THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN

Magazine Overview

Title: THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN
Issue: Vol. 27, No. 7
Date: January, 1979
Publisher: THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN

This issue of the APRO Bulletin delves into various UFO-related topics, featuring a prominent article on sightings in Kuwait, a detailed account of a 1952 radar-visual UFO encounter over New Jersey, and an extensive discussion of a multi-year investigation into phenomena on a Rocky Mountain ranch. It also includes a book review on Soviet psychic discoveries and a section on the organization's membership and financial statements.

UFOs Over Kuwait

The lead article, "UFOS OVER KUWAIT," compiles information from U.S. newspaper clippings and UFO journals regarding recent sightings in Kuwait. The first reported incident occurred on November 9th at the Kuwait Oil Company's "gathering center" near Umm El Eish, where employees saw a "flying saucer." A second sighting on November 10th at the Umm Alaish pumping station involved seven workers who described a large, cylindrical object with a dome and flashing red lights. This object allegedly disrupted telecommunications and pumping activities before departing. Following these events, Kuwaiti newspapers reported that the Cabinet had discussed UFOs and formed a fact-finding committee. Brigadier General Mohammed Al Hamad denied rumors but confirmed an investigation was underway. Additional reports include sightings over the Sabriyan oil field near the Iraqi border, and a "flourescent, wedge-shaped object" seen over Abu Dhabi on November 23rd. A young man also photographed a UFO over Abu Dhabi on December 2nd, describing it as a domed disc with a self-luminous tube, and experienced a headache while observing it.

1952 Radar - Visual: UFO Over Kuwait

This section details a sighting by Eastern Airlines Captain John Warner in the autumn of 1952. While flying a Martin 404 airliner near Trenton, New Jersey, Warner and his co-pilot observed what they initially thought was a normal navigation light. The object, described as an "incandescent yellow elliptical shape," was about 16 kilometers away and heading southeast at a similar altitude and speed (approximately 225 knots). New York Airways Traffic Control Radar at Islip confirmed an unscheduled, unidentified blip. As the UFO approached within a mile, it suddenly climbed southeastward at an estimated 1300 kilometers per hour, changing its color from yellow to blue-white. Islip radar tracked the object's rapid departure. Captain Warner noted the object's unusual elliptical shape, color change, and lack of standard navigation lights, leading him to classify it as an unknown. He and his co-pilot did not report it officially due to the climate of ridicule prevalent at the time, recalling the negative publicity received by another pilot, Captain Clarence S. Chiles, for a similar sighting in 1948.

The evaluation of this sighting emphasizes the witness's extensive experience as an airline pilot, making his account credible. The combination of visual observation and radar tracking is considered a strong form of evidence. While the speed was not unusual for a jet, the object's shape, color change, and lack of lights placed it in the unidentified category.

Book Review: The New Soviet Psychic Discoveries

Barbara Mathey reviews "The New Soviet Psychic Discoveries" by Henry Gris and William Dick. The book is described as an absorbing account of six trips to the Soviet Union to gather material on psychic phenomena. The authors, experienced in Russia and science respectively, used special contacts to interview leading Soviet scientists. The review highlights "Part Two: The Search for New Life Forms on Earth and Beyond," which includes new cases, researchers, and theories, with government support noted. Chapter 11, "The Search for Extraterrestrial Civilizations," covers efforts to capture signals from space and study telepathic messages from UFOs. The book also discusses the theory of "The Missing Planet Phaeton" and suggests refugees from its explosion may have provided models for ancient artifacts. The review notes that the Soviet Union takes parapsychology seriously, ranking it with nuclear and rocket secrets, and that the flow of psychic information to the West had been restricted. The book is praised for its thoroughness, honesty, and colorful insights into Soviet life.

Ranch

This section, a continuation from previous issues, details an ongoing investigation into phenomena occurring on a Rocky Mountain ranch, primarily through interviews with witnesses identified as "Jim" and "Barbara." The discussion covers multiple alleged sightings of UFOs, humanoids, and instances of animal mutilation.

Jim expresses his belief that the humanoids encountered are generally fearful and nervous, possibly observing a nearby military base. He feels more comfortable with these non-humanoid forms than with those associated with disks. He recounts an experience where he felt a connection with a "great" non-humanoid entity, contrasting it with the nervousness of those in disks. Barbara describes a mental contact experience that altered her thinking patterns.

Jim discusses the difficulty of investigating such phenomena, citing the potential for ridicule and the need for absolute confidentiality. He mentions the possibility of hallucinations or drug influence but maintains the subjective reality of his experiences. He believes there is significant activity occurring and that the military may be involved, referencing helicopter flights and directives concerning UFOs and animal mutilations.

Barbara emphasizes the importance of confidentiality for investigators and notes that their continued presence on the ranch has allowed for a more extensive observation period. She also mentions a "kooky lady" named Roberta who has had strange experiences and has been a local gossip.

Jim recounts an encounter with a military officer who advised him to "forget it" and "shut up" regarding UFOs. He also describes military planes overflying the ranch and interceptors circling the area after two National Guard planes went down, suggesting a connection to UFO activity.

The investigation is described as continuing, with collaboration from APRO's consultant in anthropology. The section includes a photograph of a "Tall creature with helmet" and references a previous bulletin.

Trust

This section continues the discussion about the Rocky Mountain Ranch phenomena, focusing on the importance of trust and confidentiality in the investigation. Barbara recounts experiences of people living on a back section of the property who had strange encounters, including a mutilation that occurred within view of their house.

Jim reiterates his belief that something significant is happening, despite the lack of concrete proof and the potential for misinterpretation. He fears for the safety of others and understands that people have disappeared. He expresses a desire for a full, unbiased investigation but lacks the technical expertise and feels too emotionally involved.

Both Jim and Barbara acknowledge that their perspectives are subjective and potentially influenced by their experiences. However, they believe that the sheer volume of reports and the consistency of certain details suggest that there is "fire" generating the "smoke."

Jim emphasizes the need for a professional group to conduct the investigation, hoping that APRO could facilitate this. He mentions approaching Dr. Hynek, believing the investigation could be ongoing and discreet. He also expresses concern about potential trouble with the Air Force if their investigation became known.

Jim shares an anecdote about contacting a military base and being told to "forget it" by a radar officer and a colonel. He also recounts a conversation with an Air Force officer who asked about the cause of mutilations, and when Jim suggested UFOs, the officer revealed that the base had directives on dealing with UFOs and "Big Foot" reports, indicating a level of awareness and involvement.

Jim also describes witnessing two squadrons of attack interceptors circling the area shortly after two National Guard planes went down, suggesting a connection to the downed aircraft and possibly UFOs. He notes the unusual nature of the interceptors' activity, suggesting they were surveying for parts of the downed planes.

The investigation is ongoing, with corroborating interviews conducted with various individuals, including family members, a photographer, friends, and local citizens. The collaboration with APRO's anthropology consultant is highlighted.

General Expenses and Receipts

This issue includes financial statements for APRO, detailing "General Expenses" and "General Receipts" for the period of July 1977 through June 1978. The expenses cover categories such as Federal Withholding, F.I.C.A., State Tax, Gross Salary, Public and Mailing, Office Expense, Rent, General Expense, Research, Phone, Utilities, General Exp. Misc., and Tax on Rent. The General Receipts section lists monthly income figures, totaling $21,596.44 for the year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, encounters with non-human entities, and the challenges of investigating these phenomena. The APRO Bulletin consistently presents detailed case studies, often emphasizing witness credibility and the need for rigorous, yet discreet, investigation. There is a clear stance that UFO phenomena are real and warrant serious study, often contrasting the organization's approach with public skepticism and governmental reluctance to acknowledge or investigate fully. The importance of confidentiality and the potential for ridicule are recurring concerns for witnesses and investigators alike. The issue also highlights the organization's international reach through its representatives and its commitment to preserving UFO literature. The review of Soviet psychic discoveries suggests an interest in exploring similar phenomena across different geopolitical contexts, implying a belief in the universality of these unexplained events.