Black Vault compilation, pp. 91-93

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 17, 1969
AIR FORCE TO TERMINATE
PROJECT "BLUE BOOK"
NO. 1077-69
OXford 7-5131 (Info.)
OXford 7-3189 ( Copies)
....:
Secretary of the Air Force Robert C. Seamans, JT., announced
today the termination of Project Blue Book, the Air Force proaram
for the investigation of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).
In a memorandum to Air Force Chief of Staff General John D. lyan,
Secretary Seamans stated that 11 the continuation of Project Bl~e Book
cannot be justified either on the ground of national security or in
the interest of science, 1' and concluded that the project does not merit
future expenditures of resources.
The decision to discontinue UFO investigations was based on:
- An eva luation of a report prepared by the University of
.:rado entitled, "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects."
- A reviet.' of
National Academy of
the University
Sciences.
of Colorado's report by the
- Past UFO studies.
...
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- Air Force experience investigating UFO reports during the past
two decades.
Under the direction of Dr. EdYard U. Condori, the University of
Colorado co~pleted an 18-month contracted study of UFOs and its report
was re leas ed to the public in January, 1969, The report concluded that
little if anyt hi ng has come from the study of UFOs in the past 21 years
that has added to scientific kno~ledge, and that further ~xtensive
s~udy of DFO sightings is not justifi ed in the expectation tha t science
will b e advan ced.
T-he- Uni v ersity of Colorado report also states that, "It seems that
onl y so much attention to the subject (UFOs) should be &i~e as the
Department of Defense deems to be necessary strictly from a defense point
of view •... It is our impression that the defense function could be
performed within the framework established for intelligence and sur-
~eillance operations without the continuance of a special unit such as
· ect Blue Book , but this is a question for defense specialists rather
·' research scientists."
A pan e l of the National Academy of Sc iences made an independent
a s sess ment of the sc op e, methodoloay, and :indings of the University of
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