Correspondence regarding public access to Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14

This document collection details an inquiry from Congressman John E. Moss, Chairman of the House Sub-Committee on Government Information, to the Secretary of the Air Force, Donald A. Quarles, regarding the public availability of 'United States Air Force Project Blue Book, Special Report No. 14.' The Sub-Committee had received complaints that the report, while unclassified, was difficult for the public to access, requiring a personal visit to the Pentagon. Congressman Moss requested information on the number of copies printed, the number of requests received, and the justification for any restrictions on public access. The Air Force response, prepared by the Office of Legislative Liaison and the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC), explains that only 100 copies of the full report were printed due to the high cost of production, estimated at $10 to $15 per copy. The Air Force argued that it was not withholding information but was instead directing the public to a summary and press release to manage costs. The correspondence notes that ATIC received eight inquiries for the report, while the Department of Defense Office of Public Information received between 300 and 350 requests for information, primarily from students. The Air Force maintained that it had made a 'very definite effort' to make the information available through reasonable means, including providing copies on loan for reproduction in cases of obvious need.