APRO Bulletin - 1954 07 00 - Vol 3 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: APRO Bulletin
Issue: July, 1954
Volume: Vol. 2
Date: July, 1954
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the APRO Bulletin focuses heavily on the ongoing public and scientific discourse surrounding flying saucers and unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in July 1954. It covers a major convention, presents a variety of expert and public opinions, and documents numerous reported sightings and incidents from around the globe.

Key Articles and Reports

ANOTHER FLYING SAUCER CONVENTION

The Director of APRO attended the 'First International Flying Saucer Convention' in Los Angeles, a three-day event held at the Carthay Circle Theater. The convention was sponsored by the 'Saucer Research Foundation' and promised 'latest flying disc news, secrets of outer space never before revealed,' and featured a scientist who claimed to have ridden a flying saucer from White Sands to New York and back in 30 minutes. Other advertised attractions included a new German saucer picture, lectures on the 'unseen universe' and 'Mars and Astronomy' by 'prominent scientific authorities,' and speeches by authors of saucer books detailing their experiences. The event also featured Max Miller of 'Flying Saucers Internation,' who described the saucer situation in Los Angeles as 'about the same' with 'lots of crackpots.' The convention's planning was described as 'sloppy,' with a $5 'kick-in' for members entitling them to 'conventions' and regular bulletins, which were speculated to be mere copies of Max Miller's four-page publication.

Daniel Frye, the man who claimed to have ridden a flying saucer, was identified as an electrician whose job at White Sands involved routine wiring of circuits in guided missiles. His claim was met with skepticism, especially after he failed a lie detector test on the Paul Coates television show. The convention's overall presentation was deemed a 'very sloppily planned promotion.'

SAUCER BANDWAGON (Continued)

This section continues a discussion on the physics of flying saucers, referencing opinions from Professor Messel. Messel's points suggest that the subject of flying saucers can no longer be easily dismissed or scoffed at. He posits that if reports were due to hallucination, atmospheric effects, or unscheduled defense secrets, the issue would have been resolved. He believes no responsible scientist would deny the existence of saucers. The article notes that 'Prof. Messel's attitude' is 'possible,' suggesting that facts about saucers might be known to top defense circles in multiple countries, and that the public might be kept in the dark about their true nature, leading to continued investigation programs. The alternative, that it remains a 'real, Grade-A mystery,' is given low priority by Messel. He dismisses the idea of Martians using saucers for reconnaissance.

Opinions

This section compiles various opinions on the saucer mystery. Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding believes in saucers and stated that people on other planets are operating through flying saucers to help Earth. Mutual newscaster Frank Edwards reported that the head of a News Wire service promised to reveal the reason for a 'close-down' on saucer news, but this was followed by a statement from the Air Force on June 1st indicating only 87 sightings had been reported since January, and that better investigation procedures were shrinking the problem. This is sarcastically interpreted as 'better control of the American press.'

The Warren Tribune Chronicle reported on UFOs, with Captain Keyhoe telling network audiences that flying saucers exist and that a government committee is investigating life on Mars. The article also mentions Air Force withholding information that could prove saucers exist.

Dick Williams of the Los Angeles Daily Mirror hosted Willy Ley, who expressed uncertainty about the nature of saucers, suggesting they might be natural phenomena, possibly electrical in nature, and that electrical disturbances would show on radar. Ley did not attempt to explain specific cases.

Kup's Column in the Chicago Sun-Times noted that Gen. Curtis LeMay is determined to find the truth about 'flying saucers' and unidentified planes, and that video cameras have been installed at his direction.

Frank Edwards also stated that Col. Frank Milani, Civil Defense Chief for Baltimore, asked the Pentagon to either provide information on UFOs or lessen secrecy, arguing that secrecy is hindering the Civil Defense Program.

GARSON LANDING (Continued)

Further details on the Garson landing are provided, with authorities classifying information as 'classified.' The article speculates that the object might be a man-made robot ship, but notes this is not well-supported by evidence. The landing in a populated area is considered unlikely for a test ship.

VENUSIANS WALK OUR STREETS

This refers to an article in Mystic Magazine claiming a Los Angeles reporter met a man from Venus who proved his point by mutilating objects with his fingernail. The article notes that this Venusian narrative, attributed to Adamski, seems to be gaining popularity, and expresses surprise that Paul Vest, generally considered reliable, wrote it.

LIORE PITS

A clipping from France reports that glass ash trays are being shattered by an unknown force. The windshield epidemic has also hit France. The article questions how scientists working with the same materials can reach such different conclusions, dismissing 'road wear,' 'vandals,' or 'natural decomposition' as explanations for ash trays mysteriously falling apart.

Popular Science Magazine

The July issue of Popular Science magazine carried an article that, according to the author, found fragments of sediment similar to that found on roads. The article questions what about the brown spots that appeared on George Higgins' (APRO Bulletin, May 1954) cases.

NEW APRO ADDRESS

For new members, the APRO address is updated to Rt. 1, Box 750, Ceros, California, due to a death in the Lorenzen family.

ATLANTIC SIGHTING

An article describes a sighting of a large object that appeared round, then like a 'blunt arrowhead,' with two bumps at each end. Navigator George Allen described it as a 'base ship with a number of satellites.' Other pilots reported similar observations, with the object being 5 to 10 miles away and flying at the same level.

BRISTOL, ENGLAND

A 80lb chunk of ice fell and crashed through a bungalow. Reports suggested it 'accidentally fell from a plane,' but meteorologists stated there could be no meteorological explanation, and Air Force controllers said no planes reported icing conditions.

MOUNT PALOMAR ASTRONOMERS

Astronomers discovered a star explosion that occurred 20,000,000 years ago, but the article questions why they cannot locate a 'black road' in the crater Piccolomini on the moon.

AIR FORCE DOUBLETALK

A group of scientists inquired about viewing Air Force UFO films. The AF initially claimed they did not keep films, but later stated the pictures existed but had been returned to the sender months prior. The sender claimed to have been trying to get his films back for a long time without success. The article criticizes the Air Force's contradictory statements and evasiveness.

SAUCERS INCLUDED IN GOC WORK IN CANADA

Flying Officer Bill Scott instructed GOC members at North Bay, Ontario, to include saucers in their reports of airborne objects, stating that 'Reports of flying saucers are too accurate to be ignored.'

WOIL LIND DOG BADLY FRIGHTENED BY BRILLENT LIGHT ILLUMINATING GROUND

A woman reported that on May 23, 1954, her dog became extremely agitated by a brilliant light illuminating the ground outside her home. The light was described as coming from above, and the dog exhibited growling and flattened ears. The woman investigated but found no immediate explanation.

DEADLINE DOPE

This section compiles various short news items and opinions:

• Frank Edwards' latest bombshell included references to three men who believe saucers are from outer space: Frank Halstead (head of Astronomy at the University of Minnesota at Duluth), Mr. Durrell (Canadian University, commenting on intelligent life on other worlds), and a scientist who stated UFOs are not the result of any technology developed on Earth and can utilize an 'inertieless drive.'
• A report from Fairfield, N.S.W., Australia, mentions a woman whose dog was frightened by a brilliant light.
• The article mentions the magazine NEXUS, described as a new saucer magazine featuring sightings, rumors, and 'actual news.'
• It notes that the canning season is next month and school starts in September, with many more sightings expected.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently expresses skepticism towards official explanations for UFO phenomena, often highlighting perceived government secrecy and 'doubletalk.' The publication champions the idea that UFOs are real, material objects, possibly of extraterrestrial origin, and criticizes the mainstream scientific community for its dismissiveness. There is a strong emphasis on collecting and disseminating eyewitness accounts and challenging what the organization views as a lack of transparency from authorities. The editorial stance is one of active investigation and public education, encouraging members to report their findings and share information, while also expressing frustration with the perceived suppression of UFO-related news.

• The recurring themes include:
• Government Secrecy: A persistent belief that governments, particularly the US Air Force, are withholding information about UFOs.
• Scientific Skepticism: A critique of the scientific establishment for its reluctance to seriously investigate UFOs.
• Eyewitness Accounts: A high regard for the testimony of individuals who report sightings.
• International Scope: Reporting on UFO activity and investigations from various countries, not just the US.
• The 'Mystery' of UFOs: An insistence that UFOs represent a genuine, unresolved mystery that warrants serious attention.
• Critique of Media Coverage: An analysis of how media outlets report (or fail to report) on UFOs.