MINNESOTA MUFON Newsletter

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MINNESOTA MUFON Newsletter, dated November/December 1994 (Issue #50), focuses on the theme of "UFOLOGY: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE," reflecting MUFON's 25th anniversary. The newsletter aims to summarize the contributions of early civilian UFO research groups like APRO, NICAP, and MUFON.

From the State Director

The State Director's message highlights the 1994 symposium's theme and announces that subsequent issues will summarize the work of APRO, NICAP, and MUFON. The director emphasizes the profound implications of the UFO phenomenon for Earth.

APRO: A Historical Perspective

James Harder presented on "THE AERIAL PHENOMENA RESEARCH ORG. AND THE FUTURE OF UFOLOGY." APRO, founded by Coral and Jim Lorenzen in 1952, is identified as the earliest civilian UFO research group in the United States. Coral was the chief architect, while Jim served as director. APRO investigated UFOs from multiple perspectives, including biological, psychological, social, spiritual, political, military, and historical. They were early proponents of using hypnosis for investigating 'lost time' experiences.

APRO recruited foreign representatives, such as Dr. Olavo Fontes of Brazil, who obtained magnesium fragments from a crashed vehicle. Analysis by the Alcohol Tax Beverage Bureau revealed trace amounts of mercury and manganese. James Harder, a Ph.D. engineer, concluded that this sample could not be replicated with commercially available ultra-pure magnesium.

Coral Lorenzen authored "The Great Flying Saucer Hoax" (1962), which argued that the treatment of the subject was a hoax. Other books by her include "Flying Saucer Occupants" and "Encounters with UFO Occupants." The newsletter notes that the occupants and contact techniques described in these books differ from recent reports.

Coral Lorenzen provided support to Betty Hill, influencing APRO to be open-minded about close encounter reports. The newsletter suggests that in the early days, confronting bizarre phenomena like close encounters was difficult, as it was feared it would detract from the main goal of objectively proving the reality of UFOs.

The Significance of UFO Contact

James Harder's presentation touched upon the significance of UFO contact within the broader context of Earth's history. APRO's approach was science-oriented, valuing credible witness testimony over preconceived theories. The newsletter recounts an incident where APRO headquarters in Tucson was targeted by suspicious individuals offering to paint the Lorenzen home at a low price, which Coral declined. Another incident involved a volunteer whose work was terminated after a report detailing recent observations was found in the waste basket.

The APRO Bulletin ceased publication in 1988 due to Coral's failing health, and Jim had passed away in 1986. The APRO files were eventually transferred to another organization, and there are efforts to legally obtain them.

Government Secrecy and the UFO Phenomenon

Harder discussed government secrecy, noting that while the discovery of alien civilization would be historic, many people do not truly grasp its significance. He suggested that researchers might underestimate the problem's importance, perhaps not wanting to confront the implications. Harder proposed that government agents possess more knowledge about human-alien interaction than private researchers, and that their understanding of the situation leads them to hope for an adequate response to a frightening scenario.

He argued that the military's approach to strangers is to assess potential adversaries, viewing UFOs through the lens of military intelligence as a frightening manifestation of science fiction. This perspective amplifies fears with each unfolding aspect of ET-human interactions. Harder's central question is whether the ET presence poses a threat or a promise. From an intelligence standpoint, the fear is of human recruitment for a future invasion, leading to a response of compiling lists of contactees and monitoring them.

The Roswell Incident: A Cold War Project?

James Harder mentioned that 300 witnesses to the Roswell event have not received significant attention and suggested that the Showtime movie might prompt the release of government secrets.

The newsletter includes an article by William J. Broad of The New York Times, which posits that the Roswell debris was part of Project Mogul, a program involving radar reflectors made of thin foil. The article notes that the Air Force's 1947 explanation of a weather balloon was misleading.

Walter Haut, president of the International U.F.O. Museum and Research Center in Roswell, criticized the Air Force's report as "a bunch of pap," stating that the explanation has merely shifted from 'weather balloon' to 'Mogul.'

An article by William T. McNeff, responding to Broad's piece, questions the lack of information on Project Mogul in libraries and highlights witness testimony from Maj. Jesse Marcel. Marcel described a balsa-like material that could not be burned or cut, and a foil-like material that resisted a sledgehammer. McNeff also mentions witness reports of I-beams with strange characters and a physician's sketch of these characters obtained under hypnosis, suggesting they are not from any earthly alphabet.

McNeff argues that the Air Force's explanation is questionable, especially if the recovered material had such exotic properties. He points out that witnesses reported seeing bodies at second and third crash sites in the Roswell area, described as humanoid but not human. McNeff states that over 250 witnesses have reported threats of death if they revealed information about the bodies or wreckage, indicating a government concern beyond espionage.

Another section, "And more Roswell...", references an article in Popular Science and quotes retired Brigadier General Thomas J. DuBose, who stated that the weather balloon story was a cover story told to the press. The GAO investigation into the government's refusal to release information is mentioned, with assistant director Gary K. Weeter emphasizing the search for records, not UFOs.

Crop Circles in Minnesota

State Director Dick Moss received a report about crop circles discovered in a cornfield near Milaca, Minnesota. Moss and John Sawicke investigated, noting the presence of news reporters. Recent rains and public activity made the investigation difficult. Moss refrained from confirming the circles as genuine. A subsequent investigation by Moss and Bob Schultz led Schultz to conclude the circles were formed by laying down outer edges of corn, suggesting a different method than typical hoaxers. Dick Moss, however, leans towards a man-made explanation, with videos available at the next meeting.

Meetings and Subscriptions

The newsletter lists upcoming meetings for MINNESOTA MUFON, the Theosophical Society, and the International Tesla Society. It also includes a subscription renewal notice for the MINNESOTA MUFON Newsletter, with an annual rate of $12.00 for six issues.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes critical examination of UFO phenomena and government statements. It highlights the historical significance of early UFO research organizations like APRO and NICAP, while also delving into controversial events like the Roswell incident. The editorial stance appears to favor open investigation and questioning official narratives, encouraging members to seek out information and form their own conclusions. The inclusion of crop circle reports and discussions on potential threats or promises of ET contact indicates a broad scope of interest within the UFO community.