Ask the Scholar

Document scope · 1 page
doc
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory. For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.

Scholar Source Context

Document identity
localId
471801018
label
1968: Unidentified Flying Objects, May (folder B131-25)
core
doc
dtoType
document
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
471801018
contentType
document
title
1968: Unidentified Flying Objects, May (folder B131-25)
collections
Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
Legislative Issues Files
subjects
Unidentified flying objects
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
471801018
coverageEndDate
logicalDate
1968-05-01
month
5
year
1968
coverageStartDate
logicalDate
1968-05-01
month
5
year
1968
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
296f09e814cda694
ocrText
The original documents are located in Box B131, folder "1968: Unidentified Flying Objects (folder 25)" 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 Gerald Ford donated to the United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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, May (folder B131-25) Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD LIBRARY LEGISLATIVE "U.F.O." (Sperling, Harry S. Mr.&Mrs.) May 13, 1968 Mr. and Mrs. Harry S. Sperling 2504 Chili Avenue Rochester, New York 14624 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sperling: May I thank you most sincerely for your recent letter with the enclosure and for your interest in unidentified flying objects. As you know, I have repeatedly recommended that thorough investi- gative action be taken and the public be informed concerning this subject. I had called for an investigation of this matter in the PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY Spring of 1966. I can assure you that I share your concern and am disturbed by the recent article in Look magazine relative to the investigation of UFOs at the University of Colorado. I sincerely hope that the investigation will prove to be worthwhile. Kindest regards. Sincerely, Gerald R. Ford, M.C. GRF:h southy Harry S. Sperling 2504 Chili Ave. Rochester N. Y. I4624 May 5, I968 House Space Commitee: Hon. Rep. Gerald Ford: Dear Sir, Many others beside my wife and I are understandably concerned about the priveleges taken with our Tax money by the Federal Government. Enclosed you will find material that should explain the reason for my remarks. How in the world Dr. Condon was selected for a job that called specifically for a broad understanding of all the astounding discoveries in the fields of Electromagnetics, Astronomy, Physics etc, I'll never know, I guess. From what I have seen and read, it is obvious that you, Mr. Ford have considerably more than an average amount of knowledge on the U.F.O. subject. I'll be more than pleased if you will consider the support of our U.F.O. "discussion" Group a source of encouragement rather than a thorn in the side. We truly hope tou will see fit to present this material (evidence of the average citizen's disenchantment with his governments methods of handling such important projects) in behalf of the case for U.F.O. enlight- enment in this country as well as the rest of the world. We remain your enthusiastic supporters in this as well as other matters. Sincerely yours, Harry S. Sperling Sperling PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY Delores Sparling DES :me Delores E. Sperling SAUCER FIASCO CONTINUED Condon said to one critic: "You ought to be ruined professionally. Condon's and Low's prejudice and would be unjustifiably negative. Staff On Wednesday, February 7, Saunders was summoned to Condon's members speculated that Condon was tired as well as disenchanted. He office. Low and Condon were present. The questioning focused on the remained an enigma because the staff saw SO little of him. memo. Did Saunders know of it and know where it was kept? Saunders At an informal meeting in Denver on December 12, 1967, Saunders, said that the memo was only part of the whole problem. It alone did not Levine, McDonald and Hynek agreed that a new organization might be seem especially important, he felt. The broader issues of scientific integrity formed consisting only of professional-level members, designed to assure were at stake. Condon, furious that he had not immediately been informed the continuation of intelligent UFO study regardless of whether the Condon that McDonald knew of the memo, told Saunders, "For an act like that, report were negative or positive. After Hynek left, McDonald first became you ought to be ruined professionally." aware of Low's memo, and expressed his shock. Saunders countered by saying that Condon and Low seemed to be On January 19, 1968, Low phoned McDonald at the University of treating the symptoms rather than the disease. He reminded them of the Arizona. McDonald reminded Low of the clearly negative tone of Con- efforts of the entire staff to get Low and Condon to modify their intrac- don's public statements over a period of time, including Condon's disturb- table stance. He reviewed the long sequence of events and reminded Low ing preoccupation with the crackpot elements. He also brought up Con- that he had blocked the investigation of one particularly startling UFO don's failure to investigate personally significant field cases or to question case. Low protested that the investigation on this was completed. No men- any of the working staff who had been making a serious UFO study. tion was made of any dissatisfaction with Saunders's work. McDonald stressed that he was not opposed to negative findings. What Dr. Levine was summoned while Saunders was still in Condon's bothered him was that negative findings were already being clearly ex- office. Saunders offered to stay. Low rose from his chair and physically pressed by both Low and Condon. Low hung up in anger. McDonald pre- ushered him out the door. Levine was unnerved by the forcible ejection of pared a long letter to Low to review his complaints. Low did not get Saunders. Again, the questioning went straight to the memo. Levine said around to reading the letter until February 6. In it, McDonald mentioned that he was at the Denver meeting when the memo was given to McDonald. for the first time his concern about the memo, quoting to Low the phrases He understood there was nothing whatever confidential about the memo, about "the trick." "I am rather puzzled by the viewpoints expressed there," and did not see anything wrong with the action. Condon asked why Levine McDonald wrote, "but I gather that they seem entirely straightforward to had not brought the memo to him, and Levine said that Condon's public you, else this part of the record would, presumably, not be available for and private statements had indicated that there was little likelihood of inspection in the open Project files effective communication. He told Condon that Low had slammed the door Mrs. Mary Louise Armstrong, who had worked directly with Low as in his face when he brought up the handling by Low of an Edwards Air his administrative assistant, was in the office as Low finished reading the Force Base case, and recalled that Condon himself had suggested that letter. Low exploded. He said that whoever gave the memo to McDonald Levine call in sick when he was scheduled to make a talk at Colorado's should be fired immediately. Then he seemed to cool down. High Altitude Observatory. The stainless steel sandwich. Most Teflon-coated irons have the Teflon* bonded to a surface of aluminum. Not Hoover's Steam/Dry Spray Iron. You see, aluminum is a good heat conductor, but it's soft. Scratches easily. So between the aluminum and the Teflon, Hoover sandwiches a layer of tough, scratch-resistant stainless steel. A fussier way of doing things, perhaps. But isn't that what you expect from Hoover? DIAMOND JUBILEE 1908-1968 *DuPont's registered trademark for its TFE non-stick finish 62 PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD LIBRARY LOOK 5-14-68 "the trick would be" to "appear" objective On September 18, Condon, Low and Saunders met for the first time that it was very likely a hoax. My feelings about UFO's are similar to in many weeks. As a result of his reading of the memo, Saunders was deep- those of many people-I don't know what they are, I believe people are ly concerned about the negative approach to the UFO problem. It would seeing real things, and I believe a scientific attack on the problem will be easy, he felt, to concentrate on the nut-and-kook cases and persuasively solve the mystery-whatever they are, The net effect of Dr. Condon's eliminate any serious consideration of the real problem. talk was zero, if not negative. The meeting went on for three hours. Low did most of the talking. In reply to Bickel, McDonald wrote, The crackpots are so immedi- Condon seemed tired. Low's position was that Saunders was sticking his ately recognizable that one need not waste any time at all on them I fail nose into something that was none of his business. Condon's position was to understand why a scientific group should be given an address by any that he didn't understand what Saunders was talking about. member of the Colorado team on the topic of the crackpot fringe Saunders was led to believe that if by chance the Extra Terrestrial Word came from Keyhoe that he was drafting a long letter to the Intelligence (ETI) hypothesis was substantiated, the announcement would Colorado study group, and NICAP would reconsider its cooperation only if be sent by Condon directly to the Air Force and the President, and never the answers to a list of questions were satisfactory. be allowed to go to the public. This troubled him, because Saunders had On September 27, the Rocky Mountain News (Denver, Colo.) pub- been given a clear understanding that the report would go first to the lished this headline: UFO RESEARCH CHIEF AT CU DISENCHANTED. Condon National Academy of Sciences, then to the public and Air Force simul- was quoted as saying: "I'm almost inclined to think such studies ought to taneously. Saunders felt he could not let the problem drop. Another meet- be discontinued unless someone comes up with a new idea on how to ap- ing was agreed to. proach the problem The 21st century may die laughing when it looks At this point, Keyhoe suddenly sent word that NICAP was going to take back on many things we have done. This [the UFO study] may be one." a strong stand against the Condon committee and no longer would supply The majority of the staff began exploring several proposals, including material and reports. The reason, Keyhoe said, was a new speech made the possibility of the entire staff resigning en masse or issuing a press re- by Condon at the Atomic Spectroscopy Symposium at Gaithersburg, Md., lease or a minority report. Another proposal was the establishment of an on September 13, 1967. report of the new Condon speech had already independent scientific group to explore the rational sighting reports and reached Dr. McDonald in a letter from a colleague at the University of eliminate the crackpot-fringe static. There was general agreement that an Arizona, William S. Bickel, assistant professor of physics on the campus. objective study of the UFO problem should be made and that accurate and Dr. Condon's speech was funny and entertaining," Bickel wrote. unbiased findings should reach the National Academy of Sciences, the "But to me, it was also disappointing and surprising. Dr. Condon empha- public and the Air Force. A confrontation with Low and Condon was sized mostly funny things. He told of an offer made to him by a contactee, arranged. Condon expressed regret that his statements had appeared in who, for a sizable sum deposited in the right bank, would introduce him the press. Several members of the staff told of their concern that the con- to a UFO crew. He told how he tracked the case down and concluded tent and form of the final report would reflect what they now felt was continued Get Magnavox excellence in the portable TV that suits you best. M Low-Priced. The Suburbanite has power trans- former and automatic gain control, for steady, Lightweight. The Contempora. with all sharp pictures from the generous 11" diag. solid-state chassis for lasting reliability. (71 sq. in.) screen. Only $89.90. Easy-viewing 11" diag. (71 sq. in.) picture. Double-Duty. The Sun Valley gives you the versatility of Only $119.90. an easily moved portable plus a big 16" diag. (141 sq. in.) picture in a handsome walnut cabinet. Mobile cart optional. Only $129.90. Magnavox the magnificent Self-Powered. The Ranger, all solid- New PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORDI state with brilliant 8" diag. (38 sq. in.) picture, plays anywhere from optional See all the Magnavox portables, sold direct through franchised rechargeable battery or AC current. dealers (Yellow Pages) to save you middleman costs. Only $119.90. 900 HOLIDAY INNS-- SAUCER FIASCO CONTINUED A startling memo from Robert Low said AMERICAN EXPRESS before he reported it. He bristled. He knew that Condon had not yet in- vestigated any field cases personally, nor had any members of the staff THE CARDS completed any meaningful research. The project was only three months old. "I have to admit," Keyhoe told David Saunders, a key staff member, AMERICAN "that I'm shocked by these statements, Is this a scientific investigation or isn't it?" Condon wrote Keyhoe that some of his remarks had been taken out of EXPRESS context. NICAP then issued this statement: "Although we retain some reser- vations about the impressions of Dr. Condon's attitudes conveyed through ESCAPE ROUTE some press accounts, we find no reason to go along with the skeptics who interpret the project merely as the latest gambit in an Air Force propa- ganda campaign. Having met most of the scientists involved, we are gen- erally satisfied with their fair-mindedness and their thorough plans. The NICAP cooperation made it possible to establish an Early Warning "weekend style" System, and staff investigators were now being dispatched for field reports. Saunders gave particular attention to field surveys, as well as to the de- Gulfi velopment of a master casebook and staff discussions of major cases. Low was giving the staff members considerable leeway in the approach they were taking. Condon, with his office some distance away, did not appear frequently, and some of the staff felt that it was often frustrating to try to reach him. During this time, it seemed to some of the staff that several potentially interesting cases were turned down for investigation by Low for what were apparently specious reasons. Another scientific investigator, Dr. Norman Levine, joined the proj- ect and immediately became aware of the strained atmosphere developing between Low and several members of the staff. Condon himself was heard to say that he wished the project could give the money back. A senior member of the staff who was asked to make a speech before a teachers association began looking for specific details on the origin of 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 relaxed open-file system was part of a general overall policy to keep the project out of the cloak-and-dagger category. (In a later memo, Low said: "The key point to keep in mind, it seems to me, is that our own files are not secure, they are not confidential, they can't be kept confidential, nor should they be. It is inconsistent with the purposes of a university to keep confidential any records of research activity-or any other records Make your own Two-Day Getaway! for that matter.") The staff member found most of the material about the contract rather Escape to your nearby Holiday Inn for your change-of-place break in the dull going, but one memo, written by Low to university officials on August workday routine. There's fun for you and the children too, and SO con- 9, 1966, contained a few fresh details. The memo, labeled "Some Thoughts veniently close to home. on the UFO Project," had been written before the contract was signed. In Wherever you are, more than 900 Holiday Inns in over 700 cities make it, Low said Our study would be conducted almost exclusively by non- it easier than ever to take a refreshing "time out" to discover the free- believers who, although they couldn't possibly prove a negative result, and-easy getaway mood. could and probably would add an impressive body of evidence that there is Your Holiday Inn Restaurant serves delicious food galore, and always no reality to the observations. The trick would be, I think, to describe the at moderate family prices. Sure, charge everything to your American project so that, to the public, it would appear a totally objective study but, Express Card or Gulf Travel Card. to the scientific community, would present the image of a group of nonbe- You'll know for sure than a weekend means more, when you escape lievers trying their best to be objective, but having an almost zero expecta- to the trusted hospitality of a Holiday Inn. tion of finding a saucer. One way to do this would be to stress investiga- Join The Great American Escape to a Holiday Inn soon. Password- tion, not of the physical phenomena, but rather of the people who do the "Refresh!" observing-the psychology and sociology of persons and groups who re- Write for your free Holiday Inn Passport to Fun, port seeing UFO's. If the emphasis were put here, rather than on examina- Food, and Lodging: tion of the old question of the physical reality of the saucer, I think the scientific community would quickly get the message. I'm inclined to American Express feel at this early stage that, if we set up the thing right and take pains to CREDIT CARD get the proper people involved and have-success in presenting the image Charles I Frost we want to present to the scientific community, we could carry the job off to our benefit. When Levine read the memo, he was disturbed by the word "trick" 040 072 493 b 100 Inn* and the phrase about making the investigation "appear a totally objective CHARLES F FROST 58 study" to the public. Others on the staff had a similar reaction. OI Many staff members were also disturbed by the news that Condon THE NATION'S 69 had decided to attend the June Congress of "Ufologists" in New York. This was a convention of far-out supporters of undocumented and highly color- HOLIDAY INNS OF AMERICA, INC. ful UFO sightings. Dept. EX-4, Holiday City-P. O. Box 18216 REG Memphis, Tennessee 38118 PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY 60 LOOK 5-14-68 LEGISLTIVE "U.F.O." (Lore, Gordon I. R. Jr.) May 13, 1968 Mr. Gordon I. R. Lore, Jr. Assistant Director National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena 1536 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Washington, D. C. 20036 Dear Mr. Lore: Many thanks for your recent letter and the enclosures including a letter to the President concerning the investigation of unidentified flying objects. PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY I can assure you that I share your concern and amdisturbed by the recent article in the Look magazine relative to the investigation of UFOs at the University of Colorado. I sincerely hope that the investigation will prove to be worthwhile. May I thank you again for keeping me informed of your committee's work on this subject. Your information and assistance is appreciated. Kindest regards. Sincerely, Gerald R. Ford, M.C. GRF:h dorally 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 I. R. LORE, JR. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR TELEPHONE: (202) 667-9434 May 1, 1968 The Homorable Gerald Ford U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. Dear Congressman Ford: You may be aware of recent news stories and a LOOK magazine article entitled "Flying Saucer Fiasco" in the 14 May 1968 edition concerning the failure of the official University of Colorado UFO Project to carry on an impartial, objective investigation. In a press conference on 30 April, our organization revealed the documented evidence behind this failure, particularly a memorandum by Project Coordinator Robert Low which stated, in part, that the Colorado "study would be conducted almost exclusively by nonbelievers, who, although they couldn't possibly prove a negative result, could and probably would add an impressive body of evidence that there is no reality to the observations. The trick would be, I think, to describe the project so that, to the public, it would PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY appear a totally objective study but, to the scientific community, would present the image of a group of nonbelievers trying their best to be objective but having an almost zero expectation of find- ing a saucer. = This memo (copy enclosed) was written before the start of the project on November 1, 1966. NICAP, the world's largest full-time civilian organization seriously investigating UFO reports in a scientifically-oriented manner, feels that it is extremely important that the public does not lose confidence in any future government projects that may arise in this area. Therefore, we have submitted a letter to the President (copy enclosed) requesting a commission of impartial scientists to objectively look into the subject. On April 30, Congressman J. Edward Roush (D-Indiana), on the House floor, called for a Congressional investigation of UFO's, decrying the failure of the Colorado Project and stating that we are "$500, 000 poorer" in our official knowledge of the subject. Mr. Roush plans to present his case before the House again today (1 May) and has written the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee, the Chairman of the Science and Astronautics Committee and the Comptroller General in an attempt to elicit their support. NICAP has offered him its full support and its extensive files of approximately 12,000 UFO reports, of which at A privately supported fact finding body serving the national public interest -2- least 3,000 to 4,000 remain unexplained. On October 17, 1967, Congressman Louis Wyman (R-NH) submitted House Resolution 946, calling for the Science and Astronautics Committee to impartially investigate UFO's. We likewise offered our full cooperation to Mr. Wyman. Other members of Congress have also expressed interest in an objective investigation. NICAP has worked closely with the University of Colorado Project, supplying it with hundreds of detailed, carefully investi- gated reports, of which only about one percent were further checked by Colorado officials. When we became aware of the internal dissensions on the Project and the fact that it was definitely leaning toward a negative, subjective conclusion, we ended our support. Now, however, we offer our full support and files to you and any other members of Congress, Committee or Subcommittee, that may be interested in delving into this important area in a scientifi and objective manner. We feel that such an investigation is of the utmost importance and that the public be kept fully informed. Based upon its more than 11 years of extensive investigation, NICAP feels that the most reasonable hypothesis is that UFO's are of extraterrestrial origin. Therefore, we think that further expenditures in an attempt to solve this perplexing problem would be well spent. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any help you may PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD IBRARY desire. Sincerely, Gordon I.R. Lore, Jr. Assistant Director GIRL:adb ENCLOSURES NATIONAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE ON AERIAL PHENOMENA 1536 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 Phone: 667-9434 For Release: 6 p.m. EDT, Apr. 30, 1968 NICAP CALLS COLORADO UFO PROJECT FAILURE In a report to The President, the National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) today submitted evidence of what it labeled "grave deficiencies" in the University of Colorado UFO project which was arranged by the Air Force. Copies of the reported evidence also were made public at a Washington press conference. NICAP, a private UFO fact-finding organization with several hundred scientific and technical advisors, has broken relations with the Colorado study after 17 months of cooperation. Reasons for the break, as stated in a letter to The President, include the following charges: 1. Dr. E. U. Condon, project head, has never made a field investigation of PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I IBRARY a UFC sighting, nor interviewed responsible witnesses, although he is name in the Air Force contract as chief principal investigator. 2. Dr. Condon summarily discharged two Project scientists for revealing written proposals by Project Coordinator Robert J. Low that the Colorado Project be represented to the public as "totally objective", when in fact it would be constituted almost entirely of non-believers, with "an almost zero expectation of finding a saucer". 3. r. Condon and Mr. Low both refused, in writing, to answer NICAP questions as to whether the Project was being conducted in a biased and negative manner. Dr. Condon also refused to guarantee he would examine any of the hundreds of NICAP-investigated UF reports, submitted at the Project's request. Many of these, NICAP said, were reports from scientists, veteran pilots, aerospace engineers, control wer and madar operators, and other responsible observers. (more) NICAP - 2 The proposals for handling the UFO Project were made by Mr. Low in a memorandum to Vice President Thurston Manning and other University faculty members, before the Air Force contract had been accepted. Mr. Low, who later became the No. 2 Project official as Coordinator, summed up some faculty members views as follows: "In order to undertake such a project one has to approach it objectively. That is, one has to admit the possibility that such things as UFOs exist. It is not respectable to give scrious consideration to such a possibility. Believers, in other words, remain outcasts " Mr. Low then stated his personal suggestions: "Our study would be conducted almost exclusively by nonbelievers, who, although they couldn't possibly prove a negative result, could and probably would add an impressive body of evidence that there is no reality to the observations. The trick would be, I think, to describe the project so that, to the public, it PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY would appear a totally objective study but, to the scientific community, would present the image of a group of nonbelievers trying their best to bc objective but having an almost zero expectation of finding a saucer II One way to do this, Low said, would be to stress investigation of the witnesses, to see why people report UFOs, rather than examining the physical evidence. "If the emphasis were put here, = he continued, "I think the scientific community would quickly get the message. " In the public USAF contract signed by Vice President Manning and Dr. Condon, an entirely different set of University of Colorado proposals was incorporated, including this statement: The work will be conducted under conditions of strictest objectivity by investigators who, as carefully as can be determined, have no predelictions or preconceived positions on the UFO question. This is essential if the public, the (more) NICAP - 3 Congress, the Executive and the scientific community are to have confidence in the study " At the request of Dr. David Saunders, head of the project computer section, NICAP withheld its knowledge of Low's proposals because Saunders and other scientists hoped to persuade Dr. Condon to take a different approach and examine all serious evidence. Early in February, 1968, Dr. Condon and Mr. Low learned that a copy of Low's proposals had been given by Saunders and Dr. Norman Levine to Dr. James E. McDonald, University of Arizona physicist investigating UFOs by a special grant. Condon fired Saunders and Levine, publicly stating it was for incompetence. The Administrativo Secretary, Mrs. Mary Louise Armstrong, resigned in protest. Dr. Condon wrote Dr. McDonald and the president of the University of Arizona, demanding return of what hc called "stolon" papers, but McDonald refused. Shortly afterward, the story was given to author John Fuller for a LOOK PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY Magazine article. The story in the May 14 issue includes a box statement by NICAP's Director, Maj. Donald E. Keyhoc (USMC, Rct.) outlining NICAP's long cooperation and the reasons for the final break. In the report to Prosident Johnson, Maj. Keyhoc wrote: "We sincerely regret the failure of the Project, to which SO many people looked for a fully impartial ovaluation, if not final answers We respectfully suggest, Mr. President, that the void resulting from the Colorado fiasco be filled as soon as possible by creation of a commission of capable scientists, selected by you and completely independent of any military or civilian agencies. We feel surc that scientists of high stature are available, with neither negative nor positive conclusions, but convinced that the UFO situation is serious enough to require total investigation. " (more) , NICAP - 4 Maj. Keyhoc suggested all major decisions of such a commission bc by majority vote, and that the chosen sciontists bc recognized authorities on astronomy, aerospace operations, electronics and other fields involved in UFO invostigation. NICAP offered its full cooperation and told The President that more detailed suggestions from its Board of Governors, advisors and outside scientists would bc forwarded as soon as possible. # # # PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY 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 I. R. LORE, JR. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR 30 April 1968 TELEPHONE: (202) 667-9434 The Honorable Lyndon B. Johnson President of the United States The White House Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. President: We believe it our duty to submit to you the enclosed evidence of grave deficiencies in the University of Colorado UFO investigation, financed by the Air Force with $523,000 of taxpayers' money, which was publicly and officially announced as a totally objective scien- tific study. Our knowledge is based on 17 months of close cooperation, at the Colorado Project's request. During this time we briefed and fre- quently conferred with Dr. E.U. Condon, project head, Mr. Robert J. Low, project coordinator, and the project scientists, Our investi- gating subcommittees, located throughout the country, aided in the training and operations of Project field teams. From our thousands PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY of UFO reports, we released hundreds of cases at the project's re- quest, many of them verified reports by scientists, veteran pilots, aerospace engineers, tower and radar operators and other competent observers. To help the project weed out hoaxes and unfounded claims of meetings with extraterrestrial beings, we privately briefed its members. Project scientists frequently visited and examined infor- mation at NIGAP, which is the world's largest UFO fact-finding or- ganization, with over 300 scientific, military and technical advisers. In the Air Force-Colorado University contract (copy enclosed), Dr. Condon was named as the first principal investigator. Despite this, Dr. Condon has not made a single field investigation. He has not interviewed any of the pilots, scientists, aerospace engineers or other competent witnesses in the hundreds of cases supplied to the project. This was personally confirmed to me and to NICAP Assistant Director Gordon Lore by Coordinator Low and several times by Dr. David Saunders, project scientist in charge of the computer section. In a number of press interviews with Dr. Condon (copies enclosed), it appeared that he was strongly biased and was rejecting evidence of UFO reality. Some of the quoted statements included: "My atti- tude right now is that there's nothing to it but I'm not sup- posed to reach a conclusion for another year. Elmira N.Y. Star Gazette, January 26, 1967. "This is like being chief of a fire de- partment that only answers false alarms The whole business is crazy.' Sydney, Australia, Sun-Herald, November 26, 1967. = There would be no sense in our checking into routine reports." Rocky Mountain News, October 8, 1966. "It is highly improbable that they A privately-supported t-finding body serving the national public interest -2- (UFOs) exist. " Denver Post, October 8, 1966. In September, 1967, NICAP ceased transmitting UFO reports to the Project after we learned there was a split, with Dr. Condon and Mr. Low evidently preparing for a negative conclusion, and the majority of the scientists, including Dr. David Sauncers and Dr. Norman Levine, strongly opposed. In a visit to NICAP headquarters, Mr. Low admitted the project split. In the presence of Assistant Director Lore and myself, he also confirmed that Dr. Condon had made no field investigations or questioned witnesses and added, "If he were to write a report today, the conclusion would be negative. " On November 14, I sent a list of questions to Dr. Condon and Mr. Low, stating we would resume transmissions if the answers were satisfactory. The questions (copies enclosed) asked if Dr. Condon intended to make any investigations, if he had examined any of the hundreds of NICAP submitted reports, and if the project was actually objective and impartial, as stated by university officials, the Air Force and Dr. Condon himself. Both Dr. Condon and Coordinator Low refused to answer the questions. Shortly after this, I was privately given a copy of proposals made by Mr. Low to University Vice President Thurston Manning and other PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY university faculty members, discussing whether to accept the Air Force offer and if so how to handle the investigation. In this proposal memorandum by Mr. Low (copy enclosed), he summed up some of the faculty members' views as follows: "In order to undertake such a project one has to approach it ob- jectively. That is, one has to admit the possibility that such things as UFOs exist. It is not respectable to give serious con- sideration to such a possibility. Believers, in other words, re- main outcasts Our study would be conducted almost exclusively by nonbelievers, who, although they couldn't possibly prove a nega- tive result, could and probably would add an impressive body of evidence that there is no reality to the observations. The trick would be, I think, to describe the project so that, to the public, it would appear a totally objective study but, to the scientific community, would present the image of a group of nonbelievers try- ing their best to be objective but having an almost zero expecta- tion of finding a saucer. One way to do this would be to stress investigation, not of the physical phenomena, but rather of the people who do the observing If the emphasis were put here I think the scientific community would quickly get the message. In the Air Force contract, signed by Vice President Manning and Dr. Condon, an entirely different set of Colorado University proposals was incorporated, including this statement: -3- "The work will be conducted under conditions of strictest objecti- vity by investigators who, as carefully as can be determined, have no predilections or preconceived positions on the UFO question. This is essential if the public, the Congress, the Executive and the scientific community are to have confidence in the study = At the request of Dr. David Saunders, we permitted our subcommittees to continue field-team cooperation, though we transmitted no further reports. Dr. Saunders explained that a majority group of project scientists still hoped to persuade Dr. Condon to take a different approach and examine all the serious evidence. Some time later, a copy of the Low proposals was given to Dr. James E. McDonald, a University of Arizona atmospheric physicist who has carried out an extensive single-handed UFO investigation under a university grant. Early in February, 1968, Dr. Condon and Mr. Low learned of this. Dr. Condon summarily discharged Drs. Saunders and Levine, who were chiefly involved in giving McDonald the document. In a press re- lease, Dr. Condon stated the cause was "incompetence." The project administrative secretary, Mrs. Mary Louise Armstrong, resigned in disapproval of the firings and the handling of the project. Dr. Condon wrote McDonald and the President of the University of Arizona and demanded return of what he called "stolen" papers, but McDonald refused. PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY Shortly afterward, information about the firings, NICAP'S role, and the Low proposals was given to author John Fuller for an article in LOOK Magazine (copy enclosed). The article includes a box statement by me as to our long cooperation and the reasons for our final break with the Project. We sincerely regret the failure of the project, to which so many people looked for a fully impartial UFO evaluation, if not final answers. We fear that public loss of confidence may make the project's report, being prepared by Mr. Low, of little value. The most serious effect, we believe, is that Congress, the press and public may refuse belief in any further investigation arranged by the Defense Department, although we know of no evidence that the Air Force was aware of the negative proposals, We respectfully suggest, Mr. President, that the void resulting from the Colorado fiasco be filled as soon as possible by the creation of a commission of carefully selected scientists, selected by you but completely independent of any military or civiliam agency of the Government. From reactions to the Colorado situation, stated to us by NICAP advisers and outside scientists, we feel sure that scientists of high stature are available, with neither negative nor positive conclusions but convinced that the UFO situation is a prob- lem serious enough to require total investigation. -4- We suggest that all major decisions of such a commission be by majority vote, that the chosen men be recognized authorities on astronomy, aerospace operations and planning, electronics, and other fields related to UFO investigations. More detailed suggestions will be forwarded to you as soon as we study the opinions of our Board of Goernors, advisers and out- side scientists. Meantime, NICAP offers any such created commission its full cooperation, including our massive evidence, and the assistance of our field investigators. Re Director of NICAP PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY August 9. 1966 MEMO TO:, E. James Archer and Thurston E. Manning FROM: Robert J. Low SUBJECT: Some Thoughts on the UFO Project Jim and Ted: I have pondered the UFO project and talked to a number of persons about It. Here are a few thoughts on the subject. Branscomb is very much against it. Gordon Little thinks It would be a disaster. George Benton, likewise, is negative. Their arguments, combined, run like this: In order to undertake such a project one has to approach it objectively. That is, one has to admlt the possibility that such things as UFO's. exist. It is not respectable to give serious consideration to such a possibility. Believers, in other words, remain outcasts. Branscomb suggested that one would have to go so for as to consider the possibility that saucers, If some of the observations are verified, behave according to a set of physical laws unknown to us. The simple act of admitting these possibilities Just as possibilities puts us beyond the pale, and we would lose more in prestige In the scientific community than we could possibly gain by undertaking the investigation. Little indicated you do these things some- times If there is a real national need. You do them in spite of possible adverse consequences. But, in this case, there Is no real national need. Branscomb compares the situation to Rhine and the ESP study at Duke. PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY Walter Roberts, on the other hand, very much favors our undertaking it. He tried to get will Kellogg, who Is associate director of NCAR for the Laboratory of Atmospheric Sciences, to undertake it. Kellogg is very interested and almost did. He felt, however, he was too committed to do it. Walt hopes very much that we will. He says that he has information that Colorado really is the first choice of the Air Force, that others have not been approached and turned it down. He thinks, contrary to Little, that there is a very urgent need to do it, and he feels that we will gain a great deal in favor among the right circies by performing a critically needed service. He said that we must do 11 right - objectively and critically - and aviod publicity and all that sort of thing. But having the project here would not put us in the category of scient fic kooks. Branscomb says It would be better If the National Academy takes a contract from the Air Force and then subcontracts the money to us to do the work. He feels it would look much better that way, and I agree. There are, however, measures short of this that would accomplish almost the same thing - I.e. having a very distinguished group of consultants and/or advisors, having a committee in the Academy to whom our final report could be submitted. Comments: The analogy with ESP, Rhine, and Duke Is onlypartially valid. The Duke study was done by believers who, after they had fintshed, convinced elmost no one. Our study would be conducted almost exclusively by nonbellevers who, although they couldn't possibly prove 8 ndgative result, could and probably E. J. Archer and T. E. Manning page 2 would add an Impressive body of evidence that there is no reality to the observations. The trick would be, I think, to describe the project so that, to the public, it would appear D totally objective study but, to the scientific community, would present the image of a group of nonbellevers trying their best to be objective but having an almost zero expectation of finding a saucer. One way to do this would be to stress investigation, not of the physical phenomena, but rather of the people who do the observing - the psychology and sociology of persons and groups who report seeing UFO's. If the cmphasis were put here, rather than on examination of the old question of the physical reality of the saucer, I think the scientific community would quickly get the message. There Is another reason, it seems to me, to do this. Except possibly in a field like optical metoorology, I can't Imagine a paper coming out of the study that would be publishable In a prestiglous phsyical science journal. 1 can quite easily imag ne, however, that psychologists, sociologists, and psychiatrists might well generate scholarly publications as a result of their Investigations of the saucer observers. I have not, of course, heard the story presented by the Air Force people. That comes Wednesday morning, the 10th. Ed Condon and WILL Kellogg have heard it, however, and they say the project is presented in a very reasonable light. It is premature to have much of an opinion, but I'm inclined to feel at this early stage that, if we set up the thing right and take pains to get the proper people involved and have success In presenting the Image we want to PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY present to the scientific community, we could carry the job off to our benefit. At least, it ought not be rejected out of hand. Notes: Walt Roberts pledged NCAR's cooperation and assistance, eppecially in optical moteorology, a very thinly populated field in the U.S. (in Boulder it is represented only at NCAR). The University persons who have expressed an interest in the project so far are chief types. We'll have to be sure, if we take on the work, that we can find properly qualified people who will actually do the work. END OF MEMO 4 skn NATIONAL INVESTICATIONS COMMITTEE ON AERIAL PHENOMENA 1536 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 Director, Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe (USMC, Ret.); Asst. Dir., Gordon I.R. Lore, Jr. NICAP POSITION PAPER NICAP, incorporated in 1956 in the District of Columbia, is the world's largest full-time, non-profit, civilian organization whose purpose is the scientific investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). Thirty-six NICAP Subcommittees in various parts of the U.S. and in Europe are composed of qualified persons in scientific, technical and investigative fields, who carry out local sighting investigations and submit their detailed findings to NICAP's Washington headquarters. Three Advisory Panels -- Aerospace, Science and Technology, and News and Public Relations -- are available for consultation and evaluation. After 11 years of careful investigation, NICAP is convinced that the most satisfæctory explanation for UFOs is that they are intelligently-controlled vehicles of extraterrestrial origin. This is based upon careful evaluation of over 12,000 reports, PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY of which at least 3,000 to 4,000 remain unexplained, and the superior performance and unusual detailed constructions of UFOs. NICAP has no interest in alleged connections between UFOs and religion, occultism, ESP, metaphysics or psychic phonomena. None of the wild tales of rides in spaceships and meetings with extraterrestrial beings have ever been authenticated, and NICAP feels this could be the single largest factor that has held back a serious, scientific look at UFOs. ### LEGISLATIVE "U.F.O." (Barrow, Robert E.) ) May 13, 1968 Mr. Robert E. Barrow 4167 Cleveland Road Syracuse, New York 13215 Dear Mr. Barrow: May I thank you most sincerely 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 PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY this subject. I had called for an investigation of this matter in the Spring of 1966. I can assure you that I share your concern and am disturbed by the recent article in Look magazine relative to the investigation of UFOs at the University of Colorado. I sincerely hope that the investigation will prove to be worthwhile. Kindest regards. Sincerely, Gerald R. Ford, M.C. GRF:h the 4167 Cleveland Road Syracuse, New York 13215 May 3, 1968 Rep. Gerald R. Ford, Member of Congress Office of the Minority Leader House of Representatives Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Ford: You may recall that I wrote you several times following the flurry of UFO sightings that residents in your state of Mich- igan experienced in 1966. You are, of course, familiar with the Univeristy of Colorado project financed by the Air Force to conduct an investigation into UFO's. PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY As you probably know, the project has been terminated, and was found to be full of bias on the part of Dr. Edward Condon (Project Chief) and Robert Low (Project Coordinator). Look Magazine of May 14 exposed the story to the public. I re- ceived hints that the project was heading towards decay about two months ago. Condon and Low, it appears, were intending to reach a negative conclusion right from the beginning, and were unconcerned with investigating important cases supplied to them by NICAP and other sources. I hope you will do everything possible to have this matter in- vestigated by Congress. I know that you are legitimately con- cerned with an honest UFO investigation and will agree that, because there was such a sharp division of opinion among pro- ject scientists on UFO reality, the UFO subject is still in need of further inquiry. Although Dr. Condon will still be releasing his report around September, it is clear to me that its contents will be totally worthless from a scientific view- point. Please let me hear from you; your interest is appreciated. Sincerely, Robert E. Barrow Member, NICAP LEGISLATIVE "U.F.O." (Aho, Wayne S.) May 13, 1968 Mr. Wayne S. Aho Post Office Box 349 Duvall, Washington 98019 Dear Mr. Aho: Thank you for your recent letter with the enclosures and for your continued interest in the investigation of unidentified flying objects. I can assure you that I share your concern and am disturbed by PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY the recent article in Look magazine relative to the investigation of UFOs at the University of Colorado. I sincerely hope that the investigation will prove to be worthwhile. Kindest regards. Sincerely, Gerald R. Ford, M.C. GRF:h And P.O. Box 349 Duvall, Wash 98019 May 3, 1968 The Honorable Gerald R. Ford Minority Leader, Congressman from Michigan The Capitol, Wash. D.C. Dear Congressman Ford, I call your attention to the fact that Look publications is presenting a Feature story in their coming issue on the Fiasco at the University of Colo- rado, Dr Condon Committee on Flying Saucer Research. You will be very much interested in this because of your awareness of what went on in the committee hearings, Armed Forces committee, which brought about this Dr Condon Committee. It seems tor me that Congress should ask many questions both of the Air Force and the Dr Condon Committee. It seems that there is a tendency to completely obscure research on UFO in the United States although any scietist would know and recognize the true value of 'know how' in this field. There is also a tendency on the part of the Condon Committee to cooperate with or push ahead' research and developments in the Soviet Union. Why is this? Are the soft security ratings for Dr Condon true after all as earlier reported in the press. Is this in a sense 'espionage' on the UFO front. These answers should be forthcoming. The United States as a nation has long failed to recognize the importance PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY of UFO, their existence, their value to the future of the civlization. Any clear thinking person can find for himself that they do exist, that countless experiences have occured both with Americans and other peoples. Why is it so hard to get the facts out into the open? We sincerely ask that Congress take the initiative NOW -and get the ball rolling for sure. We have already waited too long, been content with too many denials and hold back of the truths in this field. You, Congressman Ford, have shown your courage before and taken forthright action, we ask you to do it again for the good of the nation and the people. Most sinc rely, Wayne Saho Wayne S: Aho Researcher into UFO Lecturer P.S. The enclosures are going to every Senator and every Congressman, many have already received their copies which we began to mail in April. wsa Committee for True UFO Investigation P.O. Box 349, Duvall, Washington 98019 April 15, 1968 Dear Member of Congress, For twenty and more years, and ever since the first Atomic bomb was exploded on earth, citizens of every country have seen Unidentified Flying Objects, often called 'Flying Saucers' in great numbers, all over the world. The United States Congress and the President has exempted itself from responsibility to bring the facts into the open by relegating answers and investigation to the United States Air Force. The United States Air Force has been impeded by tight security regulations and has given generally noncommittal answers in reply to millions of queries from the public. Now the time has come when the Congress, the President can no longer step aside, the responsibility must be faced! Russia, the nation most reluctant to admit UFO has now taken the world lead in calling for an international investigation. They say the UFO have been on their radar for twenty years. The Condon committee at the University of Colorado, which the Air Force recommended and which Congress has allowed $500,000 for the purpose of giv- ing us some badly needed answers has developed a good neighbor policy with the Soviet Union and a close liaison with the Russian UFO commission. (Roscoe Drummond, Washington, D. C. Dec/67) A former Soviet Air Force General, a member of that commission, Ponfifi A. Stolyaroy, has been invited by the Condon committee to see our material and techniques used for UFO investigation as a guest of the Condon com- mittee. The Condon group has announced delays and a hold-back of any reports or information to the American people, the Russian go-ahead has taken place and the Soviets have quickly taken the world lead in announcements, pronouncements and ex- planations of UFO. They have come within a breath of saying it represents inter- planetary visitation and observation, a truth which countless American investigators believe we should have admitted long ago. The U. S. Air Force still has a Major in charge of UFO programs at Wright Patterson Field, Dayton, Ohio, helped by a small staff. We have never assigned our best and most qualified scientists nor made our best effort on UFO, nor have solid answers been given to the citizens. Investigation will prove and history will record that Americans have been punished and have suffered deeply and severely from UFO denials and hold-back of information. Citizens have been denied their freedom in a number of ways as a reward for their insistence of having seen UFO. This includes various kinds of confine- ment, or methods, for periods of time numbering from days to many years. A number of persons, including policemen have lost jobs and employment for seeing, following and reporting UFO. Air Force Officers in uniform have intimidated and frightened witnesses, UFO sighters, have confiscated pictures, film, slides, both still and motion pictures of UFO. A number of other wrongs have occurred because of government unwillingness to recognize UFO reality, announce this fact and bring about proper and full résearch. IT IS TIME TO END THIS INJUSTICE FOR ALL TIME! Surely Congress and the President can see the value of gaining sure and true space technology, and the great savings of expenditures that would be involved, what an exchange of culture and ideas would bring to earth in this time of great crisis and need. Let us take affirmative and positive steps toward this end, immediately. Most sincerely, Wayne S. abo Wayne S. Aho, former U.S. Army Combat Intelligence Major, Lecturer Enclosures: Grass roots petition for new laws MroLenara craft News item, Missoulian, Mar.28/68 Mrs. Lenora Croft, Lecturer Page 2 Petition for Two way Space Effort. Elizabeth D. Mann 108 6th Ave Soap Lake, Wash Charles N. Young 136 D St NE Ephrata, Wash. A. L. Hodges 247 E S.W. Ephrata, Wash 98823 Mrs. A. L. Hodges 247 E St S.W. Ephrata, Wash 98823 Jerry B. Allen Coulee City, Wash. Lyle A. Jensen 125 Ephrata Ave. Soap Lake, Wash H. L. Richardson 46 St S.E. Ephrata, Wash. Barbara Jensen 125 Ephrata Ave Soap Lake, Wash. Leo L Jarvis 330 9th St S.W. Ephrata, Wash. Eunice Hansen 235 C S.W. Ephrata, Wash. Henry A. Hansen 235 C S.W. Ephrata, Wash. Helen D. Pullen Rt 1 Box 46 Ridgefield, Wash 98642 P. Zawisech 5914 NE 9th Portland, Ore. Ardkin Whitel 7220 S.E. 85th Portland, Ore 97266 Jane Button 8979 S.E. Division Portland, Ore 97266 James N. Bender 726 NE 67th Portland, Ore Beatrice Turner 13505 NW Thompson Rd Portland, Ore Hazel Searcy 7225 S.W. 77th Portland, Ore 97223 Nancy Bjornstad 2626 E 6th St Vancouver, Wash= 98661 Walt Holmes 5807 S.E. Belmont St Portland, Ore (15) Edith Dongal 2-- Simpson Ave Vancouver, Wash 98661 Walter A. Dawes 4610 NE Emerson Portland, Ore. 97218 Robert C. Skinner 1302 NE Tillamook Portland, Ore 97212 Marilyn R. Skinner 1302 NE Tillamook St Portland, Ore 97212 Ellen E. Albrecht 926 NE 67th Ave. Portland, Ore. Cora M. Oakley 107 Smith St Mt Shasta, Calif. 96067 Virginia L. Thomas Mt Shasta, Calif. C. J. Miller Rte 1 Box 688 Mt Shasta, Calif. Luanne Pierce Box 34 Castella, Calif 06017 Shirley Mintle Box 247 Castella, Calif. 96017 Jan Perry 215 Sheldon Ave Mt Shasta, Calif. 96067 PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY Harold W. Baltan 600 Chestnut St Mt Shasta, Calif. 96067 Leta E. Simpson P.O. Box 827 Mt Shasta, Calif. 96067 Mamie A. Yates P.O. Box 827 Mt Shasta, Calif 96067 Wally Roth P.O. Box 34 Mt Shasta, Calif 96067 Marguerite N. Broenstrup P.O. Box 868 Mt hasta, Calif. 96067 Mrs Jeannette Dahlquist Rt 1 Box 728 Mt Shasta, Calif 96867 Frances F. Howard The Inn Mt Shasta, Calif. Beatrice W. Miller Rt 1 Box 575 Mt Shasta, Calif. A. B. Murray P P.O. Box 786 Dunsmuir, Calif. Mary H. Miller Rt 1 Box 688 Mt Shasta, Calif. Georgina Williams 115 Smith St Mt Shasta, Calif. 96067 Irene Elliott Sierra Rte Oakhurst, Calif 93644 Douglas Elliott Sierra Route Oakhurst, Calif. 93644 Mrs C. Fred Wowan 769 E Robinwood Lane Fresno, Calif. 93726 Shirley M. Saunders 1281 Maroa Ave Fresno, Calif. 93728 Helen W. Kruger 4709 E Garland Fresno, Calif. 93726 Clara H. Johnson 5873 E Herndon Clovis, Calif. 93612 Richard V. Johnson 5873 E Herndon Clovis, Calif. 93612 Mrs Guy Shumaker 1111 Mills Ave. Billings, Mont. 59102 Mrs Pearl Polesky 831 Miles Ave Billings, Mont. 59102 Mrs Adolph Lang 324 Miles Ave. Billings, Mont. 59102 Mrs M. J. Brown 228 Terry Billings, Mont. 59102 Gladys Watts 527 Leurs Ave. Billings, Mont. 59102 John Tracy 527 Lewis Billings, Mont. 59102 Mrs. C. W. Christison 912 Miles Ave. Billings, Mont. 59102 Mrs. A. R. Parsons 914 Miles Ave. Billings, Mont 59102 Mr. R. H. Remington 915 Howard Billings, Mont. 59102 Betty Schaefer 922 Howard Billings, Mont. 59102 Certified True Copy of Signed Petition: Wayne ETITION TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, PERTINENT AGENCIES: HEREAS: Space is a Two Way Approach, we are impeding the flow of information without full recognition of these facts. HEREAS: Billions of dollars of expenditures are involved in our Space Effort, We may find great tax savings by a free flow of information. WHEREAS: With proper recognition of the "TWO WAY" approach, we may get AN ASSIST from those already 'in Space'. WE PETITION FOR: 1. Esta blish National Laws for going to and from Space and provide protection for all who are not inimical to the nation, it's interest and growth and the good of the civilization. 2. Establish a National Source for FREE FLOW of Information to the Public. 3. Establish a National Board of Inquiry for Collation of ALL SPACE MATERIAL. 4. Establish a NEW CABINET POST to deal with SPACE MATTERS and Space Visitation. 5. Gear the National Effort toward success in these matters by cooperation of Offic- ialdom and the Public on all matters dealing with Space. 6. Establish Engineering Circles, College and Public Schools Cooperation, Student Councils and Study Groups to develop a nationwide two-way Space Effort. Know- ledgable people are able to cope with reality! NAME ADDRESS CITY AND STATE zip code Walter Smith 154 23rd Ave Seattle, Wash 98122 Spencer Wells 914 14th Ave Seattle, Wash 98122 Curtis A. Chapel 1130 37th Ave Seattle, Wash 98122 Michael Young 720 19th Ave Seattle, Wash 98122 Ted Jordan 1330 Broadmore Ave Seattle, Wash 98102 Cy Hefferman 3824 Ea Highland Dr Seattle, Wash 98102 Rose J. Harson 734 Broadway Ea Seattle, Wash 98102 Marie A. Rose 734 Broadway Ea Seattle, Wash 98102 Wilda V. Norton 13194 Edgewater Lane NE Seattle, Wash 98125 PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY Helen G. Miller 7025 7th N.W. Seattle, Wash 98107 Margaret Bump 1425 Ea Prospect Seattle, Wash 98102 Frances Ott 844 NW 53rd Seattle, Wash 98107 Ted Abernethy 7734 52nd So Seattle, Wash 98118 John R. Abernethy 7734 52nd Ave So Seattle, Wash 98118 Margaret Workman 23608 94 Ave So Kent, Wash Virginia Yocum 1112 12th NW Auburn, Wash Judi Thornquist 444 Riveria Dr Renton, Wash 98055 Juanita Smail 23822 104th Kent, Wash. 98031 Dennis R. Wilson 20634 84th Ave So Kent, Wash Vicki D. Wilson 20634 84th Ave So Kent, Wash. Durema L. Lind 7469 So 116th St Seattle, Wash 98178 Fern G. Ekland 26413 135th SE Kent, Wash 98031 Craig S. Eckland 26413 135th SE Kent, wash Bruce Urquhart Rte 1 Box 933 Kent, Washington R. Carmack 1412 South 15th Ave. Yakima, Wash. Blanche Cummings 8609 W Chestnut Yakima, Wash. Pearl E. Cox Rte 4 Box 332 Yakima, Wash W. J. Cummings 3609 W Chestnut Yakima, Wash. Mrs Adolph Schiffner 1008 Tieton Dr Yakima, Wash Mr and Mrs. Otto Stadler 3 No 45th Ave. Yakima, Wash. M. D. Lannigan 201 W Main Soap Lake, Wash. Donald R. Wood Box 882 Soap Lake, Wash Einar V.e. Knivula 3594 East K Tacoma, Wash. Harvey D. Mann 108 6th N.W. Soap Lake, Wash. R. L. Frederick 936 Howard Billings, Mont. 59102 Ralph N. Marcher 940 Howard Billings, Mont 59102 Mr and Mrs James E. Freis 946 Howard Ave. Billings, Mont. 59102 A. Clinton Oleen 905 Miles Ave. Billings, Mont. 59102 A certified copy of signed petition: wayne as Renira Offt 18-The Missoulian, Thursday, March 28, 1968 m fe da ar be in So er th m pi m tw six dia cat B Ir T In: ed t secti West men the COME FLY WITH ME Th fron Mrs. Lemora Croft and Maj. Wayne S. nearly 20 million persons have wit- for Aho display a model flying saucer similar nessed vehicles from other planets in the stat W to the ones they claim to have seen in last 20 years. Aho is a former Army mor recent years. The two, in Missoula for a major in combat intelligence. (Staff will lecture Thursday night in the Sentinel Photo by Bill Beecham) rus High School's Little Theater, claim that Mai. Aho Claims Air Force Covering Up UFO Activity Major Wayne S. Aho along problem of UFO, maintain that By Bill Brecham with Mrs. Lemora Croft, lectur- the Air Force is giving the peo- ers who claim to have seen plt of the country the "run The U.S. Air Force is under UFOs in various locations a around" in the "vital area" of orders to deny the existence of number of times, are in the UFO and are only telling them Unidentified Flying Objects and Garden City to speak in the Lit- information on a "need to know is misleading the public in at- tle Theater at Sentinel High basis." tempting to disavow their ac- School Thursday at 8 p.m. "Flow of information to the tuality, a former Army combat The two, currently and fruit- public has been squelched by intelligence officer said Wednes- lessly attempting to get Con- Air Force regulations which say day. gress to officially recognize the that personnel are forbidden to talk about the subject except on PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY a 'need to know basis'," Aho explained. "Because of this secrecy and because private knowhow and research has been held back by denial, the Soviet Union has now stolen the march on us again by a public and world- wide announcement calling for international investigation of UFO. They admit that UFO have been on Russian ra- dar for 20 years. Is their radar better than ours?" Aho and Mrs. Croft submit that the answer lies only in Con- gress recognizing and adopting "a two-way" space approach as "our attempt, recognition and admission of what other superior intelligences are doing in the interplanetary, interstel- lar field." Said Aho: "Open public hear- 3 ings in Congress are needed to S put the information "on record" P and the United States should be the first nation in the world to officially admit UFO as inter- planetary in light of the mil- lions of sightings and experienc- es in the U.S." The couple holds that at least 15 or 20 million persons in this country in one way or another, have had experience with "fly- ing saucers" or "beings" from other planets. Resident Creatures The visitors, they say, are not necessarily from outside of our solar system. They said it is very possible for creatures or machines to have come to earth 1 in times past and are most like- ly living among the population at this time. Aho quoted U Thant, secre- tary general of the United Na- id tions, as saying that "UFOs are the number one problem facing earth people next to the war in Vietnam." le He notes that many other lead- Ing scientists and government officials have sided with the "be- lievers" in the field of UFO 7c and that many more people would voice their beliefs if only the threat of being stig- matized were removed. Mrs. Croft, a native Missou- lian, believes it to be "quite possible for other beings to be living and working on this plan- et." At the same time, she adds that there are three reasons for the lack of information in the country; people are not geared in that line of thinking, they are too busy; public hearings should be conducted on all "sightings" of UFO and they should not be held in secret, " and there should be "new legis- lation." TBRARY N/F/A POBOX 349 Durall, work 98019 The Honorable Counald R. Ford writing April from 17/68 Libby, Montana minority Leader, Congrenwon from Michigan The Capital, Wash DC, Dear Congressman Food question in Force, the backed armed to the wall, recommendation Came up you were able to get action Services our the consultee UFO The air the Dr, Edward U. Cordon Severity with news accounts of a Soft Sovies STOP Would or I the spite Manhattan of project. inside. The a on Seevets from the Bowb the Condon Connuttee has See annowed Evelosue a now leaision with Russia on world UFO, lead in PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD] BRARY Close has jumped to the VITal over Russia 14 this Jul in of the human Provouncements which U Thank calls itis No.I). would to affairs Viet now. (I Think of the this the intent of Congous Colo $500, was awarded Condons The Univ of group? action 000 needs to Come before Correes adjourus, now, Yesterday. what Can you do? The U.S. will have a hand time making up for lost Time on U.F.O, Condons group houseds has late. released noThing TO americans. The we hope you can bring action note Petition please & most Sincerely W aprea S aho Encloseres, Veteran UFO Jesterned Committee for True UFO Investigation P.O. Box 349, Duvall, Washington 98019 April 15, 1968 Dear Member of Congress, For twenty and more years, and ever since the first Atomic bomb was exploded on earth, citizens of every country have seen Unidentified Flying Objects, often called 'Flying Saucers' in great numbers, all over the world. The United States Congress and the President has exempted itself from responsibility to bring the facts into the open by relegating answers and investigation to the United States Air Force. The United States Air Force has been impeded by tight security regulations and has given generally noncommittal answers in reply to millions of queries from the public. Now the time has come when the Congress, the President can no longer step aside, the responsibility must be faced! Russia, the nation most reluctant to admit UFO has now taken the world lead in calling for an international investigation. They say the UFO have been on their radar for twenty years. The Condon committee at the University of Colorado, which the Air Force recommended and which Congress has allowed $500,000 for the purpose of giv- ing us some badly needed answers has developed a good neighbor policy with the Soviet Union and a close liaison with the Russian UFO commission. (Roscoe Drummond, Washington, D. C. Dec/67) A former Soviet Air Force General, a member of that commission, Ponfifi A. Stolyaroy, has been invited by the Condon committee to see our material and techniques used for UFO investigation as a guest of the Condon com- mittee. The Condon group has announced delays and a hold-back of any reports or information to the American people, the Russian go-ahead has taken place and the Soviets have quickly taken the world lead in announcements, pronouncements and ex- planations of UFO. They have come within a breath of saying it represents inter- planetary visitation and observation, a truth which countless American investigators PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY believe we should have admitted long ago. The U. S. Air Force still has a Major in charge of UFO programs at Wright Patterson Field, Dayton, Ohio, helped by a small staff. We have never assigned our best and most qualified scientists nor made our best effort on UFO, nor have solid answers been given to the citizens. Investigation will prove and history will record that Americans have been punished and have suffered deeply and severely from UFO denials and hold-back of information. Citizens have been denied their freedom in a number of ways as a reward for their insistence of having seen UFO. This includes various kinds of confine- ment, or methods, for periods of time numbering from days to many years. A number of persons, including policemen have lost jobs and employment for seeing, following and reporting UFO. Air Force Officers in uniform have intimidated and frightened witnesses, UFO sighters, have confiscated pictures, film, slides, both still and motion pictures of UFO. A number of other wrongs have occurred because of government unwillingness to recognize UFO reality, announce this fact and bring about proper and full résearch. IT IS TIME TO END THIS INJUSTICE FOR ALL TIME Surely Congress and the President can see the value of gaining sure and true space technology, and the great savings of expenditures that would be involved, what an exchange of culture and ideas would bring to earth in this time of great crisis and need. Let us take affirmative and positive steps toward this end, immediately. Most sincerely, Wayne S. aho Wayne S. Aho, former U.S. Army Combat Intelligence Major, Lecturer Enclosures: Mrs Lenara craft Grass roots petition for new laws News item, Missoulian, Mar .28/68 Mrs. Lenora Croft, Lecturer PETITION TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, PERTINENT AGENCIES: WHEREAS: Space is a Two Way Approach, we are impeding the flow of information without full recognition of these facts. WHEREAS: Billions of dollars of expenditures are involved in our Space Effort, We may find great tax savings by a free flow of information. WHEREAS: With proper recognition of the "TWO WAY" approach, we may get AN ASSIST from those already 'in Space'. WE PETITION FOR: 1. Esta blish National Laws for going to and from Space and provide protection for all who are not inimical to the nation, it's interest and growth and the good of the civilization. 2. Establish a National Source for FREE FLOW of Information to the Public. 3. Establish a National Board of Inquiry for Collation of ALL SPACE MATERIAL. 4. Establish a NEW CABINET POST to deal with SPAGE MATTERS and Space Visitation. 5. Gear the National Effort toward success in these matters by cooperation of Offic- ialdom and the Public on all matters dealing with Space. 6. Establish Engineering Circles, College and Public Schools Cooperation, Student Councils and Study Groups to develop a nationwide two-way Space Effort. Know- ledgable people are able to cope with reality! NAME ADDRESS CITY AND STATE zip code Ruth Stanst Pt Red Bremerton wash. 98370 Bill Vely 4131 I H. Bromeston Wash. 98310 149 Lebs Blvd mach is Kill Blid for mrs mary Dow 537 21478 rehard wask town non Virginca Susttirlein 1620 Scott heard 5314 mgd Been 98310 mr Harold 8 Lester, 130.Box 25 Indianalla Wish, 98342 Mailen Jany McCal 11/14/2020 98310 Lillian Horton 1.4Bok 309 port Oachard wash 98,366 Garge Kabet Dove Premitar BAEM Wou. 98310 129.6 M 98371 Authentic UFO Information is available! Write a personal letter to accompany your completed petition. This is a grass roots effort to find a solution in these matters and gain nation- wide unity and cooperation. Make new copies of the Petition or write to Committee for a True Space Plan, Grass Roots Effort, P.O. Box 349, Duvall, Washington 98019 for more copies. Reports of your progress will be appreciated. Remember many individual letters to the President, Senators and Congressmen will help. Let's make this a real grass roots effort! WITnewed July , Wayne Jaho LEGISLATIVE "U.F.O. (Aho, Wayne S.) December 11, 1967 Mr. Wayne S, Aho Post Office Box 349 Duvall, Washington 98019 Dear Mr. Aho: Thank you for your letter of December 7 with the attached petition concerning 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 the Spring of 1966, Enclosed are some of the news releases which PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY 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. 1 are looking forward with all other inter- ested citizens to seeing the resultsxof this important investigation. Enclosed are two news articles concerning this current study. Kindest regards. Sincerely, Gerald R. Ford, M.C. GRF:h Encl. Dorothy The Honorable Gerald R. Ford Congressman from Michigan The House of Representatives Wash D. C. Dear Congressman Ford, As an adenda to the enclosed letter and petition I would like to add the following. The current Playbory Magazine, Dec issue carries a report from Dr Hynek, 18 yrs envestigator forthe U.S. Air Force in which he says he has lived in almost constant fear that any day, the New York Times might report that the Soviet Union has released the whole UFO story and import, (explanation). This would certainly put to shame the idea that we are a free and democratic country and also put to shame the 20 yrs and more investigation by the Air Force and other agencies, They beat us the same way, putting the first satellite in orbit, weslept through the preparation period altho our intelligence had the report a full year before. They read Playboy Mag in Russia too, I am sure. The Congressional Hearing should demand and receive information current for years and years that we have actual spacecraft in captivity and have and are examing ing the materials thereof. I believe this is true. That every Aircraft Co. in America has a secret project to build UFOs. This should be done of course but why deny to the public all these realities? (as a free nation) A full review of facts available will uncover many things that at present hold us back in space, space dev- elopment and in the field of ideas, psychology of space, etc. Most sincerely, Wapusaho Wayne S. Aho Lecturer, Investigator TWayne S. Aho P.O. Box 349 Duvall, Wash 98019 205 P.O. Box 349 D. Duvall, Washington 98019 December 7, 1967 The Honorable Gerald R. Ford Congressman from Michigan House of Representatives, Wash. D.C. Dear Congressman Ford, I hope this will be a timely letter to you and Congressional committees to forestall further delay in true UFO investigation. A number of things have come to my attention which would indicate we are not getting anywhere in current inves PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY igations for which taxpayers money is being spent. I point to the following: American Legion Magazine a quote from Dr Edward U Condon, Univ of Colo. award ed now some $500,000. for a UFO work from Congress and Air Force. Dr Condon: "I doubt whether we will find any evidence of interplanetary visitation". This sounds like a foregone conclusion, not an investigation. Fate Mag. quoting Dr Condon, treating lightly the information and report of Dr James D. McDonald, Univ of Ariz. Atmospheric Physics Dept. who has as much stature scientifically as Dr Condon. Dr McDonal had reported on his trip to Australia and the many reports given of UFO by persons there. The tenor of the remarks was "that not even a newsman could have talked to so many people in so short a time". Attacks such as this from a sowcalled scientific body tends to discourage others from giving reports. I have received mail from Australia to indicate that Dr McDonald had in fact been there and had contacted and talked to a great number of UFO oriented persons. A number of things are happening in scientific and professional bodies today as well as in UFO groups, as well as continued sightings of UFO, in America and foreign countries. My recommendations are submitted herewith, as an investigator of some 20 years standing and former US Army Combat Intelligence Officer, Major. 1. Call in NASA, already interested in Space for a full fledged investigation that is continuous with reports to the public on continual basis. Why shouldn't the public know? 2. A Congressional and Presidential panel for constant supervision to arrive at full UFO reporting to agencies, universities, schools andthe public. 3. A Congressional Hearing (to go into Congressional Record) of all aspects of UFO including sightings, radar reports, actual contact reports, information relayed to us. 4. Out of thousands of lectures delivered all over the United States, Canada and other nations since 1957, we have asked for a showing of hands, how many have had sightings and how many have reported the sightings to the Air Force or official agencies. Our investigation has borne out that only one in fifty to seventy five persons reports a sighting to the Air Force or official agencies, police departments., etc. over Congressman Gerald R. Ford on UFO, Cont'd. This confirms the Gallup Poll that as many as five million Americans claim to have seen UFO and confirms that a great gap exists between sightings and the collection of or investigation of sightings by the Air Force or any agency. Yet we call ourselves a civilization, interested in space and most available information, scientific and otherwise, passes us by because of denial, lack of comprehension, ignorance. What is referred to as'the norm of this planet or life as we know it, a favorite term of many scientists, astronomers, may turn out to be a low level idiot 1 There is a need to raise the norm of this planet or life as we know it to a higher comprehension of the things that are, already evident to great numbers all over the earth. U Thant in the United Nations has confirmed (according to Drew Pearson) that UFOs are the second major problem in the world next to Viet Nam. It may be the most important but not really a problem except to those that choose to deny. The statement of U Thant, statements by Astronautical Society, Wash B.C. and the continued sightings and intelligence flowing to us indicate the need for a full fledged action along the lines of recommendations submitted in this letter. Most sincerely, Waynes.Ako Wayne S. Aho Lecturer, investigator on UFO. Enclosures: a copy of a recent petition with all of the recommendations of a grass-roots effort. groups and individuals who have been studying UFO over a long period of time, PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY PETITION TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES MEMBERS OF CONGRESS and PERTINENT AGENCIES WHEREAS: Space is a TWO WAY Approach, WO are impoding the flow of information and progress without full recognition of these facts. WHEREAS: Fillions of dollars of expenditures, are involvedlineour Space Effort. We may find great tax savings by a free flow of information. WHEREAS; With proper recognition of the "TWO WAY" approach, we may got AN ASSIST from those already 'in Space'. WE PETITION FOR: L. Establish National Laws for going to and from Space and provide protection for all who are not inimical to the nation or civilization and its pro- gress and growth. 2. Establish a National Board of Inquiry for Collation of ALL SPACE MATERIAL. 3. Provide a National Source for FREE FLOW of Information to the Public. 4. Establish a NEW CABINET POST to deal with SPACE MATTERS and Space Visitation. 5. Gear the National effort toward success in these matters by cooperation of Officialdom and the Public on all matters dealing with Space. 6. Establish Engineering Circles, Student Councils and Study Groups to develop a nationwide two way Space effort. Knowledgable people are able to cope with reality. NAME ADDRESS CITY AND STATE xip code Be X77 Huntington, Sanbruno 9406x mrs. Leonard calef. Mrs Ray Reed 4107 Beekurth Rd. Rd modento Modesto Cally 9535 953 OPY ms. Marguerite Wade 925 Berkshire are Sunnyvele 9408 Calip PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD BRARY Ray Reed 4107 Beckwith Calef mary 300 A St Inrlock Turluck 953 Cal. 80 95380 Pauline Hunke 38 Conrad St San Francisco Caly 94131 ann Fergason 224 Bothum Road - Marilyn mount 4600 cauldale Rd. Alen Ellen Sherley Davey 1137 Green Via San Francisco 4109 Eva Pena Gilbert 42076 San Carlos Fremont 94538 Charles (Charbet own) Artman Tengals Bro9051 Derheley, 94119 Elsa Bailey 13096 Broadway TEM. Oakland, Calif. 94611 Authontic UFO Information is available! This is a grass roots effort to find a solution in these matters and gain nationwide cooperation. Make new lists or send for more from Grass Roots UFO effort, 8 Smith St. Scattle, Wash 98109. Send us reports of how many names are sent to Washington D.C. Write to the President and Individual Senators and Congressmen intend to. LEGISLATIVE "U.F.O." (Berner, Ralph J. Mrs.) May 15, 1968 Mrs. Ralph J. Berner 38 Mill Valley Road Pittsford, New York 14534 Dear Mrs. Berner: May I thank you for your letter of May 12 with the enclosure and for your interest in unidentified flying objects. As you know, I have repeatedly recommended that thorough investi- gative action be taken and the public be informed concerning this subject. I had called for an investigation of this matter in the PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY Spring of 1966. I can assure you that I share your concern and am disturbed by the recent articles in Look magazine relative to the investigation of UFOs at the University of Colorado. I sincerely hope that the investigation will prove to be worthwhile. Kindest regards. Sincerely, Gerald R. Ford, M.C. GRF:h Doral May 12, 1968 Rep. Gerald Ford UFO House of Representatives Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Ford: The enclosed article from May 14th issue of Look magazine is in regard to the charges made by reporter and author, John G. Fuller, con- cerning certain happenings within the Condon Comm. of the Univ. of Colo- rade Project investigating the reality of UFOs, under contract to the U.S. Air Force. It is one of the most shocking bits of evidence of buresucratic meddling in the affairs of this nation. It is hard to believe that Con- gress and the press is hy-passing this amazing disclosure of perversion of Congressional intent. You can be sure that Look's disclosure is not pass- ing by the people. It was charged that certain key individuals on the Comm. delib er- ately set out from the start to downgrade the whole subject. Scientific objectivity was not part of their plan. Proposals were made, before com- mencing, to psychologically ridicule the sanity of witnesses of UFO Incl- dents rather than study the incidents themselves scientifically. Two in- dividuals were reported roughly treated by Condon and Low for objections to the negative approach of their leaders. One vas told by Condon that he ought to be "professionally ruined". PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY The quoted meno from Robert Low, coordinator of project, made b3- fore the Air Force contract was signed, is a key Item for all students of U.S. brand of democracy. Was this written attitude the criterion for Air Force acceptance of the Colo. group? Congress should definitely investi- gate this In depth. If it should develop that there was collusion between the Air Force and the Colo. team, in an effort to negatively suppress this whole subject, then as whole new set of questions arises. What is the nature of the group who directs the Air Force toward this effort? What kind of power do they feel they are operating under? Do they truly believe they are "the invisible gov't within our gov't, as has been rumored? How many members of our Congress have come to a helpless realization of their own real Impotence? If this should be the true situation, then our se-called "arrogant students in rebellion" are quite right. American citizens do not owe their allegiance to this kind of perverted government. We were not born to it, nor do we swear by it, or fight for It in any way! 50 Yours truly, Margaret Berner Mrs. Ralph J. Derner BB Mill Valley Road Pittsford, New York 14534 Sen. Jacob Javits, N.Y. CC: Rep. Frank Horton, N.Y. Rep. J. Edw. Roush, Ind. LEGISLATIVE "U.F.O." (Bateman, Frank F. Jr.) May 24, 1968 Mr. Frank F. Bateman, Jr. 926 Stanfield Drive Charlotte, North Carolina 28210 Dear Mr. Bateman: May I thank you most sincerely for your letter of May 18 and your interest in unidentified flying objects. As you may know, I have repeatedly recommended that thorough investigative action be taken and the public be informed con- cerning this subject. I had called for an investigation of PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I IBRARY this matter in the Spring of 1966. As a result, the Air Force authorized the investigation presently being conducted at the University of Colorado under the chair- manship of Dr. Edward U. Condon. I can assure you that I share your concern and am disturbed by the recent articles in Look magazine relative to this investigation. I sincerely hope that the investigation will prove to be worthwhile. Because of your interest I thought you might be interested in the enclosed copies of publications on unidentified flying objects by the Legislative Reference Service of the Library of Congress and the Department of the Air Force. Kindest regards. Sincerely, Gerald R. Ford, M.C. GRF:h Encl. Chroth May 18, 1968 926 stanfield Dr. Charlotte, n.e. 28210 Congress of the thited States Office of the Minority Leader House of Representatives Washington, D.C. PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY Dear Sir: of your buy schedule will allow, l would greatly appreciate your aid in answering several questions about the present UFO situation. First. On October 17, 1967, Congressman Wyman introduced a resolution (H. Res. 946) calling for "a full and complete investigation and study of unidentified flying sligects," by the Committee on Science and astronauties. It would seem, however, that a urser approach would be to first have the Committee on Government Operations study the D efense Department policy and administration of that policy and then either recommend legislation concerning the administration of the joby (or even changing the policy) or to recommend a Congressional investigation of the phenomenon. These con- siderations aside, the more important factor is the mood of Congress. How would you describe the mood of Congress on the subject of UFOs? PHOTOCOPY FROM GERALD FORD I BRARY Second. Recently, the National Investigations Committee on aerial Phenomena sponsored an article in Look, by John Fuller, which stated that the University of Colorado Project to Inves- tigate UFOs had in essence collapred over evidence which indicated that the Project was a "trick" to fool the american people. What is the present status of the Project and will a project Report still be published this fall? awaiting your reply. Sincerely, Frank F. Bateman Jr.