Three genuine photographs

WHY THEY ARE AUTHENTIC

Flying Saucer Review – Vol. 7, n°1, January-February 1961

These photographs were taken in rapid succession: according to the man who took them, in the order of 1-2-3. The analysis of the original, however, does not allow us to know for certain that this was the authentic sequence or if it was the other way about, 3-2-1.

The man who took these photographs (I am not able to give his name) is a simple Belgian workman, a repairer of harvesting machines, whose total possessions consist of a bicycle, a camera and a portable radio. I mention these objects to forestall the suggestion of a fraud rigged up in some laboratory.

The date when the photographs were taken was June 5, 1955. The place was near Namur, in Belgium.

Here are the reasons which argue for the authenticity of the photographs beyond any reasonable doubt:

1. Examination of photograph No. 2 by a meteorologist has enabled him to confirm that the vapour trail has been caused by an authentic atmospheric condensation.

2. This trail, the expert continues, could not have been formed at less than an altitude of 1,500 metres (approximately 5,000 feet).

3. Therefore, the object in photograph No. 2 must have possessed dimensions of at least 12 metres (approximately 40 feet). If it was of this size, then it follows that the man who took the photograph must have managed to get the object into the air up to a height of 1,500 metres (approximately 5,000 feet) if one is to argue that is as a trick photograph.

4. Examination of the original negative by an expert photographer (a professional astronomer) led him to the conclusion that the photograph was not a trick.

The inexorable conclusion, therefore, is that (a) no ‘montage’ was applied and (b) no trickery was employed.

The witness described the occurrence as follows: he saw the object (photograph 1) arrive at great speed and then slow down. He then took his first photograph. The object was a silvery grey in colour, shining brilliantly in the sun. Under the object there were what looked like four “feet” very thin, just like those described by Father Gill. (By the way, I have been in possession of this evidence for some years, well in advance of the events that took place in New Guinea.)

The object, as it slowed down, descended and the vapour trail was formed. Then it re-ascended (see into the trail (see photograph 2). Finally the object accelerated while the vapour trail disappeared (see photograph 3). The object then made off at great speed.■

Aimé Michel