Panel Robertson: rapporti UFO della CIA, 1952-53

[PAGE 1] [Diagram: brown file-folder cover; labels read "HS/HC 475 Flying Objects", a DECLASSIFIED stamp "Authority: NND 917075", and "RG 263 CIA E FOLDER 90" with a handwritten "10"; no running text] [PAGE 2] SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION FEDERAL CIVIL DEFENSE ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON 25, D. C. OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR APR 18 1953 Mr. Richard D. Drain Secretary Intelligence Advisory Committee 2430 E Street, N. W. Washington 25, D. C. Dear Mr. 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 March 13. The conclusions of the Panel and its recommendations, particularly in terms of public education, are of considerable 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 discussion of the subject on a mutually satisfactory date. Sincerely, Val Peterson [Stamp: THE C.I.A. HAS NO OBJECTION TO THE DECLASSIFICATION OF THIS DOCUMENT. AUTHORITY: HR 70-3. REVIEWER 0233768 DATE 7 JUN 91] 400164 SECRET SECURITY INFORMATION [PAGE 3] SECRET Security Information 13 March 1953 Mr. Edward T. Dickinson Vice Chairman, National Security Resources Board Room 211 Executive Office Building Washington 25, D. C. Dear Mr. Dickinson: The Director of Central Intelligence has asked that you be furnished a copy of the attached report prepared by a panel of scientists on the subject of "Unidentified Flying Objects." This panel was convened at the direction of General Smith, following the recommendation of the Intelligence Advisory Committee The conclusions and recommendations may be of interest to you, in that they point out certain potential dangers to national security which are related to the subject and suggest ways of their elimination. Although this Agency does not consider problems arising from sightings of "flying saucers" primarily its concern, we shall be pleased to assist in any appropriate action that you may deem advisable. Copies of this report are also being sent to the Secretary of Defense and to the ~~Chairman, National Security Resources Board~~ Federal Civil Defense Administration. Sincerely yours, RICHARD D. DRAIN Secretary Intelligence Advisory Committee Enclosure Distribution: Orig. and 1 - Addressee 1 - DD/I 1 - Admin Files 1 - AD/SI 1 - Del [Stamp: This document has been approved for release through the HISTORICAL REVIEW PROGRAM of the Central Intelligence Agency. Date 7 JUN 91 HRP 89-2] [Stamp: This material contains information affecting the national defense of the United States within the meaning of the espionage laws, Title 18, USC, Secs. 793 and 794, and transmission or revelation of which in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by...] 400164 SECRET Security Information [PAGE 4] SECRET Security Information 13 March 1953 The Honorable The Secretary of Defense Department of Defense Washington 25, D. C. Dear Mr. Secretary: The Director of Central Intelligence has asked that you be furnished a copy of the attached report prepared by a panel of scientists on the subject of "Unidentified Flying Objects." This panel was convened at the direction of General Smith, following the recommendation of the Intelligence Advisory Committee. The conclusions and recommendations may be of interest to you, in that they point out certain potential dangers to national security, which are related to the subject and suggest ways of their elimination. Although this Agency does not consider problems arising from sightings of "flying saucers" primarily its concern, we shall be pleased to assist in any appropriate action that you may deem advisable. Copies of this report are also being sent to the ~~Secretary of Defense~~ [handwritten: Federal Civil Defense Administration] and to the Chairman, National Security Resources Board. Sincerely yours, RICHARD D. DRAIN Secretary Intelligence Advisory Committee Enclosure Distribution: Orig and 1 -- Addressee 1 -- DCI 1 -- DD/I 1 -- Admin Files 1 -- AD/SI OIC:RDD:KR (13 March 1953) [Stamp: This material contains information affecting the national defense of the United States within the meaning of the espionage laws, Title 18, USC, Secs. 793 and 794, and transmission or revelation of which in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.] SECRET Security Information [PAGE 5] SECRET Security Information 13 March 1953 The Honorable Val Peterson Administrator, Federal Civil Defense Administration 1930 Columbia Road, N. W. Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Peterson: The Director of Central Intelligence has asked that you be furnished a copy of the attached report prepared by a panel of scientists on the subject of "Unidentified Flying Objects." This panel was convened at the direction of General Smith, following the recommendation of the Intelligence Advisory Committee. The conclusions and recommendations may be of interest to you, in that they point out certain potential dangers to national security, which are related to the subject and suggest ways of their elimination. Although this Agency does not consider problems arising from sightings of "flying saucers" primarily its concern, we shall be pleased to assist in any appropriate action that you may deem advisable. Copies of this report are also being sent to the Secretary of Defense and to the ~~Chairman, National Security Resources Board~~ [handwritten: Secretary of State]. Sincerely yours, RICHARD D. DRAIN Secretary Intelligence Advisory Committee Enclosure Distribution: Orig and 1 -- Addressee 1 -- DCI 1 -- DD/I 1 -- Admin Files 1 -- AD/SI OIC:RDD:KR (13 March 1953) [Stamp: This material contains information affecting the national defense of the United States within the meaning of the espionage laws, Title 18, USC, Secs. 793 and 794, and transmission or revelation of which in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.] SECRET Security Information [PAGE 6] SECRET Security Information [FORM LETTER] 12 March 1953 Mr. C. D. Jackson Special Assistant to the President The White House Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Jackson: Mr. Robert Amory, Jr., Assistant Deputy Director/Intelligence, has asked me to forward to you for your information the enclosed report "Report of the Scientific Panel on Unidentified Flying Objects", dated January 17, 1953 This report was prepared by a panel convened in January 1953 at the direction of the former Director of Central Intelligence, General Walter B. Smith, with the concurrence of the Intelligence Advisory Committee Copies are being transmitted to the Secretary of Defense; the Director, Federal Civil Defense Administration; and the Chairman, National Security Resources Board. Sincerely yours, RICHARD D. DRAIN Secretary Intelligence Advisory Committee OIC:RDD:KR (12 March 1953) cc: DD/I OSI SECRET Security Information [PAGE 7] SECRET Security Information One copy of the attached form letter sent to each of the following: Mr. Robert Cutler 224 Executive Office Building Mr. C. D. Jackson Special Assistant to the President The White House Mr. James S. Lay Executive Secretary National Security Council 302-A Executive Office Building Mr. George Morgan Psychological Strategy Board 708 Jackson Place Mr. Tracey Barnes Psychological Strategy Board 708 Jackson Place SECRET Security Information [PAGE 8] SECRET Security Information JAN 17 1953 REPORT OF THE SCIENTIFIC PANEL ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 1 of the Panel's report (summary of findings, 17 January 1953) — the consultants state they reviewed Air Technical Intelligence Center evidence and best-documented incidents; they conclude the phenomena pose no direct physical threat, no evidence of hostile foreign artifacts, no need to revise science, and that continued reporting emphasis itself burdens national security channels.] [Stamp: This document has been approved for release through the HISTORICAL REVIEW PROGRAM of the Central Intelligence Agency. Date 7 JUN 91 HRP 89-2] 400164 SECRET [PAGE 9] SECRET Security Information [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 2 of the Panel's report (summary of findings) — concludes the danger of hysteria and distrust of authority; recommends stripping the objects of special status and mystery, and an integrated program of public education and training to reassure the public and recognize true hostile indications.] /s/ H. P. Robertson, Chairman California Institute of Technology /s/ Luis W. Alvarez University of California /s/ Lloyd V. Berkner Associated Universities, Inc. /s/ S. A. Goudsmit Brookhaven National Laboratories /s/ Thornton Page Johns Hopkins University SECRET -2- [PAGE 10] SECRET Security Information TAB B SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY PANEL ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS 14 - 17 January 1953 EVIDENCE PRESENTED 1. Seventy-five case histories of sightings 1951 - 1952 (selected by ATIC as those best documented). 2. ATIC Status and Progress Reports of Project GRUDGE and Project BLUE BOOK (code names for ATIC study of subject). 3. Progress Reports of Project STORK (code name for Battelle Memorial 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 "Green Fireball" Phenomena (Project TWINKLE). 6. Outline of Investigation of U.F.O.'s 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 FLYOBRPT", 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 Paths and Relation to Reported Sightings. 13. 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. SECRET Security Information [PAGE 11] SECRET Security Information TAB B 16. Motion picture of seagulls in bright sunlight showing high reflectivity. 17. Intelligence Reports Relating to U.S.S.R. Interest in U. S. Sightings. 18. Samples of Official USAF Reporting Forms and Copies of Pertinent Air Force, Army and Navy Orders Relating to Subject. 19. Sample Polyethylene "Pillow" Balloon (54 inches square). 20. "Variations in Radar Coverage", JANP 101 (Manual illustrating unusual operating characteristics of Service radar). 21. Miscellaneous official letters and foreign intelligence reports dealing with subject. 22. Copies of popular published works dealing with subject (articles in periodicals, newspaper clippings and books). SECRET Security Information [PAGE 12] SECRET Security Information TAB C SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY PANEL ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS 14 - 17 January 1953 MEMBERS | ORGANIZATION | FIELD OF COMPETENCY Dr. H. P. Robertson (Chairman) | California Institute of Technology | Physics, weapons systems Dr. Luis W. Alvarez | University of California | Physics, radar Dr. Lloyd V. Berkner | Associated Universities, Inc. | Geophysics Dr. Samuel Goudsmit | Brookhaven National Laboratories | Atomic structure, statistical problems Dr. Thornton Page | Office of Research Operations, Johns Hopkins University | Astronomy, Astrophysics ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Dr. J. Allen Hynek | Ohio State University | Astronomy Mr. Frederick C. Durant | Arthur D. Little, Inc. | Rockets, guided missiles INTERVIEWEES Brig. Gen. William M. Garland | Commanding General, ATIC | Scientific and technical intelligence Dr. H. Marshall Chadwell | Assistant Director, O/SI, CIA | Scientific and technical intelligence Mr. Ralph L. Clark | Deputy Assistant Director, O/SI, CIA | Scientific and technical intelligence SECRET Security Information [PAGE 13] SECRET Security Information TAB C INTERVIEWEES (con't) | ORGANIZATION | FIELD OF COMPETENCY Mr. Philip G. Strong | Chief, Operations Staff, O/SI, CIA | Scientific and technical intelligence Mr. Stephan T. Possony | Acting Chief, Special Study Group, D/I USAF | Scientific and technical intelligence Capt. Edward J. Ruppelt, USAF | Chief, Aerial Phenomena Branch, ATIC, USAF | Scientific and technical intelligence Mr. J. Dewey Fournet, Jr. | The Ethyl Corporation | Aero Eng. Lt. R. S. Neasham, USN | USN Photo Interpretation Laboratory, Anacostia | Photo interpretation Mr. Harry Woo | USN Photo Interpretation Laboratory, Anacostia | Photo interpretation SECRET Security Information [PAGE 14] S-E-C-R-E-T Security Information IAC-D-67 18 February 1953 INTELLIGENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 1 of IAC-D-67 memorandum from the committee secretary, James Q. Reber — transmits the panel report with Tabs B and C, proposes sending copies to Defense, Civil Defense and NSRB, states no NSC intelligence directive is warranted, and sets 25 February 1953 for objections.] JAMES Q. REBER Secretary [Handwritten notes at bottom: a note that Mrs. Powell called 24 Feb relaying distribution of copies to Cutler, Lay, C. D. Jackson, Tracey Barnes and George Morgan; a margin note about Air Force needing a few more days; other handwriting partly illegible.] S-E-C-R-E-T IAC-D-67 18 February 1953 [PAGE 15] SECRET Security Information [handwritten: file OSI] REPORT OF MEETINGS OF SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY PANEL ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS CONVENED BY OFFICE OF SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE, CIA January 14 - 18, 1953 F. C. DURANT SECRET Security Information [PAGE 16] SECRET Security Information INDEX Page Purpose 1 Part I: History of Meetings of Panel 1 Part II: Comments and Suggestions of Panel 7 General 7 On Lack of Danger 8 Air Force Reporting System 9 Artifacts of Extraterrestrial Origin 10 Tremonton, Utah, Sighting 11 Potential Related Dangers 15 Geographic Locations of Unexplained Sightings 15 Instrumentation to Obtain Data 16 Radar Problem of Mutual Interference 18 Unexplained Cosmic Ray Phenomena 19 Educational Program 19 Unofficial Investigating Groups 23 Increase in Number of Sightings 24 Report of Panel Tab A List of Personnel Concerned with Meetings Tab B List of Documentary Evidence Presented Tab C SECRET Security Information [PAGE 17] SECRET Security Information PART II: COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS OF PANEL GENERAL [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 7 of the meeting report (General comments) — panel members note the lack of sound data and slow follow-up in case histories, list significant cases discussed (Bellefontaine, Tremonton, Great Falls, Yaak, Washington D.C., Haneda, Port Huron, Presque Isle), and conclude most sightings could be explained.] SECRET Security Information -7- [PAGE 18] SECRET Security Information [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 8 of the meeting report — notes no single explanation fits most sightings and that specialists in other fields would help; under heading ON LACK OF DANGER, the panel unanimously finds no direct threat and discusses World War II "Foo Fighters" and Griggs.] SECRET Security Information -8- [PAGE 19] SECRET Security Information AIR FORCE REPORTING SYSTEM [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 9 of the meeting report — concludes that Air Force concern was partly caused by public pressure, that its reporting channel gathers mass low-grade reports that overload communications, and that deemphasis is needed, with educational ideas to follow.] SECRET Security Information -9- [PAGE 20] SECRET Security Information ARTIFACTS OF EXTRATERRESTRIAL ORIGIN [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 10 of the meeting report — compares the saucer problem with 1943-44 wartime intelligence on German V-weapons, notes the lack of any recovered hardware from sightings, and begins discussion of extraterrestrial origin with Fournet's presentation.] SECRET Security Information -10- [PAGE 21] SECRET Security Information TREMONTON, UTAH, SIGHTING [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 11 of the meeting report — Fournet's cases judged raw reports; Goudsmit and Page remarks on extraterrestrial artifacts; under TREMONTON, UTAH, SIGHTING, the panel reviews roughly 1600 frames of Kodachrome film and the Navy photo laboratory's analysis.] SECRET Security Information -11- [PAGE 22] SECRET Security Information [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 12 of the meeting report — continues the Tremonton film discussion: Navy analysts judged the objects self-luminous, but the panel rejected that, citing reflections from semi-spherical objects, likely birds or balloons, and the seagull film, with three listed reasons.] SECRET Security Information -12- [PAGE 23] SECRET Security Information [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 13 of the meeting report — items d through j of the panel's critique of the Navy Tremonton analysis: Great Falls objects probably aircraft reflections, intensity changes, duplicate film used, faulty light measurement methods and missing Kodachrome sensitivity data.] SECRET Security Information -13- [PAGE 24] SECRET Security Information [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 14 of the meeting report — item k about hand jitter in the film plots; panel says further tests with balloons and ornithologists could identify Tremonton, but explaining every one of the roughly 1,900 reports in 1952 is unjustified, and the burden of proof lies with the sighter.] SECRET Security Information -14- [PAGE 25] SECRET Security Information POTENTIAL RELATED DANGERS GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS OF UNEXPLAINED SIGHTINGS [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 15 of the meeting report — lists related dangers (misidentifying enemy artifacts, overloaded reporting channels, mass hysteria and psychological warfare) and starts discussing the ATIC map of 1952 unexplained sightings clustered near strategic areas such as Los Alamos.] SECRET Security Information -15- [PAGE 26] SECRET Security Information INSTRUMENTATION TO OBTAIN DATA [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 16 of the meeting report — finishes the sighting-cluster discussion with no ready explanation; then judges ATIC's plan for 100 inexpensive stereo cameras and Project Twinkle's results of little value, and discusses amateur astronomer sky patrols.] SECRET Security Information -16- [PAGE 27] SECRET Security Information [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 17 of the meeting report — notes that much of the sky is already under astronomical surveillance, with no striking unidentified object known to Page or Hynek, and lists observatories and directors (Harvard/Whipple, Yerkes, Alaska, Ottawa, Palomar, Lick).] SECRET Security Information -17- [PAGE 28] SECRET Security Information RADAR PROBLEM OF MUTUAL INTERFERENCE [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 18 of the meeting report — panel rejects a government nationwide optical sky patrol, favors radar-scope cameras, and under RADAR PROBLEM OF MUTUAL INTERFERENCE explains false fast tracks, with Berkner's doppler filter and Alvarez's controlled jitter proposals.] SECRET Security Information -18- [PAGE 29] SECRET Security Information UNEXPLAINED COSMIC RAY PHENOMENA EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 19 of the meeting report — finishes the radar-interference proposal; two cosmic ray counter cases (Palomar 1949, Los Alamos 1950-51) are attributed to instrument effects; the educational program is introduced with training and debunking aims.] SECRET Security Information -19- [PAGE 30] SECRET Security Information [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 20 of the meeting report — describes training levels for radar operators, pilots and observers, and a debunking aim using television, films and articles to reduce public interest and vulnerability to propaganda; suggests psychologists, naming Hadley Cantril, advise.] SECRET Security Information -20- [PAGE 31] SECRET Security Information [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 21 of the meeting report — suggests consultants and media channels for the educational program (psychologists, an advertising expert, a Navy special devices center, film producers, amateur astronomers) and says ATIC would need to be integrated into planning.] SECRET Security Information -21- [PAGE 32] SECRET Security Information [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 22 of the meeting report — states ATIC would need some expansion; lists Captain Ruppelt's unofficial staffing proposal (analyst panel, investigators, briefing, liaison, weather and astronomy officers); estimates the program might need one and a half to two years.] SECRET Security Information [page number illegible] [PAGE 33] SECRET Security Information UNOFFICIAL INVESTIGATING GROUPS [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 23 of the meeting report — controlled balloon experiments, a small ATIC section for residual cases and training films; under UNOFFICIAL INVESTIGATING GROUPS, the panel notes civilian saucer groups (Los Angeles, Wisconsin) and says they should be watched.] SECRET Security Information -23- [PAGE 34] SECRET Security Information INCREASE IN NUMBER OF SIGHTINGS [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 24 of the meeting report — finishes the civilian-groups paragraph, warning of their influence on mass thinking and possible subversive use; the panel expects sightings to increase again that summer.] F. C. DURANT III SECRET Security Information -24- [PAGE 35] DOCUMENT WITHDRAWAL NOTICE ACCESS RESTRICTED DOCUMENT NO. 400165 DATED 16 FEB 53 HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN FROM THIS FILE AND IS LOCATED IN: CIA JOB NO. 84T00286R BOX NO. 4 FOLDER NO. HS/HC 475 (10) 6 pp -- Memo THIS ITEM HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN BECAUSE IT CONTAINS SECURITY CLASSIFIED INFORMATION OR OTHERWISE RESTRICTED INFORMATION. NATIONAL SECURITY ACT OF 1947 CIA ACT OF 1949 AS AMENDED AUTHORITY FORM 8-90 4409 [PAGE 36] [handwritten: Scientific Intell. - Flying Saucers; ER-3-3971] RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD WASHINGTON 25, D. C. SECURITY INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL 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, S/Walter G. Whitman WALTER G. WHITMAN Chairman Enclosure (1) Mr. Loftus E. Becker Deputy Director for Intelligence Central Intelligence Agency 2430 E Street, N.W. Washington 25, D. C. (This document may be declassified upon removal of Confidential Attachment.) [Stamp: THE C.I.A. HAS NO OBJECTION TO THE DECLASSIFICATION OF THIS DOCUMENT. AUTHORITY: HR 70-2. REVIEWER 0233768 DATE 7 JUN 91] SECURITY INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL 400166 [PAGE 37] SECURITY INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD WASHINGTON 25, D. C. 4 November 1952 MEMORANDUM FOR CHAIRMAN, RDB SUBJECT: Radar Phantoms [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: memorandum of 4 November 1952 from Brig. Gen. Alfred R. Maxwell, USAF — interim report saying the Air Staff shows no undue concern over radar phantoms, the Air Defense Command is studying them, and scientists increasingly find the subject respectable to study.] ALFRED R. MAXWELL Brig. General, USAF Air Force Secretary [handwritten: ER-3-3971; 20 Oct] SECURITY INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 38] SECRET Security Information 13 October 1952 MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director (Intelligence) SUBJECT: Flying Saucers [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 1 of a 13 October 1952 memorandum on Flying Saucers — notes Air Force concern over possible attack or exploitation of confusion, explanation of all but 20 percent of 1500 sightings, OSI's view that fundamental research is needed, and lists scientific intelligence problems.] [Stamp: This document has been approved for release through the HISTORICAL REVIEW PROGRAM of the Central Intelligence Agency. Date 7 JUN 91 HRP 89-2] [Stamp: DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 917075 By Q. Fugle NARA Date 7/31/97] 400167 SECRET Security Information [PAGE 39] SECRET Security Information 5. Conclusions: [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: page 2 of the 13 October 1952 Flying Saucers memorandum — conclusions say fundamental research is a Defense Department responsibility, the DCI should write Secretary Lovett, psychological warfare planning is premature, and a public policy on hysteria awaits the national estimate; handwritten edits.] JAMES Q. REBER Assistant Director Intelligence Coordination [Stamp: DECLASSIFIED Authority NND 917075 By Q. Fugle NARA Date 7/31/97] SECRET Security Information [PAGE 40] SECRET Security Information DRAFT COVER SHEET INTELLIGENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Flying Unidentified Objects (Flying Saucers) [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: draft IAC cover sheet — says a proposed DCI letter to Secretary Lovett recommends fundamental scientific research on the nature and causes of flying saucers, and recommends IAC concurrence and Watch Committee attention to Russian actions and US public opinion; handwritten note.] [Stamp: This document has been approved for release through the HISTORICAL REVIEW PROGRAM of the Central Intelligence Agency. Date 7 JUN 91 HRP 89-2] 400168 SECRET Security Information [PAGE 41] SECRET Security Information DRAFT LETTER MEMORANDUM FOR: Secretary of Defense [handwritten: alternatively: The NSC] SUBJECT: Unidentified Flying Objects (Flying Saucers) [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: draft letter to the Secretary of Defense — says the Air Force has carried investigation of about 1500 reports since 1947, roughly 20 percent unexplained, and recommends an expanded Defense scientific research program with close cooperation from intelligence agencies; right edge torn.] SECRET Security Information [PAGE 42] DOCUMENT WITHDRAWAL NOTICE ACCESS RESTRICTED DOCUMENT NO. 400169 DATED 17 JAN 53 HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN FROM THIS FILE AND IS LOCATED IN: CIA JOB NO. 84T00286R BOX NO. 4 FOLDER NO. HS/HC 475 (10) 25 pp -- Report & attached memos THIS ITEM HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN BECAUSE IT CONTAINS SECURITY CLASSIFIED INFORMATION OR OTHERWISE RESTRICTED INFORMATION. NATIONAL SECURITY ACT OF 1947 CIA ACT OF 1949 AS AMENDED AUTHORITY FORM 8-90 4409