UFO Newsletter (Richard Nolane) - No 07 - 30 decembre 1996

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Newsletter, number 7, dated December 30, 1996, is published in France and focuses on UFO phenomena and related topics. The editorial, written by Richard D. Nolane, apologizes for the publication's delay due to a heavy workload and announces the completion of two books on UFOs, with a third in progress. The magazine's address is 59, Chemin de la Roquette, 84400 APT, France, with subscriptions handled by Olivier Raynaud.

Remous Politico-Ufologiques en Angleterre

The main article details significant political developments in the United Kingdom concerning UFOs. Following the publication of Nick Pope's book 'Open Skies, Closed Minds,' where he asserted the existence of UFOs and their relevance to national security, the Minister of Defence, Frederick Howe, confirmed in a letter to MP Martin Redmond that all RAF bases are required to report UFO encounters directly to the ministry. Howe also stated that the ministry is open to the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The article notes that England, along with the United States, had a specialized UFO service as early as 1947, and suggests that information collected by the RAF's UFO intelligence center in Wiltshire may be subject to a higher level of secrecy.

The revelations followed a parliamentary debate initiated by MP Redmond concerning the RAF's unusual behavior during an observation near Skegness on October 4-5. An unidentified flying object accompanied by lights was observed for hours over the North Sea, witnessed by police, coast guards, and civilian crews. Military radars also tracked the object. The RAF's lack of reaction, specifically not sending a plane to investigate, prompted Redmond's parliamentary action. The official explanations, suggesting witnesses saw Venus and that radars were tracking a church steeple, are dismissed as absurd. Ufologist Tony Dodd is quoted expressing concern over radar systems' inability to distinguish between a church steeple and an aircraft.

Le (Petit) Coin du Debunker

This section critiques recent publications and events related to UFO debunking. The author criticizes the 'eighth European encounters' in Lyon organized by SOS OVNI, suggesting the event aims to subtly discredit the phenomenon rather than investigate it. The article dismisses a piece in 'Le Dauphiné Libéré' by Gilles Debernardi, which allegedly conflates UFO enthusiasts with cults, and criticizes the 'source' cited, Jean-François Llerena, for his alleged past involvement in fabricating UFO photos and harassing organizations.

Pierre Lagrange is also discussed, with the author questioning his investigative methods and suggesting he ignores crucial information, particularly regarding the Roswell incident. The article criticizes a 'dossier' on Roswell in 'X-Files' magazine, attributing it to author Nataël, and suggests it relies on outdated information and lacks depth. The author recommends purchasing alcohol or tobacco instead of Lagrange's book, deeming it harmful to health.

Carl Sagan Est Mort

The issue notes the passing of astronomer Carl Sagan on December 21st at the age of 62. While a proponent of extraterrestrial intelligence and communication programs like SETI, Sagan was less categorical about UFOs earlier in his career. His final book, 'The Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark,' is described as a critique of 'false' sciences.

OVNI D'AILLEURS...

This section reviews two books: 'THE OZ FILES' by Bill Chalker, which covers Australian UFO events and RAAF testimonies, and 'UFO DANGER ZONE' by Bob Pratt, detailing UFO threats in Brazil. Both books are available through Arcturus Books.

Serieux, S'abstenir...

This part of the newsletter warns readers about poorly researched pro-UFO books that can negatively impact the field. The author criticizes a compilation from Michel Lafon titled 'Dossier OVNIS,' which allegedly relies on conspiracy theories from William Cooper and internet texts, presenting UFOs as a topic for 'crazy people.' The author spent 65F to warn readers about this book.

Another critique is leveled against the 'Roswell' dossier in 'X-Files' magazine, authored by Nataël. The author finds Nataël well-intentioned but lacking in knowledge, making numerous errors and relying on pre-1990 documents, ignoring more recent works by researchers like Randle & Schmitt, and Friedman & Berliner.

Mystere Autour d'un Accident d'Avion

This article reports on the crash of a CH-130 Hercules aircraft off the coast of Northern California on November 22nd. Of the 11 crew members, only one survived. The survivor recounted multiple engine failures and a complete electrical system failure. While no UFO was sighted by the crew, the incident is linked to other cases involving UFO observations, such as one experienced by Leonard Stringfield in August 1945. The article also mentions a series of UFO sightings in the region east of the crash site since early 1995, including an incident on October 17, 1995, where two 'fast planes' pursued a 'strange white oval-shaped light.'

Interessant Cas de Mutilation Animale

On November 6, 1996, a bull weighing over 800 kg was found mutilated near Burns, Colorado. The animal's genitals, eyes, ears, and left side of its muzzle were precisely cut. Local police and a veterinarian noted the absence of struggle and that coyotes, which had left tracks around the carcass, did not approach it. The author suggests this case challenges the notion that such mutilations are solely the work of predators.

Le Bresil, Toujours le Bresil...

An important sighting occurred on October 18, 1996, over Brazil. Pilot Humberto Araujo Cruz observed a pyramid-shaped OVNI, approximately 30 meters high, with rounded corners and a transparent dome. The object moved towards the west, and later, a brilliant oval object emerged from its superior dome, which then disappeared at high speed. The smaller object also flew away after hovering for a few minutes. The article notes that such 'flying pyramids' have been observed in Brazil before.

Rencontre du 3eme Type en Ecosse

On September 23, 1996, two women and a child reported seeing a large, triangular OVNI, estimated to be 75 meters wide, projecting two white light beams towards the ground. The object then disappeared at high speed. Returning later with another witness, they observed a powerful blue light hovering over a field, along with a multicoloured, pulsating star-shaped object. Small beings and a tall silhouette were also seen. The witnesses fled in terror.

Aux Frontieres du Reel : Les "Politiquement Corrects de la Pedophilie"

This section criticizes media decisions, specifically M6's decision to remove an episode of 'X-Files' due to its depiction of a pedophile. The author argues that such decisions are driven by hypocrisy and moral order, questioning the relevance of 'representative mothers' committees in judging programs they do not watch. The article suggests that if mothers focused more on their children, there would be fewer sexual deviants. It also questions the lack of serious UFO programs on television, implying a connection to such media decisions.

News... News... News...

This section provides brief updates:

• The International UFO Museum in Roswell has moved to a larger location at 114 North Main, enabling conferences and school outreach.
• The website www.lookingglass.net/commercial/ufo/ufo.html now hosts the 'Le (petit) coin du debunker' section.
• 'Lumières dans la Nuit' issue n°340 is available, featuring articles on Guyana and Brazil.
• A new book by Jean-Claude Bourret, 'OVNI 1997: le bilan,' is due in February, but the author expresses skepticism due to Bourret's tendency to rely on SEPRA's statements and avoid controversial aspects.
• Marius Dewilde, a key witness from the 1954 French UFO wave, passed away on October 1st at age 76. He reported seeing a landed OVNI and two small beings in Quarouble, Nord.

(Remous Politico-Ufologiques en Angleterre, suite et fin)

This concluding part of the English article reiterates that the handling of the Skegness incident by the RAF and the Ministry of Defence suggests a greater knowledge of UFOs than is publicly admitted. It dismisses the idea of a secret US aircraft test. The article mentions John Major's statement that the government would not allocate funds for extraterrestrial research, but questions the secrecy surrounding RAF pilot reports, citing the disproportionate cost of obtaining them as a reason for non-disclosure.

The author expresses a desire for a French MP to ask similar questions about UFO secrecy in the National Assembly, highlighting the need for bold representatives.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Newsletter include government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena, particularly within military and defense establishments. The magazine actively critiques and debunks what it perceives as misinformation or deliberate attempts to discredit ufology, often targeting French debunkers. There is a strong emphasis on international UFO sightings, with detailed accounts from England and Brazil. The editorial stance is clearly pro-UFO investigation, advocating for transparency and critical analysis of official explanations. The magazine also highlights the importance of credible research and warns against sensationalism or poorly researched publications that can harm the field.