II> JS> The "weather balloon" story was used to cover up the "Project Mogul"
 II> JS> test balloons which was later said to include test dummies and that
 II> it
 II> JS> was part of a secret project to test for radiation from possible
 II> JS> Russian Atomic bomb tests.
 I have heard an interesting scenario which explains a number of sighting in 
the former soviet union (for a user at this BBS).  He explained that at some 
time, probably the 1960s, citizens were observing luminous object moving 
through the atmosphere making lots of sonic booms.  The soviet government 
even encouraged the speculation of these being flying discs.  It turned out 
to be soviet ICBM tests and these obejects were unarmed warheads re-entering 
airspace over the soviet union at mach 20 or so.
 On the matter of national security being associated with U.F.O.s, I have 
heard the arguements that the reason for withholding this information, is so 
that top secret military field units are not exposed (kind of outdated when 
considering that reports from the 1950s are classified).  Another is that 
some top secret program is using the U.F.O title as cover, perhaps a advanced 
military R&D project.  However, a 1952 Central Intelligence Agency document I 
have, looks into this possibility and concludes it highly unlikely on the 
basis,
       1) The Central Intelligence Agency discussed this hypothesis with 
people with the highest positions in government and none supported evidence 
for a ultra secret R&D program.
       2) Earlier the USAF, gave instructions to intercept (but not shot 
down) these flying discs (without any interference from some other 
organisation)
       3) It was well documented that these object moved dangerously through 
well established airlanes.
Regards George
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