Ufologie Contact - Series 1 - No 17 - 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOLOGIE CONTACT
Issue: N°17
Type: Quarterly Bulletin
Price: 5 F.
Publisher: SPEPSE
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of UFOLOGIE CONTACT, a bulletin from the Paris-Le-de-France region produced by SPEPSE, focuses on the growing international interest in UFOs, particularly the potential for the United Nations to officially recognize and study the phenomenon. The magazine also details various activities and publications within the ufological community.

UFOLOGIE CONTACT and UFOLOGIE-CONTACT SPECIAL Formulas

The publication offers two subscription formulas: UFOLOGIE CONTACT, a quarterly bulletin, and UFOLOGIE-CONTACT SPECIAL, a supplement providing in-depth research information. Both subscriptions cost 15.00 F and begin upon receipt of payment.

Redaction-Administration

Raymond BONNAVENTURE is the Director of Publication, based in MARLY-LE-ROI. The publication details its legal deposit date and ISSN number (not provided). SPEPSE is listed as the printer and publisher.

Divers (Miscellaneous)

Readers can request a specimen issue. Letters to the editor require a 1.40 F stamp for a response. Ufological associations and publications are invited to exchange their materials with UFOLOGIE CONTACT as a press service. Subscription status is indicated by a checkmark.

"LE MESSAGE... POUR CONVAINCRE ?" (The Message... To Convince?)

This editorial piece, attributed to M. MONNERIE, reflects on the excesses and contradictions within ufology. It notes that while some ignore the subject, others embrace it as a revelation. The author criticizes those who engage in extreme passion, sacrificing personal lives for the pursuit of ufology, and quotes "Excess, in everything, is a fault."

INFORMATIONS... INFORMATIONS... INFORMATIONS...

This section provides updates for subscribers and news from the ufological community:

• Special Issues: Subscribers can receive past and future special issues for an additional 15.00 F. Available special issues include one on the 4th CECRU session, another on the socio-psychology of UFOs by Thierry PINVIDIC, and a third on visual information in ufology by Dominique CAUDRON.
• GEPAN Networks: GEPAN has developed optical networks for photographic cameras, available for purchase at approximately 70 F.
• Espace Information & GEPAN: The CNES sent a copy of the review "Espace Information," featuring an article on GEPAN's activities and a biography of its new head, Alain ESTERLE.
• ICUFON Memorandum: The Intercontinental UFO Galactic Spacecraft-Research and Analytic Network (ICUFON), directed by Dr. Colman Vonkeviczky, has distributed a memorandum on the OVNI phenomenon to UN member countries. This document can be obtained for 18.50 dollars.
• GRIPHOM Bulletins: The GRIPHOM (Groupement de Recherche et d'Information Phoréen sur les Objets Mystérieux) is selling four limited-edition bulletins on OVNI detection techniques for 12 F each.
• "LES OVNIS EN BRETAGNE" Book: A book titled "LES OVNIS EN BRETAGNE" by Jean François BOEDEC is available for 35 F from Librairie LANORE.

News from Ufological Groups and Events

• GAU Activity: The GAU (Groupement Aubois d'Ufologie) in ROMILLY sur SEINE has resumed its activities.
• SPEPSE Information Posters: SPEPSE has obtained permission from the MARLY-le-ROI town hall to place information posters in public spaces.
• AAS Conference: Erich von Däniken announced the 6th world conference of the Ancient Astronaut Society (AAS) in Munich from June 13-17, 1979.
• FIDUFO Address: The new address for FIDUFO (Fichier Informatique de Documentation sur les UFO) is provided.
• OVNI Book from Spain: Vincente Juan BALLESTER OLMUS has published a book on OVNI landings in Spain, available for 9 dollars.
• CAD Astronomy Exhibition: The Club d'Astronomie de Dourdan (CAD) held an exhibition on astronomy and a conference on the origin and destiny of the universe.
• CECRU Membership Request: The Cercle Picard d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux (C.P.E.P.S.) has requested membership in the CECRU.

The UN and UFOs: A Potential Resolution

This section details the UN's growing consideration of the UFO phenomenon. It highlights:

• The Proposal: A resolution is being prepared for the UN General Assembly to establish an agency dedicated to studying UFOs and disseminating research findings.
• Historical Context: The UN's interest dates back to a 1966 memorandum from Dr. Colman Vonkeviczky to U Thant. Despite initial secrecy, the issue has resurfaced.
• Kurt Waldheim's Role: Kurt Waldheim, upon succeeding U Thant, took a personal interest, even including a message from the UN in the Voyager probes.
• Grenada's Initiative: Sir Eric GAIRY, Prime Minister of Grenada, has been instrumental in pushing this resolution forward.
• Potential Obstacles: The article speculates on the low probability of a positive vote due to the "conspiracy of silence" from major powers, referencing a potential secret protocol (AFR 80 17) between the USA and USSR concerning extraterrestrial threats.
• UN General Assembly Decision: On December 18, 1978, the UN General Assembly took note of the declarations and draft resolutions from Grenada but did not vote on the decision.

ACTIVITES SPEPSE (SPEPSE Activities)

• Committee Meeting: On September 16, 1978, the SPEPSE Directional and Coordinator Committee met in THIAIS to review activities, including participation in the GEPAN day.
• Project Development: SPEPSE is working on various projects, including publications, establishing public relations, and organizing conferences.
• CECRU Sessions: SPEPSE hosted the 4th session of CECRU on October 14-15, 1978, and a general assembly was held on December 9, 1978.
• Financial Solutions: Roland BRECHOT proposed solutions for financing ufological associations, including games, lotteries, and merchandise.
• Measurement Devices: Paul TOUGERON and Jean-Pierre FRAMBOURG reported on the fabrication of measurement devices.
• Book Project: Thierry PINVIDIC outlined a plan for a collaborative book.
• General Management: Details on administrative, technical, and financial management were discussed.

Further SPEPSE Activities and Future Plans

• General Assembly: The SPEPSE general assembly is scheduled for April, with new orientations to be defined, focusing on amateur researchers' activities.
• Conferences: Two conferences are planned for the year, one with J.C. BOURRET and another in October-November.

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

This section is dedicated to reader opinions and discussions on various topics related to ufology, books, and radio/TV programs. It emphasizes a non-confrontational approach, focusing on the work rather than the authors.

"LE CRASH" DES OVNIS ("The Crash" of UFOs)

This article discusses the current state of ufology, noting a perceived trauma among some researchers due to the complexity and perceived absurdity of the phenomenon. It contrasts the "new wave" ufologists with the "old guard" pioneers who investigated cases like Mantell, De Wilde, and Masse, and encounters such as Pascagoula and the Villas Boas case.

• The Enigma: The author likens the question "Are UFOs or are they not?" to Hamlet's famous dilemma.
• Research Challenges: Despite advancements, the answer remains elusive, leading some researchers to become discouraged.
• Rejection of Extraterrestrial Hypothesis: Some ufologists reject the extraterrestrial hypothesis and contest the material evidence in famous cases, dismissing humanoid encounters and alleged abductions as "waking dreams."
• Psychological Explanations: The complexity of the phenomenon, with its parapsychological, fantastic, and religious aspects, leads some exasperated ufologists to seek psychological explanations.

The Persistence of the OVNI Mystery

Despite new trends, dedicated researchers continue to investigate the OVNI mystery, examining ground traces, power failures, humanoids, unexplained animal behavior, and even alleged miraculous healings. The article dismisses the "Collective or Individual Unconscious" as a rational explanation for these undeniable physical effects.

• Leonard STRINGFIELD's Work: Leonard STRINGFIELD, a prominent ufologist in the US, is highlighted for his book "ALERTE GENERALE OVNI." His 26 years of research focus on the extraterrestrial hypothesis, acknowledging but not solely relying on psychological and physiological effects.
• OVNI Effects: STRINGFIELD's research confirms the reality of UFOs causing vegetation burns, breaking branches, draining cattle blood, affecting aircraft, paralyzing power plants, and confusing radar.
• Key Questions: For STRINGFIELD, the main questions remain: "Where do they come from? and Why?"
• "Official Secret" and Project Blue Book: The article criticizes the "Official Secret" imposed by the Air Force on UFO archives. While Project Blue Book officially closed in 1969, the article questions which secret organization has taken over the investigation and why Air Force officers remain silent.
• JANAP 146 Ordinance: The USAF's JANAP 146 ordinance, which imposes fines and prison sentences for unauthorized disclosure of information, is mentioned as a tool to maintain this silence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes ufological research, information sharing, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena. It highlights the efforts of various organizations and individuals, encourages reader participation, and critically examines the official stance on UFOs, particularly at the international level (UN). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, challenging secrecy, and advocating for a more serious scientific approach to the UFO subject.

This issue of L'Inconnu magazine, dated October 13, 1978, features a review of L. Stringfield's book "ALERTE GENERALE OVNI" by H. Vedrine. The magazine also provides extensive listings of ufology research organizations, their publications, and contact information, alongside a humorous cartoon related to a 'Rallye des Moutards'.

Review of "ALERTE GENERALE OVNI"

H. Vedrine reviews L. Stringfield's book, "ALERTE GENERALE OVNI," published by Editions France-Empire. The book posits that despite government "policy of secrecy," evidence of UFOs is emerging. Stringfield claims that UFOs crashed in the Arizona desert between 1953 and 1970, and that deceased alien bodies, described as human-like and measuring between 0.90 and 1.20 meters, were found in the wreckage of saucer-shaped machines. The interior of these machines is described as having a simple dashboard with levers. Vedrine notes that this detailed description of interiors contrasts with the often fanciful accounts from alleged UFO contactees, and that Stringfield's work challenges the prevailing Cartesian and skeptical approach to ufology prevalent in France.

Ufology Research Organizations and Publications

The magazine dedicates significant space to listing various ufology research organizations and their publications. These include:

• GEPAN (Groupe d'Etudes des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-identifiés): Associated with scientific advice and technical notes on optical networks for analyzing light sources.
• ICUFON (Intercontinental UFO Galactic Spacecraft-Research and Analytic Network): Mentioned in a memorandum to UN delegates.
• ONU (Organisation des Nations Unies): A report on a special political commission discussing the creation of a UN body for UFO research.
• PROJET CYCLOPS: A project for detecting extraterrestrial intelligence.

Several bulletins and reviews are listed, categorized by the first letter of their name:

• A: APPROCHE (SVEPS), L'ARGUS DES PHENOMENES SPATIAUX (CERPI), ANTENNE 888.
• B: BIZARRE ? (Switzerland), AESV bulletin.
• C: CHRONIQUES de la CLEU (Luxembourg), COSMOS MAGAZINE.
• E: EXTRATERRESTRES (GEOS).
• I: L'INCONNU (the magazine itself, listing issues 33, 35, and 36).
• L: L'INSOLITE, INFO OVNI.
• N: NOSTRA MAGAZINE.
• O: OVNI 43 (GLRU), OVNI INFO (PALMOS).
• P: PHENOMENE OVNI (CSERU).
• R: RECHERCHES UFOLOGIQUES (GNEOVNI).
• U: UFO QUEBEC, UFOLOGIA (CFRU), UFO INFORMATIONS (AAMT).
• V: VAUCLUSE UFOLOGIE (GREPO).

SPEPSE: Organization and Objectives

The S.P.E.P.S.E. (Société Parisienne d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux et Etranges) is detailed as a non-profit research organization established under the law of July 1, 1901. Its objective is to prove or disprove the reality of strange manifestations, particularly UFOs, by investigating their scientific, technical, social, psychological, and spiritual causes and consequences. The organization's headquarters are located in Marly-le-Roi, and its bureau consists of Michel Monnerie (President), Raymond Bonnaventure (Secretary), and Pascal Montreuil (Treasurer). Key working group leaders are also listed for investigation, specific projects like MARINUFO, DETECTUFO, FICHUFO, DOCUMENTATION, RECHERCHE THEMATIQUE, and OPERATIONNEL PUBLIC.

"Rallye des Moutards" Cartoon

A humorous cartoon by SEVE depicts a conversation about ufology. One character notes that they don't focus much on ufology but are organizing a "Super-Moutard" weekend, a photo-moto expo, and a UFO conference in September. The other character expresses interest in the UFO conference, suggesting it would be "super-cool." A separate advertisement for the "Rallye des Moutards" mentions that while two-wheeled vehicles are welcome, an exception is made for ufologists arriving on four-wheeled vehicles, with contact information provided for Daniel Pong.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for a more open and less skeptical approach to UFO research, as exemplified by the review of L. Stringfield's book. It highlights the importance of documented evidence and the work of dedicated research organizations. The extensive listing of publications and contacts suggests a commitment to disseminating information within the ufology community. The inclusion of the humorous cartoon provides a lighter counterpoint, while still engaging with the theme of ufology.