Unidentified Flying Objects

This memorandum, dated April 1, 1958, is addressed to the Assistant Director for Scientific Intelligence from the Acting Assistant Director for Operations. It serves as a response to an inquiry from a Major [illegible] regarding alleged efforts by CIA agents to prevent UFO witnesses from publicizing their experiences. The document outlines the Agency's policy regarding its relationship with sources, emphasizing that the Agency makes a deliberate effort to inform sources that their relationship with the Agency is confidential. The memorandum clarifies that confusion may occur when a source fails to distinguish between the revelation of their relationship with the Agency and the revelation of information they possess. The Agency maintains that the information possessed by the source is their own property, which they may withhold or reveal at their own discretion. Furthermore, the document notes that on November 6, 1957, a directed collection request for UFO information was levied on the Contact Division by the Office of Scientific Intelligence, with responses forwarded to the Collection Staff, OSI, on November 14, 1957. The document also mentions that the Contact Division maintains a detailed history of the activities of Dr. Leon Davidson regarding UFOs and outer space, and that the Division has communicated with Dr. Davidson. The memorandum concludes by enclosing pertinent Contact Division field correspondence.