Stendek - Vol 01 No 03 - December 1970

Magazine Overview

Title: STENDEK
Issue: N.° 3
Volume: Año l
Date: DICIEMBRE - 1970 (December 1970)
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), Barcelona
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish

This issue of STENDEK, the information service of the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), presents a comprehensive look at UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on detailed case studies and investigations. The cover prominently features an illustration of a UFO hovering over a landscape, with the headline "OBSERVACION EN EL PANTANO "GABRIEL Y GALAN" (Observation in the "Gabriel y Galán" Swamp).

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Casas-Huguet, discusses the significance of the UFO observation in the remote region of Extremadura, Spain, which was detailed in previous issues (03 and 04). Despite lacking sensational elements like landings or visible occupants, the case is deemed important due to the abundance of evidence: multiple witnesses, physical and physiological effects, duration, location, luminous characteristics, and the credibility of the witnesses. The editorial argues that such cases, which present a high degree of significance without the immediate obstacles of perceived impossibility, are more likely to be accepted by skeptics. It suggests that a more ponderous and less sensationalist approach to these observations can lead to a broader and more confident audience, fostering further interest and study of the UFO phenomenon.

Table of Contents (SUMARIO)

The table of contents outlines the articles featured in this issue:

• Portada: The UFO observation in the Pantano "Gabriel y Galán".
• Editorial: By Casas-Huguet.
• Anotaciones a varios casos de Junio-Agosto 1970: Notes on various cases from June-August 1970.
• Fin de una controversia: La mixtificación de Serra de Gardunha: The end of a controversy: The mystification of Serra de Gardunha, by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Dr. Jacques Vallée.
• Observación en el Pantano "Gabriel y Galán", I.a Parte: Observation in the "Gabriel y Galán" Swamp, Part 1, by Alberto Adell and Casas-Huguet.
• El rectángulo luminoso de Cazalla de la Sierra: The luminous rectangle of Cazalla de la Sierra, by Manuel Osuna and Pedro Redón.
• Dos brasileños heridos por relámpagos luminosos procedentes de OVNIs: Two Brazilians injured by luminous lightning from UFOs, by Joan Crexells.
• Fallecimiento del Presidente del GEPA: Passing of the President of GEPA.
• Más datos sobre el caso de Morón de la Frontera: More data on the Morón de la Frontera case, by Felipe Laffitte and Manuel Osuna.

Director: Joan Crexells.
Sub-Director: Pedro Redón.

Organization Information

The issue provides details about the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), including its founding in October 1958, its registration number, and its social headquarters in Barcelona. It also outlines the correspondence address and details regarding reproduction of published material, requiring attribution to STENDEK and CEI.

Articles and Case Studies

Anotaciones a varios casos de Junio - Agosto de 1970

This section compiles brief notes on several UFO cases:

• June 1, 1970, El Ferrol, La Coruña: A report from D. Antonio Rivas García describes an object initially resembling an airplane wing, which later became circular and silver, moving at varying speeds. Another witness, D. Daniel de Araoz, suggested it was a large plastic balloon. The publication notes that it was likely a weather balloon launched by the El Ferrol Naval Base.
• July 10, 1970, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Islas Canarias: An investigation into a report of 11 objects in the sky, initially reported in the newspaper "El Día," concluded that the case was a fraud. The correspondent, D. Jesús Ravelo Galván, found that the witnesses had an excessive desire for notoriety and were likely fabricating the sightings.

Fin de una controversia: La mixtificación de Serra de Gardunha

This article by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Dr. Jacques Vallée investigates a controversial incident reported in the Serra de Gardunha, Portugal, on September 24, 1954. The report described a spaceship landing with two giants emerging. The authors detail how this event, initially discussed in the context of Aimé Michel's "orthoteny" theory and debated with Donald Menzel, was ultimately revealed to be a deliberate hoax. The true author, Francisco Antonio Freire, confessed that he fabricated the story to bring publicity to his hometown and improve its communication infrastructure. The article highlights the role of the "Diario de Lisboa" in publishing the initial report and Freire's subsequent confession.

Observación en el Pantano "Gabriel y Galán", I.a Parte

This is the first part of a detailed description of a UFO observation that occurred on the night of March 26-27, 1970, in the province of Cáceres, Spain. The report is based on information gathered by D. Alberto Adell, a CEI correspondent. The primary witness, D. Santos Nicolás, a National Teacher from Guijo de Granadilla, described the event with considerable emotion, despite being generally methodical and calm. He reported seeing a large, illuminated, disc-shaped object, approximately 12 to 15 meters in diameter and 2.5 to 3 meters high, with a rotating turret and an orange, pulsating light. The object moved horizontally, silently, and slowly for about three hours. The witness initially perceived the object as a light high to his right, which he observed from his car without getting out, fearing he might lose sight of it. The object was situated about 900 meters from the town of Guijo and passed directly over kilometer 1 of the road between Ahigal and Guijo.

El rectángulo luminoso de Cazalla de la Sierra

This article, by Manuel Osuna and Pedro Redón, is not detailed in the provided pages.

Dos brasileños heridos por relámpagos luminosos procedentes de OVNIs

This article, by Joan Crexells, is not detailed in the provided pages.

Fallecimiento del Presidente del GEPA

This section notes the passing of the President of GEPA, but no further details are provided in the scanned pages.

Más datos sobre el caso de Morón de la Frontera

This article, by Felipe Laffitte and Manuel Osuna, is not detailed in the provided pages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of STENDEK demonstrates a commitment to rigorous investigation and detailed reporting of UFO phenomena. The publication appears to adopt a stance that is open to extraordinary claims but insists on thorough documentation and analysis to distinguish genuine observations from hoaxes or misinterpretations. The inclusion of cases like the Serra de Gardunha mystification highlights the magazine's willingness to expose deception within the UFO field. The emphasis on witness testimony, physical characteristics of objects, and the investigative process underscores a serious approach to understanding the phenomenon. The editorial suggests a preference for cases with substantial evidential support, even if they lack sensational elements, as these are deemed more credible and conducive to serious study.

This issue of STENDEK, identified as issue number 17, focuses on UFO (OVNI) investigations, particularly a case involving a luminous object observed in Spain. The magazine features detailed witness testimonies, maps, and analysis of the sightings.

The Luminous Rectangle of Cazalla de la Sierra

This section introduces a series of unpublished cases from a specific region in Spain, investigated by a dedicated group for years. The group, led by D. Manuel Osuna, with members Ignacio Darnaude and Felipe Laffitte, has documented a high number of UFO observations in the area around Seville, including 22 landing cases (Type I according to Dr. Vallée) in the last three years.

The article highlights the extraordinary coincidence of a dedicated research group and a region with a high incidence of UFO sightings, making western Andalusia a prime area for investigation.

Preliminary Doubt

The author expresses difficulty in titling the investigation, suggesting it might have been a 'conato' (attempt) of physical appearance or metaphysical revelation that did not fully materialize. It is described as a simple call for attention, poorly received by animals and men, leading to frustration and a 'classic fantasmal instrumentation'. In less critical times, it might have been called a ghost or a spirit. The object is described as a 'blank frame' where a message of a determined nature should have been inserted.

The Object

This particular 'object' is not a conventional UFO or a body with three dimensions. Geometrically, it appears as a rectangular surface of two meters by one meter. It is compared to a door, a window, or a simple board. It becomes visible on moonless nights, appearing illuminated rather than just luminous. The distinction is difficult for the four human witnesses, but the animals, a dog named Ringo and a dog named Chispa, are described as immune to hallucination or suggestion and were the first to detect the 'unwelcome guest'.

The Location

The sighting occurred on a rural estate in Andalusia called 'El Vizcaíno', located 3.5 km from the town of Cazalla de la Sierra, on the old, disused road to El Pedroso. The area is described as being in disuse, with the road now made of stone.

Witness Testimony of D. Santos Nicolás

The main part of the magazine details the account of D. Santos Nicolás, who describes his encounter with a luminous object on the night of March 26-27.

Initial Sighting

Nicolás was at his home in Berrocal when his friend, D. Jesús Martín, a doctor, arrived in a visibly altered state. Nicolás had been reading and was called out by Martín, who urged him to witness something extraordinary he had seen. Nicolás agreed, noting Martín's unusual agitation.

The Object's Appearance and Movement

Nicolás describes the object as luminous and strange, initially following it until it moved over the Sierra. He estimates its altitude to be between 200 and 265 meters. The object crossed over kilometer 1 and headed towards Las Arenas, where it made a sharp, abrupt turn of 80-90 degrees without transition or change in speed. Nicolás was unsure if it made a circular arc but was certain the change was sudden. He estimates the distance to the object during this maneuver to be about 1500 meters.

Pursuit and Hovering

Nicolás, excited, decided to follow the object. He drove his car towards the Pantano, passing through Guijo. He lost sight of the object briefly due to trees but regained visual contact at kilometer 1 after leaving Guijo. The object was then observed stationary near the Presa, at point C on the map, around 12:45 AM on the 27th.

Stationary Object with Light Beams

When stationary, the object's appearance changed. It was low, between the holm oaks and the mountain, estimated at about 200 meters maximum altitude. The halo that previously surrounded it had disappeared, replaced by powerful light beams descending from the object's underside to the ground. Nicolás observed about ten to twelve beams of light, described as fluorescent and yellowish-green. He initially thought the beams were legs or columns, but realized they were light. The beams were uniform in intensity, creating a continuous, 'canned' light without shadows, illuminating the terrain extensively.

Lights on the Sides

Nicolás also described lights on the sides of the object that turned on and off. On the right side, there was a green light above and two red lights below, all on a vertical axis. When viewed from the left, only the red lights were visible. He believes the object was rotating on its axis, with the intermittent lights coinciding with this rotation. The downward light beams, however, remained fixed and did not move.

Duration and Further Observation

Nicolás estimates he observed the stationary object for about 15 to 20 minutes. He then decided to drive closer, moving about 200 meters towards the Presa but stopping for fear of being seen. From this new vantage point, the object suddenly moved, retracting its light beams like a bird folding its wings, and ascended slowly. It then moved towards the Sierra.

Second Stationary Phase and Return

Nicolás drove again, trying to follow the object. He lost sight of it briefly near the Presa but saw it again, stationary, over the Berrocoso area. From about 2 km away, he could see the light beams projected downwards again. He later moved to a point on the road near the Berrocoso, offering an excellent view.

Return to Town and Second Witness

Nicolás returned to his village around 1:30 AM. He found his friend Jesús at home and persuaded him to come out and witness the phenomenon. They drove out again and saw the object again, stationary over the Sierra, now estimated to be between 800 and 1000 meters high and about 15-16 km away.

Light Signal Interaction

Nicolás suggested to Jesús that they try to signal the object with their car's headlights. When they did, a powerful beam of light from the object illuminated their car, momentarily blinding them. The light was described as white-orange and incredibly intense. This event lasted only a few seconds, after which the object returned to its stationary state.

Aftermath and Health Effects

Nicolás noted that he had been experiencing eye discomfort, described as conjunctivitis, for a few months prior, which he now associates with the intense light from the object. He had no prior eye problems.

Further Observations and Corroboration

Nicolás and Jesús continued observing the object until they became tired. They did not discuss making the sighting public at that time. Later, Nicolás spoke with Manolo, a traveling salesman, who reported seeing a strange light over the Sierra on the previous night, around 9:30 PM, while driving near Cáceres. This sighting corroborated Nicolás's experience.

Testimony of Tía Hipólita and Alicia

Nicolás's aunt, Hipólita, and his daughter, Alicia, also witnessed the object. Hipólita described it as 'very beautiful, precious, with lights and everything'. Alicia, despite the distance, was able to discern details about the nave and its lights, which coincided with D. Santos's account.

Testimony of D. Jesús Martín

D. Jesús Martín, a doctor from Guijo de Granadilla, was initially skeptical but was persuaded by Nicolás to witness the phenomenon. He confirmed seeing the object, describing it as oval with lights on the right and left, and a central light. He noted that the light on the right seemed to rotate. He did not hear any sound from the object, which led him to believe it was not a helicopter. He also confirmed the intense light beam directed at their car, which he described as 'blinding'. He had no prior eye issues before experiencing conjunctivitis, which he now links to the encounter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of STENDEK emphasizes detailed, firsthand accounts of UFO sightings, aiming to present credible evidence through witness testimonies and investigative efforts. The magazine appears to take a serious approach to UFO phenomena, presenting cases with a degree of scientific rigor, including maps and corroborating evidence. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging further investigation and analysis.

The recurring themes include the visual characteristics of UFOs (lights, shapes, movement), the psychological and physical impact on witnesses, and the challenges of corroborating such events. The magazine also highlights the importance of local research groups and the potential for widespread, yet unreported, sightings.

The article concludes by promising the second part of this case in the next issue, which will delve into a detailed description of the OVNI, damage to the Presa's electrical installations, physiological effects on animals, soil analysis, and references to other sightings involving similar light phenomena.

This issue of STENDEK, identified as number 03 of volume 1, dated June 1970, is published by the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios and focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP), primarily UFO sightings and encounters. The magazine is in Spanish and originates from Spain.

Cover Story: Brazilian Incidents

The cover story, "Dos brasileños heridos por relámpagos luminosos procedentes de OVNIs" (Two Brazilians injured by luminous flashes from UFOs), highlights two cases from Brazil. The first incident occurred on August 30, 1970, involving Almiro Martins de Freitas, a night watchman at the Central Hidroeléctrica de Barragem do Funil. He observed a series of colored lights, approached the object, and fired his service weapon. The object responded with an intense luminous flash that caused temporary blindness and paralysis, along with a sensation of extreme heat. A subsequent investigation revealed a 3-meter diameter circle on the ground that had dried despite recent rain.

Almiro was treated with hypnosis for psychogenic blindness. His doctor, Orlandino Fonseca, noted that this was a unique case and classified it as a work accident. Almiro later recovered his sight and was reassigned to an instructor role. He stated that he would run if he ever saw the object again.

A week later, on September 6, another UFO was observed over the same hydroelectric plant by six witnesses. This object, described as having red, green, and yellow lights, moved silently and appeared to be an airplane without wings. It landed briefly before ascending rapidly.

The second Brazilian case involved a peasant woman near Belo Horizonte, who was struck by a powerful luminous flash from a UFO, causing her to feel heat and later suffer from physiological reactions like headaches and vision problems. The incident occurred on August 30, 1970, the same night as Almiro's experience.

Case Study: Cazalla de la Sierra, Spain

The magazine also details an incident in Cazalla de la Sierra, Spain, on August 5, 1970. A family observed a luminous rectangular mass in front of their home. Their dogs barked intensely, and the family cautiously approached. The object was situated near a young oleander bush. The situation escalated when the male witnesses brought out a shotgun, and the object then vanished without a sound or trace.

Hostile Reactions and Physical Effects

The issue explores cases where UFOs or their occupants exhibited hostile reactions to human aggression. One case from Isola, Italy, on November 14, 1954, describes a farmer firing at a cigar-shaped craft from which three beings emerged. His shotgun became heavy, and he was paralyzed. The beings then took his rabbits and left.

Another incident on July 25, 1968, near Olavarría, Argentina, involved a military patrol firing at a UFO. The craft responded with a powerful light that temporarily blinded the soldiers, and the beings on board used luminous spheres to paralyze them before departing. The ground where the UFO landed was scorched.

A case from Brazil in March 1969 saw police officers firing at a flying object, which emitted a powerful light that momentarily blinded them.

The Tragic Case of Inácio de Souza

A particularly tragic case is presented involving Inácio de Souza in Brazil on August 13, 1967. After firing at a UFO, he was struck by a green light beam. He subsequently suffered from nausea, tingling, and general numbness. Medical examination revealed a circular burn and later, a diagnosis of leukemia. De Souza died on October 11, 1967, with his belongings being incinerated as per his wishes.

Analysis and Commentary

Pedro Redón, in his analysis, discusses the factors contributing to the unique character of the Cazalla de la Sierra case, emphasizing the reliability of multiple witnesses and the intelligent positioning of the luminous rectangle. He suggests the object might have been a surveillance device.

The article notes the absence of physical evidence like footprints or traces in many cases, but highlights the importance of witness testimony, especially from credible individuals. The author also touches upon the possibility of UFOs acting as observational platforms or employing advanced technology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the physical effects of UAP encounters on humans, including temporary blindness, paralysis, and more severe consequences like leukemia. The magazine also explores the concept of UFOs reacting to human aggression and the potential for advanced, possibly extraterrestrial, intelligence behind these phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed in the tribute to GEPA President Lionel Max Chassin, advocates for an open yet prudent approach to the study of UAPs, acknowledging the possibility of highly advanced civilizations and emphasizing the need for continued research and reserved judgment.

The issue includes extensive notes and references, citing various publications and researchers in the field of UAP studies, such as Donald Menzel, Aimé Michel, Jacques Vallée, and James McDonald. It also mentions the formation of UAP investigation groups like SBEDV and GEPA.

Notable Figures and Organizations

Key individuals mentioned include witnesses like Almiro Martins de Freitas and Inácio de Souza, doctors who treated them (Orlandino Fonseca), and researchers and authors such as Pedro Redón, Manuel Osuna, Aimé Michel, and James McDonald. Organizations like STENDEK, SBEDV, GEPA, and NICAP are also featured.

Editorial Note

The issue concludes with a tribute to General Lionel Max Chassin, President of GEPA, who passed away after a long illness. Chassin's preface to Aimé Michel's book is quoted, emphasizing humility and the possibility of superior civilizations, advocating for careful observation and judgment in-depth research.

FAQ

• What happened in Cazalla de la Sierra on August 5, 1970? A family's dogs began barking at a luminous rectangular mass that appeared in front of their house. The object remained visible until a shotgun was brought out, at which point it disappeared.
• What were the physical effects on Almiro Martins de Freitas after encountering a UFO in Brazil? Almiro Martins de Freitas experienced temporary blindness and paralysis after being struck by a luminous flash from a UFO. He later suffered from physiological reactions and was treated with hypnosis.
• How did UFOs react to human aggression in some reported cases? In several instances, UFOs or their occupants responded to human aggression, such as being fired upon, with incapacitating effects like paralysis or temporary blindness, without causing significant damage to the craft.
• What is the significance of the case of Inácio de Souza? Inácio de Souza was struck by a green light beam from a UFO after firing at it. He subsequently developed symptoms that led to a diagnosis of leukemia and his eventual death, suggesting a potentially severe and lasting consequence of such encounters.

This document is an excerpt from a Spanish magazine, likely focused on UFO/UAP phenomena, specifically addressing the case of Morón de la Frontera. The issue number is 02, and it appears to be from May 1970. The title is "Más datos sobre el caso de Morón de la Frontera" (More data on the case of Morón de la Frontera), authored by Felipe Laffitte and Manuel Osuna. The publisher is "La Redacción" (The Editorial Staff).

Case of Morón de la Frontera: Plant Damage Investigation

The article begins by referencing a previous extensive report in STENDEK 02 (pages 6-15) about events in the "Maestro Oliva" ranch near Morón de la Frontera, Seville. This current report is based on a subsequent study by D. José Ruesga Montiel, President of the OVNI research group "Red Nacional de Corresponsales" (RNC). The focus is on the chapter dedicated to plants affected by the UAP.

Report by D. Felipe Laffitte (May 18, 1970)

D. Felipe Laffitte submitted an initial report detailing observations of affected plants:

1. Plant Structure: Plants approximately 10 cm tall had intact roots. Their leaves were somewhat fleshy and green, retaining their normal shape. The cylindrical stem appeared laminated and had acquired the color typical of a mature plant.
2. Flowering: Several plants had flowered, suggesting a possible acceleration of their normal biological process.
3. Color Change: Some plants had turned a reddish-whitish color, a detail not previously noted in investigations. This observation was specifically related to affected thistles near the UAP site, not sunflowers.

Further analysis of plants from the same location, including a sunflower and several wild plants, revealed more details:

• Sunflower:
• The root was intact.
• An impact mark, almost perpendicular, was found at the base of the stem (neck), causing twisting and a burning sensation.
• Lower leaves were completely burned and twisted but retained their normal shape. Below these seemingly dead leaves, new, vibrant green shoots were observed.
• The flower head was developing normally, showing signs of flowering.
• Other Wild Plants:
• Some had entirely green leaves, while others were completely dry.
• An impact mark at approximately one meter from the ground caused the plants to fall over. The stems were observed to be completely hollow, dry, and showed no signs of having been nourished by sap.
• Some plants, taken from the same soil, had intact roots but dry leaves and stems.

The analysis suggests that something may have caused these plants to fall due to an emission of gases or a similar phenomenon, evidenced by the impact mark about one meter from the ground. The collected plants showed a total fall, as if something had cut them. The drawing illustrates the observed details on the sunflower plant.

Report by D. Manuel Osuna (Post May 20, 1970)

D. Manuel Osuna sent subsequent news to the RNC central office:

• The progression of new affected plants had stopped. However, those remaining in the field continued to have green leaves, despite their laminated stems. They were showing new growth at ground level, indicating that neither the roots nor the leaves were influenced, only the stems.

Further Investigation and Hypothesis

Later, the investigators noted that the plants, despite their laminated stems, were showing new growth at ground level. This suggested that the roots and leaves were unaffected, with the damage being localized to the stems. The report mentions that the plants were evidently affected in the stem, and the weight of the flower caused them to bend, with many ending up on the ground. Sketches of the effects on adult plants are mentioned, suggesting a superficial impact.

Considering these observations, a hypothesis was proposed: due to a high percentage of iron in the local soil, gamma radiation might have reflected with a shorter range, causing damage at the base of the plant stems. This hypothesis is currently under investigation, although no radiation was detected by agronomic technicians at the time of discovery.

The investigation into the plants and the effects observed on them is ongoing, and no definitive conclusions have been reached.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the detailed scientific investigation of anomalous phenomena, specifically the physical effects of a UAP on the natural environment. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough, evidence-based reporting and cautious hypothesis formation, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the research and refraining from premature conclusions. The publication seems dedicated to documenting and analyzing such cases with a degree of scientific rigor.