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SPECIAL REPORT OF THE USAF SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD AD HOC COMMITTEE TO REVIEW PROJECT "BLUE BOOK" "O'Brien Committee" |
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============================================================= SPECIAL REPORT OF THE USAF SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD AD HOC COMMITTEE TO REVIEW PROJECT "BLUE BOOK" Most people with even a passing interest in UFO have heard of the 1953 CIA "Robertson Panel." Fewer people have heard of the 1966 "USAF Scientific Advisory Board Ad Hoc Committee to Review 'Project Blue Book'" commonly known as the O'Brien Committee. Fewer still have read the "Special Report" of the O'Brien Committee, and understand its place in UFO history. Further reading is recommended to provide the background and historical framework in which the O'Brien Committee and its report belong. The following list is not intended to be complete; it is the selection the CUFON SYSOP had at hand:
CUFON is making available the O'Brien report and several ancillary documents. Three versions of the "Special Report" were obtained. Two via a Freedom of Information Act request to the US Air Force, and the third from the holdings of the National Archives. The related documents were released by the Air Force with the two copies of the report. They appear in the order they were received. Comparison of the three versions of the report reveal some details. This comparison was done with all three versions of the report side-by-side. Each page was placed together with the corresponding page from the other versions and compared on a light table. This method quickly reveals any differences. With the exception of very slight stretching, presumably from the photocopy process, the bulk of the report pages were identical. The two report versions released by The Air Force had report covers. The documents as sent to us are black and white photocopies, so no color information is available. These two covers are identical except for handwritten remarks. One copy has written in at the top left "SAB SANITIZED EXAMPLE," and has "FILE" stamped at the right margin. The second copy has written in at the top left "MASTER," handwritten "File" at the right margin with "FILE" stamped below. In the upper right center "Unsanitized" is written in with "See correction p3 line 5 'looked at'" below that. In the lower left hand corner "For SAB and SAFOI eyes only." The number "528" is written in at the bottom right margin. The Archives copy has no such cover. A first title page follows. All three are the same except the Archives copy has a NARA Declassification stamp on every page. The Archives copy is printed on legal sized paper leaving a blank area at the bottom of each page. It is in this blank space that the Archives stamp is placed. A second title page is identical between all three versions. On the Table of Contents pages, pagination in the Unsanitized version is different from the other two which are identical. Page 1 is identical between all three versions. Page two is identical between the Sanitized and the Archives versions. The Unsanitized version has apparently been cut with a blade around the title in the lower portion of the page :"III CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS", although the text is identical in text and location to the other two versions. Page three is identical between the Sanitized and the Archives versions. The Unsanitized version has apparently been cut with a blade around the end of line five. The word "at" has been inserted into the sentence making the correction as noted on the cover. The rest of line five is moved to the right to accommodate the inserted word. It should be noted that the Unsanitized and Archives versions read incorrectly at this line. Page four is identical between all three versions. Page five is where the Unsanitized version departs in content from the other two versions. The Unsanitized and Archives versions are identical through the ninth page. The Archives version then has a tenth page which is not included in either of the other versions. Unsanitized version Page five Unsanitized: Agenda page. Identical to page eight of the other two versions, but with a cutout around the page number and a "5" put in place of "8". This makes the page number correct for the two positions this page occupies in the different versions. A second apparent cutout appears at the lower right of the page. This is the exact spot where the Sanitized and Archives versions have the date: "22 December 1965". This leaves this page undated in the Unsanitized version. Page six Unsanitized: Distribution page. Identical to page nine of the other two versions, but with a cutout around the page number and a "6" put in place of "9". This makes the page number correct for the two positions this page occupies in the different versions. The seventh (numbered "5") page Unsanitized: Appendix I. This page does not appear in either of the other versions. The stamp: "DRAFT" appears both top and bottom of the page. A second apparent cutout appears around line 15: "In connection with the recommendations on page 3,". The message: "* IMPORTANT * NOT TO BE INCLUDED IN REPORT" is typed at the bottom of the page. The eighth (unnumbered) page Unsanitized: is the Table of Contents with the same pagination as the other two versions, and, in fact, is identical to the other two versions. The obvious conclusion is that the Archives version and the Sanitized versions are essentially the same. The major item of difference in the Unsanitized version as supplied is the Appendix I. The strong admonition to keep this separate from released copies of the report call attention to it. This Appendix contains suggestions to the Air Force from the Committee. A suggested study of NORAD "false radar sightings," unannounced balloon launchings to test UFO reaction from the public, and bringing law enforcement visibly into UFO investigations, suggesting the FBI are mentioned. All can be seen as reasonable initiatives to gain some knowledge relative to the aforementioned aspects of the UFO phenomenon. The final page of the Archives version states that certain documentation is available at the "SAB Secretariat offices for review by authorized persons or agencies." The Air Force FOIA release which produced the material under discussion did not contain this material. I have tried to preserve the look of the documents as much as possible. Line lengths and such are preserved. Items in curly brackets {} are handwritten. Consecutive pages are separated by a single line of equal signs. Documents are separated by a double line of equal signs. ... Jim Klotz CUFON SYSOP 27 Feb 1996 =============================================================
ARCHIVES VERSION SPECIAL MARCH 1966 SMC 1003853
RETURN TO: ============================================================= SPECIAL MARCH 1966
Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is prohibited except with the permission of the office of origin.
============================================================= TABLE OF CONTENTS
============================================================= SPECIAL MARCH 1966
I. INTRODUCTION As requested in a memorandum from Major General E. B. LeBailly, Secretary of the Air Force Office of Information dated 28 September 1965 (Tab A), an SAB Ad Hoc Committee met on 3 February 1966 to review Project "Blue Book". The objectives of the Committee are to review the resources and methods of investigation prescribed by Project "Blue Book" and to advise the Air Force of any improvements that can be made in the program to enhance the Air Force's capability in carrying out its responsibility. In order to bring themselves up to date, the members of the Committee initially reviewed the findings of previous scientific panels charged with looking into the UFO problem. Particular attention was given to the report of the Robertson panel which was rendered in January 1953. The Committee next heard briefings from the AFSC Foreign Technology Division, which is the cognizant Air Force agency that collates information on UFO sightings and monitors investigations of individual cases. Finally, the Committee reviewed selected case histories of UFO sightings with particular emphasis on those that have not been identified. II. DISCUSSION Although about 6% (646) of all sightings (10,147) in the years 1947 through 1965 are listed by the Air Force as "Unidentified", it appears to the Committee that
============================================================= most of the cases so listed are simply those in which the information available does not provide an adequate basis for analysis. In this connection it is important also to note that no unidentified objects other than those of an astronomical nature have ever been observed during routine astronomical studies, in spite of the large number of observing hours which have been devoted to the sky. As examples of this the Palomar Observatory Sky Atlas contains some 5000 plates made with large instruments with wide field of view; the Harvard Meteor Project of 1954-1958 provided some 300 hours of observation; the Smithsonian Visual Prairie Network provided 2500 observing hours. Not a single un-identified object has been reported as appearing on any of these plates or been sighted visually in all these observations. The Committee concluded that in the 19 years since the first UFO was sighted there has been no evidence that unidentified flying objects are a threat to our national security. Having arrived at this conclusion the Committee then turned its attention to considering how the Air Force should handle the scientific aspects of the UFO problem. Unavoidably these are also related to Air Force public relations, a subject on which the Committee is not expert. Thus the recommendations which follow are made simply from the scientific point of view. III. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS It is the opinion of the Committee that the present Air Force program dealing with UFO sightings has been well organized, although the resources assigned to it (only one officer, a sergeant, and secretary) have been quite limited. In 19 years and more than 10,000 sightings recorded and classified, there appears to be no verified and fully satisfactory evidence of any case that is clearly outside the framework of presently
2
============================================================= known science and technology. Nevertheless, there is always the possibility that analysis of new sightings may provide some additions to scientific knowledge of value to the Air Force. Moreover, some of the case records which the Committee looked that were listed as "identified" were sightings where the evidence collected was too meager or indefinite to permit positive listing in the identified category. Because of this the Committee recommends that the present program be strengthened to provide opportunity for scientific investigation of selected sightings in more detail and depth than has been possible to date. To accomplish this it is recommended that: A. Contracts be negotiated with a few selected universities to provide scientific teams to investigate promptly and in depth certain selected sightings of UFO's. Each team should include at least one psychologist, preferably one interested in clinical psychology, and at least one physical scientist, preferably an astronomer or geophysicist familiar with atmospheric physics. The universities should be chosen to provide good geographical distribution, and should be within convenient distance of a base of the Air Force Systems Command (AFSC). B. At each AFSC base an officer skilled in investigation (but not necessarily with scientific training) should be designated to work with the corresponding university team for that geographical section. The local representative of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) might be a logical choice for this. C. One university or one not-for-profit organization should be selected to coordinate the work of the teams mentioned under A above, and also to make certain of very close communication and coordination with the office of Project Blue Book. 3
============================================================= It is thought that perhaps 100 sightings a year might be subjected to this close study, and that possibly an average of 10 man days might be required per sighting so studied. The information provided by such a program might bring to light new facts of scientific value, and would almost certainly provide a far better basis than we have today for decision on a long term UFO program. The scientific reports on these selected sightings, supplementing the present program of the Project Blue Book office, should strengthen the public position of the Air Force on UFO's. It is, therefore, recommended that: A. These reports be printed in full and be available on request. B. Suitable abstracts or condensed versions be printed and included in, or as supplements to, the published reports of Project Blue Book. C. The form of report (as typified by "Project Blue Book" dated 1 February 1966) be expanded, and anything which might suggest that information is being withheld (such as the wording on page 5 of the above cited reference) be deleted. The form of this report can be of great importance in securing public understanding and should be given detailed study by an appropriate Air Force office. D. The reports "Project Blue Book" should be given wide unsolicited circulation among prominent members of the Congress and other public persons as a further aid to public understanding of the scientific approach being taken by the Air Force in attacking the UFO problem. 4
=============================================================
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY SEP 28 1965 MEMORANDUM FOR MILITARY DIRECTOR, SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD SUBJECT: Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) In keeping with its air defense role, the Air Force has the responsibility for the investigation of unidentified flying objects reports over the United States. The name of this project is Blue Book (Attachment 1). Procedures for conducting this program are established by Air Force Regulation 200-2 (Attachment 2). The Air Force has conducted Project Blue Book since 1948. As of 30 June 1965, a total of 9267 reports had been investigated by the Air Force. Of these 9267 reports, 663 cannot be explained. It has been determined by the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff/Plans and Operations that Project Blue Book is a worthwhile program which deserves the support of all staff agencies and major commands and that the Air Force should continue to investigate and analyze all UFO reports in order to assure that such objects do not present a threat to our national security. The Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff/Plans and Operations has determined also that the Foreign Technology Division (FTD) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base should continue to exercise its presently assigned responsibilities concerning UFOs. To date, the Air Force has found no evidence that any of the UFO reports reflect a threat to our national security. However, many of the reports that cannot be explained have come from intelligent and technically well qualified individuals whose integrity cannot be doubted. In addition, the reports received officially by the Air Force include only a fraction of the spectacular reports which are publicized by many private UFO organizations. Accordingly, it is requested that a working scientific panel composed of both physical and social scientists be organized to review Project Blue Book -- its resources, methods, and findings -- and to advise the Air Force as to any improvements that should be made in the program in order to carry out the Air Force's assigned responsibility.
============================================================= Doctor J. Allen Hynek who is the Chairman of the Dearborn Observatory at Northwestern University is the scientific consultant to Project Blue Book. He has indicated a willingness to work with such a panel in order to place this program in its proper perspective. Doctor Hynek has discussed this problem with Doctor Winston R. Markey, the former Air Force Chief Scientist.
/s/ 2 Attachments 7
=============================================================
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON AGENDA Thursday, 3 February 1966
22 December 1965 8
=============================================================
SPECIAL
9
=============================================================
APPROVED BY: /s/
HAROLD A. STEINER. Lt Colonel, USAF 10
=============================================================
{USAF Scientific Advisory ============================================================= { MASTER } { FILE } { UNSANITIZED } FILE S A B
{ See }
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD { For SAB & } =============================================================
SPECIAL MARCH 1966 =============================================================
SPECIAL MARCH 1966
============================================================= TABLE OF CONTENTS
=============================================================
SPECIAL MARCH 1966 I. INTRODUCTION As requested in a memorandum from Major General E. B. LeBailly, Secretary of the Air Force Office of Information dated 28 September 1965 (Tab A), an SAB Ad Hoc Committee met on 3 February 1966 to review Project "Blue Book". The objectives of the Committee are to review the resources and methods of investigation prescribed by Project "Blue Book" and to advise the Air Force of any improvements that can be made in the program to enhance the Air Force's capability in carrying out its responsibility. In order to bring themselves up to date, the members of the Committee initially reviewed the findings of previous scientific panels charged with looking into the UFO problem. Particular attention was given to the report of the Robertson panel which was rendered in January 1953. The Committee next heard briefings from the AFSC Foreign Technology Division, which is the cognizant Air Force agency that collates information on UFO sightings and monitors investigations of individual cases. Finally, the Committee reviewed selected case histories of UFO sightings with particular emphasis on those that have not been identified. II. DISCUSSION Although about 6% (646) of all sightings (10,147) in the years 1947 through 1965 are listed by the Air Force as "Unidentified", it appears to the Committee that ============================================================= most of the cases so listed are simply those in which the information available does not provide an adequate basis for analysis. In this connection it is important also to note that no unidentified objects other than those of an astronomical nature have ever been observed during routine astronomical studies, in spite of the large number of observing hours which have been devoted to the sky. As examples of this the Palomar Observatory Sky Atlas contains some 5000 plates made with large instruments with wide field of view; the Harvard Meteor Project of 1954-1958 provided some 300 hours of observation; the Smithsonian Visual Prairie Network provided 2500 observing hours. Not a single unidentified object has been reported as appearing on any of these plates or been sighted visually in all these observations. The Committee concluded that in the 19 years since the first UFO was sighted there has been no evidence that unidentified flying objects are a threat to our national security. Having arrived at this conclusion the Committee then turned its attention to considering how the Air Force should handle the scientific aspects of the UFO problem. Unavoidably these are also related to Air Force public relations, a subject on which the Committee is not expert. Thus the recommendations which follow are made simply from the scientific point of view. III. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS It is the opinion of the Committee that the present Air Force program dealing with UFO sightings has been well organized, although the resources assigned to it (only one officer, a sergeant, and secretary) have been quite limited. In 19 years and more than 10,000 sightings recorded and classified, there appears to be no verified and fully satisfactory evidence of any case that is clearly outside the framework of presently 2 ============================================================= known science and technology. Nevertheless, there is always the possibility that analysis of new sightings may provide some additions to scientific knowledge of value to the Air Force. Moreover, some of the case records which the Committee looked that were listed as "identified" were sightings where the evidence collected was too meager or indefinite to permit positive listing in the identified category. Because of this the Committee recommends that the present program be strengthened to provide opportunity for scientific investigation of selected sightings in more detail and depth than has been possible to date. To accomplish this it is recommended that: A. Contracts be negotiated with a few selected universities to provide scientific teams to investigate promptly and in depth certain selected sightings of UFO's. Each team should include at least one psychologist, preferably one interested in clinical psychology, and at least one physical scientist, preferably an astronomer or geophysicist familiar with atmospheric physics. The universities should be chosen to provide good geographical distribution, and should be within convenient distance of a base of the Air Force Systems Command (AFSC). B. At each AFSC base an officer skilled in investigation (but not necessarily with scientific training) should be designated to work with the corresponding university team for that geographical section. The local representative of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) might be a logical choice for this. C. One university or one not-for-profit organization should be selected to coordinate the work of the teams mentioned under A above, and also to make certain of very close communication and coordination with the office of Project Blue Book. 3 ============================================================= It is thought that perhaps 100 sightings a year might be subjected to this close study, and that possibly an average of 10 man days might be required per sighting so studied. The information provided by such a program might bring to light new facts of scientific value, and would almost certainly provide a far better basis than we have today for decision on a long term UFO program. The scientific reports on these selected sightings, supplementing the present program of the Project Blue Book office, should strengthen the public position of the Air Force on UFO's. It is, therefore, recommended that: A. These reports be printed in full and be available on request. B. Suitable abstracts or condensed versions be printed and included in, or as supplements to, the published reports of Project Blue Book. C. The form of report (as typified by "Project Blue Book" dated 1 February 1966) be expanded, and anything which might suggest that information is being withheld (such as the wording on page 5 of the above cited reference) be deleted. The form of this report can be of great importance in securing public understanding and should be given detailed study by an appropriate Air Force office. D. The reports "Project Blue Book" should be given wide unsolicited circulation among prominent members of the Congress and other public persons as a further aid to public understanding of the scientific approach being taken by the Air Force in attacking the UFO problem. 4 =============================================================
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON AGENDA Thursday, 3 February 1966
22 December 1965 5 =============================================================
SPECIAL
6 ============================================================= DRAFT APPENDIX I The following comments arose in the Committee discussions. These are not made as specific recommendations, but rather as suggestions which may or may not be worth considering for Air Force action. A. The number of false radar sightings
which NORAD
has experienced might give some feel for the UFO situation,
especially if the number of unexplained NORAD sightings
per year is quite small. A study of such NORAD sightings
might carry great conviction in the public mind if the
results of the study could be made public in an unclassified
summary form relating the results to reported visual B. A few unannounced tests using balloons or other objects or SAC refuelings at night and noting the number and kind of UFO reports following such tests might prove enlightening. C. In connection with the recommendations on page 3, there might be advantages in bringing certain local police officials into the investigations. Much would depend on the character of the local official and such an arrangement should be approached with caution. Of greater weight, both in fact and in the public view, would be participation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in selected UFO cases. This might involve problems or difficulties not within the knowledge of the Committee. * IMPORTANT * NOT TO BE INCLUDED IN REPORT DRAFT 5 ============================================================= TABLE OF CONTENTS
============================================================= { SAB SANITIZED EXAMPLE } S A B FILE
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD
{ Department } =============================================================
SPECIAL MARCH 1966 =============================================================
SPECIAL MARCH 1966
Reproduction of this document in whole or in ============================================================= TABLE OF CONTENTS
=============================================================
SPECIAL MARCH 1966 I. INTRODUCTION As requested in a memorandum from Major General E. B. LeBailly, Secretary of the Air Force Office of Information, dated 28 September 1965 (Tab A), an SAB Ad Hoc Committee met on 3 February 1966 to review Project "Blue Book". The objectives of the Committee are to review the resources and methods of investigation prescribed by Project "Blue Book" and to advise the Air Force of any improvements that can be made in the program to enhance the Air Force's capability in carrying out its responsibility. In order to bring themselves up to date, the members of the Committee initially reviewed the findings of previous scientific panels charged with looking into the UFO problem. Particular attention was given to the report of the Robertson panel which was rendered in January 1953. The Committee next heard briefings from the AFSC Foreign Technology Division, which is the cognizant Air Force agency that collates information on UFO sightings and monitors investigations of individual cases. Finally, the Committee reviewed selected case histories of UFO sightings with particular emphasis on those that have not been identified. II. DISCUSSION Although about 6% (646) of all sightings (10,147) in the years 1947 through 1965 are listed by the Air Forces "Unidentified", it appears to the Committee that ============================================================= most of the cases so listed are simply those in which the information available does not provide an adequate basis for analysis. In this connection it is important also to note that no unidentified objects other than those of an astronomical nature have ever been observed during routine astronomical studies, in spite of the large number of observing hours which have been devoted to the sky. As examples of this the Palomar Observatory Sky Atlas contains some 5000 plates made with large instruments with wide field of view; the Harvard Meteor Project of 1954-1958 provided some 300 hours of observation; the Smithsonian Visual Prairie Network provided 2500 observing hours. Not a single un- identified object has been reported as appearing on any of these plates or been sighted visually in all these observations. The Committee concluded that in the 19 years since the first UFO was sighted there has been no evidence that unidentified flying objects are a threat to our national security. Having arrived at this conclusion the Committee then turned its attention to considering how the Air Force should handle the scientific aspects of the UFO problem. Unavoidably these are also related to Air Force public relations, a subject on which the Committee is not expert. Thus the recommendations which follow are made simply from the scientific point of view. III. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS It is the opinion of the Committee that the present Air Force program dealing with UFO sightings has been well organized, although the resources assigned to it (only one officer, a sergeant, and secretary) have been quite limited. In 19 years and more than 10,000 sightings recorded and classified, there appears to be no verified and fully satisfactory evidence of any case that is clearly outside the framework of presently 2 ============================================================= known science and technology. Nevertheless, there is always the possibility that analysis of new sightings may provide some additions to scientific knowledge of value to the Air Force. Moreover, some of the case records which the Committee looked that were listed as "identified" were sightings where the evidence collected was too meager or too indefinite to permit positive listing in the identified category. Because of this the Committee recommends that the present program be strengthened to provide opportunity for scientific investigation of selected sightings in more detail and depth than has been possible to date. To accomplish this it is recommended that: A. Contracts be negotiated with a few selected universities to provide scientific teams to investigate promptly and in depth certain selected sightings of UFO's. Each team should include at least one psychologist, preferably one interested in clinical psychology, and at least one physical scientist, preferably an astronomer or geophysicist familiar with atmospheric physics. The universities should be chosen to provide good geographical distribution, and should be within convenient distance of a base of the Air Force Systems Command (AFSC). B. At each AFSC base an officer skilled in investigation (but not necessarily with scientific training) should be designated to work with the corresponding university team for that geographical section. The local representative of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) might be a logical choice for this. C. One university or one not-for-profit organization should be selected to coordinate the work of the teams mentioned under A above, and also to make certain of very close communication and coordination with the office of Project Blue Book. 3 ============================================================= It is thought that perhaps 100 sightings a year might be subjected to this close study, and that possibly an average of 10 man days might be required per sighting so studied. The information provided by such a program might bring to light new facts of scientific value, and would almost certainly provide a far better basis than we have today for decision on a long term UFO program. The scientific reports on these selected sightings, supplementing the present program of the Project Blue Book office, should strengthen the public position of the Air Force on UFO's. It is, therefore, recommended that: A. These reports be printed in full and be available on request. B. Suitable abstracts or condensed versions be printed and included in, or as supplements to, the published reports of Project Blue Book. C. The form of report (as typified by "Project Blue Book" dated 1 February 1966) be expanded, and anything which might suggest that information is being withheld (such as the wording on page 5 of the above cited reference) be deleted. The form of this report can be of great importance in securing public understanding and should be given detailed study by an appropriate Air Force office. D. The reports "Project Blue Book" should be given wide unsolicited circulation among prominent members of the Congress and other public persons as a further aid to public understanding of the scientific approach being taken by the Air Force in attacking the UFO problem. 4 =============================================================
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY SEP 28 1965 MEMORANDUM FOR MILITARY DIRECTOR, SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD SUBJECT: Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) In keeping with its air defense role, the Air Force has the responsibility for the investigation of unidentified flying objects reports over the United States. The name of this project is Blue Book (Attachment 1). Procedures for conducting this program are established by Air Force Regulation 200-2 (Attachment 2). The Air Force has conducted Project Blue Book since 1948. As of 30 June 1965, a total of 9267 reports had been investigated by the Air Force. Of these 9267 reports, 663 cannot be explained. It has been determined by the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff/Plans and Operations that Project Blue Book is a worthwhile program which deserves the support of all staff agencies and major commands and that the Air Force should continue to investigate and analyze all UFO reports in order to assure that such objects do not present a threat to our national security. The Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff/Plans and Operations has determined also that the Foreign Technology Division (FTD) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base should continue to exercise its presently assigned responsibilities concerning UFOs. To date, the Air Force has found no evidence that any of the UFO reports reflect a threat to our national security. However, many of the reports that cannot be explained have come from intelligent and technically well qualified individuals whose integrity cannot be doubted. In addition, the reports received officially by the Air Force include only a fraction of the spectacular reports which are publicized by many private UFO organizations. Accordingly, it is requested that a working scientific panel composed of both physical and social scientists be organized to review Project Blue Book -- its resources, methods, and findings -- and to advise the Air Force as to any improvements that should be made in the program in order to carry out the Air Force's assigned responsibility. ============================================================= Doctor J. Allen Hynek who is the Chairman of the Dearborn Observatory at Northwestern University is the scientific consultant to Project Blue Book. He has indicated a willingness to work with such a panel in order to place this program in its proper perspective. Doctor Hynek has discussed this problem with Doctor Winston R. Markey, the former Air Force Chief Scientist.
/s/ 2 Attachments 7 =============================================================
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON AGENDA Thursday, 3 February 1966
22 December 1965 8 =============================================================
SPECIAL
9 =============================================================
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 08 FEB 1993 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY Dale Goudie Dear Mr. Goudie: We are attaching records responsive to your January 11, 1993, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Sincerely,
/s/ 1 Atch ============================================================= DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE AIR STAFF SUMMARY SHEET TO ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. This request arrived in our office today apparently without your seeing it. 2. I discussed it briefly with Dr. Stever and his initial reaction was lukewarm. He questioned the value of a review of the UFO program by the SAB. He suggested that we might talk to some other SAB members knowledgeable in this area to get their opinion on the value of such an SAB undertaking. We thought of Brian O'Brien (FTD/DAG), Jesse Orlansky (Psychology), Dick Porter (Geophysics), and possibly Court Perkins and Dr. Markey. 3. Before we do this, however, Dr. Stever thought we should get your views on this to see if perhaps there is some additional information or facts which would give a clue on why the request was made. /s/
{(handwritten) Let's bring this up at Exec Cmtte meeting
in Nov. JF ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFHQ FORM 50 PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THIS FORM ARE
OBSOLETE AFBSA 22 November 1965 Review of UFO Project Dr. Brian O'Brien Dear Dr. O'Brien Attached is a copy of General LeBailly's memorandum to General Ferguson asking for an SAB group to review the Air Force UFO program. As I mentioned in our phone conversation today, Dr. Stever and the SAB Executive Committee discussed this at the Houston meeting and concluded that before starting any SAB action it would be a good idea to ask you for your views on the value of an SAB task in this area. If, in your opinion, an SAB study might be useful, Dr. Stever thought he might also talk to Dr. Orlansky or Dr. Launor Carter of the Psychology/Social Sciences Panel among others, about the next steps to take. Your suggestion for including an astronomy expert in the study would also be pertinent. General Ferguson has sent an interim reply to General LeBailly informing him that the SAB is looking into the question of conducting a study of this subject, so I don't believe there is any great urgency for the present. I am sure Dr. Stever would appreciate hearing from you after you have had an opportunity to check into the matter. You may send your comments to Dr. Stever at this address if you wish. It was nice talking to you and let me repeat my invitation to drop in and see us whenever you are in Washington. Sincerely ROBERT J. BURGER, Colonel, USAF
3 Atch ============================================================= AFBSA Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) 21 DEC 1965 SAFOI (Maj General E. B. LeBailly) 1. Further to my letter to you on 11 October 1965, the Executive Committee of the AF Scientific Advisory Board has discussed and agreed on action to be taken on your request for a review of the Air Force UFO program. 2. Dr. Brian O'Brien, a member of the SAB, has been asked to convene a small group of scientists to review the Air Force Project Blue Book and report on their findings. A meeting of this committee is scheduled to be held at the Foreign Technology Division headquarters at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on 3 February 1966. A report is expected shortly after that date. 3. The Wall Street Journal article on this subject forwarded by your memorandum of 16 December has been made available to Dr. O'Brien. (Signed A. F. Kinney) JAMES FERGUSON, Lt General, USAF ============================================================= For Official Use Only
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE REPLY TO SUBJECT: Ad Hoc Committee on Unidentified Plying Objects (UFOS) TO: Members of Committee
Cy to: Dr. Cacciopo For Official Use Only =============================================================
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON
=============================================================
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY DEC 10 1965 MEMORANDUM FOR THE MILITARY DIRECTOR, SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD SUBJECT: Unidentified Flying objects (UFOs) Reference is made to our previous correspondence on this subject dated September 28, 1965. The attached Wall Street Journal story of December 13 is an "opening gun" trained on the relative inadequacy of present UFO investigations. We expect them to increase in number and intensity.
E. B. LEBAILLY 1 Atch ============================================================= Three-column, 18 column-inch article copy, Wall Street Journal, December 13, 1965, "New "Fireball" Raises Question, Do Flying Saucers Exist?". Article by Elliot Carlson, Staff Reporter of the Wall Street Journal. The article is subtitled: "Californian, Who 'Talks' to Men From the Stars, Says 'Yes'; Scientists Assail Air Force" - The article is not reproduced here due to Copyright restrictions - ============================================================= DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE AIR STAFF SUMMARY SHEET TO 1. Attached for your signature is a letter transmitting to General LeBailly the Special Report of the SAB Ad Hoc Committee to Review Project Blue Book. 2. The Committee was formed and the report is being submitted in response to General LeBailly's memorandum to you on 28 September 1965 (Atch 2) requesting that the SAB review Air Force Project Blue Book. The objective of this investigation was to determine if and how the Air Force could improve its program for investigating UFO's. The Committee concluded that the program can be improved by conducting a more thorough scientific investigation of questionable sightings, and recommended a method for doing this. 3. Recommended distribution is: Number of Copies SAFOI;25 4. After your signature and approval of the recommended distribution, we will initiate action to forward the copies of the report.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ============================================================= AFBSA 1 APR 1966 SAB Review of Project Blue Book Major General E. B. LeBailly 1. Please refer to your memorandum to me on 26 September 1965 requesting a review of Project Blue Book by the USAF Scientific Advisory Board. 2. In response to your request, the SAB formed an ad hoc committee under Dr. Brian O'Brien to investigate the adequacy and timeliness of Project Blue Book. The Committee's report recommends a procedure for strengthening the scientific investigation of questionable sightings of UFOs. 3. Twenty-five copies of the report are being submitted for your use. Please let me know if the SAB can be of further assistance in this matter. signed JAMES FERGUSON, Lt General, USAF ============================================================= MEMO FOR RECORD 12 May 1966 Subject: Distribution of UFO Report As of this date, 12 May, the following distribution has been made on the UFO Report:
============================================================= AFBSA 27 July 1967 Further Distribution of the Special Report of the USAF SAB Ad Hoc Committee to Review Project "Blue Book," March 1966 AFRDQ-P (Mr. Baillie) 1. It is requested that two copies of the subject report be distributed to the U.S. Embassy in Thailand to the attention of Mr. David Smith and Mr. Peer DeSilva (Special Assistant on Counterinsurgency and Special Assistant to the Ambassador). Your office is requested to make this distribution in accordance with HOI 80-7. 2. This distribution was requested by Dr. Jesse Orlansky, a member of the SAB Committee on UFO's. It is believed this report would be useful to embassy personnel in suggesting an approach to investigating certain unidentified helicopter sitings reported in Thailand. 3. Informal telephone conversations between Col Hippler and this office indicate there are no objections to distribution of this report. CHESTER N. HASERT ============================================================= 20330 3 June 1974
Ms. Gretchen L. Johnson, Head Dear Ms. Johnson:
{(sanitized version)} Currently all unclassified SAB reports are provided to the Library of Congress so that requests for copies can be directed there. Sincerely,
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California State University, Long Beach May 24, 1974 Air Force Scientific Advisory Board Dear Sirs:
Ad Hoc (O'Brien) committee to review Project Blue Book. 1966. Sincerely, /s/ GLJ:jp G-15 7/73 5000 =============================================================
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE APR 5 1966 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY MEMORANDUM FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF Attached is a copy of the Special Report of
the SAB Ad Hoc Committee to review Project "Blue I believe that the committee's recommendations should be accepted and arrangements made to contract for a scientific team to investigate in depth certain selected sighting reports of UFO's. If you concur, General LeBailly can work with Gen Ferguson and AFSC in making the arrangements.
/s/ Attachment
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