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The original documents are located in Box B131, folder "1968: 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United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives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.
1968: Unidentified Flying Objects, January - April (folder
B131-24)
Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I LIBRARY
[Legislative]
U.F.O.
(GARDESKI, Jerome)
HiRes 946
January 3, 1968
Mr. Jerome Gardeski
915 Lyon, N, E.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dear Mr. Gardeski:
Thank you for your telegram in support of House Resolution 946.
As you know, some months ago I recommended a congressional investi-
gation of the UFO's. The Rouse Committee on Armed Services did
hold hearings on the subject, and largely as a result the Air Force
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
has commissioned scientists at the University of Colorado to make a
thorough investigation and study of this phenomena.
We are awaiting the report of that study.
Warmest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:mr
CLASS OF SERVICE
WESTERN UNION
SYMBOLS
This is a fast message
DL = Day Letter
unless its deferred char-
NL == Night Letter
acter is indicated by the
W.P. MARSHALL
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
TELEGRAM
R. W. McFALL
PRESIDENT
LT
International
proper symbol.
II
Letter Telegram
®
The filing time shown in the date line on domestic telegrams is LOCAL TIME at point of origin. Time of receipt is LOCAL TIME at point of destination
1967 DEC 26 PM 2 38
BUBQ17 (52)DEA083
DE GPA309 POM GRAND RAPIDS MICH 26
CONGRESSMAN GERALD R FORD
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHDC
I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO SUPPORT CONGRESSMAN LOUIS WYMANS PROPOSAL
HOUSE RESOLUTION 946 ON UFO'S
JEROME GARDESKI 915 LYON ST NE.
SF1201 (R2-65)
LEGISLATIVE
"U.F.O."
(Utke, Allen R. Ph.D.)
December 6, 1967
Allen R. Utke, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Wisconsin State University
Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
Dear Doctor Utke:
Thank you very much for your letter of November 30 with your article
entitled, "Swamp Gas, Vill-O'-The-Wisp, or UFOs?"
As you know, 1 have repeatedly recommended that thorough investigative
action be taken and the public be informed concerning the whole matter
of UFOs. I called for an investigation of this matter in the Spring
of 1966, and I note. with interest H. Res. 946 sponsored by Rep. Louis c.
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
Wyman which would authorize the House Committee on Science and Astro-
nauties to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of UFOs.
This resolution is presently pending with the House Committee on Rules,
and no action has as yet been scheduled on it.
As you also know, the Air Force has authorized a thorough and complete
investigation of UFOs. This investigation is being conducted at this
present time at the University of Colorado under the chairmanship of
Dr. Edward U. Condon, and we hope it will provide the public with all
the facts we need about UPOs. I am looking forward with all other inter-
ested citizens to seeing the results of this important investigation. I
thought you might be interested in seeing the enclosed copies of two news
articles I have seen concerning this current study.
Any additional information that you have available concerning this whole
matter would be deeply appreciated. I certainly do want the public to
be completely informed concerning the UFO phenomenon.
Kindest regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:h
Enel.
donotly
SCHOOL OF LETTERS & SCIENCE
WSU
414/235-6220
WISCONSIN STATE UNIVERSITY, OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN 54901
November 30, 1967
Representative Gerald Ford
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Very
Dear Representative Ford:
I noted with interest your attempts to obtain a congressional
investigation of UFOs, after the sightings in your state in March
of 1966. I am hoping, therefore, that, if you still feel the same
way toward this subject, you will actively support House Resolution
946 sponsored by Louis C. Wyman of New Hampshire.
My interest in this matter stems from the fact, that to my know-
ledge, I am one of the only, or perhaps the only, scientist actively
investigating UFO reports in Wisconsin and the surrounding areas (in-
cluding Upper Michigan). I have on file, taped accounts of sightings
(including close-proximity sightings), drawings of objects made by
observers, and a 30 sec., 8 mm. color movie of a UFO taken by a Police-
man in Illinois, This evidence convinces me that UFOs exist as a phenom-
enon in the sky and that they should be considered to be an area of
valid interest and importance, by everyone. A definite answer to this
problem should be found, and I believe a congressional investigation
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I IBRARY
is an important first step in this regard. One inconclusive pattern
I have noted in the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan sightings that I have
investigated also convinces me that this phenomenon could be of great
importance and concern to this country.
I would be willing to brief you on the data I have, should you
desire. I have already talked to Representative William Steiger in
this respect and Representative Wyman currently has in his possession
the movie I mentioned above. If I can be of any help to you with
regard to your decision to support or oppose House Resolution 946,
please feel free to contact me.
I have also enclosed with this letter a copy of an article I
published in the October, 1967 issue of Fate magazine. I believe it
sheds new light on the "swamp gas" sightings in your state of last
year and thought you might be interested in reading it.
Respectfully yours,
allen R. litke
Allen R. Utke, Ph.D.
Asst. Prof. of Chemistry
ARU/jb
Enc.
DR. ALLEN R. UTKE, born in 1936 in Rock Island,
III., obtained a B.S. in chemistry from Augustana
College and an M.S. and Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry
from the State University of lowa. He presently
holds a position as assistant professor of chemistry
at Wisconsin State University in Oshkosh.
He has been interested in UFOs for several years,
having written and lectured extensively on the sub-
ject as well as participating in radio and TV discus-
sions. He is an active member of NICAP (National
Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena) and
a consultant on the staff of APRO (Aerial Phenomena
Research Organization).
By Allen R. Utke
SWAMP GAS
or, drop out of the sky and land
dean, and 87 co-eds watched for
about a half mile from their
several hours from a safe dis-
WILL-O'-THE-WISP OR
farm. They said they ap-
tance as a UFO alternately hov-
proached to within about 500
ered and maneuvered over a
yards of an object that was flash-
swamp near the Hillsdale Col-
Any of the three can give mere men a
UFOs?
ing red, white and blue lights
lege campus.
from where it sat just off the
Several minor curtain calls fol-
merry chase. Which played the lead in Michigan's show?
ground in the swamp.
lowed the Hillsdale sighting but
After the Manors reported, a
the big show was over after
E
ARLY IN March, 1966, strange
crowd of over 50 persons includ-
March 21.
On March 17 other civilians
objects began to be seen in
ing police gathered quickly and
Unfortunately the experts ar-
and policemen watched Act II,
the Michigan skies and on March
watched the same object and
rived too late to see the perform-
another predawn show in the sky
14, 17, 20 and 21 they provided
several similar objects perform
ance. But Maj. Hector Quinta-
over another part of the same
the spectacular UFO show which
gyrations on the ground and in
nilla, head of Project Bluebook,
Michigan county.
was so well-publicized in news-
the skies near Dexter. Several of
Dr. J. Allen Hynek, professor of
Act III began on the night of
papers across the country.
the elusive objects were chased
astronomy at Northwestern Uni-
March 20. The stage had shifted
Act I of the show was staged
by police in six separate patrol
versity and civilian consultant to
to a swampy area near Dexter, a
on March 14 near Ann Arbor in
cars.
the Air Force on UFOs, and sev-
small town about 10 miles west
Washtenaw County when strange
The grand finale of this UFO
eral United States Air Force offi-
of Ann Arbor. At about eight-
lighted objects performed in the
spectacular came on the follow-
cers might not have arrived at
thirty in the evening a local
predawn sky before an audience
ing night, March 21, in Hillsdale,
all if the Dexter and Hillsdale
farmer named Frank Manor and
of amazed civilians and law en-
Mich., 50 miles west of Dexter.
sightings hadn't received such
his son Ronald claimed they had
forcement officers.
Hillsdale Civil Defense Director
wide press and television cover-
seen a bright object, like a mete-
William Van Horn, a college
age! Once on the scene they con-
32
33
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
34
WH.LO-THE-WISP
OR
UFOs?
35
fined their investigation to these
phenomena. Oth-
as "a fluid (as air) that has
explanation that I would
two sightings only. Visiting Dex-
the theory, often vio-
neither independent shape nor
the reporters."
ter and Hillsdale they talked
But most persons still
volume but tends to expand in-
As it turned out this was
know what to think al-
with many of those persons who
definitely."
unfortunate choice of "possible"
they tend more toward
We immediately are in trouble
claim to have seen the flying
objects on March 20 and 21.
answers and Dr. Hynek prompt-
rather than belief of the
with swamp gas as an explana-
ly found himself stuck with it.
It was at this point that Dr.
explanation.
tion for the Michigan UFOs be-
For at the hastily-called press
Hynek, spokesman for the Air
Perhaps in the end the contro-
cause the reports indicate they
conference on March 25 the re-
versy will serve a useful pur-
did have independent shape and
Force, found himself in a tight
porters present ignored his word
pose, for the scientists may be
they did not expand indefinitely.
spot. Public pressure for an ex-
"possible" and many of the sto-
forced to give consideration to
Moreover, swamp gas must be
planation had mounted quickly
ries the next day not only stated
the three questions at the heart
assumed to be spontaneously
because of the publicity given
swamp gas was the cause of the
of the controversy:
the sightings and Dr. Hynek was
combustible and if this is so, how
Michigan sightings but implied it
(1) Does swamp gas really
is it so?
directed by the Air Force to state
was the cause of other UFO
exist?
his views - although of course
Down the ages there have been
sightings as well. Major Quinta-
(2) If swamp gas does exist
he had not seen the play!
stories of curious unearthly
nilla further tightened Hynek's
what is it?
Later he explained in an arti-
lights seen over bogs, swamps
position when he publicly said
(3) Is swamp gas a logical ex-
cle in the December 17, 1966,
and graveyards. This phenome-
the swamp gas theory satisfied
planation for the Michigan UFO
Saturday Evening Post:
non has been called variously
him and placed the Michigan
sightings?
"In the midst of this confusion
will-o'-the-wisp, corpse candle,
sightings in the "explained"
I got a message from the Air
The third question cannot be
fox fire, jack-o'-lantern, friar's
category.
answered without answering the
Force: There would be a press
lantern, spunkie and ignis fatu-
In the Saturday Evening Post
first two although many persons
us. The latter term comes from
conference and I would issue a
article Dr. Hynek seemed to ex-
including Air Force personnel
the Latin and means foolish fire
statement about the cause of the
press some regret over his hast-
have attempted to do just that.
or fool's fire.
sightings. It did me no good to
ily chosen theory. But the public
The problem lies in the fact that
protest, to say that as yet I had
Many legends have built up
has shown no inclination to dis-
most people know very little
no real idea what had caused the
around this phenomenon in times
associate Dr. Hynek and swamp
about swamp gas and it seems
reported sightings in the
past. In Britain it was thought
gas and he remains stuck with
almost as mysterious as the fly-
that the flickering blue lights
swamps. I was to have a press
what has become a very contro-
ing saucers themselves. The
conference, ready or not.
lured travelers deeper and deep-
versial theory.
question becomes, what does sci-
"Searching for a justifiable ex-
er into the swamps and thus to
It seems the whole country is
ence know about swamp gas?
planation of the sightings I re-
their doom. In the folklore of
divided into three schools of
membered a phone call from a
many lands ignis fatuus is an
thought about the swamp gas
DOES SWAMP GAS EXIST?
botanist at the University of
omen of death. Even today the
theory - pro, con and confused.
B
EFORE WE CAN consider
Michigan who called my atten-
name frequently is applied to
Some persons have simply ac-
swamp gas with any knowl-
tion to the phenomenon of burn-
anything which is misleading.
cepted the theory at face value
edgeability we must stop to con-
ing swamp gas
After learn-
We no longer fear the phe-
and a recent Gallup poll indi-
tider just plain gas. Webster's
ing more about swamp gas from
nomenon and today the lights
cated that this explanation is
Seventh New Collegiate Diction-
other Michigan scientists I de-
simply are attributed to a lumi-
now one of the six most frequent-
(cupyright 1965) defines gas
cided that it was a 'possible'
nous gas emanating from the
ly given by persons who
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
36
FATE
swamp. Descriptions of luminous
gas. Oddly enough, however, no
SWAMP GAS, WILL-O'-THE-WISP OR UFOs?
37
swamp gas by those claiming
to have seen it usually agree
extensive or comprehensive sci-
completely yet. Some scientists
oxygen-free atmosphere. Never-
quite closely. They will tell you
entific study of natural swamp
apparently feel they have
theless, about eight different
they saw flame-like, torch-like,
gas ever has been undertaken.
enough information to give some
species have been studied in lab-
balloon-shaped or mushroom-
The research that has been done
satisfactory answers. They point
oratories since 1937. Some scien-
shaped lights on a windless sum-
has been concerned with at-
out that methane is a common
tists even have succeeded in du-
tempting to duplicate in the lab-
and abundant product of the bac-
mer or warm autumn evening.
plicating the decay process un-
The lights were either on the
oratory the process by which
terial decay and decomposition
der laboratory conditions.
ground or just above it; they
swamp gas may be produced in
of practically any kind of organ-
As to how swamp gas ignites to
nature.
ic or vegetable matter when that
were pale blue with an occasion-
become luminous, scientists can
al tinge of some other color but
Scientists seem no longer to
decay occurs in oxygen-free
make only educated guesses. Not
they never are described as
question the fact that swamp gas
(anaerobic) conditions. The es-
enough research has been con-
white. The lights usually are
contains methane, probably in
sential ingredient produced by
ducted on swamp gas to say for
only a few inches in size and
most cases as its chief compo-
the decay seems to be the bac-
sure but one theory has been
seldom larger than four or five
nent. In fact, for over 50 years
teria that can exist only in the
around since 1850. Many scien-
feet long or in diameter. They
methane frequently has been
absence of oxygen. These bacte-
tists believe the decay probably
nicknamed marsh gas.
ria are found extensively in
results in the formation of im-
may appear to be steady or they
may flicker on and off as if ex-
A French scientist, N. Gre-
black mud and decaying vege-
pure methane. They speculate
hant, analyzed a sample of natu-
table matter.
tinguished and reignited. If they
that it may be contaminated
ral swamp gas in 1908 and re-
In nature methane forms most
do not actually move they give
with two compounds of phos-
the impression of moving if sev-
ported that he found it contained
often when plants die and de-
phorous and hydrogen called
considerable quantities of meth-
compose under warm water. The
eral of them flicker on and off in
phosphine and diphosphine. Di-
close proximity. Or they may ac-
ane. Several other studies of nat-
water excludes oxygen and this
phosphine always results, in
tually rise into the air. But they
ural swamp gas also have sub-
favors the development of the
lesser quantities, in any process
rarely rise more than five to 10
stantiated this. And studies of
necessary bacteria. The decay
that produces phosphine. Both
feet off the ground before they
synthetic swamp gas produced
takes place for the most part in
are highly flammable and di-
in the laboratory indicate the
late summer and early autumn
are extinguished. No single
phosphine will burn spontaneous-
flame or ball of swamp gas ever
chief component is methane.
because of the heat and a swamp
ly when it comes in contact with
is described as lasting more than
Methane also is the chief com-
or marsh obviously is ideally
air. So as the swamp gas escapes
ponent of natural gas. One might
suited for the process. In the
a minute or so before it is extin-
from the surface of the swamp
say swamp gas is a lot like the
case of a shallow swamp a sud-
guished. The only sound ever de-
the diphosphine present prob-
scribed in connection with these
gas that comes out of the burner
den freeze may trap the gas until
ably ignites spontaneously set-
on your gas stove except that the
a spring thaw releases it. So
lights is an occasional popping
ting fire to the methane, much
sound.
latter has had an odorant added.
swamp gas is occasionally seen
like the pilot light on a gas stove
Swamp gas then, when it burns,
in the spring.
ignites the methane escaping
obviously should look a lot like
The anaerobic bacteria that
from the burner.
MANY Mong SCIENTISTS
are
the gas flame on a stove.
cause the decay have not been
Some scientists have found
those who over a pe-
riod of hundreds of years have
Exactly how swamp gas forms
studied as extensively as most
that methane-air mixtures will
and why it burns are questions
other types of bacteria because
reported seeing luminous swamp
burst into flame spontaneously if
the scientists cannot answer
of the difficulties involved in pro-
they suddenly are released from
ducing them in a pure state in an
high pressure and allowed to ex-
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
38
FATE
pand into the air. Swamp gas
GAS, WILL-O'-THE-WISP OR UFOs?
possibly may ignite in this way
"The characteristics of swamp
in view for a long time
swered questions Hynek's theor
as it escapes from below the sur-
gas do not accord with what was
several hours in the latter
seems to raise.
reported."
face of the swamp. However, we
(2) Another difficulty with th
For example, the color of
must remember, this is only con-
Even if a ball of swamp gas
swamp gas theory is that even
jecture and never has been
swamp gas is usually pale blue
were to float high in the air its
it explains the Dexter and Hill
with tinges of other colors. It
proven.
speed should be limited by the
dale sightings of March 20 and 2
never is reported as being white.
speed of the wind. But the object
it does not account for the sigh
Yet both the Dexter and Hills-
DOES SWAMP GAS EXPLAIN
the Manors saw was described
ings of March 14 and 17.
dale objects were described as
THE MICHIGAN UFOs?
as passing directly over them
On March 14 near Dexter tw
having brilliant white lights.
UPERFICIALLY, at least, Dr.
"in just an instant." And shortly
deputy sheriffs witnessed fou
Swamp gas emanations sel-
Hynek's statement that the
after this an object seen over the
discs "flying in line formation
dom get larger than four or five
Michigan UFOs of March, 1966,
nearby town of Chelsea was seen
in the predawn hours. They I'll
feet in size, yet both the Dexter
were swamp gas seems quite
"departing at a high rate of
ported these objects "coul
and Hillsdale objects were esti-
reasonable.
speed."
move at fantastic speeds, mak
mated to be 20 or more feet in
Luminous swamp gas does ex-
We also must ask how four
very sharp turns, dive and clim
diameter.
ist and it does produce an eerie
balls of swamp gas chased by six
and hover with great maneuver
Swamp gas rarely if ever rises
light consisting of several colors
police cars at the site of the
ability." If this account is tru
more than 10 feet in the air, yet
to hover over swamps. It seems
Dexter sighting could outdistance
these objects (seen in the Dexte
the Dexter object was seen to
these cars.
possible that luminous swamp
area) obviously could not hav
drop to the ground from high in
gas was released by a spring
And in all of these sightings
been swamp gas.
the air then rise again to a
thaw at Dexter and Hillsdale and
why did the swamp gas retreat
(3) A last detractor of th
height of about 500 feet before
was mistaken by those who saw
as it was approached?
swamp gas theory is the fac
settling to the ground again. In
How can we account for the
it for something more since peo-
that those persons who saw th
the first place no ball of burning
ple are prone to exaggerate
sound described by Frank Manor
objects live in or near swamp
swamp gas could last that long
when they are excited.
as "like one of those new police
areas. At least some of then
since all gases expand quickly in
Dr. Hynek seems to have
sirens, kind of like shooting a
must be familiar with the ap
the atmosphere. An odor re-
bullet through a canyon?" This
made a valid point when he said,
pearance of luminous swam]
leased at one point in a room
"A dismal swamp is a most un-
certainly was not the popping
gas. And yet to a person the:
quickly fills the whole room, for
sound usually associated with
likely place for a visit from outer
were convinced swamp gas i
example. And the tendency of a
swamp gas.
space."
not what they saw.
hot or burning gas to expand or
And how can we explain the
Frank Manor said simply, "I
On the other hand, the swamp
disperse is greatly enhanced.
higher than normal levels of ra-
was an object
I don't care
gas theory raises more questions
There is nothing inherent in a
dioactivity found at the site of
who believes me. I believe me."
about the Dexter and Hillsdale
ball or flame of methane to
the Hillsdale sighting by Civil
Mrs. Manor who also saw the
sightings than it answers. It just
counter its tendency to expand
Defense Director William Van
object later remarked, "I'm no
doesn't "ring true" for three
and thus swamp gas flares must
Horn? Swamp gas is not radio-
professor and I'm not as edu
reasons:
be short-lived - usually they are
active and Van Horn was quite
cated as him but I think Dr.
(1) As Dr. Albert Hibbs, a sci-
extinguished within only a min-
convinced the radioactivity was
Hynek was all wrong."
entist at the California Institute
ute or so. But in both the Dexter
caused by the object seen.
Dexter Police Chief Robert
of Technology, recently said,
and Hillsdale sightings the ob-
These are some of the unan-
Taylor saw the object and said,
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
40
FATE
"I have no idea what it was but I
don't think it was swamp gas."
did not see the objects but who
The GALLUP POLL Reports:
Perhaps Patrolman Robert
are familiar with swamp gas
Hunawill best summed up the
also question Dr. Hynek's the-
statements of the many witness-
ory. Dr. Neil Harriman, biologist
FIVE MILLION
es when he said, "It's not marsh
at Wisconsin State University,
gas! My reaction to Dr. Hynek is
summed up his feelings about
swamp gas as follows:
Americans Have Seen
the same as the rest of the peo-
ple around here. He made us
"I saw swamp gas one evening
look like fools. I don't think he'll
in the summer of 1950 or 1951
over a small marshy arm of a
FLYING SAUCERS"
get any cooperation out of these
people anymore."
city park lake in Ferguson, St.
Louis County, Mo. It was July or
Extent of acceptance of credibility of "saucers"
REEVALUATING THE SWAMP
August and the air was very hot,
astonishes pollsters long accustomed to vagaries of public opinion.
GAS THEORY
humid and still. The appearance
WAMP GAS does not seem
was of a bluish-white mass of
By George H. Gallup, III, and John O. Davies, III*
adequately to explain the
vaporous material, very roughly
Dexter and Hillsdale sightings
globular or spherical, making no
and does not take into account
sound and rising very gently
L ATE ONE NIGHT a Danville,
have gotten away before anyone
Ill., housewife and her hus-
could get down and out of it."
the previous sightings on March
through the air to a height of
band were driving home along a
What was it?
perhaps five or six feet before
14 and 17 in the same area.
dreary stretch of highway. Sud-
"Our government has some-
going out. The light was soft and
It seems to raise more ques-
denly a strange, glowing light
thing to do with it, I'm sure of
diffuse, not at all like any "me-
tions than it answers.
that," she reasoned. "They've
chanical" light source I have
above the car attracted her at-
Those who saw the objects are
tention.
been experimenting with some-
ever seen. The ignited gas did
convinced they did not see
What the woman saw, she later
thing like this for years."
not move at all rapidly nor in
swamp gas. And at least some of
told a Gallup Poll interviewer,
She and her husband weren't
any clearly defined shape - I
these people are familiar with
was a "saucer-shaped object
the only ones to see the phenom-
cannot imagine that it could
the phenomenon of swamp gas.
about 10 or 12 feet in diameter
enon that night. Shortly after
have been mistaken for any ma-
Moreover, many persons who
hovering about 50 feet above the
their experience two Illinois state
chine or contrivance."
car." The object followed them
policemen reportedly spotted a
for "five or six minutes and then
similar object near Danville and
raised up suddenly and shot off
followed it in their car for 10
out of view."
miles until it vanished abruptly.
When asked about the feeling
The experience of this Danville
NO COFFEE BREAK FOR DEATH
she had as she viewed her "sau-
couple is not as rare as one
A
S GEORGE GREEN, 59, was installing a length of pipe in a
broken cesspool drain in Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, N.Y.,
cer" she said she was too excited
might believe. Although as many
a half dozen of his fellow workers decided to take their morning
to be afraid. "Anyway," she
as 11,000 sightings have been re-
coffee break. They invited Green to accompany them but he said he
pointed out, "we probably could
ported to the United States Air
wanted to stay and finish up his end of the job. When the others
Force, the Gallup Poll has dis-
returned they found the trench in which Green was working had
collapsed and buried him. They dug him out quickly but their efforts
*Mr. Gallup is Managing Director of
covered that somewhere in the
the Gallup Poll (American Institute of
to revive him failed.
Public Opinion).
neighborhood of five million
Mr. Davies is the organization's editor.
41
If 20 Балошный
you TOH
Iniorga seglun guiteam ai эвноН oili olida tie your
90TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. RES. 946
to marriado adt lo outstange robno honest your
7d to
dons
vd.
baterrizeb
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
redinsat
OCTOBER 17, 1967
Mr. WYMAN submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on Rules
ati
to
atlivant
edt
bren
nedw
эбват
RESOLUTION
to drof) oilt daiw that 07
1
Resolved, That the Committee on Science and Astro-
2 nautics, acting as a whole or by subcommittee, is authorized
3 and directed to conduct a full and complete investigation and
4 study of unidentified flying objects.
5
For the purpose of carrying out this resolution the com-
6 mittee or subcommittee is authorized to sit and act during the
7 present Congress at such times and places within the United
8 States, including any Commonwealth or possession thereof,
9 whether the House is in session, has recessed, or has ad-
10 journed, to hold such hearings, and to require, by subpena or
11 otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses
12 and the production of such books, records, correspondence,
V
2
1 memorandums, papers, and documents, as it deems necessary;
2 except that neither the committee nor any subcommittee
3 thereof may sit while the House is meeting unless special
4 leave to sit shall have been obtained from the House. Sub-
5 penas may be issued under the signature of the chairman of
6 the committee or any member of the committee designated by
7 him, and may be served by any person designated by such
8 chairman or member.
TOOT
9
03 The committee shall report to the House as soon as
10 practicable during the present Congress the results of its
11 investigation and study, together with such recommendations
12 as it deems advisable. Any such report which is made when
13 the House is not in session shall be filed with the Clerk of
bus
14 the House.
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-1110') onl) noitulozen sidt too zuizmo to 109
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TO vd ,этіврат of from equired think blodSes 01
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zhrown school dons to notionliony oil)
90TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. RES. 946
RESOLUTION
To authorize the Committee on Science and
Astronautics to conduct an investigation and
study of unidentified flying objects.
By Mr. WYMAN
OCTOBER 17, 1967
Referred to the Committee on Rules
Ana N.)
and
therest
LEGISLATIVE
"U.F.O."
(Thomas, William)
Re: H.Res. 946
January 8, 1968
Mr. William Thomas
145 Bennett
Ferndale, Michigan 48220
Dear Mr. Thomas:
Thank you very much for your letter of January 5 in support of 11. Res.
946.
As you know, I have repeatedly recommended that thorough investigative
action be taken and the public be informed concerning the whole matter
of UFOs. I called for an investigation of this matter in the Spring
of 1966, and I note with interest H. Res. 946 sponsored by Rep. Louis
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
C. Wyman which would authorize the House Committee on Science and
Astronautics to conduct a full and complete investigation and study of
UFOs. This resolution is presently pending with the House Committee on
Rules, and no action has as yet been scheduled on it.
As you also know, the Air Force has authorized a thorough and complete
investigation of UFOs. This investigation is being conducted at this
present time at the University of Colorado under the chairmanship of
Dr. Edward U. Condon, and we hope it will provide the public with all
the facts we need about UFOs. I am looking forward with all other inter-
ested citizens to seeing the results of this important investigation.
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:h
1-5-68
Congressmen D Ford
Rowll
House of Repositatives OR BOND
Washington I.C. 20510
Dear
Congressman Ford
on
This letter is about House
/
Resolution 946, which I am asking for you
GERALD FORD BRARY
vigorous support To pass the Rules Committee
& wish to thank you, for PHO##COPY
on this matter.
taking your time to read about my though
Sincerely yours,
William Thmos
145. Bennett
Fendale michyan
48220
July 12, 1968
Dor
Please show this to N/F/A
MP
I personally feel
that the President
the Congress, the
The extraordinary story
has
a
very
heavy
Senate, and debate
of the
hand of pensure
this last of the
half-million-dollar "trick"
on
this
issue;
sarred Row issues.
to make
and that he fears
Americans believe
some kind of world
Paymond S. Konley
the Condon committee
religious upheaval!
1815 E. NEWBARRY BLVD. APT.(E)
was conducting
Remember
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN. 53211
an objective investigation
Galileo Galilei?
FLYING SAUCER FIASCO
BY JOHN G. FULLER
A STRANGE SERIES of incidents in the University of Colorado Unidentified
partment of Meteorology at the University of Arizona, addressed the group.
Flying Objects study has led to a near-mutiny by several of the staff scien-
McDonald had carried out an extensive investigation on his own.
tists, the dismissal of two Ph.D's on the staff and the resignation of
the
After examining the hundreds of well-documented reports of sightings by
project's administrative assistant.
military and airline pilots, radar operators, police, technical observers
The study, announced as a totally objective scientific investigation of
and articulate, rational laymen, McDonald rejected as highly unlikely such
one of the most puzzling phenomena of modern times, has already cost
conventional explanations for UFO's as ball lightning (plasma), hallucina-
the taxpayer over half a million dollars. The committee is scheduled to
tions, hoaxes and misinterpretations of natural phenomena. He concluded
release its report by the end of the year.
that "only abysmally limited scientific competence has been brought to the
The announcement by the Secretary of Defense in October, 1966,
study of UFO's within Air Force circles in the past 15 years. Unfortunately,
that the Air Force had selected Dr. Edward U. Condon and the Universit
during all this time, the scientific community and the public were repeated-
of Colorado for the UFO research contract was welcomed both by skeptical
ly assured that substantial scientific talent was being used
observers and those convinced of the existence of flying saucers.
From the beginning, the relationship between Dr. McDonald and
Maj. Donald Keyhoe and his National Investigations Committee on
Robert Low, the project coordinator, was abrasive. Low, who speaks softly,
Aerial Phenomena, who were among the severest critics of the Air Force's
smoothly and guardedly, contrasts sharply with McDonald, who is in-
study, publicly announced cautious support and offered NICAP'S nation-
tense and bluntly articulate.
wide UFO reporting system to the new research group.
The relationship between the Colorado group and NICAP was especial-
Condon, then 64, a distinguished physicist, former president of both
ly important. NICAP was large and well-organized, and could supply in-
the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Ameri-
formation on UFO sightings on a nationwide scale. NICAP hoped that the
can Physical Society, had grappled with and subdued the House Un-
Colorado group would retain its scientific objectivity by concentrating on
American Activities Committee, and served as director of the U.S. Govern-
the estimated ten percent of "high credibility" cases, such as those Dr.
ment's National Bureau of Standards from 1945 to 1951. His, leadership
McDonald was investigating.
appeared to promise pure scientific objectivity in the study. Only two de-
The first major turbulence in the new project came early in February,
tails seemed to disturb some observers. Four out of the first five investiga-
1967. Condon, burdened by heavy responsibilities in many public and ed-
tors appointed were psychologists. And Robert J. Low, project coordinator
ucational projects, could not spend much time in the project offices. Low
and key operations man in the study, held a master's degree in business ad-
assumed the responsibilities for most of the decision-making. But on Jan
ministration (although his bachelor's degree was electrical engineer
uary 25, Condon, known for his breezy, anecdotal style, spoke before
ing). Some critics felt that more physical scientists were needed. Condon
a chapter of Sigma Xi, the honorary scientific fraternity, The Elmira,
assured them that the staff would become more balanced, and later, it was.
N.Y., Star-Gazette reported:
The project staff received a minor jolt early in October of 1966, when
"Unidentified flying objects 'are not the business of the Air Force,'
the Denver Post published a story: CU AIDE SLAPS UFO STUDY. Low was
Dr. Edward U. Condon said here Wednesday night.
Dr.
Condon
quoted as saying that the UFO project "comes pretty close to the criteria
left no doubt as to his personal sentiments on the matter: 'It is my inclina-
of nonacceptability" as a university function.
tion right now to recommend that the Government get out of this business.
But the massive problems of getting the project started left little time
My attitude right now is that there's nothing to it.' With a smile, he added,
for debate over that statement. Briefings were held in which Dr. J. Allen
'but I'm not supposed to reach a conclusion for another year.
Hynek, chairman of the Department of Astronomy of Northwestern Un-
The story also quoted Condon as saying: "What we're always re-
versity and one of the few scientists in the country who had given UFO's
duced to is interviewing persons who claim they've had some kind of ex-
serious study, gave the staff the background information he had acquired
perience.
I don't know of any cases where the phenomenon was still
in his 20 years as scientific consultant for the Air Force. Later, such au-
there after the person reports it
and
it
seems
odd,
but
these
people
thorities as Major Keyhoe and Richard Hall from NICAP, Maj. Hector
always seem to wait until they get home before they report what they saw."
Quintanilla, of the Air Force UFO study, and Dr. James McDonald, senior
Keyhoe knew of cases where "the phenomenon was still there after
physicist at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics and professor in the De
the person reported it," and where the observer didn't wait to get home
continued
58 LOOK 5-14-68
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
SAUCER FIASCO
CONTINUED
A startling memo from Robert Low said
"the trick would be" to "appear" objective
before he reported it. He bristled. He knew that Condon had not yet in-
On September 18, Condon, Low and Saunders met for the first time
that it и
vestigated any field cases personally, nor had any members of the staff
in many weeks. As a result of his reading of the memo, Saunders was deep-
those of
completed any meaningful research. The project was only three months
ly concerned about the negative approach to the UFO problem. It would
seeing I
old. "I have to admit," Keyhoe told David Saunders, a key staff member,
be easy, he felt, to concentrate on the nut-and-kook cases and persuasively
solve the
"that I'm shocked by these statements. Is this a scientific investigation or
eliminate any serious consideration of the real problem.
talk was
isn't
The meeting went on for three hours. Low did most of the talking.
In
Condon rote Keyhoe that some of his remarks had been taken out of
Condon seemed tired. Low's position was that Saunders was sticking his
ately rec
context. NICAP then issued this statement: "Although we retain some reser-
nose into something that was none of his business. Condon's position was
to under
vations about the impressions of Dr. Condon's attitudes conveyed through
that he didn't understand what Saunders was talking about.
member
some press accounts, we find no reason to go along with the skeptics who
Saunders was led to believe that if by chance the Extra Terrestrial
Wo
interpret the project merely as the latest gambit in an Air Force propa-
Intelligence (ETI) hypothesis was substantiated, the announcement would
Colorad
ganda campaign. Having met most of the scientists involved, we are gen-
be sent by Condon directly to the Air Force and the President, and never
the answ
erally satisfied with their mindedness and their thorough plans.
be allowed to go to the public. This troubled him, because Saunders had
On
The NICAP cooperation made it possible to establish an Early Warning
been given a clear understanding that the report would go first to the
lished tl
System, and staff investigators were now being dispatched for field reports.
National Academy of Sciences, then to the public and Air Force simul-
was quo
Saunders gave particular attention to field surveys, as well as to the de-
taneously. Saunders felt he could not let the problem drop. Another meet-
be disco
velopment of a master casebook and staff discussions of major cases. Low
ing was agreed to.
proach t
was giving the staff members considerable leeway in the approach they
At this point, Keyhoe suddenly sent word that NICAP was going to take
back on
were taking. Condon, with his office some distance away, did not appear
a strong stand against the Condon committee and no longer would supply
The
frequently, and some of the staff felt that it was often frustrating to try to
material and reports. The reason, Keyhoe said, was a new speech made
the poss:
reach him, During this time, it seemed to some of the staff that several
by Condon at the Atomic Spectroscopy Symposium at Gaithersburg, Md.,
lease or
potentially interesting cases were turned down for investigation by Low
on September 13, 1967. A report of the new Condon speech had already
indepen
for what were apparently specious reasons.
reached Dr. McDonald in a letter from a colleague at the University of
eliminat
Another scientific investigator, Dr. Norman Levine, joined the proj-
Arizona, William S. Bickel, assistant professor of physics on the campus.
objective
ect and immediately became aware of the strained atmosphere developing
Dr. Condon's speech was funny and entertaining," Bickel wrote.
unbiased
between Low and several members of the staff. Condon himself was heard
But to me, it was also disappointing and surprising. Dr. Condon empha-
P' blic a
to say that he wished the project could give the money back.
sized mostly funny things. He told of an offer made to him by a contactee,
ngec
A senior member of the staff who was asked to make a speech before
who, for a sizable sum deposited in the right bank would introduce him
a teachers association began looking for specific details on the origin of
to a UFO crew.
He told how he tracked the case down and conclud
the project. He was told that he might find some information in the open-
files folder under the heading AIR FORCE CONTRACT AND BACKGROUND. The
Gondon dismisseu
relaxed open-file system was part of a general overall policy to keep the
10115. Armstrong had joined the project at its inception with no con-
project out of the cloak-and-dagger category. (In a later memo, Low said:
victions whatever about UFO's. By February, 1967, she was convinced that
"The key point to keep in mind, it seems to me, is that our own files are
the study was being gravely misdirected. When, on February 7, 1968,
not secure, they are not confidential, they can't be kept confidential, nor
Condon told her that he was going to fire Saunders and Levine the next
should they be It is inconsistent with the purposes of a university to
day, Mrs. Armstrong's first impulse was to resign immediately. But she
keep confidential any records of research activity-or any other records
then decided first to confront Condon with what she regarded as clear,
for that matter.")
unassailable documentation of the factors behind the disagreement and
The staff member found most of the material about the contract rather
low morale of the staff.
dull going, but one memo, written by Low to university officials on August
She talked to Condon on February 22, 1968, at his office. She told
9, 1966, contained a few fresh details. The memo, labeled "Some Thoughts
him frankly that there appeared to be an almost unanimous lack of confi-
on the UFO Project," had been written before the contract was signed. In
dence in the project coordinator and his scientific direction of the project.
it. Low said: Our study would be conducted almost exclusively by non-
She pointed out that Low had indicated little interest in talking to those
believers who, although they couldn't possibly prove a negative result,
who carried out the investigations or in reading their reports. She said that
could and probably would add an impressive body of evidence that there is
her long, close association with Low gave strong evidence that he was try-
no reality to the observations. The trick would be, I think, to describe the
ing very hard to say as little as possible in the final report, and to say that
project so that, to the public, it would appear a totally objective study but,
in the most negative way possible. At Condon's request, she wrote a follow-
to the scientific community, would present the image of a group of nonbe-
up letter in which she added that the tone of the memo indicated that Low
lievers trying their best to be objective, but having an almost zero expecta-
was not unbiased from the beginning. Condon then wrote her: "My posi-
tion of finding a saucer. One way to do this would be to stress investiga-
tion is that that letter is a confidential matter between the two of us and
tion, not of the physical phenomena, but rather of the people who do the
that for you to disclose it to anyone else would be gravely unethical." But
observing-the psychology and sociology of persons and groups who re-
after long consideration, Mrs. Armstrong felt that it was more important
port seeing UFO's. If the emphasis were put here, rather than on examina-
to the public interest to state her feelings clearly.
tion of the old question of the physical reality of the saucer, 1 think the
The others who left the project also felt they had an obligation to
scientific community would quickly get the message
I'm inclined to
speak out, and when Condon failed to respond positively to his outspoken
feel at this early stage that, if we set up the thing right and take pains to
letter of criticism, McDonald brought the matter before the executive offi-
get the proper people involved and have success in presenting the image
cers of the National Academy of Sciences in a vigorous written protest.
we want to present to the scientific community, we could carry the job
Saunders and Levine cleared their desks at Woodbury Hall and left.
off to our benefit.
Asked about the near-mutiny in the investigating staff, Condon said
When Levine read the memo, he was disturbed by the word "trick"
that he would make no comment. Low stated that he had absolutely "zero
and the phrase about making the investigation "appear a totally objective
comment" to make about the dismissals. Thurston E. Manning, vice presi-
study" to the public. Others on the staff had a similar reaction.
dent and dean of the faculties of the University of Colorado, delivered
Many staff members were also disturbed by the news that Condon
word through his secretary that he had nothing to say. Scott Tyler, in
had decided to attend the June Congress of "Ufologists" in New York. This
charge of public relations for the university, said that he had no comment.
was a convention of far-out supporters of undocumented and highly color-
The hope that the establishment of the Colorado study brought with
ful UFO sightings.
it has dimmed. All that seems to be left is the $500,000 trick.
END
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
ry likely a hoax
My feelings about UFO's are similar to
y people-I don't know what they are, I believe people are
ings, and I believe a scientific attack on the problem will
tery-whatever they are.
The net effect of Dr. Condon's
if not negative.
"
to Bickel, McDonald wrote, " The crackpots are so immedi-
able that one need not waste any time at all on them
I fail
why a scientific group should be given an address by any
: Colorado team on the topic of the crackpot fringe.
"
me from Keyhoe that he was drafting a long letter to the
y group, and NICAP would reconsider its cooperation only if
a list of questions were satisfactory.
mber 27, the Rocky Mountain News (Denver, Colo.) pub-
adline: UFO RESEARCH CHIEF AT CU DISENCHANTED. Condon
saying: "I'm almost inclined to think such studies ought to
ed unless someone comes up with a new idea on how to ap-
oblem
The 21st century may die laughing when it looks
things we have done. This [the UFO study] may be one."
rity of the staff began exploring several proposals, including
of the entire staff resigning en masse or issuing a press re-
ority report. Another proposal was the establishment of an
cientific group to explore the rational sighting reports and
crackpot-fringe static. There was general agreement that an
y of the UFO problem should be made and that accurate and
ings should reach the National Academy of Sciences, the
e Air Force. A confrontation with Low and Condon was
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
idon expressed regret that his statements had appeared in
eral members of the staff told of their concern that the con-
"U.F.O."
(KONLEY, Raymond)
legislative
January 19, 1968
Mr. Raymond G. Konley
1815 S. Newbarry Blvd
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
53211
Dear Mr. Konley,
I wish to acknowledge and thank you for sending no your cartoon
on President Johnson.
It vas good of you to sead me this, and I appreciate having your
views as expressed in this vay. Let me assure you that I was happy
to hear from you.
Kindest regards.
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M. C.
GRF:pc
WON'T LYN
BE SURPRISED!
by RAY KONLE,
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
WOOOOEE!
THE $8 ISSUE
HAVE you GOT
COMPANY!
UFOs UI O's
WHOOOOOM!
Foo WEE!
BURP
L.B.J.
GAG
LUVS
L.B.J.
THE TEXAS OUTHOUST D
Aion
KNOCK!
Q
495
1968
KNOCK
SCiENTiFiC
HELP!
WORLD
ST FRiGHT
RELiGiOUS
FiNDiNGS
WiDE
UFO
REPORT
YOUR
4.8.J. J.
CEN SORED!
C.I.A.
REW
MABEY I'LL LOOK NEXT YEAR, OR YEAR AFTER MAREY!
RAYMOND G. KONLEY
PHOTOCOPY FRUM GERALD
1.815 E. NEWBARRY BLVD.
MILWAUKEE, WISC ONSiN
53211
letter lets
MED JAN10'68
o
someon
111
WIS: PRIMATER
AIR MAIL
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN
LEADER
WASHINGTON.D.C.
67, Outlook for '68
READ OTHER SiDE
re: Sept. 30 Report
January 24 and appreciate your interest in
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
study being made at the University of
a copy of the report on or soon after
am permitted to release it, I will be pleased
helpful.
House of Representatives, U.S.
PUBLIC DOCUMENT
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Herald R. Ford
M.C.
Mr. Paul Nadan
Associate Editor
Crown Publishers, Inc.
419 Park Avenue, S.
New York, N. Y. 10016
MICHIGAN
Telephone (212) 685-8550
Cable Address LETOUT NEW YORK
Crown Publishers, INC.
419 PARK AVENUE SOUTH, NEW YORK, N. Y. 10016
January 24, 1968
The Honorable Gerald R. Ford
Office of the Minority Leader
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
Dear Congressman Ford:
I note that the UFO study at the University of
Colorado is being additionally funded, and that
the completed report will be submitted for review
to the National Academy of Sciences on September 30.
Regarding your interest in doing an introduction
to the report and its publication by us along with
the report, should you be able to obtain a copy of
the report on or soon after September 30 it would be
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
extremely useful to us all (the report of course will
be made public January, 1969).
I wonder what you think of this.
My very best wishes.
Sincerely,
Paul Douldadon Nadan
Associate Editor
PN/bh
enc.
P.S. I've enclosed a copy of your last letter to me.
GERALD R. FORD
MICHIGAN OFFICE:
FIFTH DISTRICT, MICHIGAN
425 CHERRY STREET SE.
GRAND RAPIOS
Congress of the United States
Office of the Minority Leader
House of Representatives
Washington, B.C.
December 20, 1966
Mr. Paul Nadan
Associate Editor
Crown Publishers, Inc.
419 Park Avenue South
New York, New York 10016
Dear Mr. Nadan:
Thank you for your letter of December 9 providing me with a copy
of the reply you received from Dr. Condon's office telling you,
regarding your request for an advance copy of the report on UFOs,
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
that it is expected that the report will be released to the public
after review by the National Academy of Sciences and that an early
copy cannot be promised.
You ask in your letter what is your next move or mine. I am
afraid that our next move will have to be that of us waiting until
the report has been reviewed by the National Academy of Sciences.
Kindest regards.
Sincerely, Jung Ford
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:jb
LEGISLATIVE
"U.F.O."
(Bloecher, Ted)
Re: "Report on the UFO Wave of 47"
Dorothy has book at her place
February 26, 1968
Mr. Ted Bloccher
National Investigations
Committee on Aerial Phenomena
1536 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20036
Dear Mr. Bloecher:
Thank you most sincerely for sending me the complimentary copy of
the "Report on the UFO Wave of 1947, which you wrote. I do find
this of interest and especially appreciate your thinking of me in
this regard.
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
Kindest regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:h
NATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE
ON AERIAL PHENOMENA
MAJOR DONALD E. KEYHOE
WASHINGTON. D. C. 20036
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES:
USMC (RET.) DIRECTOR
1536 CONNECTICUT AVE., N.W.
GORDON 1. R. LORE, JR.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
TELEPHONE: (202) 667-9434
COMPLIMENTARY COPY
This copy of the Report on the UFO Wave of 1947 is
sent with the compliments of the author, who hopes
that you will find it of interest.
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
Ted Bloecher
c/o National Investigations
Committee on Aerial Phenomena
1536 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
A privately-supported fact finding body serving the national public interest
LEGISLATIVE
"U.F.O"
(Beecher, Brook)
March 15, 1968
Mr. Brook Beecher
Devereux School Manor
Post Office Box 1079
Santa Barbara, California 93102
Dear Brook,
May I thank you for your letter of March 11 telling me of your
interest in the investigation of unidentified flying objects.
As you may be aware, I have repeatedly recommended that thorough
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
investigative action be taken and the public be informed concerning
this matter. I had called for an investigation of this matter in
the Spring of 1966. Enclosed are some of the news releases which
I issued at that time.
As you also know, the Air Force has authorized a thorough and complete
investigation of UFOs. This investigation is being conducted at this
present time at the University of Colorado under the chairmanship of
Dr. Edward U. Condon and we hope it will provide the public with all
the facts we need about UFOs. I am looking forward with all other inter-
ested citizens to seeing the results of this important investigation.
Enclosed are two news articles concerning this current study.
You will also find enclosed some information from the Air Force and
also the Library of Congress which you may be interested in.
Kindest regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:b
Encl.
Brook Beecher
Devereux School, Manor
P. O: Box 1079
A
Santa Barbara, Calif. 93102
1
March 11,1968
Dear Congressmen ford
This letter isin reference to
your poblic (1) The statements air Force concerning does not OFO's. lie
to the public on , fo's, They simplely
Can't give evidence that isn't there.
(2) Yes the air Force censore
information on VFO's Can Force Regulation
200-2 and JANAP146 Proves that Bat
they are dot doing this because they have
instead, because they cannot speculate on a
Evidence that UFO'S are mal (interplenetery).
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERAL LD FORD BRARY
Matter of such questiontroversy without have
100% phipical Evidence-and poof get I seen no
indication that they have this
(3) you must Respond to people congerns
as ce congressmen or else you would not be
in your place. But again
feelmost comfortable Thus Jumping someting
that cople tend to to behind what makes them
to inational conclusions. they just do not
realize that if the Cein Force released all 650
unknowns the average untrained reader might
jump to illegical conclusions and sensotionshism
would plans its Part, are of this Curmail
2
might accur Over nothing Cthatis if
all U 1F0's can be Earth Explained).
Gif to Idontexist dongers would result
from the psychological standport Question:
something they connotidentify Certainly
why should the Deptos the Oir Force release
the Imagenative public isnt Evalified to
determine what is factual and what is Not
(4) the air Force is not all responsible
for the confusion in existence. Egorate groups
like NICAP whos aim is to belittlo more
( believe), are logely
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
responsible Frander toincrease their own
poblic Image. Also cultist (crackpot)
groupsorcontactess play a major part
in contributing to thoprablem by picking
on guillable fubleminded people who havent
got any thing else todo then jumpto
extenstral horrism Sene the Chis Forep
makes mistakes but they are for may
Reg ht then egoste group like Ncicop
(Notional Investigations Committee on and
Phenomenia) who you are well famelros
with, or cultist groups run by the
contactey on religious fonaticallexPag)
3
why not go to a reliable source
like the air Force for your information
They are certainly more equiped to drill you
on details then the other junk you have been
hearing on Reading about.
as for my Quolifications I have none BBRARY
In th form of degrees for In only 17 years old.
this troublesome subject and I have service claims
However I have spentfrearly 4 years investigating
I finally conclude thoug h the air Forep
throughly bod both sides and their story.
does have foults that can be cleared up.
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD
rebible information from
they are by for the best source to get
Personnal views caguments T disagreement)
Please Sis write and tell your our
on what 2 have stated here. add you own
conclusion covering the solject also
Booklets etc that you may have on Hand.
Pleanenclose any recent reparts dialogo
Thank you
Sincerely yours
Brook Beecher
Devereux School, Manor
P. O. Box 1079
BrookBusher
Santa Barbara, Calif. 93102
LEGISLATIVE
"U.F.O"
(Harris, Vernon)
March 19, 1968
Mr. Vernon Harris
343 Albert Street
Sebewaing, Michigan
Dear Mr. Harris:
May I thank you for your recent letter and your interest in the
investigation of unidentified flying objects.
As you may be aware, I have repeatedly recommended that thorough
investigative action be taken and the public be informed concerning
this matter. I had called for an investigation of this matter in
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
the Spring of 1966.
As you know, the Air Force has authorized a thorough and complete
investigation of UFOs. This investigation is being conducted at
this present time at the University of Colorado under the chairman-
ship of Dr. Edward U. Condon, and we hope it will provide the public
with all the facts we need about UFOs. I am looking forward with
all other interested citizens to seeing the results of this important
investigation.
Let me assure you that I appreciate your interest in the study of
UFOs, but right now I am waiting for the results of the investigation
at the University of Colorado.
Kindest personal regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:h
Donths
Vernon Harris
343 Albert St.
Sebewaing, Michigan
March 8, 1968
Gerald Ford
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Ford,
You are in a position to help me in a matter that is very
important to our county and to mankind.
Have you wondered why our scientists have managed to keep the
U.F.O. investigation going for eighteen years and give us no new
information on the subject.
Here is some food for thought. There is millions of dollars at
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
stake in a patent on the power system the space ships use and I say
space ships as many of our scientists now believe we have visitors
rome another planet with scientific knowledge thousands of years
ahead of our time. I probabley know more about the ships and the
power system the use than any other man and I know this will require
the combined effort of a large number scientific minds and millions of
dollars to build the power system.
The money the government is wasting on the investigation is
not important, the security of our country is important and it is
possible the Russian Scientists could obtain the same knowledge I
have and be working on the power system and if theybuild the system
first we are in serious trouble.
2
I have sufficient facts and evidence and will submit to a poly-
graph test to prove beyond doubt that we have space ships from another
planet and I hope to prove one or more scientists have known this for
several years.
I would like to talk this over with you and explain some facts
that are impossible to explain in a letter, after you evaluate the facts
and evidence I have, I am sure you will agree this should be brought to
the attention our scientists as soon as possible.
I was advised to take this before the investigating committee
in Washington and have two scientists a pyysicist and an electrical enginee:
of whom I will name later to testify.
The engineer and the physicist will be there to verify my statements
on the ships and the power system, the two scientists will be there in
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD BRARY
their own defence and to try and prove me wrong.
A number of our scientists are atheists and I suggest all who
testify be asked to take a lie detector test to be sure we will hear
the truth.
I have no use for publicity of any kind. I will explain the vert-
ical power system the ships use and how it operates and I am sure there
will be facts brought to light that should not be released to the press.
Perhaps you can suggest another way to brign this to the attention
of our scientists, whatever method you decide on will be agreeable with
me as long as it serves the purpose.
Would it be possible to have the unidified U.F.O. photographs at
Wright Patterson available? They are not necessary to prove my case,
however they will furnish valuable information as I will identify the
pictures to the satisfaction of all concerned. So far the scientists have
refused to let me identify the pictures.
3.
Since 1965 I have talked to several scientists on this subject
and one scientist said many of his friends and co-workers in the
field of science believe the U. F. 0.'s are ships from outer space
and believe the air force or the scientist. investigating the U. F. 0.'s
are with holding the truth. He said he would like to see the truth
brought out in the open and advised me to take this to Washington and
prove the ships are from outer space and clear the way for our scien-
tists to go to work on the power system.
I will appreciate your help.
Sincerely yours,
Vernon Harris
Vernon Harris
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
LEGISLATIVE
"U.F.O."
(Anderson, John)
April 23, 1968
Mr. John Anderson
8523 Cedel Drive
Houston, Texas 77055
Dear Mr. Anderson:
May I thank you for your recent letter and for your interest in
unidentified flying objects.
As you may be aware, I have repeatedly recommended that thorough
investigative action be taken and the public be informed concerning
this matter. I had called for an investigation of this matter in
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
the Spring of 1966. Enclosed are some of the news releases which
I issued at that time.
As you also know, the Air Force has authorized a thorough and complete
investigation of UFOs. This investigation is being conducted at this
present time at the University of Colorado under the chairmenship of
Dr. Edward U. Condon and we hope it will provide the public with all
the facts we need about UFOs. I am looking forward with all other
interested citizens to seeing the results of this current study. You
will also find enclosed two newspaper articles concerning this investi-
gation.
Also enclosed is some information from the Air Force and the Library
of Congress which you may be interested in.
Kindest regards.
Sincerely,
Cerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF h
Encl.
8523 Cedel Drive
Houston, Texas 77055
April 12, 1968
Dear Sir:
In researching the topic my English class will debate, I
have come upon your name. I call upon you for any
assistance that you could offer. The topic is: "Resolved
that U. F. 0's Do Exist".
This poses several questions to me as a debater and as a
result I would be grateful for your views on the subject.
Several channels that I would appreciate information on are:
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
1.
How many investigations of aerial phenomenon
have been left unsolved by the U. S. Air Force?
2.
What are the views of different authorities upon
the subject of U. F. 0.'s?
3.
What were the results and conclusions of
"Project Bluebook"?
Please send material, brochures and phamplets to:
John Anderson
8523 Cedel Drive
Houston, Texas 77055
LEGISLATIVE
"U.F.O."
(Juanillo, R. J.)
April 17, 1968
Mr. R. J. Juanillo
181 East Taylor Street
Apartment 5
San Jose, California 95112
Dear Mr. Juanillo:
May I thank you for your letter of April 13 and for your interest
in unidentified flying objects.
As you may be aware, I have repeatedly recommended that though
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
investigative action be taken and the public be informed concerning
this matter. I had called for an investigation of this matter in
the Spring of 1966, Enclosed are some of the news releases which
I issued at that time.
As you also know, the Air Force has authorized a thorough and complete
investigation of UFOs. This investigation is being conducted at this
present time at the University of Colorado under the chairmanship of
Dr. Edward D. Condon and we hope it will provide the public with all
the facts we need about UFOs. I am looking forward with all other
interested citizens to seeing the results of this current study. You
will also find enclosed two newspaper articles concerning this investi-
gation.
Also enclosed is some information from the Air Force and the Library
of Congress which you may be interested in.
Kindest regards.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford, M.C.
GRF:h
Encl.
doubly
April 13, 1968
Gerald R. Ford
Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Sir:
I am writing to you to learn your opinion of
a subject of national interest.
Certainly, you are familiar with UFOs or "fly-
ing saucers" as they are commonly called. What do
you believe they are? Are they all merely optical
illusions, misinterpretations of natural phenomena,
or mass hysteria, as some would have us believe?
PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY
Or is there more to them? I really would like the
opinion of a. learned man, such as yourself, as to
the nature of the UFO anomaly.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
AJ.
Juanillo
RJJ:bj
R. J. Juanillo
181 E. Taylor Street
Apt 5
San Jose, California 95112