Scientific Panel on UFOs and Declassification

Summary

In 1953, a Scientific Advisory Panel on Unidentified Flying Objects was formed, led by Dr. H. Z. Robertson and other prominent scientists. This group conducted a detailed evaluation of the phenomenon and presented conclusions and recommendations. However, the decision to declassify parts of their report was a delicate matter. The Air Force wanted certain points to be public, but others, especially those linking the Panel to the Agency, had to remain secret. The letter reveals a careful negotiation to balance transparency with the protection of sensitive information.

The scientists on the panel were divided on which parts of the report could be released. While they agreed to declassify certain paragraphs, they insisted on hiding the connection to the Agency and preventing the public disclosure of the panel members' names. The letter also mentions concerns about information leakage, as even restricted data could end up in the public domain. This document shows how authorities tried to manage public perception of the UFO phenomenon while keeping certain aspects under control.