XX: CIA memo on UFO report access
CIA official Wilton E. Lexow sent a memo suggesting that UFO inquiries from Keyhoe and Davidson be directed to the Air Force. He proposed this as a standard procedure for future requests.
Background
Background
On April 4, 1958, Wilton E. Lexow, head of the CIA's Applied Science Division, wrote a memo to the assistant director for scientific intelligence. It concerned requests for the 1953 Robertson Panel report from Keyhoe and Leon Davidson.
Key Contents
Lexow referred to the preference of Maj. Lawrence J. Tacker that all UFO-related enquiries be directed to the US Air Force. He recommended using this approach as the model for all future UFO enquiries, in order to relieve the CIA.
People Involved
- Wilton E. Lexow: CIA official, sceptical about UFO matters.
- Maj. Lawrence J. Tacker: Air Force representative for UFO enquiries.
- Keyhoe and Leon Davidson: UFO researchers seeking access to the report.
Significance
This memo shows the CIA's strategy of passing UFO matters to the Air Force in order to control public debate. It points to internal coordination and the avoidance of direct involvement, drawing on sources such as Eberhart and Powell.