Rencontres Ufologiques - 2013 07 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Les Rencontres Ufologiques" focuses on statements made by Nick Pope, a former UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) official, regarding the recent public release of British UFO archives. The magazine also touches upon the history of ufology in France and a unique wine product.

Nick Pope on British UFO Archives

The main article details Nick Pope's comments made in the USA to "UFO Digest" concerning the British National Archives' release of UFO-related documents. Pope explains that the UK government has initiated a five-year program to declassify and release its UFO archives, which are being transferred from the Ministry of Defence to the National Archives in successive batches. He notes that this process has led to annual media commentary, often sensationalized, with some information becoming accessible online.

Pope, who was responsible for the MOD's UFO desk for decades, acknowledges knowing about this latest batch of released files for some time but could not disclose it due to confidentiality. He considers this release one of the most significant decisions concerning the UFO dossier in recent years.

However, Pope expresses skepticism about whether all documents have truly been released. He points to British freedom of information laws that allow for broad exemptions based on national defense, national security, and intelligence. Therefore, he is convinced that the government and its services have deliberately withheld certain documents, maintaining a "black-out" on them. His experience working within the MOD gives him insight into such practices.

Pope is surprised by the government's public admission that some of the best documents have been "misplaced" or "accidentally destroyed." These allegedly lost files include those related to the Rendlesham Forest incident, significant UFO photos, a ship's logbook containing information on a UFO during a NATO exercise, and film taken by military pilots sent to intercept a UFO. He also mentions that observations are sometimes noted in internal RAF base journals but not publicly disclosed. Pilots reportedly avoid using the term "UFO," preferring to describe near-misses with unusual aircraft or helicopters. This suggests, according to Pope, that many traces of UFO affairs remain undisclosed in the released documents.

Pope categorically denies that these public releases are a prelude to a full disclosure. He explains that in the UK, hundreds of people have requested specific UFO information. Instead of a slow, letter-by-letter search, the Ministry decided to gather all relevant information and release it in "batches" over five years. He asserts this is not a deliberate act to denigrate the phenomenon or prepare the public for a hypothetical revelation.

Regarding the US position, Pope recalls that since the closure of Project Blue Book, the official stance is that no further UFO investigations are conducted. Therefore, he does not expect the US to follow the UK's lead. Officially, the US claims to have nothing more to reveal. However, Pope expresses doubt about this, citing US involvement in cases like Rendlesham (post-1969) and a 1976 incident where a military pilot was sent in his fighter jet to intercept a UFO in Iran.

Pope believes that the release of these archives has fundamentally changed how the media perceives the UFO subject in Great Britain. While some programs still mock the phenomenon, hoping for larger audiences by invoking 'little green men' or 'The X-Files,' the general media and journalists who have encountered the reality of the UFO phenomenon through these documents have a different perspective. The decades of work by the MOD demonstrate that these objects were taken seriously, with in-depth investigations into numerous unexplained cases. The tracking of UFOs over thousands of kilometers by British military radar, performing maneuvers impossible with current technology at extraordinary speeds, and the jamming of communications during interception attempts, all provide indices that perplex the press. It is evident that the phenomenon is far from being as harmless as the government might suggest.

"Vin OVNI" - An Unidentified Viticultural Object

The magazine also features a curious item about a wine named "OVNI" produced by Maison Mourat in Vendée, France. This wine has no connection to aerospace Unidentified Flying Objects; the acronym here stands for "Objet Viticole Non Identifié" (Unidentified Viticultural Object). Three types of OVNI wine are available: red, rosé, and white. The article provides technical details about the OVNI Rouge wine, including its vineyard (IGP Val de Loire), terroir, grape varietals (Merlot), vine age, planting density, rootstock, pruning method, and vinification process (total destemming, 10-day maceration, thermo-regulated conical stainless steel vats, 6 months aging in vats, light fining before bottling). The proprietors are Jean & Jérémie Mourat. A tasting note describes the wine as having a dark violet color, an intense nose of black fruits, plum, and spices, and a powerful, rich palate with elegant tannins.

Website Update and Lyon UAP Incident

"Les Rencontres Ufologiques" announces a temporary website update due to a server transfer, which has now been completed. They also report on a "Mystery Solved?" incident involving an Unidentified Aerospace Phenomenon (UAP) filmed over Lyon on June 28, 2013. The press reported that the phenomenon was explained as about thirty "sky lanterns" launched during a wedding. The event organizer, Virginie Piroird, confirmed the lanterns were released at the request of the bride. The article notes that the National Tourism Office of Thailand was also organizing an event in the same area around the same time, raising the possibility of confusion. The investigation by the Ovni Investigation network and video analysis by Nams are highlighted as pertinent methodological approaches.

Joël Mesnard at Les Rencontres Ufologiques de Lyon

The issue announces that Joël Mesnard, editor of the long-standing French ufology review "Lumières dans la nuit," will speak at an event organized by "Les Inexpliqués à Lyon" on September 7, 2013. Mesnard has been involved in ufology for over 25 years, previously as an investigator and member of GEPA. The event will take place at the BEST WESTERN HÔTELS CHARLEMAGNE in Lyon.

"Lumières dans la nuit" - A Historical Review

A brief history of the French ufology review "Lumières dans la nuit" is provided. Founded by Raymond Veillith in February 1958, it initially covered various topics neglected by the mainstream press, with UFOs being just one aspect. The publication evolved, becoming a printed magazine in January 1968 (issue #92) and eventually focusing primarily on ufology. In 1988, Raymond Veillith retired and passed the review to Joël Mesnard, who continues its legacy. The review is distributed by subscription only.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes ufology as a serious field of study, evident in its detailed coverage of Nick Pope's statements and the historical context of ufology publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning official narratives and encouraging the dissemination of information within the ufological community. The website "Les Rencontres Ufologiques" is presented as a platform for sharing ideas, information, and meeting announcements, aiming to benefit the wider community.