Gazette des Mousquetaires - No 52 - Retrospectives Anciennes

Magazine Overview

Title: La Gazette des Mousquetaires De l'Ufo
Issue: Numéro 52
Date: March 8, 2018
Theme: Retrospectives... anciennes (Retrospectives... ancient)

This issue of "La Gazette des Mousquetaires De l'Ufo" delves into historical UFO phenomena, with a particular focus on the "flying saucer" wave that captivated the United States and France in July 1947. The magazine presents a collection of reprinted newspaper articles from the era, alongside contemporary discussions and analyses from ufologists.

I - Observations Aquatiques Non Identifiées (Unidentified Aquatic Observations)

The issue begins by introducing the concept of OANIs (Observations Aquatiques Non Identifiées), or unidentified aquatic phenomena, noting that while UFOs are well-known, OANIs are less discussed despite numerous testimonies from maritime sources. The article highlights the work of Sylvain Matisse, who has studied scientific and technological advancements to discern myth from reality regarding OANIs. It poses the question of whether the key to our universe might lie in the oceans and suggests that studying OANI sightings could eventually offer answers to this enigma, contributing to our understanding of this mystery.

Joël Mesnard, former director of "Lumières dans la nuit," provides an endorsement, stating that Matisse's study could contribute to our knowledge, even if it doesn't fully solve the question.

The section includes a personal reflection on the nature of information and social media, with the author expressing skepticism about the independence of certain online platforms and the motivations of some individuals involved in information exchange. This leads to a discussion about the importance of objective reporting and avoiding personal bias in ufological research.

II - Missile psychique, la Pensée Magique (Psychic Missile, Magical Thought)

This section features a series of exchanges and reflections on ufology, evidence, and interpretation. It includes a reference to an article by Canadian ufologist Jean Casault, with a link provided for further reading. Patrice Galacteros expresses concern that discussions might become overly polemical and drift away from the core UFO question, urging for a focus on information rather than ideological battles.

Gilles Lorant contributes a quote from Henri Poincaré: "To doubt everything or believe everything are two equally convenient approaches, which, one as the other, dispense with reflection... The search for truth must be the goal of activity in our lives, the only one worthy of it." This quote underscores the importance of critical thinking and the pursuit of truth in research.

Patrice Galacteros further clarifies his position, stating that his issue is not with Casault's ufology itself, but with his "propaganda pages" that lack critical sense and rely on emotional appeals. He expresses openness to even "crazy" ideas, noting that such content is prevalent in the press and on television.

Guy Coat questions whether there might be a confusion between the perception of truth and sincerity, or if sincerity is being mistaken for truth. He suggests that genuine feelings are being pitted against cold, hard facts.

The discussion then shifts to personal experiences and reflections on the nature of consciousness and reality. One contributor recounts a childhood experience of loss and hatred towards certain nations, linking it to a profound personal event. Another reflects on the power of collective consciousness and intention, citing instances where shared focus and 'prayers' seemed to facilitate extraordinary outcomes in difficult situations.

Gilles Lorant is described as a "tormented bard," and his response is noted for its intelligence, drawing parallels with Philippe Solal's psychoanalytic approach to UFO phenomena. However, it's acknowledged that such abstract concepts can be difficult for the average person to grasp, leading to the perception of magic.

III - Rétrospective - La naissance des Ovnis dans la Presse française (Retrospective - The birth of UFOs in the French Press)

This section, a collaboration with Michel Turco and Jean Claude Dufour, revisits the early days of UFO reporting in the French press. It highlights the difficulty for younger generations of researchers to comprehend the historical context of UFO incidents, particularly those from 1947. Jean Sider is quoted, emphasizing that much of this history is forgotten by the general public.

The magazine reprints articles from "Le Monde" (July 7 and 8, 1947) and "Le Progrès" (July 8, 1947), detailing the initial reports of "flying saucers" in the United States. These articles describe sightings of mysterious aerial objects, their speed, and shape, and the initial hypotheses ranging from natural phenomena to advanced aviation technology. The military's initial skepticism and subsequent investigations are also mentioned. One article from "Le Progrès" describes an object landing on a mountain in Idaho and eight saucers descending into the woods, with witnesses describing them as having the shape of saucers but resembling buckets more than flat discs, and being the size of a five-room house.

"Le Monde" (July 8, 1947) reports on the ongoing "flying saucer affair," noting that American press agencies were passionate about the sightings. A correspondent for United Press reportedly saw a mysterious white disk at high speed. Sightings were reported in thirty states, with some claiming to have seen a cluster of saucers fall to the ground. The articles mention the speed of these objects (over 1,800 km/h) and the confusion among experts, including those working with radio-guided projectiles and atomic reactions.

"L'AURORE" (July 8, 1947) reports on the "flying saucer" phenomenon, suggesting that while some might be optical illusions, the sheer number of sightings was beginning to worry the government. It mentions that jet planes were being used to chase these objects, which were described as having the shape of a considerable saucer, 8 to 10 meters in diameter.

"L'AURORE" (July 9, 1947) is highlighted as one of the first French articles to discuss the Roswell crash. It reports that a "flying saucer" landed in a farmyard in New Mexico and was immediately handed over to local police and then to military authorities. The Department of War refused to provide further details, leading to speculation that the object might be a reaction or guided projectile developed by the American military, given the location's proximity to atomic bomb testing sites.

"Le Parisien Libéré" (July 15 and 16, 1947) reports on alleged sightings of "soucoupes volantes" over Biarritz, France, with witnesses describing two objects at high altitude over the Ocean emitting light smoke. In America, the same newspaper reports that the US was facing its "greatest mystery in the world" and that the Air Ministry was investigating "flying discs." It notes that the 509th Bombardment Group had announced the capture of a "flying saucer" and that similar sightings had been reported in Canada, Denmark, the Balearic Islands, and Australia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "La Gazette des Mousquetaires De l'Ufo" demonstrates a strong interest in historical UFO events, particularly the pivotal 1947 "flying saucer" era. The editorial stance appears to favor thorough investigation, critical analysis, and the presentation of diverse perspectives, including witness testimonies, media reports, and expert opinions. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between factual reporting and speculation, and on the importance of field research. The magazine also touches upon the broader implications of these phenomena for our understanding of the universe and the role of consciousness. The inclusion of discussions on OANIs and the critique of social media's influence on information dissemination suggests a forward-looking approach to ufology, even while grounding itself in historical precedent.

Title: La Gazette des Mousquetaires de l'Ufo
Issue: n°52
Date: March 8, 2018 (publication date of the scanned document, content dates from 1948-1950)
Publisher: Gwion Coat ar Roc'h

This issue of "La Gazette des Mousquetaires de l'Ufo" delves into a collection of reported unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings and related phenomena primarily from the late 1940s and early 1950s. It compiles accounts from various newspapers and eyewitnesses, presenting a historical overview of early UFO investigations and public fascination.

Key Articles and Reports

Early Sightings and American Exclusivity

The issue opens by questioning whether "flying saucers" are an American exclusivity, noting that while the US was prominent, similar sightings were reported globally. Eyewitnesses describe projectiles or meteors appearing suddenly in the sky at high speeds, tracing oblique trajectories before vanishing. A significant announcement from the 509th Bombardment Group about capturing a "flying saucer" is mentioned, alongside reports of sightings in Canada, Denmark, the Balearic Islands, and Australia.

Le Monde Reports (1948-1949)

• March 27, 1948: A brief report from Great Britain, citing Associated Press, details a coast guard's sighting of a spherical object moving east, followed by a 30-meter luminous trail.
• December 20, 1949: An article from "Le Monde" discusses an American review suggesting "flying saucers" might be interplanetary vehicles, classified into three main groups. However, American aviation distinguishes between misperception, collective illusion, and outright fakery.
• March 18, 1950: "Le Monde" reports on a claim by four American aviators who stated they were pursued by a flying saucer near Mexico City. Mexican pilots and inspectors reportedly managed to pursue and approach one of these objects, described as a disc about thirty meters in diameter with an exhaust-like structure emitting sparks and flames.

La Vie Marseillaise (1949)

• October 25, 1949: This report from Provence, France, discusses sightings of luminous phenomena, with confusion over whether it was a reaction aircraft or a celestial body. Witnesses in Avignon reported a bolide, while Mr. J. de Castellar observed a similar phenomenon towards Marseille. The article notes receiving further precise declarations from readers.

Le Provençal Reports (1950)

• February 17, 1950: A report from Moustier states that several people saw a fireball crossing the atmosphere.
• March 26, 1950: This article covers sightings across Europe and Morocco. In Morocco, near Rabat, a "bizarre object" was seen moving rapidly east to west, leaving a reddish luminous trail. In Tangier, a large luminous object was observed moving west with a phosphorescent trail. Additionally, Egyptian pilots arriving in Beirut reported encountering three flying saucers moving east at 3,000 km/h.

Detailed Eyewitness Accounts

Several detailed accounts are presented:

• Mr. J. de Castellar: This correspondent, while at sea between the Île de Riou and the mainland, observed a white smoke rising rapidly and vertically, resembling a rocket. He later saw a large object, like a dragonfly, ascend to about 2,000 meters, then move horizontally towards him, circle him, and proceed towards Cap Canaille before heading east and disappearing. He affirms seeing the aircraft and hearing engine noise, contemplating the immense circle for half an hour.
• Laurent Bernard and Lucien Durocher: These readers also reported observations. Bernard saw a fireball surrounded by a halo of light with a horizontal, rectilinear, and silent trail. Durocher witnessed a very bright shooting star that left a fireworks-like trail.
• Mr. Durocher (earlier sighting): This same correspondent had previously seen a whitish trail at 1:30 PM in Place de Pologne.

IV - A Rare Case: UFO in Germany

This section details a significant UFO case from Haselbach, Thuringia, Germany, involving Mr. Oskar Linke, the mayor of a neighboring village, and his ten-year-old daughter, Gabriele. The event occurred on June 17, 1950.

• The Observation: While cycling home early on June 17, 1950, Gabriele thought she saw a deer. Her father stopped to investigate and found no animal but observed two stout figures in metallic-like suits near a brilliant object. The object was described as a cylinder about fifteen feet in diameter and eight feet high, with an opening on top.
• Object's Behavior: Suddenly, the entities returned to their apparatus. The cylinder part moved downwards, the object began to buzz, then became luminous with a brilliant flash, and ascended slowly before moving at a "crazy speed" towards the southwest.
• Physical Traces: After the object departed, Mr. Linke and his daughter discovered a deep, round groove in the ground where the object had been.
• Secrecy and Reporting: Due to the village being in a Soviet-occupied zone, Oskar Linke kept the experience secret. He later escaped to West Berlin in April 1951. On July 1, 1952, he officially reported the incident to Oskar Krause. The story was published in London on July 6, 1952, and subsequently appeared in the US, including mentions in Project Blue Book files. Berliners learned of the affair on August 15, 1952.
• Gabriele Linke's Confirmation: In October 2014, Gabriele Linke confirmed her childhood memory of the event, describing the luminous contours and the characters with the same details as her father. She noted a lack of special sensation, attributing it to her upbringing during wartime.

Discussion on Physics and Ufology

Towards the end of the issue, a discussion unfolds between Gilles Lorant and Jean Claude Venturini regarding the intersection of physics and ufology. Lorant suggests that exploring ufology requires returning to fundamental philosophical questions. He proposes discussions, even informal ones, as a way to engage with these topics, referencing a YouTube link for further exploration. Venturini, however, expresses skepticism about learning from physicists in a casual setting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings beyond American borders, the detailed descriptions of aerial phenomena, and the attempts to categorize and explain these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and presenting these reports, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging the scientific and skeptical viewpoints.

The magazine highlights the persistent mystery surrounding these phenomena, with cases like the German incident remaining unresolved and enigmatic. The publication also touches upon the broader implications of ufology, linking it to philosophical inquiry and the limitations of current scientific understanding.