Phenomena - No 10 - 1992 07

Magazine Overview

Title: Phénomèna
Subtitle: la revue des phénomènes OVNI (The review of UFO phenomena)
Issue: No. 10
Date: Juillet-Août 1992 (July-August 1992)
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Price: 25 F
ISSN: 1157-4704

This issue of Phénomèna, a French bi-monthly publication dedicated to UFO phenomena, delves into the complex and often manipulative aspects surrounding UFO sightings and the broader ufological community. The cover boldly proclaims "Ovnis : les manipulateurs" (UFOs: the manipulators), setting the tone for an exploration of disinformation, propaganda, and hidden agendas within the field.

Editorial Stance

The editorial, titled "Pat," by Perry Petrakis, sets a critical and investigative tone. Petrakis acknowledges the prevalence of disinformation, manipulation, and propaganda in ufology, stating that these are terms one can no longer ignore. The editorial team aimed to cut through the "illusions and... disillusions" by verifying and confirming information, seeking to understand if the perceived UFO reality aligns with objective truth. The piece expresses a sense of unease, suggesting that external forces might be orchestrating events, making individuals feel like pawns on a chessboard. The issue aims to provide a clearer perspective by synthesizing various aspects of this situation, presenting "different facets of this reality" that are "extraordinary" yet "entirely realistic." Readers are encouraged to share their comments.

Contents Overview

The table of contents reveals a diverse range of articles and investigations:

• Pat: The editorial piece.
• La grande révélation: (The great revelation) likely introducing the main theme.
• Le sous-officier aviateur Mendez contre la Bureaucratie: (Air Force Sergeant Mendez vs. Bureaucracy) detailing a specific case.
• Bloc-notes: (Notepad) likely a collection of shorter news items or updates.
• Liaisons dangereuses: (Dangerous liaisons) suggesting connections between different entities or events.
• En direct d'SOS OVNI: (Live from SOS OVNI) updates from the organization.
• Les agents d'Ummo: (The agents of Ummo) focusing on the Ummo phenomenon.
• Revue de presse: (Press review) commentary on media coverage.
• CIA 1952: A historical look at the CIA's involvement.

Article: "La grande révélation" by Renaud Marhic

This article critically examines the work of ufologist Jacques Vallée, particularly his theories about "manipulators" of the UFO phenomenon, as presented in his books like "Revelations." Marhic questions the verifiability of Vallée's theses rather than focusing on the author himself. The article is structured into "Acts" that dissect specific claims:

• Act I: "I know nothing but I will tell everything..." This section recounts an anecdote where an individual claims to have "hacked" a telex machine to access messages about UFO sightings in Belgium. The messages allegedly referred to the American F117A fighter jet, suggesting a misidentification or deliberate misdirection. Marhic uses this to illustrate how convictions or fantasies can shape the narrative within the ufological community, serving as a "first verification" of Vallée's ideas.

• Act II: "It's a scandal Mr. Dechavannes!" This part shifts focus to the Raëlian movement and its leader, Claude Vorilhon (Raël). It discusses an incident where Jean Parraga, a former Raëlian, confronted Vorilhon on a television program. The article touches upon the Raëlian concept of "geniocracy" (rule by geniuses) and their alleged desire to abolish elections. It also mentions a lawsuit filed by Vorilhon against TF1, claiming that Raëlians lost their jobs due to the broadcast. The segment also briefly mentions other guests on the show, including Jean-Claude Ladrat (a flying saucer constructor) and Jean Miguères (a contactee), hinting at further potential manipulations or hidden agendas.

• Act III: "Above all, do not believe us." This section delves into the historical context of UFO investigations, referencing a 1952 CIA memorandum addressed to Walter B. Smith. The memo expresses concern about the potential use of UFO phenomena for psychological warfare by the Soviets, both for espionage and offensive/defensive operations. The article suggests that the CIA was interested in the "intentions and potential capabilities of the Soviets to use these phenomena to the detriment of the security interests of the United States." It directs readers to a separate article, "CIA 1952" by Gilbert Rolland, for further understanding.

The article further explores how this American interest in psychological warfare translated into practice, citing Jacques Vallée's description of two types of operations: presenting military personnel with fake documents (e.g., reports of collaboration with "Little Grays") or staging fake UFO encounters using remotely controlled drones and artificial fog, as allegedly happened in the Rendlesham Forest incident. The purpose of these operations is to assess military reactions and identify vulnerabilities.

Article: "Just Cause" - The Simone Mendez Case

This article, attributed to Barry Greenwood and drawing from the "Just Cause" bulletin of Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS), details the experiences of Simone Mendez, a former US Air Force specialist in telecommunications at Nellis Air Force Base. Mendez's troubles began in 1982 when she obtained a "top secret" telex indicating UFOs were sighted over the Soviet Union. Although the Air Force claimed the document was fake, Mendez faced intense scrutiny from investigators, including the FBI.

Her security clearance was revoked, effectively ending her career in technical roles within the Air Force. The article recounts her transfer to Tinker AFB in Oklahoma and subsequent events. In 1985, she was contacted by an individual named George, with whom she had corresponded. Later, an article in "Saucer Smear" by James Moseley detailed her experience, which she believes was leaked by George. This publicity led to further pressure from her superiors, including threats of disciplinary action for discussing the matter with the media.

In 1987, Mendez was approached by the OSI (Office of Special Investigations) and offered a role in counter-espionage, which she reluctantly accepted. She felt she was being recruited for espionage work, involving "exhilarating and sometimes dangerous situations." The article highlights the OSI's efforts to obtain her FBI file, which was eventually partially declassified in 1990, seven years after the initial investigation. However, many documents remained classified, and those released were often heavily censored.

Mendez's experience is presented as a case study of how individuals can be caught in bureaucratic webs and potentially manipulated by intelligence agencies using UFO phenomena as a pretext.

Article: "Liaisons dangereuses" (Dangerous Liaisons)

This section appears to connect the dots between various entities and phenomena, suggesting a broader pattern of manipulation. It discusses the "Ummo affair," positing that while the manipulation might not be Soviet-led, a group has used the UFO subject and extraterrestrials to disseminate pro-communist and anti-American information.

It also revisits the idea that UFO sightings near nuclear missile silos in the US might be decoys, designed to test the reactions of security teams. The article references an Air Force document from 1975 describing "unidentified aircraft/helicopters" observed over various bases, suggesting these could be part of such tests.

Article: "CIA 1952"

This article, referenced in "La grande révélation," likely provides historical context for the CIA's interest in UFOs as a tool for psychological warfare. It details the 1952 memorandum from Walter B. Smith, highlighting the agency's concerns about the potential use of UFO phenomena by adversaries for intelligence gathering and psychological operations.

Other Sections

• En direct d'SOS OVNI: This section likely provides updates from the SOS OVNI organization, detailing their activities, research, and network of alert and expertise.
• Revue de presse: This section would review how UFOs and related topics are being covered in the media.
• Les agents d'Ummo: This article likely investigates the Ummo phenomenon, a series of alleged communications from extraterrestrials, and explores whether it involves manipulation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are manipulation, disinformation, government secrecy, and the potential weaponization of the UFO phenomenon for psychological warfare. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, aiming to uncover the truth behind the often-obscured narratives surrounding UFOs. The magazine positions itself as a platform for investigating these complex issues, encouraging skepticism towards official explanations while also cautioning against unfounded conspiracy theories. The emphasis is on verifying information and understanding the motivations behind the dissemination of certain narratives, particularly those involving intelligence agencies and potentially manipulative groups like the Raëlians.

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: Juillet-Août
Date: Not specified, but content spans from 1966 to the early 1990s.
Publisher: Not specified.
Country: France
Language: French

Simone Mendez Case: FBI, Air Force, and OSI Involvement

The issue begins by detailing a case involving Simone Mendez, who was implicated in a situation involving a document allegedly held by the FBI and the Air Force's OSI (Office of Special Investigations). A secret FBI document (SM FBI 65B-2464) from February 26, 1982, references an individual named James W. Holks and a message he possessed. The document, originating from the FBI Dallas office and routed through FBI Las Vegas, concerns 'Espionnage-X' and is classified 'SECRET'.

According to the text, the Air Force initially believed the situation to be a hoax. However, Simone Mendez's own experience and the Air Force's subsequent actions, including a non-dated circular from early 1991 stating that the requested message was not in OSI archives, raised doubts. The article suggests that while the Air Force claimed to have 'lost' the document, this explanation is considered opportune, especially when compared to the handling of other alleged hoaxes.

The article contrasts this with the MJ12 affair, describing it as a 'fumisterie' (hoax) where classified documents were allegedly disseminated by enthusiasts. It notes the involvement of an effective OSI agent among these 'promoters', highlighting a perceived lack of equitable treatment compared to the Mendez case, where Mendez was not involved in the document's fabrication or dissemination.

The MJ12 Controversy and Roswell

The magazine extensively discusses the MJ12 controversy, tracing its origins to Jaime Shandera's claim in late 1984 of receiving a film revealing a secret document about the Roswell crash, the recovery of alien bodies, and the existence of a 12-person committee (MJ12) created to study the incident.

As investigations progressed, questionable associations of William Moore, a key figure in the MJ12 narrative, came to light. Several documents related to MJ12 were later recognized as fakes. Moore allegedly admitted to being manipulated by members of the secret services, specifically mentioning Sergeant Richard Doty, an agent with the Air Force's AFOSI (Air Force Office of Special Investigations).

Doty, stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, was reportedly involved with a meeting in November 1987 attended by Linda M. Howe and John Lear, where 'secret documents' concerning MJ12 and alien captives were shown. This meeting took place at the base and was organized by Captain Collins.

Further complicating the MJ12 narrative, ufologist Lee Graham, concerned about Moore's alleged involvement with secret services, requested a DIS (Defense Investigation Service) inquiry into Moore. Ironically, Graham himself became the subject of an investigation, visited by FBI agent William Hurley and General Michael Kerby, who focused on the MJ12 documents and stealth aircraft (F117A).

Graham's subsequent request for his security file revealed he was being 'followed' by Colonel Barry Hennessey, identified by Jacques Vallée as Doty's superior and responsible for the security of stealth aircraft programs.

The investigation into these connections led to Scott Jones, described as an enigmatic and influential figure involved in both American ufology and paranormal domains. Jones, a former naval intelligence officer, had advised the President's Scientific Consultation Committee and testified before Senate committees on 'intelligence'. He was also a special assistant to Senator Clairborne Pell.

Jones is portrayed as a central figure, connecting ufologists with a generous donor funding ufological events. He also reportedly linked 'little guys' to Colonel John Alexander, a former military official involved in sensitive defense initiatives and parapsychology.

Scott Jones's influence extended to General Stubblebine, former director of the Intelligence and Security Command, who is now involved with Psi Tech, a group providing advice on parapsychology to major American companies. Psi Tech was notably involved in attempts to 'locate' biological weapons in Iraq using 'remote viewing'.

Brigadier General Arthur Exon, a former pilot and commander of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, also weighed in, calling MJ12 a 'fumisterie' but confirming the existence of a secret committee in the 1950s that studied the Roswell affair. He named Symington, Spaatz, Eisenhower, Truman, and Hillenkoetter as members.

The article posits that the constant influx of witnesses and information, while seemingly clarifying, actually serves to obscure the truth, characteristic of manipulation. It references Paul Watzlawick's concept of paradoxical communication and questions the percentage to which ufologists and intelligence services determine each other's actions, and what disinformation provides to ufology.

Schmitt and Randle, authors of a major Roswell investigation, suggest the MJ12 affair was fabricated to divert attention from the crash, aligning with Jacques Vallée's view of an occult group. This aligns with Sir John Masterman's principles of disinformation, where the credibility of the sender is crucial for the effectiveness of false information.

Rendlesham Forest Incident and Government Influence

The issue also touches upon the Rendlesham Forest incident in December 1980, where UFOs were reportedly sighted near the Woodbridge air base. A memorandum by Colonel Charles Halt described radar detections, a close encounter with mysterious visitors, and an audio recording. The article notes the involvement of numerous military and security agents, including Ralph Noyes, former head of the UK Ministry of Defence's Secretariat.

Jenny Randles, a British investigator, confirms that something happened but is less inclined to label it a UFO, suggesting manipulation. Jacques Vallée shares this view, questioning the purpose behind such alleged manipulation.

French Ufology and Military Involvement

The magazine then shifts focus to France, contrasting its approach to intelligence and transparency with the Anglo-Saxon tradition. It suggests that French intelligence services prefer a more discreet stance.

The article highlights that the first network for collecting and analyzing UFO sightings in France was military, specifically within the gendarmeries. Testimonies from civilians and military personnel were sent to the BPRO (Bureau de Prospective et de Recherche Opérationnelle) within the Air Force Staff, responsible for technical monitoring of air defense.

This military interest in UFOs dates back to the Bureau Scientifique of the Ministry of Air, established in 1954, which instructed its personnel to report all UFO-related information. The article mentions General Chassin, head of the Groupement d'Etude des Phénomènes Aériens, as a significant figure.

The Ummo affair is presented as another example of military interest, with intelligence services potentially using it as a basis for concern. Jacques Vallée is cited regarding French authorities deploying helicopters and planes to photograph the alleged Ummo landing site in La Javie.

A 1977 report from the Institut des Hautes Etudes de la Défense Nationale warned that ufology publications offer a 'precious mine of information' and that the 'attraction for UFOs' could serve to 'distract' public attention from more serious issues, suggesting a potential for manipulation.

The 'Ummo' Affair: Spanish Cases and Alleged Extraterrestrial Contact

The latter part of the magazine focuses on two alleged UFO landing incidents in Spain in 1966 and 1967, attributed to 'Ummo' entities.

The first incident occurred on February 7, 1966, in Aluche, Madrid, where two men reportedly witnessed a white disc land and take off, leaving behind burned ground. The witness was identified as José Luis Jordan Peña.

Nine days later, the magazine 'Porqué' published an article on the event. Peña's account was corroborated by another witness, Vicente Ortuño. Peña later claimed to have been visited by an 'aviator officer' who confirmed 'electromagnetic perturbations' related to the sighting.

A second incident took place on June 1, 1967, in San José de Valderas, Madrid. A luminous phenomenon described as a discoidal mass was observed. A photographer, initially anonymous, provided photos of the object, which bore a distinctive symbol: )+(. This symbol is identified as the emblem of 'Ummo'.

Later, Antonio San Antonio, a journalist, published two clichés of an object consisting of two 'plates' with the )+( symbol. He was contacted by an anonymous photographer who had allegedly taken five negatives.

Marius Lleget, author of 'Mythe et réalité des soucoupes volantes', was contacted by another individual, Antonio Pardo, who claimed to have witnessed and photographed the San José de Valderas UFO. Pardo sent letters with reports and photos, including negatives of the object and a fragment of a tube bearing the )+( symbol.

Henri Dagousset, a Frenchman, circulated a letter in Santa Monica, California, offering a reward for information about small metal cylinders allegedly discovered following the San José de Valderas events. He claimed to have already recovered several such tubes.

José Luis Jordan Peña reappeared, investigating the similarities between the Aluche and San José de Valderas cases. He discovered witnesses who saw the UFO and traces of its landing, including rectangular marks and burned grass. He also learned that residents had found strange silver tubes.

Rafaël Farriols, who was investigating the Ummo affair, discovered that since 1965, Spaniards had been receiving letters signed by 'extraterrestrials on a mission on Earth: the Ummits', bearing the )+( emblem.

The article concludes that, in both the Aluche and San José de Valderas affairs, the entire narrative rests on a single man: José Luis Jordan Peña. It suggests that Peña's role as the primary witness and investigator in these cases gives his accounts significant 'influence'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phénomèna revolve around the deep entanglement of military and intelligence services with the UFO phenomenon. The magazine suggests that these agencies are less interested in the UFOs themselves and more in the potential for ufology to be used as a tool for psychological warfare, disinformation, and social control. The editorial stance appears critical of official explanations and highlights the perceived manipulation of information within the UFO community by covert agencies. The issue emphasizes the need for critical analysis and questions the motives behind the dissemination of certain UFO-related narratives, particularly those involving alleged secret committees like MJ12 and purported extraterrestrial contacts like Ummo.

This issue of Phénomèna, dated Juillet-Août 1992, is a French magazine focused on ufology and related phenomena. It presents a deep dive into the controversial Ummo case, exploring the potential role of José Luis Jordan Peña, and also features a significant declassified CIA document from 1952 concerning UFOs and psychological warfare.

The Ummo Case: José Luis Jordan Peña's Role

The magazine dedicates a substantial portion to dissecting the Ummo affair, a complex case involving purported extraterrestrial communications. The article scrutinizes the involvement of José Luis Jordan Peña, suggesting he may have been instrumental in creating and perpetuating the phenomenon. It highlights how Peña allegedly fabricated evidence, such as photos and ground traces, and manipulated testimonies. The narrative points to his extensive efforts, spanning over twenty-six years, to create a scientific and anecdotal body of work related to the Ummo beings.

• Key aspects of Peña's alleged involvement include:
• Fabricated Evidence: The article details how Peña is suspected of creating fake UFO landing traces at Aluche and Santa Monica, and of producing doctored photographs using a maquette.
• Media Manipulation: It is suggested that Peña orchestrated media alerts to ensure widespread coverage of his fabricated events, using newspapers like Porqué and agencies like Cifra and Efe.
• Witness Manipulation: Peña is accused of systematically influencing witnesses and creating confirmations for events he had already invented, including the peculiar 'sign' found on the UFOs.
• Association with 'Messieurs d'Ummo': The investigation posits that Peña acted as an agent for a group known as the 'Messieurs d'Ummo,' who allegedly decided to bring the affair to a wider public.
• Hypothesis of a 'Group Delusion': The article, referencing psychiatrist Carles Berche Cruz, explores the hypothesis that the Ummo letters might have originated from a collective delusion or a group of individuals, with Peña being a prolific contributor.
• Antonio Ribera's Role: The magazine notes Antonio Ribera's initial skepticism towards the Ummo case and his later involvement, suggesting he was also drawn into the affair.

The article concludes that while Peña may have been the 'man of hand' or 'agent,' he likely did not act alone, leaving open the possibility of other instigators.

Declassified CIA Document: UFOs and Psychological Warfare (1952)

A significant section of the magazine presents a declassified document from the CIA's Bureau of Scientific Intelligence (OSI), dated September 11, 1952. This document, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), reveals the US government's early official interest in UFOs.

• The key takeaways from the CIA document include:
• National Security Concern: The CIA acknowledged that UFOs posed a potential national security threat, particularly in the context of the Cold War and the possibility of Soviet technological advancements.
• Unexplained Cases: The document notes that 20% of UFO cases remained unexplained, raising concerns about distinguishing them from potential Soviet aircraft or missiles.
• Psychological Warfare Potential: The CIA explicitly considered the possibility of using UFO phenomena for psychological warfare, both offensively and defensively.
• Investigation Recommendations: The document recommended the formation of a study group to analyze UFO data, determine their scientific implications, and establish appropriate research protocols.
• The 'Washington Carousel': The document references the recurrent UFO sightings above Washington D.C. in July 1952, known as the 'Washington Carousel,' as a catalyst for the investigation.
• Robertson Commission: It mentions the subsequent Robertson Commission, led by the CIA in early 1953, which, despite acknowledging the problem, would later deny UFOs as an extraterrestrial phenomenon.

The document underscores the early recognition within US intelligence agencies that UFOs were not merely a fringe topic but a matter with potential strategic implications.

Review of Press (Revue de presse)

• This section provides a curated overview of recent publications related to ufology from various countries:
• France: The magazine *Prisme* is highlighted for its special issue on the 'enigmatic affair of flying saucers,' though the reviewer notes its hypotheses are not entirely groundbreaking.
• USA: The publication *Phoenix Liberator* is discussed, linking UFO phenomena to the far-right and conspiracy theories, and mentioning figures like Gyeorgos Ceres Hatonn and Billy Meier.
• International Publications: A comprehensive list of international UFO journals and newsletters is presented, including titles from Great Britain, Italy, Australia, Germany, Turkey, Spain, and Argentina, with brief mentions of their contents, such as articles on spontaneous human combustion, foo-fighters, and alleged British UFO photos.

Other Articles and Features

• 'Passez aux Actes': This section announces the upcoming 'Sixth European Meetings of Lyon,' a limited-edition document available for purchase.
• 'Les Messieurs d'Ummo': This is a continuation of the discussion on the Ummo case, detailing how the 'Messieurs d'Ummo' allegedly planned to spread their communications to a wider audience and how they involved Antonio Ribera.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of deception, manipulation, and the potential for UFO phenomena to be exploited for political or psychological purposes. The editorial stance appears critical and investigative, aiming to uncover the truth behind complex cases like Ummo and to highlight official government interest in UFOs. There is a clear skepticism towards sensationalism and an emphasis on rigorous analysis, even when dealing with highly speculative subjects. The magazine seems committed to presenting a balanced, albeit critical, perspective on ufological matters, often questioning the motives and methods of key figures and organizations involved.