CIA and the Scientific Panel on UFOs

Summary

In 1953, the CIA formed a scientific panel to assess whether unidentified flying objects (UFOs) posed a threat to national security. Composed of notable scientists like Luis Alvarez and Lloyd Berkner, the panel concluded there was no evidence of a direct physical danger. However, their report was classified as secret, and the panel members insisted their connection to the CIA remain undisclosed. Years later, in 1957, a declassified version of the report was released, with the privacy of the participants preserved.

Controversy arose when writers and journalists, such as Edward J. Ruppelt and Donald Keyhoe, published books and interviews that the CIA claimed misrepresented the panel's mission. Ruppelt, an Air Force officer who had attended the panel meetings, claimed the goal was to identify UFOs, which was inaccurate. Concerned about public perception and potential exposure of its operations, the CIA decided to send the declassified version through the Air Force to avoid any association with the agency.