59_64634_711.5612[7-2852
Official description
This two page memorandum, dated July 28, 1952, relates to increased reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Included in the record are possible explanations of increased sightings, such as technological improvements, historical records of UFOs, and U.S. Air Force opinions on UFOs.
✦ AI summary
A short 2-page declassified memorandum dated 28 July 1952 (NND 852931). Page 1 is a cover note from an unnamed Air Force staffer to "Mr. Armstrong," relaying that Paul Nitze had asked what the Air Force thought about flying saucers, and forwarding a summary given by General Samford at the IAC (Intelligence Advisory Committee) meeting for use at the next morning meeting. Page 2 is the substantive memo, "Subject: Flying Saucers," summarizing General John A. Samford's response: the phenomenon remains a "complete enigma," though similar sightings have been reported for over 100 years; the recent spike in reports is attributed mainly to improved observation/reporting methods (including radar and civilian/military pilot reporting systems) plus press attention giving it "fad" characteristics. Samford stated "credible observers are reporting the incredible," and that while radar contacts might partly be "electronic fluke," they are too often corroborated by pilot visual observation to dismiss entirely. The Air Force regards flying saucers as a threat only insofar as they remain unexplained and frequent enough to warrant continued attention; Samford did not address whether they might be man-made or controlled (friend or foe), but the memo's author notes his remarks implied this possibility was too remote to be seriously considered.
Generated with AI from the official file — may contain errors.
▸Transcript(2 of 2 pages legible)
[PAGE 1] A.F. July 28, 1952. MEMORANDUM. To: Mr. Armstrong. Paul Nitze asked me what the Air Force thought about the flying saucers, and I suspect that the others would be interested. I recommend, therefore, that you pass on the gist of the attached at the morning meeting tomorrow. Samford gave it to me at the IAC. F.H. Att. DECLASSIFIED NND 852931 [PAGE 2] July 28, 1952. MEMORANDUM. Subject: Flying Saucers. General Samford, [in response to my inquiry], said that there is very little that can be said to clarify the flying saucer business: it is still a complete enigma. He did, however, point out that phenomena falling within the general description of flying saucers have actually been known to exist and have been reported one way or another for over 100 years. The increase in observation and in reporting and publicity on the subject is probably attributable in the main to vastly improved methods of observation and reporting, including not only radar but the reporting systems used by civilian and military pilots. It is also attributable in some measure to the publicity which is given it, which takes on certain elements of a "fad." There is no question, according to Samford, that "credible observers are reporting the incredible." The radar observation may have elements of "electronic fluke," but is sufficiently tied in with pilot observation so that it cannot be attributed entirely to this. The Air Force views the flying saucers as a threat only because they are not understood and because they are sufficiently frequent as a phenomena to mean that they will give great attention to them until they understand them. General Samford did not say anything about the possibility that they were man-made or controlled, friend or foe, but the whole implication of his remarks was that this possibility was too remote to be seriously considered. F.H. DECLASSIFIED NND 852931
Generated with AI from the official file — may contain errors.
Source: U.S. Department of War / AARO — public domain · war.gov/ufo
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