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).
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).
U.S. Air Force biography article:
“BRIGADIER GENERAL WILLIAM M. GARLAND”:
U.S. Air Force biography article:
“LIEUTENANT GENERAL JOHN A. SAMFORD”:
Related posts:
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
