From: Nick Pope <nick@popemod.freeserve.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 9 Oct 2002 19:13:09 +0100
Fwd Date: Wed, 09 Oct 2002 15:47:03 -0400
Subject: Re: Vallee On Crop Circles - Pope


 >From: Dave Haith <visions@ntlworld.com>
 >To: <UFOUpdates@virtuallystrange.net>
 >Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2002 10:25:34 +0100
 >Subject: Vallee On Crop Circles


 >All the significant formations were observed in an area in close
 >proximity to major research facilities of the British defense
 >establishment, often in controlled airspace. So much for
 >Aliens and Druids. These studies point to the crop formations
 >as the result of sophisticated electronic warfare experiments
 >conducted by defense contractors.


Dave and List,

I was interested to see the article by Jacques Vallee that you
kindly posted, and the subsequent comments on this article from
Bruce Maccabee and Bill Hamilton.

This theory and similar ones have been around for some years
now. As far back as 1991 it was being put to me by various
researchers that crop formations might be caused by the testing
of a directed energy weapon, using either laser, particle,
plasma or microwave beams. I would often respond to such
researchers with a question, asking them where they thought such
a weapon might best be tested. On one of the many remote and
secure military ranges/danger areas? Or on farmers' fields?

On a related issue, several researchers have highlighted what
they believe is evidence of military involvement in the crop
circle phenomenon, citing the fact that military aircraft are
often seen around formations. In fact, there are several
prosaic reasons for this, including the fact that military
aircrew are as likely as anyone else to be fascinated by these
formations. Additionally, once the location of any spectacular
formation is known, like any other prominent feature visible
from the air, it can be a useful navigational marker that can be
used to help check position during a flying training sortie.

I do not dismiss out of hand an exotic explanation for some
formations, but I am not a fan of the directed energy weapon
theory, or of the various conspiracy theories alleging
government and military involvement in the phenomenon.


Best wishes,

Nick Pope