Ovni Presence - No 54 - February 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: Ovni-Présence
Issue: 54
Date: February 1995
Price: 35 FF / 9 FS

This issue of Ovni-Présence, a French ufology magazine, heavily focuses on the Roswell incident, presenting it as a central case in UFO lore. The cover headline, 'La guerre froide des mondes' (The Cold War of the Worlds), and the imagery of a flying saucer suggest a deep dive into the implications of UFOs during the Cold War era, with a particular emphasis on the Roswell crash and the alleged government cover-up.

Roswell: The Crash Under Scrutiny

The magazine dedicates a significant portion to the Roswell incident, exploring its history, controversies, and the ongoing debate between official explanations and ufological interpretations. An editorial highlights Roswell's prominence in global UFO cases, noting that both skeptics and believers agree that 'something' crashed in New Mexico in July 1947. However, the details—the origin of the object, the nature of the debris, the presence of extraterrestrial occupants, and the timeline of events—remain subjects of intense disagreement.

The article 'La soucoupe volante qui venait de la planète Mogul' by Pierre Lagrange examines the US Air Force's 1994 report, which concluded that the Roswell debris was from a Project Mogul balloon. This project, a top-secret Cold War initiative, aimed to detect Soviet nuclear explosions using high-altitude balloons. The report acknowledged that the military's initial explanation was incomplete and that the project itself was highly classified.

However, the magazine presents counterarguments from ufologists. It discusses the work of researchers like Charles Berlitz and William Moore, whose book 'Le mystère de Roswell' (The Roswell Mystery) posited a government conspiracy to hide the discovery of an extraterrestrial craft. The article also touches upon the skepticism surrounding alleged ET bodies and the controversy over photographic evidence, with some images later revealed to be hoaxes.

Official Documents and Ufological Interpretations

The issue scrutinizes the availability and interpretation of official documents related to UFOs. It notes that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has led to the declassification of thousands of pages of documents from agencies like the USAF, CIA, FBI, and NSA. While these documents confirm the government's continued interest in UFOs after the closure of Project Blue Book, they do not provide definitive proof of extraterrestrial origins. The magazine highlights the debate over the reliability of witness testimonies versus the lack of concrete official evidence.

Philip Klass, a prominent skeptic, is mentioned for his critical stance, attributing the Roswell incident to confusion and a lack of definitive proof. The magazine also discusses the 'MJ-12' documents, a purported secret group tasked with studying UFOs, which most ufologists have concluded are fraudulent. The analysis of a 1947 FBI teletype regarding the Roswell incident is presented, with some ufologists suggesting it aligns with a Project Mogul balloon rather than an extraterrestrial craft.

Debates and Controversies within Ufology

Ovni-Présence showcases the internal debates within the ufological community. The work of researchers like Donald Schmitt and Kevin Randle, who proposed a revised scenario of the Roswell crash involving a second site and alien bodies, is discussed. However, other ufologists, such as Karl Pflock and Dennis Stacy, express doubts about the reliability of certain testimonies and the overall narrative, questioning the evidence and the interpretation of events.

The magazine also explores the idea of 'deep black programs' and government secrecy, suggesting that if extraterrestrial technology was recovered, it might be hidden within highly classified military projects, akin to stealth aircraft development. This notion fuels the idea of a 'cosmic Watergate' scenario.

Related Topics and Features

Beyond the Roswell incident, the issue touches upon other related topics:

• 'Les nouvelles: Des lumières dans la nuit américaine': This section discusses 'Just Cause,' a publication analyzing official documents on UFOs, and the evolution of its editor Barry Greenwood's views on government involvement.
• 'Cataclysmes moléculaires': This article delves into the heated debates and personal conflicts that have arisen within ufology, particularly concerning the Roswell case and the 'Crashed Disc Syndrome.'
• 'Dreamland: le pays où rêvent les ufologues': This piece speculates on the potential application of recovered UFO technology in advanced military aircraft like stealth planes, referencing secret military bases and alleged encounters.
• 'La signature qui coula le MJ-12': This section details how the fraudulent nature of the MJ-12 documents was exposed, particularly through the analysis of Truman's signature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government secrecy, the interpretation of evidence (both official documents and witness testimonies), and the ongoing quest for truth in the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and encouraging readers to engage with the complexities of the Roswell case and ufology in general. While acknowledging the persistent belief in extraterrestrial involvement, the magazine also highlights skepticism and the challenges of verifying claims in a field often characterized by speculation and controversy.

This issue of Ovni-Présence, number 54, dated February 1995, focuses on several key topics within ufology and related fields. The main cover story, "Polémique autour des photos des débris de l'ovni de Roswell" (Controversy surrounding the photos of the Roswell UFO debris), delves into the persistent debate about the authenticity and origin of the materials recovered after the alleged 1947 crash.

The Roswell Debris Controversy

The article details the events of July 1947, when photos of debris were taken at Roswell, with initial military explanations identifying them as remnants of a balloon. However, conflicting accounts from key figures like General DuBose and Jesse Marcel, who reportedly claimed the debris was from a flying saucer, fueled decades of speculation. The piece highlights the work of investigators like Friedman, Randle, and Schmitt, who argue that the photos show balloon remnants substituted for the actual UFO debris. It also references testimonies from Irwin Newton, who confirmed the debris was from a balloon, and notes discrepancies in Marcel's accounts over time. The article posits that the controversy may have arisen from differing interpretations of the debris at the time, leading to later disputes about whether a cover-up or substitution of evidence occurred.

The Mogul Project Hypothesis

The issue critically examines the "Mogul Project" as the official explanation for the Roswell incident. The CUFOS (Center for UFO Studies) reacted to the USAF report, with authors Mark Rodeghier and Mark Chesney criticizing the report for not going beyond existing ufological explanations and for relying on potentially flawed witness testimonies that may have changed over time. They also point out the Air Force's failure to present any preserved Mogul balloons for comparison. The article notes that while Rodeghier and Chesney agree with the report in dismissing other conventional explanations (like rocket tests or nuclear experiments), they question the Air Force's conclusion that the incident was not a flying saucer.

The Nature of Belief and Scientific Scrutiny

Karl Pflock's perspective is presented, suggesting that while the official explanation might be debatable, the extraterrestrial hypothesis is weakened by critiques of books by Randle and Schmitt. The article touches on the psychological aspect of belief, suggesting that the popular image of UFOs as alien spacecraft, rooted in science fiction, makes them harder to accept as reality compared to more mundane explanations like the Mogul balloons or V-2 rockets.

The European UFO Observation Center (SEPRA)

Another significant section discusses the fate of the proposed "Centre européen d'observation des ovnis" (European UFO Observation Center). The project, initiated by MEP Elio Di Rupo, aimed to create a European body to collect and investigate UFO reports. The report by Professor Tullio Regge, tasked with examining the proposal, was initially presented in January 1994 but was postponed due to a negative media campaign in Great Britain, which criticized the allocation of public funds to UFO research. Regge revised his report, which was accepted by the CERT (Commission de l'énergie, de la recherche et de la technologie), but the discussion in the European Parliament was ultimately dropped, partly due to the end of Regge's term and the general political climate. The article details the media's often dismissive treatment of the proposal, with some outlets labeling it "loufoque" (crazy).

Who is Tullio Regge?

A profile of Tullio Regge is provided, highlighting his academic credentials as a physicist with significant contributions to high-energy physics and astrophysics. He is described as a skeptic regarding the paranormal and a collaborator with Italian organizations that promote scientific scrutiny of extraordinary claims. His involvement in the European Parliament and his views on the UFO issue are discussed, including his frustration with misinterpretations of his report by the media.

The Study of Myths and Cryptozoology: EVMHERISM

The "ETUDE" section features an article by Michel Meurger titled "Evhémère et les monstres: Croyances populaires et interprétation instruite" (EVMHERISM and Monsters: Popular Beliefs and Educated Interpretation). This section explores the philosophical concept of EVMHERISM, which posits that divine figures were originally human beings who were later sacralized. The article traces the historical application of EVMHERISM, from its use by early Church Fathers against paganism to its influence on Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire. It examines how this rationalist approach has been applied to interpret ancient myths, such as the Sumerian deity Oannés, who is sometimes interpreted as an extraterrestrial visitor by proponents of ancient astronaut theories.

Meurger contrasts this with a more fideistic EVMHERISM, exemplified by Jesuit scholars like Athanasius Kircher, who sought to prove the historical accuracy of biblical accounts through speculative archaeology. The article also delves into the study of sea monsters, particularly the work of Bishop Erik Ludvigsvigsen Pontoppidan in Norway, who documented accounts of sea creatures. Meurger discusses how Pontoppidan's rationalist approach, influenced by Baconian methods, attempted to separate factual observation from superstition, leading to the "naturalization" of myths. This process involved reinterpreting folkloric creatures like the sea serpent and the kraken within a scientific framework, often by linking them to known animals or suggesting they were based on misinterpretations of travelers or early astronauts.

The article critiques the tendency of modern interpretations, like those of Carl Sagan and Bernard Heuvelmans, to impose contemporary scientific or technological frameworks onto ancient beliefs, thereby substituting modern definitions of rationality for those of past cultures. It highlights the ongoing tension between popular beliefs and educated interpretations, and how the process of "naturalizing" myths can lead to their transformation rather than their elimination.

Letters to the Editor and Book Reviews

The "BOITE AUX LETTRES" section includes correspondence from readers, addressing previous articles and engaging in debates about UFO evidence, interpretation, and the nature of scientific inquiry. One letter from Raoul Robé seeks information on specific UFO cases. Another, from Jacques Scornaux, discusses the interpretation of historical texts regarding flying objects and the potential for unknown aquatic creatures. The section also features a response from Jean-Louis Brodu to a critique of his work.

Service Librairie

This section advertises available books and magazines on UFO topics, including a special offer for back issues of Ovni-Présence. It lists titles such as "Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique" (UFO Wave in Belgium) and "Evhémère et les monstres."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena, often contrasting official explanations with alternative theories and witness testimonies. There is a strong emphasis on historical context and the philosophical underpinnings of belief systems, as seen in the extensive discussion of EVMHERISM. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and a skeptical yet open-minded examination of claims, while also acknowledging the limitations and biases that can affect both official reports and independent research. The magazine seems to promote a nuanced view, encouraging readers to critically assess information and consider various perspectives, rather than accepting simple explanations or succumbing to sensationalism. The recurring theme is the complex interplay between evidence, belief, interpretation, and the historical evolution of human understanding of the unknown.

Title: Ovni-Présence
Issue: 54
Date: February 1995
Publisher: Ovni-Présence
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Ovni-Présence delves into various aspects of ufology, archaeology, and related phenomena, featuring reader correspondence, article critiques, and discussions on historical cases.

Key Articles and Discussions

Pseudonyms and Authorship

The "Boîte aux Lettres" section opens with a discussion initiated by Pierre Szelechowski regarding the use of pseudonyms, specifically focusing on Aimé Michel and his use of "Stéphane Arnaud." Szelechowski analyzes how Michel, through his writings and reviews, engaged with figures like Jacques Vallée and prehistorians such as André Leroi-Gourhan. He points out subtle shifts in meaning and context, suggesting that Vallée's interpretation of Michel's work might have been influenced by their private discussions.

Reader Reactions and Correspondence

Fulfillment of Book Orders: The magazine addresses a reader's query about receiving back issues, clarifying the process for ordering and payment. It also touches upon the different categories of reader responses to published reviews: those who publicly state their feelings, those who react privately, and those who express surprise at the non-recension of their work.

UFO-Norway News: An overview of current Norwegian UFO cases is provided, along with excerpts from the Norwegian magazine UFO, available via subscription.

Cergy-Pontoise Photograph: A reader, Y.-R. Rougemont, identifies himself in a photograph taken during a 1983 vigil in Cergy-Pontoise, originally published in relation to Leon Festinger's work on prophecy. Rougemont recounts his experience as a curious observer and notes the presence of flashes from the photographer.

Agobard and the Sea Serpent: Jacques Scornaux engages in a debate initiated by Michel Meurger regarding the interpretation of the 'sea serpent' phenomenon. Scornaux discusses the tension between naturalistic (cryptozoological) and culturalist (mythological) viewpoints, arguing against a simplistic dichotomy and suggesting that both cryptozoology and cultural interpretations have their own forms of reductionism.

Historical Interpretations of UFOs: A discussion arises concerning the term "flying saucer" and its historical usage. It is noted that historians like Pierre Riché and Henri Platelle used the term in relation to historical accounts of aerial phenomena, predating modern ufology. The question is raised whether ufologists were inspired by these historical accounts or if the historians adopted the term due to existing ufological speculation.

Information Request: Raoul Robé seeks information on a specific UFO case (RR3) from August 30, 1991, near Torres de Elorz, Spain, and any cases involving very small flying saucers with pilots.

Back Issues and Subscription Information

Ovni-Présence provides a comprehensive list of available back issues with their corresponding prices in French Francs (FF) and Swiss Francs (FS). A special offer for a complete series of 21 issues at a discounted price is also advertised. A detailed order form is included for readers to select and purchase desired issues.

Contact Information

The magazine provides contact details for the Observatoire des Parasciences, including a postal address, email, and website links for Ovni-Présence and related publications like "Anomalies." A legal notice emphasizes that unauthorized reproduction or online distribution of the digital version of the publication is prohibited and constitutes copyright infringement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects Ovni-Présence's ongoing commitment to exploring a wide range of unexplained phenomena, from historical UFO sightings and archaeological mysteries to the psychological and cultural aspects of belief. The magazine encourages critical thinking and debate among its readers, providing a platform for diverse viewpoints while maintaining a focus on rigorous analysis. The editorial stance appears to favor open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the complexities of interpreting evidence and the potential for both natural and unconventional explanations. The emphasis on reader contributions highlights the magazine's role as a community hub for enthusiasts of the unexplained.