Rencontres Ufologiques - 2014 02 03 - No 027

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Les Informations du jour des Rencontres Ufologiques" (The Daily Information of Ufological Meetings), dated February 2014, is published by La Fédération Francophone d'Ufologie (FFU) and references issue number 027, volume 03. The cover prominently features Gildas Bourdais at the OVNI Paris meetings on Tuesday, February 4, 2014, promoting a new book.

OVNI Paris Event and Leslie Kean's Book

The magazine announces an event at OVNI Paris on February 4, 2014, where Gildas Bourdais would present a new book important to the subject of UFOs, which he translated into French: "OVNIS. Des généraux, des pilotes et des responsables officiels témoignent" (UFOs. Generals, Pilots, and Government Officials Go on the Record) by Leslie Kean. Kean, an American journalist, gained significant attention in 2010 with her exceptionally high-quality book on UFOs, which influenced major American media and became a New York Times bestseller. The French translation is presented as a significant step forward for the subject in France, which remains highly controversial. The book advocates for the extraterrestrial hypothesis without claiming it as proven, presenting serious and well-documented UFO observation cases confirmed by credible officials from various countries, including France.

General Denis Letty, who led COMETA (a high-level working group) for three years, confirmed the extraterrestrial hypothesis as the most rational explanation, though not proven. Other witnesses in Kean's book include Yves Sillard (former Director General of CNES and current president of GEIPAN's steering committee), Belgian General Wilfried De Brouwer, Chilean General Ricardo Bermudez, Brazilian Air Force Commander General José Carlos Peirera, and former Arizona Senator Fife Symington.

Leslie Kean's conviction about the importance of the subject stemmed from reading the COMETA report in 1999, after which she began her own professional investigation.

OVNI Grenoble Conference

An announcement highlights an upcoming event on February 6, 2014, at OVNI Grenoble, featuring Stéphane Chalandon, an writer and speaker passionate about esotericism, specializing in René Guénon and Rennes-le-Château. Chalandon's conference, titled "The entity of Aleister Crowley and its implication in ufology," will explore the famous English esotericist Aleister Crowley (1875-1947). Crowley's 1919 drawing of a frail being with a large spherical head is noted as resembling a modern depiction of an extraterrestrial. The article suggests that Crowley's magical rituals might have opened a 'door' for extraterrestrial passage, and explores the potential involvement of esotericism in the UFO phenomenon.

The location for the OVNI Grenoble meeting has changed to "La Raiponce en épi" restaurant at 4 rue de la Condamine, Z.I. Mayencin, 38610 Gières, starting at 18:30. The venue is described as being near the university campus, offering varied cuisine, self-service, affordable prices, a capacity of 60, a terrace, Wi-Fi, and parking. It is also noted as being privatized for the event.

El Café Ufológico de Mendoza

The "El Café Ufológico de Mendoza" (Ufological Café of Mendoza) celebrated its second year of "close encounters" on January 29, 2014, marking 24 consecutive monthly meetings. This initiative, conceived with Oscar Ferreyra, is based on suggestions from ufologists like Carlos lurchuk and Gustavo Cia, and thrives on the participation of individuals sharing their experiences and knowledge about UFOs and extraterrestrial life. The café has become a local reference for these topics, attracting researchers such as Lic. Pablo A. Pacheco (author of "De Mendoza al Cosmos"), journalist Alejandro Agostinelli (author of "Invasores. Historias reales de extraterrestres en la Argentina"), and Dr. Luis Alberto Reinoso (founder of EDOVNI and member of CEFORA).

Notable ufologists from Mendoza, Faruk Alem (AMIFO) and Prof. Victorio Corradi (CIEM), are also mentioned. The café continues its "suricata" (night observation) operations in areas like Punta de Vacas and Vaquería-Villavicencio to identify astronomical objects and aircraft. They also continue to support CEFORA's project to declassify official UFO documents.

Ariel Maderna, from the Café Ufológico of Santa Fe and a member of CEFORA, visited the Mendoza group. He shared his knowledge and experiences, including two notable cases from Argentina: the Modesto Colman case in Entre Ríos, involving a farmer who witnessed a large sphere and three beings, and the investigation of triangular footprints found in 1992, suggesting an object weighing 35-55 tons.

Ariel Maderna also presented his photographic equipment, including a Nikon camera and Bushnell night vision scope, used for documenting aerial anomalies. He has investigated cattle mutilation cases and is equipped with technological tools to establish a link between this phenomenon and UFOs. The group enjoyed "ufological pizzas" to conclude the evening.

AREPS Information (Brussels)

The AREPS (Association for Research and Study of Aerial Phenomena) held a meeting on February 1, 2014, in Brussels, featuring video presentations. The next meeting is scheduled for March 1, 2014, from 12:00 to 17:00 in Tournai, at the brasserie de l'impératrice.

OVNI Administrator Visits Café Ufológico de Resistencia

Andrés Salvador, the administrator of OVNI in Corrientes, visited the Café Ufológico de Resistencia on January 23, 2014. During the meeting, copies of the "Revista Alternativa OVNI" were distributed, and details about the Second Interprovincial Corrientes-Chaco Ovnilogía Meeting were discussed, tentatively scheduled for June 21, 2014, in homage to the 67th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's UFO sighting.

Christian Doumergue Conference in Marseille

Bernard Hugues of OVNI Marseille announced a conference on the mystery of Rennes-le-Château, featuring writer Christian Doumergue. Doumergue, with a background in art history, archaeology, and modern literature, has researched the figure of Mary Magdalene and its implications for Christian history. His research suggests Mary Magdalene may have traveled to Southern Gaul and buried the body of Christ there. The conference, including a meal, is scheduled for February 16, 2014, at the Buffalo Grill in Gémenos, near Marseille. Contact Bernard Hugues at [email protected] for more information.

Un OVNI dans le ciel réunionnais ? (A UFO in the Reunion sky?)

Published on January 24, 2014, this article reports on multiple sightings of red, yellow, and blue lights, described as UFOs, observed by a Benedictine and Fabrice Juppin de Fondaumière on Reunion Island. Juppin recounts seeing a UFO coming from the horizon, hovering at 40 meters, and moving slowly with increasing brightness. He has witnessed this phenomenon multiple times since January 3rd, with over a dozen observations reported. His son also claims to have seen a "flying object" he identified as a spaceship.

Maroc: Des lueurs dans le ciel de Marrakech, OVNI ou simplement « Sky Tracer » ! (Morocco: Lights in the sky of Marrakech, UFO or simply 'Sky Tracer'!)

On January 20, 2014, mysterious luminous shadows and lights were observed in the sky over Marrakech, Morocco. While some witnesses reported seeing unidentified flying objects, local authorities suggested the lights were "sky tracers" (laser games) from a tourist establishment, which may have interfered with air navigation. The article notes that such laser displays are common at parties in Marrakech.

Phénomène lumineux dans le ciel vendredi dernier : les témoignages se multiplient (Luminous phenomenon in the sky last Friday: testimonies multiply)

This section details numerous reports of a luminous phenomenon observed on Friday, January 17, 2014, in the Cher region of France. Witnesses described a yellow and green trail, and a large, bright object moving rapidly across the sky. The phenomenon was also reported in the Nièvre region. The article discusses the possibility of it being a meteor or a shooting star, referencing the Delta Cancrids meteor shower, which peaks around January 17th. The explanation of a bolide (a very bright meteor) is presented, with an estimated initial weight of several kilograms.

Trop de chercheurs en ufologie décèdent dans des circonstances mystérieuses! (Too many ufology researchers die under mysterious circumstances!)

This significant section, translated from "Strange Mysteries and Unexplained Stuff," explores the alarming number of deaths among UFO researchers, particularly those active in the 1970s and 1980s. The article cites Timothy Hood, an amateur astronomer and former US government advisor, who suggests these deaths may not have been accidental but rather the work of special services eliminating experts who knew too much. The article lists several prominent figures who died under suspicious circumstances:

• John E. Mack: A Harvard Medical School professor, Pulitzer Prize winner, and expert on alien abductions, died after being hit by a drunk driver in London in 2004.
• Lieutenant Frank Brown and Captain William Davidson: Died in a plane crash returning from investigating the Maury Island incident in 1947.
• Kenneth Arnold: Experienced a plane crash upon returning from an investigation, possibly due to sabotage.
• Waveney Girvan: Editor of Flying Saucer Review, died prematurely of cancer in 1964, with his research files disappearing.
• James McDonald: A recognized meteorologist and ufologist, committed suicide in 1971 after failing in an attempt. He had exposed disinformation campaigns by the US military regarding UFOs.
• Dr. René Hardy: Co-founder of GEPAN, died by suicide in 1972 shortly after claiming to have discovered a flaw in the UFO 'armor'.
• James and Coral Lorenzen: Founders of APRO, died of cancer (James) and respiratory problems (Coral) in 1986 and 1988, respectively.
• Scott Rogo: Author on UFOs, murdered around August 15, 1990.
• Karla Turner: Her work on alien abductions was cut short by her death from cancer in 1996, shortly after experiencing an alien abduction.
• Colonel Bolivar Uyrange: A retired Brazilian Air Force colonel, found "suicided" in 1997 after confirming his team had photographed and filmed UFOs.

The article notes that while official programs like "Project Blue Book," "Aquarius," and "Area 51" are inactive, conspiracy theorists doubt this. It suggests that the motive might be military secrets or falsified information rather than direct alien involvement, but the intrigue and fear surrounding contact with other civilizations persist.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing UFO sightings and investigations, the promotion of ufological literature and events, and a significant focus on the potential dangers faced by those who research the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, presenting various perspectives from official sources to anecdotal evidence, while also highlighting the controversial and sometimes perilous nature of the subject. The magazine actively promotes ufological meetings and publications, aiming to inform and engage its readership on these topics.

Title: Rencontres Ufologiques
Issue: 11
Date: Not specified
Publisher: Not specified
Country: Not specified
Language: French

This issue of Rencontres Ufologiques delves into the alleged involvement of U.S. President John F. Kennedy with UFOs and extraterrestrial matters, suggesting a connection between his interest in the subject and his assassination.

John F. Kennedy and UFOs

The central theme of the cover story is that John F. Kennedy had declared his interest in UFOs, reportedly requesting classified documents from the CIA ten days before his assassination. The article posits that declassified documents have generated suspicion that Kennedy was murdered to conceal the existence of UFOs and extraterrestrials. It is stated that Kennedy had asked the CIA director for access to highly confidential documents concerning UFOs through a handwritten letter. Furthermore, the article mentions that a few days prior to his trip to Dallas, JFK allegedly met with President Eisenhower, who was implicated in the Roswell incident. In a separate letter, Kennedy is said to have requested the NASA director to establish a space cooperation project with the Soviet Union.

The source for this information is cited as http://area51blog.wordpress.com/2011/05/08/kennedy-et-les-ovnis/.

Unexplained Cases and Investigations

Following the discussion on Kennedy, the text reflects on the nature of unexplained deaths, suggesting that while some may have natural or accidental origins, many cases remain without rational explanations, fostering perpetual doubt. This section introduces Annie Thériault, an investigator from AQU Québec, who contributes to the ongoing mystery surrounding such events.

Rencontres Ufologiques: A Collaborative Platform

The magazine promotes "Les Rencontres Ufologiques," described as a unifying website dedicated to the dissemination of ideas, information, meetings, and articles related to UFO phenomena. The initiative emphasizes the sharing of information and the support of serious and sensible research into the UFO phenomenon. The organizers express a need for public participation to achieve their project goals, inviting readers to join the adventure and find their place within the community.

Readers are encouraged to communicate directly with the editorial team to share dates of meetings, press releases, information, articles, reflections, and any content they wish to publish online for the benefit of all. The publication also offers a free subscription to its newsletter via email at [email protected], with instructions to simply reply to the newsletter email with a brief message to unsubscribe.

The issue concludes with a website address: http://www.mufon-france.fr.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is the intersection of political figures, particularly John F. Kennedy, with the UFO phenomenon and alleged government secrecy. The editorial stance appears to be one that supports the investigation of UFOs and encourages public participation in sharing information and research. The publication positions itself as a platform for those interested in the unexplained, advocating for open discussion and the pursuit of knowledge in this field. There is an underlying tone of questioning official narratives and exploring alternative explanations for significant historical events and mysteries.