Chapter 1: The Accumulation of Sightings

In the 1950s, the CIA, in collaboration with the ATIC, compiled a database of approximately 1,000 to 2,000 UFO sightings globally. While many of these reports were quickly dismissed as fabrications or attributed to natural occurrences—such as meteorological phenomena or military exercises—there remained a select few that defied explanation:

• Flying Saucers Over Germany

  Eyewitness accounts from the former mayor of Gleimerhausen highlight some of the most compelling cases.

The Policy Framework

In response to widespread panic and the potential threat of a UFO invasion, the CIA established a framework aimed at intelligence collection and maintaining confidentiality.

The agency acknowledged its interest in extraterrestrial technology and the likelihood of alien existence, emphasizing that interplanetary origins should not be entirely ruled out—Survey of Flying Saucer Reports [CIA]. The CIA's ongoing intelligence activities are designed to prepare for future developments in this area.

The Event Document

Below is the complete transcript of the CIA document referenced in this narrative, titled Survey of Flying Saucer Reports:

INFORMAL

Deputy Assistant Director/SI; 1 August 1952

Acting Chief, Weapons & Equipment Division

“Flying Saucers”

1. In response to your inquiry regarding the overall assessment of “flying saucers” and related reports, the following is relevant:
   1. Out of 1,000 to 2,000 reports received by ATIC, many are evidently “fake.” A significant portion can be satisfactorily attributed to existing U.S. technology (aircraft, weather balloons, etc.), while numerous others are undoubtedly linked to natural occurrences (meteorites, clouds, optical illusions caused by thermal inversion or reflections, etc.).
   2. Fewer than 100 reports remain “unexplained” at present; these reports do not exhibit any specific patterns regarding size, shape, characteristics, performance, or location. The credibility of the sources for these reports is generally comparable to those in other categories. It is likely that with complete information, the currently “unexplained” reports could also be classified as described in “a” above.
2. Despite these preliminary observations, as long as there are reports that remain “unexplained” (with interplanetary and alien origins still under consideration), caution dictates that intelligence efforts should persist.
3. It is recommended that CIA oversight of this subject matter, in collaboration with the appropriate authorities at ATIC, continue. However, it is imperative that no signs of CIA interest or concern reach the public, due to their potential to interpret such interest as validation of “unpublished facts” held by the U.S. Government.
4. The undersigned has coordinated with the Commanding Officer of the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio to arrange a comprehensive briefing on this subject scheduled for 8 August 1952. Following the acquisition of complete details, an extensive analysis will be prepared and disseminated.

[EDWARD TAUSS]; JUL 29 1952

DD/I

AD/SI

DAD/SI

[P. G. STRONG]

[F. C DURANT]

[H. CHANNING]

[M. J. GARDNER]

[J. B. QUIGLEY]

Chapter 2: Insights from Experts

In this chapter, we delve into expert opinions regarding the CIA's involvement with UFOs.

Experts Reveal What Really Happened (Full Episode) | Area 51: The CIA's Secret - This video explores insights from specialists on the CIA’s covert actions related to UFOs.