APRO Bulletin - 1953 05 15 - Vol 1 No 6

Magazine Overview

Title: The APRO Bulletin
Issue Date: May 15, 1953
Volume: One
Issue Number: Six

This issue of The APRO Bulletin, published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), features a prominent article on "Saucers Over Korea" and includes a collection of recent UFO sightings, critiques of scientific theories, and discussions on the nature of extraterrestrial intelligence.

Saucers Over Korea

The lead story details an important event that occurred on Sunday, April 19, 1953, during the prisoner exchange in Korea. Simultaneously, an object described as silvery white and moving at supersonic speed was sighted above Pan Mun Jom and tracked by radar. This news received minimal coverage in mainstream newspapers. The official G-2 Report mentioned aerial observers in two planes spotting a white, rounded, delta-shaped object estimated to be five to seven feet in diameter, traveling between 60 and 80 mph in a vibrating motion. The object's course was north-northeast to south-southwest over enemy territory. Intelligence officers declined to evaluate this report, noting a similar object seen in March 1952 over Korea. The report also stated the object had no visible means of propulsion and sometimes flew as low as 100 feet above the ground. The fliers described it as round, about 10 feet in diameter, and located about 25 miles northeast of Pan Mun Jom.

The Saucer Bandwagon

This section, compiled by Coral Lorenzen, provides a roundup of recent news and articles related to flying saucers. It notes a decrease in aerial phenomena features compared to previous months. An article in SCIENCE NEWSLETTER for March 7, under the headline "Biblical Flying Saucers," is mentioned, with the APRO Bulletin finding the headline misleading. The article quotes Dr. Menzel's book, which offers explanations for early saucer sightings. The editor notes that Dr. Menzel delivered a lecture at Harvard in March, which was unfortunately only open to alumni.

Speaking of Dr. Menzel, the APRO Bulletin states it will publish a summary rebuttal of his book's contents after a thorough review. The ROCKFORD LABOR NEWS featured an article on February 27 stating that 'Men Form Mars' and 'Flying Saucer People' are recognized as possibilities by a Catholic writer, Rev. D. Grassi, S. J. The N.Y. TIMES also carried quotes from Menzel's book. The June issue of MAN TO MAN includes speculation on whether life originated from other planets, suggesting dinosaurs were deliberately eliminated to make way for humans.

The Editorial: Dr. Donald Menzel's "Flying Saucers"

In her editorial, Coral Lorenzen reviews Dr. Donald Menzel's book "Flying Saucers." While acknowledging Menzel as a good writer with well-founded theories that answer many sightings, she argues that his logic falters because he began his research with a preconceived notion that discs are not interplanetary. Lorenzen believes the book is informative and exposes hoaxers but does not provide all the answers, as many sightings were glossed over or ignored. She intends to write to Dr. Menzel to congratulate him on the book's essence but to state her opinion that a dogmatic fixation against a popular idea does not constitute a reasonable argument. She advises all members to read the book to aid in evaluating future reports.

Recent Sightings

This section details numerous UFO sightings reported across the United States in early 1953:

• Fort Worth, Texas (January 25, 1953): A cigar-shaped object that changed color and disappeared with terrific speed was observed.
• Malibu Beach, Los Angeles, California (January 28, 1953): Rex Hardy, a former lieutenant commander in Navy Air Service and test pilot, described objects about the size of a B-36, circular, clearly defined, aluminum-colored, and moving at approximately 1200 mph in a definite flight pattern.
• Pensacola, Florida (January 28): Navy flier Lt. Cmdr. Naureckas and Captain E. H. Haines observed a brilliant light, brighter than the moon, at their altitude. It changed color to greenish and took off at high speed. Chief Air Controlman E. F. Hudson and Wage Muriel Titus also witnessed the object, which pulsated and changed colors.
• Mt. Baldy, California (January 25, 1953): Pierre L. Tissot spotted a silver, elliptical object while riding a ski-lift.
• Wellsboro, Pennsylvania (April 16): Norman Thomas and Edward Kline witnessed a flying saucer about 75 feet from the ground, approximately 12 inches in diameter, shaped like a half-saucer with a straight trailing edge, emitting an illuminated light and making no sound.
• Binghamton, N.Y.: Mr. Vincent Gorgoff is building model flying saucers.
• Freeport (State not supplied): Clarence Bittner observed a large, tumbleweed-like object circling high in the sky.
• Wellsboro, Pennsylvania (March 11, 1953): Rural mail carrier Ralph Greenfield and Mrs. Ruth Phelps observed an unidentified aerial object that appeared to be a nebula or blob, turning on its side and emitting a bright flash. Greenfield estimated its height at 8-10 thousand feet, about two feet in diameter, and motionless initially. It later moved slowly southwest.
• Greenville, Mississippi (March 15): Several residents observed an object described as 'tear-drop-shaped' and 'hour-glass shaped,' moving against the wind.

Let's Speculate

This section explores speculative ideas about spacemen and their potential interactions with Earth. It questions how spacemen could walk among humans undetected and suggests that their intelligence might allow them to blend in. The article discusses the possibility of spacemen influencing human thoughts and actions. It also addresses why close-up pictures of saucers haven't been obtained, attributing it to the craft's activity and potential rays that could affect photography. The author questions why spacemen don't land in obvious places, using an analogy of a military mission to another planet where stealth would be paramount. The section ponders whether all sightings come from within our solar system or from beyond, suggesting that answering this reveals why landings are not more common.

The Grapevine

This section features a member's anonymous contribution discussing the "Sanctity of Space." It questions humanity's aggressive nature and its tendency to project its own flaws onto extraterrestrial visitors. The author suggests that if spacemen are truly intelligent, they would approach Earth cautiously due to its internal conflicts and the presence of other potential alien intelligences. The piece also critiques the descriptions of 'spacemen' as beautiful with long hair and sandals, finding them unconventional and unlikely to blend in. It questions the motives behind contacting individuals who might publicize such encounters, suggesting a potential for exploitation or a desire for control. The author concludes that any human aligning with an extraterrestrial intelligence for conquest should be considered a traitor.

Member Contributions

This section includes contributions from APRO members. Mary Judith Hyde submits "The Sanctity of Space," which is discussed further in "The Grapevine." The MAGNATRONS, a group researching magnetic force, address Frederick Fehr's theories on saucer propulsion. They agree with some of his points but suggest that his explanation of undulating motion when hovering is incomplete, proposing that all matter vibrates and that magnetic fields are constant vibrations. They offer to publish Mr. Fehr's response if he contacts them.

A leaflet from Ray Palmer and Kenneth Arnold, authors of "The Coming Of The Saucers," is mentioned. The APRO Bulletin notes that the book, despite its advance publicity, offered little new or sensational information and was poorly reproduced. They previously recommended it but now feel it's primarily for avid saucer fans.

Indoctrination Makes Progress!

This section highlights materials aimed at educating the public, particularly schoolchildren, about space. It mentions the "Current Events" issue for March 23-27, 1953, which includes articles on space exploration, the dangers of space travel, and a moon expedition. The article "Beyond the Moon, What?" suggests Mars is the most likely planet to harbor life as we know it. It also references "Breakthrough to Mars" by Lt. Gen. Walter Dornberger, which speculates on Mars colonization by 1978. The section also notes an article in MR. AMERICA about a spaceship to the Moon.

"SPACE REVIEW," the quarterly paper of the International Flying Saucer Bureau, is reviewed. The APRO Bulletin notes that the April 1953 issue featured an article on a saucer photograph belonging to August C. Roberts and included a column similar to "Saucer Bandwagon." The APRO Bulletin expresses a desire to focus more on actual saucer news rather than organizational matters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The APRO Bulletin demonstrates a consistent focus on UFO sightings and research, with a critical yet open-minded approach to theories and explanations. The editorial stance emphasizes the pursuit of truth and the importance of thorough investigation, as seen in the critique of Dr. Menzel's book. There is a recurring theme of questioning the motives and methods of both potential extraterrestrial visitors and those who claim contact. The bulletin also highlights the growing public interest in UFOs, as evidenced by media coverage and the proliferation of related publications. The organization actively seeks member contributions and encourages the sharing of information to advance their research goals. The issue also touches upon the potential for government secrecy and public indoctrination regarding UFO phenomena.