Memorandum for Record: Meeting with Air Force Personnel Concerning Scientific Advisory Panel Report on Unidentified Flying Objects, dated 17 January 1953

This memorandum, dated May 16, 1953, documents a meeting between Air Force and CIA personnel regarding the handling of inquiries from Mr. Leon Davidson concerning the Scientific Advisory Panel Report on Unidentified Flying Objects, which had been issued on January 17, 1953. The primary concern of the meeting was how to manage public and individual interest in the report while maintaining the security of the original document. The participants, including representatives from the CIA's Office of Scientific Intelligence (OSI) and various Air Force offices, agreed that the full report could not be declassified because it contained information that could be exploited by an enemy to the detriment of national security. It was noted that a declassified version of the report was already available and had been provided to Mr. Davidson. The attendees discussed strategies to mitigate future inquiries, including the potential issuance of a press release by the Air Force that would utilize the panel report's findings. Major Tacker was tasked with drafting this press release, which would be subject to review by the CIA. The memorandum also touches upon internal administrative challenges, specifically regarding the conduct of Major Keyhoe, and suggests that involving high-ranking individuals like former DCI Vice Admiral R. H. Hillenkoetter might help alleviate these issues. Furthermore, the document records a suggestion by Major Boland to contact Dr. Kenzel regarding a potential rewording of the panel report, though it was ultimately decided that such changes would be inadvisable as they might arouse public suspicion. The document concludes with a distribution list indicating the internal circulation of this record within the CIA.