APRO Bulletin - 1960 05 00 - May

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN, dated May 1960, is the eighth volume, third issue. It is published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (A.P.R.O.) and focuses on the analysis of exclusive International Geophysical Year (IGY) photographs of unidentified aerial objects (UAOs) and the physical evidence of the Ubatuba, Brazil, magnesium fragments. The magazine details APRO's efforts to engage with official bodies, particularly the U.S. Air Force, regarding this evidence.

Exclusive IGY Photo Analysis

The lead article, "EXCLUSIVE IGY PHOTO ANALYSIS," discusses the now-famous pure magnesium fragments from Ubatuba, Brazil, which APRO claims are the only indisputable physical evidence of the extraterrestrial nature of conventional aerial objects. The magazine details a correspondence between APRO, represented by Mrs. Lorenzen, and Major Tacker of the U.S. Air Force. APRO initially sent a letter to Major Tacker on March 10, 1960, expressing their belief that the U.S. Air Force's statement of having no physical evidence was inaccurate and proposing that their evidence be examined by scientific authorities. Major Tacker responded on March 14, suggesting submission to the Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC). APRO declined this, citing Air Force Regulation 200-2, which they believed would prevent public release of findings. Further correspondence ensued, with Major Tacker enclosing AFR 200-2 and asserting that findings would be released and evidence returned. APRO, however, questioned whether AFR 200-2 would be circumvented or ignored, especially if the residue was identified as a 'familiar object.'

The article also includes an analysis of four photographs taken by Almiro Barauna on January 16, 1958, at Trindade Island. The photo analyst, John T. Hopf, describes the photographs as the finest record of a UAO he had seen, confirming their authenticity. The analysis details the camera settings and conditions, and based on comparisons with conventional aircraft under similar overcast conditions, estimates the UAO's size to be approximately 120 x 24 feet.

UAO Sightings at the Island of Trindade

This section, authored by Dr. Olavo T. Fontes, M.D., delves into the official attitude of the Brazilian Navy regarding the Trindade UAO photographs. It presents official documents and statements, including a Navy secret memorandum and an official release from February 22, 1958, admitting the sighting and photographic evidence. Despite initial denials and claims of no evidence, the Navy eventually confirmed the authenticity of the photos, stating that the object was not a balloon, missile, or sea-gull, but that the evidence was insufficient to definitively identify it as a flying saucer. Admiral Gerson de Macedo Soares expressed belief in flying saucers, and Navy Minister Admiral Alves Camera stated his conviction after seeing the evidence. Com. Paulo Moreira da Silva also confirmed the object was not a meteorological balloon and rejected the possibility of a hoax. Captain-of-Corvette Carlos Alberto Bacellar, C.O. of the Navy Oceanographic Post, provided a report confirming that an unidentified aerial object was seen by crew members, though he was not a direct witness.

The section also details a report from a Navy tow ship, the 'Tridente,' and a sighting by a physician, Dr. Ezio Azevedo Fundao, and his family near Espirito Santo, describing a similar object. The article notes that after the Trindade incident, the Brazilian Navy set up special photographic equipment to document any future UAO appearances. It also mentions subsequent sightings at Trindade on March 7 and October 5, 1958, which were not published in the Brazilian press.

Trindade Sightings (Continued)

This continuation discusses the UAO activity at Fernando Noronha, another small island in the South Atlantic. A Brazilian technician working at a U.S. guided missile and satellite tracking station reported that UAOs began appearing around the time the station became operational. These objects were tracked alongside guided missiles and satellites, sometimes in pairs or formations, and appeared to be 'spy-ships' monitoring activities. The article suggests that the UAOs were investigating the Trindade meteorological studies but abandoned surveillance of Trindade once its peaceful character was established, focusing instead on more important targets like Fernando Noronha.

Colonel Joao Adil de Oliveira, former head of the Brazilian Air Force's UAO investigation, is quoted stating the impossibility of denying the existence of flying saucers, citing material evidence, thousands of documents, photos, and sighting reports. He specifically references the Trindade photographs and the Navy's official confirmation of their authenticity.

Physical Evidence (Continued)

This section continues the discussion on the physical evidence, detailing the correspondence between APRO and Major Tacker. It highlights the Air Force's interest in the Ubatuba fragments and APRO's concerns about potential suppression of information. The article mentions that the physical evidence story, when released to the press wires, was initially 'killed' by an editor in Kansas City and later picked up by UPI, receiving more attention abroad than in the U.S. The Lorenzen home telephone was reportedly under surveillance, and Mrs. Lorenzen's '201' file at Holloman was opened, suggesting a military interest in personal information.

An Open Letter to APRO Members

Coral Lorenzen, Director of APRO, addresses the members regarding the organization's relocation to Tucson, Arizona. She announces that there will be no July 1960 issue of the Bulletin due to the move and the need to establish new headquarters and a working staff. She expresses hope for the September issue to be on schedule and outlines future topics, including a step-by-step military reconnaissance of the earth by UAOs and possible explanations for different types of UAO crews.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the presentation and analysis of physical evidence (Ubatuba fragments) and photographic evidence (Trindade photos) of UAOs. There is a strong emphasis on the official confirmation of this evidence by Brazilian authorities and a critical stance towards the U.S. Air Force's handling of similar evidence, suggesting a pattern of secrecy and potential suppression. The editorial stance is one of persistent research and a belief in the reality of UAOs as physical objects, likely extraterrestrial vehicles, and a commitment to uncovering the truth despite official obfuscation. The magazine positions itself as a serious research group publishing regularly, even amidst personal and organizational challenges.