Phenomene OVNI - No 06 - 1er trim 1979

Magazine Overview

This issue of CSERU (Comité Savoyard d'études et de Recherches Ufologiques) is identified as issue number 6, published in the first trimester of 1979. The cover prominently features 'le phénomène O.V.N.I.' (The UFO Phenomenon) and the organization's name. The magazine is priced at 5 francs.

Table of Contents (Sommaire)

• The table of contents lists several articles and sections:
• Sommaire: page 1
• Dans la presse (In the Press): pages 2 and 3
• A la vitrine du libraire (At the Bookseller's Window): pages 4 to 6
• Echos retardés (Delayed Echoes): pages 7 to 10
• Carte blanche à... Jacques Bosso (Carte Blanche to... Jacques Bosso): pages 11-12
• Mutilations d'animaux, affaire troublante (Animal Mutilations, Troubling Affair), by Jean Sider: pages 13 to 19
• Courrier (Mail): Pierre Guérin, Michel Picard, Jean Sider: pages 20 to 22
• Vagues d'OVNI et inquiétudes de population (UFO Waves and Public Concerns), 3rd part, by Nicolas Greslou: pages 23 onwards
• Enquêtes (Investigations): pages 31 to 34
• Structures: page 35
• Bloc Notes (Notepad): page 36

A quote from Arthur C. Clarke is featured: "When a distinguished scientist of a certain age affirms that something enters the realm of the possible, there is a strong chance he is right. But when he affirms that something is rigorously impossible, he is certainly wrong."

In the Press

This section compiles news reports about UFOs from various publications:

1. ITALY: Description of an extraterrestrial. An article from 'Est Republicain' (January 13, 1979) details the testimony of Fortunato Zanfretta, a sworn guardian in Genoa, who claimed to have been abducted twice in December 1978 by tall, green-skinned beings with yellow triangular eyes, who arrived in a triangular craft of steel color. His account, recorded under hypnosis, was broadcast by a private TV station. The physician who conducted the hypnosis could not guarantee the veracity of the story, noting the witness's ignorance of science fiction literature and films. Zanfretta reportedly felt unusually hot after one abduction, and his car's radio telephone was silent.

2. ITALY: A UFO disables an electrical power station. Reported by 'Republique du Centre' (December 30, 1978), an OVNI reportedly caused a small power station in the Grand Sasso mountain range to shut down. Two employees of the Prati Di Tivo power station witnessed the control panel needles go wild before the station stopped functioning. They then saw a luminous sphere with red fins moving silently before disappearing. Another witness allegedly photographed the object. The power station's measuring instruments were damaged. Investigators found no rational explanation for the failure, not even lightning.

3. LONDON: Debate on UFOs in the House of Lords. 'Le Progrès' (January 16, 1979) reports that the House of Lords was scheduled to hold a debate on the increasing number of UFO sightings and landings. The debate was initiated by Lord Clancarty, an expert and editor of 'The Flying Saucer Review', who aimed to compel British authorities to reveal their knowledge of UFOs.

UFOs in Antarctica

4. OVNI in ANTARCTICA. According to the Japanese newspaper 'Asahi Shimbun', members of a Japanese Antarctic observation expedition reported seeing a mysterious object on January 6th. Described as a "European flying deer" and flying at an altitude of 3,000 to 5,000 meters, it moved horizontally and in zig-zags. Witnesses agreed on its considerable speed and white or blue color. Other expedition members and an aviation expert on board also reportedly saw similar objects, though the expert could not identify them. A photo of these UFOs was allegedly taken.

UNITED STATES: UFOs and the CIA

5. ETATS-UNIS: OVNI et C.I.A. 'Depêche du midi' (January 15, 1979) and 'France-Soir' (January 17, 1979) report that two American Air Force Phantom F4 fighter-bombers pursued two UFOs in Iran in 1976, according to declassified CIA documents. These documents were released following a lawsuit by the association "The Ground Saucer Watch" based in Phoenix, Arizona, using the Freedom of Information Act. The CIA documents reveal that the agency has been monitoring UFO observations since 1949, contradicting previous government statements. Mr. Spaulding, director of GSW, stated that these documents prove links between various UFO sightings and suggest a surveillance mission on Earth. The documents also mention that in two cases, debris from two UFOs were recovered, one in Mexico and another in Arizona, where two extraterrestrial cadavers, about 1 meter tall with silver skin and metallic suits, were allegedly found by the American aviation. GSW is seeking 57 objects allegedly in CIA possession that would prove the existence of flying saucers. The article notes that a film borrowed by the aviation in 1957 has not been returned.

The editor adds a note calling the affair extraordinary and urging caution, while mentioning L. Stringfield's book "Alerte générale OVNI" as corroborating the existence of recovered UFOs with cadavers.

At the Bookseller's Window

This section reviews books related to ufology:

1. "LES APPARITIONS MYSTERIEUSES", anthology by F. FAVRE, Tchou edition. The reviewer, Michel Picard, critiques this anthology edited by François Favre, a parapsychologist. Picard argues against Favre's theory that Psi phenomena (parapsychology) are the sole explanation for UFOs, calling it an ideology based on superficiality and a 'fake trial' that masks imposture. Picard asserts that scientific methodology is absent from Favre's theories. He contrasts Favre's views with the scientific approach, referencing Claude Bernard.

2. "les OVNI EN BRETAGNE" (Anatomy of a Phenomenon) by Jean François BOEDEC, Fernand Lanore publisher, 1978, 185 pages. Nicolas Greslou reviews this book, noting its originality in focusing on a regional UFO phenomenon in Brittany. While acknowledging its statistical data and illustrations, Greslou criticizes the lack of exhaustive research and missing sources for observations. He also questions the inclusion of cases unrelated to Brittany, suggesting it might be to pad the content. Despite these flaws, he deems it useful for Breton readers but laments the common lack of rigor in reasoning and structure found in ufological literature.

Delayed Echoes

This section explores the phenomenon of "delayed echoes" in radio transmissions.

3. Review of "SCIENCE ET VIE", January 1979, pp 61-63. The article, titled "Are Martians Butterflies?", discusses a theory linking UFO sightings to butterfly swarms. The author sarcastically presents the idea that two American scientists, Scallahan and R.W. Mankins, noted a correlation between UFO waves in Utah (1965-1968) and the swarms of spruce budworm moths. These moths, when subjected to an electric field, emit electrons that ionize the air, causing a bluish flash. The article humorously extrapolates this to explain UFOs, including cigar-shaped objects and their fragmentation. It then satirically attributes extraordinary abilities to these "butterflies," such as flying at 20,000 km/h, performing right-angle turns, and even traveling underwater. The author concludes that Science et Vie has scientifically proven the non-existence of UFOs, ironically celebrating this conclusion.

Delayed Echoes (RETARDES)

The article "Les échos RETARDES" (Delayed Echoes) discusses a rare radio phenomenon where signals are received again, several seconds after the normal reception. This phenomenon was first consciously observed in 1927 in Norway. It has been noted by both amateurs and professionals on various wavelengths. Official scientists initially dismissed it as an illusion. Experiments by the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge and Stanford University failed to reproduce or confirm the phenomenon. The article explores potential explanations:

1. The Moon: While lunar reflection could account for short delays (2-3 seconds), the conditions required for such precise communication are demanding and do not align with the observed characteristics of delayed echoes since 1927, particularly with limited power and standard antennas.

2. Electron Clouds: The idea of electron clouds in space or near the Earth's Lagrange points was proposed to explain longer delays (8 seconds or more). However, space exploration has not provided evidence for such concentrations, and the mechanism for traversing the ionosphere remains unexplained. The intensity of echoes reflected from such hypothetical clouds would also exceed current radio transmission capabilities.

3. Extraterrestrials: Professor R.N. Bracervell of Stanford University proposed the hypothesis of extraterrestrial "repeaters" operating below the ionosphere. These repeaters would receive and retransmit signals to points unreachable directly. This theory could explain the appearance and disappearance of the phenomenon, its independence from natural cycles, and the large variations in echo delays. The author notes that this is akin to how the Mars orbiter relays signals from the Martian surface to Earth. The article suggests that this could be a method for extraterrestrial intelligences to attract attention and reveal their presence, especially considering Earth's location in a relatively young part of the galaxy with potentially millions of habitable planets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena from various angles, including witness accounts, scientific investigations (or lack thereof), and theoretical explanations. There's a critical stance towards purely parapsychological explanations, as seen in the review of Favre's book, while also acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding. The inclusion of news reports from international sources and declassified documents suggests a broad approach to the subject. The tone ranges from serious reporting to satirical commentary, particularly in the review of the 'Science et Vie' article. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging readers to consider various possibilities while maintaining a degree of skepticism towards unsubstantiated theories.

This issue of the magazine, titled "Mutilations et ovni?" (Mutilations and UFOs?), published in 1979, focuses on the controversial connection between Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and the phenomenon of animal mutilations. The issue features articles by Jean Sider and contributions from the CSERU (Comité Européen de Coordination de la Recherche Ufologique).

Article: "Mutilations et ovni?" by Jean Sider

Jean Sider's main article, "Mutilations et ovni?", explores the disturbing phenomenon of animal mutilations, particularly cattle, and argues for a strong link with UFO activity. He begins by noting that while the first "wave" of such incidents was recorded in Kansas in 1973, the phenomenon is much older and not limited to the USA.

Sider estimates that by January 1978, there were approximately 800 victims in the USA, a figure he later revises to around 10,000. He acknowledges that many ufologists, including prominent figures like Professor J.A. Hynek, have been hesitant to link UFOs to these events, often citing official reports suggesting satanic cults or other mundane causes. However, Sider contends that these explanations are inadequate.

He provides a historical overview, mentioning early cases from Kenya and England in the late 19th century, and a case in Oklahoma in the 1930s. More recent incidents include a 1956 case near Twin Falls, Idaho, where a UFO reportedly hovered over a bull, and a 1956 case in Tennessee involving the disappearance of a dog after a UFO landing. The article highlights the case of the horse Snippy in 1967 in Colorado, which became widely publicized due to its unusual nature: the horse was found mutilated without any blood, with strange circular traces nearby. Other cases mentioned include incidents in Bolivia (1968), Brazil (1970), and a significant increase in reports from the US in 1973 and subsequent years, affecting states like Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Montana.

• Sider meticulously lists numerous anomalies associated with these mutilations:
• Absence of Blood: There is never any trace of blood, suggesting it was drained or removed.
• Precise Wounds: The wounds are described as surgically precise, clean, and without ragged edges, often involving the removal of specific organs (eyes, tongue, reproductive organs, rectal area).
• Lack of Trace Evidence: No conventional tracks (footprints, tire marks, etc.) are found around the carcasses, even on soft ground.
• Unusual Trace Evidence: Instead, there are often circular flattened areas of vegetation or strange, symmetrical holes.
• No Scavenging: Scavengers, including insects, generally do not feed on the carcasses, and domestic animals often avoid them.
• Unexplained Death: The exact cause of death is often unclear.
• Carcass Changes: Some carcasses have changed color, liquefied at low temperatures, hardened despite heat, or remained intact for extended periods without decomposition.
• Dead Insects: In some cases, hundreds of dead flies have been found on and around the carcasses.
• Disappearances: Some carcasses have vanished entirely shortly after discovery.
• Strange "Helicopters": In many areas affected by mutilations, strange, silent "helicopters" have been observed, lacking any identification marks and sometimes without cockpits.

Sider criticizes the official stance, particularly the FBI's refusal to investigate, citing jurisdictional issues. He also points out the reluctance of veterinarians to speak out due to pressure. The article emphasizes that despite thousands of reported cases, no culprit has ever been arrested, reinforcing the idea that the perpetrators are not ordinary animals or humans.

Other Sections and Notes

Editorial and Personnel Changes

The issue also includes a section on personnel changes within the GEPAN (Groupe d'Etudes des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-Identifiés), the official French agency for studying unidentified aerospace phenomena. Monsieur Claude Poher, the former head of GEPAN, has taken a long-term leave. His successor, Mr. Alain Esterle, is introduced. Esterle's background includes studies at the École Polytechnique and research at American universities, with a focus on astronautics and applied mathematics. He joined CNES in 1973 and has worked on projects like the Symphonie telecommunications satellites and the Ariane launcher. He also holds a doctorate in applied mathematics and has worked on processing geometric deformation data from Earth observation images.

"Carte Blanche" by Jacques Bosso

Jacques Bosso contributes a "Carte Blanche" section, detailing his humorous and somewhat satirical interviews with various figures in the ufology community. He visits Pierre Guerin at the Meudon observatory, encounters Jean Claude Bourret, and humorously describes his interactions with Claude Vorilhon (known as Raël), who is depicted as repairing a machine for reproducing books and offering signed photos. Bosso also recounts an encounter with two individuals who civilly informed him that UFOs do not exist and cannot exist.

CSERU Activities

A section detailing the activities of CSERU is included, listing dates for sky surveillance evenings and monthly debate conferences on ufology. It also announces the next CECRU (Comité Européen de Coordination de la Recherche Ufologique) meeting in Nîmes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs and their potential involvement in unexplained phenomena like animal mutilations. The magazine, through its articles and contributions, adopts a stance that encourages open investigation into these topics, often questioning official explanations and highlighting the need for further research. There is a clear emphasis on presenting detailed case studies and anomalies that challenge conventional understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official denials and a belief that UFOs represent a genuine, albeit poorly understood, phenomenon with potentially significant implications.

This issue of "COURRIER," dated January 25, 1979, volume 20, issue 5, focuses on the relationship between UFO sightings and public anxiety, particularly unemployment. It features a letter from Pierre Guérin responding to a previous correspondence, a critique of ufologist Pierre Vieroudy's theories, and a communication from the group GRIPHOM.

Pierre Guérin's Reassessment of UFOs

Pierre Guérin, in a letter to the editor, clarifies his evolving views on UFOs. He states that he was unaware his private correspondence with M. Alezard had been made public. Guérin revisits his earlier opinions, emphasizing that while he still believes UFOs represent manifestations of an intelligent, non-human "source X," he no longer considers them to be "astronefs" or conventional spacecraft. He argues that their mimetic behavior, adapting to human imaginary representations, suggests manipulation rather than literal exploration. He questions whether UFOs have an "interior" and if "ufonauts" are as illusory as other contactee phenomena. Guérin reiterates the idea that transcendent intelligences are fundamentally incomprehensible to humans, suggesting that encounters with beings of similar intellectual levels are improbable due to vast differences in cosmic age.

Critique of Pierre Vieroudy's "Unemployment Theory"

The core of the issue is a detailed critique of Pierre Vieroudy's hypothesis that UFO waves, particularly those of 1954 and 1973-1974, correlate with peaks in unemployment. The critique, presented by correspondents Francis CONSOLIN and Michel PICARD, and further elaborated by the magazine's editorial team, systematically dismantles Vieroudy's arguments.

Flawed Data and Graphics

The analysis begins by questioning the reliability of the unemployment figures used by Vieroudy, pointing out discrepancies with official Ministry of Labor statistics for specific years in France. It then asserts that the graphs presented by Vieroudy are fundamentally flawed. For France, the year 1973 is "escamotée" (omitted or glossed over), which distorts the unemployment curve and masks a doubling of UFO observations during a period of stable unemployment. Similarly, the Spanish graph is criticized for presenting an increase in UFO observations when the provided data shows a decrease, and for showing an upward trend in UFOs while unemployment figures declined.

Questioning the Correlation

The critique further argues that Vieroudy's suggestion that UFO waves in 1954 and 1973-1974 correspond to unemployment peaks is not supported by broader data. It notes that since 1974, unemployment has not decreased, yet this period is not consistently characterized by a surge in UFO reports. The article also points out that unemployment, while a source of anxiety, is not the sole or even primary driver of UFO sightings, and that other factors, such as increased investigator numbers and public awareness, could explain rising reports.

Alternative Explanations and Criticisms of Vieroudy's Methodology

The article suggests that the increase in UFO reports might be due to a growing number of investigators and a greater willingness of the public to report sightings, rather than societal anxiety. It criticizes Vieroudy's methodology, describing it as "escamotage" (evasion or sleight of hand) and questioning his historical and econometric rigor. The critique also touches upon Vieroudy's theory of "psychic creation" of UFOs, labeling him an "auto halluciné" and citing his own statements about achieving altered states of consciousness to observe UFOs.

Categories of Public Anxiety

To counter Vieroudy's narrow focus on unemployment, the article outlines six broader categories of public anxiety that could potentially correlate with UFO phenomena:

1. Wars: Fear of defeat, loss of loved ones, disrupted daily life, and directed economies.
2. Natural Calamities: Routine events (earthquakes, volcanoes) leading to habituation, and exceptional events (floods, climate disruptions, epidemics) causing unpredictability.
3. Serious Political Crises: Threats to state stability, such as unstable regimes, corrupt governments, coups, and dictatorships.
4. Major Economic Crises: Beyond cyclical fluctuations, including financial crises (devaluation, capital flight), rising prices, stock market crashes, supply shortages, overproduction, and bad harvests.
5. Societal Crises: Moral and psychological issues, including the questioning of traditional values (family, religion), and rejection of material benefits leading to phenomena like the hippie movement, drug use, and sects.
6. Fear of the Future: Anxiety about impending events like the year 1000 or 2000, including pollution, overpopulation, nuclear energy, world wars, and the potential collapse of civilization.

The article concludes that Vieroudy's selective use of measurable economic crises, while ignoring other significant factors, makes his argument incredible.

GRIPHOM Communiqué

The GRIPHOM (Groupement de Recherche et d'Information sur les Phénomènes Ovni et Météorologiques) announces the sale of a four-part bulletin series titled "appareillage de recherche d'amateur en Ovniologie" by Jean BEDET. These bulletins, which detail the history of UFO detection and provide plans for amateur equipment, are being sold for 12 francs each and will not be reissued. The proceeds will be used to fund the GRIPHOM's detection station.

Jean Sider on the Bolivian Crash

Jean SIDER addresses a "reclamation" regarding his article on the Bolivian crash. He refutes the claim that a 1,500m x 500m crater is insignificant to geologists, arguing that its dimensions, particularly a purported depth of 400m, would be highly unusual for a meteorite impact and would certainly attract geological attention. Sider contests the existence of such a crater as described by Mr. Pedro Romaniuk, suggesting it was not a meteorite impact and that military interest in fallen objects, even small ones, is significant, especially if they are not detected by satellite surveillance systems.

Editorial Stance and Themes

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO theories, emphasizing the need for rigorous methodology and statistical accuracy. It challenges claims that lack empirical support and promotes a rational approach to ufology. Recurring themes include the nature of intelligence, the interpretation of evidence, the psychology of belief, and the socio-historical context of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor skepticism towards sensational claims and encourages a scientific approach to the study of unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of STRUCTURES, identified as issue number 35, focuses on ufological research and investigations. The cover prominently displays the title 'STRUCTURES' and lists the publication date as September 1978, though the issue number suggests a later publication or a specific numbering system. The publisher is identified as CSERU, based in France.

Analysis of Societal Inquietudes and UFO Phenomena

The first article, attributed to Nicolas GRESLOU, a graduate of Higher Studies in History from the University of Grenoble, delves into the potential correlation between societal inquietudes and UFO sightings. GRESLOU begins by listing various factors contributing to societal unrest, including post-war humiliations, political instability, economic ruin, war debts, social agitations, and monetary problems. He critiques a previous analysis by Vieroudy for its selective approach to these criteria.

GRESLOU proposes a more rigorous approach, suggesting that it would be more effective to first identify historical phases of societal inquietude, which are often discernible to historians, and then examine if these phases correspond with known waves of UFO sightings. He argues that if such a correlation is not found, the demonstration becomes selective.

He then presents a list of behaviors exhibited by a population when it is experiencing inquietude, such as suicide, emigration, reduced birth rates, financial hoarding (e.g., in Switzerland), increased religious attendance, violence (e.g., burning Jews during plagues), adoration of dictators (Hitler, Mussolini, Tojo), revolutions, drug use, debauchery, protests, strikes, feigned well-being, warfare, and the creation of sects. Crucially, GRESLOU concludes this section by stating that in such states of inquietude, people 'DO NOT SEE UFOs AT ALL!'

Case Study: Chevenoz Sighting (August 11, 1975)

The magazine then presents an in-depth investigation into a UFO sighting that occurred in Chevenoz, Haute-Savoie, France, on August 11, 1975. The report, received via letter in September 1978, details an observation made by a witness, identified as Claude G., who was a lycéen (high school student) at the time and is now a typograph composer. The CSERU had not yet visited the site due to the witness living far away, but decided to publish the correspondence due to the compelling nature of the report.

The Observation Details

The sighting took place on Monday, August 11, 1975, between 22:05 and 22:15. The weather was clear with a pleasant temperature and no wind. The witness was in a hotel room with his parents, looking out of the north-facing window. At approximately 22:10, he noticed a strong white light to his right. He described seeing a flying object, oval in shape, with a white intensity greater than neon but not blinding. The object moved slowly across the landscape and disappeared behind a mountain about 1 km away, taking 8 to 10 seconds to do so. The witness perceived the object as directed and having volume, following a rectilinear trajectory with very clear contours. The surrounding environment was not illuminated, but he could not be certain.

Witness's Psychological Impact and Follow-up

The experience deeply impressed the witness, leaving him momentarily stunned. He felt riveted to the object, unable to call his parents or take photos. After the object disappeared, he felt as if he were waking from a dream, but he did not attribute the observation to hallucination. For three years following the event, the witness's sole interest became UFO phenomena, which he now approaches seriously and objectively. He confirmed the reality of his testimony.

Follow-up Questions and Answers

To gather more information, the CSERU posed several follow-up questions to Claude G.

• Trajectory: The witness clarified that the trajectory was along the flank of a mountain called 'les Trables' (1420m altitude), following a SE-NW axis from Chapelle d'Abondance towards Thonon. A sketch was provided to illustrate this.
• Apparent Dimensions: The apparent dimensions were estimated at 25-30 mm at arm's length. Triangulation with a 1 km distance suggested an object length of approximately 43.8 to 52.6 meters, averaging 48 meters. The witness found the object's size and the lack of audible noise particularly striking.
• Duration: The duration of the observation was confirmed as 8-10 seconds.
• Other Witnesses: The witness had inquired at the hotel but found no other witnesses. He also revisited Chevenoz with a friend interested in UFOs but could not gather further significant details after three years.
• Parents' Reactions: His mother was intrigued, while his father showed no reaction. He pointed out the location to his father, suggesting they look for the object again, but nothing further occurred.
• Object's Directionality: The witness felt the object was under command due to its trajectory between obstacles and his impression that it was directed. He could not elaborate further but did not suspect a presence inside.
• Why he went to the window: He could not explain his immediate movement to the window, attributing it to a fantastic coincidence at the time. However, he noted that the phenomenon occurred precisely as he reached the window, suggesting a connection. He also referenced 'highly improbable hazards' mentioned in ufological literature, which made him consider possibilities beyond mere chance.

The report acknowledges the limitations of a correspondence-based investigation but emphasizes the witness's good faith and clear exposition of his observation. It notes that psychological or psychic reactions might be interesting to experienced investigators. The provided sketch is intended to aid in localizing the site.

A note at the end clarifies that an 'epidemic' of UFO sightings in the Alps during the winter was likely due to misinterpretations of the planet Venus, whose brightness was exceptional for the season. The CSERU reassures those who reported this phenomenon that it has been identified.

CSERU Organization and Membership

The magazine also details the structure and personnel of the CSERU. It lists the members of the Bureau, including Nicolas GRESLOU as President, Jacques ROULET and Jacques BOSSO as Vice-Presidents, Marc DERIVE as Secretary, Jean Louis BOUBET as Treasurer, Antoine BARTOLO as Technical Material Manager, Serge CHAZOTTES as Archivist, Marcel PETIT as Surveillance Evenings Manager, and Charly BEC and Maurice DETRE as Investigation Service Managers. Other members of the Administrative Council and regional delegates are also listed, along with contact information for various locations.

The CSERU's headquarters and correspondence address are provided as 266 quai Charles Ravet, 73000 CHAMBERY, with a telephone number (79)33-43-85. Permanences are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 18:00 to 19:30 at 7 rue Métropole, CHAMBERY.

The CSERU is also a member of the European Committee for the Coordination of Ufological Research (C.E.C.R.U.).

Block Notes and Subscriptions

The 'Bloc-Notes' section highlights that all collaborators are volunteers, and profits are reinvested into ufological research and the review. Articles published in 'Phénomène OVNI' (presumably the review's title) are the responsibility of their authors, and all content is protected by copyright law.

Information on subscriptions and membership is provided: a subscription to the review costs 20 fcs (4 issues) in France and 30 fcs abroad. A support subscription is 30 fcs, and a subscription plus membership is 50 fcs. Membership benefits include access to the library, attendance at monthly conferences, the ability to consult anonymized investigations, participation in the general assembly, and opportunities to assist in investigations and administrative tasks.

Payments can be made by bank check to the CSERU, via CCP (postal account), or by postage stamps. Readers are encouraged to promote subscriptions to improve the review.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO sightings, the psychological and societal factors that may influence perceptions of such phenomena, and the organizational aspects of ufological research. The editorial stance, as expressed by Nicolas GRESLOU, suggests a critical and analytical approach to UFO reports, advocating for rigorous methodology and the avoidance of selective interpretation. The publication emphasizes the importance of detailed witness testimony, careful investigation, and the dissemination of findings through its review, STRUCTURES. There is a clear effort to distinguish between genuine phenomena and potential misinterpretations or psychological factors, as seen in the note about Venus sightings.