Vaucluse Ufologie - No 08 - Mars-Avril 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: VAUCLUSE UFOLOGIE
Issue: N° 8
Date: Mai 1978
Publisher: G.R.E.P.O. (Groupement de Recherche et d'Etude du Phénomène OVNI)
Type: Bulletin bimestriel d'information (Bi-monthly information bulletin)

Editorial: The Impasse of Public Information

The editorial, signed by René Faudrin, reflects on the third year of G.R.E.P.O.'s existence in the Vaucluse region. He discusses the group's past activities, including the initial period under Pierre Monnet, the challenges faced by the French ufology federation, and the subsequent restructuring of G.R.E.P.O. with new statutes. Faudrin admits that the group's direct research efforts have been minimal, primarily consisting of collecting witness testimonies (142 cases from June 1951 to December 1976 are mentioned, with more details promised in a future issue) and conducting field investigations. Public information efforts, such as public meetings and press releases, are also noted. However, a recent wave of sightings during the New Year's Eve period revealed that G.R.E.P.O. was largely unknown to the public in Vaucluse. Faudrin emphasizes that the group, comprising about forty members, needs collective action to raise awareness and establish credibility. He mentions G.R.E.P.O.'s open letter to the Secretary of State for Research, their collaboration with CNES and GEPAN, and their participation in a French ufology federation initiative. The bulletin itself is presented as the primary information organ for G.R.E.P.O. members and a platform for ufological groups across France, aiming to foster a unified movement.

G.R.E.P.O. Structure and Activities

The bulletin details the composition of the G.R.E.P.O. bureau, listing key roles such as Honorary President (Camille Ferrier), President and G.E.OS Delegate (René Faudrin), Vice-President and Treasurer (Jean Pierre Troadec), and Secretary (Lyliane Troadec), among others. It also lists honorary members, including Jean Michel Cervantès and Jean Leclaire. The editorial committee for the bulletin comprises Lyliane Troadec and Laurent Gachet. Collaboration is open to all members and readers, with authors solely responsible for their contributions. Article reproduction is permitted with clear source attribution.

Subscription details are provided: 6 issues per year. A/ Subscription and G.R.E.P.O. membership costs 50 Francs. B/ Simple subscription costs 30 Francs. A single issue is 5 Francs. All subscriptions begin on January 1st. Membership grants a card and access to G.R.E.P.O. activities. Correspondence should be addressed to Jean Pierre Troadec at 45 rue du Bon Pasteur, 69001 Lyon, with a self-addressed stamped envelope for replies. The social headquarters is located at Maison des Jeunes, avenue Pablo Picasso, 84700 Sorgues.

Meeting Report: March 18, 1978

A meeting report from March 18, 1978, details discussions among G.R.E.P.O. members. Key points include:

• A report on the CECRU meeting in Chambéry.
• Information on relations with SOVEPS.
• Claude Gautier's offer to provide a GF 77 detector kit for 25 Francs.
• The purchase of 10 books by J.M. Cervantes for 200 Francs.
• Assigning GAUTIER and FRANCHINO to investigate landing cases in Apt and Bonnieux.
• Maintaining press relations with I.E.P. (Carpentras).
• Monsieur FERRIER is awaiting a response from a cinema director in Avignon regarding the use of a venue for public information.
• Efforts to secure a subsidy and location from the Mairie de SORGUES.
• J.P. TROADEC's information about a magazine offering free cover printing in exchange for advertising.
• Planning for a CECRU meeting in the Vaucluse department in late 1979.
• Review of the financial balance after the latest dues collection.
• Distribution of Vaucluse Ufologie issue n° 7 (January-February 1978).

Article: Public Information - An Impasse!

J. Pierre Troadec argues that ufological groups are facing an impasse in their public information strategies. He suggests that by being too precise and detailed in their presentations (e.g., case studies like Maurice Masse), they risk providing too much information that can be exploited by malicious individuals to create elaborate hoaxes or by genuine witnesses who might distort facts to fit a preconceived notion of UFOs. This can lead to the inclusion of fabricated or exaggerated cases in their databases, masquerading as credible sightings. Troadec proposes a more superficial approach, even suggesting the inclusion of "fake" facts, to better identify individuals who are genuinely recalling events versus those who are fabricating them. He believes this approach is also applicable to written materials like bulletins and press articles, and even to pure conferences without audio-visual aids.

He references the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" as an example of how a phenomenon can be presented to the public in a generally accurate but not overly detailed manner, preserving a sense of "professional secret." He advises ufologists to reserve detailed knowledge for fellow researchers or for individuals who can be useful in their investigations, such as gendarmes, pilots, or meteorologists. The article concludes by stressing the necessity of public information for the existence of ufological groups but calls for a more balanced approach.

Article: The UFO Phenomenon - Will the Truth Ever Be Known?

Daniel Mersadier posits that the UFO phenomenon remains an enduring mystery, despite the efforts of ufologists and scientists worldwide. He notes that while observations are increasing, possibly due to increased public trust, the phenomenon itself is not new, with evidence suggesting its existence in ancient manuscripts. These historical accounts describe aerial displays and fiery spheres that often caused panic and were interpreted as divine omens. Mersadier observes that while societal customs have evolved, the omnipresence of the phenomenon persists. He highlights the growing volume of investigation reports and the public's increasing interest, often expressed through attendance at conferences. However, he notes the public's difficulty in accepting explanations that verge on science fiction, and the persistent gap between ufologists and the public. He emphasizes the collective goal of ufological associations, both French and international, to inform the public accurately, share research findings, and gather as many elements as possible, acknowledging the fragility of witness testimony as the foundation for progress in ufology.

Key Incidents and Observations

Sorgues et Châteauneuf du Pape (June 13-14, 1975):

During an observation night on June 13-14, 1975, thirteen members and sympathizers of G.R.E.P.O. reported witnessing strange luminous phenomena on two occasions. The first observation, at 10:17 PM, involved a bright, fast-moving light moving at high speed with an angular height of approximately 50°, moving in a North-North-East to South-South-East trajectory before disappearing near Avignon. It appeared to flash and move in a zig-zag pattern. A second observation occurred at 12:30 AM on June 14, where G.R.E.P.O. members observed a similar phenomenon in the North-North-West at an angular height of 47°. Both observations were accompanied by a significant magnetic deviation. The report notes the speed of the phenomenon was estimated to be over 200 km/h and that it was located between the two observation groups, ruling out conventional aircraft.

Sorgues (July 13, 1975):

On July 13, 1975, at 10:15 PM, Jean Marc D. observed a strange triangular object with a red light border moving rapidly. He estimated the red light's intensity. The object followed a curved trajectory from North to South, then changed direction abruptly when it noticed the observers. A white flash emanated from its center as it passed overhead. The object then moved rapidly towards the East and North-East at a speed that Jean Marc believed could not be matched by an airplane. The sky was overcast and stormy.

Sorgues (June 23, 1976):

On June 23, 1976, at 10:30 PM, Jean Manuel Cervantès and his wife observed a luminous point that initially appeared fixed but then began to move. It moved in a South-North axis, then made a sharp turn to the East-West before becoming fixed again for two minutes and disappearing rapidly towards the South. The object was described as having a fuzzy contour, the size of a very large star, with a bright yellow color, more yellow than white. The observation lasted about 10 minutes, under a clear, starry, and warm sky.

Other Sections

• "FACETTES" Magazine: A brief advertisement for "FACETTES," a monthly magazine for the curious and researchers, written entirely by its readers, covering a wide range of subjects.
• Quote from R. Charroux: A quote about the mystery of gravity and time.
• Contact Cases: Jean Pierre Troadec is seeking information on "contact" cases, specifically those involving voluntary, sustained relationships with supposed extraterrestrials, similar to the G. Adamski case, distinguishing them from cases like Maurice Masse.
• Document Exchange: An invitation for readers to share documents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the challenges of ufological research and public dissemination of information. The G.R.E.P.O. grapples with how to effectively inform the public without oversharing details that could lead to misrepresentation or fabrication. There's a strong emphasis on the importance of rigorous investigation and the collection of witness testimonies, even while acknowledging their inherent fragility. The issue also touches upon the historical dimension of UFO phenomena, suggesting ancient origins, and promotes the idea of a unified, credible ufological community. The editorial stance is one of earnest dedication to understanding and informing about the UFO phenomenon, despite the acknowledged difficulties and the slow progress towards definitive answers.

This issue of 'Revue de Presse' focuses on ufology, with a significant portion dedicated to the activities and discussions of French ufological groups. The main cover headline announces the 'Establishment of a European committee for the study of the O.V.N.I. phenomenon'. The magazine covers a meeting held in Chambéry on March 4th and 5th, 1978, which brought together nineteen French-speaking ufological groups.

Chambéry Meeting and European Committee

The Chambéry meeting, organized by C.S.E.R.U., was attended by approximately fifty people from various ufological groups across France and Switzerland. Key discussions revolved around the normalization of reports and the adoption of a unique classification system for observations. The GREPO group proposed a classification system, and the VERONICA group's representative, Monsieur Gouiran, gave a practical presentation on using kites for aerial photography of ground traces.

A significant outcome of the meeting was the proposal to create a European committee for the coordination of ufological research, following a suggestion from a Lausanne-based Swiss group. While a federation of investigative groups was deemed undesirable to avoid administrative rigidity, a European committee was seen as a positive step. The collaboration between private investigators and official bodies like GEPAN was discussed, with the view that official bodies primarily handle basic data transmission without deep collaboration.

The film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' was acknowledged as a good introduction to the phenomenon, and groups expressed interest in inviting viewers to discuss the subject. The next meeting was scheduled for June 3rd and 4th in Imbourg, Ardèche.

Key Incidents and Testimonies

The issue features several articles detailing UFO sightings and experiences:

'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' Review

This section discusses the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', highlighting its scientific advisor J. Allen Hynek and its potential to popularize the UFO phenomenon. It also touches upon the concept of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' involving the sighting of creatures.

'Allo, Allo, NE COUPEZ PAS!'

This article recounts a personal testimony from a witness named M. B., a musician, who experienced a close encounter in Avignon in January 1976. While driving with two friends, they observed a bright object in the sky that descended towards the ground. The witness attempted to establish contact, and a telepathic link seemed to form, with the object appearing to follow their car. The experience was interrupted when the young woman in the car became frightened, causing the object to ascend and disappear, leaving the witnesses with a sense of emptiness.

The 1950s UFO Chronicle

This section, written by René Faudrin and compiled by Michel Sorgues, aims to document UFO cases from 1950-1959. It highlights a specific incident from October 14, 1954, where military pilots flying "Vampire" aircraft from the Orange air base pursued a flying saucer over Fontaine de Vaucluse. The object was described as metallic, circular, and perfectly immobile before rapidly ascending at high speed, estimated at 1000 km/h.

Another case mentioned is from June 15, 1951, involving pilots Irénée Frio and Raymond Gallibert who sighted a metallic, circular object at an altitude of 3500-5000 meters near Orange. The object was described as similar in color to aluminum and was perfectly immobile before accelerating away.

A contact case from July 1951 is also briefly mentioned.

Group Notes and Communications

Note to Groups

This section addresses confusion surrounding the G.R.E.P.O. organization, clarifying that it is a ufological association exclusively focused on the Vaucluse department. The author, Jean-Pierre Troadec, explains that while he is based in Lyon for professional reasons, all correspondence for G.R.E.P.O. should still be addressed to their Vaucluse headquarters. G.R.E.P.O. operates autonomously and independently, focusing on collecting testimonies and informing the public. They plan to establish a network of informants and an observation catalog for the region.

Other Regional Groups

Information is provided on two other regional groups: C.B.R.O.C.P.I. (Cercle d'Etude des Mystérieux Objets Célestes et des Phénomènes Inconnus) based in Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, and a Local Group for Research on UFOs in Morangis.

Review of the Press

This section lists various ufological bulletins and magazines received, including 'Ufologie Contact', 'Les Extraterrestres', 'Le bulletin du CERPI', 'Facettes', 'Ufologia', 'Siècle Inconnu', 'Entre-nous', 'GERS-INFO', 'le bulletin de l'AESV', 'Ufologie Bulletin', 'OVNI 43', 'Approche', 'Ufo-Informations', 'La revue des Soucoupes Volantes', 'Le bulletin du GNEOVNI', 'Le phénomène OVNI', and 'Lumières Dans la Nuit'. Thanks are extended to Daniel Vidal of VERONICA and Raoul Robe of GPUN for their contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the organization and coordination of ufological research, the sharing of information and experiences among groups, and the documentation of UFO sightings and potential extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and open-mindedness towards the UFO phenomenon, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor and collaboration while acknowledging the current limitations of scientific understanding in explaining these events. There is a clear effort to distinguish between science fiction and actual reported phenomena.

Title: SURVOL DU SUD-VAUCLUSE PAR DES PHENOMENES INEXPLIQUES
Date: Late 1977 - Early 1978
Character: This document is an article discussing unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs) observed in the Sud-Vaucluse region of France.

Unexplained Phenomena in Sud-Vaucluse

The article highlights a curious increase in observations of unexplained phenomena in the Sud-Vaucluse region starting in late 1977 and continuing into early 1978. The author questions whether the presence of nuclear missile sites on the Albion plateau or geological faults in the Luberon Massif might be attracting these unidentified objects.

The phenomena are described as unexplained because numerous credible witnesses have provided detailed accounts to local Gendarmerie brigades and to the G.R.E.P.O. (Groupement de Recherches et d'Etudes du Phénomène O.V.N.I. - Group for Research and Study of UFO Phenomena).

These testimonies consistently describe phenomena of varying dimensions, all emitting a bright light. Crucially, these objects did not follow trajectories that could be mistaken for known aircraft, such as commercial airliners or military jets, even at high altitudes. The article poses the question of the origin of these "objects" and "manifestations of bright lights" that appear briefly.

Hypotheses and Speculation

The author acknowledges that various hypotheses can be put forward to explain the "inexplicable." However, they caution against jumping to conclusions, particularly regarding the idea of extraterrestrials from distant galaxies. While not refuting the possibility of life on other planets with solar systems similar to our own, the article emphasizes the vastness of space and the potential for "thinking beings" to exist in other forms. The quote, "we are not the only 'thinking beings' in the immensity of space, perhaps in other forms, 'they exist', who knows?" underscores this point.

The article also touches upon the profound mystery of time, referencing the work of Monsieur R. Charroux, who described it as an "impenetrable mystery that fascinates us all."

Call for Information and Acknowledgements

Camille FERRIER, President d'Honneur of G.R.E.P.O., concludes by urging anyone who has witnessed unusual aerial phenomena to contact those who are centralizing this information. The article specifically mentions that the newspaper "DAUPHINE LIBERE Provence," through the writing of Monsieur Jean LECLAIRE, is opening its columns to such reports. The members of G.R.E.P.O. express their gratitude in advance for any shared information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is the reporting and investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs) in a specific region of France. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the collection of data while also cautioning against premature conclusions. There is an acknowledgment of the vastness of the universe and the potential for life beyond Earth, as well as a philosophical reflection on the nature of time. The article promotes collaboration between witnesses, researchers, and the media to gather and disseminate information on these mysterious events.