733667-002-002-0005

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Subject: From: To: Q Memorandum U.S. Department Of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration JAL #1628, UFO _danuary 5, 1987 Date Paul Steucke, AAL=5 Public Affairs Officer Reply to Director, AAL=1 Attached for your review is a Public Affairs plan of action for an organized release of information regarding the sighting of unidentified air traffic by the crew of Japan Airlines flight 1628, on November 17, 1986. Three specific problems have created the need for this plan of action. (1) The public and media interest in this subject is far greater than anticipated and requires an organized response that will not inadvertently embarrass the agency, (2) the agency it appears does not have all the data in one location for review, and (3) we have not been able to derive any conclusions that will allow us to conclude this investigation. We have nothing to hide, yet we must be very careful to release even the most boring of data, or we will be criticized of "covering-up" via "Che Government". I suggest we cease releasing information at this time, set a reasonable date for a press conference, publicize that date, and proceed according to the attached plan. I am available at your convenience to discuss this further. Your concurrence is needed before I can proceed. Paul Steucke