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122 "They're going to deny the whole thing," he said. "But' I heard one Press Branch guy say it might not be enough {p. 143) Next day, while changing trains at Chicago, I saw the Air Force statement. The press release was dated December 27, 1949. Without mentioning True, the Air Force flatly denied having any evidence that flying saucers exist. After examining 375 reports, the release said, Project "Saucer" had found that they were caused by: Evaluation of the reports of unidentified flying objects, said the Air Force, demonstrates that they constitute no direct threat to the national security of the United States. It was plain that the release had been hastily prepared. It completely contradicted the detailed Project "Saucer" report, issued eight months before, that had called for constant vigilance, after admitting that most important cases were unsolved. Anyone familiar with the situation would see the discrepancy at once. From Washington I flew to New York, where I found True in a turmoil. Long-distance calls were pouring in. Letters on flying saucers had swamped the mail room. Reporters were hounding Purdy for more information. Less than 5 per cent of the readers ridiculed the article. Between 15 and 20 per cent said they were not convinced; a few of these admitted they could not refute the evidence. About half the readers accepted the possibility; most of these said they saw no reason why other planets should not be inhabited. The remainder, between 25 and 30 per cent, said they were completely convinced. Even the disbelievers asked for more information. The intelligence level of the average letter was gratifyingly high. Comments came from scientists, engineers, airline and private pilots, college professors, officers of the armed (p. 144} --they're trying to figure some way to knock it down fast." 1. Misinterpretation of various conventional objects. 2. A mild form of mass hysteria or "war nerves." 3. Individuals who fabricate such reports to perpetrate a hoax or to seek publicity. Then came the clincher: Project "Saucer," said the Air Force, had been discontinued, now that all the reports had been explained. A hurried analysis of the first hundred letters showed a trend that later mail confirmed. To a A et AN et