Ouranos Actualites - No 4 - 1954

Magazine Overview

Title: OURANOS ACTUALITE
Issue: N°4
Year: 1954
Publisher: OURANOS
Language: French
Focus: Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena.

The Evolution of Official Opinion Regarding the UFO Problem (Part II)

This article, authored by Marc THIROUIN, examines the shifting official perspectives on UFOs, particularly in the United States. It notes that a new official report, rather than explaining the 15% of unexplained observations through natural phenomena, largely attributes them to misinterpretations of known objects like balloons, airplanes, planets, or meteorites, along with meteorological effects. The report acknowledges that 85% of mysterious facts fall into this category, but the remaining 15% remain unexplained, a core problem the report does not resolve.

More significantly, the article highlights the increasing academic interest in the UFO question in the United States. The Ohio Northern University has formed a "Project A" study commission, led by Dean Warren Hickman. Hickman stated that no single explanation accounts for all observations, with approximately 20% being inexplicable by natural causes. The commission's initial findings suggest that most US sightings occur in clear weather during July, August, and September, and some are observed at such close range that they cannot be mere reflections. A common trajectory observed involves vertical ascent followed by horizontal flight, and repeated vertical movements.

The article commends this observational, fact-based approach and hopes for greater cooperation between private scientific organizations and official services in the US and elsewhere.

Mr. Talbott, D. Keyhoe, and Artificial Satellites

This section, based on a report by the general correspondent for Belgium, Dave Vendelmans, discusses statements by American expert Major Donald E. Keyhoe. Keyhoe claimed that one or two artificial satellites were orbiting Earth and that White Sands experts were trying to determine their trajectory and origin. He also mentioned that Secretary of the Air Harold E. Talbott and his crew observed a discoid object near Fresno, California, which rapidly accelerated and disappeared when approached. Harold Talbott himself denied ever seeing a UFO, despite extensive travel.

Keyhoe asserted the truthfulness of these facts, which he claimed were hidden from the public. He also revealed that Canadian government experts had issued a note to all official observers, requesting vigilance and reporting of any unidentified aerial objects.

Great Britain Faces the Facts

J. Stubbs Walker, in a "Daily Mail" article, confirms and complements previous information regarding Great Britain's stance on UFOs. Walker's research indicates that both Great Britain and the USA are taking the problem of "unidentified flying objects" seriously. Observation reports are meticulously examined by Air Force intelligence services, and military personnel are ordered to submit detailed reports. The British Air Ministry's study suggests a 5% proportion of unexplained sightings, compared to 15% in the US. It's suggested that many observations in both countries are kept secret, possibly to avoid panic or due to national defense concerns rather than direct UFO interest.

Walker notes that some witnesses have been advised not to speak too freely about their sightings, but he believes there's no official attempt to restrict civilian witnesses. Sufficiently detailed reports are studied by a special section of technical intelligence within the Air Ministry. Each observation is cross-referenced with known data on aircraft, weather balloons, and atmospheric conditions.

The article concludes that many of these reports are convincing, making denial of UFO existence unreasonable. New facts are increasing official interest in Britain, referencing the "Norwich saucer" observed in October 1953 and a report by a 13-year-old, Stephen Darbishire, who allegedly photographed a UFO.

Jimmy Guieu and Professor Le Lionnais

In response to inquiries about UFOs, Professor Le Lionnais, president of the Association of Scientific Writers of France, provided a starkly dismissive view. He stated that the belief in "flying saucers" or "unidentified flying objects" is a "lamentable mystification" and that no scientist gives it credit. He refuted claims that the Pentagon takes UFOs seriously, attributing sightings to hoaxes, illusions, or misidentifications of known objects. Le Lionnais expressed a desire to eliminate this "intellectual poison" from France.

The magazine's editorial team refrains from commenting on Le Lionnais's statement, considering it a simple affirmation they have long since dismissed.

Holland and Switzerland

Holland: Teun Van Ingen, the general correspondent for Holland, reports that there have been no official statements regarding UFOs in Holland, and the government is not concerned with the problem. He mentions that only one magazine, "Elsevier," has published a neutral article on the subject, which he found to be treated with excessive lightness and puerility.

Switzerland: Following a conference on UFOs in Lausanne by Professor Alfred Nahon, several Swiss newspapers ("Feuille d'avis de Lausanne," "Gazette de Lausanne," "Nile Revue de Lausanne," and "Tribune de Lausanne") declined to publish a report by reporter Ewyane Sennwald. The reasons given ranged from not being able to use the report to avoiding the topic, which they considered a recurring journalistic sensation.

Despite the press blackout in Lausanne, the article notes that the Swiss Federal Council has assigned a civil servant to classify all press clippings and information related to UFOs. It contrasts this with the skeptical stance of some Lausanne journalists and highlights the official recognition of UFO existence by the British Ministry of War in January 1953.

The Perigee of Mars (Late June 1954)

This section discusses the upcoming conjunction of Mars and Earth in late June 1954, a period when Mars will be at its closest to Earth. Astronomers are preparing for extensive observations. The article references an excellent piece by Dave Vendelmans but summarizes the key points. Mars's orbital period is approximately 687 days, with a conjunction occurring every 780 days. The Earth-Mars distance during these perigees can vary, with a minimum distance occurring every 15 years.

The last favorable perigee was in 1939, and the next will be in 1956. The June 1954 perigee, while not as favorable as 1939 or 1941, is still significant. An "International Mars Committee" has been formed in America to coordinate astronomical observations, with a preparatory meeting held in Washington. Advanced cameras and spectrographs will be used to analyze Martian atmospheric conditions, climate, and composition. The 5-meter telescope at Mount Palomar will be employed, potentially allowing for the detection of life traces on Mars if terrestrial atmospheric disturbances do not interfere.

Many UFO enthusiasts eagerly await this date, anticipating a potential increase in UFO sightings and some even speculating about a Martian invasion. The article's commission statistics for 1952 and 1953 show a troubling correlation between monthly UFO observation variations and the Earth-Mars distance.

Observations

A table provides a breakdown of UFO observations by country for January to May 1954, including England (3), Australia (1), Denmark (2), France (8+1, 2+1, 2, 3), Pakistan (1), Ireland (1), Norway (1), and Morocco (1), Netherlands (3).

Conferences - Radio - Group Activities

This section details a conference held in Lausanne on February 2nd by Professor Alfred Nahon, titled "UFOs and the Interplanetary Era." The report by Ewyane Sennwald highlights Nahon's view that UFO facts are scientifically supported and revealed by photographic evidence. Nahon suggests that UFO appearances have multiplied since the advent of atomic experiments, interpreting them as a warning to humanity to cease self-destruction and prepare for mutual destruction. He posits that UFO beings may belong to a far more evolved civilization with no hostility towards Earthlings, given their advanced technology. Nahon questions why we shouldn't believe in evolved beings with superior science, given the existence of numerous planetary systems.

He argues that interplanetary beings are likely interested in humanity's use of atomic forces, not to conquer, but to warn. The article mentions President Eisenhower's call for pooling atomic knowledge.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the evolving and often contradictory official and scientific response to UFO phenomena. The magazine, through its articles and reports, champions a serious, evidence-based investigation of UFOs, contrasting this with dismissive attitudes from some prominent scientists and media outlets. There's a clear editorial stance favoring the acknowledgment of unexplained phenomena and encouraging further research, particularly highlighting the importance of international cooperation. The upcoming Mars perigee is presented as a potentially significant event for both astronomical discovery and UFO observation, reflecting a belief that extraterrestrial intelligence may be involved. The magazine implicitly criticizes those who, like Professor Le Lionnais, dismiss the subject outright, advocating instead for an open mind and continued scientific inquiry.

This issue of "OURANOS" magazine, identified by its page number "61" and "62", "63", "64", delves into the burgeoning interplanetary era and its implications for global cooperation, alongside continued investigations into UFO phenomena, referred to as S.V. (Sujets Volants).

Interplanetary Era and Global Cooperation

The editorial section, attributed to Ewyane Sennwald, suggests that humanity is entering an interplanetary age where cooperation towards peace, guided by more evolved beings, might become possible. Professor Nahon's interpretation of S.V. is noted for broadening the scope of investigations into the cosmos, framing it within a social and spiritual context.

Events and Conferences

The magazine reports on several events: a conference-projection by M.J.Ritz in Paris on February 4th, with participation from OURANOS. A meeting in Islington, London, on March 25th, concerning "Great Britain facing the facts." Interviews with Jimmy Gieu, head of OURANOS's investigation service, were conducted on April 26th and May 15th in Marseille for "Provence-Magazine." On May 15th, Jimmy Gieu also gave a conference-projection at the Marseille Society of Psychic Studies, discussing his book "S.V. come from another world," which posits an extra-terrestrial origin for unidentified flying objects and aims to alleviate public anxieties.

During the Marseille event, Jimmy Gieu presented an interview with English author Desmond Leslie and a documentary film on S.V. by "Republic Pictures." It is also noted that Jimmy Gieu's second series of interviews on S.V. for Radio Monte-Carlo has concluded and will resume in September.

Nominations

As of May 15, 1954, new appointments were made: M. Toun Van Ingen was named general correspondent for OURANOS and C.I.E.O. in Holland, and M. Dave Vendelmans for Belgium.

Bibliographical Section

The bibliographical section features Léopold Massiera of the "Société des Gens de Lettres," who was the subject of a previous article. It then lists reviewed studies and publications:

Studies (1954)

• "LES S.V. VIENNENT D'UN AUTRE MONDE" by Jimmy Gieu, published by Editions Fleuve Noir. This 260-page book, featuring 20 photos and an illustrated cover, is available for 825 Frs from OURANOS.
• "LES S.V. ONT ATTERRI" by D. Leslie and G. Adamski, published by Editions La Colombe. This 240-page book with an illustrated cover costs 745 Frs from OURANOS.

Received Publications

A list of received science fiction books and magazines includes:

• "NOUS LES MARTIENS" and "LA SPIRALE DU TEMPS" by Jinny Gieu.
• "PIRATES DE LA SCIENCE" and "FUITE DANS L'INCONNU" by J.G. Vandel.
• "S.O.S. SOUCOUPES" by B.R. Bruss.
• "LE ARTIEN VENGEUR" and "LA BOMBE G." by Vargo Statten.
• "PIEGE DANS LE TEMPS" by nog. Phillits.
• "ILES DE LESPACE" by Arthur Clarke.
• "LA COURSE AUX ETOILES" by Léopold Massiera, published by Editions Ferenzi.
• Two stories by L. Massiera: "LA FLAMME VERTE" and "Radio-je vois tout" (Lausanne, 1954).
• "GALAXIE," a monthly magazine published by Editions S.F. in Paris, featuring international science fiction. It is described as a "Digest" format with 128 pages and color covers, having published excellent short stories, novellas, and novels by American authors, contributing to the recognition of US science fiction literature in France.
• "FICTION," a literary magazine for those interested in romance and scientific anticipation, directed by Maurice Renault. This bi-monthly publication (128 pages, 13x19 cm) features classics and modern masters of the genre, including works by Pierre Lagarde, Esther Carlson, Raym. Chandler, Charles Dickens, Ph. J. Farmer, Arthur Porges, and Maurice Renard. It also includes reviews of books, magazines, and cinema by J. Bergier, Igor B. Maslowski, and F. Hoda. It costs 100 Frs per issue, with a one-year subscription at 550 Frs, published by OPTA.

Studies - Divers

• "RESUME D'UNE PHILOSOPHIE INDEPENDANTE ET CREATRICE" by Alfred Nahon, general correspondent for OURANOS and C.I.E.O. in Switzerland, available for 350 Frs from OURANOS.
• "COURS DE GRAPHOLOGIE INTEGRALE INTUITIVE, SYMBOLISTE, LOGIQUE" by Alfred Nahon, available for 350 Frs from OURANOS.

Editorial Notes and Future Plans

An editor's note apologizes for the exceptional delay in publishing the "Enquêtes de Jimmy Gieu" and "Courrier des lecteurs" sections, as well as shortening other features, due to the abundance of current events. The magazine plans a new presentation format to ensure more regularity in its releases.

Collections Available from OURANOS

• "OURANOS" 1952-53 (Issues 2, 3, 4, 6) are available for 200 Frs.
• "OURANOS-ACTUALITE" 1953 (Issues 1, 2, 3) are being reprinted, with subscriptions encouraged to secure copies. The price is 390 Frs.

Employment Opportunity

An advertisement seeks an individual for a position within OURANOS, described as a 34-year-old personnel chief in industry, formerly a commercial director, looking for a similar role to assist a director or owner. The candidate must be able to travel, possess good presentation, and have serious references.

Forthcoming Publication

"LES S.V. VIENNENT D'UN AUTRE MONDE" by Jimmy Gieu is highlighted as a documentary study and the first French work on the S.V. problem. It aims to present typical French observations, review various explanatory theories from purely physical interpretations to more unusual hypotheses, maintaining objectivity. Gieu concludes that S.V. likely originate from outside our world. The book, published by Editions Fleuve Noir, is a 260-page volume with 20 illustrations and a color-illustrated cover, described as essential and artistically realized.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of the interplanetary era, the scientific and philosophical investigation of UFOs (S.V.), and the promotion of science fiction literature. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into paranormal phenomena, coupled with a belief in the potential for positive interplanetary relations and human cooperation. The magazine actively promotes and reviews works related to these themes, positioning itself as a platform for discussion and information within the UFO and science fiction communities.