Phenomenes Inconnus - No 12 - 1970 - CFRS

Magazine Overview

Title: PHÉNOMÈNES INCONNUS
Issue: N° 12
Publisher: Cercle Français de Recherches Scientifiques (C.F.R.S.)
Publication Details: Organ of the French Circle of Scientific Research, published in Grenoble, France.
Date: Service bimestriel (bi-monthly service), with references to events in 1969-1970.
Price: 3 F (Foreign: 3.50 F)

This issue of "Phénomènes Inconnus" is dedicated to exploring the mystery of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), ancient civilizations, scientific research, and spatial information. It aims to coordinate and verify information related to UFOs on a national and international level.

Editorial and Subscription Information

The magazine is the official organ of the Cercle Français de Recherches Scientifiques (C.F.R.S.), directed by Pierre Delval, with Francis Schaefer as editor-in-chief. The publication is based in Grenoble, France. Subscription rates are provided for ordinary, student, military, and foreign subscribers. Correspondence and payments are to be addressed to the Director of Publication in Lyon.

A note emphasizes the importance of reader support, as the C.F.R.S. is an independent, non-profit organization that cannot financially sustain the publication without subscriptions. Readers are encouraged to subscribe and to report any relevant information or observations.

Article 1: Pyramidal UFOs (Ancient Times to Present Day)

Author: Louis Dubreucq (GNEOVNI - Lille)

This article delves into historical accounts and traditions, particularly those related to Quetzalcoatl, the white-skinned, bearded deity of the Aztecs. It recounts prophecies of his return and describes unusual events preceding the arrival of the Spanish in Mexico. These include the agitation of lake waters in 1510, flooding Mexico and destroying buildings, and in 1511, a fire in the great temple, followed by the appearance of three comets and a strange, pyramid-shaped light in the sky. The author suggests that these 'superstitious tales' from chroniclers might contain 'glimmers of truth.' The article is an excerpt from 'History Of Conquest of Mexico' by William H. Prescott, translated and adapted by P. Guillot.

Article 2: Ripples in the Study Commissions of the UFO Problem (1969-1970)

Author: Francis Schaefer (GEOCNI)

This section critically examines the US Air Force's handling of UFO investigations, particularly the closure of the 'Blue Book' project on December 17, 1969. The author argues that this closure, after 22 years of investigation, was a deliberate act to discredit UFO phenomena, a policy allegedly supported by the CIA since 1953. The article details the history of US Air Force UFO commissions: SIGN (founded 1947), GRUDGE (renamed 1949), and NEW PROJECT GRUDGE (re-established 1951), all tasked with investigating UFOs.

It highlights that in March 1952, NEW PROJECT GRUDGE was replaced by PROJECT BLUE BOOK. The closure of Blue Book was justified by Secretary of the Air Force Robert C. Seamans, who claimed that UFO sightings no longer posed a threat to national security or scientific interest. The article points out the paradox that while the US Air Force claimed to have examined 12,097 cases, only 700 were classified as unidentified, with the rest explained away. The author criticizes the 'ostrich policy' of specialists who avoided scientific inquiry.

The article mentions an article by Georges W. Ogles in 'THE AIRMAN' magazine, intended to inform the public. It also discusses the findings of Professor J. Allen Hynek, who denounced the Air Force's methods. The author expresses skepticism about the official explanations and the 'debunking' efforts.

• Key Points:
• Closure of Project Blue Book in December 1969.
• Allegations of a deliberate policy of discredit by the CIA and US Air Force.
• History of US Air Force UFO commissions (SIGN, GRUDGE, Blue Book).
• Critique of the scientific rigor and transparency of official investigations.
• Mention of civilian organizations like APRO and NICAP.

Article 3: The 'Blue Book' Project and its Aftermath

This section continues the critique of the US Air Force's UFO investigations, focusing on the closure of Project Blue Book and its implications. The author notes that the project had cataloged 697 unknown phenomena, in addition to previous observations. A significant observation from 1969 involved two aviators, Captain R. Cullus and co-pilot Faircloth, who reported a luminous, bluish object evolving over the sea near New Zealand in September 1969. This sighting, initially reported in the German press in April 1970, described an object moving at a relatively reduced speed, emitting a pulsating blue light, and observed from approximately 2 miles.

The article also references a scientific group from the University of Colorado, funded by the US Air Force, which conducted research costing nearly half a million dollars. This commission, led by Professor E.U. Condon, was established in November 1966. The author suggests this was a 'mystification' given the commission's composition. The Colorado commission's report, spanning 1500 pages, allegedly dismissed the existence of flying saucers, disregarding the work of scientists like Dr. James McDonald and Major Donald E. Keyhoe.

The article mentions the ATIC (Air Technical Intelligence Center) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which houses Project Blue Book and is tasked with identifying foreign-guided missiles. It implies that this center filters information concerning UFOs.

• Key Points:
• Report of a significant UFO sighting by two pilots near New Zealand.
• Criticism of the University of Colorado's UFO study and its director, E.U. Condon.
• Mention of the ATIC's role in UFO intelligence.

Article 4: The Shift in UFO Research and International Contacts

This section discusses the implications of the US Air Force's decision to cease UFO investigations, suggesting that the problem has not disappeared but has been shifted to a different level, possibly under the aegis of a private federal agency supported by NICAP. The author notes that the US Air Force's declaration, supported by a memorandum from the Secretary, stated that no unidentified object had posed a threat to national security and none had come from outer space. These conclusions are presented as opinions rather than scientifically reasoned arguments.

NICAP, with its 10,000 members, views the Air Force's decision as an opportunity for purely scientific research, free from military constraints. The article suggests that US security agencies, including the CIA and FBI, have engaged in a policy of discredit, hindering researchers.

Internationally, NICAP has made contact with foreign associations, which are no longer under surveillance. In England, Robert Chapman has prepared a memorandum for the Royal Society suggesting that mysterious radio signals from deep space might originate from intelligent extraterrestrial beings. Belgian professors conclude that among trillions of planets, some likely harbor civilizations far more advanced than ours. Soviet scientist Nikolai Kardashev announces the development of a 'receiver' in the USSR to record and analyze cosmic radio signals, attributing their regularity to intelligent extraterrestrial sources.

• Key Points:
• UFO research has shifted to a new level, possibly involving private agencies.
• NICAP sees the Air Force's withdrawal as an opportunity for independent research.
• International contacts are being made, with reports of extraterrestrial signals from space.
• Belgian and Soviet scientists are actively investigating the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations.

Article 5: 'Accursed Dossiers' from 700 to 1600 AD

Author: Francis Schaefer (GEOCNI)

This article explores historical accounts of phenomena that could be interpreted as UFO sightings or encounters, dating back to the period between 700 and 1600 AD. The author begins by referencing Paul Misraki's observation that 19th-century rationalism attributed ancient beliefs in beings like angels to ignorance. However, the article posits that certain phenomena, regardless of their intrinsic nature, have persisted throughout history, described using various metaphors.

• Examples include:
• Biblical references: Zachariah's 'flying scroll' and Ezekiel's 'flying wheels' with hubs.
• Egyptian accounts of 'luminous circles.'
• Pliny the Elder's mention of 'flying shields.'

• The article then details specific historical incidents:
• 751 AD: A cabalist named Zédéchias claimed that 'spiritual substances' or 'sylphs' appeared, described as 'admirable creatures of human form' in 'superb pavilions' or 'aerial ships.' These beings reportedly abducted people.
• Lyon (during the reign of Louis the Pious): Three men and a woman descended from 'aerial ships.'
• 842 AD: Celestial armies of different colors were observed in the sky near the moon.
• 848 AD: Similar apparitions were reported during the siege of Jerusalem.
• Charles the Bald (9th Century): He was reportedly taken by force by a being of 'brilliant whiteness' wielding a mysterious object that created a magnetic field, incapacitating dangerous animals.
• 927 AD: 'Armies of fire' passed across the sky over Verdun.
• Pierre the Venerable (12th Century): A priest in Lisieux witnessed 'fire' descending from the sky.
• Count of Mâcon (undated): The Count was reportedly 'carried into the air' and disappeared.
• December 24, 1909: Olivier Thomas was reportedly heard screaming from above, with his family hearing 'desperate cries' from the night sky.
• Reign of Saint Louis (13th Century): A loud noise and the appearance of a 'green monster' were reported near the Palace of Vauvert, with a disc-shaped craft hovering nearby. This is compared to a creature seen in Flatwood, Virginia, in 1952.
• 1561 AD (Nuremberg): Discs, red balls, and three 'mother-ship' like objects were observed.
• August 7, 1566: Several large black spheres traversed the sky over Basel at high speed.

The author notes that these events are often relegated to the realm of occultism and were historically dismissed by authorities and clergy as demonic or superstitious, often leading to persecution. The article concludes by questioning the link between cosmic mysteries and occultism, suggesting that current science is insufficient to bridge this gap without descending into pseudo-metaphysical speculation.

Article 6: The 'Maudits Dossiers' from 700 to 1600

This section continues the exploration of historical 'cursed dossiers' related to unexplained aerial phenomena. It discusses the controversy surrounding the 'flying saucers' and their potential technical applications, referencing German inventor Kurt Giessel's plans for terrestrial 'soucoupes.' The article touches upon the debate between rationalism and belief in phenomena like meteorites and space travel, mentioning the discovery of 'anti-helium' nuclei in Serpukhov.

It predicts that the establishment of permanent lunar bases will likely trigger a new phase in aerial phenomena research, with studies of radio signals and UFOs potentially providing evidence of extraterrestrial attempts to communicate. The author speculates that these beings might share our constitution or differ significantly, potentially operating beyond our sensory perception, logic, and concepts of time and space.

The article references an article from 1970 that began with a quote from A.E. Van Vogt: "A spaceship is always the extension of the civilization that built it." This is followed by a list of previous articles published in "Phénomènes Inconnus" on related topics, including UFOs, Moscow information, the Colorado commission, and NASA's alleged concealment of truth.

A note announces a forthcoming article by Francis Schaefer, extracted from "Fato" 4/70, titled "Scientists Advocate New Ufological Research" by Georges W. Earley.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFO phenomena are real and warrant serious scientific investigation, despite official efforts to discredit or conceal information. There is a strong emphasis on historical accounts, suggesting that these phenomena are not new. The editorial stance is critical of government secrecy and the 'debunking' tactics employed by military and intelligence agencies. The publication advocates for independent research by civilian organizations and international collaboration. The underlying theme is that the public has been misled and that a deeper understanding of UFOs is crucial, potentially revealing the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence and advanced civilizations.

This issue of "Phenomenes Inconnus" (Unknown Phenomena), a documentary and scientific review in its second year, published by CFRS (Cercle Français de Recherches Scientifiques), focuses on recent unidentified flying object (UFO) observations and related research. The magazine acts as an organ for various French research groups and international correspondents, aiming to disseminate information and foster serious study of the UFO phenomenon.

Recent UFO Sightings

The issue details several recent sightings from various locations:

Germany

• Glottertal (March 18, 1970): Dr. Willy Salge, a chemist, reported observing a large, red-yellow luminous object near Fribourg. The object, described as circular and flamboyant, displayed a maneuver where a smaller craft emerged from its rear, merged back, and then the entire phenomenon disappeared. The witness's wife also observed the event.

Belgium

• Brussels (January 21, 1959): An almost identical affair to the Glottertal sighting occurred. A bright green object ascended with oscillations, accompanied by smaller objects. Later, a fourth flying body merged with the initial object, interpreted as a reconnaissance craft returning to a "mother-ship."

Argentina

• Bahia Blanca (May 1970): A formation of unidentified flying objects was photographed with clarity above Bahia Blanca. The phenomenon lasted about fifteen minutes, with objects emitting irregular and rapid light signals. The photographer had previously seen and photographed UFOs in the same location in 1965.

Portugal (Angola)

• Luanda (May 13, 1970): Reports of UFOs accumulated in Angola. The evening newspaper "ABC" described the appearance of flying saucers near Corimba, with red lights observed over the sea. Witnesses described the objects as circular, with slightly downward-turned edges and intense lights (one blinding white, three red-orange). They moved slowly, sometimes remaining immobile, at distances of 30-40 kilometers from the Mulemba observatory.

France

• Watten (Nord) (May 6, 1970): A young amateur astronomer observed a stationary, red-orange "star" accompanied by smaller "satellite" points. The object was nearly immobile for three hours, ruling out natural phenomena. It occasionally emitted bright flashes and seemed to dim, possibly due to atmospheric conditions.

• RN 151, between Blanc and Châteauroux (October 1954): Gérard Morin investigated a report from M. and Mme G. who observed a cylindrical object, approximately 2 meters long and 1 meter in diameter, with a metallic appearance. It moved at high speed and disappeared within seconds.

• Oise (May 10, 1967): An object described as a luminous pyramid, translucent, and appearing to be about 10cm in apparent diameter, was observed at high altitude before ascending rapidly. The investigation yielded no satisfactory explanation.

Italy

• Catania (November 10, 1959): An object with a truncated cone shape, its length equal to the apparent diameter of a full moon, was observed moving west with an incandescent wake.

Spain

• Madrid (Summer 1967): Thousands of people witnessed a brilliant, triangular UFO. A Spanish Air Force fighter jet pursued it to over 15,000m but had to abandon the chase due to lack of fuel, noting the UFO's superior speed and altitude. Another pilot also observed a pyramid-shaped object with illuminated lower hubs. A radar technician detected a similar object at over 27,000m, moving slowly.

Scientific Analysis and Hypotheses

• Propulsion of UFOs: R. Declerck, a physicist, presents an analysis of potential propulsion methods for UFOs, exploring interactions with plasma, magnetic fields, solar phenomena, quasars, and pulsars. Hypotheses include the use of magnetoresistance, communication between UFOs, time-space contraction, ionophonic effects, and the generation of hypersonic and electromagnetic waves.

• Geographical Alignments: The Glottertal observation is noted to be near the extension of the "Bavic" orthotenic line, suggesting a possible pattern in UFO flight paths.

Mysterious Monuments

• Tonga: Francis Schaefer discusses a mysterious monument in Tonga, consisting of a portico formed by two large pillars and a heavy crossbeam. The construction, weighing several tons, raises questions about how the ancient inhabitants, lacking mechanical knowledge, could have erected it, drawing parallels to the massive stones at Baalbek.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Phenomenes Inconnus" highlights the global nature of UFO sightings and the ongoing efforts by researchers to document and analyze these phenomena. The magazine emphasizes the importance of detailed observation reports and scientific inquiry. The editorial stance is one of open investigation, encouraging readers to contribute their findings and supporting international collaboration in UFO research. The publication also touches upon the broader implications of UFOs for understanding history and potential extraterrestrial interactions, as well as exploring ancient mysteries that may be linked to advanced civilizations or non-human intelligence.