APRO Bulletin - 1975 10 00 - Vol 24 No 4

Magazine Overview

The A.P.R.O. Bulletin, Volume 24, Number 4, dated October 1975, is the official copyrighted publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (A.P.R.O.), based in Tucson, Arizona. The organization is a non-profit, tax-exempt entity dedicated to the solution of the UFO phenomenon. This issue features articles on the 'Canadian Photo Case,' a 'National Radio Link' proposal, and a preview of the 'Travis Walton Case' in the upcoming November issue.

National Radio Link

This section solicits responses from Field Investigators and the general membership regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of establishing a National Amateur Radio Link. The goal is to facilitate rapid information relay between field operatives and APRO Headquarters. The proposal includes the potential for a global network and the enlistment of foreign amateur radio operators. Members with stations are asked to submit details about their equipment, call letters, and license class, along with ideas on how such a network should be conducted. Responses should be sent to Paul L. Talley, Jr. at P.O. Box 2430, El Cajon, California.

Fate Editors At Fort Smith

The article notes the presence of Mary and Curtis Fuller, publisher and editor of FATE magazine, at the Fort Smith Conference. It highlights their pioneering work in UFO-related material and FATE Magazine's history since 1947. Readers interested in the unexplained are encouraged to investigate FATE magazine.

APRO Filmed Again

On October 21st, 1975, cameramen and directors from Film Ventures International visited APRO Headquarters in Tucson and filmed the Lorenzens over five days. This footage will be incorporated into a film titled 'Mysteries of Other Worlds,' which deals with UFOs and other unexplained phenomena. The film producer, Don Davison, was initially contacted at the Fort Smith Conference, on the recommendation of Bernard O'Connor. The film is expected to be market-tested in February.

The Walton Case

The November issue of the Bulletin will feature a comprehensive account of the northern Arizona abduction case involving 22-year-old Travis Walton and six other wood cutters.

Canadian Photo Case

This article details an incident on March 18, 1975, where Pat McCarthy, 19, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, photographed a UFO. While initially hoping to photograph hawks, McCarthy observed an object resembling a 'frisbee' moving at high speed. He managed to capture four photos before the object disappeared. The object was estimated to be twice the size of a DC-8 and flying at an altitude of 15-20 thousand feet. McCarthy submitted the film to the Hamilton Spectator for development to establish authenticity. Field Investigator Carol White interviewed McCarthy on behalf of APRO.

The case is further analyzed by comparing it to another disc-shaped object photographed by Helio Aguiar in Brazil in April 1959. The article notes similarities in the flat surface and potential symbols, suggesting a possible connection. The Hamilton photos, enlarged to 8x10, are described as sharp but small. The Aguiar photos were aligned with the ocean surface to indicate elevation and distance. McCarthy used a Praktica Nova 1 camera with a Hanimar 135 mm lens. The entire episode lasted 30 seconds.

Book Review: The Edge of Reality

Allen Benz reviews 'The Edge of Reality: a progress report on unidentified flying objects' by J. Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallee. Benz notes that the book, a series of conversations between Hynek, Vallee, and psychologist Arthur Hastings, is intended for those already familiar with the UFO problem. He questions the need to spend six pages on basic UFO concepts. Benz also points out that both authors acknowledge the psychic aspects of UFOs and suggest a three-pronged approach to solutions: computer usage, photo analysis, and magnetic detection. Vallee advocates for publishing all case information in plain English. Benz finds the book overpriced at $14.95.

Editorial

The editorial addresses APRO's policy of minimizing editorial comment to focus on UFO cases. However, recent developments prompt an update for the membership. The editorial notes the sustained public interest in UFOs since the 1965 'flap' and the subsequent proliferation of UFO groups, which can lead to fragmentation and competition. It highlights constructive groups like Precision Monitoring Systems and Project Starlight International. The formation of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), headed by J. Allen Hynek, is also mentioned. The editorial criticizes some groups for discouraging cooperation between investigators and for prioritizing public relations over research. APRO has agreed to cooperate with CUFOS by investigating cases, as CUFOS lacks an investigative body.

"The Two"

This section recounts an incident from July 1974 where a couple, calling themselves Bonnie and Herff, visited APRO's office. They claimed to be emissaries who would be assassinated within a year and a half and then taken up by a UFO, rejuvenated, and returned to Earth. The article notes that the couple was later identified through media reports as Marshall Herff Applewhite and Bonnie Lu Trusdale Nettles. Despite their evangelistic crusade being tied to UFOs, APRO believes 'The Two' have no real connection to the UFO phenomenon and likely latched onto the subject due to its recent respectability. Their past legal troubles are briefly mentioned, and APRO concludes that the subject does not warrant further discussion in the Bulletin.

United For Objectivity

The article reports on the success of the interorganizational meeting at Fort Smith, Arkansas, which aimed for objectivity in UFO research. APRO was represented by several key figures. The meeting emphasized the importance of accurate public education, avoiding duplication of effort, improving inter-organizational communication, and agreeing on basic 'areas of emphasis.' The article hopes this conference has halted or reversed the trend of fragmentation and duplication in UFO research. APRO has implemented a policy of mutual exchange of published information and offers technical help to other groups. Bill Pitts is credited for his efforts in organizing the conference.

Rapid Reaction

APRO is organizing 'Rapid Reaction Teams' of investigators to respond to UFO incidents quickly. These teams will consist of a pilot with a light plane and an interviewer. Teams are located in Tucson, Denver, and other locations are being formed. The teams will fly to the nearest airport to an incident site and work with local investigators. If private planes are unavailable, commercial airlines will be used. Members with flying experience are invited to apply.

Mutilations

A discussion at the Fort Smith conference led by Kevin Randle addressed the phenomenon of cattle mutilations. While some suggest UFO occupants are responsible, APRO investigators feel there is no logical explanation or established link to UFO sightings. The prevailing theory among investigators is that mutilations are carried out by a satanic cult. The article mentions an unmarked helicopter seen in Colorado during a period of numerous mutilations.

Member Duties

This section reminds members of their obligation to forward news clippings about UFOs to APRO promptly. It emphasizes the importance of submitting clippings of potentially significant cases as soon as they appear in the press.

Making Intensity Estimates And Measurements (Part IV)

This is the fourth article in a series by Richard F. Haines, Ph.D., on standardizing terms and concepts for UFO perception. It reviews visual psychophysics, estimating luminous intensity and luminance. The article explains that personal perception is subjective and makes obtaining reliable UFO information difficult. It defines visual psychophysics as the scientific discipline that uses controlled experimental conditions to describe the relationship between stimulus magnitude and sensory response. The article touches on how the human visual system responds to different wavelengths and how 'radiometry' and 'photometry' are used to measure electromagnetic radiation and light, respectively. It also discusses how the eye can perceive wavelengths beyond the typical visual spectrum and how dark-adapted eyes are more sensitive to certain wavelengths.

Sorry!

Headquarters apologizes for the delay in publishing this issue, citing the Fort Smith conference, filming by Film Ventures International, and an unusually heavy workload related to investigations as reasons for the tardiness. The importance of the conference, the film, and the Travis Walton case is cited as justification for the delay.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the detailed analysis of specific UFO cases (Canadian Photo Case, Travis Walton Case preview), the operational aspects of UFO research organizations (APRO's structure, cooperation with CUFOS, Rapid Reaction Teams), and the scientific study of UFO phenomena (visual perception, intensity estimates). The editorial stance is one of focused, evidence-based research, emphasizing accuracy, avoiding duplication, and prioritizing the investigation of UFO cases over extensive editorializing. There is a clear effort to maintain APRO's integrity while engaging with the broader UFO research community and addressing public interest.