APRO Bulletin - 1957 03 00 - March

Magazine Overview

The A. P. R. O. Bulletin - March 1957

This issue of The A. P. R. O. Bulletin, published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, focuses on recent UAO (Unidentified Aerial Object) incidents and related discussions. The cover story highlights "Pungent UAO Crashes In N. C.", detailing an incident near Charlotte, North Carolina, where an airborne object crashed to earth, described by a witness as "foam-like but clear" and leaving a peculiar smell. Another significant report is the "UAO and PAA Plane In Near Collision" over the Atlantic, where a pilot maneuvered to avoid an unidentified object. The issue also includes a photograph of a UAO taken in Yokohama, Japan, by Yusuke J. Matsumura.

Editorial and Organizational Matters

The editorial section addresses requests for comments on UAO contact claims, reiterating the publication's commitment to printing only facts and dismissing fraudulent claims. The Director mentions plans for her own UAO book, focusing on a different slant than existing publications, and a subsequent documentary-style book on UAO history. The bulletin also lists "Recommended UAO Periodicals" for English, Spanish, and French readers.

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a recap of the National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP). It details recent improvements in NICAP's policies and personnel, expressing confidence that the organization, now under the direction of Major Donald E. Keyhoe, will provide respectful treatment to UAO enthusiasts. The article outlines NICAP's operating plan, including a membership campaign, a monthly magazine, and a system for investigating reports.

Quotes and Comments

This section includes various snippets and observations. It references an Admiral's comment about the potential threat of UAO, a report of an airplane exploding and vanishing near Orofino, Idaho, and the ongoing efforts to understand sonic booms. The reprint of an article from "Adventure Magazine" discusses the possibility of a glass solar system and other theories. The section also congratulates Rev. Albert Baller for his work promoting UAO awareness and mentions Frank Edwards' radio broadcasts.

Expert Opinions and Media Coverage

The "Expert Denies UAO Existence; Keyhoe Challenges Statement" article discusses a statement by Dr. Hugh L. Dryden, Director of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, who claimed there is no such thing as a flying saucer. The bulletin challenges Dryden's expertise, agreeing that Nazi-engineered saucers are unlikely but asserting the existence of observed unconventional aerial objects. It mentions Major David Simons' views on the possibility of extraterrestrial life and interstellar travel. The section also touches on media coverage, noting an article in Australia's "People" magazine and the perceived lack of open-mindedness in American magazines regarding UAO.

Recent Sightings

This recurring section details numerous UAO sightings from around the world:

• Honolulu, Hawaii (Feb. 11, 1957): Two housewives observed two growing objects described as "half-ball dome" with shiny tails, one disappearing and a smaller one reappearing, then streaking off at high speed.
• Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama (March 15, 1957): Pilots, radio operators, and astronomers reported a blazing fireball, with observers near Marsh Island believing it crashed.
• Salta, Argentina (Jan. 22, 1957): An oval-shaped, metallic object was observed for seven hours near Mount Negro.
• Scotland (Feb. 20, 1956): A bright flaming object was seen plowing across the sky at great speed over a 300-mile area.
• Hawkes Bay, Australia (Jan. 1, 1957): A long, bright object shaped like a rolled-up newspaper with extending rays was observed.
• Invercargill, Australia (Jan. 12, 1957): A star-like object approached the ground, changed shape, and floated over a fence.
• Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Feb. 1957): A salesman observed a flash resembling a half moon that burst into six balls of fire.
• Valentine, Nebraska (Oct. 19, 1956): An object described as a lighted yo-yo was seen jumping in the sky.
• El Paso, Texas (March 8, 1957): Three unidentified objects with bright lights were observed, appearing to blend and pull apart.
• Spencer, Wisconsin (Jan. 11, 1957): A light-blue, cigar-shaped object was observed traveling west to east, changing color to intense yellow before disappearing.
• Gilroy, California (Feb. 7, 1957): A bright object that decreased and increased in brilliance was observed at low altitude, changing color to red-orange before disappearing.
• Glendora, California (Jan. 27, 1957): Two bright amber discs were heard and seen hovering before taking off toward the mountains.
• South Pasadena, California (same night): Parts of the area experienced an unexplained power failure.
• Wilmington, California area (Feb. 4, 1957): A blast, feared to be an oil storage tank explosion, rattled doors and windows over a 15-mile area, with jet pilots stating it couldn't be a sonic boom.
• Burbank, California (Feb. 14, 1957): Police received calls about three bright discs observed over the city, described as darting, standing still, and searching with light beams.

Other Items

"Another Mystery Hole" in Milan, Iowa, is discussed, referencing a bright object seen in the vicinity before the hole's discovery. An unidentified object found in the Andes mountains, described as a large, transparent object with a metal center, is also reported, with speculation that it might be high-altitude weather detection equipment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting of diverse UAO sightings and incidents, the investigation of these phenomena, and the challenges faced in obtaining credible information and media coverage. The editorial stance emphasizes a commitment to factual reporting, skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, and support for organized UAO research efforts, particularly through NICAP. There is a clear indication of the organization's dedication to uncovering the truth about UAO, even when faced with official skepticism or media indifference. The publication also highlights the importance of international cooperation and the sharing of information within the UAO community.