UFO Newsletter (Richard Nolane) - No 02 - 09 mai 1996

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Newsletter, titled 'OVNI Alphénomènes connes', is dated May 9, 1996, and is published by OVNI in France. The editorial content is primarily in French, with some English titles for articles. The newsletter focuses on UFO phenomena, with a significant portion dedicated to the Roswell incident.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Richard D. Nolane, notes that the issue is largely dedicated to Roswell. It laments the disappearance of the intelligent TV show 'L'Odyssée de l'Etrange' but reassures readers that the 'feuilleton' (serial) of the Roswell affair will continue. The editorial suggests that the recent US Air Force report is an attempt to definitively close the case.

The Roswell Report, Fact vs Fiction in the New Mexico Desert: The US Air Force Clings to its Balloon

This main article critically examines the US Air Force's report on the Roswell incident. The author argues that the Air Force, possibly aware that its investigation did not convince skeptics, decided to publish its findings to prove the crash was merely a Mogul balloon. The report is described as a massive, 1000-page book costing $65, which expands upon the 1994 report distributed to the press. The article highlights that the report includes extensive details on the Mogul Project, including hundreds of pages of accompanying documents. The author questions the credibility of the Air Force's explanation, particularly by analyzing photos of Mogul balloons. These photos allegedly show that the balloons did not have any unknown components and that their reflectors were simple, kite-like structures, making it highly unlikely that Major Marcel could have mistaken them for UFO debris. The article also points out that Mogul balloons deflate rather than explode, contrasting with potential witness accounts of an 'explosion effect'. Furthermore, the design of the recorders carried by the balloons is described as terrestrial, not suggesting any extraterrestrial technology. The author suggests that the Air Force's explanation is either a deliberate deception or an admission that they themselves don't believe their own findings.

The article also scrutinizes the testimonies of key figures involved. It notes that while Colonel DuBose confirmed the debris had been switched, he is strangely absent from the 'portraits of principal actors' section. Sheridan Cavitt, a former captain in counter-espionage at the Roswell base, is interviewed extensively. Cavitt claims to have been closely linked with Jesse Marcel but denies being present at the ranch with McBrazel and Marcel when the debris was found. His selective memory is highlighted, as he claims the early July days were ordinary and dismisses reports of non-identifiable bodies as possibly stemming from a B-29 crash elsewhere. The article also points out that the USAF did not interview key civilian witnesses, implying an attempt to discredit them. Cavitt considers Karl Pflock, a former CIA operative interested in Roswell, to be a 'debunker in chief'.

Jimmy Guieu, Psiboy, and the Others

This section announces the upcoming release of Jimmy Guieu's new series, 'Les Compagnons de la Licorne', with the first novel titled 'Psiboy, L'Enfant du Cosmos'. The series is described as featuring a teenage hero with psychic powers, humor, adventure, and ufology. The price is 129F. It also addresses rumors that Guieu is forming a sect, dismissing them as 'imbecilities'.

Strange 'Crash' in South Africa

This report details an incident on May 30, 1995, in the Cedarberg Mountains, South Africa. Farmer Sukkie Smit and an employee witnessed a bright yellow, oval light traversing the sky, followed by a ball of light. Both objects reportedly crashed on the other side of the mountain, emitting smoke but no sound. The crash site was identified, and police and military personnel investigated. However, the search expedition was recalled after an hour without explanation, and Mr. Smit was asked to refrain from discussing the incident.

Betty Hill: Beware of Abductees!

This section features comments from Betty Hill, whose 1961 abduction experience is considered archetypal. In an interview with the Boston Globe, Hill expresses reservations about the epidemic of alleged abductions in the USA. She advises people not to panic if they see a UFO, stating they are not dangerous. She suggests that many abduction claims might be lies, hallucinations, or memories of films. Hill is skeptical of 'alien insemination' and compares it to the 'Syndrome of the Virgin Mary'. While acknowledging the strangeness of some cases, she believes that a high degree of strangeness should not automatically validate a claim. She points to the new developments in 'implant' stories as an example.

New Publications

• This section lists new ufology magazines and books:
• UNIVERS OVNI n°6: A 40-page issue from CERPA, featuring articles on UFOs in India, the Roswell film, and official research in France.
• LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT n°336: A 46-page issue with regular sections on UFO sightings in France and worldwide, plus a 13-page article by Kent Jeffrey on the 'Autopsy' film.

Dossier 54

This mentions Jean Sider's upcoming book, 'DOSSIER 54', about the 1954 UFO wave, promising many unpublished cases. It will be published by Editions de Beaupré and is expected to be similar in price and scope to 'L'Airship de 1897'. Sider's book 'OVNIS: Dossiers secrets' has also been translated into Romanian.

Mysterious Debris at Roswell

This report discusses a rumor that a piece of debris, allegedly from the Roswell crash, was handed over to the UFO Museum & Research Center in Roswell on March 24th by an anonymous former military personnel. The fragment is described as a triangular metal piece, 63mm long, 36mm wide, and 1/4mm thick, with non-terrestrial characteristics. It is noted that Dr. Charles Moore, a participant in the Mogul Project, believes the fragment is not from a Mogul balloon but might be of terrestrial origin. The article suggests that the fragment's characteristics would necessitate further destructive examination.

A Breach in the Ministry's Defense

This section reviews the book 'Open Skies, Closed Minds: Official Reactions to the UFO Phenomenon' by Nick Pope, with a preface by Timothy Good. Pope was responsible for the UFO desk at the UK Ministry of Defence from 1991 to 1994. The book reportedly details his efforts to meet with ufologists, which were seen by some colleagues as a personal initiative rather than a change in ministry policy. Pope faced criticism and mockery but continued his work. The article notes that despite official denials of UFOs, the book suggests a more serious situation within the British government. Pope's decision to publish without prior approval from his superiors and his intention to give lectures are highlighted, indicating a potentially turbulent future for him within the civil service.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently adopts a critical stance towards official explanations of UFO phenomena, particularly the US Air Force's handling of the Roswell incident. It champions 'real' ufology over commercialized versions and expresses skepticism towards sensationalized abduction stories while acknowledging the possibility of genuine, albeit rare, anomalous events. The publication appears to be a platform for disseminating alternative viewpoints and investigative reports within the French ufology community, often questioning government secrecy and promoting independent research.