Larry W. Bryant was a UFO researcher, writer, and government transparency advocate who pursued federal records through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). His work included efforts to obtain documents concerning unidentified flying objects, intelligence activities, and government accountability. Bryant also contributed to UFO Magazine, where he examined government records and controversies involving UFO research. His correspondence with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) provides a historical record of his efforts to obtain information and challenge agency disclosure decisions.

This collection, released by the CIA under FOIA case F-2021-02420, contains historical correspondence, administrative records, appeals, and other materials associated with Bryant’s dealings with the agency. Among the subjects addressed are UFO investigations, alleged intelligence operations, and disputes over the CIA’s handling of information requests. The documents include correspondence concerning the agency’s searches, withholding decisions, fee assessments, and Bryant’s attempts to obtain recognition as a representative of the news media.

One notable portion concerns Bryant’s efforts to obtain records associated with the November 1986 Japan Airlines UFO encounter over Alaska and a subsequent meeting reportedly held at Federal Aviation Administration headquarters in 1987. In a September 30, 2008, response, the CIA stated that there was “no organized CIA effort to do research in connection with UFO phenomena” and that the agency had not maintained an organized UFO intelligence collection effort since the 1950s. Subsequent correspondence documents the reopening of Bryant’s request in 2009 and the CIA’s decision to recognize his news media fee status for that particular case. The collection also includes records concerning litigation arising from the dispute.

Continue scrolling for more...

Other correspondence concerns Bryant’s attempts to obtain CIA records about John Joseph McCarthy Jr., his alleged intelligence activities, and Project CHERRY. In September 2004, the CIA invoked FOIA exemptions concerning classified information and intelligence sources and methods, refusing to confirm or deny the existence of records that would reveal a covert relationship. Subsequent processing resulted in a determination that no responsive records were located, which the CIA upheld on appeal in 2006. Additional materials concern Bryant’s interest in UFO skeptic Philip J. Klass, including a published discussion of FBI records obtained through FOIA.