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SUBJECT
Publicity on Flying Saucer Incidents
SUMMARY
1. The U.S. Air Force collects and evaluates all information on "flying saucers."
A special project has been in progress since early 1948 wherein a detailed, technical analysis on all data is being made to ascertain origin and identification of "flying saucers." Meanwhile the Directorate of Intelligence has completed a preliminary analysis of "flying saucer" incidents to establish possible explanations.
2. At the present time evaluation of these reports has progressed only to the
extent that we must accept that some type of flying objests have been observed although their identification and origin are not yet discernible. We, therefore, conclude that insufficient data is available to date to warrant any further action except continuing attempts to determine the nature and origin of these objects.
3. There is increasing pressure on the part of the U.S. Press to publicise "flying
saucer" incidents. The Director of Intelligence, USAF, has
attempted to dissuade the Press from publishing articles of this nature. It has been
pointed out to the Press that these articles would necessarily be speculative in nature
and would probably result in a flood of reports, making the problem of analysis and
evaluation of "flying saucer" reports increasingly difficult. Despite our
efforts to limit this publicity the Saturday Evening Post has directed a member of their staff, a Mr. Sidney Shallet, to write an article dealing with "flying saucer" incidents. Mr. Shallet has approached the Directorate of Intelligence for assistance in the preparation of this article. It is believed that an article of this nature would be less harmful to the national interests if the Directorate of Intelligence assists in its preparation.
RECOMMENDATION
1. That inquiring agencies be informed that the Air Force is investigating care-
fully all valid reports of flying objects.
2. That the attached
memorandum to Mr. Forrestal (Tab A), requesting
authority to
assist the Press, upon request, in the preparation of such articles, be signed.
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Incl
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C.P. CABELL
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Tab A
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Major General, USAF
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Director of Intelligence, Office
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of Deputy Chief of Staff,
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Operations
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