Rencontres Ufologiques - 2013 08 22

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'Les Informations du jour des Rencontres Ufologiques' covers several UFO-related topics, including recent sightings, ongoing investigations, and historical cases. The publication is associated with the Fédération Francophone d'Ufologie and the Mufon France.

Recent Sightings

Autun, France

The main cover story reports on a sighting in Autun on August 21, 2013, where Fernand Cabrières, a 67-year-old retiree, photographed five luminous points in the sky. He described them as three large and two smaller objects, moving slowly and silently, with a light so strong it occulted the stars. The objects were described as well-rounded. Restaurant owners from 'La Calabrisella' also reported seeing similar phenomena, including two red points above the town hall, and later five. They were certain the objects were neither stars nor planes.

Fernand Cabrières attempted to photograph the objects, but the long exposure resulted in a blurry image. He then used a camcorder to film a sequence of over 50 seconds. He ruled out balloons, planes, or hot air balloons. His internet research suggested possibilities like Thai lanterns, but he found the description of their disappearance inconsistent with his observation, as the objects he saw moved away slowly and then extinguished. While not expecting 'little green men,' Cabrières acknowledged the possibility of intelligent extraterrestrial life in the universe.

Mouscron, Belgium

On the night of Saturday to Sunday, around 1 AM, residents of Mouscron reported seeing 'fireballs' or 'luminous objects' moving at high speed in the sky, estimating ten to fifteen in total. They managed to film some of these objects and sought information about their nature. The police commissioner, Noterdaem, suggested they were likely Chinese lanterns, a popular item used at weddings, which can appear as luminous spheres. The article notes that these are also called 'magic lanterns' and are available in local shops.

Event Updates

Troyes Ufological Meeting

An update is provided regarding the ufological meeting scheduled for September 7, 2013, in Troyes. Rémy Fauchereau had to cancel due to health issues, and Jean Gabriel Greslé also had to withdraw due to an unforeseen event, promising to attend a future meeting. The event is organized by OVNI CHAMPAGNE, and registration is required via email to [email protected]. The meeting will still feature speakers like 'Pierre' and 'Laurent' discussing a metallic object found after a plane passage, Gilles Durant from the association SCEAU, and Gilles Thomas from ODH TV.

Investigations and Reports

Argentine Air Force UFO Commission (CEFA)

The issue dedicates significant space to the Argentine Air Force's official commission for investigating UFOs, the CEFA, established a year prior. The article, originally published by Cafés Ufologiques de Buenos Aires, expresses concern over the commission's lack of transparency and progress. Despite an initial announcement in December 2010 and subsequent meetings, by mid-2011, only a link and an email address were available on the Air Force website. The commission's official resolution was signed on May 5, 2011, defining its task as advising the institution on matters related to unidentified aerospace phenomena. However, details about its budget and civilian members were kept secret until a ceremony on May 26, 2011. The article criticizes the selection process for civilian members, deeming it discretionary and lacking public justification. It notes that while the commission was presented as a scientific study, no research, articles, or public reports have emerged. The authors express a desire for transparency and accountability, hoping for future changes to make the commission truly effective.

Valensole Case Revisited

The article delves into the Valensole case, specifically discussing a text by Claude Maugé concerning an interview with Professor Yves Rocard, director of the Observatory of Haute Provence. Rocard reportedly suggested that Maurice Masse's reported encounter (RR3) might have been a confusion with a helicopter landing in his field. The article analyzes this hypothesis, noting that Rocard's explanation was presented as a plausible scenario, not necessarily involving extraterrestrials. The author of this section, Franck Boitte, expresses skepticism about Maugé's interpretation and the secrecy surrounding the document. The text also mentions a potential link to a case involving 'Matthieu Morice' in Normandy, described as having 35 points in common with the Masse case, though details are scarce and unverified.

Book Review

'Once Upon a Missing Time' by Philip Mantle

A review by Ken Korczak praises Philip Mantle's novel 'Once Upon a Missing Time,' a work of UFO fiction. Korczak, initially skeptical of UFO investigators writing fiction, found Mantle's book to be a compelling and well-written story based on the Aveley Abduction case from 1974. He highlights Mantle's skill in creating vivid characters and evoking empathy, noting that the author's background in non-fictional UFO research provided him with a pragmatic clarity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The publication consistently focuses on UFO and UAP phenomena, reporting on sightings, investigations, and historical cases. There is a clear interest in official government involvement and transparency, as evidenced by the detailed coverage of the Argentine CEFA commission. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and encouraging further investigation, while also maintaining a critical eye on official pronouncements and the methods of some researchers. The publication also highlights the importance of sharing information and fostering a community of ufological interest.

This issue of "UFO" (Bulletin du GESAG #106) from March 2006, published by GESAG, focuses on the Valensole UFO case and related discussions within the ufological community. It features contributions from various individuals, including ufologists, researchers, and skeptics, examining the details of the case, potential influences, and interpretations.

The Valensole Case and Maurice Masse

The central theme revolves around the Valensole encounter, particularly the testimony of Maurice Masse. The discussion begins by noting that the case is not found in certain well-known UFO literature, prompting questions about its visibility and potential local reporting. The possibility that Masse might have been aware of other cases, such as the Socorro incident from 1964, is raised as a point of comparison and potential influence.

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the perceived parallelism between the Maurice Masse case and another, possibly related, case involving "Morice Matthieu." The nature of this parallelism is debated: some interpret it as evidence of imagination or pre-established psychological structures, while others suggest it could be a deliberate dissemination of similar narratives by an intelligent source to provoke interest and evolution.

The pseudonym "Morice Matthieu" is questioned, with speculation about whether it was chosen by an author connected to the Maurice Masse affair. The fact that both individuals were farmers in the 1960s is noted, and the potential for communication and information exchange within agricultural communities is highlighted as a factor that could facilitate the spread of such stories.

Skepticism and Debunking

Skepticism is a prominent element, with references to the views of Marc Hallet, who agrees that those who lie or perpetrate hoaxes often get caught in their own inventions, especially when a case becomes complex. The possibility that the Valensole witness might have been influenced by an "original story" and created an elaborate tale is considered, though deemed unlikely by some.

The absence of the Valensole case from specialized ufological publications and regional press is noted, suggesting that journalists were unaware of its existence. The lack of discussion of this case by ufologists since its publication in 2004 is also considered puzzling.

Jean-Pierre Tennevin's Contribution

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to Jean-Pierre Tennevin, an ufologist, writer, and defender of the Provençal language. His literary works, often blending fantasy and science fiction, are reviewed, including "Darrièro Cartoucho" and "Lou Grand Baus." Tennevin's involvement in ufology includes his work on Chinese and Western cases and his editorial contributions to the revue "Lumières dans la Nuit."

Tennevin provides his perspective on the Maurice Masse case, stating that he knew Masse in 1944 and described him as having "galéjade à la bouche," which he interprets as a tendency to tell humorous, perhaps exaggerated, stories rather than to mystify intentionally. He recounts how he learned of the identity between the regiment Maurice Masse and the Valensole witness, and how this led him to reflect on Masse's destiny. Tennevin expresses doubt about the Valensole case being a hoax, citing Aimé Michel's interview with Masse as evidence that a discerning investigator would have detected a fraud.

He also addresses the potential for misinterpretation of his statements, particularly regarding the Valensole case, and criticizes the tendency for some to use online platforms to spread unsubstantiated stories instead of seeking primary sources.

Analysis of Debunking Tactics

F. Boitte offers an analysis of how debunkers operate, outlining three principles:

1. When a reductive hypothesis is untenable, change it for another that is even more so.
2. When a message is disagreeable or clashes with personal convictions, attack the messenger rather than the message.
3. Select only facts that support the current thesis, ignoring others.

Boitte suggests that Tennevin's detailed response should put an end to malicious insinuations regarding the Valensole affair.

Further Research and References

The issue provides several references for further investigation, including articles from "Flying Saucer Review," "Inforespace," and books on French UFO cases. It also includes links to online resources related to the Valensole radar station and the "Matthieu Morice" affair.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO case evidence, the role of witness testimony, the influence of prior cases on subsequent reports, and the methodologies of both ufologists and skeptics. The editorial stance appears to favor a thorough, evidence-based approach, acknowledging the complexities and ambiguities inherent in UFO research, while also being critical of unsubstantiated claims and debunking tactics. The issue encourages readers to engage with the material critically and to seek out reliable sources of information.