CIA Letter on Student UFO Essays

Summary

In January 1960, the CIA received a series of essays written by first-year students from Wesleyan University on the topic of UFOs. These papers were reviewed by personnel following the UFO phenomenon. While no individual essays were commented on, the effort of the students was acknowledged. The CIA noted that most of the works showed a thoughtful and objective approach, separating personal opinions from facts. Despite the enthusiasm of the students, no new substantial positions emerged from the exercise, suggesting the debate on UFOs remained unresolved.

The letter reflects institutional interest in the rational analysis of unidentified aerial phenomena. The CIA thanked the professor for sharing the essays, considering it positive to apply fresh perspectives to a complex issue. Although no new conclusions were reached, the exercise was valued as a way to stimulate critical thinking. The correspondence, brief and formal, shows how even in the 1960s, U.S. authorities maintained an interest in UFOs, although without revealing definitive conclusions.