Memorandum for the Director of Central Intelligence regarding Unidentified Flying Objects

This memorandum, dated December 2, 1952, is addressed to the Director of Central Intelligence from an unnamed author within the CIA. It outlines the agency's internal progress regarding the investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects. The document notes that following an August 20, 1952, briefing by the Office of Scientific Intelligence (OSI), the Director of Central Intelligence directed the preparation of an NSCID (National Security Council Intelligence Directive) to facilitate inter-agency cooperation on the subject. Initial efforts to draft this directive led to the conclusion that the matter was primarily a research and development issue. Consequently, a conference was held between the Deputy Director for Intelligence (DI/USAF), the Chairman of an unnamed committee, and other intelligence officials. Dr. Whitman was tasked with investigating the potential for Air Force-led research. By November 6, 1952, the Chairman reported that the Air Staff did not express 'undue concern' but had referred the matter to the Air Defense Command. The memorandum further states that subsequent reports and a November 25 briefing by A-2 and ATIC personnel convinced the CIA that the incidents required immediate attention. The author highlights that reports of unexplained objects at great altitudes and high speeds near major U.S. defense installations are not attributable to natural phenomena or known aerial vehicles. Finally, the document states that the OSI is establishing a consulting group of sufficient stature to review the matter and ensure that necessary research and development are undertaken under the aegis of CMIS.