Los Identificados- No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: LOS IDENTIFICADOS
Issue: I
Volume: I
Date: Abril 1993
Publisher: CEFAI
Country: Argentina
Language: Spanish
Cover Headline: -casuística ovni con ocupantes en Argentina-

Editorial

The editorial, quoting Carl G. Jung, emphasizes that the imaginary, while unreal, has real effects. It introduces 'Los Identificados' as the first in a series of articles stemming from a decade-long project to examine firsthand reports of UFO sightings with occupants in Argentina. The project aims to address the difficulties encountered with incomplete and contradictory data, noting that in many reported cases, witnesses were never interviewed. The editorial highlights the need for a rigorous, unified approach to investigating these phenomena, adhering to the principle of parsimony (Occam's Razor) by favoring the simplest, most contrastable hypothesis.

Article: 'LOS IDENTIFICADOS' - UFO Cases with Occupants in Argentina

This section details the genesis and methodology of the investigation. The authors acknowledge the frequent lack of data and contradictory accounts from various sources. They note that in nearly 40% of reported cases, witnesses were never interviewed. Of the remaining 60% that were investigated 'in-situ', the methods were disparate, making it difficult to infer scientific anomaly. The project's goal is to systematically collect and analyze Argentine UFO episodes using a unified criterion. Challenges include locating witnesses, traveling to incident sites, and cross-referencing testimonies. The editorial stresses the importance of scientific rigor and the principle of parsimony.

Ufologists' Perspectives and Criticisms

Ufologist Wim van Utrecht is quoted stating that 'dreamers will not be happy with their findings, but for a serious investigator, only the truth matters,' and that ufologists often have difficulty accepting explanations over sensational claims. Julio Arcas, co-editor of CdU, offers a more tempered view on some 'etista' ufologists' conclusions. The article notes resistance from some within the ufological community to new explanations, with some resorting to labeling critics as 'adversaries' and rejecting rational explanations in favor of concepts like 'extraterrestrial ships,' 'elementals,' or 'parallel world travelers.' These individuals are described as resistant to common sense and prudence, often dismissing evidence with the argument 'no proof, therefore, it does not exist.' The text also points out a tendency for some ufologists to become overly identified with their cases, making any questioning of an event feel like a personal attack.

The San Rafael (Mendoza) Case: A Tournée with Humanoids

This article details a case from the mid-1950s, which remained unpublished for twenty years. The witness, María Luisa García Holgado de Amaya, along with a group of Spanish artists, encountered a luminous object on Route 143 between San Rafael and Mendoza in the early morning of December 28, 1954. The object, described as having the shape of two superimposed deep plates emitting an intense blue light, hovered about 150-200 meters from the road. Two humanoid figures, described as short and slender, wearing dark, one-piece suits with helmets, emerged from the object. One figure was standing, the other in a crouched position. They entered the object through a sliding door. The object then ascended vertically, emitted smoke or vapor, and performed rapid, zigzagging maneuvers before disappearing. The witnesses, alarmed, drove away, with the object reportedly following them for a time. The witnesses, all artists, independently provided similar descriptions, leading them to withhold the account from the press to avoid being seen as seeking publicity.

Evaluation of the First Survey

Professor Oscar Uriondo, who interviewed María Luisa years later, assessed the case as having a high degree of strangeness due to the proximity of observers, detailed perceptions, clear visibility, and prolonged duration. He found it unlikely that the witnesses misinterpreted a natural phenomenon or man-made object. He deemed the witness's reliability high, given her personality and the fact that she had kept the observation private for years. However, negative aspects included the long delay between the incident and the recording of the testimony (1972), potentially affecting memory, and the inability to confront her account with the other witnesses who were no longer in the country.

Initiation of Further Investigation

In June 1985, a more extensive investigation began. By this time, María Luisa had passed away. The researchers relied on Uriondo's report and the testimony of her mother. The investigation faced the challenge of locating the other artists who had dispersed globally. Through a network of contacts, including theatrical associations and producers, they managed to gather further testimonies.

Testimonies

Mauricia Holgado y Barrio (Mother of María Luisa):
Mauricia, María Luisa's mother, recounts her daughter's experience with vivid detail. She describes the object as having two superimposed plates with perpendicular 'windows' and emitting a light. She recalls her daughter and her husband seeing the object and describing it as a 'flying saucer.' The object emitted a light and a soft hum. Two figures, one standing and one crouched, emerged and re-entered the object. She notes that the figures moved slowly, as if in slow motion, and disappeared. She emphasizes that her daughter's perception was of an apparatus, not necessarily of beings. She recounts how her daughter's drawing of the object and figures matched her description.

María Antinea (M. Kotliarenco):
In 1985, contact was made with María Antinea through her TV producer daughter-in-law. Her son, Félix Rodriguez, initially recalled the episode generally but denied any mention of beings or entities. In 1986, Dr. Willy Smith of CUFOS attempted to interview María Kotliarenco in Texas. After delays and due to her health, Smith conducted a phone interview on May 2, 1987. María Antinea stated the incident occurred in the late afternoon, not at night, as previously reported. She described the object as round, like a spinning top, about 20 meters in diameter, with a bluish light on top and red lights below. It was seen from a considerable distance, perched on the ground. She emphasized they saw it 'from afar' and did not get out of the car. The object ascended vertically at high speed. She and the other artists initially decided not to speak about it for fear of being seen as seeking publicity. However, upon hearing others at the radio station mention seeing something similar, it validated their experience for them. Smith concluded that an incident occurred and there were other witnesses, but María did not mention seeing entities and was partially deaf.

Soraida "Sol" Escudero de Fernández:
Four weeks after the initial interview, José Rueaga Montiel interviewed Soraida Escudero de Fernández, a flamenco dancer and partner of Francisco Fernández. She recalled that in 1954, while on tour in Mendoza, they saw a red light in the distance that they initially identified as an airplane. The object maneuvered in circles, approaching and receding. It then descended, emitting tronconic lights of yellowish color, giving the impression of landing. There was fear among the passengers, with one woman suffering hysteria. The car's engine failed to start until the object moved away. Soraida stated that she did not observe any beings or occupants, nor did she see the object land, though the lights gave that impression. She mentioned that María Antinea was pregnant at the time. She also recalled another witness in Valencia and that a guitarist had passed away.

Agustín Romano Gaeta (Artistic Empresario):
On June 14, 1987, Agustín Romano Gaeta was interviewed in Rosario. He recalled that in 1954, after a show in San Rafael, he was driving a large Buick with about nine people towards Mendoza. Around 2:30 or 3:30 AM, he saw a light on the ground. He stopped the car, and everyone got out. The object, about 200 meters away, ascended to about 50-100 meters and approached them. He described it as rhomboidal, about 2 to 4 meters long, with a hollow center and lights of various colors (green, blue, red) that seemed to fade and brighten. There was no sound or smoke. The object then ascended diagonally towards the mountains at high speed and disappeared within a minute or two. He stated he saw only the apparatus and not figures or beings. He noted that the area was a desert, fenced off, preventing closer approach. He recalled the pianist being very impressed and seeing things he did not. He also mentioned that the object's movement was so fast that changes in position seemed instantaneous. He confirmed that the object was seen from a distance and that the area was deserted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings involving perceived occupants or humanoid figures, with a particular focus on cases from Argentina. The editorial stance emphasizes a commitment to rigorous, scientific investigation, prioritizing empirical evidence and the principle of parsimony. The publication aims to present firsthand accounts and analyze them critically, acknowledging the challenges of witness reliability and data collection. There is a clear effort to move beyond sensationalism and toward a more grounded understanding of these phenomena, while still recognizing their anomalous nature. The issue highlights the difficulties in gaining acceptance for such research within both the scientific community and parts of the ufological field itself.

This issue of Revista A.T.O.M., Volume 1, Number 2, dated June 1974, published by CEFAI in Argentina, focuses on UFO and humanoid encounters within the country. The magazine presents detailed journalistic investigations into several cases, highlighting the challenges of verifying witness accounts and the spread of misinformation.

Case Study: San Rafael-Mendoza, December 1954

The issue begins by detailing an incident that occurred 30 years prior, on December 28, 1954, near San Rafael and Mendoza. The account is based on the testimony of A. Romano Gaeta, an entrepreneur who was with a group of artists and musicians. Gaeta describes a "terremoto" (earthquake) like phenomenon and a bright light moving rapidly towards them. He recounts the fear and panic experienced by the group, with one witness, a pianist, being particularly affected, becoming speechless. The observation is placed near Cerro Guaiqueria on national route 143. The article attempts to corroborate details, noting that María Antinea, a prominent artist, was part of the group. It also mentions that December 1954 saw the presence of two radio stations of the "C" network in the province: LV6 in Mendoza and LV4 in San Rafael. The date is further linked to the Day of the Innocents, a religious celebration. The incident is also contextualized by a seismic event recorded that night and a generally prolific year for UFO activity, with other reports from November and mentions in the magazine "Sintonia" and by the musical group Los Hermanos Ábalos.

Case Study: General Pico, La Pampa, May 1962

Another significant case investigated is from May 1962, concerning an event near General Pico, La Pampa. The primary source is an article from the newspaper "La Reforma" titled "Inaudito: Cerca de G. Pico Bajan Platos Voladores y Descienden Gigantes Horribles de su Interior." The report details how a peasant woman witnessed a flying saucer descend and two "horrible giants" emerge, causing her severe emotional distress and requiring hospitalization. The article notes that local families reported the incident to the police, who inspected the site and found marks of burnt and flattened grass. The investigation faced challenges due to the indirect nature of the reporting, with information passed through several intermediaries before reaching the newspaper. The article highlights the discrepancies in witness numbers (between 7 and 9) and details, but maintains a consistent core narrative. It also touches upon the psychological impact of such experiences, suggesting that anxiety and fear could alter perception and memory. The report dismisses the possibility of deliberate fraud but leans towards the idea of imagination influenced by psychological states, possibly related to pregnancy (as María Antinea was reportedly three months pregnant during the 1954 incident).

Case Study: Torrent, Corrientes, January 1965

The magazine then shifts to an incident in Torrent, Corrientes, in early 1965. The article synthesizes various reports, including those from A. Ribera's "Platillos Volantes en Iberoamérica y España," Gordon Creighton's "The Humanoids," and the newspaper "Clarín." The primary account describes an agriculturist and his family/neighbors observing five luminous points approaching at high speed on a dark, moonless night. These points were identified as "martians" descending from an aerial artifact. The beings were described as tall (two meters), slender, with a single eye, and wearing a device on their heads that projected a beam of light. One of the witnesses attempted to use a weapon but was inexplicably prevented from doing so. The "martians" then reportedly surrounded the group and briefly took one person as a hostage before releasing him and retreating to their craft. The report notes that the beings were described as having "inhuman movements, as if they were disjointed or mechanical." The article also mentions a secondary report from "La Razón" which described the beings as "enanos" (dwarfs) initially, but later growing to 2.50 meters. This version also includes details about a rifle failing to fire and strange lights penetrating the house. The investigation into the Torrent case involved a trip to the location in September 1992, noting that Torrent is a small rural town in the province of Corrientes, accessible by train or a dirt road. The scenario described includes the Souriau family's property, a ruined wooden structure, and a nearby lagoon.

Methodological Considerations and Analysis

Throughout the issue, the authors emphasize the difficulties in investigating UFO phenomena due to the indirect transmission of information, contradictory testimonies, and the potential for psychological factors to influence perception. They cite Anatole France on the unreliability of contradictory testimonies and R. Clerquin on the importance of eliminating suspicious cases to progress towards truth. The article critiques the superficiality and sensationalism of some journalistic reports, particularly "La Reforma's" coverage of the General Pico case, which it suggests published frivolous details while withholding crucial information. The authors also note the timing of the Torrent case coinciding with the launch of astronaut Scott Carpenter into space, suggesting a possible cultural context or influence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent presence of UFO sightings and alleged humanoid encounters in Argentina, the challenges faced by investigators in corroborating evidence, and the role of media in shaping public perception of these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, attempting to sift through anecdotal evidence and journalistic reports to present a more reasoned, albeit often inconclusive, account of these phenomena. The magazine highlights the subjective nature of witness experiences and the tendency for rumors to distort facts, while still acknowledging the possibility of genuine, unexplained events.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 11, Number 1, dated January 1965, focuses on the Torrent, Argentina UFO case. The cover features an illustration of a flying saucer and the headline 'TORRENT: THE CASE OF THE MISSING MEN'. The price was 3s. 6d., and it was published by Flying Saucer Review Publications in the United Kingdom.

The Torrent Case: Witness Testimonies

The core of the issue is an investigation into an event that occurred in Torrent, Argentina, involving the Souriau family and farmhands. Luis Héctor Souriau, one of the main protagonists, initially hesitant, eventually confirmed witnessing an event on a night when he was hunting armadillos ('tatúes'). He described seeing several low-lying bulges, about a meter tall, with large heads and a light on their heads, at a distance of 30 to 100 meters. He stated that several farmhands were also present, and one of them was particularly impressed and likely spread the story in the village. His younger brother, Mario Alejandro, was also present and scared. Carlos Souriau, another brother, who was 17 at the time, was not present during the initial sighting but later became involved in the investigation.

Luis Héctor Souriau clarified that no flying saucers were seen, nor were any footprints registered or anything burned. He refuted a version involving a farmhand trying to attack the beings with a machete, calling it 'too flowery' and a 'story with music and lyrics'. The observation lasted between 2 to 5 minutes and was less spectacular than reported.

Carlos Souriau, interviewed later in Posadas, confirmed he was not present but heard about the event from his older brother a few days later. He recalled hearing about lights of various colors, but not necessarily descending objects. He noted that at the time, there was a craze for flying saucers, leading to imagination filling in the gaps. He believes that lights were seen, but whether it was an 'apparatus' is uncertain. He mentioned that the incident was remembered for a few years but eventually faded as UFO sightings became common.

Carlos elaborated on the visual aspects, explaining that from a distance, it's hard to judge the size and altitude of lights. He suggested that the lights seen might have been near an abandoned dwelling ('tapera') and that the witnesses might have misinterpreted the situation, possibly due to the darkness and the reflective qualities of the walls of the abandoned structure. He also addressed the alleged attempt to repel the 'invasion' with weapons, suggesting that if a firearm was involved, it might not have been loaded due to the witness's fear, or the witness might have believed they were acting but weren't. He reiterated that the beings were not encountered up close and that the event occurred at a distance.

He also mentioned that the farmhands were older and have since passed away. He emphasized that his account is based on what he was told by his brother and the other witnesses, considering it a collective opinion from a reliable source. He contrasted this with cases where a single person reports seeing a flying saucer, where their psychological state might be questionable.

Media Coverage and Rumors

The article discusses how the initial reports, though contradictory, sparked curiosity among ufologists. It criticizes the sensationalism and lack of strict information handling that led to rumors spreading, particularly through local newspapers. The case of Torrent is presented as an example of how a simple perception of lights and bulges in a rural area can escalate into a widely reported phenomenon without proper verification.

Analysis and Conclusions

The author questions what the Souriau brothers and the farmhands actually saw, suggesting possibilities ranging from 'galactic beings' to 'poachers'. However, the limited data from the witnesses makes it difficult to ascertain precisely what was described, beyond 'bulges' and 'uncertain lights' in a wooded area near a lagoon. The article notes that during that period, flying saucers were frequently reported.

The exact date of the observation is uncertain, but based on a report in 'El Territorio' on January 31, 1965, which mentioned 'a dark night, without moon', the event likely occurred on January 1st or 2nd, 1965, during the New Moon phase.

A brief commentary on the Souriau brothers highlights Héctor's desire to avoid publicity and Carlos's more communicative nature. Carlos maintains that he takes the observation as 'true, as certain'.

References and Bibliography

The issue includes an extensive bibliography and reference list detailing various sources and publications related to the Torrent case and other UFO incidents in Argentina and internationally. These include reports from organizations like CODOVNI, articles from newspapers such as 'El Territorio', 'Crónica Matutina', and 'Clarín', and books by authors like Antonio Ribera, Charles Bowen, Gordon W. Creighton, Allan J. Mansk, Jacques Vallee, and John A. Keel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently investigates UFO sightings and related phenomena, presenting witness testimonies and attempting to verify reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to separate fact from fiction and rumor, while acknowledging the persistent nature of unexplained aerial phenomena. The article emphasizes the importance of direct investigation and rational analysis to avoid the perpetuation of myths and unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear effort to provide a comprehensive overview of the case, including different versions and the media's role in shaping public perception.