CIA and UFO Projects in 1953

Summary

In December 1953, the CIA submitted a report on the current status of the UFO project, known as Bluebook. This document reveals how the Physics and Electronics Division of the CIA was monitoring activities related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs), primarily focusing on cooperation with the United States Air Force. The Air Force, through the Aerial Phenomena section, conducted limited investigations, confined to receiving and verifying reports, as well as coordinating with other agencies. Despite these efforts, around 90% of sightings remained unsolved.

The report also mentions a program to acquire specialized cameras in order to photograph UFOs, although the results were not optimal due to technical issues with the accessories. Additionally, there was concern about public perception, as certain books and reports had generated a widespread belief that UFOs were of extraterrestrial origin. The CIA and the Air Force were aware of the risks of this perception and sought to manage information carefully. The transfer of the Bluebook project to the Air Defense Command reflected an attempt to centralize and improve data management, although it did not imply a change in the general policy on UFOs.