APRO Bulletin - 1955 04 15 - Vol 3 No 5 (underlinings)

Magazine Overview

Title: APRO Bulletin
Issue Date: April 15, 1955
Volume: Three
Issue Number: Five

This issue of the APRO Bulletin, dated April 15, 1955, focuses on UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) reports and related phenomena from around the world, with a particular emphasis on incidents in South America. The publication appears to be a newsletter or magazine dedicated to investigating and disseminating information about UFOs, often challenging official explanations and highlighting potential government secrecy.

New Verification of Petare Incident

The lead story details a "New Verification of Petare Incident," referring to an event from January 15, 1955, involving two men scuffling with "hairy dwarves" near Caracas, Venezuela. A significant aspect of this incident is the involvement of a well-known Venezuelan doctor who witnessed the scuffle. The doctor, whose identity is being kept confidential at his request, was interviewed by APRO representatives and was preparing to travel to the United States to make his statement to authorities. His story reportedly came to light when he was called to treat two other individuals involved in the incident. The article suggests that the doctor's planned trip to the US indicates awareness by the United States Air Force of events in South America during late 1954.

US Press Reps Visit Caracas

This section expresses surprise that US newspapers have not covered the Petare, Carora, Valencia, and Zulia UFO encounters. It notes that these stories were published in France, Italy, and other European countries. The article highlights the "coincidental" presence of reporters from Associated Press, United Press, and the North American Newspaper Alliance in Caracas just two days after the Petare incident, who made "guarded comments" about the UFO problem.

Venezuelan Scientist Professes Belief in Interplanetary UFO

Dr. Aniceto Lugo, a Venezuelan astronomer and scientist, is featured for his belief that UFOs are of extraterrestrial origin. He has reportedly compiled authentic Venezuelan UFO incidents into a book, which is to be published shortly. The APRO Bulletin intends to inform its members about the book's availability for purchase.

The Overall Picture in South American Countries

This editorial piece acknowledges that the January issue was dedicated to South America and this issue will "hit the high spots" with more space for sightings that have warranted attention globally. It emphasizes the growing interest in the Petare case in Venezuela, with local press, radio, and television programs covering the matter seriously. A significant development mentioned is the Brazilian Air Force's request for "united and cooperative efforts of ALL GOVERNMENTS" to solve the UFO problem, based on factual observations and photographs.

The Petare Case and Brazilian Air Force Stance

The Petare case has gained considerable attention, with intellectuals in Venezuela taking a serious interest. The Brazilian Air Force's call for international cooperation underscores the perceived importance of the UFO phenomenon. Colonel Jao Adil Oliveiera reportedly gave good coverage to cases mentioned by MAJOR DONALD KEYHOE in his book.

Specific Sightings and Reports

• The bulletin lists several specific sightings:
• December 1, 1954: A "strange glowing apparatus" was seen hovering near the ground in Borburata, Venezuela.
• December 1, 1954: Father Jesus Hernandez Chapellin, a Catholic priest, witnessed a "luminous disc" flying over Coro, Falcon State, Venezuela.
• December 2, 1954: A UFO passage in front of a plane piloted by Saul Paex Paredes near Maracaibo, Venezuela, caused the plane to shake, frightening the pilot.
• December 1, 1954: Dr. Wilson Henry of the Pennsylvania Observatory declared that UFOs are not products of imagination or collective psychosis but are "space-ship's manned by visitors from the Planet Mars."
• September 1954: Astronomer Lugo reported observing "flashes of light" inside the crater Kepler on the Moon.
• Two nights later: Mr. Venegas reported seeing "TWO FLASHES OF LIGHT" on the borders of the Crater Copernicus on the Moon.
• January 11, 1955: People in Los Palos Grandes, east of Caracas, Venezuela, witnessed an "intensely blue light" and heard a "great explosion." Some described rushing outside to see a blinding blue light disappearing over the Avila mountain.
• December 2, 1954: A radio telegraph operator at Panamerican Airways at Maiquetia International Airport experienced a nervous breakdown after an incident with his machine, occurring during unusual atmospheric conditions related to a hurricane.

Nexus: UFO are U.S. Weapons?

This section strongly challenges the notion that UFOs are US military weapons. The APRO Bulletin questions why, if they are US weapons, they would be flown in ways that endanger lives and property, and why the US would invest billions in developing inferior guided missiles. The article asserts that guidance systems for missiles are not dependable without reliable vacuum tubes, which are not yet perfected, and that electronic guidance systems are far from complete.

Criticism of Jim Moseley and NEXUS

The bulletin criticizes Jim Moseley, editor of NEXUS, for his claims regarding the cost of UFO investigations and the capabilities of special spectrographic cameras. It states that Moseley's claim that these cameras only cost a "pittance" is incorrect, citing large contracts. The APRO Bulletin argues that the total expenditures on flying saucer investigations are substantial and that the public is largely unaware of the results due to secrecy.

Scientific Evaluation and Government Secrecy

The APRO Bulletin's director claims to have spoken personally with Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Lt. Olsson in June 1953 regarding UFO reports. While the discussion provided general astronomical knowledge, it did not reveal much about UFOs, which the bulletin attributes to the "intelligence boys" being "pretty sharp." The article also mentions a signed statement by Frank Edwards, supported by qualified scientists, which contradicts Moseley's doubts about US scientists evaluating saucer reports. The bulletin suggests that information about "saucer building projects" at Wright-Patterson is classified top secret.

Project Grudge Costs and UFO Expense

The yearly cost of Project Grudge is described as a "few thousand a year," which the bulletin calls an understatement. It estimates that military investigators alone could cost $60,000 annually, not including other expenses like grid cameras, scientists' salaries, data processing, and travel.

Farmington Saucers and Southwest Investigations

The bulletin questions whether the "Farmington saucers" observed in New Mexico were US secret weapons. It suggests that the US likely lacked the technology to build such craft at the time. A student accompanying scientists to a desert area in the southwest to examine a "saucer-shaped object" found only magnets and no propulsion systems or bodies.

Northwest New Mexico Incident

A young tech sergeant in Northwest New Mexico reportedly wandered off during an investigation and was found in a mental institution, babbling and crying. The incident is described as potentially involving a US secret weapon, but the bulletin asserts that its sources are "unimpeachable."

Government Expediency and Hysteria

The article suggests that it is more expedient for the US government to insinuate that saucers are hallucinations or military weapons to avoid public hysteria, economic disaster, and disorderly flight if the truth were revealed. It criticizes "Johnnu-Come-Latelies" in the saucer business for seeking scoops, contrasting them with the APRO's long-term, fact-based approach.

Frank Scully Defense

The bulletin defends Frank Scully, suggesting that facts appear to indicate he was not fabricating his claims, and that "The truth will out."

Moon News

Horacio Gonzales has provided a "very interesting hand-sketched reproduction" of the Piccolomini area of the Moon, copied from Lick Observatory "Moon 'set Photos." The study revealed that the Moon's surface is covered with "strange markings with sharp corners, interlocking lines," which seem to connect small craterlets. The bulletin suggests these markings are "interesting" and "do not appear to be the work of Old Mother Nature."

Dr. Lugo's Observations and Accreditation

Dr. Aniceto Lugo's report of observing flashes of light inside the crater Kepler is mentioned, with the question posed: "So no accredited astronomers have observed these phenomena, eh? What does it take to be accredited nowadays?"

Travel Through Space and Mars Life

A cutting from the PRINCETON ALUMNI WEEKLY discusses "Travel Through Space." Lyman Spitzer, Jr., chairman of the Department of Astronomy at Princeton, is quoted suggesting that "plant life may exist on Mars, since the surface turns green in summer and brown in winter. Perhaps there is animal life, too, possibly even intelligent life." The APRO Bulletin notes that Spitzer is one of the few scientists not afraid of conjecturing.

Library Research Group and M. K. Jessup's "Case for the UFO"

The LIBRARY RESEARCH GROUP in Washington, D.C. sent a flyer about M. K. Jessup's "Case for the UFO." Jessup is described as a "former professional astronomer of the University of Michigan." Members are advised to use their own discretion and judgment when buying the book.

APRO Director's Home Plans

The APRO Director and her family are planning to build a home with an observatory site featuring a "four-inch Skyscope."

Loss of APRO Members

The bulletin notes the passing of two APRO members: Mrs. Alice Gallaudet and Walter Hagen, former Treasurer.

Recent Sightings

This section compiles various UFO sightings from around the world:

• April 5, 1955 (New Mexico, USA): Two "brilliant fireballs," one green and one white, were observed. Dr. Lincoln La Paz stated he didn't know what they were.
• February 1955 (Dexter, Maine, USA): A man witnessed a "big silver object" hovering over his barn, emitting powerful light beams, which then departed at high speed. The incident was repeated the following night, and Air Force investigators cautioned the man to remain silent.
• November 9, 1954 (Damascus, Ohio, USA): A "huge oblong object" appeared metallic, with a pale glow, hovering over a high school. It seemed to vanish after a jet passed, then reappeared and vanished again after dropping a "small, sparkly object."
• April 8, 1955 (Tiffin, Ohio, USA): Meteorologist Stanley Day reported a "mysterious, green pear-shaped light" floating earthward, described as green except for a white tip and a red dot. It was thought to be over Lake Erie and "tremendous in size," not an astronomical or atmospheric phenomenon.
• December 26, 1954 (Cobalt, Ont, CANADA): A "giant lighted disc" emitted a cone of light brighter than daylight.
• February or March 1955 (Milford, Massachusetts, USA): "Strange lights" moving at great speed and in circular directions were reported.
• January 20, 1955 (Cincinnati, Ohio, USA): A "big black 'blob'" was observed descending and then rising again, described as "black as ink."
• April 14, 1955 (Fargo, North Dakota, USA): Paul Harvey mentioned an "unidentified disc" found on his noon newscast.
• Late January 1955 (La Grande, Oregon, USA): A "strange blue light" was seen bobbing in the air, stopping, bobbing up and down, and moving sideways, then upward. It emitted a hum and later reappeared with a bluish glow.
• February 6, 1955 (Auckland, New Zealand): A "mysterious explosion" occurred, accompanied by a "strange silver shape flash overhead." The object was described as cigar-shaped, emitting dazzling light and traveling at high speed.
• February 9, 1955 (Tokyo, Japan): Army, Air Force, and Japanese maritime officials were unable to explain "awesome" blasts heard along the coast. The Central Meteorological Observatory ruled out earthquakes and undersea volcanic eruptions.
• January 27, 1955 (Dunedin, Florida, USA): Five adults observed a "bright reddish-yellow ball" that brightened, dimmed, and remained motionless before rapidly moving south.
• February 2, 1955 (Venezuela): Captain Dario Celis and co-pilot P. J. Cortes of Linea Aeropostal Venezolan encountered a "top-shaped, tri-colored object" with port holes and flashing lights while en route to Barquisimeto. The object rotated counterclockwise, and communication with the Barquisimeto tower was suspended during the description.
• February 10, 1955 (Caracas, Venezuela): Residents saw a "huge disc-shaped object" with two brilliant lights cruise over the city.
• February 11, 1955 (Maiquetia, Venezuela): A Panamerican pilot reported two "strange reddish-green objects" passing beneath his plane on a flight between Miami and New York.
• February 16, 1955 (Quito, Ecuador): Air Force Captain Francisco Soloranzano observed a "brilliant object" shaped like a half orange with a dome, which remained stationary then descended, moving slowly before speeding out of sight.
• January 16, 1955 (Talara, Peru): A "disc-shaped object with a lighted cockpit" was observed and pursued by a local plane. The disc maneuvered at 20,000 feet and eluded the plane.
• January 2, 1955 (Punta San Juan, Venezuela): An "orange-tinted light" closed in on a commercial airliner, focusing a bright light into the cockpit.
• January 6, 1955 (Manizales, Colombia): A "very bright object" gave off streamers of bright light like flare-rockets for two hours.
• August 1953 (Mexico City, Mexico): A taxi-driver encountered a "small man" with a helmet, described as having a "pretty" face, long hair, and a blue belt that could paralyze animals. The craft was described as similar to Adamski's outfit. Investigation reportedly found a spot bare of vegetation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently promotes the idea that UFOs are real phenomena, likely extraterrestrial in origin, and that governments, particularly the US Air Force, are engaged in a cover-up. The publication emphasizes the importance of witness testimony and factual reporting, often contrasting its approach with what it perceives as dismissive or misleading official statements and sensationalized media coverage. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief that the public is being deliberately kept in the dark about the true nature of UFOs. The bulletin also highlights the international scope of UFO sightings, suggesting a global phenomenon rather than isolated incidents. The editorial stance is one of persistent inquiry, challenging authority, and advocating for transparency in UFO research.

Title: APRO Bulletin
Issue Date: April 15, 1955
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Content Summary

This issue of the APRO Bulletin, dated April 15, 1955, features commentary and letters from members, addressing feedback on the publication's content and editorial stance. The bulletin defends its approach, which prioritizes factual reporting of UFO sightings over the airing of numerous theories, a common practice in other periodicals.

Member Feedback and APRO's Mission

One member felt that the 'Commentary' column in the January issue was superfluous, suggesting a disproportionate amount of commentary relative to the number of sightings reported. The response from the bulletin clarifies that while some theories may be explored, the primary focus remains on reporting "important news and sightings" and "the FACTS."

Another member raised concerns, implying that the Director or APRO might be aligned with the Air Force or other "pressure groups." The bulletin strongly refutes this, asserting that the Director has been investigating saucers independently since 1947, long before many current enthusiasts entered the field. It states that APRO has "consistently fought for the revelation about the facts on UFO to the people of the world" and has never insisted that UFO occupants are human or otherwise. To validate the Director's intentions, the bulletin suggests contacting Major Donald E. Keyhoe or Frank Edwards, whose written votes of confidence are on file.

South American Sightings and Evidence Standards

The Director offers a personal vouch for sightings made in South America. These investigations were conducted by individuals including a linguist and amateur astronomer with extensive experience and professional respect. This individual's work is described as technical translation, and he "deals with facts." The bulletin emphasizes that every sighting forwarded and authenticated by him has undergone "exhaustive investigation."

A critical distinction is made between these authenticated sightings and those involving "hairy little men" reported by individuals like Adamski, Betherum, and Angelucci. The bulletin notes that these latter cases often lack physical evidence, which is contrasted with the South American cases where "physical evidence found by the police" has been authenticated. The article posits that any "space explorer" wishing to communicate with Earth inhabitants would provide their intermediary with "tangible, believable evidence," which has not been the case in the aforementioned instances.

Publication Details and Membership

The APRO Bulletin is identified as the official, copyrighted publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), located at 519 New York, Alamogordo, N.M. The bulletin is issued bimonthly to members in good standing and is exclusively available to members. APRO is described as a non-profit group dedicated to the "eventual solution of the mystery of the UFO."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the emphasis on a scientific, fact-based approach to UFO research, distinguishing APRO from organizations that rely heavily on speculation or what is termed "dogma." The editorial stance is one of rigorous investigation, skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, and a commitment to transparency with the public regarding UFO phenomena. There is a clear effort to position APRO as a credible research entity, distinct from sensationalist or less rigorous approaches to the subject.