The National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (Nicap)

## 1959

# Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : CIA-RDP81R00560R000100010001-0

From "Senate Cloakroom" Newsletter of Senator J. Glenn Beall (R. Md.) - March 23, 1959

"Hello, Outer Space! Who's There? -- Definite, serious steps are being made by the Space agency leading to the sending of a rocket to Venus, one of our close little family of planets, 'clustered' about our sun (which is but one of millions of such suns, which we call 'stars'). We'll get to Venus. Nevertheless, there are those who dismiss the idea of 'flying saucers' from other planets as preposterous. Isn't it stupid -- and conceived -- for us human beings to think no one else in the universe is as intelligent as we are?

"A famous physicist, when asked if it were possible for the planet Earth to be destroyed by nuclear power, answered: 'Yes, it theoretically could happen, but it isn't as if the Earth were one of the major planets.'"

Senator Stuart Symington (D. Mo.) - April 17, 1959

"There are undoubtedly some objects observed directly or on radarscopes which are not subject to positive analysis. However, the public should be given all information which would not adversely affect our national security."

"There is little doubt that the American public has sound reason for being confused about the existence and nature of these phenomena. While I am not in a position to comment on any particular report, I am certain it would be in the interest of public understanding if a current and objective evaluation of this situation were issued.

Congressman Dante B. Fascell (D. Fla.) - May 12, 1959

"There are many areas where unrealistic policy keeps vital information from the American people. . Certainly, accurate information concerning so-called unidentified flying objects, within the proper bounds of National Security, should be made available immediately to the American people. . . "

Congressman George P. Miller (D. Calif.) - May 15, 1959 "I am concerned, as are most Americans, with unidentified flying objects. Surely the public should be kept informed about them. On the other hand, nothing should be done to create fear in the minds of the public if a reasonable explanation can be made. There may be cases where so-called unidentified flying objects are part of our scientific research in the problem of outer space and missile development. This could not rightfully be disclosed to the public because it would immediately tip our hand to our enemy. . ."

Congressman Walter H. Moeller (D. Ohio) - May 15, 1959 "I cannot help but feel that there may be some justification behind some of the UFO reports. I also feel that if there is any information available within the Government which has not been released to the American public it should be made known. I have every confidence that the American people would be able to take such information without hysteria. The fear of the unknown is always greater than fear of the known. . "

Senator George Smathers (D. Fla.) - May 19, 1959

"I have noted your comments and the articles you marked with specific reference to government 'secrecy' concerning UFOs. . I would not oppose open hearings on this subject for I believe the public is entitled to know the facts that can be divulged without violating our national security. . ."

Congressman William J. Randall (D. Mo.) - September 1, 1959 "Personally, I have always felt that maybe there was some substance in what is described as 'UFO' or 'Unidentified Flying Objects.' I am not certain what Committee would have proper jurisdiction, but I must stress what difficulty we have in getting information even on foreign military aid, on the theory it is strategic or constitutes classified or top secret information. . ."

Senator Thomas J. Dodd (D. Conn.) - February 27, 1960

"Thank you for your recent letter concerning unidentified flying objects. This is a matter which has always aroused my interest and curiosity."

In a telecast March 14, Senator Dodd enlarged on his statement in answer to a newsman's question: "UFOs have never been accurately explained. I think there is as much reason to believe that there is something to them as there is for believing that there is not. There is certainly reason for thinking we don't have all the facts and certainly the Senate committee dealing with space should have all the facts."

Congresswoman Gracie Pfost (D. Idaho) - March 25, 1960 "...regarding flying objects. I am interested in this subject also, and you will want to know that after conversing with the Air Force Department I am not completely satisfied with the information they gave me..."

Congressman J. Carlton Loser (D. Tenn.) - April 8, 1960 "...relative to the present policy of the Air Force in handling the problem of unidentified flying objects. . I am in full accord with what you say about the necessity for full disclosure of pertinent information to be made our people on any subject of such national importance. . "

Congresswoman Florence P. Dwyer (R. N.J.) - April 26, 1960 "I am not one of those who arbitrarily dismiss 'flying saucers' as figments of the imagination. I take them seriously, and I certainly would have no objections to a careful and reasonable investigation of this phenomenon. Too many intelligent and thoroughly responsible people, who have been in positions to observe such unidentified foreign objects, have testified to their conviction that such objects exist for me or anyone else to deny the validity of their observations. Under careful supervision, and with the proper safeguards, I would think that a Congressional investigation would be a worthwhile undertaking. . ."

June 1960: NICAP began sending a summary of its evidence to Members of Congress.

Congressman Joseph E. Karth (D. Minn.) - August 24, 1960 "As a member of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics, I, of course, have had contact with high Air Force officers and have had opportunity to hear their comments on and off the record on the subject of unidentified flying objects. Despite being confronted with seemingly unimpeachable evidence that such phenomena exist, these officers give little credence to the many reports on the matter. When pressed on specific details the experts refuse to answer on grounds that they are involved in the nation's security and cannot be discussed publicly. . I will continue to seek a definite answer to this most important question."

Congressman Edgar W. Hiestand (R. Calif.) - September 19, 1960 (to Secretary of Air Force)

"I am wondering if we ought now reexamine our policy with regard to Unidentified Flying Objects. Won't you kindly suggest to your associates that the matter be considered? I am apprehensive that right now, in the middle of a campaign, some concrete and well-documented incident may occur, and a sensational revelation could really hurt. After all, although the UFOs are unknown devices, there seems to be enough evidence available to convince that they are real rather than imaginary. Therefore what harm could complete frankness do? . . "

Congressman John V. Lindsay (R. N.Y.) - October 25, 1960 "...with regard to suppressing information covering sightings of unidentified flying objects...such matters are of vital importance...the security of the United States does not always demand total secrecy in the gathering of information vital to our needs. The American people are fully capable of understanding the nature of these problems. ."

Approved For Release 2001/04/02 : $ ^{1} $ CIA-RDP81R00560R000100010001-0