APRG Reporter - Vol 1 No 04 - 04 1957

Magazine Overview

The A.P.R.G. Reporter, Vol. 1 No. 4, published in April 1957, is a bulletin from the Aerial Phenomena Research Group. The issue features a cover story announcing the return of Frank Edwards to radio, sponsored by Pabst Brewing Company.

Key Articles and Reports

British Radar Picks Up Flying Object This report details an incident on April 4th where British radar stations alerted to a mysterious flying object tracked by Air Ministry observers over southwest Scotland. Three radar operators independently reported the object traveling at 60,000 feet, diving to 14,000 feet, making two whirls, and vanishing. The Air Ministry stated they were investigating the matter, and intelligence experts were studying the reports. The object was described as too fast, too big, and too maneuverable to be a plane. Later reports identified it as an unidentified flying object.

Mass Of Flame Hurtles Through Space, Hits Peak Near Anchorage, Alaska On March 17th, a strange "ball of fire" was seen over the Natanuska Valley, Alaska, plunging into the Chugach mountain range. A plume of black smoke was visible for over 15 minutes. The location was 30 miles north of Anchorage. The CAA and Air Force had no information on the object's nature. Territorial Policeman Gordon Nelson confirmed the event after Aaron Houston reported seeing smoke rising from Pioneer peak.

Expert Says UFO's Are Myth!? This article reports on Dr. Hugh Dryden, director of the National Advisory Committee For Aeronautics, stating in a closed session before a house appropriations subcommittee that there is no such thing as an unidentified flying object. When questioned about a German report on Nazi flying discs, Dr. Dryden replied, "There is no truth in that statement." He confirmed that there is no such thing as a flying disc.

U.S. Scientist Challenged On Nixing Flying Objects Washington, March 20th: A private research organization, the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), led by Donald E. Keyhoe, challenged Dr. Hugh L. Dryden's claim that flying discs do not exist. Keyhoe offered to disband NICAP if Dryden could provide absolute proof. Keyhoe stated that his organization possesses new evidence that vital facts have been withheld from the public.

Head Of NACA Backs Down On Flying Disc Claim Washington, April 22nd: In an interview, Dr. Dryden, when asked if important information on flying objects was withheld, responded with "No comment." In a second letter, when asked if he still denied the existence of all flying objects, Dr. Dryden flatly refused to answer via telegram.

UFO Prober Charges US Hushes' Investigation Data Donald E. Keyhoe alleged that the Air Force has hushed up results of flying object investigations and gagged U.S. Senator Richard Russell. Keyhoe claimed that 97 percent of reported sightings, which the Air Force says have been identified, should be classified as unidentified. He also charged that the public has not been told that Air Force jet fighters have fired upon unidentified flying objects, and cited a report of a midair collision between a jet fighter and an object that resulted in neither the plane nor the pilot being seen again.

What Was It? George Smith, 37, of Tucson, Arizona, reported that an object smashed through the roof of his car, hitting him and causing a two-inch gash on his head. Scientists at the University of Arizona were studying fragments of the object.

Lakewood, California Citizens See 75 Flying Objects On February 2nd, at least four Lakewood residents reported sightings of unidentified flying objects. Three groups of 20 to 25 objects, described as about the size of a small car and possibly reflecting sunlight or having flashing lights, swept across the sky at rapid speed, noiselessly, and passed from view within 30 seconds.

UFO Digest for February 1957 This section provides a chronological list of various UFO sightings and phenomena reported in February 1957 across different locations in the USA, including: Mitchell, Indiana (glowing green objects); LaPort, Indiana (sky quake); Michigan City, Indiana (bright round object); York, Pa. (slag-like material); Bushnell and Galesburg, Illinois (sky quakes); N.E. Seattle, Washington (sky quake); Zumbrota, Minnesota (silver light); Toppenish, Washington (bright white UFO); Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania (red disc); Burbank, California (white discs, oval object); Hobart, Washington (large fireball); Albany, Oregon (two spheres); Linton, Indiana (UFOs, mystery light); Eureka, South Dakota (red oval object); and Bager, Texas (red streak of light).

The Universe by Carol Honey This article discusses comets and meteors. It explains that comets are composed of gas and meteoric matter, forming a tail that extends away from the sun due to sunlight pressure. Comet heads can be up to 10,000 miles in diameter, and tails millions of miles long. Meteors are estimated to enter Earth's atmosphere at speeds from seven to 44 miles per second. The author suggests that if a meteor-like object is in view for more than five seconds, stops, or makes right-angle turns, it is likely a UFO.

The Brazilian UFO Review by Olavo Fontes This installment continues the account of a sighting by Brazilian Air Force officers Lieut. Sobral and Hardy. The officers reported a "definitely solid object" of unusual outlines and shape, emitting a very bright and weird light, which landed or hovered motionless near the ground and took off silently at unbelievable speed. The F.A.B. (Brazilian Air Force) classified the sighting as "unknown" and kept it from the press. The author argues that this incident is a strong piece of evidence and cannot be discarded as conventional phenomena or illusions. He recounts a friend's account of the same incident, who described it similarly and concluded it was a "spaceship." This is presented as the first report of a UFO landing on the ground and being sighted from an airplane.

The Editors Have Their Say

This section features brief comments from various newspapers:

• Delano, Minnesota, Eagle (February 21, 1957): Discusses the presence of flying objects, noting that two local newspapermen reported seeing airships. The writer expresses a growing wonder about these phenomena and calls for the government to end the "international secret" surrounding the matter.
• Newport, Virginia, News-Press (January 21, 1957): Mentions that skeptical military officers are becoming more convinced by Major Donald E. Keyhoe's book, "The Flying Saucers Are Real."

For The Information of Members and Subscribers

This section provides contact information for recommended UFO organizations, including NICAP, Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, and Civilian Saucer Intelligence of New York. It also lists new UFO publications like "SPACE" and "UFO Newsletter." Several new books on UFOs are recommended: "Other Tongues--Other Flesh," "Saucer Diary," and "The Expanding Case for The UFO." A notice is included for members and subscribers wishing to correspond via the Reporter, and a special request is made for clippings of aerial explosions, sky quakes, and earth tremors, suggesting a pattern correlated with UFO sightings.

Late Bulletins

George Williamson reports that priests in jungle stations in Lima, Peru, have been seeing UFOs in swarms. In Northern Peru, around April 20th, a large disc glowing brilliant blue was sighted at very low altitude by missionaries.

Books

This section reviews several books related to UFOs:

• "UFO and the Bible" by M.K. Jessup: This book aims to reconcile biblical accounts with UFO phenomena, suggesting that biblical miracles and ascensions are related to UFO sightings. It interprets biblical texts in light of modern science and UFO evidence.
• "There Is Life On Mars" by The Earl Nelson: This book explores the possibility of plant or intelligent life on Mars, discussing Martian canals, future space travel, and conditions on the planet. It covers topics like the universe, life, planetary temperature variations, and interplanetary travel.
• "The Expanding Case For The UFO" by M.K. Jessup: This book presents evidence for the existence of UFOs and extraterrestrial beings, drawing from meteorology, archaeology, and astronomy. It challenges conventional scientific tenets and argues for a parallel between UFO phenomena and human existence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, the skepticism and denial from official sources (government, military, scientific bodies), and the persistent efforts of private research organizations like NICAP and APRG to gather and disseminate information. There is a clear editorial stance favoring the investigation and acknowledgment of UFO phenomena, challenging official dismissals, and highlighting the potential significance of these events. The issue also touches upon the intersection of UFOs with religious texts and the possibility of extraterrestrial life on other planets.