Circulaire CIGU - No 03 - 1988 dec - manque pages 13 et 14

Magazine Overview

This document is issue number 3 of 'CIRCULAIRE CIGU', published by the 'Comité Ile-de-France des Groupements Ufologiques' in December 1988. The cover prominently announces the demise of GEPAN and the emergence of SEPRA, with the headline 'LE GEPAN MORT LA POUSSIERE.' (GEPAN Dies in the Dust).

GEPAN Replaced by SEPRA

The circular reports that GEPAN no longer exists. This news, which had been circulating among ufologists, is now official. The press has picked up on this information, particularly following the phenomenon observed on December 21st. J.J. VELASCO, responsible for the new organization SEPRA (Service d'Explication des Phénomènes de Rentrées Atmosphériques) within CNES, provided initial responses. It is suggested that GEPAN's archives will be preserved, and gendarmerie reports will still be transmitted to CNES, under the responsibility of the SEPRA director. The phrase 'Exit le GEPAN, bonjour le SEPRA' ('Goodbye GEPAN, Hello SEPRA') summarizes this transition.

New Observations (Nouvelles Obs.)

The circular details several UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings:

• November 21, 1988: Near LIEUSAINT (77) and MELUN (77), an automobilist observed a red luminous ball that transformed into six red lights in a triangular formation at low altitude and without noise. Another witness confirmed the observation.
• November 25, 1988: In CASTRES (81), an investigation is underway by Christian MACE. A resident and his son observed a brilliant disc-shaped object, described as 'immobile at about 2000 meters'. A pink object then detached from it, resembling a parachute.
• November 3, 1988: Near LA TOUQUES, close to LISIEUX (14), an anonymous caller reported seeing a UFO, possibly a falling Russian satellite. This led to an investigation by gendarmes.
• November 5-6, 1988: In BEAUMONT-DU-PERIGORD (24), a couple observed a large luminous bar in the sky, which remained immobile before disappearing like a shooting star. It did not resemble a weather balloon, and airport information did not provide an explanation.
• December 1, 1988: In ST MICHEL DE VILLADEIX (24), a farmer observed 3 or 4 luminous balls (violet, red, and blue) moving at lightning speed. He felt a slight shock, 'like an electrical discharge'. His dog fled in fear.
• December 21, 1988: Numerous reports came in from PARIS, NORMANDIE, YONNE, ILE-DE-FRANCE, TOURAINE, etc., about a UFO observed around 1:00 AM. It appeared as several luminous points in a triangle formation, followed by a red or blue/green luminous trail. According to J.J. VELASCO of SEPRA, this could be related to the predicted re-entry of three satellites. Cyrille FOURCADE of CIGU was a witness.

Confusion (C'est la Confusion)

UFO-BALLOONS: A summary of a report by Gilles DURAND describes an observation on December 7th at 2:05 PM from the 5th floor of the Tour Europa in THIAIS (94). Two greyish shapes were seen moving towards the observer at medium altitude. They were identified as compact clusters of children's balloons. The phenomenon took about 4 minutes to pass overhead.

Insolite/Paranormal

This section covers various unusual topics:

• Cryptozoology: Mme ROUMAGUERE-EBRART, an ethnologist-anthropologist, stated on TF1 that she had collected testimonies about over 110 encounters with 'Mr X', the Yeti of the Massai people. She referenced the work of Bernard HEUVELMANS.
• URSS - On the Trail of the Yeti: A Soviet biologist, Pavel MARIKOVSKI, has launched an appeal for in-depth research into the 'snowman' in the USSR, citing over 40 years of collected accounts of encounters in KARAKUM, Central Asia, MONGOLIA, and SIBERIA.
• Scotland - 'Something in the Loch': Experts from Ste Lowrance (Oklahoma) analyzed data from a 1987 expedition and identified an echo at 170 meters depth, considered the largest recorded by the company in 30 years of sonar work on the seabed.
• Sectes: Alain DECAUX, a minister, historian, and writer, was received in Vietnam by a sect that worships Victor HUGO.
• Miracles - France: The water from the Lourdes grotto is reportedly polluted, according to BRGM analyses. Pilgrims are divided between disbelief and faith.
• Italy: A Catholic priest and a woman were fined for announcing apparitions of the Virgin Mary in PESCARA, Italy. An event in February 1988, attended by 20,000 people for a 'Sun Dance', was in vain.

Voyance - Astrology - Predictions

• USA - Crazy Predictions: Three predictions for 1989 are highlighted: a plane crash over the VATICAN, Fidel CASTRO being swept away by a cyclone, and a UFO landing in KANSAS.
• France - Marabouts of Twine: A dozen fake marabouts were arrested in ST ETIENNE (42) for fraud. One confessed to raping three clients.

Disappeared Civilizations

• Zimbabwe - The Lost City: Mme ROUMAGUERE-EBRART recounts her research in the KHALAHARI desert for a lost city possibly linked to the ancient civilization of ZIMBABWE.

Human Phenomena

• China - A Woman at 100 Volts: Mme Liu YING suffers from a condition where her body produces electrical discharges up to 100 volts. This has complicated her medical treatment.

Geophysical Phenomena

• Azerbaijan - The World Upside Down: Reports describe water flowing upwards and cars moving uphill on a mysterious force on a road near KUCHKU village. The phenomenon is attributed to an optical illusion by some, though an investigation commission acknowledged its extraordinary nature.

Miscellaneous

• Strange Mystery - 'Numbers Stations': Since WWII, strange broadcasts, often featuring a female voice rapidly reciting numbers in various languages, have been detected on shortwave. These emissions are brief and their frequencies unpredictable. Hypotheses include maritime stations, CIA networks, Eastern Bloc communications, or even secret societies.

Telescopes

• USA - 'The Broken Giant Ear': The large radio telescope at GREEN BANK, Virginia, collapsed on November 15th. The cause is unknown, but a rumor suggests it was overloaded with instruments. This was a significant loss for radio astronomy.

Messages

• Christian SOUDET is seeking documents related to several cases in Seine-Maritime, including sightings in AMFREVILLE-LA-MIVOIE (1947) and ROUEN (1954), as well as cases between BREST and ROUEN, and in ST VALERY-EN-CAUX, BAILLOLET, BUCHY, and ELBOEUF.
• Michel FIGUET is selling several 'books' (in new condition) on UFOs and related topics, including works by GARDES, GABRIEL, VALLEE, BARTHEL, BRUCKER, CHAMBRAUD, DORIER, TROADEC, and STEIGER. He is also looking for books by DURRANT, VIEROUDY, MISRAKI, JUNG, and others, as well as works on phenomena and apparitions.
• Michel FIGUET is also searching for documents related to an RPV (Remotely Piloted Vehicle) that flew in 1965.
• J.Luc PROUST is opening a specialized bookstore in Bordeaux and is seeking specific books on paranormal topics, including works by E. BOZZANO, C. De VESME, Ch. LANCELIN, G. LAPASSADE, ALEXANDRIAN, MAISONNEUVE, LAROSE, DINGWALL, COLIN-SIMARD, OTTO R., and BELMONT N. He is also interested in books by R. DARNTON, C. WILSON, M. PREAUD, and CAMPBELL.

Inactivities

Michel COSTE is temporarily ceasing his ufological activities for about six months due to personal reasons.

Manifestations

• SYMPOSIUM GALACTEUS: A group described as a 'ufological sect' (Galactéus) is organizing events in VINCENNES (94), including a video diaporama and a symposium on 'Galacteus-Contacts and Contactees'.
• SCIENCE ET ILLUSIONS: A festival of this name will take place at Espace Glandas, IVRY-SUR-SEINE (94), from May 12-21, 1989.

Communiques

• TAU-CETI: They are seeking information about a proclamation by American John LEAR, accusing the US government of an agreement with a certain race of ETs. They have received two documents with details.
• LA SOBEPS: Information is available for those wishing to become members or subscribe to SOBEPS, and to receive the Proceedings of the Brussels Congress.

Publications (Parutions)

• ANCIENT ASTRONAUTS, COSMIC COLLISIONS AND OTHER POPULAR THEORIES ABOUT MAN'S PAST by William H. STIEBLING is available in France through the Union Rationaliste.
• LE PASSE RECOMPOSE by Jean-Pierre ADAM is a follow-up to his previous work 'L'Archéologie Devant l'Imposture', continuing to debunk claims of flying saucers and extraterrestrial civilizations.
• LA VERITE SUR LE TRIANGLE DES BERMUDES by Jules METZ investigates mysterious disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle, aiming to debunk myths.
• LE PHENOMENE DES OVNIS is a deluxe, illustrated book from Time-Life, featuring contributions from Marcello TRUZZI and David Michael JACOBS. It includes color illustrations and previously unpublished photos, with references to cases like Trans-en-Provence, Terauchi (Alaska), English circles, and Hessdalen.
• LE LABYRINTHE D'ATLAS by D. GRAND PIERRE is an educational role-playing game where the player is the director of GEPAN. It mentions names like Bergier, Vallée, and Michel, and discusses topics like Loch Ness, ghosts, Stonehenge, Fatima, and various UFO cases.

Bookstores Info (Infos Librairies)

• A new book, 'Bizarreries par Correspondance' by Rvd Ivan STAG, lists addresses of fringe associations in the US.
• 'La Face Cachée de Medjugorge', tome 1, by Ivo SIVRIC, is now available in France.

Tele Scoops

• TF1 - AVIS DE RECHERCHE-DOROTHEE (Nov 18, 1988): An introduction featured a UFO hovering close to the ground in a thick fog.
• TF1 - CIEL MON MARDI (Dec 6, 1988): The show discussed 'transcommunication' with guests including a parapsychologist, a journalist, an author on 'The Dead Speak to Us', and an expert in crystallography. Recordings were reportedly made even without antennas. The parapsychologist was skeptical, while transcommunication is being studied in West Germany and Luxembourg. A poll showed 38.6% believed in transcommunication, and 61.4% did not.
• TF1 - CHOCS (Dec 19, 1988): A man in France reported witchcraft affecting his property and family, posting a sign warning against sorcery. He found a dead black hen and magnetized chalk granules. His family and animals fell ill, and his garden was devastated.

Radio Scoops

• Radio 'Ici et Maintenant' (Oct 30, 1988): For the anniversary of the Orson Welles 'War of the Worlds' broadcast, the station aired a special 5.5-hour UFO program that was reportedly very successful.
• Radio 91 FM ESSONNE: Christian MACE continues his regular shows on UFOs and the unusual.
• FRANCE INFOS (Dec 21, 1988): Reported three red luminous points and a red trail over Paris, with multiple witnesses.
• FRANCE INFOS (Dec 21, 1988): Described dozens of witnesses observing a triangular formation of luminous points over Paris for about 30 seconds, with red trails. Police and the Meudon observatory reported nothing unusual.
• EUROPE 1 (Dec 21, 1988): Reported a brilliant ball with an orange comet-like tail over Northern Paris and Orléans.
• EUROPE 1 (Dec 21, 1988): A photographer from Paris-Match described seeing a huge, brilliant ball with a formidable fiery tail and 40 points of light on each side. The phenomenon was silent and slid through the atmosphere, described as fantastic and extraordinary.
• FRANCE-INTER (Dec 21, 1988): Hosted a thematic emission 'Do you believe in UFOs or not?', inviting listeners to call in. It also presented an article from 'Le Monde Inconnu' about EBEs (Extraterrestrial Biological Entities), referred to as 'Little Grays'.
• FRANCE-INTER (Dec 10, 1988): Discussed rumors about wolves and presented a scientist's work on the Beast of Gévaudan, comparing it to the Beast of the Vosges.

Press

• NEW-LOOK: This magazine features a monthly article on the paranormal by J.Y. CASGHA.
• NOUVEAU MENSUEL: A new monthly publication called 'MYSTERAMA' has launched, focusing on the unusual.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The 'CIRCULAIRE CIGU' appears to be a newsletter for ufologists and those interested in paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance is one of information dissemination, reporting on sightings, investigations, and related news from various sources, including press clippings, radio reports, and personal communications from colleagues. There is a clear interest in debunking hoaxes and providing factual accounts, while also acknowledging the mysterious and unexplained aspects of the phenomena discussed. The transition from GEPAN to SEPRA is a significant event for the ufological community in France, and the circular aims to keep its readers informed. The inclusion of diverse topics like cryptozoology, alleged miracles, and scientific anomalies suggests a broad interest in the unexplained.

This document is an issue of the French ufology publication "CCIGU", specifically issue number 8812, dated October 1988. It functions as a newsletter or circular for the ufology community, providing updates on publications, services, and ongoing research.

Reviews and Information

Press Reviews:

• Unnamed Magazine: A magazine is described as covering "the strange, the occult, and parapsychological" with "divers facts (sometimes dubious), interviews (a bit faked?), articles and... erotism." The reviewer, Fabrice CURLIER, deems it "very questionable" and suggests reading it "with tweezers, out of the corner of your eye," but acknowledges its existence and importance.
• Le Monde Inconnu (N°100): An article titled "Alert: The 'E.B.E.' are among us!" is highlighted. This article, concocted by J. GUIEU, is presented as a comprehensive guide to understanding EBEs (Extraterrestrial Biological Entities).
• Cosmopolitan (August 1988 issue): This issue featured several interesting articles. One discussed rumors and how to interpret current rumors, including a "Top" of 1988 rumors. Another article, "Are you good witnesses?", used photos from famous films to pose questions to readers, aiming to help ufologists investigate witnesses more thoroughly. The reviewer recommends acquiring this issue.

Minitel Services:

• PRESS (36.16 code "PRESS"): The first telematics directory of the French press has been launched. It allows users to search for articles, new magazines, and obtain summaries.
• SONDAGE (36.15 "B.TEL"): A survey on UFOs organized by "Réagir" was featured, following observations made in Yonne and Paris in December.
• ALIENOR...D'AQUITAINE (36.15 ALIENOR CGU): The "Club Girondin Ufologique" (CGU) announced the launch of a new Minitel server. A special service on 36.14 is also accessible with a password for ufologists. However, the CGU is accused of "pillaging" information from AESV, which had worked hard to establish its service. This led to near legal disputes, but the service now exists, and LTO is still active.

Contacts and Directories

• Patrice VACHON: A colleague from ADRUP (Côte d'Or) has a new address and phone number provided.
• Nigel WATSON: Contact information for a British ufologist friend is updated.
• Annuaire ufologique français (French Ufology Directory): Initiated by Yves CHOSSON, this directory aims to organize information on French ufologists, their activities, and interests. It is being regularly updated. Readers are encouraged to contribute their own addresses and those of colleagues to enrich the directory. The document mentions that French ufologists are among the least organized, and this initiative seeks to address that.

Acknowledgements

The publication expresses gratitude to individuals who contributed information and documents, including Mme Dominique DOUX and Messrs. Thierry ROCHER, Alain GAMARD, Fabrice CURLIER, Yves CHOSSON, Jacques SCORNAUX, Thierry PINVIDIC, Marcel PECH, Christian MACE, and Raoul ROBE.

CIGU Greetings

The CIGU (Club Girondin Ufologique) presents its "Best Wishes for 1989" with a graphic design.

Annex 4: SOBEPS

Call for Support:

SOBEPS is requesting financial support for its future activities in 1989, including subscriptions and orders for the European congress proceedings. They provide details on how to pay via CCP (000-0316209-86) or bank account (210-0222255-80) in Brussels. For France and Canada, international postal money orders or bank transfers are required, not checks.

Congress Proceedings:

The proceedings of the First European Congress on Anomalous Aerial Phenomena, held in November 1988, are available in English (over 200 pages). A French translation is in preparation and expected in April-May 1989 for those who pre-ordered.

OVNI-PRESENCE Offer:

Readers are offered complete collections of the "OVNI-PRESENCE" magazine (issues 14 to 40) at attractive prices, with limited availability.

Annex 5: Circular to all ufologists

Yves Chosson's Initiative:

Yves Chosson (Nancy) is circulating a proposal to create a computerized directory of French ufologists. He notes the difficulty in knowing who is active in the field and the lack of organization. The directory will include names, addresses, contact details, general interests, main responsibilities, and affiliations. To receive a copy and contribute to its enrichment, individuals must provide their own details and those of colleagues, along with 6 postage stamps to cover costs.

Example Entry:

An example entry for Yves Chosson is provided, detailing his name, address, phone number, affiliation (ACEPI), past activities (LDLN44/Computer CanonX07, Apricot Portable), current status (Active), and publications (3/Needle detector and Other detector, 8 published investigations).

Call for Diffusion:

Chosson asks for the proposal to be disseminated, noting that French ufologists are poorly organized. He requests timely submission of information for the second version of the directory.

Other Information:

• A monthly circular is published by "le CIGU".
• Technical notes are available to all members of CNEGU.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the dissemination of information within the ufology community, the review and promotion of ufology-related publications and services, and the organization of French ufologists. The editorial stance appears to be one of active participation and support for ufological research and networking, encouraging collaboration and information sharing. There is a clear emphasis on practical tools like directories and congress proceedings to advance the field.