchestrated a 'magouille' (swindle) to discredit Moore and the MJ-12 document, possibly to counter the impact of Moore's research on the Roswell crash. The author provides examples of Moore's personal letters with similar dating styles, including a letter from 1987 and 1988, and notes that Philip Klass, a known debunker, was the first to point out these dating flaws, which Nique finds suspicious.

Further evidence for the existence of a group like Majestic-12 is presented, including the Truman memo and the Cutler memo (authenticated on paper). The author also cites two confirmations of the group's existence from a retired American scientist and a civil servant.

The 1978 Argentine UFO Wave

Michel Nique details a wave of UFO manifestations that occurred in South America, particularly Argentina, from the late spring of 1978 through the first quarter of the following year. The article draws from various Argentine press sources (Clarin, Cronica, La Opinion, La Razon, La Union, La Nueva Provincia).

Several specific incidents are described:

• May 16, 1978 (Rio Huacra, Tucuman): A luminous sphere was observed by a police officer and a motorist. The object, described as a large sphere of light, moved at low altitude along a river, causing a power outage and stalling the vehicle's engine.
• June 25, 1978 (Ayacucho, Buenos Aires): Two witnesses, Oscar Belloq and his wife, observed a disc-shaped object in their patio. The object, described as black, without windows, and emitting a humming sound, measured about 2 meters in diameter. It then ascended and moved west.
• July 6, 1978 (Mendoza to Lujan de Cuyo): Francisco Gervasio Nunez and his son reported their car being lifted into the air and experiencing a 'teleportation' event. They described a red light, a feeling of serenity, and a strange, brightly lit city with tall buildings before returning to their original route.
• August 10, 1978 (Santa Fe): A police officer and other residents observed an object shaped like a 'melon hat' emitting light rays. It moved at low altitude and remained stationary for about ten minutes before disappearing.
• August 12, 18, 20, 21, 1978 (Various locations in Argentina): Multiple sightings of luminous objects, often described as round, white, or metallic, were reported across several provinces, including Neuquén, Rio Negro, and Buenos Aires. Some accounts mention objects moving at high speeds or hovering.
• August 22, 1978 (Coronel Dorrego, Buenos Aires): Three witnesses observed a large, circular object emitting blue reflections. The object caused their car to move 50 meters without explanation, and the car's engine and headlights temporarily failed.
• August 23, 1978 (Various locations in Argentina and Chile): A significant number of sightings were reported across six Argentine provinces and in Chile, including objects described as white, opaque, spherical, or circular, moving at various speeds and altitudes.
• August 30, 1978 (Gobernador Dupuy, San Luis): A young lumberjack, Miguel Freites, reported an encounter with a humanoid being from a spacecraft. He described the being as tall, with a matte complexion, yellow-orange hair, and wearing a bright blue uniform. The being reportedly communicated telepathically and left him with objects.
• September 4, 1978 (Spearhill, Canada): Eunice Bullerwell reported seeing an orange luminous object the size of a small car hovering over her property.
• October 1, 1987 (RN 20, France): A witness reported seeing a white, reflective object resembling two horizontally joined balls.
• October 14, 1987 (Germany): A witness reported seeing flames and smoke, followed by the disappearance of a car ahead of them, suggesting a possible teleportation event.
• January 26, 1988 (Sigean, France): A fisherman reported observing a bright, helmet-shaped object that hovered silently before moving away.

Polish Pilots Observe UFOs

This section, translated from Polish by Jean-Marie Bigorne, details UFO observations made by pilots in Poland. It notes that while military pilot sightings are often classified, civilian pilot accounts are also available.

• August 1958: A pilot named Apoloniusz Cz. observed a cigar-shaped, vertically oriented object with a fluorescent silver color that ascended rapidly.
• October 1, 1958: Two pilots reported being pursued by a fast-moving, oval, luminous object that traveled at an estimated 2,500 km/h.

The article mentions that while such sightings by pilots are less frequent in Poland compared to Western Europe or the US, they do exist. It also notes that in the mid-1970s, Polish border guards and military pilots may have received orders to report unidentified aerial objects.

Catalogue of Unpublished Observations

This section presents a series of brief UFO sighting reports:

• Case 42: Eguzon, August 1967: A family observed an elliptical or ovoïde object of luminous blue with yellow sparks.
• Case 43: North suburbs of Paris, May 1968: A witness saw an orange 'cigar' moving at high speed.
• Case 44: Verdon Gorges, late July 1968: Five people observed a large, equilateral triangle-shaped object moving silently across the sky.
• Case 45: South and East Paris region, August 18, 1968: Multiple witnesses reported observing immobile, bright white or metallic objects, some of which disappeared behind clouds.
• Case 46: Montalivet-les-Bains, August 1968: A boy observed a phosphorescent, pale green cigar-shaped object with multiple lights.
• Case 47: Cavan (Côtes-du-Nord), August 31, 1968: Several people saw a large, yellow-orange, ovoïde object with a luminous halo.
• Case 48: Ecuelles (Seine-et-Marne), late November 1968: Witnesses saw a ball of fire moving silently towards Melun.

Recent Observations: The List Grows...

This section continues the catalog of recent UFO sightings, with contributions from readers.

• Early June 1987 (Marseille): Two students observed a bright, orange object that descended and disappeared.
• July 20, 1987 (Aiglemont, France): A motorist observed a luminous white sphere that moved horizontally at high speed before disappearing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation into the authenticity of UFO-related documents, particularly the MJ-12 papers, and the cataloging of numerous UFO sightings from various locations and time periods. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of open inquiry, presenting evidence and witness testimony while also critically analyzing potential hoaxes and disinformation campaigns. The editorial stance leans towards acknowledging the reality of unexplained aerial phenomena and the possibility of advanced technology or non-human intelligence, while maintaining a degree of skepticism and demanding rigorous analysis.

This issue of LDL N, dated May 15, 1988, features a prominent cover story about a UFO photograph taken by Roger Gayral. The magazine also includes updates on ufological organizations, research projects, and a call for reader participation.

Cover Story: Roger Gayral Photographs a UFO!

Roger Gayral, a reader of LDLN and a collector of vintage cars, was present at a club gathering in Saint-Cirq-la-Popie on May 15, 1988. While taking photos of the event with a simple pocket camera, he captured an image of a peculiar object. The photograph, when developed, revealed a 'bizarre thing' with the shape of a 'sort of airplane without wings, with a short and stocky fuselage.' Gayral did not notice anything unusual through the viewfinder at the time of the shot. The object appears distinctly in the photograph, with sharper contours than the cars or trees in the background. While the grain of the photo prevents clear detail discernment with a magnifying glass, the object's presence is undeniable. The article poses the question of whether it is a UFO or something else, suggesting that examining the negative might provide further clues.

Avis de Recherche (Research Notice)

S. Schaeffer, MUFON European coordinator, is seeking information about 'M.Y.', an old friend of Robert Charroux, for an interview regarding his experience. Contact details are provided.

A L'AIDE! (Help!)

Following up on a previous announcement in LDLN 293-294, Jean Sider has completed the manuscript for his book intended for a wide audience. To help his future publisher gauge potential sales among LDLN readers, readers are asked to send a postcard indicating their interest with phrases like 'O.K. pour 1 (ou pour 2, ou...) exemplaires'. The estimated price of the book is 140 francs. This is a survey, not a purchase order, and readers are asked not to send money.

CE N'EST PLUS LE GUM, C'EST LE CRUM (It's No Longer GUM, It's CRUM)

Marc Tolosano has dissolved the Groupe Ufologique Mentonnais and founded the CRUM (Centre de Recherches Ufologiques Mentonnais). Antoine Cousyn is the vice-president. One of CRUM's first activities was organizing a UFO observation vigil in the Draguignan region on the night of May 13-14.

WAURLD

Patrick Vidal, the new editor-in-chief of Inforespace (a magazine published by SOBEPS), has launched the WAURLD project. WAURLD stands for World Annual UFO Report Listing Device, aiming to create a global database of all known UFO sightings, categorized by year. This service is intended to provide ufologists with a quick and effective overview of ufological news. The project began in February 1989, and interested parties can contact Patrick Vidal in Brussels.

CGU (Club Girondin Ufologique)

The Club Girondin Ufologique, an association established in 1969 under the 1901 law, is led by President M. Serge LOONIS. The CGU meets on the first Saturday of each month at S.P.A.C.E. in Pessac at 3:00 PM. The organization welcomes individuals from the region. For more information, those with a Minitel terminal can access '3615 ALIENOR*CGU'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, particularly the photographic evidence presented by Roger Gayral. The magazine actively promotes ufological research and organizations, providing platforms for new groups like CRUM and ongoing projects like WAURLD. There is a clear emphasis on reader engagement, as seen in the call for support for Jean Sider's book and the information provided for contacting ufological associations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging documentation and discussion within the ufological community.