SVL Tijdschrift - Jaargang 2 No 08 - oktober 1983

Magazine Overview

This issue of SVLT Tijdschrift, Volume 2, Number 8, dated October 1983, is a quarterly publication from the Study Group for Strange Aerial Phenomena (Studiegroep voor Vreemde Luchtverschijnselen), directed under GESAG. The cover features a satirical illustration by Heinrich Kley from the late 19th century, commenting on the lack of physical evidence in the investigation of mysterious phenomena. An English summary is available on page 21.

Editoriaal

The editorial highlights the presentation of exclusive articles, including a contribution from Michel Coste on the new GEPAN in France and a piece by Jacques Bonabot on strange aerial phenomena over Flanders. It acknowledges that the article "The Schiedam Case: Additions & Corrections" might seem dry but emphasizes the importance of publishing corrections and not hiding mistakes. The journal aims to provide reliable information, covering international news and focusing on Belgian and Dutch UFO sightings. The editorial also thanks contributors and wishes readers a happy new year.

The Schiedam Case: Additions & Corrections

This section continues the discussion on the Schiedam case, concluding that an astronomical phenomenon can be ruled out as an explanation for the sightings on July 14, 1979. Martin Holwerda visited the Schiedam police, who reportedly had UFO sightings but didn't know how to handle them. The police accessed 'telephone reports' after a written request, indicating that the 1979 events were being archived. Readers are invited to send comments or observations regarding CE III (Close Encounter of the Third Kind) sightings to the SVL address and to inquire among friends and acquaintances about any strange aerial or ground phenomena they may have witnessed.

GEPAN N°3 is Born

This article by Michel Coste addresses rumors about the disappearance of GEPAN, the French organization established in 1977 to study unidentified aerial phenomena. The rumors are dismissed as false. A visit to the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales in Toulouse revealed a reorganization dictated by Paris. This led to GEPAN being linked to the ESO/SCIENCE/GEPAN department, headed by Dhr. Caroff, with Alain Esterle replaced by Dhr. Velasco as director. The former GEPAN staff were transferred to other CNES services, and a new, single secretary was appointed. The article questions the impact of these changes on GEPAN's budget, the publication of 'technical notes,' and its reliance on university researchers. It expresses hope that Dhr. Velasco will be open to meeting with ufologists representing independent research in France. The author notes a lack of cooperation between GEPAN and independent groups, despite the free submission of their journals and research. The article provides the new CNES phone number and address for GEPAN and mentions that 'information note' No. 1 and 'technical note' No. 10 are no longer available.

Cergy-Pontoise: A Mystification

Jacques Bonabot investigates the sensational claims made in November 1979 by Franck Fontaine, Jean-Pierre Prévost, and Salomon N'Daye from Cergy-Pontoise, France, who alleged an alien abduction. The gendarmerie was hesitant, and GEPAN found contradictions. Despite doubts from French researchers, the story gained international attention. The article references a previous report in SVL's March 1980 issue. It highlights that Jean-Pierre Prévost confessed in July 1983 that the entire Cergy-Pontoise case was a hoax he orchestrated. He admitted to staging the 'abduction' and claimed it was a way to gain an audience and spread his message about a new way of life, inspired by extraterrestrials, as people were losing interest in traditional religions. Prévost had also attempted to establish sects based on extraterrestrial themes. The article notes that the statute of limitations for such an offense had expired. Franck Fontaine, the main witness, was later imprisoned for theft in La Baule. The article concludes that the Cergy-Pontoise case escalated into a mystification, a common pattern in such phenomena.

The Men Weren't Green

This article by Jean-Pierre Troadec, translated from French, details an event in Vauvert, France, on November 25, 1981. Witnesses reported a strange, irregular polyhedron-shaped object, approximately 3 meters high and 2 meters wide, hovering in a vineyard. The object was described as having silvered facets and antennas. A large crowd gathered, and the gendarmerie established a cordon. Despite initial reports of radioactivity, this was later disproven. The event was revealed to be a hoax staged by the 1981 graduating class of the military air force school of Salon-de-Provence. Only the prefect and the gendarmerie colonel of Nîmes were informed beforehand. Two individuals emerged from the 'UFO,' not as short aliens, but as men in close-fitting suits. The article criticizes the media's reporting, including Jean-Claude Bourret's claim of an unknown object crashing, which he speculated might be a satellite. The author questions whether the event was a genuine 'third kind encounter' that was then covered up by the military, or a sociological experiment to test reactions. The article also touches upon the possibility of a similar incident being kept secret and notes that GEPAN was not informed, or at least did not react officially, despite the proximity of the event.

BUFORA-Congress

This section briefly mentions the election of Kuhlemann as president of ICUR, with plans for standardization of terminology. It also summarizes a lecture by Hilary Evans on liars in ufology, categorizing them into those who lie for financial gain, those who are unaware they are lying, and 'contactees' and cult members who blindly accept information.

Recent Sightings

This section reports on several recent sightings:

• Antwerpen (June 21-22, 1983): An unusual luminous ring around the moon was observed, attributed by the 'Gazet van Antwerpen' to astronomical factors, specifically the position of the moon and stars Arcturus and Spica. SVL's evaluation is 'Astronomical Phenomenon'.
• Herentals (August 20, 1983): Two individuals reported seeing a strange object with four large white lights hovering and moving slowly. SVL's evaluation is 'Aircraft'.
• Genk (October 6, 1983): A 16-year-old witness reported seeing lights in the sky and claimed to have regular experiences with 'light flashes,' ball lightning, and UFOs with occupants in dark clothing. SVL's evaluation is 'Insufficient Information', noting the similarity to other reported cases.

Postscript

Pieter Hendrickx, the translator of the article on the Cergy-Pontoise incident, shares his opinion that the public's attitude towards extraterrestrial visitors has changed, making the possibility less like science fiction. However, he notes discouraging observations, such as the media's sensationalist reporting and some ufologists' insistence on genuine CE III sightings, which he believes aim to convince the public at all costs and attack official institutions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions sensationalist UFO claims, emphasizing the need for physical evidence and critical analysis. It highlights instances of hoaxes and staged events, such as the Cergy-Pontoise and Vauvert cases, while also reporting on genuine sightings that are often difficult to explain. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, aiming to provide reliable information and debunk misinformation within the field of ufology. There is a clear focus on reporting UFO phenomena in Belgium and the Netherlands, alongside international cases. The magazine also shows an interest in the official investigations conducted by bodies like GEPAN.

This issue of the magazine, dated August 1983, focuses on a sensational UFO incident involving a Frenchman and delves into historical UFO sightings, alongside a report from the third international BUFORA UFO congress.

Frenchman Teleported?

The lead story details the alleged experience of Stefan Gasparovic, a 45-year-old workman from Sommerécourt, France. On July 8th and 9th, 1983, Gasparovic and his children witnessed a blinding fireball hovering about 200 meters above them. On July 10th, Gasparovic returned to the plateau alone and claims he was 'sucked up' by the UFO, experiencing a 6 km flight before being dropped in a field. He reported significant memory loss and disorientation, even mistaking his son Thierry for a Spaniard named Yvan HASARD. His family found his car with doors open and later discovered him disoriented. During a trip to the hospital, his family and the ambulance driver reportedly saw a yellow-orange sphere hovering. An investigation by the gendarmerie reportedly found a circular imprint where the UFO allegedly landed, though some newspaper reports contradict this. Gasparovic is said to be hospitalized with partial amnesia and facial disorders, and has bruises all over his body.

Strange Appearances Above Flanders (Part 1)

This section, authored by Jacques BONABOT and translated by Wim VAN UTRECHT, presents a chronological overview of UFO sightings in the Flemish region. It highlights that municipal archives often contain forgotten sources crucial for UFO research.

Through the Ages

Several historical accounts are presented:

• September 10, 1844, Hasselt, Belgium: Witnesses described a luminous body, 7 meters long and 20 cm wide, which hovered before descending in a straight line, with four fragments separating before it disappeared.
• Before September 17, 1384: A 'flying comet' of various colors (red, green, and black) was reported.
• 1515: A 'lump of fire' as large as a beer barrel, emitting light and sometimes dropping fire, was observed. Additionally, men in armor were seen riding through the sky.
• 1536: Three suns were seen, which the translator suggests might be parhelia or sun dogs.
• 1568, Flanders, Belgium: Fighting armies were seen in the sky.

Historical Accounts and Interpretations

The article references historical texts and researchers:

• Cornelius Gemma (Professor of Medicine at Leuven University): In 1575, Gemma observed a bright light descending from the sky, so strong it illuminated a nail on the ground. These phenomena were classified as aurora borealis but are suggested to be typical UFO-like events. Two specific observations are dated February 13, 1575, and September 28, 1575.
• Harold T. Wilkins: His book "Flying Saucers on the Attack" is cited for reports of luminous streams and lights seen in 1560 and 1564 over London, and in 1575 over Belgian Brabant.
• 1612: Simon Olislaeger and Adriana Sebastiaens reported seeing a young man in white on the heath, delivering a religious message.
• 1640, Knokke-sur-l'Yser: Soldiers reportedly witnessed a full army marching through the sky, followed by two other armies, engaging in a battle that lasted an hour with audible gunfire.
• October 29, 1726, Vilvoorde, Belgium: The population witnessed terrible meteors appearing and disappearing in the sky for six hours.
• August 18-20, 1783: A large, rotating ball-shaped object was seen over Edinburgh and southern England, Ireland, Ostend, and Glasgow, glowing like white-hot iron.
• 1811, Antwerp, Belgium: A fireball exploded in the sky, and a gelatinous substance fell to the ground.
• November 2, 1819, Blankenberge, Belgium: A red rain was reported, analyzed by chemists who found cobalt salts, but the exact nature remained unclear. The color was described as red-violet.
• April 5, 1870, Limburg, Belgium: An unusual light phenomenon was observed, described as a wheel-like object spinning at lightning speed, emitting sparks, then transforming into a dark red oval, and finally resembling a large fish with glowing scales.

The Schiedam Case: Corrections & Additions

This section addresses errors in a previous article about a CE III-melding from Schiedam. The author takes responsibility for the inaccuracies, which stemmed from a rushed publication of a preliminary report sent to the witness, mej. Ben A. The witness provided corrections, clarifying several points:

• She confirmed watching the film "Close Encounters" in December 1982.
• The "UFO photo book" belonged to her mother and she only looked at it after the sighting.
• She did not wake her family during the sighting to avoid disturbing her strict father and to not miss any part of the event.

Key corrections to the preliminary report include:

• p10/P1: In 1980, she received a letter from Marc Broux who had placed an ad in "Blondie" magazine asking for people with similar experiences.
• p10/P2: In late 1982, Marc Broux wrote to her again.
• p11/P1: She started working at the Academic Hospital "Dijzigt" in Rotterdam on August 1, 1979, as an administrative assistant in the Radiology Department.
• p11/P4: She mentioned that around the age of 14, she saw a peculiar object in the air, and her older brother also witnessed its disappearance.
• p11/P8: During the first phase of the sighting, two orange balls were seen blinking on and off.
• p13/P2: The object was described as slightly larger than a helicopter, perfectly round, and smooth, making a soft, purring sound that varied in intensity.
• p13/P4: She hesitated to describe the beings previously, fearing it would deter interviewers. The rightmost being was bent forward, pointing with one arm. The beings had eyes that were slightly slanted and lacked visible eyelashes, giving the impression they could see through people.
• p14/P2: In the weeks before July 14th, they saw only light flashes, which they attributed to helicopters used for landing.

Radio Broadcast of "Radio Veronica"

Mej. B explained why her name was mentioned on the "Radio Veronica" broadcast on June 20th, despite her request for anonymity. She found Leo de Ruiter's program "Het Zwarte Gat" disappointing, feeling it focused too much on sensationalism. Only 5 minutes of her 30-minute interview were broadcast, and she felt her story was distorted to be more spectacular, which she regretted, as she had not read any science fiction books.

Paranormal Dreams?

In a letter dated September 27th, the witness provided more details about her unusual psychological experiences, including premonitions of deaths in her family. She described dreams where she was in a spaceship and had telepathic contact with its occupants. These beings were described as tall (± 1.80 m), slender, wearing tight black clothing, with very short hair and human-like faces, but with slanted eyes and no visible eyelashes. They had an intense stare that felt negative due to their lack of expressed emotion. They communicated their origin as a small planet outside our solar system and showed her images of a densely populated world with many white, rounded buildings, displayed on a screen.

The BUFORA Congress

This section reports on the third international UFO congress organized by BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) in High Wycombe, England, from August 27-29, 1983. Approximately 50 foreign UFO researchers attended.

August 27, 1983

Robert DIGBY, chairman of BUFORA, opened the congress, emphasizing that they investigate UFO *reports*, not UFOs themselves. A standardized definition of a UFO-melding was agreed upon: a statement by reliable, psychologically normal individuals describing a phenomenon that doesn't match known events, objects, or processes.

Dr. J. Allen HYNEK noted that while CUFOS receives fewer reports, the number of interesting cases has not decreased. He believes UFOs exhibit intelligent behavior and share common characteristics worldwide, such as not moving instantaneously between locations and not being detected by modern satellite equipment, suggesting they do not leave Earth. He criticized scientists for not engaging with UFO research.

Dr. Harley RUTLEDGE, a physicist from Missouri, USA, presented "Project Identification," which involved organizing observation nights and using specialized equipment. His lecture included photos of night lights, which were deemed unconvincing due to a lack of context and scientific value.

Per ANDERSEN, a computer science and mathematics student from Aarhus, Denmark, discussed the "UFODATA" project, which stores Danish UFO and IFO reports. He surveyed 200 Danish scientists about their opinions on UFO research, receiving a surprisingly positive response, with most favoring investigation but lacking time to participate.

Peter WARRINGTON, chairman of the Manchester UFO Research Association, presented on radar sightings. He explained how various radar types and false echoes can complicate interpretations, casting doubt on the radar aspects of cases like Lakenheath and Kaikoura.

Hypnosis Sessions

Following the day's lectures, a series of video-filmed hypnosis sessions were shown. Four individuals recounted experiences of being abducted by UFOs and having periods of their lives "lost." They described being aboard a spaceship and experiencing "missing time." Three women who had similar experiences near Birmingham were present and answered audience questions. BUFORA employee Harry HARRIS critically analyzed hypotheses related to abduction and birth trauma, questioning the development of consciousness in unborn children and the lack of reported temperature changes or bodily fluids during alleged abductions.

August 28, 1983

Jenny RANDLES, a well-known European ufologist, discussed her research based on hundreds of personal surveys in England. She identified "windows" (locations with frequent UFO reports) and suggested that media influence, UFO books, researchers, or sensational claims can create these patterns. She posited that many UFO reports are caused by IFOs (Identified Flying Objects) or UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) stimulating imagination, or that unknown intelligences might be attempting contact through consciousness rather than physical senses.

The Peter DAY Film: A film capturing an unusual light phenomenon over the landscape on January 11, 1973, was presented. The orange light was filmed on 8mm by Peter DAY. BUFORA acknowledged that the film's authenticity and investigation needed further work.

Stanton FRIEDMAN, a nuclear physicist and UFO specialist, lectured on his "UFO's are Real" theme, advocating for the release of official UFO documents. His presentation was lively but considered overly confident by some.

Paul NORMAN discussed the "Bass Strait flap" (Australian UFO wave of late 1978), including the case of pilot Frederich VALENTICH.

Bertil KUHLEMANN presented on "Measurables & Non-Measurables in UFO Research." His lecture was criticized for being overly complex and lacking clear conclusions, failing to avoid chaos in the subject.

August 29, 1983

Ali ABUTAHA (USA) proposed a theory that life is possible on the sun, suggesting that life originating there might visit Earth, bringing their necessary environment, which could explain UFOs appearing as fireballs.

A speaker from UFO Sweden/UFO Norway discussed observations in Hessdalen and Arendal, involving lights in the sky and numerous photographs. They appealed for financial support for local research.

Paul Devereux presented a theory linking UFO sightings to geological "faults" and piezo-electricity, suggesting that tensions in the Earth's crust could generate light balls, which are then perceived as UFOs. He also proposed that CE III (Close Encounter of the Third Kind) experiences might involve witnesses supplementing the observation of light balls with subconscious material.

Bertil KUHLEMANN reported on the PICUR meeting, where it was decided to change the name to ICUR.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena through both contemporary accounts and historical research. It aims to present detailed case studies, witness testimonies, and scientific investigations, while also critically examining hypotheses and potential misinterpretations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging further research and the publication of findings, while also acknowledging the challenges and complexities of the UFO subject. There is a clear emphasis on documenting historical sightings and correlating them with modern reports, suggesting a belief in the enduring nature of the phenomenon. The inclusion of corrections and clarifications, as seen in "The Schiedam Case," indicates a commitment to accuracy and transparency in reporting.

Title: SVL-JOURNAL
Issue: N° 2/8
Date: August 27, 28 and 29, 1983 (Congress dates, issue likely published shortly after)
Publisher: SVL (Group for Study of Strange Aerial Phenomena)
Country: Belgium
Language: Dutch (with English summaries/translations)

This issue of the SVL-Journal delves into several intriguing cases and developments within the UFO field, with a strong focus on debunking and critical analysis.

The Abduction at Cergy-Pontoise, France: A Mystification

This extensive article by Jacques BONABOT and Wim VAN UTRECHT investigates the Cergy-Pontoise abduction case, which caused a sensation in the French press in late 1979. Franck FONTAINE, Jean-Pierre PREVOST, and Salomon N'DAYE, three young pedlars, claimed Fontaine was abducted by 'extra-terrestrials' and released a week later. Despite initial doubts from the gendarmerie and GEPAN, the story gained traction, even appearing in American magazines. The article reveals that Jean-Pierre Prévost confessed in July 1983 that the entire affair was a hoax, orchestrated by him to gain publicity and establish sects. He admitted to organizing the story and keeping Fontaine hidden for the duration of his supposed 'disappearance'. Prévost's motivation stemmed from a belief that people were losing interest in traditional religions and needed support, which he sought to provide through extraterrestrial beings. The article notes that Prévost waited four years to admit the hoax, possibly due to the prescription period for 'outrage à magistrat'. It is also mentioned that Franck Fontaine was later imprisoned for robbery.

Another European Abduction-Story That Received Superfluous Attention in the U.S.A.

This section, noted by Ed., discusses Wendell C. STEVENS' book "UFO...contact from planet IARGA", co-authored with Stefan DENAERDE. Stevens, a retired American Lt. Colonel and author on UFO contactees, had previously written about the controversial Eduard MEIER case. The article points out that the original version of "UFO...contact from planet IARGA" was written in Dutch by Stefan DENAERDE in 1969, titled "Buitenaardse beschaving" ("Extra-Terrestrial civilisation"). An introduction by the illustrator, Rudolf DAS, is quoted, stating that the book is not science-fiction but a 'utopic book' describing a confrontation between a man and an extraterrestrial civilization. The author of this section suggests that Denaerde used the contact experience to present his religious and political ideas, and while acknowledging the possibility that Stevens was deceived, considers it unlikely that Stevens believed the book was anything other than a novel.

UFO-Landing Set Up by Military People

Jean-Pierre TROADEC reports on an incident in Vauvert, France, on November 25, 1981. Numerous people witnessed a strange metallic-looking object with square edges and two antennas standing in a field. Rumors of an extraterrestrial spaceship landing spread, but the situation was quickly resolved. Two students from a military air-force school, dressed in a self-made 'space-suit', emerged from the object. The 'landing' was revealed to be a promotion stunt, with soldiers, gendarmerie, and press present. The incident sparked speculation among French ufologists about whether it was a stunt, a cover-up, or a genuine experiment.

Recent Belgian Sightings

Wim VAN UTRECHT briefly mentions three sightings that occurred since the previous issue. However, none were deemed particularly interesting, with evaluations ranging from 'atmospheric/astronomical phenomenon' to 'insufficient data' or 'probably psychologic in origin'.

Frenchman Teleported?

Wim VAN UTRECHT covers a story from July 1983 about Stefan GASPAROVIC, a 45-year-old workman who claimed to have been levitated by a UFO. The object, described as a ball with a funnel, allegedly released him about 6 km away from a height of approximately 2 meters. The incident occurred in Sommerécourt, France. One newspaper reported that Gasparovic was hospitalized with partial amnesia and bruises, while another mentioned traces investigated by the gendarmerie.

Strange Phenomena in Flanders

Jacques BONABOT begins a series of articles detailing strange phenomena in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. This first part covers events collected by GESAG/SVL from 1384 to 1870.

The BUFORA-Congress

Wim VAN UTRECHT and Ronny BLOMME report on the third international BUFORA-congress held in High Wycombe, England, on August 27-29, 1983. They summarize the presented papers and comment on the lectures.

Revisions Regarding Astronomical Data

This section addresses a correction to astronomical data previously published concerning the Schiedam case. Ronny BLOMME points out an error in interpreting the wind directions on a star chart, explaining that the orientation for celestial maps differs from terrestrial maps. He clarifies that Capella might have been visible at the time of the observations (July 14, 1979, around 01:10), potentially explaining one of the observed lights. However, he dismisses Deneb as too high in the sky and Altair as only roughly in position. The article also notes that horizontal visibility was limited to 800-900 meters, making stars faint. The correct position of the moon is also provided.

GEPAN N° 3 is Born

Michel COSTE reports on rumors surrounding the French government group GEPAN. Contrary to rumors of its disappearance, GEPAN has been reorganized under the CNES (National Centre for Space Studies) as ESO/SCIENCE/GEPAN. The group's director, Mr. Alain ESTERLE, has been replaced by Mr. VELASCO, and the personnel has been reduced to only a director and a secretary. This raises questions about GEPAN's budget, the continuation of its "Notes Techniques" series, and its engagement with independent ufologists. The article also mentions that "Note d'Information" n° 1 and "Note Technique" n° 10 are out of print. An editorial note references an article in "Flying Saucer Review" suggesting GEPAN's research continues under two CNES engineers, with results not being published, and highlights "Note Technique" n° 16 concerning a landing near Nice.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SVL-Journal consistently adopts a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena. This issue exemplifies this by debunking the Cergy-Pontoise abduction as a hoax and clarifying astronomical data errors. The journal also shows interest in official government research bodies like GEPAN, questioning their transparency and effectiveness. The publication appears to be a platform for sharing research, case analyses, and news within the UFO community, particularly from a European perspective, while maintaining a healthy skepticism towards sensational claims. The emphasis on providing corrections and detailed investigations suggests an editorial stance prioritizing accuracy and evidence-based conclusions.