APRO Bulletin - 1978 12 00 - Vol 27 No 6

Magazine Overview

Title: the apro bulletin
Issue: Vol. 27, No. 6
Date: December, 1978
Publisher: THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN
Country: USA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

UN Special Political Committee Approves Recommendation on Extra-Terrestrial Matters

The UN Press Release dated December 12, 1978, details the Special Political Committee's approval of a recommendation concerning extra-terrestrial matters. Member States were invited to coordinate investigations into unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. The committee considered a draft resolution submitted by Grenada, which proposed the establishment of a UN agency or department for research coordination and dissemination. The resolution suggested that the Secretary-General appoint a three-member group of experts, under the Outer Space Committee, to define guidelines for a UN study. This group would report to the next General Assembly session. The Assembly would also consider an agenda item on the report of this expert group. The meeting was chaired by Rodolfo Piza Escalante of Costa Rica. The adopted consensus noted Grenada's draft resolutions and invited member states to coordinate national scientific research into extraterrestrial life and UFOs, informing the Secretary-General of their findings. The documentation was to be transmitted to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for their 1979 meeting.

George A. Griffith of Grenada supported the working paper, emphasizing the importance of consensus and cooperation. He reiterated his Prime Minister's conviction in the efficacy of UFO research as integral to solving global problems.

CE III Encounter in Nebraska

Field Investigator Dave Kenney reports on an incident involving a prominent businessman in Nebraska on September 14, 1978. The witness, traveling to Randolph, Nebraska, observed a bright light descending and landing on the road. The object, resembling an army tank with treads and turrets but no visible guns, was illuminated by a column of white light. The witness stopped his car about 20 yards away. The object then jumped to an altered course, mirroring the witness's evasive maneuvers. After the witness attempted to outrun it, the object suddenly stopped following and zoomed off. The witness arrived in Randolph and reported the incident. The witness had no recollection of any loss of time, burns, skin rash, or headaches, and no EM effects were noted on his car. The witness, due to his reputation, desired anonymity. The report highlights similarities to other UFO encounters, such as brilliant lights and "electric motor" sounds, but notes the unusual appearance and behavior of the occupant.

1723 Sighting in Louisiana

This section details an unusual aerial object sighting from Hobart Key's "Dupratz History of Louisiana" (1774). The phenomenon was described as a glimmering light moving from south to north, emitting a "whizzing light" like a sky-rocket. It spread out, forming the figure of a trumpet-marine, leaving behind bright sparks. A fiery ball was then emitted, followed by a loud noise. The light weakened and disappeared.

Radar Case: 1957

Ann Druffel recounts a startling UFO experience from a former Air Force security officer, identified as Mr. C., who was on duty in 1957 at Ellsworth AF Base, South Dakota. An adjacent radar site reported an unknown airborne target behaving strangely. The 740th Squadron radar plotted the target, confirming it as a solid, unknown object at 30,000 feet. A fighter jet was scrambled to investigate. The jet's radar picked up the contact, but there was no visual evidence. The jet encountered severe turbulence at the object's location, and the target disappeared from all scopes, reappearing 60 miles away moments later, indicating a speed of approximately 10,000 miles per hour. The object reappeared and disappeared again, causing extreme turbulence that nearly inverted the jet. The pilot refused to approach the object a third time. The radar crew's logs were later ordered to be changed, with all references to the object and chase erased. Mr. C. theorized the turbulence might have been caused by a temporary vacuum left by the object's rapid departure. He sought to release information but was concerned about governmental regulations. The Air Force stated that UFO documentation was transferred to the National Archives in 1976 and that CIRVIS reports, which document vital intelligence sightings, might have been filed but would require individual review for releasability. Mr. C. remains anonymous but hopes other witnesses might come forward.

Italian Reports

An undated clipping from the New York Times reports numerous UFO sightings in Italy in late 1978. In Rome, Nino Raffagnino took photos of a stationary disc of light with a hole. Palermo police also snapped photos of a moving UFO. Reports came from Lecce and Brindisi, and two fishermen disappeared near San Benedetto, leading to talk of an "Adriatic Triangle." An American soldier investigating in Italy reported sightings of globes emitting white and yellow light in Vibo Valenzia, a round glowing object in Tuscany, and a dome-like shape in Bologna and Ferrara. All these reports were from the pre-dawn of December 18, 1978.

Three Ocean Sightings

Three reports from ocean-going vessels are presented.

1. U.S.S. Gainard (late 1952 or early 1953): Officers observed a bright light streak across the horizon, described as being like a lighted 100-watt bulb, heading west. The distance was estimated to be far, and the object was compared to a falling star or comet but did not descend or disappear. The sighting was corroborated by a newspaper article about a similar phenomenon witnessed by people at an outdoor movie near Key West.
2. M/V "Samos Storm" (April 17, 1978): The Greek merchant ship, positioned 435 miles east of Bermuda, was illuminated by a bright white light, described as a searchlight without a beam but with points of light descending like snowflakes. The phenomenon lasted 8 to 10 seconds, causing complete silence and affecting the ship's compass. The main witness was terrified. The next day, a four-engined propeller-driven plane approached the ship.
3. British Merchant Ship (Date and location not specified): The wife of the Captain reported a close encounter (Type II) where a large, luminous ball, shining orange and white, hovered near the ship. The object mirrored the ship's evasive maneuvers. The object remained for about 20 minutes before gliding to one side and disappearing. The incident was not logged due to the Captain's aversion to UFOs.

Multiple Phenomena on a Rocky Mountain Ranch

This section features a dialogue between "Jim" and "Barbara" discussing experiences on a Rocky Mountain Ranch, possibly related to UFOs. Jim mentions seeing "disks" regularly and refers to the "box" and a "permanent installation." Barbara expresses skepticism but acknowledges the impact of personal experience. They discuss the "creepy's" phenomenon, a sense of personal danger without stimulus, and the feeling of helplessness. Barbara also mentions her son's unhealthy interest in UFOs and her own struggles with dealing with the experience, including weight gain and increased smoking. They also discuss a "sweet smell" possibly related to beryllium mining or methane gas from coal mines. Jim insists on maintaining confidentiality due to the sensitive nature of the events.

Letters

Phill Klass writes a letter to the editor regarding an article by P. Wayne LaPorte on "Candle Balloon Construction and Observation Notes." Klass criticizes LaPorte for not adequately researching the original UFO incident in Seattle, which was explained as teenagers launching plastic hot-air balloons with attached flares. Klass argues that LaPorte's explanation of a squadron of UFOs being hot-air balloons is plausible if he accepts the teen-agers' account and the recovery of flare residue. Klass requests a correction in a forthcoming issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena. The publication serves as a platform for reporting witness accounts, expert analysis, and official documentation (or lack thereof) concerning UFOs. There is a clear emphasis on gathering and disseminating information, encouraging members to report sightings, and fostering a community of researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, acknowledging the controversial nature of the subject while striving for factual reporting and investigation. The issue highlights the UN's potential involvement, suggesting a growing recognition of the topic's significance. The recurring themes include personal encounters, radar evidence, potential government cover-ups or regulations, and the psychological impact of these experiences on witnesses.