February 5, 1958🇺🇸Investigation
Congressional
Washington DC: Air Force blocks UFO probe meeting
On January 31, 1958, Air Force officers met FBI liaisons in Assistant Secretary Richard E. Horner's office to oppose a Senate subcommittee's UFO investigation push. Maj. Tacker stated USAF rejection, ending Sen. McClellan's initiative instantly.
Background
Meeting Details A gathering occurred on 31. Januar 1958 in the office of Richard E. Horner, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force. It was organized by the Subcommittee on Investigations of the Senate Committee on Government Operations, despite absences including Sen. John L. McClellan (D-Ark.).
Participants Air Force representatives included Maj. James F. Byrne, Maj. Joseph E. Boland, and Maj. Lawrence J. Tacker. They conferred with the subcommittee's FBI contacts.
Key Statements Tacker expressed that the USAF opposed any congressional inquiry into UFOs. This firm position caused the McClellan-led effort to collapse right away.
Significance The event underscores Air Force resistance to external probes on unidentified aerial phenomena, halting potential Senate oversight early in 1958. (Swords 275)
Connections
References
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