APRO Bulletin - 1961 03 00 - March

Magazine Overview

Title: The A.P.R.O. Bulletin
Issue Date: March 1961
Publisher: The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO)
Content Focus: The bulletin is dedicated to the investigation of unidentified aerial objects (UAOs) and the mystery surrounding them, aiming for eventual solutions.

Object Lands, Takes Off in Texas

This section details a significant sighting reported by the Wichita Falls, Texas Times. A private pilot, Attorney W. K. Rutledge, tracked an unidentified object described as a "huge ball of light" to its landing point near Benjamin, Texas. Rutledge, flying at 6,500 feet, observed the object at approximately 8,000 feet. Law enforcement officers participated in a ground search directed by Rutledge. The object reportedly ceased to glow before the searchers could reach it. Further investigation revealed that Chief of Police Joe Massey of Munday, Texas, was also involved and described seeing a bright light shoot straight up "like a sky rocket" and disappear. The object was reported to have faded after 30-40 minutes on the ground. The article notes that Air Force officials were reluctant to comment, and information gathered by the Air Force was not made available to the public.

Sportsmen Watch Hovering UAO

On February 16, 1961, at Chamberlain Lake, Maine, sportsmen observed an object with two powerful red and white beams of light hovering at treetop level for about five minutes. It appeared to fall to earth and "spend itself." Allen O. Nugent pinpointed the sighting in the general area of Donnelly Point and the tramway. Jerome Dickinson reported the object, and on the following day, airplanes searched the area without success. Mrs. Milton B. Steeves described a large, bright object, "as big as a softball," which gave her an "eerie" feeling. Mary C. Kimball, an APRO member, also observed a bright object that left its place in the sky and traveled towards Ursa Major.

Object Over Kansas And Oregon

On January 29, 1961, an object described as circular or oval, glowing in colors from yellow to orange, red, and green, drifted east-to-west. Rawleigh J. Hoopes of Ontario, Oregon, reported that he, his wife, and their 16-year-old daughter saw a bright, oblong object flash through the sky over Ontario. Police stated no other sightings were reported.

Nebraskans See UAO, Smell Same

A report from the Sheridan County Star (Rushville, Nebraska) on January 12, 1961, detailed an incident involving a brightly lit unidentified object and a strange odor. Two fifteen-year-olds, Bill Klindt and Mike Hensley, noticed an irritating stench that made their eyes smart. They reported this to Bill's mother, who then saw a bright object proceeding generally from southwest to northeast. The object appeared the size of a street light about a block away, with a vapor rising from its top. It seemed to be landing northwest of Rushville. Sheriff Hill was called and confirmed smelling a strange odor similar to tear gas, though the source could not be identified. The odor dissipated about 20 minutes after the object disappeared. An Air Force Major from Rapid City investigated the case.

Thanksgiving Object Seen From New York

On November 23, 1960, numerous calls to the Buffalo, New York Evening News switchboard reported sightings of an unidentified object. Observers described either a bright point of light with a tail or two points of light, each with a "bushy tail." Clark Chapman, a 15-year-old amateur astronomer, described it as "like a comet, bright with a fanlike tail." The object was observed around 6:15 p.m. when Chapman was observing Mercury. Ernst Both, curator of astronomy at the Buffalo Museum of Science, suggested it might have been high-flying planes with the sun shining on contrails, but Clark dismissed this. A meteorologist stated there was no known connection to the Tiros satellite. APRO found no conventional explanation fitting all the facts.

Russians Have "Contacters" Too

This section notes that reports from Russia indicate a fad for "flying saucer contactees" has emerged, despite government discouragement. It suggests that numerous landings and near-landings have occurred in Russia in the preceding eight months, with cultists manifesting as opportunities arise. The article speculates that many Russians may be seeking salvation.

The A.P.R.O. Bulletin - Editorial and Staff

The bulletin is published by The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, located at 4407 E. Linden, Tucson, Arizona. Coral E. Lorenzen is the Editor and Director. The publication is copyrighted 1961. Information may be used by other UAO research periodicals with proper credit. The staff includes International Director and Editor A. E. Brown, Director of Research L. J. Lorenzen, Director of Public Relations John T. Hopf, and Secretary Oliver Dean. Special Representatives from various countries are listed, including Dr. Olavo T. Fontes (Brazil), K. Gosta Rehn (Sweden), Graham Conway (Eastern Canada), Idame Burati (France), Horacio Gonzales Gauteaume (Venezuela), Peter E. Norris (Australia), Jun' Ichi Takanashi (Japan), Juan C. Remonda (Argentina), Sergio Robba (Italy), Arist. Mitropoulos (Greece), and A. F. van Wierengen (Belgium, Holland). Professor Charles Maney (Physics) is a Special Consultant.

Object Lands (Continued)

This continuation of the Texas incident reports that the newspaper reporter who wrote the article was unavailable, but the News Editor of the Record News stood by the printed information. He stated that witnesses spoke freely until an Air Force man arrived, after which Rutledge became hesitant. On January 12th, the reporter received indications that the area of the supposed landing was roped off by the Air Force. Attempts to verify this lead failed as Air Force officials were unavailable. The article notes that Rutledge's testimony changed after being interviewed by Lt. McClure, and other law enforcement officers had not been interviewed by the Air Force.

Orthoteny

This section defines "orthoteny," a term coined by French Scientist Aime Michel, which describes UFO sightings forming straight line patterns over discrete periods. Michel found that during a six-week period in 1954, UFOs reported daily over Europe produced straight line patterns when plotted on a map. The odds against random points falling on the same line are astronomical, making these patterns indicative of something beyond chance. Michel's syllogism concludes that "rational" explanations (hallucinations, lies, hoaxes, or misinterpretations) cannot account for these patterns. General L. M. Chassin of NATO refers to orthoteny as "webs and networks that unmistakably suggest a systematic aerial exploration," indicating "purposive and intelligent action." Orthoteny was also observed in Brazil in May 1960, with 37 sightings over Northeastern Brazil forming similar webs and networks.

Physical Evidence

An incident near Ubatuba, Brazil, reported a flying disc exploding over the water, producing metallic fragments. APRO's Brazilian Representative arranged for tests at the Mineral Production Laboratory. The results indicated magnesium with no detectable trace elements, a "most remarkable result" given current technology.

Ultrasonics and Radiation

Symptoms suggesting the use of ultrasonics are sometimes observed near UFOs. Examples include charred grass roots in Florida and burns on individuals whose clothing touched a hovering UFO in Brazil. Cases of apparent radiation effects include Mrs. Leita Kuhn suffering skin and eye damage and Rene Gilham being hospitalized for burns. Philip Small experienced facial burns when a UFO accelerated upward. The article suggests that incidents like these could provide valuable data, and that hypnotism proved useful in obtaining data in a Swedish UFO investigation.

Complicating Factors

Objective research is hindered by elements that introduce bogus evidence and discredit the subject. This includes "cults" claiming "contact" with "space people," often based on disillusionment with conventional religion. The article contrasts the "contactee" narrative of tall, handsome spacemen with more reliable cases indicating small occupants. It also mentions psychical projections being mistaken for real occurrences. A major obstacle is the lack of basic data, exacerbated by an Air Force program that allegedly aims to "strip away the aura of mystery" by "identifying or explaining" UFOs, sometimes requiring evidence alteration. This can lead well-intentioned citizens to withhold information. The UFO problem is described as primarily an emotional and political issue, only incidentally scientific.

Scientific Problem vs. Emotional/Political Aspects

The scientific problem is considered the easiest of the three. Science provides exact answers, but the emotional and political aspects are powerful enough to make the scientific world avoid the subject. Emotional responses stem from the idea of extraterrestrial vehicles attacking basic worldviews. Scientists may struggle to accept that their reactions are emotional. The scientist and militarist roles as "sage-adviser" and "warrior-protector" make it difficult for them to endorse extraterrestrial visitation without attacking their own perceived potency and security. The layman, however, often concludes "a conspiracy of official silence exists" when official opinions contradict evidence, finding the idea that "Father lies" more palatable than "Father just doesn't know."

Urgent Need for Data and Public Education

The United States is criticized for relying too heavily on one approach, potentially stifling vital information and ignoring potential danger. While there are no indications of hostility from visitors, there is also no indication of friendliness; it may be a routine survey. Failing to educate the public about the facts courts danger. The article references C. G. Jung and the Brookings Institute, suggesting that the discovery of superior beings could cause civilizations to topple or change.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The UFO problem is urgent and defies expression. Procrastination is not a solution. The authors imply that ignoring the issue could lead to relearning bitter historical lessons, citing Billy Mitchell, the Maginot Line, and Pearl Harbor as examples of failures to prepare.

Bibliography

The issue includes a bibliography citing various APRO bulletins, newspapers, books, and private communications related to UFO research, including works by Aime Michel, Edward J. Ruppelt, and C. G. Jung.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently presents evidence supporting the physical reality of UFOs and the hypothesis of extraterrestrial origin. The editorial stance is one of advocating for rigorous, objective research and data collection, while criticizing official secrecy and programs that may distort or suppress information. There is a strong emphasis on the urgency of the UFO problem, framing it as a matter of potential danger to civilization if not adequately addressed. The bulletin also highlights the psychological and social factors that complicate the study of UFOs, such as the "contactee" phenomenon and public distrust of authority.