◆ SpookStack

Memorandum @oach to Pelmont UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT REPORTED ON SEPTEMBER 20, 1957; INTELLIGENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ~ WATCH COMMITTEE over the U.S. It tg unlikely that a Soviet aircraft could conduct a mission at this speed and altitude and return to Soviet territory. The Soviets are given credit for the capability of a ‘Submarine “launched cruise-type misstle of low supersontc performance” and a range of about 500 nautical miles; however, there is no evidence . of the ezristence of such a missile by the Soviets. The Watch Committee also examined possible Soviet motives for launching a one way missile on an operation over the U.S., and +t was concluded that there would be little motivation at this tine eroept nossibly a vsychologteal or retaliatory motive, The Hatca except possibly psycholo gtcal or retalt atory motive Committee ruled out one way reconnaissance operations on the likelihood that the results would be of small value and the risk of compromise would be very great. (This possible retaliatory motive by the Soviets could be in response bomen vegitagibe toa U.S. "Froject Aquatone”™ flight over the USSR which was detected on September 9, 1956, by Soviet planes and mentioned in my memorandum of September 19, 1957.) 4 ACTION: The above is submitted for information. Since the Air Defense Command ts still investigating this report, further information will be reported as a more conclusive evaluation can be made. i . er u fi N av “fro : | ne _ —s Vr.