Vaucluse Ufologie - No 18-19 - Juin-Septembre 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: VAUCLUSE UFOLOGIE
Issue: N° 18 - 19
Date: June-September 1980 (Trimestriel)
Publisher: GROUPEMENT DE RECHERCHE ET D'ÉTUDE DU PHÉNOMÈNE OVNİ (G.R.E.P.O.)
ISSN: 0222-2272
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Vaucluse Ufologie, a bulletin from the Groupement de Recherche et d'Etude du Phénomène OVNI (G.R.E.P.O.), features a cover with a map of the Vaucluse region of France, illustrated with three flying saucer-like objects. The main headline is 'BULLETIN D'INFORMATION DU G.R.E.P.O.'.

Film Review: L'EMPIRE CONTRE-ATTAQUE

The issue begins with a review of the film 'L'Empire Contre-Attaque' (The Empire Strikes Back), the second installment in George Lucas's Star Wars saga, released in 1980. The review highlights the return of beloved characters like Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Chewbacca, as well as the introduction of the wise master Yoda. The plot centers on Darth Vader's pursuit of Luke. The review praises the film for surpassing its predecessor, noting the enhanced character development and the masterful animation of Yoda. It also points out the film's impressive visual effects, with 414 special effects shots compared to 380 in the first film. The reviewer describes the space battles as highly realistic and likens the film to a modern fairy tale where laser swords replace magic wands. The review concludes by recommending the film as a quality science-fiction fantasy, but advises against it for materialists, overly serious adults, and those allergic to the genre. The review is signed by Jean-Pierre and Lilyane Troadec.

Exclusive Report: The Prémanon Case (1954)

The core of this issue is an exclusive report concerning the Prémanon UFO case of September 27, 1954, which remained unknown to ufologists for 26 years. The report was obtained from Yves Bosson of the Association d'Etude des Soucoupes Volantes (A.E.S.V.) in Switzerland, who found an old report from a former member of the COSMOS group in Geneva.

COSMOS Investigation Findings

The COSMOS group investigated the Prémanon case on November 14, 1954, less than two months after the alleged event. Their report, dated November 1954, concluded that the case had significant fragility and leaned towards the theory of a hoax. They suspected the story originated from a 12-year-old child, Raymond Romand, who was given an assignment on extraterrestrials by his teacher shortly before the incident.

Critique of Ufological Practices

The author uses the Prémanon case as an example to question the lack of communication and archival sharing between ufological groups. He argues that had this document been available earlier, the case could have been definitively classified, preventing further errors. The article stresses the importance of circulating archives, even from defunct groups, as former members are often still alive.

The Prémanon Case's Legacy

The Prémanon case had become a classic in ufology, cited by prominent figures like Jacques Vallée, Aimé Michel, and Jimmy Guieu, and featured in specialized magazines and conferences. The author expresses regret that Swiss ufologists had already resolved the case in 1954, but did not disseminate their findings, leaving French ufologists to continue discussing it. The article serves as a lesson to always question cases that form the basis of ufology, as they may not be as solid as they appear.

Meeting with Charles Garreau

Jean-Pierre Troadec mentions meeting with Charles Garreau, who had investigated the Prémanon case shortly after the event in 1954. At the time, Garreau concluded the facts were real and the traces authentic, although he notes that in 1954, no samples were taken, and current theories suggest the traces might have been from cattle. Twenty-six years later, Garreau remains convinced that the children witnessed the landing of an unknown object and the evolution of a strange entity.

Details of the 1954 Investigation

The report details the investigation conducted by the COSMOS group in Morez, Prémanon, and St-Claude (Jura) on November 14, 1954. In Morez, they found indifference towards flying saucers. In Prémanon, a customs officer reported that Raymond Romand spoke of a 'steel phantom.' The children reportedly fled after seeing the departure of a flying saucer, throwing stones. The story of a 'pistolet' (pistol) was unknown. A newspaper, RADAR, from October 16th, mentioned a scorched tree, possibly the post. The teacher and her husband were absent during the investigation.

At Montfier, Mr. Romand, the farmer and brother of Raymond's uncle, denied the existence of flying saucers and claimed the child had lied to journalists and police. Raymond himself, present during the questioning, confirmed his uncle's statement. Mr. Romand suggested the story was a composition the child had to write for school, and that the teacher's seriousness amplified the affair.

Raymond, aged 12, stated he had never seen anything and that it was a dream. He denied reading books or newspapers about flying saucers. When asked about the shape of the saucer, he replied there was no shape as he had seen nothing. He described the 'steel phantom' as a piece of sugar. He explained the saucer's ascent in his dream was vertical and silent. He admitted to telling the gendarmes about the existence of the phenomenon because he had told his teacher. He described the 'man' as a large piece of sugar, two meters high. He ironized about the traces shown to the gendarmes, calling them cow tracks. He denied throwing stones, stating he only dreamt of it, and also denied having a pistol as he told his teacher. He denied falling or being shocked.

In St-Claude, the gendarmerie reported that Captain Brustol was absent, and Gendarme Bourgeois received them. Bourgeois was present at Mont-Fier the day after the incident. He did not take photographs. The gendarmes noted crown-shaped traces approximately 3.50 meters in diameter and 50 cm wide. They initially considered these traces might be from cattle. Gendarme Bourgeois found it impossible to photograph the 'crown' trace (trampled grass) due to lack of a projector. The gendarmerie's initial impression was that Raymond was not afraid to speak, but he ignored questions about the pistol. Gendarme Bourgeois felt something had happened at Mont-Fier, but that the parents had forbidden the child from speaking about it. He noted traces on a post that could have been made by a knife or scythe, advising not to consider them as evidence of a flying saucer. During his interrogation, Raymond had stated he had fallen to the gendarmerie, fainted to his teacher, and that nothing had happened to them. The report concludes that obtaining information in this environment is difficult due to contradictory statements that never confirm each other. It is hard to form an opinion, and the crown trace alone is insufficient to prove a UFO landing.

Ufological Methodology Discussion

Pages 8-10 delve into the methodology of ufological research, presented as a response to questions posed by Jean Giraud in 'Montluçon 1980'. The discussion, signed by Thierry Pinvisic, addresses two main points: what to look for in a testimony and how to select subjectivity within a testimony.

Two Simultaneous Optics:

1. Phase of Documentation: This involves actively seeking information and identifying specific strangeness in a testimony before retaining it. It also includes researching invariants in the overall phenomenology and using tests of hypotheses. The goal is to develop knowledge of fringe phenomena, calibrate the witness as an information transformer, and exploit this calibration to avoid degradation of information in the chain from phenomenon to observation. This phase emphasizes the importance of objective deontological principles, avoiding arbitrary judgments, and concluding based on simulation.
2. Phase of Analysis: This phase requires precise and unambiguous computer coding of information, statistical analysis of observed frequencies, and testing hypotheses through programs. It also involves comparative studies of results obtained internationally, establishing strict terminology, standardizing databases, and ensuring compatibility of computer means and codifications.

Objective vs. Subjective Testimony Triangulation:

This section focuses on understanding phenomena that alter perception and the narrative of a testimony. It proposes two simultaneous optics:

1. Estimation of the Witness's Aptitude: This involves observing the effect of sensory filtering, conceptualization (integration of perception), memorization (transformation/degradation), and description (communication funnel). It highlights the extensive use of psychotechniques and their development, noting that they can lead to an impossibility of conclusion and require careful calibration, such as using Lewitt's tests for ufological applications.
2. States of Altered Consciousness: This involves establishing an exhaustive repertoire of clinical signs presented in different states of altered consciousness, drawing from psychopathology. It also includes identifying the psychological and somatic origins of these altered states, which can range from thyrotoxicosis and insulinic hypoglycemia to phenomena like Isakower's syndrome, epilepsy, and depressive states. The section also calls for establishing a clinical psychopathological profile of the witness and developing an automatic hypothesis testing tool (a matrix for diagnosing altered states of consciousness) to determine reliability.

Independence from Previous Phases:

A third crucial element is the study of the witness's morality (dépistage des fraudes), utilizing sophrology and polygraphic recordings as indicators, not proofs. The index of credibility (IC) is derived from the index of intrinsic value (VI) and the index of strangeness (IE). The approach is probabilistic, not formal, acknowledging that the nature of observables in ufology is similar to that in atomic physics.

Critique of Private Research:

The author criticizes private research for lacking a defined chronology, operational definitions, and precise standards. He argues that such research is as 'provable' as it is 'unprovable' in the absence of a defined terminology. He invokes a 'Law of Babel,' stating that all observations are considered true, but generalizations are false because they are not recurrent. Ufological research, he contends, is an affair of mentality, deontology, and methodology, requiring the invention of new approaches rather than engaging in trivial debates.

Call for Action:

The author calls for continued investigations to be ordered, planned, and coordinated without arbitrary decisions, emphasizing that a lack of understanding of the core problem means nothing has been grasped. He notes that private research has raised good questions but has failed to find answers over 30 years, unlike American university research or that of CEFAN. He expresses hope that the meeting will allow ufologists to define their positions, formulate equations, and pose problems effectively, as posing a problem correctly is the first step to solving it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific methodology in ufological research. It critiques the lack of data sharing and standardization among ufological groups, advocating for a more systematic and critical approach to case analysis. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting a more professional and evidence-based ufology, moving beyond anecdotal accounts and unsubstantiated claims. The discussion on the Prémanon case highlights the importance of skepticism and the potential for hoaxes or misinterpretations, even in seemingly well-documented incidents. The review of 'The Empire Strikes Back' serves as a lighter counterpoint, showcasing the imaginative potential of science fiction.

This issue of Midi Libre, dated Saturday, October 16, 1954 (Issue No. 3412), heavily features reports and analyses of UFO (soucoupe) sightings, primarily within France. The publication also includes reviews of several books related to ufology, parapsychology, and historical mysteries.

UFO Sightings and Explanations

The lead article, "LES 'SOUCOUPES' ETAIENT EN REALITE DES BALLONS SONDES DES SERVICES METEOROLOGIQUES ITALIENS" (The 'Saucers' Were Actually Sounding Balloons from the Italian Meteorological Services), addresses the growing public concern over UFOs. It reports on sightings in Aveyron and Lozère, where a mysterious craft was observed changing shape and color. However, the issue clarifies that many such sightings, including one in Decazeville and Mende, were identified as sounding balloons from the Italian Meteorology Institute in Milan. These balloons, with a 28-meter diameter, were capable of reaching 30,000 meters and carried equipment for studying cosmic rays.

Similar explanations were provided for sightings near Briançon, in the Haute Tarentaise, Albertville region, and Chambéry, where an object resembling a large star was identified as a sounding balloon. In Avignon, a 'Saucer' was reported hovering vertically above the town hall of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse at 400 meters, but pilots from the Orange Air Base could not confirm its presence. The article suggests that the 'Saucer' was also a sounding balloon.

Another report details a sighting by hunters in St. Ambroix (Gard), who claimed to have encountered Martians emerging from a 'Sousoure' and giving them mysterious seeds. The article dismisses this as imagination, suggesting the seeds were for castor bean plants.

UFO Analysis Schema

A significant part of the magazine is dedicated to a diagram titled "SCHEMA DU CONTROLE DE FIABILITÉ" (Reliability Control Schema). This schema outlines a multi-phase process for evaluating UFO reports. It begins with an initial identification phase (Phase 1) to filter phenomena and identify reports in the fringe category or altered states of consciousness. This is followed by a second identification phase (Phase 2) focusing on altered states of consciousness and psychotechnical calibration of the witness. The analysis schema includes steps like statistical studies, contradictory studies, simulation, psychotechnical refinement of psychometric batteries, file entry, and memory storage. It also mentions the potential for automatic re-evaluations using existing standard sub-programs.

Book Reviews

The issue features extensive reviews of several books, offering a glimpse into the ufological and parapsychological literature of the time:

• "LES ARCHIVES SECRETES DE L'ATLANTIDE" by Jean-Yves Casgha: This book explores the concept of Atlantis, drawing connections to sites like Nazca and the Bermuda Triangle. It lists ten potential vestiges of Atlantis or Atlantean descendants.
• "LA GRANDE CATASTROPHE DE 1983" by Boris Cristoff: This book presents a theory about a global catastrophe in 1983, attributed to planetary superconjunctions and solar activity, leading to massive earthquakes. It also discusses solutions for avoiding destruction, emphasizing moral purity and exploring the reasons for UFO visits.
• "L'ORDRE DU SILENCE DE GURDJIEFF A MELCHISEDECH" by Robert Pagès: This work is described as a philosophical synthesis, advocating for silence in a noisy world and exploring the foundation of a 'Silence Order'.
• "L'EMPIRE CHINOIS" by Père Huc: A reissue of an 1854 work detailing the author's travels in China, Tartary, and Tibet, offering a precise account of Chinese life and culture of the era. It is recommended for its descriptions and anecdotes, with a note that it touches upon aspects related to ufology.
• "SECTES ET SOCIETES SECRETES AUJOURD'HUI" by Roger Facon and Jean-Marie Parent: This book examines about twenty sects and secret societies in France and abroad, highlighting their financial and political interests. It is noted that some sects have direct links to UFO and extraterrestrial issues.
• "OVNI: TERRE PLANETE SOUS CONTROLE" by Guy Tarade: This book argues that UFOs control Earth for reasons yet unknown, citing observations from various countries, including Vietnam and the USSR. It mentions agents of UMMO allegedly visiting Avignon in 1976.
• "LES APPARITIONS D'HUMANOIDES" by Eric Zurcher: Considered a significant study on humanoids, this book presents statistical analysis of 202 French third-type encounters and includes 26 robot portraits of humanoids. It notes the similarity of French cases to those reported internationally.
• "OVNI LE TOUR DU PHENOMENE EN 80 PHOTOS" by Jean-Pierre Gauthier: A visually-oriented book with 80 photographs covering various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, including nocturnal lights, diurnal discs, films, fakes, ground traces, and NASA's 'unidentified' images.
• "OVNI, TRIANGLE DES BERMUDES, ATLANTIDE" by Peter Nobile: This book is divided into three parts, with the most significant focusing on UFOs. It presents photographs and illustrations, including some considered inédites, and critically examines cases like the Italian Bernina photos, deeming them a hoax.
• "LA GRANDE PEUR MARTIENNE" by Gérard Barthel and Jacques Brucker: This book analyzes 572 cases from the 1954 UFO wave, explaining them as misinterpretations or hoaxes. The review notes that the authors' approach might oversimplify the phenomenon, citing the case of Mme Lucette Leboeuf in Chabeuil as an example that doesn't fit their reductionist thesis.
• "LE FEU QUI VIENT DU CIEL" by Michael Harrison: This work investigates spontaneous human combustion, the Kilner effect, and the Kirlian effect, drawing parallels between these phenomena and certain UFO trace evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the public fascination with UFOs, coupled with a journalistic effort to provide rational explanations, often attributing sightings to meteorological balloons. There's a clear emphasis on debunking sensational claims and promoting a critical, analytical approach to ufology, as seen in the detailed schema and the book reviews that dissect alleged cases and phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena and the importance of continued research in parapsychology and ufology.

The magazine also highlights the work of Daniel Vidal in archival research, encouraging readers to engage in similar systematic efforts in their regions.

This issue of "Vaucluse Ufologie" is a quarterly information bulletin from the G.R.E.P.O. (Groupement de Recherche et d'Études des Phénomènes Ovni), dated July 1, 1901, though the date likely refers to the association's declaration rather than the publication date of this specific issue, which appears to be from the late 20th century based on content. The bulletin covers a range of topics within ufology, including book reviews, detailed incident reports, and organizational information.

Book Reviews

Le Retour de l'Étoile de Sumer by George Michanowsky

This book is presented as a scientific examination of the knowledge of ancient Sumerians, particularly their astronomical understanding. Michanowsky's work centers on a small clay tablet with cuneiform symbols, which he believes holds the key to understanding their predictions, including a supernova. The review highlights that the book connects this ancient prediction to modern discoveries, such as the first black hole detected via X-rays. It also touches upon themes of Atlantis, pyramid construction, and the symbolism of the Medusa, suggesting a possible inspiration from extraterrestrial sources, similar to the Dogon people.

Mayas, Aztèques et Extraterrestres by Jean-Yves Casgha

Casgha's book attempts to demonstrate that ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations were visited by extraterrestrials. The review mentions that the author uses evidence such as the Nazca lines, the Palenque sarcophagus lid, and descriptions from Mayan stelae. While acknowledging the difficulty in distinguishing legend from reality, the reviewer notes that Casgha's approach is honest and will appeal to readers who enjoy the style of authors like Robert Charroux.

OVNI au Canada by Yurko Bondarchuk

This Canadian book, subtitled "observations, atterrissages, enlèvements," offers a comprehensive overview of ufological activity in Canada. It covers topics like UFO occupants, abductions, military installations, civilian pilot sightings, and the Canadian government's stance on UFOs. The author, described as experienced in ufology, presents his investigations into close encounters and includes numerous illustrations, photographs, and sketches, including reconstructions by the author himself. A notable case mentioned is the alleged abduction of 14-year-old David Seewakdt in Calgary on November 19, 1967, who was reportedly drawn into an object by a beam of light and later examined under hypnosis.

Le Nœud Gordien ou la Fantastique Histoire des OVNI by Thierry Pinvidic

Pinvidic's book is described as an in-depth study of what UFOs are, rather than a mere catalog of sightings. It examines the evidence for their existence and provides insights into American ufology, including the roles of NASA and the UN. The review highlights the book's exploration of hypotheses and suggests it's more about the people involved in ufology than the phenomena themselves.

OVNI à Cergy-Pontoise by Jimmy Gieu (Reviewed by Yves Bosson)

This review critically examines Gieu's book, which is based on hypnosis and the dreams of a contactee named Prevost. Bosson raises questions about the reliability of hypnosis for accessing specific locations and times, and the credibility of contactees' dreams. He points out that the book seems to promote Gieu's other works and ventures, suggesting a commercial aspect. The reviewer also notes that Gieu's interpretation of 'intelligences from beyond' replaces Christian salvation with a technologically advanced extraterrestrial savior narrative.

Report of Observations in Vaison la Romaine

The bulletin includes a detailed report of UFO observations in the Vaison la Romaine region of France, spanning several days in February. The phenomena were consistently observed in the direction of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

• February 21st: Monsieur Giraud, an IT professional, observed a luminous, red-orange object resembling an Apollo capsule hovering over Vaison. It then moved and accelerated rapidly, evading a jet aircraft that approached it. The base aerienne d'Orange denied any aircraft activity in the area at that time.
• February 23rd: Madame Jacumin, her husband, and two children observed a similar object that illuminated with a bright orange glow and pulsed. It moved and disappeared into the clouds, later reappearing in the same spot.
• February 24th: Mrs. Seu and Favier observed four bright orange, star-like objects exhibiting erratic movements and sharp accelerations, moving too fast to be mistaken for aircraft. They would stop and then move abruptly.
• February 25th: Further observations were coordinated with investigators in the Vaison-Orange-Carpentras triangle. While the Vaison group saw nothing, an observation from Sorgues corroborated the sightings.
• February 28th: Five objects were observed by Mrs. Seu, Favier, Martoglio, and Giraud. Mr. Giraud described the phenomenon live to J-P Troadec as it reappeared after a brief disappearance.

Additional brief observations from Vaison include:

• July 16, 1975: A Venus-diameter object with a red-orange trail was seen performing spiral evolutions.
• October 9, 1975: A red-orange object appeared behind the Dentelles de Montmirail, evolved, and disappeared.

The report notes that observations tend to occur between 7 PM and 8 PM and seem to occur later as days get shorter. The group plans further investigation in the Dentelles de Montmirail area.

G.R.E.P.O. Organizational Information

The bulletin concludes with details about the G.R.E.P.O. organization, including its bureau members, honorary members, editorial committee, and collaboration policy. It outlines subscription and membership fees (50 Francs for full membership, 20 Francs for a simple subscription, 5 Francs for a single issue) and provides contact information for correspondence and payments, with the registered office located in Sorgues.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of ancient civilizations and extraterrestrial theories, detailed UFO sighting reports, and the promotion of ufological research and organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO phenomena, with a critical yet open mind towards various theories and evidence, as demonstrated by the book reviews and the detailed reporting of the Vaison sightings. The organization actively encourages member participation and information sharing.