Extraterrestres, Les - Series 1 - No 22 - sept-oct 1972

Magazine Overview

Title: LES EXTRATERRESTRES
Issue: No. 22
Date: September-October 1972
Publisher: Groupe d'Études des Objets Spatiaux de France (GECS)
Type: International Review

This issue of Les Extraterrestres, number 22, marks the second publication of their 1972-1973 season. The magazine aims to provide a less luxurious but indispensable presentation for amateur 'soucoupistes' (UFO enthusiasts). The primary goal of these presentations is to inform and advance the understanding of the UFO (CVNI - Objets Volants Non Identifiés) problem.

Special Conference: Organizing and Promoting UFO Events

The issue dedicates significant space to organizing and promoting UFO conferences. It acknowledges the difficulties involved but offers solutions and encouragement. The magazine emphasizes that these conferences are typically organized by non-professional enthusiasts who wish to share their knowledge with a wider audience. The article details how to find venues, suggesting local town halls (mairies) or youth centers as common and accessible options. It also outlines strategies for attracting the public, primarily through press coverage and posters, with the GECS offering to assist in these publicity efforts upon receiving notification of a conference.

Several examples of successful conferences are mentioned: Colonel LCBET in Digne, Eric ABAGNALE in Marseille, and M. VERGER-QUINQUIS in Salon-de-Provence, who held his seventh successful conference. The GERCC in Montpellier also presented a case for the reality of the UFO problem.

The magazine provides a plan for developing a conference presentation, suggesting a duration of one and a half hours, followed by a slide projection. It recommends acquiring the 'Histoire des Soucoupes Volantes en Diapositives' series and potentially producing a series of UFO photographs for display. A debate with the public is also encouraged to conclude the event.

Necrology: Dr. René Hardy

The issue includes a necrology for Dr. René Hardy, a doctor of sciences who dedicated his later years to UFO research. Dr. Hardy was a prolific inventor, holding over 250 patents, many contributing to national defense. He was a scientific advisor to the DCAN at Toulon naval base and a member of the New York Academy of Sciences. His contributions included pioneering French guided missile warheads and infrared tank detection systems. In his final years, he became passionate about the CVNI problem, perfecting detectors, advising researchers, and founding the Société Varoise d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux (SVEPS) in Toulon. His passing is noted with deep sadness, with a quote from Jean-Louis Forest of SVEPS calling him 'irreplaceable.' Dr. Hardy's funeral was held on June 15th.

L'Ovnilogie: The Science of UFOs

Authored by Claude Mac DUFF, this section explores the field of 'ovnilogie.' It defines ovnilogie as the science dedicated to researching, studying, compiling, and correlating UFO-related cases and events. The article highlights the growing expansion of this field since 1948, noting the increasing number of scientific societies dedicated to its study and the improvement of investigative techniques. The term 'CVNI' (Objets Volants Non Identifiés) is used, along with 'ESPI' (Engins Spatiaux de Provenance inconnue) and 'MOC' (Mystérieux Objets célestes), and the English term 'Flying Saucer.'

The core tenets of ovnilogie are presented: UFOs are considered tangible, material craft of evident reality, likely originating from extraterrestrial sources beyond Earth's solar system or even galaxy. The beings piloting these craft are believed to be far more evolved and intelligent than humans, possessing advanced science and technology that enables interstellar travel.

Evidence for these extraterrestrial visits is drawn from historical records, myths, legends, and folklore across various civilizations, which are argued to show remarkable similarities to modern UFO accounts. Hypotheses for UFO visits include exploration, scientific research, colonization intentions, and terraforming projects.

The article categorizes researchers into two main groups: those strictly adhering to scientific and objective methods, and those who incorporate religious or messianic interpretations. The former are considered more serious and widespread, while the latter, though visible in the US and Europe, can contribute to public skepticism and ridicule.

Difficulties in UFO Research

The issue details the significant obstacles faced by UFO research societies, particularly from governments, military, and secret services, especially in the United States. These difficulties include the falsification or delay of reports, the intentional loss or mixing of evidence to discredit witnesses, and the intimidation of individuals involved in research. The creation of 'commissions of inquiry,' such as the Condon commission, is criticized for being factious, with members lacking sufficient knowledge, and for presenting biased results that aim to discredit the field.

Classic UFO Cases and Events

The magazine states that a list of classic UFO cases and events is provided, noting that these often occurred when UFOs were detected. It reiterates that information about these events has been historically filtered or altered by intelligence services. However, the publication of these cases, despite the obstacles, is attributed to the work of UFO research societies and their publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the promotion and organization of UFO awareness through conferences, the scientific study of UFOs ('ovnilogie'), the historical and contemporary evidence for extraterrestrial visitation, and the challenges faced by researchers due to official interference. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of serious, scientific investigation into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging enthusiasts to actively participate in spreading information and supporting credible research efforts. The magazine positions itself as a resource and facilitator for this endeavor.

This issue of OVNI magazine, identified as issue number 13 and published in the third quarter of 1972 by GERARD LEBAT, focuses on UFO phenomena and the hypothesis of extraterrestrial life. The content is primarily in French.

Contents

The magazine presents a comprehensive list of contemporary UFO-related events and phenomena, emphasizing their relevance and representativeness.

Key Phenomena and Testimonies:

• Credible Witnesses: Testimonies are gathered from serious, objective individuals with normal lives and prominent professions, including astronomers, military personnel, pilots, politicians, government officials, technicians, and journalists.
• Empty Vehicles: Annually, vehicles are found empty in isolated locations without explanation for their occupants' whereabouts.
• UFO Pursuits: UFOs (CVNIs) are frequently reported pursuing or being pursued by automobiles and aircraft. There are also instances of aircraft being encircled by UFOs for extended periods.
• Aircraft Destruction: Cases are cited where aircraft chase or are chased by UFOs, resulting in their destruction in flight, such as the classic case of pilot MANTELL in 1948.
• Naval Incidents: Reports include ships in distress or found abandoned, with crews missing. Similar incidents are noted for aircraft.
• Geographical Hotspots: Specific regions are identified as 'privileged' locations for these events, notably the 'triangle of death' in the Atlantic, between Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and the Florida coast.
• Physical Traces: Landings leave concrete evidence such as traces, imprints, holes, ground marks, radioactivity on buildings, and damaged vegetation.
• Animal and Human Reactions: Animals and humans experience fear, fright, and panic during and after UFO 'appearances'.

Broader Implications and Hypotheses:

• Historical Assistance: The magazine notes a recurring theme in world history where inventors and researchers receive crucial insights from strangers who appear and disappear without a trace.
• Archaeological Anomalies: Discoveries of ancient statues, monuments, and sculptures depict figures identified as 'gods' or celestial messengers. Old architectural structures, vestiges, instruments, and tools are found whose purpose and use do not align with the known technological capabilities of ancient civilizations.
• Electrical Disturbances: Numerous electrical power outages have occurred in regions overflown by UFOs, with a significant event in 1965 affecting Canada and the USA simultaneously.
• Technical Disruptions: UFO detection, whether by human observation or instruments, has caused disruptions and technical problems in research laboratories, testing centers, and rocket bases.

Hypothesis E: Scientific Experiments

An additional hypothesis, 'E', is proposed: Scientific experiments on human and terrestrial 'guinea pigs'. This theory has gained global traction within ufological circles.

Extraterrestrial Intelligence and Life:

The magazine explores the concept of extraterrestrials and UFOs, suggesting that Earth and humanity have served as a testing ground for millennia for less evolved races from their perspective. These beings possess reasons that transcend human comprehension.

• Diversity of Experiments: The 'experiments' may not be from a single intelligent race. They vary in nature, some being beneficial, others inconsequential, and some harmful or even fatal. This could be due to extraterrestrials not valuing the human race as important or intelligent enough for direct relations.
• Laboratory Analogy: Humans treat animals in laboratories for scientific advancement (chemistry, physics, biology, anatomy, astronautics), implying a similar relationship with extraterrestrials and humans.

Reflection on Extraterrestrial Life:

Considering the immense number of stars in our galaxy (100 billion) and the universe (1 billion galaxies), and the scientific laws of planetary formation, it is highly probable that intelligent life has formed and developed elsewhere. These beings could be far more advanced than humans, possessing exceptional mastery in all fields of knowledge.

Conclusion:

The magazine concludes that it is improbable that Earth is the sole planet privileged to host intelligent life. It emphasizes the need to consider modern inventions and discoveries that reveal more about creation, the origin of life, and evolution.

Media Coverage

• Radio: France Inter is noted for its serious coverage of UFO phenomena on the program "A PLUS DUN TITRE," hosted by Claude VILLERS. This coverage led to significant public response and a voluminous amount of mail.
• Television: The magazine discusses the French television series "Les Envahisseurs" (The Invaders), produced by the American company A. B. C. Films and broadcast by CRTF. The series, starring Roy THINNES as David VINCENT, is based on real-life UFO observations and historical events, albeit dramatized. The magazine believes such programs increase public attention to UFO observations and encourage reporting.
• European Coverage: Europe I is mentioned as dedicating several emissions to UFOs, including one on January 12th featuring collaboration with science fiction writer Pierre CLHER, astronomer, and specialists discussing the UFO problem. This program, hosted by Patrick TCPALOFF and directed by Eric BARTONIC, was successful and led to further productions.

Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance is to promote awareness and understanding of the UFO phenomenon, encouraging serious investigation and public engagement. It advocates for the scientific recognition of UFO studies and celebrates initiatives that bring the true nature of the phenomenon to public knowledge. The publication itself, directed by GERARD LEBAT, aims to inform the public and foster a greater appreciation for the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the multifaceted nature of UFO phenomena, the evidence supporting their existence, the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence, and the role of media in disseminating information. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging the scientific community and governments to take the subject seriously, while also acknowledging the public's growing interest and the need for continued investigation. The magazine aims to present factual accounts and reasoned hypotheses, promoting a deeper understanding of what it terms the 'CVNI' (UFO) phenomenon.