Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Reply to Congressman Gordon H. Scherer regarding Mrs. Catherine Carter Golden
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AI-Generated Summary
The CIA informed Congressman Scherer that a widely publicized UFO photograph from Brazil was a hoax created by a freelance photographer. The agency recommended that the Congressman defer to the Air Force for further inquiries on the matter.
This document consists of a memorandum dated August 31, 1960, from the CIA to Congressman Gordon H. Scherer, regarding a constituent, Mrs. Catherine Carter Golden. Mrs. Golden had been corresponding with the Air Force and the State Department concerning UFO sightings, specifically a photograph of a UFO allegedly taken near the island of Trindade, Brazil, which had been featured on the Dave Garroway television show. The CIA investigated the matter and concluded that the photograph was a hoax, attributing it to a freelance photographer known for trick photography. The memorandum advises that the CIA should not involve itself in Mrs. Golden's questions, as the Air Force is the agency responsible for handling such public inquiries. The document includes a draft reply for the Congressman to send to Mrs. Golden. The author of the memorandum, P. G. Stro[illegible], dismisses the Trindade sighting, noting that the Naval Attache considered it unlikely and adding a sarcastic remark about 'comfort loving' Martians. Attached to the memorandum is a copy of the original letter from Mrs. Golden to Congressman Scherer, dated August 15, 1960, in which she expresses concern about the American Air Force's handling of UFO information, the alleged censorship of reports in Brazil, and the perceived secrecy surrounding Project Grudge and CIA involvement.
It is the reporting officer's private opinion that a flying saucer sighting would be unlikely at the very barren island of Trindade, as everyone knows Martians are extremely comfort loving creatures.
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Official Assessment
The U.S. Naval Attache evaluation indicates that the picture was false. The photo was taken by a free lance photographer noted for his trick photography.
The CIA determined that the photograph of a UFO in Brazil was a hoax created by a freelance photographer. The agency advised against further involvement in Mrs. Golden's inquiries, noting that the Air Force is responsible for public information on the subject.
Witnesses
Key Persons
- Gordon H. SchererCongressman
- Dave GarrowayTelevision host
- Olavo [illegible]Researcher
- O'KeefeGeneral
- JohnsonSenator