APRO Bulletin - 1969 03 00 - March-April 1969

Magazine Overview

Title: The A.P.R.O. Bulletin
Issue: March-April, 1969
Publisher: The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO)
Editor: Coral E. Lorenzen

This issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin, a bi-monthly publication dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects, presents a collection of recent sightings and analyses, alongside organizational updates and critiques of scientific investigations.

Large UFO Formation Over Arizona

A spectacular sighting of a UFO formation was reported by two Phoenix private pilots, Herman Slater and Ben Ripley, on March 17, 1969. While flying 12 minutes out from Lake Havasu City, they observed 15 to 20 oval-shaped objects in a cluster formation heading west. The objects were described as white, opaque, with a black stripe leading back from a slight protrusion. They were moving at an estimated 250-300 miles per hour, between 500 to 1500 feet above the mountainous terrain, and appeared to undulate and dip as if remote-controlled. The pilots noted that the dark ground between the objects appeared about three times the size of an automobile. The formation was described as a "center cluster with the others grouped around them." The objects were heading in a direction that would have taken them over Lake Havasu City.

Mild Flap in New Zealand

Late 1968 and early 1969 saw a few UFO reports from New Zealand. A June 1968 incident involved an unidentified cigar-shaped object tracked by radar from Waihi to Tauranga, with observers in Auckland and Tauranga reporting it moving at 80-100 knots before disappearing.

On November 29, 1968, two pilots, A. Harding and R. G. Peddie, sighted three red lights in a triangular formation near Manamahu. They initially mistook them for navigational lights on an aircraft. Inquiries to Ohakea Air Force Base confirmed no other aircraft were in the area. The formation split up, with one object disappearing, another appearing to land or hover at low altitude, and the third remaining above. The first object reappeared, and the three then flew off together. The witnesses noted the objects were relatively large but could not discern any configuration beyond the lights.

Brazil in Throes of Big Flap

Information from Brazil indicated a sighting wave in February and March 1969, with notable cases involving humanoids. A 1967 case, recently completed investigation, is particularly significant as it is believed to be the first instance where a human life was lost as a direct result of a UFO confrontation.

On August 13, 1967, Inacio de Souza and his wife Maria observed a "strange, basin-shaped object" approximately 35 meters wide resting on a farm's landing field. Three humanoid creatures appeared, described by Inacio as naked and by his wife as wearing tight-fitting yellow suits. The creatures began running towards the de Souzas. Inacio fired his rifle, and a jet of green-colored light struck him in the chest, causing him to fall. Mrs. de Souza retrieved the gun. The creatures returned to the disc, which then lifted off the ground. Inacio de Souza later died, with his condition diagnosed as leukemia and "malignant alterations of the blood," attributed to radiation poisoning. The incident occurred between Crixas and Pilar de Goias.

A second sighting in Brazil involved humanoids on February 7, 1969, in Pirassununga, Sao Paulo State. A parachute or basin-shaped object emitting blue light was observed. A 19-year-old named Tiago Machado and two guards witnessed a disc-shaped object from which two small humanoids emerged. These beings, described as wearing silvery clothing and having yellowish faces, interacted with Tiago, who offered them a cigarette pack. The object then lifted off, and a ray from a device pointed by one of the humanoids struck Tiago's legs, causing him to fall. The object then departed at high speed. The actions of these creatures were noted as similar to those in the French Cussac Plateau case.

Comments on the Condon Report

Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle, Ph.D., provides an appraisal of the Condon Report, noting its predominantly negative conclusions regarding scientific evidence for extraterrestrial spacecraft. He highlights discrepancies and inaccuracies in case analyses and points to the "minority report" by Saunders & Harkins. Dr. Sprinkle criticizes the report's recommendation against establishing an official UFO agency, viewing science as a process of rebuilding rather than accumulation, and suggests that the Condon Report may mark a turning point leading to "extraordinary science."

Dr. Hynek, in an article in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, refers to the Condon Report as a "strange sort of scientific paper" that does not fulfill its promise. He criticizes the inclusion of many trivial cases while overlooking truly puzzling ones, calling them an "outright challenge to human curiosity." He likens the report's approach to asking culinary novices to open a restaurant without seasoned advice.

APRO Organizational Updates

The APRO Bulletin announces upcoming plans to move APRO to new offices and consider further research projects. Subscription fees will increase from $6.00 to $7.00 annually, with an additional $1.00 for foreign air mail delivery. Advance renewals at the current rate ($4.00 for members, $6.00 for subscribers) are accepted until July 1.

APRO is establishing a network of Field Investigators and is seeking members to participate. Members interested in becoming Field Investigators should indicate this at their next renewal period.

Members are reminded to submit address changes promptly to avoid Bulletin delays.

UFO Sightings from Around the World

Canada: Three Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers and two civilians reported an unidentified glowing red object over Valleyview, Alberta, on January 21, 1969. It hovered, dropped to a lower altitude, and reappeared higher, visible for about 45 minutes.

South Carolina, USA: Pilots and airport control crews observed an unidentified airborne object between Greenville and Spartanburg on January 6, 1969. It changed colors, grew in size, and appeared to have a portion break off.

Norway: A laborer spotted an illuminated object that almost crashed into chimneys at Telemark on February 13, 1969. It was described as a huge globe with many-colored lights. On the same night, a cigar-shaped object with a reddish tail was reported.

Alaska: On January 16, 1969, a pilot observed a very bright white light over Prince William Sound, described as oval-shaped with a red light, moving at tremendous speed.

New Jersey, USA: On February 11 and 12, 1969, a yellowish, oval light was reported over the Hatco Chemical Company in Fords, fading out when airplanes approached and vanishing suddenly.

Wisconsin, USA: On February 13, 1969, a "shiny" or white object surrounded by red lights was observed by several citizens and police.

Iowa and Illinois, USA: Similar objects were reported near Dubuque, Iowa, and in Galena, Illinois.

Illinois, USA: Several citizens reported "flying wheel" objects in Jerseyville, Illinois, in January 1969.

• New Zealand: Multiple sightings are detailed, including:
• A star-like white object in a triangular formation observed near San Manuel, Arizona, on December 2, 1968.
• A round, pulsating reddish-orange ball observed in Algonquin, Illinois, on January 1, 1969.
• A pair of bright lights observed at Goodyear Lake, New York, on January 1, 1969, with claims of an object beaming light and ejecting green powder.
• A golden-colored light observed at Taradale, New Zealand, on January 7, 1969, by four observers.
• A large, bright star-like object hovered over Bridge Pa, New Zealand, on January 7, 1969.
• A family in Masterton, New Zealand, reported being tracked by a hovering bright yellow disc on December 26, 1968.
• A family in Hamilton, New Zealand, claimed they were tracked for over an hour by an oblong bright white to yellow light on December 26, 1968.
• A pilot observed a bright, pear-shaped light with a tail over Prince William Sound, Alaska, on December 27, 1968.
• Two Christchurch men observed two oval white lights over Amberly on December 31, 1968.
• A noiseless, cigar-shaped object with bright white lights was observed near Palmerston North, New Zealand, in early January.

Nebraska, USA: A woman, her son, and sister-in-law reported seeing lighted portholes or windows hovering over fields near Cedar Creek and Louisville on November 3, 1968.

Ohio, USA: Harold Lamb reported a UFO on January 9, 1969, near Carey and Bowling Green. Eldon Nelson reported a similar object earlier that day.

Wales: Mr. Martin G. Williams reported an observation on May 13, 1967, of a brilliant flash of light from a rapidly approaching object that hovered and then accelerated at tremendous speed.

UFO Publication From Britain

"Flying Saucer Report," an 87-page booklet by Anthony Pace and Roger H. Stanway, details UFO observations and investigations in the United Kingdom and offers recommendations for the British Government. It is available for $2.20.

New Saunders Publication

Dr. David Saunders has published two papers on UFO-related attitudes and viewpoints, available for $1.50.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across various countries, the persistent presence of humanoids in some reports, and the critical examination of official investigations like the Condon Report. The APRO Bulletin maintains a stance of open investigation and documentation of UFO phenomena, advocating for continued research and the establishment of a dedicated network of field investigators. The editorial tone is one of serious inquiry, presenting witness accounts and expert commentary while also offering a critical perspective on scientific and governmental approaches to the UFO subject.