APRO Bulletin - 1954 03 15 - Vol 2 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: APRO Bulletin
Issue Date: March 15, 1954
Volume: Two
Issue: Five

This issue of the APRO Bulletin delves into a variety of topics related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and astronomical phenomena. It features a prominent article discussing a theory about Earth's potential axis shift due to changes in its polar ice caps, and how this might be related to the presence of flying saucers. The bulletin also highlights significant scientific efforts to locate potential artificial satellites and provides a comprehensive list of recent UFO sightings reported from various locations.

Earth's Axis and UFOs

The cover story, "SECOND SATELLITE SOUGHT - Will Earth Keel From South Polar Ice Cap?", introduces a theory proposed by Hugh Auchincloss Brown, an engineer who has spent 40 years researching the effects of diminishing polar ice caps. Brown theorizes that a growing south polar ice cap and a shrinking north polar ice cap could cause the Earth to become 'top-heavy', leading to a shift in its axis. This theory is presented as a potential explanation for the presence of flying saucers, suggesting they might be observing a significant event.

Scientific Projects and Investigations

The article "LA PAZ; TOMBAUGH HEAD PROJECT -" reveals that the U.S. Air Force has appropriated 76 million dollars for secret projects, with 24 million specifically allocated for 'various secret projects'. Frank Edwards of MBS claims that a significant portion of this will be used to locate two objects currently orbiting Earth. While the official line is that these are natural satellites, the possibility of them being artificial is being considered. Furthermore, Dr. Clyde Tombaugh, the discoverer of Pluto, and Dr. Lincoln La Paz, an authority on meteorites, are leading a program at White Sands Naval Guided Missile Base to locate these objects. Their work aims to gather evidence of visitors from space, despite official skepticism.

The bulletin notes that the Navy's recent article on UFOs and the White Sands Project suggest a more grounded approach compared to the Air Force's perceived inaction.

Editorial Stance and Organizational Matters

The "EDITORIAL" section, penned by Coral Lorenzen, addresses rumors that APRO was organized for financial gain. Lorenzen clarifies that the organization is a non-profit, co-operative effort aimed at gathering and correlating facts about UFOs. She emphasizes the hard work involved and her dedication to the cause. The editorial also touches upon a personal tragedy, the death of Lorenzen's mother-in-law, which necessitates a move from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, to Turlock, California. This move is expected to be completed between April 5th and April 15th, and mail should be re-addressed accordingly. Lorenzen also mentions that her picture and a short biography will appear in the "Interesting People" section of the "AMERICAI! Magazine" in the April issue.

The Grapevine

The "GRAPEVINE" column addresses the rumor of APRO being a money-making scheme, asserting that the organization's policy has always been to protect itself and its members. It highlights that Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen have personally contributed significantly to APRO's operational costs. The column defends Coral Lorenzen's approach to UFO investigation, stating she does not blindly accept purported UFO authorities and has faced skepticism, including from Wright-Patterson representatives. The column emphasizes APRO's commitment to scientific knowledge and practical investigation, seeking tangible evidence before accepting claims.

Saucer Bandwagon

This section covers various news items and articles related to UFOs. It mentions a pocket-sized magazine "DARE" that speculates on Truman's knowledge of atomic weapons and strategic bases in relation to UFOs. It also thanks the Australian "Flying Saucer Magazine" and Mr. E. R. Jarrold for mentioning APRO and its director. The section includes an article about Truman Bathrum's supposed contact with a "space-ship captain" from the planet Clarion, which APRO cannot accept without tangible proof. It also references an article in "MECHANICS TODAY" that discusses George Adamski's photographs of space men.

Further details are provided on a CSI (Civilian Saucer Investigations) report concerning a lecture by Keyhoe in North Bay, Ontario. The section also includes a report from Edgar R. Jarrold of Australia, discussing the controversy surrounding Port Moresby photographs and the AFSB's acceptance of the interplanetary theory for saucer origins.

Recent Sightings

This extensive section details numerous UFO sightings from various locations and dates, providing descriptions of the objects, their behavior, and witness accounts. Notable sightings include:

• January 13, 1954, 11:45 p. m., (Location unspecified): Harold Rider observed a disc-shaped object with blue-white light and a halo, moving at a rapid rate and appearing to dip into a valley.
• February 14, 1954, 6:45 p. m., Greenfield, Mass.: Mary Ann Hall and her siblings reported being chased by an object described as 'like two bowls fastened together' with red and green lights.
• January 29, 1954, Santa Ana, California: Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Whitaker sighted a saucer-shaped object near their car, which then ascended vertically.
• January 25, 1954, 2 a. m., Hollywood, Calif.: A disc-shaped object, estimated at 200 feet in diameter, was seen over Mulholland Dr. and Pyramid Dr., emitting bluish-white light.
• July, 1952, Elkhart, Indiana: Mrs. Alvin Witt observed an object that appeared like a 'bright bulb' with a saucer-like object inside, whirling at high speed.
• February 4, San Francisco: A brilliant green-yellow ball of fire was seen, dripping sparks and leaving a glowing trail.
• January 12, 1954, between Egg Harbor and Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin: A bus driver and passengers observed a white round object that changed appearance to a long, white streak, then three white balls.
• October 7, 1953, Frankfort, Indiana: Two discs, initially white, tilted to become silver-colored.
• August 5, 1953, 4:30 p. m., Baltimore, Md.: A dark gray, whale-shaped object was observed for 15 minutes.
• October 9, 1953, Zaandam, Netherlands: Two elliptical luminous spots of orange color sped across the sky.
• October 12, 1953, Joliet, Ill.: Six bright lights were observed moving slowly and soundlessly.

Other sightings include reports from Oregon coast, Lubbock, Texas, Concord, Calif., Vestwego La., Orange, Texas, Scranton, Pa., Akron, Ohio, Haarlem, Netherlands, and South Gate, Calif.

Speculation

This section presents various pieces of evidence that have come to the attention of APRO, which they deem worthy of sharing, though not yet fully corroborated. It touches upon the possibility of a cataclysmic event affecting the world, referencing the unexplained disappearance of planes and the 1947 disappearance of U.S. Marines from Mount Rainier. The article suggests that these events could be related to recruiting inhabitants from other planets. It also discusses the potential for powering flying discs with nuclear fission and the challenges posed by deadly rays from fissionable materials, suggesting cobalt construction might overcome this. The speculation extends to the possibility of a toppling Earth due to instability in the polar cap, which could destroy the world. The section also considers the possibility of atomic blasts on Mars and the role of Tombaugh's project in photographing an alien object.

APRO requests members to search their personal files for any relevant material concerning the Moon, Mars, or missing pilots. It also poses questions about whether the U.S. has achieved space travel and the origin of saucers seen before 1900.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently emphasizes a commitment to factual, scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. It positions itself against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, advocating for rigorous data collection and analysis. The organization appears to be a collective effort of enthusiasts and researchers dedicated to understanding UFOs, despite facing skepticism and a lack of formal recognition. The editorial stance is one of cautious optimism, believing that the UFO enigma could be solved within the near future, and urges members to actively contribute to this goal. There is a recurring theme of questioning official explanations and seeking deeper truths behind the phenomena.