APRO Bulletin - 1956 11 00 - Nov (AFU)

Magazine Overview

The A.P.R.O. Bulletin, published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (A.P.R.O.), is an official copyrighted publication issued bimonthly to its members. The organization is a non-profit group dedicated to solving the mystery of unidentified objects that have been present for centuries. This November 1956 issue features a range of reports on UFO sightings and related incidents from around the world.

Cover Story: Pixley C-131 Hit By UFO

The lead story details an unconfirmed report regarding the crash landing of a C-131 transport plane in Pixley, California, on July 23. An unidentified flying object was allegedly sighted by the crew just prior to a mid-air collision with an unknown object. The report suggests that Major Stenvers, the pilot, deliberately omitted information from press releases. An informant in the military indicated that Major Stenvers saw an object heading towards his plane seconds before the collision. The article speculates that a small, remote-controlled disc may have caused a control malfunction by striking the tail assembly, and that a 'director craft' might have destroyed the disc afterward to prevent its discovery.

Mystery Air Crashes

This section compiles several reports of unexplained aerial incidents:

• Wilmington, Delaware, November 20, 1956: A violent explosion was heard, followed by sightings of a plane trailing smoke heading for a crash. Air Force and CAP planes searched the area for hours but found nothing, and no aircraft were reported missing. Buildings miles away were affected by the blast.
• London, England, October 1, 1956: A large delta-shaped A-bomb carrier exploded on Runway 7 while landing at London Airport. Ejector seats saved Air Chief Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst and Captain D. R. Howard, but four others died. A spokesman for A. V. Roe Co. suggested the plane hit an obstruction, causing it to lose control.
• Eastern Atlantic, October 10, 1956: The issue notes that if further confirmation is received, the crash of a C-118 in the Eastern Atlantic will be listed as an unconfirmed report carrying considerable weight. Fifty-nine men were lost in this crash, and the search efforts were aided by unidentified signals that may have been deliberately misleading.

Sensational Report Reveals AF Duplicity

A highly sensitive UFO report is mentioned, so detailed that it cannot be printed due to circumstances that would expose cooperating reporters. The report allegedly proves that saucer occupants can monitor and understand English radio frequencies, block transmissions, and inhibit radar. It also suggests that Captain Edward Ruppelt misrepresented facts in his book. The article criticizes the Air Force for hindering serious researchers while allowing 'charlatans' to operate freely. It asserts that the Air Force's dominance in UFO matters is ending, as scientific and technical personnel are awakening to the truth and finding corroborating facts through private research groups and APRO.

Recent Sightings

This extensive section details numerous UFO sightings from various locations:

• Venezuela: Five workmen in the Santa Rosa sector reported seeing two circular crafts moving at high speed with yellow trails. In Barquisimeto, Rigoberto Reyna observed two circular crafts leaving orange trails that flew together before separating.
• New Zealand: Squadron Leader K. B. Smith saw a UFO while flying to Hastings. Mr. L. C. Dassler reported a pinkish-purplish flame-like object. Mr. E. J. Aiken saw a pink and white pear-shaped object. Mr. and Mrs. F. Thomas observed a brilliant light moving rapidly across the sky. In Gisborne, a train crew saw four balls of intense white light flying in formation. Miss A. C. Hastie observed a large round white light accompanied by five smaller lights.
• Borneo: Mysterious bright objects were reported crashing to earth, causing panic, with Indonesian authorities unable to trace them.
• Minnesota: Marlen Hewitt described a large, round, grey, metallic object with a light emanating from its base, which changed colors and moved at high speed. Three Minnesota newsmen also reported seeing similar objects.
• Nebraska: Rev. Robert Damon observed a brilliant, piercing light in the sky. Miss Ethel Nelson and friends saw a disc-bank of lights.
• New Mexico: Maurine Charles and others observed a disc-shaped, 'moon-colored' object over Holloman Air Force Base, which ascended and descended multiple times.
• Minnesota: Mr. and Mrs. William O'Keefe saw a large, round ball of light approaching slowly. Mrs. Milo J. Vail described an object shaped like a cigar, bright and shiny, with a projection on its base.
• Wyoming/Montana: J. Gordon Campbell and his family reported a huge, black, dog-bone-shaped object moving at high speed, followed by four more objects.
• California: Norman Todd and Doug de Haven reported red lights hovering. Walter G. Mortenson observed a bright object that changed colors and moved erratically. Fullerton police reported unfamiliar yellow objects.
• Arizona: Members of the GOC post in Tucson observed a 'bunch' of lights streaking across the sky in a diamond-shaped formation.
• Idaho: A rancher and his hands reported a steer was kidnapped by a 'flying saucer' about 200 inches in diameter.
• Louisiana: Michael E. Gaydos observed a round, white object about the size of a dime at arm's length.
• India: A wild woman with unkempt hair was seen near a forest edge.
• Mississippi: Mrs. Marion Love reported a large, silver object of dazzling brilliance.
• Norway: Several disc-shaped objects moving at a constant speed were filmed by Mr. W. Gaasland.
• Switzerland: Observers in Liestal saw a silvery 'celestial vehicle' rotating and emitting bright rays. In Niederschontal, a strange object with an irregular elipse shape was observed moving at high altitude.
• England: A 28-pound chunk of ice fell near a U.S.A.F. Base.
• Denmark: Mysterious craft described as 'fireballs' or 'flying saucers' flew over Copenhagen, detected by radar at high speed and altitude.
• Switzerland: Two strange lights were observed moving slowly over Yverdon.
• New Mexico: Mrs. Norma Maurus spotted a large, glowing, white object moving across the western sky.
• Ontario, Canada: George Clark photographed a round, black object moving silently, making a right-angle turn.
• Singapore: J. J. Bennett observed two mysterious, powder-blue lights spinning and moving erratically.

The 'Savage' Picture

This section discusses a photograph labeled as prime evidence of 'flying saucers'. The original photo, taken in Argentina in August 1955, is compared to two other pictures from Brazil (1952) and a young amateur photographer (July 1956). The article suggests the similar proportions and configuration of these images indicate they are all models of the same prototype.

The Mon-Ka Business In Los Angeles

This piece critiques a 'contact' story originating from Los Angeles, labeling it a 'fiasco' fostered by 'charlatans'. It mentions John Otto, a flying saucer enthusiast, who was allegedly duped by Dick Miller using a radio transmitter to 'cut in' on car radios. The article recalls a conversation with Mr. Otto in 1952-53 where he discussed the 'spiritual' aspect of the saucer situation and correspondence with Max Miller of Flying Saucers International.

Keyhoe On 'Earth Versus The Flying Saucers'

Major Donald E. Keyhoe clarifies his involvement with the UFO movie 'Earth VS the Flying Saucers'. He states he was misled into believing it was a documentary and refused personal appearances. His publishers sold the film rights to Clover Productions, who assured him it would be a documentary. Keyhoe denies being a technical director and states he never spoke with the producer or director after the contract was signed. He has not seen the film and has no intention of doing so, based on what he has heard.

An Apology or Two

This section offers apologies for two errors in the previous issue: mistaking pilot William Brenton Nash for a TWA pilot instead of Pan American Air Lines, and an omission in the SAUCERS acronym that could imply a connection between Max Miller's publication and Jim Moseley's. The apologies emphasize the distinct nature of Miller's SAUCERS publication.

Who's Throwing Monkeys At The Earth?

Mrs. Faye Swanson of California reported finding a small, furry body that had fallen from the sky, splintering a wooden post. Police suggested it might be a small monkey from an airplane. An airport spokesman denied any monkey transport, and a lid of secrecy was clamped on the incident, with various agencies refusing to comment.

Meet Our Illustrator

Mr. Clifford Booth, a member of APRO and a technical illustrator, is introduced as the artist for the issue's illustrations. His work is praised, and the director's personal collection of his UFO-related artwork is mentioned.

Book Reviews

• "Strangest of All" by Frank Edwards: Described as a 'storehouse of the incredible,' featuring stories of vanishing ships, historical figures, miracles, talking animals, and flying saucers. Published by Citadel Press.
• "There Is Life on Mars" by a member of British nobility: This book is expected to generate significant discussion in scientific and lay circles. The author is a fellow in the British Astronomical Association.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across diverse geographical locations, the alleged cover-up and duplicity by the U.S. Air Force, and the investigation of mysterious aerial crashes. The APRO Bulletin maintains a skeptical but investigative stance, seeking to uncover the truth behind UFO phenomena. It distinguishes between genuine research efforts and what it terms 'charlatanism,' emphasizing the importance of factual evidence and critical analysis. The publication also highlights the challenges faced by independent researchers in obtaining and disseminating information, particularly when dealing with official government agencies.