APRO Bulletin - 1955 12 00 - Dec

Magazine Overview

Title: APRO Bulletin
Issue Date: December 1955
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the APRO Bulletin, dated December 1955, features a prominent article titled "KEYHOE RAPS AIR FORCE U.F.O. POLICIES AND CONSPIRACY." The bulletin, published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), is dedicated to the investigation of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Key Article: "KEYHOE RAPS AIR FORCE U.F.O. POLICIES AND CONSPIRACY"

The central theme of this issue revolves around Major Donald Keyhoe's new book, "The Flying Saucer Conspiracy." The editor, Coral E. Lorenzen, expresses strong admiration and approval for Major Keyhoe's work, noting their fruitful association since 1953. The book is described as bringing UFO research enthusiasts up to date on suppressed incidents and reports, and it presents startling theories that many researchers have only privately entertained.

A core assertion from Keyhoe's book, as highlighted in the bulletin, is that the United States Air Force is deliberately hiding a significant amount of information regarding UFOs, information that, by Constitutional law, rightfully belongs to the American people. Keyhoe is credited with meticulously listing out-of-context quotes used by the Air Force to discredit his claims about the interplanetary nature of UFOs. Furthermore, the book is said to reveal two concealed military publications that shed light on the Air Force's investigation methods and confirm the long-suspected fact that military personnel are coerced into silence about UFO sightings and experiences through threats of courts-martial.

The bulletin emphasizes that while the book contains important facts and theories, its most significant aspect is the point-by-point disclosure of the alleged "Conspiracy" and how it was conceived and nurtured. The editor reflects on the period in 1954 when UFOdom was allegedly dealt a blow by a "Silence Group" at the Pentagon, which used the press to propagate their claims and discredit UFO believers. The editor believes that if the American public had been trained in analytical reading, Keyhoe's 1954 publication would have forced an end to UFO censorship.

The Air Force's primary advantage, according to the bulletin, is time. Understanding the UFO situation requires delving into the past eight years of information. The "Silence Group" is aware of this and, if the UFO situation is to reach a critical point, it might necessitate startling incidents that cannot be easily dismissed or hidden. However, the bulletin suggests that if enough serious-minded Americans read and absorb the facts in "The Flying Saucer Conspiracy" and demand truth through their representatives, a slow but inevitable disclosure will occur.

Keyhoe also points to the numerous midair accidents involving both civilian and military aircraft, many of which are now understood to be connected with UFOs. His documentation of these events is praised for its logical and decisive presentation. The bulletin notes that Keyhoe's book is a significant contribution to understanding the "greatest story in the history of modern man."

The editor anticipates that Keyhoe's book will lead to a loosening of censorship, marking the first step in revealing UFO facts. A tug-of-war is believed to be ongoing between the Pentagon's "Silence Group" and Air Force personnel who think the public can handle the truth without hysteria. The hope is that the "Silence Group" will ultimately be defeated.

Letter from Major Donald E. Keyhoe

A recent letter from Major Donald E. Keyhoe to Mrs. Lorenzen is included. Keyhoe thanks her for offering to review his book and expresses hope that the evidence of censorship and UFO information presented will aid in her continued investigation. He acknowledges APRO's role as the publisher of the first flying saucer investigation magazine and its membership, which includes pilots, aeronautical engineers, and trained observers. Keyhoe believes APRO has an "unexcelled opportunity" to help end UFO report censorship by concentrating on facts and avoiding rumors, thereby increasing the number of thoughtful Americans who may demand the release of hidden UFO information from the Pentagon through their Senators and Congressmen.

Keyhoe also extends his thanks to Mrs. Lorenzen for verified sightings and UFO information provided over the past two years.

Editorial Response and APRO's Policies

Mrs. Lorenzen responds to Keyhoe's letter by extending the appreciation to all APRO members, acknowledging that their cooperation makes the bulletin's publication possible despite her dedication to reading reports, answering mail, and directing investigations. She mentions facing challenges such as a shortage of funds and poor health over the past three years, but states that letters of appreciation and compliments have motivated her to continue. She feels that Keyhoe's book, with APRO's contribution, makes the worries, hard work, and ridicule seem minor.

The bulletin reiterates APRO's commitment to factual research, contrasting it with organizations that might be influenced by hoaxers and cultists. The editor states a deliberate discouragement of prospective members who wish to promote a "contact cult" or make a religious issue of the saucer mystery. APRO maintains a non-profit status, meaning its aim is research rather than public performance for profit. This policy ensures that foreign members are not charged extra mailing costs, even if postage consumes subscription fees. The non-profit approach prevents APRO from being bought, directly or indirectly.

APRO's prime function is defined as a "patient ferreting of the truth" rather than humorizing visionaries or feeding the populace. The bulletin will continue to be mimeographed until membership numbers and financial status justify a better reproduction method. The editor and Mr. Lorenzen acknowledge current financial burdens, making it necessary to maintain the current system to keep information supply costs low.

Future Plans and Membership

APRO is entering its fourth year of existence, claiming to be the oldest UFO research group and consistently reporting a large number of revealing and informative reports. The organization was the first to produce and publicize physical evidence of UFO reality, citing specific past bulletins and Keyhoe's book. The disclosure of the "Conspiracy" by Major Keyhoe is seen not as a signal to retire but as a challenge.

The organization is planning to move to a new four-bedroom home near the San Andreas mountains by February 15, which will provide ample space for the APRO office and files. Plans are underway to acquire an enlarger and developer to supply members with copies of UFO pictures at a minimum cost. Currently, the Lorenzen family resides in a cramped apartment due to the volume of files, personal possessions, and equipment, exacerbated by Mr. Lorenzen's employment at Holloman Air Force Base and the proximity of White Sands Proving Ground.

The bulletin concludes with Christmas and New Year's wishes to the members. It reaffirms that the APRO Bulletin is the official copyrighted publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, located in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and is issued every other month to members. The organization is dedicated to the eventual solution of the UFO mystery. Inquiries regarding membership can be made to the provided address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO censorship, government secrecy, and the importance of factual, non-profit research. The editorial stance is strongly in favor of transparency regarding UFO phenomena and a rigorous, evidence-based approach to research, as exemplified by Major Donald Keyhoe's work. The bulletin actively promotes the idea that the public has a right to know about UFOs and criticizes any attempts by military or governmental bodies to suppress this information. APRO positions itself as a dedicated, long-term research organization committed to uncovering the truth about UFOs, independent of commercial interests or sensationalism.