London: Lockspeiser on Swedish rocket doubts
In London, Ben Lockspeiser informed US naval attaché Cmdr. Jenkins that Swedish experts reject Russian origin for observed rockets, attributing them to natural events and public fancy instead.
Background
Event
On January 20, 1947 in London, England, Ben Lockspeiser, chief scientist of the British Ministry of Supply, met the US naval attaché Cmdr. Jenkins. This followed Lockspeiser's return from discussions with Swedish scientists and air force representatives.
Details
Lockspeiser conveyed that the Swedes doubted a Russian origin for the rockets. They nevertheless wished the USA and Great Britain to continue to assume it. Natural phenomena and the influence of popular imagination were held to be the explanations.
Witnesses and Evidence
Key figures: Ben Lockspeiser (chief scientist), Cmdr. Jenkins (US attaché). Based on direct meetings with Swedish authorities; no physical evidence is mentioned, but rather expert assessments.
Significance
This conversation shows early scepticism toward geopolitical assumptions about the rocket sightings in a Cold War context, before the UFO waves began. It points to alternative explanations and to covert strategies.