Ovni Presence - No 19-20

Magazine Overview

This issue of Ovni Présence, Bulletin 19 & 20, published in December 1981, is the sixth year of publication for this independent ufological review. It is a special double issue, published quarterly, and covers the period of December 1981.

Editorial

The editorial team expresses satisfaction in completing the sixth year of publication, highlighting the effort involved in producing a review outside of commercial circuits. They thank their printer, Mr. Aldo Tranini, and their subscribers for their continued support. The editorial announces that subscriptions for 1982 will begin with this issue and encourages renewals, also suggesting subscriptions as holiday gifts. They also remind AESV members to renew their annual contributions.

Key Articles and Features

Autopsie d'une Mystification

The cover story, "Autopsie d'une Mystification," delves into how a journalistic hoax from April 1, 1950, was later presented as fact, appearing in FBI archives and a bestseller. This article questions the reliability of information within ufology.

Cherchons Ufologues

This section humorously and realistically describes the activities of an ufologist, detailing the extensive work involved beyond simply observing UFOs. It touches upon reading ufological literature, attending meetings, organizing conferences, writing reports, managing associations, and the personal sacrifices required.

Du Rayonnement des UFO

This article examines the concept of UFO radiation, particularly 'electromagnetic effects.' It notes the lack of empirical data and the reliance on conjecture. The author critiques the frequent use of the term 'force field' to explain various physical effects attributed to UFOs. The article suggests that while many theories exist, detailed research into the specific mechanisms of UFO radiation and its effects on the environment and witnesses is still lacking.

La Paralysie des Témoins

This in-depth section, authored by Marc Hallet, explores the phenomenon of witness paralysis during UFO encounters. It references the work of G.A.B.R.I.E.L., who studied cases of paralysis and proposed theories involving selective brain action or nerve impulse blockage. The article discusses experiments by Stephane Leduc in the early 20th century, who discovered methods to induce temporary paralysis in animals and himself using electrical currents. Leduc's research suggested that specific electrical stimulation could selectively affect parts of the brain, leading to paralysis without causing pain or lasting harm. The article contrasts Leduc's controlled experiments with the uncontrolled and often unexplained paralysis reported in UFO cases, suggesting a potential link between the two phenomena. It also examines specific UFO cases where paralysis was reported, such as the baker Tichitt incident, and discusses the influence of witness position relative to the object.

Calage de Moteurs

This article addresses the phenomenon of sudden engine stalls reported in UFO literature. It argues that many such cases are not directly caused by UFOs but by driver error or natural vehicle malfunctions. The author critiques a statistical study by Alan W. Sharp that suggested a seasonal pattern for engine stalls, concluding that the proposed link to UFO-related magnetic fields is unsubstantiated due to the rapid decay of magnetic field intensity with distance.

Interview: Bertrand Méheust

Bertrand Méheust, a prolific ufologist, discusses his current research, focusing on the correlation between UFOs and folklore, and the influence of science fiction on UFO reports. He posits that the 'religious dimension' of UFO phenomena has been historically suppressed. Méheust questions the concept of a single UFO phenomenon, suggesting multiple levels or manifestations. He also touches upon the challenges of interpreting UFO reports and the potential for misinterpretation or manipulation of information.

Impressions

This section reviews several books:

• "La Psycho-Mutation et l'Expérience Extra-Terrestre" by Roger-Luc Mary: The reviewer finds the book's core idea—that humanity originates from extraterrestrials who are guiding our evolution—interesting but criticizes the use of contested facts and legends.
• "Les Soleils de Simon Goulart" by I.L. Olivyer and J.F. Boedec: This review highlights Simon Goulart as an early researcher of celestial phenomena. While acknowledging the book's documentation and illustrations, the reviewer notes a lack of clear direction and a tendency to rely on questionable sources, particularly in later chapters.

A Noter...

This section announces the creation of two new ufological research groups:

• CONTROL: Focused on verifying information about aerospace phenomena through investigations and counter-investigations, distinguishing itself by not publishing a review or seeking large membership.
• AIHPI (Association pour l'Investigation Historique des Phénomènes Insolites): Dedicated to researching historical ufological archives, aiming to find original sources for information, particularly for cases predating 1947.

It also mentions the upcoming launch of GEPS-Suisse (Groupement sur l'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux), which aims to inform the public and plans close collaboration with AESV.

Zone Franche III: Ufologie & Information

This section critically analyzes the state of ufological press, identifying issues such as lack of rigor, deformation of information, censorship, and the suppression of dissenting viewpoints. The author argues that the press often prioritizes sensationalism and the extraterrestrial hypothesis over objective analysis. It discusses how information is manipulated, citing Eliseo Veron's work on the Harrisburg nuclear accident as an example of media-driven narrative construction. The article calls for greater objectivity and a more critical approach to information in ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes a rational and objective approach to ufology, encouraging critical thinking and empirical research. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, particularly those that uncritically promote the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The editorial team advocates for rigorous investigation, verification of sources, and a willingness to question established theories. The recurring theme is the need for a more scientific and less dogmatic approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging the complexities and potential psychological or folkloric influences alongside physical explanations. The magazine also highlights the importance of historical research and the critical analysis of information within the ufological community.

This issue of "Les Cahiers de l'Extra-ordinaire" (Issue 20, July 1981) delves into the critical aspects of ufology, focusing on the integrity of information, ethical considerations for researchers and journalists, and the debunking of well-known UFO cases. The publication, from the Observatoire des Parasciences in France, aims to bring a more scientific and critical approach to the study of unexplained phenomena.

The Problem of Information Degradation

Yves BOSSON opens the issue with a discussion on how information degrades through various stages, from initial observation to public dissemination. He argues that 'ufologists' should adhere to journalistic ethics and be aware of their significant influence on public perception and scientific research. BOSSON highlights that the press, including ufological publications, plays a crucial role in either enhancing or diminishing the credibility of UFO research. He emphasizes that the scientific community's approach, characterized by objectivity, is essential to prevent the distortion of facts. The article includes a diagram illustrating the 'ORGANIGRAMME' of information flow, showing how each step, from 'evt' (event) to 'article,' 'revue,' 'mémoire,' 'lecteur,' and 'auteur,' can lead to degradation through processes like drawings, translations, and adaptations.

Open Letter to GEPAN

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an open letter addressed to GEPAN (Groupe d'Étude des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés), a French UFO investigation agency. The letter, written by concerned ufologists, expresses disappointment with GEPAN's perceived negative stance and lack of significant positive findings over its years of operation. The authors recall their initial support for GEPAN upon its creation in 1977, hoping it would bring a scientific approach to UFO research. However, they now feel that GEPAN's published investigations, such as those concerning an EDF line defect or the Cergy incident, are either dismissive or inconclusive. The letter points out that GEPAN seems to contest 'positive' findings (like the Luçon inquiry or Soviet atmospheric phenomena studies) while focusing on negative results. The authors suspect that despite internal structural issues, GEPAN might have conducted more interesting research that has not been made public.

Case Study: The 'Mister X' Hoax

The issue extensively debunks the famous 'Mister X' case, which involved alleged extraterrestrial photographs published in the book "The Roswell Incident" by Charles Berlitz and William Moore. Klaus WEBNER details how this case, presented as evidence of an extraterrestrial encounter, was actually an elaborate April Fool's joke orchestrated by the German newspaper "Wiesbadener Tagblatt" on April 1, 1950. WEBNER explains that the newspaper's journalist, Wilhelm Sprunkel, along with photographer Hans Scheffler, created a series of staged photos. The 'alien' was Scheffler's five-year-old son, Peter, dressed in a costume. The 'UFO' was depicted using glass panes from a fountain and photomontages. The article includes original newspaper clippings, retouched photos, and a drawing published in Berlitz and Moore's book, demonstrating how the hoax was perpetuated. WEBNER also notes that the FBI, which received the staged photos, classified them, only to be later accessed by researchers like Barry Greenwood, who then provided them to Berlitz and Moore.

UFO Sightings and Analysis

The magazine also presents several UFO sighting reports:

• Singapore Cases: A series of sightings from Singapore between 1947 and 1960 are detailed, including a cigar-shaped object, a discoidal craft with a flame, and mysterious lights. These reports are presented with historical context, noting the official explanations or lack thereof.

• Kandersteg, Switzerland (1978): A couple observed a red, oval object with a trembling halo. The object remained stationary for several minutes before an airplane's condensation trail passed over it. The object then disappeared.

• Safranbolu, Turkey (1980): Nine students and their teachers witnessed a bright, shining object land on a mountain, then take off and vanish. This incident is presented as a credible observation, with the Space Phenomena Research Group of Istanbul providing further details.

Interview with Eric ZURCHER

An exclusive interview with Eric ZURCHER, a 28-year-old ufologist known for his work on humanoids and close encounters (RR3), is featured. ZURCHER discusses his interest in UFOs, his statistical analysis of humanoid encounters, and his original hypothesis about a 'source X' influencing humanity through UFO phenomena. He expresses admiration for Jacques Vallée's work and discusses the challenges of investigating contactee cases, particularly the reliance on hypnosis and the potential for unreliable data. ZURCHER also shares his views on other ufologists like Méheust and Monnerie, and the role of organizations like GEPAN. He believes that the UFO phenomenon is characterized by its repetitiveness, permanence, supernatural aspect, and marginality. He concludes that while the problem of UFOs may eventually be solved, the study of humanoids could be key to understanding it.

Other Sections

• Berlitz and Moore's 'Roswell' Speculation: A critique of Berlitz and Moore's book, which speculates about an extraterrestrial crash in Roswell, New Mexico. The author argues that the book lacks scientific value and relies on unverified claims, contrasting it with official reports of balloon crashes.

• Contact Information: Details for the Observatoire des Parasciences and its associated publications like "Ovni-Présence" and "Anomalies."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO evidence, the importance of scientific rigor and journalistic ethics in ufology, and the debunking of hoaxes. The editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism towards sensational claims and a strong advocacy for objective, evidence-based research. The magazine aims to educate its readers about the pitfalls of misinformation and the need for critical thinking when approaching the UFO phenomenon. The issue emphasizes that many seemingly extraordinary events may have mundane explanations or be deliberate fabrications, urging researchers to maintain a high standard of proof and investigation.