Reply to your Note Regarding Gordon H. Scherer

This memorandum, dated August 31, 1960, is addressed to Mr. C. L. Cary, the Deputy Assistant Director for Collection/OSI, from F. G. Strong. The document serves as a response to a note regarding Congressman Gordon H. Scherer. The primary subject is the investigation of correspondence initiated by a Mrs. Golden, who had contacted the Secretary of State regarding UFOs. The CIA investigated the matter with the Air Force and determined that Mrs. Golden had been in contact with the Air Force for some time. The State Department had referred her telegram to the Air Force, which evaluated her claims. Specifically, the Air Force determined that a photograph submitted by Mrs. Golden was the product of trick photography by a free-lance photographer known for such work, rather than a genuine sighting. The author of the memorandum asserts that the CIA should not concern itself with matters that do not directly involve the agency, noting that the Air Force is responsible for public information in this field and that it is standard procedure to refer such matters to them. The document concludes by referencing a comment from the Naval Attache regarding the island of Trindade, where a sighting was allegedly reported, suggesting that such a sighting would be unlikely on the barren island because 'Martians are extremely comfort loving creatures.' Finally, the memorandum notes that a draft reply for Congressman Scherer is attached for the recipient's review.