FLYING SAUCERS memo

Read from the scan by GLM-OCR; expect the odd misread word.

Approved For Release 2001/04/02 CIA-RDP81R00560R000100020012-7

of a ground radar sighting in Maryland the pilot of an interceptor aircraft, with his AI gear "locked on" a "blip", found himself on a steeply sloping downwards course at low altitude. This occurred three times indicating that the target was on the ground and that the course of the radar beam had been distorted. It should be noted that radar anomalies both internal and external in nature still exist in disturbing numbers. The ability of a radar observer to accurately determine the validity of "blips" on his scope is directly proportional to the length and breadth of his experience.

Cloud effects have affected the accuracy of a number of sightings. Rapidly scudding clouds land an apparent motion to a fixed body. The moon or a bright planet shing through a cloud hole at times does appear as a "flaming object." Other "explainable" misinterpretations which are known to have accounted for reports of sightings include a wide variety of objects. Windblown objects is one. Such an incident was reported by the U.S. Consul at Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Here is his actual report:

"At about 2:00 p.m. last Sunday, I observed a silvery, shining, disc-like object floating in the clear, blue sky almost directly