CIA and Unidentified Flying Objects

Summary

In 1953, the CIA was tasked with maintaining current knowledge on sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). An internal memo from the Physics and Electronics Division outlines how the project would be handled. Due to the lack of official priority assigned, the team assessed the project's feasibility. They concluded that two analysts, a file clerk, and significant typing efforts would be needed. However, after considering that no immediate threat existed, the decision was made to reduce the effort to part-time. Reports on UFOs would be archived for future reference, unless they clearly posed a national security risk.