Declassified UFO / UAP Document
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD: Flying Saucers
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AI-Generated Summary
This 1952 OSI memorandum documents internal discussions regarding the need for a formal scientific review of UFO sightings. It highlights the challenges of securing institutional support and identifies potential academic experts for such a study.
This memorandum, dated December 3, 1952, and authored by P. G. Strong of the OSI, details discussions regarding the scientific investigation of 'Flying Saucers.' The author recounts meetings held on December 2, 1952, with Dr. Julius A. Stratton and Dr. Max Millikan, during which they discussed various sighting reports, including the Limestone Base Case and the Florida Scout Master incident. The document notes that Dr. Stratton advocated for a thorough scientific review of the subject, suggesting that Project LINCOLN would be an appropriate vehicle for this, provided it had Air Force support. The author also mentions a lunch meeting with Lloyd Berkner and Jerrold Zacharias to discuss recent cases. While Berkner showed little personal interest in participating, Zacharias suggested that Shirley Quimby of Columbia University be consulted, describing him as a leading expert. The memorandum concludes that a formal scientific review is unlikely to succeed without full backing from the Department of Defense, particularly to ensure access to necessary reports.
My conclusion from these conversations is that it will probably be necessary to secure the full backing of DoD in order that a scientific review of this problem may be laid on.
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Official Assessment
It will probably be necessary to secure the full backing of DoD in order that a scientific review of this problem may be laid on.
The author concludes that a scientific review of the flying saucer problem is necessary but requires Department of Defense backing to be feasible.
Key Persons
- Julius A. StrattonExecutive Vice President and Provost of Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Max MillikanDirector of CENIS
- Alfred HillSuggested head for the project
- RobertsonMentioned in context of presence at Cal Tech
- LauritsonMentioned in context of presence at Cal Tech
- SpitzerMentioned in context of presence at Cal Tech
- Lloyd BerknerMet for lunch to discuss cases
- Jerrold ZachariasMet for lunch to discuss cases
- Shirley QuimbySuggested expert