La Revue des Soucoupes Volantes - No 6 - 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue of "La Revue des Soucoupes Volantes" (The Review of Flying Saucers), identified as Volume 2, Number IV, and a special issue N°6, was published by Michel Moutet Editeur in France. The cover price was 4.50 French Francs (40 FB). The ISSN is 0152.7924. The issue date is inferred to be 1978 based on the content and the copyright notice.

Cover Story: The Nazi Flying Saucer

The main cover headline focuses on "LA SOUCOUPE-VOLANTE NAZIE: 2000 km/h EN 1945 ?" (The Nazi Flying Saucer: 2000 km/h in 1945?). The article delves into the possibility of secret German aircraft developed during World War II. It discusses the 'V' weapon program, mentioning the V1 and V2, and speculates about the existence of advanced craft designated V7 or V10. The text references accounts by G. Tarade and Peter Kolosimo, and recounts a story by Robert Frédérick about engineer H. Schriver developing a lenticular apparatus in 1938. It is suggested that engineer Georges Klein revealed in "Die Welt" that Miethe developed a flying saucer capable of 2000 km/h. The article also mentions a report from Prague in 1969 by Vaclav Patrovsky about Soviet discoidal prototypes and a photo allegedly found in a German armaments depot. The text notes the lack of specific sources and references in these accounts.

Articles and Features

"Long John Nebel – George Van Tassel"

This section commemorates the passing of Long John Nebel, a journalist and host known for his radio and television programs that featured ufologists. The article highlights his role in bringing the mystery of flying saucers to a wider audience and recalls memorable debates, including one where G. Van Tassel was confronted by lawyer Saint-Germain. It also touches upon a scandal involving Nebel's wife being 'programmed' by the CIA. The piece also reflects on the passing of George W. Van Tassel, considered a pioneer alongside George Adamski. Van Tassel is credited with being the first to claim contact with flying saucer pilots through spiritual means. He published several books, a bulletin, and founded the "College of Universal Wisdom." He also organized the "Space Conventions" at his desert property in Giant Rock, California, which were described as fairs for UFO enthusiasts.

"Nessie et les O.V.N.I."

This article explores the phenomenon of the Loch Ness Monster (Nessie) and draws parallels with UFO sightings. It begins by noting that the existence of Nessie is supported by numerous witnesses but lacks physical specimens, leading some to question whether it belongs to the realm of spirits or psychology. The article points out that the media often links Nessie, UFOs, and the Yeti as fantastical stories used to distract the public from real-world problems. It traces the history of Nessie sightings, starting with the 1933 encounter by Mr. and Mrs. Mackay, and highlights the role of the press in popularizing the story, particularly the use of the word "monster." The author notes the economic and political turmoil of the 1930s and 1940s, suggesting that such periods might be conducive to the emergence of mysterious phenomena. The article details a "recrudescence" of Nessie sightings in late 1933 and spring 1934, with 58 cases reported, comparable to the 857 UFO sightings reported in the summer of 1947. It discusses the challenges of verifying such accounts, the skepticism from the scientific community, and the difficulties in obtaining concrete proof. The article mentions the use of radar and sonar in research, and the photographic evidence, including controversial photos from 1972 and 1975. It also notes the animal-like behavior attributed to Nessie, such as breathing and emitting a visible breath, and the varied descriptions of its head and body.

"Les Témoins Muets"

This section focuses on the testimonies of witnesses, both human and animal, related to Nessie sightings. It describes how animal reactions, such as dogs becoming agitated or horses bolting, can sometimes precede or accompany sightings. The article also discusses the photographic and film evidence, acknowledging that many are of poor quality due to amateur origins but still serve to corroborate witness accounts. It mentions specific photos, including one from 1972 showing a flexible neck and a curious head, and others from 1975 that provide close-ups of the head. The author notes the difficulty in definitively identifying the creature from the evidence, leading to speculation and debate.

"Curieuses Analogies"

This part of the article highlights the striking similarities between Nessie sightings and UFO reports. It points out that both phenomena are often characterized by high speeds, silent movement, and the ability to evade detection by conventional means. The article also notes that both Nessie and UFOs appear to cause distress in animals. The descriptions of Nessie's appearance, such as its small head in proportion to its body and varied skin textures, are compared to some descriptions of alien beings. The author suggests that Nessie might be a creature that undergoes transformations or is even a form of robot, drawing parallels with some UFO-related hypotheses.

"Un Animal à Transformations"

This section continues the exploration of Nessie's characteristics, emphasizing its seemingly autonomous behavior, including playing and basking in the sun. Witness accounts describe its audible breathing and the visible exhalation, suggesting it is a living creature. The article discusses the varied descriptions of Nessie's body shape, noting it is often described as humped, and its skin texture, which witnesses perceive as either smooth and shiny or dull and rough. The color variations are also noted. The head is described as disproportionately small, flattened, and resembling that of a horse, sheep, or goat, with some accounts mentioning small, horn-like appendages. The author poses the question of whether there might be different 'races' of Nessie, similar to hypotheses about different types of humanoids, and speculates if Nessie could be a robot.

"Les Cousins de Nessie"

The article broadens the scope by discussing alleged "cousins" of Nessie in other lakes and lochs, particularly in Scotland and Scandinavia. It references historical accounts and mythological creatures, suggesting that similar phenomena have been reported across different cultures and time periods. The author mentions the work of authors like Gould, Heuvelmans, Whyte, and Dinsdale in documenting these cases. The article also touches upon ancient Greek and Roman mythology, citing serpents and chimeras as potential precursors to modern monster sightings. It notes the recurring pattern of sightings and the lack of concrete proof across these various reports.

"Tribune: Charles Garreau - Parapsychologie ou escamotage."

This is a brief mention of a tribune by Charles Garreau, questioning whether parapsychology is a genuine field of study or a form of deception.

"<<Flying Saucer Review>> Revue de Presse de Marc Hallet"

This indicates a press review section curated by Marc Hallet, focusing on content from "Flying Saucer Review."

"Notes"

Several notes are included:

• A note from the editor, Michel Moutet, paying tribute to Jean Sendy, a writer he admired for his kindness and unique perspective. Sendy, though a believer in extraterrestrials, reportedly did not believe in flying saucers as conventionally conceived.
• An "ATTENTION" notice informing readers that this issue was exceptionally printed in 22,000 copies (instead of 10,000), suggesting potential difficulty in finding the next issue and encouraging subscriptions.
• A note about the administration, editorial, and advertising details for "La Revue des Soucoupes Volantes," listing Michel Moutet Editeur in Régusse.
• A section titled "Dans le prochain numéro" (In the next issue) previews upcoming content, including "OBSERVATOIRE ASTRONOMIQUE DE CORFOU" and "LES VARIATIONS SUR LA LUNE" by Félix Lamech, and a chronicle "Les Enigmes du Système Solaire" (The Enigmas of the Solar System) by Marc Hallet.
• A disclaimer stating that the published elements engage only the responsibility of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Review. It also outlines copyright and reproduction policies.
• A note about the subscription rates for "La Revue des Soucoupes Volantes" and "Les Cahiers du Réalisme Fantastique," with prices for France and abroad, and options for single issue purchases.
• A handwritten dedication on page 3 reads: "A mon cher ami let. K. Miller Eu Sourcing de sa précieuse Collaboration." (To my dear friend let. K. Miller In appreciation of his precious Collaboration.)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and cryptids like the Loch Ness Monster. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of open inquiry, presenting various accounts, theories, and alleged evidence, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for critical analysis. There's a clear effort to draw parallels between different unexplained events, suggesting a potential underlying connection. The editorial tone seems to favor exploring the mysteries rather than definitively dismissing them, as evidenced by the tributes to ufologists and the detailed examination of witness testimonies. The publication also emphasizes the importance of its content and the need for reader support through subscriptions, indicating a commitment to continuing its investigative journalism in the field of the unexplained.

This issue of *La Revue des Soucoupes Volantes* (The Review of Flying Saucers), dated April 1978, presents a collection of articles and investigations that delve into various aspects of unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on the emerging field of 'Psycho-ufology.' The magazine aims to provide a platform for researchers exploring unconventional interpretations of UFOs and related mysteries.

The Tribune: Psycho-ufology?

The lead article, "Psycho-ufology?", introduces the newly formed "Collectif de Psycho-ufologie" (Psycho-ufology Collective). The author addresses potential surprise and skepticism surrounding this new approach, clarifying what Psycho-ufology is not. It is not a new religion, nor a reduction of ufology to parapsychology, nor a dogmatic rationalist stance, nor a 'terrorist' takeover of the field. Instead, it is presented as an 'encompassing' approach that acknowledges the 'difference of paths' in research and seeks to integrate various perspectives.

The article emphasizes that Psycho-ufology is not about denying extraterrestrial life but about understanding the psychological processes involved in UFO manifestations. It highlights the need for a flexible organizational structure where researchers can confront, enrich, and synthesize their findings. The author also touches upon the 'viéroudisme' concept, distancing the collective from any single charismatic leader.

A Close Community with Parapsychology

This section elaborates on the connection between ufology and parapsychology. The "Collectif de Psycho-ufologie" views the extraterrestrial interpretation of UFOs as historically dated and seeks to place them within a broader context of unexplained apparitions, including religious phenomena, 'white ladies,' ghosts, and folklore creatures. The core idea is that UFOs and parapsychological phenomena might stem from a common source and share a common underlying mechanism. The research suggests that UFO forms are materialized and are influenced by the witness's psyche and socio-cultural context, evolving with human history.

An Operational Model

The article proposes an operational model for understanding UFO materializations, suggesting they involve a malleable substrate of energy and information. It posits a correlation between UFO waves and population anxiety, indicating a compensatory, regulatory function. The model suggests that UFO manifestations result from the interaction between the human psyche (individual and collective) and a specific state of matter, possibly plasma, which takes form based on psychic impulses.

Experimental verification of this hypothesis is discussed, including initial attempts to induce phenomena. The author acknowledges the need for rigorous scientific methodology and notes that results from these experiments are yet to be fully published. The collective aims to continue experimental research within a strict scientific framework.

Other Avenues of Research

Beyond experimental work, the collective is exploring other research avenues. This includes studies on the structural analogies between myths, folklore, and UFO observation accounts, suggesting that UFO narratives align with collective imagination, even if the UFOs themselves are material. The article stresses the need for interdisciplinarity, incorporating psychology, psychoanalysis, bio-anthropology, ethology, and parapsychology.

Review of the 'Flying Saucer Review' (FSR)

Marc Hallet's "Revue de Presse" (Press Review) critically examines the April 1978 issue of the *Flying Saucer Review* (FSR). Hallet criticizes Charles Bowen's editorial on Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' deeming the recognition of its science-fiction nature as 'late.' He also points out perceived flaws in other FSR articles, including a comparison of a flying humanoid with a sheep-killer and an account of a car abduction. Hallet questions the scientific rigor and methodology employed in these reports, suggesting a lack of critical thinking and a tendency towards sensationalism.

He highlights an article on UFO observations near Stonehenge, questioning the premature discussion of unverified film evidence. Another article detailing a car abduction and subsequent changes in the occupants' lives is analyzed, with Hallet suggesting the investigation was conducted unscientifically, particularly the use of hypnosis to regress witnesses beyond their birth.

Hallet concludes that while the FSR issue appears interesting at first glance, it suffers from significant deficiencies in reasoning, documentation, and article selection.

Nessie: A Persistent Mystery

Another significant section is dedicated to the Loch Ness Monster ('Nessie'). The article explores the persistent mystery surrounding the creature, drawing striking parallels with the UFO phenomenon. It notes shared characteristics such as geographical context, historical crisis periods, media influence, government inaction, and the scientific community's tendency to dismiss or explain away evidence. Three main hypotheses for Nessie are discussed: an unknown animal (like a plesiosaur descendant), explanations from 'establishment' figures (e.g., floating logs, algae), and 'metaphysical' interpretations involving 'superior beings' or demonic influences.

The author argues for a comprehensive approach to research, urging consideration of all testimonial elements, even seemingly contradictory ones. He stresses the importance of long-term study and avoiding superficial specialization. The comparison between Nessie and UFOs is presented as a potentially enriching avenue for understanding both phenomena.

Other Features

The issue also includes a 'Service Librairie' (Book Service) section, recommending titles related to UFOs, pollution, and esoteric subjects. A subscription offer for *La Revue des Soucoupes Volantes* is prominently featured, encouraging readers to support the magazine financially.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the evolving nature of ufological research, the critique of established methodologies, and the exploration of alternative interpretations. The magazine champions a more open, interdisciplinary, and scientifically rigorous approach, as embodied by the 'Collectif de Psycho-ufologie.' There is a clear editorial stance against sensationalism and a call for deeper, more comprehensive investigation into unexplained phenomena, viewing UFOs and other mysteries like Nessie as interconnected aspects of a larger, complex reality. The magazine positions itself as a platform for these unconventional yet serious investigations.