The article below was published in the daily newspaper Le Courrier Picard, France, page 1, on October 16, 1954.
See the case file.
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AVIGNON, October 15. -- At the beginning of yesterday afternoon, at 1:30 p.m., the population of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, was in turmoil. Indeed, a "white disc" hovered slowly over the small city and one could clearly distinguish it with good binoculars. This white disc was surmounted by a spherical cap of the same size.
The lower circular border intermittently bore two powerful lights varying from white to purplish, passing through the red.
The Caritat air base (Vaucluse), alerted, immediately directed two jet planes which soon appeared, and after two turns on Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, gained altitude and dove on the disc.
The radio installed on board the planes and which was in communication with the base, announced that the craft was in sight, that it was chased, but that it was escaping because its speed was higher than that of the planes.
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After the publication of this information, the Secretary of State for the Armed Forces (Air), published a statement affirming "that the two pilots of the base of Orange, who flew at several altitudes over Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, on October 14 afternoon, did not observe any unknown craft during their searches. The two pilots are experienced officers and their report is formal."
