APRO Bulletin - 1979 08 00 - Vol 28 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The APRO Bulletin
Issue: Vol. 28, No. 2
Date: August, 1979
Publisher: The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The APRO Bulletin features a prominent report on a UFO-Patrol Car Encounter in Minnesota, an 'Open Letter' critically examining the Billy Meier UFO case, and an in-depth discussion of various models used to interpret UFO evidence, alongside an analysis of public belief trends.

UFO - Patrol Car Encounter

The lead story details an unusual experience of Sheriff's Deputy Val Johnson on August 27, 1979, near Stephen, Minnesota. Johnson reported seeing a bright, white light about four feet off the ground approximately 2.5 miles away. As he proceeded to investigate, the light rapidly closed the distance and 'intercepted' his vehicle, causing everything to become 'extremely, painfully bright' and his eyes to hurt. He heard the sound of breaking glass and lost consciousness. Upon waking, his engine was off, and he found his patrol car had coasted 850 feet. The vehicle sustained damage, including a broken headlight, smashed windshield, a damaged red light on top, and a dented hood, with antennas bent at 90-degree angles. Johnson speculated the damage came from the front and that the object made physical contact. He stated he had no idea what the light was, suggesting it could be advanced technology from the government or another nation, possibly related to the nearby Grand Forks Air Force Base. He felt 'neutralized' rather than attacked, believing he might have stumbled upon something he wasn't supposed to see. Johnson maintained an open mind about UFOs but did not attribute the event to aliens, stating he had no basis for such an explanation.

Open Letter Regarding Billy Meier Case

An 'Open Letter' addressed to Genesis III Productions, Ltd., by an unnamed author (implied to be a former associate or someone involved in the promotion of the Billy Meier book 'UFO Contact From The Pleiades') strongly criticizes the publication and the Meier case itself. The author states their name appearing in the book implies endorsement, which they do not give. They consider the case an 'elaborate hoax' and believe any claims of authenticity are premature due to the investigation's quality. The author was initially involved based on the promise of a fair presentation and use of proceeds for further investigation, but states these plans are no longer operative. Key points of criticism include:

• Meier's UFO Models: The letter highlights that Meier builds UFO models that resemble craft shown in photos, and that Meier has allegedly attempted to destroy evidence of these models.
• Cosmonaut Photos: Meier's photos of 'cosmonauts' are described as looking like fashion models.
• Exaggerated Claims: The author questions why the book omits Meier's claims of flying into the past to photograph a pterodactyl and into the future to see San Francisco destroyed by an earthquake. They also question why Meier's contact claims dating back to age four and his public disclosure in India in 1964 (after losing a hand) are downplayed in favor of a 1975 starting point.
• The Tree Incident: The letter criticizes the brief mention of a UFO incident involving a tree, questioning the lack of photos and the explanation that the tree was damaged by radiation and then disappeared. The author finds this explanation problematic, suggesting a model tethered to a trunk is more plausible than a tree disappearing.
• Lack of Hard Facts: The book is criticized for providing few concrete facts about the supposed space traveler, lacking details about their planet, solar system, way of life, or people. Instead, it offers philosophical comments promoting reincarnation and pantheism, which the author finds discrediting to the UFO field.
• Use of Ancient Myths: The inclusion of ancient myths, artifacts, and references to 'Devil's Tower' from 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' is seen as an attempt to connect unrelated subjects.
• Adamski Parallels: Terms like 'mother ship' and 'scout ship' are noted as being similar to those used by George Adamski, who the author asserts was proven a fraud.
• Linguistic Issues: The use of the Soviet term 'cosmonaut' instead of 'astronaut' is questioned, and the writing is described as unprofessional, juvenile, sensationalized, and containing numerous punctuation and word-choice errors, suggesting a non-native English speaker.
• Marketing Scheme: The author suspects the book is part of a marketing scheme, with promises of more 'startling' information in Volume 2, suggesting a continuous effort to 'milk the unsuspecting public.'

This letter concludes by requesting a refund for the book.

The Scandia Reports

This section continues a report on UFO sightings in the Scandia, Minnesota area. The object was sighted near Kuno's Store and County Rd. #15. Witnesses John and Nancy K. reported seeing lights over Square Lake, describing them as 5 groups of 2 lights (red and orange) or 5 groups of 3 lights (white-white-yellow) in a half-chevron pattern. The flight path was traced from the NE, dipping over the lake, and heading SW over approximately 3-4 minutes. Another witness, Nancy W., also observed the approach. The report notes a complicating coincidence involving a flight of 5 Army Reserve helicopters following a similar path. The pilots reported flying in a tight 'V' formation at 90 knots/hour. The report analyzes the helicopter's flight path and timing in relation to the UFO sightings. Additional sightings in the Scandia and Taylor's Falls area are mentioned, including one on June 7, 1978, where Mary Beth Ostrand described a large object with rotating bright red, blue, and blue-grey lights that darted away quickly.

UFOs - The Growing Belief

This article by P. Wayne LaPorte, APRO Field Investigator, analyzes Gallup Poll data on public belief in UFOs. The data shows a consistent increase in belief from 1966 (46%) to 1973 (54%) and May 1978 (57%). Conversely, the percentage of those who definitely disbelieve has fallen. The trend is particularly strong among younger demographics, with a projected majority belief in UFOs by the turn of the century. The article also notes that approximately one in nine Americans believe they have seen a UFO.

Letters

One letter from Barbara Mathey replies to a review of Jacques Vallee's book 'Messengers of Deception.' Mathey defends Vallee's work, stating it raises a valid possibility that some UFO phenomena might be simulated by humans. She argues that questioning the origin of UFO experiences, even abduction reports, is healthy and that a fresh point of view should not be attacked emotionally.

Another letter from Paul Kiepe, an APRO member, expresses support for Jim Lorenzen's assessment of the Genesis III book, stating he ordered multiple copies. Kiepe encourages Lorenzen not to be discouraged if the book is a hoax, suggesting it might be celebrated later.

Models of UFO Evidence

This paper by R. Leo Sprinkle, presented at the British UFO Association Conference, explores various models used to interpret UFO evidence. Sprinkle argues that there is 'too much' evidence, allowing investigators to support almost any hypothesis. He categorizes models into:

• Physical Models: These include explanations of UFOs as natural phenomena (e.g., 'birds,' 'ice crystals,' 'Venus,' 'sun dogs') or manufactured objects (e.g., 'airplanes,' 'balloons,' 'helicopters,' 'satellites'). These models appeal to those who favor tangible evidence and conventional explanations.
• Biological Models: These models consider UFOs as living creatures or 'space critters.' While acknowledging the possibility of biological beings piloting craft, the 'close encounter' factor leads most investigators to favor other models.
• Psycho-Social Models: These are described as highly adaptable and flexible, explaining UFO experiences through psychological phenomena like 'delusion,' 'dream,' 'fantasy,' 'hallucination,' 'hysteria,' 'hoax,' 'illusion,' 'lie,' 'neurosis,' and 'psychosis.' Related models include 'collusion,' 'conspiracy,' 'conditioning,' and 'mass hysteria.' The parapsychological model, interpreting UFO displays as 'dopplegangers,' 'out of the body experiences,' or 'telepathic communication,' has also gained popularity, suggesting UFOs are manifestations of human subconscious urges.
• Spiritual Models: These models, often dismissed by traditional scientists, interpret UFOs in terms of 'angels,' 'demons,' 'devils,' 'etheric beings,' and 'spirits.' Sprinkle notes that while often unexamined, experienced investigators acknowledge bizarre events that can be interpreted spiritually. He suggests that accepting physical, biological, or psycho-social models opens the door to spiritual interpretations.
• Combinations of Models: The paper acknowledges that models can be combined. The 'human programmer' model is discussed, but its limitations in explaining the full variety of UFO contacts are noted. An example is given of two individuals who requested a 'sign' and witnessed an aerial display that mirrored a wall decoration in their meeting room, suggesting a potential connection between psychological states and perceived phenomena.

Sprinkle also introduces a personal bias towards a model of consciousness with four levels: Matter, Life, Thought, and Spirit. He concludes by stating that a map (model) is a representation and not necessarily the territory itself.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently presents a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. While reporting on sightings and investigations, the publication also features critical analyses of specific cases, such as the Billy Meier case, questioning the evidence and motives. The inclusion of various theoretical models for understanding UFOs, from scientific to psychological and spiritual, reflects an effort to explore the phenomenon from multiple perspectives. The data on increasing public belief in UFOs suggests a growing societal acceptance of the topic. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and critical evaluation, encouraging readers to question claims and consider alternative explanations, while not dismissing the possibility of genuine anomalous events. The magazine also serves as a platform for member feedback and ongoing research efforts within the UFO community.