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Clear Intent: The Government Coverup of the Ufo Experience
Discusses the government's top secret investigations of UFO sightings and argues that the government possesses secret proof of the existence of UFOs
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 15, 2021
With the recent media coverage of UAP (aka UFO) encounters by the military, it has been presented as new revelations. However, Fawcett and other researchers were using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in the 1980s to uncover much more data and reliable information regarding the government's involvement in UFOs. Much of the current coverage in 2020/21 seems to ignore this background which was easily as intriguing and frustrating for our national agencies.
Clear Intent covers the involvement of the Air Force, CIA, FBI and NSA about the UFO experience from the mid 1940s to about 1978. So much data was uncovered through his (and others) diligent research that there is no doubt how much the US agencies were involved.
What isn't clear is just how much of this information is classified today and who may be the centralized hub of UFO policy. It seems to be the Air Force (now, most likely the DIA - Defense Intelligence Agency somewhere in the Pentagon). The current hubbub seems like a good thing with a bit more transparency on what UAPs might be. Nevertheless, certainly there is much more known than is being revealed.
I initially gave this 3 stars due to the methodical overviews of FOIA requests and replies vs. actual cases which drags the reader down. But, thinking a bit more about it, I've pushed it to 4 stars only because of the importance of the work and what doors it started to open. The conclusion in the book reveals some written reports by high ranking military that do not spin UFO observations from reliable witnesses as bunk, but most likely from extraterrestrial sources. A sobering thought....
Clear Intent covers the involvement of the Air Force, CIA, FBI and NSA about the UFO experience from the mid 1940s to about 1978. So much data was uncovered through his (and others) diligent research that there is no doubt how much the US agencies were involved.
What isn't clear is just how much of this information is classified today and who may be the centralized hub of UFO policy. It seems to be the Air Force (now, most likely the DIA - Defense Intelligence Agency somewhere in the Pentagon). The current hubbub seems like a good thing with a bit more transparency on what UAPs might be. Nevertheless, certainly there is much more known than is being revealed.
I initially gave this 3 stars due to the methodical overviews of FOIA requests and replies vs. actual cases which drags the reader down. But, thinking a bit more about it, I've pushed it to 4 stars only because of the importance of the work and what doors it started to open. The conclusion in the book reveals some written reports by high ranking military that do not spin UFO observations from reliable witnesses as bunk, but most likely from extraterrestrial sources. A sobering thought....
May 3, 2008
This book is really great. The authors are these clear-headed lawyer guys who are bothered by all the UFO tomfoolery, so they do the lawyer thing and file endless FOIA requests, and lawsuits when necessary. So rather than raving like crackpots, they just present documents they wrested from the greedy grip of government goons. Much of it is anticlimactic but some of it is positively delicious. I read the first edition and I heard that it got a little sensationalized in a re-write.
May 20, 2024
AN ANALYSIS OF SOME NOW-DECLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS, AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS
Coauthors Lawrence Fawcett and Barry J. Greenwood wrote in the Preface to this 1984 book, “In the 3,000 pages of previously classified documents on UFOs released during the past four years … we find the expert testimony of scientists, military and intelligence personnel, law enforcement officers, and other responsible people on the subject of UFOs… The official documents… allow us to draw certain conclusions as to the reality and nature of the UFO phenomena. They also attest to intense government interest in UFOs when the phenomena pose a threat to the national security of the United States. We find it most surprising that although UFOs have affected national security many times in the past, the government continues to perceive these reports on a case-by-case basis, referring to them as ‘isolated incidents.” (Pg. xiii)
They continue, “In the lawsuit of ‘Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) v. National Security Agency… a U.S. District Court reviewed a top-secret… affidavit concerning the National Security Agency’s UFO documents… the court declared … that release of the documents ‘could seriously jeopardize the work of the agency and the security of the United States.’ Thie reinforces… the fact that there is constant secrecy surrounding UFO documents. We are now certain that the government, after more than thirty years of secrecy, still manages to keep UFO-related information from the public. We, the authors… object to this policy of UFO secrecy. We feel that the public has a right to know, and we intend to serve it. By utilizing previously classified documents and news stories, we put together the series of events that took place during October and November of 1985… and explore the implication that UFOs pose a threat to our national security.” (Pg. xvi)
They observe, “As strange as the 1975 activity seems, it was only a microcosm of UFO activity over the years. It has been estimated that for each UFO sighting reported, ten others go unreported. We might apply the same figures to military-oriented UFO sightings. Perhaps the differential between reported and unreported sightings is even larger in this case due to the more restricted atmosphere within the military for revealing UFO information. If the reports proved one thing, they showed that for a ‘transient’ phenomenon, UFOs were pretty persistent.” (Pg. 56)
They note, “[A] report referred to the fact that the light sensors on the Vela satellite systems ‘have been triggered several hundred times by signals of UNKNOWN origin…’ … In this case, the UFO is an ‘unidentified FLASHING object,’ bright enough to be seen from space. How many UFO sightings might have been picked up by the Vela light sensors that we don’t know about? It would certainly explain the government’s reluctance to release listings of ‘zoo events’ like Bell Island. The dates and places could be correlated with actual sighting reports by surface observers, and we would then have SCIENTIFIC CONFIRMATION from GOVERNMENT SOURCE that a true UFO incident took place. It would be very difficult to explain away.” (Pg. 98)
They acknowledge, “we have seen many examples of eyewitness reports that describe UFOs as sounding like helicopters and exhibiting lighting patterns that resemble a helicopter’s lighting arrangement… We believe that a strong case has been made that, in a MAJORITY of the more detailed reports we have covered, the objects were not helicopters. It would be foolish to rule out a helicopter in ALL situations, however; some of the sightings are best explained as probable helicopters. Yet, we are still left with a problem. Where do they come from? Who is in them?”
They suggest, “What are some of the prominent speculative explanations which might provide answers to the mutilation/helicopter/UFO link? Let’s suggest several: 1) the helicopters are UFOs disguised to appear as terrestrial craft. 2) the helicopters are government vehicles directly involved in conducting animal mutilations. 3) The helicopters are government vehicles not directly involved in the mutilations, but engaged in investigating and monitoring the activities of the real mutilators. 4) The helicopters belong to a ‘para-government,’ a group operating as a government within a government much like the rumored ‘54-12’ group that supposedly began during the Eisenhower administration. Or, could the answer lie in a combination of the above?... We know this may sound unnecessarily evasive to the detractors of the UFO/mutilation link, but at least one highly placed source within the military, who has asked to remain anonymous, has told us that some of the mutilations were UFO-related. However, he could not discuss the details of the cases because the information is classified. We wish we could be more detailed about the source’s reliability, but we will honor his request that we not identify him. We can say, however, that we have documented evidence, through the FOIA, of his standing within the government.” (Pg. 110-111)
They ask, “Is the Robertson Panel the CIA’s last word on UFOs, as they have told us many times in the past? We think not. There is an unambiguous pattern of continuing interest and monitoring of the UFO phenomenon by the CIA.” (Pg. 145) Later, they state, “While the FBI’s involvement in UFOs after 1947 could be considered half-hearted, it must be remembered that UFO investigations was not the function of the FBI. That job belonged to the Air Force and the FBI knew it. We are left with a rather compelling collection of data and in a future time it may contribute to the ultimate solution of the UFO enigma.” (Pg. 179)
They state, “Who, what, and where. Neat, concise, basic questions. But the nature of UFOs forbids the application of the usual methods of scientific research. Experimentation, observation, and reasoning don’t work when the subject does not stay around long enough to be examined. For example, there is only so much that can be done with a physical trace left by a UFO such as a broken tree limb or a hole in the ground. The situation is comparable to placing a television set in a muddy field… and then removing it. Holes in the ground are left as evidence that the set was once there. However, we cannot determine anything about the nature of the set by the holes left by its legs… it would be necessary for a piece of the set to break off in the hole, which as a rule would not be likely.” (Pg. 210)
They summarize: “1) UFOs are a real, material, physical phenomenon, completely unidentifiable in conventional terms. 2) UFOs display intelligence of a very high order. 3)… somebody is behind the phenomenon; that is, advanced biological life forms. 4) These life forms are here for a purpose. A ‘clear intent’ has been demonstrated numerous times. 5) Their purpose at the present time is unknown but may be related to an extended surveillance of what might be termed a primitive embryonic society… 11) Despite tight secrecy regarding release of UFO documents, government officials most closely associated with UFO data of national security importance probably do not have a definite ‘answer’ to the UFO problem, but they monitor the phenomenon in pursuit of an answer. 12) The monitoring procedure probably includes the use of unmarked helicopters as convenient vehicles of transportation to and from scenes of UFO and other related activity.” (Pg. 219-220)
This book will be of great interest to those studying UFOs, possible ‘cover-ups,’ and related topics.
Coauthors Lawrence Fawcett and Barry J. Greenwood wrote in the Preface to this 1984 book, “In the 3,000 pages of previously classified documents on UFOs released during the past four years … we find the expert testimony of scientists, military and intelligence personnel, law enforcement officers, and other responsible people on the subject of UFOs… The official documents… allow us to draw certain conclusions as to the reality and nature of the UFO phenomena. They also attest to intense government interest in UFOs when the phenomena pose a threat to the national security of the United States. We find it most surprising that although UFOs have affected national security many times in the past, the government continues to perceive these reports on a case-by-case basis, referring to them as ‘isolated incidents.” (Pg. xiii)
They continue, “In the lawsuit of ‘Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) v. National Security Agency… a U.S. District Court reviewed a top-secret… affidavit concerning the National Security Agency’s UFO documents… the court declared … that release of the documents ‘could seriously jeopardize the work of the agency and the security of the United States.’ Thie reinforces… the fact that there is constant secrecy surrounding UFO documents. We are now certain that the government, after more than thirty years of secrecy, still manages to keep UFO-related information from the public. We, the authors… object to this policy of UFO secrecy. We feel that the public has a right to know, and we intend to serve it. By utilizing previously classified documents and news stories, we put together the series of events that took place during October and November of 1985… and explore the implication that UFOs pose a threat to our national security.” (Pg. xvi)
They observe, “As strange as the 1975 activity seems, it was only a microcosm of UFO activity over the years. It has been estimated that for each UFO sighting reported, ten others go unreported. We might apply the same figures to military-oriented UFO sightings. Perhaps the differential between reported and unreported sightings is even larger in this case due to the more restricted atmosphere within the military for revealing UFO information. If the reports proved one thing, they showed that for a ‘transient’ phenomenon, UFOs were pretty persistent.” (Pg. 56)
They note, “[A] report referred to the fact that the light sensors on the Vela satellite systems ‘have been triggered several hundred times by signals of UNKNOWN origin…’ … In this case, the UFO is an ‘unidentified FLASHING object,’ bright enough to be seen from space. How many UFO sightings might have been picked up by the Vela light sensors that we don’t know about? It would certainly explain the government’s reluctance to release listings of ‘zoo events’ like Bell Island. The dates and places could be correlated with actual sighting reports by surface observers, and we would then have SCIENTIFIC CONFIRMATION from GOVERNMENT SOURCE that a true UFO incident took place. It would be very difficult to explain away.” (Pg. 98)
They acknowledge, “we have seen many examples of eyewitness reports that describe UFOs as sounding like helicopters and exhibiting lighting patterns that resemble a helicopter’s lighting arrangement… We believe that a strong case has been made that, in a MAJORITY of the more detailed reports we have covered, the objects were not helicopters. It would be foolish to rule out a helicopter in ALL situations, however; some of the sightings are best explained as probable helicopters. Yet, we are still left with a problem. Where do they come from? Who is in them?”
They suggest, “What are some of the prominent speculative explanations which might provide answers to the mutilation/helicopter/UFO link? Let’s suggest several: 1) the helicopters are UFOs disguised to appear as terrestrial craft. 2) the helicopters are government vehicles directly involved in conducting animal mutilations. 3) The helicopters are government vehicles not directly involved in the mutilations, but engaged in investigating and monitoring the activities of the real mutilators. 4) The helicopters belong to a ‘para-government,’ a group operating as a government within a government much like the rumored ‘54-12’ group that supposedly began during the Eisenhower administration. Or, could the answer lie in a combination of the above?... We know this may sound unnecessarily evasive to the detractors of the UFO/mutilation link, but at least one highly placed source within the military, who has asked to remain anonymous, has told us that some of the mutilations were UFO-related. However, he could not discuss the details of the cases because the information is classified. We wish we could be more detailed about the source’s reliability, but we will honor his request that we not identify him. We can say, however, that we have documented evidence, through the FOIA, of his standing within the government.” (Pg. 110-111)
They ask, “Is the Robertson Panel the CIA’s last word on UFOs, as they have told us many times in the past? We think not. There is an unambiguous pattern of continuing interest and monitoring of the UFO phenomenon by the CIA.” (Pg. 145) Later, they state, “While the FBI’s involvement in UFOs after 1947 could be considered half-hearted, it must be remembered that UFO investigations was not the function of the FBI. That job belonged to the Air Force and the FBI knew it. We are left with a rather compelling collection of data and in a future time it may contribute to the ultimate solution of the UFO enigma.” (Pg. 179)
They state, “Who, what, and where. Neat, concise, basic questions. But the nature of UFOs forbids the application of the usual methods of scientific research. Experimentation, observation, and reasoning don’t work when the subject does not stay around long enough to be examined. For example, there is only so much that can be done with a physical trace left by a UFO such as a broken tree limb or a hole in the ground. The situation is comparable to placing a television set in a muddy field… and then removing it. Holes in the ground are left as evidence that the set was once there. However, we cannot determine anything about the nature of the set by the holes left by its legs… it would be necessary for a piece of the set to break off in the hole, which as a rule would not be likely.” (Pg. 210)
They summarize: “1) UFOs are a real, material, physical phenomenon, completely unidentifiable in conventional terms. 2) UFOs display intelligence of a very high order. 3)… somebody is behind the phenomenon; that is, advanced biological life forms. 4) These life forms are here for a purpose. A ‘clear intent’ has been demonstrated numerous times. 5) Their purpose at the present time is unknown but may be related to an extended surveillance of what might be termed a primitive embryonic society… 11) Despite tight secrecy regarding release of UFO documents, government officials most closely associated with UFO data of national security importance probably do not have a definite ‘answer’ to the UFO problem, but they monitor the phenomenon in pursuit of an answer. 12) The monitoring procedure probably includes the use of unmarked helicopters as convenient vehicles of transportation to and from scenes of UFO and other related activity.” (Pg. 219-220)
This book will be of great interest to those studying UFOs, possible ‘cover-ups,’ and related topics.
January 29, 2024
That is a precursor of some of Tim Good's work and Richard Dolan's also. The book was made out of documentation taken using the FOIA, and exposing unclassified records, it also relies heavily on disclosure from officials and other interesting sources, this book was breaking a lot of ground when released, and now we are familiar with a lot of stuff it released but we can thanks the authors for that, it is a bit obsolete now, but it is a good acquisition for the researcher.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews