Ovni Presence - No 43-44 - April 1990 - Orson Welles

Magazine Overview

Title: Ovni-Présence
Issue: Double issue 43-44
Date: April 1990
Volume: 14th year
Price: 36 FF / 9 FS
ISSN: 0223-0976

This issue of Ovni-Présence, a French-language magazine dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena, offers a diverse range of articles, from historical case analyses to contemporary investigations and tributes.

Editorial and Content Highlights

Edito: Vent d'Est...

The editorial reflects on the exceptional year 1989, marked by the fall of the Berlin Wall and an "exceptional vintage" in terms of UFO sightings. The magazine notes a significant increase in press coverage of UFOs in Switzerland, with 732 articles in 1989 compared to 474 in 1988. The editors express hope for a calm 1990 but wish readers a good year nonetheless. The editorial also mentions a humanitarian gesture of sending the magazine to Romanian libraries.

Cover Story: Panique sur les Ondes

The main cover story, "Panique sur les Ondes" (Panic on the Waves), delves into the infamous radio broadcast of Orson Welles's 'The War of the Worlds' by the Mercury Theatre on October 31, 1938. The article details how the realistic dramatization, presented as a news bulletin, led thousands of listeners to believe that an alien invasion from Mars was actually occurring, causing widespread panic, traffic jams, and communication disruptions. The article highlights that many listeners missed the introduction clarifying it was a fictional play.

Key Investigations and Case Studies:

• Nouvelles traces à Valensole (New Traces at Valensole): This investigative report by Perry Petrakis examines new suspect traces discovered in a lavender field in Valensole, France, in June 1989. The article details the initial information gathering, including meteorological and geographical data, and interviews with the landowner (referred to as M.D.) and local gendarmes. The traces, described as oval with visible impressions, were found in an area that had recently experienced heavy rainfall. The report notes that over 300 people visited the site, complicating precise measurements. The article also revisits the classic 1965 Valensole case involving Maurice Masse and an ovni encounter.
• Que s'est-il passé à Voronej? (What Happened at Voronej?): Bruno Mancusi investigates the ovni landing and humanoid encounter reported in Voronej, USSR, on September 27, 1989. The case gained international attention through a Tass agency report. The article details witness accounts, primarily from children, describing an ovni with a door from which humanoid figures emerged. It also mentions the discovery of circular traces in the ground with unusual radioactivity. However, a subsequent scientific commission, including nuclear physicist Stanislas Kadmenski, concluded there was no scientific proof of an extraterrestrial landing, attributing potential anomalies to natural phenomena or misinterpretations. The article also notes the commercialization of tours to the site.

Hommage à un précurseur: Le décès de René Fouéré (Homage to a Precursor: The Death of René Fouéré)

This article by Yves Bosson pays tribute to René Fouéré, who passed away shortly before the magazine's publication. Fouéré is described as a remarkable man of great intellectual integrity and modesty. The article traces his life, from his early attraction to religion and science, his interest in Krishnamurti's teachings, and his significant contributions to ufology. Fouéré was involved with early French UFO study groups like Ouranos and later became a key figure and director of publications for GEPA (Groupement d'Etude de Phénomènes Aériens et d'Objets Spatiaux Insolites), which published 'Phénomènes Spatiaux'. The article emphasizes Fouéré's methodological rigor, his caution regarding statistical data, and his insistence on seeking the truth. His wife, Francine, is also acknowledged for her support.

Clips & Claps (Short News and Reviews):

• Plus Secret que le Top Secret!: A review of Jean Sider's book 'Ultra Top Secret', which reportedly covers ovni crashes, alien recoveries, government cover-ups, and abductions.
• Ultra Secret - Suite: An item about Alan Fenstein's telepathic communication project, 'Indigo', which involved soliciting 5,000 participants for a $50,000 message to extraterrestrials.
• Paco et l'Ovni: A brief mention of fashion designer Paco Rabanne's recollection of seeing a metallic, bolted ovni in Brittany in 1944, which he later connected to his interest in metal in fashion.

Observations Suisses (Swiss Observations):

This section compiles several reported ovni sightings in Switzerland during July, August, and October 1989, including luminous points, metallic domes, a 'meteorite' that left a crater, a fast-moving disk, a luminous ball, a red-blue light, a dark craft with flashing lights, and a red-orange light that ejected another light.

Conclusion on Valensole Traces:

The article on Valensole concludes that while rainfall made the soil very soft, no definitive evidence of a helicopter landing was found. The report acknowledges numerous lightning strikes in the area around the time of the traces' appearance, suggesting a possible link, but leaves the origin of the traces open to question.

Non-Identifié (Unidentified):

This section continues the report on the Voronej incident, detailing witness drawings of the ovni and alleged occupants. It also includes a commentary questioning the details and contradictions in the Voronej reports and lists references for further reading.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes a rigorous, scientific approach to ufology, prioritizing documented evidence and critical analysis over sensationalism. There is a clear interest in historical cases, international reports (particularly from the USSR and Switzerland), and the methodology of UFO investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking truth and understanding of the ovni phenomenon, while remaining skeptical of unsubstantiated claims. The magazine also highlights the importance of precursors and dedicated researchers in the field, as evidenced by the tribute to René Fouéré.

This issue of OVNIS PRESENCE (No. 43-44, April 1990) delves into a variety of UFO-related phenomena, Soviet affairs, and the cultural impact of media. The cover features a dramatic illustration related to the 'Majestic-12' document, hinting at a major exposé within.

Affaires soviétiques (Soviet Affairs)

The magazine reports on several unusual events in the Soviet Union during 1989. In Konantsevo (April 24, 1989), a spherical phenomenon with an occupant was observed by schoolchildren. In the Perm region, a dairy worker reported seeing a tall, dark figure resembling a man on a motorcycle, later described as a short-legged, large man with a small bump for a head. Other residents in the Perm region reported seeing fluorescent, egg-shaped objects. In Kirovo, a giant creature resembling a man or ape, about two meters tall and covered in long hair, was reportedly seen and pursued by locals before disappearing at an incredible speed. The journal notes the reluctance of biologists to investigate these claims. Near Perm (July 30, 1989), journalist Pavel Moukhortov claimed to have encountered extraterrestrials in the Ural Mountains, describing them as 2-4 meter tall luminous beings who communicated telepathically. Children in a Perm region holiday camp reported encountering humanoids with glowing eyes, one of whom allegedly fired a weapon that set grass on fire. In the Omsk region (October 17, 1989), numerous witnesses saw a strange object hovering over the city, which reportedly descended near the airport and was observed by pilots, though not detected by radar. Major Vladimir Loginov stated that colleagues observed the object later in the Altaï region, suggesting a speed of 7,000 km/h.

International UFO Sightings

The issue also compiles recent UFO sightings from various international locations:

• Carpentras, France (March 21, 1989): A zigzagging luminous trail was observed.
• Sorrente, Italy (October 16, 1989): A pilot reported a non-identified aerial phenomenon (UAP) emitting white, blue, and red lights, which flew alongside his aircraft for twenty-five minutes.
• London, UK (July 29, 1989): A woman observed a ballet of lights in the sky for over 45 minutes, resembling aerial circles.
• London, UK (March 31, 1989): Motorists on the M25 motorway reported seeing a flying saucer, later revealed to be a publicity stunt by Richard Branson using a hot air balloon equipped with lights.
• Aix-les-Milles, France (April 20, 1989): A powerful green beam, identified as a Lidar Rayleigh laser used for atmospheric measurements, illuminated the sky.
• Mont-Saint-Michel, France (August 8, 1989): A red, immobile sphere transformed into a disc with lights underneath was observed.
• Saint-Martin-d'Auxigny, France (August 27, 1989): A UAP was observed, later identified as reflections from lasers from a nightclub.
• Baugy, France (September 3, 1989): Residents reported a strong red light and discovered a hole in their gutter and scorched roof structure, possibly from a firework.
• Bertre, France (September 4, 1989): A UAP emitting an 'incredible luminous beam' was observed.
• Pléneuf-Val-André, France (October 8, 1989): Orange celestial lights were observed, later identified as an aurora borealis.
• Innsbruck, Austria (October 20, 1989): About fifteen objects resembling soap bubbles were observed, followed by a metallic vessel with a dome.
• Bouc-Bel-Air, France (November 3, 1989): Four or five luminous, bluish-white spheres were observed.
• Dauphiné, France (November 10, 1989): A very bright, colored point was observed moving slowly, later identified as Venus.
• Var, France (November 26, 1989): A red ball was reported to have crashed, leading to a search that found nothing.
• Eupen, Belgium (November 29, 1989): Several UFOs were observed, including a flying triangle with three headlights.

Swiss Observations

Several sightings were reported in Switzerland in November and December 1989:

• Bâle (November 20): A circular orange-yellow object moved north, stopped, then moved west.
• Bâle (November 25): A red-orange object moved slowly at an estimated altitude of 200m.
• Lausanne (November 29 - December 1): Numerous reports of a strange bluish ray in the sky, later identified as a laser used for advertising.
• Bâle (December 2): A luminous orange-red object moved from north to south-west.
• Gümligen (Berne) (December 11): A dark grey triangular object moved rapidly and silently from south-east to north-west.
• Fribourg (December 14): Two classes observed a 'star with a single branch'.
• Crans-près-Céligny (Vaud) (December 17): A luminous 'sea urchin' was observed, resembling a white diamond with a blue cloud behind it.

Rumeurs des champs (Rumors from the Fields)

Jean-Louis Brodu explores the nature of rumors, distinguishing between urban legends and those specific to rural areas. He discusses three types of rural rumors:

• Félins-mystère (Mystery Felines): Stories of mysterious animal attacks on livestock, often attributed to large cats, which tend to disappear without a trace.
• Les vipères sont lâchées (Vipers are Released): Rumors of vipers being deliberately released by helicopters or planes, often attributed to environmentalists or pharmaceutical companies.
• Les avions chasseurs de nuages (Cloud-Hunting Planes): Rumors that large agricultural operations hired planes to chase away clouds and prevent rain, particularly during droughts, to protect crops and irrigation systems.

Brodu notes that these rural rumors often reflect anxieties about the changing rural landscape and external influences.

Le Crash du Majestic 12

Jean Sider analyzes the controversial 'Majestic-12' document, which purports to be a secret report on UFOs. Sider argues that the document is a fabrication, likely created to discredit researcher William Moore. He points to stylistic similarities in dating conventions between the document and Moore's own writings, suggesting the forger attempted to frame Moore. Sider also discusses the possibility that Richard Doty, a security agency agent, may have been involved in creating the document, citing his alleged role in other manipulations and his knowledge of Moore's writing style. The article highlights the role of debunkers like Philip Klass in analyzing such documents and concludes that the 'Majestic-12' was a 'clever trap' designed to damage Moore's credibility and rebury the Roswell incident.

Salon Science et Illusions: Des illusions de la science...

Renaud Marhic reviews the 'Science et Illusions' exhibition in Ivry-sur-Seine, which aimed to critically examine unverified scientific claims. Despite significant funding and support from various personalities and institutions, the exhibition suffered from low attendance. Marhic criticizes the organization, the venue, and the lack of engagement from attendees, noting that the event felt like a 'desert'. He highlights the positive aspect of involving organizations like SOS-Ovni in the thematic stands but laments the overall failure of the event to attract a significant audience or generate meaningful debate.

L'invasion martienne (The Martian Invasion)

Hadley Cantril's article examines the social impact of Orson Welles's 1938 radio broadcast of 'The War of the Worlds'. Cantril details how the realistic presentation of the invasion caused widespread panic among listeners who believed it was a real news report. The article includes testimonies from individuals who experienced fear, prayed, and attempted to flee. Cantril analyzes the psychological factors contributing to the panic, emphasizing the public's trust in radio as a news source and the effectiveness of the broadcast's theatrical techniques, including the use of 'expert' voices and simulated news bulletins. He concludes that the event offers valuable insights into mass behavior during crises and highlights the power of radio in shaping public perception.

Les Martiens sur les ondes (Martians on the Airwaves)

This section provides further context on the 'War of the Worlds' broadcast, referencing its adaptation from H.G. Wells's novel and the role of the Mercury Theatre. It discusses the broadcast's structure, which included simulated news bulletins and interviews with fictional experts, contributing to its realism. The article includes more personal accounts of the panic, illustrating the profound effect the broadcast had on listeners. It also touches upon the role of media in shaping public perception and the challenges of distinguishing between entertainment and factual reporting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of OVNIS PRESENCE continues its focus on UFO phenomena, alleged encounters, and the analysis of controversial documents. The magazine demonstrates a critical approach, investigating claims and often questioning official explanations or debunking hoaxes, as seen in the 'Majestic-12' analysis. There's a clear interest in the psychological and social aspects of belief, as evidenced by the articles on rumors and the 'War of the Worlds' broadcast. The editorial stance appears to favor open investigation and a questioning of established narratives, while also acknowledging the role of media and public perception in shaping understanding of these phenomena. The magazine also highlights the efforts of amateur researchers and organizations in gathering and analyzing UFO-related data.

This issue of Ovni-Présence, dated April 1990 (issue 43-44), focuses heavily on the enduring impact of Orson Welles' 1938 radio adaptation of H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds'. The cover story, 'EN COUVERTURE', delves into the psychological and sociological reasons behind the mass panic that ensued, exploring how a fictional broadcast could be perceived as a real news report.

The 'War of the Worlds' Broadcast and Its Impact

The main article meticulously dissects the events of October 30, 1938, detailing how the Mercury Theatre's dramatization, presented as a series of news bulletins, led many listeners to believe that a Martian invasion was actually occurring. The text highlights the realistic elements of the broadcast, including the use of popular language, specific place names, and authoritative-sounding announcements, which contributed to its believability.

Psychological Factors and Audience Reception

The issue dedicates significant space to analyzing why so many people reacted with fear and hysteria. It categorizes listeners into groups based on their reactions: those who verified the broadcast's internal consistency, those who cross-referenced it with other information, those who tried to verify but failed, and those who did not attempt verification at all. The concept of 'suggestibility' is explored, explaining how certain individuals, due to their pre-existing beliefs, emotional states, or lack of critical faculties, were more prone to accepting the broadcast as reality.

The article posits that a 'lack of critical sense' was a major factor, exacerbated by the perceived threat to personal values and security. It discusses how pre-existing frameworks of understanding, such as religious eschatology or fears of war, made the invasion scenario seem plausible to some. The failure to verify information is attributed to various reasons, including fear, a sense of helplessness, and the tendency to rationalize new information within an already established, albeit incorrect, framework.

Global Repercussions and Adaptations

Beyond the original 1938 event, the magazine examines subsequent instances where 'The War of the Worlds' adaptations have triggered similar panics. These include events in Quito, Ecuador (1959), Denmark (1988), and Portugal (1988), where radio broadcasts, often updated to local contexts, caused significant public alarm. A Swiss television adaptation in 1971 is also mentioned, which, while causing some concern, did not lead to widespread panic, highlighting the differing impacts of radio versus audiovisual media.

Related Themes and Publications

The issue also touches upon related topics within the ufology and paranormal sphere:

• 'Men in Black' (MIB): A section discusses the concept of MIB figures in UFO lore, often portrayed as agents who intimidate UFO witnesses. It notes their appearance in popular culture, including album titles.
• Book Reviews: Several books are reviewed, including:
• Dante Minazzoli's 'Perché gli extraterrestri non prendono contatto pubblicamente?', which attempts to link alien non-contact with the adoption of communism, a theory deemed far-fetched by the reviewer.
• 'Clear Intent: The Government Coverup of the UFO Experience' by Lawrence Fawcett and Barry J. Greenwood, which examines alleged government secrecy regarding UFOs. The review notes its reliance on official documents but questions the authors' critical analysis.
• Thomas E. Bullard's 'UFO Abductions: the measure of a mystery', a comprehensive catalog and analysis of abduction cases, praised for its thoroughness despite some reservations about the author's interpretation and the reliability of sources.
• 'Archaeus', a publication focusing on Jungian perspectives on UFO phenomena and altered states of consciousness.
• Jean Cocteau's diaries, which mention his interest in UFOs in 1954.
• 'Le Passé défini. III, 1954. Journal' by Jean Cocteau.
• 'L'Atlantide ou le règne des géants' by Denis Saurat.
• Magazine Reviews: 'Strange Magazine' is reviewed, described as an American counterpart to 'Fortean Times', covering a wide range of strange phenomena.
• UFO Business: News items include a U.S. insurance company offering policies against alien abductions and a Soviet cooperative offering tours of the Voronezh UFO landing site.
• Obituaries: The death of Hermann Oberth, a pioneer of astronautics and a proponent of UFO existence, is noted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of media, psychology, and belief, particularly in the context of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, analyzing the social and psychological factors that contribute to belief and panic surrounding UFOs and other anomalous events. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena, the magazine emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, rigorous analysis, and understanding the human element in interpreting such events. There's a clear interest in how fictional narratives can profoundly impact public perception and behavior, and how media portrayals shape our understanding of the unknown.

This issue of Ovni-Présence, number 43-44, published in April 1990, is subtitled 'Les dossiers scientifiques du paranormal et de l'occulte' (The scientific dossiers of the paranormal and the occult). The magazine presents a critical examination of ufology and the nature of UFO phenomena, exploring various perspectives from psychological interpretations to theories of 'ultra-terrestrial' or interdimensional interactions.

Impressions: A Critical Look at Ufology

The lead article, 'Impressions,' by Claude Maugé, reviews a volume that categorizes articles on UFOs into two main groups: those critical of ufology, viewing phenomena as psychological constructs, and those suggesting 'ultra-terrestrial' or interdimensional influences. Maugé notes that proponents of the extraterrestrial hypothesis might find some articles challenging. He highlights Dennis Stillings' critique of the 'cosmic conspiracy' and his analysis of Budd Hopkins' work on abductions, pointing out alleged misinterpretations of Jung's views on UFOs, which Jung reportedly saw primarily through psychological and mythical lenses.

Hilary Evans is mentioned for his inquiry into why people adhere to 'aberrant' beliefs, while Martin Kottmeyer is cited for his strong view of ufology as an 'evolutionary system of paranoia.' Tony Nugent's analysis of the Pascagoula abduction is praised for its symbolic interpretation, potentially linking it to the Aquarian Age. Alvin Lawson's model for explaining abductions through fetal and birth reminiscences is also discussed, with potential correlations to birth complications like forceps delivery.

Michael Persinger's theory linking paranormal experiences to temporal lobe disturbances is mentioned, with Whitley Strieber's 'Communion' cited as an example.

Maugé finds the final three articles the least convincing. Carl Raschke posits that UFOs are 'ultra-terrestrial agents of cultural deconstruction,' linking them to Vallée's 'control system' and 'other dimensions.' Peter Rojcewicz views UFO and paranormal experiences as 'signs of transcendence,' interactions between the mind and a reality governed by new physics. Michael Grosso synthesizes parapsychology, Jung, and G. Vico's ideas, suggesting the collective unconscious has psi powers and that various 'contacts' symbolize a less aggressive approach to the world.

Clips & Clarifications

Publication of a Book in Switzerland

Adolf and Inge Schneider, publishers of the 'Jupiter-Journal' in Thoune, have released a book titled 'In Kontakt mit dem Kosmos' (In Contact with the Cosmos). The book covers the history of UFOs, observations in various countries including Switzerland, Germany, Scandinavia, the USSR, South America, and Africa, and discusses 'contactees' and Germanophone groups. It also features an unpublished case of a 'men in black' encounter in Switzerland.

Construction of a UFO Landing Strip in Austria

The village of Kautzen, Austria, is set to become a notable location for extraterrestrials with the construction of a triangular UFO landing strip called 'Delta.' Architect Manfred Stein and collaborator Guido Koch are behind the project, which will include a 35 km laser cannon at each corner. Dorothea Berndt-Soeffker is reportedly in contact with extraterrestrials from Alpha Centauri.

WAURLD, First Edition

The 1987-88 catalog of the WAURLD (World Annual UFO Reports Listing Device) has been published by Patrick Vidal. It contains 1045 UFO observations from 37 countries, detailing date, location, country, time, Hynek classification, reference, and any effects or traces. The catalog highlights the countries with the most unexplained observations: USA (378), UK (166), Denmark (101), France (101), Switzerland (94), Italy (59), Australia (18), Poland (18), Belgium (17), Sweden (16), and Norway (14). The publication is available from SOBEPS for 350 FB or 45 FF.

Cover and Editorial

The cover features a stylized robot character serving a flying saucer on a platter, with the tagline 'Le serveur qui vous apporte la soucoupe sur un plateau!' (The server who brings you the saucer on a platter!). The main cover headline is 'Les dossiers scientifiques du paranormal et de l'occulte.' The magazine also includes a promotional offer for 'TOUT' (everything), which includes all available back issues of Ovni-Présence plus additional numbers, for 300 FF.

Back Issues and Publications

The magazine includes extensive listings for purchasing back issues of 'Ovni-Présence,' 'La Revue des Soucoupes Volantes,' 'Phenomenes Spatiaux,' and 'Les Cahiers du Réalisme Fantastique.' It also lists available books on UFOs and paranormal topics, such as works by Jean-Bruno Renard, Michel Monnerie, Jacques Vallée, and others. Information on subscribing to 'Ovni-Présence' and becoming a member of AESV is also provided, along with details on ordering slides related to 'Humanoids.'

Contact Information

The contact information for the publisher, Observatoire des Parasciences, is provided, including a postal address in Marseille, France, an email address, and links to their websites for 'Ovni-Présence,' 'Articles,' and 'Anomalies.' A legal notice emphasizes that unauthorized reproduction or online distribution of the digital version is prohibited and constitutes copyright infringement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical analysis of ufology, exploring the psychological, sociological, and potentially interdimensional aspects of UFO sightings and alleged encounters. The editorial stance appears to favor a rigorous, scientific, and critical approach to the subject matter, presenting diverse viewpoints while also highlighting skepticism and alternative explanations. The magazine actively promotes its own back catalog and related publications, positioning itself as a comprehensive resource for those interested in the paranormal and occult.