CIA Memorandum Reveals 1977 Interest in UFO Research

A CIA memorandum from June 1977 outlines a proposed research project on the global UFO phenomenon, indicating a significant interest in analyzing existing policies and data.

Published

August 11, 2026

Declassified

Date not listed

Source agency

The Black Vault (FOIA archive)

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Overview of CIA's Proposed UFO Research Project

The CIA memorandum, dated June 3, 1977, outlines a proposed research initiative focused on the global UFO phenomenon, reflecting a significant interest in understanding this enigmatic subject. The project aims to collect and analyze existing policies related to UFOs, both official and unofficial, from key governments. This comprehensive approach suggests that the CIA recognized the complexity of the UFO issue and the need for a structured investigation into its various dimensions.

One of the primary objectives of the proposed research is to formulate critical questions that can guide future inquiries into the UFO phenomenon. This indicates an acknowledgment of the gaps in current knowledge and the necessity for a systematic exploration of the subject. Furthermore, the memorandum emphasizes the importance of assessing both institutional and informal systems for data collection and storage related to UFOs, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the information landscape surrounding this topic.

Additionally, the document outlines…

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