Notizie UFO - No 39

Magazine Overview

Title: NOTIZIE UFO
Issue: 39
Date: January 1993
Publisher: CIRCOLARE INFORMATIVA DEL CENTRO ITALIANO STUDI UFOLOGICI (CISU)
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of Notizie UFO, the 39th publication from the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), addresses the significant delay in its release, attributing it to the numerous activities undertaken by the center and personal challenges faced by its volunteer staff. The editorial team apologizes for the tardiness and assures subscribers that efforts are underway to restore regularity and punctuality. To accommodate the backlog of information, two additional issues are planned to be released shortly, each with more pages than usual.

From the Secretariat

Material Received

The "From the Secretariat" section details a substantial amount of material received from various contributors. Antonio Cuccu from Sassari has submitted numerous reports on his investigative work, documenting various nighttime lights and aerial phenomena observed in locations such as Monte Oro, Porto Torres, Golfo dell'Asinara, Ploaghe, Olbia, Macomer, Chilivani, Castelsardo, and Porto Torres, with dates ranging from February 1969 to October 1991. These reports describe luminous objects, disks, and triangular craft.

Claudio Cavallini from Vigevano has provided a comprehensive report on a sighting of a large luminous object along the road between Alagna Lomellina and Scaldasole (PV) on November 25, 1990. Giampietro Donati from Novara has compiled a detailed dossier of 223 pages covering UFO cases in his region, including maps, drawings, and analyses.

Moreno Tambellini from Gruppo SHADO (Lucca) submitted a report on a low-altitude observation of a "cigar-shaped" object with a spotlight, dated June 6 or 8, 1983. Roberto Dri and Rinaldo Pravisani from Udine collected testimony about a luminous globe observed on November 7, 1992, near Bertiolo.

The secretariat also acknowledges contributions from numerous long-term and new collaborators who have helped update the archive with clippings, reports, and general interest material, encouraging further contributions.

Address and Telephone Modifications

Several changes of address and telephone numbers are listed for CISU members: Renato Fedele has moved to Caserta Centurano; Paolo Fiorino has relocated to Turin; Renzo Cabassi has a new post office box in Bologna; and Alessandro Cortellazzi's telephone number in Trento has changed. Gian Paolo Grassino in Turin has installed a fax machine at his workplace, available to the CISU secretariat.

New Provincial Representative

Giancarlo D'Alessandro has been appointed the new provincial representative for CISU in Milan. He is organizing regular meetings for local members.

CISU Postal Addresses

A reminder is issued regarding the preferred postal address for registered mail, parcels, and special mailings to avoid delays: CISU, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II n. 108, 10121 Torino. Regular mail should still be sent to CISU, Casella Postale 82, 10100 Torino.

Small Announcements

This section features requests from members for specific books. Riccardo Ciabattone and Emilio Podestà are seeking "Accadde a Roswell" by Charles Berlitz and William Moore. Vito Giampaolo is looking for John Fuller's book, "Prigionieri di un UFO."

Video Service

The CISU video service has been temporarily suspended due to technical issues with reproduction quality. Updates on its resumption will be provided.

Status of Publications

To reassure members, the issue provides an update on CISU's publications. The latest issue of the magazine UFO is No. 11 (July). The Notiziario Archivio Stampa is missing issues after No. 63. For the Rassegna Casistica, issues 13 to 15, included in the 1992 subscription, have not yet been distributed. Notizie UFO is currently in hand. The new illustrated edition of TRACAT (Italian UFO Cases with Ground Traces) has been delayed due to technical reasons requiring a complete re-pagination but has been sent to all purchasers. All 1992 publications will be sent to subscribers, even if they are released in early 1993.

Order Bulletin

A bulletin for postal current account orders is included to facilitate the ordering of publications and available material. Details for Gian Paolo Grassino's account are provided. Subscription forms are also available upon request.

CISU News

Board of Directors Meeting

The CISU Board of Directors met in Bologna on September 26, 1992. The 1991 budget was approved, and data from the 1992 membership campaign and the center's current financial situation were examined. The board also approved a letter to Pier Luigi Sani to correct certain statements published in "Giornale dei Misteri." The editorial team presented summaries of upcoming magazine issues, and dates for the next general assembly and national conference were set.

Members' Assembly

The ordinary members' assembly convened in Bologna on November 29, 1992, to approve the 1991 budget and re-elect the Board of Directors, with Roberto Farabone confirmed as president. The assembly discussed the timing for the next national UFOlogy conference, the organization of a UFOlogy seminar by Renato Fedele, and other outreach activities. The board decided to increase membership fees for 1993 to cover rising reproduction and mailing costs, and to implement a new format for the Notiziario Archivio Stampa.

1993 Membership Campaign

The issue announces the 1993 membership campaign, distributed as a special "number" dated December 1992. This condensed 16-page issue includes a membership form and a list of available publications for members. The initiative, previously adopted in December 1990, aims to leverage reduced postal rates for periodicals. The special issue also features two new articles: a critical history of scientific approaches to UFOs by sociologist Ron Westrum, and statistics on Italian UFO cases from 1900-1990 compiled by Gian Paolo Grassino and Edoardo Russo.

New Format for the Notiziario Archivio Stampa

Starting in 1993, the Notiziario Archivio Stampa will undergo significant changes to provide a more punctual and comprehensive service while reducing the workload for its editors. The goal is to offer a broad overview of incoming information from the "Eco della Stampa" subscription, filtering out redundant or marginal news. Each page will feature one or two clippings, with a shift from bi-monthly to monthly publication to meet member demand for timely information. This expansion in content and frequency will justify an increase in the subscription price to L. 36,000 for CISU members and L. 50,000 for non-members. The "Sostenitore" (Supporter) fee will also be adjusted.

Activities

VI National Conference

The sixth National Conference on Ufology, organized by CISU, took place in Bologna on November 28. The theme was "Ufological Casuistry: Sightings, Investigations, and Analyses." The conference featured presentations by Renzo Cabassi on the relationship between investigator, investigation, and report; Giorgio Russolillo on recent investigations in Campania; Paolo Toselli on the year's investigation reports; Giorgio Pattera on a recent close encounter in the Parma region; and Maurizio Verga on the PHOTOCAT (Computerized Catalog of Italian Photographic Cases). The possibility of publishing the conference proceedings is under study, and a complete audio recording of the event is available.

Local Dissemination

An interview with Massimo Valloscuo on local UFO casuistry appeared in "Corriere dell'Umbria." "Gazzettino dell'Umbria" began publishing a series of articles on ufology by Valloscuo. Antonio Cuccu's new announcement was featured in "La nuova Sardegna." A summary of a conference by Gian Paolo Grassino was published in "Via libera." A press release from CISU commenting on RCA-Columbia's UFO videocassettes was used as the basis for an article in "Il salvagente" defending consumers against "ET fake peddlers." National statistics from CISU were cited in "La Nazione." Renzo Cabassi's clarifications on behalf of CISU regarding UFO abduction news in America were published in several newspapers.

In Brief

Mini-Poll: A mini-opinion poll conducted among 72 acquaintances and students (42 male, 30 female, aged 16-75) revealed that most had read articles about UFOs, with a few having read books on the subject. Eight interviewees had heard of CISU. The most common explanation for UFOs was natural phenomena (20), followed by hallucinations (14), aliens (11), and "don't know" (10).

UFO-Umbria Notiziario: Massimo Valloscuo from Terni has produced the first issue of this local CISU bulletin, aiming to report on Umbrian UFO casuistry and general ufological information.

Information

UFOs in Italy - Spring Sightings

This section summarizes recent UFO sightings reported in Italy. These include a luminous object observed in Arese (MI) on May 13, a yellow-blue light near Castelnuovo Magra (SP) on May 29, and a UFO alarm in Alassio (SV) on May 23 involving luminous clouds. On May 30, numerous people reported observing unidentified objects over several towns in Avellino province. Three young men in Ripafatta (PI) reported seeing a luminous cigar-shaped object on the night of May 30-31. On June 3, a family in Sala Baganza (PR) observed two luminous lights that projected beams and emitted sounds. A circular cloud and luminous dots were reported in Apice (BN) on June 21. Summer sightings include a large red-orange luminous globe observed in Pistoia on July 13, and four luminous disks seen in Spoleto (PG) on July 14. A luminous object was reported near Monte Pianella, likely disco lights. A luminous point was seen near Rome on July 27. A hexagonal light was observed in Borgotaro (PR) on July 22. A family in Arrone (TR) observed an object with two white lights and a red one on the same evening. A luminous object resembling a javelin with a red tip was seen near MacchiareDdu (CA) on August 3. A metallic object of oval shape was seen in Venice on September 12. An unusual contactee case involving a medium and an exorcist in Monsummano (PT) on September 14 is described. A hot air balloon shaped like a champagne cork caused UFO reports in San Quirico (SI) on September 24. A silvery object with orange reflections was observed in Portonovo (AN) on September 29. In Cividale (UD) on August 4, a bright white phosphorescent light was seen. Several inhabitants of Gemona (UD) observed a luminous round object with a dome and red lights on August 5, as did people in Monastir (CA). Three youths near Arrone (TR) saw a white-orange intermittent light on the same evening. A luminous fluorescent ball was seen in Quinzano (BS) on August 8. A pulsating orange light was observed in Arrone (TR) on August 11. A red-fire colored luminous sphere was seen near Catania on the second week of August. Hundreds of people in Thiene (VI) saw a light cross the sky on August 19. Several witnesses in Maiano (UD) reported a luminous object on August 24. A flashing light changing colors was reported in Rome on August 25. Four luminous disks were reported in the Riva di Pinerolo (TO) area on August 29. Two young women observed a white flashing light object over Messina on the last week of August. A lady in Terni observed a large star-like object moving horizontally on August 31. An employee in Senago (MI) saw an object resembling aircraft lights that projected towards him, shaped like an inverted dish, on September 3. A golden light, drop-shaped, was observed in Catania on September 5. An ortolan in Treporti (VE) saw a bright light with a long tail on September 11. Several people in San Giovanni Lupatoto (VR) observed a yellow-blue "explosion" without sound on September 12. A doctor in Turin observed four spherical lights moving and interacting for about 45 minutes on September 12. Two fishermen saw a metallic oval object in Venice on September 12.

Summer Sightings

A large red-orange luminous globe was observed in Pistoia on July 13. Four luminous disks were seen in Spoleto (PG) on July 14. A luminous object was reported near Monte Pianella, possibly disco lights. A luminous point was seen near Rome on July 27. A hexagonal light was observed in Borgotaro (PR) on July 22. A family in Arrone (TR) observed an object with two white lights and a red one on the same evening. A luminous object resembling a javelin with a red tip was seen near MacchiareDdu (CA) on August 3. A metallic object of oval shape was seen in Venice on September 12. An unusual contactee case is described in Monsummano (PT) on September 14. A hot air balloon shaped like a champagne cork caused UFO reports in San Quirico (SI) on September 24. A silvery object with orange reflections was observed in Portonovo (AN) on September 29. In Cividale (UD) on August 4, a bright white phosphorescent light was seen. Several inhabitants of Gemona (UD) observed a luminous round object with a dome and red lights on August 5, as did people in Monastir (CA). Three youths near Arrone (TR) saw a white-orange intermittent light on the same evening. A luminous fluorescent ball was seen in Quinzano (BS) on August 8. A pulsating orange light was observed in Arrone (TR) on August 11. A red-fire colored luminous sphere was seen near Catania on the second week of August. Hundreds of people in Thiene (VI) saw a light cross the sky on August 19. Several witnesses in Maiano (UD) reported a luminous object on August 24. A flashing light changing colors was reported in Rome on August 25. Four luminous disks were reported in the Riva di Pinerolo (TO) area on August 29. Two young women observed a white flashing light object over Messina on the last week of August. A lady in Terni observed a large star-like object moving horizontally on August 31. An employee in Senago (MI) saw an object resembling aircraft lights that projected towards him, shaped like an inverted dish, on September 3. A golden light, drop-shaped, was observed in Catania on September 5.

New UFO Books

This section critically reviews recent UFO-related publications. Giancarlo Barbadoro's "Progetto Andromeda" and "Alla ricerca di intelligenze diverse" are described as partially ufological and of low quality, with numerous inaccuracies. Alfredo Lissoni's "UFO: segreti e misteri dei dischi volanti" is also reviewed, noting its classic approach and superficial documentation, concluding that it offers little new information. The author laments the lack of thorough research and documentation in many UFO books.

Scanning the Newspapers

This section analyzes how Italian newspapers cover UFO phenomena. It notes that most reports are confined to local news and rarely gain national attention. Agency flashes about foreign UFO events are infrequent and receive limited coverage. The article highlights the recycling of old news and statistics by some publications. A four-part investigation into UFOs by Manuela Pompas in "Gioia" is mentioned, though it's criticized for mixing ufology with contacteeism and conspiracy theories. The recurring articles by Antonio Di Gaetano (Antonio Cosentino) in "La Prealpina" are noted for their reliance on sensationalism and folklore.

UFO notes

Giancarlo Barattini: The issue reports the death of Giancarlo Barattini at age 68. Barattini was a key promoter and founder of the CUN (Centro Unico Nazionale, later Centro Ufologico Nazionale). He was involved in ufology since 1958 and founded the CUN in 1965, aiming to create a unified, serious, and scientific voice for Italian ufology. He resigned from the secretariat in 1968 due to disagreements but remained involved, intervening in a 1973 crisis. His passing is noted with respect for his contributions.

Publicity

Recent television advertisements incorporating UFO themes are highlighted. Woody Allen's commercial for Coop supermarkets features aliens and a "kidnapped" human discussing food products. A commercial for Expo Seville '92 briefly shows an object resembling the Gulf Breeze photos. Advertisements for DHL and ENEL also feature UFO imagery.

Abroad

Spanish Defense Ministry Releases 66 UFO Cases

In April 1992, the Spanish Ministry of Defense declassified the first documents related to unidentified flying object observations that had been classified as "reserved material" since 1979. This action is the result of persistent efforts by prominent ufologists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Notizie UFO include the detailed reporting of UFO sightings across Italy, updates on the activities and publications of the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), and critical analysis of UFO-related literature and media coverage. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation and a desire to present ufology as a serious and scientific field, contrasting with sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear emphasis on documenting cases, analyzing evidence, and promoting a more professional approach to the study of UFO phenomena.

Title: NOTIZIE UFO
Issue Date: January 1993

This issue of Notizie UFO provides a comprehensive look at key developments in ufology, focusing on the historical figures, governmental involvement, and intriguing theories shaping the field.

Giancarlo Barattini and the CUN

The lead article, written by Edoardo Russo, pays tribute to Giancarlo Barattini, a central figure in Italian ufology. Barattini was instrumental in the founding and development of the CUN (Centro Ufologico Nazionale), serving as its Secretary, President, and primary financial supporter. His vision was to create a unified national UFO center characterized by seriousness, prudence, and methodology. The article traces Barattini's journey, including the growth of the CUN during the 1978 UFO wave, the challenges of managing a volunteer association with business-like schemes, and subsequent organizational crises and schisms within the CUN. Barattini's attempts at reorganization and statute modifications, his resignation in the early 1980s, and his later return in 1985 to avert another crisis are detailed. Despite his significant influence, Barattini remained a private individual, largely unknown to the public. His passing marks the end of an era in Italian ufology.

Spanish Military UFO Interest

Another significant section details the growing interest of the Spanish military in UFOs. This interest dates back to at least March 1968, when the then Minister of the Air confirmed a sighting of strange lights by a commercial airliner. In October 1976, journalist Juan José Benitez published a book containing official documentation on twelve UFO cases, which led the Spanish Joint Chiefs of Staff to apply the recent Law on Official Secrets to the UFO dossier. Following the stabilization of democracy after the Franco dictatorship, ufologists Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Joan Plna Crvillen actively pursued the declassification of UFO-related information. Their efforts gained traction after the approval of a new law on classified materials in 1990. By March 1992, Deputy Gabriel Elorriaga formally questioned the Minister of Defence about classified documents concerning unidentified flying objects. The response confirmed that material had been transferred to the Air Force Command for gradual declassification of 66 cases collected by military investigators since 1962. In June 1992, Spanish military personnel contacted Ballester Olmos, acknowledging his seriousness and objectivity, to collaborate on creating a national UFO case archive and a questionnaire for military personnel testimonies.

UK Ministry of Defence Collaboration

In Great Britain, the competent office for archiving UFO reports is AS-2 (Air Staff 2) within the Ministry of Defence (MOD). In the spring of 1992, Nick Pope, the head of this office, sent a circular letter to English ufological associations. This letter clarified the content of ministerial UFO archives, the types of reports received, and the terms under which information could be provided. Pope indicated that cases received since he took charge primarily involved nighttime lights or distant daytime objects, with no close encounters. He also shared photocopies of five old IR-3 cases, with personal data redacted. While the British Defence Ministry does not investigate these cases, Pope promised that future witnesses of such events would be encouraged to contact ufological organizations. This initiative was seen as a significant development, given the MOD's historical reluctance to share information.

The Ummo Affair and KGB Theory

French ufologist Renaud Marhic presents a new hypothesis regarding the 'Ummo affair,' a complex case involving letters from alleged extraterrestrials sent to Spanish ufology enthusiasts since the mid-1960s. Marhic considers three main possibilities: genuine extraterrestrial contact, a hoax by the Spanish ufological community, or a psychological warfare experiment. He leans towards the latter, suggesting a possible KGB intelligence operation. Analyzing the ideological content of the Ummo letters, which included criticisms of the USA and references to leftist philosophers and politicians, Marhic notes that these were sent to Spaniards during the Franco dictatorship. He posits that this could have been an attempt by the Soviet secret service to influence public opinion in a country resistant to communist ideology, or to provide cover for espionage activities. He points to the abrupt decrease in letters after 1975 (the end of the dictatorship), references from Soviet secret service leaders, and specific mentions of avant-garde cosmological theories developed by Soviet scientists as supporting evidence for his theory. Marhic acknowledges that his thesis has gaps and inconsistencies but offers it for consideration by his colleagues.

New Documents Available

The issue also lists new documents available in English from the CISU Documentation Service. These include the "National U.S. Sightings Yearbook 1991" by Paul Ferruchelli, cataloging 201 UFO sightings in the USA for that year, along with data from previous years. Analogous yearbooks for 1989 and 1990 are also available. Another document is "Triangles over Belgium - A Case of Uforia?" by Wim Van Utrecht, offering a critical analysis of the Belgian UFO wave. Finally, the highly regarded 1964 report by Richard Hall and NICAP, "The UFO Evidence," intended to inform US parliamentarians about unidentified flying objects, is mentioned as being available, though difficult to find.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical evolution of ufology, the role of key individuals and organizations, and the increasing engagement of governmental bodies with the subject. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that values rigorous research, historical documentation, and the pursuit of transparency from official sources. The detailed reporting on Barattini's legacy, the Spanish military's declassification efforts, and the UK Ministry of Defence's outreach suggests an editorial focus on the serious, investigative aspects of ufology, while also exploring more speculative theories like the KGB involvement in the Ummo affair.