Correspondence to Dr. Julius A. Stratton regarding Unidentified Flying Objects

This correspondence, dated January 27, 1953, is addressed to Dr. Julius A. Stratton, Provost of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, from H. Marshall Chadwell, Assistant Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. The letter serves as a follow-up to a previous request by Dr. Stratton to be kept informed regarding progress on the investigation of unidentified flying objects. Chadwell explains that the Air Technical Intelligence Center had been tasked with investigating sighting reports, and that the evidence was subsequently reviewed by the Intelligence Advisory Committee, which included representatives from the CIA, Army, Navy, Air Force, Joint Staff, State Department, and the Atomic Energy Commission. Following this review, it was recommended that the CIA assemble a panel of experts specializing in physics, radar, and astronomy to further examine the phenomenon. Chadwell confirms that such a panel was formed and that the enclosed documents—a panel report, a list of personnel, and evidence presented—are being provided to Dr. Stratton for his information. The CIA concludes that the nature of the subject is operational rather than intelligence-based, and therefore, the agency will only be involved indirectly in future matters. Finally, Chadwell emphasizes that the CIA's interest in 'flying saucers' has been kept under strict control to prevent public misunderstanding.