UFO Quebec - No 07 - 3e trim 1976

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC, number 7, is a quarterly publication from the third trimester of 1976, with an ISSN of 0317-9311. It was received on February 11, 1977. The magazine is published by UFO-QUEBEC, an association operating on a non-profit basis, and is based in Canada. The cover price is $1.00, and the main cover headline is 'INFORMATIONS RECHERCHES'.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Claude Mac Duff, apologizes for the delay in publishing issue number 7, attributing it to personal life changes and a lack of assistance with typing. Mac Duff mentions that he continued the typing work himself and that the process of typing, layout, and printing takes 2-3 weeks. He assures readers that the delay is compensated by the quality and variety of information. The editorial highlights the continued ufological activity in Québec, particularly on the South Shore, with investigators Philippe Blaquière, Marc Leduc, and Wido Hoville documenting numerous cases. It notes that Québec is regularly visited by UFOs, with only the Olympic Games rivaling UFOs in popularity in the region. The issue also includes a photo dossier of famous cases, which was well-received by readers. Mac Duff discusses his participation in radio shows in Ottawa, where 'authorities' revealed a continued government 'cover-up' policy regarding UFOs. He also mentions a colleague, Spehner, who addresses issues in the publishing industry that harm ufological research. Wido Hoville provides a summary of a conference in Chicago organized by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, where researchers shared their latest discoveries and views on ufology. The editorial concludes with a positive outlook on UFO-QUEBEC's activities after more than a year and its encouraging international distribution, urging readers to send in their detailed reports, observations, comments, and suggestions to help shape the magazine.

Contents and Articles

Enquêtes au Québec (Investigations in Québec)

• La Vague de 1976 au Québec (The 1976 Wave in Québec) by Philippe Blaquière: This article reports a significant increase in UFO activity in Québec, particularly in the southern part of the province, as part of a larger continental phenomenon. Hundreds of witnesses have reported sightings, including squadrons, solo objects, stationary objects, luminous rays, landed objects, and humanoid observations. The wave is described as spectacular, with an increasing number of UFOs seen together and visitors appearing less hesitant to reveal their presence. The article presents a summary of reports from July 1976:
• July 17, 1976 (Varennes): Two witnesses saw a V-shaped white matte object moving at high speed towards Québec.
• July 18, 1976 (Mont Rougemont): Two witnesses saw a V-shaped object composed of three luminous points, moving slowly with luminous trails, larger than Venus.
• July 19, 1976 (Beloeil): A witness observed 12 luminous discs in a circle formation, moving at medium speed and low altitude.
• July 22, 1976 (Saint-Dominique): Several witnesses saw a very luminous rectangle on the ground near a high-tension pylon, leaving a trace.
• July 24-28, 1976 (Sainte-Anne-de-Sabrevois): A series of events occurred.
• July 24, 1976 (Montagne de Rougemont): Two witnesses observed a metallic aluminum disc moving slowly above the clouds.
• July 28, 1976 (Rougemont): A woman and two adolescents saw an orange ball that changed color to white, with a green rotating light.
• August 3, 1976 (Beloeil): A witness saw a crescent-shaped object with a white halo descending towards the southeast.
• August 3, 1976 (Lac Croche, Laurentides): A teenager saw a disc surrounded by colored lights, rotating in circles above the trees.
• August 4, 1976 (Drummondville): Four witnesses saw a bright, orange oval object with blurred contours moving rapidly north.
• August 4, 1976 (Saint-Paul-de-Joliette): Two witnesses observed a bright, orange oval object with blurred contours moving rapidly north.

• Saint-Anne-de-Sabrevois by Marc Leduc: This section details several incidents in Sainte-Anne-de-Sabrevois and the surrounding area, described as a 'hot zone' for UFO observations.
• July 24, 1976 (Sabrevois): A woman heard a clear, piercing whistling sound near her window but saw nothing.
• July 25, 1976 (Sabrevois): Chantale observed a brilliant white triangular light on the Richelieu river, described as a 'fish-angel' shape, which moved, hovered, and emitted a conical white ray towards the water three times.
• July 26, 1976 (Saint-Blaise): A distant luminous point, described as a bright star, changed color from white to blue to red and appeared to rotate intermittently.
• July 27, 1976 (Sabrevois): Madame Pelchat observed a green ray of light, like an emerald tube, appearing above her head and moving towards the window. The phenomenon repeated twice more, causing her to become frightened.
• July 27, 1976 (Sabrevois): A witness saw a brilliant white, uniform, teardrop-shaped light, pointed at the top, moving slowly.
• July 27, 1976 (Sabrevois): A witness saw a brilliant white object, possibly an airplane, near Arcturus.
• July 27, 1976 (Sabrevois): A green ray was observed.
• July 30, 1976 (Sabrevois): A flash of white light, like a nearby lightning strike, occurred, causing lights in a neighboring chalet to go out and a refrigerator to stop.

• A Travers le Canada (Across Canada) by Wido Hoville: This section appears to be a placeholder or a brief mention, as no detailed article content is provided for this title within the scanned pages.

• Rencontre avec Betty Hill (Encounter with Betty Hill) by Marc Leduc: This section is mentioned in the table of contents but no content is visible in the provided scans.

• Informations by Wido Hoville: This section is mentioned in the table of contents but no detailed content is visible.

• Dossier Santa Ana by Marc Leduc: This section is mentioned in the table of contents but no detailed content is visible.

• Enquêtes Récentes; Morin Heights by Wido Hoville: This section is mentioned in the table of contents but no detailed content is visible.

• Commentaires: Détection des Effets by M. Constantin: This section is mentioned in the table of contents but no detailed content is visible.

• L'Ufologie en France en 76 by Philippe Tournier: This section is mentioned in the table of contents but no detailed content is visible.

• En Bref: UFO Québec by Claude Mac Duff: This section is mentioned in the table of contents but no detailed content is visible.

Other Sections and Reports

• Attention: Adresse pour abonnements: Provides the mailing address for subscriptions: UFO QUEBEC, BP 53, DOLLARD DES ORMEAUX, CANADA PQ, H9G 2H5. It also gives a separate address for subscriptions: UFO-QUEBEC/ ABONNEMENTS, 361 Le Corbusier, Beloeil, Québec, Canada. A note indicates that if an 'X' is in a square, the subscription ends with this issue.

• Annonces (Announcements): This section explains that UFO-QUEBEC is a result of the collective work of its founding members and collaborators. It highlights that all texts are typed by members, layout and illustration are done by others, and mailing is the only form of publicity. The magazine cannot afford professional typographers, layout artists, or publicists, nor distribution in kiosks or bookstores. They are seeking an experienced typist to volunteer their services to improve the magazine's quality and distribute administrative tasks more equitably.

• UFO au-dessus de Montréal by Don Dondéri: Don Dondéri reports observing a faintly luminous, scintillating object moving erratically across the sky from south to west on the evening of August 17, 1976. The object was difficult to see directly and required looking to the side. It moved slowly in an irregular arc and disappeared behind trees. Dondéri notes this is the second similar observation in the area within a year.

• Un Objet Volant Cause Presque Une Collision: This is a report from the Vancouver Sun dated April 23, 1976, about an incident involving Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer Bill Toftan, who reported seeing a vehicle with its lights on that turned out to be flying. Upon approaching, he experienced a blinding flash and had vision problems afterward, requiring a four-day leave.

• Le Proces des Soucoupes Volantes: This section promotes a book titled "Le Proces des Soucoupes Volantes" by Claude Mac Duff, published by Editions Québec-Amérique. The book is described as a compelling work that uses eloquent testimonies, evidence, and proof to demonstrate the existence and presence of UFOs and extraterrestrials in Québec and worldwide. It includes photos, drawings, and diagrams.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings and investigations, particularly focusing on a wave of activity in Québec during the summer of 1976. The magazine emphasizes the detailed reporting of eyewitness accounts, often including specific dates, times, locations, and descriptions of the objects and their behavior. There is a clear stance on the reality of UFO phenomena, with the editorial mentioning a government 'cover-up' policy, suggesting a deliberate effort to conceal information. The publication also highlights the collaborative nature of their work and their reliance on volunteer contributions, while also seeking to professionalize their output through volunteer assistance. The magazine positions itself as a dedicated publication solely focused on ufology in the French language, aiming to be a comprehensive source of information for its readers and supporters. The inclusion of scientific advisors suggests an attempt to lend credibility and a scientific approach to their investigations.

This issue of UFO-QUEBEC, dated November 1976, focuses on various UFO phenomena, featuring interviews, case studies, and analyses from Canadian and international ufologists. The cover story highlights a meeting with Betty Hill, a prominent figure in UFO abduction lore.

Discussion: Aspects of UFO Sightings

The magazine begins with a discussion on the distances involved in UFO sightings, noting that observers were located at three different sites, with two large objects (a triangle and a drop) observed a few hundred meters away. The phenomena are described as flashes, whistles, rays, electrical effects, and manifestations of humanoids. The witnesses are categorized into four groups, with a significant number of reports coming from the Bernier and Pelchat families, and Mr. Quoibillon. The observations are noted to concentrate in the early morning hours, with brief durations for flashes and rays, and longer durations for more massive manifestations.

The aspect of UFOs is described as predominantly luminous, suggesting a solid source, yet their form and volume vary, appearing to transform into energy without form through light. The overall impression is one of organized, intelligent phenomena.

Notes on UFO Classification

A section provides an explanation of UFO classification codes used in the reports, referencing Dr. Allen Hynek's six-group system (DD: object seen in daylight, RO: registered object, LN: object luminous at night, RR1: close object, RR2: object causing effects, RR3: occupants reported) and a 'strangeness' and 'probability' rating scale from 0 to 10.

Key Incidents and Observations

The issue details several specific UFO encounters:

• Son (July 24, 1976): A brief audible event at 10 meters.
• Triangle (July 25, 1976): A 30-minute observation of a luminous object at 800 meters.
• Point (July 26, 1976): A 4-minute observation of a luminous object at an unspecified distance.
• Rayon (July 27, 1976): Two brief observations of an object at 1 meter, described as visible and causing effects.
• Goutte (July 27, 1976): A 3-minute observation of a luminous object at 800 meters.
• Hommes? (July 29, 1976): A 3-minute observation of an object with reported occupants at 15 meters.
• Eclair (July 30, 1976): A very brief electrical phenomenon at 10 meters.

Interview with Captain Rudy Miller (NORAD)

During a radio broadcast, Captain Rudy Miller of NORAD discussed an incident on November 11, 1975, near Falconbridge, Ontario. A radar return was detected, and two F-106 interceptors were scrambled. The pilots reported seeing an object like a bright star, but their official explanation was reflections from ice crystals in clouds. Miller stated that he had not seen a UFO himself and expressed skepticism about their existence, suggesting that scientific proof was lacking.

Official Procedures and Stances

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (GRC) procedure for UFO observations involves immediate notification to the National Research Council, including details like date, time, location, and weather conditions. The Department of Defense stated that since 1968, they have not been involved in UFO investigations, with all related materials at the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics.

Dr. Allen G. McNamara's Perspective

Dr. Allen G. McNamara of the National Research Council confirmed that the NRC investigates phenomena, particularly those related to meteorites. He mentioned that they have approximately 1,500 reports on file since 1965. However, the majority of these reports lack sufficient data for detailed study. McNamara expressed that after years of scientific investigation into atmospheric and space phenomena, there is no indication of anything extraterrestrial. He believes that for something to be considered proven, it would require concrete evidence, such as an actual landing.

The Betty Hill Abduction Case

The magazine dedicates significant space to the Betty and Barney Hill abduction case, which gained global attention. The couple reported being abducted by a UFO crew, experiencing amnesia about the event. Hypnotic regression therapy, conducted by a psychiatrist, helped them recall the experience. Barney Hill has since passed away, while Betty Hill continues to research the phenomenon. The article notes that John G. Fuller's book, "The Interrupted Journey," is considered the most comprehensive account of their case. Betty Hill expressed satisfaction with the book but felt the film adaptation, "The UFO Incident," focused too much on the hypnosis sessions and not enough on the specific event and the craft's description.

Critiques of Official Explanations and Detractors

The article criticizes Michael Harvey's article in "Official UFO" magazine, which dismissed Betty Hill's account as a dream and called her 'dumb.' The authors of UFO-QUEBEC express their disagreement with such dismissive attitudes and highlight the opinions of specialists who support the objective study of UFOs.

Ufologists and Their Connections

Betty Hill is noted to have friendly relations with renowned ufologists Dr. Joseph Allen Hynek and Dr. Jacques Vallée. The article also mentions her connection to the widow of Wilbur Smith, who was responsible for UFO research for the Canadian government.

Other Cases and Activities

Betty Hill is described as paying special attention to UFO phenomena and has had further observations, with an article about her expected in "Flying Saucer Review." She also plans to write her own book. She is not considered a 'contactee' and does not claim to have a message. Her research involves collecting testimonies, particularly those involving occupants. She has obtained a plaster cast of a footprint with three toes, resembling 'Big Foot' reports often linked to UFO sightings.

UFO-QUEBEC Conference in Chicago (April-May 1976)

Wido Hoville reports on the first working conference on UFOs held in Chicago, organized by Dr. Joseph Allen Hynek's Center for UFO Studies. The conference was private, excluding journalists, to ensure objectivity. Over 200 researchers attended, discussing topics such as the public and UFOs, UFO effects on society, investigator roles, classification of reports, hypnotic regression, UFO waves, psychic research, propulsion, animal reactions, and the use of computers. The quality of the presentations was high.

Concerns were raised about the Center for UFO Studies' lack of cooperation with other organizations like APRO and MUFON, leading to accusations of propaganda. However, upon attending the conference, Hoville realized that the Center faced similar challenges to UFO-QUEBEC, including limited resources as private groups. It was suggested that specialists should handle specific types of analysis (photos, soil samples) directly, with the Center coordinating these efforts.

The Santa Ana Case (August 3, 1965)

This section details a well-documented case involving four photographs taken by Rex Heflin, an inspector-investigator. The photos show a circular object hovering over Myford Road, California, estimated to be 200 meters away and 50 meters high. The object was observed to be stationary, then move, and finally ascend rapidly, leaving a bluish cloud. The witness reported electromagnetic interference with his radio communication. The USAF declared the photos as faked, but subsequent analyses by photogrammetry specialists supported their authenticity, confirming the object's characteristics and the witness's ability to take multiple shots.

Observations in Morin Heights (July-August 1976)

This section documents three observations by Mr. and Mrs. G. Tal in Morin Heights, Quebec. The first on July 25, 1976, involved a fireball-like object descending and turning the air reddish. The second on August 6, 1976, described a luminous, aluminum-colored ball moving in a zig-zag pattern, taking on a diamond shape. The third observation on August 10, 1976, detailed a classic flying saucer shape, approximately 1.75 meters in diameter, with changing colored lights, which then disappeared. The witnesses experienced fear during the second observation. The article notes that the area is near an airport, and commercial planes were seen shortly after the last sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the need for objective investigation of UFO phenomena, contrasting it with dismissive official explanations and media portrayals. There is a strong focus on witness testimonies and the challenges faced by independent researchers. The editorial stance supports the idea that UFOs represent a genuine, organized, and potentially intelligent phenomenon that warrants serious study, despite the lack of definitive proof or official acknowledgment. The publication aims to provide detailed accounts and analyses to inform its readers and foster a deeper understanding of the subject.

This issue of "COMMENTAIRES" (Issue 21) from 1976 delves into the state of ufology in France, with contributions from Marcel Constantin and Philippe Tournier, and mentions of other figures like Aimé Michel, Louis de Broglie, Marcel Pagès, René-Louis Vallée, Norbert Spehner, and Wido Hoville. The magazine also features content from UFO-QUEBEC, a publication from Quebec, Canada, with an article by claude mac duff.

Un Mot Sur La Detection Des Effets (A Word on Detecting Effects)

Marcel Constantin's piece addresses the diverse reactions to UFO sightings, ranging from dismissive explanations (meteorological phenomena, hallucinations) to more rigorous investigative approaches. He highlights that while some witnesses report landings and physical traces, the scientific community often struggles with the subjective nature of testimonies. Constantin emphasizes the importance of collecting objective data, such as measurements of radioactivity, magnetic fields, electrical potential, thermal emissions, and gravimetric anomalies, to move beyond traditional classifications and build a coherent understanding of UFO events. He advocates for a systematic approach to gather and analyze these clues.

France: Essai Sur L'Etat General De L'Ufologie Francaise En Debut De 1976 (Essay on the General State of French Ufology in Early 1976)

Philippe Tournier provides a historical overview of French ufology. In the 1950s, influenced by Aimé Michel, the focus was on 'flying saucers' as physical, luminous, and metallic craft exhibiting extraordinary flight capabilities, often leading to the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The 1960s saw a growing complexity, with incidents like the Valensole case in 1965 prompting discussions of 'displacements in Time' (4th Dimension).

By the late 1960s and early 1970s, French ufology, and seemingly English ufology as well, began to shift towards the 'psychic hypothesis.' This approach increasingly focused on the witness's psyche, sometimes leading to confusion about whether the psyche was the object or the cause of the phenomenon. Tournier notes a trend of mocking those who still adhered to the extraterrestrial hypothesis, with an obsession for psychological and psychoanalytical studies of witnesses. He suggests that the focus should perhaps shift to the psyches of some ufologists themselves.

Tournier critiques this psychic focus, arguing it neglects the fundamental physical aspects of UFOs, which he believes are tied to 'intermediate energies' between raw matter and refined psychic energy. He contrasts this with the work of researchers like Marcel Pagès and the team of Louis de Broglie, who explored electromagnetism and fundamental physics, and Louis Vallée, who investigated spatial energy. He laments that French ufologists have largely failed to build upon this foundational work, instead continuing to cultivate 'fantasies' and engage in 'academic brainwashing.'

He argues that while the 'psychic wave' aimed for refined energies, it ultimately led to a subjective, anthropocentric view. Tournier posits that UFOs are fundamentally cosmic in scale, and that the focus should be on responsible, objective research into the physical and effective levels of the universe. He suggests that phenomena like light balls reacting intelligently might be tele-guided by beings mastering spatial energies, and that interaction with such phenomena could be beneficial if approached with harmony and sang-froid, but potentially disastrous otherwise.

Tournier also touches upon witness trauma from car accidents and the psychological impact of UFO encounters, noting that while material events can cause shock, encounters with UFO energies could be even more impactful. He criticizes the tendency to jump to fantastical or immaterial explanations without sufficient evidence, and points out that those who link UFOs directly to the witness's mind often inadvertently align with opponents of UFO reality, marking a significant setback for ufology.

UFO-QUEBEC Content

An article by claude mac duff from UFO-QUEBEC discusses the readership and reach of their publication. Despite having around 400 subscribers, he explains that the actual readership is much larger, with a typical print run of 1,200 copies. These are distributed not only within Quebec but also internationally, including to other organizations, independent researchers, and various institutions in Canada, the USA, and Europe. He notes that UFO-QUEBEC receives requests from readers interested in Quebec ufology, even from Moscow.

Mac Duff addresses the common question about why UFO-QUEBEC doesn't frequently discuss occult or parapsychological phenomena, or 'contactees' and 'incarnated' extraterrestrials. He states that cases involving 'contactees' and 'incarnated' individuals are generally found to be dubious, lacking concrete evidence, and often stemming from psychological complexes, self-importance, or a combination of religious mysticism and charlatanism. He emphasizes that the numerous real cases of UFO sightings and landings are sufficient justification for the group's investigative work and their chosen research approach.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for a scientific and objective approach to ufology, critiquing the trend towards purely psychological or 'psychic' explanations. It emphasizes the importance of empirical data, rigorous investigation, and a grounded understanding of physics and energy. The editorial stance appears to favor the extraterrestrial hypothesis or at least the physical reality of UFOs, while dismissing claims of 'contactees' and 'incarnated' aliens as lacking substance. There is a clear call for a more responsible and scientific pursuit of knowledge in the field of ufology.