UFO Quebec - No 04 - 1975 12

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-QUEBEC
Issue: Vol. I, No. 4
Date: December 1975
Publisher: UFO-QUEBEC Association
Country: Canada
Language: French
ISSN: 0317-9311
Price: $1.00

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC, a quarterly magazine focused on UFOs, presents a collection of reports, investigations, and articles related to unidentified flying objects. The cover features a stark black and white design with a silhouette of a humanoid figure and a flying saucer, along with the magazine's title and issue number.

Editorial Stance

In his editorial, Claude Mac Duff, the new Editor-in-Chief, outlines his commitment to presenting a serious and objective view of ufology. He emphasizes avoiding sensationalism and fantastic claims that could discredit serious research. Mac Duff highlights the magazine's first anniversary and its efforts to structure its administration and define the roles of its members. He expresses gratitude to subscribers and encourages continued support for the publication's second year, aiming to enhance the quality of its chronicles and provide valuable information to its readership.

Investigations and Sightings

The magazine details numerous UFO observations, primarily from Quebec, with a focus on events from September 14, 1975. These include:

• Baie Comeau (September 14, 1975): A witness reported seeing a bright, blue-green sphere moving at high speed and low altitude from North to South without sound.
• St-Georges, Beauce (September 14, 1975): A cigar-shaped object with a green front and red rear was observed moving at high speed from Southeast to Northwest.
• Lachenaie (September 14, 1975): Witnesses saw a green sphere, the size of the full moon, moving from Southeast to Northwest.
• St-Alexandre de Kamouraska (September 14, 1975): A doctor reported an oval, brilliant, red-tipped object moving slowly at low altitude, which stopped and disappeared.
• Kingsbury (September 14, 1975): Two witnesses observed a pale green sphere, cantaloupe-sized, moving at low altitude and leaving a luminous green trail with red sparks.
• Route 20, near Val-Alain (September 14, 1975): A TV animator and his family saw a brightly lit object that moved at reduced speed, stopped, changed direction by 90 degrees, and disappeared.
• Charlesbourg (date not specified): A student reported seeing a brilliant, oval object with a red glow moving from Southeast to Northwest without sound.
• Lauzon (September 26, 1975): A witness saw a very bright, extraordinary oval object moving low and disappearing.
• Ciné-parc Beauport (date not specified): A man and woman observed a luminous object moving in all directions.
• Saint-Malachie, Dorchester (September 26, 1975): A farmer saw a luminous object moving at high speed over his barn.

Special Report: The Leeming Encounter

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed account by R. B. Leeming, an electrical engineer, of an encounter he had in 1966 near Kénogami, Quebec. Leeming describes finding a large, disc-shaped craft, resembling a flattened spinning top, resting on three telescopic legs. He cautiously entered the craft and encountered two beings in white, space-like suits. One being, who spoke English with a peculiar accent, explained that they were studying Earth and that their civilization had separated from humanity hundreds of thousands of years ago. Leeming was shown the craft's propulsion system, which he describes as based on atomic conversion and inertia units, capable of controlled flight and entry into the atmosphere without heat shields. The beings explained that their luminescence near the ground was due to a corona effect from electrostatic fields. Leeming was asked to leave as the beings had to depart. He observed the craft ascend and disappear rapidly.

Other Articles and Sections

• "Rencontre avec un UFO" (Encounter with a UFO): This section details an event on August 31, 1975, in Montreal, where a woman reported seeing a flattened, glowing sphere land outside her hotel and then ascend.
• "Les UFOs, Hier et Aujourd'hui" (UFOs, Yesterday and Today): An article by Robert Sapienza.
• "L'Homme et les Contacts Extra-Terrestres (2)" (Man and Extra-Terrestrial Contacts): Part two of an article by J. Holt.
• "Informations Internationales" (International Information): A section covering global UFO news.
• "Carnets Mondains" (Worldly Notebook): Likely a section for miscellaneous news or notes.
• "La Toupie" (The Spinning Top): This section, part of the Leeming encounter, describes the shape and appearance of the UFO.
• "Les Creatures" (The Creatures): Continues the Leeming encounter, detailing the appearance and communication of the extraterrestrial beings.
• "La Propulsion" (Propulsion): Leeming's detailed explanation of the UFO's propulsion system, based on atomic conversion and inertia units.
• "Qui sont-ils?" (Who are they?): Discusses the nature and origin of the beings encountered.
• "Notes": Explanations of technical terms like 'Transducteur' and 'Piézo-électricité'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, detailed encounter reports, and the technical aspects of UFOs. The editorial stance, as articulated by Claude Mac Duff, is to maintain a serious, objective, and scientific approach to ufology, distinguishing it from sensationalism and unfounded speculation. The magazine aims to be a reliable source of information for those interested in the phenomenon, encouraging critical analysis and factual reporting. The inclusion of scientific advisors suggests an effort to ground the discussions in scientific principles where possible.

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC, Volume I, No. 4, dated November 1975, is a comprehensive exploration of UFO phenomena, focusing on Canadian investigations and notable cases. The magazine features articles on Project Magnet, witness testimonies, and the controversial Leeming case, alongside discussions on the scientific community's perspective on extraterrestrial life.

The Leeming Case: A Deep Dive

The lead article, "CONCLUSION" by W. Hoville, details the investigator's extensive efforts to locate and interview engineer Leeming regarding his alleged UFO encounter. Hoville recounts his two-year search, culminating in a conversation with Leeming in November 1975. Leeming initially claimed his story was fiction, written for amusement, but Hoville's investigation with a former employee of Price de Kénogami confirmed the timeline of Leeming's work at the Kénogami plant between autumn 1961 and autumn 1962. Hoville presents three hypotheses for Leeming's account: that he studied UFOs for years, that he experienced the event and fabricated it to avoid ridicule, or that he experienced it and was threatened into silence. The article also references the Robertson Report and the CIA, suggesting potential government involvement or intimidation. Arthur Bray, an author and former RCAF pilot, corroborated hearing Leeming's story and also searched for him for years, suggesting possible intimidation.

The issue questions Leeming's motives for detailing the story, especially given that 1962 was a year rich in UFO sightings in Canada. The article concludes that whether fiction or truth, Leeming's story has become part of UFO lore.

Project Magnet: Canada's Official UFO Investigation

"Notes sur le projet 'MAGNET'" details Canada's governmental involvement in UFO research. Project Magnet, established in November 1953 and overseen by the Department of Transport, was Canada's official UFO tracking station, located at Shirley's Bay near Ottawa. Dr. W. Smith, a telecommunications specialist, led the project and developed simple magnetic detectors for UFOs. A related project, the 'Second Storey Committee,' authorized in April 1952 and led by Peter M. Millman, focused on upper atmosphere research. Millman, interviewed by Hoville, confirmed that the National Research Council (NRC) still collects UFO sighting data, though no official investigation is ongoing. The article notes that copies of the 'Project Magnet' report are available from the Center for UFO Studies in the US.

The report's methodology involved interviewing witnesses, using a questionnaire, and calculating a validity index to assess the reliability of reports. The analysis of 25 representative cases suggested the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors. The NRC's stance, as presented in a 1968 note, differed from Smith's, with Millman attributing the NRC's disinterest to the lack of perceived danger posed by UFOs to national security.

Explaining the Unexplained: Normal Phenomena

Section 2, "DESCRIPTION ET DEFINITION DE PHENOMENES NORMAUX POUVANT PROVOQUER DES RAPPORTS D'OBSERVATIONS D'OVNI," by W. Hoville, provides a guide to distinguishing UFO sightings from common aerial phenomena. It details various types of balloons (pilot, radiosonde, Skyhook), aircraft, and atmospheric effects like nacreous clouds, luminous night clouds, and optical phenomena such as halos and mock suns. It also explains the appearance of meteors and auroras, cautioning observers to be aware of these potential misidentifications.

Case Studies: The Project Magnet Selection

Section 3 presents a selection of 14 cases from the Project Magnet study, each with a validity percentage. These cases, occurring between May and December 1952 across Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, describe various UFO sightings, including round, blue, silver, and orange objects, some with unusual flight characteristics like rapid ascent or descent, and others described as disk-shaped or oval. Specific details include estimated sizes, altitudes, and durations of observation, with some cases noting whistling sounds or luminous trails.

UFOs in the Canadian North: A Close Encounter

"RENCONTRE AVEC UN UFO DANS LE GRAND NORD" by Jeff Holt recounts a sighting in November 1968 by a pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer of a Ward-Air Ltd. Bristol 170 aircraft. While flying 150 miles north of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, they observed a pale blue, disk-shaped object that maintained a stationary position and then followed their aircraft for five minutes at a distance of about 1,000 feet. The witnesses described seeing a row of windows on the object and a dark shape in the central window, possibly an occupant. The object then departed rapidly. The report notes that the aircraft's radio communication with air traffic control was unaffected, and the aircraft functioned normally.

Scientific Perspectives and Extraterrestrial Contact

"HIER ET AUJOURD'HUI" by Robert Sapienza, translated by C. Mac Duff, analyzes UFO phenomena from a rational perspective. Sapienza discusses various theories, including atmospheric phenomena, psychological explanations, and the most widely accepted theory of extraterrestrial craft controlled by intelligent beings. He highlights the scientific community's initial skepticism and tendency to ridicule UFO reports, contrasting it with the curiosity of pioneers like Schrodinger. The article notes the increasing involvement of qualified individuals and organizations, including NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in UFO research. It mentions the work of Dr. Joseph Allen Hynek and organizations like APRO and MUFON.

"L'homme et les contacts extra-terrestres (2)" by Jeff Holt, translated by Claude Mac Duff, explores the possibility of intelligent civilizations in the Milky Way, estimating at least a million such civilizations. The article discusses the theory that advanced civilizations may have interstellar fleets capable of exploration. It references the Betty and Barney Hill abduction case in New Hampshire in 1961 as a significant example of contact, where the couple was taken aboard a UFO and subjected to a medical examination. The case is supported by radar evidence and later detailed through hypnosis, including the reproduction of a star map by Betty Hill, which was later corroborated by astronomical catalogs.

The article suggests that extraterrestrials may continue to abduct humans for examination but refrain from direct contact until humanity achieves a level of technological advancement allowing for interstellar travel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into UFO phenomena, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial origins. There's a clear emphasis on presenting documented cases and scientific analysis, contrasting with sensationalized accounts. The recurring themes include government investigations (Project Magnet), witness testimonies, the challenges of distinguishing UFOs from known phenomena, and the broader implications of potential extraterrestrial contact. The editorial tone encourages critical thinking and further research, as evidenced by the concluding remarks in "HIER ET AUJOURD'HUI" inviting readers to remain curious and interested.

Title: UFO-QUEBEC
Volume: 1
Issue: 4
Date: 1975

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC focuses on international UFO news, research updates, and publications. It features a debunking of a famous UFO case, an announcement about the magazine's operational changes, and a review of a significant book on the subject.

International Information

The World-Renowned UFO Was a Refrigerator Lid

The lead article reveals that the widely known UFO photographed by an American in November 1952, after landing in the California desert, was merely a refrigerator lid. This information comes from Ken Rogers, president of the British Society for UFO Studies in London. George Adamski, who sold the photo exclusively to numerous world newspapers and wrote a book about his encounters with Venusians that sold millions of copies, had previously presented this as a genuine UFO. Adamski had lectured in many countries, met with Pope Pius XII and Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, and kept his secret until his death ten years prior. The revelation came about when the owner of an Italian restaurant in London noticed that his bottle refrigerator lid bore a striking resemblance to the Adamski "saucer" and reported it to Ken Rogers, who had been investigating the Adamski case for several years. It is now confirmed that Adamski, a former hot-dog vendor from the Palomar Mountain region in Southern California, who became wealthy overnight, had deceived his fellow citizens. The source for this report is the Journal DIE WELT, dated Saturday, September 20, 1975.

UFO-QUEBEC's International Collaboration

In line with UFO-QUEBEC's commitment to international collaboration, the magazine sent an encouraging telegram to a UFO symposium held in October 1975 in Arkansas. This symposium brought together four major American UFO organizations: CENTER FOR UFO STUDIES, MUTUAL UFO NETWORK, AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION, and NATIONAL INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE ON AERIAL PHENOMENA. The goal was to pool the efforts and work of these groups to improve UFO research in the United States. The symposium's theme was "UNITED FOR OBJECTIVITY." The telegram, sent from "WIDO HOVILLE, FOR UFO-QUEBEC," was addressed to Dr. J.A. Hynek and/or Walt Andrus at the Trade Winds Inn in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Editorial and Publication Notes

Metric System Adoption

Readers may have noticed that UFO-QUEBEC is now using metric measurements in its reports and articles. This change is due to the magazine being sent to several European countries and the increasing use of the metric system in Quebec. This standardization facilitates work for everyone and positions UFO-QUEBEC at the forefront of current practices. For those interested in conversions, the magazine recommends "Le Système Métrique Tables de Conversion Ultra-rapides" by Arthur T. Shapiro, published by Editions La Presse, a 10 x 23 cm red-covered book that provides direct conversion tables between English and metric measures.

Upcoming Improvements

Following a meeting of UFO-QUEBEC's founding members, it was confirmed that the next issue will feature a new cover page, a different presentation, and significantly improved illustrations. This enhancement is thanks to the talents of Guy Rousseau, a professional graphic artist who has offered his services to the group. These improvements are presented as three additional good reasons to subscribe.

Holiday Greetings

The editor extends best wishes for a "JOYEUX NOEL 75" and a "BONNE ET HEUREUSE ANNEE 76" to encourage readers to share and promote UFO-QUEBEC.

Book Review: "Le Procès des Soucoupes Volantes"

This section reviews "Le Procès des Soucoupes Volantes" (The Trial of the Flying Saucers), published by Editions Québec-Amérique and authored by Claude Mac Duff. The book is described as impactful due to its subject matter and passionate perspective. Presented in the format of a "trial," it argues for the existence and presence of UFOs and extraterrestrials in Quebec and globally, using eloquent testimonies, evidence, and proofs. The review notes that photos, drawings, diagrams, and illustrations enhance this compelling case for the official recognition of ufology. Several Quebec researchers contributed to this "Trial of the Flying Saucers."

The book is a paperback, 256 pages, measuring 15 x 22 cm, and is available for purchase.

"Carnets Mondains..."

This section features a photograph of the founding members of UFO-QUEBEC at a friendly gathering in July 1975. The members are identified from left to right as: Philippe Blaquière, Marc Leduc, Georges Ethier, Don Dondéri, Jeff Holt, Robert Sapienza, Paul Blaquière, Claude Mac Duff, Pierre Smith, Jean-Louis Blaquière, Guy Tardif, Norbert Spehner, and Wido Hoville (Director).

"Science-Fiction Fantastique - Requiem"

This part of the magazine introduces "Requiem," a bimonthly science fiction magazine. It has already published four issues, featuring short stories, novels, articles on science fiction and the fantastic, information, book and film reviews, and reader comments. Subscription details are provided: 5 dollars for 6 issues, a support subscription for 10 dollars for 6 issues, and a single issue for 1 dollar, with a free specimen available upon request. The editorial address is 455 Rue St-Jean, Longueuil, P.Q., Canada J4H-2Z3, with a contact telephone number of 679-0282.

Cartoon: "Comment Faire Face aux UFO's en 1976."

A cartoon depicts a humorous scene related to UFOs in 1976. It shows a woman in an office holding a file labeled "Now Rite Sighting File 75," while a large, round figure, possibly representing a UFO or an alien, is leaning over a desk, with its lower body emerging from a bucket labeled "SAB." The caption asks, "How to deal with UFOs in 1976."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious approach to UFO research, emphasizing objectivity, as seen in the support for the Arkansas symposium's theme. It also aims to be a modern, internationally-oriented publication, evidenced by its adoption of the metric system and its coverage of international news and publications. The magazine appears to be a platform for disseminating information about UFO phenomena, including both alleged sightings and critical analyses, as well as promoting related literature and the broader science fiction genre.