APRO Bulletin - 1968 07 00 - July-August

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN, dated July-August 1968, is published by The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (A.P.R.O.) and is dedicated to the investigation of unidentified flying objects. The cover prominently features the headline "BRAZILIAN OBJECT REAL PUZZLER" and an article detailing an intriguing case.

Occupants In France

The article describes an incident on August 29, 1967, in Cussac, France, where two children, Francois and Anne Marie, along with their dog Medor, observed four black-clad 'occupants' and a brilliant sphere. The occupants were described as being about 1 meter 20 centimeters tall, with black, silken-looking clothing and no visible features. One occupant was seen bending over, another holding an object that reflected the sun, and the others followed it into the sphere. The sphere itself was described as about two meters in diameter, silvery, and emitting a hissing noise as it ascended. The incident was investigated by G.E.P.A. and detailed in the French periodical "Phenomenes Spatiaux."

Czech Scientist's Views Of UFOs

Dr. Ludvik Soucek, writing in "Svet V Obrazec" (World in Pictures), discusses the reality and origin of UFOs. He mentions that Czech radars have tracked fast-moving unidentified objects, with the information withheld to prevent panic. Soucek proposes six possible explanations for UFOs:

1. Hallucinations and hoaxes: He believes most cases fall into this category.
2. Natural Phenomena: Such as planets being mistaken for UFOs.
3. Secret Weapons: Soucek speculates about secret Nazi craft spirited out of Germany, citing the disappearance of Nazi designers, UFO appearances near rocket bases, and sightings over South America.
4. Man-made products: Balloons, airplanes, satellites, etc.
5. A new, relativistic phenomenon: He references physicist Burkhart Heim's theory of a "Mezo-field" that could enable cosmic craft to travel faster than light and resist deformation.
6. Extraterrestrial hypothesis: The most popular and exciting explanation.
7. Time travelers: The possibility that our descendants are traveling into the past.

Soucek acknowledges the speculative nature of some theories but emphasizes the importance of scientific investigation.

Brazilian Object Real Puzzler

This case involves C. S. Dos Santos, a night watchman in Caconde, Sao Paulo, Brazil, who found a grey, cylinder-shaped object in his courtyard on May 18, 1968. The object, about the size of a milk can, had dials and embossed figures. It was brought inside, and later that night, Dos Santos' wife was awakened by a sound like a "buzz of a big transformer" and intense heat. A bluish light was seen coming from the bathroom. The object had left a hole in the roof, and the object itself was gone. The incident was investigated by Dr. Max Berezowsky, M.D., and Dr. Methodius Kalkasieff.

Congressional Hearing

On July 29, 1968, the House Committee on Science and Astronautics held a symposium on Unidentified Flying Objects, chaired by Congressman J. Edward Roush. Presenters included Dr. Robert M. L. Baker, Jr., Dr. Robert L. Hall, Dr. James A. Harder, Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Dr. James E. McDonald, and Dr. Carl Sagan. Written statements were also submitted by Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle and Stan Friedman. The hearing is considered a milestone in establishing a public record of the UFO problem.

APRO's Status Quo

The organization reports a membership exceeding 4,000 and aiming for 5,000, with a goal of 10,000 by Spring 1969. APRO's physical status is described as good, with offices remaining in the Lorenzen home to ensure 24-hour access for members and to save funds. The office space includes a sunporch for administrative work and a 10x13-foot room serving as the "nerve center" for filing and cataloging sighting reports.

Staff Changes

Professor Flavio Pereira of Sao Paulo has been appointed APRO's Representative for Brazil, with Mrs. Irene Granchi providing translations. Mr. Richard Guillon has resigned as Representative in Chile, replaced by Mr. Pablo Petrovich. Mr. Richard Greenwell is thanked for his extensive efforts in South America, and his upcoming book in Spanish is mentioned.

Apology

The delay in issuing the bulletin is attributed to several incidents in the summer of 1968, including Mrs. Lorenzen's appearance on "To Tell the Truth" and an accident involving Mr. Lorenzen, who suffered a broken arm. These events, combined with numerous reports and investigations, created a backlog.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on detailed reporting of UFO sightings and investigations from around the world. The organization emphasizes a scientific approach, seeking to solve the mystery of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and eyewitness accounts while also debunking hoaxes and unsubstantiated rumors. There is a clear effort to provide factual reporting and to encourage public participation through reporting sightings and renewing memberships. The bulletin also addresses the importance of maintaining a public record and demonstrating public interest in the UFO phenomenon.

World Reports

France: The "Occupants" case is detailed with drawings.

Czech Scientist: Dr. Soucek's theories on UFO origins are presented.

Brazil: The "Puzzler" case of C. S. Dos Santos is described, involving a mysterious object and heat.

USA: A Congressional Hearing on UFOs is reported. APRO's status and operations are outlined. An incident involving a fishing boat skipper and a "blood red light" near Seal Island is mentioned.

Chile: The "Alvial Photos" from the "El Inferinillo" Observatory are presented, showing luminous phenomena. A sighting of an eerie beam of light in La Union is reported.

Sweden: A "Classical Saucer" sighting by the Rindborg family in Hosjo is detailed. Another report from Sundsvall-Harnosand describes a glowing light on a car hood.

Pennsylvania, USA: A "Cigar"-shaped object sighting is reported.

Argentina: Incidents in Catamarca (a purple light) and Mendiolaza (a bus-sized object hovering over a tree) are described. An investigation into a landing in Mendoza involving a mushroom-shaped object and radiation is mentioned.

Australia: A black, oval-shaped object emitting golden light is reported in Mt. Hawthorn.

Marshall Islands: Four employees observed an unidentified light at Eniwetok.

Dominican Republic: Reports of silver and yellow unidentified flying objects in Constanza.

Puerto Rico: Police patrols spotted a "shiny object" making sharp turns in Yauco.

New Zealand: An oblong white object was observed flying at high altitude near Orewa.

Yugoslavia: Residents reported unidentified objects responsible for forest fires in Ivangrad.

Russia: A Soviet Air Force pilot reported a UAO on radar over Odessa.

Indonesia: A UFO caused panic in Lake Poso, Celebes Islands.

Italy: A luminous object crossed the skies above Naples.

Venezuela: Sightings of luminous objects in Guanipa Plateau and Acarigua are reported. A radio station's transmission was disrupted in Porlamar by a UAO. Three oval-shaped objects were seen over Caracas.

A Reasonable Approach

This section addresses speculation about the deaths of four prominent UFO researchers: M. K. Jessup, Professor Charles Maney, Frank Edwards, and Dr. Olavo T. Fontes. The authors dismiss sinister theories, attributing Jessup's death to suicide, Maney's to ill health, Edwards' to overwork, and Fontes' to cancer, emphasizing that Fontes himself would have rejected any mysterious explanations. The article criticizes fringe elements for relying on rumor and "men in black" theories and refutes a rumor that Dr. Fontes was a C.I.A. agent, citing his extensive network and his own amusement at the accusation. It also dismisses a claim that Mr. Lorenzen is a C.I.A. agent.

Air Force Says UFO Reports Down 75 Percent

A report from Bluebook indicates a 75 percent decrease in UFO reports forwarded to them in early 1968 compared to late 1967. APRO notes a decrease but states it's not as large, attributing the difference to their global coverage versus the USAF's domestic focus. Adverse publicity may have affected public trust in the USAF. While U.S. reports were down, Canadian sightings remained steady, and activity shifted to South America. Other countries are receiving attention, with a detailed report on a 1967 occupant sighting forthcoming. The bulletin highlights the difficulty and time-consuming nature of translation.

Two Under Investigation

Three incidents from South America involving hospitals are being investigated. One in Sao Paulo involved a landing witnessed by dozens, with a ladder emerging from the craft. Another in Mendoza, Argentina, involved a nurse witnessing a mushroom-shaped object land, causing radiation exposure. A third incident from Sao Paulo involves a strange woman and a pear-shaped vehicle.

New Mystery in Colorado

Town Marshal Felix Gallegos of Sanford reported seeing multiple "red balls" taking off from a nearby farm on May 7, 1968. The objects took off vertically and at a 45-degree angle. Examination of the ground yielded nothing unusual.

Cops Spot Crescent In Mo.

Two policemen in Webb City, Missouri, spotted a crescent-shaped object on August 4, estimated to be 35 to 40 feet across, ranging from orange to red. The object hovered over the airport before disappearing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on detailed reporting of UFO sightings and investigations from around the world. The organization emphasizes a scientific approach, seeking to solve the mystery of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and eyewitness accounts while also debunking hoaxes and unsubstantiated rumors. There is a clear effort to provide factual reporting and to encourage public participation through reporting sightings and renewing memberships. The bulletin also addresses the importance of maintaining a public record and demonstrating public interest in the UFO phenomenon.