APRO Bulletin - 1953 09 15 - Vol 2 No 2

Magazine Overview

This is a special issue of the APRO Bulletin, dated September 15, 1953, published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO). The issue focuses on recent UFO sightings and investigations, with a particular emphasis on the West Haven, Connecticut incident and concerns about government and media suppression of information.

Key Articles and Reports

The Saucer Landwagen: Blast Rips Sign in Conn. W. Haven Object

This lead article details an incident in West Haven, Connecticut, where an unidentified flaming object reportedly pierced a metal sign after a loud blast. The object was seen soaring skyward. The hole in the sign was approximately one foot in diameter, and the metal showed signs of being pierced with great force. Attempts to have the metal analyzed by institutions in the East were met with disinterest, but a sample was obtained and is undergoing analysis. The article notes that this incident did not go out on the press service wires, suggesting a possible effort to suppress saucer sighting reports.

Frank Edwards' Broadcast Highlights

Frank Edwards of Mutual Broadcasting System announced several items of interest. Mt. Wilson scientists plan to photograph Mars using both colored and black and white movie cameras, possibly to detect movement on the planet's surface. Dr. Strughold of the School of Space Medicine believes life on other planets is unlikely but acknowledges the vastness of our ignorance. Edwards speculates that space travel is closer than commonly believed.

The Editorial

The editorial expresses skepticism about the value of a planned saucer convention. The editors admit to being accused of being too conservative and skeptical, but maintain that an analytical eye is necessary. They reflect on the lack of concrete accomplishments since the 1947 outbreak of sightings and note that many reports have been lacking in corroboration. The editorial criticizes the Air Force's explanations for sightings, which have evolved from misconceptions and mass hysteria to high-altitude balloons and ionized air particles. They express a distrust of the ATIC until promised cooperation is received and state a return to their policy of believing only 5% of what is said and questioning the rest.

The editorial also mentions a late bulletin regarding canning and school, and apologizes for delays, promising the November issue will be on time. They urge members to be alert for new sightings.

"Behind The Flying Saucers" by Frank Scully

This section critiques Frank Scully's book, suggesting that while Scully may have sincerely believed his account of a flying saucer crash in the New Mexican desert and the retrieval of space-men, he may have been deliberately misled. The article posits that the U.S. may be nearing completion of a project to send men and ships into space, and that the 'space-suits' described might be test models for artificial satellites. The author suggests Scully was possibly shown experimental models related to space travel and was led to believe they were linked to flying saucers.

"How Soon Will We Get To The Moon?" by Wilbur Dean Biddle

This article is mentioned as beginning with the statement that a trip to the Moon will be common within ten years. The editors express interest in hearing a debate between Biddle and Frederick C. Durant on this topic.

"Are The Flying Saucers Kidnapping Humans?" by Le Roy Thorpe

This article is noted for its suspenseful and speculative content, but the editors question the lack of specific details regarding alleged abductions, citing the case of Albert and James Greer of Zanesville, Ohio, with only a vague timeframe.

"Object Strikes Steel Signboard" (Continued)

This section reiterates that attempts to have the metal from the West Haven sign analyzed were met with disinterest. It also notes the lack of press coverage for this incident, linking it to a potential effort to suppress saucer sighting reports.

New Saucer Book

Information is provided about a forthcoming book by George Adamski. The APRO headquarters group plans to purchase it for review but will not recommend it until it has been thoroughly read due to conflicting information about Adamski, including his alleged affiliation with Mount Palomar Observatory, which the observatory denies.

"Saucers" Magazine Review

This review of the periodical "Saucers" describes it as a neat job but more impressive in appearance than informative. While noting improvement over previous issues, it highlights a rehash of topics like the Lubbock Lights, various theories, and an account of a supposed adventure inside a flying saucer. The reviewer criticizes the publication for including 'blurbs' and suggests that only facts will help in the quest for answers.

Frank Edwards' September 3 Broadcast

Edwards reported that Palomar scientists admitted sighting two unknown objects of great interest in the 200-inch telescope. However, he notes that scientists tend to refer to flying saucers as 'strange' or 'unknown' objects.

Recent Sightings

This section provides a compilation of numerous UFO sightings from various locations, including:

• Sudbury, Ontario, Canada (April 12): Six men watched a shining, cigar-shaped object glowing above a mine for 20 minutes, changing color and size.
• Brush Creek, California (July 20): A large number of people reported seeing a silvery, torpedo-shaped object, described as a 'bright one, with a smokey tail.'
• Dennison, Texas (July 25-26): Residents reported red lights that rose from the ground and hovered.
• Santa Monica, California (About July 21): Two shining discs made a right-angle turn over a boat.
• Columbus, Ohio (No date): Reports of flying saucer-shaped objects with red and blue lights.
• Sudbury, Ontario, Canada (July 11): A 'thing' sighted after a 3-month absence, described as a blue light traveling very fast.
• New Haven, Connecticut (August 19): A glowing object reportedly pierced a metal signboard.
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin (August 31): A mysterious, varied-colored object was seen floating in the sky.
• Peoria, Illinois (August 21): An object described as a brilliant orange oval light with a tail was observed.
• East Bolton, Quebec, Canada (August 22): A silver, cigar-shaped object reportedly dropped out of clouds.
• Albany, Georgia (August 19): A glowing object maneuvered over the airport.
• Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (May 18, 1953): A bright object about the size of a full moon was seen traveling at terrific speed.
• Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: People reported a long, silver, rocket-like shape hurtling across the sky.
• Melville Island, Northern Territory, Australia (May 26): Natives reported an unidentified object in level flight trailing smoke and flames.
• Bay of Plenty, Tauranga, New Zealand (May 23, 1953): A bright object traveling fast appeared over Papmoa.
• Palmerston North, New Zealand (May 30): An amateur astronomer reported seeing a small bright blue object that dived and rose again.
• Waitkat, New Zealand (June 1): A motorist reported seeing a similar object at terrific speed.
• Napier, New Zealand (June 3): Boy Scouts saw an object resembling a chair.
• Hamilton, New Zealand (June 5): Witnesses described a low-flying plane looking eerie.
• Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia (June 25): A strange object, described as silvery, was sighted multiple times.
• Chicago, Illinois (September 17): A blue fireball was seen passing over Lake Michigan.

Donations Needed For Metal Analysis

This special issue is published to solicit contributions for the payment of unexpected expenses, specifically the analysis of metal samples from the West Haven billboard. The cost of the analysis will be borne by the headquarters group until donations are received.

Keyhoe Scores Another Hit!!

This section discusses Donald Keyhoe's new book and his charges against the Air Force for duplicity and withholding information. It mentions Keyhoe's press conference and the limited media coverage, often accompanied by editorial notes discrediting his claims. The article notes that Keyhoe, a retired marine officer, is subject to court-martial if he continues to violate military codes. It urges members to write to Senator McCarthy and their representatives to protest the alleged suppression of information and the trampling of constitutional rights.

UP Wants Feature on A.P.R.O. Work

The United Press has contacted the local paper in Sturgeon Bay, asking for a feature article on APRO. The organization has decided to submit material with the suggestion that it not be quoted out of context or altered to ridicule the organization. They believe good publicity is desirable but would prefer no notice if the feature is to be presented negatively.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting of numerous UFO sightings from around the world, the investigation of physical evidence (such as the West Haven metal sample), and a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official explanations, particularly from the Air Force. The editorial stance is one of critical analysis, advocating for transparency and factual reporting, while expressing distrust of military and governmental handling of UFO information. There is a clear concern about media suppression and a call to action for members to voice their concerns to political representatives. The issue also touches upon the burgeoning field of space travel and its potential connection to UFO phenomena.