CIA Mandate on Unidentified Flying Objects

Summary

In 1953, the CIA officially assigned the Physics and Electronics Division the responsibility of monitoring reports on unidentified flying objects. This internal memorandum states that the division must keep current knowledge about sightings and receive support from a weapons and hardware perspective. It also mentions that certain previous documents, transferred from another section, should be managed by this division. The memorandum suggests that future reports on the subject should be sent directly to Physics and Electronics, indicating a technical and operational approach to the study of UFOs.

The text reflects a practical and strategic mindset within the CIA, showing a clear interest in the potential technological or military implications of UFOs. It mentions a specific officer, Mr. Haakart, as in charge of certain previous files, suggesting that interest in UFOs already existed before this reorganization. The memorandum, though brief, clearly indicates that the CIA considered a rigorous analysis of sighting reports necessary, with a focus on applied science and national security.