Stendek - Vol 02 No 05 - June 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: STEN DEK
Issue: N.º 5
Volume: Año II
Date: June 1971
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), Barcelona
Document Type: Informative Publication

Editorial

The editorial, by Joan Crexells, marks the beginning of the second period for the STENDEK magazine, aiming to continue informing the public about UFOs with improved quality and increased contributions. The delay in this issue's release is attributed to the preparation of a special extra edition featuring an article on UFO landings in the Iberian Peninsula by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Dr. Jacques Vallée. The editorial also highlights the significance of the first national meeting on UFO problems held in Madrid, emphasizing the importance of serious researchers collaborating and discussing issues without succumbing to sensationalism or ridicule.

Key Articles and Sections

Composición del Consejo Directivo del Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios para el bienio 1970 - 1971
This section lists the board of directors for the Interplanetary Studies Center for the 1970-1971 term, with Sr. Luis-María Vallés as President.

STЕНDEK, Servicio Informativo CEI
This section describes STENDEK as a quarterly publication of the CEI, founded in October 1958. It provides the association's registration details and its social address in Barcelona. Correspondence should be sent to CEI, Apartado 282, Barcelona. The publication also expresses its willingness to exchange with similar publications in Spanish, French, and English.

• SUMARIO (Table of Contents)
• The table of contents lists several articles, including:
• "Portada, la observación OVNI, de Emilio Zalama"
• "Editorial, por Joan Crexells"
• "Observaciones Ibéricas, de octubre 1970 a febrero 1971"
• "Dos casos Tipo I en la provincia de Valladolid, por el Grupo Charles Fort"
• "Reunión OVNI en Madrid, por Pedro Redón"
• "Fotografiado un OVNI en Bogotá, por Andrés Alzate y J. S."
• "El NICAP no ha desaparecido"
• "Los Extra-terrestres (1), por Jader U. Pereira"
• "Un misterioso objeto submarino, por el Grupo CEONI"
• "El Dr. McDonald, ha muerto, por F. N."
• "Extrañas huellas en una playa gaditana, por J. C."
• "Observaciones en el mundo"
• "Un viaje a Magonia: El espanto de Navalón, por Tomás Salvador."

DOS CASOS TIPO I EN LA PROVINCIA DE VALLADOLID (Two Type I Cases in the Province of Valladolid)
This is the main featured article, detailing two significant UFO observations investigated by the Grupo Charles Fort.

Primera Observación (First Observation) - Date: July 24, 1970 - Time: 11:30 PM to 12:00 AM - Location: Coto bajo de Matallana, 2.5 km from Villalba de los Alcores. - OVNI Shape: Hongo (mushroom-shaped) - Color: Blanco (white) - Witness: Emilio Zalama Pedruelo

The witness, Emilio Zalama, observed a bright, mushroom-shaped object emitting intense light, described as being like a large mushroom or a light bulb. The object ascended vertically and disappeared rapidly. The witness was terrified. The report notes that the object was about 3 meters above the ground and emitted a gaseous effluvium. The investigation included a detailed interview with Emilio Zalama, who was described as an approachable and sincere 15-year-old.

Segunda Observación (Second Observation) - Date: September 19, 1970 - Time: 10:30 PM - Location: Coto bajo de Matallana, 3 km from Villalba de los Alcores. - OVNI Shape: Redondeada (rounded) - Color: Blanco (white) - Witness: M. J.

Witness M. J., a 22-year-old woman, observed a bright white halo approaching rapidly with a powerful buzzing sound. The object illuminated the area before disappearing. She experienced significant emotional distress, similar to the first witness. The report details her account of the object's proximity and the strange reaction of dogs on the farm. Subsequent investigation revealed physical traces, including charred plants and stained limestone rocks.

• Otras Investigaciones (Other Investigations)
• Psychometric Evaluation: A psychometric evaluation of the second witness (M. J.) was conducted but not detailed in this report.
• Material Tests and Chemical Analysis: Samples from the alleged landing site were collected and analyzed by a chemical expert.
• Wood Analysis: Showed abnormal combustion without the usual color transition.
• Stone Analysis: Identified limestone with a superficial blackish, oily layer. This layer persisted after heating and could not be removed by solvents. The stones showed no radioactivity.

Mapa de la zona (Map of the Area)
A map illustrates the location of the observations, including the path taken by the witnesses and the geographical features of the area.

• Observaciones Ibéricas de Octubre 1970 a Febrero 1971
• This section compiles several UFO observations from various locations in Spain and Portugal:
• October 6, 1970: Oyón, Álava - A red object resembling the Moon.
• October 10, 1970: Marchena, Sevilla - A metallic object with a double dome shape.
• November 7, 1970: Veintiuno, Orense - An airplane-like object without wings.
• December 1, 1970: Puebla del Caramiñal, La Coruña - A bright red light.
• December 11, 1970: Elvas, Alto Alentejo (Portugal) - A bluish, disc-shaped object.
• December 13, 1970: Madrid - A large, bright, stationary light.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, eyewitness testimonies, and the investigation of potential physical evidence. The magazine, through its editorial and the detailed reporting of cases, adopts a serious and investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, collaboration among researchers, and the need to distinguish credible accounts from sensationalism. The CEI and its publication STENDEK aim to provide a platform for serious study and information dissemination on the subject of UFOs, particularly within the Iberian Peninsula.

This issue of the magazine, identified as number 11, focuses on UFO (OVNI) related topics, with a prominent article detailing a meeting in Madrid and another reporting on a UFO sighting in Bogotá.

REUNION OVNI EN MADRID

The main article on pages 2-3 details a significant meeting of UFO research centers and individual investigators held in Madrid on May 1st and 2nd. The meeting was deemed necessary to coordinate efforts, establish study plans, and enhance collaboration. Prior discussions in December 1970 had already laid the groundwork for a definitive program. The Madrid meeting took place over two sessions in the premises of CEI Madrid and Eridani. The atmosphere was described as cordial and productive.

Attendees represented various organizations, including Eridani, CEI Madrid, CEI Barcelona, CEONI of Valencia, CIOVE of Santander, Charles Fort of Valladolid, and RNC of Sevilla. Private investigators were also present. Several individuals were unable to attend but sent their support.

Key decisions made during the meeting included:

• Bi-monthly Bulletin: A bi-monthly bulletin will be created, with each represented center taking turns to produce it. This bulletin will be distributed among centers and private investigators.
• Territorial Division: Eridani's project to divide the Iberian Peninsula into zones of influence was unanimously accepted. Groups will be responsible for in-depth research within their assigned zones.
• Standardization of Questionnaires: The attendees agreed on the need to unify the existing UFO observation questionnaires, as three different types were currently in use. A committee was formed to undertake this task.
• Operation Antiquites: Mr. Silva was entrusted with continuing 'Operation Antiquites,' which involves reviewing Spanish newspapers from 1950 onwards to find previously unnoticed UFO observations.
• Publication Collaboration: The possibility of collaborating with STENDEK, a publication dedicated to UFOs, was discussed. The creation of a new publication to serve as the official voice for UFO research in the Iberian Peninsula was also considered, though deemed difficult at present.
• Annual Meetings: It was decided to hold annual meetings of this nature, with Barcelona proposed as the venue for the next meeting in 1972.

Beyond the official sessions, attendees engaged in private conversations, exchanging viewpoints that were considered beneficial for mutual understanding.

The issue also mentions a closing dinner attended by representatives, investigators, and friends.

FOTOGRAFIADO UN OVNI EN BOGOTA

This article by Andrés Alzate on pages 4-6 reports on a UFO sighting and subsequent photographs taken near Bogotá, Colombia. The incident occurred on Thursday, May 20th, involving two 16-year-old students from the Liceo de La Salle, Eduardo Ponce Melo and Jairo Castro.

The students were on an excursion in the mountains near La Calera when they observed what they initially thought was a bird. Eduardo Ponce identified it as a "flying saucer." They managed to take three color photographs of the object in about six seconds.

Object Description:

The object was described as a flattened cone with a prominent red dome. Eduardo compared the dome to those on police patrol cars. The UFO moved from East to West across the sky at daylight, approximately twelve and a half hours, at an estimated distance of 500 meters.

Witness Reactions and Hesitation:

Both students were visibly impressed by the sighting. They initially kept the event a secret for a week, partly due to the fear of not being believed by their parents or peers, and partly in anticipation of the photographic results. Eduardo mentioned experiencing a headache and Jairo a malaise that afternoon, which they speculated might be related to the sighting.

Photographic Analysis:

A notable detail is that while photos taken by the students with deliberate posing did not turn out, the three photos capturing the UFO were remarkably clear and detailed, showing the red dome distinctly. The article notes a contradiction in the report: photos taken with care did not develop, but spontaneous shots of the object did.

Analysis of the Photographs:

The accompanying text by Andrés Alzate on page 6 expresses some skepticism regarding the photographic evidence. He finds it contradictory that carefully taken photos failed, while spontaneous ones of the object were successful. He points out that the published images are extracted from the original newspaper report and do not allow for independent verification. Alzate suggests that while the witnesses may be sincere, the lack of examination by specialists and the limited number of clear UFO photos worldwide warrant caution.

Other Sections

• Page 7: A brief note clarifies that NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena) has not disappeared, correcting a previous report. Contact information for NICAP is provided.
• Page 7 (cont.): A description of an occupant sighting in Brazil and Argentina is included, detailing physical characteristics and attire.
• Pages 8-10: This section begins a multi-part study by Jader U. Pereira titled "LOS EXTRA - TERRESTRES (I)" (The Extra-Terrestrials). This study, originally published in the French magazine "Phénomènes Spatiaux," analyzes 333 cases of UFO occupant sightings. The first part outlines the study's organization, objectives, and methodology. The study aims to classify different types of UFO occupants, detailing their behavior and characteristics. The hypothesis is that humanoids are a plausible subject for rational study. The methodology involves analyzing cases based on occupant form, the use of suits or helmets, and physical/facial characteristics. The initial findings indicate that the majority of occupants (95.8%) are human-like in form. The classification system, based on the use of helmets or suits, identifies types with and without these accoutrements. Type 1, comprising 27 cases, describes occupants with human-like characteristics, normal or slightly above-normal stature, and clothing that could pass for Western attire. Variants of Type 1 are also discussed, noting differences in hair length, skin tone, and clothing, as well as the use of specialized "weapons" in some instances.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, UFO investigations, and the analysis of witness reports and photographic evidence. There's an emphasis on scientific rigor and the need for careful examination of data, as seen in the critical analysis of the Bogotá photographs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, while maintaining a degree of skepticism and demanding evidence. The publication of detailed reports on meetings and research studies suggests a commitment to advancing the understanding of the UFO phenomenon within the Spanish-speaking community.

This issue of STENDEK, dated 1970, delves into various unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on UFOs and alleged extraterrestrial encounters. The magazine presents detailed case studies, scientific opinions, and historical accounts.

Unidentified Submarine Object in Alcocebre

The lead article details a mysterious submarine object discovered by a diver on July 26, 1970, off the coast of Alcocebre, Spain. The diver, practicing underwater fishing, encountered a metallic cylindrical object approximately 7 meters long and 3 meters in diameter, resting on the sandy seabed between rocky outcrops. The object had a conical end and a circular opening on its surface. Its metallic surface was polished and resembled matte stainless steel, showing no signs of oxidation, encrustations, or damage, suggesting it had been submerged for a short period. The object was found to be non-magnetic, and attempts to scratch its surface were unsuccessful. The diver estimated the object's dimensions using his speargun. The article notes the absence of industrial waste or radioactive material as a likely explanation and emphasizes the difficulty of moving such an object without significant underwater currents, which were absent at the time.

Categorization of Alien Occupants

The magazine presents a detailed classification of alleged alien occupants observed by witnesses. These are categorized into three main types, each with several variants:

Type 1: Tall Occupants

• Variant 2 (T1.V2): 5 cases observed. Occupants are between 1.70 and 2 meters tall, with bald or covered skulls, and normal or yellow skin. They wear dark or bright one-piece suits, sometimes with a belt. Their attitude can be aggressive, using a tube-like 'weapon' emitting a luminous ray that burns and weakens the victim, or friendly. Telepathic communication is rare. Observations occurred in Brazil, Argentina, USA, France, England, and New Zealand. A total of 73 occupants (65 male, 8 female) were reported.
• Variant 3 (T1.V3): 4 cases observed. Occupants are around 2 meters tall, with blond hair and generally white skin, though one case reported greenish skin. They wear a one-piece suit with 'scales' or luminous plates. Their attitude is either aggressive or friendly. They use a luminous ball 'weapon'. One case involved telepathic dialogue in the witness's native language. Observations were primarily in Brazil, with one case in Argentina.

Type 2: Short Occupants

• Variant 1 (T2.V1): 13 cases observed. Occupants are 1 to 1.20 meters tall, with normal or pale skin and slightly oblique eyes. They wear light blue uniforms, sometimes tight-fitting, with a bright band on the chest or shoulders, and a helmet or cap. Their attitude is generally evasive, though friendly encounters have occurred. No hostility is reported, and they do not use weapons, though one case involved a tube emitting light that caused chest oppression. Dialogue in the witness's native language occurred once. Observations were in Canada, USA, Brazil, France, England, Italy, and Denmark. A total of 52 occupants of this type were seen.
• Variant 2 (T2.V2): 4 cases observed. Occupants are about 1 meter tall with dark or black skin. They wear light, one-piece suits. Their attitude is friendly, and no weapons are reported. Observations were in Brazil, Italy, and France. A total of 11 occupants of this category were seen.
• Variant 3 (T2.V3): 3 cases observed. Occupants are short, with one case describing an elongated face, high forehead, and dark hair. Skin is green. One occupant wore a tight suit with a helmet. Their attitude was aggressive, with an attempted abduction. No information on weapons or dialogue is available. Approximately 30 occupants of this type were seen, observed in Canada, USA, and Argentina.

Type 3: Masculine Appearance with Long Hair

• Variant 1 (T3.V1): 5 cases observed. Occupants have normal stature (1.65 to 1.72 meters) with blond hair falling down their backs. Faces are described as young, with slightly oblique eyes in one case. Skin is normal or white. Bodies are robust. Some occupants appeared to lack heels. They generally wear dark brown one-piece suits. Their attitude is friendly, and no aggression has been reported. They do not use weapons and have not communicated in the witness's native language. A total of 9 occupants of this type were seen, primarily in Brazil (4 cases) and one in Australia.
• Variant 2 (T3.V2): 6 cases observed. Occupants are 1.25 to 1.50 meters tall, with blond or brown hair falling down their backs. Some have pronounced chins. Skin is white. They wear one-piece suits with wide belts. Their attitude is indifferent, except for one case where a paralyzing 'weapon' was used. Some occupants exhibited telepathic abilities, causing mental pressure. A total of 18 occupants of this category were seen in Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and England.
• Variant 3 (T3.V3): 3 cases observed. These creatures are characterized by their elevated stature. The text indicates this section continues on page 15.

Strange Footprints on a Gaditan Beach

This section reports on mysterious footprints discovered on the beach of Sancti Petri, near Chiclana de la Frontera, Spain, in late February 1970. The footprints emerged from the sea, traveled several hundred meters inland, and then returned to the sea. Three explanations are offered:

1. Fishermen's theory: A large, unknown marine monster emerged from the sea.
2. Journalist's account: Years ago, similar deep footprints were observed on the coast, causing unease. The explanation was that an individual would enter the water, attach chains and balls to their feet, and drag them to create these marks, possibly to scare people for theft.
3. Correspondent's conclusion: The footprints were left by Civil Guard horses.

The article then presents the account of Juan Antonio Muñoz, who discovered the footprints. He described them as enormous, about two or three spans (40-50 cm) wide, and quite deep, indicating significant weight. They were spaced about half a meter apart. Muñoz rejected the horse theory, stating the footprints were smaller and not in parallel rows as expected from a trotting or galloping horse.

Muñoz also described a second discovery of similar, but less extensive, footprints a few days later. He reiterates that the area is well-known to him and he is an experienced diver.

The article references Charles Fort's work, specifically "The Book of the Damned," which mentions similar cases, including the "devil of Devonshire" from February 8, 1855, where footprints were found in the snow across a vast area, including enclosed gardens and rooftops. These footprints were noted for their consistent spacing and for appearing to have lifted snow rather than compressed it.

The Passing of Dr. James McDonald

This section reports the death of Dr. James McDonald, a scientist who seriously investigated UFOs and supported the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH). He passed away at the age of 51 in Tucson, possibly due to suicide for family reasons. McDonald held degrees in Chemical Sciences and Meteorology from MIT and a doctorate in Physical Sciences from Iowa State University. He held academic positions in physics and meteorology and was dean of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the University of Arizona. He was a member of several scientific societies.

McDonald publicly testified before the U.S. Congress in July 1968, supporting the ETH as a valid explanation for some UFO cases and criticizing the Condon Report. He also wrote articles and gave lectures on the importance of the UFO problem. Notably, in June 1967, he wrote to UN Secretary-General U Thant, urging the United Nations to appoint an international committee of scientists to study UFOs. The article includes excerpts from this letter, emphasizing the exceptional importance of the UFO issue and the need for a serious, scientific study, criticizing the prevailing ignorance, negligence, and ridicule surrounding the topic.

Erratum

A correction is noted for an error in a previous issue (STENDEK No. 04, page 21) concerning the description of a luminous ray.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and alleged alien encounters, presenting detailed case studies, witness testimonies, and scientific perspectives. There is a clear interest in classifying and analyzing different types of alleged extraterrestrial beings. The magazine also highlights the efforts of individuals like Dr. James McDonald who challenged conventional scientific views on UFOs and advocated for serious investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting information and hypotheses without necessarily endorsing them as definitive truth, as indicated by the use of terms like 'hypothesis' and the cautious presentation of explanations for the mysterious footprints.

This issue of STENDEK, dated July 1971 (Volume 11, Extra Issue), is a Spanish-language publication focused on UFO phenomena. It features a cover announcing an extra issue and a study of 100 UFO landing cases in the Iberian Peninsula, alongside listings of other international UFO magazines.

Article: Curiosa Observación (Curious Observation)

This section details a sighting by Jean Voilquin, a shepherd from Tranqueville, France, on March 26, 1966. Voilquin observed a 'toothed wheel' object moving across a field at a distance of about 100 meters. The object moved in a straight line, without tilting, at an estimated speed of 25-30 km/h. It passed close to his sheep, causing them to huddle together. The object made small hops as its 'teeth' touched the muddy ground, yet remained clean and white. Voilquin described it as very light and impressionistic of an artifact. The observation lasted about 700 meters, and the object disappeared over a rise. It left no tracks. The article speculates that such objects might be responsible for unexplained tracks found elsewhere, like in Gades or Devonshire, possibly as probes from a UFO, though no accompanying UFO was observed in these cases.

Article: Observaciones en el Mundo (Observations in the World)

This section compiles several UFO sighting reports from different locations:

Antártida (Antarctica)

On May 15, 1971, at 22:30 hours, personnel at the Chilean Air Force's 'Presidente Frei' Meteorological Center in Antarctica observed an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO). It was described as three times brighter than a first-magnitude star, changing colors from red to green to grey-blue, and remained stationary for 15 minutes at an altitude of about 35 degrees above the horizon. Communications were slightly affected, with 3,200 kilocycles becoming weak and the 20-meter band unreceivable. The weather conditions were excellent, with a clear sky, moon, and no wind. The sighting was made by Sergeant First Class Domingo Saldías and Corporals José Bustamante and Eduardo Fritz.

Argentina

Numerous witnesses in Mar del Plata observed a UFO. A detailed account comes from Carlos Desiderio González, a former bank manager. While returning to Mar del Plata from Ayacucho on May 19, 1971, around 17:45-17:55, he and his wife saw an object moving at high speed, about 300 meters above the ground, emitting intense luminosity. They initially thought it might be a jet plane but soon realized it was something unknown. The object was about 500 meters away and disappeared within seconds, moving from East to West and upwards. It left a trail with intense red and bluish colors, and its speed was exceptional. The sky was clear. Mrs. González described the light as predominantly greenish-blue, intensifying towards the rear, like a particular gas. A guard at the Camet checkpoint confirmed seeing something strange and luminous. Mr. González reported no interference with his car's engine.

Another report from Mar del Sur describes a flying object, referred to as a 'flying saucer', with multi-colored flashes, predominantly red and blue, moving rapidly from East to West. Municipal Commissioner Francisco confirmed that over ten people witnessed the event.

Australia

A motorist and his wife, Geoff Richards and his wife, reported being followed by two luminous objects on a deserted road 160 km south of Perth. The objects approached their car from behind, about 20 meters away, then moved away. They changed color, turning red as if on fire, then a white light appeared. This cycle repeated four times before another light appeared in front of the car. The observation lasted about 10 minutes, and Richards expressed extreme fear.

Estrecho de Messina (Strait of Messina)

On May 30, 1971, at 00:25 Spanish time, while on board the ship 'Josiña' as First Officer, the witness observed an object near the southern entrance of the Strait of Messina. It appeared as a star with a tail, like a comet. Using binoculars, he saw two brilliant white luminous tails, each composed of three points, moving at extraordinary speed. The object was observed towards the SW and had an estimated altitude of 35 degrees above the horizon. The movement was NW-SE and made no noise.

Article: Un viaje a Magonia: El espanto de Navalón (A Trip to Magonia: The Terror of Navalón)

This article recounts a strange tradition from Navalón, Spain, dating back to 925 AD, as reported by D. Tomás Salvador in 'La Vanguardia'. The events describe mysterious disappearances, a foul odor, and a greenish glow emanating from a depression called a 'naveta'. It was believed that a gelatinous, formless entity inhabited the 'naveta' and devoured anything that fell into it. A flood caused the waters to overflow, allegedly destroying the village. A commission of scholars and monks declared it a demon. The new village of Navayuela was founded, and a 'Ceremony of the Salt' was instituted, involving the ritualistic spreading of salt around the lagoon and on its surface to prevent the 'Espanto' (terror) from resurrecting. The article also briefly mentions a possible connection to a Swedish case from December 20, 1958, where two youths were reportedly attacked by gelatinous masses from a luminous disc.

Article: LIBROS SOBRE EL TEMA OVNI PUBLICADOS EN LA PENINSULA IBERICA (Books on the UFO Subject Published in the Iberian Peninsula)

This section provides a bibliography of books on UFOs published in Spain and Portugal, including works by Eugenio Danyans, Andreas Faber, Carlos Murciano, Marius Lleget, Antoni Ribera, and Antoni Ribera y Rafael Farriols. Publishers and addresses are listed for some titles.

Special Announcement: ¡YA SALIO EL NUMERO EXTRA DE STENDEK! (The Extra Issue of STENDEK is Out!)

This announcement highlights the extra issue of STENDEK, which includes a joint publication with other UFO magazines like Data-Net (USA), Lumières Dans La Nuit (France), and Flying Saucer Review (England). This special issue features the 'Estudio de 100 casos de aterrizajes ibéricos' (Study of 100 Iberian landing cases) by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Dr. Jacques Vallée. It also includes a detailed account of the Yuxta (Cáceres) case and critical considerations of Dr. Vallée's UFO classification. Readers are reminded that issues 01 and 02 of STENDEK are sold out.

REVISTAS OVNI EN EL MUNDO (UFO Magazines in the World)

This section lists contact information for two international UFO magazines: SPACELINK (England) and LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT (France).

Call for Information

The magazine encourages readers to share any possible UFO observations with STENDEK by contacting them in Barcelona, promising to send questionnaires for details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings across various geographical locations (France, Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Europe), historical unexplained phenomena (Navalón), and the study of UFO landing cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of UFO reports, encouraging reader participation and providing a platform for sharing information and research, including bibliographical resources on the subject.