Wright-Patterson AFB: McDonald denied Robertson Panel copy
On his second visit to Wright-Patterson AFB on June 30, 1966, James E. McDonald was refused a photocopy of the Robertson Panel report. This incident highlighted Air Force restrictions on UFO-related documents.
Background
Background
James E. McDonald, an atmospheric physicist at the University of Arizona, visited Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio several times in 1966. On his second visit, on June 30, 1966, he requested a copy of the 1953 Robertson Panel report, which had been CIA-funded and had classified UFO sightings as no threat.
The Incident
McDonald had seen the report earlier, but this time the Air Force refused, citing its classification by the CIA. This came shortly after his first visit on June 6, when he had been given access.
Witnesses and Evidence
James E. McDonald was the central figure as a UFO researcher. Sources such as Clark (III 696; IV 792) and CIA documents confirm the refusal. The report contained recommendations for reducing public interest in UFOs.
Significance
The episode points to the secrecy surrounding UFO investigation during Project Blue Book. McDonald publicly criticised CIA influence and called for release, which led to debates about transparency.