FBI Files Reveal 1950s Stance: UFOs Were Air Force Business,

FBI Files Reveal 1950s Stance: UFOs Were Air Force Business, Not Ours

Declassified FBI files show that in the 1950s, the Bureau explicitly declined jurisdiction over flying saucer investigations, deferring to the Air Force, while still monitoring civilian clubs like the Detroit Flying Saucer Club under an espionage classification.

Published

September 7, 2026

Declassified

Date not listed

Source agency

The Black Vault (FOIA archive)

fbifoia1950sstanceufoswereairforce

FBI's UFO Policy: Referrals Over Investigations

Declassified FBI records This stance, documented in internal memoranda, underscores the FBI's view that UFOs fell outside its jurisdiction. " This policy was first established in Bureau Bulletin Number 571, dated October 1, 1947, and reiterated in subsequent communications, including SAC Letter Number 38 (March 25, 1949) and SAC Letter Number 83 (August 29, 1952). The 1960 memo further notes that the Air Force had assured the Bureau on November 12, 1947, that it would be advised of any developments in the field.

During the twelve months preceding that memo, only one complaint regarding flying saucers had been referred to the Bureau, and it was promptly turned over to the Air Force both in the field and at the Seat of Government. The memo concludes that there was no need for additional instructions or manual insertions, indicating a settled and long-standing approach. This policy of referral, rather than investigation, shaped…

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Based on the official release at https://www.theblackvault.com/documentarchive/federal-bureau-of-investigation-fbi-files-on-ufos/

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