VonKeviczky-Schweitzer Correspondence: White House Acknowledges UFO Threat

1. In late 1981, President Reagan received a letter from Major (Ret.) Colman VonKeviczky regarding UFOs. Major General Robert Schweitzer, Reagan's Chief Military Advisor, replied to VonKeviczky, seemingly acknowledging the threat posed by UFOs. This correspondence later became a point of contention and potential embarrassment for the Reagan administration.

The Incident On September 28, 1981, Major (Ret.) Colman VonKeviczky, Director of ICUFON, wrote to President Reagan. VonKeviczky's letter claimed that UFOs represented an intergalactic task force poised to destroy Earth unless world leaders cooperated. On November 21, 1981, Major General Robert Schweitzer, the Chief Military Advisor of the White House, responded to VonKeviczky. Schweitzer's reply stated, "The President is well aware of the threat you document so clearly and is doing all in his power to restore the national defense margin of safety as quickly and prudently as possible.”

Investigation Following the release of the correspondence by VonKeviczky, Schweitzer claimed his response was a mistake. He told the Associated Press that he believed VonKeviczky was referring to the Soviet threat. Schweitzer's explanation was met with skepticism, given the explicit and repeated mentions of UFOs in VonKeviczky's original letter.

Significance The VonKeviczky-Schweitzer correspondence is considered suggestive of UFO secrecy within the Reagan administration. While Schweitzer's reply did not explicitly mention UFOs, the initial acknowledgment of a threat, followed by a denial, fueled speculation about the government's awareness and handling of the UFO phenomenon. The incident also led to Schweitzer's dismissal by National Security Advisor Richard Allen.