Ovni Presence - No 49 - November 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: Ovni-Présence
Issue: 49
Date: November 1992
Publisher: Sos-Ovni
Country: France
Language: French

This special issue of Ovni-Présence, titled "NUMERO SPECIAL : 3 DOSSIERS HISTORIQUES," delves into historical UFO phenomena and the foundational figures of ufology. It aims to re-examine past events and figures with a new perspective, moving beyond simple justification of beliefs to a more contextualized understanding.

Edito: Invitation

The editorial invites readers to set aside current events to focus on history, proposing an inversion of the usual ufological approach. Instead of using historical 'prodigies' to justify beliefs in extraterrestrials, the magazine suggests analyzing UFOs with the same contextualizing gaze used for historical prodigies. This approach is exemplified by the examination of the Wickiana collection and the life of Donald Keyhoe.

Articles and Features

Des ovnis au XVIe siècle ? Autour de la Wickiana by Marlies Stäheli

This article explores the Wickiana collection, a compilation of 16th-century manuscripts and printed sheets gathered by Johann Jakob Wick. It highlights that many such ephemeral publications from the era are lost, with Zurich's central library holding one of the most significant collections. The Wickiana contains accounts of celestial phenomena, monstrous births, and other unusual events, often accompanied by illustrations. Carl Gustav Jung brought attention to the collection in 1958, particularly noting depictions of 'celestial prodigies' in Basel (1566) and Nuremberg (1561), which have since been cited in UFO literature. The article details Wick's life as a collector and clergyman, and the historical context of his time, marked by the Reformation and widespread superstition.

Johann Jakob Wick et la Wickiana

This section provides background on Johann Jakob Wick (1522-1588), a collector and clergyman whose collection is a valuable resource for understanding 16th-century beliefs and events. The Wickiana is described as containing both manuscripts and printed 'feuilles volantes' (single-sheet publications), with a focus on the latter for their illustrations and accounts of phenomena.

Jung et la Wickiana

Carl Gustav Jung's interest in the Wickiana collection is discussed, specifically his publication of two 16th-century engravings depicting aerial phenomena in 'Ein moderner Mythus.' These images, sourced from the Wickiana, have become iconic in UFO literature.

Epoque et circonstances dans lesquelles les feuilles volantes ont vu le jour

This piece places the 'feuilles volantes' within the historical context of the Reformation, highlighting their role as a popular form of literature that disseminated news, religious ideas, and accounts of unusual events. The rise of printing and the Reformation fueled the production and distribution of these pamphlets.

Les ovnis du passé by Marlies Stäheli

The article questions whether UFOs were observed in the past, contrasting views that trace UFOs to prehistory with those that dismiss such claims. It notes that 'prodigies' in the 16th century were distinct from modern UFOs, often viewed as omens. The author suggests that the modern search for past UFOs began in earnest after the 1947 Kenneth Arnold sighting, driven by a desire to legitimize current observations and find the origin of these mysterious craft, leading to the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Les feuilles volantes

This section defines 'feuilles volantes' as single-sheet printed publications common from the 15th to 19th centuries, particularly popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They served as early forms of news dissemination, covering crimes, calamities, celestial phenomena, and 'marvelous' events. The article notes that while often illustrated, they were produced by printers and booksellers, with authors typically remaining anonymous.

Apparitions célestes

Accounts of celestial apparitions form a significant part of the Wickiana, including descriptions of auroras, strange cloud formations, and comets. These reports often blended factual observation with superstitious interpretation and were used as warnings.

Créatures monstrueuses et prodiges

This section discusses the prevalence of monstrous births and prodigies in 16th-century literature, coinciding with advancements in anatomical studies. The Wickiana contains numerous depictions and accounts of such phenomena, often used to convey moral or religious messages.

Monstres invraisemblables

These are described as purely fantastical creatures, often combining human and animal features, created to exploit public credulity and serve specific agendas, such as religious propaganda.

Diables et sorcières

This part of the Wickiana content focuses on accounts of diabolical activities and witchcraft, often portraying Satan as an active agent in human affairs and a punisher of sinners.

Littérature de la Réforme

The Reformation heavily influenced the content of 'feuilles volantes,' which were used for religious debate, satire, and propaganda by both reformers and their opponents.

Les sujets politiques - les Turcs

The Wickiana includes reports on political events, such as wars and assassinations, and a significant body of literature concerning the threat of Turkish invasions, often framed with religious and monstrous imagery.

Le chanoine Wick et les sorcières by Michel Meurger

This article examines the Wickiana's content related to witchcraft, particularly a letter describing a witch hunt in Neuchâtel in 1583. It analyzes the narrative structure of these accounts, which often involve an intruder witnessing a sabbat and subsequently denouncing the participants. The author notes how such stories, when given institutional weight, can shape folklore.

La Wickiana et la littérature allemande

This section discusses the literary landscape of 16th-century Germany, characterized by the influence of the Reformation and the popularity of 'feuilles volantes' in vernacular German. It lists key figures and genres represented in the Wickiana, including poets, humanists, and reformers.

Donald Keyhoe et son «combat» contre l'US Air Force by Edoardo Russo

This article profiles Donald Edward Keyhoe, a significant figure in early ufology. It recounts his 1949 article in 'True' magazine, which claimed flying saucers were extraterrestrial and that the US government was covering up the truth. Keyhoe's subsequent efforts to expose this alleged conspiracy, including his participation in a televised debate, are detailed. The article also touches upon his earlier career as a journalist and aviation expert, and his involvement with figures like Charles Lindbergh and Admiral Byrd.

The Armstrong Circle Theater

This piece describes a television program that reenacted controversies, including a debate on UFOs featuring Kenneth Arnold, Donald Keyhoe, and Professor Donald Menzel. It highlights Keyhoe's dramatic on-air announcement of secret Air Force documents proving extraterrestrial origins of UFOs, which was met with the broadcast's audio being cut, fueling public suspicion of a cover-up.

Les «soucoupes volantes » existent et viennent de l'espace

This section provides biographical details on Donald Keyhoe, his naval career, and his transition to journalism. It emphasizes his role in popularizing the extraterrestrial hypothesis and the concept of a government cover-up, particularly through his influential book 'Flying Saucers Are Real.'

Clips & Claps

• This section contains brief news items:
• "LE TRIANGLE BELGE" DANS UNE BD: A Belgian comic book features a triangular UFO, referencing the 'Zone 13' and 'Area 51'.
• LE CONTACTE JEAN MIGUERES ASSASSINE: Reports the death of Jean Miguères, an author who claimed contact with extraterrestrials.
• ERRATUM OP 46: A correction to a previous issue's letter.
• CONGRES ANNONCÉS: A list of upcoming UFO and science conferences in Italy, France, and Great Britain.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical roots of UFO phenomena, the role of folklore and superstition in interpreting unusual events, and the persistent idea of government secrecy and cover-ups related to UFOs. The magazine's stance appears to be one of critical historical inquiry, seeking to contextualize UFO reports within their time and cultural frameworks, while also acknowledging the significant contributions of early figures like Donald Keyhoe in shaping the modern UFO discourse.

This issue of Ovni-Présence, dated November 1992, features a prominent dossier on Donald E. Keyhoe and the National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), exploring their significant impact on ufology, particularly in the United States. The magazine also delves into mythological creatures, specifically Norwegian sea serpents, and touches upon recent UFO sightings and the crop circle phenomenon.

Donald Keyhoe and the NICAP: A Reference Point for Ufology

The dossier highlights Donald E. Keyhoe's influential role, beginning with his book 'Flying Saucers From Outer Space' (1953), which became a bestseller and positioned him as a leading civilian expert critical of the U.S. Air Force's handling of UFO reports. Keyhoe believed the Air Force was engaged in a 'conspiracy of silence' and sought to expose this through his writings and activism.

In response to the Air Force's perceived dismissiveness, Keyhoe co-founded the NICAP in Washington D.C. in 1956. NICAP aimed to act as a pressure group on Congress for a thorough investigation into UFOs. Keyhoe strategically recruited prominent figures from scientific, military, and journalistic circles, including former CIA director Roscoe Hillenkoetter and Rear Admiral Delmer Fahrney, to lend credibility to the organization and the UFO subject.

NICAP's activities included extensive lobbying, public education campaigns, and investigations into UFO cases. The organization claimed significant achievements, such as participation in 900 radio/TV shows and 500 conferences between 1957 and 1966. Keyhoe became a central figure for the press when UFOs were in the news.

The article details Keyhoe's persistent battle against the Air Force, which he accused of deliberately concealing information. His third book, 'The Flying Saucer Conspiracy' (1955), focused on this alleged policy of denial, further reinforced by Air Force regulations like AFR 200-2 and JANAP-146, which supposedly restricted information dissemination.

Keyhoe's efforts, alongside NICAP, were instrumental in pushing the U.S. Air Force to eventually commission a scientific study of UFOs from the University of Colorado. However, the Condon Committee's 1969 report, which concluded that UFOs were not extraterrestrial and offered no scientific progress, was a major blow to the private ufological community. This led to a sharp decline in NICAP membership, from a peak of 12,000 in 1967 to 4,000 by 1971, resulting in financial crisis and the organization's eventual downfall.

Keyhoe himself was expelled from NICAP in 1969 at the age of 71, accused of 'incompetence,' and retired from public life. NICAP's archives and legacy were later acquired by the Center for UFO Studies in 1980.

Keyhoe and the FBI

An FBI memorandum from September 26, 1958, reveals that the Bureau does not investigate UFO sightings but forwards information to the Air Force. The memo notes that Keyhoe has been known to the Bureau since 1935 and describes him as a 'flamboyant writer' whose material is often 'irresponsible.' The FBI's response to Keyhoe's inquiries was designed to be general, avoiding direct answers to his pointed questions about FBI agents instructing witnesses not to talk or conducting character investigations.

CIA Involvement and the 'Robertson Panel'

The article discusses a CIA internal memorandum from December 8, 1953, reviewing Keyhoe's book 'Flying Saucers From Outer Space.' A consultant noted that the book was 'highly distorted' and contained 'half-truths.' The consultant also mentioned that Keyhoe cited a CIA 'secret briefing' where the agency allegedly advised the Air Force to debunk UFOs publicly while continuing investigations secretly. The memo suggests that while CIA recommendations might have been interpreted as 'debunking,' there was no explicit instruction to hide information.

The 'Robertson Panel,' convened by the CIA in 1953, recommended that the USAF minimize public interest in UFOs to prevent potential misuse of sightings by adversaries during the Cold War. This panel, composed of scientists, military personnel, and intelligence agents, examined UFO cases and reports.

The Norwegian Sea Serpent: A Mythological and Cultural Study

Michel Meurger contributes an extensive study on the Norwegian sea serpent, tracing its origins in folklore and mythology. The article explores the evolution of the 'Lindorm' legend, which describes a giant serpent, often with a horse-like head and mane. These legends are linked to ancient beliefs about cosmic serpents and the end of the world.

Bishop Erik Pontoppidan's 1752 work, 'Forsög paa Norges naturalige Historie,' is highlighted for its attempt to classify these creatures. Pontoppidan, while acknowledging reports of land and freshwater serpents, focused on the marine version, attempting to rationalize the myths within a scientific framework. He described the sea serpent as a 'fish' and questioned the transition from land to sea habitats.

The article discusses how Pontoppidan's rationalization, while providing a scientific veneer, may have distorted the original cultural context of the myths. It suggests that the various serpent figures (Lindorm, lake serpent, sea serpent) represent different aspects of a collective belief system, possibly influenced by social tensions and pagan traditions.

The study also touches upon the Kraken and other mythological creatures, linking them to ancient Scandinavian beliefs and their integration into later cultural narratives.

Crop Circles 92: The Saga Continues

This section reports on the 1992 crop circle season in England. Following the sensational claims of Doug Bower and Dave Chorley in 1991, the 1992 season saw a return to simpler designs, with 'snail' formations appearing in Alton Barnes. The media coverage was notably more discreet than in previous years, and the public's interest seemed to wane. The article suggests that the 'human factor' remains the most plausible explanation for the phenomenon, while acknowledging the ongoing debate and the commercialization of 'cereology.'

UFO Sightings in Switzerland

This section provides a compilation of UFO sightings reported in Switzerland during 1991 and 1992. These include observations of cylindrical objects, luminous balls, and bolides, with some reports attributed to conventional explanations like balloons or meteors, while others remain unexplained.

New Publication: Aura Z

An interview with Alexandre Avchaloumov, editor-in-chief of the new Russian publication 'Aura Z,' is featured. The magazine aims to bridge the gap between Russian science and the international community, focusing on ufology and parapsychology. 'Aura Z' will be published in six languages and will feature original, scientifically reviewed articles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of critical investigation and the socio-cultural context surrounding UFO phenomena and mythological accounts. The editorial stance appears to favor rational analysis while acknowledging the enduring mystery and cultural significance of these subjects. There's a clear critique of government secrecy and a focus on the efforts of individuals and organizations like Keyhoe and NICAP to uncover the truth. The mythological and cryptozoological sections highlight how folklore and cultural beliefs shape our understanding of the unexplained, while the crop circle and UFO sighting reports encourage continued observation and analysis.

Title: Ouni-Présence
Issue Date: November 1992
Content Focus: This issue of Ouni-Présence delves into the intriguing case of the Ummo letters, examining their scientific content and predictive accuracy. It also features historical accounts of celestial phenomena and provides contact information for the publication.

Ummo Letters and Scientific Accuracy

The main article, authored by Bertrand Lebrun (Doctor of Physics), critically examines the Ummo letters, particularly in light of their scientific claims. Lebrun argues that the letters contain information that was ahead of its time, challenging contemporary scientific understanding. He highlights a specific instance where a 1966 Ummo letter predicted inaccuracies in the scientific community's estimation of the universe's age, attributing it to the use of a constant 'V2' speed parameter. The letter suggested that in the early universe, acceleration had a significant amplitude, implying a period of rapid expansion.

Lebrun contrasts this prediction with later scientific discoveries. He references an article in *Science et Vie* from June 1992, which discussed findings from the COBE satellite. These findings, based on images of the 'first germs of galaxies and stars,' indirectly confirmed the existence of 'dark matter' and the 'formidable swelling' of the universe shortly after its birth. Lebrun emphasizes that the Ummo letter's prediction of this early, significant expansion was made in 1966, a time when such a concept was not widely considered or technically verifiable. The hypothesis of extraordinary universe inflation was only advanced around the 1980s to explain the homogeneity of the cosmic microwave background radiation.

Lebrun expresses astonishment at the Ummo authors' ability to foresee these concepts, likening it to providing the solution to a problem that would only be recognized as crucial years later. He notes the immense scientific effort, involving radiotelescopes, satellites, and advanced computers, required to reach such conclusions, which touched upon the validity of general relativity and the Big Bang theory. Lebrun concludes that the Ummo dossier includes such remarkable predictive elements and should not be overlooked.

The article also includes a footnote referencing a previous issue of Ouni-Présence (n° 47) where Dominique Caudron discussed 'troubling anteriorities' of terrestrial knowledge concerning the Ummo letters. Lebrun, when contacted by phone, expressed reservations about the scientific rigor of the articles cited by Caudron, preferring references from established scientific bodies like the Academy of Sciences or peer-reviewed journals. However, the footnote acknowledges that *Science et Vie* articles might indeed reference such publications.

Historical Celestial Phenomena

The magazine includes a section titled "WICKIANA, LA GALERIE” which presents historical accounts and illustrations of celestial events. Two specific incidents are highlighted:

• Leipzig, February 19, 1564: An illustration depicts a celestial phenomenon described as an "Erschrottlich Gesicht" (terrible sight) observed over Leipzig. The text notes fiery, glass-like flames and lightning-like flashes seen in the sky.
• Nuremberg, April 14, 1561: Another historical account, accompanied by an image, describes an event in Nuremberg involving "five hundred and forty-four days" with fiery, glass-like flames and lightning.

Editorial and Contact Information

The "Boîte aux Lettres" (Letters to the Editor) section addresses reader correspondence. The magazine apologizes for not being able to publish all received letters in the current issue due to space constraints, promising to publish them in issue n° 50.

Contact information for Ovni-Présence is provided for readers in France (phone number 91.47.51.07) and for those in Switzerland and other countries (phone number 037/61.75.68). A service is offered where readers can request a list of books and magazines on UFOs by writing to the editorial office with a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Additionally, contact information for the publisher, Observatoire des Parasciences, is listed, including a postal address in Marseille, France, an email address ([email protected]), and several web links related to *articles.lescahiers.net*, *Ovni-Présence*, and *Anomalies*.

A crucial note is included in both French and English, stating that unauthorized reproduction or online distribution of the digital version of the publication is forbidden and constitutes copyright infringement, liable to prosecution. The only authorized online publication is on the AFU (Archives For the Unexplained) website.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific validity and predictive power of unconventional sources, specifically the Ummo letters, and the exploration of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, valuing rigorous scientific analysis (as exemplified by Lebrun's article) while remaining open to investigating anomalous claims. The inclusion of historical celestial events suggests an interest in the long-term study of unexplained aerial phenomena and their documentation across different eras. The magazine positions itself as a platform for discussing complex topics at the intersection of science, history, and the unexplained.