Here is a selection of quotes from official documents brought to light by UFO researchers employing the Freedom of Information Act.
A top secret 1950 Canadian government memo from the Department of Transport by Wilbert Smith has a key excerpt: "I made discreet inquiries through the Canadian embassy staff in Washington who were able to obtain for me the following information: a) The [UFO] matter is the most highly classified subject in the United States government, rating higher than even the H-bomb. b) Flying saucers exist. c) Their modus operandi is unknown but concentrated effort is being made by a small group headed by Dr. Vannevar Bush. d) The entire matter is considered by the United States authorities to be of tremendous significance."
A 1972 letter from Brigadier General L. A. Bourgeois, Director of General Information for the Department of National Defence in Canada, to a blacked-out recipient, reads: "Investigations to date indicate that there is no evidence to suggest that UFOs present a threat to the world, however, certain reports suggest that they exhibit a unique scientific or advanced technology that could possibly contribute to scientific or technological research."
On September 23, 1947, months after the first wave of sightings, a letter to the Commanding General of the Army Air Forces from Commanding Lieutenant General Nathan F. Twining at Wright-Patterson read "d) The reported operating characteristics such as extreme rates of climb, maneuverability (particularly in roll), and action which must be considered evasive when sighted or contacted by friendly aircraft and radar, lend belief to the possibility that some of the objects are controlled either manually, automatically, or remotely."
A 1952 CIA memo from the Assistant Director of Scientific Intelligence to the Director of Central Intelligence states: "I consider this [UFO] problem to be of such importance that it should be brought to the attention of the National Security Council in order that a community-wide coordinated effort toward its solution may be initiated."
Another CIA memo from Assistant Director of Scientific Intelligence, dated October 2, 1952, reveals the CIA mentality toward the public: "Conclusions: 'Flying Saucers' pose two elements of danger which have national security implications. The first involves mass psychological considerations and the second concerns the vulnerability of the United States to air attack... the CIA, with the cooperation of PSB and other interested departments and agencies, should develop and recommend for adoption by the NSC a policy of public information which will minimize concern and possible panic resulting from the numerous sightings of unidentified objects."
A 1976 memo reveals that the CIA has UFO experts. The recipient and sender are blacked out, but the content states: "Source seeks guidance from CIA UFO experts as to material in his report that should remain classified."
The fact that pat responses are given to UFO inquiries is evident in a 1977 letter from Colonel Charles Senn, Chief, Community Relations Division, USAF Office of Information, to Lieutenant General Duward Crow of NASA. It states: "Enclosed are the UFO Fact Sheet and standard response to UFO public inquiries you requested. I sincerely hope you are successful in preventing a reopening of the UFO investigations."
Original file name: .CNI - FOIA quotes
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