Pentagon: Air Force Intelligence Memo on Civilian UFO Organizations
Major Robert Friend and Philip G. Evans submit a memo criticizing civilian UFO groups, alleging they operate for profit, religious motives, or emotional reasons while accusing the Air Force of information suppression.
Background
Official Complaint
Major Robert Friend, the Blue Book officer, and his superior Philip G. Evans at ATIC (Air Technical Intelligence Center) composed a memo addressed to Air Force Intelligence at the Pentagon on December 27, 1960.
Criticism of Civilian Organizations
The memo expressed frustration with civilian UFO organizations, characterizing their motivations as financial gain, religious conviction, emotional gratification, or ignorance. Friend also suggested some groups might function as Cold War propaganda tools.
Central Grievance
A primary concern was these organizations' public accusations that the Air Force deliberately withheld UFO information from the public, undermining official credibility and generating public distrust.