Majestic 12

Majestic 12: The Secret UFO Committee That Never Was

In 1984, a mysterious package arrived at the doorstep of ufologist Jamie Shandera. Inside was undeveloped film containing documents that would ignite one of the most enduring UFO conspiracy theories: Majestic 12. But were these documents genuine, or an elaborate hoax?

What Is Majestic 12?

Majestic 12 (MJ-12) is purported to be a secret committee formed in 1947 by U.S. President Harry S. Truman. Allegedly, its purpose was to investigate and manage the recovery of extraterrestrial spacecraft, particularly the Roswell incident. The story gained traction when documents surfaced in the 1980s, claiming to be official government memos.

The 1984 Documents

In December 1984, Jamie Shandera received a mysterious roll of undeveloped film. Upon development, it revealed two key documents:

  • Truman-Forestal Memo: A “Top Secret” memo from President Truman to Defense Secretary James Forrestal, dated September 24, 1947, authorizing the formation of MJ-12.

  • Eisenhower Briefing Document: A seven-page “Top Secret/Eyes Only” document used to brief President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1952 about MJ-12’s activities.

These documents were initially met with intrigue and skepticism within the UFO community.

Government Response

The U.S. government swiftly dismissed the documents as fraudulent. In 1988, the FBI initiated an investigation after receiving a similar memo. The investigation concluded that the documents were “completely bogus,” citing numerous inconsistencies and lack of authenticity. The FBI’s findings were published in their Vault, accessible to the public. FBI

Analysis of the Documents

Experts have pointed out several issues with the MJ-12 documents:

  • Anachronistic Terminology: The use of terms like “Majestic 12” and “Eyes Only” was inconsistent with the language used in official documents from the 1940s.

  • Inconsistent Signatures: The signatures on the documents did not match known authentic signatures of the individuals purported to have signed them.

  • Forgery Evidence: Forensic analysis suggested that some signatures were photocopied and pasted onto the documents.

These discrepancies led many to conclude that the documents were elaborate forgeries, possibly created to perpetuate a UFO cover-up narrative.

Cultural Impact

Despite the debunking, MJ-12 has had a lasting impact on UFO lore and popular culture. The concept of a secret government committee investigating extraterrestrial phenomena has been featured in various films, television shows, and books. It continues to be a topic of discussion among UFO enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists.

Conclusion

While the Majestic 12 documents have been debunked as fraudulent, they remain a significant part of UFO conspiracy history. Their emergence in the 1980s sparked widespread interest and debate about government secrecy and extraterrestrial life. Whether a hoax or part of a larger disinformation campaign, MJ-12 continues to captivate the imagination of many.