Phenomene OVNI - No 01 - 4e trim 1977

Magazine Overview

This document is the first issue (N° 1) of the French ufology magazine "le phénomène O.V.N.I", published by the Comité Savoyard d'études et de Recherches Ufologiques (CSERU) in the 4th quarter of 1977. The cover prominently features the magazine's title and the CSERU acronym, along with its full name.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Nicolas Greslou, the president of CSERU, expresses the mixed emotions of launching a new publication, especially one dealing with a controversial subject like UFOs. Greslou acknowledges the challenges and responsibilities of creating a journal that serves multiple audiences: CSERU members, the general public, experienced ufologists, and potentially scientists. He emphasizes that the magazine will not be a superficial or 'salon' ufology publication but will aim to foster debate and confront ideas honestly, even if contradictory, with the goal of advancing knowledge. The editorial also pays tribute to Pierre Bourbon, a deceased founding member of CSERU, who served as an intelligent skeptic and 'devil's advocate'.

CSERU Presentation

Pages 4 and 5 detail the mission and activities of CSERU, a non-profit association established in 1976. Its goals include gathering researchers interested in ufology in the Savoie region, investigating UFO sightings, promoting public knowledge, and collaborating with national and international ufological associations. CSERU explicitly rejects cultism, profit-seeking, or religious dogma, focusing instead on honest intellectual study of the phenomenon. The article outlines five key activities:

1. Investigations: CSERU conducts rigorous, on-site investigations of UFO sightings, involving geographical, meteorological, and human context studies. This process requires patience, meticulousness, and a degree of skepticism from the investigators.
2. Public Awareness: CSERU organizes monthly 'conference-debates' in Savoie to address public questions about ufology and can visit educational institutions.
3. Informant Network: The association is building a network of informants across Savoie to identify potential sightings and gather information.
4. Collaboration with Ufologists: CSERU maintains frequent and friendly contact with other ufological groups, fostering information exchange through meetings, correspondence, and phone calls.
5. Collaboration with Scientists: CSERU views collaboration with scientists as a logical outcome of ufological research, aiming to be supported and advised by them, while also providing them with documented cases they might not have the resources to collect themselves. This collaboration is seen as a way to position France as a leader in UFO research.

Articles and Features

• "1908 : 'apocalypse en Sibérie ?" by Jacques Bosso (pages 6-9): This extensive article details the 1908 Tunguska event. It describes the phenomenon, the eyewitness accounts of a bright globe and a massive explosion, the flattened trees, and the shockwaves that circled the globe. The article then delves into various hypotheses proposed to explain the event, including a giant meteorite explosion, a high-altitude nuclear explosion by an unknown civilization, a cometary impact, an 'anti-object' made of antimatter, and the passage of a 'micro black hole' through the Earth. It also touches upon the idea of extraterrestrial visitors.
• Humor (page 10): A drawing by Eric Buttard.
• Tribune libre : "je suis un homme de gauche", by Marc Derive (pages 11-12): A personal opinion piece.
• "De la faune ufologique " (1): le grand public. by Nicolas Greslou (pages 13-17): This article likely discusses the public's perception and understanding of ufology.
• Lettre au ministre (page 18): A letter addressed to a minister.
• "1977: notes et reflexions sur une mode littéraire", by Michel Picard (pages 19-21): This piece reflects on the literary trends related to UFOs in 1977.
• Lu dans la presse (pages 22-23): A section summarizing relevant news from the press.
• Les enquêtes du CSERU : 1973, quasi atterrissage à St Girod. Condensé d'enquêtes by Jacques Roulet (pages 24-28): This section presents a condensed report of a CSERU investigation into a 1973 'quasi-landing' incident in St Girod.
• Les structures du CSERU (page 29): Details about the organization of CSERU.
• Renseignements (page 30): Information and contact details.

Notable Quote

The issue concludes with a quote attributed to Henri Poincaré: "The search for truth must be the sole goal of our activity: it is the only end that is worthy of it."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this inaugural issue are the rigorous investigation of UFO phenomena, the exploration of scientific and speculative hypotheses, and the promotion of ufology as a serious field of study. CSERU's editorial stance, as articulated by Nicolas Greslou, is one of intellectual honesty, a commitment to open debate, and a rejection of sensationalism or 'parlor ufology'. The magazine aims to be a platform for serious discussion and research, contributing to a better understanding of UFOs, particularly within the Savoie region and France as a whole. The detailed examination of the Tunguska event exemplifies the magazine's approach to in-depth analysis of significant cases.

This issue of 'tribune libre' features a prominent article titled 'AU MINISTRE' dated June 12, 1977, which addresses the French Secretary of State for Scientific Research. The magazine also includes a satirical cartoon and a lengthy, humorous classification of individuals involved in ufology.

AU MINISTRE

The article, originating from a meeting of ufological groups in Imbourg (Ardèche) on July 24, 1977, details a joint request from eight ufological groups in southeastern France, including the CSERU, to the Secretary of State for Scientific Research. The CSERU, as a co-signatory, shares the text of this request with its readers.

The letter, dated June 12, 1977, from Imbourg, reminds the Minister that the Gendarmerie Nationale has been collecting precise instructions since August 1968 to gather observations of aerial phenomena commonly known as UFOs by the public.

It highlights a significant turning point in 1974 when Mr. Robert GALLEY, then Minister of National Defense, adopted a stance that marked a change in public policy regarding this phenomenon.

For several years, researchers from the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, including Mr. Claude POHER, have been privately centralizing information from the armed forces, the national gendarmerie, and private investigation groups. The letter is written on behalf of these groups.

The authors express regret that researchers like Pierre GUERIN, Claude POHER, Maurice VITON, Jean Pierre PETIT, Pierre KOHLER, and others, do not have the necessary time and resources to conduct this research effectively.

They note that France has never adopted a closed or systematically negating attitude towards this issue, unlike some other countries. The ufological groups represent a significant number of people across the territory, conducting investigations, surveillance, detections, and studies within their means. Over the years, they have acquired considerable experience in information gathering, which they have already shared with scientists.

These scientists have succeeded in demonstrating the reality and scientific importance of the UFO phenomenon. The non-profit associations believe it is their duty to respectfully draw the Minister's attention to the value of effectively exploiting the already gathered intelligence. They consider it highly desirable that France, often a leader in other domains, should take the initiative to allocate sufficient credits to subsidize official research conducted by competent scientists.

They believe that public opinion, currently more sensitive than ever, would favorably welcome such an attitude from the public authorities.

The article concludes by stating that these are the full terms of the missive and that they believe it reflects the aspirations and opinions of their members and readers. The publication promises to keep readers informed of the Secretary of State's response in a future issue.

Cartoon: Extraterrestrials

A humorous cartoon depicts various extraterrestrial concepts with French dialogue. It features characters questioning the existence of 'Extra-Solaires' (Extra-Solar beings), 'Extra-Lunaires' (Extra-Lunar beings), 'Extra-Martiens' (Extra-Martians), 'Extra-Vénusiens' (Extra-Venusians), and 'Extra-Terrestres' (Extra-Terrestrials). One character exclaims 'Impossible!!!', while another dismisses the ideas with 'Bof!'. A Saturnian figure laughs. A flying saucer with an alien inside is shown, with a question about where to start. Another bubble asks if they want to stop saying stupid things. The cartoon is signed 'BUTTARD'.

Classification of Ufological Personalities by Nicolas GRESLOU

This section, written by Nicolas GRESLOU, presents a humorous and satirical classification of 32 different types of individuals encountered in the field of ufology. The author likens this to a zoological study, categorizing people based on their reactions and attitudes towards UFOs.

I - The Grand Public

This category includes:
1. Le Plaisantin (The Joker): Makes jokes about UFOs, often in public.
2. L'Outre (The Gloomy One): Expresses cynicism and compares UFO interest to more pressing world issues.
3. La Nevrose (The Neurotic): Sees UFOs everywhere, feels followed, and reports strange occurrences.
4. L'Attardé (The Backward One): Stuck in the 'little green men' and Martian era.
5. Le Nostalgique (The Nostalgic One): Wishes they could go for a ride in a saucer.
6. L'Utopique (The Utopian): Believes UFOs will land at their place and has built an 'ovniport'.
7. Le Père Indigne (The Unworthy Father): Uses UFOs as a threat to children.
8. Le Militant d'Extrême Gauche (The Extreme Left Militant): Views UFOs as a capitalist distraction.
9. Le Militant d'Extrême Droite (The Extreme Right Militant): Agrees with the left-wing view, seeing UFO interest as a distraction from revolution.
10. Le Lubrique (The Lustful One): Hopes to have an affair with a Venusian.
11. L'Obsédé Sexuel (The Sexually Obsessed One): Sees phallic symbols in UFOs.
12. Le Grognon (The Grumpy One): Complains that UFOs disrupt the weather.
13. Le Farceur (The Prankster): Plays pranks related to UFOs.
14. Le Saint Thomas (The Doubting Thomas): Needs to see a UFO land in their garden to believe.
15. Le Croyant (The Believer): Believes in UFOs like a religion, potentially dangerous.
16. Le No Brilolane (The Unimpressed One): Anthropocentric, believes humans are the center of the universe.
17. Le Lycéen (The High Schooler): Sees UFOs as a topic for school projects, likely to become commonplace.
18. Le Fanfaron (The Boaster): Claims to know everything about UFOs.
19. Le Pessimiste (The Pessimist): Sees UFOs as a sign of the end of the world.
20. L'Ancien Combattant (The Old Soldier): Claims to have seen similar things in past wars.
21. L'Idiot du Village (The Village Idiot): Dismisses UFO talk with a gesture.
22. Le Mordú de Science-Fiction (The Sci-Fi Addict): Uses complex scientific theories to explain UFOs.
23. Le Masochiste (The Masochist): Attends UFO conferences for a thrill, like a horror film.
24. Le Persécuté (The Persecuted One): Believes they are being watched by spies and 'men in black'.
25. Le Rigolard (The Joker): Makes lighthearted jokes about UFO abductions.
26. Le Poète (The Poet): Sees UFOs as a means of escape and dreams.
27. Le Je M'en Foutiste (The Indifferent One): Doesn't care about UFOs.
28. Le Prudent (The Prudent One): Open to the idea of UFOs but cautious.
29. Le Naïf (The Naive One): Believes everything they hear from media and neighbors.
30. L'Illuminé ou Mystique (The Illuminated or Mystic): Sees UFOs as a new religion or 'contactees'.
31. Le Sceptique Borné (The Stubborn Skeptic): Denies UFOs without any knowledge of the subject.
32. Le Sceptique Intelligent (The Intelligent Skeptic): Rare and valuable, engages in constructive debate.

The author concludes by inviting readers to share any other examples they might have and suggests that psychologists, psychiatrists, and sociologists can extract the 'substantific essence' from this classification.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine 'tribune libre' appears to provide a platform for diverse opinions, particularly on controversial topics like ufology, parapsychology, and esotericism. The editorial stance, as indicated by the 'NOTE IMPORTANTE' regarding Marc DERIVE's article, is to publish honest opinions, even if they are not fully endorsed by the publication, to stimulate reflection and debate among readers. The magazine encourages reader participation through comments and aims to foster a confrontation of opposing ideas. The 'AU MINISTRE' article reflects a proactive stance in advocating for serious scientific research into UAP, while the classification of ufological personalities suggests a critical yet often humorous approach to the subject matter and its proponents.

This issue of "Structures" (Volume 2, Issue 25, dated June 1977) is a French publication focused on ufology, featuring investigative reports and news related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Book Reviews

The issue begins with a review of several books on UFOs. "Ulysse au Triangle des Bermudes" by de Vecchi is briefly mentioned. "Les Extraterrestres" by Retz, part of a collection directed by Rémy Chauvin, is criticized for sensationalism and poor documentation. "J'ai été le cobaye des Extra terrestres" by Promazur, detailing the story of a miraculous ambulance driver, is discussed, but its credibility is questioned due to the author's alleged "bad company" in ufology and the lack of scientific validation. The review suggests that commercial interests may have overshadowed the case's potential scientific value.

More favorably reviewed are "Premières enquêtes sur les humanoïdes extraterrestres" by Laffont, despite being written in 1974 and published in 1977, making it feel dated. It is considered part of a valuable trilogy with "le livre noir des soucoupes volantes" and "les dossiers des Ovni". "Chasseurs d'OVNI" by François Gardes (a pseudonym) is praised for its humorous and self-deprecating approach to describing the UFO community, though it offers little new insight into the UFO problem itself. The author is noted for not taking himself too seriously, a quality deemed rare in the field.

"La Chronique des OVNI" by Michel Bougard is highlighted as a significant work, compiling and developing the history of UFOs from prehistory to World War II. The book is credited with providing a comprehensive and solid overview, challenging many existing theories and suggesting that the UFO phenomenon has ancient roots, predating the commonly cited 1947 date. The review commends Bougard for avoiding excessive interpretations and biblical references, making the dossier more valid.

Press Reports on UFO Sightings

The magazine compiles several recent press reports on UFO sightings:

• "Le Président a vu un Ovni" (La Montagne, May 2, 1977): Reports that President Jimmy Carter, in a letter, recounted seeing a UFO in October 1969 while he was governor of Georgia. He described a bright object that changed color and shape, observed with ten members of the Lions-club.
• "OVNI ou pas ?" (La Dépêche du Midi, September 19, 1977): Describes sightings of strongly illuminated flying objects by inhabitants of Novara, Italy, moving rapidly in zig-zag patterns and emitting red, blue, green, and yellow lights.
• "Ordre du jour de la 32è session de l'ONU" (Progrès, September 17, 1977): Notes that the UN General Assembly would discuss the possibility of creating a specialized agency to study UFOs, particularly concerning potentially hostile ones.
• "Un Extraterrestre en Italie" (Sud Ouest, September 3 & Dauphiné, September 18): Details an encounter near Avellino, Italy, where seven people reported seeing a tall "extraterrestrial" with a luminous helmet operating a spatial craft emitting multicolored lights. The craft landed in a field, and the occupant approached the witnesses before returning to the craft.
• "OVNI?" (Nouvelle République de Tarbes, August 19, 1977): Reports on an investigation by gendarmes into a doctor's sighting of a UFO near Houetteville, France. They discovered three deep holes forming an isosceles triangle and burnt stubble, though radioactivity tests were negative.
• "OVNI dans le ciel d'Espagne" (Dépêche du Midi, September 21, 1977): Mentions that scientists in Spain have confirmed the presence of a flying object in the Huesca region for over a month, described as round and emitting green and red lights. French scientists were expected to investigate.
• "Ovni à Arcachon" (Dépêche du Midi, September 21, 1977): Reports that seven people in Arcachon, France, witnessed three mysterious, colored balls moving erratically without sound over a week after the event.

Detailed Investigation: Saint-Girod Case

The issue presents a detailed investigation into two UFO observations that occurred in the hamlet of "la Vieille Eglise" near Saint-Girod, Savoie, France, in mid-July 1973.

• First Observation (mid-July 1973, approx. 9 PM): Witnessed by Augusta Tournier, a 71-year-old farmer. She described a dark, elongated object, about 7-8 meters long, with two yellow headlights at the front, two red at the rear, and a larger yellow headlight on top. It projected diffuse light and oscillated calmly before disappearing eastward. She was certain it was not a helicopter.
• Second Observation (mid-July 1973, 11:45 PM): Witnessed by Denis Triquet (16), his brother Georges Triquet (a garage owner), and their aunt Angèle Fossorier. Denis Triquet, returning on his moped, saw an intense white, slightly flattened spherical light, about 4-5 meters in diameter, descending vertically and silently towards a field. The object hovered about 20 meters above the ground before disappearing behind a hedge. Later, from a bedroom window, they observed the luminous disc for 20 minutes as it hovered horizontally near the ground, completely silent. No trace was found the next day, and neighbors had seen or heard nothing. The witnesses decided not to report it for fear of ridicule.

An article from "Dauphiné Libéré" dated March 22, 1974, brought this case to light, prompting a serious investigation by the Gendarmerie of Albens.

Conclusions on Saint-Girod Case

The investigation concludes:

1. Canular (Hoax) excluded: The witnesses are deemed credible, honest, serious, and reputable.
2. Hallucination excluded: The possibility of hallucination is considered unlikely, especially given the three-day interval between the two observations and the number of witnesses.
3. Confusion with known phenomena excluded: The report implies that common explanations do not fit the descriptions.
4. UFO Hypothesis: This is considered the most probable and plausible explanation. The consistency of the witnesses' accounts across different investigations (Dauphiné Libéré, Gendarmerie, CSERU) strengthens this hypothesis.

Technical details from the investigations were omitted to keep the review accessible. The CSERU is noted for citing witnesses' names, unlike other organizations that use initials.

GEPAN and French Ufology

The issue highlights a significant development in French ufology: the official creation of GEPAN (Groupe d'Études des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés) on August 31, 1977. This group, under the direction of physicist Claude Poher (formerly of CNES), is tasked by the government with studying UFOs. Poher, who had already been researching UFOs privately for 10 years, will utilize CNES resources, including a database of 40,000 observations. A scientific council will be established to guide GEPAN's activities. The article mentions that the US President, Jimmy Carter, has also entrusted the UFO dossier to NASA physicist Carl Sagan. The creation of GEPAN is presented as a commendable step, making France the only European country to officially address the UFO phenomenon in this manner.

Organization Information

The magazine concludes by listing the "Structures" organization's leadership, including President Nicolas Greslou, Vice-Presidents Jacques Roulet and Jacques Bosso, Secretary Marc Derive, Treasurers Jean Louis Boubet and Roland Lequeux, and Archivist Serge Chazottes. It also lists other members of the administrative council for 1977 and regional delegates who can be contacted for information. The headquarters and correspondence address for CSERU in Chambéry is provided, along with details of their public reception hours.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, witness testimonies, official investigations (both historical and contemporary, including the new GEPAN initiative), and critical reviews of UFO-related literature. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, favoring credible witness accounts and scientific investigation while being critical of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous methodology and official acknowledgment of the subject, as exemplified by the creation of GEPAN.

This document, titled 'BLOC-NOTES', appears to be an internal newsletter or bulletin from the CSERU (Centre d'étude des phénomènes spatiaux et de recherches ufologiques), dated the 4th trimester of 1977. It functions as a supplement or companion to their publication, 'Phénomène OVNI'. The content is primarily in French and focuses on organizational updates, membership information, and a critical review of a book.

Collaborator and Publication Information

The bulletin begins by stating that all collaborators are volunteers and that any profits generated by CSERU are fully reinvested into ufological research and the review. It clarifies that 'Phénomène OVNI' will publish articles based on available space, and the responsibility for their content lies solely with the authors. The articles, photos, and drawings are protected by the 1957 law on artistic property, with reproduction requiring written authorization from CSERU.

The publication is printed in France by CSERU using a duplicator. The Director of Publication is Nicolas Greslou, and the legal deposit date is the 4th trimester of 1977.

Subscriptions and Memberships

Detailed information is provided regarding subscriptions and memberships:

• Subscription to the review: 20 francs
• Membership in CSERU: 30 francs
• Membership + Subscription: 50 francs

Membership benefits include:

• Access to the library to borrow books and reviews.
• Attendance at quarterly conferences organized for members.
• The ability to freely consult anonymized investigations.
• Participation in CSERU life, including the general assembly.
• Opportunities to undertake various tasks based on time and capacity, as proposed by the administration council.
• Serving as an informant and reporting potential investigations after training.
• Receiving reductions on public conferences organized by the Committee.

Payments for subscriptions and memberships can be made via bank check payable to CSERU or by CCP (Compte Courant Postal) without specifying an account or beneficiary.

Correspondence and Meetings

Correspondence should be addressed to CSERU at 16 quai Charles Ravet, Chambéry (telephone: (79) 33-43-85). The CSERU holds public meetings (permanences) on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, at 7 rue Métropole, postal code 73000.

Book Review: "Ces OVNI QUI ANNONCENT LE SURHOMMES" by Pierre Vieroudy

The main article is a critical review by Michel Picard of Pierre Vieroudy's book, "Ces OVNI QUI ANNONCENT LE SURHOMMES" (published by Tchou). Picard begins by expressing respect for others' ideas but states he cannot accept them when presented as absolute truths. He characterizes Vieroudy's thesis—that UFOs are psychically created by humans and that discussing extraterrestrials is a form of 'neo-religious obscurantism'—as 'irreceivable' and 'pernicious'.

Picard notes that other individuals, such as Aimé Michel, Claude Poher, and Pierre Guerin, have already pointed out errors and omissions in Vieroudy's work in the review 'Lumières dans la nuit'. Picard adds that it is abusive to use parapsychology to explain UFOs, describing parapsychology as a nascent science. He argues that attempting to explain the unknown (UFOs) with another unknown (parapsychology) is premature.

He finds Vieroudy's assertion that humans possess limitless potential derived from infinite brain capacity to be seductive. Picard questions whether Vieroudy himself might be the first 'superman' he prophesies.

Picard further critiques Vieroudy's book, stating that despite its apparent confidence, the author often relies on affirmations and a conditional tone, which he sees as a significant flaw. He suggests that Vieroudy desires to convince readers but is unsure if he can, revealing mechanisms of the unconscious.

Two specific examples of Vieroudy's alleged manipulation of information are provided:

1. Loch Ness Monster: On page 275, Vieroudy links the Loch Ness monster to UFOs, claiming it appears when one thinks strongly of it and causes psychological effects similar to those of UFO encounters. Picard finds this assertion questionable and suggests readers consult other works on the subject.
2. Modifications of Reality: On page 282, Vieroudy uses two works to support his thesis on 'modifications of reality'. Picard points out that one of Aimé Michel's books, originally about mystical prodigies, is misrepresented by Vieroudy as being about 'folklore from all regions of the world'. Picard concludes that Vieroudy's intellectual journey is 'folkloric', citing the title of chapter 5, 'le cas GOGOS', as indicative of the book's tone.

Michel Picard's review is dated September 28, 1977.

Editor's Notes (NDLR)

• Note 1: The editors invite readers and ufologists to react to the literary critiques published in the review. They intend to publish the most significant correspondence in the next issue to foster debate and constructive exchanges.
• Note 2: An in-depth study of Jean-Claude Bourret's latest book, "la science face aux extra-terrestres" (France-Empire), has been omitted from this issue. CSERU plans to dedicate a significant portion of issue number 2 to works, achievements, and the personality of the deputy editor-in-chief of T.F. 1. A more complete study on Bourret's book will appear in a subsequent issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the operational aspects of the CSERU (membership, subscriptions, activities) and a critical engagement with ufological theories presented in published works. The editorial stance, as exemplified by Michel Picard's review, is one of critical analysis and skepticism towards unsubstantiated or dogmatic claims within the field of ufology. The CSERU appears to value rigorous investigation and open debate, as evidenced by their invitation for reader feedback and their commitment to reinvesting resources into research.