Page:Robertson panel report.pdf/22

Approved For Release 2001/08/07-CIA0RDP81R00560R000100030027-0 levels in such education from enlisted personnel to commend end research personnel.Relative emphasis and degree of explanation of different programs would correspond to the categories of duty (e.g., radar operators; pilots; control tower operators; Ground Observer Corps personnel; and officers and enlisted men in other categories.) This training should result in a marked reduction in reports caused by misidentification and resultant confusion.

The "debunking" aim would result in reduction in public interest in "flying saucers" which today evokes a strong psychological reaction. This education could be accomplished by mass media such television, motion pictures, and popular articles. Basis of such Education would be actual case histories which had been puzzling at first but later explained. As in the ease of conjuring tricks, there is much less stimulation if the secret is known. Such a program should tend to reduce the current gullibility of the public and consequently their susceptibility to clever hostile propaganda. The Panel noted that the general absence of Russian propaganda based on a subject with so many obvious possibilities for exploitation might indicate a possible Russian official policy.

Members of the Panel had various suggestions related to such an educational program. It was felt strongly that psychologists familiar with mass psycholocy should advise on the nature and extent of the program. In this connection, Dr. Hadley Cantril (Princeton University) was suggested. Cantril authored "Invasion from Mars", (a study in the -22- Approved For Release 2001/08/07-CIA0RDP81R00560R000100030027-0