Phenomene OVNI - No 14 - 1er trim 1981

Magazine Overview

Le phénomène O.V.N.I. - Issue 15

This issue of 'Le phénomène O.V.N.I.', published by CSERU (Comité Savoyard d'études et de Recherches Ufologiques) in the first quarter of 1981, serves as a newsletter and information source for ufology enthusiasts. The cover prominently displays the title 'le phénomène O.V.N.I.' and the CSERU logo.

Organization and Subscriptions

The second page details the subscription and membership options for the CSERU revue, with prices for regular subscriptions, support subscriptions, and combined subscriptions with membership. It also outlines payment methods, including bank checks, postal orders, and postage stamps. The composition of the CSERU's Board of Administration is listed, with Nicolas GRESLOU as president, Jacques BOSSO as vice-president and printer, Antoine BARTOLO as technical material manager, Serge CHAZOTTES as archivist and treasurer, and Marcel PETIT as surveillance evening manager. Charly BEC and Maurice DETRE are responsible for the investigation service. Other council members are also named, including Pierre BOURBON and Jacques ROULET 'in memoriam'. Regional delegates are listed for various locations such as Montmélian, Pont de Beauvois, Aix-les-Bains, Les Bauges, and Grenoble. The headquarters and correspondence address is C.S.E.R.U., 266 quai Charles Ravet, 73000 CHAMBERY. Permanence sessions are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. The CSERU is a member of the European Committee for Coordination of Ufological Research (CECRU) and intends to apply for membership in the French Ufology Federation (F.F.U.). A call to action encourages readers to subscribe to help improve the revue.

News and Updates

Page 3, labeled 'EN VRAC' (In Brief), provides updates. The CSERU thanks its subscribers for their support. Back issues of the revue are available for purchase. The current issue is noted to have 4 extra pages, bringing the total to 40, and future issues are planned to maintain this length, thanks to the loyalty of their 200 subscribers. However, due to postal tariff increases, the subscription price might rise to 30 francs. An announcement about the next CECRU meeting on May 9th and 10th in St Etienne is made, with the organizing group being CEMOCPI. Information is provided for those seeking the statutes of the French Ufology Federation. Monthly meetings of CSERU are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 8:40 PM at their local office, with a library of 50 works available during permanences. A 'BLOC NOTES' section clarifies that collaborators are volunteers and any profits are reinvested in ufological research and the revue. Articles, photos, and drawings are protected by copyright law, with partial reproduction requiring written authorization. The revue is printed in France, with Nicolas GRESLOU as director of publication. The legal deposit was made in the first quarter of 1981.

Interviews and Case Discussions

Page 4 features an interview with Professor Hynek, conducted in Switzerland. Hynek expresses optimism about GEPAN's potential to achieve concrete results, praising M. Esterle's capabilities. He discusses Leonard Stringfield's claims about humanoid corpses in possession of the American army, stating that without the names of witnesses, it remains an anecdote. Hynek also comments on NASA's claims of transparency, suggesting direct communication with astronauts who have witnessed UFOs. He expresses skepticism towards the 'new French ufology' that dismisses UFOs as mere imagination. The CSERU thanks the G.U.B. for the interview and notes the continued strength of Swiss ufology.

Pages 5 through 10 delve into various aspects of ufology, referencing numerous articles, books, and cases. These pages discuss the historical evolution of ufology, from early sightings of 'flying saucers' to the broader 'UFO phenomenon' that includes humanoid encounters and other anomalous events. The text critiques the scientific community's reluctance to engage with UFO evidence and highlights the challenges faced by ufologists in gaining acceptance. Specific cases are mentioned, such as the A. Villas Boas case, the UMMO dossier, and the caporal Valdès case. The influence of science fiction and the shift in public perception are also explored. The text touches upon the 'scandalous' nature of UFO phenomena, their irrational aspects, and the difficulty in proving their physical reality, comparing them to other unexplained phenomena like hauntings and poltergeists. The issue of 'blind spots' in ufology, such as the lack of physical evidence like UFO fragments, is also raised. The text emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and the need to move beyond outdated positions to address the core issues of the UFO problem. The historical context of UFO sightings is traced back to 1947, focusing on the technical and sensational aspects, and the eventual shift towards the hypothesis of extraterrestrial origins. The text also notes the psychological impact of these phenomena on human perception and the potential for them to be perceived as 'miraculous' or 'unacceptable' by the intelligentsia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing investigation and understanding of UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on scientific rigor, despite acknowledging the often irrational and anomalous nature of the subject matter. The CSERU positions itself as a dedicated research organization, striving to gather and disseminate information, and encouraging a proactive approach from its members and the wider public. The editorial stance appears to be one of persistent inquiry, aiming to shed light on the 'UFO phenomenon' and its implications, while also navigating the skepticism and resistance from both the scientific establishment and parts of the public.

This issue of "L'ÉCHO DES VAGUES" (The Echo of the Waves), volume 2, issue 29, dated January 1981, focuses on the historical perspective of UFO phenomena, particularly the challenges faced by historians and ufologists in studying and accepting UFO reports.

The Historian's Viewpoint on UFOs

The article "LE DOUBLE POINT DE VUE DE L'HISTORIEN-UFOLOGUE" (The Double Viewpoint of the Historian-Ufologist) by Gilbert CORNU explores why historians have historically ignored UFO phenomena. It suggests that the rarity and seemingly isolated nature of early sightings led them to be dismissed as folklore or myth. The author posits that it wasn't until the phenomena reached a certain frequency, like the waves of sightings in 1947 in the US and 1954 in France, that it became impossible to ignore. However, despite the influx of information, a lack of significant, well-documented historical research on UFOs has persisted, which the author finds anomalous and suspect.

Several reasons are proposed for this lack of interest: historians often prefer to analyze events with historical distance, the media's tendency to sensationalize or ridicule UFO reports, and the perception of UFOs as a contemporary hoax, especially during the Cold War. The article also touches upon the psychological impact of such events, noting that historians, like anyone else, are influenced by their environment and preconceptions. The author argues that for an event to be taken seriously by historians, it needs to reach a certain "threshold" of frequency and impact.

Case Studies and Investigations

The issue presents a "CHRONOLOGIE DES CRASHS D'OVNI SUPPOSÉS COLLECTÉS PAR L. STRINGFIELD" (Chronology of Alleged UFO Crashes Collected by L. Stringfield), compiled by Jean SIDER. This chronology lists reported UFO crash incidents from prehistory to 1979, with a notable concentration in the 1950s. It also notes the geographical distribution, with most reports originating from the United States, but also mentions incidents in Russia and China.

The article discusses several specific cases (CAS B-12 to CAS B-14, and others):

• CAS B-12 (Frank Scully): This case refers to the 1950 book "Behind the Flying Saucers" and its alleged canard, possibly orchestrated by a government agency to discredit UFO crash reports. Scully's later work was intended to be even more sensational.
• CAS B-13: An alleged violent encounter between a special US Army unit and a UFO crew near Lumberton, Highway 68, with reports of "bodies on stretchers" arriving at Wright-Patterson AFB.
• CAS B-14: A prank call about a deceased humanoid found on the roadside.
• CAS B-3 (Randall Clement): A report from 1978 about an acquaintance who claimed to have seen the dismembered and carbonized body of an alien creature.
• CAS B-4 (Bette Shilling): An account from an Air Force officer about a UFO crash in spring 1975 near Detroit, Michigan, involving two deceased occupants and one survivor.
• CAS B-5 (William D. Leet): Information about a captured "flying saucer" allegedly seen by Buddy Haak, who died in a 1952 aviation accident. His family members recalled his story, including a remark that the object was not "one of our aircraft."
• CAS B-6 (Richard Hall): A report about a letter from March 1978 detailing the presence of 13 bodies and 2 saucers in a building at Wright-Patterson AFB in 1953.
• CAS B-7 (James Minton): A report about a 1950 crash incident in Mexico, which is considered dubious by many researchers due to conflicting dates and locations.
• CAS B-2 (Randall Clement): A report from September 1979 about a possible UFO crash or landing in Modesto, California, involving a green luminous object observed by two officers and confirmed by radar at Vandenberg AFB.

Senator Goldwater's Stance

The issue includes correspondence with Senator Barry Goldwater, who expressed interest in UFOs and mentioned being denied access to information stored at Wright-Patterson AFB. He stated that the subject was "classified at a high degree of secrecy" and that a plan was in gestation to release some information in the future. His statements, however, are noted to contain some contradictions.

Other Cases and Observations

• CAS E-11: A correspondent from Florida shared a letter referring to a published response from the Air Force to Senator Goldwater, which the correspondent claims is a "blatant lie." The correspondent recounted a story from a deceased Major in the Air Force who showed him a book with a "CLASSIFIED" cover, containing a photo of Air Force members with small saucer-shaped objects, labeled "Official Photo of the US Air Force," suggesting these were captured UFOs.
• The Kecksburg Incident (continued): The article revisits the Kecksburg incident, noting that calculations suggest the object was moving at a considerable speed and altitude. It also mentions the coincidence of the Soviet satellite Cosmos 96 re-entering the atmosphere around the same time. Eyewitnesses, including former firefighters, described an object that made no sound of fire and was transported away by a large military truck.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical marginalization of UFO reports, the challenges of investigating alleged crashes, the role of government secrecy, and the skepticism faced by ufologists. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for a more serious and open-minded approach to UFO research, encouraging the investigation of these phenomena rather than outright dismissal or criticism of researchers. The authors emphasize the importance of examining even seemingly marginal or anomalous reports, suggesting that ignoring them is less intelligent than critically analyzing them.

There is a clear effort to present a historical and investigative perspective on UFOs, drawing on witness testimonies, archival research, and correspondence with individuals involved in the field. The magazine aims to bring these often-overlooked cases to light and encourage further inquiry.

This issue of "TRIBUNE LIBRE", identified as issue number 21, is primarily dedicated to the controversial topics of UFO crashes and alleged humanoid bodies. The cover prominently displays the headline "CRASHS D'OVNI et CADAVRES D'HUMANOIDES" multiple times, indicating the central theme. The content is largely in French, with some references to English-language sources and researchers.

Key Articles and Content

"CRASHS D'OVNI et CADAVRES D'HUMANOIDES" (Part 2)

This section, authored by Jean SIDER, continues the discussion initiated in previous issues, focusing on the work of Leonard Stringfield. SIDER acknowledges the potential for misinterpretations or hoaxes but emphasizes the importance of Stringfield's research, which suggests the US Air Force possesses material evidence of UFO existence. The article highlights new testimonies supporting previously divulged cases and links them to other incidents.

#### The Kecksburg Incident (Case B-1)

A significant portion of this article details the alleged UFO crash on December 9, 1965, in Kecksburg, Pennsylvania. Clark McClelland, former Director of NICAP for Florida, informed Stringfield about this event. The incident involved a brilliant, light-emitting object sighted by thousands across Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario, Canada. A strong aerial explosion produced shockwaves recorded by pilots. Several parts of the object reportedly fell near Lapeer, Michigan; Elyria, Ohio; Midland, Pennsylvania; and the main wreckage in a wooded area near Kecksburg.

The reconstruction of the UFO's trajectory revealed puzzling facts, suggesting a complex flight path over Lake St. Clair.

"TRAITE DE RATOLOGIE (lère partie)" by Michel PICARD

This lengthy article critiques what Picard terms "ratology," a philosophy he associates with Arthur Koestler's concept of "ratomorphism." Picard defines "ratologue" as someone who explains human behavior through laboratory-derived, simplistic models, often dismissing anything beyond their narrow scope. He criticizes the "Union Ratologique" and its publications, describing their gatherings as insular and self-congratulatory.

Picard argues that "ratologues" are characterized by their rigid adherence to theory over empirical evidence, their negative skepticism, and their tendency to manipulate facts to fit their preconceived notions. He suggests that this intellectual approach is prevalent in French intellectual circles, leading to a dismissal of unconventional ideas like the extraterrestrial hypothesis (HET).

#### Critique of Jean-Jacques Walter

Picard defends Jean-Jacques Walter, author of "Planètes Pensantes," against criticism from Jean Giraud. Walter's work, which reportedly deals with 20,000 myths and the extraterrestrial hypothesis, is presented as a serious, computer-aided study, not merely a "polemical dissertation" as Giraud characterized it. Picard dismisses Giraud's critique as a reflection of the "ratologue's" aversion to anything that challenges their rationalist worldview.

#### Critique of Monod, Vergez, and Huisman

Picard strongly criticizes Jacques Monod's book "Le Hasard et la Nécessité," calling it a philosophical work based on flawed reasoning and ideological bias rather than scientific rigor. He argues that Monod's assertion that life's origin is purely by chance and that human evolution is limited is outdated and contradicted by scientific progress. Picard also dismisses the works of Vergez and Huisman, particularly their use in philosophy education, as representing a narrow, rationalist ideology that hinders genuine scientific inquiry.

He contrasts the dogmatic stance of these "ratologues" with the humility of true researchers like Feynman and Koestler, who acknowledge the limitations of knowledge and the role of intuition and speculation in scientific discovery. Picard highlights the vastness of astronomical numbers, suggesting that the probability of life's existence elsewhere in the universe is high, contrary to the restrictive views of the "ratologues."

#### Scientific Perspectives on the Origin of Life

The article touches upon scientific research into the origin of life, referencing experiments in astrobiology and astrophysics that aim to recreate complex molecules from simple gases, similar to those found in space. This research suggests that life is a normal evolutionary phenomenon, challenging Monod's view of its improbability.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the conflict between established rationalist/scientific dogma and the exploration of unconventional phenomena like UFOs and the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The magazine appears to champion the latter, criticizing the closed-mindedness and perceived intellectual arrogance of those who dismiss such topics outright. There is a strong emphasis on questioning established scientific paradigms and embracing a more open-minded approach to understanding the universe and humanity's place within it. The editorial stance is clearly critical of what it defines as "ratology" and supportive of researchers who challenge conventional thinking, even if their subjects are considered fringe by mainstream science.

This document is an issue of "UFO NEWS" from August 1959, focusing on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) observed in Russia. It is presented as a compilation of reports and testimonies, with a significant portion dedicated to detailing various sightings and encounters.

Moscow Radar Detection (August 1959)

The issue opens with a report from August 1959, stating that the radar at Moscow Airport (Vnoukovo) detected three discs at an altitude of 800 meters. Despite sending aircraft to investigate, nothing was observed, and the phenomenon was attributed to atmospheric disturbances. This event is referenced under citation (19).

Notes and Citations

A substantial part of the document consists of detailed notes and citations, referencing a wide array of sources. These include:

• "Flying Saucer Review" (English magazine): Cited for reports on saucers over Russia (vol 7, n°2, pp 3-6).
• Dépêches Meuter et Tass: News dispatches.
• "The Official Guide to UFOs" (special issue): Article by Llyod Malland.
• "Science and Mechanics" (USA, 1968): Mentioned as a source.
• "Psychic discoveries behind the iron curtain" by Ostrander et Schroeder (USA): A book reference.
• "Soviet life" (February 1968), "Skylook" (USA), MUFON publications: Various articles and journals documenting UFO sightings.
• Jacques Vallée's catalogue: Cited for specific cases (e.g., catalogue n° 475, n° 463).
• "Znannia Ta Pratsia" (from "Smena", 1964), "Spoutnik" (n°7, p.71): Russian publications.
• "MUFON UFO Journal" (MJ): Cited for specific issues.
• Antonio Ribera's "Platillos volantes en Iberoamerica y Espana": A book on UFOs in Spanish-speaking regions.
• "Ogoniok" (March 1958): A Russian magazine.
• "UFO NEWS" (USA, August 1959): The publication itself.

These citations indicate a thorough effort to cross-reference and document the reported phenomena.

"EN BREF" (In Brief) - Quote from Jacques Becier

The section "EN BREF" presents a quote from Jacques Becier, who is described as a well-known figure in ufology. Becier expresses a skeptical view, stating that one should not hesitate to demonstrate when a phenomenon is clearly "bogus." He asserts that flying saucers are perfectly explainable by two well-known phenomena: "lies and stupidity." The text sarcastically notes that this quote is memorable and worthy of an anthology of witty remarks on ufology.

Detailed Sightings and Encounters

The document then proceeds to detail several specific UFO sightings and encounters, often providing witness accounts and technical details:

• November 3, 1967 (Antipayuty): A meteorologist reported observing a sphere of clear blue light with a trajectory at an 80-90° angle to the air current. It was visible at 14:20 (Moscow time) and was hidden by a cloud at 14:30. A red fireball detached from it and fell to the ground 40-50 km from the station. At 14:35, the blue sphere disappeared due to distance. Another report from the same station on the same date described an object flying from west to east, leaving a luminous horizon. A sphere separated from it and fell to earth.

• December 3, 1967 (Near Vorkouta): The crew of an Ilyushin-18 aircraft (IL-18) at 9000 meters altitude observed a luminous sphere flying at 25,000 meters, illuminating a large area. The same phenomenon was observed by the crew of an IL-14 and by several polar stations. Aviator A.I. Lisitsyn described a luminous phenomenon resembling an airplane with all lights on, which then transformed into a luminous wall composed of several diverging cones. After disappearing, a rapidly moving point was observed.

• September 1943 (Pouchkino, near Moscow): Soldiers of the Spanish division "Azul" reported a disc flying at fantastic speed, engaging in aerial combat with Russian and German aircraft.

• Late 1957 or early 1958 (Near Moscow): A strange object, described as a disc with considerable dimensions, was observed flying at high speed at an altitude of approximately 3000 meters. It descended, rotated, ascended again, and disappeared.

• Spring 1959 (Sverdlovsk): A rocket base reported a 24-hour visit from discoidal craft that sometimes hovered and were detected by radar.

• November 17, 1958 (Russia): A luminous sphere, with an apparent diameter greater than the full moon, descended and landed.

• 1964 (Kharkov region): Two spheres of different sizes and clear pink color were observed flying very close together.

• August 16, 1960 (Koktal, Kazakhstan): A disc-shaped object, about one and a half times the apparent diameter of the moon, was observed traversing the sky.

• October 20, 1966 (Kherson): The director of the Institute of Hydro-Meteorology observed a round disc, about 1/3 of the solar diameter, flying slowly towards the east.

• December 1966: An IL-18 aircraft crew observed six orange discs simultaneously.

• October 31, 1967: An IL-14 aircraft crew observed a luminous red-to-yellow object resembling the moon, which increased in volume and changed color to blue before disappearing.

"DES PERLES DANS LE CIEL" (Pearls in the Sky)

This section details observations from pilots and researchers:

• Valentin I. Arkouratov (Polar Aviation Pilot): Reported observations in 1950 near Nijne Kolymsk of a disc-shaped object, similar in color to the moon but smaller, appearing regularly at 15:30. In 1956, during a reconnaissance flight over icy expanses in a TU-4 aircraft, he observed a large, lenticular, unknown aerial craft flying parallel to the plane. In February 1967, an IL-18 crew observed a disc slightly smaller than the moon near Tiksi.

• V.I. Duginov (Director of the Institute of Hydro-Meteorology): Reported seeing a round disc in Kherson.

• V.I. Akkouratov (Pilot): Reported seeing six orange discs.

• R. Kolchenko (Co-pilot): Detailed an encounter with a luminous, red-to-yellow object that turned blue and increased in size.

"DES SPHERES VOLANTES" (Flying Spheres)

This section compiles reports of spherical UFOs:

• November 17, 1958: A luminous sphere landed.

• 1964 (Kharkov): Two pink spheres were observed.

• August 16, 1960 (Kazakhstan): A disc-like object was seen.

The Harrison C. Bailey Case

A significant portion of the document is dedicated to the case of Harrison C. Bailey, presented by Jean-Luc Rivera. This case is reconstructed through hypnosis and details:

• September 24, 1951: Bailey, while pushing a large advertising tire, reported an encounter with "little cockroaches" and frog-like creatures. He described them as being larger than cockroaches, about the size of a large frog, with brown skin and three-toed feet. He felt touched and possibly bitten, then ran into the woods.

• Hypnotic Regression: Under hypnosis, Bailey recounted seeing a strange creature on a log and other creatures surrounding him. He also saw small round objects on the road. He described beings resembling frogs speaking in unison and touching him unpleasantly. He then experienced a feeling of heaviness and found himself in a wooded area.

• Encounter on a Craft: Bailey reported being taken aboard a bus-sized, grey-silver object. Two helmeted individuals emerged and spoke to him in English, asking where he was coming from and going. He felt paralyzed but regained mobility and left the area.

• Lost Time and Health Issues: Bailey reported losing several hours of time. In the following years, he experienced health problems, including stomach ailments and premature aging of his organs, which doctors could not explain. He linked these issues to his UFO encounter.

• Public Speaking: Bailey eventually spoke publicly about his experience, becoming a Reverend and an advocate for UFOs being real.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings in Russia, the diverse shapes and behaviors of these objects (discs, spheres, luminous phenomena), and the challenges of official recognition and scientific study of UFOs. The editorial stance, as indicated by the inclusion of the skeptical quote from Jacques Becier and the detailed presentation of various sightings, appears to be one of documenting and exploring the phenomenon, while also acknowledging the spectrum of opinions from belief to skepticism within the ufological community. The inclusion of the Harrison C. Bailey case, a classic abduction narrative, further broadens the scope of reported UFO-related experiences.

This document is the first page of issue number 19 of the publication "AIHPI", dated the first quarter of 1981. The ISSN is 0180-2011, and the publisher's address is B.P. 19, 91801 BRUNOY Cedex, France. The cover price is listed as 6,50 Fcs.

Table of Contents (Sommaire)

The "SOMMAIRE" section lists the following articles:

• "On one Peolèvement il y a 30 ans : celui de Reverend Harrisson" by E. Bailey, per Jean Luc RIVERA, pp. 2-5.
• "Ansiettee Volantes" ou les OVNI on URSS (première partie) by Jean RASTIDE, pp. 6-11.
• Tribune libre: "Traité da retologie", première partie, by Nichol FICARD, pp. 12-19.
• Courrier: lettre de Bertrand JHEUCE, page 20.
• "Crashe d'OVNI ot cadavres d'humanolien", da volet, by Jonn STL, pp. 21-28.
• "Les OVNI du parse" ou "le double point de vue de l'historien fologue", Some partie, by Gilbert CORNII, pp. 29-36.
• Interview du Professeur UK, page 38.
• O..... IMPOS, pp. 39-40.

Notable Quote

A quote attributed to Henri POINCARE is featured: "lo bon sens à lai seul est muffisant pour vous dire q. e la destruotion dhume villo per la désintégration d'un dont kilo de métal est une impossibilité évidento!" (Translation: "Common sense alone is not enough to tell you that the destruction of a city by the disintegration of a ton of metal is an obvious impossibility!").

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue appear to be UFO sightings and phenomena, with a particular focus on historical cases (Reverend Harrisson, "OVNI du parse"), international cases (URSS), and alleged physical evidence (UFO crash, alien bodies). The inclusion of a "Tribune libre" and "Courrier" suggests an editorial stance that encourages reader participation and diverse viewpoints within the field of ufology. The mention of "retology" and a historical perspective indicates an attempt to contextualize UFO phenomena within broader scientific and historical frameworks.