Inforespace - No 103 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: 103
Volume: 30th year
Date: December 2001
Publisher: SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Étude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

Editorial and Tributes

The issue opens with an editorial by Michel BOUGARD, President of SOBEPS, reflecting on the recent passing of two prominent ufologists: Claude Mc Duff from Canada and Antonio Ribera from Spain. Mc Duff, who was part of the wave that relaunched ufology in the late 1960s and early 1970s, became disillusioned with the lack of rigor and media attention. Ribera, born in 1920, was a co-founder of the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios and authored works on Spanish UFO observations, including his research into the UMMO affair. BOUGARD expresses concern about the future of ufology archives and the potential disappearance of research groups due to a lack of professionalization. He calls for continued support for Inforespace as a leading publication for UFO debates.

Dossiers on the Belgian UFO Wave

Two major dossiers are presented, detailing the exceptional wave of UFO observations that occurred in Belgium from autumn 1989 to summer 1991.

Dossier 1: UN DOSSIER EXCEPTIONNEL

• This dossier offers a comprehensive account of the Belgian UFO wave, featuring:
• A preface by Jean-Pierre Petit, Director of Research at CNRS.
• A day-by-day history of the events and descriptions of key cases investigated by SOBEPS.
• An overview of media coverage from global print, TV, and radio.
• Analysis of photographic and video evidence.
• Collaboration with the Air Force and Gendarmerie for radar data analysis.
• The evolving interest from officials and scientists, including a European study project.
• Reports on other triangular UFO sightings abroad and a comparison with the 1983-84 American wave.
• A discussion on "Stealth" technology to debunk certain theories.
• Initial statistical analyses of the wave.
• Personal conclusions from the book's authors.
• A postface by General Wilfried De Brouwer of the Air Force.

The dossier is presented as a 504-page book containing numerous unpublished cases and over 200 illustrations, including color photos. It is offered alongside a second volume for a combined price.

Dossier 2: UNE ENIGME NON RESOLUE

• This dossier, published in 1994, presents SOBEPS's second activity report on the Belgian wave. It highlights:
• A preface by Isabelle Stengers, philosopher and historian of science, questioning the wave's "anomaly."
• A history of observations and significant cases following the first report.
• Detailed characteristics of the wave, including flight patterns, structures, and physical effects.
• A complete analysis of the Petit-Rechain photograph.
• An account of daytime sightings, particularly those on November 29, 1989.
• Reactions from the scientific community and the press.
• A comparison of how testimonies evolved with media influence.
• Methods for undertaking new research based on available observations and analyses.
• An examination of meteorological disturbances and radar data, particularly concerning the F-16 radar episode on the night of March 30-31, 1990.
• Prospectives for scientific ufology and appropriate methodologies.
• The implications of ufological research for democracy and political actions by SOBEPS.

These two volumes are presented as an inseparable whole, available for purchase.

Correspondence and Debate

Letter from Auguste Meessen to Bertrand Méheust

Auguste Meessen writes to Bertrand Méheust regarding his book "Retour sur l'«Anomalie belge»." Meessen praises Méheust's lucid and intellectually honest approach, particularly his challenge to the prevailing psychosociological theory in France. Meessen notes that while French ufologists largely ignored the Belgian wave, Méheust acknowledges its significance and the lack of debate. Meessen emphasizes the importance of objective analysis and the need to move beyond apparent divides between human and exact sciences. He argues that while scientific measurements can have errors, they are crucial for establishing objective truth. Meessen also discusses the challenges of interpreting data, referencing the F-16 radar data from the Belgian wave, which provided quantitative but mysterious information. He highlights the difficulty of reconciling these findings with existing knowledge and the need for rigorous investigation.

Meessen defends his own work, stating that his judgment on the extraterrestrial hypothesis (HET) was based on probabilities at the time, and he later proposed alternative solutions. He criticizes the tendency to dismiss certain data and advocates for a rational and respectful debate. He also touches upon the difficulty of scientific progress, citing examples where new ideas faced resistance. Meessen suggests that the Belgian wave offers a good example of how radar data can be enigmatic and difficult to decipher, even with advanced technology.

Response from Bertrand Méheust to Auguste Meessen

Bertrand Méheust thanks Auguste Meessen for his detailed and courteous letter. Méheust agrees with most of Meessen's points, particularly regarding the importance of measurement and the fear that the extraterrestrial hypothesis evokes in intellectuals. Méheust explains his focus on the Belgian wave due to its unique characteristics that challenge conventional explanations. He finds the American hypothesis (experimental human-made craft) to be the most rational alternative, though he acknowledges the need for further investigation and the difficulty of obtaining information due to military secrecy. Méheust expresses his desire to discuss the American hypothesis further, especially given the lack of transparency from official sources.

He then addresses the relationship between science fiction (SF) and UFOs. Méheust argues that while his earlier work on SF and UFOs was based on the assumption of material reality, he now sees the need to analyze the "SF coating" of UFO reports. He proposes a scale to differentiate between reports with strong SF elements (like alien combat narratives and Roswell myths) and those with less SF influence (like direct observations of phenomena). Méheust suggests that by stripping away the SF elements, one might uncover a more objective reality or a different kind of phenomenon. He uses the example of the "orthoteny" phenomenon to illustrate how statistical arguments can explain apparent patterns, cautioning against anachronistic interpretations.

Méheust also discusses the role of cultural influences and psychological factors, referencing Carl Jung's concept of the collective unconscious. He acknowledges that the psychosociological hypothesis, while potentially reductionist, offers an explanation for the cultural embedding of UFO phenomena. However, he insists that the core issue remains the possibility of unidentified, solid objects with unknown origins operating in our skies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Inforespace strongly advocates for rigorous, evidence-based research in ufology. It critiques simplistic explanations, particularly the psychosociological hypothesis when applied reductively. The magazine champions the extraterrestrial hypothesis as a viable, albeit challenging, avenue of investigation, especially in light of the Belgian UFO wave. There is a clear emphasis on the need for open debate, scientific methodology, and the careful analysis of data, including radar and photographic evidence. The issue also highlights the importance of historical context and the potential influence of science fiction on our perception and reporting of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, seeking to advance the understanding of UFOs through a combination of scientific rigor and open-minded exploration, while acknowledging the complexities and resistances encountered in the field.

This issue of "inforespace" (Volume 17, Issue 101, dated 1999) features a cover headline and main article by Claude Maugé titled "Science et sociologie des sciences, ou parti pris ?" (Science and Sociology of Sciences, or Taking Sides?). The magazine, published in France, is in French and focuses on topics related to ufology, science, and sociology.

Analysis of Pierre Lagrange's Thesis

The core of the issue is a detailed critique by Claude Maugé of Pierre Lagrange's contribution in issue 100, which proposed an "irreductionist sociology of UFOs." Maugé argues that Lagrange, while attempting to establish a sociological framework for understanding UFO phenomena, suffers from several flaws, including a lack of true symmetry in his analysis, a tendency to dismiss psychological explanations, and a selective use of evidence.

Maugé begins by addressing Lagrange's claim that the "psychosociological hypothesis" (HPS) is not applicable to UFO cases. He contends that Lagrange conflates the roles of ufologist and sociologist, leading to biased conclusions. Maugé highlights that while some UFO reports might be explained by psychological factors, Lagrange's absolute rejection of this is problematic.

Categories of UFO Reports

The articles discuss different categories of UFO reports, including "things seen in the sky" (RR3) and "close encounters" (RR4), as well as abductions. RR3 reports are noted for having more objective elements like ground traces, while abductions are seen as heavily influenced by science fiction themes and individual psychology. The author contrasts the "hyperrealistic" reports of the 1950s with the "surrealistic" nature of abduction accounts.

The Role of Science Fiction

A significant portion of the analysis explores the influence of science fiction (SF) on UFO reports. Maugé suggests that SF literature provides a framework for imagining and interpreting anomalous aerial phenomena. He argues that SF is not merely predictive but also "performative," shaping the very phenomena it describes by providing models and narratives that observers might unconsciously adopt.

Critique of Lagrange's Methodology

Maugé criticizes Lagrange for his selective use of the "principle of symmetry," applying it to dismiss psychological explanations while not applying it to his own potential biases. He points out that Lagrange overlooks many UFO reports and phenomena that do not fit his narrow framework, particularly those involving direct contact or abduction experiences.

Psychological vs. Sociological Explanations

The debate centers on whether UFO sightings are primarily products of psychological factors (HPS) or require a more objective, perhaps sociological, explanation. Maugé defends the importance of psychology, citing examples where psychological processes clearly influence perception and memory. He argues that Lagrange's attempt to eliminate psychology from the study of UFOs is an oversimplification.

Specific Cases and Examples

The issue references specific cases, such as the observation by Judith Wolfe in Cap Camarat, France, in 1972, involving complex aerial maneuvers and object transformations. The Belgian UFO wave of 1989-1993 is also mentioned as evidence of structured, potentially artificial objects.

Ideological Stance

Maugé suggests that Lagrange's position, by rejecting psychological explanations and focusing solely on a sociological framework, risks creating a new form of dogma. He warns that by dismissing psychological factors, one might inadvertently ignore the need for serious psychological support for individuals experiencing distressing phenomena like abductions, potentially leaving them vulnerable to charlatans.

Conclusion

In his conclusion, Maugé summarizes the perceived weaknesses in Lagrange's argument, including the lack of clear distinctions between sociology and ufology, the use of ideological rather than scientific language, and a failure to apply the principle of symmetry consistently. He calls for a more nuanced approach that acknowledges the contributions of psychology and a broader range of sociological perspectives.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO phenomena, the methodologies used to study them, and the interplay between objective observation, psychological interpretation, and sociological analysis. The editorial stance, as presented by Claude Maugé, is critical of overly simplistic or reductionist approaches to ufology, advocating for a more comprehensive and symmetrical analysis that integrates psychological, sociological, and scientific perspectives. The magazine appears to favor a critical yet open-minded approach to the UFO question, emphasizing the need for rigorous research and avoiding ideological biases.

Title: inforspace
Issue: 103
Issue Date: December 2000
Publisher: SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux - ASBL)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of inforspace, number 103, dated December 2000, features a significant investigation into the purported 'Ummite language.' The cover headline, "Le langage des Ummites : du chinois ?" (The Ummite Language: From Chinese?), introduces a detailed linguistic analysis by Johannes Gehrs, a sinologue, with a supplementary note by Professor Auguste Meessen.

Article: Le langage des Ummites : du chinois ? by Johannes Gehrs

Introduction

The article begins by addressing the claims made by Godelieve Van Overmeire, who proposed that the Ummite language, found in letters purportedly from extraterrestrials since 1965, was either a modified form of Chinese or was fabricated by an orientalist. Johannes Gehrs was asked by Professor Meessen to examine these claims. Gehrs notes that Van Overmeire, despite not knowing Chinese, used a dictionary to suggest linguistic links, even suspecting Sir Gordon Creighton as the fabricator. Gehrs outlines his approach, which involves analyzing four key aspects: the characteristics of the Chinese language, the methodology used, statistical analysis of both languages, and the examination of proposed correspondences.

1. Caractéristiques de la langue chinoise (Characteristics of the Chinese Language)

Gehrs highlights that Chinese is primarily a written language, characterized by a vast number of characters. He explains that only a small percentage are pictograms, with the majority being standardized signs that must be learned. The pronunciation of these characters is often monosyllabic, and their meaning can be ambiguous without context or tonal information. Unlike European languages with phonetic alphabets, Chinese relies on learning characters and their associated sounds. The complexity arises from the large number of characters and the need to memorize pronunciation, leading to the development of phonetic transcription systems like Pinyin. The article details the complexity of tones in Mandarin, which are crucial for distinguishing meaning, and the structure of Chinese, which relies on monosyllabic bases that can be combined into compound words.

2. Méthodologie utilisée (Methodology Used)

Gehrs scrutinizes the methodology employed by Van Overmeire, identifying eight factors that broaden the scope of choices and increase the likelihood of coincidental matches. He applies this method to a French text to demonstrate its flexibility. Key issues raised include:

• Which Chinese?: The article questions the choice of 'Mandarin' (Hanyu) as the basis, noting the existence of numerous dialects and regional variations. It also points out inconsistencies in the application of the Hanyu Pinyin system.
• La décomposition en syllabes (Syllable Decomposition): Ummite terms, ranging from 2 to 12 letters, are broken down into syllables. Gehrs argues that this decomposition can be arbitrary, especially when combined with the flexibility of interpreting dictionary entries.
• La méconnaissance du ton (Ignorance of Tones): The Ummite letters provide no information on tones, which are essential for distinguishing meaning in Chinese. Van Overmeire's work often omits or errs in tone indications, underestimating their importance.
• La structure des phrases (Sentence Structure): Chinese grammar has strict word order rules, but the Ummite texts primarily consist of isolated terms. Syllable-by-syllable translation leads to inadequate structures.
• Les fonctions des mots (Word Functions): Assigning roles like verb, adjective, or noun to Chinese characters is problematic, as their function is context-dependent. The article provides examples where this leads to incorrect interpretations.
• Les mots composés (Compound Words): The article notes that compound words in Chinese are treated as single entities, and the Ummite analysis sometimes incorrectly separates or misinterprets them.
• Les modifications des syllabes (Syllable Modifications): Gehrs observes that the supposed fabricator arbitrarily modified letters and their order to fit desired meanings, without adhering to any consistent rules.
• Le choix du sens des mots (Choice of Word Meaning): The analysis highlights how secondary meanings from dictionaries are selectively chosen to match Ummite terms, rather than using the primary meanings or established correspondences.

Gehrs also tests the methodology by applying it to a French sentence, showing how it could lead to a similar (and equally unfounded) conclusion that French derives from Chinese.

3. Analyse statistique des deux langues (Statistical Analysis of the Two Languages)

This section compares the frequency of initial letters in Ummite terms versus Chinese characters. The analysis reveals a stark contrast: Ummite terms frequently start with A, I, O, and U, letters that are rare at the beginning of Chinese words. Conversely, many letters common in Chinese (C, F, H, J, K, L, M, P, Q, S, T, Z) are absent or rare in Ummite terms. This statistical imbalance strongly suggests that the two languages are structurally different.

4. Examen des correspondances proposées (Examination of Proposed Correspondences)

Gehrs provides a detailed evaluation of 26 specific Ummite terms and their proposed Chinese translations, assigning a score out of 10 for each. The scores are consistently very low, often 0/10, indicating a lack of valid correspondence. Examples include OYAA (planet), OYIA (star), OYAGAA (Earth), WAAM (universe), WOA (God), IGIO (thinking being), YIE (woman), and UEWA (vessel). The analysis systematically demonstrates how the proposed translations fail to align phonetically or semantically with Chinese.

5. Appréciation générale (General Appreciation)

In his conclusion, Gehrs reiterates that the initial part of the article correctly identified the unique characteristics of the Chinese language that could be exploited to 'prove' an extraterrestrial origin. However, he criticizes the arbitrary hypotheses and incoherent data presented. The methodology is deemed too lax, allowing for manipulation of parameters and leading to coincidental matches. The structural differences between Ummite and Chinese are significant, and the detailed examination of 26 cases yields an average score of less than 1/10, indicating a clear failure to establish a link. Gehrs concludes that the 'proof' is unacceptable and warns against making unsubstantiated claims and accusations.

Note complémentaire d'Auguste Meessen

Professor Auguste Meessen provides a complementary perspective, emphasizing the problematic nature of the Ummite letters and the importance of rigorously examining the evidence for their authenticity. He notes that the issue of extraterrestrial origin raises questions about unknown psychosociologies. Meessen explains his involvement, which began when he encountered Godelieve Van Overmeire's claims. He sought out Johannes Gehrs, a sinologue with experience in China, to provide an expert linguistic evaluation. Meessen expresses gratitude for Gehrs's thorough work and highlights the importance of such rigorous analysis, especially when it involves potentially accusing individuals of fraud.

Other Content

Service Librairie de la SOBEPS

This section lists books available for purchase from SOBEPS, including titles related to UFOs and ufology, such as "Des Soucoupes Volantes aux OVNI" by Michel Bougard, "Mystérieuses Soucoupes Volantes" by Fernand Lagarde, "Black-out sur les Soucoupes Volantes" by Jimmy Guieu, and "Et si les OVNI n'existaient pas?" by Michel Monnerie. Contact information and payment methods are provided.

La SOBEPS est sur Internet

This announcement informs readers about the launch of SOBEPS's new website, www.sobeps.org, which is still under construction. Readers are encouraged to visit and provide feedback.

Le Pin's de la SOBEPS

This section promotes the sale of a SOBEPS pin, described as a high-quality, large-format item, available for purchase to support the organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the critical examination of claims within ufology, specifically the linguistic analysis of the 'Ummite letters.' The editorial stance is clearly one of rigorous skepticism and a demand for robust evidence. The magazine prioritizes detailed, scientific-style investigations, as demonstrated by the extensive linguistic analysis presented. It aims to debunk unsubstantiated theories and uphold a high standard of proof, as evidenced by the low scores assigned to the proposed Ummite-Chinese linguistic correspondences and the concluding remarks by both Gehrs and Meessen.

Title: Inforespace
Publisher: SOBEPS
Issue Type: Semiannual Review
Date: Undetermined from scan
Language: French

SOBEPS: Mission and Activities

The SOBEPS is presented as a non-profit association with the objective of rationally observing and studying unidentified aerial phenomena and related issues. Its activities are entirely based on volunteerism, covering investigations into testimonies and the unbiased dissemination of collected information. This dissemination occurs through a semiannual review, Inforespace, as well as conferences and debates.

The editorial team emphasizes that the publication of Inforespace relies on the goodwill and free time of its collaborators, meaning it does not have a commercial character and publication dates cannot be guaranteed, with potential delays being possible.

Call for Collaboration

SOBEPS actively solicits the collaboration of its members. They are invited to share any information related to subjects covered in the review. Members are also encouraged to participate in promoting the Society and, within their means, to become active collaborators in various projects such as translation, editing, investigations, secretarial work, and coding.

Furthermore, individuals who observe an unusual aerial phenomenon, or are aware of such an observation by others, are urged to report it to SOBEPS promptly.

Secretariat and Library Services

The premises of SOBEPS are accessible to members by appointment only, specifically on Saturdays between 2 PM and 6 PM. During these hours, members can consult the association's entire documentation, including books and journals.

To facilitate these visits, members are asked to schedule their appointments with the secretariat. For administrative inquiries, members can contact the secretariat at 02/521.74.04, but only on Saturdays between 2 PM and 6 PM. Fax services are available at 02/520.73.93.

A dedicated phone line, 02/524.28.48, is reserved for reporting testimonies and operates with an automatic answering service 24 hours a day.

SOBEPS Slide Collections

SOBEPS announces that its collection of slides is currently exhausted. However, they are still offering a few exceptional series, each accompanied by commentary regarding the origin of the documents:

• Three series of 12 color slides: Available at €15 per set of 12 photographs (equivalent to 600 FB or 100 FF). The price for all three series is €42 (1700 FB or 280 FF).
• Two series of 12 slides on the Belgian wave of 1989-91: Offered at €18.5 for both sets, totaling 24 inseparable documents (equivalent to 750 FB or 120 FF).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue focuses on the operational aspects of the SOBEPS organization, including its mission, membership engagement, and the services it provides to its members, such as library access and the sale of specialized slide collections. The editorial stance is clearly that of a dedicated research group focused on UFO phenomena, emphasizing a rational and unbiased approach, and relying heavily on volunteer contributions and member participation. The content highlights the practicalities of engaging with the organization and its resources.