CIA Letters on Unidentified Flying Objects

Summary

In 1958, a citizen named Larry W. Bryant wrote to the CIA seeking information on unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The official response, signed by Mr. GC Strong, clarified that responsibility for such matters did not lie with the CIA, but with the United States Air Force. The letter emphasized that only the Air Force was authorized to speak on UFOs, indicating a clear division of roles within the government. These types of documents reveal how, at the time, authorities sought to control information and public perception regarding unexplained aerial phenomena.

The letter also reflected a formal and distant tone, typical of government communication during that era. It mentioned that the letter was referred to Major J. Tacker, from the Office of Information Services of the Air Force, suggesting the CIA had no active role in UFO investigations. These kinds of documents, though brief, are valuable for understanding the official stance and how sensitive information was handled during the Cold War. The CIA's response was clear: they would not directly engage in UFO matters.