SVL Tijdschrift - Jaargang 2 No 06 - april 1983

Magazine Overview

This issue of SVLT TIJDSCHRIFT, Volume 2, Number 6, dated April 1983, is a quarterly publication from the Dutch study group for strange aerial phenomena (Studiegroep voor Vreemde Luchtverschijnselen). The cover features an illustration of a person looking up at a glowing object and highlights an SVL interpretation of a UFO report from Alken, Belgium.

Editoriaal: UFO 21 and SVL International

The editorial discusses the initiative by Marc Broux of UFO 21 to contact approximately 330 foreign UFO groups with documentation and a request for information exchange. SVL has collaborated with this project, leading to numerous international contacts and the exchange of periodicals. The editorial notes that the UFO crisis has significantly impacted other countries and mentions the likely cessation of the French official research group GEPAN on April 30th of that year, a decision not yet officially announced. Additionally, GESAG director Jacques Bonabot proposed adding English and French summaries to SVLT, a move supported by the growing number of international contacts. The magazine is now sent to organizations and individuals in Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Sweden, England, the United States, and Argentina. The editorial concludes by thanking several Dutch-speaking supporters: Elinor Coenen, Ronny Blomme, Jacques De Vinck, and Frank Martins. The next issue is announced for July.

Recent Meldings (Recent Reports)

This section covers significant UFO and IFO (Identified Flying Object) sightings from the past six months. Only one recent IFO report is noted: a story from the 'Gazet van Antwerpen' on February 9, 1983. In St.-Lenaerts, Belgium, the gendarmerie investigated a report of 'glowing pieces, like a fire ball' falling from the sky. They found a farmer's fire, concluding the objects were remnants of burnt wood. The SVL evaluation labels this as 'BURNING WOOD RESIDUE', suggesting it might be useful for identifying other UFO reports.

"UFO's" in the Soviet Union

This article explores the phenomenon of UFOs in the Soviet Union, suggesting that while information is withheld by the government, the USSR possesses detailed knowledge about UFO origins, launches, propulsion, and flight paths. It cites computer specialist James Oberg, writing in 'The MUFON UFO JOURNAL', who claims that most spectacular Russian UFO sightings can be explained by secret military rocket launches. Oberg's evidence, including locations of rocket centers and project names, is presented as credible. His skepticism about the Soviet stance on UFOs stems from a 1979 report by the Russian Academy of Sciences, known as the GINDILIS-report, which acknowledged a residue of 'real UFOs' beyond explainable phenomena. Oberg argues that the Soviet government has used the UFO designation to explain away these secret launches, thereby protecting military information. The article also mentions that US intelligence services are keenly interested in these Russian UFO reports. A quote from Oberg's article suggests that Soviet propagandists might refer to these craft as 'spacecraft from another civilization, but certainly not ours,' perpetuating a significant UFO mystery.

Sovjets Verklaren UFO's (Soviets Explain UFOs)

This section presents a theory developed by Soviet researchers that could explain 'flying saucers.' Drawing from oceanography, the theory posits the existence of lens-shaped structures in the atmosphere, similar to those found in oceans, which can vary greatly in size and thickness. These structures are visible because the air within them has different properties than the surrounding air, and dust particles accumulating at the edges enhance their visibility. The article references 'Aarde & Kosmos' nr. 1/1983 and thanks Fredi Dewindt for bringing it to their attention. It also refers readers to the NOBOVO YEARLY REPORT 1981 for more details on the GINDILIS-report and Soviet UFO research.

Nog Geen Verklaring Voor de Bolbliksem (No Explanation Yet for Ball Lightning)

This article discusses ball lightning, a rare and mysterious atmospheric phenomenon for which no satisfactory explanation has yet been found. Attempts to replicate it in laboratories have been largely unsuccessful. However, an experiment by Rice Evans at Bedford College, University of London, reportedly produced a light phenomenon resembling ball lightning under controlled conditions. Evans observed a precisely defined light cone that remained stationary and stable, similar to ball lightning. The exact mechanism of its creation remains under investigation, but this experiment may open avenues for further research. The article notes that ball lightning is often dismissed as a hoax by many in the scientific community, despite numerous descriptions in literature. Proposed explanations range from extraterrestrial influences to burnt birds that descend as gas plasma. The question of whether ball lightning is a real phenomenon or merely an optical illusion is also raised. The source is cited as the 'Gazet van Antwerpen' from January 28, 1993.

De ICUFON Memoranda: UFO's Een Militair Voorrecht? (The ICUFON Memoranda: UFOs a Military Privilege?)

This article details the ICUFON (Intercontinental Galactic Spacecraft Research and Analytic Network), a non-profit organization founded in 1966 by retired Major Colman S. Vonkeviczky. ICUFON believes UFOs are interstellar spacecraft posing a threat to world peace. They assert that military units in several countries, including Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Peru, the USA, and the USSR, have fired upon UFOs, claiming to have evidence. Vonkeviczky considers such aggressive behavior irrational and fears it could lead to a planetary war, advocating for communication with UFO beings. The article acknowledges that while the claim of extraterrestrial spacecraft is debatable, ICUFON possesses significant documents. A fragment of a letter from Colman Vonkeviczky to Wim Van Utrecht dated February 6, 1983, is included. In it, Vonkeviczky expresses surprise that Van Utrecht and Broux are not convinced of the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs and that the UFO problem is solely viewed as a military defense issue. He references a Presidential Memorandum Appendix #7, indicating a 'worldwide reporting system' for UFOs and orders for major airbases to intercept UFOs. He quotes the Pentagon message stating that if observed maneuvers are accurate, the only remaining explanation is interplanetary. Vonkeviczky questions who to believe: UFO researchers or authorized military forces, asserting that military forces are classifying and investigating all UFO cases. He points to evidence from military authorities in various countries and highlights that the world's largest military power and defense authorities recognize a 'potential danger,' as stated by the National Security Council. He urges cooperation between military and scientific communities for UFO problem-solving.

Hun Aktiviteiten (Their Activities)

ICUFON's main goal is to establish an international UFO authority within the United Nations (UNO) to ensure global security and promote scientific UFO research. To achieve this, ICUFON has collected numerous Pentagon documents, including letters from authoritative figures regarding the UFO problem, compiled into a substantial memorandum. They also produced two other memoranda with photo analyses and 'evidence,' which were presented to the UNO. The Belgian UNO representative in New York, Mrs. Edmonde Dever, received a memorandum on November 17, 1982. The article recalls the UNO press conference on November 27, 1978, which extensively covered the UFO issue without yielding results. On January 28, 1981, ICUFON, along with the FPCC (Planetary Professional Citizens Committee), sent a memorandum to the US President. This memorandum, along with a letter from Major Vonkeviczky, was apparently never answered. However, on September 28 of the same year, a new presidential memorandum was addressed to the White House, leading to a successful response from Robert L. Schweitzer of the National Security Council (NSC), dated November 21, 1981. The NSC letter, translated into Dutch, acknowledges receipt of Vonkeviczky's letter and states that the President is aware of the documented threat and is working to restore national defense margins.

Enkele Documenten (Some Documents)

This section presents documents related to UFO investigations. It includes a letter from Gerald R. Ford to UFO researcher Robert E. Barrow dated May 13, 1968, in which Ford expresses his concern and states he has repeatedly recommended thorough investigative action and public information dissemination on UFOs, having called for an investigation in the spring of 1966. He shares concern over a 'Look' magazine article about UFO investigations at the University of Colorado and hopes the investigation will be worthwhile. Below this is a letter from Kurt Waldheim, former UN Secretary-General and Austria's UN representative in 1957, to Colman S. Vonkeviczky dated December 6, 1967. Waldheim acknowledges receipt of Vonkeviczky's letter and assures him that its contents have received full attention and have been brought to the attention of the Outer Space Affairs Group at the UN Secretariat. The article notes that the detailed letterheads and Dutch translations of these documents are omitted due to space constraints, suggesting readers interested in more details can inquire in writing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, international reports, and the perceived secrecy surrounding them by governments. There's a strong emphasis on the potential military and national security implications of UFOs, as highlighted by the ICUFON's efforts and the correspondence with US officials. The publication also delves into unexplained atmospheric phenomena like ball lightning, suggesting a scientific curiosity beyond just UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the exchange of information and advocating for greater transparency and cooperation between scientific and governmental bodies in investigating these phenomena. The inclusion of English and French summaries indicates a desire to reach a broader, international audience interested in the UFO subject.

This issue of the magazine, identified by the number '10' on page 11, focuses on the unreliability of UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) descriptions. The primary articles delve into specific case studies to illustrate how witness accounts of aerial phenomena can vary widely, leading to challenges in accurate reporting and investigation. The magazine is published in Dutch and appears to be from Belgium, given the locations mentioned.

Article 1: Over de onbetrouwbaarheid van "UFO"- beschrijvingen (The Unreliability of "UFO" Descriptions)

This article, appearing on pages 10-12, presents a detailed analysis of a UFO sighting that occurred on April 23, 1981, near Eeklo, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Approximately fifty students from the Sint-Vincentiuscollege witnessed a strange object in the sky from their schoolyard. A student named Geert VERMEIRE took the initiative to create a questionnaire, which was filled out by several classmates. The collected information, including drawings and comments, was sent to the UFO 21 organization and subsequently shared with the magazine's publishers. The article highlights the stark differences in the descriptions provided by the witnesses, emphasizing how unreliable such accounts can be, especially for objects observed briefly in the sky. Many students initially thought the object was a research balloon, a conclusion the magazine's editorial team (SVL) agrees with. The article includes drawings and verbatim accounts from several witnesses (numbered 1 through 8), detailing observations of the object's shape, color, and perceived behavior. For instance, Witness N° 1 described a blinking, yellow-light-spreading object that turned oval and red, then blue, and finally disappeared. Witness N° 2 suggested it could be the sun's glare on an object, possibly a piece of silver paper. Other witnesses described colors ranging from silver, green, red, blue, and yellow, with shapes varying from oval to disc-like and even rectangular. The article concludes that it is difficult to accurately perceive objects high in the sky, especially when illuminated by bright sunlight. The average age of the witnesses is noted as being around sixteen years old.

NAWOORD (Afterword)

The afterword on page 12 reflects on the value of such descriptions. It notes the significant discrepancies in reported sizes, distances, and drawings, making a precise understanding of the event difficult. The author, W. VAN UTRECHT, suggests that if only one testimony, like that of Witness N° 5, had been received, the observation might have been classified as 'interesting' or having 'insufficient data.' The section also references a similar article in the SOBEPS journal INFORESPACE N° 62, which discussed a case in Italy where hundreds of people witnessed a strange object, also attributed to a sounding or weather balloon.

Article 2: ST. JORIS-ALKEN (BEGIN-12-78) EEN "BRUSSELSE WAFEL" VAN FORMAAT (A "Brussels Waffle" of Format)

This article, spanning pages 13-14, details a UFO sighting that occurred in early December 1978, near St. Joris-Alken, Belgium. The report is based on an interview with a witness identified as M.V., conducted by Marc BROUX of UFO 21 and later followed up by Wim VAN UTRECHT. M.V., who worked for a company delivering newspapers and magazines, was on a delivery route around 3:30 to 4:00 AM when he noticed a strange light phenomenon. He described it as a white light streak hovering about 500 meters away. He stopped his vehicle to observe it more closely. The object, which hovered about 70 x 30 meters in size (compared to half a football field), emitted a blinding white light that did not illuminate the ground but was sharp and painful to the eyes. M.V. described the object as resembling a large "Brussels waffle" with a very strong light emission, making it difficult to discern other features. He also provided a sketch of the object. The UFO flew slowly towards him, then hovered for about two minutes before moving slowly towards the St. Joris church. M.V. estimated its altitude at approximately 300 meters. He reported hearing a loud, continuous humming sound. The article includes a map showing the location of the sighting and M.V.'s vehicle. The disappearance of the UFO was not witnessed by M.V. as he was startled and drove away. The report emphasizes M.V.'s credibility, with a colleague describing him as 'sober and certainly not someone who fantasizes.' The evaluation of this case, due to the lack of a precise date, is labeled 'INTERESSANT.'

Article 3: SOUMAGNE (11-11-1979) JEAN-LUC VERTONGEN

This extensive report, from pages 16-19, details a UFO sighting by an 11-year-old girl named Sylvie on November 11, 1979, in Soumagne, Belgium. Jean-Luc VERTONGEN, a UFO researcher and head of the SOBEPS research network, interviewed Sylvie and her parents. Sylvie was walking her dog when she saw a round object descending from the sky. She described it as metallic grey with a blue band around its circumference and claimed to see "dots" on either side. The object descended vertically and then moved horizontally at an estimated speed of 60 km/h, at an altitude between 50 and 300 meters. Sylvie hid behind a cabin and continued to observe the object, which she described as resembling "a kind of egg with something round around it." The object reflected sunlight but did not emit its own light. She heard a loud, repetitive 'toot-toot-toot' sound. The object flew low over a field and disappeared towards the west. The investigation, conducted at the scene, suggested the actual duration of the sighting was closer to one minute, rather than the initially estimated duration. The object's diameter was estimated to be between 3.5 and 4 meters. Sylvie's parents, initially skeptical, were convinced by her serious demeanor. The investigation noted that Sylvie had read books about UFOs, but her parents insisted she was a balanced child and would not invent such a story. The article includes a reconstruction drawing of the event by SOBEPS. The conclusion states that Sylvie's testimony is credible and that conventional explanations are difficult to apply, especially given the close proximity of the object and the witness. The report also notes that no other witnesses corroborated the sighting, and no similar Belgian reports were recorded for that date.

Article 4: Franse regering gelooft niet in vliegende schotels (French Government Does Not Believe in Flying Saucers)

This article on page 15 reports on the French government's decision to disband Gepan, the organization responsible for studying unexplained aerial phenomena. The socialist government believed that the existence of flying saucers was not credible and intended to integrate Gepan into a larger space research center. Gepan, established in 1977, had collected and analyzed reports of sightings, finding that 90% had natural explanations, while the remaining 10% lacked logical explanations but did not necessarily confirm the existence of UFOs. The article quotes a scientist who stated that spending a million annually on a "whim of the former government" was not justified.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of UFO sightings and the inherent difficulties in verifying witness accounts. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet investigative stance, presenting detailed case studies and analyzing the evidence. The editorial stance leans towards caution, suggesting that many reported UFOs are likely misinterpretations of known objects or phenomena, possibly influenced by psychological factors or atmospheric conditions. However, the magazine does not entirely dismiss the possibility of genuinely unexplained events, as indicated by the 'INTERESSANT' classification of the Soumagne case. The articles emphasize the importance of rigorous investigation, detailed documentation, and critical evaluation of witness testimonies. The inclusion of a report on the French government's decision to close its UFO research agency further underscores the prevailing skepticism in official circles regarding the subject matter.

This issue of the SVL magazine, identified as issue number 2/6 and dated March 16, 1980, focuses on reports of unusual aerial phenomena and humanoid sightings. The magazine is published by SVL, a Belgian organization founded in 1979, which also publishes a trimonthly magazine in Flemish.

Key Articles and Reports

Eksaarde Sighting: A Humanoid Figure (p. 20)

The primary report details an encounter on March 16, 1980, near Eksaarde, Belgium. A driver, identified as 'Dhr. X', reported seeing a humanoid figure in the middle of a dark road between Moerbeke and Eksaarde. The figure was described as taller than a 10-year-old but smaller than an adult, completely dark in color, with a thin halo of white light around it. It stood motionless and then disappeared instantly. The witness stated he saw no facial features, protuberances, or spaceship, only the described form. The witness initially thought it was a human but realized it only had the human body's shape. He did not mention it to his children who were in the car, fearing they would be frightened, but told his wife immediately upon arriving home. The report notes that this phenomenon could be related to UFO manifestations or parapsychological events, but the brief duration and poor conditions of the sighting make definitive conclusions difficult. However, identical incidents are noted in both UFOlogical and parapsychological literature.

UFOs in the Soviet Union (p. 3-4)

This section summarizes an article by James OBERG, a computer specialist and science popularizer, published in MUFON UFO Journals. Oberg analyzed a Soviet research report titled "Observations of Anomalous Atmospheric Phenomena in the USSR: A Statistical Analysis." He concluded that many spectacular Soviet UFO sightings could be explained as secret rocket launches. Oberg believes Soviet authorities deliberately encouraged the belief that these phenomena were UFOs to keep their military information confidential, calling it the greatest cover-up in UFOlogy history.

The ICUFON Memorandums (p. 5-9)

This article presents documents sent by Major Ret. Colman S. VONKEVICZKY, director of the Intercontinental UFO Network (ICUFON) in New York. ICUFON's goal is to establish an international UFO authority within the United Nations to ensure global security and conduct scientific research. They view UFOs as galactic spacecraft and warn that aggressive approaches could lead to a "war of the worlds." The memorandums were addressed to high-ranking officials, including the U.S. President, expressing concerns about military agencies attempting to intercept UFOs. SVL, while not convinced of the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs, published these documents out of respect for other researchers' convictions.

Attention to All Investigators (p. 10-12)

On April 23, 1981, about 50 students in Eeklo, East-Flanders, observed a conventional research balloon. The descriptions of the objects were highly variable, leading to questions about the reliability of such sightings. Geert VERMEIRE collected testimonies and drawings from the students, which are printed in the magazine.

Observation of a "Flying Waffle" in Alken, Limburg (p. 13-15 and cover)

Mr. M.V., a 38-year-old magazine deliverer, reported an observation in early December 1978. While at work before dawn, he noticed a horizontal stripe of light. Stepping out of his car, he saw an object shaped like an "enormous waffle," about half a football field in size, emitting a very bright white light that hurt the eyes but did not illuminate the surroundings. The object moved slowly overhead at an altitude of approximately 300 meters. It then stopped, emitted a high tone, and after two minutes, moved again. The witness, panicked, drove away quickly. A sketch by M.V. and the object's trajectory are included.

Soumagne: November 11, 1979 (p. 16-19)

This article, originally published by the Belgian SOBEPS, describes a "saturn-shaped" UFO observed by an 11-year-old girl named Sylvie. A strange sound drew her attention to a round, oval-shaped, metallic object reflecting sunbeams, surrounded by a blue haze. The object made a sharp turn and flew west. A SOBEPS interpretation of this daylight disc report is also provided.

Other Items

The magazine also includes newspaper clippings on ball-lightning experiments at Bedford College in London and the probable termination of GEPAN, the French official UFO group. Additionally, a recent IFO sighting of burning chips of wood blown by the wind and two witnesses reporting seeing the COSMOS satellite falling down are mentioned.

European Congresses

Information is provided on several upcoming UFO congresses:

• Buckinghamshire, England: The Third International UFO-Congress, organized by BUFORA, scheduled for August 27-29, 1983, featuring speakers like Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Dr. Stanton T. Friedman. A seminary on documented UFO-cases for the British Isles will also take place.
• Lyon, France: The Fédération Française d'Ufologie is organizing a French-language UFOlogical Congress on May 7-8, 1983, aiming to create a dynamic climate for new information.
• Mannheim, Germany: The 3rd CENAP-UAP-MEETING, celebrating 10 years of UFO research in Mannheim, will be held from September 9-11, 1983. CENAP is also seeking correspondents interested in UFO sightings in Belgium and Holland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SVL magazine consistently reports on high-strangeness UFO phenomena and humanoid encounters, often presenting detailed witness accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation into these phenomena, acknowledging their potential overlap with parapsychology, while also critically examining evidence, as seen in the analysis of Soviet UFO reports. The magazine aims to inform both domestic and international researchers, as evidenced by the inclusion of English and French summaries and the promotion of international congresses.