PROJECT 1947

Russian announcements have been made that she will have atomic bombs for experimental use by the summer 1947. This may be propaganda or it may be true.

Numerous reports come from Sweden that long range missiles frequently pass overhead. The first was noted on 24 May. Since then they have increased in number with the heaviest fire on 12 August, when the missiles were fired by volleys. Similar missiles have been occasionally observed over Denmark, Norway and Finland.

No reliable information is at hand regarding Russian fire over Scandinavia countries. It seems certain that Russia has reopened the former German experimental station for guided missiles which had been established near Stettin. Whether or not any or all of the German scientists who formerly operated the station are now in Russian employ is unknown.

A Russian circular issued at Berlin charged that Germany had plans for a rocket having a range of 2,400 miles. Assumptions have been made that this is what the Russians are using. The general direction of fire from the Stettin area points towards Novaya Zemlya. The range to those islands in round number varies from 2,400 to 2,800 miles. It is possible that fire towards that generally desolate waste has been undertaken. The Russian circular claims that the rocket levels off at an elevation of 70,000 feet, at which altitude the velocity is said to be 1 1/4 miles per second,

Since Sweden reports noting volleys, there must be a number of launching devices on hand. Sweden observers have also reported seeing missiles turn around, while others were noted coming southwards. This indicates guided missiles.

The general impression is that the fire is experimental.