CIA UFO Documents

Summary

This January 1953 letter from a CIA official responds to Dr. Goudsmit regarding participation in a UFO study panel. It notes that astronomer Allen Hynek contributed partially but was not an official member or signatory of the report. In contrast, Lloyd was a regular member and signed the final document. The letter also confirms that Bynels was at California State at the time but no longer worked with Fred Vaipple at Harvard. The communication is brief but reveals details about the working structures around UFO reports in that era.

The document shows how UFO studies were organized in the 1950s, with scientists collaborating on covert or semi-official projects. Although Hynek did not sign the report, his presence on the panel indicates his expertise was valued. The mention of Fred Vaipple at Harvard suggests that UFO research involved prestigious universities, albeit with roles that were not always public. This type of letter helps understand how scientific and government efforts were coordinated on such a controversial topic.