FLYING SAUCERS

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
S
Document Page Count: 
36
Document Creation Date: 
December 9, 2016
Document Release Date: 
March 12, 2001
Sequence Number: 
12
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
October 2, 1952
Content Type: 
MEMO
File: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon CIA-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7.pdf2.05 MB
Body: 
, Approved For RIlase 2001/04/02 ?ggk6P81RCO60R000100020012-7 -....rurity Informrotc.91 DRAFT COVER SHEET INTELLIGENCE ADVISORY COMITTEE Flying Unidentified Objects (Flying Saucers) I. Attached is a proposed letter to Secretary Lovetlfrom the DCI recommending the initiation of fundamental scientific.research with respect to the nature and causes of unidentified flying objects (Flying Saucers). 2. While it is recognized that the implications of Flying Saucers are of primary concern to the Defense Department in carrying out its responsibility to defend the United States, it is also believed that intelligence must 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. Recommendations: a. That the IAC concur in the proposed letter to the Secretary of Defense. b. That the LAC request the Watch Conudttee to give close attention to indications which nay reflect Russian actions are being taken with respect to or on the basis of cognizance of Flying Saucers or with respect to the state of United States public opinion in respect of Flying Saucers. T Approved For Release 2001/04/uA . A.Am-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7 ,:; Approved For Rippe 2001/04/02 : CIA6RtiP81 RO OR000100020012-7 ccriy Horm,,,fimf DRAFT LETT6'11. LiEITORAIIDUM FOR: Secretary of Defense D-t->L,eAiv%1414-ji(1, kM:1-- SUBJECT: Unidentified Flying Objects (Flying Saucers) 1. The lAO 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 limitations of manpower which could be devoted to the sub:]ect, has thus far carried the full responsibility for investigating and analyzing individual reports of sightings. Since 11'7 approximately 1500 official reports of sightings have been received and, of these about 20c/d are as yet unexplained. 2. It is my 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 an enemy to create and use such phenomena 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 Defense Ge--el?Ipee-teil---tej undertake an expanded scientific research program to reveal the nature of the various phenomena which are causing these sightings and means by which these phenomena may be identified immediately. It is also recommended that in such a project there be close cooperation between those conducting the research and scientific and technical intelligence research. The IAC agencies are prepared to do their part in such a project. SECRET Approved ForFor Release 2001/0442-66;yy,WROF'81R00560R000100020012-7 ... Approved For Rel ER - 3 - 2872 e 2001/04/0iFlaXDP81R00 R000100020012-7 ,SECTiliTY INFMATION. . OCT 2 1957 MaTORANDUM TO: Director of Central Intelligence THROUGH: Deputy Director (Intelligence) MOM: Assistant Director, Office of Scientific Intelligence SUBJECT: Flying Saucers 1. PROBLEM--To determine: (a) Whether or not there are national security implications in the problem of "unidentified flying objects"; (b) whether or not adequate study and research is currently being directed to this problem in its relation to such national security implications; and (c) what further investigation and research should be instituted, by whom, and under what aegis. 2. FACTS AND DISCUSSION--OSI has investigated the work currently being performed on "flying saucers" and found that the Air Technical Intelligence Center, DI, USAF, Wright- Patterson Air Force Base, is the only group devoting appreciable effort and study to this subject, that ATIC is concentrating on a case-by-case explanation of each report, and that this effort is not adequate to corre- late, evaluate, and resolve the situation on an over- all basis. The current problem is discussed in detail in TAB A. 3. CONCLUSIONS--"Flying saucers" pose two elements of danger which have national security implications. The first involves mass psychological considerations and the second concerns the vulnerability of the United States to air attack. Both factors are amplified in TAB A. I. ACTION RECO:A:ENDED- -(a) That the Director of Central Intel- ligence advise the National Security Council of the implications of the "flying saucer" problem and request that research be initiated. TAB B is a draft memo- randum to the NSC, for the DCI's signature. (b) That the DCI discuss this subject with the Psychological Strategy Board. A memorandum to the Director, Psychological Strategy Board, is attached for sig- nature as TAB C. (c) That CIA, with the cooperation of PSB and other interested departments and agencies, develop and recommend for adoption by the NSC a Approved For Release 2001/04/04r4'RT)P81R00560R000100020012-7 Approved For Re1410e 2001/04/02RDFH81R001111P000100020012-7 policy of public information which will minimize concern and possible panic resulting from the numerous sightings of unidentified objects. 25X1A Assistant Director Scientific Intelligence ANNEXES: TAB h--Memorandum to DCI) through DDI, Subject: Flying Saucers. TAB B--Letter to National Security Council with enclosure. TAB C--Memo to Director) Psychological Strategy Board with enclosure. CONCURRENCES: Date: ACTION BY APPROVING AUTHORITY: Approved (disapproved): LOFTUS E. BECKER Deputy Director/Intelligence Date: WALTER B. SMITH Director - 2 - Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7 Approved For Feease 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP81.560R000100020012-7 Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7 Approved For Rirse 2001/0sEDIEIffiv? : CIA-RDP81R0111p0R0001000 MONTY INFORMATION MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence THROUGH Deputy Director (Intelligence) SUBJECT Flying Saucers SEP ,2 4 1952 1. Recently an inquiry was conducted by the Office of Scientific Intelligence to determine whether there are national security implications in the problem of "unidentified flying objects," i.e., flying saucers; whether adequate study and research is currently being directed to this problem in its relation to such national security implications; and what further investigation and research should be instituted, by whom, and under what aegis. 2. It was found that the only unit of Government currently studying the problem is the Directorate of Intelligence, USAF, which has charged the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) with responsibility for investigating the reports of sightings. At ATIC there is a group of three officers and two secretaries to which came, through official channels, all reports of sightings. This group conducts investigation of the reports, consulting as required with other Air Force and civilian technical personnel. A world-wide reporting system has been instituted and major Air Force Bases have been ordered to make interceptions of unidentified flying objects. The research is being conducted on a ease basis and is designed to provide a satisfactory explanation of each individual sighting. ATIC has concluded an arrangement with Battelle Memorial Institute for the latter to establish a machine indexing system for official reports of sightings. 3. Since 1947, ATIC has received approximately 1500 official reports of sightings plus an enormous volume of letters, phone calls, and press reports. During July 1952 alone, official reports totaled 250. Of the 1500 reports, Air Force carries 20 percent as unexplained and of those received from January through July 1952 it carries 28 percent unexplained. 4. In its inquiry into this problem, a team from CIAts Office of Scientific Intelligence consulted with a representative of Air Force Special Studies Group; discussed the problem with those in charge of the Air Force Project at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base; reviewed a considerable volume of intelligence reports; checked the Soviet press and broadcast indices; and conferred with three CIA consultants, who have broad knowledge of the technical areas concerned. Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : 11R00560R000100020012-7 .4. SECRET Approved For Ripse 2001/04/02 ftIA-RuP81R04100R000100020012-7 ? 25X1A 5. It was found that the ATIC study is probably valid if the purpose is limited to a case-by-case explanation. However, that study does not solve the more fundamental aspects of the problem. These aspects are to determine definitely the nature of the various phenomena which are causing these sightings, and to discover mans by which these causes, and their visual or electronic effects, may be identified immediately. The CIA consultants stated that these solutions would probably be found on the margins or just beyond the frontiers of our present knowledge in the fields of atmospheric, ionospheric, and extraterrestrial phenomena, with the added possibility that the present dispersal of nuclear waste products might also be a factor. They recommended that a study group be formed to perform three functions: a. analyze and systematize the factors which constitute the fundamental problem; b. determine the fields of fundamental science which must be investigated in order to reach an understanding of the phenomena involved; and c. make recommendations for the initiation of appropriate research. s in Ica e o suc a group au 1A 25X1A cons 1 u Similarly, Project the Air Forcels air defense projec could be charge h some 25X1A of these responsibilities. 25X1A 6. The flying saucer situation contains two elements of danger which, in a situation of international tension, have national security implications. These are: a. Psychological - With world-wide sightings reported, it was found that, up to the time of the investigationithere had been in the Soviet press no report or comment, even satirical, on flying saucers, though Gramyko had made one humorous mention of the subject. With a State-controlled press, this could result only from an official policy decision. The question, therefore, arises as to whether or not these sightings: (1) could be controlled, (2) could be predicted, and (3) could be used from a psychological warfare point of view, either offensively or defensively. Approved For Release 2001/04/ s P 11 81R00560R000100020012-7 gutit &Ma Approved For REire 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP81ROIVOR000100020012-7 The public concern with the phenomena, which is reflected both in the United States press and in the pressure of inquiry upon the Air Force, indicates that a fair proportion of our population is mentally conditioned to the acceptance of the incredible. In this fact lies the potential for the touching-off of mass hysteria and panic. b. Air Vulnerability - The United States Air Warning System will undoubtedly always depend upon a combination of radar screen- ing and visual observation. The U.S.S.R. is credited with the present capability of delivering an air attack against the United States, yet at any given moment now, there may be current a dozen official unidentified sightings plus many unofficial ones. At any moment of attack, we are now in a position where we cannot, on an instant basis, distinguish hardware from phantom, and as tension mounts we will run the increasing risk of false alerts and the even greater danger of falsely identifying the real as phantom. 7. Both of these problems are primarily operational in nature but each contains readily apparent intelligence factors. 8. From an operational point of view, three actions are required: are: a. Immediate steps should be taken to improve identification of both visual and electronic phantom so that, in the event of an attack, instant and positive identification of enemy planes or missiles can be made. b. A study should be instituted to determine what, if any, utilization could be made of these phenomena by United States psychological warfare planners and what, if any, defenses should be planned in anticipation of Soviet attempts to utilize them. c. In order to minimize risk of panic, a national policy should be established as to what should be told the public regarding the phenomena. 9. cOther intelligence problems which require determination ) a. The present level of Soviet knowledge regarding these phenomena. b. Possible Soviet intentions and capabilities to utilize these phenomena to the detriment of United States security interests. Approved For Release 2001/04/02. :3CJA-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7 SECRET ? [ECK ? Approved For Reirse 2001/04/02 L,IA-RbP81R0111FOR000100020012-7 c. The reasons for silence in the Soviet press regarding flying saucers. 10. Additional research, differing in character and emphasis from that presently being performed by Air Force, will be required to meet the specific needs of both operations and intelligence. Intelligence responsibilities in this field as regards both collection and analysis can be discharged with maximum effectiveness only after much more is known regarding the exact nature of these phenomena. U. I consider this problem to be of such importance that it should be brought to the attention of the National Security Council in order that a community?wide coordinated effort towards its solution may be initiated. 25X1A Assistant Director Scientific Intelligence SECRET Approved For Release 2001/04/02 elA-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7 . Approved For ease 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP811560R000100020012-7 Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7 Approved For Relive 2001/04/02cik P81R0o0R000100020012-7 tunic./ - ? , ? .- Seturay Infol melon ' WaLlat UM TlifW 5t.1er lie determine Director of Contra IntelligenDO Deputy Director (Intelligsees) Flying Sewers a, Whether there are natioral security implications in the problem of ?unidentified flYing objects? i,e, flying seseers; b, Whether adequate stedy and research is eerventir being directed to this problems in its relation to such national security implisations; and C , Whet further investigation ant research should be instituted, by whon, and under whet aegis 2. YAC If i;:i.ARI/C orTVE.PROWAll a. On has investigated the work currently being rfotd en flyin moere sod has found thats (1) The cmly unit of vvertment currently studying the Problem is the Directorate at Intelligence, USAF, which has charged the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATI) with reeponsibilitY for ins veptigeting the reports of sightings. (2) At AUL: there is a mall group consisting at a reserve Captain, two Lieutenant* and two secretaries to which came all re.. ports of sightings through official channels, and which conducts investigation of the *No-harts either itself or through consultation with other Air Faroe Wipers or with civilian technical consultant*. (3) A world-wide reporting system has been instituted and miler Air force Limes halm boon ordered to make Jaen:options of uniCistotified fling et3hote40 (1.1) The research being .r.arried on is str tly on * caste basis and appears to be designed solely to ettompt a satisfactory ow. planation of each individual sighting as. At Occurs, (5) AT1C has concluded an arrangement with 4attelle Memorial institute for the latter to establish a machine indexing system for official reports at siListinga, SEtE Approved For Release 2001/94aRtYgRa /?11 R00560R0001 00020012-1 Approved For Reese 2001/9,1/0 IIIRDP81R $r ty information 25X1A 25X1A 25X1A OR000100020012-7 A= has received appreximately Pahe an ermrmems volume of letters, --,nring the month of 41417 1952 alms 250. Of the 1500 reports, Air Force those resolved armory throw* Jull 19 Ito Ingbity t it was coming with part!** Imblab ebjae. ras$9111kValla items, and one for loos as wo11 as 071 a ropreseetative ea with them ject a 4001.0 prom and all leaders brood ()SI found that the AUC study is ted to * case-by-case enplanation. emever,the stod7 to solve the more fUndamental aspect of the problem lo definitely the nature et the various phenomena which are sightings, or to discover maw 0,7 willab these sown or eleetronic effects may be immediately identified panel stated that these gelation, weld prebably be gime or Just beyond the frontiers at oar present fields of atmospheric, ionospheric, sad extraterrestrial the added possibility that oar present dispersal of note might also be a factors They recommended that armed to perform three functienes (1) Anit4se eon yetematise the fnetors of information which the fundamental preblees (2) Determine the fields of fanderental salience w Investigated in order to reacb an understanding of the e- na involved and (3) Make recomme reseerobio stituted air defense 25X1A 4 group could be con,. t 11111111111* Air Yore* th these responsibilities. 25X1A Security !Ws:irritation Approved For Release 2001/04/027 81A-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7 , Approved For Re se 2001/04/02.: QIA-RDP81 9060R000100020012-7 SE411:' Secy !ntormation ao, e fl i ucer situation contains twe elements O danger Which, in s 0..t,;:tion of international tension, have oational seeeriiy ieplicAtione. Thee ere: (I) . w, . -,,:? j* verldawide aLghtinge reported, it - wee foun0 th time of our investigation, there had been in the Russian press no report or eomment, evseleatirical, on flytm:, eauceri, though ftldre Oromyke had made one humorous mention of tile mabject. With a State-controlled press, this wield mutat nntz, from an official policy decision. The question, there- fore, eriece an to whether or not these sightings: (a) Crand be eontrolled, (b) Could be predicted, end (e) 'nettle be used from a psych6iogicai view either of ordefgnmdvelY? The public concern with the phenomene, which is reflected in the United States press and in preemere or inquiry upon the Air Force, indicates thmt there is n fair ovsportion of our population which is mentally onnationed to the eceisptanee of the inereditle. In thiz fact lies the notential for the touching-"off of MASS hysteria and panic. (2) /4r Sulnerabilitt ante United Itates Air Warningetem will undonbtedly alveys depend upon a combination et radar screen,- ing and visual observation. We give Resale the preeent cm:Debility of delivering an air attack against us, yet at any given moment now, there may be current adWoen official unidentified sightings pies maw unofficial. At any momeWatitack, we are now Ina position where we cannot, on an instant basis, distineniah hard'. were from phantom, end 49 tension seaunts we will run the increasing risk of false alerts and the eves greater auger of falsely identle. fying the real as phantom. b. Both of these prebleme are primarily operational in natere but each contains r adily apparent intelligence factors. From an eperie. tional point of view,threaetiose are reqeireds (1) Immediate steps Should be teen to Improve identification of both visual and electronic phantom eo that in the event of an attack, instant end nositive identification of eeemy please Cr nisailas can be made, Security information 3 Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7 Approved For Re se 2001/04/02 :41A,RDP81R0.60R000100020012-7 111' . Security infor -ation (2) A study odd be instituted to dote hat, if am, egiliestion could be mode of these phenomena by United Statile Parakalegiael warfare plenners, and what, if aey, defenses iheeld be planned in anticipation of Soviet attempts to utilise thee* I, national policy should to established as to Whet should public regerding the phenomena, ie order to mdmdmise C. Intolligance protases Implodes (1) The present level of Russian knowledge rogerding these 91131101010011111 ? (2) -casible Soviet 4.a these phenomena to the detr bilittes to ;ail ty interest,* (3 Ls reasona for silence in the "'owlet *rose regartnng flying saucers* d* Intelligence responsibilities in thin field as repros both 64 ion end ana4sis can be Ciseherged with effectivenese ter mph mare is knows regarding the exact rthae of these phenomena* 0, Ala problem tra rosponsibilities, and is of mach lwoz action by the National Seeurit) CrnmcU. Xe Additional research, differing in ohareeter and emphals fres that presently being performed by Air Forte, will be revired to meet the specific needs it both operation, and intelligence* Ra.OhhktUATIOIS it in reseemended teats C. lho Director OX4;,entral Jn ence advise the lational it onnell at the esourity isplioatiome inherent in the flying UL with the roomiest that, luster his statutory coordine- ty the Director of Central Intelligenee be empowered to the appropriate agencies, *Mine within or without tile inwestigetion and research necessary to solve instant positive identification It ounidentifAed flying 8 $ cooporat at for psychologi- advising &curl Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : . R00560R000100020012-7 at , . ,t Approved For Reir se 2001/04/ 2 p,k-RDP81R 60R000100020012-7 .1*-111ritY tnfcjrmatjop aff se Ulu a.,41 the /4000autai, LA.1' itu 25X1 A On Dfre apansibUity ? Ustor promm.ti reNterth, II develop are tWe Att1on41 ,eogrity Council s rellOY et will ainizisse the risk of panic, 111. ZAAL, ArfirE4,;, Ilsaletent Director "clentifin intelliobnce OSI, b1 (11 September 1952) Orig. & 4 - Addreceee 1 - Ad/SI 1 - Daily Reading, 1 . Sul4ect - 1 Ohrono SLu L Security informa.ton Approved For Release 2001/04/02 i CIA-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7 - Approved For Rel qFfIRFT e 200004702a! CIA-RDP81ROO.R00010 SECURITY INFORMATION 22 August 1952 MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director (Intelligence) SUBJECT: USSR and Satellite Mention of Flying Saucers 1. A search of Foreign Documents Division files has so far produced no factual evidence that subject has been mentioned in the Soviet Satellite press within the past two years. It is believed that a derisive comment was made in a Russian news- paper in 1948 on this subject but so far the article has not been found. 1951, whi/Pli quoted below: STATSPEC 2. has one broadcast on this subject, dated 10 June STATSPEC Summary - In what appears to be MosCowls first mention of Flying Saucers "Listenerls Mailbag" answers ques- tions on the subject to the effect that "The Chief of Nuclear Physics in the US Naval Research Bureau" ex- plained them recently as used for stratospheric studies. US Government circles knew all along of the harmless nature of these objects, but if they refrained from denying "false reports, the purpose behind such tactics was to fan war hysteria in the country." 3. A State Department cable recently received from Budapest quotes the August lath copy of Szabad Nep as follows: "Flying Saucer stories are another American attempt to fan war hysteria." Radar dedection of saucers is quoted in the article and it comments on the ridiculous aspects of the source of the mystery. The article concludes that it is part of American rulers propaganda to prove the Western countries 25X1A are threatening. Approved For Release 200 7312 _N SECEET Approved For Rele. 200ir04307:,ClAaR81781R0054600100020012-7 25X1A The Air Force Stand on "Flying Saucers" -- as stated by IA, in a briefing on 22 August 1952 I. ThetAir iorce has primary responsibility for investigating "flying saucers". The unit concerned with these investigations is a part of the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Layton, Ohio, and consists of three officers (a Captain in charge) and two civilians. They receive reports of sightings, analyze and attempt to explain them. A standard reporting form has been prepared which is used on a world-wide basis. The air Force Office of Special Investigations checks into each sighting attempting to determine its authenticity and the reliability of the observer. II. (A) The .air Force officially denies that "flying saucers" are: (1) U.S.secret weapons (2) Soviet secret weapons (3) Extra-terrestrial visitors (B) It is believed that all sightings of "flying saucers" are: Well known objects such as balloons (over 4000 are released daily in the U.S.), aircraft, meteors, clouds, etc. not recognized as such by the observer. Phenomena of the atmosphere which are at present poorly Under- stood, e.g., refractions and reflections caused by temperature inversions, ionization- phenomena, ball lightning, etc. III. Not a shred of evidence exists to substantiate the belief that "flying saucers" are material objects not falling into category IIB(1) above. IV. A study of "flying saucer" sightings on a geographical basis showed them to be more frequent in the vicinity of atomic energy installations (which is explained by the greater security consciousness of persons in those areas). That by-products of atomic fission may in some way act catalytidally to produce -,YEAAngssaupers" has not been disproved. The greatest namber of sightings has been made at or near Elaytola; Ohio where the investigations are going on. V. Of the thousands of"flying saucers" sighted of which there are records, the Air Force says that 7 - have been explained by either IIB(1) or IIB(2) above, 2% have been exposed as hoaxes and the remaining 20% have not been explained primarily because of the vague descriptions given by observers. VI. The Air Force is mostly interested in the "saucer problem because of its psychological warfare implications. In reviewing publications designed for Soviet consumption, there has not been a single- reference to "flying saucers".. On the other hand, several "saucer" societies in the United States have been investigated. Key members of some of these Sorgeeties which have been instrumental in keeping the "flying saucer" craze before the public have been exposed as being of doubtful loyalty. Furthermore the socieites, in some cases, are financed gqii an unknown source. The Air Force realizes that a public made jumpy by the "flying saucer" scare would be a serious liability in the event of air attacks by an enemy. Air Approved For Release 2001/04XMg-R76P81R00560R000100020012-i2 set2G-T ;7, Approved For Ras.20015/04/ta dali1641R00511IPRO00100020012-7 defense could not operate effectively if the Air Force Jere constantly called ? upon to intercept mirages which perspn4 had mistaken for enemy aircraft. ARG Approved For Release 2001AOeeke-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7 25X1A Approved For Reese 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP8191060R000100020012-7 19 .:ax t 1952 ?????? - 0-1 - AT, -.3 04.41,QU The purpose of this presentation is to report the findin,? of the 3I study Group QS to ons Flying Saucer problem will start with a resume or at we have done and a short history of 0-3 tho subject outline the Aix' Force effort mill co into the explanations of conclusions. attin,ie I will awe ,-ou our 13-3 25X1A Our group rviewed available intelligence official reports, press az orage end the main popular books. Indexes of. the Soviet prose were scanned, We aponta day at -tright Field with the t2icere conducting the Air Fore* etucr, nd finally we took the. problel to a croup of our own consultmy The Saucer furore in this cotmtrystartcd in June 1947 with a repozt of nine discs .flying in formation past Tbunt Rainier at an estiriated speed of 1000 milee per hour, This a fo11oud -lediately by a continuing and increasing flood of reports r the months. Therefore, in 1940, Air Force initiated .Project Saucer to 3tu47 rrEr Approved For Release',4'001i/04i0ti:V1fAuR 0560R00010002001 Approved For Release 2001/04/02 :-CIA-RDP81ROINOR000100020012-7 Deoember 1949 released sections of it? soeret causess ghtinge steamed nation and hoax airit4cr'pretatlon of knew objects This satiated niuoh of thc Yoblie but not certain sensational combthod With 1. of public interest speculative books and O f si, itthgs arti.c1es surzence t Air Foroe1 early in 1951, reopeced its study, inat4.tutod a world.wide rcportixi s- tam and alerted its bases to intercept the unidentified objects. interim conclusions in his analysis of the cases dhownd "no pa wnace to the United S tee"! that probably Se e their e. Mese consistent with any CGIIt -lashincton report? were to "tcaprature Inversions"; and that the unexplainpd uld not havo r ulted from any experiments or taste conducted d States ApprovedoRtatftensatbe206492W02 : CIA-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7 - Approved For Re se2001/04/02:CIA-RDP81R01160R000100020012-7 his discas;;Ion wad restate that o or of caries j.n explanation of these *on develo-)ment, and space shipe the evi oithar of fact in so etronjy againn Ulm that they warrant at present no nero than upnculative neidoration. However, it is important that -itho believe in theca :sill continue to do so in spite of any offioial pronouncement which may be mads. This whole affair has demonstrated that there in a Pair proportion of our ch conditioned to accoptance of the incredible. Thus wo arrive at too dancer pointe which, in a situation of international tension, seem 5o hrvo Natiorini cnrity implications. Earlier,i roritLonod our aoaroh oi oiLet preen, ATIC made a th world.wide eightiese reported, we have folnd not one report or oori,acrit, even in the Russian press. This could result only from an official policy decision and of course raises the volition of &c and of whether or nob these sighting. could from a psycholocical warfare point of view either offensively or dollen, si 17. Air :orce is aware of thin and had investigated a naaber of Approved For Release 2001/041riEHA-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7 Security Information Approved For Re se 2001/04/0?: CIA-RDP81R Security inioln,:,,Lioti OR000100020012-7 civili gnp it hao ipr; ;:p to 110w the subject* One Civilian Saucer Co. California has substantial funds inflnatoes tlx) editori of a nenber of newspapers and ham leadcira whose cannoo4ons may be questioriable Air Force is watching this orcanization c. rhaps we ea of its power to touch off maso hysteria any indicatton of Russian off American credulity Of avon croatcrlament te the eecxid dangor. Our air warning systezwillundo, tedly *Lway*mid upon a xitbinatton of radar scanning end viaual oborvation, 4 give n,suta U?pabiltty of delivering an jar attack against ligence rx.) n o capitalise presant now, there maj be a dozen official basis t of attack, how for stghtings plua on an instant iantoi*? The answer, of course, that until tai oater Approved For Release 2001/0 02,; OTA-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7 Security information Approved For Re se 2001/04/W7CIARDP81R0.60R000100020012-7 Secy Inforr 1,710 is achieved of the c4uses bad( of the sightings 25X1 A er Phcncmena rialc of false Ale real ao fall* ts be run the in- 7eatar danger of tabbing the operational research problem but as it oxtats it will iiwu intslaigence inplications beeanse of on aL vulnerabili and make no assegment of i n to examine s being done The Air ioroe study is valid, On a case by case basis, the great bulk of the sightings have been and will continue to. be emplainod ...but the lil ted case acfproach vitU never eave this sedond real prObl posiUvw identiflcation. should be done, we propose to dLeeusa with aearch 25X1A aad Development Deara and to pass o offo to assist in a study of come of the fund ritala. aug et that the peyvhological possibilities both for anl against us should be investigated From an intelligence point of view, OM has been and will contthe:watchin ussian research and o nt in the scientific fields involved, Approved For Release 2001/04/024a -01i 9:pgpR0001 00020012-7 probi ? 1- Approved For Reese 2001/04/02-:: DRAY? 1 R0060R000100020012-7 1$ August 1912 In the next few minutes,Iintend. to touch bristlyupon the offtel explanations of the great majority of sightings of fha tlyire objects (or UM s) and mention possible phemomena i.htch nor aoconnt for some of the 11111116 elaborate ho eu,nt keep in mind certain facts Which are genere1I7 * Pinot. Is the eernsstnss. of these rating certain that they have s Ione XwouldlikslGntQ men to all reports. These psople are Secondly, objects sighted almost always are reported to be 01161204 the sky thereby providing no point of refs:wee. Thirdly, without a reference points a valid estimation of size, limmt? distance of relative notion Is virtually impossible. J'in*Uy. no debris or materiel evidenes has ever been recovered following an unexplained sight tag. In each case of reported sightings exists the personal element. This Is the combined effect of psychological and ph3rsielsgtoal factors whieh Approved For Release 2001/04/02' "Clk-RbP81R00560R000100020012-7 ? Approved For Ree 2001/04/08 RDP81R0N0R000100020012-7 MI ball" or together may have outstanding importance in the scoured r ?T S person's report These faotore generally cannot be detcrrinM odolgiatelr. he al fleet* es Mental cncttttonixig by newspaper stories of earUer reported sightings. responseIndividual emotional with respect to the xnknovn. Desire for publicity resulting in "embrolderi or fabrication. interceptor.tton of chss of pilots. Themajor t re s bretolcgi General physical condition of the person at sibttni conditions of fatigue anoxia. Xxistenee and extent of eye strain inmediatelr preceding eigh$141. Insufficient nigh4 adaptation ISV lot ve take up the enplane 116 which have been used to account for veil over a thousand cases. Under the ?stage efs nilsiaterpretation of identifiable objects.' ATIC feels that the most prevalent misinterpretetions astrenonleal bodies. atmosOheris 'Jj Approved For Release 2001/04/02 :'CIA-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7 Approved For Reese 2901/Se/CIA=RDP81ROIVOR000100020012-7 orm phenomena There are two types of Skybeok.. They and vindhlown objects. tgh /tut% balloons, acUoBonde ant the lavy a as high as 20 elm. Altheush both types sr* tracked a4 ootted for so*a tetnee, throe generally Is no accurate nftretion of destrutte. Consequent of the large number ze2...sed dattr bt the weather widow? and resomrehgroups In theU.S., It y might appear ov,r almost any f the gee tags is not known but is believed to be poesibly weeks Night.launched balloons carry a bright light to facilitate tracking. Nagy others have radar-reflecti panels. The Manton mete, ref.rr to by misInternretatIon of a Navy $k?ok balloon. This vas in :annam 1947. threeTheTa were interceptor 25X1A agalalsot as a piloted by Capt. Thoias Mental limb to 20.000 t the object vas trim anoxia sines .,(14, Approved For Release 2001/04/0 ! CI -RdPiki00560R000100020012-7 Mt o close Approved For Reese 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP81R0.0R000100020012-7 A mute en at Wright Yield which illustrates the fact that objoots at high altitudes may be in sharp illuminationvon one or two hours before dawn or after. This cave also points tareatiag Psychologionl facto Tho time was neordusk. Capta stLx3g of three red lights lit the not determine their nature. An F.4 this altitude the pilot could see c out to witness a bon through binoculars ho could rceptor climbed to 43.000 feet At that the objects were a cluster of three ftehodk balloons still well above h1jo sailing an oven course across the sky. 37 this time, telephone repo objects were bed as violently maneuvering various shapes to oome In. The and colors. Nven *looping* vire reported. The medical staff at Wright "lel N including the senior ps7chot>gtst. witnessed the sighting. staff turned t that these objects were balloons hey felt that this The a f a lug that, &mite the 1014 in error and that the slighting must have boon of some other unknown origin. Probable the second most eoon misinterpretation is that of conventional SE Approved For Release 2001/04/024?1A-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7 Approved For Ree 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP81R0.0R000100020012-7 Zs dayttae, air ly those that are unpainted, can 17 brilliant reflections ight. An int sting (sage under tons A group of aircraft design tests of! their own Jet airplane. The three wings SM red es, passed diractly overlie if thir had not kayak what the obje the silver wings against the ailqr as flaming trait. and thy would hsw. Imagined objects ttti Maryland. the country to witness craft, with unpaintod At nighttime the ob. ? ? r misinterpretation of aircraft increases, there are the dusk and dawn il1in*tIone already mentioned. of running lights or refloetions of aircraft bjects with square misinterpretation, have in clouds. There are a nusiber of reports of tails or having lightedape Images of conventional aircraft pr Sono time ago a pulsating bvi ? clouds of ice c ht yellow light was roported moving Pittsburgh ohniriT ? ler me ? lagat.d to the ennexplainad* filo. A few %rooks ago in Washington a man Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP81Fi006800000100020012-7 -3-c.trty 1PfKinatiors" Approved For Ree 2ap1g4lb tRrp P81 RIVOR000100020012-7 h tts ropey, saw an onti...0e3iteiou light initsUattin en ? OmPita Airlines airplane. This new safety device, a light "WWI on the novo of the airplane, oscillates hack and forth Literally similar to these installed on soma awbulanoss and polio* cars. A shook with Capital Airlines "evaded that an airplane fitted vith t had lohecked in* while flying near Pittsburgh at the exact time ant pleas of the reporUng sighting. Let us tuon new to astronomical phonemes's. In the daytime lariats particularly Venus, can to seen olearly as a bright whits ohjoct, even at high noon under certain sonditio s. At night, meteors of various varieties' have been ionised ionised t :en for b 41 lights. The i1nouimeteor trail of picked. up 11, radar and at time, nisinxderstoo.i. This remain visible to the eye far as Isag as one hour. in the Marth's etao sphere have caused many misinter6 protations. sigh altitude *jet streams* traveling et high velocities. tomperatura inversions and conditions of turhulent mixing of air of greatly dUferent temperatures and densities exist and are not charted. They account for optical as moll as radar aberrations in a mmeber of ease.. In one ass. Approved For Release 2001/04/024CIA-RDP81R00566R06010.0020012-7 Approved For Reese 2001/04VMA,UP81R0460R000100020012-7 ;17 q47 1041 wltb his AZ g.aznloekod "Wes found himsolf on a sop% s1Dping downwards course at low altit 0 argot vas on the grotmd fl tiaryleat the interceptor aircraft 0bsorver to act' that the It should be noted tbat radar of the railer be hod, both interne' and. e still exist in disturbing ambers, The abilit of a radar I d.%ermiie ths validit 13 on his owspo is of his ,xperiene. Cloud effects have affs tsd the *eoiiraey of a nuriber of sighting* Rapldll ??iith1tn c1oM end an or a bright planet thi object." Other otion to a fixed body, The moon loud hole at tin doss appear ao a intarPretations which aro known to have aonountod for repo rte of !gbttuge inoimla variety of indblovn objeste is out. Such an incident vas reported by ths Mexico. Ears is his actual rpat 0At about 2:00 pas. last Sundv, I obsorved a silvery, shining obje?t floating In the e1ee, blue sky almost direet4 Approved For Release 2001/04/p2 D 81R0,0560R000100020012-7 Approved ForRellpse2001/04/02-f:CIARDP81R , ft? ".11. OR000100020012-7 direetien. I toll obioot woo firing also ana vas n run to the I noticed that the object vas below the 1.vil of some roved to Is that the object was considerably rial1sr than avulturo. During the course of two hours I saw a total of three of these objects all going In ths SAMS direction, but at times apremeng to be stationary. Later in the afternoon I found one of these discs lava It wns a seed e s d In a fluffy MA" of oaken fiber, ? lad It rds and curiosity. I would, undoubtedlY an seters] ying discs', have roported that I wing dist' which I captured, In my front yard. rotation is t on been the ca of several reports of sightings as in the recent ease described by tho Secretary tina]3y, there is a case which n formation were piCket ip on the radar scope. They were Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : CIA-Rt1R81R00560R000100020012-7 Approved For Re e 2001/040,(19ADP81RIV0R000100020012-7 '-111rt)latrf be travel VINtil at 30,000 feet. It that the reporting station had a soarahlight an& it turned es In the direction of the radar sighting It was innodiatelY disnsvered that the .iat dee8. thing at300 feet altitude. ve explanations are believed by ATIO to account for soma 80% of tbe eittzga reported. They feel that the remaining 20% might be reducible to IC% were it not for these reasons: Insufficient information reported. Incorrect information unwit iney or purposelY rePartea. Innufficient or total leek of sOsegeent investigatien of dated stillThis leaves ATIO 4th a poanThhe 10% of sightings for Which there ohjset is no Available enlanation. Considering that the rining asss d natural, oonsnhtanta in Booton, Those on are outstanding in the fields of eleotronloo and ?hetntnti. They emphasised to us t that there -9., the CAI Proml ("onto t hangth with throe Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP61R00560R000100020012-7 Approved For Reese 2001104L02; p81R 60R000100020012-7 *any sd.ntific frontiers which hare a* yst been In these areas occur phenornono which war electro aberrat three categories, They S lathe ft Qott for optical er They listed Oriel kisnoa.za. d also that rot1'*iote of nuclear fissiona ht hAve some effect be the temperature inversions treeeed by General Somfordo this hroom exists but the exact aeeha,ies of its nonce, Its nature and manner of d diation are not wen understood. Neither is its effect ttpon ste refraction or no little Is known o light beams causing their C tals Which exist at altitude. to 60,000 feet. Studies of the winds end the physical a and rese&roh rookets. a t very high altitudes have only reoently lability of such agents a ionization, the sr lere Approved For Release 2001/04/02 itutta balloons r 113/9 layer of n to radio tx*neniio pPgiR00560R000100020012-7 q)linarlon Approved For Reese 2001/04/02 : CIA-koP81R41160R000100020012-7 Were t ht ten ears age discover well understood the past le concept of the or layer has been ebengec at It split. sometimes into two levers of i known 9 1.1 sa4 14. Recent tsst.utt].ising these layers have sb usingpossibl, to transmit as far as lODO si3es * al 11111 frequineies. This is totally opposed to the previous well accepted opinion that maxims VBI *ion distance was limited to "line of sight. It oDecure. for aenturies St. Alm 0 crye 00%019 in 00 been re ele s but its nature Is not known. charge corona discharge and Aurera smile axe catalogued in 6 'misty of forms but their exmat nature le unknown. The movement of vortices of smoke particle., clouds of mo&ture and los crystals will cause changes electrostaticin potential and say be affeated by the earths magnetic a . Approved For Release 2001 /04/O2 R00560R000100020012-7 ? Approved ForRelose2001/0 ,ETA:RDP81 Roe OR000100020012-7 OS o and g stably affect atiaospiertc phenomena 11421 in daily ban the i from outer space Is many thousand of times Area produced, by atomic bomb blast*. This let could be extended at length. Bunt of the nature and controlling factors of all of above is lama. to soy. our gnor Rifest* of interaction betw*en these natural i,h,neaena and radio I materiel In the air can only be conjecture optical or r*dar sightings caused bye**. occurrence csnnot be predicted mass of unssus3. possible. ? Their There is some strength to the hotbests that many of the unexplained tings of TJOs may be electromagnetic or electrostatic in character. ore lug this hype% Abs nee of eoi.md, alt ntly saving rapidly in the Phenomena are apparently affeotd by shock waves or t radiation of aircraft. Report* of erratic cp,ration of varioMS kinds of instruments In Approved For Release 2001/04/02 :""Cia-ADP81R00560R000100020012-7 Approved For Rel se 2commil4-RDp81R0040R000100020012-7 the vicinity of sightings. Sighting* e wha* the lookground Tere we rw eat of even and, we still ars left with oboe ml; Los e and 0 time oust had tsen n*!Ussb), motions that might be tenable. of incredible ort* from credible Approved For Release 2001/04/02: CIA-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7