Investigations of Flying Saucers - Policy

This file, titled 'Investigations of Flying Saucers - Policy' (554/1/30), documents the administrative and policy framework of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) regarding Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) between 1953 and 1972. The file contains a collection of internal minutes, policy directives, correspondence with the public, and summaries of reported sightings. The RAAF's stated policy throughout this period was to investigate UFO reports primarily to determine if there was a violation of Australian airspace or a threat to national security. The documents reveal that the RAAF consistently maintained a skeptical stance, often citing the lack of evidence for extraterrestrial origins and relying on the findings of the US Air Force's 'Project Blue Book' and the University of Colorado's 'Condon Report' to support their conclusion that UFOs did not warrant high-priority scientific investigation. The file highlights the administrative burden placed on the RAAF by public interest in UFOs, leading to the development of standardized reporting forms and the delegation of investigation responsibilities to local RAAF bases. There is significant internal discussion regarding the handling of public inquiries, with the RAAF eventually centralizing the release of information through the Directorate of Public Relations to ensure consistency and prevent the dissemination of unverified information. The file also includes detailed summaries of numerous sightings reported between 1960 and 1968, most of which were attributed to natural phenomena, aircraft, or satellites. The correspondence shows the RAAF's efforts to manage public expectations and address inquiries from individuals and organizations, such as the Victorian U.F.O. Research Society and ANZAAS, while maintaining that the RAAF's role was limited to security and not scientific research.