Notizie CUN - No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: NOTIZIE C. U. N.
Issue Date: March 1984
Publisher: CENTRO UFOLOGICO NAZIONALE (C.U.N.)
Country of Publication: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of "Notizie C.U.N." is a circular from the Secretariat of the Centro Ufologico Nazionale, aiming to provide information and foster the exchange of ideas among its associates. The "zero issue" has already generated positive feedback, meeting a precise need for information and inter-associative dialogue. The Secretariat expresses its conviction that this initiative will lead to the revitalization and formation of a true Center, and thanks those who have confirmed their interest or provided financial support.

Dalla Segreteria (From the Secretariat)

Materiale Ricevuto (Received Material)

The Secretariat reports on the interesting investigations and materials received. This includes case and journalistic contributions from Marcello Crinò (Barcelona) and Mariella Bernacchi (Loano), as well as the constant support from the National Coordinator, Gianfranco Neri.

Gianfranco Lollino (Rimini) submitted a report on the investigation of a close encounter of the 3rd kind case in Castelleale on November 15, 1974, conducted in collaboration with Antonio Chiumiento (Pordenone). This report spans 16 pages.

Alessandro Cortellazzi (Trento) sent supplementary documentation on a case from June 6, 1983, and the transcription of an interview related to the Castelleale case.

Ezio Bernardini (Rome) provided investigations into the famous IR-3 case from Abbiate Guazzone from the 1950s, as well as a recent case from Piglio (FR) dated January 26, 1984.

Flavio Gottardi (Rome) submitted reports on cases from Rome in 1975, 1978, and 1980 (13 pages).

Archivio Stampa (Press Archive)

This section informs readers about the C.U.N.'s Press Archive, a sector dedicated to articles of ufological interest from non-specialized press, comprising tens of thousands of items from 1947 to the present. The archive requires continuous updating, both for current articles and for historical material from libraries. The C.U.N. has been seeking to involve more people in this "coverage" activity for about three years, asking them to fill out forms and send copies of articles. A selection of the most interesting material is published in the "Notiziario Archivio Stampa," now in its fifteenth issue. The activity currently involves about fifteen volunteers covering a dozen newspapers, with a particular need for coverage in Milan, Genoa, and Rome. The C.U.N. invites anyone interested to help, noting that the effort involves minimal time (noting dates and making photocopies). This work contributes to a rich archive of news and opinions, useful for retrospective analysis and the study of the UFO/mass-media relationship.

Those interested in more information or in receiving copies of the "Notiziario Archivio Stampa" can contact the Secretariat. The first ten issues of the bulletin (42 pages of articles from March 1981 to March 1983) are available for a reimbursement of L. 3000 to cover reproduction and postage costs.

Servizio Documentazione Estera (Foreign Documentation Service)

The Foreign Documentation Service of the C.U.N. announces the availability of the January and February 1984 issues of its service, which consists of photocopies of the most interesting articles from foreign ufological magazines.

Issue 1/84 (31 pages) includes a report on the latest MUFON Symposium in the USA, a critical review of Philip Klass's latest book, the creation of the "North American UFO Federation," and unpublished details about the Condon Committee.

Issue 2/84 (31 pages) provides an update on the radioactive UFO case in Texas, an article by John Keel on "the man who invented flying saucers," and a piece by Persenger on the possibility of predicting UFO sightings based on tectonic theory.

Preparations are underway for a "special" issue entirely dedicated to a long article by Claude Mougé, which analyzes the current relationship between ufology and "ifologia" (likely a typo for mythology or a related field), and a double issue (60 pages) for March 1984. This March issue will largely consist of excerpts from the "° number of the 'Journal of UFO Studies'" from CUFOS.

The cost for each issue is L. 3,000, payable by bank transfer to the Secretariat's address.

Atti del Congresso di Lione (Proceedings of the Lyon Congress)

The Federation Francaise d'Ufologie (FFU) has published the proceedings of the FFU Congress held in Lyon last October (90 pages). Due to the quality of most of the reports, the C.U.N. Foreign Documentation Service is able to purchase copies of the proceedings directly for interested associates at a price of L. 10,000. These payments should be sent to Gian Paolo Grassino.

Interesting articles include: "Bible and ufology from a theologian's perspective," "UFOs in the past from a historian's view," a study on the dispersion of ufological stereotypes in Algeria, "What ufology should not have been," the "sociopsychological hypothesis," biochemical disturbances in a landing case, and a proposal for criteria to select particularly credible cases.

Arretrati Introvabili (Unavailable Back Issues)

The Secretariat has received requests for photocopies of previously unavailable issues of "Notiziario UFO" (numbers 1 to 41, 66 to 72, and issues 61 and 77) and back issues of "Voce delle Sezioni" from 1976 to 1980. These collections comprise several hundred pages, and the Secretariat is considering producing them once in multiple copies. Interested parties are invited to indicate their potential availability, without obligation. If at least ten responses are received, the Secretariat will provide a cost estimate for these two collections.

Attività (Activities)

Cataloghi Regionali (Regional Catalogs)

In response to the 3rd circular on the subject, several updated regional catalogs have been received.

• Pavia: A catalog for the province of Pavia has been mentioned, serving as an initial list of 2 pages containing essential data, codes, and sources (including page numbers) for 23 cases from Pavia between 1949 and 1983. It was compiled by Claudio C.

• Trentino-Alto Adige: An update to December 1983 of the catalog for Trentino-Alto Adige, curated by Alessandro Cortellazzi, is described as extremely well-done. It spans 18 pages, listing codes, sources, and page numbers (though lacking typology) for 149 cases from 1937 to 1983.

• Umbria: Massimo Valloscuo has revised and corrected the catalog for Umbria. It is also well-done, covering 7 pages with 193 cases from 1946 to 1983, including all data and source information.

• Sicilia: An initial list of cases from Sicily between 1941 and 1970 (3 pages, 150 cases) has been received from Marcello Crinò. However, it lacks codes and some source information.

• Grosseto: Within the Tuscan Regional Coordination, a list of cases from the province of Grosseto has arrived, curated by Fabrizio Villa (Montespertoli - FI). This catalog covers 58 cases from 1954 to 1980 (20 pages) and includes codes, typologies, sources, and summaries of sightings.

Selezione delle Riviste Scientifiche (Selection of Scientific Journals)

The Tuscan Regional Coordination has sent a substantial 36-page fascicle titled "Selezione Stampa riviste scientifiche" (Selection of Scientific Journal Press). This initiative aims to enhance the scientific preparation and knowledge of C.U.N. members by providing articles on technical-scientific topics related to ufology. The first issue compiles articles from 9 science and astronomy journals covering subjects such as exobiology, the Tunguska enigma, ball lightning, visual perception, and current physics problems, along with celestial charts for January and February. The C.U.N. applauds this initiative, believing it will significantly increase the circulation of high-level articles and studies, and enhance the Center's Archives sector dedicated to scientific documentation. Interested individuals are invited to collaborate with their Tuscan colleagues or to receive this publication by contacting the curator, Mario Bottaini.

Progetto Italia 3 (Project Italy 3)

Gratitude is expressed to Ezio Bernardini, Gianfranco Lollino, Marcello Crinò, Alessandro Cortellazzi, Vittorio Crosa, Lorenzo Bartoli, and Gian Paolo Cappabianca, along with other friends from Barletta, for their material contributions and assistance in re-investigating and collecting further data on close encounter cases of the third kind.

Informazioni (Information)

Congresso di Genova (Genoa Congress)

Roberto Pinotti announces the provisional program for the C.U.N. National Congress on the theme "UFO and mass-media: for correct information." The congress will be held at the Auditorium of the Fiera Internazionale in Genoa, from Friday, May 4th to Sunday, May 6th.

Distinguished guests will include Antonio Ribera from Spain and Joseph Allen Kynek from the United States. The congress will begin on Friday afternoon and continue on Saturday morning, concluding with a press conference at 12:00 PM. Friday evening features a science fiction film with a ufological theme, likely "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Saturday evening includes a round table discussion open to all, followed by another on the topic of "abduction," which is expected to be covered by RAI-TV. An accompanying ufological photography exhibition will also be held.

Sunday morning is dedicated to informal contacts and discussions among attendees, concluding with a social lunch.

Congress Package: A "package deal" for congress attendees includes accommodation (Thursday evening to Sunday morning) in a double room with services, breakfast, and dinner (excluding Friday and Saturday lunches). It also covers transportation between the hotel and the congress venue, and a Sunday excursion to the Riviera with a typical restaurant lunch. Depending on the hotel category, prices are L. 140,000 or L. 113,000 per person. For information, contact Agenzia Turistica COOPTUR LIGURIA.

Hynek in Italia (Hynek in Italy)

Joseph Allen Hynek visited Turin on March 14th, following significant media attention in Italy. The British Ministry of Defense's admission of at least 16 unexplained UFO cases led to two television programs on the topic on the RAI broadcast "Italia Sera," featuring Hynek as a prominent expert. After participating in the programs on Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th, Hynek visited Turin the following day before heading to Dijon. During his brief stay, he met with Roberto Pinotti, visited the C.U.N. headquarters and archives, attended a dinner, and gave an interview to "Stampa Sera." Hynek expressed surprise at the quantity of material in the C.U.N. archive and the activity of such a small group, particularly regarding their publications. He promised to provide an excerpt of Italian cases from UFOCAT and expressed interest in closer contact and receiving Italian material, seeking a general overview of who is actively working in ufology in Italy. The C.U.N. believes Hynek left with a different impression of the Center, considering the efforts of those who have contributed to the Documentation Bank.

Necrologi (Obituaries)

• Mario Maioli: Passed away in Bologna in late January at the age of 82. He was one of the inspirers of a national center and the principal architect of the C.U.N.'s creation in 1966, serving as its founding member and president.

• Peter Kolosimo: Died in Milan on March 23rd at the age of 62. He was a well-known writer of archaeo-fiction books and a journalist specializing in the unusual.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue emphasizes the importance of information exchange, archival work, and scientific rigor within ufology. The C.U.N. actively promotes collaboration among its members and seeks to broaden its reach through various services like the Press Archive and the Foreign Documentation Service. The upcoming Genoa Congress highlights the theme of "UFO and mass-media," indicating a focus on how ufological information is presented and perceived by the public. The publication also acknowledges the passing of key figures in Italian ufology, Mario Maioli and Peter Kolosimo, underscoring their contributions to the field.