Clara John interviews Jessup on UFO clearinghouse
On July 12, 1956, Clara John interviewed Morris K. Jessup, who suggested creating a civilian central agency for collecting UFO reports. This proposal aimed to organize sightings systematically.
Background
Background
In July 1956, Morris K. Jessup, a well-known UFO researcher, proposed in an interview the establishment of a central body to be run by civilians. It was to collect UFO observations and help analyse them.
The Interview
Clara John recorded the conversation on July 12, 1956. Jessup stressed the need for an independent clearing house for reports of unidentified objects, in order to manage the data efficiently. The material was later documented in audio recordings.
Participants and Sources
The witness and interviewer was Clara John. Jessup was the author of relevant books such as The Case for the UFO. Supporting references come from Wendy Connors (audio, 2013), Curt Collins (article, 2024), and references in works by Powell and Keyhoe (pp. 170–171, 427–428).
Significance
This proposal marked an early attempt to centralise and professionalise UFO research. It reflects the growing interest in organised collections, which influenced the development of ufology.