Rencontres Ufologiques - 2013 10 07 - No 010

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Les Rencontres Ufologiques" (Reference: 010 - 07-10 - 2013) focuses on recent developments in ufology, including the closure of the UK Ministry of Defence's UFO Desk, the launch of a new magazine, and various sighting reports and research activities.

UK Ministry of Defence Closes UFO Desk

The lead story details the closure of the UK Ministry of Defence's UFO Desk. In November 2009, Carl Mantell of the RAF's Air Command suggested reducing the UFO Desk due to its resource consumption without producing significant defence output. He noted that in over 50 years, no reported UFO sighting had indicated a military threat to the UK. The Ministry of Defence stated it has no opinion on the existence of extraterrestrial life and no specific capability to identify such sightings, deeming further investigation an inappropriate use of defence resources. Officials anticipated backlash from ufologists and had deliberately avoided formal approaches to other governments to prevent fears of 'international collaboration and conspiracy'.

Dr. David Clarke, author of "The UFO Files," commented that the last files from the UFO Desk are now public, allowing people to draw their own conclusions. Newly released files include a child's letter about strange lights, a report of someone 'living with an alien' in Carlisle, a man from Cardiff whose dog, car, and tent were abducted by a UFO, and sightings over the Houses of Parliament, Stonehenge, and Blackpool Pier.

In response to the closure, "UFO Today" has launched its own "UFO Today Digital Desk" to receive witness accounts via email at [email protected]. This new desk will be overseen by UFO Today editor Philip Mantle, former Director of Investigations for the British UFO Research Association.

New Magazine Launch: UFO TODAY - Great Britain

Philip Mantle, who writes for the UFO Today website, is launching a new magazine in Great Britain called "UFO TODAY." The first issue is scheduled for November 2013.

MUFON France - Antilles Regional Direction

The regional direction of MUFON France in the Antilles, represented by Jean Christophe Grelet, has opened a Facebook group to support its mission in the region. The article highlights the importance of this regional direction in organizing MUFON France and its role in representing MUFON locally. Jean Claude Grelet aims to build a network of correspondents and investigators across the various islands, promoting MUFON's methodology. The Facebook page "Mufon Antilles" is seen as a key element in expanding this reach.

UFO Sightings in France

A report details UFO sightings in the Loiret region of France on September 30, 2013. Several people in Orléans witnessed two orange balls moving slowly across the sky. In Cepoy, Montargois, about twenty orange balls were observed moving in the same direction, equidistant and silent, creating geometric formations. A reader described it as a 'magnificent phenomenon' with a 'true formation flight'.

Historical UFO Case: Puerto Rico, 1934

The issue recounts a case from 1934 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, involving a young boy named Juan Rivera Feliberti. While flying a kite, he observed a silver sphere about 20 meters in diameter. A beam of light descended from the sphere, and he was taken inside. He encountered a young girl who showed him a box that emitted images and offered him a game. This led to the appearance of several 'monkey-like' creatures. Juan traded his kite for the box. He was returned to his original location, sustaining a twisted ankle. He kept the strange box, which caused him problems as he couldn't control the 'monkey' creatures, eventually burying the 'machine'. He later had other strange experiences and received a telepathic message: "The hour of the new harvest is near."

Book and Documentary Reviews

The issue features a section for "Rubrique petites annonces, site rencontres ufologiques" (Classified ads section, ufological meeting site).

• "L'extraterrestre de Roswell": A TF1 Vidéo documentary from 1995, presented by Jacques Pradel, is offered. It is described as a collector's item related to the 1947 Roswell crash, marking a significant sociological turning point in ufology.
• "L'Atlantide retrouvée, le 8ème continent" by Charles Berlitz: This book from 1985 is described as exploring the theory of advanced civilizations existing on Earth over 10,000 years ago, potentially of extraterrestrial origin, aligning with archaeo-ufology and 'ancient astronaut' theories.

Historical Magazine Feature: Nostradamus, 1974

A 1974 issue of the magazine "Nostradamus, l'hebdomadaire de l'actualité mystérieuse" is featured. Its front page and four pages are dedicated to an investigation into flying saucers and the idea that extraterrestrials might be returning gods. Other articles discuss UFOs and whether readers have seen balloons.

Mendoza Ufological Cafe Meeting

The issue reports on the 20th Ufological Cafe meeting in Mendoza, Argentina, held on September 28, 2013. The meeting, which has been running for over a year and a half, brings together individuals to share ideas and experiences related to the UFO phenomenon and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Attendees included Carlos Nieto, Eduardo Oliva, David Alaníz, and others. A souvenir model of the XCOR Aerospace Lynx suborbital vehicle was distributed. Eduardo Oliva shared his experiences of contactism from the 1980s, which occurred in a group setting in an area known as Las Lajas. He described seeing 'cigar-shaped craft' and 'flying saucers' and receiving 'teachings' related to environmental issues, nuclear threats, and natural disasters.

David Alaníz discussed his interest in ufology stemming from a 1986 sighting of a luminous V-shaped formation and his observation of strange burn marks in 1998. The meeting also mentioned the recent Citizen Audience in Rosario, organized by CEFORA, advocating for the declassification of official UFO documents in Argentina. Attendees received copies of books on UFO phenomena and Argentine ufology.

Ufologists in Argentina: "Encuentros Cercanos"

An article from the magazine "Acción" titled "Encuentros Cercanos" (Close Encounters) is summarized. It discusses the International Congress of Ufology held in Capilla del Monte, Córdoba, Argentina, which brings together leading figures in the field. The article highlights that Argentine ufologists are driven by a desire for knowledge and socialization rather than paranoia. It mentions the Red Argentina de Cafés Ufológicos (Argentine Network of Ufological Cafes), with RIO54 in Caballito being a key meeting point. The article notes the presence of various websites and journalists dedicated to UFO topics in Argentina, placing the country among global interests in ufology. Rubén Morales, co-founder of RIO54 and regional director for MUFON, emphasizes that the UFO phenomenon occurs within the terrestrial context and human experience, and that our subjectivity plays a significant role in its interpretation.

Research Centers and Ufological Perspectives in Argentina

A list of numerous UFO research centers in Argentina is provided, including CEFORA, COR, RAO, Grupo SOL, CEFAI, CIU, CIOM, FAECE, FAO, and ONIFE-CEP. The article notes that many Argentine ufologists are skeptical of extraterrestrial visitation hypotheses, viewing UFOs as a complex physical-psychic phenomenon. The general consensus among Argentine ufologists is that UFOs are a phenomenon of 'very high strangeness and very problematic resolution'.

Radio Program: "Desde la Gente"

"Desde la Gente," a program on Radio Cooperativa dedicated to the solidarity economy, is mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine promotes the sharing of information, ideas, and serious research on the UFO phenomenon through its federated website, "Les Rencontres Ufologiques." The editorial stance is one of open dissemination of information and support for rigorous investigation, encouraging participation from the community. The publication aims to foster a collaborative environment for ufological research and discussion, moving away from sensationalism and towards informed analysis.