CIA Scientific Panel on UFOs

Summary

In 1953, the CIA formed a scientific panel to assess whether Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) posed a threat to national security. This group, led by S. P. Robertson and other experts, concluded there was no evidence that UFOs were a direct threat or linked to foreign hostile technologies. The report, classified as secret, was later reviewed and declassified to avoid ties to the CIA.

Letters from Leon Davidson and Donald Keyhoe to the CIA director questioned the accuracy of Edward Ruppelt’s statements in his UFO book. Ruppelt mistakenly claimed the panel's goal was to identify the objects, causing confusion during a Mike Wallace TV interview. To avoid further controversy, the CIA decided to send a declassified version of the report, ensuring panel members were not linked to the agency.