APRO Bulletin - 1953 01 25 - Vol 1 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: The APRO BULLETIN
Issue: Number Four
Volume: Volume Number One
Date: January 25, 1953

This issue of The APRO Bulletin, published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, is primarily focused on debunking sensationalism and hoaxes surrounding flying saucer sightings. The editorial stance emphasizes a need for critical analysis and reliable reporting in the field of UFO research.

Saucer Bandwagon

By Coral Lorenzen, Editor

Lorenzen's lead article, "Saucer Bandwagon," addresses the growing number of people who have "uttered the following phrase with much gritting of teeth and dyds spouting fire: 'There's enough mystery connected with The saucer without someone make up his own.'" She critiques sensationalized reports, such as one from Popular Science Mechanics featuring Claude D. De Vries of Rotterdam flying a model saucer, and another about an Italian model achieving 87 mph. Lorenzen points out that many supposed "Gospel truths" about saucers are products of vivid imagination, publicity seeking, or delusions of grandeur. She notes that saucers seem to have been around for centuries, appearing in greater numbers following the atomic bomb explosions. Their characteristics are described as lacking a set shape, color, or speed, with some emitting a high-pitched whine or buzzing. The article mentions that the Air Force is spending millions on research at Wright Patterson, and that neither the U.S. nor Russia claims responsibility for the phenomena, suggesting possibilities like atmospheric phenomena, hoaxes, illusions, reflections, or balloons.

Lorenzen also references an article in Popular Science Mechanics titled "They're Living Off Another Planet," which discusses the comic strip "Twin Earths" by Oskar Lebeck and Alden Mo Williams, who do not believe space travel is imminent.

Editorial

Under the heading "THE EDITORIAL," the editor expresses optimism about the influx of saucer activity, despite an expected lull. The public, press, and individuals at Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright Patterson are reportedly taking the new sightings in stride. The bulletin acknowledges a delay due to a flu epidemic and a brief illness of the director. The editorial praises APRO members for their contributions, specifically mentioning John Last for the emblem, Alex Saunders and Laifon Mitris for their conscientious clipping and reporting, and Doris Saunders for her perseverance in collecting reports and maintaining contact with national sources. Roy Munson of Rockford, Illinois, is also commended for his dedication to investigating the saucer mystery.

The editorial introduces a new feature focusing on theories about saucers, their propulsion, and the physical characteristics of their inhabitants. It highlights a theory by Frederick Hehr that explains the glow, wobbling motion, and soundlessness of saucers through magnetic fields reacting against the Earth's magnetic currents. The editor encourages members to submit material for the bulletin, emphasizing the organization's unique position as one that publishes its own periodical.

The Grapevine

This section addresses numerous requests from other organizations and APRO members regarding the alleged meeting between George Adamski and a space man in the Arizona desert. The bulletin states it has no details beyond news clippings and word-of-mouth testimony. It mentions a rumor about the U.S. Air Force experimenting with a circular, jet-powered plane, with information allegedly from a Canadian Air Force man. The article dismisses the idea that the U.S. has developed such advanced technology, suggesting it would be more logical to use it for defense rather than keeping it secret. It also touches on the possibility of the U.S. having advanced, but undependable, jet-type airplanes. The section references a sighting over Love Field, Dallas, Texas, and questions why no interceptors were sent if the craft belonged to the U.S. It also discusses a report about a "flying disc" with no mass, emitting pure light, and questions the idea of man-like pilots being the only explanation.

Theories

This section presents a theory submitted by Frederick Hehr of Santa Monica, California, which is considered the only one to date that accounts for all the unaccountables of flying saucers. Hehr proposes that "The flying saucers use fields which effectively shield them against the action of gravity and inertia to different degrees, and allows to them to conduct the 'fantastic' maneuvers observed by many, without damage to the crews and themselves." This freedom from inertia and gravitational forces supposedly precludes danger from collisions and allows for high speeds and maneuverability. Hehr suggests that magnetic fields are used, reacting against the magnetic currents surrounding the planet, creating a pendular and wobbling motion. The fields also explain the different colors by refracting light, and the soundlessness is attributed to the air encountering the field without resistance. Hehr's theory also accounts for the 'flea-powers' that allow for rapid acceleration and deceleration.

Key Incidents and Sightings

Saucer Bandwagon (Continued): The article mentions Bill Freh's article "Do The Martians Have The Atom Bomb?" in the January issue of Flying Magazine, which discusses observations by Japanese astronomers and the possibility of an atomic explosion. It also references an article in SEE magazine by Wesley L. Weiss, "Flying Saucers and the air around us," which suggests saucers belong to the United States.

Hoaxers (Continued): The section reiterates skepticism about sensational claims and mentions an article in SIR magazine by Thorp Mo Chusky questioning if the Abominable Snowman came from Mars. It also discusses a United Press wire story about a UP radio correspondent Thomas and a "Skywatch" volunteer in Sturgeons Bay who investigated a machine, and an article on page four of "Air Craft Flash" about unidentified aerial objects, categorizing them as balloons, aircraft, astronomical phenomena, or unknown.

I Saw A Saucer: This is a poem by Coral Lorenzen describing a personal sighting of a saucer. The poem narrates calling the authorities, who dismissed it as "inversions." The saucer is described as appearing to mock observers and being seen by hundreds. The poem concludes with a plea for the "saucer-men" to land and make peace, or to explain why their existence is kept secret.

• Old Sightings:
• Vienna, Virginia: Miss Shirley Watson reported seeing a large, brilliant orange ball floating silently across the sky during February-April 1952.
• Kansas: M. C. Phillips described a flat, polished metal object flying horizontally, revolving on its axis at a terrific speed.
• Milan, Italy: Gian Pietro Monguzzi photographed a flying saucer and its pilot, claiming it landed on an Alpine glacier.
• Gaillac, France: Over 100 residents saw more than 100 "flying cigars" flying in formation, with glowing objects.
• Les Escounains, Quebec: A tremendous noise and a bright flash were observed.

Scientific Developments Pertaining To Space Travel:
An article from the Chicago Tribune Press Service reports that rocket scientists are years away from building space ships capable of traveling to the moon. Milton Rosen of the naval research laboratory stated that while space flights at the speed of light are possible, fuels need revision. He emphasized the need for practical, reliable earth satellites before interplanetary travel can be achieved and recommended a committee to study space flight research projects.

• Recent Sightings:
• Aliston, Ontario: Two youngsters and bystanders saw a silver and black object that ascended and descended.
• Greenfield, Massachusetts: Mrs. Elizabeth Condraski recalled seeing three round, shiny, silver 'balls' moving slowly across the sky.
• Korea: U.S. Air Base personnel reported mysterious flying objects – rotating clusters of red, white, and green lights – over northern Japan.
• Grand Rapids, Michigan: Residents watched bright, glowing white objects (disc-shaped) were seen frisking through the sky.
• Rockford, Illinois: Lt. David Brigham reported a small, shiny metallic object making passes over Korea.
• Tennessee: A commercial airline pilot reported an object about 500 feet in length, cigar-shaped, with port holes, emitting bright white light.
• Panama Canal Zone: Two unidentified objects were sighted and tracked by radar, maneuvering at high speeds and altitudes.
• Dallas, Texas: An arrow-shaped, white, glowing object was observed over Love Field.
• Chicago, Illinois: A pilot flying into O'Hare field reported seeing six bright white lights and one rapidly blinking red light.
• Oakland, California: A brilliant ball of fire, possibly a meteor, streaked across the skies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of hoaxes and sensationalism in UFO reporting, the ongoing efforts of the APRO organization to conduct serious research, and the presentation of various theories and sightings. The editorial stance is one of cautious skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, advocating for a more scientific and analytical approach to understanding unidentified aerial phenomena. The bulletin highlights the importance of member contributions and the organization's commitment to providing reliable information, while acknowledging the complexities and mysteries surrounding the topic. There is also an underlying theme of potential government secrecy and experimentation related to advanced aircraft and aerial phenomena.