APRO BULLETIN

Magazine Overview

APRO Bulletin - November 15, 1954

This issue of the APRO Bulletin, Volume Number Three, Issue Number Three, dated November 15, 1954, prominently features the headline "MARS IS ALIVE!". The cover also highlights "AFSB REPORTS ON RAAF TALKS". The publication appears to be a newsletter or magazine focused on UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on reporting sightings, analyzing theories, and critiquing official government stances.

Mars is Alive!

The lead story discusses an AP report from Washington D.C. stating that Dr. E. C. Slipher, a consulting astronomer for National Geographic Magazine, has concluded that Mars is "very much alive" and harbors vegetation. This conclusion is based on his study of 20,000 photos taken while observing Mars in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Dr. Slipher, an expert on Mars observation for 50 years, believes that if vegetation didn't exist on Mars, the planet's surface would be covered in dust. The article notes that this is not entirely new information for amateur astronomers who have observed curious color changes on Mars. It also references a previous report on Professor Dean McLaughlin's theory that Mars is not a lifeless world.

AFSB Reports on RAAF Talks

This section details a conference between AFSB Intelligence and RAAF Intelligence in Melbourne. While certain details are confidential, the report touches upon UFO occupants and the planet Mars, subjects introduced by the AFSB Director. S/L Birch, the RAAF representative, showed particular interest in these topics. The article mentions that Mr. Jarrold, the AFSB Director, was initially delayed in reporting due to communication issues and a perceived lack of communication from the authorities.

Editorial

The editorial addresses a potential rumor about the Director's transfer of duties. It clarifies that the transfer of printing the APRO Bulletin to Los Angeles members is an act of expediency, not coercion. The Director, due to failing health and the high cost of medical care, has taken a job to cover expenses, which prevents her from handling all the Bulletin's work. The editorial expresses confidence that the Los Angeles membership will do a good job and that the change might even be for the better. It also anticipates the APRO Bulletin becoming a language paper in Venezuela and India, reaching more people and gathering more sightings. The editorial notes a backlog of sightings that will be published in ensuing issues, with a plan to cover most countries and potentially use surplus sightings for correlation purposes if sightings decrease in 1955.

Prop-Wash

This column announces a title change from "GRAPEVINE" to "PROPWASH" as part of the APRO Bulletin's major changes. The new column's connotation is defined as pertaining to "purely the derelict imaginations of thrill-seekers or deliberate hoaxes." The column debunks a rumor about President Dwight D. Eisenhower conferring with spacemen at Muroc Air Force Base, attributing it to a misunderstanding following a presidential visit to Palm Springs. It also criticizes a recent official statement from the Air Force attributing UFO sightings to hallucinations, challenging the Air Force to either ground pilots who report UFOs or provide a more sensible theory. The column asserts that the hallucination theory insults the intelligence of Americans and suggests the Air Force has a low opinion of public gullibility.

Saucer Bandwagon

This section reviews various articles and reports related to UFOs. It mentions an article in "DARE" suggesting saucers are interplanetary vehicles and cites radio signals from Mars. Another article in "LIFE" discusses "extra-terrestrial adventures." A REUTERS report by Donald Batchelor questions if "Saucers Over Africa From Outer Space?" is a valid inquiry. The findings of G. Duncan Fletcher of the Kenya Astronomical Association are discussed, suggesting saucers are from another world and engaged in reconnaissance. The section also mentions a report from "SCENE" claiming "Flying Saucers Are Attacking Us," which is criticized for creating confusion. Positive reviews are given to "REAL magazine" for its article "They're Not Telling You The Truth About THE SPIES FROM OUTER SPACE" by Frank Edwards, and to "Saucer Mag Review" for its content. The article also notes the Australian Flying Saucer Magazine and comments on the magazine "NEXUS," particularly regarding claims of proof of saucer existence and origin.

Recent Sightings

This section compiles numerous UFO sighting reports from around the world, including:

• USA: St. Louis, MO (August 27, July); New Mexico (September 18); Knoxville, Tenn. (September 20); Chicago (August); San Francisco Bay Area (September 18); Corso, Missouri (October 28); Darlington, Wis. (November 10); Louisville, Ky. (November 10); Marysville, Ohio (November 2); Florence, Italy (November 5).
• Canada: Goose Bay, Labrador (June 30).
• France: Avignon (October); Lumio, near Swiss border; Maiscelles (September 30); Chateau-Neuf-du-Pape; Porto Alegre, Brazil (November 10).
• Italy: Modena; Erba, near Como (October 24); Naples; Rome (October 28, November 14).
• Spain: La Coruna (November 6).
• Portugal: Lisbon (September 29).
• Argentina: Buenos Aires (November 14).
• Germany: Muenster.
• Peru: Lima (October 27).
• Australia: Fairfield, N.S.W.
• Ethiopia: Sky Dragons reported.

The reports describe objects of various shapes (discs, spheres, cigar-shaped, mushroom-shaped) and colors, often exhibiting high speeds, unusual maneuvers, and sometimes emitting lights or sounds. Some reports mention alleged occupants, physical traces, or interactions with witnesses.

Deadline Dope

This section provides updates and commentary on various UFO-related matters. It discusses the challenges of producing the bulletin while working full-time and managing an organization. It mentions a member in Canada who allegedly had UFO fragments confiscated by a government, suggesting a pattern of government interference. Preparations for a "first Martian" landing in France are humorously noted. The section also lists "Delinquent Memberships," urging members to pay their dues. It critiques the idea that UFO contactees need only a "gift of gab" and criticizes those who claim to have special knowledge. The column also touches upon the difficulty of obtaining "documented evidence" of UFOs due to government security measures and mentions ongoing international cooperation in saucer investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the possibility of life on Mars, the reporting of numerous global UFO sightings, the alleged secrecy and misinformation from governments regarding UFOs, and the debunking of hoaxes and unsubstantiated claims. The APRO Bulletin's editorial stance is critical of official explanations, supportive of independent research, and suggests a pattern of government cover-ups and interference in UFO investigations. There is a strong belief in the reality of UFOs and their potential extraterrestrial origin, with a particular interest in the nature and origin of the occupants.

Title: PRO Bulletin
Issue Date: November 15, 1954
Volume: 7

This issue of the PRO Bulletin focuses on UFO sightings and encounters, primarily detailing an incident in Venezuela and another in Italy. The publication aims to bring significant UFO-related events to the public's attention.

Venezuelan Sighting: Petare Incident

The lead story, "DEADLINE DOPE (Con't from Preceding Page)", details a report from Venezuela concerning a sighting by Gustavo Gonzales and his helper, Jose Ponce. While on a delivery run near Petare, a suburb of Caracas, they encountered a luminous, cigar-shaped object approximately 8 to 10 feet in diameter, hovering six feet above the street. The object was described as having a black snout and emitting a ray that momentarily blinded Gonzales.

Gonzales and Ponce exited their panel truck to investigate. They observed a dwarfish, non-human being approaching them. Gonzales grabbed the creature, noting its body felt like stiff hair. The being pushed Gonzales, sending him flying 15 feet. Ponce, witnessing this, fled to the Traffic Inspector's office. He also reported seeing two other small beings emerging from bushes, carrying what appeared to be chunks of dirt, and entering the sphere through an opening in its side.

Gonzales attempted to defend himself with a scout knife, but the blade slid off the creature's shoulder without penetrating. Another creature emerged from the sphere holding a tube, from which a ray of light emanated, blinding Gonzales. The beings then entered the sphere, which ascended rapidly and disappeared.

Overcome by exhaustion and fright, Gonzales and Ponce related their story to traffic inspectors. Despite initial skepticism, an examination confirmed they had not been drinking. The incident left a red-dish mark on Gonzales' side. He was subsequently placed under observation by doctors.

Corroborating Reports and Official Reactions

Further information suggests that a similar object was sighted in Venezuela two hours prior to the Petare incident. The PRO is attempting to secure a personal interview with the individuals involved in this earlier sighting. The report notes that people in Caracas are deeply concerned, believing something significant might be occurring.

The article emphasizes the seriousness with which the incident was treated by police and citizens, particularly due to the physical evidence left behind on Gonzales' body. PRO members Horatio Gonzales (no relation to Gustavo) and Joc Rolas are credited with diligently working to bring these facts to light. Horatio Gonzales reports that the story has been carried in leading papers and has generated considerable discussion.

The publication frames this as a case of "non-human soucer pilots landing in the midst of civilization," posing the question: "Panic? No---only conjecture and a bit of scrious thought."

Italian Sighting: UFOs Chasing a Train

Another report from Florence, Italy, dated November 28, details an encounter by Lt. Fulvius Donnini. He claims to have witnessed two UFOs that chased a train he was traveling on for approximately one hour and forty minutes. The objects were described as appearing to be made of aluminum and left orange-tinged trails. They traveled at high speeds, estimated between 1,800 to 5,400 feet in altitude, and seemed to stop and change directions.

Editorial Stance and Conclusion

The PRO Bulletin presents these accounts as significant evidence of UFO activity. The editorial staff expresses belief in the veracity of the Venezuelan account, calling it "the most spectacular report we have ever received to date." The issue concludes with a holiday greeting from the Director.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the reporting of credible UFO sightings and potential encounters with non-human entities. The PRO Bulletin adopts a stance of taking these reports seriously, investigating them, and presenting them to the public, encouraging further thought and discussion rather than outright dismissal. The publication appears to be dedicated to documenting and disseminating information on unexplained aerial phenomena.