Responsibility for Unidentified Flying Objects

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161

MORANDON FOR: Deputy Director/Intelligence

223. 27 Flying Sensors

: ID/I Name, 8% March 199%, same Subject

1. The article in the French magazine Match does not give sufficient reformation to permit classification or identification of the U. F. O. The tone of the article gives the impression that the sighting has been considerably augmented in order to produce a more sensational story. In most cases of foreign sightings it has not been possible to thoroughly interrogate all the people involved, so in many instances no identification has been possible. In the U. U. during the Blue Book investigation, a concentrated effort was made to track down all information possible on each reported sighting; and, as a result, the percentage of unknown and insufficient information cases dropped from 25 per cent to 10 per cent.

If a thorough investigation of the U. V. O. reported in which were made it would undoubtedly disclose additional data that would permit it to be classified in one of the Blue Book categories, and most likely an identification could be made just as has happened in a number of very similar cases.

2. We do maintain close liaison with the Air Force Technical Intelligence Center on reports of unidentified flying objects. This includes those reports originating in foreign countries as well as the United States.

3. It is true that on 7 September 1996 Mars will be 35.2 million miles from the earth, its nearest position in a long period. Thus, astronomers will have a rare opportunity to study Mars at close range with new electronic equipment now available. Personnel at the Naval Observatory, Washington, attach no important implications to this proximity other than the opportunity for routine scientific study. However, as you suggest, this unusual