Ufologie Contact - Series 1 - No 18 - juin 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOLOGIE CONTACT
Issue: 18
Date: June 1979
Publisher: SPEPSE
Country: France
Price: 5 F.

This issue of UFOLOGIE CONTACT, a quarterly bulletin from the Paris-11E-DE-FRANCE region, aims to connect ufologists and share information. It features articles exploring the intersection of ufology with religion, biblical interpretations, and historical events.

Editorial and Content

"LE MESSAGE..... POUR CONVAINCRE ?" by M. MONNERIE

This section introduces a critical perspective on how ufology is approached by specialists. Monnerie suggests that some specialists treat ufology as an escape from daily life, leading to misinterpretations. He criticizes the tendency to explain UFOs through unrelated fields like parapsychology or geology, advocating instead for the application of specialized skills. The author refers to 'witches of the 20th century' and 'heretics' who are challenged by official science and rationalism.

"A PROPOS DE....." by Louis RAYMOND

This section invites readers to share their opinions on various topics discussed in books, meetings, or media. It emphasizes that judgments should target the work and its philosophy, not the authors themselves. The section includes a poem by a reader, Louis Raymond, reflecting on mysterious objects appearing in the sky.

"ET IL Y AURA DES SIGNES DANS LE CIEL !"

This article discusses Paul Misraki's book "Des Signes dans le Ciel" (originally "Les Extra-Terrestres"), which draws parallels between UFO manifestations and ancient and modern religious events. The author explores the hypothesis that these seemingly disparate phenomena might originate from a common source. The article delves into biblical narratives, mentioning figures like Abraham, Enoch, Elijah, Elisha, Ezekiel, and the Cherubim, suggesting they could be interpreted as celestial entities or advanced beings. It references the "Glory of Yahvé" as a cosmic vessel, a "pillar of cloud" by day and a "pillar of fire" by night, which guided the Israelites. The text also touches upon the rebellion of Lucifer and the concept of humanity being created in God's image, leading to conflicts.

Discussion of Religious Apparitions and UFOs

The issue connects religious prophecies about the end times with the non-occurrence of predicted world endings. It then explores modern apparitions, starting with the Rue du Bac in Paris (1830), followed by La Salette (1846), Lourdes (1858), and Fatima (1917). The Fatima event on October 13, 1917, is highlighted as a significant case, attended by 50,000 people, where the sun reportedly danced and spun, described as the "Glory of Yahvé" and the most spectacular UFO case in ufological history. The article suggests that these apparitions, particularly the "Dame de Lumière" at Fatima, offered a helping hand to humanity amidst its follies and barbarity, warning of future wars. The text also references Jacques Vallée's book "LE COLLEGE INVISIBLE," which proposes a "control system" influencing humanity, often through religion, and discusses the concept of a "moral law" instilled by divine beings.

The publication details subscription options for "UFOLOGIE-CONTACT" (4 issues per year) and "UFOLOGIE-CONTACT-SPECIAL" (3 issues per year), both costing 15.00 F. The editorial and administration details list Raymond DONNAVENTURS as the Director of Publication, with the publication being printed and edited by SPEPSE in MARLY-LE-ROI.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the potential overlap and interconnectedness between UFO phenomena, religious experiences, and biblical narratives. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider unconventional interpretations and to share their own perspectives. There is a clear effort to bridge the gap between scientific rationalism and spiritual or religious interpretations of anomalous phenomena, suggesting that these may not be mutually exclusive but rather different facets of a larger reality.

This issue of UFO CONTACT, identified as volume 18 and issue 18, appears to be from 1979, published by Editions Albin Michel. The content is primarily in French and focuses on Ufology, human existence, and research initiatives.

Key Articles and Sections

Concluding Thoughts on Humanity and UFOs

The issue opens with a reflection by H. VEDRINE, suggesting that after reading a dense book, one can ponder the future and existence of the human being. It highlights three fundamental questions that resurface periodically in religions and philosophies: 'Who are we?', 'Where do we come from?', and 'Where are we going?'. These questions, which have agitated humanity since time immemorial, are presented as being more relevant than ever. Curiously, the text notes that these 'unusual and insoluble' questions can also be applied to UFOs themselves, posing the question: 'Do they know the answer?'

Appel au Peuple! (Call to the People!)

This section introduces a call for participation and outlines the structure of communication within the organization, listing various groups: Secretariat SPEPSE, Documentation Group, Thematic Research Group, Operational Public Group, DETECTUFO Group, and ASTRO-UFO Group. It indicates that circular letters from these groups will follow.

SPEPSE Association and Member Engagement

An article discusses a two-year debate among Parisian Ufologists concerning surveys, meetings, program projects, and concrete actions aimed at defining and guiding the association's life. The author states that previous bulletins have provided sufficient information for members to objectively judge the present and future of the organization. It emphasizes that the initiated work must continue with member support, and all remarks, suggestions, and questions are welcomed. The circular letters are presented as a call for goodwill, urging members to express it so the organization can continue to improve and defend their interests through rigorous, methodical, and realistic research.

Diversifying Action: Space-Focused Working Groups

R. BONNAVENTURE proposes diversifying the association's action by creating space-focused working groups. The ASTRO-UFO group would be made more operational by tasks such as informing members about space wonders through viewings or presentations, and constructing a telescope, with the aim of establishing contact with amateur astronomy groups. A second group would be responsible for creating a functional library on space research, deemed crucial for civilization's future, and for building models of artificial satellites. Finally, a more ambitious idea is to create a workshop for building reduced-scale rockets, in direct liaison with CNES or other organizations. The author acknowledges that similar activities exist in non-Ufological associations and stresses the importance of exchanging information with them.

Documentation Group: Building a UFO Knowledge Base

Lionel DEMEILLIERS, from the Documentation Group, announces the establishment of a documentary fund covering Ufology, related phenomena, and scientific research in various disciplines. Two individuals, M.M. BONNAVENTURE and DEMEILLIERS, are accumulating general documents that could be useful for personal research or for staying informed about similar associations and Ufology events. The 'Our Library' section details recent acquisitions. The group faces challenges due to the lack of a physical location for SPEPSE, making exchanges difficult. They reiterate the need for help in finding a local space. Additionally, working group leaders are building specific documentation for their disciplines, which is available to collaborators. The collection is proceeding well, but classification and management of this fund remain issues.

Objectives for Operational Efficiency

To become operational, two objectives must be met: the constitution of an effective staff and the development of a documentary catalog based on a generalized classification system (dossier, unit, chapter, physical location, and category). Member collaboration is requested, and they are encouraged to send mail responding to questions about participating in the fund's development and management, offering or exchanging documents, and lending documents for reproduction. A phone number is provided for further contact.

Thematic Research Group: Analyzing UFO Phenomena

The Thematic Research Group aims to study phenomena by first defining the problems they imply, to develop an analytical method for determining their characteristics. The complexity of the UFO phenomenon requires significant human and material investigative resources. Currently, the focus is on recruiting human expertise. The group's work has been dedicated to posing the problem, with two elements in presence: humans and UFOs. The goal is to study the UFO phenomenon through the reactions it elicits in humans. The chosen method involves defining analogical material, as the human mind identifies or does not identify through analogy.

Defining Analogical Material for UFO Descriptions

This section explains how binary logic ('yes, I know' or 'no, I don't know') allows witnesses to describe unknown phenomena. Examples include descriptions like 'It looked like a saucer-shaped cup' or 'I thought it was a tractor, but I hadn't seen a tractor fly before'. Defining this analogical material is crucial for identifying constants in descriptions, even if they are expressed differently. A meeting is planned to discuss these reflections, and members are asked to send their curriculum vitae, suggestions for research projects, time commitment, research preferences, and desired meeting schedules to P. MONTREUIL.

Project Magonia: Psychological Testing for UFO Testimony

Thierry PINVIDIC introduces Project Magonia, a serious undertaking by a Parisian Ufology team over the past two years. This ambitious project, involving a European coordination of research efforts, includes psychological tests designed to enlighten them on human testimony. The tests will assess people's aptitude for estimating physical magnitudes, observation skills, and the invention of UFO narratives. It will also provide information on people's knowledge regarding UFOs. As of early 1979, Project Magonia covers nearly 70 French departments in 16 regions, employs over 100 people, and has processed more than 4500 tests via computer. It benefits from the collaboration of internationally renowned consultants like James Mc CAMPBELL and Richard HAIWES.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the fundamental questions of human existence, the nature of UFO phenomena, and the organized efforts to research and understand them. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging active participation from members, emphasizing rigorous and methodical research, and fostering collaboration between different groups and external experts. There is a clear call for members to contribute their time, knowledge, and resources to advance the field of Ufology.

This issue of ASTRO UFO, identified by volume and issue number 18, presents a collection of communications and calls for participation within the ufological community in France. The content spans several pages, indicated by page numbers 18.19 through 18.25, suggesting a comprehensive exploration of ongoing projects and organizational activities.

Project MAGONIA: A Call for Collaboration

One of the central themes is the MAGONIA project, described as a finalized, commercialized study with a budget likely exceeding 5,000 Francs. T. Pindivic, associated with this project, emphasizes the substantial work involved for a small Parisian team, citing the dispatch of 300 letters over ten months. Pindivic issues a direct appeal for serious ufologists to collaborate with SPEPSE, stating that "salon ufology is over." He contrasts this serious approach with what he terms "papa's ufology," characterized by intrigue and quarrels. He invites interested individuals to contact him, suggesting a phone call to 046.80.89 for potential association with the MAGONIA project.

A subsequent communique reiterates the search for volunteer collaborators for the MAGONIA project, specifically for the mechanical perforation of 4500 index cards. This task, while described as manageable (under a minute per card), is noted as potentially tedious for only two or three people. The communique stresses the importance of numerous participants to reduce individual workload and invites those genuinely interested in this "grand research project on human testimony in ufology" to write in.

SPEPSE: Organization and Activities

The Groupe Opérationnel Public (GOP) of SPEPSE, led by Yves Lachere, is seeking to expand its ranks. The organization aims to increase its personnel to meet its work program and launches an appeal for active participants in various activities. These include organizing popularization conferences, giving presentations in schools, clubs, and diverse associations, organizing exhibitions, and engaging in external relations such as contacting local communities, associations, and the written, spoken, and televised press. They also seek assistance with publicity (posters, press articles) to promote SPEPSE. Interested individuals are invited to contact Yves Lachere at the provided address.

DETECTUFO: Scientific Ufological Research

J.P. Frambourg of DETECTUFO addresses a potential collaborator, acknowledging their interest in ufology and astronomy. He frames the UFO phenomenon as ancient and currently designated as OVNI (Objet Volant Non Identifié). Frambourg defines ufology as more than just a collection of entertaining tales or dubious stories, countering the dismissive opinion of "Rationalists" who label it as mere fantasy. He asserts that UFOs and inexplicable phenomena continue to be reported, posing a challenge to human understanding. He argues that a purely rationalist approach can stifle original research and hinder the evolution of knowledge about our environment. Frambourg clarifies that ufology is not a science in itself but utilizes multiple sciences, making the work difficult and explaining the lack of in-depth studies. He posits that knowledge accumulation, followed by analysis, comparison, and regrouping, will eventually lead to hypotheses and theories, which must then withstand experimental testing, a process he notes rationalists often use to dismantle unconventional theories.

He suggests that individuals who feel compelled to act can participate in projects by private groups, such as SPEPSE, which work patiently to advance knowledge. In the Paris region, SPEPSE offers opportunities for interested individuals to connect, exchange ideas, information, and documentation, and participate in various projects within a flexible, elaborate structure. DETECTUFO, specifically, aims for scientific studies, experiments, and measurements to gather significant data, focusing on systematic environmental studies and correlating physical parameters during recorded disturbances, rather than mere "OVNI sniffing."

DETECTUFO's projects are currently hampered by a lack of human and material resources. Technically, projects are underway, including detection networks using simple devices, developed in collaboration with the Groupement Technique de Recherches (GTR) of LDLN. More advanced equipment is also being developed. Participation in these efforts is already underway, with individuals dedicating their time and resources, often from home, due to the flexible, associative nature of SPEPSE.

Frambourg concludes by inviting individuals with the necessary qualities to help, either by joining or by writing with a self-addressed stamped envelope for a response.

GTR's Multifaceted Approach to UFOs

A note from J.P. Frambourg regarding the objectives of the GTR (Groupement Technique de Recherches) outlines a comprehensive approach to the UFO phenomenon. GTR considers the phenomenon to be simultaneously MATERIAL, IMMATERIAL, PARAPSYCHOLOGICAL, and SOCIOLOGICAL. Consequently, they aim to study the UFO problem globally through various aspects. The methods employed or to be pursued include:

1. Pure technique via detection: This involves environmental control and monitoring the psychic attitude of the operator(s).
2. Psychic control: Utilizing direct training of subjects in a permanent state of wakefulness.
3. Sociological control: Studying the "ufological psychosis" and its repercussions on ufologists.

These three methods have reportedly been used, either partially or globally, without the participants' full awareness.

ASTRO-UFO Section Development

Another communication, addressed "Cher Ami," invites individuals interested in ufology and astronomy to help develop the ASTRO-UFO section within SPEPSE, alongside existing sections like Marinufo, Détectufo, and Fichufo. The sender suggests that each interested person should respond to an accompanying questionnaire to assess physical, material, and financial possibilities for the working group and to organize frequent meetings. SPEPSE publishes its own bimonthly liaison bulletin, with an annual subscription fee of 20.00 Francs. Contact persons for further information are listed as Mr. KIELWASSER René and Mr. THOREL Jean-Claude, with their respective addresses and phone numbers provided.

Questionnaire for Potential Collaborators

The issue includes a detailed "QUESTIONNAIRE" designed to gather information from potential collaborators. It covers several sections:

• ADHESION: Asks if the respondent is a member of SPEPSE, affiliated with an astronomy club, and if they can facilitate contacts.
• MATERIEL: Inquires about observation equipment (telescopes, cameras, projectors), their makes, types, and technical characteristics, as well as other materials.
• BIBLIOTHEQUE: Asks about possession of books, magazines, photos, star charts, and subscriptions to relevant journals.
• PRET: Asks if the respondent is willing to lend their equipment or magazines, with or without their presence.
• OBSERVATIONS: Inquires about the frequency and context of astronomical observations (often, sometimes, rarely; alone, in small groups, or guided groups).
• PROJET: Seeks opinions on the realization of a common telescope, potential contributions to projects, organizing debate/projection meetings, and observation evenings (in the Paris region and provinces). It also asks about available free time (days and times), the possibility of providing a local space (with cost and surface area), vacation dates, and general suggestions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the serious, scientific pursuit of ufology, contrasting it with more superficial or unscientific approaches. There is a strong emphasis on collaboration, data collection, and systematic analysis as the path to advancing knowledge in the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for rigorous research methods, encouraging active participation from interested individuals, and promoting the organizational efforts of SPEPSE and its associated groups like MAGONIA and DETECTUFO. The publication positions itself as a platform for those dedicated to understanding the UFO phenomenon through diligent investigation and shared effort.

This document presents the S.P.E.P.S.E. (Société Parisienne d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux et Etranges), a Parisian society for the study of spatial and strange phenomena. It is described as a non-profit research organization, legally declared in accordance with French law of July 1, 1901, and the decree of August 16, 1901. The publication date is indicated by these legal references, placing it around July/August 1901.

Mission and Objectives

The core mission of S.P.E.P.S.E. is to "Prove the reality and/or non-existence of strange manifestations, particularly UFOs, by researching their scientific, technical, social, psychological, and even spiritual causes and consequences." This indicates a broad and multifaceted approach to investigating unexplained phenomena.

Organizational Structure

The document outlines the organizational structure of S.P.E.P.S.E., including:

Social Headquarters

• Location: Domaine de Montval, 6 allée Sisley, 78160 MARLY-LE-ROI.
• Telephone: 958.98.09 (after 8 PM).

Bureau (Executive Board)

• President: Michel MONNERIE
• Secretary: Raymond BONTHAVE ITURE
• Treasurer: Pascal HONTREUIL

Heads of Working Groups

The organization is structured into various working groups, each with a designated leader:

• Investigation: MONNERIE, BONHAVENTURE, DEHBILLIERS, BRECHOT, RICHARD, BOUDIER, LACHERE.
• Section MARINUUFO: G. RICHARD, Résidence La Croix du Sud, 5 Allée Roland Carros, 94150 CHEVILLY LA RUE. Tel. 664.46.79.
• Detection (DETECTURO): J.P. FRAMBOURG, 5 rue de la Haise, 78370 PLAISIR. Tel. 055.58.05.
• Astrophotography (ASTRO WO): R. KIELWASSER, 21 rue Letort, 75018 PARIS. Tel. 251.25.36.
• Fichupo (likely related to data collection/filing): R. BOIBIAVENTURE, Domaine de Montval, 6 allée Sisley, 78160 MARLY-LE-ROI. Tel. 958.98.09.
• Documentation: L. DEEILLIERS, 3 rue de la Solidarité, 92120 MONTROLCE. Tel. 654.03.45.
• Thematic Research (RACERCHE TEMATIQUE): P. MONTREUIL, 21 rue Elias Hove, 94100 St MAUR. Tel. 283.39.23.
• Operational Public (OPERATIONNEL PUPLIC): Y. LACIIERE, 28 allée de Persépolis, Bois Persan, 91400 ORSAY. Tel. 928.57.90.
• Project MAGONIA: T. PINVIDIC, 7, hameau Florida, 91800 ARUNOY. Tel. 046.80.89.

Information Requests

Individuals seeking further information are instructed to send a written request, including a 1.40 French Franc stamp for the reply.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document's primary theme is the formal establishment and operational structure of a scientific and investigative body focused on unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs) in the early 20th century. The editorial stance is one of serious, organized research, aiming for empirical proof and scientific analysis, while also acknowledging potential psychological and spiritual dimensions. The detailed listing of roles, responsibilities, and contact information underscores a commitment to structured inquiry and public engagement.