CIA and UFOs in 1957

Summary

In 1957, the CIA showed interest in UFO sightings, though with a rather cautious approach. A memo dated January 31 of that year reveals that the Scientific Intelligence Deputy Assistant Director, Philip G. Strong, contacted several experts following a call on July 8. The goal was to investigate two topics: a meteor study in Mexico and reports of flying saucers. Officials concluded that the meteor study had little relevance to the Agency, while regarding UFOs, a meeting was arranged with Wayne Aho, a key witness, and a newspaper clipping about him was attached.

After the meeting, CIA specialists determined there was no need for further investigation. The memo was sent to the Deputy Director for Coordination solely due to Aho's connection with scientist M. K. Jessup. Despite not yielding concrete conclusions, this document illustrates how the CIA handled UFO reports with a critical and pragmatic approach, prioritizing what it considered relevant to national security.