APRO Bulletin - 1969 07 00 - July August

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN, dated July-August, 1969, is the official copyrighted publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (A.P.R.O.). It is published every other month for members and subscribers and is dedicated to the solution of the mystery of unidentified flying objects. The publication is based in Tucson, Arizona.

UFO Over Iowa Bean Field

The lead story details an incident investigated by Field Investigator Glenn McWane and member LeRoy Latham. On July 13, 1969, two young women, Pat Barr and Kathy Mahr, observed a strange object hovering over a bean field near Garrison, Iowa. The object was described as having a dull metallic finish with two rows of lights and rotated as it hovered. It left at high speed, and the area where it hovered was glowing red. The next morning, a nearly circular patch of ground in the bean field was found to be burned.

Allende Letters A Hoax

This section reveals that the notorious "Allende Letters," which were associated with Morris K. Jessup's book "The Case for the UFO," were a hoax. Carlos Miguel Allende (also known as Carl M. Allen) confessed that he fabricated the letters and associated notations in Jessup's book. His stated purpose was "To scare the hell out of Jessup" and to encourage ONR research while discouraging Jessup from further investigations. Allende claimed he had remained silent for years but decided to speak up when author Brad Steiger published a new version of the matter.

UFO Observed at Farmhouse In Colombia

This report, condensed from a case received from APRO's Colombian Representative John Simhon, describes an observation by 11 witnesses near Anolaima. On July 4, 1969, a yellow-red light was seen moving across the sky. It approached the farmhouse, hovered between two trees, and then flew away. Witnesses described the object as 4-6 feet tall, yellow-orange with an arc of light, and two luminous blue legs with green tips. The object made no sound. Significantly, one witness, Arcesio Bermudez, became seriously ill shortly after the sighting, experiencing symptoms that dropped his temperature and included "black vomits" and diarrhea with blood flow. He died on July 12, 1969. The medical report diagnosed gastroenteritis, but the possibility of radiation effects was noted. APRO-COLUMBIA arranged for hypnotic sessions with the child witnesses, whose testimony largely corroborated the adult accounts. The investigation found no physical evidence, but CINA is examining Mr. Bermudez's clothes and watch for signs of gamma ray exposure.

A Progress Report

APRO has moved its general business offices to a new location. While the secretary and International Director's offices and report files remain at the Lorenzen home, the mailing address is unchanged. The report notes the apparent lack of interest in UFOs in the press but an increase in APRO's own activities and membership inquiries. It mentions that a tabulation of UFO reports for the first six months of 1969 will be presented, reflecting APRO's growing investigative network. The cost of the Bulletin is a consideration due to APRO being non-profit and not accepting advertising.

Correction

A previous mention of the "Calgary Central Planetarium" in the May-June issue is corrected to "Calgary Centennial Planetarium."

Field Investigators Network

APRO is expanding its Field Investigators Network globally, with a main emphasis on the United States and Canada. A new document, "Standard Procedures for APRO Field Investigators," will be distributed to set guidelines. The network aims to improve the speed and accuracy of investigations, allowing APRO to provide more comprehensive information.

Sighting Breakdown for 1969

A tabulation of UFO sighting reports received from January to June 1969 shows a decrease from the latter part of the previous year. However, APRO's growth outside the U.S. is reflected, as is the increased number of investigated reports in the U.S. due to the Field Investigators Network. The breakdown includes 174 U.S. reports (60 investigated) and 136 from other countries (17 investigated). Six categories of UFO types were registered: Discs, Cigars, Globes or Spheres, Egg-shaped objects, Lights, and Others. Specific counts for flyovers, maneuvers, landings, and formations are provided for each category. Notable aspects of the 310 cases include 3 cases of people burned, 21 car chases, and various other incidents like car lights affected, stalled engines, and radio interference.

Two Observe Disk in Mexico

Field Investigator Oscar H. Egly investigated a sighting near Tepic, Nayarit Province. On July 24, Fernando Flores Garcia and Jesus de la Rosa Pacheco observed a bright object descending into a brushy area. They described it as a "metallic, round object" shaped like a "coffee-cup saucer." It moved slowly, made no sound, and was white or aluminum-colored. The object ascended and disappeared.

Object Seen Over Several States

On June 5, many witnesses from Illinois to Colorado observed an elongated object with a phosphorescent green color and a long, fragmented tail flying at high altitude. Authorities speculated it might be a meteor or space junk. Air Force Major John R. Richmond and Captain George Stevenson, flying a T-33 Jet Trainer, also observed the object, estimating its altitude at 37,000 feet and its speed between 692 and 807 statute miles per hour. They described it as chrome-green and brilliant like an arc light.

Amateur Astronomers Sponsor UFO Panel

A panel of six scientists met in Denver on August 22 to discuss the UFO phenomenon. Participants included Dr. James Harder, Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Dr. James E. McDonald, Dr. James B. Salisbury, Dr. David R. Saunders, and Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle. They agreed that Project Blue Book should be terminated and research should be governmentally and militarily free. They expressed optimism for future scientific research despite setbacks from the Condon Report.

New Info on Alaskan Sighting

Dr. Harder provided an explanation for the interference of a diesel engine reported in a previous issue. He suggested the engine was connected to a generator, and a short circuit in the output would create a heavy load, slowing the engine down. The resistance could be calculated from the generator's power and voltage.

Adventurer Reports UFO Over Atlantic

John Fairfax, a British sailor crossing the Atlantic, reported sighting two strange star-like objects. He described them as bright lights that climbed, separated, and disappeared. He also noted that a cigarette he was smoking burned down while he was in a trance-like state.

Around the Globe

Brazil: Four businessmen reported a huge UFO hovering above their car near Paulo Lopes, lifting it and carrying it a distance before setting it down. The UFO shot a jet of white light at their car, stopping the engine and lights.

Canada: Mr. and Mrs. Frank Harder of Arden, Ontario, observed a hovering object that glowed with many colors and illuminated trees. It moved and emitted a brilliant blue light.

Canada: Edgar Paquette of Petawawa, Ontario, reported being chased by a UFO that illuminated the road. The object, described as an eggshape with two legs, descended close to the ground.

England: Two policemen and an Air Force veteran in Warrington watched a bright, pulsating light zigzagging through the sky.

England: A woman in Tyneham, Dorset, reported a possible landed UFO that left a large pattern of holes. The object was described as glowing and translucent with tripod-legs.

Australia: A triangular-shaped set of burn marks was found on a golf course fairway in Sydney.

United States: Two young men in Bountiful, Utah, spotted two lighted objects, yellow-orange and round, in the vicinity of North Canyon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting and investigation of UFO sightings from around the world, the analysis of witness testimony, and the exploration of potential explanations, including hoaxes and possible physical effects. APRO maintains a stance of rigorous investigation and data collection, aiming to bring scientific credibility to the study of UFOs. The organization appears to be critical of official government investigations like Project Blue Book, advocating for independent, scientifically-funded research. There is also an underlying concern for the potential health and safety implications of UFO encounters, as highlighted by the Colombian case.