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State called the 1952 saucers an enigma

Department of State, 1952.

The memo catches official Washington during the 1952 saucer pressure point. Samford is quoted as skeptical, but not casual, and the phrase about credible people reporting incredible things has lasted for a reason. It is one of the clearest examples of official uncertainty without official belief.

From the file

General Samford said there is very little that can be said to clarify the flying saucer business. It is still a complete enigma.

There is no question, according to Samford, that credible observers are reporting the incredible.

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