Memorandum for Record: Telephone Conversation with Dr. John A. Wheeler

This memorandum, dated 6 January 1953, documents a telephone conversation between F. C. Durant of the Office of Scientific Intelligence (OSI) and Dr. John A. Wheeler of Princeton University. The purpose of the call was to thank Dr. Wheeler for his interest in serving as a consultant for the CIA's investigation into the 'flying saucer' problem. Dr. Wheeler informed Durant that he would be unable to actively assist with the project, citing the urgency of his current work on the Atomic Energy Commission's (AEC) MATTERHORN project. Furthermore, he indicated that he would likely be unavailable after March 1953 due to his planned work on particle research. Despite his inability to participate, Dr. Wheeler offered suggestions for other experts who might be consulted. He identified Dr. Chapman, a British subject and authority on aurorae, ion paths, and magnetic focusing, as a potential candidate. He also suggested Dr. Hannes Alfven, whom he described as an 'original thinker and outstanding researcher' and the author of 'Cosmological Electrodynamics'. Additionally, Dr. Wheeler suggested that Dr. Day, the Director of Research at the Cambridge, Massachusetts USAF Research Center, might be able to provide further recommendations for U.S. subjects in the field. Dr. Wheeler concluded by suggesting that if the scientific attack on the problem were to continue, it might be possible to involve these individuals through a 'cut out' mechanism.