U.S. Government UFO Document: “SUBJECT: Contemplated Action to Determine the Nature and Origin of the Phenomena Connected with the Reports of Unusual Flying Objects”

3 January 1952

(U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.)

Source: NICAP.org

Quote from the document (not written in U.S. Department of Defense document format):

“1. The continued reports of unusual flying objects requires positive action to determine the nature and origin of this phenomena. The action taken thus far has been designed to track down and evaluate reports from casual observers throughout the country. Thus far, this action has produced results of doubtful value and the inconsistencies inherent in the nature of the reports has given neither positive nor negative proof of the claims.

2. It is logical to relate the reported sightings to the known development of aircraft, jet propulsion, rockets and range extension capabilities in Germany and the U.S.S.R.

3. In view of the above facts and the persistent reports of unusual flying objects over parts of the United States, particularly the east and west coast and in the vicinity of atomic energy production and testing facilities, it is apparent that positive action must be taken to determine the nature of the objects and, if possible, their origin.

4. In view of the facts outlined above, it is considered mandatory that the Air Force take positive action at once to definitely determine the nature and, if possible, the origin of the reported unusual flying objects. The following action is now contemplated:

a. to require ATIC to provide at least three teams to be matched up with an equal number of teams from ADC for the purpose of taking radar scope photographs and visual photographs of the phenomena;

b. to select sites for these teams, based on the concentration of already reported sightings over the United States; (these areas are, generally, the Seattle area, the Albuquerque area, and the New York-Philadelphia area) and

c. to take the initial steps in this project during early January 1952.

W. M. Garland

Brigadier General, USAF

Assistant for Production

Directorate of Intelligence”

Brigadier General William M. Garland sent this letter to Major General (later promoted to Lieutenant General) John A. Samford, Director of Intelligence, U.S. Air Force.

Garland was Samford’s primary aide, according to the book, UFOs and Government: A Historical Inquiry (Page 132).

http://www.nicap.org/waves/garland1.htm

http://www.nicap.org/waves/garland2.htm

Brigadier General William M. Garland (who himself had seen a UFO) and Major General John A. Samford are mentioned in the book, UFOs and Government: A Historical Inquiry (Google Books). Just write “William Garland,” “Garland,” “John Samford” or “Samford” in the search box to get the text (click on the page link to get the whole page).

https://books.google.com/books?id=_Xab1hqwco0C&printsec=frontcover&hl=no&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false

U.S. Air Force biography article:

“BRIGADIER GENERAL WILLIAM M. GARLAND”:

https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/107003/brigadier-general-william-m-garland/

U.S. Air Force biography article:

“LIEUTENANT GENERAL JOHN A. SAMFORD”:

https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/105712/lieutenant-general-john-a-samford/

Related posts:

realtvufos.blogspot.com/2013/07/ufo-journal-issue-journal-of-ufo-history.html

realtvufos.blogspot.com/search?q=John+A.+Samford

realtvufos.blogspot.com/search?q=1952

Brigadier General William M. Garland, U.S. Air Force

(project1947.com photo)

Major General John A. Samford, U.S. Air Force

(google.com image)