Papers d'Ovnis - 1a epoca - No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'OVNIS
Issue: Número 2
Date: Febrer 1994
Publisher: Centre d'Estudis Interplanetaris (CEI)
Language: Catalan
Country: Spain

This issue of Papers d'OVNIS, the internal bulletin of the Centre d'Estudis Interplanetaris (CEI), features a cover story titled "Materia Reservada," which is a critique of J.J. Benítez's book of the same name. The magazine also includes a historical retrospective on the CEI's early publications and a review of a book on Spanish ufology.

Editorial: "¡No polemizaremos!" by Pere Redon

This editorial, originally published in Stendek in 1980 and reprinted due to its continued relevance, addresses the recurring attacks and criticisms faced by the CEI and its members. Pere Redon states that the CEI has been subjected to insults and attacks for twenty years, often from individuals involved or not involved in the UFO topic. These attacks have come through rumors, anonymous calls, and correspondence. Redon notes that many past critics have disappeared from the field due to age, disinterest, or lack of valid ideas, while some have even joined the CEI. He asserts that the CEI has remained steadfast through the years, emphasizing its commitment to serious research and methodology. The editorial acknowledges recent, more direct attacks, citing the CEI, Stendek, and other collaborators. Redon suggests that these attacks might be an attempt to gain prestige or publicity. However, he declares that the CEI will not engage in polemics, not for their own sake, but to protect the integrity of the UFO subject, which he feels suffers from such controversies. He clarifies that this refusal to debate is not due to shame, impotence, or weakness, but rather common sense. Redon recounts a recent encounter with a prominent Spanish scientist who reacted with disgust upon hearing the term "OVNI." The editorial addresses the accusation that the CEI claims to possess the truth, stating that they merely work with their organizational and intellectual capabilities to decipher the mystery. They claim to possess a unique methodology in Spain. Redon emphasizes that the UFO phenomenon will only be deciphered when the global scientific community dedicates itself to its investigation, urging an end to sensationalist programs, varied articles, and books that prioritize sales over substance. He criticizes those who promote baseless claims or provide platforms for unbalanced individuals, arguing that they harm serious research. Despite this, the CEI remains open to dialogue with its critics.

"El CEI sigue en el punto de mira de J.J. Benítez"

This article details the ongoing conflict between the CEI and J.J. Benítez. The author notes that Benítez's recent books on UFOs have generated significant interest but criticizes "Materia Reservada" for its excessive use of insults and derogatory terms directed at the CEI and its members. The article lists numerous epithets used by Benítez, such as "vampiro/s," "negadores profesionales," "torquemadas," and "cretinismo congénito," attributing them to envy and a refusal to accept criticism. The CEI members Joan Plana Crivillen and Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos are specifically mentioned as targets, as is the Spanish Air Force. The article highlights that the CEI has been collaborating with the Spanish Air Force for over a year, declassifying numerous cases, a process that Benítez may have felt excluded from. The author suggests that Benítez's past actions, including allegedly misrepresenting official documents, have contributed to his current situation.

"Un OVNI sobre el Empordà (Cataluña 1993)"

This section reports on a UFO sighting that occurred on the night of Friday, October 16, 1993, involving nine residents of Maçanet de Cabrenys, Girona. The witnesses described a large, luminous object flying very low, emitting multi-colored lights and horizontal bars. Josep Llaona, one of the witnesses, stated that the object was not a weather balloon or a helicopter, and it made no noise. The witnesses stopped their cars to observe the "strange apparatus" as it flew over their heads and disappeared over the horizon without changing speed or altitude. Despite the spectacular nature of the sighting, no other witnesses in the area reported seeing anything. The control tower at Girona-Costa Brava Airport detected an unidentified luminous point moving in the sky that night but did not give it much importance. Airport officials confirmed that no arriving or departing flights could have been related to the sighting. The local Guardia Civil patrol reported no unusual activity. This case was noted as the first report from the Girona region in many months, with the last being a vertical ascent observed by airport controllers in the summer of 1992.

"Y una observación sobre Sabadell"

On the same night, October 16, 1993, at approximately 10:45 PM, Antoni Barreda of Sabadell observed three luminous, unidentified objects moving across the sky from North to South at a speed double that of conventional aircraft. Barreda, who was on his terrace, described the objects as having a "cross" shape and maintaining a constant distance from each other. The central object appeared to oscillate. He estimated their altitude to be between 5,000 and 6,000 meters. He ruled out helicopters or weather balloons and noted the absence of combustion gases or sound. The objects moved in a straight line, with the central one exhibiting a slight side-to-side oscillation.

"OVNI francès del 1768?"

This section presents a historical account of a possible UFO sighting from April 9, 1768, in Languedoc, France. The report describes a meteor that appeared as a blue fire pyramid, descended rapidly, and broke into stars. It lasted for about fifteen minutes and was followed by a thunder-like sound and vibrations. The description is taken from the "Gazeta de Barcelona," dated May 3, 1768.

Book Review: "Entre ufólogos, creyentes y contactados" by Ignacio Cabria García

This review discusses Ignacio Cabria García's book, which is described as an anthropological study of ufology in Spain. The book examines the individuals and associations involved in UFO research, exploring their knowledge, capabilities, beliefs, and sentiments. The reviewer notes that Cabria's work addresses the evolution of ufology from early, naive Martian hypotheses to current phenomena like abductions and contactees. The book is praised for its comprehensive approach and for not shying away from controversial topics. However, the reviewer points out a factual error at the end of the book, where Cabria incorrectly states that the CEI has disappeared and its office is closed. The reviewer attributes this to Cabria's residence in Mozambique and later Argentina, suggesting he received distorted information about the CEI's status. The book includes bibliographies and lists of ufological associations and publications.

"Història del CEI - Boletín del CEI (1959-1961)"

This section provides historical context for the CEI's first publication, the "Boletín del CEI," which ran from 1959 to 1961 in Barcelona. Nine issues were published, featuring editorials by Eduardo Buelta, case reports, and general news. The bulletin was small in format and printed via multicopist. The article notes that the early issues are now very rare. It explains that the publication's interruption in 1959 was due to internal organizational issues and the need to formalize its registration. The article quotes an editorial from July 1960 that discusses the reasons for the delay, including the need for legal registration and the limited print run and length of the bulletin. The editorial also outlines the CEI's evolving research methodology, moving from a recopilative phase (1949-1952) to an inductive phase (focusing on the past) and finally a deductive phase (focusing on the future). The article also mentions other contributors and Buelta's significant writings on UFO propulsion and the cyclical nature of UFO sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Papers d'OVNIS revolve around the critique of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims in ufology, the importance of rigorous methodology, and the historical development of UFO research in Spain. The CEI's editorial stance is one of serious, scientific inquiry, emphasizing evidence-based research and a commitment to deciphering the UFO mystery through systematic investigation. They actively distance themselves from polemics and sensationalism, advocating for a dignified approach to the subject. The issue also highlights the CEI's long-standing engagement with both the public and official bodies, as evidenced by their historical publications and collaborations.