Memorandum: Inquiry by Major Donald E. Keyhoe

This document is a memorandum dated January 22, 1958, addressed to the Assistant to the Director of the CIA. It concerns the persistent inquiries of Major Donald E. Keyhoe, the Director of NICAP, regarding allegations that CIA agents had instructed UFO witnesses to remain silent about their sightings. The memorandum references a previous inquiry from March 13, 1958, and details a specific incident involving a CD/OO staff employee who had been contacted on December 12, 1957, regarding five photographs of alleged UFOs. The document notes that Keyhoe was perceived as being 'overenthusiastic' about UFOs. The CIA's proposed strategy for handling Keyhoe's inquiry was to avoid confirming or denying the allegations. Instead, the agency recommended responding by stating that they do not normally provide information outside of official channels and requesting that Keyhoe explain why he requires the information. This approach was intended to force Keyhoe to reveal his sources or the basis for his claims, thereby allowing the agency to maintain its position of non-involvement. A draft reply to Keyhoe is included as an enclosure, signed by an Executive Officer, which formally requests the basis for his inquiry.