Ufologie Contact - Series 1 - No 14 - 10 mai 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOLOGIE CONTACT
Issue: 14
Date: May 10, 1978

This issue of UFOLOGIE CONTACT, a bulletin for ufologists in the Paris-Ile de France region, aims to foster connection and share information. It is produced voluntarily and offered at cost price.

Main Articles and Sections

Editorial: "LE MESSAGE... POUR CONVAINCRE"

The editorial emphasizes the bulletin's objective: to connect researchers and encourage mutual support to improve contacts and study methods through rational and judicious application of skills. It suggests that while independence is possible, active cooperation through a protocol is also a viable path.

Information: The Dissolution of CIJU

This section announces the regrettable disappearance of CIJU. The author expresses regret that despite numerous positive "echoes," adhesions and subscriptions were too few, and collaborative actions and support were rare and unenthusiastic. The author was unable to find individuals willing to fully commit to the proposed action, with those relied upon offering approval but not support. The author reflects that ufology mirrors society, sometimes in a distorted way, revealing people's true nature. A strong statement is made that ufology must be a science, not a refuge for neurotics seeking fantasies. The author criticizes "dreamers," "repressed individuals," and "mythomaniacs" within ufology, asserting that the field should not be the "sewer" of society.

James PETIT's Statement

James Petit asserts that the UFO phenomenon is serious and ufology must be equally so. He calls for an end to amateurish, pseudo-scientific hypotheses and the reliance on "DIY" methods. He advocates for adapting scientific methods to the phenomenon, rather than forcing the phenomenon to fit preconceived scientific models. Petit explains that CIJU was created to help future ufologists establish ufology as a science, fostering serious, open-minded, and scientific researchers. He acknowledges that this may have been a utopia but hopes others will pursue this path. He also mentions having a stock of 'UFOLOGIE BULLETIN nº I' available for collectors.

Editorial Note (N.D.L.R.)

The editorial team expresses understanding for the dismay of one of the creators of UFOLOGIE CONTACT. They affirm that the spirit of CIJU will endure, as the individual will participate in SPEPSE activities and may lead a youth section.

Information: SPEPSE

This section highlights an item from Gilles RICHARD titled "O.V.N.I. ! MYTHE OU REALITE ?" (UFO! Myth or Reality?). It states that this slogan will likely remain unanswered for a long time. The author mentions compiling "credible" reports for a personal catalog to aid research. The conclusion drawn is that credibility is not currently a priority in French ufology. The text notes that an impressionable witness can be influenced by a strong investigator, while an objective investigator might overlook technical details during a counter-investigation. The investigator's work is presented as the basis for ufological research, emphasizing that serious investigation leads to serious study.

Public Operational Group (Groupe opérationnel public)

This section reports on the first meeting of the Public Operational Group on April 4, 1978, in NOISY-LE-SEC. The meeting, facilitated by SPEPSE, was constructive, held in an atmosphere of openness and mutual trust. The group aims to serve as a link between the public and SPEPSE, which represents ufology and ufologists in the Paris-Ile de France region. The group encourages the formation of other working groups. A key point is made about the need for diverse skills, stating that for every person with real scientific knowledge, three others are needed to handle operational tasks and realize the dream of participating in objective research into spatial and strange phenomena. Without these individuals, paralysis is inevitable. An example is cited from 'L.D.L.N. n° 173' regarding a national detection network.

Report (Compte-rendu)

This section details the minutes of a meeting attended by R. BRECHOT, P. MONTREUIL, M. LACHERE, Y. LACHERE, R. BOUDIER, C. FERRY, and P. BURENSTEINAS. The agenda included the group's policy and activities, the functioning of its internal bodies, outlining annual program goals, and organizing the "conferences" sub-commission. Correspondence was read, including apologies from R. BONNAVENTURE and interest from R. RENAUX and P. POTTIER of G.A.U. P. MONTREUIL provided information on a narrated slideshow in progress, covering the solar system, UFO history, humanoids, and statistics. The group's policy is defined as popularizing and objectively disseminating ufology based on valid information, and presenting ufological research, including volunteer researchers and private societies. Activities include public conferences, exhibitions, congresses, and press relations.

Sub-commissions and Annual Program

Sub-commissions will be defined after assessing available skills and materials within SPEPSE. A "critical spectator" role is suggested for an external member. The annual program's main lines include cataloging materials, developing press relations, and presenting SPEPSE. Immediate tasks involve material cataloging via a questionnaire, journalistic relations through a questionnaire to establish a journalist file, and a presentation of SPEPSE at the next meeting.

Organization of the "Conferences" Sub-commission

The precise organization of this sub-commission will be studied later. Material needs include equipment for investigators, technicians, speakers, and financial resources for travel and equipment.

Documentation Group

A documentation fund has been established on ufology and related scientific research. A "documentation group" is being created to collect, classify, and manage information. Lionel DE MEILLIERS is the contact person for those wishing to join. Information from mass media is requested to be sent to R. BONNAVENTURE.

Library

The group urgently seeks a central Paris location for its library. In the meantime, SPEPSE's headquarters can be consulted for documents, bulletins, and reviews, including responses to a NICAP questionnaire, NASA documents from the Voyager satellite, a manuscript by René Louis VALLEE, graphical representations of phenomena in Meurthe et Moselle, an index of the INFORES-PACE journal, a guide for amateur documentalists, and information on Vaucluse Ufology, the GREPO, GEPO, SEIPP, G.L.R.U., CFRU, GESAG, GEOS, CERPI, GNEOVNI, CLEU, and International UFO Reporter.

"A PROPOS DE..." (About...)

This section invites readers to share their opinions on various topics discussed in books, meetings, or media. It stresses that judgments target the work, not the authors, and that SPEPSE aims for high-level, contradictory reflection to re-examine spatial and strange phenomena.

"ET SI LES OVNI EXISTAIENT QUAND MEME ?" (And if UFOs existed anyway?)

This article expresses disappointment with Michel MONNERIE's work, questioning the paranoia surrounding the topic. It dismisses the extraterrestrial hypothesis as too flexible and the parapsychological hypothesis of Viéroudy as inaccessible. The author focuses on the sociopsychological hypothesis, arguing that a myth has formed around the problem, driven by collective anxiety and the need for mythical beings, rooted in ancient myths and science fiction. This is labeled as "psychoanalytic literature." The author critiques Monnerie's argument that witnesses unconsciously distort observations, making vaguer descriptions more credible. The author contends that witness descriptions are often accurate regarding dimensions, colors, and presumed speed, which are key factors of strangeness. The article suggests that some UFOs' physical deviations from known laws suggest a "waking dream" where the unconscious blocks recognition. The author finds Monnerie's explanation of the Petite-Ile observation to be in line with Menzel's theories and questions the role of the dog's howl and fear. The author argues that reducing the phenomenon solely to sociopsychology is anti-scientific, emphasizing the need for an objective stimulus. While not denying Jung's theory of archetype projection, the author finds it impossible to ignore an objective stimulus, especially given the arguments presented by Monnerie. The article concludes that Monnerie's work, arriving during GEPAN's active period, risks providing ammunition to rationalists.

"QU'EST-CE QUE LA PARAPSYCHOLOGIE ?" (What is Parapsychology?)

This section, prompted by a radio broadcast, explores the concept of parapsychology. It notes how trends influence even science. Parapsychology, formerly "metapsychique," is presented as a reborn "science" akin to the phoenix. Pioneers like Charles Richet, J.B. Rhine, and Milan Rizl are mentioned. The field encompasses paranormal phenomena and includes telepathy, telekinesis, psychokinesis, clairvoyance, and premonition, collectively referred to as "PSI."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for a scientific and objective approach to ufology, distancing it from pseudoscience, fantasy, and psychological projections. There's a clear emphasis on rigorous methodology, credible evidence, and critical analysis. The publication also highlights the importance of collaboration and information sharing among researchers. The editorial stance is critical of unsubstantiated claims and promotes a rational, evidence-based understanding of the UFO phenomenon, while acknowledging the existence of unexplained events and the emerging field of parapsychology.

Title: Planète
Volume: II
Issue: 12
Date: 1977
Publisher: Planète
Country: France
Language: French

The Geller Effect and PSI Phenomena

The issue opens by recalling the impact of Uri Geller's "GELLER effect" in 1974, which arrived in France after causing a stir in America. Geller's spectacular demonstrations of psychokinesis, such as bending spoons and repairing old watches with the power of thought, initially met with skepticism from the scientific community. Some dismissed it as a trick or a stage show, while a more open-minded minority began to show interest.

The phenomenon of "psychokinesis" is described as astonishing to any rational mind. Witnessing a metal bar bend as if it were a chocolate bar prompts reflection. The article notes that even with sophisticated equipment like computers and oscillographs, the powers of the mind, when controlled, still lead to profound questions.

Jean-Pierre Girard: The French PSI Subject

In the laboratory of experimental psychology at the University of Mons, Jean Dierkens tested Jean-Pierre Girard, the French counterpart to Uri Geller. Girard is described as greatly gifted, but unlike Geller, he does not seek publicity or profit. He willingly assists scientists in their efforts to understand the "PSI" power that acts on matter.

Girard's abilities include bending steel bars by merely looking at them, changing the nature of metal, and levitating heavy objects. The article suggests that there may be no limit to this power. It also draws a parallel to the famous Filipino healers, whose "PSI" effect has reportedly led to sensational successes, as documented by Professor Alfred Stelter in his book on psychic healings.

Scientific Skepticism and Cartesians

The French scientific community, characterized by its "Cartesian" mindset, exhibits a natural skepticism. Professor Dreyfus, a physicist, despite being half-skeptical, expressed a desire to be convinced. He had personally tested J.P. Girard in September 1977 at the Nuclear Studies Center in Grenoble. However, the article points out that these phenomena, which scientists wish to be reproducible at will, often remain dependent on the medium's sensitivity and their environment. A highly skeptical audience can hinder the manifestation of these powers.

The sterile atmosphere of a laboratory, even with its instruments, is not conducive to spontaneous PSI manifestations. The candidate's spontaneity is put to a severe test. J.P. Girard highlights the mistrust surrounding these experiments, which can paralyze his abilities and lead to accusations of fraud in case of failure.

Parapsychology Worldwide: USSR and USA

James Randi, an American illusionist, dismisses "psychokinesis" as a mere trick. However, scientists like Rémy Chauvin and Professor Crussard believe there is a genuine phenomenon to be studied, requiring honest, unbiased laboratory experiments. This open-minded approach is contrasted with intellectual blockages that refuse to consider the problem.

Globally, "PARAPSYCHOLOGY" is a growing field. The USSR is making significant advancements, intensively studying the "PSI" subject Nelya Mikhailova to uncover general laws behind these baffling facts. Professor Leonid Vassiliev is a leading figure in Russian research, with the belief that this new form of energy can be "captured" and "stored."

The article questions the purpose of such research. It mentions the successful use of "telepathy" by the American submarine "NAUTILUS" for communication with the continent during a deep dive, posing it as a potential future solution for "top secret" information exchange. This could render traditional codes obsolete.

Implications of PSI Research

The research into "PSI" offers fantastic possibilities in various domains, including military and industrial espionage. Both the Americans and the Russians are actively engaged in secret emulation, largely unknown to the public. The potential for mind control over individuals, races, or nations is presented as a disturbing but potentially real future possibility.

The USSR, having a significant lead over the USA in this field where France lags, possesses several "official" centers dedicated to studying these paranormal phenomena. A substantial budget allocated to this research underscores its perceived importance. The article speculates on the outcomes of these investigations.

Space Conquest and Subterranean Exploration

In the context of the intense competition between the USA and the USSR in space exploration, a "subterranean" or more subtle conquest is emerging. This involves the systematic exploration of all latent human powers, offering a field of experience as vast as the cosmos itself. The future of humanity is seen as dependent on these two parallel explorations, where noble ideals intertwine with the basest interests.

The issue concludes with a reference to Alfred Stelter's book "Les guérisons PSI" (PSI Healings) published by Robert Laffont, and a note about completing a subscription.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Planète strongly focuses on the controversial topic of psychokinesis and PSI phenomena, presenting both the sensational aspects and the scientific inquiries surrounding them. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded exploration, acknowledging the skepticism but encouraging investigation into these unexplained abilities. It highlights the international race in parapsychology, particularly between the USA and the USSR, and speculates on the profound implications for the future of humanity, including potential applications in espionage and control. The magazine seems to position itself as a platform for discussing cutting-edge and often debated scientific and pseudo-scientific topics.