PROJECT BLUE BOOK

RETURN TO

USAF Historical Archives
ASI(ASHAF-A)

Maxwell AFB, Ala 36112

71-3745 — SEH...
1003829

STATISTICS FOR CALENDAR ¥}

1 Jan = 31 Dec 1 Jan - 31 Dec 1 Jan - 31 Dec

1956 1957 1956

L OBI Z i OBJ 4 4 OBY z TOPAL 7 —
Astro 205 26.3 326 2] ef 197 33 eb 728 28.50
Aircraft 192 2), «6 286 2h 2 110 18.6 53% 23 200
Balloons 203 26.0 205 17-7 65 11.5 430 19.12
Insuff Data 109 Mel 165 Li ol; 104 17 26 382 14.96
Other 52 6.8 168 14.3 55 16.1 315 12.33
satellites ll 1.9 li Ooh
Unidentified ~~: & 202 - 8 1.7 a 3 “9 __ii2 1.65

778 1178 590 2546

LEGEND

Cong Requests

Reports —
Analysis —
Information Result-
ing from Reports -—
Coordination
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AFCIN
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| HQ ARDBE
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OTHER GOVT
AGENCIES

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FLOW CHART
(PROPOSED)
CONGRESS
| gencaanaaeseneins CIVIL
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PROJECT USAF
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= HEADQUARTERS ’

AIR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COMMAND

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

Andrews Air Force Base
Washington 25, D.C.

REPLY TO

ATTN OF RDRRC

SUBJECT Transfer of USAF Aerial Phenomena Program

‘qory -N.LLY

1 HQ USAF (AFCIN)
Wash 25, D. C.

1. Reference is made to your letter of 7 December
above, and to our interim reply of 23 December 1959

Ww

DUET ‘BIW 9exO%
YouUDIg SeAt

2. Our review of the USAF Aerial Phenomena Programg including the
AFCRC Study, has been completed. We find that morefthan half of the
program relates to phenomena of a non-scientific nature. The remaining
portion, while possibly associated with scientific processes, does not
include qualitative data and is therefore of limited scientific value.
Considering the quality of data available from other sources, exploitation
of the aerial phenomena observations would not significantly enhance our
research programs.

3. For the reason stated above, I do not believe that the transfer of
the USAF Aerial Phenomena Program to ARDC is in the best interest of
the Air Force.

i, 2 Ce fra + Copy to:

AA ritTant TH n
44.245 FERGUSON AFCRC
Major General, USAF

Vice Commander

eupgect: (U0) Teanefer of USAF Aerial Phenomens Program

TOs Lt Gen Bernard A. Uchriever
Aiy Research-Developmert Command
Andrews AFB
Washington 25, Deus

Le Reference Air Force Kegulation Nr 200-2, Subject, “Unidentificd
Plying Ovjecte (UrO),” dated 14 September 1959.

2. km 1947 the USAF assumed reeponsibdbility for « program of
investigation and analysis of wmidentified flying objects over
the United States. This progrom waa Gesigned to determine if
these phenomenk represented « threat to our national security.

AG ite inception the program was directed toward determining
firet, ig these phenomena vere Hostile, and second, had any
popsible ecientific value. A tertiary objective wae to determine
the mature of each of these reported objecta.

i. With the passage of time there hae been no indication that
Lhese phenomena were hostile or posed a threat to the security

of the United otates. After review of the twelve year record of
the Wo progrem it is clear that the program hag developed along
lines progrescively more remote from inteliicence interests.
Hewever during the Life of the project there have seen indications
ef poesible ecientific value. Cur experience vith this propran
indicates exploitation may be desirable in the following eactientif!
and/or technical aress:

&. Slow moving ané erratic meteors. «. Radar.

bo. Fireballs. f. Static electricity.
¢. Space vehicles (general). &. Meteorology.
a. Miseiles. h. Upper air piryysics.

+. it is my opinion that any future value to the Air Force Llics in
exploitetion of these phenomens for acientific purposes rather thu:
ae an intelligence function. With your concurrence I propose to

initiate action to trensfer the aerial phenomena progres which now

involves three full-time USAF pergonmel and one sc'entific consultan’

to much agency vithin your commend thet you my deem eopropriste.
COORDINATION

AFCIN-4E4

AFCIN-4E

AFCIN-4

AY +> | 5 “<9

(U) Tranemittal of Letter

PCIN (Major General Welsh)

me attached letter is forwarded for your approval and

tca

Letter to AND

SUBJECT: (U) ‘Transfer of USAF Aerial Phenomene Program

TO: Lt Gen Bernard A. Schriever
Air Research-Development Command
Andrewe AFB

Washington 25, D.C.

le Reference Air Force Regulation Nr 200-2, Subject, “Unidentified
Flying Objects (UFO)," dated 14 September 1959.

2. In 1987 the USAF assumed responsibility for a program of
investigation and analysis of unidentified flying objects over
the United States. This program was designed to determine if
these phenomene represented a threat to our national security.

At its inception the program was directed toward determining
first, if these phenomena were hostile, and second, had any
possible scientific value. A tertiary objective was to determine
the nature of each of these reported objects.

3. With the passage of time there has been no indication that
these phenomena were hostile or posed a threat to the security

of the United States. After review of the twelve year record of
the UFO program it is clear that the program has developed along
lines progressively more remote from intelligence interests.
However during the life of the project there have been indications
of possible scientific value. Our experience with this program
indicates exploitation may be desirable in the following scientific
and/or technical areas:

a. Slow moving and erratic meteors. «. Radar.

b. Fireballs. f. Static electricity.
c. Space vehicles (general). @. Meteorology.
a. Missiles. h. Upper air physics.

4, It is my opinion that any future value to the Air Force lies in
exploitation of these phenomena for scientific purposes rather thar
as an intelligence function. With your concurrence I propose to
initiate action to transfer the aerial phenomena program which now
involves three full-time USAF personnel and one scientific consultant
to such agency within your command that you my deem appropriate.

REFERRAL NOTICE

SUBJECT (or identification)

(Unel) Trans

DATE

7 Wy

arch 1960

SUSPENSE DATE

fer of USAF Aerial Phenomena Program None
FROM: , es ,
Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence, PlA
TO:
T SS er T ===> — 3 ies
| AFCIN-X : _|_ APCINGT - | | AFC IN: 2 AFCIN-3 ' APCIN- KA AE Jao]
AFCIN-X1 AFC IN-~XN
+ —_—}-—_——— _ + - = a - . ———_ —_ —___~#
AFCIN-X2 AFCIN-Y
-_ —_ 2 _ | ' _ 4 — } —— =
AFCIN-X3
t —— Mi weep Oy - poaapenenls
AFCIN-X4
AFCIN-XS ae = i
ATTENTION:
TYPE OF ACTION 2 ie uae
—7 —_——_—_— T —_ a - — a SL — SE
PREPARATION OF APPROPRIATE FORWARDING ACTION ASSIGNED TO:
APPROPRIATE ACTION CORRE OPONOENEE
+ —— —_ —$- _s ——$__$___—____—_— _

COMMENTS AND/OR RECOMMENDATIONS INFORMATION ON WHICH TO BASE

——— ——_—____- _— —_—_ — 4 — —

REPLY

PREPARATION OF REPLY (for signature

: a —

ACS/1| HAS/HAS NOT SEEN

NOTE AND RETURN ps ACS/Intel Ligence ) AFCIN-X HAS ORIGINAL
i : ——— — — Te
PREPARATION OF REPLY (for signature FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT
INFORMATION AND/OR FILE of Deputy, ACS/Intelligence ) (indicate name and extension)
a ~ —
PREPARATION OF REPLY (for signature
COORD INATION of:)
1 DIRECT REPLY (with copy to [| INFORMATION COPIES FORWARDED TO:
AFCIN-X )
—— 2 EE
COMMENTS (Use reverse and blank sheets if more space ia required)
le The attached letter from Hq, ARDC, dtd 5 Feb 60, su tL as above, is forwarded
for your information and continuing aot ropriate actione
2e ARDC has concluded that it is not in the best interes of the USAF for ARDC
to assume responsibility for the USAF Aerial Phenomena Prorrame
/ tistion ewan Sh Lean
‘AARON J. B 1 Atch
Colonel, USAE Ltr & ‘DC > "eb e
AFCIN-PIA Trans USAF Aerial Phenom Pro
COORDINATION (Initials, Last name and Grade) SIGNATURE wtit«*s aa Le ee r

SOW fel 2a eee a eS ee

FORM
MAR 59

AFHQ

0-86 PREViouUS EDITIONS OF THIS FORM ARE OBSOLETE.

i =

GPO 872302

SUBJECT:
TO:

Pa

9s... 1959

DRAET
UFO Program
AFCIN (General Walsh)

1. Since 1947 the Air Force, and more specifically the ATIC, has been
responsible for a program desiyned to determine if unidentified flying
objects were a national threat ar had any scientific value. This program
at its inception was designed to determine if UFO's were hostile, and had
any possible scientific value. A tertiary objective was to determine the
nature of each of these objects. With the passage of time the absence

of positive indication that these objects were hostile or had any scientific
value, and the coming of the UFOites the third objective began to take on
more stature. Today this objective has grown to such an extent that we

are fast reaching the point where the tail may wag the dog. This is a
possible great danger to the Air Force prestige and certainly © danger to
the intelligence community.

2. The attached study offers as a solution transfer of the UFO project to
ARDC with aims toward eventual complete elimination as a special project.

I concur with the views outlined in the study that such a move would be
beneficial to both the intelligence community and to the UFO program.
Disassociation with intelligence would do much to strip the aura of mystery
from the UFO program, and the same disassociation would eliminate a project
from intelligence which is more or less open to public inspection.

3- It is suggested that the attached study be approved and forwarded to
the Air Force Chief of Staff with a recommendation for consideration and

possible implementation.

CHARLES B. DOUGILN 1 Atch:

Ma jor General, USAF Study by AFCIN#)E)

STUDY BY APCINE&Ly
UNIDENTIZTD i LYING OBJeCTS © PROJECT #5771 (BLUE BOOK)

PROBLIMs 26 September 1959

1. Since the fall of 1947, bce Air Force has conducted a project designed
to determine if unidentified flying objects constitute a threat to national
security, or if they offer any scientific and/or technical information which
would be beneficial. This progrem, fer from the original intent, has become
an unproductive burden upon the Air Force, and specifically the Aerospace
Technical Intelligence Center. ihe program requires financing ond monnim
and has resulted in unfavorable publicity for the Air Force, aud again more
Specifically the Aerospace Technicel Inteliigence Center. The Air Force
neeis to eliminate tiis costly, and to date unproductive, program. Complete
@liminazation is desireable, bat it should certainly be disaseociated with the
intelligence coununity where it is extremely dengerous to prestige.

FACTORS BEARING UN Tuk PROBLEM:

2. As of 350 June 1959, after 12 years of investigating and analyzing every
unidentified flying object which wes brought to its attention, the Air Force
has accwnmulated « file of 6152 cases. The number of reports nuwaber better
than 8000, for many chjects were reported by more than one witness and from
different sources (‘ab - A)e From this vast experience with UFO's, the Air
Force hes not had ihe olightest evidence that these objects constitute s
tareat to national security, or are space vehicles controlled by man or

alien beings from another world; nor has any real seientific and/or technicel
knowledge resulted.

3- There are 50 private UFO organizations in the I whose members exploit
unidentified flyin, cbjects for financial gain, religious or cther more
devious reasons at the expense of the Air Force (Tab - B). There have been
instances when the members of these organizations have sctually competed
with the Air Force during the investigetion of a case. When not satisfied
with the Air Force handling, these private investigniors have, on occasion,
incited the witness to complain to their Congressmen. These complaints have
resulted in Congressional hearings, unfavorable publicity, sana always an
increase of the work load imposed upon the ATIC (TAB -C).

he The methods by which UlO reports are forwarded is by T\/*% or telephone
from military installations, and by letter or phone from civil organizations
or private citizens (TAB - Lb). This, wien compared with the reaction time
necessary for survival in event of an attack using modern weapons, is ridi-
culous. The ATiL interest in these objects, in view of the foregoing, can
only be its intelligence or scientific and/or teahnical significance after
successful defense action has been accomplished by another agency.

5- Approximately 50% of the effort in the UlO progrem is directed towsrd
the public relations objective.

6. Tne ATIC has a staff of turee people who work full time on the UlO
program, and there are two at GAFIS who spend considerable time with the

he eee

J6nierx Dougher
AFL Roe"

-—It is my impression that General Walsh is interested in producing
ae-waximum of eerospace intelligence with the minimum expenditure of funds
Ke He iutilivation of manpower. Toward that goal we have already witnessed

#ic ‘-

_AFOIN- 304 th

. I Have conducted a review of the functions of AFCIN-4E, and feel that

ime is now upon us when we must seriously consider whether to continue

party: ning the UFO mission. Since 1947 the Air Force, and more specifically
a has been responsible to determine the nature of unidentified flying

eeyeGts. At that time it was felt that the assignment ghovla be made to
ee igence since it was

gationel security. After 12 years experience ATIC has yet to uncover
any positive evidence that UFO's Constitute any such threat.

aerospace problem.

r a ue attached study tlearly indicates that this program has cost us
| ss n both manpower and money. It further points cut that at this time
AFOIN-de Coes not properly belong in the intelligence community, but rather it
——)thior#d be regarded as a scientific phenomenon, coming within the purview of
wi after reviewing the Study you coneur, the attached letter to
L enéexyel Walsh will be prepared in final forn.
____AFOIN-4D

2 Atchs:
1. Staff Study by keh
&.e Proposed Ltr to Gen Walsh

FILE CLASS: 24/3 -/
OFFICIAL FILE COPY

— OFFICE OF RECORD

me If inclosure._ +13 withdrawn (or
aot attached). the Classification of this epr.

__ AFOIN-4F respondence Will be downgraded lO frat k In

| cordance with whee APRZ06-1
' de ale
| ee t 7.3 |
+ = <= [P ERM L _|
| a TEMP

— ———— (*} | Talall .
a OTHERS UNCI POP TEE)
~ 90 DAYS
ATIC FORM 144 (REV 20 FEB 56)

ROUTING AND COORDINATION SHEET

AF-WP-O-20 NOV 56

25M

J y

program. fn addition to taese full time, or nearly full time people, there
are 6 great number in tne field who must meet the problems of this program
on a dey to day basis (TAB « G). Since 19)7 the program has contracted the
services of a scientific consultant in the person of Dr. J. Allen Hynek.
The annual average for Ur. Hynek's services has been $1500. In 1952 a stat-
istical study of the program was performed by a civilian contractor. This
Study Gost tne Air sorce approximtely $100,000. In addition to the above
listed expenses musi be added the operating expenses wohien can be directly
attributed to the UFO program. For all of this expense, to date we have
only bougeat @ suuil amount of coal will from a small minority of the public.

DISCUSSIONS:

7e Immediate elimination of tne program. To do this would result in dese
troying every advantuge geined in the past 12 years. Jt would not only
supply fuel for tc confirmed vurvites, but would also provide avenues for
propagandists. in aidition to arousing the confirmed UFO helievers, it
could encourage the wrath of those citizens who took no active part, but
trustec wher security in the lact that the Air Farce was on the job.

While the eventual elimination is to be sought as a goal, it must be under-
stood that the public must first be comiitioned in order that they be recepe
tive of the idea. Disbendment of the program as a project assigned to a
specific ageucy by no means infers that the Air Force will not continue this
effort. livery aency in the Air Force, as a matter of doing its part toward
accomplishment of the overall Atr Force mission, would give proper attention
to reports of any objects which may prove hostile or of intelligence and/or
scientific and technical value. ‘The only oblective which would suffer as

& result of ciiminating tais program would be the public relations aspects.

S. Remove the UFO program from the intelligence comaunity with plans for
eventusi complete eliuination following a program of public education. By
moving the project out of the intelligence community several problems asso-
ciated with the program would be eased. First, the public tends to exag-
gerate the importance of any cperation which is in any way conneeted with
military intelligence. second, it would eliminate az an intelligence res-
ponsibility © program which is open to public inspection. Third, tne pro-
eram, in the absence of potential national threat and scientific returns,
has been one mainly os public relations. The program could be moved to the
sashington area and made the direct responsibility of one of the branches
of the SAFIS. The long range plan to educate the public would use the media
of the press, television, radio, and possibly movies, to inform the public
ol the various aspects of the program. The public should be made aware of
the phenomena and/or mememade objects waich have been misidentified and
reported as UFU's. ,ithin the limits of security, all rocket, setellite
launching, etc., should be made public knowledge. The public should be
maie aware that the Air Force will still be accomplishing the two major
objectives of this program; determining if UFO's constitute a national
threat, and it they are of any scientific and/or technical yalue as a
routine part of its overal] mission. A study program should be undertaken
by the persons conducting the UFO project which would be more than the pure
Statistical atud, which was accomplished for Special Report ,14. This study
Should make specific correlations to determine, if possible, the cause for

s f

surges of reports (this would serve a dual purpose by allowing anticipation
of surges and also possible prevention by knowm causes). The stuiy should
contain specific information as to the types of phenomena and/or man-made
objects which have been responsible for the sightings. The report should
also give heavy consideration to the psychological aspeets of the program.
Removal of the program from the intelligence community woul) not mean that
the objectives of tie progrem have changed, but only that more discretion
will be given to wiich cases are possibly of intelligence significance, or
are of possible scientific value. Liaison between the UlPO office and the
appropriate subedivision of AFUIN, ALC, or ARDO would tend to maintain the
high level of these objectives. A rated officer with a technical backgroun:
and intelligence experience should be assigned as OIC of this program to
Allow os high degree of accomplishsent in the analysis of tie vases, to
insure that sci: ntificelly significant cases will be recognized, and that
cases which muy have intelligence value will be given the proper attention.
The main disadvantages of tiis plar are the relatively erest expense which
may be incurred during the initial phases of tne public educotion program,
moving of the UFO office away from the scientific ani technics] facilities
of the ATIC and the WADC, and the loss of prestize which would result by
removing the organization from the responsibility of an organization with
scientific and technical capability to another whose main ¢concern is public
information. wher viewed properly, it will he remlized thet the expense
incurred in the public education progrem wiii more than pny for iteel? if
this eventually leads to desctivation of the ocrogrem. As for the scientific
and technical assistance, this is available in the Wasnineton, D.C. area
from ARDC, NACA, atc.

59. A third solution is essentially the sane as that outlined under paragraph
eight. The only recommenced chanye is that the WO program be essociated
with an organization such as ARDC which has a seientific and technical cnapa-
bility. idaison then would be accomplished between the UFO office and SAPIS,
ABCIN, aad AiG. This solution would do awsy with the problem of tne possible
loss cf prestige which cou)d reault from the disassociation with an orjanie
@2ation having scientific and techniesl capability while retaining ail of the
advantages.

CUNCLUSIONs

10. The best imnediate solution to the UFO program is to cisassociate the
project with the intelligence community and to assign responsibility toz the
program to the ARDC with SAFIS, AYCIN, and ADM ilisison. The proxram under
ARDC guidance to be directed toward active public scugsticn anc the eventual
elimination of the program as a Special project.

ACTION RECOMMENDED:

ll. It is recomended that this study be eaporovee and forvaréded to tue
ACS/I for consideration, with e reconmendation thet 1i¢ be approved sand fore
warded to the Air Force Chief of Staff for considerstion and rossibie imple-
mentation. Such approval to be acknowleéced by suthenticecion of the draft
document which is attachment number one to this stuiy.

RICHARD Re. SHOOP
Colonel, USAF
AFCIN-e}EL

J

’ ee .

STUDY BY APCINe)E)
VNWIDUNTISIED PLYING UBSECTS }hUGHKAM
PROJECT (5771 (BLUE BOOK)

I. PROBLEM:

Ae Exemine the current unidentified flying objects program, as con-
ducted by the United jJtates Air Force, to determine its proper orientation
within the Air Force structure.

II. FACTORS BEARING ON THE PROBLEM:

A. In 1947 the Air Force established a project whose purpose was to
collect, collate, evaluate, and distribute to interested government agencies
end contractors all information concerning sightings and phenomena in the
atmosphere which could be construed to be of concern to national security.
As of 30 June 1959, after 12 years of investigating and analyzing every
unidentified flying object sighting brought to its attention, the Air Force
has accumulated a file of 6152 cases. The total reporta received number
better than 8000, for many objects were reported from more than one source
(TAB-A). From thia vast experience with UFO's, the Air Force has not hed
the slightest evicence that these objects are 6 threat to national security
or are space vehicles controlled by man aor aliens from another world. This
same experience has not revealed any scientific and/or technica) informe-
tion which would he beneficial to the United States.

5. The UFO program, far from its original intent of determining the
intelligence and scientific and/or technical value of these objects, has
seemingly acquired a primary objective of providing public information.
This distortion, of what was a lesser objective, is probably due to the
fact that public interest in the UFO has appeared to gain momentum each
year since 197. In the ZI there sre 5C private UFO organizations whose
members exploit unidentified flying ob jects for financial gain, or relie
gious, or other more devious reasons (TAS-R). There have been instances
when members of these organizations have actually competed with the Air
foree during the investigation of a case. When not satisfied with Air
Force handling, these private investigators have, on occasion, incited
the witness to complain to their Congressmen. These complaints have
resulted in Congressional hearings, unfavorable publicity, and an increase
of the work load isposed upon ATIC (TAB-C).

Ce The UFO project requires manpower and resources which ATIC might
use mre constructively on other programs. ATIC presently has e staff of
three people who work full time on the UFO project, and several others who
must allocate part of their time. In addition to these full time, or
nearly full time people, there are a great number in the field who must
meet the problems of this program on a day to day basis (TABeG). Since
1945 the project has contracted the services of a scientific consultant

€

in the person of Dr. J. Allen ilynek. The annus] average for Dr. Hynek's
services has been $1500. In 1952 a statistical study of the program was
performed by a civilian contractor. This study cost the Air Force approxi-
mately » In addition to the foregoing expenses, tie operating
costs which can be directly attributed to the UFO program must be added.

lil. DISCUSSION:

Ae several solutions to the problem of proper orientation of the
UFO program are as follows:

1. Retain the program at ATIC and direct the major efforts
associated with the program toward accauplishment of the original objec-
tives. The major advantage of this solution is that the project has been
assigned to tie intelligence comunity since its birth and ail Air Force
experience in handling tie program belongs to ATIC. There would be no
requirement to establish new lines of communication and/or liaison. ihis
solution would reguire no sew directives and tie subedivisions of the Air
Force are familiar with the present method of operation and know their res-
ponsibilities to the program. This solution has several disadvantages.

The public tends to exaggerate the importance of any operation which is in
any way associated with militery intelligence. The UFO program is more or
less open to public inspection, and the association of such a wide-open
project with ATIC has ua tendency to reduce tie prestige of the intelligence
community. The mwoject requires manpower and resources wiich might be

used more constructively on other programs.

2e Transfer tae UFO project from the intelligence comnunity to
another agency of the Air Foree which has a scientific and technical cape-
bility; i.@., Aix lesearch and Development Commend. Such 6 change would
allow a fresh approach by an organization which would not be burdened by
problems which are bred from faniliarity. The scientifie objectives of
the project, in the absence of evidence that -uFO's pose a threat to
national security covld possibly teke on greater stature, and association
with an agency such as ARDC could enhance this possibility. The UFO
program would not suffer any loss cf prestige due to its disassociation
with the seientific capabiiities of ATiC. There are certain disedventages
which could result from the reassignment of tne UFO program. there would
be a requirement for establishing aew lines of communication and/or liaison,
new directives, and for the sub-divisions of the Air borce becoming ramiliar
with new operating procedures and responsibiiities.

3- Transfer tae UFO project to one of the sub-divisions of SAIS.
This solution would effect the transfer of the project to an sgency which
is presently responsible for the pubiic information sapects of the program.
Responsibility for the full program could probably be accomplished by
expansion of the present office. The project would be assigued to an
agency which has some familiarity with the progrem. A program of public
education on the JF°O program could best be conducted by GSAFIS. There are
some disadvantages however, since extensive coordination would be required

© d

between the Ulo office and AFCIN, ADC, and AilbC in order to accomplish

the primary objectives of the project. There would also be a requirement
for new directives, and the subedivisions of the Air Force would have to
become familiar with new responsibilities and a new method of operation.

In addition, the UFO program could lose prestige due to its association
with an agency which has no scientific capability.

B. Wlimination of the direct association between the intelligence
community and the UFO project would be mutually healthy. The intelligence
comunity should act be burdened with this pragram which has such strong
overtones of public relations. Also, it has been pointed out more than
onee during the l2 year life of this project thet positive steps should
be takon to strip this progrem of its aura of mystery. The disassociation
with intelligence would do much to accomplish this aim because of the
public's cloak and dagger attitude toward military intelligence. The
UFO program to date has revealed no evidence wiich indicates tiese pheno-
mena are a threat or potential threat to our national security. in the
absence of Such evidence tue only possible positive gain from this project
would be the soleatigzic and/or technical knowledge which might be avail-
able. This objesitive would be within the scope of the normal mission of
ARDO. if this woject was moved to SAIS, tae jrimary objectives would

be further subjugate and in time tae Ulu project woulda probably degenerate
into a complete public relations program.

IV. WWNOLUSION:

Ae Assignment of tae UFU project to an agency with e scientific
capability; i.@. ARI, is the most logical orientation of the program
within the Air Force structure. When the UPU project was conceived in
1947, & umjor consideration was national security; therefore, its assign-
ment to intelligence was very logical. Ixperienuce to dete with the UFO
has not revealed any evidence that these phenomena are a threat to nationel
security, am their only possible value to the Air Force is scientific
information. ‘To enhance the success of this reassigmucnt, the scientific
objectives of the project sioulc be move clearly defined.

Ve ACTIUN HECOMMLiwaD:

A. it is recomended that this study be approved end the necessary
steps taken for possible implementation. Such apprevei should be acknow-
ledged by authentication of the draft document which is Attachment , |
to this study.

+

20 November 195°

DRAsL Lt Ltr to General Schriever from General Walsh

1. In the fall of 197 the United States Air Force took official notice
of reports of unidentified flying objects. Responsibility for the UFO
project was assigned to the Intelligence community.

2. The project as established was to determine first, if UFO's were
hostile, second, had they any possible scientific value, and third, to
determine the nature of each of these objects. After 12 years, 6152 cases,
and more than 8000 reports, the Air Force has not discovered any evidence
which would indicate that UFO's are inimical or pose a security threat in
any WAY.

3¢ During the life of this project there have been indications of its
possible scientific value. Dr. D. He. Robey of Convair-Astronautics, in lis
study on "Slow Moving Creen Fireballs," uses Ur0 reports as possible sub-
stantiating evidence; Dr. Charles P. Olivier, tresident of The American
Meteor Society, has on several occasions reauested information from the
Air Force to be used for his studies on "fireballs". Dr. Olivier claims
the Air Force information is more complete than his own reports. The

UFO files contain reports of cases which were analyzed as being due to
rare scientific phenomena such as "ball lightning".

i. In the absence of a security threat from UFO's, it is my opinion

that the project's value to the Air Force lies in exploitation of its
scientific information. In order to accomplish this goal the UFO program

should be transferred to ARDC, and its scientific objectives meme clearly

defined.

STUY BY AbUiTNeh Rh
UNIDENTIZIED FLYING UBJHOTS RUGHAM
PROJNCT (5771 (BLUE BOOK)
le JOBLAM:
Ae Examine the current unidentified flying objects program, as con-
ducted by the United states Air Force, to determine its proper orientation
within the Air force structure.

Iie PAGTURS BEAHLING UN ‘Thilh SRUBLEM:

Ae In 1947 the Air Force established a project whose purpose was to

collect, collate, cvaiuste, ami distribute to interested government agencies

and contractors ail information concerning sightings and phenowene in the
atmosphere which could be construed to be of concern to national security.
As of 30 June 1959, after l2 years of investigating ani analyzing every
unidentified flying object sighting brought to its attention, the Air lorce
has accumulated a file of 6152 cases. The total reports received nunber
better than 6000, for many objects were reported from more than one sowrece
(TABeA). From this vast experience with UFO's, the Air FYoree has not had
the slightest evidence that these objects are a threat to national seeurity;
or are space vehicles scontrolied ty man @ aliens from another world. This
same experience has not revealed any scientific and/or technical informa-
tion which would be beneficial to the United States.

Be The UFO programa, far from its original intent of determining the
intelligence and scientific and/or technica] value of these objects, has
seemingly agquired a primary objective of providing public informmtion.
This distortion, of what was a lesser objective, is probably due to the
fact that public interest in the UFO has appeared to gain momentum each
year since 1947. In the ZI there are 50 private UFO organizations whose
members exploit waidentified flying ob jectea for financial gain, or relie
gious, or other more devious reasons (TAB-B). There have been instances
when members of these organizations have actually competed with the Air
Soree during the investigation of a case. When not satisfied with Air
force handling, these private investigatars have, on occasion, inci ted
the witness to caiplein to their Congressmen. ‘These complaints have
resulted in Vongressional hearings, unfavorable publicity, and an increase
of the work load imposed upon ATIC (TAB-C).

Ve The Urv project requires manpower and resources which Ariv might
use mre constructively on other programs. ATIL presently has = stafi of
three people who work full time on the UO project, and several others whe
must allocate part of their tine. In aidition to these full time, or
nearly ful] time people, there ere 4 great number in the field who must
meet the problems of this program om a dmy to day basis (TAR-G). Since
1945 the project has contracted the services of a selentific consultant

t

in the person of Ur. J. Allen iyneke The annus) average for or. Hynek's
services has been +1500. In 1952 a statistical stwly of tre program was
performed by a civilian contractor. This study cost the Air foree approxi-

mately « In addition to the foregoing expenses, the operating
costs which oan be directly attributed to the UO program must be added.

Iile DIS. SION:

Ae Several solutions to the problem of proper orientation of the
UFO progrem sre as follows:

le Retain the program oat ATIC and direct the major efforts
associated with tae program toward accamplishment of the original objece-
tives. The mijor advantage of this solution is that the project has been
assigned to tke intelligence comunity since its birth and all Air Force
experience in hamiling the program belongs to ATIC. There would be no
requirement to establish new lines of commumication and/or liaison. This
solution would require no new directives and the sub-divisions of the Air
¥Yeree are familiar with the present method of operation and know their res-
ponsibilities to the program. ‘This solution has several disadvantages.
The public tends to exsggorate the importance of any operation which is in
any way associated with military intelligence. The UFO program is more or
less open to public inspection, and the association of such 4 wide-open
project with ATIC has a tendency to reduce the prestige of the intelligence
comunity. The jwoject requires manpower and resources which might be
used more constructively on other programs.

2e Transfer the UFO project from the intelligence community to
another ageney of the Air Jorce which has s scientific and technical capa-
bility; ieee, Aix Neaearch am) Development Command. -uch « change would
ellow a freah approach by an organisation which would not be burdened by
preblems which are bred from faniliarity. The seientifie objectives of
the project, in the absence of evidenge thet LF0's pose a threat to
national security could possibly take on greater stature, and association
with an agency such as ANDO could enhance this possibility. The UFO
program would not suffer any loss of prestige due to its disassociation
with the seientific capabilities of ATIC. There are certain disadvantages
which could result from the reassignment of ihe UFO programe ‘there would
be a requirement for establishing new lines of commumication and/or liaison,
new directives, and for the subedivisions of the Air force becoming familiar
with new operating procedures and responsibilities.

3e Transfer the UO project to one of the sub-divisions of SéArlc.
This solution would effect the transfer of the project to an agency wiich
is presently responsible for the public information aspects of the program.
Nesponsibility for the full progrom could probably be accomplished by
expansion of the present office. The project would be assigned to an
agency which has some familiarity with the progrem. A jrogram of public
edugation on the J). progrem could best be eonducte!l by GAFIS. There are
some disadvantages however, since extensive coordination would be required

between the Uiv office and APULN, AUG, and AUG in order to accomplish
the primary objectives of the project. There would ala be « requirement
for new directives, and the subdivisions of the Air Force would have to
become familiar with new responsibilities and o new method of operation.
In addition, the UFO program could lose prestige due to its association
with an agency which has no scientific capability.

Be iblimination of the direct association between the intelligence
comounity and the Ui project would be mutually healthy. The intelligence
community should not be burdened with this prapram which has such strom
overtones of public relations. Also, it has been pointed out more than
once during the 12 year life of this project thet positive steps should
be taken to strip this program of its aura of mystery. The disassociation
with intelligence would do much to accomplish this aim because of the
public's cloak and dagger attitude toward military intelligence. The
UFO program to date has revealed no evidence which imlicates these pheno-
mene are a threat or potential threat to our national seewitye iIn the
absenge of such evidence the only possible positive gain from this project
would be the scientific and/or technical knowledge which might be avail-
able. This objective would be within the scope of the normal mission of
ARDGe if this project was moved to SALTS, the primary objectives would
be further subjugate and in time the UFv project would probably degenerate
into a complete public relations programe

1Ve GUNGOLUSGION:

Ae Assignment of the Uliv project to an agenay with a scientific
Gayability; 1e@. ANU, is the most logical orientation of the program
within the Air Force atructure. When the UPO oroject was conecived in
1947e & amjor consideration was national security; therefore, its assign-
ment to intelligence was very logical. JOxperience to date with the Uro
has not revealed any evidence that these phenomena are a threat to nationea)
security, ami their omly possible value to the Air Foree is scientific
information. To enhance the suscessa of this reassignment, the scientific
objectives of the project should be more clearly defined.

Ve ATION WACOMuiDLD:

Ae It is recommended that tuis stwly be approved end the necessary
eteps taken for possible implementation. Such approval should be acknow-
ledged by authentication of the draft document which is Attachment , j
to this study.

i

CONFIDENTIAL =
CONFBE

TanwA  -Whfoat Sightings 1947-30 Tune 1959
TAB-B UFO Organizations

TAB<-G Fitzgerald Case (CONF) Wi‘” ”

TAB-D History

TAB<E Graph of Sightings 1947230 June 1959

TABeF Statistics for Calendar Years 1956, 1957 & 1959
& 1 Jan-30 June 1959

TAB=-G Manpower Estimates

(This page is unclassified; however, it is stamped
CONFIDENTIAL in keeping with the classification
of TABSC (Fitzgerald Case))

SUBIICT:

/ y,

RBRALiL
UFO Program
AFCIN (General Walsh)
1. In 1947 the Air Force, and more specifically the ATIC, assumed
responsibility for a program designed to determine if unidentified
flying objects were a national threat. This program at its inception
was designed to determine first, if UFO's were hostile, and second, had
any possible scientific value. A tertiary objective wes to determine the
nature of each of these chjects. With the pessage of time, the absence
of positive indication that these objects were hostile or hsd any
scientific value, and the coming of the private UFO organizations, the
third objective bersn to teke on more stature. Today this objective has
grown to such an extent that we are fast reaching the point where the
tail may wag the dow. This is damaging to Air Force prestige end has
a detrimental effect upon intelligence operations.
2. The attached atudy offers as a solution transfer of the UFO vroject
to an agency with a scientific capebility. JI coneur with the views
outlined in the study that such » move would be beneficial to both the
intelligence community and to the UFO prosram. Disessoctation with
intelligence would do much to strip the eura of mystery from the UFO
program, and the same disassocistion would eliminate a nrojiect from
intelligence which is more or less open to public inspectior.
3- It is recommended thet the attached study be approved and the

necessary stepe taken to effect transfer of the UFO project tu ARDC.

CHARLES 5B. DUUCHER bh:
Major General, UGAF Study
AFCINe);

955
1956
1957
1958

1 Jan = 30 June 1959

TOTAL

TAB «A

OBJLCT SIGITINGS
1947 = 1959

f OBJIOTS SIGHTE!
AND REPORTED

19
143

186

1 59

l.

2.

8.

Je

10.

il.

136

lhe

16.

UFO ORGANIZATIONS AND CLUBS IN THE UNITED STATES

Aerial Phenomena Research Organization
$3.00 per year

Borderline Seiences Research Associates
Supposedly noneprofit. Has bi-monthly publication.

Celestial Vehicle Investigation Committee
Little known re this organization.

Civilian Research, Interplanetary Flying Objects
Publication 50y monthly. Claims 5000 members.
(Stringfield's organization)

Civilian Saucer Intelligence
Membership $1.00. Dues 50¢ for bulletin

Civilian Saucer Investig«tion
Quarterly bulletins - 50¢ per copy

College of Universal wisdom
Religious fanatical. Bi-monthly publication $1.50 per copy.

Cup and Saucer Net
Little known re this organization.

Detroit Astronomical Society
Little know re this organization.

Essenes of Kosmon
Religious fanatical. Monthly report 50¢ per copy.

Extra-Terrestrial Research Organization
Claims to be non-profit.

Fate Magazine (Club)
Monthly magazine 35¢ per copy.

Flying Saucer Club of Detroit
Claims membership of over 2000.

Flying Saucer Investigative Associates
Little known re this organization

Flying Saucer International
Los Angeles organization. Claims 10,000 membership.
Monthly report 25¢

Flying Seucer News
$2.00 per year subscription.

| , ‘

17. Flying Saucer Kesearchers
Subscription and 5 copies $1.00. 700 members.

18. Flying Saucer Research Society
Little known re this organization.

19. Fortean Society
Oldest society. Philosophical and metaphysical.

20. Gravity Foundation
Little known, but active.

21. Great Lakes WO Association
Littie known. Attempting to organize better.

22. Holloway School of Philosophy, Health and Religion
Four publications from 50/ to $1.00.

23- International Flying Saucer Bureau
Very little known.

24. Interplanetary News Digest
South California group. Little known.

25. Library Research Group
Little known, but active.

26. Little Listening Post
Little known.

27. Orgone Energy Institute (W. Reich Foundation)
Director now before Supreme Court for defrauding government.

28. The 71 Research Association
Headed b) individual claiming trip in flying saucer.

29. Saucer and Unexpleined Celestial Events Research Society
Little known.

30. Seucer Research Foundation of Los Angeles
Little known.

31. Saucer Phenomena and Celestial Enquiry
Little known.

32. Saucer Sentinel
Little knowh.

33. Spheres, Incorporate (Los Angeles )
Rabble rousing type of organization.

a
j * *

34-2 The Roundhouse
Little known, but active.

5 UFO Research Organization
Vilaim to be scientists, but indicates low-level of education.

36. Waterbury Saucer Center
Publisher of (extremely sensational) querterly, 50¢ per copy.

37- w#ixcels Labs of the Chemicreft Science
Claims to be non-profit.

38. Space Qhservera League
Newly formed. Little known.

39. Flying Saucer Council of America
‘ Claims 2000 member's.

kO. Amarillo Flying Saucer Sighting Center
Newly formed.

hl. Saucer Research Bureau
Little known re this organization.

42. Telonie Research Center
quarterly bulletin 50, issue.

43-2 Satellite Science
Membership 52.09 per year.

iy. Institute of Interplanetary Arts and Sciences
The director of this impressive sounding organization
is not 2 scientist, but a night watchman’ %

45. UFO Research Council
Have written to President Eisenhower. Active, but few details.

46. NICAP (National Investigative Committee on Aerial Phenomena)
Cleverly organized. Man "behind the scenes" is Keyhoe.
Soliciting well-known personalities as members.

47. Pacific Lemurian Society. Founder and Director - W. Gordon Allen
Periodical: ‘“Space-Craft Digest".

48. National Committee for Investigation of UFO's
Director - K. T. Pilock.

9. Saucer Research Bureau of Rockville Center, N. Y.

50. Interplanetary Intelligence of Unidentified Flying Objects
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Associate Director: Hayden liewes.

28 September 1959

USAF UFO PROGRAM
I. Brief ilistory.

Ae In the fall of 1947 the United States Air Foree took official
notice of reporta of unidentified flying objecta, the so-called "flying
saucers," because they represented a possible threat to mtional security,
ami has become a subject of public concern. Tye Air Force was designated
the responsible agency due to the fact that most of the objects were
reported to be flying.

B. On 30 December 1947, the Air Materie] Command oat vright-Patterson
ANB, Ohio was directed to establish a project to collect and evaluste ali
available facts concerning sightings of unidentified flying objects. The
objectives of this project to be as follows:

1. Determine if theae objecta constitute a threat to national
security.

2. Determine if any scientific and/or technical information was
available from the sightings.

3. Identify and/or explein el) WO sightings.

Ge. From 1947 until February 1949, the program was identified as
Project "Sign*. In February 1949, the name of the project was changed
to "Grudge," remaining so until Merch 1952, when it was further changed
to "Blue Book,* the present identification. In the sumer of 1952, wien
the intelligence department of AMO took its first step toward growing
into what is now the Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC),
the program was reviewed at the request of Heaiquarters, U4Al. Neconmene
dations which resulted from the reviow were that the reportin,, investi-
gation, and analysis procedures be improved where possible.

D. As of 30 June 1959, after l2 years of investigating and analyzing
every unidentified flying object which was brought to its attention, the
Air Foree has accumulated a file of 6152 cases. The nuwuber of reports
received munber more than S006, for many objects were reported by more
than one witness, and from different sources. While the general trend
of the number of sightings over the past three years has been downward,
the totals for the more recent years are still far above the totals for
the initial years of the program (TABe). The breakdown of the cases
Since 1 Januery 1955, is shown in TAB F. Another factor which adds to
manpower requirements is that individual cases are being given more

attention by the public, and balloon into a major problem for the Air force.

on
4

>
-

~ 1

?"
The ‘Unidentified <Flying Objeats esearch Committes
P © Boe sear - Alron a hoo
Awe ao » » , Deogmber 7, 1958
; Py | i? bs a Ps R om, | An
, vs s | ? , |
Major General W. P, Fisher
Directop, dagislative Liajson 1° Wee eta
Department of the Air = a a ee te:
Washington, D.c. - -.

Dear General Fisher:

Inclosed is a complete report of a UFO sighting. It includes a de~-
scription of the sighting, the Air Force investigation, the conclusion of
ATIC as given in your letter to Congressman Baumert, and an analysis of
the Air Force comlusions and investigation,

In the analysis of the Air Force treatment of the case our group has
the investigation team with criminal mishandling. We feel that

case is typical of all UFO cases and that our charges apply generally
te the Air Porce UFO preject.

You have answered many inquiries from mambers of the U.$. Congress
with statements to the effect that the Air Force ts comiucting a fair,
honest, and scientific investigation of the UFO reports. Therefore, we
are presenting you with this report which proves that your statements have
been false and misleading, The original documents are available for your
inspection if that should be necessary.

After reading the enclosed report, please send us your answer to the
following questions:

(1) What action will be taken to discipline the ATIC investigation
team which handled this case?

(2) What action will be taken to make a proper Reet and eval-
uation of this particular report (Fitsgerald, 21 Sept. 1958)?

(3) What ection will be taken to insure that all future reports of
unidentified flying objects will be properly investigated and sval-
uated?

A copy of this letter is being sent te Senator John W. Bricker, I
request that you send a copy of your reply to the above three questions
to Senator Bricker.

Sincerely,

Pred A. Kirech
for the UFO Research Committee

"

- 6

II. Method of Operation.

-

A. The method of operating the UFO program has been generally the
same since its birth; reporting, investigating, analyzing, and public
relations. It is only in which agencies of the Air Force have performed
each of these functions, and to what extent, that the program has changed.

The program as presently conducted under the provisions of AFR 200-2,
dated 1) September 1959, is as follows:

1. Reporting - nearest Air Force or other government or military
facility subuits reporis to the Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center.
Some reports are forwarded directly to the Air Force by civil agencies
or by private citizens.

2. Investigations are conducted by the air base or station
nearest the scene of tue sighting; either upon receiving the report, or
upon being notified of the sighting by the ATIC. In the more unusual or
Sseeningiy important cases the investigation, upon ATIC request, is con-
ducted by the llajta +/A Group, an intelligence organization. In some
rare instances tie luvestigation is conducted by the ATIC.

3e Monitoring the program, analysis, and maintaining the records
is the responsibility of the ATIC.

hk. The release of .]] information pertaining to UFO's, which is
for public consumption, is the responsibility of the Secretery of tue Air
Force's Information Services (SAFIS).

Be The Program Today.

le. The present efforts axtenced in the conduct of the UFO
project ere directed toward specific goals:

&e To explore each sighting thoroughly for possible intelli-
gence and/or scientific information.

be To climinate the defensive attitude which has bee
allowed to creep into the progrem's public relations philosophy (the
attitude of trying to preve that each object sighted is not a space
vehicle of some type).

c. To inform the public that a specific program, such as
the UFO project, to evaluate each and every sighting is not essential to
national security. ‘he USAF, in the conduct of its overall] mission, will
consider cach and every report of an unidentified flying obiect, and those
which indicate a need for further exploitation, due to possible intelli-
gence and/or scientific value will receive this added attention.

ad. io Strip the shrouds of mystery from the vrovram, the
haze throuh which many innocent people are duped by those who are using
the UFO for personal gain, by a program of public education. This public

SAFLL~1/Maj Van Dyk/m10/78692/29 Oot $8
SAFLL 69306

Dear Mr. Beumharrt :

Se eee seen Seeeeeeens SS memeee. 6s eee, ae

Fitegerald of Sheffield lake ccmoorning an unidentified Siping
object abe sliegedly suv anf) doptesher 1950" .

Aiy Fores Lnwertigators arrived is Sheffield Lake on 3 October
commiceted with Mrs. Pitagerald and elec initiated other phases of
am investigation to possibly evaluate this sighting.

The investigation revealed thet a railreed track ran mar the hew
of Mra. Fitsageraid. The aight of Mre. Pitagernl4*s alghting, « traks

the house at approximately the seme hour of the reported aight-
a, ae train bad a reteting headlight watch, under som conditions,

wmeunl effects. Camtactt vas alae ede with Chief Regus

te ti Sabot othe Coast Guard Staton
a] Maat be was welng ble stent th te Gan
attract attention ef another ship, eat that the t wee directed
toward shere in Ue general direction of Mre. Fitags %s hoes, The
time and date of this incident colncide with thoes reported by tre,
Fitegerald. ire. Steward of Lorain, Ohio, a witness listed in irs.
Pategerald’s repert, could mot recall anything unasudl pm tlw afgit of
the sigh - Mr. Grego ef Lorela, enothber vitmess, was act

for inte “, The weather ab the time af the ineidest was
6 mist reise with wine and eoolke,

ef moving lights, weise of the tauin and
the Sliueion experieneed by Mra. Fitagera
Batelligence Secter, after evukinting tie evtieare tn this tase, cate

MR: @arred with the cowclusion of the lavestigaters,
Sincerely yours, CC: GOORD
COMBK
. SAPIS
CORRES: ltr fr C/M to LAL 2 Oct 48 Ty —
w/photeay ltr Consti to 6/K —
id 29 Sept 55. + FP. FIBER
Major Geoerel, U94F
Direster

Legislative Liaison

— — ere er eee gee

—— + ima ~~ am &=@ = i Ee ees Oe
OFFICE SYUBO. ” SKPLIF3 HA. % ie

3,

— r af Fy Se
Se So ae

GRADS AND | err ys ft 5
SURNAME “OF | i
COORDT! hag | agar

OFFICER AT hth _ feels

Dae u -.

28 September 197

USAF UFO PROGRAM

I. Brief ilistory.

Ae In the fall of 1947 the United States Air Foree took official
notice of reports oi unidentified flying objects, tne so-called "flying
Baucers," beGause they represented « possible threat to national security,
and has become o subject of publie concern. Tye Air Force was designated
the responsible agency due to the fact that most of the objects were

B. On 30 December 1947, the Air Materice] Command at Wright-Patterson
AB, Ohio was directed to establish a project to collect and evalucte all

evailable facts soncerning sightings of unidentified flying objects. The
objectives of this project to be as follows:

1. Determine if these objects constitute a threat to national
security.

2. Determine if any scientific and/or technical information was
available from the sightings.

3. Identify and/or explain 1) UFO sightings.

C. From 1947 until February 1949, the program was identified as
Project "Sign*. In February 1919, the name of the project was changed
to "Grudge," remaining so until March 1952, when it was further changed
to "Blue Book," the present identification. In the sumer of 1952, woen

he intelligence department of AMC took its first step towsrd growin;
into what is now the Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC),

the program was reviewed at the request of Headquarters, USAI. Reconmmen-
dations which resulted from the review were that the reporting, investi-
gation, ani analysis procedures be improved where possible.

D. As of 30 June 1959, after 12 years of investigating sand analyzing
every unidentified flying object which was brought to its ettention, the
Air Force has accuwulated a file of 6152 cases. The nunber of reports
received number more than 0000, for many objects were reported by more
than one witness, and from different sources. While the general trend
of tae number of Sightings over the past three years has been downward,
the totals for the more recent years are still far above the totais for
the initial years of the program (TABei). The breakdown of the cases
since i January 1956, is shown in TAB fF. Another factor which adds to
manpower requirements is that individual cases are being given more
attention by the public, and balloon into a major problem for the Air force.

II. Method of Operation.

A. The method of operating the Uru program has been generally the
same since its birth; reporting, investigating, analyzing, and public
relations. It is only in which agencies of the Air Force have performed
each of these functions, and to what extent, that the program has changed.
The program as presently gonducted under the provisions of AFR 200-2,
dated 5 February 1955, is as follows:

1. Reporting - nearest Air Force or other government or military
facility submits reports to the Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center.

Some reports ere forwarded directly to the Air Force by civil agencies
or by private citizens.

2. Investigations are conducted by the air base or station
neurest the scene of the sighting; either upon receiving the report, or
upon being notified of the sighting by the ATIC. In the more unusual or
seemingly important cases the investigation, upon ATIC request, is cone
ducted by the 1127th ¥/A Group, an intelligence organization. In some
rare instances (1¢ {investigation is conducted by the ATIC.

3. Monitoring the prograill, analysis, and maintaining the records
is the responsibility of the ATIC.

he The release of all informetion pertaining to uro's, which is
for public conswaption, is the responsibility of the Secretary of the Air
Force's Information Services (SAFIS).

B. The Program Today.

1. Today one of the major eims in the conduct of this program
4s to eliminate the defensive attitude which has been sllowed to creep
into the program's public relations philosoph) (the attitude of trying to
prove that each object sighte. is not a space vehicle of some type).
Tiese aims to be accomplished by 4 program designed to educate the pub=
lic. Inform the public that 4 specific program, sueh as the IO project,
to evaluate each aim every sighting is not essential to noationel security.
‘ne Air Force, in tine gonduct of its overall mission, will consider each
and every report of an unidentified flying object, end that those which
indicate ea need for further exploitation; due to possible intelligence
endfor scientific value will receive this added attention. To strip the
shrouis of mystery from the progrem, the haze through which many ianocent
people have been duped by those who are using the UFO for personal gaine
Other methods used in an attempt to accomplish this gool have been to form
a panel of experts to advise on the verious aspects of the program. This
panel is composed of experts in the following areas!

Phy sicist
Chaplain
Psycholo, ist
Astronomer

ublic Relations

¥

$

education program, using the media of the newspapers, to inform the
publie of the probable causes for those sightings which receive wide-
Spread publicity and other general information on the program.

2. To heighten the probability of accomplishment of these
specific goals, the Air Force directive AFR 200-2, dated 1) September
1959. governing this project has been rewritten. The new directive
should improve the reporting procedures and investigation techniques of
the responsible field organizations. A study program has been established
which is designed to publish a sequel to "Project Blue Book" (Special
Report #1), a statistical study of the program covering the years
1947-1952. <A panel of experts has been formed to assist with the study
program, the analysis of the more stubborn cases, and to make sugges-
tions as to how the foject could be generally improved. This panel is
composed of experts in physics, psychology, astronomy, religion, and
public relations. ‘ue members of the panol, who volunteer their time,
are from ARDC, »ADO, and wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

These men volunteer their time to this mnel. A progrem is also in the

mill to publish a sequel] to Special Report #1). The information to be
contained in this report is all directed toward the aims outlined above.

1560

4300

1200

1100

1000

g

6060

700

200

(00

NOTE:

f %

Graph of objects sighted and reported to the ATIC from 1947 to 30 June 1959

ze &

The scope of the curve for the last three yeers (shown in red) while
generally downward still far exceeds in number the Objects sighted
Guring the initial years of the program. ixtrapolation of the

Sightings for 1959 through the end of the year would indicate an
approximte total of 3/8 sightines.

1997

(951
1952

19357

é

1953
I9S4
(955

1958

BO SWVE /9SF

Astro
Aircraft
Balloon
Other
Insuif Data

Unidentified

STATISTICS - 1 January 1959 - 30 June 1959

Jan Feb Mag April May June
li 10 15 10 9 Tt
3 5 4 3
J 1 3 i
5 2 6 " HN iy
5 5 ; h 4 15
ge es i i dhe
27 25 2 2h, 2h 30

During this reporting period the Aerial Phenomena Group instituted
a policy of automatically including all reports of only one witness
in the insufficient data category. This is in keeping with good
intelligence and scientific precepts - if substantiation cannot be
found, this decreases in value the informatione

Astro

Aircraft

Balloons

Insuff Date

Other

Setellites

Unidentified

1 Jan - 31 Dee

1956

¢ OST %
205 2623
i192 2h «6
203 26.0
l ijel
52 528

a & 22
7/8

1 Jan - 31 Dee

1957
¢ OBS =
326 27 ef
285 Zhe2
2 17.7
165 Lis ol
168 Li e3
~— 9 1.7
1178

UFO STATISTICS FOR CALENDAR YEARS

1 Jan = 31 Dec

1958

33 oh
18.6
11.5
17 et
16.3

1.‘

TOTAL

28 September od

TIME AND RESOURCES CHARGE) TO PROJECT 5771 (BLUE ROOK)

1. While no aceurate measure can be made of the manhourgs charged to this

program, the following is a reasonable estimate gauged on a day to day
msis. These estimstes were based on known figures locally and on esti«~
mates for field allocations to each report received. This estimate was
kept for the six months period from 1 January 1959 to 30 June 1959:

Manhours «
Military (Administrative ond Seientific) 6861
Civilian " . 3538 |
Total 10, 399

If we assume thet this rate continues, then we heve 20,798 menhours
directly attributed to the UFO program during «4 year.

2. The other additions to overhead which are directly attributable to
the UFO program are beyond measure, but to mention a few:

®- TD¥Y funds for investigators.

be Utilization of Air Force equipment during investigstion (ears, ete!

Ce. Facilities used for analysis of materia} reported as part of a
Spece craft.

@. Telephone calls and Twx's,.

@. Military aircraft for intercept, trensport of personnel, and/or
equipment.

3- Seientific consultant for the progrem = the annual avereaye for con}
Sultant services has been $1500 per year for « period of 1) years, or a
total of $26,500.

4k. AS a Supplement to the program the Air Force had - statistical study

conducted by a civilian contractor in 1952. This study cost the Air Force
approximately $100,000.

I é

28 September 1G

TOG: AND RESOURCES CHARGE) TO PROJECT 5771 (BLUE BOUK)

1. While no accurate measure can be made of the manhours charged to this
program, the following ie a reasonable estimate gauged on a day to day
tasis. These estimates were based on known figures locally and on esati-
mates for field allocations to each report received. This estimate was
kept for the six months period from 1 January 1959 to 30 June 1959:

Manhours «
Militery (Administrative ond Seientific) 6861
Civilian . ° » i
Total 104399

If we assume that this rate continues, then we have 20,795 manhours
directly attributed to the UFO program during « year.

2. The other additions to overhesd which are directly attributable to
the UFO progrem ore beyond measure, but to mention a few:

ae TOY funds for investigators.
be Utilization of Air Force equipment during investigation (cars, etc).

c. Facilities used for anslysis of material reported as part of 9
space craft.

@. Telephone calis and Twi's.

e. Military aireraft for intercept, transport of personnel, ani/or
equipment.

3- Seientific consultent for the progrem - the annual average for cone

sultant services has been }1500 per year for a period of 11 years, or a
total of $26,500.

he AB a Supplement to the program the Air Forse had o statistical study

conducted by a civilian contractor in 1952. This stwly cost the Air Force
approximately »100,000.

ly - y

IBJIAT SIGAITINGS

194i

TAB @ A

- 1959

# OBJECTS SIGHT

ADD REPURTED

+a)

Astro

Aircraft

Balloon

Jtser

Insuff Data

Jnident ificd

STATISTICS = ] January 1959 - 30 June 1959

Jan Feb Mag April Hoy June
Li 10 15 10 9 7
3 5 4 5
3 1 3 i
5 2 6 " k dy
3 5 3 ly 13
lied. ramen i 1 eres
2/ 25 2 2h 2h 30

During this reporting period the Aerial Phenomena Group instituted
a policy of automatically including all reports of only one witness
in the insufficient data category. This is in keeping with good

intelligence and scientific precepts - if substantiation cannot be
found, tiuia decreases in value the information.

159