APRO Bulletin - 1968 05 00 - May-June

Magazine Overview

Title: THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN
Issue: MAY-JUNE, 1968
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Olavo T. Fontes, APRO's Brazilian representative, who passed away on May 9, 1968, at the age of 43. The bulletin also features detailed reports on UFO sightings and investigations from various parts of the world.

In Memoriam: Dr. Olavo T. Fontes

The lead article announces the death of Dr. Olavo T. Fontes from cancer. Dr. Fontes had been APRO's representative for Brazil since 1957 and was instrumental in documenting UFO phenomena in South America. His work included documenting "occupant" cases, the Itaipu Fortress incident, and the Trindade Island incident. He was also known for his ability to forecast UFO "flaps." The article highlights his kindness and his efforts to protect those who reported UFO experiences from ridicule. Dr. Fontes was born on June 9, 1924, in Bahia, Brazil, and was a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine. He is survived by his wife, Maria Teresa, and seven children.

The Redlands Case

This section details a UFO sighting that occurred on February 4th in Redlands, California. The object was described as coming down west of Columbia Street and north of Colton Avenue, proceeding slowly for about a mile at an altitude of approximately 300 feet. It then hovered, jerked forward, hovered again, and shot off at high speed. The entire sighting lasted less than five minutes. Witnesses estimated the object to be at least 50 feet in diameter. The lights on the base were described as jets, and the lights on top alternated in color. The artist's conception was based on witness descriptions. The object was not detected on radar, which the Air Force attributed to the mountain range between Redlands and March Air Force Base. A controversy exists regarding the sound heard, with some suggesting it was the siren of an emergency rescue vehicle. Dr. Philip Seff, who investigated the case, concluded that the object could not be attributed to any known aircraft or natural phenomenon and classified it as a UFO.

Ubatuba Case Mentioned in Trade Magazine

An article in the June 1968 issue of "Industrial Research" magazine mentions the Ubatuba magnesium case from Mrs. Lorenzen's book, "Flying Saucers." The fragments were analyzed and found to be ultrapure magnesium, considered a reasonable selection for the structural requirements of a flying saucer. The case was documented by Dr. Fontes, and American tests completed in the spring verified his original findings.

A 'Fiasco' Has Two Sides

This article by L. J. Lorenzen discusses the UFO study at the University of Colorado, which was described in a LOOK magazine article as a "fiasco" and a "$2 million trick." Lorenzen presents a counter-argument to the criticisms, acknowledging that the piece was slanted. The complaints against the study include the assertion that Edward U. Condon and Robert Low approached the problem facetiously and irresponsibly, with a predisposition that there was nothing substantial to the mystery. It is also alleged that Condon made public statements suggesting his mind was already made up, and that attempts to focus on physical aspects were discouraged in favor of psychological aspects. Furthermore, it is claimed that Condon and Low were intractable when attempts were made to discuss these attitudes, jeopardizing the scientific integrity of the project. Low's memo, "Some thoughts on the UFO project," is cited as evidence that the project was undertaken in bad faith.

The response to these complaints suggests that NICAP's offer to help was an attempt to control the study, with Keyhoe wanting the committee to endorse his conclusions. Dick Hall's visits to Boulder are described as attempts to convince younger members that Condon was the wrong man for the job, leading to a paranoid attitude. Saunders and McDonald are identified as NICAP members who were part of an effort to undermine Condon, leading to their dismissal. The article argues that dissenting voices are understandable, but a minority report should be written clearly. Low's memo is described as "puffing" to convince university staff, and not binding. The emphasis on psychological aspects was not an attempt to deal with them, but rather a recommendation by J. Allen Hynek to study the people who report UFOs. The author concludes that while APRO agrees with NICAP on what an objective study should show, they disagree with NICAP's attempt to "take over" the Condon Study. The article suggests that the "Fiasco" has made the prospect of a truly unbiased study more remote.

Fiasco - Continued

This section continues the discussion on the Condon study, addressing the emotional obstacles and political considerations. It notes that APRO announced its support for the study and provided information from its South American tour to Mr. Low. APRO also furnished the committee with names of 300 members for their "early warning" network and forwarded copies of APRO's best cases. The author states that APRO continues to cooperate without attempting to influence the report.

Argentinian Pilot Reports UAO

Captain U. Tiviroli reported sighting a UAO on June 6th while landing at Punta Arenas airport. The object, described as long and spindle-shaped, appeared above the plane, moved parallel to it, stopped suddenly, and then swerved. Both the pilot and co-pilot believed it to be a controlled vehicle. Airport personnel also viewed the object.

Report on Boulder Sighting, May 1968

This report by Lee Trenholm details a sighting on May 25th in Boulder, Colorado. Mrs. Dorothy Conner observed a brilliant white object hovering and then shooting north at high speed, making a pattern of two square maneuvers. The object was described as the size of a 50-cent piece at arm's length, with a darker band around the rim, and was brilliant white. It left an after-trail of bright, clearly defined light. The sighting lasted seven minutes. Other witnesses in the area also reported sightings, including Dianne Aldrich, Mr. Walt Sneddon, Miss Jean McCarron, and Mr. Frank Heffentrager, who described various objects and phenomena.

Boulder - Continued

This section continues the Boulder sightings. Allen Wilbur and Dale Nelson reported a silver-white oval object moving rapidly back and forth. Mr. Harold Cambridge observed a large bright yellowish-white light that circled slowly before moving NW. The report notes that many more sightings have been received from Canada, and a few are presented to cover activity worldwide.

Strange Incident in Washington

This report details an incident near Selah, Washington, between April 28 and May 6. A woman owning orchards reported seeing reddish and yellowish lights moving slowly or hovering. On one occasion, a large object disgorged five smaller objects that disappeared at high speed. During the same night, a 16-year-old boy encountered three "beings" emerging from trees. The beings were described as small (4 feet or less), dressed in orange clothing, and human-like in appearance. They approached the boy, who honked his car horn, attracting two more similar beings. The beings eventually turned and walked back into the trees. Footprint imprints were found, described as 8 inches long with a narrow heel and a "paddle-shaped" foot. A blue light was also observed illuminating large areas of several acres.

Another Car-Buzzing Incident

Mrs. Robert Finley of Healdton, Oklahoma, reported that she and her daughter were "escorted" by a UAO for about five miles in early March. A saucer-shaped object crossed the highway, circled, and followed their car. The object had blinking lights and stayed on the west side of the road.

Note

This section addresses members who are not receiving their Bulletins, explaining that due to the special non-profit postage rate, mail may be delayed or lost. Members are urged to keep the office advised of address changes.

NOTICE!

An oversight regarding incomplete schematics for the Gerdes UAO Detector is mentioned, and recipients are asked to return them for complete copies.

Current South American Flap

This section provides updates on UFO activity in South America:

• Guayos, Venezuela (April 26): A spherical object with "uncanny" light flashes was sighted.
• Caracas, Venezuela (April 28): A strange cloud phenomenon was observed, described as a "rent" in the sky.
• Arrecifes, Venezuela (early May): Five UAOs were observed diving into the ocean.
• Valencia, Venezuela (May 14-15): A brilliant luminous object was observed crossing the sky at great speed.
• Caracas, Venezuela (May 20): An extremely loud "hideous" rumbling noise was heard, but nothing was seen in the sky.
• Lima, Peru (June 2): Six UAOs were reported hovering over a highway, with red lights and helicopter-like noise. Four objects moved out of sight, while two dived toward the ground.
• Santiago, Chile (June 12): A UAO was photographed three times hovering between two mountains for an hour. It was described as "giant in size" and "can't be scientifically explained away."
• Cordoba, Argentina (June 15): A young woman reported seeing a strange being and a UFO with two red lights. She lost consciousness out of fear.
• Boulogne, Argentina (June 16): A "hideous" rumble was heard, accompanied by mysterious glaring lights. Dogs panicked, and a farmer's ceiling collapsed.
• Leme, Brazil (December 8, 1967): A brilliant light was observed over the ocean, blinking off and on, and later flew off toward Santos Dumont Airport.
• Niteroi, Brazil (June 4): Passengers on a ferry observed an unidentified object, described as rectangular and emitting black smoke, which maneuvered and then flew off at high speed.

Utke Has New Project

Members are asked to support Dr. Allen Utke in an expedition to a repeat sighting area in August. Checks can be mailed to him, and results will be reported. If the trip is canceled, checks will be returned. Dr. Utke is also available for lecture engagements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the passing of a key figure in UFO research, Dr. Olavo T. Fontes, and the ongoing documentation of UFO sightings worldwide. The editorial stance appears to be one of dedicated investigation and reporting, with a critical eye towards official studies like the Condon report. The organization, APRO, positions itself as a scientific and educational entity seeking the solution to the UFO mystery, emphasizing an open-minded approach to evidence. There is also a clear effort to provide a platform for members to share their experiences and to foster a sense of community through shared interest and support.