The Roots of Secrecy

The concealment of UAP/UFO information was initiated by national security officials with good intentions, yet it prompts the question: has this practice outlasted its usefulness?

In our lives, the decisions we make are often influenced by those who came before us. The withholding of information—whether through denial, deception, or omission—represents a choice made by others to limit our understanding. This manipulation distorts our perception of reality, as an unseen authority exerts control over our awareness of experiences. Until we uncover what has been hidden, we remain shackled by ignorance. The age-old saying holds true: only the truth can liberate us.

In the study of UFOs, a complex narrative persists, suggesting a decision not to inform the public about the presence of highly advanced non-human intelligences in our skies, oceans, and possibly even beneath our planet's surface.

Different phrases have emerged to describe this perceived suppression. Steve Bassett, a longtime advocate in Congress for UFO transparency, refers to it as the Truth Embargo. Others simply call it a UFO coverup. The former term suggests a neutral stance on withholding information, while the latter indicates a more aggressive manipulation of the public. The term Coverup carries connotations of unethical and possibly illegal actions. A third term, Disavowal, attempts to merge these perspectives.

The individuals behind the Disavowal were far from naive. They constructed a powerful influence at the highest levels of government to ensure the secrecy surrounding not only their investigations into unidentified phenomena but also their very existence. Their reach appears extensive, with indications of control over both military and intelligence agencies. Documents released over time hint at rapid response teams dispatched to manage encounters and gather evidence in real time. They are perpetually vigilant.

For instance, consider the swift arrival of secrecy agents aboard the U.S.S. Nimitz after the renowned Tic-Tac incident in 2004. Sailors who were present recounted how individuals in civilian attire boarded the ship to confiscate data, reportedly arriving almost instantaneously during naval exercises off California’s coast. This indicates a sophisticated level of operational control.

The Disavowal has proven to be effective, comprehensive, and enduring. After nearly eighty years, it has left a noticeable trace. We can now more easily identify a highly organized system of concealment, yet we are still left questioning its underlying motivations. While these motivations may have diversified, two primary reasons stand out.

The first is national security, and the second is cultural shock.

Reason #1 — National Security

The aftermath of World War II left seventy-five million dead, alongside profound trauma inflicted on civilization and the planet itself.

Following the war, Americans were enveloped in a climate of fear and anxiety regarding global events. The necessity for recovery from the relentless turmoil of the preceding five years was palpable. Victory signified peace, and citizens expected to bask in the triumph while restoring normalcy to their lives. Then came reports of flying saucers.

With a robust civilian manufacturing base, the U.S. military had emerged victorious over technologically sophisticated foes. The prevailing sentiment was that America had saved the world, a source of immense pride and confidence. The catastrophic consequences of political misjudgments, such as the Vietnam War, lay ahead. Trust in the military's proven valor was unwavering; America’s armed forces were the world's dominant power.

Into this atmosphere of jubilation, the emergence of unidentified flying objects and their enigmatic occupants, particularly near Roswell in 1947, disrupted the narrative. Evidence suggests crash recoveries occurred at several sites across New Mexico in the following years. Speculation surrounds the possibility that high-energy radar systems deployed by the Army may have inadvertently caused some of these crashes. All of this activity unfolded around sensitive scientific research facilities and the only airbase supporting U.S. nuclear weapons delivery. This was troubling from a security perspective.

Threat Analysis

From a military standpoint, the initial decision to keep any recovered information confidential is understandable.

The Pentagon’s mission is to protect America from external threats. What could pose a more alien threat than an entirely unknown form of intelligent life possessing technologically advanced craft that can traverse U.S. airspace at will? If the American populace had to contend with the fear of dangers lurking above, the rest and recovery that followed the war would be jeopardized. This would damage reputations across the board.

Compounding the issue was the military’s uncertainty about whether they could replicate their wartime success against potential adversaries whose capabilities were largely unknown. Additionally, the dynamics of the Cold War were beginning to emerge. The competition for post-war funding was fierce, making it unwise to disclose uncertainties regarding the effectiveness of military expenditures. Comprehensive threat assessment was crucial, with solutions to follow later.

One must also consider the lasting impact of Orson Welles' infamous radio broadcast, which incited widespread panic over fictional Martian invaders. H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds, adapted for the airwaves in 1938, led to a remarkably gullible national audience believing disaster was imminent. It is easy to see why the military would avoid broadcasting news that might be interpreted as an announcement of an actual Martian arrival.

It is likely that the Disavowal was initiated to provide those in the know with ample time to understand the situation, its implications, and how to respond.

The results of early military investigations, Projects Sign and Grudge, frustrated top officials due to the lack of politically viable information. Compounding the issue was the public's growing curiosity about the phenomena. Trusting the military for answers, citizens were increasingly drawn to reports of unidentified sightings, such as those captured by ordinary individuals like Paul and Evelyn Trent in McMinnville, Oregon. The media began to take notice, necessitating a response to quell this mounting interest.

Sounds of Silence

Feigning ignorance, especially with a decorated military uniform and a patronizing demeanor, was an easy way to address the situation.

However, this approach was not always effective with credible witnesses adamant about their experiences. Behind the curtain of the Disavowal, questions proliferated while answers remained elusive. Long-term resolution required a strategic approach, raising the question of how much time would be needed—ten, twenty, or even fifty years? Proactive planning was essential; after all, the show must go on.

While civilians could not be ordered to remain silent, they could be subjected to public ridicule or intimidation. A decision was made to discredit anyone speaking earnestly about flying saucers, questioning their reliability, motives, and sanity. If ridicule failed, harsher measures could be employed. With specialized departments trained during the recent world war, the military perceived the unsuspecting American public as a legitimate target for counterintelligence operations. Public humiliation became a tool for control.

Authorities who had previously engaged in hazardous nuclear research, dispersing radioactive dust over major cities to study wind patterns, saw no ethical dilemma in belittling or threatening citizens unwilling to remain silent about UFOs. The needs of the many justified the means. Best of all, this approach proved self-reinforcing.

Ultimately, national security operates on a need-to-know basis. If authorities lack knowledge about a subject, the public is deemed unworthy of that information. Silence equates to success.

Reason #2 — Culture Shock

The second significant impetus for the Disavowal likely became apparent early on.

For centuries, humanity has operated under the assumption of its supremacy in the universe. This self-importance is deeply ingrained in various cultural narratives, including the Judeo-Christian belief in human dominion over all earthly life. We view ourselves as exceptional, entitled to everything we see—our Moon, for instance.

In recent centuries, this mindset has intensified, leading to a belief that we can control everything around us. Our desires dictate our actions, often unchecked, even to our own detriment. Consciousness is typically dismissed unless it resides within a human mind—until it isn't. When the truth eventually surfaces, we may be forced to confront uncomfortable realities.

The revelation that humanity is not only not alone but perhaps not even the most advanced species could lead to predictable yet uncontrollable repercussions. The fate of James V. Forrestal, the first U.S. Secretary of Defense during the UFO recoveries, raises questions: did he lose his grip on reality upon discovering the existence of non-human intelligences? Did soldiers tasked with retrieving alien bodies suffer irreparable trauma? The answers may forever elude us, but those managing the Disavowal were certainly aware.

The theological and cultural ramifications of humanity being a distant second or third in the cosmic hierarchy were likely examined in confidential reports from think tanks. The prospect of societal upheaval loomed large. A populace stripped of the notion of divine favor might react unpredictably, akin to the indigenous peoples of the Americas when Europeans arrived. With the foundations of established beliefs shaken, the potential for social disorder became a pressing concern.

The Uncertainty Factor

In light of all this, it is hardly surprising that a decision was made long ago to keep the public in the dark.

While gatekeepers may not have hoarded every piece of information, the advent of smartphones and global connectivity suggests a shift in access to knowledge. Advances in nanotechnology and metamaterials, capable of rendering objects invisible, add to the intrigue. Perhaps Ronald Reagan's 1985 diary entry, noting the capacity to orbit 300 people, was a genuine reflection of hidden truths. Despite the considerable information concealed from us, our lives have also become inundated with distractions. What crucial choices might we be overlooking? The Disavowal likely continues to weigh costs against benefits.

Ultimately, the responsibility for our reactions lies with us. The recent attempt at a government coup in the U.S. serves as a stark reminder of the potential for chaos fueled by delusional ideologies. Ordinary citizens were manipulated into violence through toxic media narratives, all without the influence of extraterrestrial beings.

Whether ending the Disavowal would yield positive outcomes remains an open question. The challenges we face are significant: climate change, resource depletion, overpopulation, and ongoing conflicts are just a few of the pressing issues. Who, then, is truly in control?

It is possible that sufficient cultural conditioning has occurred over the past seventy-five years, enabling people to confront the reality that humanity is neither the singular nor the most advanced species. Conversely, perhaps humans require a jolt of humility to improve their behavior towards the cosmos. If the Disavowal has illustrated anything, it is that shame can lead to lasting changes in conduct. Regardless of the outcome, those whose perceptions have been clouded by the Disavowal will not determine the course of action.

Freedom invariably comes at a cost. Ultimately, we are the ones responsible for settling the bill.

> Trail of the Saucers delves into UAP news, history, culture, and analysis. It is produced by Stellar Productions and edited by writer/producer Bryce Zabel, co-host of the popular podcast Need to Know with Coulthart and Zabel. Here are some additional articles from the Trail of the Saucers archives—