APRO Newsletter - 1967 04 00 - Vol 1 No 1

Magazine Overview

The APRO Newsletter, Vol. 1, No. 1, April 1967, is the inaugural issue of a publication by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO). It is distributed to Staff Members, Advisors, and Consultants of APRO and aims to serve as a forum for exchanging information and ideas related to UFO phenomena. The issue provides contact details for its staff, including Director L. J. Lorenzen, Editor and Secretary Coral Lorenzen, Director of Research A. E. Brown, Photo. Consultant John T. Hopf, and Artist Richard Beals. It also lists Special Representatives from various countries and Advisors and Consultants in fields such as Aeronautics, Biology, Chemistry, Electronics, Geology, Linguistics, Physics, and Psychology.

Editorial Content

The editors, R. Leo Sprinkle and Wm. Don Barnes, state that the newsletter is intended to foster discussion and exchange of information regarding UFO phenomena. They encourage readers to submit open letters, questions, comments, and descriptions of their own interests and activities in UFO investigation. The editors welcome views on the physical, biological, psycho-social, and spiritual aspects of UFO phenomena, emphasizing the importance of citing authors, titles, dates, and sources of publication for UFO literature.

Article: "WHO GOES THERE? (Activities of APRO Staff and Advisors)"

This section highlights an article by Frank B. Salisbury titled "The Scientist and the UFO." Salisbury's article reviews empirical and theoretical considerations of UFO reports, presenting five hypotheses supported by various authorities and evidence. He concludes by suggesting the establishment of research teams to conduct a "previously planned program of investigation" to gather tangible data for scientific study. The article is noted as being helpful for professional biologists entering the field of UFO investigation.

Review: "VIEWS AND REVIEWS OF UFO LITERATURE"

This section reviews L. Jerome Stanton's book, "Flying Saucers: Hoax or Reality?" (Belmont Books, 1966). The reviewer describes the book as a straightforward, non-sensational account of "flying saucers," tracing the history of UFO sightings and emphasizing scientific and technical hypotheses. A particularly interesting section of the book, according to the reviewer, details the activities of three groups of atomic scientists who reportedly found a correlation between UFO presence and increased radiation levels.

However, the reviewer expresses disappointment with two features of Stanton's book: the lack of listed references, which hinders verification of the author's claims, and unfavorable comments made about other authors, such as Fuller and Lorenzen. The reviewer notes that some evidence cited by Stanton might have originated from the writings of Fuller and Mrs. Lorenzen.

"QUOTABLES FROM NOTABLES"

This section presents several quotes from various sources:

• A quote from Michel (1966) stating, "In Ufology the rule is to think of everything and to believe nothing."
• A quote from Menzel & Boyd (1963) discussing the search for a "unified field theory" and cautioning enthusiasts against basing beliefs in flying saucers on the hope of overthrowing gravity and inertia.
• Anecdotes about Dr. Simon Newcomb and Rear Admiral George W. Melville, who expressed skepticism about flight without gas bags or heavier-than-air vehicles, cited by Ruppelt (1956).
• A quote from Ex-President Harry S. Truman recalling Admiral William D. Leahy's skepticism about the atomic bomb, also cited by Ruppelt (1956).

"SPECULATIONS: WHAT IF ...?"

This section includes a quote from Michel (1966) suggesting that speculation about the UFO phenomenon should aim to clear the mind of preconceived notions to focus solely on facts. It then presents a speculative discussion based on Dudley (1959) regarding the velocity of light. The hypothesis suggests that light might be composed of paired spinning polar particles, and its velocity could depend on the surrounding "polaron flux" rather than being constant. The text speculates that further data from nuclear and astro-scientists could widen scientific horizons.

References

The issue concludes with a list of references cited in the articles, including works by H. C. Dudley, J. G. Fuller, Coral E. Lorenzen, D. H. Menzel & Lyle G. Boyd, A. Michel, E. J. Ruppelt, F. B. Salisbury, and L. J. Stanton.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this inaugural issue are the promotion of scientific inquiry into UFO phenomena, the importance of rigorous investigation, and the critical review of existing literature. The editorial stance favors a methodical, evidence-based approach, encouraging contributions from a diverse group of experts and researchers. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between speculation and factual reporting, and on the need for verifiable data. The publication aims to bridge the gap between the scientific community and UFO research.