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1966: Unidentified Flying Objects, May (folder B48-24)
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471800944
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1966: Unidentified Flying Objects, May (folder B48-24)
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
Legislative Issues Files
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The original documents are located in Box B48, folder "1966: Unidentified Flying Objects
(folder 24)" of the Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers at the
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the
United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives
collections. Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in
the public domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are
presumed to remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject
to a valid copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
1966: Unidentified Flying Objects, May (folder B48-24)
Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
LEGISLATIVE
UFO
(FIFFOR, G.)
RE: INVETIGATION
May 18, 1966
Ms. Geraldine Gifford
Box 536
El Granada, California
Dear Ms. Gifford:
Thank you for your recent letter concerning my reply to your letter. I
was pleased to write you and am glad to hear from you again. I assure
you that I have not let up on my charges of mismanagement and am enclosing
the statements that you might not have seen.
I an glad that you wrote me about flying saucers and that you support my
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I ¡BRARY
proposal for an investigation. However I will not be the one to open
such an investigation, as you state in your letter. As you know the
House Committee on Armed Services held hearings as a result of my request.
A copy of these hearings is enclosed. In addition, because of the pressure
I exerted, a contract is being let to a university, as you may know, that
will be conducting an investigation starting this fall. It will be an
independent, fair inquiry I am told, and its report will be made fully
available to the public. However 1 will not be opening an investigation
personally, as some believe, nevertheless I am pleased to have your con-
fidence and support.
Thank you also for your comments on the troop transport that exploded,
Rep. Celler, the seating of Communist China in the UN, getting out of
the UN, Russian fishing trawlers, and Proposal 14 in California. I
appreciate having your remarks and observations and I assure you that
they do not go unheeded.
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:jb
enc.
The Hon Gerald ford
should write again?
Box 536
Houre Speaker
Washington IC
Cody El Jronada
Clear Mr. ford,
Crepted Thank long you See for concerning being fend Hope the Vict enough you Now will means to our.
keep grilling etc him also the a House armed Thoke
service, seem to be doing good all for their
he is finished once and for write thator
Sir me have been to you
reg suding the Tlynng supting bone
since really so seen many there releable flying people speck they
should be heard, now thope you will open
up an investigation investe soon
is the troop transport planee, explording convent
something else of metal importance mr. ford on
tateoff on its mid air, have their
killing a few hundred boy cauld Sir to
start another investig strong its news all media, been
be sobstoge? isn't it about time
very little in the Ord doly
so huched up nothing foll this last playe
fornt was talked carrying been with able traps the to from find just out more to murder wathers are
I've by their anti our Christ mah meal gentiles, Patride
many of I hape young pray that the led you
off of his their ilk mess, Catriots stand and will in don't your blow lit Emanuel way, and he Celler
to has rule with an prod feet This Conspiracy
and blocked all good legalation secure
is almost in complete Control of the whole to
us while good it white ow Christian lon the is unbilurable, time is short fight
world Mr. 7 and what they place on doing
your as after as possible
for talke on J July see
I'm sure, you are getting good love response to
to seat Communit China in UN
Jurge you to appace all ef parte the
and others we get
their will surely mean with our should finish Jul
out a the un. now.
Thank you ag ain Sir dont give
up the fight
Very Seccerely
Geroldini Gifford
P.S. Have about this
ficking boat are we going t lurn repair
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
their fishing craft then the
around and give them fish
our have eaught, of we ant
being run by Bolshevilvin our
Greenment w hat would you
Call it something is rallen Onow
prop 14 in Coly is dislared by later their
Ribert Itk to be illegal, were
Mr.Ferd,
our rating rights no
DEFENSE SECRETARY ROBERT MENAMARA
HAS DENIED THE EXISTENCE OF UFO'S-
2.
SAYING UFO'S ARE MERELY OPTICAL ILLUSIONS,
THIS, IN SPITE of TREMENDOUS EFFORTS BY THE
UFO'S To PROVE THEIR UTTER REALITY TO THE
AMERICAN PEOPLE THEY ARE, IN FACT, IN THE
PROCESS OF ENDING THE LONG U.S. DROUGHT,
I COMMUNICATE WITH, AND (AN SPEAK FOR,
THE UFO INTELLIGENCES, THEREFORE LET IT
Go ON RECORD - THAT MY NAMARA WILL
HENCEFORTH BE A SPECIAL TARGET FOR
UFO (SAUCERINTELLIGENCE) WRATH AND
NOSTILITY!!!
P.K. MAN
Owens 10
Oven
LEGISLATIVE
UFO
(ANDREWS, J.)
RE: SUPPORT INVEST.
May 5, 1966
Mr. John Andrews
Hawk Model Company
4600 N. Olcott
Chicago 56, Illinois
Dear Mr. Andrews:
I appreciated your letter of April 21st concerning unidentified flying
objects. As you may know, the liouse Committee on Armed Services, held
hearings on UFO's. and a copy of those hearings is enclosed for your
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I iBRARY
information.
We are informed by the Air Force that a contract is being let to a
university to conduct an inquiry. All the information I have at
present is that the teams that will be doing the work will be doing
it on a part-time basis and will not be operational until after
September 1 of this year. I am sorry that I cannot give you any
further information at this time, as I have none.
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:jb
enc.
VFO
Most
USAP
hawk
Trusted
Name
In
Modeling
HAWK MODEL COMPANY 4600 N. OLCOTT CHICAGO 56, ILLINOIS
UNderhill 7-7434
April 21, 1966
Representative Gerald Ford
State of Michigan
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.
Dear Congressman Ford:
This is a very serious letter concerning a matter
of great importance to the United States.
The persistent unidentified flying object reports
that have caused public pressure on Congress and your
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
subsequent comments regarding an investigation (following
Dr. Hynek's humiliation at the hands of the townspeople
in Michigan) prompts me to write to you.
I am sure that when the proper time comes, and
after the nation has been adequately prepared, the full
story of the UFO will be released. The story will
probably have an interest magnitude close to that of the
first atomic bomb. I am sure the normal pattern of
public preparation will be followed and we offer our
services in whatever way we can--as producers of scale
models - that would assist and parallel the government's
plan. I am sure that we both know there is definitely
something of importance in the UFO sightings and we
both know that this is an accepted fact in high government
circles.
Our firm is the only company that produces a scale
model kit of the Lockheed U-2. The reason why ours is
the only firm has much to do with integrity and our
handling of security information.
THE OUT FOR HOBBY
HOBBY
D-I
AMISONI
or
ASSOCIATION
April 21, 1966
For references on myself and my firm may I
suggest:
Mr. Clarence L. Johnson
Advanced Development Projects
Lockheed Aircraft Corporation
Burbank, California
Mr. Weston B. Haskell
Assistant to the President
Kaman Aircraft Corporation
Bloomfield, Connecticut
Mr. Dick Schram
Chicago Aerial Industries
Barrington, Illinois
Capt. James W. Berry
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
Naval Special Training Devices Center
Port Washington, New York 11050
If we can we would very much like to work with
the government and the USAF on this and, if nothing else,
I would like to be kept abreast of the various releasable
reports that come out of the investigation.
I trust that you will transmit copies of this letter
to the various interested agencies.
Sincerely,
HAWK MODEL COMPANY
John Andrews
John Andrews
JA/tk
LEGISLATIVE Q
UTO
2.)
RS.
IN TESTIMONT
May 5, 1966
Mr. Ted Bloecher
31.7 cast 83rd Street
New York, New York 10028
Dear Mr. Bloecher:
Thank you for your letter of April 28th concerning a certain part
of the testimony in the hearings that were held by the House
Committee on Armed Services.
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
1 must admit that the portion where Mr. Suhweiker says: Do 1 under-
stand that you said none of the unexplained objects have been sighted
on radar? Major QUINTANILLA. No, sir: I said 1.5 percent and then
where he save That 1.8 correct. We have no radar cases which are un-
explained, is ambiguous.
If Major Ouintsnilla was here in Washington, we would have been glad
to phone him end try to clear this up, but as you know, he is not.
I am pleased to hear that you have writtentto him, as that is what
1 would have to do. I will be interested to hear the outcome.
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Geradd R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:jb
317 East 83rd Street
New York, New York 10028
April 28, 1966
UFU
Congressman Gerald Ford
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
You may recall I wrote you several weeks ago supporting your request
for Congressional Hearings on the subject of unidentified flying ob-
jects. In return I received a thoughtful and considerate letter from
you, which prompts me to write to you once again, concerning the results
of that Hearing on UFOs.
I have been examining the report (No. 55) of the Armed Services Com-
mittee on Hearings on UFOs that took place April 5. The disingenuous
side-stepping and pussy-footing of Messrs. Brown, Hynek and Quintanilla
is distressing, to say the least; but of real concern is the lie, in
the record, by Major Quintanilla, claiming "We have no radar cases which
are unexplained" (pages 6072-73 in Report No. 55).
May I refer you to the late Edward J. Ruppelt's book, Report on Unidenti-
fied Flying Objects (Doubleday and Co., 1956); while Captain in the Air
Force, Ruppelt was in charge of Project Bluebook (1951-53) and wrote his
book based on personal, first-hand experience with the subject. He gives
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
details on a number of radar reports of UFOs that were classified as
"unknowns" just during his brief tenure in that department. Several ex-
amples of these unexplained cases include the Washington, D.C. radar-
visual reports of July 19-20 and July 26-27, 1952 (pp. 164-170); or the
July 29, 1952 case over your home state of Michigan in which three F949
were scrambled to investigate an "unknown" north of Port Huron; or the
report at Yaak, Montana, August 1, 1952 (p. 194). Three cases all within
a period of less than two weeks. How many more over a period of nineteen
years? The cases I have referred to were published and have been known
to anyone who is at least fairly familiar with the subject for a number
of years; considering this, how can Major Quintanilla make such a state-
ment as he did to the members of the Armed Services Committee, and not be
expected to account for it to the members of that committee?
I hope that the record may be straightened out and the committee members
advised of this misinformation. I am taking the liberty of sending copies
of this letter to Chairman Rivers, Major Quintanilla, Dr. Hynek (whom I
have known personally for over ten years), and N.I.O.A.P., in Washington.
I would greatly appreciate knowing the results--if any--of this attempt
to get at least part of the record straight. Thank you for your interest.
Very truly yours,
Ted Blrdre
Cc: Chairman Rivers
Ted Bloecher
Major Quintanilla
Dr. Hynek
NICAP
LEGISLATIVE
UFO
(MC FERRAN, with H.)
RE: WHETHER WE GOT
BIS TAEP
May 3, 1966
Mr. Frank H. McFerran
Box 1332
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Dear Mr. McFerran:
Thank you for your letter of April 21st. I want to assure you that
your recorded tape was received and heard, and is returned for your
re-use.
I was interested to hear the contents of the recording and to know of
your support for the Congressional investigation that I proposed. My
main concern has been that an impartial investigation be made of the
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD BRARY
unexplained sightings and that the facts revealed by this inquiry be
made fully available to the public. While I had felt that a Congres-
sional investigation would best serve this purpose, the House Committee
on Armed Services has decided to let a contract after July 1 to a
university to allow it to make á full study into the matter. I am
assured by the Air Force that the investigation will be fair and thorough.
I am also told that the report resulting from the university inquiry
will be made fully available to the public. At present I do not have
any further details as to how the university will select those respon-
sible for making the investigation. While a had called for a Congressional
invesgigation, I feel that this inquiry will be a good first step.
While I am not the Gerald Ford that you knew from Owensboro, Kentucky,
I am pleased to know that we have a mutual friend in Congressman Ed
Reinecke.
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:jb
enc.
MᶜFerran's
fine fotos
Box 1332
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 00709
Retrator de
VFO
CALLE MCKINLEY, 102 WEST
MAYAGUEZ. PUERTO RICO
21 April 1966
Rep. Gerald R. Ford
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Ford:
I would appreciate it very much if you would
let me know just as a matter of record, whether you received
a reel of recorded tape concerning unidentified flying objects,
which I sent about three weeks ago,
The contents of the tape may or may not be of
value to you, and there is no reason why you shuld answer.
However, I have a real desire to know whether you received
the tape, or whether it might possibly have been side-tracked
before it reached you.
Incidentally, I have followed your efforts to
shake this subject out of the secrecy the Air Forde is
giving it, and I also read the disgusting article Ralph
McGill handed you. But this thing is too big to turn over
to the Ralph McGills, and it will come out if we really push..
Incidentally too, I listen to the Armed Forces
Radio every afternoon, and although I am sure it is not
administration polocy, you are getting a hell of mih a lot
of publicity which I am sure a lot of G. I.s find favorable.
If I can be of any benefit to you please let me
know. And the next time you see Ed Reinecke --- my fellow
Atlas Shrugged quoting friend -- please give him my best
regards.
Incidentally too, in case you happen to be
slightly under 46 years old, formerly of Owensboro, Kentucky
and you went to Daviess County High School (probably a friend
of Don Culley), then I stuck my finger in your eye because
you were bigger than I was, (but younger than I was) and you
were wrecking hell out of my erector set, and that was the only
way I could stop you (at the ain age of about 5 or 6), and your
mother went home mad as a hornet, and my mother gave me hell
for sticking my finger in your eye. If you're not they
same Gerald Ford, then I've got the wrong Gernald Ford.
Best regards.
Sincerel
Frank H. McFerran
LEGISLATIVE
UPO
(VEITZEL, 3. B.)
RE: SENT INFO
May 23, 1966
Mr. William B. Weitzel, Chairman
NICAP Pittsburgh Subcommittee
5709 Woodmont Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15217
Dear Mr. Weitzel:
I wish to acknowledge and thank you for your letter of May 17th enclosing
a copy of your letter to Congressman Stanton regarding the April 17th
sighting.
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
While I appreciate having the information on this sighting, my main con-
cern has been that a Congressional investigation be held, all the facts
examined on the unexplained sightings, and that the report be made fully
available to the public.
Because of my request, certain progress has been made. I am enclosing
a release on that I thought you would like to see.
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:jb
enc.
NATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE
ON AERIAL PHENOMENA
TELEPHONE: NORTH 7-9434
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20036
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES:
CABLE ADDRESS:
1536 CONNECTICUT AVE.. N. W.
SKYLIGHT
MAJOR DONALD E. KEYHOE
5709 Woodmont St.
USMC (RET.) DIRECTOR
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15217
May 17, 1966
Honorable Gerald Ford
House of Representatives
Sut cleppingson UFO
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Ford:
Richard Hall, Assistant Director of NICAP, suggested I send you the
enclosed information. I have been conducting an investigation of the
April 17, 1966 sighting of an unidentified flying object which was "chased"
from Portage County, Chio, into Conway, Pennsylvania, by two Deputy Sheriffs.
This event caused much excitement and the press gave much publicity to the
fact that the Air Force's evaluation was that the witnesses had observed an
artificial satellite, then Venus. Because the facts of the case indicated
otherwise, I informed Congressman William Stanton of this. Judge Cook, of
the Portage County Common Pleas Court, also expressed to Mr. Stanton his
dissatisfaction with the Air Force's conclusion, and Mr. Stanton visited
Lt. Col. Spaulding in the Pentagon to request a more thorough investigation.
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
(This had apparently consisted of two 2-3 minute telephone interviews with
one of the four observers.)
On May 10, Major Hector Quintanilla conducted an interview in the Portage
County Court House, after which he reiterated his original conclusion, claiming
he saw nothing to dispute this. Despite his repeated assurances that he was
gathering information objectively, he rejected substantial and vital portions
of testimony and indicated other serious gaps in his investigation. Since I
was sure Mr. Stanton had wished the Air Force to make more than a token
concession to his request, I again wrote to him, on May 11. A copy of that
letter is enclosed. In order to back up my claims, I delayed sending the
letter until now, having typed a transcript of the May 10 interview, from
a tape recording made at that time. I am not able to send you a copy of that
transcript, but Mr. Stanton has one and will have shortly a complete tape copy.
I urge you to examine at least the transcript, as it says much more than I am
able to in a brief letter.
I hope you find this information enlightening.
Sincerely yours,
William B. Weiket
William B. Weitzel, Chairman
NICAP Pittsburgh Subcommittee
A privatelysupported fact-finding body serving the national public interest
NATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE
ON AERIAL PHENOMENA
TELEPHONE: NORTH 7-9434
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20036
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES:
CABLE ADDRESS:
1536 CONNECTICUT AVE., N. W.
SKYLIGHT
MAJOR DONALD E. KEYHOE
USMC (RET.) DIRECTOR
May 11, 1966
Honorable William Stanton
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Stanton:
Major Hector Quintanilla visited the Portage County Sheriff's
Office yesterday afternoon, and after watching and hearing his
incredible performance, I felt it best to write you. I and all
the others present with him are grateful for your efforts in
bringing this event about, and I wish I could return a report that
what transpired was in line with the intended aim of the visit:
that 8. thorough and fairly conducted investigation of the April 17
UFO sighting would be made, to collect enough facts for an adequate
basis of analysis.
The following persons were present during the entire interview:
Major Quintanilla, Sheriff Ross Dustman, Deputy Dale Spaur, and
Mounted Deputy Wilbur Neff. After it started, another Deputy, the
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I IBRARY
Radio Operator who talked with Spaur that morning, Robert Wilson,
came in. I, David Webb (a NICAP Investigator from Alliance, Ohio),
Carol Clapp of the Record-Courier, and Tom Schley of the Beaver
County (Pa.) Times were there at the start, but Mrs. Clapp and
Mr. Schley left after a while. When the oral part of the testimony
began, Major Quintanilla requested that I and Mr. Webb leave the
room, and we complied. I observed the interview in person for about
one half of its two-hour length, talked with Major Quintanilla and
the Deputies afterwards, and have heard a tape recording made in
the presence of everyone there and with their knowledge; this tape
lasts the entire session. The interview was held in a third floor
room of the County Court House.
It should be emphasized that Major Quintanilla was most polite
and patient, only occassionally interrupting testimony, and that he
seemed to have good reasons for requesting NICAP representatives
to leave the room. At no time did he object to anyone else's requests,
and the general atmosphere, while tense, was almost congenial.
Although some loud words were spoken, none were harsh.
My characterization of Major Quintanilla's performance as
"incredible" is based on the following. Not only did he reiterate
his original satellite-Venus explanation of the UFO sighting, but he
tried to talk us into it. He also seemed unconcerned regarding
certain anomalies in his interpretation which were pointed out to
him directly. He left the impression that he had come only to
A privately supported fact-finding body serving the national public interest
NATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE
ON AERIAL PHENOMENA
TELEPHONE: NORTH 7-9434
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20036
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES:
CABLE ADDRESS:
1536 CONNECTICUT AVE.. N. W.
SKYLIGHT
Weitzel -- Stanton
page 2
5/11/66
MAJOR DONALD E. KEYHOE
USMC (RET.) DIRECTOR
satisfy certain demands for his physical presence in the area,
and that he had brought his conclusion with him. It appeared to
be a complete waste of time, on his part and on ours.
The Major's line of argument was, briefly, that he had
(1) taken testimony on the phone from Dale Spaur that was identical
with that gathered at the interview yesterday, (2) checked all the
conventional aerial activity in the vicinity of the sighting,
(3) analyzed the testimony and compared it with his activity-check,
and found no indication of radar reception of the UFO near Greater
Pittsburgh Airport, (4) concluded that there was no UFO at the time.
He clouded the issue of the thoroughness of his investigation,
pointing out that he conferred for thirty five minutes with computer
experts setting up a program for analysis of satellite activity in
the area at that time, thus obscuring the fact that his own con-
frontation with, or confrontation by Blue Book representatives with,
the participants in the event lasted less than five minutes.
How the information gained in the conference over a two hour
period could be identical with that from a couple of perfunctory
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD IBRARY
phone calls is beyond me.
That there was indeed a non-astronomical body at all times
is clear to all familiar with the Deputies' testimony save the
Major. I will not burden you with a prolonged repetition of my
former letter detailing a rebuttal to the astronomical explanation.
But I will point out a significant difference in the status of that
rebuttal now and before this interview. Before, it was possible
that the astronomical conclusion was based on a paucity of first-
hand information gathered by Blue Book, indicated by their brief
interviews (total less than five minutes) with one observer only
(Spaur), and, according to Spaur's statement, a strong lack of interest
in following up the fact of its (the sighting's) great length in
time and across several counties. During the interview the Major
was confronted with all these details; yet his conclusion remained
unaltered.
Either he was somehow unaware of the testimony, or there is
no contradiction between testimony and explanation. I will make
no further speculations.
It did seem, though, that the Major's general approach, which
is odd from an evaluative and investigative standpoint, was to
discount those portions of testimony which conflicted with his
prior explanation. Using this approach, one could, for example,
A privately supported fact-finding body serving the national public interest
NATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE
ON AERIAL PHENOMENA
TELEPHONE NORTH 7-9434
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20036
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES:
CABLE ADDRESS:
1536 CONNECTICUT AVE.. N. W.
SKYLIGHT
Weitzel -- Stanton page 3
5/11/66
MAJOR DONALD E. KEYHOE
USMC (RET.) DIRECTOR
easily identify a dightning bug with the sun. Both move through
the sky, either overhead or near the horizon; both emit light;
both can be observed by many people at one time. Aside from these
general features, however, there are particular ones which make
quite a difference. And there is also a matter of degree in the
supposed similarities.
Particular differences between satellite-Venus and this UFO
were the antenna at its rear, its metallic sheen, its differentiated
shape, its brilliant cone-shaped light, its being viewed to the
south, north, east, north, south, north, south and southeast, in
that sequence, its humming noise, and variations in velocity and
altitude, alternating, not changing continuously, from great to smal
Major Quintanilla showed that a satellite's, or Venus', regular
motion can appear, from eye movements or atmospheric disturbances,
to be irregular. This does not account for the gross changes in
direction, altitude, or speed of the UFO, which changes were quick
and precise.
Neither a satellite nor Venus would be so bright as to cast
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
a spot of light on the ground beneath them, to the rear when they
moved forward, or directly underneath when they were stationary.
Neither, of course, would be stationary in the first place.
Neither one would fill one sixth of the viewing area of a
car's windshield. Neither would cause Spaur and Neff to be petrified
with astonishment and fear, or cause a temporary loss of feeling of
reality, when hovering overhead, as did the UFO.
Now, in response to these anomalies, Major Quintanilla completely
disregarded those which were utterly incompatible with a Venus-
satellite explanation, and deprecated the degree of those which,
in their extent, likewise contradicted such an explanation. He
stoutly maintained, without citing an examination of a map, that
the observed object was always to the southeast, despite the fact
that Spaur and Neff were initially traveling due east, then due
south, and observed the object as described earlier, in diverse
directions. To reconcile these discrepancies he stated, in his
"incredible" way, that roads wind. The Deputies' route, of course,
was as much a part of the observation as was the UFO, and likewise
has verification from independent sources.
Spesking of independent sources, I wonder if Major Quintanilla
plans to interview any of them? Or will Dale Spaur continue to be
A privately supported fact-finding body serving the national public interest
seen by the press as the personal focal point of this alarmingly
deteriorated situation?
NATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE
ON AERIAL PHENOMENA
TELEPHONE: NORTH 7-9434
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20036
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES:
1536 CONNECTICUT AVE.. N. W.
CABLE ADDRESS:
SKYLIGHT
Weitzel -- Stanton
5/11/66
page 4
MAJOR DONALD E. KEYHOE
USMC (RET.) DIRECTOR
Major Quintanilla was quoted three weeks ago in the
Ravenna Record-Courier as deciding not to send an investigator here
because of the difficulty of recreating the scene. At this confer-
ence he stated he preferred sitting in his office pushing buttons,
using commmunications channels, to interviewing witnesses in person.
Surely this represents administrative efficiency; but must part of
the available testimony of witnesses be selectively ignored to allow
categorizing the rest? Must witnesses be ignored altogether? I
have interviewed eleven who offered significant or interesting
information in this case. It seems that testimonies as well 8.8
buttons have been pushed. The sole extent of testimony collected
by representatives of the Air Force, among all these candidates,
was less than five minutes, from Deputy Speur, as fer as I was aware
I am definitely not saying that, absolutely, Blue Book analyzed only
this much testimony. But there are glaring gaps.
I say "selectively" ignored for this reason: Major Quintanilla
reasoning clearly exhibits an a priori assumption that UFOs are not
unconventional objects. Thus when testimony indicates the contrary,
it is ignored or deprecated. (I am still limiting my statements to
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
the April 17 sighting, but NICAP has a bulk of evidence that other
Blue Book investigations have been similarly conducted.)
One of Blue Book's stated aims, to which I presume Major
Quintanilla subscribes, is 9. scientific investigation of UFO
phenomena. It is not scientific to ignore facts in favor of
presumptions.
This is my criticism of Major Quintinilla's conduct in this
session, Mr. Stanton. He did not appear to be here to investigate,
analyze, or evaluate. He appeared to come prepared chiefly to
select, reject, and persuade. It is, I believe you will agree,
incredible that an officer representing so vital a project as
Blue Book would be so inclined.
I have made some strong statements in this letter. I will be
glad to submit tape recordings and signed statements to back them up.
Finally, please be advised that my sole reason for writing is
to report on this situation; whether it can be rectified or not, I
do not know. But I felt it necessary to inform you that the circum-
stances which prompted my first letter, in part a routine NICAP action,
have not altered and show no signes of improving.
Sincerely yours,
A privately supported fact-finding body serving the national public interest
William waitzel
William B, Weitzel
LEGISLATIVE
UPO
(SLAKE, B.)
RE: RES: SUPPORT
May 24, 1966
Mrs. Estelle Blake
19018 Leapwood Avenue
Garden, California 90247
Dear Mrs. Blake:
This is just a note to thank you for your card supporting my pro-
sal that hearings on UPOS be made public and to enclose my recent
release on this matter.
Thank you for your encouragment.
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald B. Ford, M.C.
GRF:jb
enc.
Dar Sir Just send
apr. 20,1966
I feel it is statement necessary
that UF, 0. be
made public.
The people would
then know & this
would eliminate any
fear
From is destructive
to a nation , Ankledge
frees
fear
19018 are
Gardena, balif. 90247
mrs. Estille 7, Blake
19018 Leapin ARDEN MAY
are
3
16
PRAY
Gardena, Roby 1966
PM 347 41
-
FOR
#
PEACE
HN
$4
to
THIS SIDE OF CARDIS FOR ADDRESS
=
U.S.POSTAGE
Hon. Gerald R.Ford
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD LIBRAR
House Office Bldg
Washing ton DC. 20515
LEGISLATIVE
UFO
(BROWN, C.)
RE: SUPPORT
May 25, 1966
Miss Carol Brown
1857 San Leandro Lane
Santa Barbara, California
Dear Miss Brown:
1 am deeply appreciative of your letter of May 6th supporting my call
for an impartial investigation of UFOs. I was pleased to do this not
only for the people of Michigan but for all those across the nation who
have been concerned about these unexplained sightings.
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD 1 BRARY
As a result of my request, hearings were held by the House Committee on
Armed Services and now a contract is being let to a university to study
the unexplained sightings. Enclosed are some releases I thought you
would be interested to see.
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:jb
enc.
Lanta Barbara, Call
May 6, 1966
Representative GeraldFood
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sin:
Thank you for daving the
Jense and the Courage to ask for
an impartial investigation 7 the
VFO's I realize that this is
a "crackpot" subject and one not
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
likely to do much for you at
the polls - and, also that my
support is of even less value I
am a registered Regultican, hut,
obviously not in your state, and,
I come from an area noted for
"crack pot" people None of this
is of any benefit to you
you, however, are trying to be
of benefit to all of us. you have
requested an impartial investigation
7 these objects May I add my
support to this, for what-duer it is
worth ?
Only recently Iread Edward
I. Reppelt book, The Reporto on UFOS
Doubleday and Company, 1956. He was,
after all, the former head of the hir
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
force Project Blue Book.
Aiver having witnessed any of these
objects, d can, harvener, appreciate the I
continue Can only to add press that for I the hope investigation you
fuling of the people you represent will
you promised them - and all of us,
really - immediately after the recent
Michi you sightings
discouly yours
1857 San LeandRo Lane Carol Brown
SANTA BARbaRa, CalifoRNIA
LEGISLATIVA
UTO INJU
(KERPE, C.)
RE: with
May 24, 1966
Miss Cheryl Keefe
Marion Avoiute
Cordector, Enasachusetts
Dear Miss Keefe:
Thank you for your letter of May 19th requesting information on
UFOs for a dubato. 1 do not Laov 11 the Marial : and enclosing
MILL very helpful you wish information that will help you
prove your point aré : enclosing the statements that 1 have
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
made concerning my proposal for an investigation.
Nevertheless, 1 hope the enclosed releases will be of 8020 assis-
tance to you,
Kindest personalrregards,
Sincerely,
Cerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:jb
enc.
3 Marion are.
Worcester, Mass.
May 19,1966
Dear Rep. Lord,
Dam12 years old and in the 7th
grade prep at Providence Street Jr.
High School in Worcester, Mass. Be-
cause I believe in U.F.O.'s, I have
been elected captain of a debating
team in my English class to prove
that there are such things.
I have read an asticle concern
ing you, in our local, newspaper,
"The Evening Gazette", and was
very impressed by the way you
planned to investigate the sight-
ings
I would like to know if you
could possibly send me some
information that wouldhelp me
in in my arguement. although I
have never seen one, I still be-
live that these "things "exist.
of there is any charge for such
information, my parents will
guarantee to pay.
Thanking you in advance and
waiting for your reply;
Respectfully
yours,
Cheryl Keefe
3 Marion ave.
Worcester, Mass.
P.S. My debate is scheduled for 01604
may 31, 1966.
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
LEGISLATIVE
UFO
(BARROW, R. E.)
RE: INVET.
May 25, 1966
Mr. Robert E. Barrow
4167 Cleveland Road
Syracuse, New York 13215
Dear Mr. Barrow:
Thank you for your letter of May 20th expressing your continuedd
support for full and complete disclosure of the facts regarding
the investigation of UFOs.
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
1 appreciate your welcome to Syracuse on June 2nd and I assure
you that I an looking forward to my visit. Thank you again for
your support and backing.
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:jb
4167 Cleveland Road
Syracuse, New York 13215
May 20, 1966
Congressman Gerald R. Ford
Congress of the United States
Office of the Minority Leader
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Ford:
Thank you for your letter of May 17. The news concern-
ing the scientific study of UFOs is indeed welcome.
I hope now that, somehow, we can overcome official
denials of UFOs, and get public hearings with the
Air Force soon 80 that the names of hundreds of pi-
lets, scientists, and other qualified observers of
UFOs in the past and present, can have their names
cleared and free from the ridicule placed on them
by careless Air Force policies (and perhaps change
some of the strict requirements in AFR 200-2, JANAP
146 (D), and other official orders restricting pi-
lots on reporting, in public, authentic UFO observa-
tions which obviously, in many cases, would indi-
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
cate no threat to our national security).
Incidentally, it is my understanding that you will be
in Syracuse on June 2nd to address several Republican
organizations. I hope that you enjoy your stay here,
no matter how short. Should you have an opportunity to
talk with the editor of the Syracuse Post-Standard,
I am sure that you will find that the newspaper is in
complete agreement with your views on UFOs and"offi-
cial"denials. The Post-Standard has long been serious
on UFOs and skeptical of certain "explanations" set
forth by the USAF, in some cases.
I hope that you keep in touch with NICAP, and please
let me know of any other significant factors in recent
UF0-Congressional events. Thanks again for following
through and supporting your Michigan constituents who
have made the March sightings.
Sincerely,
Robut Barron
Robert E. Barrow
Member,
National Investigations
Committee on Aerial
Phenomena (NICAP)
LEGILATIVE
UFO
(THILLEMANN, F.Q.)
RE: FUSH STUDY
May 26, 1966
Mrs. F. W. Theilemann
Burnt Hills,
New York
Dear Mrs. Theilemann:
Thank you for your recent letter supporiting my proposal for a Congress-
ional investigation of UFOs.
I an. pleased to have your support and your comments and thought you
would be interested in the enclosed press release which gives the most
recent status on this matter.
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:jb
enc.
Burnt Hills, n.y.
may 16, 1966.
Representative Geral d Ford,
514 Crown View Drive,
alexandrea, Virginia,
Dear nw Ford,
In a recent asticle in the
Christian Acience Monitor about
statement was made that
a proposed 670 prole, the
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
you had asked for a Fo's". "full and
they said aler Force Decretary
open hearing on U and
Harold Brown's "scientific-
team idea has shunted
it aside."
Please don't let this scient
fie team idea keep the
House from investigating.
2/ These teams will be just
another means R explaining
away sightings, rather Than
Cally and teling the public
investigating them scientifi
the truth.
half population
The gallup oll Poll showsthat
that the U.F. O's. are
of the Dinited States, real.
They have have the right to know
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
The "air force realizes it has
the This article mentions that
Ithink it has more of a
a public relations sproblem".
many people won't trust
problem than it realizes,
a word they say after
the redicule they heap on
3/ respectable citizens, who
happen to have seen some-
thing they can't explain. to
continue
work toward a "full
and
u 70s.
Public has a right to
know the truth.
Sincerely yours,
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
Mrs. F.W. Theilemann
LEGISLATIVE
UPO
(NCCARTHEY, S. L.)
RE: FOR STUDY
May 28, 1966
Mrs. S. L. McCartney
500 South 19th Street
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Dear Mrs. McCarthey:
I wish to acknowledge and thank you for your letter of May 23rd and
I thought you would be interested in the enclosed press release that
gives the most recent information that I have on the status of the
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD IBRARY
investigation.
Thank you for your support and encouragement.
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:jb
enc.
May 23, 1966
Rep. Gerald Ford,
c/o House Office Bldg.,
Washington 25, D. C.
Dear Sir:
There has been some indication that you would like to see
some factual, unbiased information released on the subject
of UFOs, and I should like to urge that this be done.
The recent hour long TV program sponsored by I.B.M. was
actually propaganda instead of "news" as the military
opinions were the same tired and trite routines we've been
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
subjected to for years. Obviously, they perfunctorily
investigate all sightings with only one thing in mind: to
prove beyond any doubt that the person(s) reporting the
sighting is excitable and unreliable, multiplying this
"proof" by the number of people involved. The longer this
farce is carried on, the sillier our officials are going to
look, not only to millions of Americans, but additional
millions in other countries, when they are eventually proven
to have taken the stupid, sack-over-the-head, attitude which
is embarrassing to many people who are convinced that space
craft have been observing our world for some time.
I trust you further your plans, and can find out why our
military people are SO adamant, in the face of tens of
thousands of valid sightings, in clinging to their
irritating, you-can't-make-me-believe-it stand.
Sincerely yours,
Heen MiCartney
Mrs. S. L. McCartney
500 South 19th Street
Fort Smith, Arkansas
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
LEGISLATIVW
UPO
(OWNES, II. T.)
RE: PROGRAM
It, 1966
:.
1214 Street, #33
Pennsylvania
Dear St.
THIS is just in Lote to think JOL for sending 20 copies of your
Lest & not leas 1211 with your CIA and at the television
station you watch in Philadelphia.
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
I did ,ot 202 the proclem you refer Lo, 1 appreciate
zour the time write.
Findest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerala R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:jb
Comp Food
UFO
Wednesday
May 11, 1966
Dear George:
THEIR
There seems to be no end in sight...for
Government stupidity.
Last night, over NBC, for an hour UFO's were explained away as
anything and everything but UFO's. "Learned" scientists poo-poo'd
the idea of UFO's. And so on for an hour, to millions of American
people.
Of course, it was quite transparent the Government is trying to
undo the rash of zza effect of the recent sightings on the people.
Good sightings, I might add.
solid.
However, this was a catastrophic thing for the powrs-that-be to
do. Why? The UFO's have been trying to prove their reality, and
to make friends with us. Last night they were refected in a big,
big way....and actually, the big lie was told to millions of
American people about them.
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
For this act, they will retaliate, I an informed. If they do not
exist how can they predict the following, then make it happen?
Within the time span of five months they will deal the U.S. Government
8 smashing blow, probably worse than anything it has experienced these
past few years. This will be in payment for that show last night.
Simple as that.
I do not know what they have in mind. Could be a team of terrible
hurricanes sweeping out of the Atlantic onto Florida
could be
a terrible disaster in Viet Nam but will be something on that
order, and will be engineered by UFO intelligences.
The program was entitled "Friend, Foe, or Fantasy" - and the full
hour was spent proving they are fantasy. They will, in the months
ahead. show you (U.S. Govt.) what they can be like as a foe.
They wanted to be friends.
PM bed Man (Owens)
Wednesday, May 11, 1966
NBC
Channel 10
Philadelphia
Centlemen:
Last night, in this viewer's opinion, you created a fraud against
the American people. It was a terrible thing to do.
For a week myself and friends have been waiting for the UFO program...
and all the ads said that it would be an "objective" view, giving
Y
the "fors" and "againsts". What it was...was a solid hour of explaining
that UFO's were marsh-gas, and those who claim to see them are eithern
trying to make money, or are irresponsible, nutty people.
I hope enough people rise up in anger, as 1 did, and as my friends
did....to register a strong изириххих complaint where it counts.
IBH, NBC, and Channel 10 should be utterly ashamed of themselves.
Avens
H. T. Owens
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I
1114 Spruce St., #33
Philadelphis, Pennsylvania
LEGISLATIVE
UFO
(GROSKOF, H.)
RE: SAN ANDREAS
May 17, 1966
Mrs. Harvey Groskopf
Hartman,
Arkansas
Dear Mrs. Groskoff:
Thank you for your letter of May 7th pointing out some hard facts
about the San Andrea fault in relation to the proposed investigation
of UFOs.
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
1 appreciate having your observations and comments on this matter.
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:jb
Hartman, Arkansas
May 7, 1966
Rep. Gerald R. Ford,
Office of the Minority Leader,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Thank you for your letter of May 4 regarding proposed
UFO investigation.
Please take a good hard look at this:
The recent underground atomic test conducted by the United
States in the Aleutian chain was followed by an earthquake
along the San Andrea fault.
The underground atomic test set off by Russia the latter
part of March was followed by major quakes in Africa and
a series of major quakes in Northern China.
The underground atomic test set off by Russia on April 24
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I IBRARY
was followed by a major earthquake in central Russia.
The earth's crust is the weakest in the Siberian and Aleutian
areas.
Last reports state that the Ashtar Command who have been patrol-
ing the Siberian area have now shifted their patrol to the
San Andrea fault.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. Harvey Groskopf
CC to Senator Everett Dirksen.
LEIGUSATIVE
UPO
(NADAN, P.)
RE: MANTS COPY OF
UFO REPORT
May 17, 1966
Mr. Paul Naden
Associate Editor
Crown Publishers
419 Park Avenue South
New York, New York 10016
Dear Mr. Nadan:
Thank you for your letter of May 10th concerning UFOs. I am pleased
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
that you take note of the fact that the impending investigation of
UFOs was stimulated by my proposal for B Congressional investigation.
Regarding obtaining a copy ofhibe official report of the university
term that will be making a study this fall in advance of the publication
date, I an sorry that I do not have any information at this time as
to who willibe doing the work 80 that I could tell you who to contact.
All I know at present is that they dé not plan to even start work until
after the 1st of September so that it may be quite a while before any
report is available. I assure you have the copy of the hearings
held by the House Committee on Armed Services recently, but these age
enclosed, in case you do not.
I regret that I cannot give you further information at this time and
you may wish to writeeagain this summer.
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:jb
Telephone MURRAY HILL 5-8550
Cable Address LETOUT NEW YORK
Crown Publishers, INC.
419 PARK AVENUE SOUTH, NEW YORK, N. Y. 10016
May 10, 1966
The Hon. Gerald R. Ford
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
Dear Rep. Ford:
I share your concern for the American people in being
reassured on the subject of UFO's.
I congratulate you for provoking the impending Air Force
study by scientists and would be vastly interested in
the possibilities of publishing such a report with an
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I IBRARY
introduction by yourself.
Would you be interested to use your good offices to see
that I get a copy of the report--even before official
public release--so that we can consider its suitability
for publication along with your participation?
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
Paul Pullador Nadan
Associate Editor
PN/bh