Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Flying Saucers
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AI-Generated Summary
A 1952 CIA memorandum assessing 'flying saucer' reports, noting that most are explained by known phenomena while recommending continued, discreet surveillance of the remaining 'unexplainable' cases.
This informal memorandum, dated August 1, 1952, and authored by Edward Tauss, provides an assessment of 'flying saucer' reports for the Deputy Assistant Director/SI. The document notes that out of 1,000 to 2,000 reports received by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC), a significant portion are considered 'phoney' or can be explained by known U.S. aircraft, weather balloons, or natural phenomena such as meteorites and cloud formations. Fewer than 100 reports are classified as 'unexplainable' at the time of writing. The author advises that these remaining reports should continue to be evaluated. Crucially, the memorandum recommends that the CIA maintain surveillance of the subject in coordination with ATIC, but warns that any indication of CIA interest should not reach the public to prevent alarmist reactions regarding the 'soundness of unpublished facts' held by the U.S. Government. The document concludes by noting that the author has arranged for a comprehensive briefing at the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to obtain further details.
It is strongly urged, however, that no indication of CIA interest or concern reach the press or public, in view of their probable alarmist tendencies to accept such interest as 'confirmatory' of the soundness of 'unpublished facts' in the hands of the U. S. Government.
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Official Assessment
A large percentage of reports are 'phoney' or explained by known flights of U.S. equipment or natural phenomena. Less than 100 reports remain 'unexplainable'.
The author recommends continued CIA surveillance of the subject in coordination with ATIC, while emphasizing that no indication of CIA interest should reach the public to avoid alarmist tendencies.