Hypotheses Extraterrestres - No 19 - juillet 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: Hypothèses EXTRATERRESTRES
Issue: No. 19
Date: July 1981
Publisher: ZOZOS ET CIE
Country: France
Language: French
ISSN: 0399-5216
Price: 15 Frs. (France), 15 Frs. (Other countries)

This issue of "Hypothèses EXTRATERRESTRES" is dedicated to the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), with a cover headline proclaiming "-Objets Volants Non Identifiés-". The magazine features articles by Jean-Pierre Petit, a researcher at C.N.R.S., and includes contributions from various individuals involved in ufology.

Editorial and Staff

The editorial and administrative team is listed, with Gérard LEBAT as Director of Publication. The magazine acknowledges the contributions of numerous individuals for its realization, including those in artistic direction, correction, secretariat, audio-visual services, investigations, legal questions, astronomical questions, conferences, and translations. The administration is headed by Michel PICCIN (President), Serge RIOU (Secretary), and Gérard VILLIERS (Treasurer).

Reader Contributions and Magazine Policy

The magazine solicits collaboration from its readers, inviting serious articles on the UFO phenomenon to advance ufology. Submissions are to be sent to the magazine's headquarters and are subject to free publication without return. Reproduction is authorized with clear attribution to the source, author, and magazine. Readers are also encouraged to send press clippings related to UFOs. The magazine also notes that it features a limited number of advertisements, which are necessary for its immediate operation and do not reflect the magazine's orientation.

Subscription Information

Subscription and renewal details are provided, with options for normal, support, and international subscriptions. A special offer includes a subscription plus membership to GEOS, which grants a numbered membership card and a liaison bulletin called "ENTRE-NOUS". Changes of address require a 3 Frs. stamp.

Back Issues

Information is available regarding the availability of past issues from 1977 to 1980, with each year costing 70 Frs. for four issues.

Articles and Features

"Zozos et Cie" by Jean-Pierre Petit

This section, illustrated by Jean-Pierre Petit, begins with a reflection on the April 1981 issue and the need for ufologists to "clean house" from overly sensationalized "contactee" stories. Petit recounts his 1976 encounter with Jimmy Guieu, president of the Institut Mondial des Sciences Avancées, who presented ideas derived from fluid mechanics and electromagnetism. Petit, a physicist, initially struggled to accept these concepts, leading to a strained interaction.

He also mentions meeting Charles Berlitz, whom he considers even more prone to sensationalism. Petit recounts an expedition in May 1979 with Jacques Mayol to the Bermuda Triangle, sponsored by Berlitz. Despite extensive searches using echo sounders, no "pyramid" structure was found. Berlitz became ill during the trip, highlighting his lack of field experience.

Petit then discusses the technical aspects of echo sounders and their use in mapping the seabed. He touches upon the comparison of recorded slopes with actual seabed reliefs, using the example of sandbanks being mistaken for stalactites. He also critiques Berlitz's work, particularly his book on the Philadelphia Experiment, questioning the feasibility of a degaussing belt making a destroyer disappear into "hyperspace" and noting Berlitz's frequent use of the phrase "may be".

"USA: La Vérité Triomphe" (USA: The Truth Triumphs)

This article discusses the declassification of TOP-SECRET documents by the US military, FBI, and CIA, which reportedly demonstrate that the USA has faced UFOs and attempted to conceal the truth. The author emphasizes the importance of verifying the origin and author of information from the USA. The article highlights two official observations that were recently declassified following legal proceedings initiated by CAUS. These documents were provided by Major Von Keviczky of ICUFON, who is also a supporter of Ronald Reagan.

The Los Angeles Incident (February 24-25, 1942):

The article details the first known UFO photograph taken in Los Angeles, showing luminous, solid masses surrounded by a halo, with searchlights focused on them. Explosive impacts were visible, indicating that the American defense, unable to identify the objects, fired upon them without success. Initially officially denied, recent documents confirm that the military did indeed confront unidentified flying objects that night. A facsimile of a memorandum from General Georges C. Marshall to President Franklin D. Roosevelt dated February 26, 1942, is included. The memorandum states that unidentified airplanes, possibly of industrial origin and operated by enemy agents, were observed and fired upon by the 37th CA Brigade between 3:12 and 4:15 AM, expending 1430 rounds of ammunition. Up to fifteen airplanes were involved, flying at various speeds and altitudes. No bombs were dropped, and there were no casualties among the troops, nor were any planes shot down. The investigation concluded that the objects might have been used for spreading alarm, disclosing anti-aircraft positions, or slowing production through blackouts.

The Roswell Incident (July 1947):

The article references a San Francisco Chronicle article from July 9, 1947, about a UFO sighting near the US military base in Roswell, New Mexico. The report states that the 500th Bomb Group recovered a flying disc from a nearby ranch. Initially described as a disc by a press relations officer, General Roger M. Ramey later declared it to be a weather balloon. The article suggests that Ramey likely received instructions from his superiors or secret services before making this declaration.

Facsimiles of contradictory press clippings from the era are presented, along with declassified messages exchanged at the time. A document dated January 31, 1949, refers to an "aerial phenomenon unknown" (dossier 24-8), with observations reported by approximately 30 people, possibly totaling 100 observers, in El Paso and Albuquerque. The AEC-AFSWP 4th Army commander was reportedly disturbed by the phenomenon's implications.

"Les Blue Holes" (The Blue Holes) by Manson Valentine

This section, illustrated by Manson Valentine, discusses the "blue holes" (trous bleus) of the Bahamas, which are giant, flooded caves formed by karst topography. Valentine describes his experiences exploring these underwater cave systems, noting their impressive dimensions and rich fauna. He mentions the phenomenon of "le pied" (the foot), where dark sand formations create hexagonal patterns, speculating about magnetic sands or Bénard convection cells. He also touches upon the geological formations of the Bahamas and their resemblance to underwater structures found elsewhere.

Valentine also recounts attending a colloquium organized by Allen Hyneck in Chicago in 1976. He found the colloquium to be "assommant" (stunning/overwhelming), noting the shift towards parapsychology and away from scientific approaches. He criticizes the focus on "bandar logs" and the imitation of human behavior by "monkeys" in "dead cities". He recalls a student's critical question about the lack of astronomers, biologists, mathematicians, and physicists at the colloquium. The colloquium's climax involved viewing slides of Hyneck's dog and family members, with Hyneck pointing out "light spots" on the skin.

"Triangle des Bermudes" (Bermuda Triangle)

This section, also featuring Jean-Pierre Petit, revisits the Bermuda Triangle. It begins with a quote from an unknown source: "ET CELA EST-CE QUE CE N'EST PAS ÉTRANGE?" (And that, is it not strange?). Petit criticizes the tendency to declare phenomena inaccessible when they are not understood, comparing it to the fable of the fox and the grapes. He questions the scientific validity of the Institut Mondial des Sciences Avancées' approach, particularly its focus on "ufologic" as a discipline.

He expresses skepticism towards figures like Allen Hyneck, whom he labels as the leader of "LA TRIBU DES ZOZOS" (The Tribe of the Zozos), implying a group of eccentric individuals. Petit calls for unity among "Zozos" worldwide, lamenting the perceived lack of substance in many UFO personalities who "palabrent" (chatter) while UFOs "taunt us like companies of ducks."

"UN OBJET LUMINEUX CROISE LA TRAJECTOIRE D'UN AVION" (A Luminous Object Crosses the Path of an Airplane)

This report details an observation on August 28, 1980, in Abruzzo, Italy, where several hundred people witnessed a luminous object descending into the Adriatic Sea. The phenomenon was also observed by two civilian pilots, including Commander Ferdinando Gentile, who reported the object crossing his flight path at an altitude of 6,800 meters. Commander Franco Orena also described the luminous phenomenon to air traffic control. The report references "IL GIORNALE" from August 30, 1980, and was published in GESAG March 1981.

"2ème CONGRES DE LA BUFORA A LONDRES" (2nd BUFORA Congress in London)

This brief note congratulates BUFORA on its second congress in London, held on May 24-25, highlighting its growing success and seriousness. It lists several speakers, including Lord Kings NORTON, Charles BOWEN of FSR, Bruce MAC CABEE of USA, Lionel BEER, and Norman OLIVER of BUFORA. The magazine commends BUFORA for the quality of its congress and its serious activities in favor of ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a critical and investigative approach to ufology. It emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor, declassified documents, and firsthand accounts while cautioning against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The articles often critique prominent figures in the field who are perceived as prioritizing profit or personal fame over factual accuracy. There is a clear effort to present a more grounded perspective on UFO phenomena, distinguishing between genuine investigations and what the authors deem as "mythomania" or "clownery". The magazine also highlights the role of official documents and historical cases in understanding the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, seeking truth through evidence and analysis, rather than accepting extraordinary claims without scrutiny.

This issue of "LA REVUE DE L'UNIVERS OVNI!" (The Review of the UFO Universe!) is primarily in French, with some content in English. The cover prominently features the subtitle "LES EXTRATERRESTRES" (The Extraterrestrials) and highlights various articles with numbered callouts. The issue date is listed as January 21, 1976, with the price per issue being 15 French Francs.

Document 2: Department of the Army Staff Message

This section presents a translated document from January 31, 1949, originating from CO Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, addressed to the Chief of Staff USAF. It references previous reports concerning unknown aerial phenomena, specifically file number 24-8. A sighting of an identical object was reported on January 30, 1949, by approximately 30 people, with an estimated 100 total sightings. The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), AFSWT, the 4th Army, and local commanders are reportedly perturbed by the implications of these phenomena. Sightings were reported from El Paso, Albuquerque, Alamogordo, Roswell, Socorro, and other locations, all appearing to be the same object at different points in its trajectory. The office at Kirtland AFB intends to conduct a full investigation to locate any potential impact point unless otherwise instructed, and requests a reply.

Document 2 Translation: Memorandum for Record

This is a translation of a memorandum for the record from the National Military Command Center (NMCC), dated January 21, 1976. It references an Air Force Operations Center phone conversation from January 1976 regarding a UFO report from Cannon AFB, New Mexico. Security Police observed two UFOs near the flight line, described as 25 yards in diameter, gold or silver in color, with a blue light on top, a hole in the middle, and a red light on the bottom. The Air Force was checking with radar and weather inversion data. The memo is signed by J.B. Morin, Rear Admiral, USN, Deputy Director for Operations, NMCC.

Cover Feature: Les Extraterrestres

The cover itself highlights "LES EXTRATERRESTRES" and presents a series of numbered articles, each with a brief description:

• NUMERO 1: Landing near Montmirail, interview with Henry Durant, UFOs and the mass field hypothesis.
• NUMERO 2: Interview with Gendarmerie Captain Kervandal, "Does science take UFOs seriously?" by P. Guérin.
• NUMERO 3: UFO detected by radar, Aerodyne and magneto-hydrodynamics.
• NUMERO 4: Vallée's classification, Science facing UFOs by Dr. Hyneck, the Air Force speaks about UFOs.
• NUMERO 5: The Starligth International project, landing with a humanoid and official reconnaissance on the Canary Islands.
• NUMERO 6: The Stanford affair, extraterrestrials medically examining humans, UFO photo from Sorgues.
• NUMERO 7: Wave over New Zealand, UFOs at the United Nations, CNES communication.
• NUMERO 8: The great night of UFOs, landing at Gomécourt and traces of radioactivity.
• NUMERO 9: Meeting at GEPAN, UFO wave detected by radar.
• NUMERO 10: Train station master witnesses a UFO in Argentina, the Cocoyoc photo.
• NUMERO 11: Photo documents in Uruguay, hypotheses and critiques on UFO propulsion.
• NUMERO 12: Close encounter of the third kind in Sturno (Italy), recommendations for investigators.
• NUMERO 13: UFOs in the House of Lords, incident during a rally.
• NUMERO 14: The Cergy affair (part 1), lawsuit against the CIA and USAF.
• NUMERO 15: The UFO and the Caravelle (Spain), landing in South Africa.
• NUMERO 16: A terrible night in Spain, Project WASA, TV critique.

The magazine also offers a complete collection of its back issues, promoting it as a comprehensive ufology encyclopedia.

Photo

A black and white photograph shows a UFO in the sky above clouds. The caption indicates it was taken on May 21, 1971, by Mr. Nagora, an engineer, near Deutschlandsberg.

Vague d'Observations en Uruguay (Wave of Observations in Uruguay)

This section, reported by correspondent Marisa Perdomo Klein from Montevideo, details a particularly active period of UFO observations in Uruguay in late 1976. Cases are reported from Gruta del Aguila, Gruta de los Helechos, and Peralta, as well as in Tacuarembo and Gruta del Palacio. A specific incident is described from Mercedes on November 16, 1976, where a 16-year-old girl observed a strange object with moving lights and a colored trail. The article includes a map of Uruguay indicating some of these locations.

Interview de Charles Garreau (Interview with Charles Garreau)

This extensive interview features Charles Garreau, a well-known journalist and ufologist. Garreau discusses his long-held belief in the extraterrestrial hypothesis, viewing UFOs as craft piloted by beings from other worlds engaged in systematic surveillance of Earth. He believes these beings may be seeking a new home due to the potential disappearance of their own sun. Garreau also addresses the "harmonic 33" grid he has identified, suggesting it indicates methodical exploration of Earth by galactic explorers. He disagrees with authors Barthel and Brucker's interpretation of the 1954 Prémanon case as a children's hoax, maintaining his own investigation concluded it was a serious and authentic event. He criticizes the current trend in ufology to downplay the extraterrestrial hypothesis. Garreau also touches upon the possibility of a government blackout on certain UFO cases, the role of private groups, and the potential for confusion between UFO sightings and religious apparitions.

Document Service

This section lists a vast array of books and publications related to UFOs and extraterrestrials available for purchase through the magazine's documentation service. The titles cover a wide range of topics, including historical sightings, scientific investigations, alien encounters, and government secrecy. The service also offers slide series on UFOs and related themes.

LE GAS REALIGO

This section details an event that occurred ten years prior to the publication date, on May 24, 1970, on Route No. 188, km 302, in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The witness, identified as Mr. R.F., was driving at night in heavy rain when he observed a powerful, glowing, flattened sphere with colored lights. The object hovered about 50 cm above the road, its upper part illuminated. As the witness approached, he saw several colored lights rotating. The object then moved slowly towards him, causing him to reverse. He experienced paralysis, internal heat, and a sense of serenity. The object then ascended vertically, emitting a humming sound and a beam of orange-yellow light, eventually disappearing. The witness did not report the incident immediately due to fear of personal repercussions. The article notes that the witness was 40 years old at the time and had a diverse professional background. It also discusses the physical and psychological consequences he experienced over the following seven years, including prolonged fatigue and a profound shift in his life philosophy.

CEFANC

This section introduces CEFANC (Centro de Estudios de Fenomenos Aereos No Convencionales), an organization based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, dedicated to the study of unconventional aerial phenomena. It also includes a brief report titled "LES OBSERVATIONS A TRAVERS LA PRESSE" (Observations Through the Press) detailing a UFO sighting between Weckolsheim and Dessenhieim, Alsace, on February 7, 1980, where a witness and his companions observed a disc-shaped object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the extraterrestrial hypothesis as a primary explanation for UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the interview with Charles Garreau and the general tone of the articles. There is a strong emphasis on documenting sightings, investigations, and the potential implications of these phenomena for humanity. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFOs, encouraging readers to explore the subject through the provided documentation service and the magazine's own extensive archives. The publication aims to present a comprehensive overview of ufology, including historical cases, witness testimonies, and expert opinions, while also acknowledging the skepticism and controversies surrounding the topic.