CIA Letter on Student UFO Essays

Summary

In January 1960, the CIA received fourteen essays from first-year students on the subject of UFOs. These papers were reviewed by personnel tracking the flying saucer phenomenon. While no individual comments were provided, the reviewers expressed strong interest in the work. The students' intellectual efforts to assess the evidence objectively were highly praised. The letter highlights how the young authors successfully separated subjective views from objective reporting, a notable achievement in such a polarizing topic. The exercise was seen as stimulating, even if no new substantial positions emerged.

The professor who submitted the essays was thanked for his contribution, and appreciation was expressed for the fresh and energetic perspective brought to the issue. Although no new conclusions were drawn, the exercise was considered valuable for the team analyzing it. The letter closes with a friendly note and a mention that the essays were distributed internally. This exchange between academics and intelligence agencies reflects the genuine interest in understanding unidentified phenomena through rational and educational approaches during that era.