Office Memorandum: Unidentified Flying Objects

This memorandum, dated March 31, 1953, from F. C. Durant to P. G. Strong, outlines a proposed administrative shift regarding the handling of Unidentified Flying Object (U.F.O.) reports within the organization. Durant notes that Jack Heckert of O/CI had informed him that O/CI was ceasing its tracking of U.F.O. reports and requested guidance on where to send existing files. Durant reports that O/SI interest is currently focused on Dave Stevenson of the Air Branch/Applied Science Division, who is supported by Lt. Col. Fritz Oder. Anticipating increased U.F.O. activity during the summer, Durant proposes a formal procedure to maintain oversight. He suggests designating the Chief of the Applied Science Division as the coordinator for U.F.O. reports, with Dave Stevenson acting as the primary 'action man.' Furthermore, Durant recommends that existing files held by Jack Heckert be transferred to Stevenson for review, with the suggestion that most material be destroyed, retaining only samples of indicative or unusual reports. Finally, he proposes that the O/CI Screening Panel, specifically Miss Lowry, be instructed to route all future U.F.O.-related messages directly to the Applied Science Division for Stevenson's attention. Durant concludes by stating that if this plan is approved, he will prepare the necessary directive memoranda.