Inforespace - No 75 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: No. 75
Date: December 1988
Volume: 17th year
Publisher: SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

Editorial

The editorial, penned by President Michel Bougard, expresses satisfaction with the progress of ufology and the success of the First European Congress on Anomalous Aerial Phenomena. He emphasizes the need for a serious and militant approach to ufology, rejecting amateurism and advocating for an exchange of ideas and confrontation of methods. The editorial highlights Inforespace as the priority for SOBEPS and calls for financial support from members to continue its work and maintain the quality of the publication. Bougard also extends wishes for a happy and successful new year to the members.

SOBEPS Activities and Membership

Subscriptions and Donations

The magazine details the subscription rates for 1988 (and implicitly for 1989) for different membership levels in Belgium, France, and other countries. It mentions that higher membership tiers grant a complimentary book. Information is provided on how to obtain back issues of the publication. A strong appeal is made for financial contributions to support SOBEPS's activities, with specific bank account details provided for payments.

Secretariat and Library

The SOBEPS premises are accessible to members on Saturdays between 10 AM and 4 PM for consulting the extensive documentation and library. Members are advised to make appointments, especially outside these hours or during July and August, by contacting the General Secretary, L. Clerebaut.

UFO Slides Collection

SOBEPS offers a collection of 336 slides dedicated to various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, organized into 28 series. These slides are intended to help members create their own illustrated presentations.

Table of Contents

The issue features several articles, including:

• Editorial
• First European Congress on Anomalous Aerial Phenomena: Physical and Psychosocial Aspects (p. 4)
• Au-delà du secret: "MAJESTIC - 12" (Beyond the secret: "MAJESTIC - 12") (p. 6)
• A Nort : quoi de neuf ? (A Nort: what's new?) (p. 23)
• Gulf Breeze : le point sur l'affaire (Gulf Breeze: the point on the affair) (p. 27)
• A propos des rencontres rapprochées (About close encounters) (p. 39)

It is noted that signed articles represent the author's responsibility, and Lucien Clerebaut is the editor.

First European Congress on Anomalous Aerial Phenomena: Physical and Psychosocial Aspects

This article details the First European Congress on Anomalous Aerial Phenomena, held in Brussels from November 11-13, 1988. Organized by Thierry Pinvidic and Jacques Scornaux, the congress was hosted by SOBEPS and brought together ufologists from twelve countries. The program aimed to cover both the physical and psychosocial aspects of UFOs. The event was conducted in English and attended by approximately fifty participants. Notable international figures like Jacques Vallée, Walter Andrus (Director of MUFON), and Richard Haines were present. The article stresses the importance of dialogue between ufologists with differing perspectives on the phenomenon. The proceedings of the congress, a document of over 200 pages, were made available in English, with a French translation planned for April-May 1989.

Au-delà du secret: "MAJESTIC - 12"

This extensive article by Stanton T. Friedman discusses the "Operation Majestic 12" documents, which gained public attention in 1987. Friedman, a nuclear physicist and ufologist, recounts his involvement in investigating the Roswell incident and the subsequent emergence of these classified documents, including a memo from Robert Cutler to General Nathan Twining dated July 14, 1954, and a briefing document prepared for President-Elect Dwight D. Eisenhower dated November 18, 1952. The article delves into the controversy surrounding the authenticity of these documents, examining arguments from skeptics like Philip J. Klass and the CSICOP, and presenting counter-arguments based on archival research and expert opinions. It details the alleged discovery of the film containing the MJ-12 briefing document and the challenges of verifying such highly classified information within the National Archives and presidential libraries. The article also touches upon the alleged crash of a second UFO in El Indio, Mexico, in 1950.

Other Articles

Brief mentions are made of other articles in the issue, including "A Nort: quoi de neuf?" (p. 23) and "Gulf Breeze : le point sur l'affaire" (p. 27), suggesting ongoing investigations and case updates.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Inforespace strongly advocates for a serious, scientific, and well-funded approach to ufology. The organization SOBEPS positions itself as a key player in this endeavor, emphasizing rigorous research and the dissemination of credible information. The recurring theme is the importance of distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misinterpretations, and the need for open dialogue among researchers. The editorial stance is one of commitment to advancing the field of ufology through dedicated research and publication, while also acknowledging the financial challenges involved in such pursuits.

This issue of Inforespace, identified as number 242 and dated June 1988, focuses heavily on two prominent UFO-related topics: the ongoing debate surrounding the authenticity of the MJ-12 documents and a detailed report on the Gulf Breeze sightings. The magazine presents a critical and multifaceted approach, featuring contributions from ufologists, skeptics, journalists, and scientists.

The MJ-12 Documents Controversy

The issue begins by addressing the CSICOP's (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal) perceived neglect of certain details in the MJ-12 memo, particularly regarding the alleged weather balloon story and commonalities among the individuals involved. The article highlights the difficulty in uncovering information about Dr. Donald Menzel's post-WWII intelligence agency connections, suggesting that anyone fabricating the memo would have known this. The peculiar inscription "Top Secret Restricted Security Information" is explained in the context of the 1954 Atomic Energy Act, which mandated the use of "Restricted Data" for secret documents, implying the MJ-12 project had precise implications in nuclear propulsion.

The author questions the motive and method behind creating such a detailed, photographed document, and planting it within National Archives files, noting the high risk of detection. The lack of a whistleblower, even after significant public discussion in major newspapers and television programs, is also pondered. The article refutes Philip Klass's claims that the MJ-12 memo is a forgery based on date formatting and signature discrepancies. It points out that similar date formats appear in other official documents and that Hillenkoetter sometimes signed with his full name.

Further skepticism is raised by Barry Greenwood of CAUS (Citizens Against UFO Secrecy), who attacked the MJ-12 briefing document. His criticisms include questioning the document's origin, mocking anonymous intelligence gathering methods, and pointing out perceived laxity in the National Archives' security. The article counters these points by detailing numerous alleged inaccuracies in Greenwood's arguments, such as misrepresentations of statements from the Eisenhower Library and misinterpretations of the "Top Secret Restricted" designation.

Greenwood's assertion that the briefing is a fraud because it corroborates Roswell information while contradicting details of a supposed second accident is also addressed. The article also touches upon the difficulty of maintaining such a secret for an extended period, citing Richard Bissell's statement that the document appears authentic.

The Gulf Breeze Sightings

The magazine then shifts focus to the Gulf Breeze sightings, presenting a comprehensive account of events and investigations. It begins by referencing Timothy Good's book "Above Top Secret" and a related anecdote about Jackie Gleason allegedly being shown alien bodies at a US Air Force base. The article notes that while these are considered apocryphal, they align with other accounts supporting the authenticity of the MJ-12 document.

The issue details the ongoing debate between MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) and CUFOS (Center for UFO Studies) regarding the Gulf Breeze case. While MUFON, through its investigations and analysis of photographic evidence by Dr. Bruce Maccabee, leans towards the authenticity of the sightings, CUFOS, represented by Mark Rodeghier and Robert D. Boyd, expresses skepticism, suggesting the photographs might be a hoax due to their 'too perfect' quality and unusual visual artifacts like 'waves' in the images.

Several specific sightings from Gulf Breeze are chronologically listed, dating from November 1987 to April 1988. These accounts describe various luminous objects, often silent, exhibiting unusual flight patterns, and sometimes emitting light beams. Witnesses include individuals of various ages and backgrounds, and the descriptions often mention circular, oval, or elongated shapes with multiple lights. Some reports include details about physical traces, such as dried grass in a specific area.

The article also mentions the involvement of local media, particularly the "Sentinel" newspaper, which reportedly saw increased circulation due to its coverage of the Gulf Breeze events. The potential for commercial exploitation of the case is acknowledged, but the sheer volume of witness testimonies and the immediate, on-the-ground investigations by teams including journalists are presented as factors that cannot be easily dismissed.

Nort-sur-Erdre Sound Recording Analysis

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the analysis of a sound recording allegedly made during a UFO sighting in Nort-sur-Erdre, France. The article presents differing viewpoints on the recording, particularly between ufologist A. Meessen and acoustic specialists like Bernard Teston, an engineer at CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research).

Teston's analysis, supported by other acoustic experts, suggests that the 'UFO noise' is likely a combination of signals, possibly from a transhorizon radar and a radio beacon. He criticizes Meessen's analysis for overlooking these possibilities, for not considering the potential for fraud (e.g., recording directly from radio to cassette), and for misinterpreting acoustic phenomena. Teston argues that Meessen's claims of non-harmonic spectra and non-linear source responses are either misapplied or based on a flawed understanding of acoustics.

The article highlights the subjective nature of interpreting such phenomena, noting that what might seem 'strange' to a naive listener could be considered 'banal and natural' by radio amateurs familiar with shortwave sounds. The authors express concern over the underlying polemics and the 'manichean' view of scientific activity within ufology, advocating for open debate and democratic principles even in this field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Inforespace demonstrates a commitment to exploring controversial topics within ufology while maintaining a critical and analytical stance. The magazine actively presents multiple perspectives, including those of believers, skeptics, and scientific investigators. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and open discussion, cautioning against hasty conclusions and personal attacks. There is a clear emphasis on the scientific method, even while acknowledging the limitations and subjective elements inherent in analyzing anomalous phenomena. The magazine encourages further research and critical thinking, aiming to provide readers with a balanced overview of complex and often contentious subjects like the MJ-12 documents and the Gulf Breeze sightings.

This issue of OVNI PRESENCE, dated October 1988, features a cover headline focusing on 'A propos des rencontres rapprochées' (About Close Encounters). The magazine delves into detailed analyses of UFO sightings, particularly close encounters, drawing from witness testimonies and research catalogs.

Analysis of Close Encounters (RR)

The article 'A propos des rencontres rapprochées' by Patrick Vidal, based on the Figuet/Ruchon catalog of Close Encounters (RR), explores the morphology and materiality of UFOs. Vidal emphasizes that while ufology is not an exact science and human perception has limitations, studying RR cases is valuable because the proximity to the object reduces confusions with natural phenomena or human technology.

Morphological Evolution of UFOs

• The study categorizes UFOs observed in close encounters into three primary forms:
• Form A: Structured objects resembling manufactured craft (e.g., saucers with domes, landing gear, windows, antennas, doors, ladders).
• Form B: Phenomena without a precise shape.
• Form C: Pure forms such as circles, disks, eggs, triangles, or balls, without external details.

Analysis of French UFO observations from 1906 to 1977 indicates that structured (Form A) and pure (Form C) objects are the most frequently reported, accounting for approximately 37% and 46% of cases, respectively. This suggests that UFOs in close encounters are generally not vague luminous forms but rather objects with discernible shapes. The article notes that due to the emotional state of witnesses and variable observation conditions, some Form C cases might actually be Form A objects where details were missed.

The study also examines the temporal evolution of these forms. While there are fluctuations, such as a peak in Form A cases in 1972, the overall proportion of Form A objects in close encounters has remained relatively stable over the years, suggesting that the structured form of the UFO is a consistent characteristic.

UFO Presence and Witness Arrival

Approximately 70% of reported close encounters involve the UFO already being present at the site, either hovering or landed, before the witness arrives. This leads to the question of whether UFOs intentionally appear when a witness is present, suggesting a possible 'showcase' behavior as described by researchers like Bertrand Méheust and E. Zurcher. The presence of the UFO seems to be a constant factor, with no significant temporal evolution observed in this aspect.

Physical Materiality of UFOs

• The article classifies the materiality of UFOs during close encounters into three classes:
• Class 1 (Apparent Materiality): Witnesses observe the arrival and departure of the phenomenon in a seemingly rational manner, similar to conventional aircraft.
• Class 2 (Provisional Materiality): Witnesses observe the sudden appearance or disappearance of the phenomenon, often described as a light turning on or off.
• Class 3 (Non-Apparent Materiality): Witnesses observe changes in the UFO's shape or its degradation.

Class 1 accounts for the vast majority of cases (72.75%), followed by Class 2 (20%) and Class 3 (7.25%). This indicates that in most close encounters, the UFO exhibits characteristics of physical materiality. However, the 27.25% of cases falling into Class 2 and Class 3 suggest that UFOs may possess a materiality different from our understanding, possibly involving movement through unknown dimensions.

UFOs and Humanoid Beings

The study further analyzes the correlation between UFO materiality and the presence of beings. It notes that beings seem to 'prefer' material-like UFOs, with over 84% of observations involving beings occurring with Class 1 (material) UFOs. This raises questions about the true materiality of these observed beings, with hypotheses suggesting they might be projections or holograms. Conversely, when UFOs exhibit non-material characteristics (Class 2 or 3), the presence of beings is less frequently reported.

Humanoid beings are described in approximately 37% of Form A cases and 12% of Form B and Form C cases. The overall trend indicates a strong association between humanoid beings and structured UFOs (Form A) that exhibit material characteristics.

Witness Testimonies

The issue includes several witness accounts:

• Holcomb Sighting: A former aircraft mechanic reported seeing yellow-orange lights near trees, which intensified before disappearing. Domestic animals reportedly went missing around the same time, suggesting a possible correlation.
• Bay Bridge Sighting (May 4, 1988): Three witnesses described a bright light that appeared and disappeared multiple times over the Bay Bridge. The light exhibited unusual movements, including a back-and-forth motion, when a Navy plane flew nearby. The object eventually ascended to a high altitude and then disappeared.
• Pensacola Sighting (July 8, 1988): Dr. and Mrs. McConnel observed a circular, illuminated object hovering over Pensacola Bay at a low altitude. They described a bright white light beam emanating from the object. The UFO moved towards the Pensacola Naval Air Station, changed direction, and disappeared northward.

Service Librairie SOBEPS

The magazine also includes a section listing books available for purchase through SOBEPS, featuring titles on UFOs and related research by authors such as Michel Bougard, Aimé Michel, Jacques Vallée, and Charles Garreau. It also promotes guides for UFO investigators and observers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of OVNI PRESENCE strongly focuses on the scientific analysis of UFO close encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, utilizing catalogs and statistical analysis to understand the phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on categorizing UFOs by shape and materiality and exploring potential connections with other phenomena, such as the presence of humanoid beings. The magazine promotes a systematic approach to ufology, encouraging detailed observation and documentation while acknowledging the inherent challenges and limitations of human perception in interpreting such events.