Guided Missiles in Afghanistan
A 1955 intelligence memorandum regarding unidentified flying objects in Afghanistan, noting the agency's inability to identify the objects and requesting further information from a pending trip.
Document Collection
CIA UFO Collection (Full)
Office Responsibilities for Non-Conventional Types of Air Vehicles
This 1956 memorandum centralizes the responsibility for monitoring and filing information on non-conventional air vehicles within the ASD division of the OSI. It rescinds a previous 1954 directive to streamline intelligence gathering and record-keeping.
Memorandum for the Record: Responsibility for 'Unidentified Flying Objects'
This 1956 memorandum establishes the internal OSI procedures for handling and filing reports on Unidentified Flying Objects and non-conventional air vehicles. It defines specific criteria for the retention, review, or destruction of reports based on their intelligence value.
Responsibility for Unconventional Types of Aircraft
This document establishes internal procedures for a division responsible for managing reports on unconventional aircraft. It details the filing, analysis, and record-keeping requirements for such reports.
Memorandum regarding unidentified flying objects
This memorandum highlights the insufficiency of data regarding unidentified flying objects and calls for a more rigorous Air Force investigation to achieve definitive identification.
Memorandum: Flying Saucers
This memorandum evaluates media reports on U.F.O.s, noting that they often lack sufficient data for identification. It highlights the success of the Air Force's 'Blue Book' project in reducing the number of unexplained sightings.
Memorandum for [illegible] regarding Unidentified Flying Saucers (UFO)
A 1957 CIA memorandum confirming that both the Air Force and CIA continued to monitor UFOs and detailing the 1952 OSI panel members.
Patuxent Naval Air Station Sighting Report — December 19th
A report of three radar-tracked UFO sightings near Patuxent Naval Air Station on December 19th, involving high-speed objects at altitudes between 15,000 and 25,000 feet. The document also notes corroborating reports from the U.S. Coast Guard via an FAA station in Salisbury, Maryland.
Memorandum for Assistant to the Director: Len Davidson letter to the FBI
A 1957 FBI memorandum regarding a response to a letter from Len Davidson. The FBI confirms that a recording in question was sent to the Air Force Logistics Command for evaluation.
Memorandum regarding OSI analysis of tape
This 1957 memorandum coordinates the distribution of an OSI analysis of a tape and requests that the Air Force be informed of the actions taken. It highlights inter-agency communication regarding the documentation of this analysis.
Memorandum for the Deputy Director for Coordination regarding Flying Saucers
This 1957 memorandum details the Agency's decision to discontinue contact with Dr. M. K. Jessup and Mr. Wayne Aho regarding flying saucers. The Agency concluded that Dr. Jessup was seeking funding for his own research rather than offering intelligence of interest.
Office Memorandum regarding declassification of the Report of the Scientific Panel on Unidentified Flying Objects
This 1957 memorandum records a request from the Air Force to declassify the 1953 Scientific Panel report on UFOs. It highlights the administrative process involving Major James F. Byrne and an individual named Robertson.
Memorandum regarding request for evaluation of flying saucer photographs
A 1957 memorandum details an intelligence officer's refusal to evaluate UFO photographs for a private citizen's television program. The document highlights concerns regarding potential public 'repercussions or flaps' related to U.F.O. inquiries.
Memorandum regarding UFO sighting inquiries and CIA policy
A 1957 CIA memorandum confirming the agency's limited past involvement with UFOs and directing future inquiries to the Air Force. It also addresses a source's attempt to act as a clearing house for UFO sightings.
Memorandum: Declassification of the 'Report of the Scientific Panel on Unidentified Flying Objects'
This 1957 CIA memorandum outlines the partial declassification of the Scientific Panel on Unidentified Flying Objects report, specifically censoring information related to CIA involvement and certain recommendations.
Memorandum regarding Dr. Leon Davidson and space message inquiry
The Chicago Office informed Dr. Leon Davidson that records regarding his 'space message' inquiry were destroyed. The author admits the response was evasive to avoid contradicting prior official statements.
Memorandum for Assistant Director, Office of Operations regarding Unidentified Flying Objects
A 1958 internal CIA memorandum regarding the handling of inquiries from Major Keyhoe about Unidentified Flying Objects. It highlights the agency's concern over potential references to field personnel in Keyhoe's correspondence.
Memorandum for Assistant Director, Office of Operations regarding Unidentified Flying Objects
This is an internal CIA memorandum from Herbert Scoville, Jr. requesting input on how to respond to letters sent to the Director of Central Intelligence concerning UFOs, specifically referencing a letter from Major Keyhoe.
Memorandum: Unidentified Flying Objects
This 1958 CIA memorandum clarifies that the Agency does not suppress UFO witness testimony, but rather maintains a policy of confidentiality regarding its relationship with sources. It also notes the Agency's tracking of Dr. Leon Davidson's UFO-related activities.
Memorandum regarding Unidentified Flying Objects
A 1955 memorandum discussing the administrative management and review of files related to Unidentified Flying Objects. It mentions specific individuals and the need for internal review of existing documentation.
Comments on Letters Dealing with Unidentified Flying Objects
This 1958 memorandum establishes that the Air Force, specifically the Secretary of Air Force Information Service (SAFI), is the designated authority for responding to public inquiries regarding UFOs. It documents the coordination between the CIA and the Air Force to centralize these communications.
Comments on Letters Dealing with Unidentified Flying Objects
This 1958 CIA memorandum clarifies that the 1953 Scientific Intelligence Advisory Panel was tasked with assessing national security threats, not identifying UFOs. It also explains the process behind the 1957 declassification of the panel's report while protecting the members' association with the CIA.
Memorandum for Record: Comments on Letters Dealing with Unidentified Flying Objects
This 1958 memorandum establishes a protocol where the Air Force, rather than the CIA, takes responsibility for responding to public inquiries regarding UFOs. It documents the specific coordination between the CIA's Applied Science Division and the Air Force Information Service.
Meeting with Air Force Personnel Concerning Scientific Advisory Panel Report on Unidentified Flying Objects, dated 17 January 1953 (Secret)
This 1953 memorandum details an inter-agency meeting regarding the handling of public inquiries, specifically from Leon Davidson, concerning the classified Scientific Advisory Panel report on UFOs. The participants discussed strategies for managing information release and the potential for a public press release to curb further inquiries.
Memorandum for Record: Meeting with Mr. Chapin, Replying to Leon Davidson's UFO Letter, and Subsequent Telephone Conversation with Major Tacker
This document outlines the administrative process for handling UFO-related correspondence from Leon Davidson in 1958, confirming that the CIA referred these inquiries to the Air Force. It also notes internal coordination between CIA staff and Major L. J. Tacker of the USAF.
Office Memorandum regarding Fred Kirsch correspondence
These memoranda establish that the Air Force is the official authority for UFO-related correspondence and direct that inquiries from Fred Kirsch be routed to Major Tacker. The documents note that Kirsch had previously sent 20 letters to the Air Force.
Memorandum for Record: Reply to Leon Davidson's letter of 3 July 1958
This memorandum confirms that a letter from Leon Davidson dated 3 July 1958 was not answered. The decision to not reply was based on a recommendation made to Mr. Chapin on 28 July 1958.
Memorandum: Reported Photography of Unidentified Flying Objects
A 1958 memorandum details a civilian's claim of photographing unidentified objects near the moon. The author seeks advice on how to acquire these images for intelligence analysis despite the subject's evasiveness.
Reported Photography of Unidentified Flying Objects
This 1958 OSI memorandum clarifies that the Department of the Air Force is the sole authority for UFO investigations and public relations. It directs inquiries regarding UFO photography to specific personnel at the Pentagon.
Inquiry by Major Donald E. Keyhoe
Major Donald E. Keyhoe is questioning the CIA regarding alleged agency interference and censorship of UFO witnesses. The CIA is reviewing these claims and preparing a response.
GUIDANCE TO UFO PHOTOGRAPHERS
This document provides official technical instructions for photographing UFOs to ensure the resulting images are useful for analysis. It covers camera settings, film selection, and procedures for capturing ground references and surrounding terrain.
UFO Photographic Information Sheet
This is a blank data collection form used to standardize the reporting of photographic evidence related to UFO sightings. It requests technical camera specifications and environmental context for image analysis.
Flying Saucers—Student Papers Thereon Received from Dr. Thornton Page
A 1960 memorandum from the Applied Science Division evaluates 14 student essays on flying saucers provided by Dr. Thornton Page. The review concluded that the papers provided no new substantiating evidence.
Reply to your Note Regarding Gordon H. Scherer
This CIA memorandum from 1960 addresses a UFO inquiry from a constituent, Mrs. Golden, referred by Congressman Gordon H. Scherer. The agency concluded the matter was a case of trick photography and outside the scope of CIA interest, deferring to the Air Force.
Reply to your Note Regarding Gordon H. Scherer
A 1960 CIA memorandum dismissing a constituent's UFO sighting report as a hoax involving a fake photograph, noting that the matter was outside the agency's purview.
Memorandum: Reply to the Honorable Joseph E. Karth
This 1961 memorandum outlines the agency's policy of referring correspondence regarding 'Flying Saucers' to the Air Force, which is identified as the Executive Agent for such matters.
Transmittal of Letter from Thomas B. Scott, Jr.
This is a 1962 administrative memorandum from Philip G. Strong to the US Air Force regarding the transmittal of correspondence involving Thomas B. Scott, Jr. It documents the exchange of letters and references a prior telephone conversation.
Evaluation of UFO's
A 1965 CIA memorandum evaluating UFO reports, concluding that they pose no security threat and are not of foreign origin. It notes that only 3% of 1964 reports remained unidentified.
Memorandum: Air Force Request to Declassify an OSI Paper on UFO's
This 1966 memorandum documents an Air Force request to declassify a 1953 CIA/OSI report on UFOs following public attention from a CBS television program. It highlights the tension between previous sanitized releases and the Air Force's stated intent to declassify all government UFO records.
Memorandum for Record: Air Force Request to Declassify CIA UFO Report
This 1966 memorandum records an inquiry from the Air Force regarding the status of a declassified CIA UFO report intended for a newsman. It highlights the administrative process of document release and the Air Force's coordination with the media.
Memorandum for Record: Air Force Request to Declassify CIA UFO Report
This memorandum documents administrative interactions between the CIA and the Air Force in August 1966 regarding the declassification and sanitization of a CIA UFO report.
Memorandum for the D/CI: Air Force Request to Declassify CIA Material on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO)
This memorandum details the administrative history of the 1953 CIA UFO panel report and the Air Force's repeated requests for its declassification between 1957 and 1966. It confirms that the Air Force had obtained an unclassified copy of the report prior to the formal 1966 declassification request.
Memorandum for: Deputy Director for Intelligence — U. S. Air Force Contract with the University of Colorado to Report on the UFO Situation
This 1967 memorandum outlines the $325,000 U.S. Air Force contract with the University of Colorado to study UFOs. It details the establishment of a technical liaison between the University and AFIC for the analysis of UFO photographs.
Photo Analysis of UFO Photography
A 1967 memorandum from the National Photographic Interpretation Center details the inability to analyze UFO photographs due to poor image quality and the absence of original negatives. The report notes that Major R.W. Nyls conducted a site investigation at Lake St. Clair, Michigan, to assist in the analysis.
Answer to Request of Speed Letter dated 30 January 1967
This 1967 memorandum documents a technical analysis of UFO photographic prints. The author cautions that the analysis is limited by the poor quality of the copies and questions the accuracy of the underlying assumptions.
Intelligence Advisory Committee Minutes of Meeting, 4 December 1952
This document is the official record of attendance for the Intelligence Advisory Committee meeting held on December 4, 1952. It lists the senior intelligence officials from various U.S. government agencies present at the session.
Minutes of Branch Chief's Meeting of 11 August 1952
This document records the 1952 decision by the P&E Division to establish a project for tracking 'Flying Saucers' and coordinating with ATIC. It outlines the appointment of specific project officers and representatives to manage information gathering and research.
Monthly Report for February 1967
This report documents a February 1967 briefing provided to Dr. Condon and his UFO consultant group regarding photogrammetry and mensuration techniques. It highlights the technical training provided to the consultants during their investigation.
Memorandum regarding 'Der Flieger' magazine article
A memorandum details an inquiry into a story about flying objects published in a Vienna sports magazine. The Military Attache was requested to investigate the claims despite skepticism from an official named Boone.
Note on CIA Interest in Mass Flying Saucer Reports
A 1956 CIA note identifies that mass reports of flying saucers are a national security concern due to risks of public hysteria, radar interference, and communication system overload.
Flying Saucers Seen Over Sweden
A report of an eight-witness UFO sighting in Stigsjoe, Sweden, in January 1959. The object was described as a round, luminous craft that was subsequently reported to military authorities.
Data from CRS and FBIS on Zigel, F. Yu.
This document is a bibliographic list of scientific publications by F. Yu. Zigel, an Associate Professor at the Moscow Aviation Institute, compiled from CRS and FBIS data as of 1969. It provides reference numbers for various Soviet-era technical and space-related articles.
Memorandum Regarding UFO Study Transfer, 15 April 1974
A 1974 memorandum records the transfer of a UFO study to a Dr. [illegible] for the purpose of evaluating its implications. The document was later declassified and released in 1978.
Briefing Note Regarding UFO Study Transfer — 15 April 1976
A UFO study was transferred to a doctor on 15 April 1976 for review and assessment of its implications. The document is heavily redacted.
Nothing But the Facts on UFOs or Which Novosti Writer Do You Read?
This document analyzes the contradictory reporting on UFOs by the Soviet news agency Novosti in early 1968. It contrasts a serious scientific perspective by Felix Zigel with a dismissive propaganda-focused piece by Villen Lyustiberg.
The Air Force Stand on "Flying Saucers" — as stated by CIA, in a briefing on 22 August 1952
This 1952 CIA briefing document details the Air Force's official stance that 'flying saucers' are not secret weapons or extraterrestrial, but rather misidentified objects or atmospheric phenomena. It highlights the Air Force's concern over the psychological warfare implications of the phenomenon.
Intelligence Advisory Committee: Unidentified Flying Objects
This 1953 CIA-related memorandum transmits the findings of a scientific panel on UFOs. It concludes that no National Security Council Intelligence Directive on the subject is warranted.
National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) Organizational Assessment
This document is an intelligence assessment of the organizational structure and investigative network of NICAP. It details the leadership, advisory board composition, and the professional qualifications of the organization's regional investigators.
Transmittal of Report of the Scientific Panel on Unidentified Flying Objects
This 1953 CIA memorandum documents the official distribution of the 'Report of the Scientific Panel on Unidentified Flying Objects' to key government agencies. It confirms the report was commissioned by former DCI Walter B. Smith.
REPORT OF THE SCIENTIFIC PANEL ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS
This 1953 report by a scientific panel concluded that UFOs posed no national security threat and recommended ending their special status to reduce public concern.