SP 16 [7.18.1963]

This July 18, 1963 memorandum from Maxwell W. Hunter II of the National Aeronautics and Space Council staff, Executive Office of the President, went to Robert F. Packard of the State Department's Office of International Scientific Affairs. Titled "Thoughts on the Space Alien Race Question," it considers policy if an alien intelligence were discovered. It notes that flying saucer advocates exist but sides with scientists that contact is unlikely. It concludes that any alien race's level of space flight should be determined quickly, since that would drastically affect policy.

From the source: Release of 2026-05-08 Incident: 7/18/63, N/A. NARA Record Group 59, catalogue id 214434. This memorandum, dated July 18, 1963, from the Executive Office of the President, National Aeronautics and Space Council, relates to thoughts on the space alien race question. Included are details relating to plans if alien intelligence is discovered, expanding scientific knowledge, the possibility of life on Mars, and diplomatic policy.

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the moment to prepare for these possibilities (the only body of writing
on the subject available in an emergency is science fiction), because
no one of consequence is going to take this rubbish seriously unless
it happens. At that point, our policy will be determined in the tradi-
tional manner of grand panic.
Maxwell W. Hunter, II
Member, Professional Staff
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