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come. The CIA began its work in January 1953, when it convened a hand- picked scientific advisory panel, chaired by H. P. Robertson, a specialist in physics and weapons systems from the California Institute of Technology, for a four-day closed-door session. Authorities were concermed that communication channels were being so saturated by hundreds of UFO reports that they were becoming dangerously clogged. Even though the UFOs had demonstrated no threat to national security, false alarms could be dangerous and defense agencies might have a problem discerning true hostile intent. Officials were concerned that the Soviets might take aw rn attack. Thus the Robertson Panel's goal was to find ways to reduce public interest in order to prevent the filing of reports. Members of the distinguished panel were given a cursory review of selected UFO cases and exceptional film footage that had so far been kept secret. This was meant to el 1 .¥mn 4 on aoa . 1 represent an overview of the best UFO data on file, but the four days allotted was not nearly enough time for a proper assessment. Nonetheless, in its secret report written at the completion of its review, the Robertson Panel recommended that "the national security agencies take immediate steps to strip the Unidentified Flying Objects of the special status they have been given and the aura of mystery they have unfortunately acquired." [10] How would they achieve this? The panel proposed the creation of a broad educational program integrating the efforts of all concerned agencies, with two major aims: training and debunking. Training meant more public education on how to identify known objects in the sky, so that they would not be misidentified as UFOs. Debunking was for use primarily by the media. "The 'debunking' aim would result in reduction in public interest in 'flying saucers' which today evokes a strong psychological reaction," wrote the panel, "and would be accomplished by mass media such as television, motion pictures, and popular articles." In addition to the media, the panel recommended using the the panel using to psychologists, advertising experts, amateur astronomers, and even Disney cartoons to reduce enthusiasm and gullibility. "Business clubs, high schools, colleges, and television stations would all be pleased to cooperate in the showing of documentary type motion pictures if prepared in an interesting manner. The use of true cases showing first the 'mystery’ and then the 'explanation' would be forceful." Lastly, civilian groups studying UFOs should be "watched" due to their "great influence on mass thinking 6 1 1 1. 1 a4 if widespread sightings should occur." In short, a group of scientists selected by the CIA advised our government to encourage all agencies within the intelligence community to influence mass media and infiltrate civilian research groups for the purpose oo41d 1 rn aero aa of debunking UFOs. Media could then become a tool for covertly controlling public perception, a mouthpiece for government policy and advantage of this situation by simulating or staging a UFO wave, and then recommended