DCI Walter Smith Orders NSC Document on UFOs After OSI Briefing

On August 20, 1952, after an OSI briefing, Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) Walter B. Smith ordered the preparation of a formal document for consideration by the National Security Council, advising on the great numbers of UFO reports and 'stating the need for investigation and directing agencies concerned to cooperate in such investigations.'

Attached to CIA Director Smith's directive was a July 29, 1952, draft memo from the Acting Assistant Director of OSI informing that UFO visual and radar reports were ongoing. Also attached was an undated NSC directive for Smith to establish procedures for identifying unknown aerial objects.