APRO Bulletin - 1969 01 00 - January-February

Magazine Overview

This issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin, dated January-February, 1969, is the official copyrighted publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (A.P.R.O.). It is published bi-monthly and is dedicated to the eventual solution of the mystery of unidentified flying objects. The issue features a critical appraisal of the Condon Report, a detailed account of a pilot sighting over Australia, and updates on APRO's staff and research.

The Condon Report - An Appraisal

The article critically examines the Condon Report, stating that its approach is journalistic rather than scientific. It argues that the report dismisses or discredits cases due to internal inconsistencies and fails to pass the same test it applies to others. A key point of contention is Dr. Condon's recommendation that further extensive study of UFO sightings is not justified, which the authors find in conflict with the report's own finding that there are important areas of atmospheric optics and electricity where present knowledge is incomplete, gained through UFO report interpretation. The article suggests that this finding itself constitutes an 'advance' in scientific knowledge.

The report's recommendation that teachers discourage children from reading UFO literature is criticized as inconsistent with the principles of the Free World. The authors question the source of Condon's information regarding children's reading habits and object to this being presented as a factual finding. They also challenge Condon's assertion that such study is harmful, arguing that critical analysis of UFOs could enhance a student's critical faculty. Condon's suggestion to channel motivated students towards astronomy and meteorology is noted, as is the absence of endorsement for his 'miseducation' recommendation by the National Academy of Sciences.

The article supports Condon's recommendation that Project Blue Book should be discontinued, viewing it as a source of misinformation. However, it disagrees with Condon's recommendation against further study, suggesting that the stage would be set for private foundations to conduct more constructive research. The bulletin also addresses Condon's statement about having 'no evidence of secrecy concerning UFO reports,' calling it meaningless given that the report itself did not check this aspect. APRO's own experiences suggest attempts to avoid confronting the secrecy problem.

Not Thorough - Hynek

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, interviewed by the Detroit Free Press, expressed that the Condon Report was too limited for the scope of the problem, suggesting more time and money were needed to examine puzzling cases. He disagreed with Condon's conclusion about intelligent life from other planets, stating the study's purpose was to determine if reported events actually happened, not to speculate about extraterrestrial life. Hynek believes the report's findings provide enough evidence to continue UFO investigation, but advocates for it to be carried out by private individuals with scientific interest, not for fanfare.

Reaction To Condon Report

APRO has received a voluminous amount of mail from members and non-members expressing dissatisfaction with the Condon Report's methodology and conclusions. The report has sharply increased public and scientific interest. A letter from a member, a prominent biologist, is quoted, stating that the Condon report's character is not surprising and that he never expected anything substantial from it. He believes that science has not yet evolved enough to accept UFOs for serious study and that discoveries in related fields will eventually lead to their acceptance. Another APRO member, a feature writer, commented that the political nature of scientific disciplines leads to a hostile response to phenomena that cannot be explained within recognized frameworks.

Pilots See Formation Over Australia

This section details an observation made by two Australian pilots, Captain Gordon W. Smith and Captain Walter Gardin, on August 22, 1968. While flying a Piper Navajo, they observed a formation of one large 'aircraft' and four or five smaller ones. The formation maintained station with their aircraft, and they experienced radio communication loss with Kalgoorlie. The main 'ship' split into two sections, and the smaller aircraft maneuvered around them. The main craft was described as changing from spheroid to a slightly elongated form, dark grey or black in color. The smaller aircraft were 'cigar shaped'. The formation departed at tremendous speed. The pilots believed the main craft approximated the size of a Boeing 707. Coincidentally, radio communication was restored immediately after the UFOs departed.

The Story Behind The Yungay Photos

Richard Greenwell discusses the Yungay photos, taken in March 1967 near Yungay, Peru, at an altitude of over 11,000 feet. These are described as the first and only sequence of four color, day-time photos depicting two clearly outlined objects. Greenwell outlines the facts of how the photos came to his attention, noting that the witness used a friend's 40-year-old Voigtlander camera. He admits that the witness has not yet been located, but APRO-PERU is continuing the search. Greenwell presents arguments for and against the authenticity of the photos. Negative points include the lack of a witness report, exact location, date, time, and certainty of sequence, which admit the possibility of fraud. Positive points include the effort made by the witness to travel to the location, the use of an old borrowed camera, the clear outline of the objects, the witness' lack of photographic expertise, and the fact that the photos were not sold or published, indicating a lack of intent to gain fame or profit. Greenwell concludes that, based on the evidence, it is safe to say the Yungay photos are probably authentic, pending further evidence.

New Members Join APRO Staff

Several new members have joined APRO's Consulting Staff, including John F. Schuessler (Astronautics), Dr. Leo Vern Standeford (Astronomy), Dr. Kenneth V. Anderson (Anatomy), Dr. Vladimir Stefanovich (Biochemistry), Dr. G. K. Ginnings (Mathematics), Dr. Robert Johnson (Metallurgy), Dr. Walter W. Walker (Metallurgy), Dr. Harold Cahn (Physiology), Dr. Robert S. Ellwood (Religion), and Dr. Henry Swann (Science Education). Brief biographies and their areas of expertise are provided.

New Research Director

Dr. James Harder, former APRO Consultant in Engineering, has become the Director of Research. He is an Associate Professor at the University of California at Berkeley and participated in a symposium on UFOs before the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mrs. Lorenzen III

Mrs. Coral Lorenzen, APRO's Secretary, underwent surgery and will be unable to provide personal answers to letters for a period extending through May 1.

New UFO In Viet-Nam?

An Army Times article from January 8, 1969, reports an unidentified flying object or 'pilotless craft' observed by two helicopter pilots near Da Nang, Vietnam. The object was described as 'a grey, white, and silver tail-less aircraft with a rotor-system and skids'. Attempts to approach it resulted in the object moving away and changing course. The explanation offered by Naval Support Activity Detachment was a DASH drone, but an APRO member expressed doubt due to the object's described 'repulse device'.

Indiana Executive Reports UAO

An unconventional aerial object was reported by two witnesses in Indianapolis, Indiana, on February 1, 1969. Mr. Charles Skelton and his daughter described the object as 'cigar shaped' with an 'orange glow' on the underside. It moved at high speed and made no noise. The object was estimated to be 100 feet wide and 50 feet tall, travelling at approximately 6,000 m.p.h.

'Cigar' Seen Over Malta

Mr. Desmond Brinkworth, APRO's Representative in Malta, reports a sighting on January 18 of a 'long object' described as 'cigar shaped' and of a reddish color. It was observed at high altitude travelling from NE to SW and disappeared quickly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical evaluation of official UFO investigations, particularly the Condon Report, and the presentation of firsthand accounts of UFO sightings. The APRO Bulletin consistently advocates for continued, rigorous scientific investigation into the UFO phenomenon, often highlighting perceived shortcomings and biases in official studies. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards official conclusions that dismiss UFOs and a strong belief in the importance of collecting and analyzing data from credible witnesses, such as pilots and other professionals. The publication also emphasizes the role of private organizations like APRO in advancing UFO research, especially when government agencies appear to be disengaging or dismissive. There is a clear commitment to transparency and the dissemination of information, as evidenced by the detailed reporting of cases and the staff updates.