January 1, 1978🇺🇸Program

CAUS Founded: Citizens Against UFO Secrecy Begin FOIA Campaign

Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) is formed in early 1978, led by W. Todd Zechel, Brad Sparks, and attorney Peter Gersten. The group focuses on using FOIA lawsuits to obtain classified UFO documents. They publish the newsletter 'Just Cause.' In January-February, CAUS files requests with the State Department. Barry Greenwood independently obtains 24 UFO-related documents from the Joint Chiefs of Staff via DoD, discovering CIA was on the distribution list despite claiming no involvement since 1953. Bruce Maccabee obtains several hundred pages from the FBI, eventually receiving about 1,000 pages proving the FBI had lied about having no interest in UFOs. In early June, Gersten files a discovery motion against the CIA with 635 interrogatory questions and 60 CIA documents as exhibits. In August, CIA announces finding '1,000 additional pages' of UFO material. In November, CIA inadvertently reveals the existence of NSA-related UFO documents. On December 22, Gersten files FOIA request for 18 NSA documents; NSA claims total exemption, beginning the landmark CAUS vs. NSA legal battle.

Date
January 1, 1978
Location
United States🇺🇸
Type
Program
Country
🇺🇸 United States

Background

1. Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) was formed in early 1978. Led by W. Todd Zechel, Brad Sparks, and attorney Peter Gersten, the group aimed to uncover classified UFO documents through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuits.

The Incident CAUS was founded in January 1978. The organization was spearheaded by W. Todd Zechel, Brad Sparks, and attorney Peter Gersten. CAUS initiated a campaign to utilize FOIA lawsuits to access classified government documents pertaining to UFOs. The group also published a newsletter titled 'Just Cause.' In January-February, CAUS filed requests with the State.

Investigation The provided text does not detail any official investigations into the activities of CAUS itself. The group's focus was on initiating investigations into government secrecy surrounding UFOs through legal means.

Significance CAUS represents a significant effort within the UFO research community to leverage legal mechanisms for transparency. By using FOIA lawsuits, CAUS sought to compel government agencies to release information about their knowledge and involvement with the UFO phenomenon. This approach highlights a shift towards a more assertive and legally grounded strategy in the pursuit of UFO disclosure. The organization's actions contribute to the broader narrative of the UFO cover-up and the ongoing struggle to access classified information.

Connections