Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Memorandum for Record: Telephone Conversation with Dr. John A. Wheeler
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AI-Generated Summary
This memorandum documents a 1953 communication between F. C. Durant and Dr. John A. Wheeler regarding potential expert consultation for a CIA flying saucer study. It highlights the agency's interest in leveraging academic expertise in atmospheric physics and electrodynamics.
On January 6, 1953, F. C. Durant of the Office of Scientific Intelligence (OSI) authored a memorandum regarding a telephone conversation with Dr. John A. Wheeler of Princeton, New Jersey. The purpose of the call was to thank Dr. Wheeler for his interest in serving as a consultant for a CIA investigation into 'flying saucer' phenomena. During the conversation, Dr. Wheeler indicated that he would likely be unable to assist in the immediate future due to his ongoing commitments to the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) project known as MATTERHORN. Despite his unavailability, Dr. Wheeler provided recommendations for two foreign experts who might possess relevant expertise. He identified Dr. Chapman, a British subject and authority on aurorae and ion paths, and Dr. Hannes Alfven, described as an 'original thinker and outstanding researcher' who had authored 'Cosmological Electrodynamics.' Dr. Wheeler also suggested that Dr. O'Day, the Director of Research at the USAF Research Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, might be able to provide further recommendations regarding U.S. subjects with expertise in atmospheric phenomena. The memorandum concludes with the suggestion that a 'cut out' method might be used to engage these experts if a sustained scientific investigation was deemed warranted.
Dr. Wheeler thought some method of using one or both of these men might be devised through a "cut out", assuming the problem continued for an appreciable length of time and scientific attack was warranted.
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Official Assessment
Dr. Wheeler declined a consultant role due to his current work on Project MATTERHORN but suggested two foreign experts, Dr. Chapman and Dr. Hannes Alfven, for potential consultation regarding atmospheric phenomena.
Key Persons
- John A. WheelerConsultant candidate
- Dr. ChapmanBritish subject and expert on aurorae
- Dr. O'DayDirector of Research at Cambridge, Massachusetts USAF Research Center
- Hannes AlfvenOriginal thinker and outstanding researcher