This file contains an Evaluation Study of the Phenomenon (Flying Saucers) prepared at the request of the Plans & Operations Divisions of the General Sta…
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[Stamp:]
DECLASSIFIED
Authority:
NND 803133
NW 91369
DocId 34748466 Page 1
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[handwritten: 6175]
[handwritten: 1949]
~~SECRET~~
DO NOT REMOVE PAPERS FROM THIS FILE
Return to Records & Message Branch
prior to the time user leaves for the day
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
General Staff United States Army
Plans & Operations Division
Records & Message Branch
~~SECRET~~
NW 91369
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COVER SHEET
COMBINED ROUTING—INFORMATION—FILING FORM
PLANS & OPERATIONS DIVISION, GSUSA
~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
[handwritten: 2nd/5K]
[handwritten: geo]
Decimal Classification: P&O 350.05 (24 Feb 49)
[handwritten: X 020 ID]
[handwritten: X 360]
[handwritten: X 471.94]
Suspense Date:
Subject: Evaluation Study of Phenomenon Date 24 Feb 49 Origin: ~~Executive Br,~~ P&O to [handwritten: ID]
[handwritten: (Flying Saucers)]
Digest:
Action: Cmt #1 to D/ID
Reply required by: None Executive Branch
TO: Comments:
□ Control
□ European & Middle East
□ For East & Pacific □ Operations
□ Latin American
□ North American
□ Strategic Plans
□ Policy □ Plans & Policy Recommend Approval:
□ □ Branch Chief Date________
□ Group Chief Date________
□ Personnel Concur:
□ Records □ Executive, P&O
□ Implementing □ Deputy Director, AE [handwritten: File]
□ Registered Documents □ Deputy Director, P&O [handwritten: PB]
□ Asst Executive, P&O □ Director, P&O
Action by Lt Col Peisinger
Signed [signature] Date 24 Feb 49 [X] Dispatch □ File
25 FEB 1949 ~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
[handwritten: 2/]
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Executive Br, P&O
Lt Col Peisinger/2944/eb
24 Feb 49
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD:
1. Conversations with the Chief of North Am Br and Office, Deputy
Dir P&O (AE) reveal that P&O has not received any evaluation of the flying
saucer type of phenomenon. North Am Br feels that P&O, and themselves in
particular, have a direct interest in this phenomenon because, until it
is properly evaluated, a possibility exists that this phenomenon may have
foreign implication.
2. Col Ligon, Intelligence Group, ID, suggests that this Division
request ID to make a study on this whole subject insofar as it pertains
to continental U.S. ID will properly coordinate their efforts with the
AF in this matter.
3. ACTION: Comment No. 1 to ID requesting evaluation study of
phenomenon.
4. COORDINATION: ID - Lt Col Ligon, Ext 5509
DD P&O (AE) - Lt Col Dawley, Ext 75303
Exec, P&O - Col Guthrie, Ext 3465
Ch, North Am Br - Col Goodell, Ext 3852
PID - Lt Col Ryan, Ext 74341
[handwritten: Ryan]
PID informed.
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P&O 350.05 (24 Feb 49) Evaluation Study of Phenomenon
D/ID, GSUSA D/P&O, GSUSA 24 Feb 49
Lt Col Peisinger/2944
1. Reference is made to the following radios:
a. CM IN 321, 2 Feb 49, from CO, Kirtland AFB, N. M., to Chief of Staff,
USAF, No. OSI-1-9C, 31 Jan 49;
b. CM IN 1714, 8 Feb 49, from CG, AMC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, to CO,
Flight Service, No. AT-542, 7 Feb 49;
c. CM IN 4712, 19 Feb 49, from CO, Kirtland AFB, N. M., to Chief of Staff,
USAF.
2. Request that an evaluation study be made of the phenomenon referred to above
insofar as it concerns continental United States and that a copy of the study be
furnished to this Division.
FOR THE DIRECTOR OF PLANS AND OPERATIONS:
[signature]
JOHN S. GUTHRIE, Colonel, GSC
Executive, P&O
~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
[handwritten: 2/]
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DISPATCHED
P. & O. GSUSA
1949 FEB 25 09 55
~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
[remainder of page illegible]
~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
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COVER SHEET ~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
COMBINED ROUTING—INFORMATION—FILING FORM
PLANS & OPERATIONS DIVISION, GSUSA
[handwritten: bjw] [handwritten: 3-9/319]
Decimal Classification: P&O 350.05 (24 Feb 49) FW 24 Feb 49
THIS COPY OF COVER SHEET # 21
WILL BE REMOVED ONLY BY x 350.05
THE RECORDS BRANCH
[handwritten: 15 day]
Suspense Date: 1200, 17 Mar 49
Subject: Evaluation Study of Phenomenon Date: Origin:
(Flying Saucers) 24 Feb 49 P&O to ID
Digest: ID Cmt No. 2, dtd 7 Mar 49, attaches Evaluation Study.
Action: Circulate as indicated, then file in P&O.
Reply required by: None Executive Branch:
To: Comments:
□ Control
□ European & Middle East
□ Far East & Pacific [☐ Operations]
□ Latin American
[2] North American [handwritten: ID]
□ Joint War Plans
□ Army War Plans [☐ Plans]
□ Policy Planning
□ Advanced Study Recommend Approval:
□ [☐ International] □ Branch Chief Date________
□ □ Group Chief Date________
□ Personnel Concur:
[5] Records □ Executive, P&O
□ Implementing □ Deputy Director, AE [handwritten: has seen P]
□ Asst Executive, P&O □ Deputy Director, P&O [handwritten: file]
[XXXX] Executive Br. □ Director, P&O [handwritten: PB]
Action by Lt Col Peisinger
Signed [signature] Peisinger Date 22 Mar ~~CONFIDENTIAL~~ [X] File
OCS FORM 113
REV 1 JAN 1949 28 MAR 1949 49-2705
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28 MAR 1949 IN - P&O OUTBOUND DISPATCH DESK
Executive Branch, P&O
Lt Col Peisinger/2944/ep
22 March 1949
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD:
1. Evaluation study was prepared at request of P&O to determine
if the various reports on this subject stemmed from natural phenomena
or if the origin could be traced definitely to the activities of a
foreign power.
2. ID is to keep P&O informed if future developments in this
field are at variance with the evaluation placed on this study.
3. PID has been informed.
4. ACTION: Circulate as indicated, then file in P&O.
5. COORDINATION: D/D, P&O(AE), Lt Col Dawley, Ext - 75303,
NA Branch, Col Goodell, Ext - 3852,
PID, Lt Col Ryan, Ext - 72956
[stamp: 25 MAR 1949 IN INT GP]
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SECURITY CLASSIFICATION (if any)
DISPOSITION FORM ~~CONFIDENTIAL~~ [handwritten: ID-11]
FILE No. SUBJECT
P&O 350.05 (24 Feb 49) Evaluation Study of Phenomenon
TO D/ID, GSUSA FROM D/P&O, GSUSA DATE 24 Feb 49 COMMENT No. 1
Lt Col Peisinger/2944
1. Reference is made to the following radios:
a. CM IN 321, 2 Feb 49, from CO, Kirtland AFB, N. M., to Chief of Staff,
USAF, No. OSI-1-9C, 31 Jan 49;
b. CM IN 1714, 8 Feb 49, from CG, AMC, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, to CO,
Flight Service, No. AT-542, 7 Feb 49;
c. CM IN 4712, 19 Feb 49, from CO, Kirtland AFB, N. M., to Chief of Staff,
USAF.
2. Request that an evaluation study be made of the phenomenon referred to above
insofar as it concerns continental United States and that a copy of the study be
furnished to this Division.
FOR THE DIRECTOR OF PLANS AND OPERATIONS:
[signature]
JOHN S. GUTHRIE, Colonel, GSC
Executive, P&O
CSGID ID-42 452.1
TO CSGPO FROM CSGID DATE 7 MAR 1949 COMMENT NO. 2
Mr E.J. Stites/6196/dsd
Attached hereto is the Evaluation Study requested in your paragraph 2.
FOR THE CHIEF, INTELLIGENCE GROUP:
[signature]
JAMES E. LIGON
Lt. Col., GSC
Asst. Exec.
Int. Gp., CSGID
1 Incl
Eval. Stdy of
Phenomenon
~~CONFIDENTIAL~~ [handwritten: 2/]
P&O File Copy
DA FORM 897 Replaces WD AGO Form 897, 1 May 46, which may be used. U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1947 O-762346
1 OCT 47
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[stamp: 9 MAR 49 AM IN P&O GSUSA]
[stamps and handwriting largely illegible]
~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
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~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
Evaluation Study of Phenomenon
Detailed investigations of all incidents reported to involve
unusual flying objects during the period June 1945 to date have been
conducted by a special project group of Headquarters, Air Materiel
Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The continuing
efforts of this project are directed toward establishing the identity
of each unusual object reported. Single or seemingly related in-
cidents which appear to involve objects that might represent some
unusual man-made device or activity are fully explored by both the
AMC project personnel and other specialists, such as those of the
RAND Corporation (formerly Project RAND).
Of some 210 incidents, approximately twenty (20) per cent have
been explained. The majority of these involved misidentification of
synoptic weather balloons. Others involved observations of airborne
cosmic ray research equipment, bolides, meteors, and in one instance,
the daylight observation of the planet Venus. Only two reported in-
cidents were determined to have been hoax.
To date there has been no tangible evidence which would support
a theory that any incidents are attributable to activity of a foreign
nation. There are no highly secret experimental Projects of the U.S.
Government that could be responsible. The possibility of foreign
devices would represent achievements which defy many well defined
limits in aeronautical science.
The Air Materiel Command of the USAF is continuing investigations
of each unexplained incident. In addition, they are utilizing the
consulting services of a number of agencies and specialists. Results
are reviewed on a continuing basis and are used in formulating prob-
able explanations for sightings that still lack positive identification.
The ID feels that if complete data were available the remaining
80% of the reported sightings could be eliminated as due to natural
meteorological phenomena or domestic weather balloons and the like.
The larger number of actual reports of unidentified objects is thought
to be primarily due to the publicity given "flying saucers" in the
public print and in some official circles.
~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
[handwritten: 2/]
P&O File Copy
NW 91369
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COVER SHEET ~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
COMBINED ROUTING—INFOMATION—FILING FORM
PLANS & OPERATIONS DIVISION, GSUSA
[handwritten: 2nd/5K]
[handwritten: FW 21]
Decimal Classification: P&O 350.05 (5 Apr 49)
[handwritten: X 350.05]
[handwritten: X 020 ID]
[handwritten: X 381]
[handwritten: X 095 Winchell, Walter.] Suspense Date:
Subject: Evaluation Study of Phenomenon Date: 5 Apr 49 Origin: ~~Executive Br,~~ P&O to
(Flying Saucers) [handwritten: ID]
Digest:
Action: Cmt #1 to D/ID.
Reply required by: None Executive Branch:
To: Comments:
□ Control
□ European & Middle East
□ Far East & Pacific [☐ Operations]
□ Latin American
□ North American
□ Joint War Plans
□ Army War Plans [☐ Plans]
□ Policy Planning
□ Advanced Study Recommend Approval:
□ [☐ International] □ Branch Chief Date________
□ □ Group Chief Date________
□ Personnel Concur:
□ Records □ Executive, P&O [handwritten: File PB]
□ Implementing □ Deputy Director, AE
□ Asst Executive, P&O □ Deputy Director, P&O
□ Executive Br. □ Director, P&O
Action by Lt Col Peisinger
Signed [signature] Peisinger Date 5 Apr 49 [X] Dispatch □ File
OCS FORM 113 11 APR 1949
REV 1 JAN 1949 ~~CONFIDENTIAL~~ 49-2705
[handwritten: 1/3]
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Executive Br, P&O
Lt Col Peisinger/2944/eb
5 April 1949
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD:
1. ID had submitted, at P&O's request, a study of the flying
saucer phenomenon. This study intimated that of all cases investigated
there was no foreign nation implication in these flying saucers.
2. Mr. Stites, ID, said that they would be glad to take action
on this, at the request of P&O.
3. ACTION: Comment #1 to D/ID requesting they verify accuracy of
Mr. Winchell's statement of 3 Apr 49 re flying saucers.
4. COORDINATION: ID - Mr. Stites, Ext 6196
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COVER SHEET ~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
COMBINED ROUTING—INFOMATION—FILING FORM
PLANS & OPERATIONS DIVISION, GSUSA
[handwritten: 4-19/638]
Decimal Classification: F/# 21/3
P&O 350.05 (5 Apr 49) 5 Apr 49
THIS COPY OF COVER SHEET X 020 ID
WILL BE REMOVED ONLY BY X 350.05
THE RECORDS BRANCH X 000.92
Suspense Date: 1200, 26 Apr 49
Subject: Evaluation Study of Phenomenon Date: Origin:
(Flying Saucers) 5 Apr 49 P&O to ID
Digest:
ID cmt 2, 18 Apr 49, advises that any change in the evaluation contained in
inclosure 1 re subj will be promptly transmitted to P&O
Action: Circulate as indicated, then file in P&O.
Reply required by: None Executive Branch:
To: Comments: This may be of interest to
□ Control Generals Maddocks, Nichols,
□ European & Middle East Schuyler and Timberman.
□ Far East & Pacific [1 Operations]
□ Latin American
□ North American [handwritten: ID]
□ Joint War Plans
□ Army War Plans [3 Plans]
□ Policy Planning
□ Advanced Study Recommend Approval:
□ [2 International] □ Branch Chief Date________
□ □ Group Chief Date________
□ Personnel Concur:
□ Records □ Executive, P&O
□ Implementing □ Deputy Director, AE
□ Asst Executive, P&O □ Deputy Director, P&O
[XXXX] Executive Br. □ Director, P&O
~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
Action by Major J.S. Byrne
Signed [signature] Date 20 Apr 49 [X] Dispatch [X] File
OCS FORM 113
REV 1 JAN 1949 21 APR 1949 49-2705
[handwritten: 3/4]
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Executive Br, P&O
Maj J. S. Byrne/2944/eb
20 Apr 49
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD:
1. As a result of a number of CM IN Radios in February 1949 on
"flying saucers", P&O requested ID on 24 Feb 49 to evaluate these
phenomena. On 7 Mar 49 ID forwarded the attached evaluation.
2. As a result of Walter Winchell's 3 Apr 49 broadcast (summary
in attached Daily Bulletin), the D/F Cmt #1 was sent to ID requesting
verification of the accuracy of the broadcast. D/F Cmt #2 from ID
constitutes the ID answer.
3. PID not informed.
4. ACTION: Circulate as indicated, then file in P&O.
5. COORDINATION: Asst Dep Dir P&O (AE) - Lt Col Dawley, Ext 75303
Exec, NA Br - Lt Col Clark, Ext 74676
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~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
CSGID-ID 9-350.05 SUBJECT: Evaluation Study of Phenomenon (Flying Saucers)
TO: CSGPO FROM: CSGID DATE: 18 APR 1949 COMMENT NO. 2
Lt Col Ligon/5509/fnl
1. The "Evaluation Study of Phenomenon" at Inclosure 1 hereto represents the
current Intelligence Division, GSUSA, evaluation of the "flying saucers."
2. With reference to paragraph 2 of Comment No. 1, CSGID recognizes the interest
of defense planners in any object capable of being "shot all the way from Russia,"
and will continue to keep the matter under scrutiny. Any change in the evaluation
contained at Inclosure No. 1 will be promptly transmitted to CSGPO.
3. CSGID is unable to verify Mr. Winchell's statement that "flying saucers * * *
are now definitely known to have been guided missiles shot all the way from Russia"
and has no information as to the basis for the statement or "information" on which
it may have been based. It is, however, possible that Mr. Winchell published this
item in an attempt to obtain some official statement from the NME on the subject.
FOR THE DIRECTOR OF INTELLIGENCE:
2 Incls
n/c [signature]
E. J. TREACY, JR., Lt. Col., GSC
Acting Assistant Executive
~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
[handwritten: 3/4]
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[stamp: 19 APR 49 AM IN P&O GSUSA]
[handwritten: 4-19/638]
[remainder of page blank/illegible]
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SECURITY CLASSIFICATION (if any)
DISPOSITION FORM ~~CONFIDENTIAL~~ [handwritten: ID-11]
[handwritten: C-762]
FILE NO. SUBJECT
P&O 350.05 (5 Apr 49) Evaluation Study of Phenomenon (Flying Saucers)
TO D/ID, GSUSA FROM D/P&O, GSUSA DATE 5 Apr 49 COMMENT NO. 1
(ATTN: Mr. Stites) Lt Col Peisinger/2944
1. Reference is made to Comment No. 1 from this office, 24 February 1949, Comment
No. 2 from your office, 7 March 1949, with Evaluation Study of Phenomenon, and broad-
cast by Commentator Walter Winchell on 3 April 1949 re flying saucers. (See Inclosure
No. 2).
2. If Mr. Winchell's statement is correct, then these flying saucers will be of
tremendous interest to our National Defense planners.
3. Request that your Division verify the accuracy of Mr. Winchell's statement
and obtain, if possible, the source of his information.
FOR THE DIRECTOR OF PLANS AND OPERATIONS:
[signature]
JOHN S. GUTHRIE, Colonel, GSC
2 Incls Executive, P&O
1. Evaluation Study
2. Bulletin w/comments
by Mr. Winchell re
flying saucers
~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
[handwritten: 2/4]
DA FORM 897 Replaces WD AGO Form 897, 1 May 46, which may be used. 05-16-84501-3 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
1 OCT 47
NW 91369
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~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
[stamp: APR 15 P&O GSUSA]
[stamp: APR 11 1949]
~~CONFIDENTIAL~~
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DocId 34748466 Page 19
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BULLETIN
PREPARED BY THE ANALYSIS BRANCH
PUBLIC INFORMATION DIVISION - DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY ★ FOR DISTRIBUTION CALL Ex. 4742
4 MARCH 1949
9:45 A.M. [handwritten: III]
WIRE SERVICE SECTION
PRAVDA SAYS STATE DEPARTMENT CONVERTED INTO BRANCH OF GENERAL STAFF
MOSCOW--RUSSIA LOOSED ANOTHER BLAST AT THE ATLANTIC TREATY TODAY ONLY
A FEW HOURS BEFORE IT WAS TO BE SIGNED, CHARGING THAT IT SEEKS TO
INTIMIDATE STATES UNWILLING TO SUBMIT TO ANGLO-AMERICAN DICTATION. THE
ATTACK APPEARED IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER PRAVDA. IT ALSO ACCUSED THE
UNITED STATES OF STEPPING UP THE AMERICANIZATION OF WESTERN EUROPEAN
ARMIES THROUGH A "NEW MILITARY LEND-LEASE." "THE WHOLE CONTINENTAL
MILITARY SYSTEM IS BEING CONVERTED INTO AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE AMERICAN
MILITARY SYSTEM UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE AMERICAN GENERAL STAFF,"
PRAVDA SAID. "THE EXPORT OF VARIOUS ARMS AND INTENSIFIED PREPARATION
FOR AGGRESSION HAVE BECOME ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TASKS OF AMERICAN
FOREIGN POLICY. THIS TASK IS UNDER EXECUTION BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT, WHICH
U.S. RULING CIRCLES TO AN INCREASING EXTENT ARE CONVERTING INTO A BRANCH
OF THE GENERAL STAFF OF THE ARMED FORCES."..... UP(6:59A)
FRANCE WANTS TO BASE DEFENSE OF WESTERN EUROPE ON ELBE
PARIS--FRANCE IS REPORTED TODAY SEEKING AMERICAN BACKING FOR A PLAN
TO BASE DEFENSE OF WESTERN EUROPE ON THE ELBE RIVER INSTEAD OF THE RHINE.
AUTHORITATIVE DIPLOMATIC SOURCES SAID THAT FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER ROBERT
SCHUMAN WILL PUT SUCH A PLAN BEFORE U.S. OFFICIALS DURING HIS CURRENT
WASHINGTON VISIT TO SIGN THE ATLANTIC PACT..... LIEUT. GEN. GEORGE REVERS,
FRENCH CHIEF OF STAFF, IS REPORTEDLY A STRONG BACKER OF THE PLAN WHICH HAS
AS ITS PRIMARY AIM AN EFFORT TO KEEP SOVIET TROOPS AS FAR FROM FRANCE AS
POSSIBLE IN EVENT OF WAR..... ANOTHER FACTOR IN THE PLAN IS PSYCHOLOGICAL.
THE FRENCH PEOPLE GENERALLY ARE SAID TO BE RESIGNED TO THE POSSIBILITY
THAT SOVIET FORCES COULD OVERRUN FRANCE IF WAR SHOULD BREAK OUT SUDDENLY.
IF RUSSIAN ARMIES COULD ESTABLISH A RHINE BRIDGEHEAD THIS WOULD BE
CONSIDERED AS A SERIOUS BLOW TO FRENCH RESISTANCE IN A REPETITION OF THE
GERMAN "BLITZKRIEG" IN 1940. FRENCH STRATEGISTS BELIEVE THAT IF THE
FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE WERE MOVED TO THE ELBE, FRANCE WOULD PUT UP GREATER
RESISTANCE. INS(4:00A)
WESTERN GERMAN POST OFFICE EMPLOYES TOSSED OUT BY RUSSIANS
BERLIN--BRITISH MILITARY AUTHORITIES IN BERLIN REPORTED TODAY THAT
THE RUSSIANS HAVE TAKEN POSSESSION OF A POST OFFICE IN THE WEST STAAKEN
AREA OF BERLIN THROWING OUT WESTERN GERMAN EMPLOYES. THE BRITISH SAID THE
ACTION TOOK PLACE ON APRIL 1. WEST STAAKEN IS OFFICIALLY IN THE SOVIET
SECTOR BUT IT HAS BEEN RUN BY THE WEST SINCE THE SPLIT BETWEEN EAST AND
WESTERN ADMINISTRATIONS AND THE BLOCKADE. THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE
RUSSIANS IS THE LATEST IN THEIR SERIES OF MOVES APPARENTLY AIMED AT
TIGHTENING THEIR HOLD ON THEIR SECTOR OF THE CITY AND CRUSHING POLITICAL
OPPOSITION. INS(7:03A)
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GERMAN LEADER SPEAKS IN BEHALF OF GERMAN PEACE TREATY
BERLIN--JACOB KAISER, A LEADING CHRISTIAN DEMOCRAT SAID IN BERLIN
TODAY THAT THE DRAFTING OF A WEST GERMAN CONSTITUTION SHOULD BE FOLLOWED
BY GERMAN PEACE TREATY TALKS. KAISER, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE CHRISTIAN
DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN EASTERN GERMANY AND A MEMBER OF THE BONN COUNCIL
DRAFTING A CONSTITUTION FOR WESTERN GERMANY SPOKE AT THE PARTY CONVENTION
IN BERLIN. HE SAID: "IT MUST BE EXPECTED OF THE OCCUPATION POWERS THAT
THEY WILL BEGIN PEACE TALKS AS SOON AS THE BONN CONSTITUTION WORK IS
COMPLETED."..... KAISER SAID THAT IT IS NECESSARY "DUE TO THE TERROR
EXERCISED BY THE COMMUNISTS," TO FORM A WEST GERMAN STATE AS THE FIRST
STEP IN ESTABLISHING A UNITED GERMANY. INS(12:50A)
SECOND SERIES OF LECTURES ON DEFENSE BEGINS TODAY FOR CIVILIANS
WASHINGTON--SEVENTY-FIVE LEADERS FROM VARIOUS WALKS OF CIVILIAN
LIFE TODAY BEGAN GETTING THE INSIDE WORD ON THE NATION'S DEFENSES. THE
NEXT THREE DAYS, THEY WILL HEAR MILITARY AND OTHER ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS
DISCUSS IN CLOSED SESSIONS WHAT IS BEING DONE TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL
DEFENSES. IT IS THE SECOND JOINT CIVILIAN ORIENTATION CONFERENCE HELD BY
THE NATIONAL MILITARY ESTABLISHMENT..... UP(8:30A)
ENLISTEES ASSURED OF JOB REINSTATEMENT AFTER LEAVING SERVICE
WASHINGTON--A GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL TODAY ASSURED ALL YOUTHS ENLISTING
IN THE ARMED FORCES THAT THEY ARE ENTITLED TO THEIR OLD JOBS WHEN THEY
ARE MUSTERED OUT. ROBERT K. SALYERS, DIRECTOR OF THE LABOR DEPARTMENT'S
BUREAU OF VETERANS REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS, SAID BOTH ENLISTEES AND
RESERVISTS CALLED TO ACTIVE DUTY ARE PROTECTED BY THE SELECTIVE SERVICE
ACT, EVEN THOUGH THE SERVICES ARE NOT DRAFTING MEN AT PRESENT. HOWEVER,
HE WARNED THOSE DISCHARGED TO SEEK REINSTATEMENT TO THEIR OLD JOBS
WITHIN 90 DAYS AFTER LEAVING THE SERVICE. UP(8:35A)
JOHNSON AND ROYALL TO REVIEW ARMY DAY PARADE
WASHINGTON--ABOUT 10,000 MILITARY MEN WILL MARCH IN THE ARMY DAY
PARADE ON WEDNESDAY. MARINES, SAILORS AND AIRMEN WILL HELP THEIR
SOLDIER TEAMMATES CELEBRATE THE 1949 ARMY DAY IN GRAND STYLE. UNITS FROM
EACH BRANCH OF THE SERVICE WILL JOIN TROOPS IN AN-HOUR-AND-A-HALF-LONG
PARADE. PRESIDENT TRUMAN, DEFENSE SECRETARY JOHNSON, AND ARMY SECRETARY
ROYALL WILL REVIEW THE MARCHERS WHO WILL PARADE ALONG CONSTITUTION AVENUE
BEGINNING AT 1:30 P.M..... AP(8:47A)
ARMY DAY 1949 WILL BE APRIL 6TH. THE OFFICIAL
ARMY DAY FILM "PASS IN REVIEW" WILL BE SHOWN IN
THE SIGNAL CORPS AUDITORIUM, 5A 1070 AT 1:45 P.M.
ON FRIDAY, 1 APRIL, MONDAY, 4 APRIL, AND TUESDAY,
5 APRIL. RUNNING TIME OF THE FILM IS 11 MINUTES.
THE AUDITORIUM SEATS APPROXIMATELY 300 PEOPLE AND
NO TICKET OR OTHER IDENTIFICATION IS REQUIRED FOR
ADMISSION.
CERTAIN COPIES OF THE WIRE SERVICE BULLETIN OF 4 APRIL 1949
ARE ERRONEOUSLY DATED 4 MARCH.
2
[handwritten: 2/4]
NW 91369
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DAILY RADIO DIGEST #2216
Telephone Ext. 4759 H I G H L I G H T S 4 April 1949
By Saturday, Sec. Johnson already had eliminated nine commit-
tees and boards of Armed Services as useless(1)*** A minority
group here (Berlin) feels Russians want to call off blockade(7)
Gen. Clay's report is so gloomy it probably will never be pub-
lished(8)*** It (court-martial) will be another battle of the
brass Army would like to keep quiet--very much(14)*** Two U.S.
Senators are quietly investigating very peculiar activity of...
U.S. Naval Attache in Franco Spain(15)*** Now, it is apparent
occupation (of Japan) may last for years(18)*** It (reportedly
suppressed report on Greece) is very embarrassing to them
(State Department and the Military) (20)
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
CHARLES WOOD(ABC-This Week Around the World):...By Saturday, Johnson al-
ready had eliminated nine committees and boards of the Armed Services
as useless. James Forrestal had been unable to end bickering of the
Services because his Office was understaffed, but on Saturday Pres.
Truman signed into law a bill creating an Under Secretary of Defense,
giving Johnson the strength he needed to do the job thoroughly...In
1936, Johnson became Assistant Secretary of War under Pres. Roosevelt.
He proved himself a hard-working, competent administrator, plugging for
preparedness at a time when such action was extremely unpopular...
Johnson's appointment is looked upon by many as a political favor for
services rendered. But there are few who deny his competence for the
job. 3 April49-1
DREW PEARSON(ABC): The Navy Department: Former Sec. of Defense Forrestal
will be appointed a $1-a-year man and given a Navy airplane for a
cruise around the world, chiefly on a vacation. While I have been crit-
ical of Forrestal in the past, I think he deserves a rest, and I want
to congratulate him for the fine way he has cooperated with Louis John-
son, his successor. C R I T I C I S M 3 April49-2
WALTER WINCHELL(ABC): Evanston, Ill.--One of Hitler's top agents is now
lecturing at Northwestern University. His name is Edward V. Sitler--
it rhymes with Hitler. This man, according to a signed statement from
the Northwestern U campus, continues to expound his Nazi ideas and
feelings. This Edward Sitler...was an American citizen. He threw his
citizenship away and became a naturalized German when he started to
work for Hitler in Berlin as the director of Goebbels' radio section.
Atty. Gen. Tom Clark, please, in the name of all the wonderful Amer-
icans who died for the rest of us, kick this ingrate out of the country.
B E R L I N 3 April49-3
ED HAAKER(NBC-News Roundup, from Berlin): Berlin's Russian-licensed press
today has let loose with a verbal broadside. For the first time, Rus-
sia's German-language papers are commenting on the Soviet memo on
Moscow's objections to the North Atlantic pact...Such is the virulence
of today's...editorials that again there is...talk over here on the
possibility of the USSR quitting the U.N. Such is the virulence of
these comments that there can be little doubt that the Russians see
in the pact a mighty barrier to their aspirations for world domination.
3 April49-4
ROBERT S. ALLEN(MBS): Berlin--Gen. Clay has cabled Washington not to be
surprised if Russia suddenly lifts the Berlin blockade. 3 April49-5
EFFECTS OF COUNTERBLOCKADE
ED HAAKER(NBC-News Roundup, from Berlin): There is new evidence that our
counterblockade is creating economic difficulties, if not economic
havoc, in the Russian zone of Germany. Recently, after a trip through
the Russian zone, I remarked on the dearth of activity in the Eastern
zone industrial cities, and today one report that seems authentic states,
in effect, that unemployment there is rising by leaps and bounds...The
moot point, of course, is what effect this pinch will have on Russian
reasoning. One point of view here is that it will finally force them
to come to terms and lift their own blockade of Berlin; the other is
that they have such little regard for the well-being of populations
that it will have no effect at all. 2 April49-6
G E R M A N Y
LYFORD MOORE(ABC-This Week Around the World, from Berlin): Marshal Sokolov-
sky's successor (Gen. Chuikov)...in a quick examination,...doesn't seem
to have any particularly outstanding qualities that would lead to his
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being chosen as the new Military Governor of Russian Germany. Western
observers here feel the switch means that from now on the real exec-
utive power in the Russian occupation will be wielded by civilians.
It's expected that the Soviet Union's highest civilian representative
here, Ambassador W.S. (Seminov ?), will be the Politburo's key man in
Germany. Heretofore, he served as Sokolovsky's political adviser, but
his office has gradually been given more importance, and he has taken
over a number of the functions formerly exercised by Sokolovsky. Amer-
ican political experts think Sokolovsky's replacement is closely tied
up with the formation of an Eastern Germany Communist state. They
point out that it would be decidedly advantageous to the Russians, for
propaganda purposes, to have control of such a state in the hands of an
ambassador rather than a military man. A minority group here feels that
the Russians want to call off the blockade. These observers think
Sokolovsky's recall really means the Soviets are getting out of Ger-
many--the man most closely associated with a policy that failed.
3 April49-7
DREW PEARSON(ABC): Berlin, exclusive--Gen. Clay has sent a very discourag-
ing report to Washington. He says that American efforts to make the
Germans more democratic have failed, almost completely, that the Ger-
mans are openly talking about the need of a new leader to restore Ger-
many to its former power. What is even more tragic, anti-Semitism
and strong-arm tactics are on the increase. Gen. Clay's report is so
gloomy it probably will never be published. 3 April49-8
ROBERT S. ALLEN(MBS):...One of the questions being discussed in the secret
Foreign Ministers' Conference in Washington is increasing industrial
production in Germany...The new plan is to raise that (limitation of
German output to the 1936 production) to the 1938 level--the year be-
fore Hitler ran amok. France is strongly against this scheme which is
being urged by U.S. military and financial interests. 3 April49-9
H.V. KALTENBORN(NBC):...Schuman, more than Bevin or Acheson, will determine
the success or failure of these (Washington) discussions. For good
historic reasons France fears Germany...If we go on destroying German
industrial plants because they might some time produce arms, we will
prevent German and European recovery. The six billions we spent last
year, and the five billions we propose to spend this year to restore
Europe could be wasted if 50 million Germans in the heart of
Europe could not become self-supporting. With all the food and mineral
resources of Eastern Germany in Russian hands, Western Germany must
become a strong industrial state to live. 1 April49-10
ALLIED MILITARY GOVERNMENT
WALTER WINCHELL(ABC): The State Department--Jack McCloy can have the top
job at Berlin. "Chips" Bohlen is slated for Minister to Paris, the
number two spot. Nobody wants to be the Ambassador to Moscow. The
latest to turn it down is Ambassador Caffery, now in Paris.
3 April49-11
DREW PEARSON(ABC): New York--A display of German-manufactured goods, many
sponsored by former Nazis, will open in New York on Saturday--much
worse than the music of Walter Gieseking. 3 April49-12
WILLIAM L. SHIRER(MBS):...For the first time since before the war there
will be an exhibition in this country of German industrial products.
The German industrial exhibit, under the auspices of the Military Gov-
ernment, opens here, in New York, Saturday. A lot of people here
don't like the idea, and there may be some trouble. They say they
don't object to the Germans trying to do a little honest business like
everyone else, but they hate to see the Nazis coming back under our
auspices. Gen. Clay has said not a Nazi will be allowed to go to New
York to show his wares, but there's no doubt, either, that many of
these German firms exhibiting here are run by the Nazis, either openly
or secretly...This may surprise you, but your Government will support
Fascist Dictator Franco at the meeting of the U.N. Assembly which opens
Tuesday... 3 April49-13
ARMY COURT-MARTIAL
WALTER WINCHELL(ABC): Lt. Col. Paul T. Graves goes on trial next Tuesday
at Ft. Dix. The charge is embezzlement. Many top generals will tes-
tify for him. It will be another battle of the brass which the U.S.
Army would like to keep quiet--very much. 3 April49-14
CRITICISM OF NAVAL ATTACHE
ROBERT S. ALLEN(MBS): Military Meddler: Two U.S. Senators are quietly
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investigating the very peculiar activity of Capt. T.V. (Mercer ?), U.S.
Naval Attache in Franco Spain. Mercer is a warm admirer of the dictator
and has been openly critical of U.S. policy toward Franco. According
to information in the hands of the two Senators, Mercer has been acting
as if he were the U.S. Ambassador in Spain. The Senators want to know
how Mercer gets this way and why an officer of this type is being kept
in Madrid. B A S E S 3 April49-15
JOHN MECKLING(CBS-World News, from Ottawa):...To Americans, this peaceful
union (Newfoundland and Labrador annexed as Canada's tenth province)
means greater security of our North Atlantic flank. Two major American
military bases are located in Newfoundland...And it means unchallenged
access to the iron ore fields of Labrador... 1 April49-16
U.S.-SOVIET RELATIONS
DREW PEARSON(ABC): The State Department, exclusive: Just before I left
Washington, I learned that Sec. of State Acheson is much more worried
about the latest Russian note against the North Atlantic pact than he
admits. The reason is: the American Embassy in Moscow has sent a top
secret cable warning that the Russian note may be intended to pave the
way for outright aggression by the Red Army. The two most likely spots
marked for aggression are Iran and Finland, but the Embassy also passes
along the rumor of Soviet troops moving toward Norway. The Embassy
also warns that the next 60 days will be the most critical in the his-
tory of our relations with Russia, for, during the period, the Embassy
believes Russia is more likely to strike than later, because the North
Atlantic pact nations will not have had a chance to ratify their treaty.
I'm not predicting whether the Embassy is right or wrong, but I do pre-
dict that Russia will soon renounce its own defense treaty with the
French--a very serious step which, according to standard diplomatic
procedure, could be the forerunner of war. 3 April49-17
OCCUPATION OF JAPAN
BILL COSTELLO(CBS-World News, from Tokyo): According to well-informed ob-
servers in this occupied capital, a change of far-reaching significance
is taking place in occupation controls. In a nutshell it's this: that
major economic planning for Japan is now being done in Washington and
is being integrated with the world-wide ECA program. When the occupa-
tion started, it was assumed that a peace treaty would follow within a
reasonable time, and it was tacitly understood that Gen. MacArthur
would run the occupation, with only general policy supervision from
Washington. Now, it is apparent that the occupation may last for years.
At the same time, American overseas commitments have expanded so great-
ly that every dollar has to produce maximum returns. That being true,
it has become hazardous to let Japan fritter away American aid as it
has done for the last three years...Economic strategists, as a result
of the European program, now have a yardstick with which to measure
Japan's progress. Unless Japan can prove that American funds are being
used wisely, then aid for Japan may be cut off. 1 April49-18
OVERSEAS AIR BASES
JOHN FOSTER DULLES(MBS-Meet the Press):...If the U.S. were to plant (bases?)
for atomic bomb planes right on the Soviet frontier, I think that would
be an offensive action which would almost surely start off a war. I
don't think we plan to do that. LAWRENCE SPIVAK: Suppose we were to
plant them in England? DULLES: I think that it's all a question of
degree. I don't see any reason why there should not be air bases in
England. If you turn the thing around, if the Soviet Union had atomic
bomb bases on the Mexican border, we would take offense about it; we
don't take offense about it if they're somewhat farther off. SPIVAK:
But, with the range we have in air power today, there really isn't too
much difference if some of our bases are in England, or in Africa, or
in France. Certainly, if we're going to have a defensive alliance,
we're going to have to have bases somewhere. DULLES: That's quite
true, but in these matters there's a psychological element that comes
into play. If you brandish your fist under a fellow's nose, he takes
more offense about it than if you brandish your fist a little ways off.
G R E E C E 1 April49-19
ROBERT S. ALLEN(MBS): Secret Report: From time to time this program has
reported a number of shocking facts about the Greek Aid Program. This
is costing the American taxpayer hundreds of millions of dollars. Dis-
closures about the incompetence, graft and obstructionism of the re-
actionary and undemocratic Greek Government, and the incompetence and
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bungling and waste of U.S. officials in Greece--these disclosures have
not set well with certain high authorities in the State Department and
the Pentagon Building. There has been a lot of muttering. Tonight,
this program can report a complete official confirmation of these shock-
ing disclosures. This official confirmation is contained in the report
in the hands of the Joint Congressional Committee on the Marshall Plan
...For some unexplained reason, this report has been suppressed. Person-
ally, I suspect that this suppression is due to the State Department
and the Military; there is a very good reason why they would not want
this report made public. It is very embarrassing to them, but I have
a copy of this report, and here are a few of its many shocking charges
and condemnations:...Further, that there are too many American offi-
cials in Greece, and that a large percentage of them are being paid
$10,000 a year in salary, plus an additional $7,000 for rents and food
allowances; also, that many of these Americans are incompetent and are
doing a poor job; also, that there is too much American ostentatious-
ness in Greece, that many American officials are driving around in big
shiny new cars and are living in a high-handed and showy manner...The
report also charges that the Greek tax system is archaic, that the
wealthy pay practically no taxes at all. Similarly, the report says
that it is impossible for the ordinary man to get justice in the Greek
courts. It is such conditions, the report declares, that are making
Communists in Greece, not Russia, not the guerrillas...Here is the con-
clusion of this suppressed report: "...It is impossible to win in
Greece by purely military operations; nor will money, alone, buy the
Greek people. Social reforms and better and more honest administration
are fundamental to Greek recovery..."That is what this report that has
been suppressed said. It is a despairing report because it shows that
despite all that has happened the high brass in the White House, the
State Department and the Pentagon have learned nothing; that despite
the billions we have already spent, and the billions we are committing
ourselves to spend under the North Atlantic pact, we are not winning the
cold war against Russia... S P A I N 3 April49-20
WALTER WINCHELL(ABC): The White House: The U.S. will withdraw its 1946
resolution condemning Franco at the U.N. and will resume diplomatic re-
lations with Spain unless public opinion--that means you--stops it.
I R A N 3 April49-21
WILLIS CONOVER(WWDC):...If the Russians ever decided to invoke that treaty
(with Iran) they could overrun the country almost without firing a
shot. Loss of Iran, with its oil, would be a major blow to the Western
powers. "FLYING SAUCERS" 3 April49-22
WALTER WINCHELL(ABC): Washington--This will not be confirmed by anyone in
authority in Washington at this time; but, if anybody denies it, the
denier will be a liar. The "flying saucers," never explained by anyone
in authority, are now definitely known to have been guided missiles shot
all the way from Russia. U.S. AIR FORCE 3 April49-23
WALTER WINCHELL(ABC): Curtiss Wright will announce tomorrow the newest
airplane engine. It will give our biggest strategic bombers 2,000
miles more striking range. It is the turbo-cyclone. It can carry our
long range atomic bombers around the world, without refueling--nonstop
to Russia and back. WINSTON CHURCHILL 3 April49-24
DREW PEARSON(ABC): Aboard the Queen Mary, exclusive--...I can reveal that
Churchill's optimism is based on his belief that Stalin will soon die.
Churchill believes the fiercest battle (among the 13 surviving members
of the Politburo) will be over control of the army and the secret po-
lice. The fight over the army, he predicts, will be so violent that no
Russian leader will let the Red Army go beyond Russia's borders for fear
it might mingle with the outside world and be turned against Moscow.
3 April49-25
WALTER WINCHELL(ABC):...Mr. Churchill did mention...that fights are some-
times avoided because somebody dropped dead, but that is not what any
fighter who wants to win can ever count on. Mathematically, of course,
peace still has a chance, about the same chance that a pigeon has
against the slowest jet bomber. 3 April49-26
ATLANTIC ALLIANCE
WILLIAM HILLMAN(MBS): The President (in his speech tomorrow at the signing
of the Atlantic Alliance) has an opportunity to stress the self-help
and mutual aid that is the foundation of this treaty... 3 April49-27
6-END
[handwritten: 1995]
[handwritten: vol 2] [handwritten: 2/4]
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DocId 34748466 Page 25 View the official fileText extraction via abigailhaddad/ufo-releases; original file at war.gov.
Congressional Context
No confirmed links between this file and the congressional record yet. Connections are added only when the source text supports them, never inferred.