Lettre d'Information Ufologique - Vol 5 No 2 - juin 1993

Magazine Overview

This issue of LIUFO (Lettre d'Information Ufologique), Volume 5, Number 2, dated June 1993, focuses on the detailed analysis of UFO cases using the CASUFO database. The central theme revolves around a correspondence between Éric Maillot and Marc Leduc, discussing the capabilities and methodology of the CASUFO database in handling specific research criteria.

Correspondence: Éric Maillot's Criteria and CASUFO's Response

The issue begins with a letter from Éric Maillot to Marc Leduc, dated April 24, 1993. Maillot expresses that while CASUFO is a generalist database, it may not allow for the detailed studies he wishes to conduct, such as comparing trace forms with UFO shapes or analyzing affected witness populations. He provides an example of a detailed case involving beings exiting an aircraft, wearing helmets and orange suits, examining the surroundings, with a UFO possessing vertical antennas and blinking lights, and the witness experiencing a migraine. Maillot states his research is oriented towards such detailed cases.

Marc Leduc responds by asserting that CASUFO is designed to allow for precise research and selection of reports based on details, regardless of the ultimate explanation. He emphasizes that the primary objective of CASUFO is this type of detailed interrogation. Leduc expresses a need to react to Maillot's implied criticism, aiming to demonstrate that CASUFO can indeed perform the detailed research Maillot described.

Specification of Search Criteria

Page 2 details the eleven criteria for detailed UFO case research proposed by Éric Maillot. These criteria include the presence of 'beings,' their actions (exiting an craft, wearing helmets/suits, examining surroundings), the nature of the craft (dome, antennas, blinking lights), and the witness's physical state (migraine, consulting a doctor). The article then maps these criteria to specific descriptors within the CASUFO database, noting that ten of the eleven criteria have corresponding descriptors, with the eleventh (witness consulting a doctor) being searchable via the 'memo' field.

CASUFO Responds to Criteria

Page 3 explains the methods by which CASUFO can respond to Maillot's criteria. It outlines four approaches (A, B, C, and D) for searching and selecting cases. Approach A seeks reports strictly matching all eleven criteria. Approach B searches for reports mentioning 'beings' exiting an craft (Webb's 'B' classification). Approach C focuses on 'beings' wearing helmets or uniforms. Approach D allows for broader searches based on individual criteria. The article confirms that CASUFO possesses the relevant structure and qualities to meet these demands and that the subsequent section will demonstrate this through 'Results and Demonstration.'

Results and Demonstration with CASUFO Responses

Pages 4 and 5 present the results of the CASUFO interrogations based on Maillot's criteria.

• Result A: No report was found that strictly matched all eleven criteria. Marc Leduc notes that such a case is not known in Quebec.
• Result B: A search for reports matching the second criterion (beings exiting an craft, Webb's 'B' classification) yielded 18 reports. Two of these are highlighted as particularly interesting, even if they don't strictly meet all eleven criteria. These reports are related to the beings' attire and the craft's dome.
• Result C: Searching based on the third and fourth criteria (beings wearing helmets or uniforms) resulted in a list of 7 reports that also approximate other criteria. This list includes one of the two reports from Result B and one new report.
• Result D: This approach allows for identifying reports of interest based on individual criteria. One report found using the 'scaphandre' (diving suit) and 'mal de tête' (headache) descriptors is mentioned, where the witness heard the UFO but did not see it.

Annex A provides an example of a 'blank' interrogation sheet, showing the CASUFO fields and descriptors used for strict criterion selection. It reiterates that no report perfectly matches all of Maillot's criteria but that many closely approximate them.

Interesting Reports and Case Studies

Pages 6, 7, 8, and 9 present detailed case studies and lists of reports:

• Annex B: Lists 18 Quebecois reports of humanoids near an aircraft, selected based on the criterion of a 'B' classification by Webb (being entering or exiting an craft). Two specific reports (number 9 and 14) are highlighted for their details regarding uniforms, nausea, and domes. Report number 9 describes a detailed encounter with beings and a luminous object. Report number 14 (detailed on page 7) describes an observer experiencing tingling, seeing a shadow-like form evoked by a cauldron-shaped object, with agile beings emerging from it.
• Annex C: Presents a list of 7 cases where a humanoid is present, with or without an aircraft, and wearing a helmet or uniform. The fourth report was already selected in Annex B. The fifth report (number 642) is presented in detail, describing a hemispherical and square object, small figures, traces, and burns, with witness accounts of electrical effects and unusual odors.
• Annex D: Lists five cases using the 'scaphandre' descriptor. The second report was previously selected in Annex B. The fifth report (number 710) is detailed, describing a soft engine hum, a green mist, a 4-foot humanoid, and the witness experiencing headaches.

Conclusion and Editorial Notes

Page 10 concludes the discussion, with the author stating that performing these detailed interrogations was easy and rapid with CASUFO. The author reiterates that this reflects a personal choice in database orientation and research. The magazine expresses sadness at the death of Aimé Michel, a researcher with whom they had collaborated. The editorial emphasizes the value of sharing research efforts and publicizing debates among researchers, highlighting the complementary nature of CASUFO with other databases like MUFON and SOBEPS.

The issue also includes a quote from Robert A. Baker on the behavior of charlatans and a quote from David A. Gotlib on the use of hypnosis in UFO research. Contact information for LIUFO subscriptions and correspondence is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the rigorous methodology of UFO research, the importance of detailed case analysis, the capabilities of database interrogation (specifically CASUFO), and the presentation of specific UFO and humanoid encounter cases, primarily from Quebec. The editorial stance is one of advocating for detailed, evidence-based research and the collaborative sharing of information within the ufological community. There is a clear emphasis on the scientific approach to analyzing UFO phenomena.