APRO Bulletin - 1969 11 00 - November-December

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN, published by THE AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORGANIZATION INC. in Tucson, Arizona, for November-December 1969, focuses heavily on the AAAS Symposium on UFOs held in Boston, Massachusetts. The publication aims to investigate and evaluate UFO reports, dedicated to the eventual solution of the phenomenon.

AAAS Symposium on UFOs

The symposium, held from December 26-31, 1969, featured a two-day controversial discussion on the scientific merits of the UFO problem. Arranged by a special AAAS committee, the speakers, including Dr. Thornton Page, Dr. Philip Morrison, Dr. Walter Orr Roberts, and Dr. Carl Sagan, were generally not hostile to the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH). Dr. Walter Orr Roberts introduced the session, noting public concern as a reason for scientific address. Dr. Thornton Page emphasized the educational nature of the symposium and the importance of the Condon Report. Dr. J. Allen Hynek highlighted the unscientific nature of some Blue Book explanations and stressed the need for scientific study of UFOs, noting that many reports are strange and reported by reliable people. Dr. James E. McDonald criticized the U.S. Air Force and the Condon Report for being superficial and inadequate, presenting evidence of unexplained cases and suggesting extraterrestrial surveillance as a likely hypothesis. Dr. Donald H. Menzel, reportedly unwell, had his paper read by Dr. Roberts, suggesting UFOs are a myth and the ETH is advanced due to lack of other explanations, attributing sightings to anomalous propagation. Dr. R. M. L. Baker discussed 'anomalistic observational phenomena' (AOP) and analyzed four motion pictures of UFOs. Dr. Kenneth R. Hardy presented on the capabilities of high-power radar for studying clear air turbulence. Dr. Carl Sagan discussed the ETH using order of magnitude arguments and the Dolphin Equation, concluding that interstellar spaceflight is premature but radio communication is a better approach for contacting extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI). Walter Sullivan, Science Editor of The New York Times, discussed reporters' attitudes toward UFO reports, noting that interest has shifted but that the problem shows a human phenomenon worthy of study. Professor Philip Morrison lectured on physical evidence, emphasizing the need for multiple chains of evidence satisfying link-by-link tests. Dr. Robert Hall viewed the UFO problem as a behavioral phenomenon, attributing reports to human nature's tendency to create order and escalate hypotheses, and also noted the role of anxiety and mass hysteria, though he felt most UFO reports were not due to the latter. Dr. Douglass Price-Williams reported on statistical work, stressing the need to separate observation from interpretation and analyze data in greater detail. Harvard psychiatrists Lester Grinspoon and Allan Persky presented a psychoanalysis of individuals who might generate false reports, linking UFO perceptions to psychological needs and conflicts.

The AAAS plans to publish the symposium proceedings in a booklet in April or May 1970.

Specific Sightings and Investigations

Missouri Sightings

Ted Phillips, APRO's Field Investigator in Western Missouri, presented two interesting cases. The first involved Mr. and Mrs. X, who observed a bright reddish light on Interstate 70 that appeared to be a cigar with a blunt nose, glowing red, and moving directly over the median. They pulled over to watch it pass overhead, noting no sound and an 'exhaust' glow with sparks.

The second Missouri incident occurred on November 22, 1969, involving four adults and four children near Clarksburg. They observed two yellow lights hovering about 10 degrees above the horizon. After 10-12 minutes, the lights dimmed and moved away at high speed. The ground where the object hovered was found to be warm and dry.

Landing and Occupants in Canada

An article from the Victoria Daily Times reported on an alleged landing in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, on January 1, 1970. Nurse Mrs. Doreen Kendall described seeing a bright, circular object, about 50 feet in diameter, hovering near the hospital. She observed two occupants inside, clothed in tight-fitting material, with one at a chrome-colored instrument panel and the other standing behind. The craft was described as 'silvery, metallic' with a 'necklace of lights' around the middle. The second occupant turned and looked at Mrs. Kendall, his face obscured by dark fabric. The craft tilted, offering a view of the interior, and then departed.

Close Observation in New Zealand

Mr. Norman Alford, APRO's Representative in New Zealand, reported on an observation by J. D. Cudby on October 30, 1969, at Hawk Bay. Mr. Cudby, a Security Officer, saw a large 'saucer-shaped' object with green, red, and green lights. His dog growled, and the object, estimated at 60 feet long and 12 feet thick, was observed to be swinging from side to side. It tilted and climbed out of sight. The ground where it hovered was found to be warm and dry.

Follow-Ups

The Bulletin provided an update on a sighting near Tyneham, England, from the July-August issue. APRO's Field Investigator, Mr. Anthony Pace, was unable to obtain further information from the witness, and access to the government range where the alleged landing occurred was restricted.

Information was also provided on marks found at Tyneham and Badbury, described as nine circular indentations of specific dimensions, suggesting the same vehicle was responsible.

Air Force Ends UFO Responsibility

On December 17, 1969, the United States Air Force officially renounced all responsibility for UFO investigations by closing down its Aerial Phenomena Branch (Project Blue Book) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The reason cited was that the project "cannot be justified either on the ground of national security or in the interest of science." This decision was based on the Robertson Panel report, the Condon Report, and Air Force experience investigating UFO reports. APRO's Director, Coral E. Lorenzen, stated that the closure eliminates a significant obstacle to objective inquiry into UFO reports.

Press Reports

Press reports of UFO sightings in the latter half of 1969 appeared to be fewer, though a detailed examination might reveal otherwise. The bulletin highlights several reports, including one from Quebec involving a waitress, Pauline Oulette, who, along with two others, saw a UFO with a whirring noise, green and silver in color, with a protruding antenna. Another report from Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, by teacher Jack Warkentin and his wife, described a bright white oval-shaped light moving rapidly. A sighting in Clacton and Colchester, England, involved a brilliant white light observed by Mr. P. R. Woodward and a reporter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently advocates for rigorous scientific investigation into UFO phenomena, emphasizing the need for objective inquiry and data collection. It expresses a degree of relief and optimism regarding the closure of Project Blue Book, viewing it as an opportunity for independent research to proceed without government interference. The publication highlights the importance of witness testimony, physical evidence, and the application of scientific methodology, while also acknowledging sociological and psychological factors that may influence reports. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness and a commitment to understanding the UFO phenomenon, encouraging members to contribute to investigations and share information.