Ufologia - No 32 - Octobre-Novembre-Decembre 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: ufologia
Issue: 32
Date: October-November-December 1982
Publisher: Cercle Français de Recherches Ufologiques (CFRU)
Country: France
Language: French
ISSN: 0399-8274

This issue of 'ufologia', a quarterly review from the French UFO Research Circle (CFRU), focuses on UFO phenomena and related questions. The cover features a prominent question mark and a UFO illustration, with the main headlines "objets volants non identifiés" (unidentified flying objects) and "questions connexes" (related questions).

Editorial Stance and Content Overview

The editorial, titled "ARRET SUR L'IMAGE..." (Stop on the Image...), notes a significant decrease in UFO reports in 1982, leading to a potential loss of interest in the subject. The editorial questions whether this is a natural lull or a new form of information control, particularly in light of the GEPAN organization's activities. The editorial team emphasizes their continued vigilance and commitment to examining specific subjects mentioned in this issue, highlighting the vital importance of subscriber loyalty during challenging times.

The main dossier in this issue is "Le dossier UFO et l'implication officielle du FBI (III)" (The UFO Dossier and the Official FBI Involvement (III)), authored by Dr. Bruce S. Maccabee. This section details how information gathered by the FBI led to their decision to cease investigations into UFO reports. The article suggests that the FBI became concerned that they might be investigating secret US military aircraft. It recounts discussions between FBI agents and Air Force intelligence officers, including Lt. Col. Garrett and Agent S.A. Reynolds, who hypothesized that 'flying discs' could be experimental craft. The article cites a 1947 FBI document where Brigadier General George F. Schulgen of the Army Air Force officially stated that no Army Air Force projects were associated with flying discs. The author contrasts this with statements from Major Ruppelt, who suggested that high-ranking officials were actively seeking rapid solutions to the UFO problem.

The dossier presents evidence that the Army Air Force (AAF) took UFO observations seriously and was certain they were not secret government projects. The FBI's decision to stop investigations is attributed to the belief that the issue was more of a concern for Military Intelligence than Internal Security. A directive from October 1, 1947, is quoted, stating that all future UFO reports should be transmitted to the Air Force, and FBI agents would no longer conduct investigations.

Despite this official directive, the article notes that FBI agents continued to archive UFO-related reports and interview Air Force officers for at least sixteen years. A subsequent FBI document from July 18, 1947, is presented, detailing a letter from a Special Agent in New Haven, Connecticut, to the FBI Director. This letter includes information from an individual identified as M.X., a scientist at American Cyanamid Research Laboratories, who had previously worked on the Manhattan Project. M.X. discussed UFOs with other scientists and proposed a theory that flying saucers might be real, radio-controlled craft carrying atomic or bacteriological bombs, capable of striking specific targets from Earth orbit. His hypothesis was based on the geographical distribution of sightings, which he claimed formed a circle around the Earth.

The issue also includes a list of credible UFO sighting cases recorded by the FBI up to October 1947. These cases span various locations, including Germany, the North Sea, the USA (Virginia, Washington, Colorado, Oklahoma, California, Massachusetts, Nevada, Alabama, New Mexico, Maine, Idaho, Oregon), and Canada.

• Notable sightings include:
• A member of the occupying forces in Germany seeing an object with oscillatory movements.
• An RAF Mosquito attempting to intercept a UFO over the North Sea.
• Meteorologists in Virginia observing a disk.
• Three witnesses in Washington State seeing a silver disk dive and disintegrate.
• Three railway workers in Colorado observing a silver disk at high speed.
• A report by H. Brian on a disk sighting in Oklahoma.
• A white disk observed in Oklahoma.
• M. Forest Wenyon's report of a fast-moving, jar-shaped UFO in Delaware.
• M. Richard Rankin's report of multiple disks in California.
• A round, silver UFO seen in Massachusetts.
• The famous Kenneth Arnold sighting near Mt. Rainier, Washington, where he observed nine disks moving in a line.
• A prospector in Nevada reporting a UFO affecting his compass.
• An AAF Lieutenant in Alabama seeing a UFO make zig-zag movements.
• Technicians at White Sands reporting a UFO following a V-2 rocket.
• A Lieutenant in Grand Canyon seeing several round, gray UFOs descending vertically.
• An astronomer in Maine observing multiple UFOs crossing the sky rapidly.
• The crew of a United Air Lines flight seeing a UFO.
• Police officers in Oregon and other witnesses seeing three UFOs moving rapidly.
• Sergeant-Chef Livingston and others in Alabama observing lights moving very fast, with photos taken.
• Multiple UFOs observed in Hollywood, California.
• A B-52 crew member in Kansas City spotting a silver disk.
• The Captain and his wife in Fairfield observing a UFO moving rapidly and oscillating.
• A Bureau of Inspection official in Virginia seeing a UFO from his home.
• An former employee of the Marine Artillery photographing a UFO making circles.
• An instructor and trainee seeing a UFO descend and then fly horizontally at high speed.
• An Air Force captain and a passenger seeing a UFO flying at high speed.
• Witnesses near Hamilton Air Force Base seeing three round, oscillating UFOs.
• Numerous military personnel in California seeing two UFOs followed by a third.
• M.B. Turrentine in Norfolk photographing a rugby-ball-shaped UFO.
• A fighter pilot near Mt. Baldy seeing a flat, wingless UFO moving at high speed.
• Police officers in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, observing disks.
• A journalist in Boise, Idaho, seeing a UFO after aerial searches.
• Witnesses in St. Jean de Terre-Neuve seeing round, luminous UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical investigation of UFOs by government agencies, particularly the FBI and the US Air Force, and the challenges faced by private research organizations like CFRU. The editorial highlights the cyclical nature of UFO reporting and the potential for information control or public indifference. The magazine's stance is one of continued investigation and a commitment to providing detailed, factual information to its readers, emphasizing the importance of reader support through subscriptions. The publication also touches upon the intersection of UFO phenomena with other areas such as paranormal studies, astronomy, and exobiology, reflecting a broad approach to the subject.

This issue of "LA REVUE DE PRESSE" from September 22, 1982, titled "OBJETS VOLANTS NON IDENTIFIES" (Unidentified Flying Objects), published by A.E.S.V. in Switzerland, focuses on UFO phenomena. The cover features a drawing of aliens and a UFO, and the issue includes a compilation of UFO sightings, scientific research, and related discussions.

UFO Sightings Log (July-August 1947)

The magazine presents a detailed chronological log of UFO sightings that occurred in July and August 1947. These reports originate from various locations, primarily in North America (Canada and USA), and include:

• July 10, 1947: At Base Harmon, Terre-Neuve, civilian navigators reported a UFO resembling a truck wheel at 10,000 feet, with smoke trails.
• July 11, 1947: In Codroy, Terre-Neuve, several people saw a brilliant UFO moving rapidly and leaving a luminous trail.
• July 12, 1947: At Base Elmendorf, Alaska, officers observed a UFO moving along the ground.
• July 20, 1947: Near Terre-Neuve, a ship reported flashes of reddish light from a UFO that changed direction rapidly.
• July 20, 1947: In Frostburg, Maryland, a whitish object was seen above clouds, emitting a noise.
• July 23, 1947: At Base Harmon, Terre-Neuve, a brilliant reddish light moved rapidly at high altitude for three minutes.
• July 29, 1947: At Canyon Ferry, a bright disc moved rapidly, hovered, and then seemed to dissolve in the air.
• July 29, 1947: At Base Hamilton, California, officers witnessed two UFOs flying at high speed, one faster than a P.80, with the second performing zig-zag maneuvers.
• August 3, 1947: In Hakensack, New Jersey, witnesses reported a round, black UFO moving too fast to be a balloon.
• August 4, 1947: Near Boston, a commercial airline captain and navigator saw a brilliant orange, cylindrical UFO.
• August 4, 1947: In Bethel, Alaska, military pilots observed a "flying wing" shaped UFO with no visible engines or smoke.
• August 6, 1947: In Philadelphia, numerous witnesses reported a UFO shaped like a "giant firecracker" moving at high speed.
• August 6, 1947: In Myrtle-Urcek, Oregon, a former naval pilot and a student pilot saw a round, aluminum-grey UFO on two occasions.
• August 7, 1947: At Ocean Lake, Oregon, a brilliant disc was reported.
• August 13, 1947: In Redmond, Washington, two UFOs were reported moving rapidly for 8 seconds.
• August 13, 1947: Near Twin Falls, Idaho, two witnesses reported two discs moving rapidly with a rumbling sound.
• August 13, 1947: At Snake-River Canyon, Idaho, a witness and his sons saw a disc-shaped UFO.
• August 14, 1947: In Placerville, California, a UFO was seen moving rapidly before disappearing into a smoke cloud.
• August 14, 1947: In Guan (Japanese Island), soldiers reported a crescent-shaped UFO moving rapidly in zig-zags on two occasions.
• August 19, 1947: In Twin-Falls, Idaho, police and civilians observed a group of UFOs flying at high speed in a clear sky.
• September 3, 1947: In Oswego, Oregon, a woman and her two children reported seeing two dozen round, disc-shaped UFOs.
• September 6, 1947: In Shouns, Tennessee, two witnesses saw a balloon-shaped UFO hovering.
• September 8, 1947: In Logan, Utah, three UFO formations were seen rapidly circling the city under thick clouds.
• September 11, 1947: In Portland, Oregon, police and other witnesses observed a silver UFO making a rapid circuit of the city.

Scientific Research on UFOs and Paralysis

The issue also features articles on the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. One section, titled "DU RAYONNEMENT DES UFO" (On the Radiation of UFOs), discusses the difficulty in studying UFOs due to their elusive nature. It critiques the tendency of some ufologists to attribute various physical effects (like twisted trees or soil changes) to an ill-defined "force field" or "electromagnetic fields" without concrete evidence or theoretical basis. The article suggests that much of the literature on UFO radiation is vague and superficial.

The Paralysis Phenomenon

A significant portion of the research discussed focuses on the "paralysis phenomenon" reported by witnesses during UFO encounters. The article references studies, particularly by G.A.B.R.I.E.L., which analyzed cases of paralysis. Key findings suggest that:

• Paralysis intensity increases as the distance between the UFO and the witness decreases.
• At long distances, witnesses report no visible luminous or instrumental source for the paralysis, while at close distances, a ray or light from a tube or specific part of the UFO is often mentioned.
• This suggests two different modes of action, producing similar effects.

Further analysis by G.A.B.R.I.E.L. indicates that certain bodily functions like heart rate, respiration, eye muscles, and senses of balance, sight, and smell are not affected during paralysis. The study proposes three possible modes of action: selective action on the brain, blockage of nervous influx, or chemical action. The chemical action is dismissed as it would lead to total muscular paralysis and death. Nervous influx blockage is also deemed unlikely due to its non-selective nature. The most plausible explanation points to an action on a specific part of the brain, particularly the cerebral area located just forward of the Rolando fissure, which controls voluntary motor functions.

This research suggests that UFOs might emit radiation capable of blocking nerve influxes in a precisely delimited area of the encephalon, a concept described as potentially terrifying for ufologists.

Experimental Approaches

The article highlights the work of Stephane Leduc, a professor at the School of Medicine in Nantes, who pioneered research into electrical currents and their effects on living organisms. Leduc discovered that low-tension currents could induce a state of suspended animation in animals without causing pain or death, and could even be reversed. He experimented on himself, experiencing a state where he could not move or speak but remained conscious, comparing it to a nightmare.

Leduc's method involved using large electrodes placed on the forehead (cathode) and lumbar vertebrae (anode) to concentrate electrical currents along the cerebro-spinal axis. This technique, when applied with specific parameters (e.g., 110-120 volts, intermittent current), could cause a temporary cessation of life, reversible by interrupting the current. The article notes that Leduc's findings are crucial for understanding the paralysis phenomenon and suggests that his work, though conducted over half a century ago, could provide a basis for experimental research in ufology.

Other Articles

• "Un drôle d'objet dans le ciel" (A funny object in the sky): This piece from "Rép.Lorrain" (September 22, 1982) reports on a white, moon-sized sphere seen over Metz, France, which appeared to explode like a satellite entering the atmosphere. Despite meteorological station reports of "RAS" (nothing to report), the witness accounts suggest a genuine phenomenon.

• "Encore une gigantesque panne d'électricité aux USA" (Another gigantic electricity outage in the USA): This article from "Rép.Lorrain" (January 10, 1981) describes a massive power outage affecting four western US states, impacting over a million people. The cause was attributed to the rupture of a high-tension power line. It also briefly mentions previous large-scale blackouts in the US.

• "Gigantesque panne d'électricité en Belgique" (Gigantic electricity outage in Belgium): From "Rép.Lorrain" (August 5, 1982), this report details a major power failure in northern Belgium and Brussels, causing significant disruptions. The cause was initially unclear, with a mechanical incident at a power plant and the temporary shutdown of the Doel nuclear power plant mentioned.

• "La fin du monde Inéluctable... mais pas pour demain" (The end of the world is inevitable... but not for tomorrow): This article from "R.L." (July 30, 1982) discusses a conference of 1,200 physicists in Paris concerning the question of whether matter is stable. It touches upon recent theories suggesting that particles have short lifespans and that matter may eventually disappear, transforming into radiation, though the predicted timescale for proton decay is extremely long.

• "Un satellite européen au rendez-vous de la comète de Halley" (A European satellite meets Halley's comet): This piece from "R.L." (July 17, 1982) announces a European consortium's plan to build a satellite named "Giotto" to study Halley's Comet during its 1986 passage. The satellite will be launched in July 1985 from Kourou, French Guiana.

• "L'Eglise face aux phénomènes surnaturels" (The Church faces supernatural phenomena): Published in "Rép.Lorrain" (April 14, 1982), this article examines the Catholic Church's cautious approach to reported apparitions and miracles, citing the case of Blandine Piegay in La Talaudière. It notes that while many phenomena are reported, few are officially recognized by the Church, with examples like Lourdes, Fatima, and Banneux being exceptions. It also discusses solar prodigies and other mystical manifestations like stigmata and levitation.

• "L'ovni de Hombourg-Haut: un cerf-volant lumineux" (The UFO of Hombourg-Haut: a luminous kite): From "Rép.Lorrain" (May 16, 1982), this brief report debunks a UFO sighting in Hombourg-Haut, explaining that the "UFO" was actually a luminous kite.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), scientific investigation into these phenomena, and the intersection of science with the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, presenting detailed reports of sightings and scientific research while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding and the need for rigorous, potentially experimental, approaches. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between anecdotal reports and scientifically verifiable data, particularly in the context of UFO research and the paralysis phenomenon. The magazine also touches upon broader scientific and societal topics, such as the nature of matter and the Church's perspective on supernatural events, suggesting a wide-ranging interest in phenomena that challenge conventional explanations.

This issue of UFOLOGIA, identified as issue number 27, focuses on a variety of topics related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs), scientific phenomena, and extraterrestrial life. The cover prominently features the title "UFOLOGIA" along with the subtitle "objets volants non identifiés (o.v.n.i)" and lists related fields such as "astronautique," "archéologie," "parapsychologie," and "phénomènes insolites..." The publication is associated with the CFRU, which was created in 1966 and is linked to the G.E.O.C.N.I.

Electric Narcosis and UFO Paralysis

A significant portion of the magazine explores the work of Professor Stephane Leduc on electric narcosis. The research details experiments where electric currents were applied to animals, inducing states ranging from tonic seizures to deep narcosis, termed "electric sleep." Leduc's experiments demonstrated that the application of current could produce diverse effects depending on its mode of application: sudden and maintained current led to tetanus and death without suffering; sudden and interrupted current caused suffering and death; and gradual application resulted in paralysis and insensitivity without memory of the event. Notably, Leduc observed that when the brain was not included in the current's path, animals would howl and die, suggesting a link between electrical stimulation and neurological effects. The article draws a parallel between these laboratory-induced paralyses and the paralysis reported by witnesses in encounters with UFOs, suggesting that such phenomena may not be solely speculative but also observable in a controlled environment.

Theories on the Origin of UFOs

Another section delves into the theories of Dr. Robert Jastrow, a professor of astronomy, regarding the origin of UFOs. Jastrow's theory is based on two key notions: the pervasive nature of television signals broadcast into space since 1960, which have made Earth a "radio-planet," and the age of the universe. He posits that Earth's signals, traveling at the speed of light, have reached distant stars, effectively signaling our presence to potential extraterrestrial civilizations. Furthermore, considering the universe's age (estimated at twenty billion years) compared to Earth's (four to five billion years), Jastrow suggests that older planets may host civilizations with vastly superior intelligence and technology, capable of interstellar travel. This could explain the advanced capabilities of UFOs and why encounters might involve phenomena beyond current human understanding.

UFO Sightings in France (1981)

The magazine provides a detailed compilation of UFO observations reported in France during 1981. These reports, condensed from press articles, include specific dates, locations, and descriptions of the phenomena. Examples include:

• March 12, 1981, Billy-sur-Oisy (Nièvre): A UFO observed regularly, initially round and later triangular, hovering at 3,000 meters.
• March 27, 1981, Rodez (Aveyron): A luminous ball observed evolving, approaching rapidly, and departing at high speed.
• April 25, 1981, Saint-Quentin (Aisne): A red, incandescent ball with flames, changing shape and color.
• May 6, 1981, Îles aux Moines and Île d'Arz (Morbihan): Unusual lights with intense luminosity and fumerole effects.
• June 15, 1981, Ardres (Pas de Calais): Two colored clouds, blue and emerald green.
• June 16, 1981, Châtellerault: A bizarre, brilliant object moving in a North-West, South-East direction.
• June 16, 1981, Saumur: A triangular object with a luminous halo, evolving before ascending rapidly.
• June 21, 1981, Neuvy and Vouille (Vienne): A UFO observed for 40 minutes, changing shape from round to triangle to rectangle.
• June 21, 1981, Vevy (Jura): An object of unusual color, shaped like an overturned bowl, observed at 150 meters.
• June 30, 1981, Auzebosc (Seine-Maritime): A large luminous ball observed moving horizontally and vertically.

These reports highlight a variety of visual characteristics, including shape, color, size, behavior, and apparent altitude.

Phenomena on High-Tension Lines

An article discusses luminous phenomena observed on high-tension (EDF) power lines, based on information provided by M. Gary. The "crown effect" is described as small, bluish-violet effluences on conductor surfaces, which are visible against dark skies and can cause radio interference and acoustic crackling. Short circuits are rare but produce a bright blue-white arc with intense sound. A third phenomenon, "globular plasma," is mentioned as a luminous ball moving along lines, resembling "globular lightning," but it has never been observed by specialists or reproduced in the laboratory, remaining an enigma.

Bibliographic References and Other Sections

The issue includes extensive bibliographic references, listing numerous books on UFOs, extraterrestrials, ancient mysteries, and related topics, with publisher information. It also features sections on various related publications and services, such as "INFO-SERVICE," "OCTA-MAGAZINE," "AGET-SERVICE," "FACETTES," "BIBLIOMAX," "LA NOUVELLE ERE," "MESSIER" (an astronomy club), "IDEES POUR TOUS," "JOURNAL FUR UFO-FORSCHUNG," and "UFOLOGIA" itself, offering subscription information. The final pages present a list of books under the "LECTURES" section, categorized by subject matter, and a "DOCUMENTATION BIBLIOGRAPHIQUE" providing a comprehensive list of recommended reading on UFOs and related subjects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and their potential connection to neurological effects like paralysis (electric narcosis), and the exploration of extraterrestrial life and its possible origins. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging research and the examination of both scientific experiments and witness testimonies. The publication aims to provide information and foster discussion within the UFO and paranormal research community, emphasizing a rigorous and precise approach, as indicated by the "INDEPENDANT. REGULIER. PRÉCIS. EXEMPT DE PARTIALITÉ." tagline for UFOLOGIA.