APRO Bulletin - 1973 11 00 - November-December

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN, Volume 22, Number 3, dated November-December 1973, is the official copyrighted publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO). It is published bi-monthly and dedicated to the solution of the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects. The issue features several detailed case reports and analyses.

Key Articles and Reports

Cloud Hides UFO This report details an exclusive interview conducted by Field Investigator Robert Young with a witness in Duluth, Minnesota, regarding a sighting on October 7, 1973. The witness, Mrs. Wallace L., described a hazy, silver-colored "cloud" object about five feet above a backyard tree. A bright spotlight shone from the object. Nearby dogs barked, a kitten hid, and a mercury-vapor street lamp blinked irregularly, suggesting electromagnetic effects. The object later resolved into a domed disc with a glowing red bottom and approximately 10 legs. The witness estimated its size at about 3 feet in diameter, but comparative analysis suggested 15 to 20 feet. Mrs. L. also reported a telepathic feeling that the object "knew what she was thinking."

The Common Denominator Of The Fall 1973 "Flap" This article analyzes the significant increase in UFO sightings during the fall of 1973, specifically from August 31 to November 30. APRO, founded in 1952, notes that this period saw an unprecedented number of reports. The authors consider whether this prominence is due to increased APRO membership and investigative capabilities or a genuine surge in activity. They acknowledge that some sightings might be misidentifications of planets like Venus and Jupiter. The press's interest in UFOs is attributed to a desire for content outside of the Mideast crises and Watergate scandal. APRO received over 500 reports by the end of October. The article highlights that despite the volume, there is no apparent solid correlation between types of ships, locations, landing sites, or occupants, leading to two possible conclusions: either there are many types of occupants from different origins, or the intelligence behind UFOs is deliberately confusing Earthlings. Mrs. Lorenzen's research into occupant cases reveals only general similarities, with some occupants possibly disguised.

Santa Cruz E-M Case Authored by Dr. James A. Harder, APRO's Research Director, this report details a case from December 6, 1973, involving Mrs. S. and her sons in Santa Cruz, California. They were awakened by an intermittent ringing alarm bell attached to their basement freezer. An object, described as an elliptical glow with a line of white light and colored glows, was observed to the west over the Pacific Ocean. The object was estimated to be 5 to 8 miles offshore. Mrs. S. reported that the bell's ringing synchronized with the flashing lights of the object. The local Sheriff's Department deputies confirmed observing the object and the bell. The case is categorized as an E-M (electromagnetic) case, with further investigation into the alarm circuit details.

UFO Over Naval Air Base This section translates two cases published in the Argentine magazine "Impactos." The first, from November 2, 1973, describes a radar technician at Comandante Espora Naval Air Base observing a stationary, luminous, circular object with dark spots resembling windows. The object remained motionless for 15 minutes before departing at high speed. The second case, from October 28, 1973, involves truck driver Dionisio Llanca in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, who reported a night encounter with a flying saucer and three beings who took a blood sample. Llanca experienced amnesia and lost personal items, including his watch and cigarettes.

Follow-Up: Pascagoula Incident This section provides additional information on the Pascagoula, Mississippi incident. It notes that one of the witnesses prayed while alone with a concealed tape recorder, indicating emotional strain. A polygraph test technician admitted that Charles Hickson was telling the truth, highlighting the impact of his testimony.

Object Sighted At Bahia Blanca On November 2, 1973, personnel at the Commander Spora Air Naval Base in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, observed a round-shaped luminous object hovering at approximately 14,000 ft. altitude for 20 minutes before moving away at high speed. The object was logged as a "UFO Phenomenon."

Boat Chased By Object In Portugal On the evening of November 2, 1973, two disc-shaped objects were viewed by people crossing the Guadiana River. One object accompanied a trawler for three hours, projecting a brilliant light before disappearing at high speed.

Occupant Encounter In Argentina This report details Dionisio Llanca's experience on October 28, 1973. While changing a tire on route #3 near Bahia Blanca, he observed a large, plate-shaped object with three beings. The beings were described as tall, slender, with elongated eyes and wearing silvery suits. They spoke in chirps and buzzes, and one took a blood sample from Llanca's finger. He subsequently experienced amnesia and found himself miles from his truck.

Occupant Case In Mexico This report, coming to light in May 1973, describes a sighting on August 18, 1972, in Ixtapalapa, Mexico. Two men working on a roof heard a humming sound and then noticed a silence. They spotted two strange figures, approximately 2.5 meters tall, dressed in silvery clothing with unusual facial features, including round greenish bumps for eyes. The figures approached, and one man grabbed the witness by the sweater. The beings then flew away.

Early 1973 Flap In Australia Field Investigator William Chaulker reports on an intense UFO concentration in New South Wales, Australia, from January through August 1973, with at least some UFOs focusing on one small area.

Book Review: Culling Contemporary Cults This section reviews R. Leo Ellwood, Jr.'s book "Culling Contemporary Cults: Religious and Spiritual Groups in Modern America." The reviewer, R. Leo Sprinkle, praises the book for its well-organized text, lucid scholarship, and balanced view of contemporary cults. The book explores the birth and childhood crises of cults as reenactments of religious origins and provides a panoramic view of current cult groups, including Spiritualist and UFO cults. The reviewer notes the book's intuitive approach and its integration of new insights into traditional religious frameworks. It also includes descriptions of 36 religious cults and a bibliography. The reviewer highlights the book's value as an introduction to contemporary US religious cults and a description of UFO cults as manifestations of spiritualist phenomena.

New Consultants Three new consultants have joined APRO: Dr. Jule Eisenbud, M.D., a psychiatrist world-famous for his study of Ted Serios; Dr. Robert John Hudek, with a Ph.D. in Botany; and Dr. Robert M. Wood, Director of Research and Development at McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company, who believes UFOs are extraterrestrial.

APRO-NICAP Committee APRO is forming a screening committee with NICAP (National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena) to evaluate UFO cases for The National Enquirer's panel. The committee will include representatives from APRO, NICAP, and The National Enquirer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on detailed eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings and encounters, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and data collection. The organization appears to maintain a scientific and analytical approach, seeking to understand the phenomenon through the work of its field investigators and consulting panels. There is a recurring theme of exploring the unusual effects associated with UFOs, such as electromagnetic disturbances and telepathic influences. The publication also addresses the broader context of UFO research, including media coverage, public perception, and the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging the submission of reports and the sharing of information among researchers and the public, while also striving for objectivity and a systematic approach to understanding the phenomenon.