GEPO No 28 - OVNI & Cie - GEPO Informations - No 28 - 4eme trim 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI & COMPAGNIE
Issue: N°28
Type: Quarterly Bulletin of Information and Liaison
Date: October-November-December 1982
Publisher: GEPO INFORMATIONS et compagnie
Country: France
Language: French
ISSN: 0247-3704
Price: Circulation of 80-100 copies, distributed to other ufological groups.

Editorial Stance and Content

The editorial for this issue highlights a significant challenge facing French ufology: a difficult period marked by a slow decline in active participation within groups. The research is described as too fragile to be considered a mere hobby. The editorial board has adopted a policy of publishing only articles for which they hold exclusive rights, aiming to prevent the same content from appearing in multiple publications and thus saving space and resources.

Key Articles and Interviews

"UFOLOGUES, A VOS POSTES! "ILS" ARRIVENT!!!" by Michel Piccin

This section, featuring a cover illustration of numerous UFOs over a landscape, discusses predictions for 1983 and the perceived increase in UFO sightings towards the end of 1982. Piccin notes the media's increasing allusions to UFOs and related phenomena, suggesting a potential influence on public perception. He also touches upon various cultural references, including the film 'E.T.', and the marketing surrounding it, linking it to the broader trend of 'space' themes in popular culture.

Interview with Bertrand Meheust

Conducted during a visit to Dijon, this extensive interview with writer Bertrand Meheust delves into his controversial views on ufology. Meheust, who is preparing to depart for Algeria for his profession, discusses his second book, which focuses on 'high strangeness' cases, including alleged abductions and 'RR3' (close encounters). He expresses skepticism, suggesting that UFO phenomena might be better understood through the lens of folklore and altered states of consciousness, drawing parallels with shamanism and ancient myths like the Sabbat. He criticizes the GEPAN (the French UFO investigation group) for its composition, arguing that ethnologists would be better suited to its direction than mathematicians or astronomers.

Meheust elaborates on his theory that UFO sightings and abduction experiences share commonalities with historical accounts of the Sabbat, emphasizing the structural similarities and the potential for altered states of consciousness to be a common factor. He also discusses the differences between his books and Ian Watson's 'The Visitors of the Miracle,' agreeing with Watson's assertion that UFOs represent altered states of consciousness, even though Watson is a science fiction writer rather than a ufologist.

"DES NOUVELLES DU C.E.M.O.C.P.I"

This section reports that the CEMOCPI group has become less active ('gone into standby') due to a departure of many members, disinterest in the phenomenon, and a general decline in ufological activity. The group plans to focus more on subjects like parapsychology, hypnosis, and parallel archaeology, while still maintaining contact with ufologists.

"LA PRESSE UFOLOGIQUE"

This is a comprehensive listing of various ufological publications from different countries, including their titles, issue numbers, publishers, and contact information. It serves as a directory for researchers interested in international ufological literature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a period of introspection and skepticism within the ufological community, particularly in France. The emphasis on folklore, altered states of consciousness, and the critique of established ufological practices suggest a move towards more interdisciplinary and critical approaches. The magazine's editorial stance appears to be one of promoting exclusive content and fostering a more rigorous, though perhaps less active, ufological scene.

This issue of 'OVNI' magazine, dated October-December 1982, focuses on the British ufology scene, with a prominent interview with Hilary Evans, a key figure in the field. The magazine, published by GEPO, is in French and covers a range of topics related to UFOs, parapsychology, and anomalous phenomena.

Rencontre avec l'Ufologie Anglaise: Hilary Evans

The main feature is an extensive interview with Hilary Evans, who has shifted his focus from parapsychology to ufology. Evans describes his background and his involvement in founding the Association For The Scientific Study Of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) in June 1991. ASSAP aims to study anomalous phenomena in England, acting as a network for experts from various fields. Evans highlights the organization's collaborative efforts and good rapport with groups like BUFORA, while noting the 'hostile' attitude of other organizations.

Evans discusses his contributions to the English magazine 'The Unexplained,' which he notes has been successful due to its articles written by 'experts.' He recounts his refusal to write a sensationalized piece on UFO crashes, preferring to focus on cases with potential for serious investigation. He also mentions his close collaboration with English research groups like PROBE and SCUFORI.

Evans expresses concern about the lack of rigorous researchers in England, distinguishing between field investigators and those who formulate hypotheses. He believes there's a social difference between English and French ufologists, with many young people turning to ufology as a career alternative to science. He estimates there are fewer than thirty serious ufologists in his country.

Hilary Evans' Publications and Views

Evans mentions his intention to publish several books, including one titled "The Evidence For..." which will cover topics like Bigfoot, alien abductions, Marian visions, and UFOs. He aims for these books to be semi-scientific and semi-popular.

He also references his article in 'OVNI-Presence' N°23, discussing Bertrand Meheust's 'mimetic projection' theory for abduction phenomena. Evans suggests that while England might lag behind globally in ufology, it is not behind in theoretical and practical aspects.

The CONTROL Group's Critique of IMSA

Michel Piccin, representing the CONTROL group, expresses frustration with the perceived disorganization and lack of seriousness in the ufology field, particularly criticizing the World Institute of Advanced Sciences (IMSA). He states that CONTROL is willing to work on serious cases that others avoid. Piccin quotes from IMSA-Est bulletins to illustrate what he considers frivolous activities, such as a wine reception for guests and an observation night that involved a barbecue and hypnosis, but no UFO sightings.

Piccin questions the scientific rigor of IMSA and its president, Jimmy Guieu, suggesting that their work is as phantom-like as the UFOs they claim to study. He criticizes the 'vacuum' created by these 'doctors of ufology,' who he believes separate themselves from genuine research.

Interview with Ian Watson: Altered States of Consciousness

In an interview conducted by A. Juille, psychologist Ian Watson presents a hypothesis that UFO phenomena have a structure and are not simply extraterrestrial craft. He suggests that UFOs are a form of disinformation, possibly involving 'mimetic projection' and psychological conditioning. Watson argues that these phenomena adapt to the observer's current frame of reference, citing historical examples like religious visions and angelic battles.

Watson draws parallels between UFO encounters, poltergeists, ghosts, and occult phenomena, suggesting a common underlying mechanism. He believes that 'they' (referring to the UFO phenomenon) manipulate humanity, presenting themselves as bizarre and incomprehensible.

Watson's theory posits that UFOs might be a 'new form of consciousness' or an 'altered state of consciousness' (ASC) that can be induced. He suggests that these phenomena are not necessarily extraterrestrial but could be a manifestation of the human mind or a 'surprogram' that influences us. He also touches upon the concept of 'men in black' as possibly being human agents activated by an 'OVNI Consciousness.'

Other Sections

Humanoid

This section briefly mentions a special issue by ADRUP titled 'Humanoid,' which explores the connection between humanoids and witness characteristics, and the possibility of UFO intelligence manipulating emotional reactions.

Un Peu de Pub...

A short advertisement for GEPO stickers is included.

La Presse Ufologique (Suite)

This section lists various ufological publications and bulletins, including 'UFO AND CO,' 'CENAP-REPORT,' and 'BULLETIN 52-55,' providing details about their content and contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a critical and analytical approach to ufology, questioning sensationalism and emphasizing the need for rigorous research. There is a clear skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a focus on psychological and sociological explanations for anomalous phenomena. The issue highlights the importance of international collaboration in ufology and critiques organizations that are perceived as lacking scientific integrity. The editorial stance appears to favor a more grounded, investigative approach, as exemplified by the work of Hilary Evans and the criticisms leveled against IMSA by the CONTROL group.

This document is a scanned page from the magazine UFO NEWS FLASH, issue N°14, Volume N°1, dated October 30, 1982. The publisher is listed as Caimann Lévy Editeur, and the language is French.

Main Cover Story

The cover headline discusses Tan Watson's hypothesis, explaining the "daroulement du prénomb" (development of the first name) phase by phase in a novel. It suggests that those who can read between the lines will find much more information, with further details to be discussed soon. The publication "LES VISITEURS DU MIRACLE" by Caimann Lévy Editeur is also mentioned.

UFO Exchange Information

Readers interested in exchanging bulletins, books, and other UFO-related materials are directed to contact MASSIMO GRECO, the editor of UFO NEWS FLASH, at CUN-Massimo GRECO, Via Gramsci 12, 25100 BRESCIA-Italy. This is presented as a communiqué.

UFO Sighting in Aveyron

A report details a UFO sighting in the Aveyron region of France. The incident occurred shortly after 7 PM, with sightings reported in multiple locations in the north Aveyron, including Cassagnas, Baghones, St-Jaan-lo-Froid, Gages, and Laguiole. Several people in the countryside witnessed a luminous, ovide-shaped object moving at high speed in a SO-NE direction. The report cites the newspaper "LE PARISIEN" from October 30, 1982, with the source noted as RJ (GEPO).

Humorous Section

A section titled "HUMOUR... ou notre (célèbre) rubrique 'AH ! ILS NOUS ETONNERONT TOUJOURS !'" (Humor... or our (famous) column 'AH! THEY WILL ALWAYS AMAZE US!') references an article from "Phénomènes Inconnus" (Phenomena Unknown), Nelle Serie N°1, 4th Trim. 1971. The article, titled "Observations du XVIe au XIXe siècle" (Observations from the 16th to 19th centuries), is discussed. The text notes that while these historical observations may not be suitable for in-depth research by CEPS, the authors have ensured no confusion with weather balloons, aircraft, or satellites. The section concludes with a parenthetical remark, "Ils ont du surement retrouver des témoins, ma parole!!! (TR)" (They must have found witnesses, my word!!! (TR)).

UFO Publications (Continued)

This section, titled "LA PRESSE UFOLOGIQUE (Suite)" (Ufological Press (Continued)), lists several UFO-related publications and organizations:

• VIMANA 21 N°9 (ACRUP): This publication covers a multidisciplinary colloquium on the unusual, nocturnal flash observations, and the question of whether America possesses alien humanoid cadavers. Contact information for ACRUP is provided: J.Vachon, 6, Rue des Gémeaux, 21220 GEVREY CHAMOERTEN.
• NEANT POSITIF N°8 (CLLDLN): This issue features a statistical and evolutionary study of the chances of life on viable planets (conclusion) and a case titled "La merace des CVNI/Un cas tranquille" (The threat of UFOs/A quiet case) by JP Troader.
• NEANT POSITIF N°9 (CLLDLN): This issue covers "Les dernières rencontres européennes/Opinions (1951)" (The latest European encounters/Opinions (1951)). Contact information for CLLDLN is provided: II Bis, Rue Charles Richard, 69003 LYON.
• LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE N°7 (CVLDLN): This publication includes a conference and debate on "L'enqueteur tumerairm" (The tomb investigator?) and the "Catalogue CNEGU 1980(0t An.)" (CNEGU Catalogue 1980 (and onwards)). It also discusses "OVNI à travers les siècles" (UFOs through the centuries). Contact information for CVLDLN is provided: 1, Rue Cote Champion, 88000 EPINAL.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on reporting UFO sightings, historical accounts of unexplained phenomena, and promoting the exchange of information within the ufological community. It features a mix of news reports, research discussions, and even a humorous section, indicating a broad approach to the subject. The editorial stance seems to be one of active engagement with UFO research, encouraging contact and discussion among enthusiasts and researchers, and presenting information from various sources, including newspapers and specialized publications.