AESV - no 15-16

Magazine Overview

This issue of "AESV" (Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes) bulletin, numbered 15-16 and published in March 1981, covers the 3rd and 4th quarters of 1980. The cover prominently features the title "OVNI:" and an illustration related to an abduction scenario, with headlines highlighting "L'AFFAIRE HELENE GUILIANA," "Le PICUFOR de Londres," "J.A. HYNEK en Suisse," "Montluçon '80," and an "INTERVIEW ANTONIO RIBERA."

Editorial

The editorial section, titled "édito," wishes readers a happy new year and announces the end of the 1980 subscription period. It expresses gratitude to supporting businesses and confirms the continuation of "AESV" publication for 1981 due to improved financial stability. The editorial apologizes for the delay in publishing issue No. 14, explaining that this double issue (15-16) was created to compensate. It also acknowledges and apologizes for the poor quality of photos in the previous issue, noting a change in printer and improved arrangements for future publications. The editors also thank M. TRANINI, the printer, for his efficient assistance and favorable pricing.

Contents

• The table of contents lists several articles and features:
• Editorial (p. 3)
• Montlucon 80 (p. 4)
• CECRU à Lyon (p. 9)
• La page de l'ASCRU (p. 10)
• Le PICUFOR de Londres (p. 11)
• L'affaire Hélène Guiliana (p. 13)
• Le Coin de la Page (p. 24)
• J. Allen Hynek en Suisse (p. 26)
• Interview Antonio Ribera (p. 27)
• A. Ribera à la Chambre des Lords (p. 29)
• Tournée M. Figuet en Romandie (p. 35)
• Et si on cassait la soucoupe? (p. 36)

Subscriptions and Memberships

Information is provided for "AESV" subscriptions, including rates for a one-year subscription (12 Swiss Francs for 4 issues) and back issues (3.50 Swiss Francs each). The issue also details membership options for "A.E.S.V.," with categories for passive members (30 F.S.), active members (40 F.S.), and support members (50 F.S.). All prices are in Swiss Francs and apply to both Switzerland and abroad. Payment instructions are given for CCP (Compte Chèques Postaux) 18-5723 in Vevey, Switzerland.

Editorial Stance and Activities

The editorial section also reflects on the AESV's activities in 1980, which were marked by profound changes. These included participation in the MAGONIA project, investigations into UFO cases, and efforts to inform the public through press presentations and conferences. The AESV also engaged in coordination efforts at national (ASCRU) and European (CECRU) levels, and participated in discussions with figures like Allen Hynek. The organization also attended various meetings and discussions with ufologists across Switzerland and in Montluçon.

Press Exchange

The bulletin is being sent to researchers and organizations to establish a press exchange. Readers are invited to send information, magazines, or newsletters for this purpose.

Congresses and Reunions

This section highlights the importance of publishing reports from ufological meetings, citing historical interest, the evolution of ufological ideas, and the opportunity to learn about new research findings. It announces articles on national (ASCRU), European (CECRU), and international (PICUFOR) coordination efforts, as well as a report on the Montluçon congress.

Montluçon 80 Congress

The Montluçon Congress, held every two years, is described as a success, with the fourth edition in April 1980 attracting a large number of researchers and groups. Notable attendees included Jean Giraud, Christiane Piens, Jacques Scornaux, Thierry Pinvidic, Pierre Vieroudy, J.-P. Troadéc, Bertrand Meheust, Dominique Caudron, Michel Figuet, J.-L. Rivera, J.-L. Proust, L. Belanger, "Y" (psychiatrist), G. Brunot, and representatives from various groups like GLRU, CLLDLN, VERONICA, GTROVNI, PALMOS, GREEMOC, GEOVI, SVEPS, GENPI, and AESV. Journalist Jacques Pradel of France Inter was also present.

The first day featured a round table discussing criteria for excluding UFO cases, such as undated cases, nocturnal lights without further unusual characteristics, cases too distant in time or space, cases with only child witnesses, phenomena not observed for a sufficient duration, cases where the witness did not see the phenomenon arrive or depart, cases involving elderly or alcoholic witnesses, and cases based solely on narrative rather than events. The consensus was that such cases should be archived but not necessarily published, emphasizing quality over quantity.

The discussion then shifted to characteristics that help identify a specific UFO phenomenon, including on-site appearance and disappearance, non-psychosomatic epidermal traces, identical cases across different locations and times, UFO themes not found in neuropsychiatry, UFOs not in space, animal reactions, power outages, semantic specificity, truncated lights, and lack of tangible evidence like photos or scenarios.

The following two days included various presentations and discussions. Jean Giraud presented on "Flying Saucers & Science Fiction," analyzing the visual aspects of UFOs in cinema and comic books, noting the prevalence of UFO themes in post-1947 science fiction. He responded to a question about the coincidence of UFOs and SF, suggesting that while rare, it often relates to the theme of extraterrestrial visitors.

J.-P. Troadéc presented on contactees, using a slideshow. Jacques Scornaux discussed the "good and bad use of Monnerism," concluding that while Monnerie's socio-psychological approach is incomplete, it encourages caution. Thierry Pinvidic spoke on "the epistemology of ufology," outlining a research methodology that involves documentation, witness assessment, and objective analysis of testimonies.

Dominique Caudron presented on "information degradation," discussing how information about UFOs can be distorted through the chain from observation to publication, and introduced the concept of SIMOVNI (a UFO simulator).

Josiane and Jan d'Aigures presented their research on the "wave of 1896-97," attributing it to the widespread presence of balloons and dirigibles, a thesis that challenged Monnerie's socio-psychological explanation of mass hysteria. Their work was published in "INFO-OVNI" and "INFORESPACE."

The congress was deemed a success, fostering discussion and research. However, the author noted a lack of exploitation of the congress's findings for international dissemination, suggesting that the research could have been shared with American ufologists, including Allen Hynek, who expressed reservations about the 1896-97 wave explanation. The author also pointed out the need for a common language in ufology, similar to the goals of PICUFOR, and questioned whether Montluçon and CECRU would remain exclusively French-speaking.

CECRU Meeting

The CECRU (Centre d'Etude et de Documentation sur les Phénomènes Spatiaux) meeting in Lyon was described as more substantial, with participation from Belgium, Italy, and Monaco, alongside French and Swiss groups. New Swiss groups, GRU and CWUFO, were present. The meeting noted the dissolution of some French groups but the emergence of new ideas, including the formation of the Fédération Française d'Ufologie (FFU). The CECRU's code of ethics was refined, and the "commission contacté" published a study on the use of hypnosis in the Cergy case. The "commission détection" presented a new detection station, and the "commission enquête" proposed a "CECRU sieve" to filter UFO cases, assigning a "quality label" to verified ones.

Four quality presentations were given: J.-P. Troadéc on "the great fear of the Magonians" (UFO themes in advertising, UFOs & comics, information distortion), E. Russo on "ufology in Italy," X. Molle on "the Church and the UFO phenomenon," and J.-L. Rivera on "how Americans organize congresses." The next CECRU session was scheduled for St-Etienne in May 1981.

The Hélène Guiliana Affair

This section revisits the Hélène Guiliana case, considered incredible by some researchers. The article highlights the investigation by Michel Figuet and presents new elements compared to a previous publication in "UFO-Informations." It criticizes the commercial exploitation of the case and the way researchers allegedly influenced the witness during hypnosis to elicit specific responses, introducing notions of abduction and humanoids without the witness initially mentioning them. The article contrasts this with researchers who conduct investigations without intervention, citing Dutch researcher D.J. Bosga, who used dream analysis instead of hypnosis. The case is compared to the Zanfretta case, where the alleged humanoid matched a figure from a film, raising questions about the objective reality of such abduction accounts, especially when similar parameters appear in cases from distant locations.

Historical Case: The Hélène Guiliana Case

This detailed account of the Hélène Guiliana case begins with its discovery in July 1976 through a journalist's inquiry. The witness, Hélène Guiliana, a 21-year-old employee, reported an observation on the night of June 11, 1976, around 01:15 AM. Her car stalled on RN 531 near Bourg-de-Péage, France, after she saw a blinding, semi-spherical orange mass, about ten meters in diameter, on the road. The object covered the entire width of the road. She experienced fear, locked her doors, and covered her eyes. After a period, the light disappeared. She then took an unusual route home, arriving at 4:00 AM, a significant time discrepancy given the distance and her usual travel time.

Initial investigation by Michel Figuet noted the witness's distress and the unusual time loss. The witness reported no physical marks, no damage to her car, and no other witnesses. A small circular hole, 10 cm in diameter and 5 mm deep, was found on the road, attributed to pressure tests.

The case gained further attention when M.A.R., an investigator for the "OURANOS" UFO commission, decided to conduct hypnosis sessions with Hélène Guiliana. These sessions, conducted in July and August 1976, involved M.A.R., a hypnotist referred to as "Stéphane," and other witnesses. During hypnosis, Hélène described being taken aboard a round, metallic craft by short, "ugly" beings with yellow skin and black suits. She described a room with a rounded ceiling and iron floor, where she was placed on a table and examined by one of the beings with a cylindrical object emitting light. She also mentioned seeing buttons on the walls and lights of various colors. The beings communicated through gestures, and she felt they wanted to convey something but couldn't understand. She also mentioned the number three repeatedly in relation to the craft's speed and distance.

Subsequent hypnosis sessions, involving journalists and experts, largely corroborated the initial hypnotic accounts, with minor variations in descriptions of the beings' appearance. The repeated mention of the number three and the witness's fear were noted. The article questions the methodology of hypnosis in eliciting information and highlights the potential for suggestion.

The ASCRU Page

This section details the activities of the ASCRU (Association pour l'Etude et l'Information sur les Phénomènes Spatiaux). It reports on several meetings:

• Seventh Reunion (Bulle, September 6, 1981): Attended by various Swiss UFO groups, including CWUFO, GRU, IR, AESV, GREPO, and GUN. Preparations for M. Figuet's tour of French-speaking Switzerland were discussed. The creation of an administrative committee to manage ASCRU's affairs was proposed.
• Eighth Reunion (Martigny, November 8, 1980): A brief but dense meeting that summarized the CECRU Lyon session. The CRU proposed a 20-minute TV program and the use of a private recording studio for radio broadcasts. AESV and GUB offered to create an ASCRU review, contingent on group participation. A meeting was scheduled for October 15th in Neuchâtel to define the structure and realization of this review.
• Ninth Reunion (Brig, February 7, 1981): The first meeting held in German-speaking Switzerland, attended by two French-speaking groups (GRU and AESV) and CWUFO. Discussions focused on establishing a clear structure for ASCRU and addressing member passivity. The next meeting was planned for Neuchâtel on April 4th.

The ASCRU page also mentions exchanges of materials with French, Italian, and German UFO groups and highlights the Italian publication "UFO NEWS-FLASH."

PICUFOR Classification Report

This section discusses the need for standardized UFO report classification systems for international data exchange. It mentions BUFORA's desire to standardize a system and Peter Hill's proposal for a classification system based on mutually exclusive categories, using primitive report information, avoiding ambiguous terms, and being easy to remember and apply. The limitations of Dr. Hynek's classification system (first, second, and third types) are noted, as it primarily identifies report types rather than serving as a comprehensive classification basis.

The article discusses the UFOCAT system, an example of a UFO observation catalog created in the USA by Dr. D. Saunders, noting that it was designed for retrieval rather than research analysis. It also mentions the URD project in Sweden, which uses a computer for statistical analysis of UFO reports, and the GEPAN organization in France, which employs specific techniques to analyze and classify UFO reports. The GEPAN's goal is to compare their data with other organizations' archives. The section concludes by acknowledging the difficulty of establishing a viable classification system quickly and the need for further development.

Summary of Key Facts

This issue of "AESV" provides a comprehensive overview of ufological activities and research. It details the Hélène Guiliana abduction case, including investigative and hypnotic findings, and critically examines the methodology and potential for suggestion. The Montluçon 80 Congress is reported extensively, covering discussions on case evaluation criteria, the relationship between UFOs and science fiction, and epistemological approaches to ufology. The activities of the ASCRU are documented through reports of its regional meetings, highlighting efforts towards coordination and information dissemination. The PICUFOR initiative for international UFO data classification is discussed, emphasizing the need for standardized systems. The issue also includes an interview with Antonio Ribera and features on J.A. Hynek and the 'Picufor de Londres.' The overall tone suggests a commitment to rigorous research and open discussion within the ufological community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of specific UFO cases (Hélène Guiliana), the organization and reporting of ufological conferences (Montluçon 80, CECRU), the efforts towards international cooperation and standardization (PICUFOR, ASCRU), and the critical analysis of research methodologies (hypnosis, classification systems). The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious, evidence-based research while acknowledging the challenges of funding, collaboration, and the subjective nature of some phenomena. The AESV emphasizes its role as an information provider and welcomes contributions from all interested parties, aiming to advance the understanding of the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of "Humour" magazine, dated October 1980, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, particularly through the use of hypnosis to explore witness accounts. The cover features a cartoon by Ivan Lieve Petit, depicting a woman looking at the sky, with a UFO and small figures, under the headline "HUMOUR: Ivan Lieve Petit". The issue delves into a detailed case involving Hélène Guiliana, whose encounter with alleged extraterrestrials was explored through hypnotic regression.

The Hélène Guiliana Case

The core of the issue revolves around the hypnotic sessions with Hélène Guiliana. The transcript reveals a detailed interrogation about her experience, including the appearance of small beings, the description of a UFO, and the nature of her interaction with them. Questions probe the beings' appearance, their craft, their actions, and their departure. Guiliana describes the beings as small, with yellow skin, wearing violet suits, and her interaction with them involved them making circles on her pullover. She also recounts being in her car when the encounter occurred and feeling a sense of being chosen. The hypnotic sessions aim to reconstruct the events, with the interviewer guiding Guiliana through her memories, asking about the craft's construction, the beings' origins, and the duration of their visit. The narrative highlights the challenges of memory recall under hypnosis and the potential for suggestion.

Analysis of the Guiliana Case and Hypnosis in Ufology

Following the transcript, the "Commentaires" section contextualizes the Guiliana case within a broader history of UFO encounters investigated through hypnosis. It notes that this technique has been employed in other well-known cases, such as the Barney and Betty Hill abduction, and mentions investigations involving Marius Dewilde and a Dr. X. The article discusses the credibility of such cases, often relying on multiple witnesses, physical traces, or the reputation of the witness. The Guiliana case's credibility is linked to the witness's sincerity and willingness to undergo hypnosis. A critique is raised about the lack of recording during the first hypnotic session. The commentary also touches upon the media's sensationalist portrayal of such cases and the potential for exploitation of witnesses by those conducting the investigations.

International UFO Cases and Research

The issue features an interview with Antonio Ribera, a Spanish ufologist, who discusses his views on the origin of UFO phenomena, favoring the extraterrestrial hypothesis but acknowledging other possibilities like parallel universes or time travelers. Ribera also touches upon the UMMO affair, describing it as a series of scientific messages from alleged extraterrestrials. He discusses the challenges of ufological research, the importance of credible witnesses, and the need for a scientific approach. Ribera also comments on the British House of Lords' interest in UFOs, contrasting it with the French GEPAN's scientific approach.

Another section details a meeting with J.A. Hynek in Switzerland, where he discussed the history of UFO groups in the country and the challenges of public and private funding for UFO research. The discussion also touched upon the relationship between UFOs and the military.

Theoretical Frameworks and Hypotheses

Thierry Pinvidic's book, "Le Noeud Gordien ou la Fantastique Histoire des OVNI," is reviewed. The reviewer acknowledges Pinvidic's rigorous scientific approach but suggests that his complex theories, drawing from Jung, Monnerie, and Méheust, may further complicate rather than resolve the UFO mystery. The review highlights Pinvidic's distinction between the "real" and "imaginary" aspects of UFO phenomena, his emphasis on the physical evidence, and his rejection of simple extraterrestrial explanations in favor of more complex hypotheses involving "intelligence" or cosmic forces.

Other Contributions

An article by Serge Leuba, titled "OPINION," critiques the state of ufology, particularly the tendency to attack researchers rather than their theories. Leuba argues for a more open-minded approach to new hypotheses and criticizes the "ufologists" who rely on anecdotal evidence or flawed investigations. He also discusses the potential dangers of pollution and nuclear destruction, questioning the messages of "extraterrestrial saviors" who seem unaware of these issues.

Michel Figuet's lecture tour in Switzerland is reported, noting the low attendance but good organization. The article also touches upon the phenomenon of "flying saucers" and their potential connection to planetary cycles, such as Mars oppositions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor in UFO research, the need for credible evidence, and the critical examination of witness testimony, especially when obtained through hypnosis. There's a recurring theme of distinguishing between genuine phenomena and hoaxes or misinterpretations. The magazine appears to favor a cautious, analytical approach to ufology, while acknowledging the profound impact these phenomena can have on individuals and society. The editorial stance leans towards exploring complex, potentially non-extraterrestrial explanations for UFOs, moving beyond simplistic narratives.

This document is a scanned issue of a publication, identified by the issue mark 'B' and dated April 8, 1981. The cover prominently features 'Poupées MARIE D'O' as an exclusive item, stating they are created and manufactured in France. The magazine appears to be a bulletin or newsletter, possibly related to paranormal or unusual phenomena, given the contact information for the Observatoire des Parasciences and links to 'Ovni-Présence' and 'Anomalies' on the second page.

Content Analysis

Cover:
The cover's main headline is 'En exclusivité : Poupées MARIE D'O'. It includes a graphic of a doll's head and the tagline 'créé et fabriqué en France'. The bottom section of the cover contains advertisements:

• Couvet: Specializing in ice cream ('Spécialités de glaces'), operated by Famille J-M. Debossens, closed on Tuesdays.
• D. GRANDJEAN COUVET ALLEGRO: No specific details are provided beyond the name and location.
• PAPETERIE J.-M. HERRMANN: Located at 2114 Fleurier, with a phone number 038/611558. The ad also includes the tagline 'Tout pour le bureau' (Everything for the office).

Address Block:
An address block at the top left provides mailing information for an 'Abonnement-poste' (Postage paid subscription) to CH-2001 Neuchatel, J.A.-P. P. It includes notes for the postman in English, French, and Spanish regarding incorrect addresses and instructions to return the bulletin. The return address provided is A.E.S.V., case postale 342, CH 1800 Vevey 1, Suisse.

Page 2 - Contact Information:
This page details the contact information for the 'Observatoire des Parasciences' located at PO Box 80057 - La Plaine, France. The email address is [email protected]. It also provides website links:

• http://articles.lescahiers.net/?z=i2040
• Ovni-Présence: http://lescahiers.net/CatalogueMartien/OP.html
• Anomalies: http://lescahiers.net/CatalogueMartien/Anomalies.html

Copyright Notice:
A significant 'Note importante' (Important note) in French and English states that it is strictly forbidden to retrieve the digital version of this publication and put it online on any website, blog, social network, or personal site. The only authorized online publication is on the AFU (Archives For the Unexplained) website. Any unauthorized publication will be considered copyright infringement and subject to prosecution.

Advertisements within the document:
Beyond the cover, the document contains advertisements for:

• BAR A CAFE Le Picotin: Located in Couvet, offering ice cream specialties and closed on Tuesdays. Operated by Famille J-M. Debossens.
• D. GRANDJEAN COUVET ALLEGRO: A business located in Couvet.
• LE CENTRE DES 2 ROUES: Located 'AU CENTRE DU VALLON' with a telephone number 63'11'31.

Printing Information:
The document states 'Printed in Switzerland by Imprimerie des Lerreux - 2114 FLEURIER'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

While the magazine's primary focus on the cover is 'Poupées MARIE D'O', the inclusion of contact information for the 'Observatoire des Parasciences' and links to 'Ovni-Présence' and 'Anomalies' suggests a secondary or underlying theme related to paranormal phenomena, UFOs, or unexplained events. The strong emphasis on copyright protection indicates a professional and protective stance regarding the publication's content and distribution. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting specific products (dolls, local businesses) while also serving as a platform for information related to unusual phenomena, all under strict control of its online presence.