CIA Letter to Students on UFOs

Summary

In January 1960, the CIA received 14 essays from first-year students at Wesleyan University on the subject of UFOs. These papers were reviewed by agency personnel following the phenomenon. While no individual comments were made, the intellectual effort was praised. The students showed a serious attempt to separate subjective opinions from objective reporting, which was highlighted as a significant achievement. The letter notes that the UFO issue remains a stimulating challenge for exercising rational thinking, both for young and old.

The CIA's response was positive and appreciative, acknowledging the students' work and their professor's contribution. It mentions that seeing the topic from new perspectives was enriching for the agency staff. Although no definitive conclusions emerged, the initiative was considered a pedagogical success and a way to keep the discussion on a phenomenon that, according to the letter, continues to be an intellectual challenge.