Memorandum for Assistant Director for Special Activities: Unidentified Flying Objects

This document consists of two separate memoranda regarding Unidentified Flying Objects. The first memorandum, dated 11 February 1965, is addressed to the Assistant Director for Special Activities from the Office of Scientific Intelligence (OSI). It analyzes reports of high-altitude, high-speed UFO sightings occurring in the USSR between 16 and 24 November 1964. Specifically, it details an incident on 19 November 1964, where a US Navy F-8C pilot observed a delta-wing object with performance capabilities exceeding that of the F-8C, including speeds in excess of Mach 2. Radar data from the incident indicated a track exceeding 3500 knots. The OSI concludes that the object was likely a delta-wing fighter with superior climb performance. The memorandum further notes that missile test firings were scheduled during this period, suggesting the area was a potential target for reconnaissance, and mentions the possibility of MiG-21 activity, though no definitive evidence was available at the time. The second memorandum, dated 1 October 1958, is from Herbert Scoville, Jr., Assistant Director of Scientific Intelligence, to the Director of the Photographic Intelligence Center. It addresses a request regarding the photography of UFOs. Scoville notes that while his office has reviewed the matter, the primary responsibility for UFO investigations lies with the Air Force. He provides suggestions on how to proceed with the research of a Mr. Fine, who possessed photographs of interest, recommending that the recipient seek advice from the AD/O regarding the appropriate approach to Mr. Fine's experiments.