CIA Scientific Panel on UFOs

Summary

In April 1953, the CIA responded to letters from Leon Davidson and Donald Keyhoe regarding Edvard J. Ruppelt's book on UFOs. Ruppelt, then a U.S. Air Force captain, had participated in a scientific panel composed of notable experts such as H. P. Robertson and S. A. Goudsmit. This group assessed whether UFOs posed a threat to national security and concluded there was no evidence of such a risk. However, Ruppelt misrepresented the panel's purpose, leading to confusion during media appearances like Mike Wallace's interview.

The panel decided in 1957 to declassify its report but insisted that its members not be linked to the CIA. Despite efforts to maintain privacy, the connection between the panel and the CIA was eventually made public. In response to requests for the report, the CIA sent a declassified version, ensuring no link between the scientists and the agency was made. The final report recommended treating UFOs as non-threatening phenomena and launching a campaign to reassure the public.