UFO Newsletter (Richard Nolane) - No 11 - 20 mai 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Newsletter
Issue: 11
Volume: 2
Date: May 20, 1997
Publisher: Groupe Sentinelle
Country: France
Language: French
Cover Headline: OVNI ET PHENOMENES CONNEXES

Editorial

Richard D. Nolane, the editor, states that UFO Newsletter is entering its second year with a renewed commitment to staying out of polemics while still presenting evidence and challenging debunkers. He criticizes those who present themselves as 'disappointed' ufologists but are actually opportunists seeking attention. Nolane believes that the 'debunker's corner' in media is too prevalent and that trash TV shows that sensationalize UFOs are on the decline, suggesting there is still much work to be done in the field.

The 'Autopsy Film' Saga Continues

This section details the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged Roswell 'Autopsy Film.' A supposed 'auto-interview' of the cameraman, filmed in a New York hotel room on July 12, 1996, was broadcast by a Japanese television station. The film, a result of an agreement between Ray Santilli and producer Robert Kiviat, aims to answer questions posed by Kiviat. However, the cameraman's face is partially visible, raising confidentiality concerns. Santilli has forbidden the use of the two circulating images from the broadcast, which show an elderly man with trembling hands, broad shoulders, wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, and speaking with a strong New York accent. Only a few individuals, including Santilli, Kiviat, Bob Shell (photo specialist), and Michael Hesemann (German researcher), have seen the full recording. The interview shifts the location from Roswell to Socorro, New Mexico, and describes the cameraman filming the crash site, witnessing frightened recovery teams, and seeing injured creatures. He claims President Truman made an appearance and that many scientists and military personnel were present. A particularly striking episode involved military personnel allegedly tearing instruments from the injured creatures, mistaking them for weapons.

The article notes that the cameraman kept 25 reels of film, which he claims to have retained after the military supposedly recovered most of the footage in August 1947. He states he stored the 'problematic' reels at his home because he couldn't find anyone authorized to possess such classified material. The author questions the credibility of this claim, finding it hard to believe that such sensitive material could be simply taken home, especially given the security measures surrounding it. The article suggests that only debunkers would accept such a story, implying they believe Roswell officers were incompetent enough to mistake a weather balloon for a UFO. It also observes that the autopsy story seems to have become detached from the Roswell case, despite its publicity value.

New Book on Roswell

This section reviews Jean-Gabriel Greslé's new book, 'UN TERRESTRE EXTRA, SECRET D'ETAT,' published by Ramsey. The author acknowledges that Gildas Bourdais and he published books on the same subject a year and a half earlier but finds Greslé's work highly interesting. Greslé is praised for his understanding of the American military machine and his demonstration of how official disinformation works, which is seen as a refreshing change from the 'ravings' of Pierre Lagrange. However, the reviewer criticizes Greslé for adopting the 'revisionist' hypothesis of Roswell, which posits that the wreckage was recovered before the debris was discovered on 'Mac' Brazel's ranch. This hypothesis relies heavily on the testimonies of Frank Kaufman and Jim Ragsdale, whose statements have reportedly varied significantly, even concerning the location of the main crash site. The reviewer expresses personal doubt about the 'revisionist' hypothesis, finding it 'twisted' and believing that the behavior of key figures like Major Jesse Marcel and Colonel William Blanchard doesn't hold up if military authorities were already aware of the wreckage recovery. Despite this criticism, the reviewer recommends the book as a significant contribution to the 50th anniversary of the 'official' discovery of the UFO phenomenon in 1947.

UFO NEWS - UFO NEWS - UFO NEWS - UFO NEWS - UFO NEWS

This segment reports on unusual ufological activity in the North Atlantic, similar to regions like the Bass Strait between Australia and Tasmania. According to Anthony Dodd in the May-June 1997 issue of UFO Magazine, numerous incidents involving chalutiers and naval vessels, including NATO forces, have occurred. UFOs have been observed entering and exiting the ocean. In late 1992, Icelandic coast guards and NATO ships pursued unidentified underwater objects (OSNI) that caused panic among local fishermen. On February 6, 1993, sixteen UFOs hovered over three American destroyers. The report also details an incident on January 12, 1997, in Puerto Rico, where a retired police officer, Pedro Viera, allegedly witnessed a disc-shaped UFO abducting a bull. He was reportedly intercepted by two military personnel who advised him to drop the matter. Later, the carcass of a bovine was found with injuries consistent with a fall from a great height. The article suggests a potential link between UFOs and cattle mutilations, and possibly human mutilations, and questions the role of the military in silencing witnesses in a 'ufologically sensitive' area like Puerto Rico.

(The Little) Debunker's Corner

The Crabs Devour Each Other

This section criticizes Marc Hallet, described as a fervent believer in pathological scientism. The author argues that Hallet is a staunch opponent of ufology and must be treated as such, comparing him to someone who would justify burning people at the stake. The author finds Hallet's publication, 'INFOS,' amusing and notes that Hallet criticizes the magazine 'ANOMALIES' and its editor, Pierre Lagrange, for their alleged ambiguity in dealing with UFOs. Hallet accuses 'ANOMALIES' of pretending to reject UFOs while publishing texts that leave room for doubt, suggesting that Lagrange and his colleagues are unwilling to 'kill the goose that lays the golden eggs' by alienating the media. The author agrees with Hallet's assessment of 'ANOMALIES' as a 'trap for suckers' and a 'bulletin from fake skeptics,' but for different reasons.

A Detail That Doesn't... Fit

This part critiques Nicolas Maillard's analysis in 'ANOMALIES' n°2, suggesting he is adopting the 'Lagrange' approach by distorting facts to support the US Air Force's theories on UFOs. Maillard's claim that a Mogul balloon was the cause of the Roswell incident is challenged. The article points out that the witness, Mac Brazel, only mentioned 'adhesive tape' in his statement, and that he later stated he was convinced it was not a balloon, implying his testimony was influenced. The author refers to an interview with Gildas Bourdais for further details.

Become 'USGA' and the Future is Yours!

This section criticizes the 'whining' in a special anniversary issue of 'PHENOMENA,' which is described as being aimed at a non-specialist audience and the media to promote commercial interests. The author takes issue with Michel Piccin's assertion that one can study UFOs without believing in them, likening it to studying religion. Piccin's argument is dismissed as absurd, comparing it to studying aviation without believing in heavier-than-air flight. The author suggests that this approach is a tactic to gain credibility with the scientific establishment and potentially achieve the 'USGA' (Serious Ufologist, Guaranteed by State Authorities) label, which is seen as a sign of being a controlled, 'factory-farmed' ufologist.

Press Services

This section reviews 'SENTINEL NEWS,' noting its improved presentation and international scope, particularly its translations from the German magazine 'MAGAZIN 2000.' It also announces the launch of 'CHARABIA,' a monthly four-page letter for amateur ufologists to debate topics, warning that such publications can quickly become polemical.

The review mentions the release of Jimmy Guieu's science fiction novel, 'UN TERRESTRE EXTRA,' published by Editions URIEL.

News from the Front

This section reports that there is no news regarding the second issue of the magazine 'UNIVERS OVNI,' which was taken over by Robert Alessandri under questionable publishing conditions.

The author states he was among the first to point out that 'extremists of ufology' had 'dirty hands' in the Heaven's Gate mass suicide, linking it to unfounded stories about a spaceship approaching Earth. Dr. Courtney Brown is mentioned as a promoter of this theory, with reports of a spaceship having ceased following the Hale-Bopp comet and hiding behind the Sun.

Philip Klass's claims in 'SKEPTIC UFO NEWSLETTER' regarding the MJ-12 documents are discussed. Klass suggests that William Moore created these documents based on an idea from Richard Doty (an associate of Moore's within AFOSI) to create a stir and force the military to reveal information about UFOs and encourage Roswell witnesses to come forward. Moore allegedly discussed this idea in 1983, but Stanton Friedman advised against it. Doty was later removed from AFOSI for making false statements. Klass concludes that the Air Force is not involved in creating the MJ-12 documents to ridicule American ufology, but this doesn't explain why the Air Force has allowed Richard Doty to be a 'source' for ufologists for years without intervention.

The article notes that the 'Nuit des Extraterrestres' event on Canal+ on June 13 will be organized by Pierre Lagrange, suggesting a lack of objectivity. A rumor about the Raelians potentially appearing is mentioned. M6's 'ZONE INTERDITE' program is also mentioned, with a planned report on UFOs for June 15, and a contact made to film 'the day of a ufologist.' The author expresses dismay that such important subjects are entrusted to journalists who seem ill-equipped to handle them, implying they might believe researchers are chasing aliens in their gardens.

Finally, the author confirms that his book 'EXTRATERRESTRES : LA VERITE SUR ROSWELL' is available, as is its companion volume, 'LES "SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" ARRIVENT,' for purchase via mail order.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate and controversy surrounding the 'Autopsy Film' and the Roswell incident, the critique of debunking efforts and 'scientism,' and the reporting of various UFO sightings and alleged encounters, including oceanic and extraterrestrial abduction scenarios. The editorial stance is clearly pro-ufology, critical of mainstream media sensationalism and dismissive attitudes, and skeptical of those who seek to discredit genuine research. The magazine positions itself as a source of evidence-based reporting, challenging what it perceives as official disinformation and media bias.