1952 Memo Flying Saucers have been reported for over 100 years
According to the U.S. Department of War release (attributed on the hosting page to the Department of State), this two-page memorandum dated July 28, 1952 relates to increased reports of unidentified flying objects. The first page is a cover note to a 'Mr. Armstrong' stating that Paul Nitze asked what the Air Force thought about flying saucers, and recommending the attached be passed on at the morning meeting; the writer notes that General Samford gave it to him at the IAC. The attached memorandum, subject 'Flying Saucers,' records General Samford's view that the matter remains 'a complete enigma.' Samford states that phenomena fitting the general description of flying saucers have been reported for over 100 years, and attributes the recent increase in observation and reporting chiefly to vastly improved methods of observation and reporting — including radar and civilian and military pilot reporting systems — as well as to publicity that has taken on elements of a 'fad.' He is quoted saying that 'credible observers are reporting the incredible,' that radar observations may contain elements of 'electronic fluke' but are sufficiently corroborated by pilot observation, and that the Air Force views the saucers as a threat only because they are not understood. Samford reportedly did not address whether the objects were man-made or controlled, friend or foe, but implied that such a possibility was remote and not to be seriously considered. The document is marked DECLASSIFIED NND 852931.
Focus
Archive-highlighted excerpt · page 2 · Jul 6, 2026
Description
A two-page declassified Secret memorandum dated July 28, 1952, conveying General Samford's assessment of the 'flying saucer' phenomenon in response to an inquiry, prompted by Paul Nitze's interest, with a recommendation to relay the gist at a morning meeting.
Claims
General Samford stated the flying saucer business remains a complete enigma.
85%'Credible observers are reporting the incredible,' per Samford.
85%General Samford said the flying saucer business remains 'a complete enigma' with very little that can clarify it.
85%Paul Nitze asked the author what the Air Force thought about flying saucers.
85%The increase in sightings is mainly attributable to improved observation and reporting methods, including radar, plus publicity.
80%'Credible observers are reporting the incredible'; radar observations may involve 'electronic fluke' but cannot be attributed entirely to this given pilot corroboration.
80%The Air Force views flying saucers as a threat only because they are not understood.
80%Samford implied the possibility that the objects were man-made, controlled, friend or foe was remote and not to be seriously considered.
75%The increase in sightings is attributable mainly to vastly improved methods of observation and reporting, including radar and pilot reporting, plus publicity taking on elements of a 'fad.'
75%Phenomena fitting the description of flying saucers have been reported for over 100 years.
70%Phenomena described as flying saucers have been reported one way or another for over 100 years.
70%Samford's remarks implied the possibility that flying saucers were man-made or controlled was remote and not to be seriously considered.
70%
Events
Jul 27, 1952
Memorandum on flying saucers circulated
Cover note and attached assessment relaying General Samford's views on flying saucers, prompted by Paul Nitze's inquiry.
Jul 27, 1952
Memorandum on Flying Saucers
State Department memorandum relaying General Samford's assessment of flying saucers, prepared for a morning meeting.
May 7, 2026
Declassification and release
File released/declassified (NND 852931) and posted by the Department of War.
Dates mentioned
Keywords
Entities
Extracted text (OCR)
A.F. . .. July 28, 1952 MElmRANDUU To: \ Jir. A~rong Paul Nitze asked me what the Air Force thought about tLe flying saucers , and I susooct that the others would be interested. I recommend, therefore , vhat you pass on the gist of the attached at the ~orning meeting tonorrow. Samford gave it to me at the IAC . r .a .. Att. DECLASSIFIED NND 852931 .. . ... July 28, 1952 UE~.IORANDU?.'! Subject : Flying Saucers General Samford, 1 - 2, in response to my inquiry, said that there is very little that can be said to clarify the flying saucer business : It is still a complete enigma. He did, hOivever, point out that phenomena falling ?athin the general description of flyin~ saucers have actually been known to exist and have been reported one way or another for over 100 years . The increase in observation and in reporting and publicity on the su~ject is probably attributable in the main to vastly inproved r.iethods of observation and reportin~, including not only radar but the reporting systems used bv civilian and military pilots . It is also attributable in some measure to the publicity which is given it, which takes on certain elements of a II fad . 11 There is no question, according to Samford, that "credible observers are reporting the incredible . 11 The radar observation may have elements of "electronic fluke , 11 but is sufficiently tied in with pilot observation so that it cannot be attributed entirely to this . The Air Force views the flying saucers as a threat only because they are not understood and they are sufficientl; .:r.rtJquentas a phenomena to mean that they will give great attention to them until they understand them. General Samford did not say anything about the possibility that they were man- made or controlled, friend or foe , but the whole implication of his remarks 1"1"as that this possibility was ~ emote~ not te be se?iotmfy considered. tfM\. ,t F.H. DECLASSIFIED NND 852931 ~
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