Office Memorandum: Flying Saucers

This memorandum, dated March 15, 1949, is addressed from Dr. Stone of the OSI to Dr. Machle, also of the OSI. The author provides a critical review of a previous survey regarding 'Flying Saucers.' Dr. Stone expresses dissatisfaction with the existing survey, stating that a rapid perusal of the documents leaves him 'confused and inclined to supineness.' He proceeds to outline several considerations that he believes were omitted from the survey. First, he suggests that many of the reported objects could potentially be 'free' meteorological sounding balloons. Second, he argues that it is highly unlikely that a 'flying saucer' would be found over the United States, citing three reasons: U.S. developments would be coordinated with the USAF; foreign aircraft would not be tested at such a range from their home areas; and guided aircraft with a range of several thousand miles are beyond any known capabilities, including those of the United States. Third, he questions the psychological probability of observers reporting objects as circular or oval in appearance when seen briefly against a 'zero' background. Finally, the author points to a chart illustrating the time distribution of sightings, which shows a significant peak in the summer months, and asks if there is any 'midsummer madness' involved or if asteroids are prominent during that season.