APRO Bulletin - 1976 08 00 - Vol 25 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The APRO Bulletin
Issue: Vol. 25, No. 2
Date: August 1976
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO)
Country: USA
Language: English

Articles

Object Emits Three Discs

This article details a UFO case from August 1972, where a family driving on Route 59 near the US-Canada border observed a bright light that matched their car's speed. The object, initially mistaken for a radio tower light, grew closer and then zoomed towards the car, illuminating the interior brightly and causing the engine to sputter and quit. The witness, identified as 'Mr. H.', noted that the car's interior became very hot. While the engine was being worked on, his wife and children observed three smaller discs emerge from the main object, one moving north, one south, and one east. After the main object left at incredible speed, the car's engine started again. The witness reported feeling a prickly sensation all over his body and experiencing electrical sparks from the car's ignition system. He also noted that after the encounter, his wife, who had been suffering from a cold, felt completely well.

Controversy

This section, spanning multiple pages, delves into the ongoing debate and investigation surrounding the Travis Walton case. It begins by acknowledging the efforts of Phil Klass and others to critically examine APRO's case investigations, stating that objective comment strengthens good cases. The article discusses the polygraph testing of Travis Walton, noting that Klass suggested more complete testing for the six witnesses. It highlights Klass's implied suggestion that the witnesses' initial polygraph results might be compromised.

APRO expresses commendation for Klass's respect for journalistic tenets regarding source anonymity. A key point of contention is John J. McCarthy, the first polygraph examiner for Travis Walton, who broke his silence, stating the National Enquirer's involvement was detrimental to the profession. Some peers, however, feel McCarthy's actions damaged the profession's image, especially after he assured Travis of the test's confidentiality and that results would go to the National Enquirer's Paul Jenkins. McCarthy had signed an agreement to preserve confidentiality, raising questions about the integrity of pre-test interviews.

The article criticizes McCarthy's apparent willingness to disclose confidential information and discuss details from the pre-test interview, including Travis's past legal troubles for theft and forgery. While APRO's investigation confirms this was an isolated 'wild teen-age phase' unrelated to the UFO case, McCarthy allegedly used this to 'criminalize' his subject.

Furthermore, McCarthy is accused of propagating false information about Travis's alleged obsession with UFOs, reinforced by a quote from Dr. Howard Kandell. APRO's investigation contradicts McCarthy's claims, stating that Travis merely speculated about making contact with UFO beings, not about taking rides. The article also addresses Klass's investigation, which targets the Walton family, suggesting they were involved in the UFO subject. APRO's first-hand investigation reportedly does not support this, finding the family's interest to be similar to that of many US citizens who believe in the existence of real UFOs.

Duane Walton's account of seeing a UFO 12 years prior is discussed, with Klass interpreting it as evidence of UFO knowledge. APRO suggests it could simply be a recounting of an experience. The article also refutes Klass's claim that Rogers was in financial trouble, stating he had collected on other contracts and that a contract overrun would be tolerated. It also challenges Klass's theory that the case was a hoax planned by Rogers and Walton to benefit Rogers financially.

Another point of contention is Klass's focus on a red mark on Travis's elbow, theorized by Klass's 'drug expert' Dr. Lester Steward to be from LSD injection. APRO argues this is unlikely given the mark's location, the ease of oral LSD ingestion, and the fact that buckthorn punctures could explain such marks. The article also criticizes Klass for relying on Dr. Steward, who has an 'unaccredited correspondence school doctorate,' and for implying APRO suppressed information about the 'puncture wound.'

APRO notes that the Enquirer contacted Duane Walton first, and then APRO, after learning they were investigating. The article concludes by stating that Klass's final conclusion is that the case was a hoax, which APRO challenges. APRO has facilitated a challenge for new polygraph tests, with Phil Klass agreeing to pay if the witnesses fail.

Hazard

This article, authored by Bill Chalker, B.Sc., details a case from Murrurundi, Australia, involving a 'road hazard' and a mysterious white substance. The incident began when a couple driving at night encountered a situation on the road that made them slow down considerably. They later wrote a letter to the 'Northern Daily Leader' newspaper, describing the event.

The letter, published with the heading "MOTORISTS UPSET BY UNEXPLAINED HAPPENING," expressed the couple's distress and confusion. They recounted an incident where a small car was involved, and a white substance was present. The letter questioned whether such incidents could explain why good drivers are killed in accidents and noted that the event happened quickly.

Chalker's preliminary investigation involved visiting the site and examining the sequence of events. He noted that a search for a 'yellow cloth' mentioned in the incident failed to yield results, as the case was reported several months after it occurred. A local television team also visited the site but did not find any material evidence.

The article discusses the nature of the white substance, suggesting it might be a variant of 'angel hair' cases, often attributed to spider webs, but acknowledges that some cases are inexplicable. It explores possible mechanisms of formation, including atmospheric combustion reactions involving nitrogen and oxygen, but concludes that these reactions do not typically produce such precipitates. The author posits that the mechanism producing the white material would likely be a complex chemical reaction or produced in a manner hitherto unknown.

A significant aspect of the case is that the 'yellow cloth' used to clear the windscreen of the white material then self-ignited. The article references several similar cases, including the Leusderheide sequence in the Netherlands, a northern Swedish driver's encounter with unusual lights and a black cloud, and Reidar Salvesen's Norwegian encounter with an intense light-body and aerial object. Another similar case involves two young women in Canberra, Australia, who were allegedly compelled to go outside to their car, which then drove them to a remote site, escorted by a brilliant light source. A weird chant was heard, and the girls experienced intense fears. A viscous, spider-web-like material was found on the car door.

Chalker also mentions a UFO escort case from Umvuma to Beit Bridge in Rhodesia. He concludes by stating that further elucidation of the Nemingha phenomenon depends on receiving more information from witnesses and that analysis of the white substance could set a precedent for formulating theories about unknown aerial phenomena.

Letters

This section addresses the ongoing appearance of giant hairy ape-like creatures, often associated with UFO sightings. The article notes hundreds of witnesses in various states and foreign locations. Common characteristics include three-toed footprints, sounds like a baby's cry or a growl, and the emission of a foul odor. While these creatures have approached humans closely, no harm has been reported, though animals have been harmed. Gunfire has not resulted in capturing a specimen. The article recounts an incident in Flintville, Tennessee, where a creature fought back with rocks after being shot at, leaving traces of blood, mucous, and hair that puzzled scientists.

It raises the possibility that these creatures might not be entirely flesh and blood, citing cases where witnesses could see through them or footprints ended abruptly. The arrival of these creatures is sometimes heralded by loud pounding or snapping sounds on TV-radio sets. A case in Pennsylvania involved a woman firing a shotgun at a creature, which then disappeared in a flash of light. A psychic UFO-like element is present in a small percentage of cases.

Several locations are highlighted for their 'infestations' of these creatures, including seven counties in southwest Pennsylvania, Cascade County, Montana, and south-central Tennessee, where the creature is called a Yeti or monster. The article mentions an incident in southwest Ohio where animal mutilations and UFO sightings are occurring, suggesting the creature might be present.

Don Worley, an APRO Field Investigator specializing in Anthropoid Reports, requests information from anyone with knowledge of these cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and witness testimonies. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation and a commitment to uncovering the truth behind UFO phenomena, while also critically examining claims and refuting what it deems to be misinformation or hoaxes. The publication emphasizes the importance of objective analysis, polygraph testing, and detailed case studies. There is a clear dedication to defending the integrity of UFO research and its practitioners against what it perceives as sensationalism or attempts to discredit the field, as seen in the detailed refutation of Phil Klass's theories regarding the Travis Walton case.