FBI-UAP-D1952, ADMINISTRATIVE FILE, SECTION 7, SERIALS 302-343

PAGE 1

cover-page

This is a cover sheet for an FBI file section (Section 7, Serials 302-343) containing various administrative stamps and handwritten notes regarding FOIPA processing.

62-HQ-83894
SECTION 7
SERIALS 302-343
[HANDWRITTEN: 4800]
[HANDWRITTEN: Serial 322, 320]
[HANDWRITTEN: Serial 343]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1976]
DO NOT DESTROY THIS FILE
FOIPA # 993087
Transfer-Call 421

PAGE 2

cover-page

This is a FOIPA cover sheet containing handwritten logs of serials, requester names, computer numbers, and dates.

COPIED FOR FOIPA
SERIALS REQUESTERS FULL NAME COMPUTER NUMBER DATE BY
[HANDWRITTEN: 342 Richard Toront 247,191 6/2/86 ON]
[HANDWRITTEN: 322 Rosenfeld 284/189 12/5/91 13]

PAGE 3

memo

An FBI teletype from the Savannah office reporting a sighting of a saucer-shaped object with a blue light and orange fringe over the Savannah River Plant on August 8, 1952.

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
AUG 9 1952
TELETYPE

FBI, SAVANNAH 8-9-52 6-46 PM EST WED
DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT

FLYING SAUCERS, SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT, AEC. SECURITY OFFICE OF AEC ADVISED THIS DATE THAT TWO EMPLOYEES OF THE E. I. DU PONT COMPANY SAW A BLUE LIGHT WITH AN ORANGE FRINGE SHAPED LIKE A SAUCER FLY OVER THE FOUR HUNDRED AREA OF THE SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT AT APPROXIMATELY NINE THIRTY PM AUGUST EIGHT, FIFTYTWO. OBJECT FLYING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND TRAVELING IN A NORTHEASTERN DIRECTION.

RECORDED - 68
SCHLENKER
ACK AND H O L D .................
7-48 PM OK FBI WA NRB

[HANDWRITTEN: Mr. Tolson, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Belmont, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Laughlin, Mr. Mohr, Mr. Winterrowd, Tele. Room, Mr. Holloman, Miss Gandy]
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894 302]
[HANDWRITTEN: 8/11/52 Capt. Schell Hous Advised]
[HANDWRITTEN: 5-8th Mossbury]
[HANDWRITTEN: c.c. Mr. Kennrich]

PAGE 4

cover-page

This page is a cover sheet containing various FBI and Department of Justice date-received stamps from August 1952.

RECEIVED
F B I
COMMUNICATIONS
AUG 9 7 48 PM '52

REC'D BELMONT
F. B. I.
DEPT OF JUSTICE
AUG 9 8 39 PM '52

[HANDWRITTEN: Rec'd 12 noon 8/11/52]

REC'D ESPIONAGE
F B I
S DEPT OF JUSTICE
AUG 11 9 39 AM '52

L.
S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
AUG 11 1 32 PM '52

PAGE 5

letter

A letter from FBI Director John Edgar Hoover to Mr. Edmond J. Kane acknowledging receipt of a letter regarding flying saucers and advising him to contact the U.S. Air Force for further correspondence.

August 11, 1952

Mr. Edmond J. Kane
Mauston, Wisconsin
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-303]
Dear Mr. Kane:

Your letter dated August 1, 1952, has been received, and I appreciate the interest which prompted your bringing your observations to my attention.

Inasmuch as the matter of the flying saucers is being investigated by the United States Air Force, I am taking the liberty of forwarding a copy of your letter to the Director of Special Investigations, The Inspector General, Department of the Air Force, The Pentagon, Washington, D. C. If you have further observations along this line, I would suggest that you may wish to communicate directly with him.

Sincerely yours,

John Edgar Hoover
Director

Copy by form to Air Force Intelligence.

NOTE: Special Agent Samuel Hardy, EOD 3-28-25, GS-12, $8760, assigned to Minneapolis.
Special Agent Clinton W. Stein, EOD 4-6-31, GS-15, $10,800, assigned Division II as inspector.

RHD:gr:mfo
[HANDWRITTEN: [ILLEGIBLE]]
[HANDWRITTEN: [ILLEGIBLE]]
[HANDWRITTEN: [ILLEGIBLE]]

PAGE 6

PAGE 7

letter

A letter from Edmond J. Kane to J. Edgar Hoover suggesting that the 'flying saucers' phenomenon might be caused by energy from exploded atomic bombs.

Mauston, Wisconsin, 1 August 1952

Mr. J. Edgar Hoover, Director
FBI
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir: [HANDWRITTEN: Flying SAUCERS]

As a retired member of the St Paul Police Force and having had numerous pleasant contacts with Agent Clintonstein and Samy Hardy, I take the liberty of an opinion that came to me that the flying saucers scare seems possible that the released energy of exploded Atomic Bombs could be soaring around in the atmosphere. I know you can channel this thought to the proper authorities and certainly would appreciate your comments on this thought.

I am a Veteran of both World War #1 and #2 and also a member of the American Legion for 32 years. I am presently a member of The American Legion Post #81 of Mauston, Wisconsin which is known as the Burton-Koppang Post.

If this thought is instrumental in tracking down the source of this scare thereby releaving some of the tension to our American Country, it may be worth following up at this time.

Thanking you very much for your cooperation and consideration in this matter and will you please acknowledge and advise your comments.

Yours very truly,
Edmond J. Kane
Edmond J. Kane
Mauston, Wisconsin

CC: Personal file

[HANDWRITTEN: xme 8.8.52 rhd]
[HANDWRITTEN: (y)]
[HANDWRITTEN: EXPEDITE PROCESSING AUG 6 1952]
RECORDED - 119 162-83894-303
AUG 6 1952
[HANDWRITTEN: EX-31]
[HANDWRITTEN: Ptw PERSONNEL]

PAGE 8

PAGE 9

letter

A letter from FBI Director John Edgar Hoover to Mrs. Ora A. Tygrett acknowledging receipt of her letter regarding an observation and informing her that a copy has been forwarded to the Department of the Air Force.

August 12, 1952

Mrs. Ora A. Tygrett
c/o Lou Merlaw Farm
Rural Route No. 1
New Palestine, Indiana

[HANDWRITTEN: FLYING SAUCERS]

Dear Mrs. Tygrett:

Your letter dated July 31, 1952, addressed to the War Department, c/o Federal Bureau of Investigation, has been received.

Your interest in furnishing your observation in this regard is appreciated.

In view of the contents of your communication which also appear to be of interest to the Department of the Air Force, I have taken the liberty of furnishing that Agency a copy of your letter.

Sincerely yours,

John Edgar Hoover
Director

RECORDED-114
TOC:jdt INDEXED-114
162-83894-304
AUG 14 1952
80
EX.-73

Tolson
Ladd
Nichols
Belmont
Clegg
Glavin
Harbo
Rosen
Tracy
Laughlin
Mohr
Tele. Rm.
Holloman
Gandy

COMM-FBI
AUG 12 1952
MAILED 20

68 AUG 22 1952

PAGE 10

letter

A letter from the FBI to Mr. A. T. [REDACTED] acknowledging receipt of a letter regarding a matter and requesting further information.

August 15, 1925

Mr. A. T. [REDACTED]
Room 1010, 10th Floor
New York, New York

Dear Mr. T[REDACTED]:

Your letter dated July 13, 1925, concerning the [REDACTED] of [REDACTED] has been received.

This matter is receiving attention.

It is requested that you furnish to this office any further information which you may obtain concerning the [REDACTED] of the [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED].

Very truly yours,

[REDACTED]

[HANDWRITTEN: 38P]

[STAMP: DECLASSIFIED]
[STAMP: INDEXED-119]
[STAMP: EX-13]

RECEIVE MAIL ROOM
F B I
U.S DEPT OF JUSTICE
AUG 12 5 28 PM 25

[STAMP: 22 AUG 1925]

[STAMP: OCM-FBI
VOID
SO DIVIDED]

PAGE 11

memo

An FBI memo from J. Edgar Hoover to the Air Force regarding a letter received from W. H. Jennings about flying disks, noting that the letter was forwarded to the Air Force and no further action is required by the FBI.

Date: August 13, 1952
To: Director of Special Investigations
The Inspector General
Department of the Air Force
The Pentagon
Washington 25, D. C.
From: John Edgar Hoover, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Subject: FLYING DISKS

There is attached a Photostat of a self explanatory letter dated August 5, 1952, at Pontiac, Michigan, received by this Bureau from Mr. W. H. Jennings, 3096 Hazelmary, Zone 17, Pontiac, Michigan, relating to the captioned matter.

Mr. Jennings' letter has been acknowledged and he has been informed that a copy of his letter has been furnished to your office for appropriate attention. No further action is contemplated in this matter by this Bureau.

Attachment [HANDWRITTEN: 162-83894-305]
NOTE: [HANDWRITTEN: RECORDED - 11 EX. - 69] [HANDWRITTEN: AUG 15 1952] [HANDWRITTEN: 80]

There is no record identifiable with Jennings in the files of the Bureau
EHM:kc

PAGE 12

other

This page contains a faint, mostly illegible document with a date stamp from the FBI Mail Room indicating receipt on August 13, 1950.

RECORDED IT

RECEIVE MAIL ROOM
F B I
U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE
AUG 13 11 26 PM '5[ILLEGIBLE]

PAGE 13

memo

A memo from J. Edgar Hoover to the Air Force regarding a letter received from Benedicto Romero concerning flying disks, stating that the FBI has forwarded the letter to the Air Force and will take no further action.

SECURITY INFORMATION

Date: August 13, 1952
To: Director of Special Investigations
The Inspector General
Department of the Air Force
The Pentagon
Washington 25, D. C.
From: John Edgar Hoover, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Subject: FLYING DISKS

There is attached a copy of a self explanatory letter dated July 31, 1952, received by this Bureau from Mr. Benedicto Romero, 1647 Park Avenue, New York City, relating to the captioned matter.

Mr. Romero's letter has been acknowledged [HANDWRITTEN: B] and he has been informed that a copy of his letter has been furnished to your office for appropriate attention. No further action is contemplated in this matter by this Bureau.

Attachment [HANDWRITTEN: 162-83894-306] RECORDED-11 AUG 15 1952 EX-69 80
NOTE:
Bureau files fail to reflect any information that can be identified with Mr. Romero.
EHM:kc

[HANDWRITTEN: 53 AUG 26 1952]

PAGE 14

other

This page contains a standard FBI date stamp indicating receipt of a document on August 13, 1952.

RECORDED - 11

REC'D-TOI SON'S OFFICE
RECEIVED - 12:50 PM
AUG 13 52
F. B. I.
U. S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE

PAGE 15

memo

A memo from FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover to the Air Force regarding a letter received from Mrs. Fred Haufe concerning flying disks, noting that the FBI has no prior information on her.

Date: August 14, 1952
To: Director of Special Investigations
The Inspector General
Department of the Air Force
The Pentagon
Washington 25, D. C.
From: John Edgar Hoover, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Subject: FLYING DISKS

There is attached a copy of a self-explanatory letter dated August 1, 1952, received by this Bureau from Mrs. Fred Haufe, 606 Walnut Avenue, Fairmont, West Virginia, relating to the captioned matter.

Mrs. Haufe's letter has been acknowledged and she has been informed that a copy of her letter has been furnished to your office for appropriate attention. No further action is contemplated in this matter by this Bureau.

[HANDWRITTEN: B]
Attachment
NOTE: Bureau files fail to reflect any information that can be identified with Mrs. Haufe.

EHM:kc
[HANDWRITTEN: 53 AUG 26 1952]

PAGE 16

PAGE 17

form

A Service Unit Search Slip form for a subject identified as Mrs. Fred Staufe, with handwritten notes indicating no record (NR) found.

SERVICE UNIT 4-22a
SEARCH SLIP
Supervisor [HANDWRITTEN: Innesburg] Room [HANDWRITTEN: 3708]
Subj: [HANDWRITTEN: Mrs Fred Staufe]

Exact Spelling Searchers [HANDWRITTEN: JLB]
All References Initial [HANDWRITTEN: JLB]
Subversive Ref. Date [HANDWRITTEN: 8/12]
Main File
Restricted to Locality of

FILE NUMBER SERIALS
[HANDWRITTEN: NR]

[HANDWRITTEN: JLB 5th]
Initialed

PAGE 18

memo

An FBI internal memorandum regarding an anonymous letter written in German received by the Cincinnati Enquirer concerning 'Flying Saucers', with a recommendation for the Domestic Intelligence Division to review the translation.

STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

TO : MR. R. T. HARBO [HANDWRITTEN: RD]
FROM : C. F. DOWNING [HANDWRITTEN: FD] [HANDWRITTEN: IWN]
SUBJECT: ANONYMOUS COMMUNICATION WRITTEN
IN GERMAN LANGUAGE RECEIVED BY
"CINCINNATI ENQUIRER" PERTAINING
TO "FLYING SAUCERS"
SECURITY MATTER - X

DATE: August 8, 1952
[HANDWRITTEN: Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Belmont, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy]

Reference is made to a letter from the Cincinnati Office dated August 6, 1952, submitting an anonymous letter in German concerning so-called "Flying Saucers." [HANDWRITTEN: Brathigan, Worshury, Ehn]

Attached are 7 copies of a translation of this German material prepared in the Cryptanalysis-Translation Section.

No reply has been made by us to the August 6, 1952, letter from Cincinnati.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Domestic Intelligence Division review the Cincinnati submission and accompanying Bureau translation, for appropriate handling, noting particularly a suggestion in the last paragraph of the Cincinnati letter to consider making this information available to other Governmental Agencies.

62-83894
IWN:jen
Attachment
[HANDWRITTEN: 2 7 ENCL]
[HANDWRITTEN: 58 SEP 2 1952]
RECORDED - 67
INDEXED - 67
EX. - 73
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-308 5-Ehn]
[HANDWRITTEN: 13 AUG 20 1952]

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

transcript

A translation of a German document describing a 'Flying Saucer' as a V-weapon tested in 1944, currently in Russian possession, with a range of 30,000-35,000 km.

TRANSLATION FROM GERMAN

Flying Saucer,
a weapon tested in 1944, which is probably now being produced in series, and at this time causes a great stir, is a V-weapon which has a round body similar to a disk having a diameter of about 48-50 m. On the outer ring it has about 45-50 automatic circular nozzles which after the ignition of the disk circulate around a plexiglass sphere in the center in which the measuring and controlling devices for long-distance steering are located. In the sphere is still sufficient space for atom bombs. These weapons are in Russian hands and can have an effective range of 30-35,000 km. The constructor of V-weapons RIEDEL in Germany stated that it concerns a typical V-weapon on which he had worked himself. I am sure that the truth is better than a panic among ignorant people.

H. SCH.

[HANDWRITTEN: TRANSLATED BY: FRIEDRICH G. NEUHAUSER; bad AUGUST 8, 1952.]

OPIES DESTROYED
270 NOV 19 1964
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-308]

PAGE 21

memo

An FBI memo from J. Edgar Hoover to the Air Force Inspector General regarding a communication from John Galloway about flying saucers, stating that the Bureau has forwarded the information and will take no further action.

Date: August 20, 1952
To: Director of Special Investigations
The Inspector General
Department of the Air Force
The Pentagon
Washington 25, D. C.
From: John Edgar Hoover, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Subject: FLYING SAUCERS

There is attached a communication which was enclosed with a letter dated July 29, 1952, from Mr. John Galloway, 17 Clifton Place, Brooklyn 5, New York, relative to the captioned matter.

Mr. Galloway's letter has been acknowledged and he has been informed that this communication has been furnished to your office for appropriate attention. No further action is contemplated in this matter by this Bureau.

[HANDWRITTEN: Attachment]

SECURITY INFORMATION - CONFIDENTIAL
CC: Mr. E. H. Mossburg, Room 3708
CRD:buk

PAGE 22

cover-page

This is a cover page or routing sheet for an FBI document, stamped with a receipt date of August 21, 1952.

RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM
FBI
U S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
Aug 21 6 08 PM '52

[HANDWRITTEN: 8/21/52]

[HANDWRITTEN: 21 (2) OK]

[HANDWRITTEN: VDAICED BA KOCLTVC]
[HANDWRITTEN: VMD LIETD OELICE2]
[HANDWRITTEN: YLBOLKIVLE VGENCIE2]

PAGE 23

memo

This FBI memo from the San Diego office to the Director transmits two documents provided by Francis Ohm regarding Borderland Sciences Research Associates.

Director, FBI
8-18-52
SAC, San Diego (100-8565)
BORDERLAND SCIENCES, RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
San Diego, California;
MEAD LAYNE - Director; MAX FREEDOM LONG - Director
[HANDWRITTEN: FLYING SAUCERS]
Reference is made to San Diego letter dated 8-5-52 concerning the captioned matter.
For the additional information of the Bureau, there is being transmitted herewith one copy each of the following which were made available to me by FRANCIS OHM, who is a member of the captioned organization:
1. Mimeographed letter consisting of four pages addressed to His Excellency, The President of the United States.
2. Mimeographed announcement consisting of three pages entitled "For Information of the Public - and the Sake of the Record - A Synopsis of Important Data".
Enclosure (2)
JFS:jec
[HANDWRITTEN: 1 ENCL. filed with original]
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-]
NOT RECORDED
147 SEP 3 1952
[HANDWRITTEN: ORIGINAL FILED IN 62-97814-3]
5 SEP 10 1952

PAGE 24

memo

A memo from the San Diego FBI office to the Director regarding the submission of two documents related to a captioned matter.

Director, FBI
SAC, San Diego (100-1020)

REFERENCE SAN DIEGO LETTER DATED 8-2-52 CONCERNING CAPTIONED MATTER.

For the additional information of the Bureau, there is being submitted herewith one copy of each of the following which were made available to me by [REDACTED] who is a member of the organization:

1. Mimeographed letter consisting of four pages addressed to his Excellency, the President of this United States.

2. Mimeographed announcement consisting of three pages entitled "For Information of the Public -- and the Sake of the Record -- A Synopsis of Facts."

Enclosure (2)

[HANDWRITTEN: 8-26-52]
[HANDWRITTEN: out class to Dir 5.]

PAGE 25

letter

A letter from FBI Director John Edgar Hoover to Mr. William Hoffmeyer acknowledging receipt of a letter regarding a 'steady white light' and forwarding the information to the U.S. Air Force.

August 22, 1952

RECORDED - 88 [HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-310] Mr. William Hoffmeyer
Route 3
Jackson, Minnesota

INDEXED - 88
EX. - 73

Dear Mr. Hoffmeyer:

Your letter postmarked August 15, 1952, together with enclosure, has been received, and I want to thank you for bringing this matter to my attention.

Inasmuch as the contents of your communication do not reflect any violation within the jurisdiction of this Bureau, I am unable to comply with your request.

I am taking the liberty of forwarding a copy of your letter and your original enclosure to the Director of Special Investigations, The Inspector General, Department of the Air Force, The Pentagon, Washington 25, D. C., since these matters may be of interest to that agency.

Sincerely yours,

John Edgar Hoover
Director

Copy of incoming to Dept. of Air Force.

NOTE: In view of correspondent's reference to a "steady white light" circling their farm, his letter is being referred to the U.S. Air Force branch interested in matters of this type. Correspondent's enclosure was a sample of what appeared to be shredded thin strips of tin foil.

LH:mnf:ns
[HANDWRITTEN: 27] [HANDWRITTEN: SEP 8 1952] [HANDWRITTEN: MAILED 10 AUG 22 1952 COMM FBI] [HANDWRITTEN: Tolson] [HANDWRITTEN: M] [HANDWRITTEN: M] [HANDWRITTEN: L]

PAGE 26

other

This page is a scan of a document containing only a date stamp from the FBI Mail Room.

RECEIVED MAIL ROOM
FBI
U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
Aug 22 5 59 PM '52

PAGE 27

letter

A letter from Wm Hoffmeyer to J. Edgar Hoover reporting the discovery of tinsel-like material in a pasture in Jackson, Minnesota, accompanied by reports of burned patches and a white light seen circling the farm.

Jackson Minn
Aug 2, 1952

Flying Saucers -
J. Edgar Hoover
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington D.C.

Wm Hoffmeyer
Jackson, Minn
R R 3

Dear Mr Hoover:
I don't know if you analyze articles so will send you a sample of (something that looks like tinsel) because [HANDWRITTEN: my uncle] found it in a pasture in a round pile, underneath of it, it looks as tho the clover was burned. & there are 3 similar patches which are burned in a triangle form. Last [HANDWRITTEN: B] Sunday Morning the neighbor wife got up [HANDWRITTEN: to] drink of water & happened to see a [HANDWRITTEN: steady] white light circling their farm & [HANDWRITTEN: she] didn't pay any attention to it. Than Sunday morn when [HANDWRITTEN: my uncle] went to get the cows, he saw this stuff shining [HANDWRITTEN: in the sun] & it couldn't of been dropped out of a plane which was loose & not in a container. The nearest road is about a 1/2 mile from the pasture & now we are wondering what it is so would like to [HANDWRITTEN: ask 8/22/52 LH]

PAGE 28

letter

A short handwritten note from Wm Hoffmeyer requesting an analysis, received by the FBI on August 19, 1952.

[HANDWRITTEN: have you analyze it & let me know. Sincerely yours, Wm Hoffmeyer]

[STAMP: MR. JONES
Aug 19 12 33 PM '52
RECEIVED
F B I
U S DEPT OF JUSTICE]

PAGE 29

letter

A letter from a citizen to J. Edgar Hoover requesting analysis of a tinsel-like substance found in a pasture, which was discovered near burned patches of clover following a sighting of a white light circling a farm.

TRUE COPY

Jackson Minn
Aug 2, 1952

J. Edgar Hoover
Federal bureau of Investigation.
Washington, D. C.

Dear Mr Hoover:

I don't know if you analyze articles so will send you a sample of (something that looks like tinsel) because my uncle found it in a pasture in a round pile, underneath of it, it looks as tho the clover was burned. & there are 3 similar patches which are burned in a triangle form. Last Sunday Morning the Neighbors Wife got up to get a drink of water & happned to see a steady white Light circling their farm, but didn't pay any attention to it. Than Sunday morn. when my uncle went to get the cows, he saw this stuff shining in the Sun light. It couldn't of been dropped out of a plane as it was loose & not in a container & the nearest road is about a 1/2 mile from the pasture & now we are wondering what it is. So would like to have you analyze it & let me know.

Sincerely yours,
/s/ Wm Hoffmeyer

PAGE 30

letter

A letter from FBI Director John Edgar Hoover to Mr. John E. Lang acknowledging receipt of his letter regarding observations and informing him that the information has been forwarded to the United States Air Force.

[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83874-311]
August 20, 1952
RECORDED - 126
INDEXED - 126
Mr. John E. Lang
1413 South Vermont
Los Angeles 6, California
Dear Mr. Lang:
[HANDWRITTEN: EX. - 73] Your letter of August 12, 1952, has been received and I want you to know that I appreciate the interest prompting you to bring your observations to my attention.
Inasmuch as the matter to which you refer is of interest to the United States Air Force authorities, I am taking the liberty of making a copy of your communication available to The Honorable, The Secretary of the Air Force, The Pentagon, Washington 25, D. C.
Sincerely yours,
John Edgar Hoover
Director
LH:gr:bkh [HANDWRITTEN: initials]
[HANDWRITTEN: initials]
[HANDWRITTEN: initials]
[HANDWRITTEN: initials]
[HANDWRITTEN: initials]
[HANDWRITTEN: initials]
[HANDWRITTEN: initials]
[HANDWRITTEN: initials]
[HANDWRITTEN: initials]
[HANDWRITTEN: initials]
[HANDWRITTEN: initials]
[HANDWRITTEN: initials]
[HANDWRITTEN: initials]
COMM-FBI
AUG 22 1952
MAILED 20
66 SEP 3 1952
[HANDWRITTEN: RECEIVED AUG 20 4 26 PM 52]
[HANDWRITTEN: General]
[HANDWRITTEN: W]
[HANDWRITTEN: initials]

PAGE 31

PAGE 32

letter

A letter from John E. Lang to J. Edgar Hoover suggesting that unidentified flying objects are actually aircraft using spotlights to evade detection, and proposing a method to intercept them.

Los Angeles 6 California August 12th 1952

Dear Mr. Hoover

Last sunday my wife and I attented a Moveing picture where they showed the Flying Saucer it looked like a spot of light
It gave me the impresion that there might be a plane up in the
sky with a spot light or serch light that is send down from the plane
and when our planes make an affort to go up there to find them
they turn off the light and there for we feel that they have made a
fast getaway up into the sky at a very fast speed this plane goes back
to its air field or to another place and fool the public
If our plane on its way up to find this plane would go up with all the
lights turned off and stay farr away and try to come over the top
of this plane they would be able to catch it but they should be
prepaired to shoot it out if needed
I think in order to prove this Idia we shoudd send one of our own
plane up and have them send down a spot light or serch light to
find out if this is not true
if this is of any help it will make me happy
I dont think I am very Off

Sincerely
John E. Lang
1413 So. Vermont
Los Angeles 6 California

[HANDWRITTEN: 162-83894-311]
[HANDWRITTEN: AUG 27 1952]
[HANDWRITTEN: 4/MAT/XV]
[HANDWRITTEN: RECORDED - 126]
[HANDWRITTEN: EX. - 73]
[HANDWRITTEN: ack 8.20.52 LH]

PAGE 33

memo

A memo from the SAC in San Diego to the FBI Director regarding Borderland Sciences Research Associates, detailing claims made by Francis Ohm about the organization's ability to predict natural disasters.

Director, FBI August 5, 1952
SAC, San Diego
BORDERLAND SCIENCES, RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
San Diego, California; MEAD LAYNE, Director;
MAX FREEDOM LONG, Director

In view of the current hysteria concerning the so-called "flying saucers", I thought that the Bureau might be interested in the following information concerning the captioned organization.

I am transmitting herewith certain literature concerning the captioned organization which was furnished to me by FRANCIS OHM, who operates the Businessmens Assurance Company in San Diego and who has his office in the same building housing the FBI office.

It is of interest to note that on Friday, August 1, 1952, at approximately 12:00 noon, FRANCIS OHM asked to see me urgently, which I did. As a member of the captioned organization, he advised me that they were having a meeting at 1:00 PM the same day, inasmuch as they had been advised that they had some very important information to discuss. He went on to relate that through the means utilized by his organization (which the enclosed literature will reflect borders on the occult), they were able to prognosticate well in advance the recent earthquake which occurred in Tehachapi, California. He advised that they have also been able to obtain the following information:

1. That a very severe tidal wave will hit the Pacific Ocean sometime in the not too remote future and that most of the Japanese Islands will be washed away and disappear.

2. That all fishes with scales in Japanese waters will soon leave these waters for other destinations, in view of the oncoming tidal wave.

3. That this tidal wave will wash away the Hawaiian Islands.

4. That the West Coast of the United States will likewise be affected by this tidal wave.

5. That they prognosticated the appearance of a new island in the Pacific which was published in the newspapers within the past week.

JFS:ha [HANDWRITTEN: 7-199 71 SEP 1952] [HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-] NOT RECORDED 147 SEP 8 1952 INITIALS ON ORIGINAL [HANDWRITTEN: ENCL. filed with original] [HANDWRITTEN: 97814-2] [HANDWRITTEN: ORIGINAL FILED IN 62-83894]

PAGE 34

memo

This memo details a report from an individual named Mr. Ohm regarding claims about flying saucers and the Borderland Sciences Research Associates, while also noting the FBI's decision not to investigate the matter.

Direcotr, FBI
8-5-52
Re: BORDERLAND SCIENCES, RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
San Diego, California; MEAD LAYNE, Director;
MAX FREEDOM LONG, Director

6. That the flying saucers are not fantasies; that they are factual and actual; that his associates in the captioned organization have been in conversation with the men operating the flying saucers, and that they have asked that high officials of the U. S. Government be informed that they are here on our planet on a peaceful mission and that they are not on a warlike mission. However, if the U. S. Government continues to send planes after these flying saucers and if these planes fire on the flying saucers, they have disintegrators which they will utilize and which will disintegrate these planes completely in no time flat.

Mr. OHM requested that either I myself attend the meeting at 1:00 PM or that I designate a stenographer to attend the meeting, so that she could take down all the minutes of the meeting. I told him that unfortunately this was very short notice, that I had another commitment and that our stenographers were pretty well occupied at that time. He said he would advise me of anything important that might transpire at the meeting. As of August 2, 1952, he has not advised me of anything which transpired at the meeting.

I should like to point out that OHM appears to be a perfectly sane, sound individual; he operates a very large insurance business in San Diego, and is convinced in his own mind of the efficacy of this organization.

No investigation is being conducted concerning this matter and I do not contemplate attending any meetings of this organization.

- 2 -

PAGE 35

letter

A letter from FBI Director John Edgar Hoover to Mr. C. S. Choinski acknowledging receipt of his letter regarding UFO observations and informing him that the matter has been referred to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

August 25, 1952

RECORDED-14 [HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-312]
Mr. C. S. Choinski
Koshkonong, Missouri

INDEXED-14
EX-32
Dear Mr. Choinski:

Your letter dated August 14, 1952, has been received, and I want to thank you for affording me the benefit of your observations.

Inasmuch as the matter to which you refer is of interest to another governmental agency, I am taking the liberty of forwarding a copy of your communication to the Director of Special Investigations, The Inspector General, Department of the Air Force, The Pentagon, Washington 25, D. C.

Sincerely yours,

John Edgar Hoover
Director

Copy of incoming sent to the Director of Special Investigations, the Inspector General, Department of the Air Force, by form letter.

LH:par:bkh [HANDWRITTEN: 373] [HANDWRITTEN: 8 SEP 1952] MAILED 9 AUG 25 1952 COMM-FRI

PAGE 36

letter

A handwritten letter addressed to Mr. Hoover regarding the author's theory that flying saucers are disease-breeding metal discs being shot over the U.S. by the Russians.

[HANDWRITTEN: 8/14-52]
[HANDWRITTEN: Mr Hoover]
[HANDWRITTEN: FLYING SAUCERS For four year have I claimed that the Flying Saucer was a disease breeding etc metal disc which we persist in the air Thousands of them are ma being shot over the U.S. at [ILLEGIBLE] the Russians Most of]
[HANDWRITTEN: Mail ack 8-22-52 LH]

PAGE 37

PAGE 38

letter

A handwritten note signed by C.S. Chonski mentioning 'vapor' and requesting the source of an observation for the department.

2

them 2 before before
daylight some do
when those we see-
the vapor only-
Prove the source and
you will have another
coup for your department
Thanks
C.S. Chonski
Koshkonong
2220
[HANDWRITTEN: nme]

PAGE 39

memo

An FBI internal memorandum recommending that field offices be reminded of existing instructions to refer flying saucer complaints to the Office of Special Investigations (OSI).

STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : Mr. A. H. Belmont
FROM : Mr. W. A. Branigan
SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS [HANDWRITTEN: Saucers]

PURPOSE:
To recommend existing instructions to the field re flying discs be called to the attention of the field.

BACKGROUND:
A review of communications received from the field indicates they are not observing existing instructions contained in Bureau Bulletin #57, paragraph D, dated 10/1/47, and SAC Letter #38, dated 3/25/49, to refer details of complaints regarding flying saucers to OSI locally.

ACTION:
It is recommended the attached SAC Letter be issued.

EHM:kc:mes [HANDWRITTEN: V.8]

[HANDWRITTEN: C]
RECORDED - 34
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-313]
[HANDWRITTEN: EX-129]
[HANDWRITTEN: 13 SEP 5 1952]
[HANDWRITTEN: 71 SEP 10 1952]
[HANDWRITTEN: 276]

PAGE 40

PAGE 41

memo

This memorandum instructs FBI night supervisors to report any information regarding flying disc sightings to Captain William Deegan of the OSI at the 4th Air Force Base.

STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : A. H. BELMONT
FROM : W. A. BRANTGAN
SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS [HANDWRITTEN: Saucers]

PURPOSE:
To advise all Supervisors engaged on night duty of instructions concerning the referral of flying disc information to OSI.

BACKGROUND:
Captain William Deegan, OSI, 4th Air Force Base, Bowling Field, has requested that any information concerning the sighting of flying discs (saucers, etc.) be telephonically furnished immediately to his office, day or night, by dialling Code 1261, and asking for Extension 509. Captain Deegan advised the Air Force is greatly concerned about the captioned matter, and would appreciate the Bureau's cooperation in immediately advising of details received concerning such complaints.

ACTION:
It is recommended a copy of this memorandum be filed in the night and week-end Supervisor's book in your office for their information.
EHM:drg [HANDWRITTEN: dry]

[HANDWRITTEN: handled by Mun Cuddy]

RECORDED - 40 62-83894-314
[HANDWRITTEN: SEP 5 1952]
[HANDWRITTEN: 13]
[HANDWRITTEN: FIVE]
[HANDWRITTEN: 58 SEP 18 1952]

PAGE 42

memo

A 1952 FBI memorandum regarding the reporting of unidentified aerial phenomena (flying discs) to the Air Force.

Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

DATE: August 14, 1952

TO: H. B. Fletcher
FROM: [REDACTED]
SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS

PURPOSE:
To advise of reported sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena and to suggest that the Bureau maintain a record of such reports.

BACKGROUND:
Captain [REDACTED], U.S. Air Force, has advised that the Air Force is concerned with the increasing number of reports of unidentified aerial phenomena (flying discs) and that the Air Force desires to be informed immediately of any such reports received by the Bureau. The Air Force has requested that the Bureau's field offices be instructed to forward to the Bureau any information concerning such sightings.

ACTION:
It is recommended that a copy of this memorandum be filed in the field and Bureau files for future reference and for the information of the Bureau.

PAGE 43

memo

A memorandum regarding the reporting of flying disc sightings to the Office of Special Investigations (OSI), referencing previous Bureau instructions and confirming that the investigation of such sightings is the responsibility of the Department of the Air Force.

[HANDWRITTEN: SAC Letter #83 8-29-52]

(C) FLYING DISCS -- Reference is made to Bureau Bulletin #57, Paragraph D, dated October 1, 1947, and SAC Letter #38, dated March 25, 1949, in the captioned matter.

It is noted that some Bureau field offices are not furnishing to OSI locally complaints regarding flying discs, pursuant to existing Bureau instructions.

Upon receipt of information by your office relating to the sighting of a flying disc, you should endeavor to determine from the complainant details of the type referred to in the Air Force memorandum, which was furnished to your office as an enclosure to SAC Letter #38. The information should then be promptly furnished to OSI locally by your office. As you are aware, the investigation of so-called flying discs is the responsibility of the Department of the Air Force.

[HANDWRITTEN: ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED DATE 6/20/83 BY SP-8 RKS/deg]

[HANDWRITTEN: 162-83894 - v]
NOT RECORDED
80 SEP 3 1952

[HANDWRITTEN: 277]
66 SEP 5 1952
[HANDWRITTEN: ORIGINAL FILED IN 66-04-1649]

PAGE 44

memo

This FBI memorandum details the examination of a scoutmaster's cap following his report of an unidentified flying object encounter in West Palm Beach, Florida, concluding that the burn patterns on the cap were likely not caused by a single overhead flame source.

STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : MR. HARBO [HANDWRITTEN: RH]
FROM : D. J. PARSONS [HANDWRITTEN: P]
SUBJECT: UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
ALLEGEDLY CITED BY MR. D. S. DESVERGERS,
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
DATE: August 29, 1952

By letter of August 26, 1952, the Air Force requested that we examine the cap of Mr. Desvergers, a scoutmaster at West Palm Beach, Florida, who claims that he observed an unidentified flying object in a desolate area. He reported that upon his investigation, a [REDACTED] object 30 feet in diameter hovered over his head and shot a "red blob" which caused him to lose consciousness. The cap has some holes burned in it and it is reported that the hair on Desvergers' arms was singed. The Air Force requested that we determine, if possible, from any residues left the nature of the residual material.

The Air Force desires an oral report on this tonight. We have finished the examination and are preparing to advise the Air Force as follows:

1. There is no residue which would permit a determination as to the nature of the material which caused the burns in the cap. In addition to the obvious burns, there is one minute burned area which is probably too small to have been caused intentionally but more likely by a small hot ember.

2. The bill and a large part of the edges of the cap are singed but the singeing is not uniform as would be expected if it had been caused at one time by a single flash of flame. The front edge of the cap bill is more severely singed than other portions of the cap. This condition would not be expected if the source of the flame was directly overhead.

3. When the cap is observed from the front, the left edge of the insignia and the fold in the blue cloth, there is an absence of singeing noted under the fold suggesting the possibility that the cap was not being worn when the singeing took place. It is noted that this fold "smooths out" when the cap is placed on the head.

RECOMMENDATION: That in response to the request, of Colonel Free of the Air Force, it is recommended that he be orally advised of the above.

cc: m, nichols [HANDWRITTEN: Being handled by Leason (Amarillo)]
DJP/mek [HANDWRITTEN: 122 RECORDED - 122] [HANDWRITTEN: 162-83894-315] [HANDWRITTEN: SEP 11 1952]
[HANDWRITTEN: 8/29/52 6:30 PM READ TO L/C FREE ON BY TELEPHONE]
[HANDWRITTEN: 62 SEP 18 1952]

PAGE 45

memo

A memorandum from the Newark FBI office to the Director regarding the acquisition of an affidavit from a witness who observed an unidentified flying object on August 15, 1952.

Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO: DIRECTOR, FBI
FROM: SAC, NEWARK
SUBJECT: UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
DATE: AUGUST 28, 1952

Reference is made to Bureau letter dated August 25, 1952, concerning the above captioned matter, wherein it was requested that the Newark Office obtain a statement from [REDACTED] regarding the object he observed on August 15, 1952. The Bureau requested that the statement be obtained in the form of an affidavit, if possible, and that the nature of the statement be as follows:

1. There is no reason why the witness would not be able to identify the object as a plane, if it were a plane, and that there is no reason why the object could not be identified as a plane, but it is probably too small to be identified as such by a small lens.

2. The film and the large portion of the edges of the film are not clear, but it would not be possible to determine the nature of the object from a single frame of the film, and it is not more clearly defined because it was not focused correctly.

PAGE 46

letter

A letter from FBI Director John Edgar Hoover to Roy Elwell acknowledging receipt of a letter regarding UFO observations and stating that copies are being forwarded to the Civil Aeronautics Administration and the Secretary of Defense.

[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894 316]
September 11, 1952
RECORDED - 126
INDEXED - 126
[HANDWRITTEN: AWE EX. - 106]
Mr. Roy Elwell
Roadstown, New Jersey
Dear Mr. Elwell:
Your letter postmarked September 6, 1952, has been received, and I appreciate the interest prompting you to let me have the benefit of your observations.
Since the contents of your communication may be of interest to other governmental agencies, I am taking the liberty of forwarding copies of it to the Administrator of Civil Aeronautics, Civil Aeronautics Administration, Department of Commerce, Washington, D. C., and to The Honorable, The Secretary of Defense, The Pentagon, Washington, D. C.
Sincerely yours,
John Edgar Hoover
Director
[HANDWRITTEN: Mossburg]
Copy by form sent to Civil Aeronautics Administration
Copy by form sent to Secretary of Defense
DIC:imz

PAGE 47

PAGE 48

letter

A letter from a resident of Roadstown, N.J. to J. Edgar Hoover describing a sighting of an unidentified object in 1917.

Roadstown, N.J.
Aug. 52

J. Edgar Hoover,
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Wash. D.C. [HANDWRITTEN: OF LYING SAUCERS]
Dear Mr. Hoover: -
Since reading so much
about flying saucers and other
objects in the sky, I have
decided to write you about a theory
which I came to believe in 1917
One evening about 10 - I saw
an object in the South western
sky. It seemed to be falling toward
the Earth at about a 50 degree angle
which would let it hit about
south of us. It went behind some
buildings and when I ran out
to see where it might hit, it
was moving horizontally with
the Earths surface. Almost
immediately it started to rise
and seemed to rise faster and
[HANDWRITTEN: Div ack 9-11-52]

PAGE 49

cover-page

This is a cover page containing FBI receipt stamps dated September 8, 1952, and September 15, 1952, addressed to Mr. Jones.

MR. JONES
SEP 8 4 57 PM '52
RECEIVED
F B I
U S DEPT OF JUSTICE

SEP 15 4 25 PM '52
REC'D ESPIONAGE
F B I
U S DEPT. OF JUSTICE

PAGE 50

transcript

A witness account describing the observation of a pale yellow object in the sky, comparing its size to the Moon and noting its movement, including a reference to local folklore calling such objects 'Omens' or 'Jack O Lanterns'.

straighter until it disappeared (2)
into space in the South East
It looked half as big as the
Moon and was a pale yellow,
but since it was much closer I
know it was much smaller.
A man above 70 sat here
and saw it. He said his
ancestors had seen them
generations back and had
called them "Omens" and also
"Jack O Lanterns"
I was very much concerned
about how this body had fallen
half way to Earth [from where I
had first seen it] and had then
risen and vanished into space.
I knew it was to far in Earth's
gravity to be pulled out by the
gravity of the Sun or Moon, as
they were on the opposite side
of the Earth. This object had
gone in an entirely different
direction than either of them.

PAGE 51

other

A handwritten personal reflection on the properties of magnets and a proposed theory relating them to gravity.

At the time I was studying magnets. They seemed to be very simple devices, with the following characteristics. They attracted iron. They attracted each other. They repelled each other. Some had much Pull and much Push. Some had much Pull and little Push. Some had little Pull and much Push and some had little Pull and little Push.

Now Masses of Iron ore are suspended in mid air, by magnets, while the ore is melted and the impurities drop out leaving clear iron.

While studying magnets an idea came to me and I have not been able to get it out of my mind since. I will give a few examples to illustrate my theory:
G = Gravity
P + P = Push & Pull of Gravity

PAGE 52

other

A handwritten document describing a theoretical model of gravity (G) involving opposing 'Pull' and 'Push' forces.

A complete G unit, such as Earth, contains a force which pulls all objects toward its center.
It also contains a force, [similar to that of a magnet] which repels [Pushes] all objects away from its center.
The Pull of Earths G minus its Push, equals the force of G as we know and feel it.
The Earth as a unit contains this P & P force of G, but no rock or part of the Earth contains this force.
A magnet attracts only certain metals and repels only magnets.
A G unit attracts all other G units and also repels them in proportion to its P & P G. It also attracts or repels all loose objects that do not contain a center of G.
Thus Earth with more Pull than Push attracts all objects and those without a center of G fall to its surface or are burned in the upper air as meteors or falling stars.

PAGE 53

other

A handwritten document discussing theoretical physics concepts regarding 'Push' and 'Pull' gravitational forces in relation to stars, the Sun, and planets.

Some G. units contain more [HANDWRITTEN: 5] Push than Pull. For example the stars which seem to be trying to run away from the Universe contain much more Push than Pull and expel or Push all loose objects on their surface, out into space. That is up to a weight in proportion to the difference between their Push & Pull G.

The Sun and its Planets contain more Pull than Push.

The Planet nearest the Sun contains more Pull in relation to its Push than any other Planet.

The Planet fartherest from the Sun contains less Pull in relation to its Push than any other Planet.

If each Planet had the atmosphere of Earth a man would weigh more on the Planet nearest the Sun and would weigh less on each Planet as he moved out from the Sun.

The Pull G of Mars may be much greater than Earths [HANDWRITTEN: Pull G]. But if it is, Mars Push is much greater also.

PAGE 54

other

A handwritten document describing the characteristics, composition, and orbital behavior of 'small G units' in space.

There are many hundreds of small G units, with the right proportion of P & P.C., moving around the Sun in smaller orbits than the Earth.
Some are probably smaller than a grain of sand and some are large enough that they will one day be found, and their orbit traced.
Some are all gas, some are all solids and some are solids with gas around them. Some may be composed entirely of metal and coming in contact with the air at high speed would take on the color of that metal when "Red hot" or burning. The gases would present different colors.
Some travel in orbits close to that of the Earth.
Some travel in orbits around the Earth and are locked to it. (like the moon)
These small G units may travel alone or in groups of different numbers and formations.
Any one or any group of these small G units may be

PAGE 55

other

A handwritten document describing a theory of 'G' (gravity), 'Push', and 'Pull' forces in relation to planetary motion, magnetism, and physical weight.

Pushed or Pulled neare enough to the Earth to be seen
Those attached to Earth travel around the Equator and are seen, mostly, in that section.
The G unite that have to much Push in relation to their Pull to attack them selves to a Planet or the Sun are tossed about in space from Planet to Planet and, if seen, may be traveling in any direction and any speed.
These small G unite do not fall to Earth but combine their P&P G with that of Earth and sail away into space, whence they came.
The greatest Pull of Earths G is centered about the Equator. This great Pull keeps the Equator facing toward the Sun.
The greatest Push is at the Poles
Thus a man would weigh more at the Equator than at the Poles
A Plane flies faster at its ceiling because the Push G makes up for the loss of air lift
A Compass needle points north so a magnet and G must be related.

PAGE 56

other

A handwritten document discussing gravitational forces (Pull and Push) between the Earth, Moon, and Sun, and speculating on how celestial bodies might enter the solar system.

The Pull G of the Moon is much greater than its Push. This Pull causes higher tides here on Earth than the Pull of the Sun. Not because it is greater than the Pull of the Sun [the Sun may be many times greater] but because it is much greater in proportion to its Push. The greatest Pull of the Moon is centered on the side facing the Earth. This great Pull keeps the moon from turning, except as it rotates around Earth. This great Pull is locked with Earths G Pull at Equator and so the moon hangs over our Equator. But the great Push of Earths G combines with that of the moon & holds them apart.

Another moon, or a comet, or any small G body, coming into the Solar system from Space; at the right angle; and with the right proportion of P & P G. could attach itself to the Sun or any of its Planets. If it were the Earth it would circle us at

PAGE 57

other

A handwritten document discussing theoretical physics, specifically gravitational and magnetic forces (referred to as P&P.G. and G units), their effect on planetary motion, and speculation on extraterrestrial life.

the Equator due to the greater G pull at that point. 19
The P&P.G. of the Sun reaches out and holds the fartherest Planet and that Planets P&P.G. reaches to the Sun. Thus our Solar systems P&P.G reaches out to hold its nearest neighbors just so close and no closer.
Most likely no two G units have ever collided unless one first lost its power of P&P.G.
As two magnets are pushed together they resist each other with a twisting force. This may be the answer to the rotation of the Earth on its axis. The great Pull at Equator, with more Push at poles may be answer to Seasons.
Creatures with the right organs can live in their own environment. Thus they could be made to live on any Planet or even on any moon. This does not mean that the same creatures could live here in our air.

PAGE 58

other

A handwritten note speculating on the mechanics of gravity-controlled spacecraft, the nature of 'G units' circling Earth, and the possibility of man-made flying saucers.

Any ship [REDACTED] with a center of gravity control could travel through any space at almost limitless speed. It could also stand still. An occupant would have no sense of speed or sudden change of direction.
Just as Earth is surrounded by air, a G ship would have a layer of the same kind of gas as the Planet or Star where it was made. This would act as a buffer and keep the ship cool.
But I doubt if we have any such visitor from space.
I think the visitors seen are the small G units circling the Earth & Sun, and not one of them will ever bring harm to our people.
I wonder if any of the flying saucers are man made G units. We have many scientists working in the atomic field and also in other fields with almost limitless possibilities. Possibly some type of balloon has been

PAGE 59

other

A handwritten note discussing a theory about 'G units', gravity, and the movement of planets and flying saucers.

bombarded with a cyclotron. (11)
If it has risen faster and higher
and if it flies much longer then
these may be the first G units
made by man.
I simply wish to convey
the idea that every Planet or
grain of sand containing a center
of gravity sends out a repelling
force as well as a pulling force.
These forces hold the Earth & Sun,
"Locked", so the Earth may be
pulled many miles closer to the Sun
one day and pushed many miles
away the next, but cant get only
so close & only so far away.
Thus all G units are not only
safe from colliding with each
other but are mostly locked in
definite orbits.
Since this idea (or theory)
fits in and explains many
of the flying saucers seen
here in the States I am

PAGE 60

letter

A handwritten letter from Roy Elwell expressing his belief that a certain idea is worth investigating and thanking the recipient for their service.

writing you because I feel
that the present course of
events, makes this idea
worth investigating and I
know you will deliver it
to the right person or group.
With the highest esteem
for you and your department
I thank you for your very
kind service.

Roy Elwell.
Roadstown,
N.J.

PAGE 61

memo

An FBI internal memo regarding a report of a strange white object seen over Montana on September 19, 1952, noting that the Butte office received a report but did not conduct an investigation.

STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : Mr. A. H. Belmont
FROM : C. E. Hennrich
SUBJECT: STRANGE WHITE OBJECT SEEN OVER MONTANA ON SEPTEMBER 19, 1952

DATE: September 20, 1952

[HANDWRITTEN: Tolson, Ladd, Nichols, Belmont, Clegg, Glavin, Harbo, Rosen, Tracy, Mohr, Tele. Rm., Nease, Gandy]

[HANDWRITTEN: handled separately]

I talked with ASAC Plaxico of Butte on September 20, re the attached news releases indicating that the FBI was investigating a strange white object which reportedly streaked across the sky of Montana for about one hundred miles. Mr. Plaxico stated that while a report of this object had been received at the Butte Office, that no investigation was conducted regarding the matter and that none was contemplated.

ACTION:

For your information.

Attachment

CEH:meh [HANDWRITTEN: Not attached when rec'd at 12 PM 10/9/52 EHM]

[HANDWRITTEN: FLYING SAUCERS]

[HANDWRITTEN: A]

[STAMP: RECORDED - 132 62-83894-317 13 SEP 23 1952]

[STAMP: 60 OCT 6 1952]

PAGE 62

memo

An internal FBI memorandum regarding a flying disc report in Tulsa, noting that an investigation was initiated but not completed.

Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : A. H. Belmont
FROM : C. D. DeLoach
SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS
INFORMATION CONCERNING

I talked with SACA Purtell on September 20, 1952, regarding the release indicating that the FBI was investigating a strange object which somebody observed for about one hour, 15 miles, while a report of this object had been received at the Tulsa office. Investigation was conducted regarding the matter and none are completed.

ACTION:
For your information.

Attachment

[HANDWRITTEN: HS]

[STAMP: RECEIVED-NICHOLS F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE SEP 22 16 PM '52]
[STAMP: RECEIVED-LAU F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE SEP 20 3 47 PM '52]
[STAMP: RECEIVED-TOLSON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE SEP 22 10 28 AM '52]
[STAMP: REC'D ESPIONAGE F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE OCT 2 11 09 AM '52]

PAGE 63

memo

An FBI memorandum regarding a background investigation of John R. Riley and George J. Stock, who allegedly photographed an unidentified aerial object on July 31, 1952.

STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: 10/3/52
FROM : [HANDWRITTEN: SKM M9] SAC, NEWARK (100-36998)
SUBJECT: RE: SPECIAL INQUIRY
UNIDENTIFIED AERIAL OBJECTS;
Inspector General, USAF
2nd District Office of Special Investigations
67 Broad Street
New York 4, New York [HANDWRITTEN: Flying Discs]

For the information of the Bureau, on August 27, 1952, the Newark division received a request from the Inspector General, United States Air Force, 2nd District Office of Special Investigations, 67 Broad Street, New York 4, New York, that the background of a civilian photographer, JOHN R. RILEY, 571 Main Street, Paterson, N. J., and of GEORGE J. STOCK, 221 Brooks Avenue, Passaic, N. J., be investigated in an attempt to determine their reliability in view of the fact that they had allegedly observed and photographed an unidentified aerial object on July 31, 1952.

The appropriate credit and criminal checks were made in this matter as well as discreet neighborhood inquiries as to both individuals, and no information was received that either individual had criminal records or that they were known in the past to have perpetrated any kind of fraud.

It was ascertained that STOCK did photograph an allegedly unidentified aerial object and that RILEY witnessed the incident and developed and printed the exposed film which was subsequently forwarded to the 5th OSI District, Air Technical Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio by Mr. CHARLES GREGG, staff writer, "The Herald News, Passaic, N. J."

The letter further requested that the photographer and the witness be questioned as to the circumstances under which the photographs were taken and that an attempt be made to locate other sources in the area that might determine the authenticity of the photos. No investigation of this type was made by the Newark division.

In accordance with SAC letter #83, Series 1952 dated 8/29/52, the results of the credit and criminal checks and the neighborhood investigations were forwarded to the local OSI Office, New York City and no further investigations have been made by this office.

LWR:IMH
APPROPRIATE AGENCIES
AND FIELD OFFICES
ADVISED BY ROUTING
SLIP(S) OF 2040
DATE 7-199
67 OCT 13 1952
RECORDED-12
INDEXED-12
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-318]
OCT 8 1952
[HANDWRITTEN: 17]
[HANDWRITTEN: FIVE]
[HANDWRITTEN: Mossburg]
SECURITY INFORMATION - CONFIDENTIAL [HANDWRITTEN: declassified 2040 9/1/77 HM]

PAGE 64

PAGE 65

letter

A letter from Fred J. Eekhout to an FBI agent named Mr. Bailey, inquiring about the status of a previously discussed subject (handwritten as 'Flying SAUCERS') and requesting release from a promise of silence.

FRED. J. EEKHOUT LL.D.
49, STADHOUDERSLAAN
THE HAGUE
THE NETHERLANDS

THE HAGUE, October 6th

Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Pennsylvania Avenue
W A S H I N G T O N D.C.

In the care of Mr Bailey
Rm 1246

Dear Mr Bailey,
[HANDWRITTEN: (y) Flying SAUCERS]
Excuse me please if I misspelled your name, but I never saw it in writing.
On May 5th at 2.15 P.M. of this year I paid you a visit in the F.B.I.offices, where I told you details on a certain subject you will surely remember. At the end of the conversation I promised you not to talk about it until I had received word from you whether or not the proper authorities were interested. It was taken for granted that a few months might elapse before the answer could be given.
Five months have passed by since then, and as the subject has now become active in Europe, I am really anxious to go ahead with it, I have ofcourse tried to check the theory on each aspect and while doing so I found various complementary as well as fundamental details.
I have now reached the point however where I would like to discuss the whole with an expert and I would therefor certainly appreciate to know whether I have to consider our agreement on complete silence as still being valid and necessary or not
It might be that you are too busy to be able to write to me or that the authorities are not interested. As it is not my intention to bother you too much with it, I will take it that there is no longer any necessity for silence on my part if I do not receive any information to the contrary by the end of this month.
By this proposition I do not intend to force an issue but I would like to discuss a subject like this with scientists friends of mine, which I cannot do as long as I am bound by my promise to you.
With very kind regards, [HANDWRITTEN: F.J. EEKHOUT] Yours Truly

[HANDWRITTEN: Ack 10-16-52 VHB]
EX-115
RECORDED-76
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-319]
OCT 14 1952

PAGE 66

letter

A letter addressed to an Mr. Bailey at the FBI regarding a previous meeting and a desire to discuss a theory or information further.

Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Pennsylvania Avenue
W A S H I N G T O N, D.C.

In the care of Mr Bailey
RM 1456

Dear Mr Bailey,

Excuse me please if I miscalled your name, but
I never knew it in writing. On May 25th at F.B.I. office, I paid you
a visit where I told you my details of the [REDACTED] - and the end of
the conversation. I do not want to hint about it - I did
I had received word from your referer of the record that
authorities were interested. It was taken for granted that
a few months might elapse before the reward could be given.

And since then, I have been passed by [REDACTED].
The subject has now become elusive, as I am
anxious to be heard if I have [REDACTED].
I can check the theory on [REDACTED] as well as fundamental details.
I have had various [REDACTED].

I would like to discuss the whole with [REDACTED] where I
would prefer to know whether I have [REDACTED] to consider our agreement on
being valid and necessary or not.
If I might be that too easy to be able to
as the authorities are not your [REDACTED].
It is not my intention to write to me that I
will take that there is no longer any [REDACTED] for
information to [REDACTED] by the end of this month.

I do not [REDACTED] to force as [REDACTED] with this
issue but I would like to discuss [REDACTED] scientist friends of mine, whom I
as long as [REDACTED] my promise to you with very high regard.

[HANDWRITTEN: RECEIVED OCT 9 1950 1 PM]
[HANDWRITTEN: INDEXED - 18]
[HANDWRITTEN: RECORDED - 18]

PAGE 67

letter

A letter from FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover to Fred J. Eekhout regarding Eekhout's previous visit to the FBI about his ideas for a flying disc, noting that the information was forwarded to the Air Force.

October 10, 1952

AIR MAIL

Mr. Fred J. Eekhout
49 Stadhouderslaan
The Hague
The Netherlands

Dear Mr. Eekhout:

Your letter dated October 6, 1952, has been received.

You will perhaps recall being advised at the time of your visit to this Bureau that the matter discussed was not within the jurisdiction of the FBI. However, in view of your imminent departure from Washington the information was accepted for transmittal to the appropriate agency, which was to contact you if interested.

Full details were made available at that time to the Department of the Air Force for evaluation and consideration. In the absence of some arrangement between you and the Air Force, your further use of the pertinent facts is, of course, a matter for your own determination.

Sincerely yours,

John Edgar Hoover
Director

NOTE ON YELLOW:
Bulet to OSI, Air Force, dated 5-7-52 transmitted data furnished by Eekhout to the Bureau 5-5-52 concerning his ideas as to plans for a workable flying disc. Eekhout was informed that further contact with him, if any, would come from the interested Government agency rather than the Bureau. No mention was made of his keeping the facts secret pending a reply from the Bureau or the Air Force. (62-83894-273)

PAGE 68

PAGE 69

memo

A memorandum from the Air Force to the FBI regarding an article in The New Yorker, clarifying that the FBI has no interest in flying saucers and suggesting the author, Mr. Lang, fabricated the claim.

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.

30 September 1952

MEMORANDUM FOR: MR. [REDACTED] COX [HANDWRITTEN: Read from Air Intelligence 10/1/52 mo]

SUBJECT: Comments on Article in The NEW YORKER

1. A call was made to the Air Technical Intelligence Center, 1330 this date, (Captain Ruppelt) regarding the attached article.

2. ATIC did not in any way indicate to Mr. [HANDWRITTEN: Daniel] Lang that the FBI has an interest in flying saucers. Furthermore, Captain Ruppelt stated that the FBI to his knowledge has never been called upon to furnish reports on flying saucers. ATIC is under the impression that Mr. Lang made the story up or picked it up from a magazine or newspaper article sometime back that definitely was not associated with their organization.

3. ATIC suggests that you check further with Mr. Al Chop, Office of Public Information, and perhaps he can supply you with the information you have requested.

[HANDWRITTEN: C. M. YOUNG]
C. M. YOUNG
Colonel, USAF
Chief, Policy & Management Group
Directorate of Intelligence

1 Incl:
Article fr NEW YORKER,
dtd Sept 6, 1952

[HANDWRITTEN: Reporter at large / Something in the sky / Project Saucer]
[HANDWRITTEN: 94-3-4-230-]
[HANDWRITTEN: B]
[HANDWRITTEN: 2 ENCL]
[HANDWRITTEN: 50]
[HANDWRITTEN: memo from mr. Keyhoe to mr. Belmont 10/8/52]
INDEXED - 50
RECORDED - 50
162-83894-320
OCT 14 1952
[HANDWRITTEN: Brogan / Mossbury]
60 OCT 29 1952
[HANDWRITTEN: [ILLEGIBLE]]

PAGE 70

memo

A memorandum from the Air Force to the FBI regarding an article in The New Yorker, stating that the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) has no record of FBI interest in flying saucers and suggesting further inquiry with the Office of Public Information.

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON 25, D.C.

30 September 1952

MEMORANDUM FOR: MR. [REDACTED]

SUBJECT: Comments on article in THE NEW YORKER

1. A call was made to the Air Technical Intelligence Center.
1330 this date (Captain [REDACTED] reporting). See attached article.

2. ATIC did not in any way indicate to me that the
FBI has an interest in flying saucers. [REDACTED] stated
that the FBI has never been called upon to furnish reports on flying saucers. ATIC is of the
impression that being the source or the origin of it, a message or article that definitely
was not associated with their organization.

3. ATIC suggests that you check further with Mr. [REDACTED] of the
Office of Public Information and perhaps he can supply you with
the information you have requested.

[HANDWRITTEN: C. O. [REDACTED]
Colonel, USAF
Chief, Policy Management Group
Directorate of Intelligence]

[STAMP: REC'D ESPIONAGE
OCT 21 3:08 PM '52
FBI
U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE]

[STAMP: RECEIVED
OCT 20 5:15 PM '52
FBI
INTERNAL SECURITY SN
U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE]

[STAMP: REC'D ESPIONAGE
OCT 28 11:47 AM '52
FBI
U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE]

PAGE 71

memo

A Department of Defense memo outlining the history of Air Force investigations into 'flying saucers' from 1947 through 1949.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.

[HANDWRITTEN: Recd from Mr Albert Chop Office of Public Info, OSD - 10/6/52 WMP]

The following information concerning Air Force investigations of unusual aerial phenomena is submitted in answer to your request.

In the Fall of 1947 the United States Air Force took official notice of reports of so-called "flying saucers" because the reports from the public indicated that the problem might be related to the Air Force responsibility for the air defense of the United States.

On December 30, 1947 the Air Force directed its Air Materiel Command, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, to set up a project to collect and evaluate all available facts concerning "flying saucer" sightings.

To perform this task the Air Materiel Command obtained the services of civilian and military astronomers, psychologists, electronic specialists, meteorologists, aeronautical engineers, and physicists.

On December 27, 1949, after 375 reported sightings had been investigated, the Air Force, with the concurrence of the Army and the Navy, announced the findings of the "flying saucer" project.

The evidence at that time indicated that the majority of the reports of unidentified flying objects could be accounted for as misinterpretations of various conventional objects, a mild form of hysteria, meteorological phenomena, light aberrations, or hoaxes.

There remained, however, a number of unexplained sightings, and the Air Force has continued its investigations inasmuch as it is an Air Force responsibility to identify and analyze aerial phenomena that could possibly be a menace to the United States.

Subsequent to December 1949, these investigations have been conducted as a normal intelligence function, rather than a special project, by the Air Technical Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio.

[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-320 ENCLOSURE]

PAGE 72

report

This document discusses the Air Force's investigation of approximately 1500 UFO reports, noting that while most are identified as conventional objects, about 20 percent remain unexplained due to a lack of accurate data. It outlines the challenges in evaluating these reports and the Air Force's ongoing commitment to systematic analysis.

To date, the Air Force has undertaken to investigate and analyze about 1500 reports dealing with these phenomena. As before, most of the reports were identified and disposed of as friendly aircraft erroneously reported, known electronic and meteorological phenomena, light aberrations, hoaxes, and other known natural occurrences or man-made objects.

The unexplained reports, however, which are in the order of 20 percent of the total, cannot be definitely associated with these familiar things.

Difficulty in Evaluating Reports

The difficulty in disposing of these unexplained reports is based largely upon the insufficiency of accurate basic data such as size, shape, composition and flight characteristics (speed, acceleration, altitude, exact maneuver pattern, etc.) of the objects.

Although some instruments which are useful in obtaining more accurate data of this type have been available, the reports based on sightings with these instruments have been very infrequent and comprise an extremely small percentage of the total. Moreover, even these reports have not included much of the information required.

Because of the inadequacy of this basic data, the Air Force has in the past devoted its efforts primarily to determining whether these unexplained sightings indicated the existence of a menace to the United States. Initially it was believed that some pattern might evolve from the study of a large volume of reports. To date, no pattern has materialized to reveal anything whatsoever which can be interpreted as indicative of purpose or consistency or which can be construed as a menace to the United States. Nonetheless, since these unexplained sightings persist, the Air Force will continue its investigations, giving the problem adequate but not frantic attention.

It is now felt, however, that reports from people whose training and experience in observing aerial objects qualify them to obtain essential data are the only ones likely to produce material suitable for systematic analysis. The Air Force is planning to provide additional tools to help these observers obtain the basic data it needs.

Reports of similar phenomena go back to Biblical times. There have been flurries of them in various centuries. The current series of sightings began generally in 1946.

There are many reasons why the volume of these reports has increased materially during the past few years. Aerial activity originated by man has increased, and people today have a greater curiosity about this activity than before. Also, our present efficient communication facilities and news media provide an incentive for reporting unusual observations, for publicizing them and for recording them. However, the ability to measure these phenomena does not seem to have advanced in step with opportunities for observing them. The Air Force believes that most of these phenomena will gradually be understood as more is known about occurrences in the upper atmosphere.

- 2 -

PAGE 73

report

This document discusses the sources of aerial phenomena reports, radar sightings and their potential causes (such as temperature inversions), and the Air Defense Command's policy regarding the interception of unidentified objects.

Source of Reports

The majority of reports of aerial phenomena have come from civilians. About 8 percent come from civil airlines pilots, while approximately 25 percent are reported by military personnel. Reports have been received also from highly qualified scientists. Although primary significance is attached to reports from qualified observers, there is no intention to discredit untrained observers.

Radar Sightings

The Air Force has received many reports of unusual images on radar scopes. It is fairly well established that some of these images are ground objects reflected from a layer of warm air above the earth (a temperature inversion).

Temperature inversion reflections can give a return on a radar scope that is as sharp as that received from an aircraft. Speed ranges of these returns are reportedly from zero to fantastic speeds. The "objects" also appear to move in all directions.

Such radar sightings have resulted in hundreds of fruitless intercept efforts.

One scientific theory holds that light can be similarly reflected from a layer of warm air above the earth and, if proven to be correct, this could account for some visual sightings.

Bearing out the theory of temperature inversion reflection is an incident which occurred in January 1951 near Oakridge, Tennessee. Two Air Force aircraft attempted to intercept an unidentified "object" and actually established a radar "lock" on the object. Their altitude at the time was 7,000 feet. The unidentified object, according to their radar, appeared to be at an elevation of ten to 25 degrees. Three passes were made in an attempt to close on the object. In each instance the pilots reported that their radar led them first upward and then down toward a specific point on the ground.

Ionized clouds are believed to be the cause of some unidentified radar returns. Thunderstorm activity is identifiable by radar, and radar is used for the purpose of avoiding thunderstorms. In addition, radar has picked up many objects first reported as "unidentified phenomena" which were later identified as aircraft, birds, balloons, ice formations in the air, or other known aerial objects or manifestations.

Policy Regarding Attempted Interception

No orders have been issued by the Air Defense Command to its fighter units to fire on unidentified aerial phenomena. The Air Defense Command is charged with air defense of the United States, and its mission is to attack anything airborne which is known or appears to be hostile. This should not be interpreted to mean that our pilots will fire haphazardly on anything that flies.

- 3 -

PAGE 74

report

This document outlines Air Force procedures for evaluating unidentified aerial phenomena, including current interception limitations, methods for analysis, future plans for better data collection using specialized cameras, and a formal statement that these phenomena are not secret U.S. weapons or foreign vehicles.

Attempts at interception are not made every time that unidentified images appear briefly on an Air Force radar scope. Current Air Force interceptors are short-range, short-duration, high-speed aircraft and can be employed most effectively when it is possible to track a target by visual or radar means so that its position in the air at some future time may be predicted with a reasonable degree of accuracy.

Methods of Evaluating

The first step in evaluating sightings of unusual aerial phenomena is to collect all available data and check it against known airborne objects such as balloons, aircraft, missiles, meteors, and weather phenomena. If still unexplained, reports from reliable sources, with sufficient details, are turned over to specialists in various scientific fields for further analysis.

Future Plans for Evaluating

As stated earlier, there is a need for better reports from trained observers using adequate equipment. The Air Force intends to implement its present study with instruments wherever possible.

The recent development of special photographic equipment may make it possible to gather data hitherto unobtainable through ordinary photographic methods. This equipment consists of a diffraction grating camera which separates light into its component parts (spectrum) and registers them on film. The principle involved is that used by astronomers in determining the composition of the stars. In this manner Air Force scientists may be able to determine the characteristics of the phenomena and subsequently identify the source.

Another proposal involves the use of a continuously operating Schmidt telescope equipped with a camera. This telescope has a wide aperture lens and is capable of covering a cone of 150 degrees or nearly the whole sky from horizon to horizon. This equipment will make it possible to get on a series of photographic plates a complete record of what happens in the sky at night.

What "Saucers" Are Not

The Air Force has stated in the past, and reaffirms at the present time, that these unidentified aerial phenomena are not a secret weapon, missile or aircraft, developed by the United States. None of the three military departments nor any other agency in the government is conducting experiments, classified or otherwise, with flying objects which could be a basis for the reported phenomena. As far as is known there is nothing in them that is associated with material or vehicles that are directed against the United States, from another country or from other planets.

Your interest in this matter is greatly appreciated. Please call upon us if we may be of further service.

Sincerely yours,

PAGE 75

report

This page is an excerpt from a New Yorker article dated September 6, 1952, discussing the history of the U.S. Air Force's investigation into UFOs, known as Project Saucer, and the public reaction to the phenomena.

A REPORTER AT LARGE

In midsummer of 1947, the United States Air Force, already concerned with such problems as the development of guided missiles and supersonic craft, the rigging up of radar networks, and its controversy with the Navy over unification, found itself confronted by another, and completely different, headache—the flying saucer. People in every section of the country were seeing strange objects that streaked across the sky at tremendous speeds, and while these people, who included such practiced students of the heavens as airplane pilots, farmers, and the Lieutenant Governor of Idaho, were not able to identify the things they had seen, they were able to describe them vividly and unforgettably. The newspapers called the first of these mysterious objects a flying saucer, taking their cue from the man who reported having seen it and who described it as saucerlike, and the name stuck, although later people reported seeing things that looked like flying chromium hubcaps, flying dimes, flying teardrops, flying gaslights, flying ice-cream cones, and flying pie plates.

As more and more curious things were seen in the skies, cautiously quizzical editorials began to appear in the papers, and the President and members of Congress received a deluge of letters demanding an explanation. Many of the letter writers had concluded that the objects, whatever they might be, were manned by Russians, and that as soon as their pilots had reconnoitred sufficiently, they would return loaded with atomic bombs. Others thought the earth was being visited by space ships from another planet. Still others suspected that our own Air Force was secretly testing some new form of aircraft. Everyone agreed, however, that it was up to the Air Force, as the custodian of our welkin, to explain the flying objects and, if necessary, to repel them. The result was the launching by the Air Force, on January 22, 1948, of a special investigation, an investigation that, though it has reached numerous conclusions, is still under way and has yet to put the public mind at rest.

It appears that, aside from the hope of reassuring a jittery populace, the Air Force, in embarking upon this undertaking, had any or all of three things in mind. It may have shared the civilian concern over what, if anything, the Russians might have to do with the reported phenomena, and it may even have felt that to insure a thoroughgoing investigation there was certainly no harm in assuming for the moment that the era of interplanetary travel had arrived and the earth had become an objective for journeys from elsewhere—and this would not necessarily exclude the first two considerations—the Air Force may have been setting up a smoke screen to protect, in the interest of national security, the secret of some experimental flying objects of its own that only a trusted few of its members knew about. Whatever the purpose, the investigation, with which I have been in touch from time to time, has seemingly been exhaustive. The Air Force personnel originally assigned to it was later augmented by astronomers, psychologists, physicists, meteorologists, physicians, and representatives of the F.B.I. The investigation, which soon became popularly known as Project Saucer, was first headed by Lieutenant General Benjamin W. Chidlaw, Commanding General of the Air Matériel Command, and its base was, and is, at Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio. The project's task turned out to involve a mixture of old-fashioned detection, scientific analysis, public relations, and the study of a widespread state of mind. In December, 1949, after checking, over a period of two years, three hundred and seventy-five reports of intruders in the sky, the Air Force publicly called it quits, but Project Saucer was not actually disbanded. National security, the Air Force announced at the time, was not endangered. The flying saucers were apparitions, it said, all attributable either to a failure to recognize conventional objects, to hoaxes, or to a mild form of mass hysteria. The Air Force, however, did not let the matter rest there.

Not long after the apparent demise of Project Saucer, I had a talk in Washington with Brigadier General Ernest Moore, then chief of Air Force Intelligence, in the course of which he made four categorical statements that I felt sure he had made many times before.

Clipped from THE NEW YORKER
September 6, 1952
pages 64 through 82

[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-320]

PAGE 76

report

This page discusses early UFO sightings, specifically the Kenneth Arnold incident of June 24, 1947, and subsequent reports of aerial phenomena, while noting the skepticism of the Air Force and psychologists regarding these sightings.

fore. [REDACTED] off," he said, "the Russians have nothing to do [REDACTED] so-called saucers; I'll swear to [REDACTED] a stack of Bibles, if you like. Second, we don't have any secret new types of aircraft that could have started all this commotion. Third, nobody, in our opinion, has spotted space ships from some other planet. Fourth, everything our investigators learned has been made available to the public."

Lieutenant Governor Donald [REDACTED] of Idaho, disclosed that [REDACTED] he had seen a comet-shaped object [REDACTED] over the western part of the state. It finally dipped below the horizon, he said. (Later on, the personnel of Project Saucer decided that the Lieutenant Governor had been looking at either Saturn or Mercury.) Four cops in Portland, Oregon, saw a group of discs "wobbling, disappearing, and reappearing."

THE first saucer incident occurred on the afternoon of June 24, 1947, when Kenneth Arnold, on a business trip for a Boise, Idaho, firm that makes fire-control equipment, was flying his [REDACTED] from Chehalis, Washington, to Yakima, Washington. The reflection of a bright flash on one wing caught his eye. He turned and, at a distance he thought was about twenty miles, saw what he took to be nine tailless aircraft heading toward Mount Rainier. "I could see their outlines quite [REDACTED] against the snow," Air Force Intelligence quoted him as saying. "They flew very close to the mountaintops, directly south to southeast, down the hog's-back of the range, flying like geese, in a diagonal, chainlike line, as if they were linked together... a chain of saucerlike things at least five miles long, swerving in and out of the high mountain peaks. They were flat... and so shiny that they reflected the sun like a mirror." Arnold said he watched the saucers for three minutes and estimated their speed at about twelve hundred miles an hour.

Air Force technicians, consulted by newspapermen, said that any object moving that fast would be invisible to the naked eye at Arnold's estimated distance. The press scoffed at Arnold's story, and he was resentful. "Even if I see a ten-story building flying through the air, I won't say a word about it," he declared, and when he got back to Boise he wrote a series of articles about his experience for a magazine called Fate.

No sooner were the skeptical newspaper accounts printed than dozens of people turned up with similar reports. Another resident of Boise spotted a disc over that city, "a half circle in shape, clinging to a cloud and just as bright and silvery-looking as a mirror caught in the rays of the sun." Lieutenant Governor Donald [REDACTED] of Idaho, disclosed that [REDACTED] he had seen a comet-shaped object [REDACTED] over the western part of the state. It finally dipped below the horizon, he said. (Later on, the personnel of Project Saucer decided that the Lieutenant Governor had been looking at either Saturn or Mercury.) Four cops in Portland, Oregon, saw a group of discs "wobbling, disappearing, and reappearing."

Reports of other phenomena having been seen in the skies appeared in the papers almost daily. Two Army officers at Fort Richardson, Alaska, reported seeing a spherical object flying through the air at incredible speed and leaving no vapor trail; some fishermen off Newfoundland saw a series of aerial flashes, silver to reddish in color; a lady in Oregon watched a group of saucers spell out "P-E-P-S-I," and alerted her neighbors to the presence of foreign agents practicing a secret code in our skies; an Oklahoma City man saw a saucer "the bulk of six B-29s;" and a prospector in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon saw six saucers in a group, banking in the sun-"round, silent, and not flying in formation." On the Fourth of July, there were twelve reports of saucers in widely separated parts of the United States. One of these saucers, sighted at Trenton, New Jersey, was traced to a fireworks display. Dr. Paul Fitts, an Ohio State University psychologist who was for a time attached to Project Saucer, considered this crowded condition in the holiday skies the result of mass suggestibility, the same jumpy trait that caused Americans to see Zeppelins overhead during and after the First World War. "Our graphs show that saucer incidents always increase dramatically after publicity," he has since told me. "The sky, you know, has been a source of exciting visions from time immemorial, and its attraction is particularly strong in our jittery moments."

FROM the beginning, the officers in charge of Project Saucer recognized a peculiar difficulty in their assignment. "If you look out the window and see something, how can I prove or disprove what it was if I didn't see it and you can't tell me much about what you [HANDWRITTEN: [ILLEGIBLE]]

PAGE 77

other

This page contains a magazine-style article featuring an interview with a Major Boggs regarding the investigation of UFO reports (Project Saucer), interspersed with advertisements for household goods.

Simplest, surest [REDACTED] record changer... "Victrola" 45

Complete phonograph, AC. "Golden Throat" tone system. Model 45EY2, $34.95 (suggested list price)
Plays up to 14 records at one loading
The only record and changer designed for each other
Records change from the center-the modern way
Includes $6 worth of RCA Victor albums at no extra charge.
Other "Victrola" 45 record changers as low as $16.75.

Only RCA VICTOR makes the "Victrola"
Tmks. Division of Radio Corporation of America

LOVELY TO LIGHT BY...
A candelabrum of Italian wrought iron in stylized flower and leaf design set off by delicate scrollwork and finished in silvery black contrast with white candles. Height 9 1/2", 8" across. $7.50 Postage .50, west of Miss. .75 No C.O.D.'s please. Open Saturday 9-5

Piazza HOUSE OF ITALIAN HANDICRAFTS 217 East 49th St., New York 17. PL 9-6510

UNITE night stand
At leading furniture and department stores. Send 3-cent stamp to Dept. N for booklet. UNION-NATIONAL, INC. JAMESTOWN, N. Y.

saw?" Major [REDACTED] Boggs, who was then the chief [REDACTED] officer between Wright Field and the high command in Washington, said to me one day shortly after Project Saucer had presumably become a thing of the past. "It would be different if flying saucers were known to exist. Then we could have collected evidence indicating the degrees of probability that such things were sighted and the reason for their appearance at a given place. But it is impossible to prove, logically and with finality, a double negative-that is, that there are no flying saucers and that people have not seen flying saucers. The best we could do under the circumstances was to deduce, first, from the fact that it had not been proved, that saucers had been seen and, second, from the fact that reasonable theories could be advanced to explain away all the reports of seeing them, that probably nobody had seen them at all. The fewer the theoretical explanations and the less plausible they were, the more reason there was for suspecting people had seen saucers." The Major shook his head, and continued, "It's a difficult concept to grasp, but so was the job we were tackling."

I asked Major Boggs whether there was any way to account for the epidemic of reports of strange celestial objects. "Of course there is," he replied. "If you look up at the sky long enough, you can almost always make out something there that appears strange. And more people are looking up now than ever before. Kids don't count freight cars any more; they count airplanes. People who were trained in air observation during the war have gone right on observing. Also, the public hasn't forgotten that the atomic bomb was kept secret from it for three years. This time, people want to know what's cooking, so they look up." Major Boggs sighed. "Time was when people used to make a wish if they saw a shooting star. Now they telephone the Air Force."

Major Boggs and I pondered this unromantic age in silence for a moment. Then he returned briskly to the problems that had confronted the investigators. "The one tangible thing we had to work on was the fact that the sky is full of things," he said. "I can't even come close to estimating the number of commercial and military aircraft up there at any given moment. Then, there are more than five hundred outfits of one kind or another that release balloons from time to time. These range from simple weather balloons, no [ILLEGIBLE] ger than

page 67, 68

PAGE 78

report

This page discusses the investigation of a UFO sighting by Project Saucer, including the analysis of flight schedules, the consideration of a meteor hypothesis by Dr. Hynek, and the psychological perspective provided by Dr. Fitts regarding pilot reliability.

it had behaved like a normal aircraft in the way it disappeared in the line of sight.

Here, the experts professed to hope, was something Project Saucer could get its teeth into. The whole flying-saucer mystery might be explained. The first step was to determine whether the object was an aircraft that had been partially obscured by a cloud or whose appearance had been distorted by a rainstorm. Two hundred and twenty-five civilian and military flight schedules were analyzed, and it was found that one other plane, an Air Force C-47, had been near the Eastern airliner at the time the mysterious object was sighted. Conjecture about the C-47 began to appear irrelevant, however, when the Macon ground crews agreed with Chiles and Whitted that the thing they had seen was going much faster than two hundred miles an hour, and so, unless it dawdled around somewhere, wouldn't have taken anything like an hour to get from Macon to Montgomery.

Astronomers went to work on the problem. Dr. Hynek considered the possibility that a brilliant, slow-moving meteor might be the explanation. Various bits of the apparition's description encouraged this notion—"orange-red flame," "cigar-shaped," "a tremendous burst of flame." Unfortunately, the flight schedules of meteors are not available, and Dr. Hynek had no means of testing his hypothesis. "It will have to be left to the psychologists to tell us whether the immediate trail of a bright meteor could produce the subjective impression of a ship with lighted windows," he wrote in a report on his findings. The psychologists expressed the opinion that a meteor could indeed be mistaken for a space ship. Dr. Fitts, the Ohio State psychologist, observed that both Chiles and Whitted were human and therefore as likely to be victims of mass suggestibility as anyone else. Dr. Fitts told me during a talk I had with him that psychologists are used to the fact that even people of high mental calibre often make mistakes about what they see. "Also, I would like to make the point that pilots are trained to instruments," he said. "They grow very dependent on those instruments, and I don't know whether they are necessarily superior observers without them. I do know that during the war, when I was in the Air Force, pilots frequently gave some pretty odd reports of what they'd seen while flying their missions." Chiles and Whitted readily agreed that their report might [REDACTED]

PAGE 79

other

This page contains a narrative account of a pilot named Gorman encountering an unidentified aerial object while on a routine patrol for the North Dakota National Guard, followed by an analysis by Project Saucer suggesting the object may have been a weather balloon.

ing a routine patrol for th North Dakota National Guard, and [HANDWRITTEN: ju] ked the tower at the Fargo Municipal Airport for clearance to land when he saw what seemed to be another plane's taillight a thousand yards away. He queried the tower, and the men there reported that the only other aircraft over the field was a Piper Club. Gorman could see the Cub plainly outlined below him. Curious, he flew toward the light. "It was about six to eight inches in diameter, clear white, and completely round, with a sort of fuzz at the edges," Gorman later told investigators, adding that he saw "no outline of anything" around the edges. "It was blinking on and off. As I approached, however, the light suddenly became steady and pulled into a sharp left bank. . . . I dived after it and brought my manifold pressure up to sixty inches, but I couldn't catch up with the thing. It started gaining altitude and again made a left bank. I put my F-51 into a sharp turn and tried to cut the light off in its turn. By then, we were at about seven thousand feet. Suddenly it made a sharp right turn and we headed straight at each other. Just when we were about to collide, I guess I got scared. I went into a dive and the light passed over my canopy at about five hundred feet. Then it made a left circle about a thousand feet above, and I gave chase again." Gorman followed the light up to fourteen thousand feet, where, after another near collision, his ship went into a power stall and the light disappeared to the northwest. Gorman noticed no sounds or exhaust-trail odors. He had gunned his plane up to four hundred miles an hour without gaining on the light. It was able to maintain an extremely steep angle of ascent, far greater than that of his Air Force fighter. "When I attempted to turn with [the light], I blacked out temporarily, due to excessive speed," he said. "I am in fairly good physical condition and I do not believe there are many, if any, pilots who could withstand the turn and speed effected by that light and remain conscious." Project Saucer suspected that Gorman was tilting with a weather balloon. For one thing, it learned that the Fargo weather station had released a lighted balloon only ten minutes before Gorman's patrol stopped being routine. The object's steady, practically vertical climb suggested the behavior of a balloon. A technician who once worked on Project Saucer told me recently that chasing a weather balloon with an airplane is comparable to diving to the bottom of a pool after a hollow rubber

PAGE 80

PAGE 81

other

This page contains an excerpt from a publication discussing scientific investigations into UFO phenomena, including the rejection of various theories such as extraterrestrial animals, hostile aircraft, and antigravity propulsion.

on the retina and moving as the eye moves.
Other elements of the [REDACTED] problem were studied by such men as Dr. George Valley, a nuclear physicist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; staff members of the research firm of Rand Corporation; an assortment of physicists and aerodynamicists who specialize in the study of the stratosphere and the space beyond it; and the electronics experts attached to the Cambridge Field Station. These men were all searching for physical rather than psychological explanations, and some fairly strange theories occurred to them—the possibility that extraterrestrial animals were flying into our atmosphere, for example. (No data turned up to support that arresting idea.) The theory that the saucers were hostile aircraft was carefully studied and rejected. "The performances of these saucers not only surpass the development of present science but the development of present fiction-science writers," one scientist noted. The specialists also considered and rejected the concept of discs capable of riding the air on beams or rays of some kind. They even speculated on whether the antigravity shield that H. G. Wells thought up for his novel "The First Men in the Moon" would work; it wouldn't, they decided. The supposition that interplanetary craft were whizzing in at us was also discredited, despite its popularity with laymen. Space ships, the scientists thought, would have to be so large and unwieldy that they couldn't possibly zigzag as frivolously as the reported saucers did. Besides, a space ship, regardless of its size, could not, in the opinion of these men, carry sufficient fuel to remain for any length of time in the earth's dense atmosphere. The scientists noted, too, that the supposed spacemen showed a remarkable lack of interest in the rest of the world, being, it would seem, almost unanimous in their desire to see America first. "The small area covered by the disc barrage points strongly to the belief that the flying objects are of earthly origin, be they physical or psychological," one of the scientists reported.
From the report turned in by the astronomers, I learned that they, in addition to seining out comets, meteors, bolides, and achondrites from the stream of objects people were seeing in the skies, had also thoughtfully considered our planetary neighbors. The old question of the possibility of life on Mars took on a new urgency, and a new corollary: If there are living creatures on Mars, would they be capable of building space ships? The astronomers

PAGE 82

other

This page contains an excerpt from a publication discussing Captain Ruppelt's investigation into UFO reports, including accounts from pilots and physicists, and Dr. Urner Liddel's theory that UFOs were Navy 'skyhook' balloons.

that—that while the information they give me may be [REDACTED] their names never will be.” In most cases, Captain Ruppelt said, investigation has shown that the people he has interviewed had been deceived by things that have been deceiving others all along—balloons, planes, meteors, and so on—but a nettling residue of around twenty per cent of the cases have wound up in that exasperating old pigeonhole labelled “Unidentified.” Nothing, for example, could be found to account for the “something silvery directly overhead” reported by a mystified Civil Aeronautics Administration inspector at Terre Haute. A commercial pilot who, flying near Battle Creek, Michigan, spotted “an oval-shaped silver object” ahead of his ship, posed a similarly unsolved problem, as did a highly respected naval officer, stationed at the dirigible base at Lakehurst, New Jersey, who reported that he had stared through his binoculars at a brilliant image making turns that were far too tight for any known aircraft.

Twenty-five per cent of the observers interrogated by the Aerial Phenomena Officer in the last two and a half years have been military pilots. Eight per cent have been commercial pilots, some with as much as twenty years’ experience in the air, and at one stage in the current phase of the investigation, even a few physicists at Los Alamos, New Mexico, men who make a fetish of objectivity, were interviewed after they reported having seen puzzling lights hovering above their atomic-energy laboratories. “If you took any one of these incidents by itself, it might not mean much,” Captain Ruppelt said. “But in view of the number and calibre of the informants, you couldn’t help taking their claims seriously.”

In February, 1951, Dr. Urner Liddel, a nuclear physicist attached to the Office of Naval Research, at Washington, D.C., declared that at last, thanks to the lifting of certain security restrictions, he could provide the solution to the mystery of the flying saucers: They were “skyhooks,” he said—balloons a hundred feet in diameter, which the Navy had secretly been sending up for the past four years in order to study cosmic rays. Dr. Liddel’s assertion was immediately disputed by Dr. Anthony O. Mirarchi, who, as former head of the Air Force’s Atmospheric Composition Bureau, had assisted in the diagnosis of Project Saucer reports. Dr. Mirarchi said he thought the saucers might be missiles from some foreign

PAGE 83

other

This page contains a mix of commercial advertisements and a news-style report detailing UFO sightings over Washington D.C. in July 1952, including radar observations and pilot accounts.

MARK CROSS Fifth Ave. at 55th, N.Y. 22

The Mark Cross OXFORD SHIRT
More popular than ever - even for city wear - the button-down collar shirt in finest oxford, woven with fully combed yarn. Button cuffs, 14 1/2-17 1/2 collar, 32-35 sleeve. White or blue. $5.50
With it - an imported silk knit tie hand-framed for Mark Cross. Black, navy, grey, brown, green, wine. $5.50
Mail and phone orders filled. SU 7-4000

It's Here! It's New! TOY BAGPIPE
Easy to Play - only $4.98
Complete with blowpipe, drones, chaunter, bright plaid bag and ribbons, this easy-to-play American Bagpipe is an authentic replica of the Scotch instrument, but sounds mellower and sweeter. Anyone can learn to play popular tunes in a matter of minutes just by reading numbers. Made of washable Styrene and Vinylite, it's safe, sanitary and strong. Fascinating fun-maker for children and grown ups at parties and family songfests. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Send check or money order for only $4.98 (includes how-to-play song folder) to: TIMESAVERS DEPT., Dept. NY-9 2 West 45th St. New York 19, N. Y.

MRS. KARO'S HAND LAUNDRY
160 EAST 62nd STREET Templeton 8-6516
Specialists in silks, laces, table linens, shirts; at moderate rates.
Laundering for the finest homes

fourteen minutes, Pierman [REDACTED] bright lights that resembled shooting stars, but three of them were moving horizontally, unlike any shooting star he had ever seen. Another commercial pilot who was reached in flight nearby said that he saw a light off his left wing; Barnes found a corresponding pip on the radarscope. Other pilots in the vicinity reported, however, that they could see nothing unusual. Toward daybreak, ten peculiar pips were counted simultaneously on Barnes' screen. "There is no other conclusion I can reach but that for six hours on the morning of the twentieth of July there were at least ten unidentifiable objects moving above Washington," Barnes wrote. "They were not ordinary aircraft.... Nor in my opinion could any natural phenomena account for these spots on our radar. Neither shooting stars, electrical disturbances, nor clouds could, either. Exactly what they are, I don't know. Now you know as much about them as I do. And your guess is as good as mine."

A week later, at 9:08 P.M. on July 26th, the Air Route Traffic Control Center's radarscope again showed unidentifiable objects over Washington. So did the screen at the Andrews Air Force Base, just outside the capital. Two jet interceptors, capable of doing six hundred miles an hour, were dispatched from a base near New Castle, Delaware, to investigate. When the interceptors appeared on the radarscopes, they were guided toward the objects. One of the pilots sighted four lights approximately ten miles in front of his plane and slightly above it, but they vanished while he was trying to overtake them. Twenty minutes later, he saw "a steady white light," but within a minute it, too, disappeared. "We have no evidence they were flying saucers," an Air Force representative said later. "Conversely, we have no evidence they were not flying saucers. We don't know what they were."

As a result of these two incidents, particularly the one involving the interceptors, public agitation reached a new height. The Air Force was bombarded with hundreds of letters, telephone calls, and telegrams demanding information and offering advice. One of the smaller airlines supplied its crews with cameras and ordered them to photograph any saucers they encountered. A civilian wrote to the Air Force that he would let it in on "the secret" in return for a colonelcy. A Los Angeles pastor wrote to Einstein, beseeching him to clear up

page 79, 80

PAGE 84

report

This page discusses General Samford's public statements regarding UFO reports, the Air Force's stance on secret experiments, and subsequent public reactions including a Coast Guard photograph and a laboratory experiment at Fort Belvoir.

tronomers, whom [REDACTED] called "our best advisers . . . in the [REDACTED] of visitors from elsewhere, [REDACTED] graph the sky continuously, but they had reported no saucers. The General was reminded that many of the people who had told of seeing the most spectacular things were considered the most reliable. He replied that he had no intention of discrediting them, but the fact remained that none of them had offered data of the kind a scientist would find useful. An Air Force officer whom General Samford personally knew to be a competent witness had told him of seeing a saucer in the Middle East. This man, too, had been unable to obtain accurate measurements. "We have many reports from credible observers of incredible things," the General remarked.

Like General Moore, his predecessor in Project Saucer days, General Samford denied that the Air Force was attempting to cover up secret experiments. When he was asked if the saucers might be the guided missiles of a foreign country, he replied that he didn't see how, on the basis of their weird performances, they could be unless "someone" had achieved a means of developing unlimited power—"power of such fantastic higher limits that it is a theoretical unlimited; it's not anything that we can understand"—and utilizing it under conditions in which no mass is involved. As for the latter, the General told the press, drawing a laugh, "You know, what 'no mass' means is that there's nothing there."

[HANDWRITTEN: 81]

WHILE General Samford's interview probably reassured the public as evidence that the Air Force was still on the job, it did nothing to lessen the nation's saucer-consciousness. The reporters had hardly thanked the General for his comments when, on August 1st, a Coast Guard photographer produced a picture showing four bizarre lights burning brilliantly in a daylight sky. He said he had taken it over Salem, Massachusetts. The next day, a Harvard astrophysicist called the photograph worthless because it was accompanied by no scientific data, such as temperature distribution and altitude. On August 6th, an Army physicist at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, created the equivalent of flying saucers in his laboratory by introducing molecules of ionized air into a partial vacuum in a bell jar, and three days later an internationally known authority on atmospheric conditions said of the physicist's experiment, "I know of no conditions of the earth's atmosphere, high or low, which would duplicate

PAGE 85

form

This is an FBI invoice of contents dated October 6, 1952, regarding an investigation of a possible unidentified flying object, consigned to the Inspector General of the Department of the Air Force.

7-26a

Invoice of Contents from
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
WASHINGTON, D. C.

Date October 6, 1952 Case References INVESTIGATION OF POSSIBLE
Directorate of Special Invest. UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT
Consigned to the Inspector General
Department of the Air Force, The Pentagon
Washington, D. C.
Att: Mr. Gilbert R. Levy

List of Contents
PC-33951DE

Q1 through Q6
K1 through K3
497363
[HANDWRITTEN: MAILED 4 OCT 23 1952] [HANDWRITTEN: 10-23-52] [HANDWRITTEN: COMM-FBI]

REGISTERED MAIL
[HANDWRITTEN: 68 MAR 3 1953] [HANDWRITTEN: 298] 62-83894-

Mr. Harbo, 7625
Mr. Conrad, 7142
Mr. Downing, 6228 IB
Mr. Bowles, 7601
Mr. Parsons, 7121

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Mail Room, place date of shipment and registry number; Shipping Room, show date of shipment and initial this invoice; then return it to person whose name is checked in column at right. After this checked name has been initialled, invoice should be placed in administrative file.

PAGE 86

memo

A memo from FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover to the Air Force Inspector General regarding a letter received from Narvel W. Reece about flying saucers, stating that the matter has been referred to the Air Force.

Date: October 28, 1952
To: Director of Special Investigations
The Inspector General
Department of the Air Force
The Pentagon
Washington 25, D. C.

From: John Edgar Hoover, Director
RECORDED - 143 Federal Bureau of Investigation
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-321]
Subject: FLYING SAUCERS

There are attached for your information
a copy of a self-explanatory letter dated October 21,
1952, and the enclosures thereto, received by this
Bureau from Mr. Narvel W. Reece.

Mr. Reece has been advised that his letter
has been referred to your Department. No further action
is being taken in this matter by this Bureau.

Attachment

EHM:cem:mes

[HANDWRITTEN: mb]
[HANDWRITTEN: 70 NOV 5 1952]

PAGE 87

other

This page is a stamp indicating receipt of a document by the FBI Mail Room on October 28, 1952.

RECEIVE MAIL ROOM
FBI
U S DEPT OF JUSTICE
Oct 28 11 55 AM '52

PAGE 88

letter

A letter from Narvel W. Reece to an unspecified recipient regarding a photograph taken near the Smithsonian Institute that contains an unidentified 'spot'.

Hotel [REDACTED] WASHINGTON D.C. 18TH AND H.ST. N.W PHONE NA 9216 21-10-52 [HANDWRITTEN: FLYING SAUCERS] Dear Sirs, On Sunday, 5 october, my wife and I wee walking towards the Smithsonian Institute when this picture was taken. Neither of us noticed anything unusual at the time, and I think that if the "spot" on the negative and picture, would be a "thing" of reality, we would certainly have noticed it. If we would never have heard anything about "things" and "objects"; we couldn't send this to you, beyond a doubt. But, what looks like a spot, could be something different. Better safe than sorry. Respectfully yours, [HANDWRITTEN: Narvel W. Reece] [HANDWRITTEN: Mossburg] RECORDED - 47 INDEXED - 47 162-83894-321 [HANDWRITTEN: Memo to OSS - with encls Let to Mr. Narvel W. Reece 13 54 S S 10-29-52 CNM]

PAGE 89

letter

A brief letter from Marvel W. Reece providing a return address and requesting the return of a negative or picture, with FBI date stamps indicating receipt in late 1952.

MARVEL W. REECE C.T.N
1578 VAN ZANDT ROAD
CINCINNATI, 31 OHIO.

P.S. If possible, and/or convienet, please return negative or picture, or acknowledge receipt of same.

[HANDWRITTEN: RECEIV... Oct 24 2 28 PM '52 NTERNAL SECURITY SN F B I S DEPT OF JUSTICE Oct 24 5 06 PM '52 REC'D ESPIONAGE F B I S DEPT OF JUSTICE Nov 3 5 03 PM '52 REC'D ESPIONAGE F B I S DEPT OF JUSTICE]

PAGE 90

memo

This memorandum addresses an inaccurate article in The New Yorker regarding FBI involvement in flying saucer investigations, clarifying that the Air Force handles such investigations and that the FBI has no current interest in the subject.

STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : MR. A. H. BELMONT
FROM : V. P. KEAY
SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS
DATE: October 8, 1952

[HANDWRITTEN: Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rose, Tracy, Harbo, Belmont, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy]

Reference is made to an article which appeared in "The New Yorker" dated September 6, 1952, which is attached. This article which was written by Daniel Lang contained inaccurate information regarding FBI investigations, indicating that the FBI conducts certain inquiries regarding flying saucers at the request of the Air Force. It is pointed out here that, although the Bureau did at one time conduct some investigations regarding flying saucers, a present agreement has been set up with the Air Force whereby the Air Force conducts all investigations pertaining to flying saucers and the Bureau, upon receiving complaints of this nature, merely turns the complaints over to the Office of Special Investigations (OSI), which in turn transmits the information to Air Intelligence. Air Intelligence has set up the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, for the purpose of coordinating and handling of research pertaining to flying saucers.

Inquiry was conducted in order to determine, if possible, the source for the information appearing in the attached article regarding FBI investigations. Lieutenant Colonel L. L. Free in charge of the Espionage Branch, Counter-Intelligence Division, Office of Special Investigations, advised that no one in OSI has been contacted by Lang, and he suggested direct contact by the Bureau Representative with Air Intelligence to determine if Lang had been in touch with anyone in that organization in order to gather information for his article.

Colonel C. M. Young, Executive Officer to Major General John A. Samford, Director of Air Intelligence, advised that Lang has not contacted General Samford's office. Colonel Young also telephonically contacted Captain Ruppelt of the Air Technical Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, on September 30, 1952. Captain Ruppelt advised Colonel Young that they have never indicated in any way to Mr. Lang that the FBI has an interest in flying saucers. Captain Ruppelt stated that the FBI to his knowledge has never been called upon to furnish reports on flying saucers. Ruppelt is under the impression that Mr. Lang made the story up or picked it up from some magazine or newspaper article sometime back. Both Colonel Young and Captain Ruppelt are thoroughly familiar with Bureau policy pertaining to flying saucers.

[HANDWRITTEN: to]
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-322]
[HANDWRITTEN: Oct 14 1952]
Attachments (2)
RECORDED - 116
INDEXED - 116
EX-60
[HANDWRITTEN: 30]
[HANDWRITTEN: 60 OCT 29 1952]

PAGE 91

memo

A memo clarifying that the FBI is not responsible for investigating flying saucers, noting that such inquiries are handled by the Air Force, and addressing a misleading newspaper article.

Reference is made to an article which appeared in the "[REDACTED]" dated September 8, 1952, which contained a statement that the FBI had been requested to conduct certain inquiries concerning flying saucers. Although the Bureau has at one time pointed out that it has not been requested to conduct some investigations with the Air Force concerning flying saucers and the Bureau upon receiving complaints merely turns them over to the Air Force, the article in question is misleading. The Air Force is the agency responsible for the collection and handling of information pertaining to flying saucers.

Nothing has been conducted in order to determine the source of the information appearing in the "[REDACTED]" article. The Bureau is not in charge of the investigation. The Bureau has not been contacted by the newspaper and the writer concerned has not been contacted by the Bureau to determine if the Bureau had been in contact with that organization in order to gather the information.

[HANDWRITTEN: 65 HS1 834228961 62 HQ 83894 Section 7]

PAGE 92

memo

This memorandum details a conversation with Mr. Albert Chop of the Office of Public Information regarding a New Yorker article about flying saucers and the FBI's involvement in such investigations.

Memorandum for Mr. A. H. Belmont, 10/8/52

Colonel Young suggested that further contact be made with Mr. Albert Chop of the Office of Public Information, Office of the Secretary of Defense, who represents the Air Force in public relations contacts pertaining to flying saucer matters.

Mr. Chop was contacted and advised that he was familiar with the attached "New Yorker" magazine article. He advised that Lang had gathered most of the material about two years ago when considerable publicity regarding flying saucers had appeared in newspapers. He does not know where Lang gathered the material at that time but assumes that he gathered it from various sources, such as other newspaper articles. When the recent publicity regarding flying saucers appeared in newspapers, Lang renewed his interest in flying saucers and attempted to bring his article up to date. He contacted Mr. Chop for further current information. Mr. Chop advised that he gave Lang some routine items of interest regarding flying saucer complaints and investigations by the Air Force, but that he instructed Mr. Lang not to contact the Air Technical Intelligence Center for further information from that source. Mr. Chop also advised that at no time was the FBI mentioned and that he has no idea where Lang obtained the information appearing in his article concerning FBI investigations. Mr. Chop advised that he is thoroughly familiar with Bureau policy pertaining to flying saucer investigations, and that he at no time has indicated to any writer or newspaper representative that the FBI conducts investigations pertaining to flying saucers. Mr. Chop advised that, if the Bureau desires, he would be glad to contact Lang to discreetly determine where Lang obtained his information indicating that the FBI conducts investigations pertaining to flying saucers. He stated that he could make this contact without indicating in any way the Bureau has contacted him. He was advised that his offer of cooperation was appreciated, but that it was not desired that he make such an inquiry at the present time.

There is attached a current mimeographed form containing current information regarding the whole flying saucer matter which was turned over by Chop. This is the information which

- 2 -

PAGE 93

memo

A brief memorandum for Mr. A. H. Belmont regarding information provided to newspaper reporters, noting no action is required.

Memorandum for Mr. A. H. Belmont, 10/8/52

is ordinarily given to newspaper reporters or writers who
make inquiry in the Office of Public Information.
ACTION:
None. For your information.

[HANDWRITTEN: g] [HANDWRITTEN: gl]

- 3 -

PAGE 94

memo

An FBI memorandum from V. P. Keay to A. H. Belmont regarding a recent, unexplained sighting of flying saucers captured on film by a Navy photographer, which was analyzed by the Air Technical Intelligence Center.

STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : MR. A. H. BELMONT [HANDWRITTEN: ABAS] DATE: October 27, 1952
FROM : V. P. KEAY [HANDWRITTEN: PK] [HANDWRITTEN: SL]
SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS

SYNOPSIS:
Air Intelligence advised of another creditable and unexplainable sighting of flying saucers. Air Intelligence still feels flying saucers are optical illusions or atmospheric phenomena but some Military officials are seriously considering the possibility of interplanetary ships.

BACKGROUND:
You will recall that Air Intelligence has previously kept the Bureau advised regarding developments pertaining to Air Intelligence research on the flying saucer problem. Air Intelligence has previously advised that all research pertaining to this problem is handled by the Air Technical Intelligence Center located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio; that approximately 90 per cent of the reported sightings of flying saucers can be discounted as products of the imagination and as explainable objects such as weather balloons, etc., but that a small percentage of extremely creditable sightings have been unexplainable.

DETAILS:
Colonel C. M. Young, Executive Officer to Major General John A. Samford, Director of Intelligence, Air Force, advised on October 23, 1952, that another recent extremely creditable sighting had been reported to Air Intelligence. A Navy photographer, while traveling across the United States in his own car, saw a number of objects in the sky which appeared to be flying saucers. He took approximately thirty-five feet of motion-picture film of these objects. He voluntarily submitted the film to Air Intelligence who had it studied by the Air Technical Intelligence Center. Experts at the Air Technical Intelligence Center have advised that, after careful study, there were as many as twelve to sixteen flying objects recorded on this film; that the possibility of weather balloons, clouds or other explainable objects has been completely ruled out; and that they are at a complete loss to explain this most recent creditable sighting. The Air Technical Intelligence Center experts pointed out that they could not be optical illusions inasmuch as optical illusions could not be recorded on film.

[HANDWRITTEN: NWP/f jb] [HANDWRITTEN: RECORDED - 162-83894-323] [HANDWRITTEN: OCT 30 1952] [HANDWRITTEN: 21] [HANDWRITTEN: EX. 101] [HANDWRITTEN: 2 NOV 7 1952] [HANDWRITTEN: 386]

PAGE 95

memo

This memorandum from Air Intelligence to Mr. Belmont discusses the ongoing investigation into flying saucer reports, noting that while the Air Force suspects Soviet propaganda, some officers are considering interplanetary origins and a new study project has been established.

Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

TO : MR. BELMONT
FROM : [REDACTED]
SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS

SYNOPSIS:

Air Intelligence advised of another credible and
unexplainable sighting of flying saucers. Air Intelligence
still feels flying saucers are creations of Soviet
propaganda but some Air Intelligence officers are
considering the possibility of interplanetary origin.

BACKGROUND:

You will recall that Air Intelligence has advised
that the Bureau regarding development pertaining to Air
Intelligence research on the flying saucer problem. Air Intelligence
has advised that the Technical Intelligence located at
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which is charged with
the evaluation of the reports of flying saucers and
analysis of the information and of credible objects
and such reports, has been unable to identify the
reports of flying saucers as unexplainable.

Colonel M. G. [REDACTED], Executive Officer to Major General
John A. Samford, Director of Intelligence, advised on
October 23, 1952, that a project has been established
and has been assigned to Air Intelligence to study
reports concerning the United States in the number of
objects in the sky which are reported to be flying saucers. The
organization for the test of motion-picture films of
objects submitted to the Air Force by Air Intelligence was
set up and the Air Technical Intelligence Center is
conducting the study.

PAGE 96

memo

A brief memo from V. P. Keay to A. H. Belmont regarding the status of Air Intelligence's investigation into flying saucers, noting that while they are officially considered illusions or atmospheric phenomena, some military officials are considering the possibility of interplanetary origins.

Memo to Mr. A. H. Belmont RE: FLYING SAUCERS
from V. P. Keay

Colonel Young advised that Air Intelligence still feels that the so-called flying saucers are either optical illusions or atmospherical phenomena. He pointed out, however, that some Military officials are seriously considering the possibility of interplanetary ships.

ACTION:

None. This is for your information.

- 2 -

PAGE 97

letter

An FBI letter from J. Edgar Hoover to Narvel Reece acknowledging receipt of his letter and enclosures, and stating that the matter has been forwarded to the Department of the Air Force.

October 28, 1952

Mr. Narvel [HANDWRITTEN: X] Reece, C.T.S.N.
1578 Van Fandt Road
Cincinnati 31, Ohio

Dear Mr. Reece:

[HANDWRITTEN: Flying Saucers]

I want to thank you for your letter and the enclosures which you forwarded to this Bureau.

I have taken the liberty of forwarding a copy of your letter and the enclosures thereto to the Department of the Air Force, inasmuch as the matter referred to in your letter is within the jurisdiction of that Department.

Sincerely yours,

John Edgar Hoover
Director

EHM:cem:mes

Note: The Records Section has been unable to locate a cross reference on the name Narvel Woodrow Reece (64-32001-1-135, encl. page 7). In view of the information contained in 64-32001-1, it is not believed the reference will be pertinent in this instance. This action is being taken to expedite the Bureau's reply to the correspondent. File mentioned above concerns name check requests.

PAGE 98

memo

A brief internal note regarding the inability of the records section to locate a cross-reference for file 62-83894-10086-1, with a note that it is being forwarded for proper filing.

Note: The records section has been unable to locate a cross reference of the above mentioned record (62-83894-10086-1). It is not believed that the reference will be filed in the same file as the subject's request. The mentioned record is being forwarded to the records section for cross reference.

[HANDWRITTEN: 65 HS1 834228961 62 HQ 83894 Section 7]

REC'D BELMONT
F.B.I.
RECEIVE MAIL ROOM
F B I
Oct 28 11 54 AM '52

PAGE 99

form

An FBI search slip for the subject Narvel W. Reece, dated October 27, 1952, listing various file numbers and serials.

NUMEROUS REFERENCE 4-22c
SEARCH SLIP
Supervisor [HANDWRITTEN: Messling] Room 3708
Subj: [HANDWRITTEN: Narvel W. Reece]
[CHECKMARK] Exact Spelling Searchers
All References Initial AM
[CHECKMARK] Subversive Ref. Date 10-27-52
Mail File
Restricted to Locality of

FILE NUMBER SERIALS
NR [HANDWRITTEN: 10-28 9:25 nite shift 500 ..27]
Narvel Woodrow
64-32001-1-13 ENcl 7
Narvel
NR
N-
N 65-30966-3

[HANDWRITTEN: 29 10 geo 10/28] Initialed

PAGE 100

letter

A letter addressed to J. Edgar Hoover proposing a plan to bring down unidentified flying objects using guided missiles and decoy devices for scientific study.

[HANDWRITTEN: Jan 24, 1953 Los Angeles Calif]

Mr John Edgar Hoover
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D.C.

[HANDWRITTEN: Flying Saucers]

Dear Mr. Hoover =
This is being written to you so that it may be forwarded to President Eisenhower if you feel it advisable; and to prevent any security leaks if such transmission of message is to be accomplished.

PURPOSE =
A PLAN FOR BRINGING DOWN ONE OF THE STRANGE AIR VEHICLES AS SIGHTED OVER JAPAN AND ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD; AND THEN TO BE STUDIED BY OUR SCIENTISTS.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED =
1. GUIDED MISSILES = that may be guided from the ground or a Mother Ship or made to home on these Strange objects through Radar or Radio

2. A DEVICE which when sighted from Ground or Air in Twilight or Darkness resembles [ILLEGIBLE] of these Craft as to = Shape, Size, Lights and Flying Characteristics

May be necessary to use a high flying Zeplin, Balloon or Jet craft, Helicopter or other.

THIS IS THE [HANDWRITTEN: 62-783894-325] [HANDWRITTEN: 18] [HANDWRITTEN: Feb 2 1953]
RECORDED - 91
INDEXED - 91
Next Sheet

60 FEB 9 1953

PAGE 101

other

This is a blank page containing only an FBI date-received stamp.

MR. JONES
RECEIVED
F B I
U S DEPT OF JUSTICE
JAN 28 11 09 AM '53

PAGE 102

letter

A handwritten proposal by Sam T. Kanter outlining a plan to use a decoy to attract and potentially capture unidentified flying objects, with considerations for personnel and the origin of the objects.

2.
Equip. Needed (cont.)
3. Below the Decoy =
Highly accurate guns, cannons or other necessary weapons which are constantly trained on our Decoy or adjacent Area to decoy
4. Highly Secret and Skilled Personnel =
To prevent any leak as to plan; and able to carry out operation to be successful on the first trial if possible.
Plan =
Send Decoy up in an Area known to have consistently seen these strange objects.
Sent to predetermined Altitude, and known flying patterns so that Gun crews below are alert to let go instantaneously when strange craft approaches to investigate our Decoy.
Decoy and our Ground operators should be in an Area where we can retrieve the fallen object.
Of course if it is known that these objects are from other planets the need for bringing one down is not immediately imperative.
Respectfully submitted to be forwarded if you deem it advisable.
[HANDWRITTEN: Sam T. Kanter]
Sam T. Kanter
% Hollywood College
2009 Ninth St.
Los Angeles, Calif.
caly.

PAGE 103

memo

A memo from V.P. Keay to A.H. Belmont regarding an Intelligence Advisory Committee meeting where the potential scientific nature of 'flying saucers' was discussed, specifically referencing a German scientist's theory and an observation in Africa.

COPY:f cr

TO: MR. A. H. BELMONT DATE: December 5, 1952

FROM: V. P. KEAY

SUBJECT: PROPOSED STUDY ON THE
"FLYING SAUCERS" PHENOMENA;
INTELLIGENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Pursuant to instructions, Supervisor M.W. Kuhrtz of the
Liaison Section attended the Intelligence Advisory Committee (IAC)
meeting on December 4, 1952.

None of the agenda items are of direct interest to the Bureau;
however, Dr. H.M. Chadwell, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), directed
the members' attention to some aspects of the "flying saucers" pheno-
mena. He said that a recent presentation of a theory on "saucers" was
made by a German atomic scientist, which fact has cased the British to
initiate considerable intelligence effort into this matter. According
to Mr. Chadwell, efforts are being made to obtain the German scientist's
paper on this theory. Also, it was stated that a recent "saucers" obser-
vation in Africa presents some evidence that the "saucers" are not a me-
teorological phenomena, which theory has been held to date by the Air
Force. Instead, this latter incident indicated the possibility of the
"saucers" being a scientific development. The details of this African
observation were not presented; however, appropriate contact will be made
by the Bureau's Liaison Section with the Air Force to determine the
details of this latter report.

As a result of the above, the Military members suggested a
logical approach which would call for a group of scientists to make a
study of the new "saucers" data in an effort to identify the phenomena.
If an identification can be made by the scientists and it can be deter-
mined that the "saucers" are a scientific development, then IAC should
determine a further course of action for the U.S. Government. It was
further suggested that the IAC should only concern itself with this matter
on the basis that a competent scientific group might determine the "saucers"
"saucers" to be a scientific development under the control of our enemy.

Dr. Chadwell was directed to draft a paper on this problem for
IAC consideration. Upon receipt of this draft, appropriate Bureau re-
commendations will be made prior to IAC approval.

ACTION: Liaison will obtain the details of the "flying saucers"
observation in Africa from the Air Force.
MWK:lw

ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED
DATE 5/11/84 BY SP-1gpk/alm [HANDWRITTEN: 162-83894-]
Comp.# 245,536 NOT RECORDED
146 JAN 6 1953
INITIALS ON ORIGINAL
[HANDWRITTEN: 294]
53 FEB 16 1953 [HANDWRITTEN: 62-90 718-277]

PAGE 104

memo

A memorandum from V. P. Keay to A. H. Belmont regarding a proposed study on 'flying saucers' phenomena, specifically referencing an intelligence committee meeting and reports of an explosion in Africa.

COPY:fcr

TO: MR. A. H. BELMONT DATE: December 23, 1952
FROM: V. P. KEAY
SUBJECT: PROPOSED STUDY ON THE
"FLYING SAUCERS" PHENOMENA;
[HANDWRITTEN: FLYING] INTELLIGENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Reference is made to my memorandum December 5, 1952. You will recall that at an Intelligence Advisory Committee (IAC) meeting held December 4, 1952, Dr. H.M. Chadwell, Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) directed the members' attention to some aspects of the "flying saucers" phenomena. He made reference to a presentation of a theory on "saucers" which had been made by a German atomic scientist and which fact had caused the British to initiate considerable intelligence effort into the matter. Chadwell also made reference to a recent "saucers" observation in Africa. He did not furnish details on the African observation.

The Liaison Agent contacted Messrs. Ralph Clark, (b) (3) (A) [REDACTED] and Richard Helms, all of the CIA, for the purpose of obtaining additional details concerning the "saucers" report which centered in Africa. These individuals furnished information reflecting that a few weeks ago an explosion of large proportion was picked up on several seismographs and it was indicated that the explosion was centered in central Africa. According to Helms and Clark, reports of unknown reliability were received indicating that the explosion might have emanated from a flying saucer. More recent reports received from abroad indicate that the [REDACTED] seismographs had picked up an explosion of a meteor. (b) (3) (B) [REDACTED]

The Liaison Agent inquired regarding the "saucers" theory which reportedly was presented by a German atomic scientist. Clark advised that the report on the scientist had not been received by the CIA as yet.

ACTION:

This matter will be followed by the Liaison Agent for the purpose of obtaining additional details concerning the "saucers" theory of the German scientist.

SJP:lw

[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-]
ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED
DATE 5/11/84 BY SP-1 gok/alm
Comp. # 245,536

NOT RECORDED
146 JAN 6 1953

INITIALS ON ORIGINAL

56 JAN 12 1953

PAGE 105

memo

An FBI memo from J. Edgar Hoover to the Air Force regarding information received from Robert D. Wolf about flying discs, stating that the FBI is not conducting an investigation.

RECORDED-84 [HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-326]

Date: February 11, 1953

To: Director of Special Investigations
The Inspector General
Department of the Air Force
The Pentagon
Washington 25, D. C.

From: John Edgar Hoover, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation

Subject: FLYING DISCS
MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING

There are attached for your information in the captioned matter a Photostat of a letter dated January 20, 1953, received by this Bureau from Mr. Robert D. Wolf, 19 North Forsythe Street, Franklin, Indiana, with the enclosures referred to therein, and a copy of this Bureau's reply to Mr. Wolf.

No investigation is being conducted by this Bureau in this matter.

Attachment

EHM:eme [HANDWRITTEN: eme]

[HANDWRITTEN: 2/11/53 WOB]

COMM - FBI
FEB 11 1953
MAILED 30

[HANDWRITTEN: 10 FEB 19 1953]

PAGE 106

letter

A letter from FBI Director John Edgar Hoover to Robert D. Wolf, explaining that the FBI cannot evaluate the character or integrity of organizations or individuals as requested.

January 27, 1953

[HANDWRITTEN: 62-93894-326]

Mr. Robert D. Wolf
19 North Forsythe Street
Franklin, Indiana

Dear Mr. Wolf:

Your letter dated January 20, 1953, has been received, together with enclosures.

Although I would like to be of service in connection with your request, I would like to point out that the FBI is strictly a fact-finding agency and it is not within the scope of its prescribed authority to make evaluations or draw conclusions as to the character or integrity of any organization or individual. I know you will understand the reason for this rule and will appreciate my inability to be of assistance to you in this regard.

The literature and letter you forwarded are being returned.

Sincerely yours,

John Edgar Hoover
Director

Enclosures (2)

cc - Indianapolis, with copy of incoming and copy of letter signed by Albert K. Bender.
cc - New Haven, with copy of incoming and copy of letter signed by Albert K. Bender.
ATTENTION SAC's: (see next page)

DIC:dep:bkh

PAGE 107

cover-page

This is a cover page containing FBI mail room stamps from January 1953.

DECLASSIFIED

[STAMP: RECEIVED MAIL ROOM FBI JAN 28 1 32 PM '53]

[STAMP: REC'D ESPIONAGE FBI S DEPT OF JUSTICE JAN 29 5 18 PM '53]

PAGE 108

memo

This memo informs SACs about a publication called 'Space Review' from the International Flying Saucer Bureau and notes that no FBI files exist on the organization, the publication, or Albert K. Bender.

ATTENTION SAC's: Correspondent also enclosed a copy of
the January 19, 1953 issue of "Space Review", the publication
of The International Flying Saucer Bureau, indicating the
address as Post Office Box 241, Bridgeport, Connecticut.
This small periodical contains news of various I.F.S.B.
groups throughout the United States and England and news
items relating to flying saucers.
No references can be located in Bufiles on the I.F.S.B.;
"Space Review" or Albert K. Bender.

PAGE 109

letter

A letter from Robert D. Wolf, Director of the Johnson County Department of Civil Defense, to J. Edgar Hoover inquiring about the status of the International Flying Saucer Bureau and whether it is considered subversive.

JOHNSON COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL DEFENSE
MONROE AND JACKSON STREETS
FRANKLIN, INDIANA

ROBERT D. WOLF
Director
20 January 1953

Mr. J. Edgar Hoover
Director Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:

I would first like to apologize for writing to you direct, however, I have cleared this morning with our State Director and he suggests this procedure.

We have been having some success with our Ground Observation Corps as we have four (4) posts here in the county. [HANDWRITTEN: I.F.S.B. Bridgeport Connecticut]

Last Fall I was contacted by one of our local business men wanting to know if I would be interested in joining the International Flying Saucer Bureau. I told him that I would and did join with the idea fully in mind of having the local people who are interested in Flying Saucers also work in our Civil Defense Program. We are only too willing to co-operate in any way we can with Civil Defense. The city of Franklin is approximately twenty (20) miles southwest of Indianapolis, on the dual lane highway U S #31.

I am enclosing a letter which was received last October, as well as the current issue of SPACE REVIEW. Would like to know if this organization has been cleared or is subversive in any way.

I would appreciate your expediting this information back to us so that we will know what steps to take in further enlisting interested persons in our program.

If you do not require the enclosures please return them.

[HANDWRITTEN: ENCL - ret to corresp. 1-26-53]

ROBERT D. WOLF

Home Address:
19 North Forsythe St.
Franklin, Indiana.

[HANDWRITTEN: at Osi 2/11/53 EHM]

RECORDED-84
INDEXED-84
[HANDWRITTEN: 162-83894-326]
FEB 16 1953
[HANDWRITTEN: 5-Ehw CRIME REC.]

PAGE 110

letter

A letter from the Indiana Department of Civil Defense to J. Edgar Hoover regarding local interest in the International Flying Saucer Bureau and a request for guidance on how to proceed.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL DEFENSE
STATE OF INDIANA
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

30 January 1953

J. Edgar Hoover, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:

I would like to apologize for writing to you regarding the matter which I discussed with your agents previously.

We have had some observations as a group that we feel should be in the hands of your office.

I was approached by one of our local business men who would like to be detached in joining the International Flying Saucer Bureau. I did not know who the local people were who are interested in the Flying Saucer Bureau. The Civil Defense is willing to co-operate in any way we can with the Civil Defense of the area in approximately (80) miles of Indianapolis.

I am enclosing a letter which was received last October as well as the name of that organization that had been cleared at that time.

I would appreciate it if you could send back to me what steps to take in this matter. Thank you for your time and consideration.

[HANDWRITTEN: 2/1]

RECEIVED
JAN 29 10 45 AM '53
F B I
INTERNAL SECURITY SM

RECEIVED
JAN 22 2 26 PM '53
F B I
U S DEPT OF JUSTICE
MR. JONES

PAGE 111

cover-page

This is a blank envelope cover page marked as an enclosure for case file 62-83894.

ENCLOSURE
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-326]

PAGE 112

letter

A letter from the International Flying Saucer Bureau to Mr. I. H. Frahm providing instructions on how to organize a local chapter of the IFSB in Franklin, Indiana.

The International Flying Saucer Bureau [HANDWRITTEN: original returned to correspondent]
"All is possible to one who believes"

ALBERT K. BENDER
President and Editor
MAX KRENGEL
Vice-Pres. and Treas.
ALAN C. RIEVMAN
Secretary
FRED J. BENDER
Historian

INTERNATIONAL
COUNCIL
ROBERT N. WEBSTER
Editor - "Fate" Magazine
WILSON "BOB" TUCKER
Author - Editor of
Science Newsletter
ELLIOTT ROCKMORE
Editor - Publisher
"Saucer Review"
GEORGE D. FAWCETT
Lecturer - Sauceriana
Collection
STANLEY E. CROUCH
Editor - Science and
Culture Magazine
FRANKLIN M. DIETZ, Jr.
Editor and Publisher
"Science - Fantasy and
Science Fiction"

BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE
E. L. PLUNKETT
Retired Capt. 8th Army

INTERNATIONAL
HEADQUARTERS
P. O. BOX 241
BRIDGEPORT 2, CONN.
U. S. A.

Great Britain Branch
71 Chedworth Road
Horfield,
Bristol 7, England

October 26, 1952

Mr. I. H. Frahm,
949 E. Jefferson Street,
Franklin, Indiana

Dear Mr. Frahm:

Once again I am happy to write to you about
IFSB and your fine work in helping our organization
to grow larger and stronger.

In your last letter you asked what course of action
your club should take in connection with IFSB. I
would suggest the following:

(1.) Appoint a local Chairman of the IFSB in
Franklin, Indiana. Also appoint a local
treasurer and secretary.

(2.) Hold your meetings at least twice a month,
where you can discuss saucer happenings and
club activities. Use a local hall, or better
yet, hold the meetings at each others homes.

If and when you form your own city group, a
certain portion of the club membership fee
may be retained by you to help your cause.

(4.) Mr. Dick Campbell, is an International Officer
in IFSB and should be paid such respect at all
your gatherings.

(5.) We will do any post card printing you desire or
cards of similar size.

(6.) You can print your club activities in "Space
Review".

(7.) Get contributions from your members to help
you get formed.

PAGE 113

letter

A letter from Albert K. Bender of the International Flying Saucer Bureau providing suggestions to a local group, including reporting sightings, maintaining member records, and using tape recorders for communication.

The
International Flying Saucer Bureau
"All is possible to one who believes"
ALBERT K. BENDER
President and Editor
MAX KRENOEL
Vice-Pres. and Treas.
ALLAN C. RIEVMAN
Secretary
P. O. BOX 241
BRIDGEPORT 2, CONN.
U. S. A.
)II(
(8). Report to IFSB all reports and sightings in
your area. However, first put the sightings
before your group and let them judge whether
they are authentic or not.
(9). Keep a record of all club members in your area
and their activities as far as IFSB is concerned.
(10). Obtain if possible (merely a suggestion), a tape
recorder so that you can send actual voice to
IFSB headquarters. In this way, I as President,
could send messages for you to play at your local
meetings. In the future I may pay your city
a visit and attend one of your meetings.
These are all merely suggestions for you to ponder over
and if you decide to adopt any of them please consult with
your Indiana Representative, Mr. Campbell. After you have
done this, get in touch with me at once.
I sincerely hope that these suggestions will help you
in making some move as to what your local group will do,
Forever Looking Up,
Albert K. Bender
Albert K. Bender
President
AKB/aer

PAGE 114

report

This page is an issue of 'Space Review' (Vol II, No 1) containing updates on the International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB) organization in Britain, Puerto Rico, and Franklin, Indiana, as well as a mention of a letter from Albert Einstein regarding flying saucers.

[HANDWRITTEN: orig. returned to [REDACTED] 1-26-53]
Space Review
Copyright 1953 by ALBERT K. BENDER
VOL. II, No. 1 January, 1953 Bridgeport, Conn., U.S.A.

IFSB OF BRITAIN ORGANIZES
Capt. E. L. Plunkett Appointed
British Representative.

The IFSB has finally been organized in Great Britain with retired Capt. E. L. Plunkett, of the 8th Army as British Representative. Mr. Plunkett resides at 71 Chedworth Rd., Horneld, Bristol 7, England. Denis, son of Mr. Plunkett, is the assistant representative, but is now serving his country in the Royal Air Force.

Rep. Plunkett has shown great interest and foresight in forming the IFSB in the British Isles. Numerous articles have appeared in leading newspapers through his efforts. He is planning on using local halls and auditoriums to give lectures and show pictures with the aid of an edipiascope. He also plans to give talks at the local [REDACTED] of that city which is a semi-war veterans type of society.

Many people in the British Isles have contacted Mr. Plunkett showing great interest in IFSB. Most of these people are very learned individuals such as officers in the Armed Forces, members of the British Inter-Planetary Society, Aero-Dynamists, newspaper reporters, and flying saucer enthusiasts.

At present Mr. Plunkett is holding weekly meetings at his home, where they discuss IFSB and flying saucers in general. For further information about our British Representative see page twelve of this issue.

LUIS LUHRING NAMED
PUERTO RICAN REPRESENTATIVE

Mr. Luis Luhring of Punta Santiago, Puerto Rico, has accepted the position of Representative for the island of Puerto Rico. He will handle all IFSB business in that place. Write to Box 23, Punta Santiago, Puerto Rico. Mr. Luhring is a very capable man and will aid the IFSB greatly.

FRANKLIN, INDIANA JOINS EN MASSE
Business Men and Public Officials Join
IFSB To Form Own City Group.

The City of Franklin, Indiana, has gone out fully for the IFSB and is now the only city in the world that has the most members in our organization. Through the great efforts and work of Mr. Louis Frahm, business man; Mr. Jack W. Moore, policeman; Mr. Robert Wolf, civilian defense director, and Mr. Dick Campbell, IFSB Representative for Indiana, this great accomplishment was made possible. At this publication, Franklin can claim 20 members with ten from nearly towns, giving a total of 30. Since all this interest has been aroused Mr. Frahm plans to form a city group with their own chairman, secretary and treasurer. Among the members you will find policemen, librarians, mechanics, commercial pilots, business men, bus drivers, students, etc. The group plans to purchase a telescope of suitable power. In addition to this they plan to rig up a 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 Graflex camera with an optical type view finder and screen door handle on each side for easy handling. This is the equipment they plan to start with. Later, if finances permit, they may build a portable radar set.

Franklin, Indiana, and nearby towns, have been fortunate in having had at least four sightings this past summer. Two were witnessed by Mr. Frahm and Mr. Moore. Reports of these sightings are reviewed in this issue of Space Review.

OUR PRESIDENT HEARS FROM
PROF. EINSTEIN

Mr. Al K. Bender, President of IFSB, received a letter from Professor Einstein with this message: "Having no experience, and only superficial knowledge in the field I regret not to be able to comply with your requests." Mr. Bender wanted his opinion on the flying saucers. This was the Professor's reply.

[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-326]

PAGE 115

report

A collection of short reports from various global locations regarding UFO sightings and related atmospheric phenomena, published in a 'Space Review' column.

2 SPACE REVIEW

SAUCERS IN THE NEWS

MAYAGUEZ, PUERTO RICO, Oct. 3, 1952—Strange objects were sighted by two persons in Mayaguez on Oct. 3, they were cruising East and were red in color. It was about 10:30 p.m. when they were sighted.

NORWAY AND SWEDEN, Oct. 13, 1952—During October the Norwegian Government stated that a strange object resembling a saucer landed on Norwegian soil. German experts are claiming that the devices are of Russian origin, and the description given by Norway fits the description given by German experts. Stockholm, Sweden, has also been sighting strange objects.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, Sept. 13, 1952—A young woman sighted a noiseless green ball flying too fast to be a plane or a meteor. She said it smelled like a rotten egg.

STUTTGART, GERMANY, Nov. 1, 1952—At the recent meeting of the third International Astronautical Congress in Germany where 200 scientists from 12 countries gathered they stated that saucers are not from Mars or any other planet. They said they are merely optical and atmospheric illusions.

LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK—A terrific air explosion took place over a small area of Long Island, N.Y., which broke windows, cracked sidewalks and caused general panic. There were no planes around or scheduled at that time, Oct. 1952.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 1952—A blue flame flashed over International Airport at 7:33 p.m. It was a fiery ball-like object. Hayden Planetarium official stated it may have been the head of a meteor.

TOPCLIFFE, YORK, ENGLAND, Sept. 20, 1952—During exercise "Mainbrace" RAF pilots sighted a white object at 15,000 feet. The object was silver in color and circular. It maintained a slow forward speed before beginning to descend, swinging like a pendulum. It followed the aircraft, revolved on its own axis at times, and then took off.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 16, 1952—The Navy announced that it launched rockets from giant balloons, high above the North Geomagnetic Pole, and sent them to altitudes of about 40 miles. The balloons were as tall as a 10-story building.

PARIS, FRANCE, Oct. 7, 1952—A flying saucer was sighted over Southern France by two Air France pilots.

WESTERN KOREA FRONT, Oct. 29, 1952—U.S. troops saw a half-dozen mysterious spark-throwing "cartwheels" over the western front of Korea. They were as the eye sees, 18 inches in diameter, moving in a 15-foot circle.

GAILLAC, SOUTH OF FRANCE, Oct. 29, 1952—For the second time in two weeks, 20 townspeople of Gaillac saw a series of white circular objects, slightly swollen at the center, spinning across the sky; they were flying in formation of two and were grouped around something that looked like a giant flying cigar. As the objects passed overhead they let fall a sort of string of bright white threads, which settled gently on trees and telephone lines. When the people tried to pick them up, they melted like ice. A police officer who picked up some of the thread said: "It looked like glass wool and it melted away almost as soon as it was touched."

OLORON, FRANCE, Oct. 17, 1952—About a dozen people, including a schoolmaster, saw flying saucers surrounding a long cigar like object flying through a clear sky at about 6,000 feet.

NEW ZEALAND—The clippings and stories from New Zealand are swamping our office and are so numerous that we must devote a whole page to them in our April issue.

For more detailed information on any of the above, please write to IFSB.

Please date your clippings that you send to us, and note the source.

PAGE 116

report

This page contains a report on the Sutton, West Virginia monster and its potential connection to a Collier's magazine rocket, followed by an announcement regarding the formation and goals of the Civilian Saucer Investigation of New Zealand.

SPACE REVIEW 3

SUTTON, WEST VIRGINIA MONSTER MAY BE
"COLLIER'S" ROCKET!

Rev. S. L. Daw, Washington, D.C., Representative, IFSB

I have personally photographed flying saucers six times and personally photographed the place where one landed in Charleston, West Virginia. I also talked to two eye-witnesses. I saw and talked to a police officer who was burned by one in Wheeling, West Virginia. My own cousin was the doctor who treated him.

I attempted to photograph one going over Melessa Pass, 5000 feet up in the Blue Ridge mountains, as I was at a height of 2500 feet at Wahala Glen just directly opposite from Melessa Pass. The picture was not too good due to the mist from the mountains.

The object that landed at Charleston, West Virginia was described as a large metal ball, throwing off a white light and after landing, two small men in red emerged from a trap in the top and climbed up a tree to look around. Seeing people watching them, they got back in and took off. We can prove what this was: In the attempt to shoot rockets to the moon, there is a device with the motors on the wings and the body of the device is a jet propelled apparatus which throws off a large metal shaped disc which throws off a red color from the center which when reflected could easily be taken for some sort of a small person. This was described in Collier's magazine of October 11, 1952.

According to the Washington Daily News, the monster seen at Sutton, West Virginia could be the rocket described in Collier's magazine. The picture on the cover of the magazine shows a sphere-headed, wide-bottomed, tank-bellied rocket craft spewing out burning hydrazine and nitric acid as it lands hind-end on the moon. The West Virginia people claimed to have seen: "An object estimated at 10 feet tall, four feet wide at the bottom and in the shape of a man. Two lights flashed from side to side, the machine made a noise like gas escaping, and a sharp sickening odor was about." Sounds somewhat the same.

The United States may be experimenting with something that the public is not aware of, and it is doing its best to keep it a secret. The age of rocket ships is just around the corner.

CIVILIAN SAUCER INVESTIGATION OF NEW ZEALAND
CONTACTS IFSB

The Civilian Saucer Investigation of New Zealand was set up in New Zealand on October 13, 1952. They plan to prove or disapprove the existence of saucers. It has no affiliation with the Government, the armed forces, or to any society to which its members may belong. Most of the members have been studying flying saucer reports for at least five years. They represent all interested parties, astronomers, scientists, aviators, and the man in the street. The committee consists of Mr. H. H. Fulton, a sergeant in the R.N.Z.A.F. attached to engineering, who is the President of CSI of NZ; Mr. R. J. Lavaris, a member of the Territorial Air Force, who is the secretary of CSI of NZ; Mr. G. H. Gilmore, aviation engineering inspector; D. Lavaris, a student studying for a science degree; and E. J. Greager, an astronomer and engineer.

Aims of the committee are to correspond with kindred bodies overseas, and to ultimately find the origin of flying saucers and their comparison.

Mr. H. H. Fulton, and Mr. R. J. Lavaris have been made members of the International Council of IFSB. We hope to establish friendly relations with this society and get a representative in New Zealand. CSI sent to IFSB a large map of New Zealand showing all spots where saucers have been sighted with a history of each sighting. A complete report on this will be made in our next issue. We wish CSI of New Zealand the best of luck and hope they will be a success.

PAGE 117

other

This page contains an editorial and an associate editor's column from a publication titled 'Space Review', discussing the history of exploration, the future of space travel, and the possibility of intelligent life in the universe.

4 SPACE REVIEW

EDITORIAL

In 1492 Columbus discovered a new world after traveling thousands of miles across the great expanse of unknown waters called the Atlantic Ocean. It was a great adventure, yet one that was laughed at, ridiculed, and even spoke of as a "folly".

Here was a small group of men searching for what lay beyond the known, endeavoring to unfold the mysteries of lands that were not supposed to exist. All they had were three small ships laden with provisions that they estimated would last the journey.

The seas were infested with monsters, so the skeptics said, and the world was flat with a dropping off place. Columbus proved these fallacies to be wront, when he landed in the West Indies.

The years directly ahead of us will see another great adventure such as this. A small group of men will assemble in a certain designated place, climb into their ship, a ship vastly different than that of Columbus's time. This ship will be a rocket shop, and its occupants will shoot off into the vast sea of space to find new worlds, new peoples, and new frontiers.

They will be laughed at, they will be ridiculed, and the whole thing will be called the greatest "folly" on earth, but will it be such? Time has proven that impossibilities become realities, the automobile, the airplane, radio, telephone, telegraph, television, and the smashing of the atom are definite proof. All is possible to one who believes,--and I am a sound believer!

FROM THE ASSOCIATE EDITOR'S DESK

The mysteries of space have long fascinated most people on earth. One need not be astronomer to gaze in awe at the sight which unfolds before the eyes as we gaze skyward on any clear night.

The vastness of space is difficult to explain, even for astronomers. When distances are spoken of it is simpler for learned men to use the term "light years" than miles. The number of celestial bodies suspended in space like our own earth are unknown. The guesses are from millions on up. But they remain just that--guesses.

We who make our home on a mere cinder of matter in the eyes of space, cannot be naive enough to think that intelligent life exists only here. Those who believe that there is a purpose for everything which happens, should agree that these millions of bodies in space must serve more of a purpose than just twinkling brightly on a clear night.

Published quarterly by Albert K. Bender, Editor; Max Krengel, Associate Editor; Printed by Reliable Press, Bridgeport, Conn. Subscription Price: four issues, to members, $1.00; to non-members, $1.40 per year. Individual copies $.35. Exclusive publication of the IFSB, P.O. Box 241, Bridgeport 2, Conn., U.S.A. Send all news and articles to this address.

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This page is a 'Science Fiction News' column from the 'Space Review' publication, featuring book reviews, magazine recommendations, and organizational updates for the IFSB.

SPACE REVIEW 5

SCIENCE FICTION NEWS
Alan C. Rievman

Victor Root, Illinois Rep. of IFSB, has some Science-Fiction mags for sale, or free in exchange. He is selling them for a small fee. Write to IFSB for address.

The DECEMBER, 1952, issue of FATE magazine is a must to all IFSB members and officers. It contains an article by Curtis Fuller, entitled, "Let's Get Straight About the Saucers." A complete detailed story of the incident of the scoutmaster described in our January issue, is discussed with a picture of the scoutmaster. SUBSCRIBE TO FATE MAGAZINE AND KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE SAUCERS. Write to 806 Dempster Street, Evanston, Illinois.

New Pocket Books on Stands: Dell No. 627, "When Worlds Collide" by Philip Wylie and Edwin Balmer. Pocket Book No. 908, "New Tales of Space and Time", edited by Raymond J. Healy.

Thanks to Ray Palmer for our letter in the December issue of "Other Worlds" Clark Publishing Co., 806 Dempster St., Evanston, Illinois. Let's subscribe.

NEW BOOK BY VIKING PRESS: "Across the Space Frontier", edited by Cornelius Ryan, $3.95, Viking, New York.

RANDOM HOUSE HAS DONE IT AGAIN WITH: "By Space Ship to the Moon", written by Jack Coggins and Fletcher Pratt, foreword by Willy Ley. $1.

SCIENCE FICTION NEWS-LETTER, by our Council Member, "Bob" Tucker, P.O. Box 702, Bloomington, Illinois.

THE UNITED STATES ROCKET SOCIETY, Box 29, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Hollywood is coming out with two good movies: "War of the Worlds" and "The Conquest of Space".

SAUCER REVIEW, by Elliott Rockmore, a member of our Council. P.O. Box 148, Wall St. Station, New York 5, N.Y.

Owners of tape recorders or wire recorders: Join T.R.I. (Tape-respondence International. Send your voice to your correspondents) 3488—22nd St., San Francisco 10, Calif.

BORDERLAND SCIENCES RESEARCH ASSOCIATES located at 3524 Adams Ave., San Diego 16, California, would like to have IFSB members join their society.

Many new Science Fiction Mags are hitting the newsstands and some are good while others are the usual run. A few of the better ones are: Tops in SF; Science Fiction Quarterly and Fantastic.

Two good S-F books: "Robots Have No Tails" by Lewis Padgett and "Player Piano" by Kurt Vonnegut. Both humorous line.

The officers of IFSB are planning on issuing a 12-page booklet sometime next year with a complete record on all saucer reports that they now have collected. This booklet will not be a regular issue of "Space Review", but a separate issue and will sell for 50c to everyone. Our President, Mr. Bender, will write the foreword with comments throughout by officials of IFSB. The booklet will be entitled: IFSB REPORTS ON THE SAUCERS. If interested, write!

We would like members and officers to send in snapshots of themselves so that when the time comes for us to print pictures in Space Review, we will have the photos available.

MENTION "SPACE REVIEW" when writing to any of above mentioned publications.

This page will be eliminated in future issues, and will be replaced by articles on saucers".

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This page contains a collection of theories regarding the origin and nature of 'flying saucers' submitted by various members of the IFSB.

6
SPACE REVIEW

"MY THEORY"
by IFSB Members

THEORY NO. 6—Submitted by BARBARA KNORR, Member from Connecticut

Everybody seems to believe that the "saucers", whatever they are, come from this Solar System. I do not believe any other planet but ours can support intelligent life. Perhaps plant life, but not human.

I do believe that if our planet can support life, why not other planets in other Solar Systems. I do not believe that these people wish to destroy us because if they had they could have done so long ago. Also, how do we know that these things we see are not beings themselves.

THEORY NO. 7—Submitted by Representative LOUIE MASONICK, JR., of Minnesota

My theory is one most IFSB members seem to have. First, I believe they are from another planet. All those stars must have something going around them. All those celestial bodies must be up there for some reason, besides to look at. Then, also, they may even be from our Solar System.

I do not think an official agency of our government should come out and say--"we do not know what they are and whether or not they are a menace." The best way to reveal the objects would be through clubs like the IFSB. I do not believe that they are a menace. I think there is intelligent life on them and that they are just observing us.

THEORY NO. 8—Submitted by Representative ALAN RIEVMAN of Connecticut

My theory on the origin of the "flying saucers" is that they are definitely real and are from one of the planets of our Solar System. I do not believe that they are from one of the other Solar Systems. These "neighbors" probably thought that our planet could not have intelligent life upon it, but with the first atomic explosion they may have changed their minds.

I am sure that they are not from Earth because if they were ours it would be impossible to keep it quiet and if they were from a foreign government they wouldn't be flying over the United States. They would risk being shot down and their secret revealed to us.

THEORY NO. 9—Submitted by Representative VICTOR ROOT of Illinois

My theory is that the "flying saucers" are manned ships controlled and operated by intelligent creatures who are scouting our world. They will not try to make contact with us for many reasons. One is that we are too warlike and emotional. Another is that we have diseases which may harm or even kill them. Some day when we reach out and touch the planets we may meet them. A race of intelligent creatures other than ourselves, certainly does exist.

THEORY NO. 10—Submitted by ALAN STAZER, Member from California

I think that the "flying saucers" are from the solar system of ALPHA or PROXIMA CENTUARI. Most likely the 3rd or 4th planet. The planet is probably about 4000 miles in diameter and two-thirds as big as the earth. Some other reasons are that Centauri is too far distant for observation of such a small body as a planet. This star is of about the same size and the same spectral, type-GO, as the Sun. Editor's Note: WOW!

All theories become the property of IFSB and cannot be returned.

PAGE 120

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This page from 'Space Review' provides updates and highlights regarding various IFSB representatives across different states and regions, noting their activities in recruiting members and reporting on saucer sightings.

SPACE REVIEW 7

HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT REPRESENTATIVES

DICK CAMPBELL, Rep. Indiana—Rep. Campbell has written us many interesting letters and aided in making his home town of Franklin the only city in the world with the most IFSB members. At present it totals over twenty. He was assisted by Mr. Louis Frahm, and Mr. Jack Moore of that place.
* * *
J. RONALD ALBERT, rep. Ontario, Canada—Will be appointed Representative of CANADA AT LARGE. Doing a fine job. Would like more Canadians to join club.
* * *
VICTOR ROOT, Rep. Illinois—One of our most valuable representatives. He has spent much time preparing a map of the United States showing the places where saucers have been sighted. He is quite a poet, too; see his poem in this issue. Mr. Root presented the IFSB with this saucer map. We are proud of it. We are sorry to say that Mr. Root may have to move to California in the near future. It will be very hard to replace such an ardent worker.
* * *
EARL BROADDUS, Rep. Kentucky—Obtained two new members for IFSB. One of these members, a Mrs. Glenn C. Fuller, saw a flying saucer. Her report will be in our next issue of "Space Review". Mr. Broaddus is spreading the word about IFSB.
* * *
DIANE BUCHANAN, Rep. Iowa—Obtained a new member, and has clippings she intends to send in to IFSB.
* * *
GAIL SPRAGUE, Rep. Wisconsin—Gail is quite the cartoonist. She sent in a cartoon for us which really made the International Staff roll off their chairs. She showed the parlor of a home with the front door open, a strange looking creature had walked in the door leaving muddy tracks on the floor. Outside can be seen a saucer parked on the lawn. A housewife approaches the creature and this is what she says: "I don't care where you're from. Look at my clean rug." She also sent us a fine poem that appears in this issue. Gail obtained a new member for us also. She sure is showing fine interest.
* * *
ALLAN LEVINSKY, Rep. Maine—Claims that very few people are seeing saucers in Maine. Is doing his best to get people interested in IFSB.
* * *
ROBERT R. RITTER, Rep. Tennessee—Chalks up another member for IFSB.
* * *
LUIS LUHRING, Rep. Puerto Rico—Mr. Luhring has sent us numerous clippings from Puerto Rico about saucers. He plans to get as many people as possible to join IFSB. He says that the interest in saucers is as great in Puerto Rico as anyplace else.
* * *
S. L. DAW, Rep. Washington, D.C.—We are happy to have for our representative in Washington, D.C., the first member of the clergy, Reverend Daw. Mr. Daw, as he prefers to be called by club members, is doing great work for IFSB. We are anxiously awaiting to see his actual photos of saucers, that he took himself.
* * *
RONALD KINNEAR, Rep. New York—Took upon himself to advertise in his own state and had 50 post cards printed and plans to mail them out, in his state.
* * *
We are not getting any reports from some of our Representatives. It is absolutely necessary that we hear from you, so please do your best to get those monthly reports rolling in on time.

PAGE 121

other

This page from 'Space Review' lists new representatives for the organization and provides a bibliography of magazine articles from 1952 and 1953 related to UFOs and space travel.

8
SPACE REVIEW

DIRECTORY OF REPRESENTATIVES
The following are additional representatives since our last publication.
BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE—Edgar L. Plunkett, 71 Chedworth Rd., Horfield, Bristol 7, England; Assistant Representative for Britain—Denis Plunkett
PUERTO RICAN REPRESENTATIVE—Luis Luhring, Box 23, Punta Santiago
COLORADO—Verna M. Hampton, 4245 Alcott St., Denver
MAINE—Allan Levinsky, 59 Atlantic St., Portland
MISSOURI—Ralph Hetzel, 6 Scarsdale, St. Louis 17
NEW JERSEY—August C. Roberts, 443 Ogden Ave., Jersey City
NORTH CAROLINA—David T. Benton, Box 430, E.C.C., Greenville
OHIO—Robert C. Schnelle, Sr., 714 McMakin Ave., Cincinnati
OREGON—G. L. McColly, 524 Jersey St., Silverton
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA—Rev. S L. Daw, 5119--7th St., N.W., Washington
WEST VIRGINIA—Gray Barker, Box 981, Clarksburg

Above names will not be published again. Additional names in future issues.
Anyone that wishes to correspond with other members will please send us permission to print your name and address so that others will know that you desire correspondence. We do not publish lists of our members' names and addresses without permission from them.

LET'S LOOK AT THE MAGAZINES
READERS DIGEST FOR JULY 1952--Two articles: "Have We Visitors from Space," and "Flying Saucers--New in Name Only."
TRUE MAGAZINE, SEPT. 1952--"The Flying Saucers and the Mysterious Little Men."
OCT. 1952--"We Flew Above Flying Saucers."
DEC. 1952--"What Radar Tells About Flying Saucers."
QUICK MAGAZINE, OCT. 20, 1952--"Moonbound," Page 18.
COLLIER'S, OCT. 18, 1952--"Man on the Moon."
OCT. 25, 1952--"More About Man on the Moon."
PIC MAGAZINE, NOV. 1952--"How Do Saucers Fly?"
SIR MAGAZINE, DEC. 1952--"Flying Saucers and the Air Around Us."
MR. MAGAZINE, JAN. 1953--"Is Washington Afraid of Flying Saucers?"
MAN TO MAN MAGAZINE, JAN 1953--"Flying Saucers Are Not New."
THE MYSTERY OF OTHER WORLDS REVEALED--A Fawcett Book No. 166. Excellent. A four star edition--one of the finest to date in the pulp line. Cost 75c. We advise all saucer-minded folk to get this magazine. It is only once in a great while that a publisher puts out such a fine publication. Contains news of Space Travel; Flying Saucers; and Rocket Development.

These magazines are in the IFSB LIBRARY as part of our collection. We will send written information to anyone that may have questions on above magazines.

Coming in April "SPACE REVIEW"--"SAUCERITIS" by John Armitage of England. An article that will make you really THINK!
A COMPLETE LISTING OF ALL OF OUR OFFICERS AND COUNCIL MEMBERS

PAGE 122

other

This page is an excerpt from a publication titled 'SPACE REVIEW', featuring a letter from Captain Edgar L. Plunkett regarding the existence of flying saucers, followed by two poems titled 'MYSTERIOUS CRAFT' and 'OUT THERE'.

SPACE REVIEW 9

TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE I.F.S.B.—
GREETINGS FROM ENGLAND
Capt. Edgar L. Plunkett, British Representative

Are we on the verge of a breath-taking discovery? Yes, I believe we really are! To quote Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, "Too many good men have seen Flying Saucers for us to dismiss them lightly as hallucinations."

The nineteenth and twentieth centuries have produced a number of astonishing discoveries notably the dreaded atom bomb, and also has had to discard in many cases previously held convictions such as that "matter is indestructible".

Even the average layman today, due to increased educational facilities, and access to literature of all kinds, has a very good idea that life in all its forms consists of "energy", and that this energy somehow links back to some form of pulsating orbital structure like unto the universe, but on an infinitesimally smaller scale. Therefore, it is—to me at least—quite believable that it is possible that somewhere—something—someone—has solved the riddle of this energy, etheric, electromagnetic, call it what you will. Having progressed so far, it follows that given elements capable of withstanding immense stresses and strains, the propulsion of what has become known as the "Flying Saucer" becomes a possibility. It is known that between the Sun, Moon, and our Earth, and presumably between other inter-planetary and possibly interstellar bodies there exists magnetic lines of force, thus if some form of aircraft or saucer has control of the means of attraction and repulsion, these lines of force which by the way never touch one another, would form the perfect highway along which to travel at the speed of light, and probably very much faster. It would also account for the capability of these so-called "saucers" to accomplish right-angled turns, inasmuch as that these known magnetic waves emanate in all directions. Therefore, from the point of view of the average thinking man in the street, I say, "I believe the flying saucer does exist, and that the coming years will vindicate such men as Captain Mantell, Kenneth Arnold, and countless other pioneers in this field." In conclusion, may I say to all IFSB members at home and abroad, "carry on the good work, and above all, do not be disappointed, discouraged or deluded by the jeers and sneers of the ignorant so-called majority."

The best of everything for the New Year ahead!
Yours fraternally, E. L. PLUNKETT

MYSTERIOUS CRAFT
by Gail Sprague
Out of the dark, mysterious, depths of space,
Came strange looking craft at a tremendous pace.
Their course was true, the third planet from the sun,
Their orders: Don't return until your task is done.
Down they descended; some got out.
"Be back in 24 hours," the commander told the scout.
Time went fast, all returned.
Off went the craft, bearing all they'd learned.
The decision was reached, never again,
On this small planet they'd ever land.
Wars, corruption, prejudice and greed,
Made this the worst of all planets, all agreed.

OUT THERE
by Victor Root
Out in space lies my destiny,
Out there, beyond the clouds;
Where winds have not yet blown,
Where man has not yet gone;
That's where I long to roam.

Out in space lies my destiny,
Out there, among the stars;
Where night is forever ruling,
Where solitude is soothing;
That's where I long to roam.

Give me a silver ship,
To make the happy trip;
Out there, among the stars.

PAGE 123

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This page contains a collection of UFO sighting reports from the IFSB (International Flying Saucer Bureau) members, specifically detailing events in Franklin, Indiana, Long Prairie, Minnesota, and Los Angeles, California during 1952.

10 SPACE REVIEW

SAUCER SIGHTINGS BY IFSB MEMBERS
Exclusive! From Franklin, Indiana and Surrounding Towns

SIGHTING NO. 4—On the morning of July 28, 1952 in the skies to the southeast and at times directly over Franklin, Indiana appeared three strange objects. Their flight was watched by a large number of men of sound mind and character. The following is compiled from a Police report turned in by Capt. Lee Sloan, Patrolman Jack W. Moore and Patrolman Kenneth Rund of the Franklin, Indiana Police Department on Monday morning, July 28, 1952 at 6:00 a.m. These objects were witnessed by policemen, civilian authorities, and members of the United States Army. After notifying all proper authorities of the objects no definite steps were taken by the army or otherwise. The report is as follows:

There were three objects, one larger and brighter than the two smaller objects. The larger of the three seemed to cast off a white yellowish light. Its pattern of flight seemed to be that of a circle. It seemed to always be keeping track of the two smaller objects. The two smaller objects cast off a distinctive light of their own, one being an orange hue and the other a reddish color. The two smaller ones seemed to be in a dog fight all their own, since they executed barrel rolls, loops and spins. They made turns of 90 degrees and 45 degrees without losing any degree of speed, as well as dancing up and down as if someone was playing with a giant yo-yo. The objects made single sorties to the south completely out of sight, to return almost immediately into view again, joining the other in a neatly executed show of turns, loops and spins. We estimated their height at approximately 15,000 feet while their speed varied from an estimated 1500 miles per hour to an estimated 10,000 miles per hour. Even with a pair of binoculars it was an impossibility to determine any exact shape other than that they appeared to be round and flat as a saucer. They were observed for a period of four hours and fifteen minutes. Dawn came at 4:48 a.m. and all stars had gone around 5:00 a.m. At 5:03 a.m. it was bright day light—and the three objects were still visible. Their color did not change in daylight. At 5:11 a.m. the larger of the three objects was joined by the two smaller objects; the smaller objects one at a time disappeared above the larger, first the orange, then the red. After seeming to envelope the two smaller objects it moved up and to the west out of sight. The joining of the three objects and the disappearance of the larger took exactly 40 seconds. These objects were verified by: Edinburg Police Dept., Camp Atterbury, Ind.; Columbus Police Dept.; Seymour State Police Dept., Greensburg Police Dept., North Vernon Police Dept., Connersville Police Dept., Connersville State Police Post, Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Madison, Ind. Mr. Moore and Mr. Rund are IFSB members now.

SIGHTING NO. 5—Louie Masonick, Jr., Representative for Minnesota
Sighted a round object Northeast of Long Prairie, Minnesota about 2:30 p.m., April 20, 1952. It was a dull gray color, traveling about 250 MPH and when it ascended there was a low hum. It was about 5,000 feet high and was visable for about 45 seconds. Direction of flight was from East to West in one direct path.

SIGHTING NO. 6—Alan K. Stazer, Member from California
Sighted a disc shaped object in the East of Los Angeles about 9:08 p.m. on September 22, 1952. It was a yellowish white in color and remained in a stationary position for about 4 seconds. It was about 12 degrees above the horizon. It was about 50 feet in diameter and traveling due north.

When sending in your report on Saucer Sightings, please give the date that you saw the saucer. Thank you!

PAGE 124

report

This page contains an article by George D. Fawcett summarizing his five-year investigation into UFOs, including his own sighting in 1951, and a notice to members of the IFSB regarding club emblems.

SPACE REVIEW 11

EXCERPTS FROM A SUMMARY OF A FIVE-YEAR
FLYING SAUCER INVESTIGATION
By George D. Fawcett, International Council, IFSB

I have just decided to stop investigation that I began a little over five years ago on one of the most fascinating mysteries of modern times, that being the well known "Flying Saucer" phenomena. Since the summer of 1947 when the first saucer scare broke out in the United States, I have spent much of my time, money and energy seeking a solution to this riddle. While carrying on my private investigations I was able to interview several astronomers, scientists, pilots and guided missile experts, who had spotted these saucers or at least had been investigating or studying these strange objects. In addition to these interviews I have talked to many eye-witnesses who had sighted these objects throughout the United States and have mailed questionnaires out to many others.

I have kept bulletins and scrapbooks on the saucers for the past five years, and while going to college I wrote a six-page pamphlet entitled "The Flying Saucer Phenomena" for my friends, teachers, and classmates. I have lectured to several groups in Lynchburg. Though I have been interested in this phenomena from the very first, my sighting of an orange disk like globe which hovered for four minutes over the Lynchburg College administration building in Lynchburg, Virginia, on the morning of July 6, 1951, has increased my interest threefold since then. That is one of my reasons for stopping my investigation. It's really too big a job for one person to handle. We must realize that we are dealing with a phenomena that is as fantastic as it is fascinating. Many of the reports that I have been able to gather in my collection tend to back this statement.

Some recent thoughts about the "flying saucers" are that perhaps there will be some landings soon. This doesn't seem too far-fetched in these flying saucers are still being seen everywhere, for longer periods of time, and in groups instead of alone, as well as more reports of huge saucer or rocket ships. Then, too, they seem to come and go at will, perhaps being stationed as satellites themselves.

I feel that our government must know something about these saucers because in my opinion at this very moment the United States Government is carrying on an educational program regarding interplanetary travel of our country. Perhaps space ships from other planets are already here! At any rate, whether they are trying to prevent religious controversy or panic or for any other motives which they might have, our government is still releasing, denying, suppressing and even plating reports at intervals for some reason.

Regardless, the future will tell! In closing, I'd like to use a favorite phrase of Charlie Lineberry, Lynchburg College student who said, "things are really looking up." I wonder if some things aren't looking DOWN, too; Sooner or later we're bound to find out, and to this all I can say is, "the sooner, the better."

EDITOR'S NOTE: Mr. Fawcett's discussions and opinions will be found in future issues of Space Review.

ATTENTION MEMBERS AND OFFICERS. If you would be interested in receiving an emblem to wear on your coat lapel with our club letters "IFSB" engraved on a Saucer background, we would be interested in knowing. We cannot order these emblems unless we get enough people showing interest. The price would be approximately $1.00 each. Please let us know as soon as possible. Thank you!

PAGE 125

other

This page is a biographical profile of Edgar L. Plunkett, the British representative for the IFSB, featured in a publication called 'Space Review'.

12 SPACE REVIEW

WE WANT YOU TO MEET

EDGAR L. PLUNKETT, BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE—Born at Bristol, Glos., England, on December 26, 1903. Covered most parts of the world as a radio operator at sea from 1922 to 1936, including the U.S.A., notably New York, Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk, Newport News, Tampa, Mobile, and many other ports. Has many interesting memories of the prohibition days, the gangster era, Jack Dempsey, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and other notable highlights. Has worked for many years for Anglo-American friendship and still corresponds with friends here in U.S.A. Was called to service in 1939. Was rescued from Dunkirk Beaches by the French Destroyer L'Incomprise on June 1, 1940. Went to Middle East in 1941, and served through three Western Desert Campaigns with the British 8th Army. After fall of Tunis was commissioned in Palestine and was then posted in Egypt. Returned to England at the end of the war after four and a half years service overseas as a Captain. Now employed by his original firm as a clerk.

He has a wife and three children, their ages are Denis 21, now with the RAF, Diana 18, and Michael 14. Hobbies are writing and reading and other journalistic yearnings including poetry, plus an unabated desire to travel. Since the formation of Civil Defense a year or so ago, he has become a qualified instructor and lectures three evenings weekly to industrial personnel.

Mr. Plunkett has shown great interest in IFSB activities and will without a doubt prove to be our most valuable foreign representative.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR
(Next Issue—April 1, 1953)

POST OFFICE BOX 241
BRIDGEPORT 2, CONN.
U.S.A.
Return Postage Guaranteed

To:

Mr. Robert D. Wolf
19 N. Forsyth St.
Franklin, Indiana
101553

PAGE 126

memo

A memo from the FBI Legal Attache in London reporting a telephone conversation with Major E. P. Walkers regarding a 1946 or 1947 newspaper article about 'flying saucers' published in Sullivan County, New York.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
American Embassy
1, Grosvenor Square
London, W. 1

[HANDWRITTEN: RS]
SECRET - AIR COURIER
[HANDWRITTEN: Declassified 2010 9/1/77]

Date: February 17, 1953
To: Director, FBI
From: Legal Attache
London, England
Subject: "FLYING SAUCERS"

Major E. P. Walkers, Provo Marshall at the U. S. Air Force Base at Mildenhall, England, telephonically contacted writer on February 14, 1953, regarding the new or revived interest in "flying saucers." He stated he did not have any new information to report but did know of an incident that took place several years ago and which the Bureau may desire to check.

This incident, according to Major Walkers, concerns an article or story on "flying saucers" which appeared in a small newspaper with limited circulation in the Township of Jeffersonville, Delaware Township, Sullivan County, New York. He was unable to recall the name of the newspaper but was certain it is the only one published in that area. The story appeared in one of the early 1947 issues or in one of the issues during the last three months of 1946. It was written by a member of the U. S. Armed Forces and of significance is the fact that subsequent issues failed to follow it up by carrying additional stories on "flying saucers." Also significant is the fact that it appeared in a small and practically unknown newspaper.

Major Walkers states he is merely reporting this for what it may be worth and is being forwarded to the Bureau for any action considered appropriate.

- RUC -

JAC:CFJ
[HANDWRITTEN: let Osd 3/6/53 EH M:eme]
RECORDED-60
162-83894-327
FEB 26 1953
EX-102

PAGE 127

memo

A memo from the FBI regarding U.S. Air Force correspondence about 'flying discs' and the potential need for FBI assistance in future investigations due to concerns about air navigation hazards.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Washington, D.C.

February 17, 1953

[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]
[REDACTED]

"FLYING DISCS"

Reference is made to the U.S. Air Force letter dated February 11, 1953, concerning the now revived interest in "flying discs". The Air Force states that it has no new information to add to the views of the Air Force previously expressed and which the Bureau has been advised of.

This incident, according to major airlines, is considered a hazard to air navigation which the airlines are concerned about. It is felt that the information should be made available to the Bureau in order that the Bureau may be in a position to assist in the event that any of these incidents should occur in the future and the Bureau be requested to assist in the investigation thereof.

[HANDWRITTEN: 333]

[STAMP: REC'D ESPIONAGE MAR 4 10 11 AM '53 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE]
[STAMP: FBI LIAISON SECTION MAR 3 4 09 PM '53]

PAGE 128

memo

An FBI memo from J. Edgar Hoover to the Air Force regarding a report from Major E. P. Walkers about a 1946 or 1947 newspaper article on flying saucers published in Jeffersonville, New York.

62-83894 [HANDWRITTEN: 327]
RECORDED - 47
Date: March 6, 1953
To: Director of Special Investigations
The Inspector General
Department of the Air Force
The Pentagon
Washington 25, D. C.
From: John Edgar Hoover, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Subject: FLYING SAUCERS

The following information has been received by this Bureau from its representative in London, England, concerning the captioned matter:

Major E. P. Walkers, Provost Marshal,
U. S. Air Force Base, Mildenhall, England,
telephonically contacted the writer on February 14,
1953, regarding the new or revived interest in
"flying saucers." He stated he did not have any
new information to report but he knew of an
incident that took place several years ago which
this Bureau might desire to check.

This incident, according to Major Walkers,
concerns an article or story on "flying saucers"
which appeared in a small newspaper with limited
circulation located at Jeffersonville, Delaware
Township, Sullivan County, New York. He was
unable to recall the name of the newspaper but
was certain it is the only one published in that
area. The story appeared in one of the early 1947
issues or in one of the issues during the last three
months of 1946. It was written by a member of the
U. S. Armed Forces and of significance is the fact
that subsequent issues failed to follow it up by
[HANDWRITTEN: EHM: eme]
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-327]

PAGE 129

PAGE 130

memo

This document page discusses the reporting of flying saucer stories in a small newspaper and clarifies that the Bureau is not conducting investigations into the matter.

carrying additional stories on "flying saucers." Also significant is the fact that it appeared in a small and practically unknown newspaper.

Major Walkers states he is merely reporting this for what it may be worth.

The above data is being furnished to you for your information and any action you desire to take in connection therewith, inasmuch as this Bureau is not conducting any investigations relating to the captioned matter.

- 2 -

PAGE 131

memo

An FBI memorandum regarding a phone call from an informant named John Bailey who claimed to have seen a flying saucer near Bowie, Maryland.

Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : A. H. Belmont
DATE: March 10, 1953
FROM : L. H. Martin
SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS
JOHN BAILEY, INFORMANT

John Bailey called from Bowie, Maryland, at 9:05 P.M., 3/9/53, to advise that he had just seen a flying saucer near that city. He was vague as to details and nonresponsive as to where he was calling from and as to his residence. When asked where he planned to stay tonight, at least, in order that Air Force might interview him if deemed advisable, Bailey said the writer wanted to know too much and disconnected. Since no specific information was furnished and since the call may have been a prank, the Air Force was not advised. Since no identifying information was obtained, no attempt was made to check Bureau records.

Recommendation:

File.

LHM:dmd [HANDWRITTEN: Mossburg] [HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-328] [HANDWRITTEN: MAR 1953] [HANDWRITTEN: 5-24] [HANDWRITTEN: LHM JM]

PAGE 132

PAGE 133

memo

An FBI memo from J. Edgar Hoover to the Air Force regarding a report from a John Bailey who claimed to have seen a flying saucer near Bowie, Maryland, on March 9, 1953.

[HANDWRITTEN: my]
RECORDED-102
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-328]
Date: March 12, 1953
To: Director of Special Investigations
The Inspector General
Department of the Air Force
The Pentagon
Washington 25, D. C.
From: John Edgar Hoover, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Subject: FLYING SAUCERS

At 9:05 p.m. on March 9, 1953, an individual giving his name as John Bailey telephonically contacted this Bureau and advised he had just seen a flying saucer near Bowie, Maryland. Mr. Bailey was vague as to any details in this matter and would not furnish any information concerning his residence or the place from which he was making his telephone call. No additional pertinent information in this matter was furnished by Mr. Bailey.

The above is being furnished to you for your information and assistance in the captioned matter. No investigation is being conducted by this Bureau concerning this matter.

EHM:elk [HANDWRITTEN: initials]

[HANDWRITTEN: APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND FIELD OFFICES ADVISED BY ROUTING SLIP(S) OF 2040 9/1/77 DATE]

[HANDWRITTEN: MAR 12 6 23 PM '53]
[HANDWRITTEN: RECEIVED READING ROOM FBI]
[HANDWRITTEN: MAILED MAR 13 1953 COMM FBI]
[HANDWRITTEN: 67 MAR 20 1953]

Tolson
Ladd
Nichols
Belmont
Clegg
Glavin
Harbo
Rosen
Tracy
Laughlin
Mohr
Winterrowd
Tele. Rm.
Holloman
Gandy

PAGE 134

other

This page contains a date stamp from the FBI mail room and handwritten notes.

[HANDWRITTEN: Informal 1/11/53]

[HANDWRITTEN: 3010 1/13/53]

MAR 13 4 23 PM '53

FBI

RECEIVE MAIL ROOM

S DEPT OF JUSTICE

PAGE 135

letter

A translated letter from Valparaiso, Chile, regarding a Dr. Julius Linke, who allegedly escaped custody under mysterious circumstances involving the failure of electrical and communication equipment, which the author suggests may be connected to flying saucers.

TRANSLATION FROM SPANISH

Valparaiso, March 4, 1953

Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington
United States, North America

Subject: Individual who may possibly be connected with
[HANDWRITTEN: O] flying saucers.

Dear Sir:

In writing to you who directs the influential Office of
Investigation which has international connections, I would like to
state the following:

1°-a) I had the opportunity to read in a "Chilean" police magazine, in
the section entitled, "Perfect Escapes," the escape of Dr. LINKE
(42 years old, widower, who sometime in 1950, in London, was arrested
on the 8th floor of the Building of Departments (?). The reason for
his detention was his possible collaboration with VLADIMIR VLASAV in
"divulging to foreign governments English aviation secrets".)

In his attempt to get away, which occurred between 4 and 5
in the morning, a strange thing happened, "when the police came near
the 8th floor, the whole building became dark, the elevators stopped
and the telephones and loudspeakers became silent. When the police
arrived on the 8th floor with their flash lights, they immediately
went off. (Nevertheless, he was arrested at 6 A.M.).

b) Dr. LINKE escaped from the Kent Prison (a few days after
he was imprisoned) and according to statements of the author of the
article, which should be accurate, he did it in the following manner:
Between 12 midnight and 2 A.M., in rainy weather, Dr. JULIUS LINKE
disappeared under the following circumstances: the electricity, elevators,
telephones, and flash lights of the guards would not function.

TRANSLATED BY:
MARY APOSTOL:bad [HANDWRITTEN: bad]
March 12, 1953
[HANDWRITTEN: nml act. 3-23-53] RECORDED - 26 162-83894-329
MAR 26 1953
[HANDWRITTEN: CRIC REC.]

PAGE 136

PAGE 137

report

This page discusses various reports of anomalous phenomena, including the paralysis of electrical equipment and human movement, and speculates on the potential involvement of a Dr. Linke.

According to the article, among other statements of the guards, was the fact that between midnight and 2 o'clock rain fell in torrents and for a few moments there was complete darkness because the lights went off. A guard tried to ring the alarm which would set off the siren, and it did not work; he yelled to another guard but did not get an answer, and his voice sounded very "distant"; although he tried to warn his chiefs personally, he could not run or even walk fast (he had to walk slowly).

2°).--A little before the fall of Berlin, "the motors of autos and trucks stopped unexpectedly," without any apparent explanation; after one hour they succeeded in starting them again. During this occasion it was commented that "something rare occurred in the atmosphere."

3° - About three months ago I read in a local newspaper about the "flying saucers," with the reservation that perhaps they would be speculating about the flying saucers; however, it is undeniable that they were telling the truth. It stated that, according to the article from a news agency, an officer and his associate who were flying a plane saw a "flying saucer." They followed it, but it, as in previous cases, whirled about and could not be reached. However, the flying saucer flew very high and then it began a rapid descent; it stopped a few seconds on the officer's airplane, paralizing the motors of the airplane, (according to statements of the aviators). Later the disk flew very high and was lost from view, and the airplane motors began working.

Any inference from the above statements -- according to my way of thinking, -- that these facts may appear to be imaginary, is dispelled by the statements of various witnesses on each occasion, and therefore they are "scientific" facts.

If on two occasions paralization of electricity occurred, as well as what we may call paralization of vital forces (in the case of the guards), and in said cases "the interference of one person," Dr. LINKE, is inferred, why could not Dr. LINKE also be connected with the other two cases (2 and 3)?

It may be that all this is not in any way related and that the flying saucers are nothing more than what has been given as a scientific explanation, but the "strange force," about which our ancestors have not spoken to us in history, we cannot deny.

- 2 -

PAGE 138

letter

The final page of a letter from Francisco Troncoso Silva, expressing his desire for the progress of humanity and requesting acknowledgment of receipt.

I submit for your full consideration all I have said, my only motive being "human interest for human affairs" and my desire for the progress of humanity, for a good future full of dignity and cosmic evolution.

Without further particulars, I remain

Sincerely yours,

S/ FRANCISCO TRONCOSO SILVA
Casilla 1857. Valparaiso
Chile, South America

P. S. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter.

- 3 -

PAGE 139

letter

A letter written in Spanish to the FBI Director regarding a Dr. Julius Linke and his alleged involvement in incidents involving the paralysis of electrical systems and UFO sightings.

Valparaiso, 4 Marzo de 1953.

Señor
Director Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Washington.
Estados Unidos. Norte América.

Referencia:- Persona con posible ingerencia en "Discos Voladores".

Estimado señor:-
Me permito dirigirme a Ud., que dirige una poderosa Oficina de Investigación de raigambre Internacional, para manifestar lo siguiente:-

1º.- a) Tuve la oportunidad de leer en una revista policial "chilena", en una sección titulada "Fugas Perfectas", la fuga del Dr. Linke ( de 42 años de edad, viudo, que a mediados de 1950 en Londres fué detenido en un Edificio de Departamentos, 8º piso. Motivo de detención, su posible participación con Vladimir Vlasav de "divulgar a gobiernos extrangeros secretos de aviación Inglesa").

En el allanamiento para su detención que se efectuó entre 04 y 05 hrs. de la madrugada, ocurrió un hecho extraño "cuando la policía cercaba el 8º piso, todo el edificio quedó a obscuras y los ascensores detenidos como también los teléfonos y citáfonos silenciados. Los policías al llegar al 8º piso con sus linternas eléctricas, éstas se apagaron simultáneamente. (Sin embargo fué detenido a las 06 hrs., al alba).

b) El Dr. Linke huyó del presidio de Kent (a pocos días de ser encerrado) y según declaraciones del autor del artículo, que deben ser fidedignas, lo hizo en la siguiente circunstancia:- Entre las 12 de la noche (24 hrs.) y 02 hrs. de la mañana, en lluvioso día desapareció el Dr. Julius Linke, con las agravantes de - paralización del alumbrado, ascensores y teléfonos, no funcionamiento de linternas de bolsillo ( de vigilantes).

Los vigilantes entre otras cosas declararon - según el artículo - que entre las 24 y 02 hrs., arreció en gran forma la lluvia y en ciertos momentos reinó completa "obscuridad", los focos se apagaron. Un vigilante trató de tocar el botón de alarma que hace sonar el silbato de peligro y no funcionó, gritó a otro vigilante y no obtuvo respuesta y su voz era "lejana"; para avisar personalmente a sus jefes no pudo correr ni apresurar la marcha (sino andar en forma lenta).

2º.- Poco antes de la caída de Berlín, "los motores de autos y camiones fueron inesperadamente detenidos", sin encontrarse aparente explicación; después de una hora se logró ponerlos en movimiento. Se comentó en esa oportunidad "que algo raro ocurría en la atmósfera".

3º.- Harán cerca de tres meses que leí en un periódico local, acerca de los "Discos Voladores" - haciendo la salvedad que tal vez se habrá especulado acerca de los platillos voladores, pero también es innegable que se han dicho verdades - declarando, según un artículo de una agencia noticiosa que, un oficial y su acompañante que piloteaban un avión, divisaron un "Disco Volador". Lo persiguieron, pero éste como en casos anteriores hizo bastantes piruetas y no se dejó alcanzar. Sin embargo el Disco Volador se elevó a gran altura, luego inició un acelerado descenso y se estacionó unos instantes por sobre el avión del Oficial, paralizándole los motores al avión (según declaraciones de los aviadores). Posteriormente el Disco se elevó perdiéndose de vista, funcionando nuevamente los motores del avión.

Deducción de lo anteriormente manifestado - según mi modo de pensar, que - al ocurrir hechos de esta índole que parecieran utópicos, se desmiente por lo manifestado por varios testigos en distintas circunstancias y por lo tanto son hechos "científicos".

Si en dos ocasiones ocurrió la paralización de la fuerza eléctrica - y digámoslo fuerza vital (en caso de vigilantes) - se desprende en dichos casos la "ingerencia de una persona", el Dr. Linke. ¿Porqué no podría tener ingerencia el Dr. Linke, en los otros dos casos, incisos 2º y 3º ?

PAGE 140

letter

The second page of a letter from Francisco Troncoso Silva discussing the possibility of extraterrestrial phenomena and requesting confirmation of receipt.

- 2 -

Puede que todo esto no tenga relación y que los Discos Voladores no sean más que lo que han explicado ciertos científicos, pero lo de la "fuerza extraña", que no nos hablan nuestros antepasados en su historia, no lo podemos negar.

Dejo a su entera consideración todo lo dicho, no guiándome otro motivo que "interés humano por las cosas humanas" y aspirando por el amplio progreso de la Humanidad, por un futuro benigno de dignidad y evolución cósmica.

Sin otro particular, saluda atentamente a Ud.

[HANDWRITTEN: Signature]

Francisco Troncoso Silva.

Casilla 1857. Valparaiso.

Chile. Sud América.

Nota:- Ruego a Ud. contestarme de haber recibido la presente.

PAGE 141

letter

A letter from FBI Director John Edgar Hoover to Francisco Troncoso Silva in Chile, acknowledging receipt of his letter regarding observations and informing him that the information has been forwarded to the Secretary of the Air Force.

March 23, 1953

RECORDED
INDEXED 62-83894-329

Mr. Francisco Troncoso Silva
Casilla 1857
Valparaiso, Chile

Dear Mr. Troncoso:

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your letter of March 4, 1953.

The interest which prompted you to make your observations available to me is sincerely appreciated. Since your communication may be of interest to another governmental agency, I am taking the liberty of forwarding a copy of it to The Honorable, The Secretary of the Air Force, The Pentagon, Washington 25, D. C.

Sincerely yours,

John Edgar Hoover
Director

cc-Foreign Liaison Desk, with copy of incoming.
copy by form, Secretary of the Air Force.
ELT:blt

[HANDWRITTEN: hit]
[HANDWRITTEN: [ILLEGIBLE]]
[HANDWRITTEN: 7/13]
[HANDWRITTEN: 99]
[HANDWRITTEN: 22]
[HANDWRITTEN: [ILLEGIBLE]]

Tolson
Ladd
Nichols
Belmont
Clegg
Glavin
Harbo
Rosen
Tracy
Gearty
Mohr
Winterrowd
Tele. Room
Holloman
Sizoo
Miss Gandy

78 APR 7 1953

COMM - FBI
MAR 24 1953
MAILED 31

PAGE 142

memo

An FBI memorandum regarding a report from Major Bradford P. Shuman about an unidentified flying object sighted by five people at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, on April 8, 1953.

STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: 4/28/53
FROM : SAC, SAN JUAN (65-330)
SUBJECT: UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT OBSERVED
11:30 AM, APRIL 8, 1953, FORT
BUCHANAN, PUERTO RICO:
MISCELLANEOUS
[HANDWRITTEN: FLYING SAUCERS]

On 4/27/53 a report was received from Major BRADFORD P. SHUMAN, Wing Intelligence Officer, Ramey Air Force Base, Puerto Rico. The substance of this report is as follows:

Five persons observed an unidentified flying object at 11:30 AM on 4/8/53 at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. Statements were taken from all of the witnesses, among whom were three Captains and a Sergeant of the U. S. Army, as well as a civilian. They described the object as a bright star or a bright ball of fire at a great height, and it was moving rapidly at the time it was observed.

All of the witnesses observed one RB 36 aircraft which had been flying in the area at the time of the sighting of this unidentified object. The Wing Intelligence Officer reported that there were two RB 36 aircraft in the area at this time. These aircraft were reported to be flying at 12,000 and 21,000 feet respectively. None of the persons from whom statements were taken were able to accurately describe the object, other than by the statements set forth above.

This matter is being reported to the Bureau for information purposes.

CLOSED.

FDO'B:MD

[HANDWRITTEN: 5/7/53 Send to no need to disseminate to OSI hqts. They have info. JHM]

RECORDED-12
INDEXED-12
EX-102
62-83894-330
APR 29 1953
53 MAY 11 1953

PAGE 143

letter

A letter from FBI Director John Edgar Hoover to Mrs. Robert H. Davisson acknowledging receipt of her letter regarding flying saucers and informing her that the matter has been referred to the Department of the Air Force.

May 14, 1953

Mrs. Robert H. Davisson
26 Olcott Street
Watertown, Massachusetts [HANDWRITTEN: Flying Saucers]

Dear Mrs. Davisson:

I have received your letter of May 9, 1953, and I want to thank you for making the information contained in your letter available to me.

Inasmuch as the information contained in your letter comes within the jurisdiction of the Department of the Air Force, I have furnished a copy of your letter to that Department for appropriate attention.

Sincerely yours,

John Edgar Hoover
Director

cc - 1 - Boston (FOR INFORMATION)
RECORDED-141 62-83894-331
EHM:mjh INDEXED-141 MAY 18 1953
NOTE: Bureau files are negative re Mrs. Robert H. Davisson.

PAGE 144

other

This page contains various date and time stamps from the FBI and Department of Justice, indicating receipt and recording of a document on May 14, 1953.

RECEIVED-LA
F B I
MAY 14 1:55 PM '53
DEPT. OF JUSTICE

REC'D BELMONT
F.B.I.
DEPT OF JUSTICE

RECORDED-B. 14 MAY 14 12:23 PM '53
U S DEPT OF JUSTICE 12:23 PM '53

[HANDWRITTEN: 321]

PAGE 145

memo

A memo from FBI Director John Edgar Hoover to the Department of the Air Force forwarding a letter from Mrs. Robert H. Davisson regarding flying saucers.

RECORDED - 99
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-332]
Date: May 14, 1953
To: Director of Special Investigations
The Inspector General
Department of the Air Force
The Pentagon
Washington 25, D. C.
From: John Edgar Hoover, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Subject: FLYING SAUCERS

There is attached for your information and assistance
in this matter a copy of a self-explanatory letter dated May 9, 1953,
received by this Bureau from Mrs. Robert H. Davisson, 26 Olcott Street,
Watertown, Massachusetts. Mrs. Davisson's letter has been acknowledged
by this Bureau and she has been informed that a copy of her letter
has been referred to the Department of the Air Force for appropriate
attention.

Attachment

cc - 1 - Boston (Under Separate Cover) (Attachment) (FOR INFO)

NOTE: Bureau files are negative re Mrs. Robert H. Davisson.

[HANDWRITTEN: APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND FIELD OFFICES ADVISED BY ROUTING SLIP(S) OF 2040 9/1/77]
[HANDWRITTEN: 2040 9/1/77]
[HANDWRITTEN: CONFIDENTIAL declassified]

PAGE 146

PAGE 147

letter

A letter from a student at M.I.T. reporting a sighting of a flying saucer on the evening of May 7, 1953, in Watertown, Massachusetts.

26 Olcott Street
Watertown, Mass.
May 9, 1953

(May 7th)
Dear Sir:-
Thursday evening 9:25 PM I
left school (M.I.T.) and
entered the parking lot along side
of the school. I happened to
look up and I saw what
seems to be known as a flying
saucer. I assure you it was
not an airplane, a search light
nor a falling star. It was round
in shape & a rather orange color
it traveled horizontally at a
rather slow speed for just a
few seconds then disappeared
just like that. I was not alone
at the time, another student was
with me & saw it. I can give
you his name & address if you
like it.

[HANDWRITTEN: MRS. R. K. DAVISSON
Mass.]
[HANDWRITTEN: RECORDED 99
INDEXED 99
EHM
Set 20051
62-83894-332
MAY 12 1953
6
ESP Sect - Mossburg 5/14/53
Ic Boston (end) EHM 5/14/53
Mrs. Robert H. Davisson]

PAGE 148

letter

A handwritten letter from Mrs. Robert W. Davisson to an unspecified authority expressing frustration over the inability to report an unknown object to local Civil Defense or Air Force authorities in Watertown, Massachusetts.

When I arrived home I spent approx one half hour calling C.D. & Air Force Ground operations etc finally after getting no answers I called the Watertown police who merely informed me they didn't know what I should do about it. It came as rather a surprise to me, I thought that there was supposed to be somebody on lookout at all times. I do not know to whom I should write & in desperation am writing to you. I do hope you will report this to the proper authorities for me and I hope you will suggest to the local C.D. that they should have somewhere or someone that a person could call to report such findings. I would appreciate very much a reply from you. May I just add that I honestly don't know what the unknown object was. I never before saw anything like it. I would be very happy to supply any information you would like. Thanking you very much Sincerely yours Mrs. Robert W. Davisson 26 Scott St. Watertown, Mass.

PAGE 149

memo

An FBI memo from Helen W. Gandy to Mr. W. S. Woodfill acknowledging receipt of his letter, with internal instructions to the Cincinnati SAC to investigate a Mr. Stevenson and note regarding Air Force jurisdiction over phenomena inquiries.

July 9, 1953

[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-333]

Mr. W. S. Woodfill
President
Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island, Michigan

Dear Mr. Woodfill:

Your letter of June 30, 1953, has been received in Mr. Hoover's absence from the city, and I am taking the liberty of acknowledging its receipt.

Your communication will be brought to his attention promptly following his return to Washington.

Sincerely yours,

Helen W. Gandy
Secretary

[HANDWRITTEN: 0-1 followup to Cincinnati 7-17-53]

cc-Detroit, with copy of incoming.
cc-Cincinnati, with copy of incoming.
ATTENTION SAC: You are instructed to thoroughly check your files in an effort to determine whether or not the Mr. Stevenson referred to by correspondent has been interviewed by an Agent of your office. You should also furnish the Bureau any information which might assist in clarifying the story set forth by Woodfill. Sulet results no later than July 15, 1953 under caption "Mr. W. S. Woodfill, President, Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan, Research (Crime Records)."

[HANDWRITTEN: Follow-up made for July 15, 1953. 27]

NOTE: Although inquiries regarding such phenomena are being handled by the Air Force at this present time, it is believed desirable to check the source of this rumor and following receipt of reply from Cincinnati, refer correspondent's inquiry to the Air Force. In 1939 and again in 1940 Woodfill invited the Director to attend the Michigan Hotel Convention, and both invitations were declined. An informant reported that in 1945 gambling on Mackinac Island was reserved for the Grand Hotel.

[HANDWRITTEN: [ILLEGIBLE] per Cincinnati letter 7/15/53]

[STAMP: COMM - FBI JUL 10 1953 MAILED 27]

PAGE 150

PAGE 151

letter

A letter sent to the FBI regarding a rumor in Circleville, Ohio, about a farmer named Mr. Stevenson who allegedly saw a flying saucer and was later interviewed by FBI agents who claimed the government had captured a Martian.

Grand Hotel
WORLD'S LARGEST SUMMER HOTEL MACKINAC ISLAND MICHIGAN
W. S. WOODFILL President June 30, 1953

Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:

A relative of mine living in Circleville, Ohio has advised me of the following account.

Two years ago a respected farmer living near Circleville saw a lighted object dancing around, flying around in the air near him late at night in a pasture or field, -- a flying saucer. In due time this came to have general knowledge in the community, and about one year ago the story appeared in the Circleville newspaper.

Since then he is presumed to have been consulted with representatives of the F.B.I., so it is said there, and only three weeks ago or so it is said the F.B.I. representatives came to consult with him again. This time they brought pictures to show the farmer of various types of these flying saucers or space ships that have been apprehended by the government from time to time, and the farmer was able to identify one of them as the type of thing he had seen two years ago.

The farmer was told, as the story goes, by your representatives, that the particular flying saucer he identified is the type that is known to have been flown down from the planet Mars, and that similar ships have been captured, and that your agency or the government hold captive one man at least in California who was taken from one of these things from Mars. This Martian it is understood is now being taught how to speak English -- in California -- and taught American customs. It is said that it is apparent that this Martian comes from a civilization much more advanced than our own civiliation.... and that this account has general knowledge as reported here in that community.

I understand that the farmer is a Mr. Stevenson, that he is held in very high repute in the community, prosperous, conservative and of presumed sound mind.

PAGE 152

other

This page contains various FBI date-received stamps and handwritten notes, likely serving as a routing or processing sheet for a document.

[HANDWRITTEN: Director 7-3-53 Rebecca N. Nehme]

RECEIVED - NICHOLS
F.B.I
U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
JUL 6 9 33 AM '53

REC'D. RECORDS SEC

RECEIVED - NICHOLS
F.B.I
U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
JUL 8 1 10 PM '53

JUL 3 12 49 PM '53

RECEIVED - DIRECTOR
F B I
U. S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
JUL 10 9 36 AM '53

RECEIVED - DIRECTOR
F B I
U. S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
JUL 3 1 31 PM '53

RECEIVED
F B I
U S DEPT OF JUSTICE
JUL 6 12 23 PM '53

MR. JONES

PAGE 153

letter

A letter expressing skepticism regarding claims that the FBI told a farmer about captured flying saucers and Martians, while requesting clarification on the story involving a Mr. Stevenson from Circleville, Ohio.

No. 2

I can only believe that the account is a lot of nonsense, insofar as the F.B.I. telling the farmer that the government has captured several "flying saucers", and that they are from Mars, and that a Martian is being held captive in California. It would be apparent to me that if the government did have such knowledge, they would not confide such information to the farmer, -- and moreover that it is too utterly fantastic to credit with recognition as true. The farmer no doubt saw a "flying saucer", a light reflection or other light phenomenon such as the government has said all such things really are, and not a space ship from Mars or anyother place in outer space.

I am writing to hopefully secure your advice, insofar as you can properly advise me publicly as a citizen, of what the truth is in this story. I should like to set my relative there straight. And I am curious personally to know what the real story is about this farmer - Mr. Stevenson of the Circleville, Ohio area.

Respectfully yours,
[HANDWRITTEN: D.J. Woodfiel]
President

PAGE 154

memo

An FBI teletype report from Atlanta regarding a reporter, Tom McRae, who claims a man named Edward E. Waters brought him a strange, monkey-like animal that Waters alleged came from a flying saucer.

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
JUL 8 1953
TELETYPE

[HANDWRITTEN: Mt. Tolson, Mr. Ladd, Mr. [ILLEGIBLE], Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Gearty, Mr. Mohr, Mr. Winterrowd, Tele. Room, Mr. Holloman, Mr. Sizoo, Miss Gandy]

FBI ATLANTA 7-8-53 11-0-2 AM JB
DIRECTOR, FBI U R G E N T
FLYING SAUCERS, MR. TOM MCRAE, - ATLANTA CONSTITUTION- REPORTER, COMPLAINANT. THREE FORTYFIVE AM THIS DATE MCRAE TELEPHONICALLY FURNISHED FOLLOWING -FANTASTIC TALE - ASSURING THAT NEITHER HE NOR ANY MEMBER OF -CONSTITUTION- STAFF HAD BEEN DRINKING BUT HAD WITNESSED THIS STORY. MCRAE STATED EDWARD E. WATERS, ONE EIGHT FIVE FIVE PEACHTREE RD, NE, TELE ELGIN NINE FIVE SIX TWO, CALLED ON HIM AT NEWSPAPER OFFICE STATING HE ANDTWO OTHER COMPANIONS WHILE TRAVELING IN CAR ON BANKHEAD HIGHWAY ABOUT MABLETON, GA. ENCOUNTERED THREE SMALL ANIMALS WHICH THEY BELIEVED HAD LANDED FROM SOME PLACE IN FLYING SAUCER. WATERS INFORMED MCRAE THAT AS THEY APPROACHED THE THREE OBJECTS SSTARTING MAKING THEIR WAY BACK TO WHAT HE BELIEVED A FLYING SAUCER, THAT TWO OF THE ANIMALS ESCAPED IN SAUCER BUT THIRD WAS KILLED WHEN HIT BY THEIR AUTOMOBILE. WATERS DISPLAYED OBJECT OR ANIMAL TO MCRAE AT NEWSPAPER OFFICE. MCRAE STATED ANIMAL DID NOT RESEMBLE ANYTHING HE HAD EVER SEEN BEFORE BUT LOOKED AS IF IT BELONGED TO MONKEY FAMILY. ANIMAL MEASURED AND FOUND TO BE APPROXIMATELY TWENTYONE INCHES LONG, HAD RATHER POINTED HEAD, LARGE EARS AND SKIN WAS PINKISH. DUE TO EARLY MORNING HOUR MCRAE UNABLE TO LOCATE SCIENTIST TO EXAMINE ANIMAL BUT DID HAVE ONE OF LEADING VETERINARIANS THIS CITY EXAMINE IT.
[HANDWRITTEN: RECORDED-12 62-83894-334]
[HANDWRITTEN: EX-103]
[HANDWRITTEN: JUL 14 1953]
[HANDWRITTEN: 12 15]

PAGE 155

other

This page consists entirely of various FBI date-received stamps from July 8 and July 9, 1953.

RECEIVED-NICHOLS
F. B. I.
U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
JUL 8 5 52 PM '53

REC'D BELMONT
F. B. I.
DEPT OF JUSTICE
JUL 8 6 51 PM '53

RECEIVED-LAU
F B I
DEPT. OF JUSTICE
JUL 8 4 46 PM '53

REC'D ESPIONAGE
F B I
U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
JUL 9 11 36 AM '53

RECEIVED-OLSON
F B I
U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
JUL 8 12 43 PM '53

RECEIVED-DIRECTOR
F B I
JUL 8 3 26 PM '53

PAGE 156

memo

A memo detailing a report from McRae regarding a veterinarian's observations of a hairless, tailless animal, and subsequent internal communication regarding the investigation and potential media coverage.

65-83 2

MCRAE STATES VETERINARIAN WOULD NOT COMMIT HIMSELF BUT VET POINTED OUT HAD NEVER SEEN ANIMAL IN MONKEY FAMILY WITHOUT HAIR AS THIS ONE NOR HAD EVER NOTED A DEAD ANIMAL THAT DID NOT TURN PALE AT DEATH. VETERINARIAN STATED ANIMAL HAD HAD A TAIL BUT SAME WAS MISSING AND WHEN QUESTIONING WATERS ABOUT SAME WATERS SEEMED SOMEWHAT SURPRISED BUT STATE [HANDWRITTEN: T] IT WAS POSSIBLY CUT OFF IN ACCIDENT. MCRAE ADVISED WHERE WAS BLOOD AROUND MOUTH OF ANIMAL CAUSED BY ACCIDENT WHICH RESEMBLED HUMAN BLOOD MCRAE FIRST THOUVHT WATERS POSSIBLY TRYING TO PULL PUBLICITY GAG DUE TO RECENT NEWSPAPER STORIES BUT BELIEVED HAD THIS BEEN HIS MOTIVE WATER [HANDWRITTEN: S] WOULD HAVE TIMED HIS VISIT BETTER AS THEY WERE [HANDWRITTEN: UN] ABLE TO PRINT ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT. MCRAE STATED NEWSPAPER WOULD POSSIBLY RUN STORY ON ABOVE FACTS TODAY. ATLANTA INDICES NEGATIVE ON WATERS. ABOVE FURNISHED IN VIEW OF POSSIBLE PUBLICITY THIS DATE. NO INVESTIGATION BEING CONDUCTED THIS OFFICE UCAB. MATTER REFERRED TO OSI OFFICE NINE AM EST TODAY.

CARSON

END AND ACK
LINE X SIX SHUD LAST THREE WORDS BE WHXX THERE WAS BLOOD
YES THANKS ALSO LINE 10 SHUD IT BE THEY WERE UNABLE
YES OK TU

12-11 PM OK FBI WA RD

V

CC: MR. BELMONT
AND SUPERVISOR
DOM. INTEL. DIVISION

PAGE 157

memo

An FBI teletype report regarding a report from Atlanta Constitution reporter Tom McRae about a witness, Edward E. Waters, who claimed to have encountered three small animals that arrived in a flying saucer near Mableton, Georgia, one of which was killed by his car.

[HANDWRITTEN: 7/9/53 OSI adv it had rec'd tel. from local OSI with complete details, Effen]
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
JUL 8 1953
TELETYPE

FBI ATLANTA 7-8-53 11-0-2 AM JB
DIRECTOR, FBI U R G E N T
FLYING SAUCERS, MR. TOM MCRAE, - ATLANTA CONSTITUTION- REPORTER, COMPLAINANT. THREE FORTYFIVE AM THIS DATE MCRAE TELEPHONICALLY FURNISHED FOLLOWING -FANTASTIC TALE - ASSURING THAT NEITHER HE NOR ANY MEMBER OF -CONSTITUTION- STAFF HAD BEEN DRINKING BUT HAD WITNESSED THIS STORY. MCRAE STATED EDWARD E. WATERS, ONE EIGHT FIVE FIVE PEACHTREE RD, NE, TELE ELGIN NINE FIVE SIX TWO, CALLED ON HIM AT NEWSPAPER OFFICE STATING HE ANDTWO OTHER COMPANIONS WHILE TRAVELING IN CAR ON BANKHEAD HIGHWAY ABOUT MABLETON, GA. ENCOUNTERED THREE SMALL ANIMALS WHICH THEY BELIEVED HAD LANDED FROM SOME PLACE IN FLYING SAUCER. WATERS INFORMED MCRAE THAT AS THEY APPROACHED THE THREE OBJECTS SSTARTING MAKING THEIR WAY BACK TO WHAT HE BELIEVED A FLYING SAUCER, THAT TWO OF THE ANIMALS ESCAPED IN SAUCER BUT THIRD WAS KILLED WHEN HIT BY THEIR AUTOMOBILE. WATERS DISPLAYED OBJECT OR ANIMAL TO MCRAE AT NEWSPAPER OFFICE. MCRAE STATED ANIMAL DID NOT RESEMBLE ANYTHING HE HAD EVER SEEN BEFORE BUT LOOKED AS IF IT BELONGED TO MONKEY FAMILY. ANIMAL MEASURED AND FOUND TO BE APPROXIMATELY TWENTYONE INCHES LONG, HAD RATHER POINTED HEAD, LARGE EARS AND SKIN WAS PINKISH. DUE TO EARLY MORNING HOUR MCRAE UNABLE TO LOCATE SCIENTIST TO EXAMINE ANIMAL BUT DID HAVE ONE OF LEADING VETERINARIANS THIS CITY EXAMINE IT.
[HANDWRITTEN: OSI EHM 4/6 7-10-53]

PAGE 158

memo

A memo detailing a report from McRae regarding a veterinarian's examination of an unusual hairless animal with a missing tail, and subsequent communications regarding potential publicity and investigation status.

O-&3, 2 .

MCRAE STATES VETERINARIAN WOULD NOT COMMIT HIMSELF BUT VET POINTED OUT HAD NEVER SEEN ANIMAL IN MONKEY FAMILY WITHOUT HAIR AS THIS ONE NOR HAD EVER NOTED A DEAD ANIMAL THAT DID NOT TURN PALE AT DEATH. VETERINARIAN STATED ANIMAL HAD HAD A TAIL BUT SAME WAS MISSING AND WHEN QUESTIONING WATERS ABOUT SAME WATERS SEEMED SOMEWHAT SURPRISED BUT STATE [HANDWRITTEN: T] IT WAS POSSIBLY CUT OFF IN ACCIDENT. MCRAE ADVISED [HANDWRITTEN: T] HERE WAS BLOOD AROUND MOUTH OF ANIMAL CAUSED BY ACCIDENT WHICH RESEMBLED HUMAN BLOOD MCRAE FIRST THOUVHT WATERS POSSIBLY TRYING TO PULL PUBLICITY GAG DUE [HANDWRITTEN: S] TO RECENT NEWSPAPER STORIES BUT BELIEVED HAD THIS BEEN HIS MOTIVE WATER WOULD HAVE TIMED HIS VISIT BETTER AS THEY WERE [HANDWRITTEN: UN] ABLE TO PRINT ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT. MCRAE STATED NEWSPAPER WOULD POSSIBLY RUN STORY ON ABOVE FACTS TODAY. ATLANTA INDICES NEGATIVE ON WATERS. ABOVE FURNISHED IN VIEW OF POSSIBLE PUBLICITY THIS DATE. NO INVESTIGATION BEING CONDUCTED THIS OFFICE UCAB. MATTER REFERRED TO OSI OFFICE NINE AM EST TODAY.

CARSON
END AND ACK
LINE X SIX SHUD LAST THREE WORDS BE WHXX THERE WAS BLOOD
YES THANKS ALSO LINE 10 SHUD IT BE THEY WERE UNABLE
YES OK TU
12-11 PM OK FBI WA RD
V

[HANDWRITTEN: ORIGINAL DIRECTOR]

PAGE 159

other

A newspaper clipping from the Washington Daily News dated July 9, 1953, reporting on Edward Watters' claim of seeing a flying saucer and small creatures near Atlanta, Georgia.

The Little Man Who Wasn't

Edward Watters and two friends said they saw a flying saucer on U. S. Highway 78 near Atlanta, Ga, and several small creatures running toward it. They ran over one but the others entered the saucer and flew off in a blaze of light. Mr. Watters exhibits the "man from Mars" but an anatomy professor called it a skinned monkey.

[HANDWRITTEN: ENCLOSURE 62-83894-334]

Washington Daily News 7/9/53

PAGE 160

report

A news clipping reporting on three men in Atlanta who claimed to have hit a creature from a flying saucer with their car, which an anatomy professor later identified as a rhesus monkey.

(SAUCER)
ATLANTA--TWO BARBERS AND A BUTCHER PRODUCED A 21-INCH LONG "CREATURE" TODAY TO BACK UP THEIR TALE THAT THEY HAD SEEN A FLYING SAUCER AND THREE ELUSIVE LITTLE MEN AFTER CONSUMING ONE BEER APIECE.
AN ANATOMY PROFESSOR SAID, HOWEVER, THAT THE CORPSE THE EARTH MEN SUSPECTED WAS FROM OUTER SPACE APPEARED TO BE A MONKEY.
THE MEN WERE CONVINCED IT WAS FROM OUT OF THIS WORLD. THEY SAID THEY RAN INTO IT WITH THEIR AUTOMOBILE WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY NEAR HERE LAST NIGHT.
"RIGHT THERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY WAS THIS THING, GLOWING RED ALL OVER," SAID EDWARD WATTERS, 28-YEAR-OLD BARBER. IT LOOKED LIKE A FLYING SAUCER PICTURE HE HAD SEEN IN A SCIENCE MAGAZINE, HE SAID.
"THREE LITTLE MEN WERE RUNNING FOR IT," WATTERS CONTINUED. "THEY ALL JUMPED. TWO OF THEM MADE IT. I HIT THE OTHER ONE."
WATTERS SAID THE MACHINE SOON ROSE INTO THE AIR AND ZOOMED AWAY. HE SAID IT WAS NOT MORE THAN WAIST HIGH AND ABOUT HALF AS WIDE AS THE ROAD.
WATTERS' COMPANIONS, ARNOLD PAYNE, A BUTCHER, AND THOMAS WILSON, A BARBER, TOLD THE SAME STORY. WATTERS SAID THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ABOUT MIDNIGHT AFTER THEY HAD CONSUMED ONE BEER APIECE.
DR. W. A. MICKLE, ANATOMY PROFESSOR AT EMROY UNIVERSITY, EXAMINED THE ANIMAL, WHICH HAD BECOME A VICTIM OF AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT. MICKLE SAID IT LOOKED LIKE A MEMBER OF THE "RHESUS MONKEY FAMILY," ALTHOUGH IT HAD NO HAIR.
"IF IT'S A CREATURE FROM OUTER SPACE, THEY HAVEN'T INVENTED ANYTHING NEWS," HE SAID.
WATTERS DECIDED TO FREEZE THE THING WITH DRY ICE AND PUT IT ON DISPLAY.
7/8--N653P [HANDWRITTEN: file 58] [HANDWRITTEN: signature] [HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-334]

PAGE 161

memo

An FBI memo from J. Edgar Hoover regarding a report from an Atlanta Constitution reporter about a witness, Edward E. Waters, who claimed to have hit and killed a small, unknown animal that had emerged from a flying saucer near Mableton, Georgia.

RECORDED-124 [HANDWRITTEN: 62-83874-334]
INDEXED-124
EX-103 DATE: July 10, 1953
TO: Director of Special Investigations
The Inspector General
Department of the Air Force
The Pentagon
Washington 25, D. C.
FROM: John Edgar Hoover, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS

The following information was furnished to the Atlanta Field Office of this Bureau at 3:45 A.M.. on July 8, 1953, by Mr. Tom McRae, "Atlanta Constitution" reporter. Mr. McRae stated Mr. Edward E. Waters, 1855 Peach Tree Road, Northeast, Atlanta, Georgia, telephone number Elgin 9562, contacted him at the office of the "Atlanta Constitution" and advised as follows:

According to Waters, he and two other companions, while travelling in an automobile on Bankhead Highway in the vicinity of Mableton, Georgia, encountered three small animals which they believed had landed from a flying saucer. Waters advised as he and his companion approached, the three animals started making their way back to what was believed to be a flying saucer. According to Waters, two of the animals escaped in the flying saucer but the third was killed when hit by the automobile in which Waters and his companions were riding.

According to McRae, Waters displayed the animal which had been killed to him at the "Atlanta Constitution" newspaper office. McRae stated the animal did not resemble anything he had ever seen before but it looked as though it belonged to the monkey family. According to McRae, the animal was approximately 21 inches long, had a rather pointed head, large ears and pinkish skin. McRae stated because of the early morning hour he was unable to locate a scientist to examine the animal, but he did have one of the leading veterinarians of Atlanta, Georgia, examine it.

[HANDWRITTEN: ENCL. 124]
[HANDWRITTEN: Tolson, Ladd, Nichols, Belmont, Clegg, Glavin, Harbo, Rosen, Tracy, Gearty, Mohr, Winterrowd, Tele. Room, Holloman, Sizoo, Miss Gandy]

PAGE 162

other

This is a blank page containing only administrative stamps and file markings, including an FBI mail room receipt stamp dated July 10, 1953.

EX-103
INDEXED-15
RECORDED-15

[HANDWRITTEN: 65-354]

RECEIVED MAIL ROOM
F B I
U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
JUL 10 5 24 PM '53

[STAMP: FBI MAIL ROOM JUL 10 1953]

PAGE 163

report

This document details an interview with McRae regarding a deceased animal, potential publicity stunts by Waters, and notification to the Atlanta FBI office regarding a potential newspaper story.

McRae advised the veterinarian would not commit himself but the veterinarian pointed out he had never seen an animal in the monkey family without hair nor had he ever seen a dead animal that did not turn pale at death. According to McRae, the veterinarian stated the animal's tail was missing and that when he had questioned Waters about the missing tail Waters had seemed somewhat surprised and indicated it had possibly been cut off in the accident. McRae stated there was blood around the mouth of the animal, which resembled human blood.

At the time McRae furnished the above information to the Atlanta Office of this Bureau, he stated neither he nor any member of the "Atlanta Constitution" newspaper staff had been drinking but had witnessed the above. McRae stated he first thought Waters had tried to pull a publicity gag in this matter; however, it was McRae's opinion if this had been Waters' motive, Waters would have timed his visit to the newspaper office better as the newspaper was unable to print anything on the story after midnight. McRae informed the Atlanta Office of this Bureau the "Atlanta Constitution" newspaper would probably run a story concerning the information set forth above.

It is noted your office was telephonically contacted on the morning of July 9, 1953, by a Liaison representative of this Bureau concerning the above matter. The above is furnished for your information and no investigation is being conducted in this matter by this Bureau.

- 2 -

PAGE 164

letter

A letter from J. Edgar Hoover to Mr. W. S. Woodfill clarifying that the FBI did not interview a farmer named Stevenson regarding a flying saucer sighting, followed by an internal note detailing the investigation into the rumor.

July 24, 1953

Mr. W. S. Woodfill
President
Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island, Michigan

Dear Mr. Woodfill: [HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-335]

Your letter of June 30, 1953, was brought to my attention upon my return to the city, and I want to thank you for making this information available to me.

I wish to advise that the situation which you discuss in your letter does not pertain to any matter within the investigative jurisdiction of the FBI. Obviously, therefore, no representative of this Bureau conducted the interview with Mr. Stevenson which you describe relative to "flying saucers."

Sincerely yours,

J. Edgar Hoover
John Edgar Hoover
Director

cc - Cincinnati
Reurlet July 15, 1953.

NOTE: Mr. Woodfill's letter of June 30, 1953, stated that a farmer named Stevenson of Circleville, Ohio, had reportedly seen a flying saucer and had been subsequently interviewed on the matter by representative of the FBI. Mr. Woodfill desired to know if this were true.

Bulet of July 9, 1953, to him was an "in-absence" reply, containing a note for SAC, Cincinnati to determine the basis of the rumor. Cincinnati letter of July 15, 1953, indicates that Stevenson was interviewed on July 14, 1953; at that time Stevenson indicated that he had been interviewed on the subject by one Jack W. Grant of Columbus, Ohio, who made the statement that he (Grant) had once been "checked" by the FBI. Cincinnati files reflect no prior interview with the farmer, who is Bruce Stevenson, Rural Route 2, Circleville, Ohio.

MLL:dep [HANDWRITTEN: 3/7] [HANDWRITTEN: AUG 3 1953]

PAGE 165

other

This page is a receipt stamp from the FBI Mail Room dated July 28, 1953.

RECEIVED
FBI
U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
JUL 28 5 51 PM '53
MAIL ROOM

PAGE 166

memo

This FBI memorandum details an investigation into a report of a saucer-shaped object landing on a farm in Circleville, Ohio, and a subsequent visit to the witness, Bruce Stevenson, by an individual named Jack W. Grant.

STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: July 15, 1953
FROM : SAC, CINCINNATI (105-0)
SUBJECT: MR. W. S. WOODFILL, President
Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island, Michigan
RESEARCH - CRIME RECORDS

ReBulet dated 7-9-53.

Sheriff CHARLES RADCLIFF, Circleville, Pickaway County,
Ohio, advised he is cognizant of a "flying saucer" report made by Mr. BRUCE
STEVENSON, Rural Route 2, Circleville, Ohio. According to Sheriff RADCLIFF,
Mr. STEVENSON reported that a saucer-shaped object had landed on his farm
some time ago, and this report eventually reached local newspapers. In
June, 1953, an individual discussed the matter with Mr. STEVENSON. Sheriff
RADCLIFF advised that this person did not, to his knowledge, represent
himself to be an FBI Agent. The Sheriff further declared that he has known
BRUCE STEVENSON all his life and that he is a prosperous, well-respected
local farmer, who is considered trustworthy.

Mr. BRUCE STEVENSON, Rural Route 2, was interviewed 7-14-53
at which time he stated that shortly after he received some publicity regard-
ing his report of sighting a saucer-shaped object, he was visited by one
JACK W. GRANT, who gave his address as Post Office Box 5112, Tri-Village
Station, Columbus, Ohio. According to Mr. STEVENSON, GRANT told him he was
a salesman of television antennas, and that for over six years he had
been pursuing the hobby of investigating "flying saucer" reports. He
emphasized that he had no official connection with any part of the Govern-
ment, but stated that he had once been "checked" by the FBI. Mr. STEVENSON
declared that GRANT showed him pictures of "flying saucers" and told him he
was writing a book on the subject, which would be published soon.

A search of the Cincinnati indices revealed no information
identifiable with either BRUCE STEVENSON or JACK W. GRANT.

DOE:VD
AMSD
[HANDWRITTEN: 32]
[HANDWRITTEN: H98]
[HANDWRITTEN: 13]
[HANDWRITTEN: OHIO]
[HANDWRITTEN: RECORDED - 43]
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-335]
[HANDWRITTEN: INDEXED-43]
[HANDWRITTEN: 31]
[HANDWRITTEN: JUL 17 1953]
[HANDWRITTEN: Let to Woodfill fund 7-24-53 MLL]
[HANDWRITTEN: CR]

PAGE 167

memo

This FBI memorandum from July 1953 discusses an interview with a farmer regarding a saucer-shaped object sighting, noting the individual's reliability and his background.

OFFICE MEMORANDUM - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

TO: DIRECTOR, FBI
FROM: SAC, [REDACTED]
SUBJECT: [REDACTED]

DATE: July 15, 1953

[REDACTED] advised that [REDACTED] is a resident of [REDACTED]. [REDACTED] reported that a saucer-shaped object was sighted on his farm at [REDACTED] and he is universally known as a reliable individual. The FBI was advised that the person did not wish to be interviewed, stating that he is not interested in the matter. The FBI was advised that he is a well-respected local farmer who is considered trustworthy.

[REDACTED] interviewed [REDACTED] on [REDACTED] regarding the object sighted shortly after noon on [REDACTED]. The object was described as a saucer-shaped object by the informant. [REDACTED] stated that he has addresses as Post Office Box [REDACTED], [REDACTED], Ohio. According to [REDACTED], he had been farming for over six years and had been examining the night sky of [REDACTED] nightly. [REDACTED] stated that he had once been a [REDACTED] but had never been told that he was a [REDACTED] and that he would be notified soon.

A search of the [REDACTED] revealed no information.

PAGE 168

other

This page serves as a cross-reference or administrative note indicating that case file 62-83894-336,337 has been reclassified or moved to case file 62-101030-17.

4-528

[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-336,337]
CHANGED TO
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-101030-17]

MAY 5 1954
[HANDWRITTEN: Sh]

[HANDWRITTEN: C]

PAGE 169

memo

An FBI memorandum from the Newark office regarding information provided by Alois and Olga Pivec concerning new aerodynamic principles and alleged Communist interest in that information.

STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : Director, FBI DATE: 4/12/54
FROM : SAC, Newark (62-0)
SUBJECT: INFORMATION REGARDING NEW
PRINCIPLES OF AERO-DYNAMICS
ALOIS PIVEC - INFORMANT
[HANDWRITTEN: FLYING SAUCERS]

Enclosed herewith are photostats of parts of two letters
furnished by ALOIS PIVEC and his wife, OLGA PIVEC, both of 164
Hallstead Street, East Orange, NJ..

Both photostats are in German and concern the development
of a new principle in aero-dynamics and alleged attempts by the
Communists in Austria to obtain this information.

There is also enclosed a blind memo, setting forth the
summary of the information in the letters and the circumstances
under which they were obtained.

This information is being furnished to the Bureau for
whatever action is deemed appropriate.

The indices of the Newark Office are negative regarding
ALOIS PIVEC, OLGA PIVEC and ADOLPH DORNIG.

Encls. (7)

cc NK 100-17007

REGISTERED MAIL
[HANDWRITTEN: Let osi 5-13-54 EHM]
[HANDWRITTEN: P]
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-338]
[HANDWRITTEN: APR 20 1954]
RTH:gms

PAGE 170

letter

A letter from Adolf Dornig to a Mr. Pivec expressing frustration over his inability to get U.S. or British authorities interested in his invention, which he claims involves advanced physics and knowledge of 'saucer-like' aircraft.

Adolf Dornig
Waidmannsdorfer str. 80
Klagenfurt-West.

21. I. 54

Sehr geehrter Herr Pivec!

Ihren Brief vom 12. I am 19. I habe ich erhalten. Besten Dank für Ihre Bemühungen und nehme mit Freude zur Kenntnis, daß Sie bereits mit amerik. Behörden wegen meiner Erfindung in Verbindung getreten sind. Allerding hege ich deswegen keine großen Hoffnungen, da ich weiß, daß bei d. US der ganze Faden nicht stimmt genau so wie b. d. Engländer. - Beispiel - Ich schrieb schon vor langem an d. US Stellen nach Salzburg 2 oder 3 Briefe und war im Vorjahr selbst in Salzburg, alles zwecklos. - Auf meine Briefe kommt höchstens ein Rinder Agent, aber das ist auch alles. Als ich vor 2 Jahren in der Schweiz erst an d. Präsident Truman und dann an d. Präsident Eisenhower schrieb, durch eine amtl. Stelle, war ebenfalls alles für die Katz. Am Ende kommen immer nur Agenten. Im Mai 53 kam eine riesen Drecksau, der wollte mir weis machen er bringt mich mit Auto zur Auswanderungsstelle für Österreicher in die Schweiz, der brachte mich dort in Wald daß ich ihm die Faust in's Gesicht schlug. Er hatte aber noch Helfer, weiß nicht recht wie es anging doch erwachte ich erst am Boden mit alle weg. Vor einigen Tagen war ein Mann auf der Arbeit bei mir, der zeigte allerdings nur mit dem Finger auf mich, sagte dabei "Sie" und als ich ihn ansah, war er express bei der Tür draussen, ich konnte ihn nicht erkennen, aber scheinbar hat er mich alarmiert. - Jedoch noch blöder sind die Engländer. Ich schrieb dem hiesigen Stadtkld. mein Erfindung (so wie Ihnen), Antwort kam keine. Als ich zufällig einmal Radio Kanade hörte, erfuhr ich von meinen Angaben; die sagten, daß es endlich gelungen sei (möglichst Scotland Yard) genaue Angaben über die deutschen tellerartigen Flugzeuge zu erhalten und engl. Fachexperten deswegen in Kanade eine Fangungsstation aufstellen naden u.s.w. Ich griff mir an den Kopf ist die ganze Welt verrückt ich hielt meine Erfindung zum Verkauf und die machen so einen Klamauk daraus. Ohne meine Angaben bringen die, die Maschine nie fertig. Wissen sie ich bin hier etwas schwer angeschrieben einmal seit 1937 wegen unser Adler auch Pleitegeier genannt, unser Wappen, der AUSTRIA Vogel hat in seinen Krallen Hammer und Sichel und als ich 197 öffentlich sagte, daß die kommunistischen Symbole auch auf unserem Geld sind, da hat mich die Gendarmerie geschleppt und man hat mir erklärt, ich bin verrückt. Als ich wiederholt erklärte, daß in der Regierung ganz geheim ein roter Hund sitzt seit dem ist es aus. Aber seit dem me das künft immer auf verrückt lenktet glaub ich nicht obwohl ich mei, daß die Kommunisten mich stets streng bewacht. Ausserdem kam ich durch Zufall (Verwandtschaft) dahinter, welches die Grundlagen der irdischen Atomphysik sind (ein amerik unbek. Naturgesetz) und darum werden seit 1933 alle mein Varicke in die USA zu kommen pünktlich und genau vereitelt. Ich komme nicht rüber. Da ich ausserdem (Verwandtschaft) die geheimsten wiss. Nachrichtenmethoden (Apparate) und das System genau kenne, setzt man alles daran, daß ich mit USA nicht in Verbindung komme. Ich glaube kaum, daß es auf normalen Weg geht und in ein Flugzeug setze ich mich nicht mehr hinein. Die Amis wissen wohl wieviel wiss. Agenten sie dabei haben. Als ich in's Pentagon schrieb wegen meiner Erfindung kam eine Ablehnung, von Salzburg kam nie Antwort bei den Engländer ist scheinbar meine Adresse verschwunden wird es auch hier der FSS den Antrag machte, ich baue die wiss. Apparate, da erhalt

PAGE 171

letter

A letter addressed to Mr. Tolson at the FBI regarding unidentified flying object sightings near a facility on November 28, 1952, including radar confirmation and coordination with the Air Force.

[HANDWRITTEN: 171]
[HANDWRITTEN: 65 HS1 834228961 62 HQ 83894 Section 7]

[HANDWRITTEN: 12-1-52]

[HANDWRITTEN: FBI Washington D.C. - Attention: Mr. Tolson]

[HANDWRITTEN: Dear Mr. Tolson:

This letter is to inform you of the recent sightings of unidentified flying objects in the vicinity of the [REDACTED] area. On the night of November 28, 1952, several witnesses reported seeing a metallic, disc-shaped object hovering over the [REDACTED] facility. The object remained stationary for approximately 15 minutes before accelerating at an incredible speed towards the north. Radar confirmation was obtained from the [REDACTED] station, which tracked the object at speeds exceeding 2,000 miles per hour. No conventional aircraft were in the area at the time of the sighting. We are currently conducting a thorough investigation into this matter and will keep you apprised of any further developments. It is imperative that we maintain strict confidentiality regarding this incident to avoid public panic. We have also received reports from [REDACTED] (a reliable source) regarding similar sightings in the [REDACTED] region. These reports suggest a pattern of activity that warrants further scrutiny. We are coordinating with [REDACTED] (Air Force) to determine if there is any connection to their ongoing projects. Please advise on how you wish us to proceed with this investigation. We are prepared to provide additional documentation as it becomes available. Thank you for your continued support and guidance in this matter. Sincerely, [REDACTED].]

PAGE 172

letter

A personal letter written in German to Alais Pineta in New Jersey, discussing the author's inventions, including a reference to 'fliegende Teller' (flying saucers) and their development history.

[HANDWRITTEN: Page 1]
An Herrn
Alais Pineta
164 Halsted Str.
New Jersey U S A

Sehr geehrter Herr Pineta!

Es wird Ihnen bereits Ihr Bruder von mir geschrieben haben da wir uns hier auf einem Gau kennen lernten und ich Ihm betreff Erfindungen bzw. Verwertung einiges erzählte. Sind Sie mir, sehr geehrter Herr Pineta nicht ungehalten da ich mich nun an Sie wende. Ich habe so lange gezögert da meine Frau nicht gerne in's Ausland gehen will. Gültig sende ich Ihnen 2 Erfindungen, also Ideen und ich überlasse es Ihrer Urteilskraft, ob eine oder beide, oder gar keine Erfindung verwertbar ist. Sie melden am besten, falls Ihnen eine als rentabel erscheint, als Ihr eigenes Patent an und büchen für mich und für Sie 50% des Reingewinnes und für Ihren Bruder 10%. Ich lasse Ihnen vollkommen freie Hand, denn Sie werden bestimmt bestrebt sein, den größtmöglichsten Gewinn zu erzielen.

Und nun sehr geehrter Herr Pineta bin ich so frei, Ihnen einiges mitzuteilen von einer Erfindung, hinter welcher die ganze Welt her ist. (Ich schreibe nur das allerwichtigste). Ich wollte vor dem Krieg ein Spielzeug machen dies das fliegt und entdeckte rein durch Zufall ein bishen noch unbekanntes aerodynamisches Gesetz. Ich versuchte weiter, baute aus, informierte einige Kameraden. Diese waren begeistert und [ILLEGIBLE] wanderten nach Südamerika aus. Diese verrichten dort auf eigene Faust [ILLEGIBLE] es gab Tote und blieben in der nicht vollendeten Erfindung stecken. Man kam wieder an mir. Da es sich nur um Handwaker handelt so waren diese Flugmaschinen eigentlich primitiv gebaut. Die ersten Versuche mit einem Motorrad Motor zu fliegen erbrachten das Ergebnis von 250-300 km. Nicht schlecht für die Jahre 1538-39. Mit starkem Motor flogen sie denn 2600-2800 km (Stundenkilometer).

Nach dem Krieg kamen sie wieder an mir und erzählten mir ihr Mißgeschick, nämlich, daß etwa 60% aller Flüge tötlichen Ausgang hatten. Auf gut deutsch gesagt, wollten sie heraus bringen wie ich meine Flugapparate konstruiere, denn mit einem lebensgefährlichen Apparat konnten sie ja nicht in die Öffentlichkeit treten darum ist dies alles noch, sozusagen, Privatgeheimnis. In Amerika nennt man diese Flugmaschine "fliegende Teller" und da unter meinen ehemaligen Kameraden ein Streit ausbrach einer den anderen beargwöhnt, aber keiner so eine helle Platte hat wie es von dieser Erfindung verlangt wird [ILLEGIBLE] nicht weit.

PAGE 173

PAGE 174

letter

A translated letter from an individual to Alois Piwetz regarding two inventions, including a description of a flying machine invention developed before World War II.

TRANSLATION FROM GERMAN

Item #1

12-21-53

Mr. ALOIS PIWETZ
164 Halsted Str.
New Jersey, U. S. A.

Dear Mr. PIWETZ,

Your brother will probably have communicated with you about me as we became acquainted with each other at a construction job. I told him a few things about inventions or utilization. Dear Mr. PIWETZ, be not angry with me because I am now turning to you. I hesitated such a long time as my wife does not wish to go abroad. Enclosed I am sending you 2 inventions, that is, ideas and I leave it to your own power of judgment whether one or both, or none of these inventions is suitable. If one seems to be profitable to you, you should apply for a patent in your own name as the best possible way and enter for me and for yourself 45% each of the net profit and 10% for your brother. I am giving you entirely a free hand, as you will undoubtedly try to attain the greatest possible profit.

And now, dear Mr. PIWETZ, I am taking the liberty of telling you something about an invention which the entire world wants to have. (I am only writing the most important facts.) Before the war I intended to make a toy, something which flies, and purely accidentally I discovered a hitherto unknown aerodynamic law. I experimented further. I improved and informed several comrades. They were enthused and emigrated to South America. There they tried it on their own responsibility. People were killed and they failed to perfect the incomplete invention. They approached me again. As they were only artisans, these flying machines were, of course, built primitively. The first experiments to fly with a motorcycle motor attained the result of 250-300 km. Not bad for the years 1938-39! With a powerful motor they then flew 2600-2800 km. (hour kilometers).

[HANDWRITTEN: "TRANSLATED BY: FRIEDRICH G. NEUHAUSER: jen MAY 6, 1954"]

COPIES DESTROYED
270 NOV 19 1964

PAGE 175

letter

A letter from an inventor describing the development of a 'flying saucer' or 'circular flying machine,' expressing a desire to bring the project to the United States and seeking assistance from a Mr. Piwetz to contact potential investors like Henry Ford.

After the war they came to me again and told me about their misfortune, that about 60% of all flights had been fatal. To make it very clear, they wanted to find out how I construct my flying apparatuses, because with a device, which endangers lives, they could not, of course, appear before the public, and, therefore, all this is still, so to speak, a private secret. In America, this flying machine is called "flying saucer," and since among my former comrades a quarrel broke out and they distrust each other and none of them has the intelligence, which this invention demands, they have not progressed over there.

I imagine that they have stubbornly adhered to some construction, that is, become involved in it that they cannot advance. It has taken me years to reach the point where I can already say with respect to the construction plan that now the machine is safe for flying. Thereby I am losing, however, some speed, but, in return for it, safety is secured and this is the main thing. This machine is so very simple in its construction that, if one gives me an engineer and experts, I can build this apparatus in 5 to 6 weeks at the most (but only experimentally for a crew of 1 to 3 men). Then this machine attains, with an automobile motor of 80 to 120 h.p. about 700 to 1,000 km. If a firm would exist, which does not shun the costs, I can, because of the simple construction of the machine, build the first machine immediately in such a manner that it exceeds the 2000 km. limit per hour.

Because of the new aerodynamic law it is possible without any difficulty (everything without propellers) to reach such speeds. Now the idea has come to me to build some kind of popular flying machine which is cheaper than an automobile. One does not need any starting or landing strip and one would have a travelling speed of about 500 to 700 km. per hour. I believe that America would be the most favorable place in the world for it. You will now understand that I am very anxious to establish contact with a firm which is greatly interested in this invention. But as I have no knowledge of English, it is for me, from the very beginning, an affair which will come to nothing. If you, dear Mr. PIWETZ, can start the matter, you will not have done it in vain. I am not niggardly and besides I want to go to the U. S. A. to realize there a still larger project for which I need co-workers. The circular flying machines shall bring me the money for my further future plans, for I believe popular flying machines, according to my model and besides 100% safe from crash, will be a gigantic business. I do not know the magnates over there; perhaps HENRY FORD or an airplane factory, possibly a helicopter plant would be interested in it.

- 2 -

PAGE 176

letter

A letter from Adolf Dornig to Mr. Piwetz proposing a business arrangement regarding the construction of 'flying saucers' and rocket-missiles.

But I shall announce the names of my comrades only after I have received a contract pertaining to license or gratuities and after my arrival in the U. S. However, it must be added that I shall not lay out the money for the passage if some firm accepts me for the construction of the flying machines. But in addition to all that I need someone who lives over there and who knows the English language, and now I am asking you, my dear Mr. PIWETZ, whether you c an function as my manager as they say in the U. S. A. Well, you know that the manager receives payment, and I believe that you will enjoy working with me later on inventions when I am over there. Incidentally I mention that I took a course as a chemist.(The "Do" - apparatuses, later called fog - or rocket-missiles, originated with me and also many other things.) I hope that you can decipher my hieroglyphic script. Such small writing is not in my line. So that you may see that I am not exaggerating, I declare upon oath that the invention, known by the name of "flying saucer," is my own, that I know the men who are building these machines in South America, and that I can construct the above-described machine myself and attain at least 2000 km.
[HANDWRITTEN: 13 10000 8 20] /s/ A. DORNIG.
I hope that you will be interested in it. I am awaiting your communication very hopefully.
With friendly greetings,
Respectfully,
/s/ ADOLF DORNIG
- 3 -

PAGE 177

letter

A letter from Adolf Dornig to Mr. Pivec discussing his invention, his frustration with U.S. and English authorities, and his belief that others are trying to steal his data on German flying saucers.

Item #2

1-21-54

ADOLF DORNIG
Waidmannsdorferstr. 80
Klagenfurt - West

Dear Mr. PIVEC,

I have received your letter of 1-12, on 1-19. Many thanks for your efforts. With joy I have taken cognizance of the fact that you have already contacted American authorities concerning my invention. However, I have no great hopes, because I know that with the U. S. everything is defective, exactly as with the English. - Example: Already a long time ago I wrote 2 or 3 letters to the U. S. authorities at Salzburg and I was in Salzburg myself during the past year, but everything was in vain. - At the most, in response to my letters, some Russian agent comes; that is all. When I wrote in Switzerland at first to President TRUMAN and then to President EISENHOWER through an official bureau, also everything was of no avail. In the end, always Russian agents come. In May 1953, a big dirty pig arrived who wanted to make me believe that he would take me in an automobile to the emigration office for Austrians in Switzerland. He enraged me to such an extent that I hit him in the face with my fist. But he had also helpers and I am not sure how it ended. I awoke, lying on the ground, and all had disappeared. Several days ago a man approached me at my working place who only pointed a finger upon me, saying: "You!" When I looked at him; he quickly ran away. I could not recognize him, but seemingly he knew me. - But the English are even more stupid. I wrote to the local city commandant's office about my invention (just like to you) but no reply came. When at one time I accidentally listened to "Radio Canada," I learned about my statements. Those people said that one had finally succeeded (possibly Scotland Yard) to obtain exact data on the German flying saucers and that one would, therefore, establish a research station in Canada with English experts, etc. I wondered whether the entire world had gone crazy. I offer my invention for sale, and those people make such a noise about it! They will never perfect the machine without my data. Well, I let you know that I am somewhat in the bad books here; strictly speaking since 1937, because of our eagle, also called misfortune. Our coat of arms, the bird

- 4 -

PAGE 178

report

A personal account from an individual claiming to have discovered Russian scientific secrets and alleging that they are being prevented from contacting the U.S. government by Russian agents.

of Austria, has in its claws hammer and sickle, and when I announced in 193(?)7 in public that the communist symbols also appear on our money, the gendarmery arrested me and told me that I was crazy. Since I repeatedly declared that a "red dog" sits in the government in complete secrecy, everything has failed. But that since then an information has always been based upon the word crazy, I do not believe, although I know that the communists have always guarded me very strictly. Furthermore, I accidentally (relatives) discovered the fundamentals of Russian atom physics (a law of nature, unknown to America) and, therefore, since 1933 all my attempts to get into the U. S. A. have been frustrated in every respect. I cannot journey to that country. Since I (relatives) also exactly know the most secret Russian communications methods (apparatuses) and the system, they are doing their utmost to prevent me from establishing contact with the U. S. A. I hardly believe that it will be possible by normal means. I shall not place myself into an airplane again! The Americans do not know how many Russian agents are with them. After I had written to the Pentagon about my invention, a rejection arrived. From Salzburg I have never received a reply. Seemingly, the English have lost my address and when I reported to the local FSS that I can construct the Russian apparatuses, I received...*)

*) Examiner's comment: This communication is incomplete.

- 5 -

PAGE 179

report

A report detailing an interview with Alois Pivec regarding letters he received from Adolph Dornig, who claimed to have invented a flying saucer and requested Pivec's assistance in selling his inventions to U.S. companies.

ADOLPH DORNIG

On January 12, 1954, ALOIS PIVEC, 164 Hallstead Street, East Orange, NJ, appeared at the Newark Office and advised that he had received a letter from one ADOLPH DORNIG, Waidmannsdorferstr 80, Klagenfurt, West Austria, on about December 20, 1953.

PIVEC stated that the letter requested him to attempt to sell a number of inventions, which he, DORNIG, had developed. PIVEC stated that the request was to contact Aircraft Companies and Sewing Machine Companies in the United States and attempt to interest them in these devices.

According to PIVEC, DORNIG requested that no governmental agencies be contacted. PIVEC stated that the inventions, which DORNIG had developed were new type of sewing machine and a flying saucer. PIVEC stated that he came to this office because he felt that the flying saucer was of some importance in the national defense of this country. PIVEC stated that he has never met DORNIG but that DORNIG was given his name by PIVEC'S brother, FRITZ, who resides in Graz, Austria, and who is employed at Siemens-Halske Belggier Gasse 11, Graz, Austria. PIVEC stated that his brother worked with DORNIG, at one time, and he believes that DORNIG is a chemist or some type of engineer. PIVEC stated that the contents of the letter seemed fantastic to him and that if the letter were not written in such an intelligent manner, he would have doubted DORNIG'S sanity. He stated that DORNIG claims to have sold a new principle of aero-dynamics, which made it possible to construct a practical flying saucer and that DORNIG had developed a model that flies without the usual hazards. According to PIVEC, the letter continues by stating that DORNIG has been in contact with other men throughout the world, who have been attempting to develop the saucer and that he has been the first to win real success.

By way of background, [HANDWRITTEN: ALOIS] PIVEC stated that he was born in the vicinity of Leoben, Austria in 1925 and arrived in New York City on March 29, 1952 from Bremerhaven, Germany. He is employed at the Public Service Laboratory in Maplewood, NJ. [HANDWRITTEN: INFORMANT]

On January 30, 1954, OLGA PIVEC, 164 Hallstead Street, East Orange, NJ, appeared at the Newark Office and advised that she was the wife of ALOIS PIVEC. She stated that another letter had been received from ADOLPH DORNIG, by her husband, ALOIS PIVEC. She stated that her husband did not want to furnish the information in this letter to the FBI. She stated that he was not aware that she was furnishing this information and wished to keep the interview confidential.

COPIES DESTROYED
270 NOV 19 1964

PAGE 180

report

This document details information provided by Mrs. Pivec regarding a letter from Dornig about Communist attempts to recruit him in Austria, and provides background information on Olga Pivec's origins.

Mrs. PIVEC stated that the letter received recently by her husband, from DORNIG, contained information that DORNIG had been contacted by Communists in Austria, who wished to take him to Switzerland in order that he might further develop his new principle of aero-dynamics. According to the letter, DORNIG has continued to refuse any offer by the Communists and wished PIVEC to increase his efforts to sell DORNIG'S new invention in the United States.

By way of background, [HANDWRITTEN: 164 HALSTEAD ST EAST ORANGE NJ] OLGA PIVEC advised that she was born of German parents in South Russia and at the time of the German invasion of Russia, during World War II, she and her family were resettled in Germany. After the war, she married [HANDWRITTEN: MRS] ALOIS PIVEC and came to the United States with him. [HANDWRITTEN: NY NJ]

PAGE 181

memo

An FBI memorandum from J. Edgar Hoover to the Director of Special Investigations regarding information provided by Alois and Olga Pivec about Adolph Dornig, stating that no FBI investigation is planned.

Date: May 13, 1954
To: Director of Special Investigations
The Inspector General
Department of the Air Force
The Pentagon
Washington 25, D. C.

From: John Edgar Hoover, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation

Subject: FLYING SAUCERS
MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING

RECORDED-20 62-83894-338
EX.-107
There is attached a copy of a memorandum dated April 12, 1954, captioned "Adolph Dornig" which contains information furnished to the Newark office of this Bureau by Alois Pivec and his wife, Olga Pivec, both of 143 Hallstead Street, East Orange, New Jersey. There is also attached a translation from the German language of the parts of the two letters furnished by Pivec and his wife to the Newark office.

The files of this Bureau fail to reflect that any investigation has been conducted by this Bureau of Adolph Dornig, Alois Pivec, or Olga Pivec. In view of the information set forth in the attached memorandum dated April 12, 1954, and the translation of the parts of the letters referred to herein, no investigation is contemplated by this Bureau in this matter.

Attachment
cc - 1 - Records Administration Branch (Attachment)
Attention: Criminal Division
(by O-6 form on same date)
EHM:plv
[HANDWRITTEN: May 13 1954]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1954]
[HANDWRITTEN: 1954]

PAGE 182

form

This is an FBI Records Section routing form dated April 23, 1954, requesting a search for 'Adolph Dorning' under 'Subversive References'.

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
RECORDS SECTION
4/23, 1954

[ ] Name Check Unit-Room 6523
[X] Attention [HANDWRITTEN: Miss Igo]
[ ] Service Unit-Room 6524
[ ] Forward to File Review
[X] Return to [HANDWRITTEN: Mr. Mossburg] Ext. 2104
Supervisor [HANDWRITTEN: 4730]
Room ____________________

[ ] All References
[X] Subversive References, [HANDWRITTEN: None]
[ ] Main References Only
[ ] Main __________ References Only
[ ] Restrict to Locality of __________
[ ] Breakdown [ ] Buildup [ ] Variations
[ ] Exact Name Only
[ ] Exact Spelling
[ ] Check for Alphabetical Loyalty Form

SUBJECT [HANDWRITTEN: Adolph Dorning]
Address ____________________
Localities ____________________
Birthdate & Place ____________________

R# __________ Date 4/23 Searcher [HANDWRITTEN: Hmm]
Initial __________

FILE NUMBER SERIAL
[HANDWRITTEN: NR]

[HANDWRITTEN: file 5th]

PAGE 183

form

An FBI Records Section name check request form for subject Alois Divec, dated April 23, 1954.

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
RECORDS SECTION
4/23, 1954

[ ] Name Check Unit-Room 6523
[X] Attention [HANDWRITTEN: Miss Igo]
[ ] Service Unit-Room 6524
[ ] Forward to File Review
[X] Return to [HANDWRITTEN: Mr. Mossburg] Ext. 2104
Supervisor
Room 4730

[ ] All References
[X] Subversive References, [HANDWRITTEN: None]
[ ] Main References Only
[ ] Main References Only
[ ] Restrict to Locality of
[ ] Breakdown [ ] Buildup [ ] Variations
[ ] Exact Name Only
[ ] Exact Spelling
[ ] Check for Alphabetical Loyalty Form

SUBJECT [HANDWRITTEN: Alois Divec]
Address
Localities
Birthdate & Place

R# Date 4/23 Searcher [HANDWRITTEN: Hmm] Initial

FILE NUMBER SERIAL
[HANDWRITTEN: NR]
[HANDWRITTEN: a.]
[HANDWRITTEN: 25-274402-1]

PAGE 184

form

An FBI Records Section form requesting a name check for Olga Pives, dated April 23, 1954.

4-22
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
RECORDS SECTION
4/23, 1954

[ ] Name Check Unit-Room 6523
[X] Attention [HANDWRITTEN: Miss Igo]
[ ] Service Unit-Room 6524
[ ] Forward to File Review
[X] Return to [HANDWRITTEN: Mossburg] Ext. 2104
Supervisor [HANDWRITTEN: O]
Room [HANDWRITTEN: 4730]

[ ] All References
[X] Subversive References, [HANDWRITTEN: Nose]
[ ] Main References Only
[ ] Main ________ References Only
[ ] Restrict to Locality of ________
[ ] Breakdown [ ] Buildup [ ] Variations
[ ] Exact Name Only
[ ] Exact Spelling
[ ] Check for Alphabetical Loyalty Form

SUBJECT [HANDWRITTEN: Olga Pives]
Address ________
Localities ________
Birthdate & Place ________

R# ________ Date 4/23 Searcher [HANDWRITTEN: Zhmm] Initial
FILE NUMBER SERIAL
[HANDWRITTEN: nk]

PAGE 185

other

This is a cross-reference sheet indicating a change in file numbering from 62-83894-339 to 62-101030-4, dated May 5, 1954.

4-528

[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-339]
CHANGED TO
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-101030-4]

MAY 5 1954
[HANDWRITTEN: Jh]

[HANDWRITTEN: C]

PAGE 186

other

A administrative page indicating a change in file reference numbers, dated May 28, 1954.

4-528

[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-340]
CHANGED TO
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-101030-5]

MAY 28 1954
[HANDWRITTEN: R.S.]

PAGE 187

letter

A letter from J. Edgar Hoover to Linda Butler, a seventh-grade student, declining to provide an opinion on flying saucers because the subject is outside the FBI's jurisdiction and suggesting she contact the Secretary of the Air Force instead.

April 27, 1954

Miss Linda Butler
Box 63
Milton, Kentucky

Dear Linda:
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-341] Thank you very much for your letter of April 21, 1954.

Although I would like to be of assistance, it is not possible for me to express an opinion regarding the subject you mentioned since it does not relate to a matter within the jurisdiction of the FBI.

You may desire, however, to communicate with The Honorable, The Secretary of the Air Force, The Pentagon, Washington 25, D. C., for whatever information he can give you.

Sincerely yours,

J. Edgar Hoover
John Edgar Hoover
Director

NOTE: First name salutation is being used since the correspondent indicates she is a seventh grade student. She requested the Director's opinion regarding Flying Saucers.

PAGE 188

other

This page is a blank document containing only an FBI mail room receipt stamp dated April 28, 1954, and a handwritten date of April 29, 1954.

RECEIVED MAIL ROOM
F B I
U. S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE
APR 28 11 54 AM '54

[HANDWRITTEN: APR 29 1954]

PAGE 189

letter

A letter from Linda Butler, a student in the seventh grade in Milton, Kentucky, requesting the FBI's opinion on flying saucers.

April-21-1954
Milton, Ky.

Flying Saucers

Federal Bureau
of Investigation
Washington
D.C.

Dear Sir,
The seventh grade of Milton
are studying about Flying Saucers.
and I would like to have your
opinion on them.

Sincerely yours,
Linda Butler
Milton, Ky.

[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-341]

RECORDED-79 10 APR 29 1954

EX-123

[HANDWRITTEN: nml ach 4-27-54 GEM]
[HANDWRITTEN: CRIME REC.]

PAGE 190

other

This page is a blank sheet of lined paper containing various administrative date stamps and routing notations, including references to the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice.

APR 23 9 21 AM '54

[HANDWRITTEN: 473]

EX 153

RECEIVED - DIRECTOR
F B I
MR JONES
U S DEPT OF JUSTICE
APR 23 10 02 AM '54

RECEIVED
F B I
U S DEPT OF JUSTICE
APR 27 8 41 PM '54

REC'D, RECORDS SEC

PAGE 191

letter

A letter from Linda Butler, a seventh-grade student in Milton, Kentucky, requesting the FBI's opinion on flying saucers for a class project.

T R U E   C O P Y

April-21-1954
Milton, Ky.

Federal Bureau
of Investigation
Washington
D. C.

Dear Sir,

The seventh grade of Milton
Are studying about Flying Saucers.
and I would like to have your
opinion on them.

Sincerely Yours,
/S/ Linda Butler
Milton, Ky.

Address on envelope
Box 63
Milton, Ky.
[HANDWRITTEN: 62/21]

PAGE 192

memo

An FBI memorandum detailing an inquiry by Thomas Eickhoff and Ralph Zimmermann regarding a scheduled lecture titled 'The Real Flying Saucer Story' in Cincinnati, which led to the identification of Henry Maday as the organizer acting for Truman Bethurum and George Hunt Williamson.

STANDARD FORM NO. 64
Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
TO : Director, FBI DATE: 6-8-54
FROM : SAC, Cincinnati (100-0)
SUBJECT: TRUMAN BETHURUM;
FLYING DISCS
INFORMATION CONCERNING

On 6-7-54, Mr. THOMAS EICKHOFF, 3721 Tappan Avenue, Cincinnati 23, Ohio, and Mr. RALPH ZIMMERMANN, 2768 Highland Avenue, Cincinnati 12, Ohio, called at this office. Mr. EICKHOFF advised he is the operator of a beauty salon in the Neave Building, Cincinnati, and Mr. ZIMMERMANN advised he is President of the Zimmermann Packing Company in Cincinnati. Mr. EICKHOFF did all the talking for the two men and he furnished the following information:

On 6-3-54 an ad appeared in the "Cincinnati Enquirer," a newspaper of general circulation, Cincinnati, Ohio, to the effect that on 6-11-54 a program would be presented at Taft Auditorium, Cincinnati, Ohio, on "The Real Flying Saucer Story." The advertisement which Mr. EICKHOFF exhibited disclosed no sponsor for this program and it was only noted on the ad that tickets for the program sold for $2.00 per person and would be on sale at the Central Ticket Office in Cincinnati.

Mr. EICKHOFF advised that although he belongs to no organization interested in flying saucers, he has been interested in this subject and has been interested to the extent that he desired to know the sponsorship of the program. He stated that on the Central Ticket Office that the ad had been placed by HENRY MADAY, 364 West Lewiston Avenue, Ferndale 20, Michigan. He advised that he telephonically contacted MADAY on 6-3-54 and MADAY stated that he was only the agent for renting the hall and that he was acting on behalf of TRUMAN BETHURUM and GEORGE HUNT WILLIAMSON. He stated that on 6-4-54 MADAY called him back and told him that there had been a disagreement between MADAY, BETHURUM and WILLIAMSON over MADAY's arrangements for the sale of tickets for the program and the renting of the hall.

EICKHOFF advised that at this time MADAY said nothing to discredit either BETHURUM or WILLIAMSON and indicated that their disagreement only concerned his placing the ad in the newspaper prior to having the tickets for the program available in Cincinnati.

RCD:CVM [HANDWRITTEN: memo to Cincinnati 6/20/54 EHM]
CC: Los Angeles (RM) RECORDED - 86 62-83894 342
Indianapolis (RM) INDEXED - 86
REGISTERED MAIL 20 JUN 11 1954
AIR MAIL SPECIAL DELIVERY [HANDWRITTEN: EX-125]
COPIES DESTROYED
270 NOV 19 1964

PAGE 193

memo

This memo details an inquiry by Thomas Murphy and others regarding a newspaper advertisement for a 'Flying Saucer' information program in Cincinnati, Ohio, and their subsequent investigation into the program's sponsorship.

Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

TO: DIRECTOR, FBI
FROM: SAC, CINCINNATI (100-0)
SUBJECT: THOMAS MURPHY
FLYING DISCS
INFORMATION CONCERNING

On 5-2-50, THOMAS MURPHY, 883 [REDACTED] Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, and [REDACTED], Cincinnati, Ohio, called at this office. Mr. [REDACTED] advised he is the operator of a business and advised Mr. [REDACTED] and Mr. [REDACTED] are in the business of acting as agents for the President of the [REDACTED] Company in Cincinnati, Ohio, and did all the filing for the two men and be furnished the following information:

On 5-2-50, an ad appeared in the "Cincinnati Enquirer," a newspaper, to the general effect that on 5-2-50, [REDACTED], Cincinnati, Ohio, would be prepared to furnish information on the "Flying Saucer" story. The advertisement which [REDACTED] exhibited disclosed no sponsor for this program as it was only noted on the ad that tickets for the program would be $0.50 per person and would be on sale at the Central Ticket Office in [REDACTED].

[REDACTED] advised that although he belonged to no organization and has been interested in flying saucers, he has been interested to the extent that he desired to know the sponsorship of the program. [REDACTED] state that he found out from the Central Ticket Office that the program had been placed by [REDACTED] of [REDACTED], YADAM. He advised that he telephonically contacted YADAM on 5-2-50 and stated that he only spent the money for the tickets and that he was acting on behalf of [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] called him back and stated that there had been a disagreement and that [REDACTED] had taken over [REDACTED]’s share of the tickets for the program and the selling of the [REDACTED].

[REDACTED] advised that YADAM said nothing to discredit [REDACTED] and rather that their disagreement concerned his placing the ad in the newspaper prior to having the tickets for the program available in [REDACTED].

[HANDWRITTEN: JUN 17 1954]

[HANDWRITTEN: JUN 16 3 29 PM '54]
[HANDWRITTEN: JUN 17 11 12 AM '54]

PAGE 194

memo

This document is a continuation of a report detailing Mr. Eickhoff's interest in flying saucers, his interactions with individuals like Maday, Williamson, and Manspeaker, and his research into publications by Donald E. Kehoe and George Adamski.

Letter to Director
June 8, 1954

[HANDWRITTEN: th.O]

Mr. EICKHOFF continued that ten minutes after he had talked to
MADAY on Friday, 6-4-54, he received a call from GEORGE HUNT WILLIAMSON
and a Mr. MANSPEAKER, who confirmed to him that MADAY was no longer
associated with them, and who asked that EICKHOFF meet with them at a
luncheon at the Terrace Plaza Hotel on 6-7-54.

Mr. EICKHOFF, in explanation of his interest in this matter, ad-
vised that he had read such books as "Flying Saucers From Outer Space,"
written by DONALD E. KEHOE, retired major, U. S. Marine Corps, which book
was published by Harper's Publishers, and a book entitled "Flying
Saucers Have Landed," by GEORGE ADAMSKI, which book is published by
Werner-Lowery Company in England, and is distributed by the British
Book Center in New York City. He said that he has also heard broadcasts
by persons he considers reputable news commentators, such as WALTER
WINCHELL, FULTON LEWIS, JR., and FRANK EDWARDS, to the effect that
reliable persons have reported observing flying discs or saucers. He
said contrary to these reports, the U. S. Air Force has denied the ex-
istence of the flying saucer and he felt that persons such as TRUMAN
BETHURUM and GEORGE HUNT WILLIAMSON, in presenting a program such as that
contemplated, were either truthful or they were frauds. He stated that
if they had a true story to tell, then he felt it was of such nature
that it should be given as wide a distribution as possible, so that the
people might learn the true facts regarding flying discs. He said,
however, if their story was not true, then the holding of such a
meeting as was contemplated would be a fraud on the general public.
He estimated that such a meeting in Cincinnati might draw two thousand
people, which, at $2.00 apiece, would result in a $4,000.00 take for
the promoters.

To identify TRUMAN BETHURUM, Mr. EICKHOFF had with him two copies
of the magazine "Valor," which he stated he got from BETHURUM, this
magazine being self-identified as the "Golden Times Weekly," published
by Soul Craft Chapels, Post Office Box 192, Noblesville, Indiana. The
two issues which Mr. EICKHOFF had with him were numbers 15 and 16 of
volume 6 of the publication, the number 15 being dated 2-6-54 and
number 16 being dated 2-13-54. The number 15 issue contained an article
concerning TRUMAN BETHURUM, in which he is identified as a truck driver
from Redondo Beach, California, and it refers to an article dated
12-31-53, which appeared in the "Daily Breeze," a newspaper at Redondo
Beach, California, which allegedly contained a description of an encounter

- 2 -

PAGE 195

letter

This document is a letter dated June 8, 1954, detailing an interview with a Mr. Eickhoff regarding the claims of Truman Bethurum, his alleged contact with space explorers, and Eickhoff's interactions with Lieutenant Colonel John O'Mara regarding the validity of these claims.

Letter to Director
June 8, 1954

which TRUMAN BETHURUM had with a crew of assumed space explorers under the supervision of a ravishing woman commandant in the Nevada desert. The article also reflects that TRUMAN BETHURUM allegedly was aboard flying saucers on eleven occasions. At the bottom of the first page of issue number 15 there appeared in what Mr. EICKHOFF stated was the handwriting of TRUMAN BETHURUM the statement "This is a true story, a factual experience -- TRUMAN BETHURUM."

The above mentioned article in "Valor" also reflected that TRUMAN BETHURUM is 55 years of age and that his residence address is 519 North Gertruda Avenue, Redondo Beach, California.

Mr. EICKHOFF also had with him a letter addressed to TRUMAN BETHURUM from WILLIAM GILROY of the Saucers Research Foundation, which letter reflected that that organization was holding a three-day convention June 4, 5 and 6, 1954 at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles, California, and that it had invited TRUMAN BETHURUM to this convention to say a few words concerning his experience. GILROY was identified in this letter as business manager of Criswell Predicts Your World of Tomorrow, 1922 North Highland, Hollywood 28, California.

Mr. EICKHOFF reiterated that he felt BETHURUM's story, if true, should be given wide publicity, but that if the story was false, then he should be prosecuted for fraud. He stated that he first took his information to the Air Force in the person of Lieutenant Colonel JOHN O'MARA of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, whom EICKHOFF visited personally at O'MARA's home in Fairborn, Ohio, on Sunday, 6-6-54. EICKHOFF indicated that he asked Colonel O'MARA if there were such things as flying saucers and if BETHURUM's story could be true, and he said O'MARA denied that there was such a thing as a flying saucer and indicated to him that DONALD E. KEHOE, the author of "Flying Saucers in Outer Space" was a fraud and that information is available in Washington that KEHOE is a fraud. He said he was advised, however, by Colonel O'MARA that the Air Force could take no action with respect to BETHURUM or WILLIAMSON.

EICKHOFF continued that it was his intention to aid in the promotion of a meeting for BETHURUM in Cincinnati. He advised that the original meeting scheduled for June 11 had been cancelled, and that he felt this meeting had such important information for the people as a whole that he was going to make every effort to make the meeting one of national

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PAGE 196

memo

This document is a continuation of a report regarding Mr. Eickhoff's interactions with Bethurum, Williamson, and Manspeaker, detailing their planned meetings and Eickhoff's intent to inform the FBI of their activities.

Letter to Director;
June 8, 1954

significance. He said he intended to invite to the meeting all nationally
prominent news commentators. He intended to try to get radio time to ad-
vertise the meeting but he did not wish to participate in this matter in
any way if it would violate security regulations in any manner, or if
BETHURUM and his associates were in any way fraudulent. He stated that he
so informed BETHURUM, WILLIAMSON and Mr. MANSPEAKER at the luncheon meeting
which was held at the Terrace Plaza Hotel on 6-7-54. They informed him
that they were not afraid of an investigation; that BETHURUM's story was
factual, and that they had no objection to EICKHOFF's advising Government
authorities regarding it.

Mr. EICKHOFF stated that his report to this office was part of his
plan to inform all the Federal agencies he thought should know about the
activities of BETHURUM. He advised that in line with his contemplated
plans that on the evening of 6-7-54 there was to be another meeting at the
home of L. H. STRINGFIELD, 7017 Britton Avenue, Cincinnati 27, Ohio, at
which meeting there would be Mr. STRINGFIELD, WILLIAMSON, MANSPEAKER,
BETHURUM, RALPH ZIMMERMANN and Mr. EICKHOFF. He said at this meeting
they would plan a method of operation and make arrangements for this
meeting of national significance. He said he intended to set the date of
the meeting far enough in advance so that if any Governmental agency
determined that there was fraud involved that agency would have sufficient
time to act prior to the holding of the meeting. He advised he intended
to keep a detailed record of all actions taken by this group, and that he
would voluntarily furnish such information to the FBI.

EICKHOFF advised that he had not known and had not met either
BETHURUM, WILLIAMSON or MANSPEAKER prior to the events described above.
He said that GEORGE HUNT WILLIAMSON identified himself as an archeologist
and a writer for the magazine "Valor," who resides in Noblesville, Indiana.

He said that MANSPEAKER, whose first name he did not know, is also
connected with "Valor" magazine in some way.

He was asked as to what interest "Valor" magazine has in BETHURUM,
and whether BETHURUM was sponsored by any other organization. He advised
that he did not know the interest of "Valor" magazine in BETHURUM, and
so far as he knew, BETHURUM was acting on his own and had no organizational
affiliations or sponsorship. He was asked as to what disposition would be
made of receipts from a large meeting and he advised that he did not know
what disposition would be made of the money. He said he understood that

- 4 -

PAGE 197

memo

This memo provides information regarding individuals and organizations, including the Silver Shirt Legion of America and Ralph Zimmermann, for the Bureau's records.

Letter to Director;
June 8, 1954

BETHURUM had been on tour for some time and that the meeting scheduled for Cincinnati originally on 6-11-54 was to be the beginning of a new series of meetings.

The files of this office contain no information which can be identified with THOMAS EICKHOFF, TRUMAN BETHURUM, GEORGE HUNT WILLIAMSON, J. H. STRINGFIELD, and Lt. Col. JOHN O'MARA.

The indices reflect that by letter dated 2-7-52, Indianapolis file 61-5, the Indianapolis Office advised the Cincinnati Office under the caption of "Silver Shirt Legion of America, Inc.; Internal Security - X," that the Silver Shirt Legion of America, Inc., whose leader is WILLIAM DUDLEY PELLEY, was at that time operating under the name ofSoul Craft Press, with headquarters and printing facilities in Noblesville, Indiana.

With regard to RALPH ZIMMERMANN, the indices of this office reflect that as of July, 1942, he was general manager of the Zimmermann Packing Company, a mechanical packing firm at 139-141 West Fourth St., Cincinnati.

No further action is being taken in this matter by this office, and the foregoing is for the Bureau's information and for the information of the Los Angeles and Indianapolis Offices.

- 5 -

PAGE 198

memo

An FBI memo instructing the Cincinnati office to inform Thomas Eickhoff that the FBI has no jurisdiction over flying disc investigations and that he should contact the Air Force instead, while also noting Eickhoff's intent to hold a public meeting on the subject.

SAC, Cincinnati June 22, 1954
RECORDED - 3 Director, FBI (62-83894) [HANDWRITTEN: 342]
TRUMAN BETHURUM;
FLYING DISCS
EX-122 MISCELLANEOUS - INFORMATION CONCERNING
(ESPIONAGE)

Reurlet 6/8/54.

You are instructed to recontact Thomas Eickhoff, referred to in your referenced letter and advise him this Bureau has no jurisdiction concerning the investigation of matters relating to flying discs and that the United States Air Force has such jurisdiction. You are instructed to advise him this Bureau cannot approve or disapprove of his activities in connection with this matter and that the placing of this Bureau on notice as to his activities will not exonerate him in the event he engages in any fraudulent or criminal activities.

You are instructed to furnish the information set forth in your referenced letter to OSI locally and to the Bureau in a memorandum suitable for dissemination to OSI headquarters.

NOTE: Thomas Eickhoff, Cincinnati, Ohio, advised the Cincinnati office he is interested in flying discs and has recently met several persons who claimed to have had experiences with flying discs. He stated he intended to assist such persons in arranging for public meeting in Cincinnati, at which matters relating to flying discs will be discussed and that he expects the meeting will result in a "four thousand dollar take." He advised he believed the experiences alleged by the persons referred to above and that those persons would participate in the meeting. He stated he had been advised by the Air Force that it's opinion claims made by the persons referred to above concerning flying discs and their experiences with same were fraudulent. He stated he wanted to put all federal agencies on notice in order that they could act to prevent the planned meeting re flying discs if it was deemed necessary by the Government.

EHM:egp [HANDWRITTEN: EGP] [HANDWRITTEN: WAB] [HANDWRITTEN: EHM]

PAGE 199

memo

A memo from the Seattle FBI office to the Director regarding the handling of reports of unusual sightings (submarines, flying saucers, etc.) and their dissemination to military intelligence agencies.

DIRECTOR, FBI
SAC, SEATTLE
6/18/54
REPORTS ON ALLEGED SIGHTING OF SUBMARINES,
PARACHUTE LANDINGS, FLASHING LIGHTS, ETC.
ESPIONAGE
[HANDWRITTEN: Flying Saucers]
[HANDWRITTEN: 713.]
It has been the experience of this office that during this season, from now until winter, there is received a considerable number of alleged reports on sighting of submarines, flashing lights, parachute landings, flying saucers, etc. In every instance when such reports are received, the information is immediately disseminated to DIO, 13 ND, U. S. Navy; OSI, USAF; and R-3, U. S. Army.
Inasmuch as Seattle is the District Headquarters for the Intelligence Agencies in the Pacific Northwest, reports received, usually from the USCG, concerning incidents in the state of Oregon are immediately reported to that office as well as the Intelligence Agencies.
Many of the reports are of a nebulous type, impossible of corroborating, and of doubtful authenticity. Some, by preliminary inquiry and evaluation, prove to be without foundation. However, as stated above, reports of this type are immediately disseminated to the Intelligence Agencies without evaluation, followed by additional information as obtained.
This office has no control of the dissemination of these reports on a "spot" basis by the local intelligence offices to their Headquarters in Washington, D. C. The Bureau will recall the widespread dissemination given by the military agencies of "Radio Message March 13, 1953, Interpreted as Calling for Mobilization of Communist Party" (SAC Letter #23, dated 3/31/53).
The purpose of this letter is to advise the Bureau that in all instances immediate dissemination is made of all unusual incidents that appear to have any military significance. This office also acts as a co-ordinator on all reports to be certain that all interested agencies are cognizant.
The Bureau may be assured that it will be kept advised of all significant incidents as they arise but will not be bothered with every trivial incident that occurs unless instructed.
LAD:hz
cc: Portland
Encls.
[HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894]
NOT RECORDED
87 JUL 9 1954
53 JUL 19 1954

PAGE 200

memo

This memo from the Seattle SAC to the FBI Director outlines the OSI's lack of interest in reports of submarines, parachute landings, and flashing lights, noting that Colonel S. W. Raynor believes such public releases cause mass hysteria.

DIRECTOR, FBI
RE: REPORTS ON ALLEGED SIGHTING OF SUBMARINES,
PARACHUTE LANDINGS, FLASHING LIGHTS, ETC.
ESPIONAGE

SAC, SEATTLE
6-18-54

OSI advises us that they have no interest whatsoever themselves in connection with these matters and that Operations of the Air Force doesn't even advise them. Colonel S. W. RAYNOR, District Commander, OSI, states that there is an evaluation at Wright-Patterson Field where the data is correlated, that the reports are handled from the Air Force here to that point in a routine fashion and that OSI gives no credence whatsoever to it because they have never had any previous experience of any kind as to anything arising out of the situation.

There is attached hereto a copy of a communication marked "CONFIDENTIAL" requesting data concerning the situation as well as several recent publications, some of which are issued by the Air Force itself. It is the opinion of Colonel RAYNOR that the releases are a poor thing and create mass hysteria, but he says he has nothing whatsoever to do with the situation.

-2-

PAGE 201

other

A small slip of paper containing a handwritten instruction regarding acknowledgment and forwarding, dated January 29, 1953.

[HANDWRITTEN: No Ack
Request forwarding only
if deemed adviseble]

1-29-53 [HANDWRITTEN: [ILLEGIBLE]]

PAGE 202

letter

A letter from FBI Director John Edgar Hoover to Joseph Gunderson declining to comment on the book 'Flying Saucers Have Landed' because it falls outside the FBI's jurisdiction, and suggesting he contact the Secretary of the Air Force instead.

22519

June 25, 1954

RECORDED-88 [HANDWRITTEN: 62-83894-343]
Mr. Joseph Gunderson
5677 North Las Casas Avenue
Chicago 30, Illinois

EX-112 Dear Mr. Gunderson:

I sincerely appreciate the interest which prompted your letter of June 21, 1954; however, I am not in a position, as a matter of policy, to comment regarding the book you mentioned since it does not deal with a matter within the jurisdiction of the FBI.

It is suggested that you consider the advisability of communicating with The Honorable, The Secretary of the Air Force, The Pentagon, Washington 25, D. C., for whatever information he can give you along the lines of your inquiries.

Sincerely yours,

John Edgar Hoover
Director

NOTE: Correspondent desired information concerning the book "Flying Saucers Have Landed" by Desmond Leslie and George Adamski.

GEM:jas:bnl [HANDWRITTEN: bnl]
[HANDWRITTEN: F454]
COMM - FBI
JUN 25 1954
MAILED 31
[HANDWRITTEN: V. per Ront]
[HANDWRITTEN: W]
[HANDWRITTEN: Mohor]
[HANDWRITTEN: gem]
[HANDWRITTEN: JUL 7 1954]

PAGE 203

cover-page

This is a cover page for FBI correspondence dated June 25, 1954, regarding flying saucer reports.

NOTE: Correspondence dated Jun 25 7:30 PM '54 from [REDACTED] regarding "Flying Saucer" reports.

RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM
F B I
U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE

JUN 28 1954

PAGE 204

letter

A letter from Joseph Gunderson to the FBI inquiring about the veracity of the book 'Flying Saucers Have Landed' by Desmond Leslie and George Adamski.

Federal Bureau of Investigation, 6/21/54
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:

A book was published in 1953 by
Desmond Leslie and George Adamski [HANDWRITTEN: No hoe]
"Flying Saucers Have Landed"

Publishers - The British Book Centre,
New York City.

Is this book fact or fiction, are there
Flying Saucers from other planets landing
on the earth? Has the story told by George
Adamski about his contact with the man from
Venus any foundation in fact?

Please answer, many thanks,

Joseph Gunderson,
5677 N. Las Casas Avenue,
Chicago 30, Illinois.

RECORDED-88 62-83894-343
INDEXED-88
9 JUN 28 1954
EX-112

PAGE 205

cover-page

This is a cover page or routing slip for a document received by the U.S. Department of Justice on June 23, 1954, addressed to Mr. Jones.

EX-115

MR. JONES
JUN 23 3 47 PM '54
RECEIVED
U S DEPT OF JUSTICE