Vimana 21 - No 06 - Special 10e CECRU Dijon - 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: VIMANA
Issue: 21
Date: October 10-11, 1981
Publisher: CECRU (Comité Européen de Coordination de la Recherche Ufologique)
Country: France
Language: French
Cover Headline: OBJETS VOLANTS NON IDENTIFIES PROBLÈMES CONNEXES (Unidentified Flying Objects Related Problems)

Session Reports and Organizational Matters

This issue of Vimana, number 21, details the 10th session of the CECRU held in Dijon, France, on October 10-11, 1981. The magazine opens with a list of previous CECRU sessions, dating back to November 1977 in Geneva.

Administrative Commission Report

The report from the Administrative Commission, presented by Charlotte Fievée of S.L.U.B., focuses heavily on a letter from Edouardo Russo of the Italian Federation (CUN). Russo's letter outlines significant criticisms of CECRU, arguing that it functions as a disguised French Federation due to its focus on French problems, cases, and participants, and its meetings being held primarily in France. He contends that the 'European' aspect is merely in the name. Russo also points out that non-French members are excluded from established protocols like the code of deontology and cooperation, and that CECRU has not explored existing European structures. He questions whether CECRU should be a confederation or open to non-affiliated groups and whether its vocation is francophone or broadly European.

Russo's proposals include transferring CECRU commissions to national federations, temporarily halting non-administrative activities to create new, truly European structures, and organizing a week-long meeting in Italy in July 1982 to foster collaboration among European countries. The administrative commission found Russo's critiques justified and his proposals constructive, deciding to initiate a restructuring process inspired by his ideas.

C.U.N. Membership Application

In parallel with Russo's letter, the C.U.N. (Italian Federation) formally applied for membership in CECRU, which was favorably received by the administrative commission.

Restructuring Process of CECRU

The administrative commission decided to begin restructuring CECRU. Technical commissions (investigations, detection, contactees) are to be transferred to the French Federation. Members who joined CECRU without joining the French Federation can continue to participate with the agreement of other commission members. Technical activities are temporarily suspended until the restructuring is resolved. A week-long meeting in Italy, organized by Russo, is planned for July 1982 to bring together European countries. The commission stressed the need to resolve administrative issues quickly to resume technical activities and pursue European objectives. A key question raised is whether CECRU should integrate into existing European structures rather than proposing others to join CECRU.

Commission Reports

"Contact" Commission Report

This report, presented by J.P. Troadec of GREPO, details the "Contact" commission's proceedings. The commission was joined by members from the "Detection" commission on October 11th. The report notes the significant interest in the phenomenon of contactees, with over twenty participants.

Patrick Geoffroy of ADRUP presented a film about a contact case involving eight people in the Dijon region, described as having mystical and religious aspects, with UFO sightings. ADRUP is preparing a detailed report on this case. The commission also discussed the case of Mme Joly, noting that the witness no longer wishes to be discussed, halting further investigation. This was lamented as an incident that can hinder investigations.

Patrice Vachon discussed the André Bourbon case, which is the subject of a booklet by ADRUP. This case is described as moving beyond classic contacts towards a mystical aspect, akin to religious apparitions.

Michel Piccin, former president of GEOS and leader of the CONTROL group, presented on the Cergy-Pontoise case. He provided new, unpublished information, suggesting the case was largely a "big farce." The aim was to definitively close the Cergy-Pontoise file and its related effects.

In the afternoon, Patrick Geoffroy explained the practice of "contactology," a new discipline focused on establishing contact with the UFO phenomenon. This involves participants entering an alpha rhythmic state in an isolated area. Geoffroy mentioned that luminous phenomena have been observed under these conditions, with photographs taken and corroborated by other ADRUP members. This technique is also being experimented with in the USA and by other French groups, though results are not yet conclusive.

"Detection" Commission Report (Implied)

On Sunday morning, the conversations continued. P. Geoffroy presented a series of "robot portraits" of humanoids described by contactees, noting similarities across them. J.P. Troadec mentioned a science fiction comic book titled "Caraibe" by Sergio Macedo, which features an extraterrestrial resembling the Cergy-Pontoise alien. Michel Piccin confirmed that Macedo had met the Cergy-Pontoise witnesses and based his drawings on their accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the need for greater European cooperation and integration within ufology, moving beyond nationalistic or francophone limitations. There is a clear focus on restructuring CECRU to be more inclusive and effective on a continental scale. The reports highlight ongoing research into UFO cases, contactee experiences, and the development of new investigative techniques like contactology. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical self-assessment and a commitment to evolving ufological research towards a more unified European approach, influenced by constructive external criticism.

This document is a report from a conference or meeting of the C.E.C.R.U. (Centre d'Étude des Phénomènes Spatiaux) held in Dijon and Quetigny on October 10-11, 1981. It covers various aspects of UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) investigation and contactee experiences.

Investigations and Case Studies

J.P. Troadec's Approach J.P. Troadec emphasizes the need for meticulous investigation of contact cases, leaving nothing to chance. He cites the case of Pierre Monnet, where he and his wife meticulously reconstructed the scene of events from 1951, achieving a level of precision previously unattainable.

The 'Dame Blanche' Case Bernard Dupi discusses the 'Dame Blanche' (White Lady) case near Montpellier, where a hitchhiker picked up by motorists disappears mysteriously. While not strictly a 'contact' case, Dupi highlights its importance due to the presence of direct witnesses, a rarity in such accounts. Notably, these witnesses reported the incident to the police.

Explanations for Contact Phenomena Jean-François Schnitt proposes alpha rhythms as a potential explanation for these phenomena. The perception of 'contact' varies among individuals, with some viewing it as a quasi-religious experience. There's a discussion about whether everyone is 'contacted' without realizing it, with extraterrestrials listening and programming us. This leads to a division within the commission into two teams: one focusing on rational study and the other on a spiritualist approach.

GRIPHOM Observation near Marseille Members of GRIPHOM recount an experience from July during a night observation near Marseille. Five individuals, without equipment, witnessed a blue cone of light originating from the sky, illuminating them briefly. This sighting was later confirmed by a group of witnesses 30 km away who observed two red spheres at the same time and location. The witnesses reported experiencing something internally, though the interpretation of this as a 'contact' remains open to debate.

Patrick Berlier's Photographic Anomaly Patrick Berlier reports an incident near Saint-Etienne during an observation vigil. He attempted to photograph an unusual luminous phenomenon multiple times, but each time he pressed the shutter, the phenomenon disappeared, only to reappear when he put his camera away. After an hour, the phenomenon was finally photographed when Berlier decided not to put his camera away after another failed attempt. This raises the question of whether UAP play with observers.

The 'Detection' Commission's New Strategy The 'Detection' commission sought assistance, as their technical work had not yielded results. They are interested in learning any 'tricks' or advice from contactees that might help attract the phenomenon, with the intention of experimenting with these methods. The commission is open to all proposals, even unusual ones. While acknowledging that some contactees may be fabricating stories, they will transmit any information received to the 'Detection' commission for testing, with the caveat of reservations. The commission will conduct tests and report their findings.

ADRUP and GRIPHOM Collaboration ADRUP, in collaboration with GRIPHOM, plans to present a translation of a lengthy American document concerning a contact experience attempted by a group of ufologists who shifted from detection to 'contactology'.

Concluding Reflection The document concludes with a humorous reflection: "Contacts are a kind of messianic, apocalyptic delirium, where some researchers have condensed the TV series 'The Invaders', Goldorak, and Bugs Bunny."

Commission Report: 'Detection' (Dijon-Quetigny, October 10-11, 1981)

Background After years of using and refining various detection systems (magnetic, static, ultrasound, etc.), the commission has found that no significant results have been achieved. Few UAP are detected, which could be due to technology not being adapted to their physics or UAP not consistently emitting detectable fields.

New Approach: 'Provocation' The 'Detection' commission has decided on a new approach: 'provocation'. They will utilize methods and advice from individuals claiming contact with UAP. The 'contactees' commission will provide documentation for this purpose.

Scientific Control During these experimental approaches, a maximum of measuring devices will be placed near the experimental site to ensure scientific control of the phenomenon. Other methods will also be employed.

Stance on Contactees The commission emphasizes that they do not aim to validate or control the claims of contactees. Instead, they will rigorously test new approaches to the UAP phenomenon, without abandoning detection entirely.

Invitation to Collaborate Interested individuals or groups wishing to work in this direction are invited to contact CEMOCPI.

Open Letter to Associations (ADRUP)

Reflections on the Conference Report ADRUP expresses apologies for any shortcomings or errors in the conference report, attributing them to a lack of necessary elements. They note that the report from the investigation commission was due within two months of the congress but had not yet arrived despite several requests.

Concerns about Participation ADRUP deplores a certain laxity and the non-intervention of some groups. They find it regrettable that a portion of the participants did not seem to dare to speak during the various sessions (plenary or commissions), suggesting it would be beneficial to know their opinions and critiques.

Organizational Issues ADRUP points out that it was agreed for another association to lead the plenary session on Saturday morning, but this did not happen, impacting the organizer's task.

Public Impact Finally, ADRUP feels that the impact of C.E.C.R.U.-F.F.U. on the public is not yet significant and poses the question of what can be done to remedy this.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this document are the challenges and methodologies of UAP investigation, the nature of 'contactee' experiences, and the development of new research approaches. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded yet critical inquiry, emphasizing rigorous scientific methods while acknowledging the diverse and sometimes unconventional nature of the subject matter. There is a clear effort to document experiences, explore potential explanations, and improve detection and understanding of UAP phenomena, while also recognizing the limitations and subjective aspects involved.