October 29, 1962๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธMilitary Encounter
Military Base

US: Defense official admits UFO info withholding

On October 29, 1962, Defense Department Assistant Secretary Arthur Sylvester acknowledged that withholding UFO evidence from the public could be justified if it serves the greater good. He referenced USAF regulations permitting such secrecy in the public interest.

Date
October 29, 1962
Location
Washington, D.C.๐Ÿ‡ฝ๐Ÿ‡ฝ
Type
Military Encounter
Country
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States
Map

Background

Event Details On October 29, 1962, Arthur Sylvester, Assistant Secretary of the Defense Department, publicly stated that it might be essential to keep UFO-related evidence hidden from civilians when circumstances demand it. This admission highlighted official policies on information control.

Key References He pointed to Air Force Regulation 11-30, which permits withholding data deemed vital for public welfare, and AFR 11-7, allowing denial of congressional requests even privately. These rules underscored military discretion over sensitive topics like unidentified aerial phenomena.

Context and Witnesses No specific sightings were detailed, but the statement addressed broader UFO disclosure debates. Sources include UFO research compilations and Major Donald Keyhoe's analysis in his 1974 publication. Sylvester's role made this a high-level confirmation of secrecy practices.

Significance This revelation fueled arguments about government opacity on UAP matters, suggesting strategic needs outweighed transparency. It contributed to ongoing suspicions of deliberate suppression during the Cold War era, influencing public and investigative discourse.