UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP81R00560R000100020008-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 12, 2001
• Sequence Number: 8
• Publication Date: December 9, 1952
• Content Type: MF

Approved For R se 2001/0DP81 R0 0
2 1952
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence
THRU : Deputy Director for Intelligence
SUBJECT : Unidentified Flying Objects
1. On 20 August, the DCI, after a briefing by OSI on the above
subject, directed the preparation of an NSCID for submission to the
Council stating the need for investigation and directing agencies
concerned to cooperate in such investigations.
2. In attempting to draft such a directive and the supporting
staff studies, it became apparent to DD/I, Acting AD/SI and AD/IC
that the problem was largely a research and development problem, and
it was decided by DD/I to attempt to initiate action through R&DB.
A conference was held between DI/USAF, Chairman of R&DB, DD/I, Acting
AD/SI and AD/IC at which time it was decided that Dr. Whitman, Chairman
of R&DB, would investigate the possibility of undertaking research and
development studies through Air Force agencies.
3. On approximately 6 November, we were advised by Chairman,
R&DB, that inquiries in the Air Staff did not disclose "undue concern"
over this matter, but that it had been referred to the Air Defense
Command for consideration. No further word has been received from
R&DB.
4. Recent reports reaching CIA indicated that further action was
desirable and another briefing by the cognizant A-2 and ATIC personnel
was held on 25 November.. At this time, the reports of incidents convince
us that there is something going on that must have immediate attention.
The details of some of these incidents have been discussed by AD/SI
with DDCI. Sightings of unexplained objects at great altitudes and
travelling at high speeds in the vicinity of major U.S. defense in-
stallations are of such nature that they are not attributable to
natural phenomena or known types of aerial vehicles.
5. OSI is proceeding to the establishment of a consulting group 25X1A
of sufficient competence and stature to review this matter and convince
the responsible authorities in the community that immediate research
and development on this subject must'be undertaken. This can be done
expeditiously under the aegis of
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6. Attached hereto is a draft memorandum to the NSC and a simple
draft NSC Directive establishing this matter as a priority project
throughout the intelligence and the defense research and development
community.
25X1A
`H. MARSHALL CHAD'WELL
Assistant Director
Scientific Intelligence
Attachments:
Draft memo to NSC with
draft Directive
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TO.,
Security Council.
Objects (Flyi Saucers
1. Tk* Centiul Intelligence Agency has reviewed the o.rr ut,
situation concerning unidentified flying objects which have c; -',sect
extensive speculation in the press aui have been the subiect of
concern to Government or as izatious. The Air Force, vithhi*t the
limitations of eaanpover which could be devvt+ed to the subject., has
thus far carried the full responsibility for investigating and
analyzing indtvidhuul reports of sightings. Since 1947, apPrOxl -
n ately 2000 official reports of sightings have been received
and,, of these, about are as yet unexplaia d.
2. It is ay view that this situation has possible implications
for our national security which tx.sccnd the interests of a ffi
service. A broader, coort mated effort should be initiated to
develop a firm scientific underataaadic of the several
which apparently are involve:. in tries rupors, and to i-sauree
ourselves that the incidents wtii not butt our present efforts
in the Cold + ar or confuse o?ir e riy wr rnix-g systea in case of
an attaac ,.
3-- 1 therefore ree d that this ,A: cncy and the agencies
of the Department of Defense be dirtat::l to formulate and. carry
out a ; ro# ?am of inteliigcuae and roos,: cb activities required to
solve the problem of instant positive identification of vn c enti-
fied flying objects. 4. draft of an appropriate diraetive le
attached..
Walter a. Smith
Director
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DRAFT
NATIA.
CECIL I)TRB`L"fm
objects
Pursuant to the provisions of Section l( of the Neatioal
Security Act of 1947 and for the purposes amn aciated in Para,-
ra >s d and e thereof, the National Security Council hexer
authorizes and directs that:
1. The Director of Central Intelligence Oba:l for eul .te
An carry out a plea of intalli ^,Emce and rese a rah ac wivl -
ties as required to solve the p bles of instant positl.ve
ident ficatioa of unidentified fiyine objects.
2. Upon well. of the Director of Central intellienae,
Government departments and agencies shall provide assistance
in, this pror;ram of intellieenee and. research to the extent
of their capacity provided, howvver, that the DCI sal
avoid duplication of aativtties presently diir*cteed toward
the solution of this problem.
Tills effort shall be coordinated with the military
services and the Research and Development Board of the
. rtment of Defense, with the Psychological Strategy
board and other Ooveromntal agencies as appropriate.
4. The Director of Central Intelligence shall dis-
seminate information a ncerning the prograa of intelligence
and research activities in this field to the various de-
partments -d agencies which Dave authorized interest therein.
lassified OC by
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 ROUTING AND RECORD SHEET
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EC A-RDP81 RO OR000100020008-2
R'0~' f~Od'~20F(JI8 t2TING OFFICE
FORM NO. Approved For Release 2001/04/0 4-RDP81 R00560
FEB 1950