W ASHINGTON 25, D. C. OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR M r. Richard D. Drain Secretary Intelligence Advisory Committee 2430 E Street, N. W. Washington 25, D. C. Dear M r. Drain: We have carefully studied the report of the Panel of Scientific Consultants on the subject of "Unidentified Flying Objects, " which you sent this Agency on M arch 13. The conclusions of the Panel and its recommendations particularly in terms of public education, are of con­ siderable interest in connection with the civil defense program. We appreciate your indicated willingness to assist in implementing the appropriate aspects of the Panel's report as applicable to Civil Defense, and suggest that a conference be arranged for a full discus sion of the subject on a mutually satisfactory date. Sincerely, AS' NO OBJECTION ■ <\:}S!flOAT!ON OF Vai Peterson 6233 76? 7^9/ Security Inform ation M r* £'^ Sboretori.es /s/ Luis W. Alvarez University of California /a/ Thornton Page JctaHcstos University s t TAB BS EKMTT SeOTny^JnfWtion SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY PANEL ON UNIDENTIFIED FLUNG OBJECTS 14-17 January 1953 EVIDENCE EflESWED 1. Seventy-five case histories of sightings 1951 - 1952 (selected by ATIC as those best documented)' 2. ATIC Status and Progress Reports of Projoat GRDQGE and Project BLUE BOOK (code names for ATIC study of subject). 3c Progress Reports of Project STORK (code name for Battelle Manorial Institute contract work supporting ATIC). 4. Summary Report of Sightings at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. 5. Report of USAF Research Center, Cambridge, Mass., Investigation of ’Groen Fireball" Phenomena (Project TWINKLE). 6. Outline of Investigation of U.F.O.’a Proposed by Kirtland Air Force Base (Project POUNCE). 7. Motion Picture Films of sightings at Tremonton, Utah, 2 July 1952 and Great Falls, Montana, August 1950, 8. Summary Report of 89 selected cases of sightings of various categories (Formations, Blinking Lights, Hovering, etc.). 9. Draft of manual* "How to Make a FLIOSRPT”, prepared at ATIC. 10. Chart Showing Plot of Geographic Location of Unexplained Sightings in the United States during 1952. 11, Chart Showing Balloon launching Sites in the United States. 12. Charts Showing Selected Actual Balloon Flight Raths and Relation to Reported Sightings. 13o Charts Showing Frequency of Reports of Sightings, 1948 - 1952. 14. Charts Showing Categories of Explanations of Sightings. 15. Kodachrome Transparencies of Polyethylene Film Balloons in Bright Sunlight Showing High Reflectivity. TAB B s E T SocuritXLMkjrr^tion 16, Motion picture of seagulls in bright sunlight showing high reflectivity. 17o Intelligence Reports Relating to U.S.SJL Interest in IL S. Sightings. 18, Semples of Official USAF Reporting Forms and Copies of Pertinent Air Force, Anny and Navy Orders Relating to Subject, 19o Semple Polyethylene "Pillow" Balloon (54 inches square), 20. "Variations in Radar Coverage*, JAWP 101 (Manual illustrating unusual operating characteristics of Service radar), 21, Mlscellaneaus official letters and foreign intelligence reports dealing with subject. 22. Copie® of popular published works dealing with subject (articles In periodicals, newspaper clippings and books). S E Ssouriz TAB C SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY PANEL ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS 14 - 17 Jasuary 1953 WiiRg Dr. Ho P. Roborta&i( Chairmen) Dr.- Luis W. Alvaro Dr. Lloyd V. Berkner Dr. Samuel Goudsrait Dr. Thornton Page ORGANIZATION California Institute of Technology University of California Associated Univer­ sities,, Tn«o Brookhaven National laboratories Office of Research Operations, Johns Hopkins University FIELD OF COMPEFWX Physics, weapons systems Physics, radar Geophysics Atomic structure, statistical problems Astronomy, Astro­ physics l§s&£&L^B3 Dr. J. Allan Hynsk Mr. Frederick C. Durant XNTHiVIWEES Erig. Gon. William M. Garland Ohio State Univer­ sity Arthur D. Little, Inc. Astronomy Rockets, guided missiles I h ®E T Security InSorination It was the opinion of Dr. Robertson that tho "saucer" problem had been found to be different in nature from the detection and investigation of German V-l and V-2 guided missiles prior to their operational use in World War II, In this 1943-1944 intelligence operation (CROSSBOW), there was excellent intelligence and by June 1944 there was material evidence of the existence of "hardware" obtained from crashed vehicles In Sweden. This evidence gave the investigating teem a basis upon which to operate. The absence of any ■hardware" resulting from unexplained U.F.O. sightings lends a "will- of—the wisp) nature to the ATIC problem. The results of their investi­ gation, to date, strongly Indicate that no evidence of hostile act or danger exists. Furthermore, the current reporting system would have little value In the case of detection of enemy attack by conven­ tional aircraft or guided missiles; under such conditions "hardware" would be available almost at once. ^™isj£_stka^^ It was interesting to note that none of the members of the Panel were loath to accept that this earth might be visited by extra­ terrestrial intelligent beings of some sort, some day. What they did not find was ary evidence that related the objects sighted to space travelers. Mr. Foumet, in his presentation, showed how he had elim­ inated each of the known and probable causes of sightings leaving him "extra-terrestial* as the only one remaining in many cases. Foumet °s background as an aeronautical engineer and technical intelligence officer (Project Officer, BLDEBOOK for 15 months) could not be slighted• However, the Panel could not accept any of the cases sighted by him because they were raw, unevaluated reports. Terrestrial explanations of the sightings were suggested in sane cases and in others the time of sighting was so short as to cause suspicion of visual impressions. It was noted by Dr. Goudsmit and others that extraterrestrial artifacts, if they did exist, are no cause for alarm; rather, they are in the realm of natural phenomena subject to scientific study, just as cosmic rays were at the time of their discovery 20 to 30 years ago. This was an attitude in which Dr. Robertson did not concur, as he felt that such artifacts would be of immediate and great concern not only to the U. S. but to all countries. (Nothing like a comon threat to unite peoples!) Dr. Page noted that present astronomical knowledge of the solar system makes the existence of intelligent beings (as we know the term) elsewhere than on the earth extremely unlikely, and the concentration of their attention by any controllable means confined to any one continent of the earth quite preposterous. TRHCNTON, UTAH, SIGHTING This case was considered significant because of the excellent documentary evidence in the form of Kodachrome motion picture films (about 1600 frames). The Panel studied these films, the case history, ATIC’s interpretation, and received a briefing by representatives of the USN Photo Interpretation laboratory on their analysis of the film. This team had expended (at Air Force request/ approximately 1000 nan-hours of professional and sub-professional time in the preparation of graph plots of Individual frames of the film, shout­ ing apparent and relative motion of objects and variation in their light intensity0 It was the opinion of the P.I.L, representatives that the objects sighted were not birds, balloons or aircraft, were "not reflections because there was no blinking while passing through 60° of arc* and were, therefore, "self-luminous"♦ Plots of motion and variation in light intensity of the objects were dis­ played, While the Panel Members were impressed by the evident enthusiasm, industry and extent of effort of the P.I.L. team, they could not accept the conclusions reached. Some of the reasons for this were as followsi a0 A semi—spherical object can readily produce a reflection of sunlight without "blinking" through 60° of arc travel, bo Although no data was available on the "albedo* of birds or polyethylene balloons in bright sunlight, the apparent motions, sines and brightnesses of the objects were considered Strongly to suggest birds, particularly after the Panel viewed a short film showing high reflectivity of seagulls in bright sunlight. c, P.I.L, description of the objects sighted as "circular, bluish-whits* In color would be expected in cases of specular reflections of sunlight froa convex surfaces where the brilliance of the reflection would obscure other portions of the object. Sceurl^rS^arnntion Objects in the Great Falls case were believed to have probably been aircraft, and the bright lights such reflections# There was no valid reason for the attempt to relate the objects in the Tremonton sighting to those in the Groat Falls sight­ ing# This may have been due to misunderstanding in their directive# The objects in the Great Falls sighting are strongly suspected of being reflections of aircraft known to have been in the area# The intensity change in the Tremonton lights was too great for acceptance of the P.T.L. hypothesis that the apparent motion and changing intensity of the lights Indicated extremely high speed in small orbital paths# Apparent lack of guidance of investigators by those familiar with U.F.O. reports and explanations. Analysis of light intensity of objects made from duplicate rather than original film. The original film was noted to have a much lighter background (affecting relative brightness of object) and the objects appeared much less bright. Method of obtaining data of light intensity appeared faulty because of unsuitability of equipment and questionable assumptions in making averages of readings# No data had been obtained on the sensitivity of Kodachrome film to light of various intensities using the same camera type at the same lens openings. ko Hand •jitter” frequencies (obtainable from early part of Tremonton film) were not removed from the plots of the •single pass plots* at the end of the film. The Basel believed strongly that the data available on this sighting was sufficient for positive identification if further data is obtained by photographing polyethylene "pillow* balloons released near the site under similar weather conditions, checking bird flight and reflection characteristics with competent ornithologists and calculating apparent "G" forces acting upon objects from their apparent tracks. It was concluded that the results of such tests would prob­ ably lead to creditable explanations of value in an educational or training programs However, the Panel noted that the cost In technical manpower effort required to follow up and explain every one of the thousand or more reports received through channels each year (1,900 in 1952) could not be justified. It was felt that there will always be sightings, for which complete data is lacking, that can only be explained with disproportionate effort and with a long time delay, if at all. The long delay in explaining a sighting tends to eliminate az^ intelligence value. The educational or training program should f have as a major purpose the elimination of popular feeling that every sighting, no matter how poor the data, must be explained in detail. Attention should be directed to the requirement among scientists that a new phenomena, to be accepted, must be completely and convincingly documented. In other words, the burden of proof is on the sighter, not the explainer. S E tian M M AM Sm The Panel Members were in agreement with O/SI opinion that, although evidence of any direct threat from these sightings was wholly lacking, related dangers might well exist resulting firomt So Misidentification of actual enemy artifacts by defense personnel. bo Overloading of emergency reporting channels with ■false" information ("noise to signal ratio" analogy—Barknar). Co Subjectivity of public to mass hysteria and greater vul­ nerability to possible enemy psychological warfare. Although not the concern of CIA, the first two of those problems may seriously affect the Air Defense intelligence system, and should be studied by experts, possibly under ADC. If U.F.O.’b become dis­ credited in a reaction to the "flying saucer" scare, or if report­ ing channels are saturated with false and poorly documented reports, our capability of detecting hostile activity will be reduced. Dr, Page noted that more competent screening or filtering of reported sightings at or near the source is required, and that this can best bo accomplished by an educational program. GEgGRAmjCJ£g£E£ONS_PL^ The map prepared by ATIC showing geographic locations of officially reported unexplained sightings (1952 only) was examined by the Panel. This map showed clusters in certain strategic areas such as Los Alamos. This might be explained on the basis of 24-hour watchful guard and C^JTE T rSnformation awareness of security measures near such locations. On the other hand, there had been no sightings in the vicinity of sensitive related AE establishments while there were occasionally multiple cases of unexplained sightings in Don-strategic areas# Furthermore, there appeared to be no logical relationship to population centers. The Band could find no ready explanation for these clusters. It was noted, however, that if terrestrial artifacts were to be observed it would be likely that they would be seen first near foreign areas rather than central U. S. NATION TQ OBTAIN DATA The Panel was of the opinion that the present AT IC program to place 100 inexpensive 35 ran. stereo cameras in the hands of various airport control tower operators would probably produce little valu­ able data related to U.F.O.’s. However, it was recognized that such action would tend to allay public concern in the subject until an educational program had taken effect. It was believed that pro­ curement of those cameras was partly the result of public pressure in July 1952. With the poor results of the year-long Project TWINKLE program of 24-haur instrumentation watch (two frames of film showing nothing distinguishable), a widespread program of sky­ watching would not be expected to yield much direct data of value. There was considerable discussion of a possible "sky patrol” by amateur astronomers (Rynek) and by wide-angle cameras (Rags). Dr. Rage and Dr. Robertson pointed out that at present a considerable fraction IS- Scour: tion of the sky 1b now—and has been for many years—under surveillance every clear night in several meteor and aurora observing programs as veil as sky mapping programs at tho various locations listed below. Although the attention of those astronomers is largely directed toward identified rather than unidentified objects, no case of any striking unidentified object is known to Dr. Page or Dr. Ifyneko Such on object would moot certainly be reported if found on patrol plates. A case was cited where an astronomer refused to interrupt his exposure in order to photograph an alleged sighting in a different part of the sky. This led Dr. Uynek to say that, if a program of watching could be an adjunct of planned astronomical programs, little cost would be involved and that the trained astronomical personnel might photograph a sighting of an unidentified object. The location of some of these programs and their directors are believed to bet a. Harvard University, Cambridge and New Mexico (meteor patrol)— Whipple. ba Yerkes Observatory, University of Chicago and Fort Davis, Texas (several programs)—Heine! (aurorae), Kuiper (asteroids), Morgan (wide angle camera). c. University of Alaska, Fairbanks (aurorae)— ELvey d. Dominion Observatory, Ottawa (meteors)—Millman e. Palomar Observatory, California (sky map)—Minkowski f. Idck Observatory, California (sky map)—Shane It was agreed by the Panel that no government-sponsored program of optical nation-wide sky patrol la worthwhile at the present tine, and that the encouragement of amateur astronomers to undertake such a program might have the adverse affect of over-emphasising "flying saucer" stories in the public mind0 However, the issue of radar’scope cameras for recording peculiar radar echoes would serve several pur­ poses, including the better understanding of radar interference as well as identification of U.P.O.’s. £ADALJLOBLai_OFJ£^ This characteristic problem of radar operation wherein the pulse signal (of approximately the same frequency) from station X may be picked up on the screen of station B and show as a high-speed track sr scries of dots was recognized to have probably caused a number of U.F.O. reports. This problem was underlined by information received indicating ADC concern in solving this problem of signal identification before service use of very high-speed aircraft or guided missiles (1955-1956). Dr. Berknar believed that one answer to this problem was the use of a "doppler filter* in the receiving edrcult. Dr. Alvarez suggested that the problem might be better solved by the use of a "controlled jitter" wherein the operator receiving "very fast tracks" (on the order of 1000- 10*000 m.p.h.) would operate a circuit which would alter slightly his station’s pulse frequency rate. If the signal received on the screen had teen caused by mutual interference with another station, the track would now show itself at a different distance S E Security tlcn from ths center of the screen, if it still appeared at all. Dr. Alvares felt such a technical solution was stapler and would cost much less than a "floppier filter". ic^^.mB Two reported cases were examined* one at Palooar Mountain, California, in October 1949, when cosmic ray counters went "off scale for a few seconds", apparently while a "V* of flying saucers was observed visually^ and *wo, a aeries of observations by the "Loa Alamos Bird Watchers Association" from August 1950 to January 1951, when cosmic ray coincidence counters behaved quoerly. Circuit diagrams and records were available for the latter, and Dr. Alvares was able quickly to point out that the recorded data were undoubtedly due to Instrumental effects that would have been recognised as such by more experienced observers. The Implication that radioactive effects were correlated with unidentified flying objects In these two cases was, therefore, rejected by the Panel. &&&mk^°SR&* The Panel's concept of a broad educational program integrating efforts of all concerned agencies was that It should have two major almst training and "debunking"« The training aim would result in proper recognition of unusally illuminated objects (e.g., balloons, aircraft reflections) as well as natural phenomena (meteors, fireballs, mirages, noctilusent clouds). Both visual and radar recognition are concerned. There would be many S E Securite -19- levels in such education from enlisted personnel to canmand and research personnel. Relative emphasis and degree of explanation of different programs would correspond to the categories of duty (e.g., radar operators; pilots; control tower operators; Ground Observer Corps personnel; and officers end enlisted men In other categories.) This training should result in a marked reduction In reports caused by misidentification and resultant confusion. The ^debunking* aim would result in reduction in public Interest in "flying saucers* which today evokes a strong psychological reaction. This education could be accomplished by mass media such as television, motion pictures, and popular articles. Basis of such education would be actual case histories which had bean puzzling at first but later explained. As in the case of conjuring tricks, there is much less stimulation If the "secret* is known. Such a program should tend to reduce the current gullibility of the public and consequently their susceptibility to clever hostile propaganda. The Panel noted that the general absence of Russian propaganda based on a subject with so many obvious possibilities for exploitation might indicate a possible Russian official policy. Members of the Panel had various suggestions related to the plan­ ning of such an educational program. It was felt strongly that psychologists familiar with mass psychology should advise on the nature and extent of the program. In this connection. Dr, Hadley Cantril (Princeton University) was suggested, Cantril authored "Invasion from Securi ‘ornation Mars", (a study in tho psychology of panic, written about the famous Orson Welles radio broadcast in 1938) and has since performed advanced laboratory studies in the field of perception. The names of Don Marquis (University of Michigan) and Leo Rosten were mentioned as possibly suitable as consultant psychologists. Also, someone familiar with mass occnnnicatlon techniques, perliaps an advertising expert, would be helpful. Arthur Godfrey was mentioned as possibly a valuable channel of ccnraunicatlon reaching a mass audience of certain levels. Dr. Bar knar suggested the U. S. Navy (OKR) Special Devices Center, Sards Point, L. I., as a potentially valuable organization to assist in such an educational program. The teaching techniques used by this agency for aircraft identification during the past war was cited as an example of a similar educational task. Tho Jam Handy Co. which made World War II training films (motion picture and slide strips) was also suggested, as well as Walt Disney, Ine. animated cartoons. Dr. Hynek suggested that the amateur astronomers in the U. S. might be a potential source of enthusi­ astic talent "to spread the gospel"« It was believed that business clubs, high schools, colleges, and television stations would all be pleased to cooperate in the showing of documentary type motion pictures if prepared in an Interesting manner. The use of true cases shewing first the "mystery" and then the "explanation" would bo forceful. To plan and execute such a program, the Panel believed was no mean task. The current investigatory ?youp at AT IC would, of necessity, have to be closely integrated for support with respect to not only the S E ( S acuity ation S E Securit T cation historical cases tut the current ones. Recent cases are probably isuoh none susceptible to explanation than older ones? first, because of ATICcb experience and, secondly, their knowledge of most plausible explanations • The Panel believed that sene expansion of the ATIC effort would certainly be required to support such a program. It was believed imppropriarc to state exactly how large a Table of Organization vault be required. Captain Ruppolt of ATIC unofficially proposed, for purposes of analyzing and evaluating reportst a. An analysts0 panel of four officers bi Four officer investigators Co A briefing officer d<. An ADC liaison officer So A weather' and balloon data officer f. An astronomical consultant g« A Group Leader, with administrative assistant, file clerks one stenographers This proposal met with generally favorable comment. The Panel believed that, with AT IC’s support, the educational program of "train­ ing and debunking” outlined above might be required for a minimal of one and one-half to two years. At the and of this time, the dangere related to "flying saucers" should have been greatly reduced if not eliminated. Cooperation from other military services and agencies concerned (e.g., Federal Civil Defense Administration) would be a necessity. In investigating significant cases (such as the Tremonton, Utah, sighting) , controlled eoeperimonts might be required. An example would be the photographing of "piHou balloons" at different distances under similar weather conditions at the eite. The help of one or two psychologists and writers and a subcontractor to produce training films would be necessary in addition,, The Panel considered that ATIC’s efforts, temporarily expanded as necessary, , could be most useful in Implementing ary action taken as a result of Ite recomaendationBo Experience and records In ATIC would be of value in both the public educational and service training program envisagedo Dr* Robertson at least was of the opinion that after public gullibility lessoned and the service organizations, such as ADC, had been trained to sift out the more readily explained spurious sightings, there would still be a role for a very modest-sized ATIC section to cope with the residuum of items of possible scientific intelligence value 8 This section should concentrate on energetically following up (perhaps on the advice of qualified Air Force Scientific Advisory Board members) those cases which seemed to indicate the evidence of unconventional enemy artifacts. Reports of such artifacts would be expected to arise mainly from Western outposts in far closer proximity to the Iron Curtain than hubbock, Texas2 1 officul_weswatik; groups The Panel took cognizance of the existence of such groups as the "Civilian Flying Saucer Investigators” (Los Angeles) and the "Aerial. Phenomena Research Organization (Wisconsin^ It was believed that such organizations should be watched because of their potentially S E' Swurlty E T [■nation great- influence on mao thinking if widespread sightings should ocsuro The apparent irresponsibility and the possible use of su3h groups for subversive purposes should be kept in mindo JIBigSM UBSS^^ The oonesnaas of ths Panel vas9 based upon the hl awry of the subjectp that the number of sightings scuJd bo rMasoBlbly expected to incs^aso again this summers E a PURANl III ACCESS RESTRICTED DOCUMENT NO._ 4^±£5 DATED 1^ F E h 5 DOCUMENT WITHDRAWAL NOTICE HAS BEEN W ITHDRAW N FROM THIS FILE AND IS LOCATED IN: CIA JOB NO. »FToozycR BOX NO. FOLDER NO. 6°) 4'1' ~" THIS ITEM HAS BEEN W ITHDRAW N BECAUSE IT CONTAINS SECURITY CLASSIFIED INFORMATION OR OTHERW ISE RESTRICTED INFORM ATION. NATIONAL SECURITY ACT OF 1947 CIA ACT OF 1949 AS AM ENDED AUTHORITY ^ 4409 Dear Mr. Becker: Confirming our brief conversation in the hall the other day, I enclose a memorandum from General Maxwell on the subject. We will advise you when we receive the report referred to in this memo. Sincerely, WALTER G. WHITMAN Chairman Enclosure (1) Mr. Loftus E. Becker Deputy D rector for Intelligence Central Intelligence Agency 2430 E Street, N.W. Washington 25, D. C. (This document may be declassified upon removal of Confidential Attachment.) V" OJ.fi. HAS N TO THE 'DEQASS THIS DOCUM ENT. 023 W 7 W > 1I 4 3 b 16 6 v! C ^^~ 3-372/ RESEARCH ANU ULVkLaPMENT B&ard WASHINGTON 25, D. C. 4 November 1952 MEMCRANDUM FOR CHAIRMAN, RD® SUBJECT1 Radar Phantoms 1, At our conference hero the other day with Mr. Becker, Mr. Clark and General Sanford, it was agreed that we would evaluate the radar phantoms from the viewpoint of the seriousness of the problem to the Air defense Command. 2. Inquiries made to the appropriate sections of the Air Staff did not disclose ary undue concern over the phantoms. I believe that this is because in war and in peace the problem of identifying the vast number of aircraft tracks seen by the Air Defense radars is a confusing factor of much greater magnitude. However, to make sure that we are not over­ looking any important considerations, the ir Force has asked the Air defense Command to study this problem and make recommendations. 3. This, then, is an interim report to you, because it may be several weeks before the answer arrives from the Air Defense Command. 4. Naturally there is general concern about the radar phantoms and the larger problem of the flying saucers because we are unable to explain a sizeable percentage of the reports. However, the concensus seems to be that a great deal of activity and study is going on in this field which will do much to clarify the situation. The subject of anomalous radar propagation has been under study for some time and will continue with appropriate emphasis. The Air Technical Intelligence Center, which analyzes "saucer” reports, will emphasize the radar con­ fusion aspect. It is also my feeling that, whereas formerly this was a subject which scientific men did not wish to became involved in, it is naw becoming "respectable" to study the subject and to discuss it publicly. If this trend continues and our astronomers and other scientists do turn their talents to the problem, I am sure that the answers will be expedited. ALFRED R. MAXWELL Brig. General, USAF Air Force Secretary MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director (intelligence) SUBJECT: Flying Saucers 1» Flying unidentified, objects (Flying Saucers) have been the subject of Air Force observation and analysis because of the possibility that such objects might conceivably be an attack on the U.S* If they are not, it is conceivable that the enemy might take advantage of the confusion created by the by the Flying Saucers to use at his convenience some ail’ weapon against the United States. 2. Hus far Defense Department conducted research in this area has been confined to the effort by A-2 through ATIC with the result that an explanation has been provided on all but 20 per cent of the total 1500 reported sightings of Flying Saucers. 3. Determination of the scientific capabilities of the USSR to create and control Plying Saucers as a weapon against the United States is a primary concern of the CIA/OSI. Its review of existing information does not lead to the conclusion that the saucers are USSR created or controlled. It is the view of OSI that collection of Intelligence information on the capabilities of the USSR to produce, launch, and control Flying Saucers and the analysis of such data as might be collected cannot be very effective until there is adequate fundamental scientific research launched to clarify the nature and causes of Flying Saucers and to devise means whereby they might be instantly identified. 4. The major scientific Intelligence problems in respect to Saucers are: a. What is the present level of Soviet knowledge regarding these phenomena? sui b. What are possible Soviet capabilities to utilize these phenomena to the detriment of US security interests? c. What effect do flying saucers have on our warning system. This doewnant has been ^pptwed for release through tn© HISTORICAL ?7\ '/;J‘; the Coatra! lav .-111 7 ^M 11 . 400167 lines of the attached. The cover sheet explaining to the LAC why the proposed letter is submitted is also attached. C ^-*- the primary responsibility of the Defense Department. o4X ^ /fit b. The DCI^should dispatch to Secretary Lovett, It is far too early in view of the present state of our luxowledge regarding Flying Saucers for psychological warfare planners to start planning how the United States might use U.S. Flying Saucers against the enery. d* When intelligence has submitted the National Estimate on Flying Saucers there will be the time and basis for a public policy to reduce or restrain mass hysteria. JAMES Q. RLBER Assistant Director Intelligence Coordination 5* Conclusions; Securib m aiion DRAFT x mmrcB advisory cqmtoe Flying Unidentified Objects (Flying Saucers) W^— <=cZ^e4: ^ 1. Attached is a proposed letter to Secretary Lovett^from the u DCI recamending the initiation of fundamental scientific research with respect to the nature and causes of unidentified flying objects (Flying Saucers), 2. Hhile it is recognized that the implications of Flying Saucers are of primary concern to the Defense Deportment in carrying out its responsibility to defend the United States,, it is also believed that inte.lligence met request of appropriate authority such assistance as it needs to carry out its responsibility. It is believed that the scientific research required and the intelligence research contingent thereon can be most fruitful if they go hand in hand. 3* Recogaaendattong: a. That the IAC concur in the proposed Letter to the Secretary of Defense. b. That the IAC request the Hatch Comittee to give close attention to indications which say reflect Russian actions are being taken with respect to or on the basis of cognisance of Flying Saucers or with respect to the state of United States public opinion in respect of Flying Saucers. This document has been approved for release through the HISTORICAL RS^m &ROGRAH of . the Control X^^ ^&b A( -S' C^J SUBJF Unidentified Flying Objects (Flying Saucers) 1. The IAC has reviewed the current situation concerning unidentified flying objects which have caused extensive speculation in the press and have been the subject of concern to Government organizations. The Air Force, within the .imitations of manpower which could be devoted to the sub set has thus far carried th® full responsibility for investigating and analyzing individual reports of sightings. Since 19^7 j approximately 1JCO official reports of sightings have been received and, of these., about 20^ are as yet unexplained. 2. It is say view and that of the IAC that this situation has possible implications for our national security with respect to the vulnerability of the U.S. to air attack. Intelligence., however, cannot discharge its responsibilities with regard to estimating the capabilities of on eneoy to create and use such phenemsena against the U.S. unless we first determine through scientific research whether or not such phenomena can in fact be generated and controlled by humans. 3. It is therefore recommended, that the Department of Defence (be directed to) undertake an expanded scientific research prograja to reveal the nature of the various phenomena which are causing these sightip and means by which these phenomena nay be identified Immediately. It i recommended that in such a project there be close cooperation betwer conducting the research and scientific and technical intelligence The IAC agencies are prepared to do their part in such a pro;/ ACCESS RESTRICTED DOCUMENT NO. 4-^^ I ^ ? DATED 17 J^ DOCUMENT WITH D RAWAL NOTICE HAS BEEN W ITHDRAW N FROM THIS FILE AND IS LOCATED IN: CIA JOB NO. UTooz^ R THIS ITEM HAS BEEN W ITHDRAW N BECAUSE IT CONTAINS SECURITY CLASSIFIED INFORMATION OR OTHERW ISE RESTRICTED INFORM ATION. NATIONAL SECURITY ACT OF 1947 CIA ACT OF 1949 AS AM ENDED AUTHORITY ™M 4409