Ouranos - No 01 - 1952 06

Magazine Overview

Title: OURANOS
Issue: No. 1
Date: June 24, 1952

OURANOS is presented as an international bulletin dedicated to the serious study of Flying Saucers and kindred subjects. Edited and published by Eric Biddle of London, England, and Marc Thirouin of Bondy, France, its primary aim is to establish contact and collaboration among individuals genuinely seeking to understand the truth about Flying Saucers.

Our Programme

The editorial outlines the bulletin's mission to connect serious researchers and investigate the 'disturbing but fascinating problem of the Flying Saucers.' It identifies two key sources of information: Gerald Heard's "Riddle of the Flying Saucers" and D. Keyhoe's "The Flying Saucers are Real," both of which have been translated into French. The editors note that while these books cover similar ground, they approach the subject from different angles, making both valuable.

Beyond books, the bulletin acknowledges the importance of magazine articles and newspaper reports from various countries. It asserts that the phenomenon is not new, with trustworthy records dating back to at least 1870, and possibly much earlier, though earlier cases are harder to verify. The editors believe there is a good and sufficient reason for the increased attention to this topic, which will be explored further in OURANOS.

A crucial need identified is a systematic record of reliable reports, compiled in a format that facilitates easy reference and comparison. To this end, the bulletin has begun compiling an analysis of cases from Heard and Keyhoe, as well as reports from French media. This compilation is being done on large sheets with specific columns for details such as Case No., Reported by, Where seen, Date, Source, Seen from Ground or Air, By Day or Night, Type, Colour, Number seen, Estimated Size, Estimated Height, Estimated Speed, and Exhaust/Lights.

The editors express hope that if sufficient interest is shown, copies of these record sheets might be hectographed. They actively invite collaboration from readers, encouraging them to send in their views or articles on any aspect of the Flying Saucer problem that might shed light on the subject.

What the Flying Saucers May Mean to Mankind

This section posits that if Flying Saucers exist, they are controlled by intelligent, non-terrestrial beings. It suggests these beings are not merely haunting Earth's atmosphere idly but have maintained a systematic reconnaissance of our world, with increased activity noted since the advent of atom bombs and rockets. Their interest in humanity is evident, though their ultimate aim is unknown.

The available evidence suggests these beings possess superior control power, a desire for knowledge, and the courage to explore interstellar space. Crucially, they appear to be peaceful, having avoided hostile acts, yet capable of exterminating humanity if necessary. The author reflects on humanity's unfitness to wield its current powers and the potential for destruction, contrasting it with the possibility of other planetary races who, despite controlling immense power, would not use it for evil.

One hypothesis is that such a race is watching us, waiting for the opportune moment to intervene and save humanity from its own 'suicidal folly.' The article notes a curious agreement among prophecies about a significant future event and mentions Nostradamus's prediction of a 'great and terrible king' arriving in '1999 and 7 months,' suggesting this might be related to the Flying Saucers.

Topical Data on the Flying Saucer Problem

This section reviews the state of the Flying Saucer problem as of April 1952, highlighting four key questions: 1. Do they exist? 2. Why does the U.S. government deny their existence? 3. Where do they come from? 4. What is their object in coming?

By April 1952, question 1 was considered practically solved, and question 2 was deemed of retrospective interest. The U.S. Air Force, in a declaration to LIFE magazine (April 7, 1952), implicitly recognized the reality of Flying Saucers. This declaration, though not widely publicized in Europe, is presented as the source of much global information on the subject.

The article reproduces key passages from the LIFE article, detailing the Air Force's constant intelligence investigation, its policy of positive action to identify the cause of observations, and the alerting of military aircraft for interception and recovery attempts. The Air Force also invited citizens to report sightings to the nearest installation, assuring expert consideration and confidentiality, and stating there was no reason to believe the phenomena were caused by a foreign power or constituted a danger.

Observations of Flying Saucers

This section lists recent testimonies of Flying Saucer sightings from various locations: Kent, Hampshire, and Cambridgeshire in England; Wonsan and Sunchon in Korea; Benson, Arizona in the USA; Alaska; Ontario, Canada; Newfoundland; and Fyan Island in Denmark, all occurring in late 1951 and early 1952. It also references earlier reports from 1939 to 1947, predating Kenneth Arnold's famous testimony.

Notable earlier accounts include the Maury Island incident (June 24, 1947), observations by Cdr. R.B. McLaughlin in April 1946, and the 'Kraut fireballs' of 1944-1945. A curious testimony from N. Nordstern about a vertical machine observed in France in October 1944 is also mentioned. The possibility of Flying Saucers being observed over Sweden at the beginning of World War II is raised.

Bibliography

The bibliography lists several key works:

• Basic Works:
• "The Riddle of the Flying Saucers" by Gerald Heard (English and French editions).
• "The Flying Saucers are Real" by D. Keyhoe (American, English pocket-book, and French editions).
• "Behind the Flying Saucers" by Frank Scully (American and French editions).
• Articles:
• "Light on Flying Saucers" by Harold T. Wilkins in Riders Review (Autumn 1950).
• Various articles in "Wonder" magazine (published by M. Tealby, Loughborough, Eng.) until Summer 1951.
• "ATLANTIS" (published by Paul Le Cour, Fontenay-sous-Bois, France), noted for being the first French publication to support the dual hypothesis of the reality and extraterrestrial origin of S.V. (Flying Saucers).
• "Science et Vie" (Paris, April 1951) featured an article by A. Ananoff, including interviews with experts like Gabriel Voisin.
• "La Presse" (Paris, March 1952) discussed discs from another planet.
• "Ouest-France" (Rennes, March 1952) published an article titled "Le mystère des Soucoupes volantes est-il percé?" by Daniel Rops.
• "Sunday Dispatch" (London, April 1952) reported on "Flying Saucers are still flying," including photos from Lubbock, Texas.
• "LIFE" (U.S. edition, April 7, 1952) published the U.S. Air Force declaration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of OURANOS are the serious investigation of Flying Saucers, the collection and analysis of eyewitness reports, and the dissemination of information from various international sources. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging collaboration and the pursuit of truth, while acknowledging the scientific and official interest in the phenomenon, particularly from the U.S. Air Force. The bulletin aims to be a platform for free and friendly discussion on the subject.

Title: Ouranos
Issue: Numéro 1
Date: 24 Juin 1952
Publisher: Ouranos (self-published)
Country: France
Language: French (with English sections)

This inaugural issue of 'Ouranos' presents itself as an international bulletin dedicated to the serious study of Flying Saucers ('Soucoupes Volantes') and related problems. The publication aims to foster a connection and cooperation among researchers worldwide, acting as a liaison organ.

Presentation and Editorial Intent

The editorial states that while the initial focus is on the English language due to the considerable interest in Anglo-Saxon countries, the intention is to develop the French section of 'Ouranos' into a special edition. The realization of this goal depends on the reception from French readers. The primary objective is to establish a link and cooperation among those seeking the truth about Flying Saucers: their existence, origin, and purpose.

The bulletin intends to gather, publish, and signal existing documentation on the subject, noting that such documentation is more abundant than commonly believed. A significant effort is being made to compile synoptic tables classifying details from numerous testimonies, particularly for the years 1947-1950 in the USA. These tables will be kept up-to-date and available.

'Ouranos' also plans to publish studies on various aspects (technical, historical, philosophical) of the Flying Saucer phenomenon, recent testimonies, bibliographical notes on relevant works, and contributions from its readers, regardless of their expressed opinions.

Key Articles and Content

"Les données actuelles du problème des Soucoupes Volantes" (Current Data on the Flying Saucer Problem)

This section reviews the state of the Flying Saucer problem as of April 1952. It notes that questions regarding the existence of Flying Saucers (S.V.) and why US authorities denied their existence were prominent. However, the US Air Force's implicit acknowledgment of their reality, reported in LIFE magazine on April 7, 1952, is highlighted. The article reproduces a statement from the US Air Force to LIFE, indicating that due to ongoing reports, the Air Force is continuously examining cases of unidentified aerial objects. The military aviation is alerted to intercept these objects, and radar and photographic equipment are being used to gather real data. Efforts are also underway to recover any recovered unidentified objects. All units of the Air Force are tasked with reporting observations of unidentified aerial objects, and scientists, pilots, meteorologists, and other trained observers are urged to submit immediate reports to the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio.

For the first time, the 'Soucoupe' Commission has resumed its special commission status to become a classic intelligence service. In December 1949, the Air Force invited citizens to report observations to the nearest air base, promising confidential examination and investigation of particularly interesting cases.

The article quotes a statement from the US Air Force (via LIFE) asserting that there is no reason to believe that any of the phenomena described as 'Flying Saucers' are produced by a foreign power or constitute a present danger to the USA or its inhabitants. Despite this official stance, the bulletin welcomes opposing opinions for discussion.

"LA PORTEE HUMAINE du PROBLEME des Soucoupes Volantes" (The Human Dimension of the Flying Saucer Problem)

This section speculates on the implications if the reality of Flying Saucers is accepted. It suggests they might be piloted by intelligent beings of extraterrestrial origin, whose activity intensified after the use of rockets and the atomic bomb. Their behavior indicates discipline over forces beyond human control, driven by curiosity and courage. Their attitude has been peaceful, despite the potential to exterminate humanity. The article posits the existence of other planetary races with higher scientific and moral civilizations, who might be observing humanity and potentially preparing to intervene to save it from self-destruction.

"LES OBSERVATIONS DE Soucoupes Volantes" (Observations of Flying Saucers)

This section lists recent sightings reported in England, Korea, USA, Alaska, Canada, Newfoundland, and Denmark. It also mentions older observations prior to Kenneth Arnold's famous sighting in 1947, including reports from the USA in 1945 and France in 1944, suggesting that similar phenomena may have occurred earlier in the century.

Bibliography

A bibliography of French-language works on Flying Saucers is provided, including titles by Gerald Heard, D. Keyhoe, and F. Scully, with their page counts and prices. Readers are informed that these books can be ordered through the correspondent, Marc Thirouin.

Articles Section

Readers are directed to the English section of the bulletin for a chronological listing of French-language newspaper and magazine articles on Flying Saucers.

Esperanto Section

A brief section in Esperanto acknowledges announcements in the U.E.A. review regarding 'Fl ugantoj Subtasoj' (Flying Saucers) and thanks contributors from various countries for their responses.

Cinema

The film "La Chose d'un autre monde" (The Thing from Another World) by Howard Hanks, directed by Christian Nyby, is reviewed. It is described as a science fiction film about a forced landing of a flying saucer in Alaska, offering thrills with minimal plausibility but intelligent presentation.

Conference Announcement

A conference on the problem of Flying Saucers is announced for July 11th at the Club Espérantiste in London, featuring Eric Biddle. A report on this conference will be published in the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the serious, international investigation of Flying Saucers. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, welcoming diverse opinions and aiming to establish factual truth. There is a clear effort to bridge the gap between French and English-speaking UFO research communities. The publication emphasizes documentation, scientific analysis, and international cooperation. The potential extraterrestrial origin of the phenomena and their implications for humanity are also explored, reflecting a speculative yet grounded approach.