The APRO NEWSLETTER

Magazine Overview

The APRO Newsletter, Vol. 1, No. 3, dated July 1967, is published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) and distributed to its staff, advisors, and consultants. The publication aims to serve as a forum for exchanging ideas and activities related to UFO phenomena. The issue includes contact information for APRO's international network of representatives, advisors, and consultants across various fields such as aeronautics, biology, chemistry, electronics, geology, linguistics, physics, psychology, and public education.

Key Articles and Features

Comments on Magnetic Propulsion Phenomena

This section features a letter from Frederic B. Jueneman, Asst. Director/Research at Innovative Concepts Associates, Inc., to APRO. Jueneman expresses his interest in magnetic propulsion phenomena, sparked by Coral Lorenzen's book 'Flying Saucers' and Dr. Olavo Fontes' work on physical evidence. He proposes that magnetic/gravitic space flight has far-reaching socio-economic implications and requests APRO to establish a liaison for technically competent individuals with imagination to consider hypothetical approaches to this technology. He notes that the 'extraterrestrials' might be preparing for overt contact when human technology reaches a certain level.

The "Tourist Hypothesis"

Dr. R. Demovsky of the University of Cincinnati, in a letter to APRO, presents the "tourist hypothesis" to explain the behavior of UFO occupants. He suggests that their "recurring stupidity" is analogous to earth-bound vacationers who, for example, might "chase cars, molest cattle, park on active railroad tracks, pull up shrubbery, take rocks from the rock garden, are frightened by nasty dogs." Demovsky believes that these "outer-space tourists" might view humans with similar fascination as an airplane enthusiast would viewing the first flight at Kitty Hawk.

Melted Rubber Gloves Create Challenge for APRO

This report details a UFO contact case involving James Thompson, a new APRO investigator in Winnipeg, Canada. On May 20, 1967, a UFO landed near his mining claim. Upon touching the craft with gloved hands, the rubber melted, and he experienced radiant heat. When the vehicle departed, a blast of heat caused his clothes to catch fire, resulting in first and second-degree burns to his chest. Thompson was able to drive himself to the hospital. Intriguingly, he secured the melted gloves for APRO's study, scintillator tests revealed no unusual radiation, and the incident was reported by UPI in Canada but not in the U.S. A member of the Colorado UFO investigating team assisted Thompson, who is also a professional photographer and took colored photos of his burns. A request is made for APRO representatives to suggest tests for the gloves.

APRO Communication Network in Process

The newsletter announces that APRO is developing a ham radio network for speedy reporting of UFO incidents. Lou Daugherty, an APRO member in Tucson, is working on this initiative, aiming to monitor selected frequencies to handle messages directed to APRO headquarters. His efforts will be coordinated with the existing ham network called "Data-Net," organized by Mike Jaffe.

Lorenzen Family to Travel

Jim, Coral, and Larry Lorenzen are planning a business-pleasure trip to New York in early July. They will be contacting Signet publishers regarding their new book, "Flying Saucer Occupants." Drs. Olavo Fontes and Leo Sprinkle are contributors to this book, which is due to be published on July 15, with a foreword by Dr. Frank Salisbury.

Questionnaire

The issue includes a questionnaire designed to gather information about the readers' interests, activities, publications, and problems related to UFO phenomena. Members are urged to complete and return it, emphasizing that there is no monopoly on information about UFO occupants and their spacecraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Newsletter consistently promotes an open-minded, scientific approach to UFO investigation. It encourages the exchange of ideas, the sharing of information, and the collaboration among researchers and interested individuals worldwide. The editorial stance is one of active inquiry, seeking to understand the phenomena through rigorous study, theoretical exploration, and the collection of evidence, while acknowledging the speculative nature of some hypotheses. The newsletter serves as a vital communication tool for APRO's distributed network, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose in exploring the unknown aspects of UFO phenomena.