UFO Newsletter (Richard Nolane) - No 22 - 25 juillet 1998

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Newsletter, number 22, dated July 25, 1998, is published in France and edited by Richard D. Nolane. It covers a range of topics within the UFO and unexplained phenomena field, including the debunking of Martian anomalies, controversies surrounding historical UFO cases, and details on secret military aircraft projects.

Editorial: A Return and Apologies

Richard D. Nolane begins the editorial by apologizing for the four-month suspension of UFO Newsletter and the delay in the publication of FOO-FIGHTER. He explains that these publications require more work than they appear and that he has been overwhelmed, further exacerbated by the sudden death of his computer. He expresses hope to resume monthly publication and thanks readers for their messages, which he states are his primary motivation for continuing.

"Face on Mars" and Cydonia: A Farewell to Artificiality

The lead article, "QUELQUES LARMES D'ADIEU POUR «LE VISAGE DE MARS»..." (A Few Tears of Farewell for the 'Face of Mars'...), discusses the disappointing revelation that the 'Face on Mars' and the alleged 'pyramids' at Cydonia are not artificial. The author, presumably Nolane, states that he examined the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) images in early April and found the evidence conclusive. He expresses sympathy for those who built scientific arguments or livelihoods around the artificiality claims, including Richard Hoagland, who is accused of crying 'NASA conspiracy' and alleging image retouching. The article criticizes the idea that erosion over 22 years could explain the differences between Viking and MGS images, calling such suggestions 'insane' and detrimental to credibility. The author emphasizes that true researchers must recognize their errors, even if painful, to avoid being labeled as 'cranks' or 'fantasists'. The article concludes that Cydonia, like Capri, is now 'finished' and that the focus should shift, while acknowledging that the lower resolution of older Viking images might have contributed to misinterpretations.

Jacques Vallée Under Scrutiny in the USA

"JACQUES VALLEE MIS EN CAUSE AUX ETATS-UNIS" (Jacques Vallée Called into Question in the USA) examines the controversy surrounding the 'Philadelphia Experiment'. The article recounts the myth of a 1943 US Navy experiment to make the escort ship USS Eldridge invisible to radar, which allegedly resulted in crew disappearances and a temporary displacement into a parallel universe. While acknowledging that an experiment likely occurred in Philadelphia, its purpose remains a military secret. The article details how Jacques Vallée, exasperated by constant inquiries, wrote an article to debunk the myth, relying on a firsthand witness, a sailor who claimed to be on the USS Enstrom, a ship near the Eldridge. Edward Dudgeon, the witness, explained that the US Navy was experimenting with a system to neutralize magnetic torpedoes, not for radar invisibility, as the Germans supposedly lacked such technology. Dudgeon also provided details about the Eldridge's subsequent missions. Vallée's article, "Anatomy of a Hoax," published in The Journal of Scientific Exploration, was cited as a model of seriousness.

However, recent research by American scientists has revealed that Dudgeon's claims were inaccurate. The article points out that the German navy possessed radar technology in 1943, citing the Graf Spee battleship as an example. Furthermore, American military regulations require the censorship of unclassified projects in public texts. The article notes that Vice-Admiral William D. Houser reviewed Vallée's text without requesting changes, which raises questions about Dudgeon's testimony or Houser's diligence. The article suggests that Vallée's arguments, based on flawed information, have damaged his credibility. It also criticizes Vallée's generalizations about American ufology, which has alienated many researchers. The author concludes that a serious study of the Philadelphia Experiment is still needed.

Colonel Philip Corso is Dead

"LE COLONEL CORSO EST MORT" (Colonel Corso is Dead) reports the passing of Colonel Philip Corso, author of "The Day After Roswell." Corso died on July 8, 1998, at the age of 84, following a second severe heart attack. He had previously suffered a major cardiac event in June, from which he was reportedly recovering. Before his first attack, Corso had expressed regret about the media turmoil his revelations had caused, stating that he would no longer share further information and would keep his remaining knowledge private. He also mentioned financial difficulties due to legal fees and the lack of royalties from his book, which prevented him from covering further legal costs. His public appearances were canceled.

Shortly before his health crisis, Corso had made a sworn statement in connection with a lawsuit filed in Phoenix, Arizona, by Peter Gersten of Citizens Against Ufo Secrecy (CAUS). The lawsuit aimed to compel the military to release documents related to Corso's claims about the Roswell crash and the subsequent dissemination of alien technology. The article expresses hope that these tragic events will not impede the legal action.

Since the publication of his book, Corso has been the subject of intense debate online. The article notes that while some are firmly 'for' his claims and others 'against,' many ufologists hold a mixed opinion. The author acknowledges Corso's sharp and irascible character, and his co-author William Birnes's admission of rushing the book and allowing errors that compromised its credibility. The article suggests that Corso's decision to withhold further information might stem from his experiences, but hopes he might reconsider.

Three New Books on UFOs

This section reviews three recent books:

• OVNI: Laboratoire du Futur (UFO: Laboratory of the Future) by Michel Picard (Ed. Orion). Described as an important, though perhaps not widely accessible, reflection on the place of UFO phenomena in human evolution and daily life. It critiques socio-psychology and disinformation programs, and suggests that 'abductions' and NDEs cause similar psychological mutations. Picard posits that if UFOs are extraterrestrial, their technology is advanced magic, and human anatomy is optimal for developing superior consciousness due to the universe's unity.
• Epistemologie du phénomène ovnien (Epistemology of the Ufological Phenomenon) by Jacques Costagliola (Ed. L'Harmattan). This book argues that the scientific community's refusal to study UFOs is a scandal and suggests that humanity should consider the possibility of contact with non-human intelligence. The author criticizes the author's grammatical considerations and the replacement of 'ufology' with 'ovniology'.
• Autrefois les OVNI: Trente siècles de Témoignages (Formerly UFOs: Thirty Centuries of Testimonies) by Richard D. Nolane (CGR Editions). This is a re-edition of a previous work, presented as the only French book available on UFO history before 1947, covering testimonies up to 1947.

Dossiers OVNI: A New Series

"DOSSIERS OVNI" is a new UFO series consisting of 12 fascicles and video cassettes, aiming to cover the UFO phenomenon comprehensively. The video cassettes are described as quality Anglo-Saxon productions, while the fascicles, though well-presented and informative, are written by French authors under the direction of Jacques Mandorla. The articles are unsigned, which the author notes reflects a 'detestable atmosphere' in French ufology, intended to avoid reactions from overly zealous individuals. Each fascicle includes reproductions of documents and posters. The series is published bi-weekly, with varying prices for the initial issues.

Other Publications Reviewed

• SENTINEL NEWS n°9: A 60-page publication with nearly 20 articles on UFOs worldwide, noted for its growing importance for informed amateurs.
• TAU CETI n°44: A thick magazine (64 pages) that covers UFOs, including articles on the situation in Belgium, the Mexico video, implants, and crop circles. Membership in the association provides access to at least four issues per year.
• UMMOFRA n°1, 2 et 3: An information letter from the CEOF concerning the French part of the UMMO affair, aiming to prove it is not a mystification.

The FOO-FIGHTER #1 is Here!

The issue announces the release of FOO-FIGHTER #1. It also includes a note from the editor explaining why he no longer reviews "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), as he has not received copies for six months. He also explains his decision not to review Jean Sider's book on the 1954 wave because the author refused to send him a copy. The editor states that any refusal of review copies for UFO Newsletter will result in a radio silence in his monthly UFO column for the magazine L'INCONNU.

The editor also humorously recounts the postal issues with Phenomena #37, where issues were delayed for a month. He mentions Perry Petrakis's paranoid reaction, suggesting the delay might have been due to an article on sects and UFOs, an explanation the editor finds laughable given the article's banality.

The FOO-FIGHTER #1 has a table of contents featuring three important close encounter cases from 1926, 1940, and 1946, a false crash in 1871, a novel on 'ancient astronauts,' mysterious underwater ruins near Okinawa, and an article on Vincent Gaddis.

Secret Projects of the US Air Force

This section, "LES PROJETS «NOIRS» DE I'US AIR FORCE" (The 'Black' Projects of the US Air Force), expands on information from the "DOSSIERS OVNI" series regarding the Zone 51. It details four frequently mentioned secret aircraft projects: Aurora, Brilliant Buzzard, Black Manta, and Senior Citizen.

• Aurora: Believed to be a replacement for the SR-71 Blackbird, designed for high-speed reconnaissance. Its existence was hinted at in the US Air Force's budget in 1985. Sightings of a triangular, black aircraft refueling in the North Sea in 1989 are described. Aurora is speculated to reach Mach 12, using liquid methane fuel. The SR-71's retirement in November 1997 is seen as further evidence of Aurora's operational status.
• Black Manta: Described as a slow, stealthy reconnaissance aircraft, similar to the B-2 and F-117, possibly used for providing targeting information for attack aircraft. It may have been tested during the Gulf War alongside F-117s.
• Senior Citizen: Initially thought to be a codename to mislead researchers about Aurora, it is now believed to refer to a stealth transport aircraft with a triangular shape, capable of short takeoffs and landings. Developed after the failed 1980 operation in Iran, it is thought to have been used by British SAS commandos and possibly seen at Macrihanish airbase.
• Brilliant Buzzard: This project is described as a reusable, two-stage space vehicle consisting of a hypersonic carrier aircraft and an orbital craft. The 'Brilliant' designation suggests it is part of the Strategic Defense Initiative ('Star Wars'). The carrier aircraft is thought to combine features of the SR-71 and the XB-70 bomber, using Aurora's propulsion technology. This project revives a 30-year-old concept of a composite aircraft.

Testimonies suggest sightings of such large aircraft (50-60 meters long) and the construction of a large hangar at Groom Lake, nicknamed 'Hangar 18', to house them.

Necrology

• Vincent H. Gaddis (1913-1997): The creator of the term 'Bermuda Triangle' in 1964, Gaddis was a dedicated researcher of the unexplained. He published numerous articles and books, including the international bestseller "Invisible Horizons." He also explored theories about 'phantom aircraft' and wondered if UFOs might be living atmospheric beings, an idea he developed in his book "Mysterious Fires and Lights."
• Maria Reiche (1903-1998): Known as the 'Grand Lady of Nazca,' Reiche passed away at 95. She dedicated over half a century to studying and protecting the Nazca lines and geoglyphs in Peru. She believed they formed a cosmic calendar for ancient indigenous farmers. Her death is considered a significant loss for South American archaeology, and concerns are raised about the preservation of the Nazca site from tourism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with military secrecy, advanced technology, and historical mysteries. There is a strong emphasis on debunking sensational claims while also acknowledging the need for serious, objective research into the unexplained. The editor, Richard D. Nolane, appears committed to maintaining a critical yet open-minded stance, prioritizing evidence-based analysis and transparency, as demonstrated by his editorial policies regarding review copies and his direct engagement with reader feedback. The publication also serves as a platform for reviewing relevant books and other UFO-related publications, fostering a community of interest in the field.