Ovni Presence - No 31 - Septembre 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI Présence
Issue: No. 31
Date: September 1984 (3rd Quarter, 9th Year)
Publisher: Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes (AESV)
Country of Publication: Switzerland
Language: French
ISSN: 0223-0976
Price: 20 FF / 5 FS
Cover Headline: DES CAS RIEN QUE DES CAS (Cases, Nothing But Cases)

Editorial and Publication Information

OVNI Présence is published quarterly by the Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes (AESV), a non-profit organization founded in 1974 dedicated to the objective and rational study of the UFO phenomenon and the dissemination of ufological information. The editorial and subscription addresses are provided for both AESV-Switzerland and AESV-France. The magazine emphasizes that the views expressed in its articles are solely the responsibility of their authors. Reproduction, translation, or adaptation of any content is strictly prohibited without written authorization.

The editorial committee consists of Perry Petrakis and Yves Bosson. Yves Bosson is the responsible editor. The magazine is printed in Switzerland by Imprimerie des Lerreux.

Table of Contents (Sommaire)

The issue opens with a summary of recent developments, including a mention of the Trans-en-Provence case, UFOs in Italy, the FUFOR prize for best UFO article, lenticular clouds, and the 'Apocalypse Now?' aspect of the Cash-Landrum case.

The articles featured are:

• Classiques? Vous avez dit: classiques! by Michel Monnerie (Page 3)
• Les martiens au courant by Jean Bastide (Page 11)
• Cash-Landrum: apocalypse now !? by Perry Petrakis (Page 14)
• Une croyance peut en cacher une autre (Page 16)
• Application d'un programme de recherches sur la caractérisation des traumatismes végétaux à l'étude des dismétabolismes consécutifs à un phénomène d'origine inconnue by Michel Bounias (Page 2)
• Le paradoxe du "non-identifié" connu by Perry Petrakis (Page 6)
• Rencontre rapprochée du 3ème type en 1930 by Bruno Mancusi (Page 8)
• Le cas "Cash-Landrum" by John P. Schuessler (Page 11)

The cover art is by Thierry Rocher, with montage by J. Le Brun based on a photo by A. Didier.

Article Analysis

Classiques? Vous avez dit: classiques! (Page 3-8)

This extensive article by Michel Monnerie critically examines the M. Vuillien sighting from November 2, 1972, in Doussier, Val-Dessus (Jura), France. Monnerie argues that the case, often cited as a solid UFO sighting, can be explained as a misinterpretation of natural phenomena, specifically atmospheric conditions creating lenticular clouds. He contrasts the witness's subjective experience with objective analysis, drawing on multiple investigation reports (Tyrode, F.S.U., GEPA, Ouranos, LDLN).

Monnerie details the witness's account: observing smoke rings descending, followed by a large, saucer-shaped object appearing to hover. He analyzes the witness's emotional state, fear, and reaction (grabbing a rifle), attributing it to the psychological impact of the visual stimulus and the inherent human tendency to interpret the unknown within familiar frameworks (like the 'flying saucer' archetype).

He posits that the 'smoke rings' were likely evaporative clouds forming due to temperature changes in the valley, illuminated by the sun from above. The 'saucer' itself is interpreted as the last, largest, and most distinct cloud formation, appearing solid due to contrast and lighting, and its perceived movement (tilting, ascending, rapid departure) is explained by optical illusions, changes in perspective, and the witness's own movement or the natural dissipation and transformation of clouds.

Monnerie emphasizes the importance of detailed investigation, including photographic evidence of the location (like Tyrode's photo of the valley), and the value of comparing multiple independent inquiries to identify convergences and divergences. He critiques the tendency of some ufologists to prematurely conclude a UFO explanation without exhausting all possible natural or conventional causes. He also touches upon the 'socio-psychological' aspect of ufology, where the framework of interpretation can heavily influence the perceived reality of an event.

Additif (Page 9)

This section provides an addendum to Michel Monnerie's analysis. Yves Bosson introduces a photographic document from the Swiss Centre for UFO Documentation (CSD) that he believes supports Monnerie's explanation. The document includes a report from a photographer who observed two lenticular cloud formations on Mont Nierin in December 1973, which were analyzed by the Geneva-Cointrin Meteorological Centre. The meteorological report confirms that the photographed phenomena were indeed unusual cloud formations ('nuages d'ondes') that can take on bizarre shapes due to turbulent wind conditions, aligning with Monnerie's hypothesis about lenticular clouds being mistaken for UFOs.

Other Articles Mentioned in the Table of Contents:

• Les martiens au courant (Martians in the know) by Jean Bastide.
• Cash-Landrum: apocalypse now !? (Cash-Landrum: apocalypse now!?) by Perry Petrakis. This title suggests a dramatic and potentially frightening UFO encounter.
• Une croyance peut en cacher une autre (One belief can hide another).
• Application d'un programme de recherches sur la caractérisation des traumatismes végétaux... (Application of a research program on the characterization of plant trauma...) by Michel Bounias. This article likely explores physical effects on vegetation potentially caused by unknown phenomena.
• Le paradoxe du "non-identifié" connu (The paradox of the known "unidentified") by Perry Petrakis.
• Rencontre rapprochée du 3ème type en 1930 (Close encounter of the third kind in 1930) by Bruno Mancusi.
• Le cas "Cash-Landrum" (The "Cash-Landrum" case) by John P. Schuessler. This is likely a detailed report on the Cash-Landrum incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the critical analysis of UFO cases, moving beyond simple acceptance of witness testimony to rigorous investigation and the search for conventional explanations. The editorial stance, as exemplified by Michel Monnerie's article, leans towards a skeptical yet open-minded approach, emphasizing the psychological and atmospheric factors that can lead to misidentification. The magazine advocates for a scientific methodology in ufology, stressing the importance of detailed evidence, cross-referencing investigations, and understanding the cognitive biases of witnesses. There is a clear effort to 'clean up' the field of ufology by demystifying cases that are deemed reducible to known phenomena, while implicitly leaving room for genuine unexplained cases.

The inclusion of the 'Additif' section, featuring a meteorological analysis of cloud formations, further reinforces the magazine's commitment to providing evidence-based explanations and challenging purely speculative interpretations.

Title: LA CHRONIQUE DES OVI
Issue: No. 211-212
Date: January-February 1982
Content Focus: This issue of LA CHRONIQUE DES OVI, a French ufology magazine, features a range of articles on UFO sightings, scientific investigations into unexplained phenomena, and related topics.

Article 1: The Martians Are Aware - Ball Lightning in Ariège

This extensive article details a significant UFO sighting that occurred in Labatut, Ariège, France, on the night of Thursday, October 16, 1980, around 11:30 PM. The report, which first appeared in the magazine 'Lumières dans la nuit' (No. 211-212, January-February 1982), describes an encounter by a couple, identified as M. and Mme X, both civil servants aged 25.

During a heavy rainstorm, while driving their car, they observed a large, luminous object. Initially described as a 'moon' descending, it later resolved into a 'huge craft illuminating with a vivid color around it.' Mme X described it as 'enormous, 20 meters or more,' with a 'very high antenna' and lights that 'ascended and descended like an elevator.' A black band was visible in the middle, and it appeared to be hovering on an 'air cushion.' The object's color was a 'burning red,' described as 'very bright red.'

M. X, after getting out of the car, noted the object's immense size, estimated at 15 meters long with a 'queue' that went upwards. He observed 'portholes in the middle, in a dark part,' and 'white lights all around the craft, blinking on and off like in some amusement parks.'

After returning home, M. X went back to the location and observed the object again, partially obscured by a cornfield. He estimated its length at 15 meters and its height at 20 to 25 meters, with the globular part being 7 meters high and 15 meters long. He described a black band in the middle of the globular part with four portholes. The object emitted a light 'like fire.' He believed the craft was inhabited and required a crew.

The article notes that no effects were observed on the car's headlights, engine, or the witnesses' watches. The couple observed the phenomenon for ten minutes, and M. X observed it again for another 15 to 20 minutes.

The author, Jean Bastide, interprets this case as a remarkable observation of 'FOUDRE GLOBULAIRE' (ball lightning), citing several points: the white circle elongating and becoming cylindrical, then turning red like ball lightning; the disappearance of the 'tail/antenna' due to surface tension; the lights resembling openings showing internal colors; and the proximity to electrical poles, suggesting a possible discharge during the storm.

Bastide criticizes the 'hasty interpretations' by those who might attribute it to 'martians,' suggesting a deliberate attempt to dismiss the phenomenon. He provides a detailed explanation of ball lightning, referencing scientific literature and historical observations, including the transformation of linear lightning into spherical lightning.

Article 2: Cash-Landrum - Apocalypse Now!?

This article by Perry Petrakis examines the Cash-Landrum case, a UFO encounter that occurred in Texas, USA. The author acknowledges the compelling nature of the case, with multiple witnesses, physical effects, and a seemingly solid investigation. However, Petrakis raises several points for consideration, questioning the interpretation of events and the completeness of the investigation.

The article focuses on the physical and psychological effects experienced by the witnesses, Betty (51) and Vickie (57), who were described as being in a vulnerable 'critical age' period, making them more susceptible to emotional stress and anxiety. Petrakis suggests that the strong emotions and anguish experienced could lead to a range of physical responses, including irregular breathing, pulse changes, sensations of suffocation, sweating, palpitations, temperature fluctuations, changes in salivation, nausea, pupil dilation, stomach issues, tremors, and crying.

He questions the reported effects, such as photophthalmia (eye inflammation) decreasing with observation time, and the fact that the child Colby, who looked less, suffered less than the adults, which contradicts the expected vulnerability of children to such phenomena. The article also touches upon the possibility of the car retaining traces of irradiation, but notes that investigators did not specify this.

Petrakis highlights potential inaccuracies or omissions in the investigation, such as the lack of information on blood tests, adrenaline levels, or car expert reports. He emphasizes the fallibility of memory and the potential for misinterpretations, especially when combined with the 'infinite possibility of misinterpretations.' The role of the subconscious in storing and adapting information is also mentioned.

The article concludes by stating that the investigation of such cases requires meticulous attention to detail, and the investigator must be responsible for accurately assessing the credibility of a case.

Article 3: A Belief Can Hide Another

This short piece debunks a UFO sighting reported near Genoa, Italy. Numerous people claimed to have seen a UFO in the sky near Rivarolo, which then landed on the crest of Mont Scarpino. Residents rushed to their windows or went outside to witness the event.

However, the local priest, Don Pietro Parodi, explained that the 'flying saucers' were actually candles lit by a group of faithful on Mont Teiolo to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Lourdes. The candles, placed around and on the chapel, were misinterpreted as UFOs. The article, sourced from 'La Notte' (Milan) and published in 'UFO News-flash,' asserts that there were only faithful with candles and no UFOs or extraterrestrials involved.

Article 4: Application of a Research Program on the Characterization of Vegetal Traumatisms

This article details a scientific research program conducted by the Laboratory of Biochemistry at the Centre de Recherches d'Avignon, part of INRA (National Institute of Agronomic Research). The program focuses on analyzing biochemical traumatisms in insects and plants, particularly those resulting from unidentified phenomena.

The research aims to distinguish traumatic states from normal metabolic equilibrium in cells by using mathematical criteria. It also seeks to formulate hypotheses about the origin of observed symptoms by comparing them with effects produced experimentally by known causes.

The methodology involves collecting plant samples from the same species along a transect originating from the epicenter (observed or supposed) of a phenomenon. Samples are taken at increasing distances from the epicenter, within the same biotope. The study used *Medicago minima* (a type of alfalfa) as the subject plant.

Biochemical analyses were performed on photosynthetic pigments (7-12 components), general lipids (11 components), glucides (18 components), free amino acids (19 components), and alkaline-neutral phosphatases. Samples were collected at different time intervals after the event (J+1, J+40, and in 1983, two years later).

The results from the 1981 samples showed significant differences between plants near the epicenter and those farther away. Concentrations of chlorophylls and carotenoids were reduced by an average of 30%, glucose by 25%, and fructose by 60%. Conversely, amino acids generally increased by 47%, and saccharose by 39%. The study also noted changes in the maximal velocity and dissociation constant of alkaline phosphatases.

In the second series of samples (1983), the effects observed in 1981 had largely disappeared, except for the maximal velocity of phosphatases and certain component concentrations. The research aimed to establish the limits and direction of natural variability for reference.

The study also investigated the relationship between the concentration of biochemical parameters and their distance from the epicenter. Highly significant positive correlations were found for carotenoids, chlorophyll A, and lutein, which decreased towards the epicenter. Negative correlation for glucose, after transformation, was also significant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of LA CHRONIQUE DES OVI demonstrates a strong commitment to investigating UFO phenomena through both witness testimony and rigorous scientific analysis. The magazine appears to favor explanations that can be grounded in known scientific principles, such as ball lightning, while critically examining the details of witness accounts and investigative procedures. There is a clear skepticism towards sensationalist interpretations, particularly those involving extraterrestrial visitation, as seen in the debunking of the Italian sighting and the reinterpretation of the Ariège case as ball lightning. The magazine also highlights the importance of detailed, objective scientific research, as exemplified by the study on plant traumatisms, emphasizing the need for careful methodology and the avoidance of premature conclusions. The editorial stance seems to be one of cautious inquiry, seeking rational explanations for anomalous events while acknowledging the complexity and potential fallibility of human perception and memory.

This issue of "Il Giornale dei Misteri" (The Journal of Mysteries), issue number 152, published by Corrado Tedeschi Editore, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, with a special section on UFOs, a close encounter in the Arezzo region, a landing in Suffolk, and other related articles. The cover features a dramatic illustration of a UFO and highlights these key topics in Italian.

Article 1: The Paradox of the "Known Non-Identified"

This section discusses a UFO sighting on June 6th, 1983, involving multiple aircraft and an unidentified object. Air traffic controllers at France Contrôle reported interactions with an aircraft, KM 715C, which seemed to be following the object's trail. The object was described as cigar-shaped, very elongated, with a tail ten times longer than the object itself, and dark grey in color, moving at very high speeds. Initial hypotheses considered French military missile tests, but a denial from the Ministry of Defense and further documentation suggested this was unlikely. The article notes that the object's characteristics did not align with known French missile capabilities. The investigation involved the Gendarmerie and the air brigade of Marseille Marignane, corroborating pilot and ground witness accounts. The author, Perry Petrakis, acknowledges that the object remains unidentified and may continue to be so.

Article 2: The "Cash-Landrum" Case: Symptoms Due to Irradiation Caused by a UFO

This extensive article details the Cash-Landrum incident, which occurred on December 29, 1980, near Dayton, Texas. Betty Cash (51), Vickie Landrum (57), and her grandson Colby Landrum (7) encountered a large, diamond-shaped object emitting intense light and flames. The object's proximity caused severe physical distress to the witnesses, including burns, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and vision problems. The article posits that the symptoms were likely caused by irradiation from the UFO. It details the medical aftermath, including hospitalization, ongoing treatment for eye damage, and psychological effects like nightmares and fear of helicopters. The report also notes the presence of numerous helicopters in the vicinity during and after the sighting, whose origin could not be identified by military or aviation authorities.

Physiological Effects of the Cash-Landrum Incident

The article meticulously lists the physiological effects experienced by each witness:

• Colby: Erythema (skin redness), swollen and watery eyes, stomach pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and dental issues.
• Vickie: Erythema, photophthalmia (swollen, painful, and watery eyes), significant vision loss, stomach pain, diarrhea, anorexia, and skin ulceration.
• Betty: Severe erythema, aggravated photophthalmia (eyes swollen shut, painful, and watery), asymmetrical vision, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of vitality, lethargy, escharotic lesions, depigmentation, significant hair loss, and regrowth of hair with a different texture.

Known Effects of Irradiation

The article draws parallels between the observed symptoms and known effects of irradiation from electromagnetic radiation, particularly UV rays, X-rays, and gamma rays. It explains that exposure to these can cause photophobia, photophthalmia, inflammation, general weakness, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, apathy, headaches, and insomnia.

The Helicopter Phenomenon

Witnesses reported seeing at least twenty helicopters during the event. Identification efforts were inconclusive, with some resembling Bell Huey models and one identified as a Boeing CH-47 Chinook. However, aviation authorities denied any aircraft operating in the area at that time, adding another layer of mystery to the incident.

Article 3: A Close Encounter of the 3rd Kind in 1930

This section recounts a UFO encounter that allegedly occurred in Montebenichi, Italy, in August 1930. The story, reported by Edoardo Lavacchi, involves a peasant woman who was washing clothes by a stream when she encountered a 'toupie'-shaped object. Two small beings emerged from the object, interacted with her, and took her knitted stockings. The investigation was conducted by members of CRUV and SUF. While the witness's name and exact date are uncertain, several elements corroborate the story: the location matches descriptions, and older residents recalled a team of surveyors working in the area in the summer of 1930. The article notes that the term "flying saucers" or "UFOs" was not in use in 1930, making the woman's description potentially more objective. The case is compared to the Cennina landing in 1954, which shared striking similarities, including the beings taking items and their physical description.

Commentary on the Montebenichi Case

Commentary suggests that the story resembles a legend due to the lack of precise details. However, the corroborating elements are considered significant. The article discusses two hypotheses for the discrepancy: either Lavacchi misremembered the date, placing the Cennina case in 1930, or the Cennina case influenced his description of the 1930 event. Bruno Mancusi, representing SUF for Switzerland, argues against the misdating hypothesis, citing Lavacchi's insistence on the 1930 date and his colleague's reaction to the 1954 Cennina event. Mancusi suggests that the Montebenichi case might have influenced the Cennina event, as the witness in Cennina would have been young enough in 1930 to have heard about the earlier incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the unexplained, focusing on UFO sightings, landings, and the physical and psychological effects on witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into these phenomena, presenting detailed accounts and analyses, while acknowledging the challenges in definitively identifying the objects or their origins. There is a clear emphasis on witness testimony, scientific analysis of effects, and the persistent mystery surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena. The magazine aims to document and explore these events, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial or unknown technological influences.

This issue of OVNI Présence, bulletin of AESV, is designated as No. 31, published in September 1984. It is a special issue with a price of 20 FF + 5 FS and is identified by the ISSN 0223-0978. The cover features an illustration of a complex mechanical device and carries the headline "DES CAS RIEN QUE DES CAS" (Cases, Nothing But Cases).

Article: The Cash-Landrum Incident and Witness Difficulties

The main article details the experiences of witnesses, identified as Mme Cash and Mme Landrum, who suffered significant health consequences after an encounter with what they described as a UFO, possibly accompanied by helicopters. Mme Cash experienced severe symptoms including hair loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, cyclical skin eruptions, pulmonary problems, swelling of the arms and legs, increased immune deficiency, and decreased visual acuity. She was hospitalized seven times, three of which were in intensive care. Her health condition made her unable to work.

Mme Cash and Mme Landrum were described as 100% cooperative, and the author expresses hope that others will follow their example. The investigation into the helicopter aspect of the case proved more challenging, with initial attempts to identify the origin of the helicopters failing. The only significant response from Washington D.C. came from Senators John Tower and Lloyd Bentsen, who suggested the witnesses pursue legal action against the U.S. government. This procedure is ongoing and appears to have been rejected by the Department of the Air Force, as indicated by a letter from Charles M. Stewart (Director of Civil Law) published in the MUFON UFO JOURNAL nb 187.

Stewart's letter stated that the alleged facts did not allow for establishing that the witnesses' injuries were caused by the U.S. Government or its agencies. Other personalities became interested in the case after hearing about it in publications like Science Digest, Omni, and That's Incredible, or on Good Morning America.

Captain Jenny Lampley of the Air Force liaison office in Washington D.C. conducted a brief inquiry and concluded that the U.S. military was likely not involved, as they did not use CH-47 helicopters. Lt. Colonel George Sarran of the U.S. Army's Inspector General's Bureau was very active in the investigation, contacting various military complexes to ascertain potential involvement, but without success.

Major Dennis Haire of the 136th Transport Wing at Ellington AFB, Houston, provided data on CH-47 helicopters based at that location and more recent ones at Fort Hood. The article notes that these helicopters possess the autonomy and speed to be implicated in such cases, but none have claimed involvement.

The author mentions that a long list of false information provided by military personnel was uncovered and dismissed, making further details unnecessary.

Conclusion

The incident highlights several problems. Firstly, individuals involved in close encounters with UFOs often find it difficult to obtain immediate assistance. Police, newspapers, and even doctors are unresponsive. Doctors, unprepared for unusual accounts, tend to focus on finding conventional explanations rather than addressing the unique nature of the reported symptoms.

Secondly, military organizations could better serve citizens by being more willing to reveal the identity of objects, such as those seen at Huffman or elsewhere, where security concerns are cited as a reason for non-disclosure.

It is suggested that the public's perception of UFOs is compromised, and that Betty and Vickie Cash did not claim the Huffman UFO was a flying saucer with little green men, but rather suspected a governmental operation. Other witnesses who saw the helicopters shared a similar sentiment.

Thirdly, UFO organizations do not typically cooperate as effectively as they should to assist witnesses. The Huffman incident is presented as an exception, with the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), the Center for UFO Studies, and the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) collaborating to support the Project VISIT investigation by providing consultants and information on similar cases. This cooperation is deemed to be in the best interest of all participants.

The Beginning of the Investigation

The investigation is ongoing, and the long-term health status of Betty, Vickie, and Colby remains to be determined. However, several radiation specialists have voluntarily assisted in the rehabilitation and care of the witnesses. A comprehensive treatment plan is still lacking due to the absence of information about the source of the problem – the UFO.

Members of Project VISIT can be contacted at P.O. Box 877, Friendswood, Texas 77546, USA.

Author and References

The article is translated by P. Petrakis. The original article, "Radiation Sickness Caused by UFOs," appeared in The 1982 MUFON UFO Symposium Proceedings. The author, John F. Schuessler, M.S., is employed by McDonnell Douglas as a Project Manager for shuttle flight operations. He is a member of several ufological societies, including APRO, CUFOS, and MUFON, where he is a founding member. He has published articles in the MUFON journal since 1967.

The references section lists 15 sources, including articles from Flying Saucer Review, Canadian UFO Report, The Southeast Missourian, MUFON UFO Journal, Corpus Christi Caller-Times, private communications with individuals like Pauline Collins, Edward Zagora (M.D.), and representatives from FAA and USAF, as well as scientific publications on lasers and space biology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the difficulties faced by UFO witnesses in gaining credibility and receiving help from official channels. It highlights the potential health impacts of UFO encounters and criticizes the lack of transparency and cooperation from governmental and military bodies. The magazine promotes the work of ufological organizations in investigating these cases and advocates for a more open and supportive approach towards witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, with a focus on documented cases and witness testimony, while also acknowledging the challenges in obtaining definitive answers.