Transfer of USAF Aerial Phenomena Program

This document collection details the internal Air Force deliberations in early 1960 regarding the proposed transfer of the 'Aerial Phenomena Program' (UFO program) from the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) to the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force for Information (SAFOI). The primary argument for this transfer, as articulated by Colonel Philip G. Evans and others, is that after 12 years of investigation and over 8,000 reports, the Air Force has found no evidence that UFOs pose a threat to national security. Consequently, the program is viewed as having limited scientific or technical value and is primarily a public relations burden. The authors argue that by transferring the program to SAFOI, ATIC would be free to focus its limited manpower on more critical intelligence programs, while the 'aura of mystery' surrounding the project would be diminished. The documents include several drafts of a proposed letter to Major General Walsh, outlining the rationale for this shift. A memorandum from A. Francis Arcier (AFCIN-4X1) dated 1 April 1960 provides additional commentary, suggesting that the program has 'high psychological warfare potential' and that defense against such phenomena is not an intelligence function. Arcier also expresses a desire to eliminate the program's 'loss of prestige' concerns, noting that he has been trying to bring about the program's total disassociation from intelligence. The correspondence also addresses personnel considerations, suggesting that if the program is transferred, key personnel like Major R. J. Friend or Captain George T. Gregory could be reassigned or serve in an advisory capacity. Notably, the documents strongly recommend retaining Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an astrophysicist from Northwestern University, as a scientific consultant, citing his 12 years of experience with the program as invaluable. The documents conclude that the long-range goal is to eliminate the program entirely as an Air Force responsibility, with the first step being the removal of 'unproductive' reports—specifically hoaxes and 'garden variety' sightings—from the intelligence purview. The collection includes various drafts and administrative notes confirming the coordination of this proposed organizational shift.