Los Identificados- No 15

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LOS IDENTIFICADOS" (The Identified Ones), identified as volume XV, focuses on "Casuística ovni con ocupantes en Argentina" (UFO Cases with Occupants in Argentina). The cover features a dramatic, albeit grainy, image and is attributed to Dr. Roberto Banchs. The publication is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Introductory Note

The introductory note explains that the monographic content is reproduced from the Spanish publication "CUADERNOS DE UFOLOGIA" (issues 11/1991 and 12/1992), titled "El periodismo como generador de informes sobre ovnis con ocupantes" (Journalism as a Generator of Reports on UFOs with Occupants). The editors aim to present a series of UFO cases where journalism has potentially generated dubious reports due to a lack of verification, superficial treatment of information, or outright imaginative invention by sensationalist journalists.

The Peonza Voladora de Lago Argentino (The Flying Top of Lago Argentino)

This section details a case considered by some to be the first UFO sighting with occupants in Argentina. The original information stems from a letter to the Buenos Aires newspaper "La Razón" by a reader named Wilfredo H. Arévalo, who claimed to own land and a business in the Lago Argentino area. On April 13, 1950, "La Razón" published Arévalo's account, accompanied by a sketch of the artifact. The article notes that the news was widely transcribed, increasing the case's notoriety over the years. The initial aim of the investigation was to locate the witness or his family, and the publication's responsible parties.

"La Razón" reported on April 13, 1950, that Arévalo described a landing saucer at 150 meters, which he sketched. The drawing depicted a disc-shaped object with a transparent, fixed, domed cabin, a rotating equatorial plane, and propulsion systems. The article in "La Razón" titled "UN HACENDADO DE SANTA CRUZ VIO UN PLATO VOLADOR A 150 METROS, CUANDO ATERRIZABA" (A RANCHER FROM SANTA CRUZ SAW A FLYING SAUCER AT 150 METERS, AS IT WAS LANDING) detailed the sighting. The witness described the object as having a "reddish light" and making a "whirring sound" as it landed. He noted its size and shape, comparing it to a "large plate." The report also mentioned that the object was observed for about 15 minutes before ascending rapidly.

Further investigation into the Lago Argentino case revealed that it had not been thoroughly investigated. It was discovered that the letter was published by "La Razón" without editorial intervention, as the relevant secretary was reportedly not well-versed in the topic. Attempts to locate Wilfredo H. Arévalo proved fruitless, raising questions about his actual existence. The investigation continued, uncovering suggestive findings.

Waiting for a "Flying Saucer"

This section highlights that the Lago Argentino case reportedly occurred on March 18, 1950, but was published on April 13, 1950. Curiously, on March 18, "La Razón" also published a five-column report about a UFO sighted over Montevideo, Uruguay, at high altitude for 15 minutes, which was reportedly heading towards Buenos Aires. The headline was "Esperan un plato volador en Buenos Aires" (They Await a Flying Saucer in Buenos Aires). The next day, the newspaper reported another UFO sighting in San Lorenzo, Santa Fe, on March 18. The media's anticipation surrounding these sightings created a sense of expectation for a significant event. However, astronomical observatories and other sources contacted for information reported no unusual sightings.

The article poses the question of whether the UFO observed in Lago Argentino, six hours after the Montevideo sighting, was the same object. It references a study by Oscar Uriondo and Roberto Banchs, "La oleada de 1950 en la Argentina" (The 1950 Wave in Argentina), which noted that half of the 1950 sightings occurred during daylight hours, contradicting the general characteristics of UFO presentations. The text also mentions the planet Venus being particularly bright at that time, potentially leading to misidentification.

"Flying Top" in Argentinian Patagonia?

Continuing the journalistic investigation, on April 23, 1950 (ten days after Arévalo's case was published), "La Razón" ran another story titled "Un técnico alemán dice ser inventor del Plato: Quiere reconstruirlo" (A German technician claims to be the inventor of the Saucer: He wants to reconstruct it). The report, originating from New York, mentioned a "prominent German engineer and former aviator of the Luftwaffe, R. Schriever," who claimed that with the necessary elements from the Military Security Board, he could build an apparatus similar to one he was working on before Germany's collapse in World War II. The article suggested that Hitler knew about this project, and Allied agents had obtained duplicate plans in 1945.

The article included a drawing of Schriever's "Flying Top," described as having vertical ascent capabilities and static hovering. Significantly, this sketch bore a strong resemblance to Wilfredo H. Arévalo's design, including the discoidal shape, transparent fixed cabin, rotating equatorial plane, and propulsion system. This similarity raises questions about potential coincidences or influences.

The text explores the hypothesis that certain UFOs might be secret Nazi projects, linking it to theories about secret Nazi enclaves in Antarctica and Patagonia. It also references an article in the German magazine "Luftfahrt International" that questioned the reality of German flying saucers. This article mentioned two types of flying saucers, one attributed to Captain Schriever and another to Dr. Miethe, with claims of incredible speeds. It stated that Schriever's "flying top" was nearly ready for testing before the end of the war, but only a test launch occurred, and the prototype was destroyed the following month. Schriever reportedly defected to the West with all the plans.

"Rolph Schriever died in the 1950s. Among his papers, a provisional construction description and some drafts and press clippings about the topic were found. The earliest press notes dated March 30 and April 2, 1960, from "Der Spiegel," described the sensational invention. The magazine "Heim und Welt" also published similar content. The article notes that while Arévalo's case in Lago Argentino occurred 12 days before news of Schriever's artifact emerged, the public only learned of Arévalo's testimony on April 13, two weeks after the Schriever project was revealed. However, "La Razón" informed its readers about the German "flying top" immediately after the Arévalo case, just 10 days later, while foreign press was already aware of the project.

Despite the available material, the investigation reveals inconsistencies and contradictions. The "Luftfahrt International" publication concludes that "None of these devices actually existed, none of them were ever built, and much less did they fly."

References

The issue includes a list of references, citing various books and publications related to UFOs and journalism, including works by Antonio Ribera, Gordon Creighton, Jacques Vallée, and articles from "Cuarta Dimensión," "UFO-Press," and "Lile en Español."

Primavera de 1958 en Tandil: Extraño Relato de un Escolar (Spring 1958 in Tandil: Strange Account of a Schoolchild)

This section discusses a reported incident in Tandil during the 1950s UFO wave. The story, published in "La Razón" on July 11, 1965, by its correspondent in Bahía Blanca, refers to a singular phenomenon in Tandil in the spring of 1958. A schoolchild claimed to have seen a large cylindrical object near a small bridge in the sierras, from which a strange, one-meter-tall being emerged to examine the surroundings.

The authors' investigation into this case proved difficult. They searched local newspapers from 1958 to 1965, including "El Eco del Tandil" and "Nueva Era," as well as various supplements. Their search was largely unsuccessful, yielding no reference to the reported episode. They also noted that "El Eco de Tandil" reported that local newspapers had mentioned sightings of "cons" (likely referring to UFOs) more than once, but without documented records. The newspaper mentioned two occasions where a "suspended object" was thought to be seen, but it was later identified as the planet Venus. Astronomers and other experts consulted could not confirm any unusual phenomena.

Despite consulting journalists, historians, and ufologists, no one recalled the alleged incident. The journalist Honorio Laxait, who covered such news for "Actividades," stated that "none of this happened," suggesting it might have been a journalistic invention.

The investigation attempted to locate the specific bridge and school mentioned. Tandil is situated in the Tandilla mountain system, with numerous streams. In 1958, several schools were located near bridges. The authors also noted that a teachers' strike occurred in Tandil between October 8 and 20, 1958, possibly meaning schools were not in session during that period.

In an attempt to gather information, a 20 cm advertisement was placed in "El Eco de Tandil" on November 20, 1988, seeking details about a UFO observed in Tandil in the spring of 1958. No response was received. The description of the UFO as a "large cylindrical body" is noted to be similar to models used for rockets like the Jupiter, which were used for lunar launches. The authors conclude that their documentary and field investigation yielded negative results, as the provided data was too vague and imprecise to identify the witness or the location of the alleged observation. They suggest that the absence of corroborating journalistic or local news reports leads them to suspect that this might be a case of journalistic fabrication.

References

This section lists references for the Tandil case, including articles from "Conocer y Saber," "Historia del Periodismo de Tandil," and "Actividades."

Cartoon

A cartoon depicts a figure sweeping with a broom, with speech bubbles containing satirical commentary on UFO reports. One bubble reads: "In the dislocated pursuit of lying wholesale, what a novel they have fabricated about the 'flying velador'!" Another says: "An oriental broadcaster that steals the audience, said that 'F' chased it away by sweeping with a broom..." A third advises: "You have to look up, paying more attention. Thus the crisis is alleviated... But watch out for tripping!"

'Liliputian' in Azul?

This section reports on a case from Azul, Argentina, that had gone unnoticed by ufologists. On the cold morning of July 24, 1962, Ramón "Marciano" Farinella, a fruit and vegetable vendor, claimed to have encountered an occupant. Twenty-six years later, the investigation visited Azul and spoke with Farinella's son and a shopkeeper named Vicente Fessina, who knew Farinella well.

Farinella's son stated that on that date, an employee and several neighbors observed an object with "umbrella shape" moving at a certain altitude, descending, and then disappearing with a "reddish light." They didn't attach much importance to it until Farinella's declarations. Fessina recounted that Farinella entered his shop, frightened, claiming to have seen a "flying saucer." Initially, Fessina found it odd, as Farinella was known to drink, but not typically in the morning. Another woman, Agustina Paganin de Giarusse, also reported seeing something in the sky, increasing interest. The news spread, and the local radio station LU 10 was invited to hear testimonies. The Uruguayan radio station "Radio Colona," known for breaking news, also broadcast the story, reportedly distorting it. The news agency Saporit then further amplified the versions.

In initial interviews, the main witness, Ramón Farinella, seemed anxious and evasive, not recalling the events precisely. However, after establishing better rapport, his account changed. He initially stated he saw an "artifact that seemed to be descending, but did not stop." He described it as being at a distance, moving rapidly, with "many colors," and ascending quickly, without clearly seeing its shape or identifying it as a "flying saucer." He mentioned seeing it for only a few seconds.

In a second version, the object descended in the middle of the avenue, at an intersection, a few steps from his workplace. He claimed to have noticed it by chance. He described it as a "flying saucer" because of the common term. He stated it made no maneuvers, descended and ascended to a height of about 2 meters above the street, about 10 meters away, and was "round like a saucer." He could not estimate its dimensions due to its speed.

When asked about the presence of occupants, as suggested by some media, Farinella stated emphatically: "I never said they were there. It's lies. I didn't see any human forms. The other witnesses also didn't make such statements."

Regarding what happened, Farinella, who became known as "Marciano" (Martian), told "El Tiempo" of Azul that around 9:30 AM, he saw something resembling a "peracaldas" (a type of parachute or small device) of small dimensions (no more than 50 cm tall) rising at a "vertiginous speed" and disappearing quickly. The article notes that when asked about this, Farinella could not specify if this "parachute-like" object was related to the "flying saucer" sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings in Argentina, particularly those involving alleged occupants. A significant aspect is the critical examination of journalistic reporting on these events, with the editors questioning the reliability of sources and the potential for sensationalism and fabrication. The magazine explores the possibility of misidentification of celestial phenomena (like Venus) and even delves into speculative theories about secret Nazi technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalized accounts, favoring a more grounded, investigative approach that seeks verifiable evidence and critically analyzes the role of the media in shaping public perception of UFO phenomena. The investigation into the reported cases often concludes with a lack of concrete evidence or suggests prosaic explanations.

This issue, dated June to November 1968, focuses on UFO sightings in Argentina, particularly the "Polymorphic UFO of San Lorenzo (S.F.)" and other cases from the 1960s. The magazine explores witness testimonies, potential explanations, and the role of media in shaping narratives.

EL POLIMORFO OVNI DE SAN LORENZO (S.F.)

The main article details a significant UFO sighting that occurred in San Lorenzo, Santa Fe, Argentina, in 1968. The report begins with a newspaper article from "Crónica" of Rosario, which alerted readers to the testimony of Olga Rosell de Montironi. Her daughter had reportedly seen a luminous aerial phenomenon from her home.

Upon visiting the location, investigators gathered details from Olga Rosell. She described an event occurring around 4:30 AM, where her husband noticed a strange noise. Upon opening the window, she observed a luminous object, described as a "snow-like" vehicle, approximately the size of a car, hovering over a nearby house about 50 meters away. She claimed to see "people with clothing" inside. The object was luminous and emitted a bright light.

She mentioned that other witnesses, Irma Gómez and Luisa Acosta, also saw the phenomenon. The object reportedly moved north, stopping over the San Lorenzo cemetery for over 15 minutes before detaching smaller, round objects that ascended rapidly. The sky was described as clear, with frost present, and the witness experienced a state of nervousness.

Further investigation involved contacting Olga Rosell de Montironi directly. Her detailed report, submitted 16 years after the initial sighting, provided more specific information. She described the object initially as an amorphous mass about 3 meters in diameter, with steady luminosity. It then evolved, becoming white with red extremities, and its shape became flatter with protrusions. The object's color changed to white, with the upper border showing "luminous windows." The total duration of the sighting was estimated at 15 minutes.

Notably, in her later account, Olga Rosell did not mention the "occupants" or the specific details that had been reported in the initial newspaper version. The article highlights discrepancies between the initial journalistic report and the witness's later, more detailed testimony, suggesting potential media embellishment or misinterpretation. The witness's husband, Angel P. Mantironi, also provided testimony, describing a luminous, orange, sun-like object that changed shape into a "hat" and was accompanied by other luminous objects.

The Azuleña Case and Perception Issues

The magazine also discusses a UFO sighting reported in Azul, Buenos Aires, on July 27, 1965, as published in "El Tiempo." The report mentioned a UFO landing, but the police stated that no unusual events were registered in the area. The article suggests that this case, along with others, might be influenced by the passage of Aerolineas Argentinas' Comet IV aircraft, which produced a smoke trail that could be mistaken for a UFO.

EL PROBLEMA DE LA PERCEPCION

This section delves into the psychological and physiological aspects of UFO sightings. It explains how witness perceptions can be influenced by factors such as anxiety, expectation, and the phenomenon of optical illusions, where real objects can be distorted by addition or substitution of elements. The article posits that the perception of an airplane in the sky could be mistaken for a UFO if the observer is predisposed to such interpretations.

CHALAC: ATERRIZAJE EN UNA TOLDERIA DE INDIOS TOBAS

This section reports on an alleged UFO landing in an indigenous Tobas village named "Chalac" in Formosa, Argentina. According to a report from the newspaper "La Provincia," provincial authorities announced the observation of two aircraft similar to those seen during elections, which had landed in an indigenous settlement. Photographs of the flying objects were reportedly taken and sent for study.

On the night of Sunday, October 21, 1965, an unknown aircraft, described as aluminum-colored, was seen performing maneuvers over the village before landing in an open field. The report states that three figures emerged, enveloped in celestial light. The indigenous people were reportedly terrified. Police were called, and they took photographs of the strange beings and the craft. When the camera flashes illuminated the scene, the beings retreated to their craft and departed with a loud noise.

However, the article notes that attempts to geographically locate "Chalac" were difficult, and the name itself was not found in existing cartography. An inquiry to the National Institute of Anthropology suggested that "Chalac" might be a dialectal variation of "chayiksat" (place of palm trees), a common toponym in the region, making it hard to pinpoint.

The article further explores the origin of the rumor, suggesting it might be linked to a confusion with electoral propaganda methods or a misinterpretation of natural phenomena. It references a legend of the "Campo del Cielo" (Field of the Sky) among the Tobas people, which speaks of a "petrified piece of sky" falling near their huts thousands of years ago. This legend is connected to the discovery of meteorites in the region. The Chalac incident is presented as a modern reinterpretation of this ancient legend, possibly influenced by technological explanations.

UNAS HIPOTESIS ACERCA DEL ORIGEN DEL RUMOR

This section speculates on the origin of the Chalac rumor. It suggests a possible confusion with electoral propaganda or a misinterpretation of a meteorite shower, linking it to the "Campo del Cielo" legend. The article notes that the Tobas people have legends about celestial events and that the area is known for meteorite discoveries.

SOBRE UNA EXTRAÑA OBSERVACION EN PERICO DE SAN ANTONIO

This article details a UFO sighting reported by Domiciano Diaz, a postal employee, on July 23, 1965, in Perico de San Antonio, Jujuy. Diaz, his wife, and son were returning home when they observed a luminous object that appeared like a "mercury light" and seemed to burn. The object descended and landed near a carob tree, its lights turning off, but its base remained intensely illuminated with reddish and bluish rays.

Diaz's wife and son reportedly lost consciousness, while Diaz approached the object. He described seeing figures trying to exit a hatch, but could not distinguish them clearly. The observation lasted 20 minutes, and the ground and a part of the carob tree were scorched. Other villagers also reported seeing the UFO's light.

The article contrasts Diaz's account with a newspaper report from "Pregón," which described the event differently, including the presence of figures and the object descending to the side of the road. Diaz clarified that the newspaper report contained errors, stating that the object did not burn anything and no figures were observed. He also mentioned that the version of "occupants" likely originated from a newspaper report in Rosario.

LA INVESTIGACION

This section describes an investigation conducted in October 1985 into the Perico de San Antonio sighting. The investigators interviewed Domiciano Diaz, who reiterated his account of a luminous object. He clarified that he was alone with his wife during the observation and that no figures or silhouettes were seen. He described the object as oval and similar to the moon, with greenish "tails" like oil slicks.

Diaz stated that the newspaper article contained significant errors and that the story of "occupants" likely stemmed from a Rosario newspaper. The article notes the discrepancy between the initial newspaper report and Diaz's testimony, as well as the difference between his 1968 and 1984 accounts, suggesting memory and interpretation factors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include UFO sightings, witness testimonies, the analysis of perception and potential misinterpretations, and the influence of media on UFO narratives. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to verify reports while acknowledging the psychological and environmental factors that can influence observations. The magazine aims to present factual accounts while also exploring the more speculative and folkloric aspects of UFO phenomena.

This issue of Crónica, dated July 1, 1968, focuses on a sensational UFO sighting and landing report that occurred in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The main headline, "UN ATERRIZAJE EN LA AVENIDA GENERAL PAZ" (A LANDING ON AVENIDA GENERAL PAZ), highlights the central story, which was published on September 4, 1968.

The Avenida General Paz Landing

The article details how the news of a flying saucer descending on Avenida General Paz, a major artery in Buenos Aires, quickly spread, causing widespread commotion and even panic. The report, initially published by the newspaper Crónica, described the event as a "surprising occurrence" in a densely populated area. The ensuing public reaction led to numerous calls to media outlets and a surge of curiosity and fear among the populace.

Journalists rushed to the scene, but found no evidence of the alleged landing. The article notes that the initial report was followed by a period of growing collective psychosis regarding UFO appearances, citing similar reports from Mendoza, which had been dubbed 'the favorite of the UFOs'.

Official Denials and Investigations

When contacted, military and police authorities denied any knowledge of the incident. The Air Force stated that the matter fell under their jurisdiction but offered no information. The Federal Police, unofficially, also reported no relevant information. Some enthusiasts suggested that the authorities' silence was due to a deliberate cover-up of a secret.

The article also mentions a meeting between the Minister of Defense, Emilio Federico van Peborgh, and the President of the Nation, concerning UFOs, though the Minister deferred technical aspects to the Air Force.

The Genesis of the News: 18 Years Later

An interview with journalist Eliseo Castiñeira de Dios, conducted in November 1986, sheds light on how the sensational news story originated. He explains that in 1968, the then-secretary of editorial staff, Félix Hipólito Laiño, urgently requested all available information for the day's edition. Antonio Vilacián Burgos, a journalist covering the Government House, was instructed to find a story. Burgos, lacking substantial news, allegedly fabricated the UFO landing story, claiming it was a major event in Buenos Aires that all media were covering.

Castineira de Dios recounts how other journalists, including those from Canal 11, were dispatched to the scene. A security guard at the park mentioned hearing a noise and seeing bright lights, which was interpreted as the UFO.

The General Rodriguez Incident

The issue also presents a case from March 9, 1972, involving a truck driver named Luis Ezequiel Bracamanle (or Bracamonte) who reported an encounter with a UFO and three occupants near the 'Namuncura' restaurant in General Rodriguez, Buenos Aires Province. The driver described the beings as tall, with angular features, and speaking an unknown language.

Investigative efforts by journalists, including Mauricio Zelman Grinberg, faced significant challenges in verifying Bracamanle's story. Interviews with individuals present at the 'Namuncura' restaurant at the time, including the owner Teodoro Lamenza and electrician Lutscher, yielded inconsistent or dismissive accounts. Lamenza recalled the truck driver being agitated and ordering a drink, but later suggested the driver might have been drunk or hallucinating. Lutscher initially claimed no memory of the event but later recalled the driver mentioning a UFO.

Analysis and Conclusions

The article critically examines the Bracamanle case, highlighting the probable non-existence of the witness and the inconsistencies in the accounts. It suggests that the story might have been embellished or fabricated, possibly for publicity or to create an interesting narrative.

Regarding the Avenida General Paz incident, the magazine concludes that it was likely a hoax generated by the media and public psychosis, lacking any factual basis. The article posits that such stories, while not necessarily true, serve the purpose of engaging the public and making their experience of life more interesting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the sensationalism surrounding UFO reports, the role of the media in creating and disseminating such stories, and the frequent lack of credible evidence or official confirmation. The magazine adopts a skeptical stance, questioning the veracity of the reported events and suggesting that many UFO incidents may be the result of misinterpretation, exaggeration, or deliberate fabrication. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to debunk sensational claims while acknowledging the public's fascination with the unexplained.

Miscellanea

The issue also includes a "Miscelánea" section, featuring a list of recently received books on ufology, including titles on UFO sightings in 1947, alien abductions, and UFOs in Brazil and Italy. It also mentions the publication of a "DICCIONARIO TEMÁTICO DE UFOLOGIA" (Thematic Dictionary of Ufology) by Fundación Anomalía. Furthermore, it reports on ufological events in Brazil during 1997, such as the IV Congresso Nacional de Ufología and the I Forum Mundial de Ufologia. Finally, it notes the inclusion of a chapter on "ufología" in the Enciclopedia Universal Espasa, recognizing the growing social interest in the topic.