Air Force press release on termination of Project Blue Book

IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 17, 1969
AIR FORCE TO TERMINATE
PROJECT "BLUE BOOK"
NO. 1077-69
OXford 7-5131 (Info.)
OXford 7-3189 (Copies)
f.!"
Secretary of the Air Force Robert C. Seamans, Jr., announced
today the termination of Project Blue Book, the Air Force program
for the investigation of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).
In a memo r and u m t ·o Air For c e Chief of S t a f f Genera 1 John D . . Ryan ,
Secretary Seamans stated that ''the continuation of Project Blue Book
cannot be justified either on the ground of national security or in
the interest of science," and concluded that the project does not merit
future expenditures of resources.
The decision to discontinue UFO investigations was based on:
- An evaluation of a report prepared by the University of
.Jrado entitled, "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects."
- A revie~ of the University of Colorado's report by the
National Academy of Sciences. .•
Past UFO studies.
- Air Force experience investigating UFO reports during the past
two decades.
Under the direction of Dr. Edward U. Condon, the University of
Colorado completed an 18-month contracted study of UFOs and its report
was released to the public in January, 1969. The report concluded that
little if anything has come from the study of UFOs in the. past 21 years
that has added to scientific knowledge, and that further ~xtensive
study of UFO sightings is not justified in the expectation that science
will be advanced.
T-he- University of Colorado report also states that, "It seems that
only so much attention to the subject (UFOs) should be give as the
Department of Defense deems to be necessary strictly from a defense point
of view •.•. It is our impression that the defense function could be
performed within the framework established for intelligence and sur-
~eillance operations without the continuance of a special unit such as
·ect Blue Book, but this is a question for defense specialists rather
.l research scientists."
A panel of the National Academy of Sciences made an independent
assessment of the scope, methodology, and :indings of the University of
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