FBI file 62-HQ-83894, section 9

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AQ 62-1028
Major CONNER, on 4/27/64, advised that on 4/26/64,
he had met ORLANDO GALLEGOS at Santa Fe, New Mexico, and both
proceeded to La Madera, New Mexico. to check out GALLEGOS'
observations. He stated that at the scene there was still
some smoldering material. He noted that there was miscellaneous
rubbish in the area and the site may have been a dump at one
time. In his opinion, some material, such as a can of paint ,
could have caught fire and exploded. He also noted that
GALLEGOS had an odor of alcohol about him. Major CONNER stated
he would advise the FBI , Albuquerque, of any pertinent develop
ments .
It may be noted that New Mexico State Police Sergeant
M. s. CHAVEZ and Socorro County Undersheriff JIM WCKIE on
4/24/64 , advised that they answered ZAMORA's radio calls and
went to the site quickly. They noted several small burning
areas at the site and the indentations. No one else was noted
in the area. Officer ZAMORA , a well regarded and capable
officer , was noted to be perfectly sober and thoroughly
frightened.
SA o. ARTHUR BYRNES, JR. was at Socorro, New Mexico,
4/24/64, and had noted the four irregular burned spots and
the four indentations at the site. SA BYRNES immediately
advised captain R. T. HOLDER, Up Range Commander, Stallion
Range center, Socorro, New Mexico. Captain flOLDER, along
with Officer ZAMORA and SA BYRNES checked the Socorro site
and interviewed Officer ZAMORA at length. Officer ZAMORA ' s
observations were taken in the form of a statement. A copy
of this lengthy statement is retained at the Albuquerque FBI
Office as well as a small sample of charred material taken
at the scene.
An unusual observation made at the Socorro scene
was that there appeared to be no "blast" effects. Between
the burned spots were unburned areas , including patches of
unburned brown range grass.
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