Inquiry Satisfied Powers Tried To Destroy U-2

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29760, 1 March 1962, Page 13

Inquiry Satisfied Powers Tried To Destroy U-2

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright)

NEW YORK, February 28.

The American U-2 pilot, Francis Gary Powers, has satisfied special Government investigators that he did his best to destroy his spy aircraft when he was downed over the Soviet Union on May 1,1960.

The questioning of Powers, who was released by the Russians on February 10 of this year, ended yesterday, according to the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA.), Mr John McCone. The “New York Times” said in a Washington despatch this morning that the questioners were satisfied the 32-year-old pilot had done his best to prevent the aircraft falling into Russian hands.

But the inquiry, together with questioning by officials of the C.1.A., had failed to determine conclusively how the high-flying plane was brought down. They were convinced, however, that Russian rockets were not responsible.

Quoting informed sources, the “New York Times” said the Government investigators were satisfied that Powers told the truth on two key points:

The U2 was thrown out of control by an explosion at the rear of the plane. The plane went into a spin. Powers was unable to carry out instructions to destroy the aircraft because the explosion force and subsequent centrifugal action of the spinning plane hurled him into positions where he could not reach the “destruct” buttons. Correct Height Powers was reported to have told the inquiry that he was flying art the altitude called for by his instructors, apparently at about 68.000

feet. He was on course and was making notes, as he was required to do. Suddenly he felt a jolt. He compared it with the shock a motorist would feel if his car was suddenly hit from behind.

There was no way for him to tell what had caused the jolt. He did, however then see an orange-coloured flash to the rear. As a result of the board of investigation's findings. Powers would presumably receive his back pay, amounting to more than 50,000 dollars. the newspaper said. According to United Press International, a censored statement of the board’s finding would be made public on Friday. Powers himself might appear at a week-end press conference. (Earlier report. Page 11)