Haines, Gerald K. “CIA’s Role in the Study of UFOs, 1947–90 (A Die-Hard Issue)
“Flying Saucers Problem,” October 14, 1952
Comments and Suggestions of UFO Panel (1953)
CIA’s Role in the Study of UFOs, 1947–90
The Robertson Panel’s conclusion about the UFO phenomenon:
“That the evidence presented on Unidentified Flying Objects shows no indication that these phenomenon constitute a direct physical threat to national security.”
The Robertson Panel’s conclusion on the dangers the American public pose with their interest in UFOS:
“a. Misidentification of actual enemy artifacts by defense personnel.
b. Overloading of emergency reporting channels with ‘false’ information (noise to signal ratio analogy – Berkner).
c. Subjectivity of public to mass hysteria and greater vulnerability to possible enemy psychological warfare.”
Dr. James E. McDonald, professor of astrophysics (University of Arizona), commented upon the Robertson Panel emphasis on “debunking” UFO interest as follows:
“As nearly as I can tell, the January 1953, Robertson Panel Report marked the turning point with its regrettable decision to leave the UFO problem in the hands of a group not primarily concerned with scientific matters, and at the same time to have them shift to debunking policies to decrease public interest in the entire matter. It remains a very puzzling period, and an extremely important one in the history of UFO studies.”
Source: National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomenon, United States Air Force Projects Grudge and Bluebook Reports 1–12, Forward @ p. ix, Washington, D.C. (1968).)
The Robertson Panel recommends surveillance of peaceful UFO groups as follows:
“The Panel took cognizance of the existence of such groups as the “Civilian Flying Saucer Investigators (Los Angeles) and the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (Wisconsin). It was believed that such organizations should be watched because of their potentially great influence on mass thinking if widespread sightings should occur. The apparent irresponsibility and the possible use of such groups for subversive purposes should be kept in mind.”
The Robertson Panel’s recommends a potential public education program (not accepted by the CIA):
“The ‘debunking’ aim would result in a reduction in public interest in ‘flying saucers’ which today evokes a strong psychological reaction. This education could be accomplished by mass media, such as television, motion pictures, and popular articles. The basis of such education would be actual case histories which had been puzzling at first but later explained. As in the case of conjuring tricks, there is much less stimulation if the ‘secret’ is known. Such a program should tend to reduce the current gullibility of the public and consequently their susceptibility to clever hostile propaganda.”
DEFCON talk given by Richard Thieme in 2013 - The Government and UFOs: A Historical Inquiry