APRO Bulletin

Magazine Overview

Title: APRO Bulletin
Issue Date: September 15, 1954
Content Type: Magazine Issue

Deadline Dope Section

The 'Deadline Dope' section of the APRO Bulletin, dated September 15, 1954, asserts that the organization has been operating under the premise that the most important aspects of the saucer mystery are not 'from whence they come,' but 'what they are' and 'why they are here.' The bulletin suggests they may have found an answer and feel the membership should be informed that the 'end of the trail is near.' It notes that another outfit received similar answers and was subsequently visited by intelligence, referencing Edgar Jarrold of Australia, who was expected to confer with RAAF Intelligence in Melbourne. However, no word has been received from Jarrold, leading to speculation that he was either forbidden to speak or his letters were intercepted. The bulletin posits that the latter is more likely, as Jarrold would have at least corresponded.

The authors express that the facts they have learned are 'not pretty' and would cause 'great deal of consternation,' but believe the public should be allowed to think for themselves rather than be 'treated like so many dumb sheep.'

British Silent on Subject of Flying Jellyfish

An article dated August 14 (INS) reports that a spokesman for the British Air Ministry stated they chose to remain silent on their investigation of a 'flying jellyfish' sighting in the skies off Labrador on July 1. The spokesman explained that they investigate such reports with academic interest, with 95% being attributable to normal causes. However, the remaining 5% might be normal but lack sufficient evidence for proof. The Air Ministry generally refrains from commenting on individual cases unless under very rare circumstances, citing an instance where a saucer over London was identified as a balloon.

Pentagon and Media Coverage

The bulletin criticizes the 'Pentagon, Washington, D. C., U. S. A.' and columnist Robert S. Allen. It suggests that those in the Pentagon are 'too close-mouthed' and don't know where to start if they were to tell the truth. Allen's September 2 column is mentioned, claiming the Air Force will make startling announcements regarding 'flying saucer secrets' soon, though these disclosures will be intriguing but not earth-shaking. Allen also claims the Air Force will debunk UFO reports that led to sensational headlines and tales of interplanetary visitors, attributing one 'ball of fire' story to a missile fired by the Air Force.

Contactee Claims and Skepticism

The bulletin expresses skepticism towards contactee claims, particularly those involving 'hairy spacemen' or 'curly-haired cuties from Venus.' It notes that police in Oslo, Norway, investigated a report of two sisters talking to a spaceman and decided to discount the tale, suggesting the girls had been reading books about saucers and their imaginations ran away with them. The article mentions Mr. John Otto of Chicago as a rumored contactee, with whom the Director and two other members had discussed flying saucers. Otto believes all sightings and contacts are authentic and that there is a spiritual element involved, speaking of letters between contactees that mysteriously changed content during mailing, causing strained relations. The bulletin suggests that some people go to great lengths to create complicated and unrealistic answers to the saucer mystery.

NEXUS Magazine and APRO's Stance

The bulletin reviews a NEXUS publication, calling it 'easy to read' and 'cute,' but not a contribution to scientific information about saucers. It criticizes NEXUS president Jim Mosely for raising dues and suggests that some people are trying to make money in the saucer business. APRO, in contrast, is presented as a group that aims to be honest and conduct serious investigations.

UFO Investigations and Public Reaction

An article from the Sunday-World Herald of Omaha, Neb., for September 12, 1954, is referenced, quoting psychiatrist Mr. John Walker Powell of Maryland. Powell believes that Americans would react to enormous destruction and death with 'tremendous reserves of courage, generosity and heroism' rather than panic. This is presented as a refutation of claims that saucer information is being withheld by the U. S. Air Force due to the possibility of public panic. The bulletin questions if the Air Force is using the possibility of 'no more economic aid' to keep other nations quiet.

Specific UFO Sightings

Rome, Italy, September 17, 1954: An object shaped like a half-cigar was observed over Rome by many citizens and picked up by radar. Technicians at Ciampino Air Field described it as plummeting over 1,000 feet, then rising at tremendous speed before vanishing. Air watch officials at Pratica de Mare also observed the object, described as silver-colored on one side and red on the other, traveling northwest.

Buffalo, N. Y., September 16, 1954: Fifteen-year-old Peter A. Kirisits reported seeing a huge, lighted object, 'big as a house,' in a pasture near his home. He heard a 'whirring noise' like a helicopter and saw an object like an inverted cone. The lights went out, and he heard a thud. State troopers searched the area but found nothing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include skepticism towards sensationalist UFO claims and contactee narratives, a critical view of government secrecy and media handling of UFO information, and a focus on APRO's methodical, investigative approach to understanding the phenomenon. The editorial stance is one of cautious inquiry, prioritizing factual investigation over speculative or exaggerated accounts, while also advocating for public awareness and transparency.