CIA HQ: 1976 Memorandum on Physical UFO Evidence Created
A classified CIA memorandum dated April 16, 1976, documents the examination of physical materials connected to unidentified aerial phenomena. The record was prepared by the Domestic Contacts Division and addressed to the agency's science directorate. It reveals internal unofficial monitoring of UFO incidents and assessment of potential threat capabilities.
Background
On April 16, 1976, personnel from the CIA's Domestic Contacts Division composed a memorandum concerning physical items associated with UFO phenomena. The document reveals that unidentified materials were transported to the office of the Assistant Deputy Director for Science & Technology, where a medical doctor examined the evidence. The memorandum indicates internal awareness within the agency regarding unofficial monitoring of aerial phenomena. The science director recommended establishing intelligence channels to track developments, particularly concerning threat assessment or foreign technological applications. Originally classified at an unknown level, the record was partially released with redactions two years later. The complete unredacted version was subsequently reported lost during a 2019 declassification review.