APRO Bulletin - 1965 07 00 - July-August

Magazine Overview

The A. P. R. O. Bulletin, published by The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), presents its July-August 1965 issue, focusing heavily on the "July-August flap" of Unidentified Aerial Objects (UAOs). The publication, based in Tucson, Arizona, aims to find solutions to the mystery of unidentified objects in the sky.

Important Announcements and Editorial Notes

Dr. Olavo T. Fontes, a Special Representative for APRO, alerted members to potential significant events in July, based on his prediction of the "July flap" which he had previously discussed on television in Rio de Janeiro. He noted a trend of UAOs displaying themselves openly over populated areas, suggesting a possible new phase of psychological indoctrination. Dr. Fontes is also credited with discovering patterns in UAO activity over 14 years, which were later detailed in Mrs. Lorenzen's book, "The Great Flying Saucer Hoax."

John T. Hopf, an aerial photographer and APRO Photo Consultant, received second prize for Optical Excellence at the Stellafane Telescope Makers Convention. His work, including a souvenir picture book titled "Picturesque Newport," is highlighted.

The bulletin also clarifies the terminology used by APRO, explaining the distinction between UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) and UAO (Unconventional Aerial Object). While UFO implies a potential conventional explanation, UAO is preferred by APRO members who believe extraterrestrial visitations are the most logical interpretation of gathered statistics.

Key Articles and Reports

UAOS OVER ANTARCTICA

This section details a wave of UAO sightings in July 1965, particularly in the Antarctic region, which generated significant official reactions. Reports from Argentine, Chilean, and English bases described a giant lens-shaped object with changing colors (red, green, yellow, blue) moving at high speeds with oscillatory courses. Magnetic disturbances were registered by instruments at the Argentine base on Deception Island during the sighting.

Official statements were released by the Argentine Navy Secretary and the Chilean Ministry of Defense. Lieutenant Daniel Perisse confirmed sightings by his garrison, noting the object's brightness, varied speeds, and sudden accelerations. Attempts to photograph the object were hampered by unfavorable conditions. The Chilean reports from the Pedro Aguirre Cerda base described an object with first magnitude star luminosity, changing direction, and moving at irregular trajectories. A second report detailed sightings by multiple bases, including observations of a round-shaped object disappearing into cirrus clouds and another with luminosity causing magnetic field disturbances.

Landing In France

Maurice Masse, a farmer in Valensole, France, reported a whistling noise followed by the appearance of an oblong, football-sized object with a dull, lusterless finish, resting on four metallic feet. He observed a small being, about the size of an eight-year-old child, wearing an orange space suit. A second occupant was inside the object. The object ascended vertically at high speed. An investigation of the landing site revealed a hole and marks in the ground, with the dirt around a central pivot appearing baked.

On The Subject Of Contact

Joyce Davis discusses the concept of interplanetary contact, drawing parallels with Earth's history of exploration and colonization. She suggests that extraterrestrial beings might fear cultural shock and prefer biological or ecological studies over colonization or trade. Davis also touches upon potential communication difficulties due to differing wave lengths and cultural shock, using Japan's historical interaction with Western cultures as an example of adaptation without complete assimilation.

Other UAO Sightings

Several other sightings are reported:

• Antarctica: Reports from the SANAE base (South Africa) and Hallett base (USA/New Zealand) describe bright luminous objects moving at high speeds and low altitudes. The Hallett base sighting was registered by a special photographic instrument.
• Arizona: Edward Coyle observed an egg-shaped object with a red, mist-like glow near Copper Mine. Another report details a "dirigible" shaped object hovering in a canyon with a "cold blue" glow.
• Texas: Fourteen-year-old Jack Spiro photographed three V-shaped objects, one of which glowed, and the others were "dark ivory." Initial analysis suggested something unusual, but later official statements attributed it to processing artifacts.
• New Zealand: Three unexplained circular lights were observed over Tauranga harbor.
• Ireland: John Knowles and Miss Rose Ward observed a "ball of light" over Howth Head that changed color and moved at high speeds. An Air Lingus spokesman confirmed no planes were in the area.
• Quebec, Canada: Residents reported unidentified objects, including a ball of fire and a round flat object with a dome.
• Southern California: Friedrich Burkert saw a cigar-shaped object with red lights and yellow-lighted ports. His brother reported three small red objects nearby.
• Brimfield, Massachusetts: Mrs. Irene Page observed a sparkling ball of light intermittently scouting her property for three hours.
• Bowie, Arizona: Mr. and Mrs. William Moss and Barbara Gerard observed a brilliant disc of light ascending, stopping, and then moving downward, casting an upward glow.
• Marion, Virginia: Mrs. Woody Darnell reported a glowing object on a mountainside that exploded, and then a bright object with sparks flew off. Forestry officials extinguished a fire.
• Boulder, Colorado: Nate Ervin saw six "football-shaped objects with inverted 'V' wings" flying at high altitude.
• California: Deputies observed a pulsating light that moved at "fantastic speeds."
• Glover Park, D.C.: Five boys claimed to see a UFO described as "like an airplane without wings," which changed color.
• Rio Del, California: Donald Martin and his daughters watched a cigar-shaped object circle the town.

The Astronomer's Point Of View

An astronomer from the National Astronomical Observatory suggested that the unidentified object sighted in the Antarctic region was an artificial satellite, based on trajectory studies. The bulletin questions this explanation, pointing out that the observed object exhibited characteristics not typically associated with satellites, such as zigzagging, hovering, and color changes.

AF Statement — Again

The bulletin notes that the Air Force Press Desk reported having 663 unexplained UFO cases in their files, raising questions about how many classified cases exist and who investigates them.

Fortean Objects In Cuba

A report from Cuba describes a "great quantity of brilliant objects" falling to earth, described as various-sized balloons that dissolved upon hitting the ground, leaving a gelatinous substance. The Cuban government suggested these could be a new form of U.S. aggression.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UAO sightings, the increasing official acknowledgment (albeit sometimes dismissive) of these phenomena, and the detailed analysis of object characteristics. APRO's stance is clear: they are dedicated to investigating these unconventional aerial objects, believing that extraterrestrial visitation is a strong possibility. The bulletin emphasizes the importance of detailed witness reports and photographic evidence, while also critiquing conventional explanations offered by authorities. The publication also highlights the challenges of UFO research, including the need for accurate terminology and the difficulties in obtaining information from official sources. The editorial tone is one of persistent inquiry and a commitment to uncovering the truth behind these unexplained aerial phenomena. The bulletin also encourages members to submit all available UFO information to aid in their research efforts.