Opening summary
The source document outlines a series of communications from the FBI regarding unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and the agency's interactions with the Air Force during a period of heightened public interest in such phenomena. Following the launch of Sputnik, there was a notable surge in UFO sightings reported across the United States. In October 1957 alone, the Air Force received an overwhelming number of calls related to these sightings, which included descriptions of objects that resembled flying saucers.
The FBI's response to these reports was to refer them directly to the Air Force without conducting independent investigations, adhering to a policy established in earlier communications. This approach was reiterated in multiple memos, emphasizing that the FBI would not gather evidence on UFOs but would instead pass on any information received to the Air Force for evaluation. The document also mentions a civilian organization, the Inter-Continental Aerial Research Foundation, which sought…