Univers et ses Phenomenes - No 1 - 1er trim 1989

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'L'Univers et Ses Phenomenes' is a bulletin from the C.R.U. (Comité de Recherche Ufologique), based in Brest, France. The cover, dated April 2, 1989, features the title 'PHENOMENES INEXPLIQUES OBJETS VOLANTS NON IDENTIFIES...?' alongside a stylized map of a coastline. The bulletin is presented as a publication of the C.R.U., located at 24 rue du Commandant Lucas, 29200 Brest.

Table of Contents (Sommaire)

• The issue includes the following sections:
• Presentation of the Groupement
• Activities of the C.R.U. in January-February 1989
• 1947: The United States
• Investigation Summary
• A Page for a Laugh
• The Committee for Ufological Research (LE COMITE de RECHERCHE UFOLOGIQUE)

The Committee for Ufological Research (LE COMITE de RECHERCHE UFOLOGIQUE)

The committee is led by President Thierry LARGUET, Vice President Pascal LEFEVRE, Treasurer Bruno LARGUET, and Secretary Florence LARQUET. The CRU states that it needs witness testimonies, books, photos, and reviews to continue its research into the phenomenon of UFOs (Objets Volants non Identifiés).

Activities January-February 1989

During this period, the CRU distributed flyers to solicit witness accounts, made contact with Philippe JEZEQUEL, host of 'Radio Émeraude', and initiated a radio broadcast that was expected to continue. The group also focused on American projects, the 'riec sur bellon' case, UFOs in Brittany, and brief news items. They also launched their first review, 'Phénomènes inexpliqués objets volants non identifiés'.

Case Study: The UFO over the Aircraft Carrier "Foch"

A significant article details an observation on January 7th by two auxiliary gendarmes from Châteaulin. They witnessed an orange semi-sphere object moving at an altitude of approximately 300 meters off the coast near Cap de la Chèvre. The object reportedly hovered over the aircraft carrier 'Foch' and the submerged nuclear submarine 'Redoutable'. It then appeared to 'explode,' becoming a clear orange sphere before resuming its original shape and disappearing into the clouds. Jean-François Boédec, secretary-general of the Commission O.V.N.I., believes the French Navy likely observed and possibly photographed the event. The article notes that UFOs have shown interest in military targets before, citing instances during World War II where bomber squadrons were reportedly escorted by discs.

The article further delves into the technical specifications of the 'Foch' aircraft carrier (built in 1963, displacement 22,350 tons, 265x7.70x51m, 126,000 CV propulsion, 32 knots max speed, 2150 personnel, 40 aircraft, 8/100mm armament) and the 'Redoutable' nuclear submarine (built in the 1960s, 9000 tons submerged displacement, 128x10.60x10m, 15,000 CV, 20 knots, 135 personnel, 16 MS BS M20 missiles, 4 torpedo tubes). The CRU commits to respecting the anonymity of anyone providing further information.

Historical Context: The Birth of the "Flying Saucer" Term

The issue revisits the origins of UFO phenomena, noting that in 1944, the German Air Force established an organization to collect pilot testimonies about unknown aerial objects. The term 'flying saucer' reportedly emerged in 1947. The article recounts Kenneth Arnold's sighting near Mount Rainier, where he described nine bright, disc-shaped objects moving erratically. His account, published widely, led to the term 'flying saucer' and prompted the U.S. Air Force to investigate potential threats.

It details the early days of UFO investigations by the Air Technical Intelligence Agency (ATIC) at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Initial reports were often vague, and the military struggled to categorize these sightings, considering possibilities like meteors or hallucinations. The article highlights the debate within the intelligence community, with some advocating for serious consideration of extraterrestrial origins, while others dismissed sightings as post-war hysteria.

The article mentions the formulation of the US Air Force's stance: "IT CANNOT EXIST, THEREFORE IT DOES NOT EXIST." Despite this, observations continued, leading to the creation of Project SIGN in February 1948, which evolved into Project GRUDGE and later Project BLUE BOOK, spanning 17 years of controversial investigations.

Donald Keyhoe, a retired Marine major, is mentioned as a key figure who challenged the military's secrecy and sought to reveal information about UFOs. His work, including the book 'Alien From Space', is referenced.

Case Study: USS Philippine Sea Radar Observations

Professor J. Allen Hynek's analysis of 237 UFO notifications is discussed, with 32% attributed to astronomical explanations, 12% to confusion with weather balloons, and 33% with aircraft, leaving 23% unidentified. The issue then focuses on a prolonged series of radar observations of UFOs in the Korean War zone between January 1953 and April 1952. These observations included radar and visual contacts with multiple types of objects.

According to a US Air Force report within the BLUE BOOK archives, a significant number of these observations remain unexplained. The bulletin presents one case from February 2, 1952, where radar operators aboard the USS Philippine Sea detected an unidentified object off the coast of Korea. The object was initially detected 40 km away, approached to 32 km, executed a sharp turn eastward, and moved away at high speed. The object reportedly split into two, with a separation of 9 to 20 km. Three crew members independently observed a triple incandescent trail. The object's speed was measured at 16 km/minute (960 km/h), 24 km/minute (1440 km/h), and 48 km/minute (2880 km/h) over successive minutes. The object was detected at an altitude of 16,500 meters and disappeared from radar 180 km away. The article notes that no known aircraft at the time could achieve such speeds.

Investigation Form: Saint Mathieu, October 1980

A CRU investigation form details an observation in Saint Mathieu in October 1980. Three witnesses observed four orange luminous spheres that were initially immobile but then moved erratically and at high speed, with brief stops between movements. The spheres reportedly moved against the wind, heading west. The conditions were stormy with winds of 100 km/h.

Radio Emeraude Broadcast

Page 10 announces a broadcast on 'Radio Émeraude' on Sunday, April 2, 1989, at 2 PM, titled 'PHENOMENES INEXPLIQUES OBJETS VOLANTS NON IDENTIFIES?'. The CRU's contact information is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), historical case studies, and the importance of witness testimony and evidence. The CRU positions itself as a dedicated research group committed to studying UFOs using all legal means. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry, acknowledging the reality of the phenomenon and seeking to uncover more information, contrasting with earlier official dismissals like the US Air Force's "IT CANNOT EXIST, THEREFORE IT DOES NOT EXIST" policy. The bulletin also highlights the historical evolution of UFO investigations, from early military efforts to the more structured projects like Blue Book.

This issue of the magazine, titled "Rencontre du troisième fisc" (Encounter with the Third Tax), appears to be from July 1997. It features a satirical short story and a review of a book on UFOs, suggesting a focus on ufology with a humorous or critical perspective on societal structures.

Rencontre du troisième fisc

The lead article, "Rencontre du troisième fisc," by Yannick Bourdoiseau, tells a humorous story about an alien encounter with a French tax inspector. On July 12, 1997, an alien named Kador-Mirza from the 'bigloutienne' fleet lands in the garden of M. Vernuchel, a principal tax inspector in Cambusy-sur-Garonne (Haut-Var). Despite the extraordinary event, M. Vernuchel, accustomed to administrative procedures, reacts with professional detachment. He immediately informs Kador-Mirza that his philanthropic mission to create a perfect society for humanity falls under Article 1234, paragraph 45 of the General Tax Code, requiring detailed declarations of assets, founding members, income tax returns for the previous seven years, and photocopies. Kador-Mirza's attempts to explain their intentions—curing diseases, eliminating unemployment, and granting long life—are met with Vernuchel's insistence on tax compliance. These include taxes on land and property, early repayment penalties, voluntary contributions, and various fiscal and para-fiscal taxes on basic necessities like bread and water. The aliens' offer to provide technicians is met with the requirement for them to deposit three years' salary with the Caisse des dépôts et consignation, obtain an ANPE number, and submit a personal income tax plan. Even the alien spacecraft is not exempt, with Vernuchel questioning its VAT payment and threatening to impound it. Overwhelmed by the bureaucratic demands, Kador-Mirza quickly retreats to his spaceship and departs without a sound, leaving the observatories to register an immense sigh of relief.

The illustration for this story is by Jac Faure.

Face aux Soucoupes Volantes Review

The second part of the issue features a review or excerpt related to "Face aux Soucoupes Volantes" by Captain Edward J. Ruppelt. The text highlights that national defense agencies in major powers have services dedicated to monitoring unidentified flying objects (UFOs), commonly known as "flying saucers." Captain Ruppelt, who directed the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book for two years, broke the silence by writing this book. He had access to approximately 4,500 reports and discussed them with witnesses, scientists, astronomers, physicists, psychiatrists, and high-ranking U.S. authorities. Ruppelt states that many errors have been made in reporting and discussing UFOs, and it's time to reveal all the facts, both explained and unexplained. He estimates that about 95% of UFO reports can be explained. However, he notes that when a radar detects an unidentified flying object, a ground observer sees it, a jet fighter intercepts it, and the pilot also visually confirms it and establishes radar contact, and the object then impudently escapes, there is no possible explanation. The review concludes with Ruppelt's statement: "It may be that the Earth is visited by interplanetary vehicles. Only time will tell whether this can be affirmed or denied." The book reveals the U.S. Air Force's observations and efforts to solve one of the greatest enigmas of our time.

Comité de Recherche Ufologique (CRU)

The magazine also includes contact information for the "C. R. U. - Comité de Recherche Ufologique - Groupe d'Études sur les O.V.N.I." (UFO Research Committee - Study Group on UFOs). Their address is 24, Rue du Commandant Lucas - 29200 BREST, and their phone number is 98 46 27 10.

Reader Correspondence

A handwritten note expresses "Amities Sincères" (Sincere Friendships) and a hope for a prompt return, mentioning "pom ovni presse service" and hoping their subscription is not yet finished.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue seems to adopt a satirical and critical stance towards bureaucracy, as exemplified by the lead story. It also engages with the serious topic of ufology, presenting information from official investigations and expert opinions, while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding unexplained sightings. The inclusion of a reader's note suggests an active community readership interested in UFO phenomena.