Meeting with Air Force Personnel Concerning Scientific Advisory Panel Report on Unidentified Flying Objects, dated 17 January 1953 (Secret)

This memorandum for the record, dated 16 May 1953, details a meeting held between Air Force personnel and CIA representatives to discuss the handling of inquiries regarding the Scientific Advisory Panel Report on Unidentified Flying Objects, which was issued on 17 January 1953. The primary driver for the meeting was the persistent inquiries from a Mr. Leon Davidson, who had been requesting the release of the full, classified report. The attendees, including representatives from the CIA's Office of Scientific Intelligence (OSI) and various Air Force offices, concluded that the report could not be declassified because it contained examples of actions that could be taken by an enemy with dangerous consequences to national security. A key concern raised during the meeting was the protection of the identities of the panel members, who had requested that their names not be associated with the Central Intelligence Agency. The participants agreed that Major Tacker would respond to Mr. Davidson on behalf of the DCI and the Air Force. To manage future public interest, the group proposed drafting an Air Force press release that would utilize the panel report's findings without compromising classified information. Furthermore, the attendees discussed potential issues involving Vice Admiral R. H. Hillenkoetter, suggesting that he be briefed on the report to ensure he understood the situation. Finally, the group considered the possibility of contacting panel members to discuss potential revisions to the report, though it was noted that such actions might be inadvisable given that the report had already been distributed and any changes could arouse suspicion.