1965 07 00 Noir et Blanc No 1063

Magazine Overview

This issue of the magazine, titled "OUI, LES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES EXISTENT!" (YES, FLYING SAUCERS EXIST!), presents a strong case for the reality of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), commonly referred to as flying saucers. The cover boldly asserts their existence, featuring a photograph of a man and a headline that immediately draws the reader into the topic. The magazine aims to convince skeptical readers by presenting a collection of compelling witness accounts, official military reports, and scientific theories.

The Valensole Incident: A Personal Testimony

The article opens with the testimony of Maurice Massé, a man from Valensole, France, who claims a flying saucer landed in his lavender field. Massé, frustrated by the skepticism and ridicule he faced, insists he is not mistaken, describing the craft as being the size of a Dauphine, with a rugby-ball shape, metallic legs, and piloted by a child-sized individual. He dismisses the possibility of it being a conventional aircraft like an 'Alouette' helicopter, highlighting the unusual nature of the sighting and the pilot's size.

Official Recognition and Military Involvement

The magazine emphasizes that the phenomenon of flying saucers is taken seriously by military aviation authorities worldwide. It mentions that the air forces of the United States, Canada, Britain, and France have all investigated these objects. The article cites French Generals Chassin and Murtin as prominent figures who have publicly acknowledged the issue. It highlights that among the thousands of testimonies gathered over fifteen years, some are considered "authentic and irrefutable" by authorities, including pilots, meteorologists, and other specialists who would not risk their careers on mere fantasy.

The Mantell Case: A Tragic Pursuit

A significant case detailed is the "Mantell affair," which resulted in the death of American pilot Captain Thomas Mantell. While pursuing a flying saucer over Fort-Knox, Mantell reported seeing a metallic, large object before his aircraft disintegrated. The incident is presented as a factual event documented in an official US Air Force report, which also includes other surprising UFO chase accounts.

French Military Encounters

In France, military aircraft have also been dispatched to pursue unknown craft. The article recounts an incident in 1951 where pilots Prio and Gallibert, from the 115 base in Orange, were ordered to chase a circular, metallic-reflecting object. Their 'Vampire' aircraft pursued the object, which was described as moving with incredible speed and performing maneuvers beyond terrestrial capabilities.

Scientific Explanations and Theories

Beyond anecdotal evidence, the magazine delves into scientific explanations. It addresses the skepticism surrounding secret research, quoting engineer and pilot Gabriel Voisin who believed that true scientific breakthroughs cannot remain secret for long. The article then introduces Lieutenant Plantier's theory, published in "Forces aériennes françaises." Plantier proposes that flying saucers might harness cosmic energy and create force fields that encompass both the craft and the surrounding air. This 'field of force' would allow the saucer to move at extreme speeds through the atmosphere without resistance, friction, or sonic booms, and without subjecting its occupants to G-forces. However, any failure of this force field would be catastrophic.

Orthoteny: Mapping UFO Movements

Another key concept discussed is "orthoteny," developed by researcher Aimé Michel. By mapping the locations of UFO sightings over a 24-hour period, Michel observed that they often formed straight lines, sometimes exceeding 1,000 kilometers. This pattern, which repeated with mathematical regularity, led some to conclude that extraterrestrial visitors might be systematically exploring certain parts of the globe.

Conclusion and Editorial Stance

The article concludes by suggesting that if these phenomena are indeed extraterrestrial explorations, the visitors may not consider humans significant enough for direct communication, drawing an analogy to humans not communicating with ants. The overall stance of the magazine is that flying saucers are real, material objects, and that the phenomenon is not merely a product of hallucinations. The issue encourages readers to take these sightings seriously, citing the rigorous investigations and reports from credible sources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the undeniable existence of UFOs, the serious investigation of these phenomena by military and scientific bodies, and the exploration of advanced scientific theories to explain their capabilities. The editorial stance is unequivocally pro-UFO existence, aiming to debunk skepticism by presenting a wealth of evidence and reasoned speculation. The magazine champions the idea that these are not mere fantasies but tangible events requiring serious consideration.