Ovni Presence - No 47 - May 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: Ovni-Présence
Issue: 47
Date: May 1992
Publisher: Sos Ovni
Price: 35 FF / 9 FS

This issue of Ovni-Présence is dedicated to a deep dive into the "Ummo affair," a complex and long-standing case involving alleged communications from extraterrestrials. The cover prominently features the headline "LES UMMITES PRIS AU PIEGE" (The Ummites Caught in the Trap), signaling a critical and investigative approach.

Edito: Enquête sur l'affaire Ummo

The editorial sets the stage by highlighting the growing public attention on the Ummo case, largely fueled by the works of Jean-Pierre Petit, a researcher at CNRS. Petit's books, particularly his second one which sold 100,000 copies, have stirred significant debate. The editorial notes that while Petit's unconventional approach and willingness to challenge scientific orthodoxy appeal to the public, they also irritate his peers. The issue promises an in-depth analysis of the Ummo literature, with a significant contribution from Dominique Caudron, known for his critical perspective. It also mentions contributions from Jean-Jacques Velasco (SEPRA) and Jean-Claude Ribes (Lyon Observatory), as well as a personal testimony from Francine Fouéré, who received a famous "letter from Berlin" from the Ummites. A brief mention is made of a Belgian UFO wave.

Le mystère Jean-Pierre Petit

This section critically examines Jean-Pierre Petit's involvement and claims regarding the Ummo affair. It suggests that Petit, despite his scientific background, has become overly invested in the Ummo narrative, potentially due to a "formidable media plan." The author questions how a scientist of his caliber could "validate such an incongruous story," pointing out numerous "gaps and weaknesses" in the Ummo literature, such as approximations, errors, and "fuzzy" predictions. The article proposes two hypotheses for Petit's stance: 1) a "reinforcement of credibility" due to his long-term engagement with the dossier, leading to a "lack of critical distance," and 2) "unfavorable circumstances" that may have pressured him into publishing his findings prematurely. A third hypothesis suggests a "political calculation" related to his search for research funding.

The magazine also notes a change in its own format, adopting a "more coherent" size.

Chronologie de l'affaire Ummo

This detailed timeline traces the history of the Ummo affair from 1938 to 1991. It includes key events such as early astronomical discoveries related to Wolf 424, the influence of contactees like George Adamski, the "great wave of saucers" in Europe in 1954, the founding of Spanish ufological societies, and the initial contacts with Fernando Sesma and José Luis Jordán Peña. The timeline highlights the "San José de Valderas" incident in 1967, the subsequent investigations by Antonio Ribera and Rafael Farriols, and the role of Jean-Pierre Petit in becoming aware of the Ummo documents in 1975. It also notes the debunking of the San José photos by Claude Poher and William Spaulding in 1977, and the ongoing debate and publications surrounding the affair throughout the decades.

Les Ummoristes sont parmi nous

This article, by Dominique Caudron, adopts a skeptical tone, suggesting that "extraterrestrials have been infiltrating Earth for several decades." It humorously describes their "signalement" as tall, blond, and intelligent, with peculiar speech patterns and mannerisms. The author implies that these "immigrants from outer space" are already among us, potentially in everyday roles like grocers or mail carriers. The piece critiques the lack of political action regarding this alleged "invasion" and sarcastically links it to the UFO phenomenon.

Contact avec des E.T. de l'âge de pierre

This section delves into the early stages of the Ummo affair, focusing on Fernando Sesma's initial contacts. It describes how Sesma, already known for his interest in extraterrestrials, received a deciphered message from an "exolithe" (a stone with mysterious signs) that he interpreted as a message from "high celestial spheres." The article questions the authenticity of these messages, suggesting they were likely fabricated by pranksters, given their vague and poetic nature. It also touches upon the influence of early contactees like Adamski and the evolution of UFO imagery, from early descriptions of Venusian scoutships to the iconic San José de Valderas saucer.

The author criticizes the lack of originality among contactees, noting how Adamski's "Venusian Scoutship" was inspired by earlier works and even influenced Hergé's Tintin rocket. The article concludes that the Ummites, if they exist, have not shown much imagination, with their extraterrestrial descriptions often mirroring terrestrial archetypes.

Les contactés n'ont aucune imagination

This article continues the critique of UFO contactees, arguing that they lack originality and tend to recycle ideas and imagery. It points out how the "Ummite" spaceship depicted in some publications is a derivative of earlier designs, tracing its lineage back to Adamski's "Venusian Scoutship," which itself was inspired by older works and even Hergé's drawings. The author highlights the recurring theme of "Aryan-type angels" in space suits, suggesting a lack of creative diversity in these alleged encounters. The piece also questions the credibility of witnesses, implying that many UFO sightings and contactee claims are products of misinterpretation or fabrication.

Coucou, nous étions là !

This section focuses on the Ummites' alleged first landing in France, near La Javie, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region. The article details how the Ummites provided specific geographical clues, including descriptions of the landscape and a reference to a page in the newspaper "Le Figaro," which were later verified. Despite these accurate details, the author suggests that the Ummites' claims were part of a larger deception. The article contrasts the Ummites' detailed descriptions with the lack of tangible evidence found at the alleged landing site. It also critiques the Spanish ufologists' initial acceptance of the Ummo claims and their later skepticism after the San José photos were exposed as fakes. The piece questions the scientific validity of the Ummo language and their astronomical knowledge, suggesting that their "science" is not as advanced as claimed.

L'oawoolea uewa, waow!

This article examines the technical descriptions of the Ummites' spacecraft, the "uewa," as provided in their communications. It analyzes the diagrams and descriptions, pointing out perceived inconsistencies and flaws in the proposed engineering. The author questions the functionality of certain components, such as the "ibozoo-uu inversion system" and the "annular calculator," especially in relation to the harsh conditions of space. The article also critiques the Ummites' explanation of their maneuvering capabilities, suggesting their proposed method of turning would lead to catastrophic structural failure. The author concludes that the technical descriptions are more akin to science fiction than plausible engineering, and that the Ummites' claims about their propulsion systems (like MHD) are either vague or contradicted by their own texts.

Conclusion: Les Ummites ne sont pas extraterrestres

This concluding section of the dossier synthesizes the critical arguments presented throughout the issue. It reiterates that the Ummites' "science" appears to progress in parallel with human scientific advancements, raising suspicions. The article highlights the Ummites' purported weaknesses in areas like computer science and astronomy, which are considered fundamental for interplanetary navigation. It suggests that their claims about advanced knowledge are undermined by these deficiencies. The author concludes that the Ummites are not extraterrestrials but rather "impostors," and based on the evidence presented, "these impostors are Spanish." The article implies that the Ummo phenomenon is a complex hoax, possibly designed to mislead.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Ovni-Présence revolve around the Ummo affair, critically examining its origins, evidence, and implications. The magazine adopts a highly skeptical stance, questioning the extraterrestrial nature of the Ummo communications and suggesting they are likely a sophisticated hoax or deception. Key figures like Jean-Pierre Petit are scrutinized for their unwavering belief in the Ummo narrative, with the magazine proposing alternative explanations for his stance, including scientific misinterpretation and potential political motivations. The issue consistently contrasts the Ummites' claims with established scientific knowledge and logical reasoning, highlighting inconsistencies and flaws in their purported advanced science and technology. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, aiming to debunk the Ummo phenomenon as a genuine extraterrestrial contact and instead presenting it as a case study in deception and the psychology of belief within the ufology community.

This issue of Ovni-Présence, dated May 1992, focuses heavily on the enigmatic Ummo phenomenon, with several articles dissecting its origins, scientific validity, and potential implications. The cover story, 'Les montagnes sacrées de La Javie' by Bertrand Méheust, introduces the author's personal approach to investigating such mysteries.

The Ummo Affair: A Deep Dive

Bertrand Méheust's Approach: 'Critical Osmosis'

Bertrand Méheust, known for his work on science fiction and UFO folklore, admits to having little new to say about the Ummo case itself, despite extensive research. Instead, he proposes to discuss his methodology, which he terms 'critical osmosis.' This involves an instinctive process of immersing oneself in the 'marvelous' and understanding how others experience it, before analyzing it. He uses the example of the sacred mountains of La Javie, which hold a personal significance for him, even if he doesn't believe in the literal Ummo presence there. He contrasts this with the 'first degree' pitfalls of taking marvelous stories literally or, conversely, of overly rigid skepticism, citing Francis Galton's story about sounding a lake's depth as a cautionary tale.

The Ummo Deception: A Spanish Hoax?

Dominique Caudron, in his articles, strongly suggests that the Ummo phenomenon is a sophisticated deception orchestrated by Spanish individuals, possibly linked to intelligence agencies. He argues that the Ummites' astronomical claims, such as the distance to Wolf 424, are riddled with errors and inconsistencies, pointing to a lack of genuine scientific understanding. Caudron highlights the talent of José Luis Jordán Peña in fabricating testimonies and manipulating information, suggesting he is the 'man of hand' behind the Ummo affair. The article posits that the goal was not financial profit but a more insidious intellectual fraud, potentially designed to study social psychology or ideological manipulation.

Scientific Inconsistencies and Potential KGB Involvement

Caudron further dissects the Ummo's scientific claims, detailing their flawed descriptions of their home planet, Ummo, its star Wolf 424, and its orbital mechanics. He points out contradictions in their descriptions of Ummo's physical characteristics, atmosphere, and climate, suggesting they were based on outdated or misinterpreted terrestrial knowledge. The article also explores the possibility of KGB involvement, noting that the Ummo ideology aligns with certain Soviet propaganda themes, and that the sophisticated nature of the deception suggests state-level resources.

The 'Masked Scientist' and Plagiarism Accusations

Another article by Bruno Mancusi discusses the 'masked scientist' behind the Ummo phenomenon, suggesting that figures like Jean-Pierre Petit may have plagiarized or been influenced by the 'masked scientist' (referred to as 'orroZ'). The author notes similarities in their descriptions of Ummo and its planet, and questions the scientific accuracy of their claims, particularly regarding astronomical concepts.

Ummo's 'Scientific' Knowledge: A Review of Terrestrial Precursors

Caudron's piece, 'Le savoir postérieur des Ummites,' meticulously traces the origins of Ummo's purported scientific knowledge, demonstrating how many of their claims about cosmology, physics, and astronomy were already present in French scientific publications like 'Science et Vie' years before the Ummo letters were disseminated. This suggests that the Ummites (or their human collaborators) were drawing from existing terrestrial knowledge rather than presenting original extraterrestrial insights.

The Ummo Symbol and its Diverse Appearances

Bruno Mancusi's article, 'Le symbole d'Ummo,' explores the ubiquitous nature of the Ummo symbol, noting its appearance in various contexts, including Cyrillic alphabets, Japanese ideograms, prophecies, and occultism. This section also touches upon the Lazzarettiste movement and its connection to the symbol.

Ummo in Italy: Publications and Investigations

This section details the reception of the Ummo affair in Italy, noting early publications in magazines like Clypeus and Il Giornale dei Misteri. It also mentions the translation of Spanish Ummo books and the involvement of Italian researchers. The article highlights specific Ummo letters received in Italy, including one concerning the Shroud of Turin, and questions their authenticity compared to earlier communications.

Ummo: The KGB's Trail?

An interview with Jean-Claude Ribes, director of the Lyon Observatory, strongly suggests that the Ummo documents were a KGB operation. Ribes points to the communist ideology embedded in the Ummo messages and the sophisticated nature of the deception as evidence of state-level involvement. He speculates that scientists with high-level access collaborated with the KGB, possibly for career advancement.

Ummo: A Swiss Connection and a 'Ummite' in Switzerland

This section introduces Viviane Poli, a Swiss individual who claims to be an 'Ummite' incarnated on Earth. The article discusses her book and her claims of living on both Ummo and Earth, as well as her condemnation of human wars and nuclear testing. It also touches upon the Ummo phenomenon's presence in Switzerland through letters received.

The 'Berlin Letter' and Ummo's Arrival on Earth

Francine Fouéré recounts the experience of receiving the 'Berlin Letter,' a significant Ummo communication. The article details the letter's content, including Ummo's purported arrival on Earth in 1950 near La Javie, France, and their initial observations of humanity. It also discusses the letter's unusual writing style and the challenges in deciphering it.

Ummo's Cosmic Arrival and Early Earth Observations

Dominique Caudron's article, 'L'arrivée des co(s)miques,' describes the Ummites' alleged first detection of Earth in 1934 and their subsequent decision to explore our solar system. It details their journey, their observations of Neptune, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars, and their initial impressions of Earth, including their misinterpretations of human technology and culture.

Ummo's Memory and Technology

An article titled 'Des mémoires titanesques au zéro absolu' by Dominique Caudron critically examines the Ummites' claims about their advanced memory technology, which they allegedly store in titanium crystals at absolute zero. Caudron debunks these claims, highlighting the scientific implausibility of such a feat and pointing out the use of outdated concepts in their descriptions.

The 'Berlin Letter' Deciphered

The 'LA LETTRE DE BERLIN' section presents the full text of the 'Berlin Letter,' which details Ummo's self-description, social structure, religious beliefs, and their reasons for not interfering with human evolution. It also includes a peculiar numerical system and a formula.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the Ummo phenomenon, its alleged extraterrestrial origins, and the strong skepticism presented by the authors. The editorial stance is critical, leaning towards the interpretation of Ummo as a sophisticated hoax or manipulation, possibly involving intelligence agencies and drawing heavily on existing terrestrial knowledge. The magazine encourages critical thinking and scientific analysis when approaching such claims, emphasizing the need to question extraordinary assertions and to look for evidence of terrestrial influence or fabrication.

Title: Ovni-Présence
Issue: 47
Date: May 1992
Publisher: Observatoire des Parasciences
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Ovni-Présence features a significant debate concerning the Belgian UFO wave, primarily focusing on the identification of the phenomena. The cover headline, "Commentaires sur une vague et deux courriers" (Comments on a wave and two letters), introduces a discussion that pits military explanations against more unconventional hypotheses.

The F-117A Hypothesis and Its Critics

The lead article, penned by André Dumoulin and referencing discussions with Bernard Thouanel, examines the hypothesis that the Belgian UFOs were actually F-117A stealth aircraft. Dumoulin notes that initial suggestions of the F-117A are becoming less tenable as more is known about the aircraft. He points out discrepancies between the F-117A's known characteristics and witness reports, such as its speed, the non-central flashing red light, its inability to hover, and its non-triangular shape. Dumoulin questions the reliability of witness estimations of speed and distance, suggesting that a lack of precise reference points can lead to significant perceptual errors, a point he uses to critique the investigative methods of the SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Étude des Phénomènes Spatiaux).

Dumoulin also addresses the argument that many UFO sightings occur near military bases. While this might seem to support a military explanation, he notes that ufologists sometimes suggest extraterrestrials might be interested in military installations. He references Hendry's work, which suggests that such correlations might be more a product of ufologists' desires than objective reality. Dumoulin sides with Dominique Caudron in suggesting that the military hypothesis is more plausible because it is based on known entities (secret terrestrial aircraft), unlike the extraterrestrial hypothesis which lacks concrete evidence.

He further speculates on the operational context of such flights, suggesting they could have been conducted in collaboration with the USAF, possibly without the knowledge of European command (USAFE). He mentions that in early 1990, SHAPE had complained to the Pentagon about a lack of military intelligence regarding the F-117A's utility in Europe. Dumoulin also posits that the US command in Europe might have been aware of these flights, potentially using SOBEPS as a diversion from a military explanation, or that Belgian authorities might have been kept in the dark to allow testing of NATO's NADGE and AWACS systems, while ensuring flight safety.

Critique of SOBEPS and Ufological Bias

Pierre Lagrange contributes a critical analysis, directly challenging assertions made by M. Bougard of SOBEPS. Lagrange disputes Bougard's claim that SOBEPS never cried "invasion by extraterrestrials," stating that Bougard himself had admitted that SOBEPS members genuinely believed in this hypothesis. Lagrange accuses SOBEPS of downplaying the military origin of the UFO phenomena to maximize the commercial benefits of more sensational, "stranger" hypotheses. He argues that SOBEPS has presuppositions and that their research and reporting were subtly steered towards a specific conclusion.

Lagrange also refutes Bougard's defense of SOBEPS's investigations against criticism from groups like GRIP. He argues that until scientific measurements and physical data were collected, SOBEPS's work was not scientifically interesting. He notes that radar data was censored and did not include IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) interrogation results, which remain classified.

Lagrange maintains that the military hypothesis for the Belgian phenomena is still valid. He points out that many sightings occurred near air bases and that conventional military radars are not designed to easily track stealth aircraft. He describes how stealth aircraft might rapidly change flight parameters when detected and "locked on" by radar, a tactic used to evade missile lock-ons. He also suggests that sudden speed changes could be achieved through electromagnetic decoys, the technology for which might still be classified.

Jean Sider's Rebuttal of Dumoulin's Claims

Jean Sider provides a detailed critique of André Dumoulin's arguments, labeling them as "flagrant lies" and "gross fabrications." Sider systematically debunks specific claims made by Dumoulin regarding the F-117A's capabilities and characteristics:

• Shape: Sider states the F-117A is not a perfect triangle and has a notched rear. He contrasts this with witness reports of perfect triangles and rectangular platforms, which Dumoulin allegedly ignored.
• Operations: Sider emphasizes that U.S. stealth aircraft rarely fly outside the U.S. (citing the Gulf War as an exception) due to strict security protocols. He deems it highly improbable that an allied country would be flown over for over a year by secret aircraft that could crash and cause local casualties, leading to a significant diplomatic scandal.
• Noise and Hovering: Sider asserts that the F-117A, even if quieter than an F-16, is still audible from hundreds of meters away and cannot be associated with a "murmur of calm conversations." He also states the F-117A lacks the vectoring thrusters needed for hovering and has a minimum speed of 278 km/h, contradicting witness reports of much slower speeds and stationary flight, including "mother ships" deploying "baby-triangles."
• Landing Lights: Sider clarifies that the F-117A's anti-collision red light is near the front landing gear, not in the middle of three white lights. He explains that the landing lights are primarily for air traffic control, as the aircraft flies by instruments at night and the landing gear is retracted into bays. The lights are mainly visible from the side when deployed for landing and are not larger than a motorcycle's. The forward light can be angled up to 45 degrees for poor runway lighting, but these lights are only used for landing and takeoff.

Sider concludes that Dumoulin has deliberately distorted facts and used conditional language to mislead readers with "insidious and pernicious information." He suggests Dumoulin's allegations were designed to manipulate public opinion and questions who commissioned this work and why it was published without verification.

Editorial Response

The editorial team of Ovni-Présence responds to Sider's concluding questions, stating that while they did not have to publish them, they found them more interesting than potential answers. They question why Sider consistently escalates accusations and suspects hidden intentions behind the act of writing and publishing a text, implying a pattern of confrontational inquiry.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights a recurring theme in ufology: the tension between the desire for extraordinary explanations (extraterrestrial contact) and the more grounded, albeit less sensational, explanations involving secret military technology. The debate between Dumoulin, Lagrange, and Sider showcases different approaches to evidence evaluation, the role of skepticism, and the potential for bias within investigative bodies. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical examination of all hypotheses, while also questioning the motives and methods of those involved in the debate, particularly regarding accusations of manipulation and commercial interests.

The magazine also touches upon the challenges of investigating UAP phenomena, including the unreliability of eyewitness testimony without proper corroboration, the classification of military technology, and the difficulty in obtaining verifiable scientific data. The underlying message suggests that while the phenomena remain unexplained, the pursuit of truth requires rigorous methodology and a willingness to challenge preconceived notions, regardless of whether they stem from belief in extraterrestrials or in the infallibility of military secrecy.