CIA-UAP-002 — Scientific Advisory Panel on Unidentified Flying Objects, Report, 1952-1953

File: CIA-UAP-002
Agency: CIA
Incident date: 1952-1953
Released in: Release 03 (2026-06-12)
File type: PDF

Topics: Flying discs, 1947–1950s

Cited in: Robertson Panel 1953: no threat found, and a call to strip UFOs of their mystery

This file contains correspondence and reports dated 1952–1953 from the Scientific Advisory Panel on Unidentified Flying Objects, convened by the CIA’s Office of Scientific Intelligence. The panel’s primary conclusion was that “flying saucers” did not pose a direct physical threat to the national security of the United States. The panel found no evidence that these phenomena were attributable to hostile foreign artifacts or indicated a need to revise existing scientific concepts.

However, the panel identified a significant indirect threat stemming from the public’s fascination with the subject. The panel concluded that the high volume of reports, encouraged by a "sensationalist press," could overwhelm and clog vital intelligence and communication channels, potentially distracting from genuine threats. Furthermore, they warned that a “morbid national psychology” could be exploited by adversaries to incite “hysterical behavior and harmful distrust of duly constituted authority.” To mitigate these risks, the panel recommended an official policy of “debunking” to “strip the UFO subject of its mystery,” alongside a training initiative for military personnel to better recognize and filter out misidentified objects, thereby reducing communication “noise” and allowing the national security apparatus to focus on more "legitimate defense concerns."

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TL;DR

Turns out the only thing flying on Jan 17 1953 was the panel’s paperwork.

CIA Scientific Advisory Panel report, 1952-1953, compiled Jan 17 1953.
Panel found saucers non-threat, but 1,500 sightings (20% unexplained) could clog intelligence channels.
Recommended debunking policy and training to filter misidentified objects.

AI summary

A scientific advisory panel report on unidentified flying objects, dated January 17, 1953, includes correspondence to officials, recommendations, and evidence summaries. It discusses flying saucers, sightings, investigations, and potential national security concerns. The document outlines the panel's composition, meeting reports, and case histories. It analyzes data on object motion, light intensity, and possible explanations, considering reflections and radar anomalies. The report suggests an educational program to reduce public misidentification, involving psychologists, military agencies, and media. A separate classified section, dated October 13, 1952, addresses the Air Force and Defense Department, noting 1,500 reported sightings with 20% unexplained and potential threats to U.S. security.

Full text

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FEDERA

CIVIL DEFENSE ADMINIST!

iON

WASHINGTON 25, D. C.

OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR

19
Mr . Richard . Dr in
Secretary
Intelligence dvisory Committee
2430 E Street, N .
ashington 25, D . C .

ear Mr .

rain:

e have carefully studied the report of the P n 1 of
Scientific Consultant ■ on t e subject of "Unidentified
Flying Objects , " which you eent this gency o
arch 13 .
The concl sions of the P nel nd its recommendation ,
p rticul rly in term• of public due tion, ar of coni er ble interest in connection with the civil def ns
program.
appreciate your indicated willin e •
to assist in implementing t e ppropriate aspects of
the Panel' s report
applicable to Civil Defense, nd
suggest that conference be arranged for a full di c s
aion of the subject on a mutu Uy
ti factory dat .
Sincerely~

Val P ter on

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SECPET
Security Inormation
13 March 1953
Mr. Eaward T. Dickinson
Vice Chairnan, dational Security
Resources Board
Room 211
Executive office Butlaing
Fachington 25, D. C.
Dear Mr. Dickinson:
The Director of Central Intelligence has asked that you be
furniehed a copy of the attached report prepared by a panel of
scientists on the subjeet of Unidentified Pying Objects. This
panel was convened at the direction of General Saith, folloving the
reconsmendation of the Lntelligence Aivisory Committee
The conelusions and recoumendatIons may be of interest to you,
in that they point out certain potential dangers to national security
which are related to the subjeet and suggest vays of their eliaination.
Although thds Agency does not coneider problens arising from
sightings of rlying seucers primarily its concern, we shall be
plessed to assist in any appropriate aetion that you may deem ad-
visable.
Copiea of this report are also being sent to the Secretary of
Defense and to the Shntr curtty R
This documant has been Federal Evil defense tdministration.
approved for release throuch Sincerely yours,
the HISTORICAL REVIEW PRGGNAM-OF
the Central Intelligenco Agency.
Date 7 JON 91 BICHARD D. DRAIN
HRP 89-2 Secretary
Intelligence Advisory Committee
Enclosure
Distribution:
Orig. and I - Addressee The material contaius Information
1 - DD/I alecting he national defens of
- Admin Files the United Statee with ihe meaning
1 - AD/SI of the espionage Tille 18, USG,
1-De1 Lncs. 793 and 4, and franemisslon
STGRET or revelatd of which in any maener to
ea_ wrauthorized persen is prohibileu ky
Security Information 400164

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13

rch 1953

The Honorable
The Seer ta.ry of Defense
Depart nt of Def nae
Washington 25, D. Q.
Dear Mr. Secretary:
The Director of Central Intelligence has asked
t you be
furnished a copy of the attached report prepared by a 1.)SJlel of
scientists on the subject of 11Unid ntified Flying Objects," This
panel was convened at the direction of General Smith, following the
racommendation 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 ubject and sUggest ways of their elimination .
AJ.though this Agency does not consider problems arising from
sightings o'f" "flying saucers" primarily its concern, ve shall be
pleased to assist in any appropriate action that you may deem ad
visable.
Copies of this report are also being sent to the
ational Security Resources Board.

..>efaga• and to the Chairman,

incerely yours,

RICHARD D. DRAIN

Secretary
Intelligence Advisory Co
Enclosure
Distribution:
Orig and 1 -- Dddressee

l -- DCI
1 -- DD/I
1 -- Ad.min Files
1 -- AD/SI

OIC:RDD:KR (13 March 1953)

ittee

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V
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 ilhat you be
f'urnished 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
r•commendation of the Intelligence Advisory Committee.

The conclusions and recommendations may be ot interest to you,
in that they point out certain potential dangers to national security,
which are related to the subject and suggest vaya of their elimination.
Although this Agency does not consider problems arising from
sightings of "flying saucers" primarily its concern, we shall be
pleased to ass i st in aey appropriate action that you may deem ad
visable.
Copies of this report a.re also being sent to the Secretary of
Defense and to the 6M1xm) ~:erM.eeal. See't:1'!'1~ :Res91.t"ce& Bomch'
~ f
I
•
i$ , s a , W.

~!Z{y~o::,s .
RICHARD D. DRAIN

Secretary
Intelligence Advisory Committee
Enclosure
Distribution:
Orig and l -- Dddressee
l -- DCI
l. -- DD/I
1 -- Ad.min Files
1 -- AD/SI

••~rial contal::s Info

c,
n

er to

OIC:RDD:KR (13 March 1953)

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Sec~ ~mation
'/!ORM LETTERJ

l2 March 1953

Mr. C. D. Jackeoo
Special Aas1etant to the President
Tbe White House

Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Jackson:

Mr. Robert Amory, Jr., Assistant Deputy Director/Intel
ligence, bas asked me to torvard to you tor 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 1n January
1953 at the direction of the former Director or Centra.l Intelli
gence, General Wal.ter B . Saith., with tbe concurrence ot the
Intelligence Advisory C0U1111ttee
Copies are being transmitted to tbe Secretar, of Defense;
tb.e 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)

e C. ;, ':b::t> /
0 S I

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Secu~

ation

One copy of the attached form letter aent 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. Jamee S . Lay
Executive Secretary
Nationa.l Security Council
302-A Executive Office Building

Mr. George Morgan
Psychological Strategy Board
7o8 Jackson Place

Mr . Tracey Be.mes
P ychological Strategy Board
708 Jackson Place

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PJ-!PCET OF THE SCIEN'l'IFIC PAUEL

JAN 171953

UNIDENTI1IED FLYlBG OBJECTS

Pw.·euant to the requeat of the Assistant Director tor Scientific

Intelligence, the undersigned. Panel of Scientific Consultants haa met to
evaluate any possible three.t to national security posed by Unidentified
!'lying Cbjec:ts ("Flying Saucere"), and to make reconmendationt> thereon.
The Panel has received. the evio.enee as presented. by cognizant inteL1i

gence agencies, primarily the Air Technical InJ,elligence Center, and has
revieved n selection of the beat documented incidents.
2.

As a result of its considerations; the Panel concludes:

That the evidence presented on Unidentified Flying

Objects shows no indicetion that theae phenomena constitute
a direct physical threat to national security.
We firmly believe that there is no residuum o't cases vbich indicates
phen0!112na whieh are attributable to foreign artifacts capable of hostile
acts, and tb.e.t there ia no evidence that the phenOfllena indicate a n~

for the revis~.on of current scientilic concepts.
The Psnel f\wther coneludes:

ibat the continued emphasis on the reporting of

these phenomena does, in these parlou.c, times, result. in e.

mthreat to the orderly functioning

0~ the protective

organs

of the body politic.
We e:tte aa e~lee the eloggin~ of channels of' communice.tion by irrelevant

reports, the danger of being lei. by continued false alarms to ignore real

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Secnr

rmation

in~icationa of hostile action, and the cul.tivatiO!l or a morbid national

psyehologr in wtch skillful hostile propaganda could ~.nduce byaterieal
behavior ena. bal'lllf'u.l diet!"USt of duly constituted authority.

In order most effectively to otrcngtb.en the x:£.tional. facilities

for the ti!Jlely recognition mid the appropriate handling of true indieationa
of hostile action., and i;o minimize the conc01!11tant ciengers alluded to

above, t':l.e Panel l"'eC01l!:?l;.?:lldB:
a.

i'ha.t the natianal security agencies tak~ immediate steps

to strip the Unidentified F.'.cyu,.g ObJects of the special status tbey
have been g-1ven and t.he i'.ura of nwstery they have unt'o1"'i.'1lD8tely

acquired;
b.

That the national. security agencies 1.nstitute policies

on intelligence, training, 6Ild public education designed to pr-ape.re
the me;.;erj.al. defenses E.nd. the mcrale ot the country to recognize

most px•omptly and t.o r-eact n\Ost effectively to true 1udicat.1cns

ot hostile intent or action.
We suggest uiat these aims may be at!hieved by an integr..--.ted program

de6igned to reassure the public ot the totru. lack of evidence of inimical.
torcee behind the phenomena, to tra:i.n persoonel to recognize &D.d reJect
false indications quickly and efteetively, and to etrengthen regular
channels tor the evaluation of and prompt reaction to true indications
or hostile measures.
/ s/

&_B. P. Robertson

, Chairman

Lloyd V. Berkner

Associated Universities, Inc.

/s/ s. A. Goudsmi't
Brookhaven National laboratories

California. Institute of Technology

LsL Luis W. Alvarez

University of Ca11f'or-a1a

Le/ 'Jhornton P~
obna Hopkins University

'l'
ro

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I

'rAB B

SCDMIFIC ADVISORY PANEL ON
lJNIDmTIFIF.D FLID!l OBJID?S

14 • 17 January 1953
EVIDlllCE mmooliD

lo Sevent:y-f'i~e case histories or sightings 1951 - 1952 (seleCted b7

.&TIC as thoae beat documented).

ATIC Status and Progress Reports or Projoot GRDOOE and Project
BWE BOOK

(code namep to:r ATIC studT ot subject).

Progress Reports or .Project &'TORK (code name tor Battelle Manorial

Institute contract work supporting A.TIC).

4o Sumnaey Report o£ Sightings at Holleman Air Force Base, Bev Me,d.ooo
5o Report ot USAF Res8CIX'Ch Center, Cambridge, Maas• ., Izwestigation of
•Green Fireball" Fbencmena (Projeot TWIN!LE).

6. Outllno or Investigation or u.F.o.ea Proposed by nrtland Air Farce
Be.se

(.Proj oct FOUOOE) •

Motion Picture Films of sightings at Tranonton0 Utah, 2 July 1952
a1ld Oz-eat Falls, Montana, August 1950.

s. Su.mm!u-7 Report ot 89 seloot&d cases ot sightings ot various
categories (Formations, Blinking Lights, Hcmlring, etc.).

9. Draft of manna]! •How to l-i!ke a FL?OBRP.r-, irepared at ATmo

10., Chart Shoving Plot ot Geographic Location of Unexplained Sightings
1n the United States during 1952.
11.

Chart Showing Balloon u,,inching Sites in the United St&teso

12. Charts Showing S(flected Actual Balloon Flight Paths and Relation
t.o RGpOrted Sightings.

130 Charts Showing Frequency of Reports or Sightings, 1948 - 19520

14. Charts Sh°"1ing Categaries of .&tpl.anations or Sightings.
15. Kodachrome Tranape.renciea of Polyethylene Film Ba1l.ooms 1n Bright
Sunlight Showing High Ref'lectivityo

s~
Secm-~on

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..
A

$ ~

Secur~
16.

~Mon

TAB

Motion picture ot seagulls 1D bright l!IIJDl:lght ahowillg high ref'lectirlty.

l?o Intelligenoe Re~ Rel.ati,n,g to u.s.S.Ro Interest in 'U., S. Sighti?Jgs.
18. Samples ot OttioW us.a Re,porting Form and Copiea ot P ~

Air FCXl'Ca, Arm:, and navy Orders Rela.t1Jlg to Subject.

190 Semple Pol.yeth:yle.ne • Pillow" Balloon (54 inches square) •

20. •variations 1n Radar Coverage•• J'AlfP 101 (tmiual illuetra.ting UJrWN&l
oparating characterlstios of Service radar).

21. Mtecellaneous otficial letters and tareign 1ntelllgeno0 reports
deal1ng with subject.
22. Oopi• of poi:w,ar published vorks dealing vith wbject (art!.oles
1n pc-iodicale, newspaper ollppi:ngs and booka).

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SABET
Security Ixformation TAB C
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY PANEL ON
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS
14, - 17 Jamuary 1953
MEMBERS ORGANIZATION FIELD OF COMPETENCY
Dr. H. P. Robertadn(Chairman) California Institute Physics, weapons
of Technology systems
Ir. Luis W. Alvarez University of Physics, radar
California
Wr. Lioyd V. Berkner Associated Univer- Goophyaica
sities, Ineo
Dr. Samel Goudmit Brookhaven National Atomie structure,
Laberatories statistical
problems
Dre Thornton Page Office of Researah Astronony, Astrom
Operations, Johns physies
Hopkins University
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Dr. J. Allen Hynak Chio State Univer- Astronony
sity
Mr. Frederick G. Durant Arthur D. Little, Rockets, guided
Inee missiles
INTERVIEWEES
Erig. Gen. William M. Garland tumanding General, Scientific and
ATIC technical intelli-
gence
Dr. H. Marshall Chadwell Ass'stant Drector, Scientific and
O,SI, CIA technical intelli-
gence
Mr. Ralph L. Clark Deputy Assistant Soientific and
DirotOr, O/SI, CIA technical intelli-
gence
SECAET
Securit Information

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SCET
Seaurit Iormetion TAB C
INTERVIEJERS (oz't) ORGANIZATION EIELD OF COMPETENCL
Mr. Philip G. Strong Chief, Operations Seientifie and
Staff, 0/SI, CIA tochnical intelli-
gonne
Mr. Stephan T. Fossony Asting Chief, Spesial Seientifie and
Stady Croap, D/I tochnical intelli-
USAP gezne
Capt. Edverd J. Ruppelt, USAr Chief, Aerial Phenomane Seientifie and
Branch, ATM, USAF toohnical intalli.
geDGe
Mr. J. Dewey Feurnet, Jr. The Ethyl Corporation Aero Eng-
It. R. S. Neashamg USH USM Photo Interpretar Photo Intarpretation
tion Leberatory,
Amacostia
Mr. Harry Weo USM Photo Interprete- Photo interpretation
tion Lebiratory,
Annoastia
SECRT
Sesurit Meremation

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~ e)
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S-~

'R~

S~
mation
IAC-D-67
18 February 1953
INTELLIGENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS
1. Transmitted herewith is a copy of the report (Tab A) of the
scientific panel convened as a result of the action taken by the
Intelligence Advisory Committee on 4 December (IAC-M- 90, paragraph
3A) on this subj ect. Attached ·to the report are a sunma.ry of evi
dence presented (Tab B) and a l i st of the personnel participating
(Tab C).

2 . It is proposed to t r ansmit copies of this report to the
Secretary of Defense; the Director, Federal Civil Defense Adminis
tration; and the Chairman, National Security Resources Board for
their information and such action as they may f eel neces sary.

3. The results of the panel's studies have moved CIA to conclude
that no National Security Council Intelligence Directive on t his sub
ject is warranted.
4. Please inform the undersigned by 25 February 1953 if you do
not concur in the action and conclusions conta ined in paragraphs 2
and 3, above.

JAMES Q. REBER
Secret a ry
Mrs . Powell called 24 Feb and said that Mr . Amory said when approved
_ _.:,:g.r.._release to those mentioned in paragraph 2 , copies should be sent to
'ic() , ~ (

Mr . ~tler Mr! lay
~
C. D. Jackson
Tracey Barnes
George Morgan

5~,r

~62•/ ~-r ~;.,,._ BJ. '1'
C.
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w..t..:..G. If ~
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IRDEI:

!Ka

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Parpose

Part Ia Bistor., of Meetings ot Panel

Part IIa COU11110Uts and SOggestiona or Panel

Gensral

On 14ck ot Danger

Air Farce Reportag Syatc

Artifacts or Ex:traterrestial Origin

Tremonton, Utah, SightiJ?g

Potential Related Dmlgers

Geog:raph1o locations ot Unezpl.ain0d
Sightings

Instrumentation to' Obtain Data

Radar Problem of 1'htual !ntert'GNmee

11nmcplained Cosmic Rq fherM111B119,

Fdueatioml. Program

Unofficial Investigatirlg Groups

Increase in Dmabar ~t Sighting•

Repcrt ot Panel

Tab A

l4at of Personnel Concerned with MeetJ.Dga

Tab B

LI.~ or Docsummtor7 Eddence Presented

Tab C

Page 17

PART 111 20J:1MPT§ MP suoowrro?§ or P.yp;,
Gl8@1AL

Th$ Panel Manbers v.-e impressed (u have been others, imlud

mg 0/SI personnel)- in the lack or aoum data 1n the great mjari.t7
of case histarles1 also, in the lack ot s ~ tollow-up due prinariq
to the lDDdest size ·and llm.1.ted tacillties ot the ATJ.'C section concernedo
.Am!>ng th'e case histariee ot aicUficant s1ghtines discussed in detail

were the tollow1nga
Belletontaine, Ohio (1 Aueust 1952) 1 Tremonton, Utah (2 July 1952h

Great tans,; Montana (15 August 1950) •· taat, Montana (1 September
1952h W ~ n , D. c. area· (19 July 1952) J and Haneda A.F.B.,
Japan· (5 August 1952), Part Huron, Michigan (29 J ~ 1952) J and

Presque Isle, Mdne (10 Ootobc- 1952).
After review am d1acuas1on ot these caau (am about 15 oth~s,

in leas detail), the Panel concluded that reasonable a:plamtiona
could be suggested tor most sightings and •by deduction and eciantitic
method it, could be induced (giv-en additional data) that other eases
might be explained 1n a similar snner".

The Panel pointed out that

because or the brevity- o.r same sightings· (e.g. 2-3 seconds) and the
inability ot the vitnesses to eaqreae themselves elear~ (sEIDBDtics) ·
that conclusive axplanatiomt oould not be expected far ev~ case
reported.

P'urtharmore, it was considered that, normally, it vould

be a great vaste ot effort to trr to solve moat or the sightings,

unless such action would benefit a training and educational program

(see belov). The writings or Charles Fort vere referenced to show

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~tion

tba't •st.-rege things 1n the sky" had been recorded for hundreds ot

,-ra.

It appared obvious that thare va.s no aingle explanat1Gr1

tar a majority ot the thiDgs seen. The pr-esence ot radar am astro

nomical spac1alists on the Panel iroved ot ftlne at once in their
oont'idant recogmtion ot fhenomem. related to their field.so

It~

apparent that spec1allsta 1n such additional. .fields Q P870holoa.
meteoroloa, cueodyna:mics, arnithology and mUitary air oparationa
vould ez.te:na the abilit)r· o~ the Panel to roe~• any mare oate

gortee ot lit~Jmown }menomen&o

ON WI 91 poom
T h e ~ concluded unan1no\S~ that there was no evidence~

a direct threat to national.secur1t71n the objects sighted•
. Instances of "Foo Fighters" were cited.

These vere unexpls1nad.

ph~ena siehted by ab-~ pilots during.• ~orld War II 1n both
European am Far East theaters or operation warein •be.lls ~ light•
vould fly near ar with the aircraft am ?1BMUVer rapidl.)r.

They vere

believed i;o be eleotro;tatie (~imUr,r to Sto Elmo's tire) or electro
magnetic phenanena ar possibq light retlections .trom ice arystal.a
in the air, but their exact cause ~ nature ws Dft'C' defined. Both

Robertson and Alvarez had been concerned in the investigation of
tbese phenomma, wt David T. Griggs (Professor ot Geophysics at

the Universit:, ot California at !Qs Angeles) is believed to have
been the most knowledgeable person on this aubjecto If tlle term
•ny1ng saucers" had been poiW41" 1n 1943 • 1945, these objects would
SE~

s~~ion

-s-

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Secul'i~tion

have been ao labeled.

It was 1nt;eresting that in at least two

oaaQS revi«-1~ that the object sighted was categorized by Robert8011
and Al.var'9z as probe.bl¥ "Foo Pighters" , to date unexplained bat. not
dangerou&J th.417 were not hapw thus to d1am1ss the. sightings b:,

calling them names. It vas their teeliDg that these phenomiena are
not beyond t.be domain ot present lcnffllledge ot phyaical science• hOIIGV8l'o

,m llJCE Rµ,cmm
smm
. .
It vu the Panel0 s oplnion that BOGG ot the Air Poree concern
over

u.f.o. •a (notwithstanding A1r Defense Ccnnand amdeey r.nor tut

radar tracks) was irobe.b~ caused by public iressure-.

The re8Ult

· today. is that the Air Force has 1.mitituted a tine channel far

receiving reports of near~ anythiDg anyone sees in the sky and
tails to umarstand. This has been particular~ encouraged 11'1 po~
lar articles on this and other subjects, such as apace travel and

science f'iction. The result is the maSB recetpt ot low-grade reports
which tem to overload channels or Offll'l!Dln1~t1oi-i with material quite

f.n-elevant to hostile objects that. might eome day appeBr. The Panel
agreed gener-~ that this mass .ot pom'l-qUallty reports containing

little, if any-, scientific data was ot no value. Quite the opposite,
it was possib~ dangerous in having a m.Uitaey Hl"Vice foster public
concern in "nocturnal mea.maring lights• .

The implication being,

since the ~e:rested agency was military, that these objects were
ar might be potential direct threats to national security.

Aocard

.tngq, the need far deamphasization made ltsel.£ apparent.

Ccmiments

on a possible 8'illoational _JXL:ogrqt are 8l'lllm8l"&ted below.

Page 20

It was the opinion ot Dr. Robertson that the •saueor" problem
ha4 been toum. to be dittarent in nature rrcm the detection and

investigation ot German v-1 am V-2 guided missUos prior tQ their
operational uae 1n World War n. In this 1943-1944 intelligence
operation (CR~BOW), there vas excellent ~olligence and bf June

1944 there was material evidence ot the mstence ot •hardware"
obtainttd fl-oll.l crashed vehicles in Sweden. Thia evidence gave the
1mr•st1eat~ team a basis upon which to operate.

The absence ot BDT

•hardt.Jare" resulting rrom unexpla1ned u.r.o. sightings l~s a "will
ot-the wiap) mtur.e to the ATIC problem.

The results ot their 1.nvoot1-

gation, to date; strongly indicate that no evidence or hostile act
or danger md;.ata. ~hermore, the current reporting syst(D vould
.

have little value in the case of detection ot 8Dal\1 attack b7 oormmtional a1rcraf't or guided missiles; unda'l" such conditions • ~11

voul.d be available almost at once.

ARTIFACTS or Jq'l'RATmRfflIAL CRlGJJi
It was 1ntarestirlg to note t~t none or the members ot the
Panel,.... loath

accept that this earth might be visited by extra

terrestrial intelligent beings or some sort, some day.

What th97 did

not find \188 m,y evidence that related the objecta eight.cl to spaoa

travelers. Mr. Fournet, 1D hie presentation, shoved hov he bad elim
inated each ot the known eJX1 probable causes of sightings leaving him
•extra,.terreatial• as the only one remaining i n ~ cases~ Fournat0s

background as an aeronautical engineer and technical in'c,elllgenco

Page 21

officer (Project Of'f'icer, BIDFl300K f~ 15 months) could not ba
allghtedo However, the Panel could ?)Ot accept a:ar of' the oases
sighted by' him because they vare raw, unsv~uated reports.

Terrestrial explanations ot the aighti.Jlga were suggested in. sane
cas~ and in others the time ot sighting was so short as tp cause
SWtpieion of visual im.pl-essions. It -was noted
by Dr. Goudamit and.
'
.
othara that extraterrestrial artitacts, U' they did extat11 are no·
cause for a.larmJ rather, they are in the realm ot natural phenomena

subject to eoientitic stu~, just as co=ic ~ were at the time

ot th~ disc;ovel'7 20 to_30 yosrs ago. This ims an atti~ude 1n
~ch Dr. Robertson did not concur, as he felt that such artif'acts

would be ot 1mn81liate am great concern mt only to the u. s. hit
to all countries.

(Nothing l1ke a comnon threat to unita peoples!)

Dr. Page noted that present astronanical lmowladge ot the solar
l

system makes the mstence of intel.llgent beings (as we know the
tc-m) elsewhere th,an on the earth extremely un11ke~, and the

ooncentration of their •ttention by 8117 controllable means confined
to auy one continent ot the earth quite preposterous.
1'ROODTON. OTAR, SIGRrDO

Thia case was considered signif'icant because ot the ax,ellant

document&r7 erldence 1n the torm ot lndacbrome motion picture films
(abottt 1600 framu). The Panel studied these tllma, the case h18tor7,
ATIC 1 a interpret.at.ton, and received a 1:rief'ing b7 repreaentat.1ves ot
the USN :Photo Interpretation le.boratory on their ~ i s of the
film. Thia team had expended (at .A1r Force request) approxim~

Page 22

1()00 man.-hours ot professional and sub-proteasional time 1n the

preparation of graph pl.Qts ot 1ndividu&l frames ot the tUm, ahaw
i!Jg apparent and relative motion ot objects and variation 1n their

light !ntenait;r. It was the opiDion ot the P.I.L. representatives
that the o~jects sighted vere not birds, balloons or aircraft•
vere •~ .retlections ~ e there was no bl.1nking vhUe ):&asing
0

through &J • ot &rd' and w.-e, ther~tore, 11 MU'~lum1.nous".

Plots ot

motion om variation 1n light intensity ot the objects vare die
p ~ . While the Panel Members were impressed b;v th~ evident
e n ~ imustry a!!d extent of etf~ ot the P.I.L• .team_ they

could not accept the conolusions reached. · Same or the reuona tor
thia vere as tollws1
&o

A aami-apharical obj~t can reed1'q troduce a rof'leotion

ot sunlight without "blinldng" through t,oo of arc travel.
bo Although no data was available on the "albedo" ot birds er

po~lene halJoona 1n bright aunlight, the apParent

motions, ai,;e■ and 'brlghtnesaes ot the objects ware
considered strong~ to suggest birds, psrticularq attar
the Panel viewed a abort film showing high ref'l.ectiut7

0, seagulls 1n bright 8UDlight.

o. P.I.L. description of the objects sighted as •c!rcular•

bluish-white" in color would be expectad 1n cases of
apecular reflections ot sunl 1ght trcm convez surtaoes vhere
the lrilliance of the retleotlon vould obscsure other portions
of the object.

Page 23

. d.

Object• 1n the Great 1'alla case vare 1»lieved to b&Ye

probably bein ~ , am th• brlght lights nch Ntleotiona.
e. Th.re vae no ft.lid reason tor the attempt to relate the object.
1n the Tremonton eightillg to those 1n t.he Great Falla a1ght-

1ng. rue mq have been due to m1sumcstam1ng in their
~active. The objects 1n the Great Falla eightblg are
atrongq auspectec1 ot being ret1ect1ona ot a1rcrllft Jmown to
have been :bi the area.

to The intensity change ~ the TNmoJiton lights vu too g . t

tar ~~e of tho P:I.L. bypothesia ~ t the appaNDt

motion Md changing intensity ot the lights mlicated u t r ~
high speed in small orbital i:atha.

g. Apparent lack ot guidance or investigators b;1 thoee tam131ar
'With u.F.o. reports am axplanatiom,.
h. ~ i s ot light 1ntensi't7 ot objects made tram dupl.1cate

rather than arig1.ml. film. The or1g1nal t1lm vaa noted to
ha.Te a 1IIIOh lighter background (atf'ectiilg •relat1w brightnaa

of object) and ·th• objocta appeared ?DW?h leas bright..
1. Method or obtaining data ot light intensity appeared raul.ty
bacause of unauitabilit7 of equipnent and questionable
assumptions 1n maJdng av.rages ot readi:ngs.
j. Ro data had bean obtained on the senait1v1t7 ot Xodac!n-ome

film to light ot various intensities usillg the·same Ceiiili&
type a.t the aame lans openiJJgs.

Page 24

Hom •jitter" trequencia (obtaimble !rClll earq part ot

Tremonton t:tlm) vere not removed from the plota ot the
•111ng1e paaa plots" at the end or the tUm.
The Panel beliend atro~ that the data aailable on th1•
•ighting as eutticient tor positive idantitioation it further data

1a obtaiDed b7 ~otograpbing poqeth7lane •pillow" balloona released
near the eite ullder o1m1lar weather condition■, checldng bSN fliaht.

and Nf'hotion charactaristlo• vith competent arm.tholcciata am
calculatblg apparent •a- forces a ~ upon objects from their apparent
trackao

It vas coneludod that the resul.ta ot auch tests vould prob

ably lead to ereditable explanationa or value in an educational ar
tra1nbJg programo

lloweYer, the Panel noted that the coat 1n teohldoal

manpow8l" etrort :required to tollcN up and ·exp1a1n every ane ot the

thousand or more reports received through channel.I eaoh JNr' {1,900 in
1952) could not be justitied. It was telt that there will alvaye be

sightings, tor which complete data 1a lacldng, that can o~ be
explained with disproportionate effort and with a lC"11g time delq, U
at allo

The lcmg de~ 1n expla1Jdng a sighting tenda to eliminate

any intelllg~e ftl.ue. The educational or training program ehoul4
haTe u a J1Bjor purpose the elimination ot popular reeling that •••7

a1ghtii2g, no matter how poor the data, must be explained in detailo
Attention should be directed to the requirement amo!lg scientists that
a nw phenomena, to be accepted, mast be complete~ am comimini~
documented.

In other words, the blrden of proot is on the sighter,

not the explainer.

Page 25

m.tmtJtL I\IYTU, ·ppp.ffl§
'l'be Panel Mambar-e vm-e 1n agreament vlth 0/SI op1n1.on that,

although evidence ot any dh-ect t.broat tltaa th a sightings vu
vho~ laelf!ng, Nlated daz]gc-a Jldgbt veil ecdllt ruul.Ung trcaa
•• M:181dentit1caUon ot actual 8Dal\V' artitaets b.r datanse

personnel.
ho

~erload1• ot emargeDC7 report1ng ehannela w1th •tal.w
intOl'llll!Ltion ("no1ae to signal ratio" analao--Bc-kntr)o

Subject1vit,' ot piblto to mas• ~at.ria _a nd grreate vu]...
IIGl"abili~ to PQSsible ~ P87Cholog1oal. VU'tare.
'

~tJiough nOt the concern of CIA, the .t11'8't two
. ot those probled
may smouaq atteet the Air n.teruse 1ntel.l.fgenee state, ml ahoa14
be studied by u:perta, poasibJ.lr unde" ADC.

It u.r.o.•11 became 41.,..

credited 1Ji a reaction to the "t:cy!.ng aa.uc..- aoare, or it report-..
ing channels are saturated with tal.se am poor~ documente4 report■,
oui- oapability of detecting hostile act1vi't7 will be reduced.

Dr I> Page noted that mare campetent, screening or tilter!JJg ot reported

aightinge at or near the source 1e required, and that thie can beat
be acccmpliahtkl b7 an educational program.
GGRAPHl'C JLCATIQNS Ql 01n4P1f\WD smmng

The map prepared by ATIO llhOlling geograpbic looatiou ot otticialq

reported unexpla1ned sigbtillga (1952 onl.7) was aandned bJ' the Panel.
Thia •P showed ol\llJtera 1n certain strategic areas such as Los ~
Thia might be a:plained on the basis of 21.--haur vatchtul guard an4

Page 26

avareneaa ~security-measures naar such loeiationa. On the other
hand, tbare had bean no sightings 1n the nc~t;y ot Nn81t!:ve
related AE establishments while there were oocaa1o~ multiple
cases ot ~ sightings in DOD-Btrategic aNUo

Furtharmore,

there ~~ed. to be no logical relat1onsh1p to population ffDters.
The ftmel coald t1m no road1' ezplamtion tar these oluatera.

waa noted, hOW8'9'm", that if ten-est.rial artitacta were to be o?:laarved
it vould b e ~ that the;y would be seen first near tortdgn areu

rathm- than c.entral U. s.

IN§TRUMF1fl'ATION TO OBTAIN DATA
The Panel ,nuJ or the opinion that the present ATIO program to
pl.ace 100 inaxponsiva 35 m. stereo camaras in the hams ot various

airport control tower operators would rrobabl3 produce little ftlu

Text continues in the original file (42 pages).

Next: CIA-UAP-003 — The Central Intelligence Agency and Overhead Reconnaissance; The U-2 and OXCART Programs, 1954-1974