Project Aquarius: The 1977 MJ-12 Briefing for President Carter

On June 14, 1977, a secret briefing allegedly took place at the White House that would change the course of UFO history. Known as the Project Aquarius Executive Briefing, this document—provided to President Jimmy Carter—purports to be a “reconstruction” of the cosmic secrets held by the elusive MJ-12 group. It details a history of recovered alien craft, the survival of an Extraterrestrial Biological Entity (EBE) from the Zeta Reticuli system, and a series of clandestine sub-projects designed to communicate with and reverse-engineer alien technology. For decades, researchers have debated whether this is a genuine leak or a masterclass in government disinformation.

The stakes of the Aquarius briefing were personal for Carter. Having famously seen a UFO himself in 1969, he entered office promising full disclosure, only to be met with “national security” roadblocks. This post dives into the full transcript of the alleged briefing, exploring the origins of Project Gleem, the shocking revelation that alien ancestors “planted” a human-like creature on Earth 2,000 years ago, and the ongoing missions of projects like SIGMA and SNOWBIRD. Whether it is the ultimate truth or a psychological operation, the Aquarius document remains a cornerstone of the UFO cover-up narrative.

Full text Of: Executive Briefing: Project Aquarius

This article about the “Carter Document” has been edited several times by both Robert M. Collins and “ORTK Editor”. This article is a somewhat pre-sequel to the “Yellow Book” article I placed a few days ago. That article had references to this one.
This piece has been provided by Robert M. Collins. All text edited by him is copyrighted by him.

FULL TEXT OF “EXECUTIVE BRIEFING: PROJECT AQUARIUS”

[ ORTK Editor’s Note: The following transcript of an alleged MJ-12 briefing provided to then President Jimmy Carter has been provided by researcher Lee Graham, a recipient of the document. Graham states that he received the document on June 13, 1991 from researcher William Moore, with the permission of a Defense Intelligence Agency official code-named “Falcon,” a member of the “aviary.” These notes were allegedly used by a lone MJ-12 briefing officer to provide an oral briefing to President Carter at the White House on June 14, 1977. We(ORTK) are republishing the contents of this document based on letters to Mr. Graham from the Department of Energy and the Air Force Operations Test and Command informing him that the document is “not classified” (and apparently genuine), except for the cover page, which contains a still-classified symbol (see the cover page preceding the transcript). Readers should understand that the authenticity of this document remains in question and should draw their own conclusions on reading the text below. Explanatory notes are included in parentheses and in bold print.]

[Robert Collins’ Notes 08-12-96: From all the checking that this side has done the “Carter document” in question is not a legitimately classified government document. But, from government intelligence sources it is a “reconstruction” of a briefing given to then President Carter on 77/06/14. The briefing was “reconstructed” from a number of independent sources who attended it. By these sources sitting down together they were able to pool their notes written down after the briefing and come up with the “reconstruction” shown here. That’s why on the originals some of the page numbers were “penned” in: The reader is cautioned that some of the information may be false: Some of it may be disinformation/misinformation and that one should read this with an open mind towards skepticism. One may notice grammar or spelling errors. This I understand was a way of tracking the document: The reader should also be able to notice this in the “MJ-12 documents” as well. Recent source information however has stated that from their review of the “Carter document” that it appears essentially correct.

The White House record on that date indicates that President Carter met with his National Security Adviser Dr Brzezinki: The name “Project Aquarius” is also the same name associated with another “Aquarius” at the National Security Agency or NSA. But, reportedly this Top Secret “Aquarius” has to do with Advanced Communications Theory/Systems and not UFOs. But, NSA was quoted in a letter back on January 27th, 1987 that they knew of an Air Force program named “Aquarius” that had been connected with UFOs. [end notes]

Cover page reads:
ATTENTION : THIS DOCUMENT WAS PREPARED BY MJ12. MJ12 IS SOLELY
RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS SUBJECT MATTER.
DOCUMENT CONTROL: ECN 0001
CLASSIFIED BY : MJ12-EO/34012
DECLASSIFY ON : EXEMPT CAT.

Page 1 of 1 reads:

(TS/ORCON) The information contained in this document is classified TOP SECRET with ORCON. (Only the originator may release the information). Only MJ12 has access to Project Aquarius. No other government agency, to include the military has access to the information contained in this briefing. There are only two copies of Project Aquarius and the location is known only to MJ12. This document will be destroyed after the briefing. No notes, photographs, or audio recordings may be made of this briefing.

Page 1 of 9 reads:

(TS/ORCON) (PROWORD: DANCE) Contains 16 volumes of documented information collected from the beginning of the United States Investigation of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and Identified Alien Crafts (IAC). The Project was originally established in 1953, by order of President Eisenhower, under control of NSC and MJ12. In 1966, the Project’s name was changed from Project Gleem to Project Aquarius. The Project was funded by CIA confidential funds (non-appropriated). The Project was originally classified SECRET but was upgraded to its present classification in Dec. 1969 after Project Blue Book closed. The purpose of Project Aquarius was to collect all scientific, technological, medical, and intelligence information from UFO/IAC sightings, and contacts with Alien life forms. This orderly file of collected information has been used to advanced the United States Space Program.

(TS/ORCON) The proceeding briefing is an historical account of the United States Government’s investigation of Aerial Phenomenas, Recovered Alien Aircrafts, and Contacts with Extraterrestrial Life Forms.

Page 2 of 9 reads:

(TS/ORCON) In June 1947, a civilian pilot flying over the Cascade mountains of Washington State observed nine flying discs (later referred to as UFOs). The Commander, Air Force Technical Intelligence Center of the then Army Air Forces became concerned and ordered an inquiry. This was the beginning of the United States involvement with the UFO investigations. In 1947, an aircraft of extraterrestrial origin crashed in the desert of New Mexico. The craft was recovered by the military, four Alien (non-homo-sapiens) bodies were recovered in the wreckage. The Aliens were found to be creatures not related to human beings (Atch 1). (Editor’s note: None of the referenced attachments were included in the information Lee Graham received.)

In late 1949, another Alien aircraft crashed in the United States and was recovered partially intact by the military. One Alien of extraterrestrial origin survived the crash. The surviving Alien was male and called itself “EBE”. The Alien was thoroughly interrogated by military intelligence personnel at a base in New Mexico. The Alien’s language was translated by means of picture graphs. It was learned the Alien came from a planet in the Zeta [sic] Reticuli star system, approximately 40 light years from Earth. EBE lived until June 18, 1952, when he died [sic] to an unexplained illness. During the time period EBE was alive, he provided valuable information regarding space technology, origins of the Universe, and exobiological matters. Further data is contained in Atch 2.

Page 3 of 9 reads:

(TS/ORCON) The recovery of Alien aircrafts led the United States on an extensive investigation program to determine whether these Aliens posed a direct threat to our national security. In 1947, the newly created Air Force initiated a program to investigate incidents involving UFOs. The program was operated under three different code names: Grudge, Sign, and finally Blue Book. The original mission of the Air Force program was to collect and analyze all reported sightings or incidents involving UFOs and determine whether the information could be [sic] interrupted as having any bearing on the security of the United States. Some information was evaluated with the idea of using the gained data to advance our own space technology and future space programs. Ninety percent of the estimated 12,000 reports analyzed by the Air Force were considered hoaxes, explained aerial phenomena’s, or natural astronomical objects. The other 10 percent were considered legitimate Alien sightings and/or incidents. However, not all UFO sightings or incidents were reported under the Air Force program. In 1953, Project Gleem was initiated by order of President Eisenhower, who believed the UFOs presented a threat to the national security of the United States. Project Gleem, which became Project Aquarius in 1966, was a parallel reporting system for UFO sightings and incidents. Reports collected under Project Aquarius were considered actual sightings of Alien aircrafts or contacts with Alien life forms. Most reports were made by reliable military and Defense Department civilian personnel.

Page 4 of 9 reads:

(TS/ORCON) In 1958, the United States recovered a third Alien aircraft from the desert of Utah. The aircraft was in excellent flying condition. The aircraft was apparently abandoned by the Aliens for some unexplained reason, since no Alien life forms were found in or around the aircraft. The aircraft was considered a technological marvel by United States scientists. However, the operating instrumentations of the aircraft were so complex that our scientists could not interrupt their operation. The aircraft was stored in a top security area and analyzed throughout the years by our best aerospace scientists. The United States gained a large volume of technological data from the recovered Alien aircraft. A detailed description and further information regarding the aircraft is explained in Atch 3.

Page 5 of 9 reads:

(TS/ORCON) Several independent scientific investigations, at the request of the Air Force and CIA, were initiated during the era of Project Blue Book. MJ12 decided that officially, the Air Force should end their investigation of UFOs. This decision was arrived at during the [unreadable] meeting (Atch 4) in 1966. The reason was twofold. First, the United States had established communication with the Aliens. The United States felt relatively sure the Aliens’ exploration of Earth was non-aggressive and non-hostile. It was also established that the Aliens’ presence did not directly threaten the security of the United States. Secondly, the public was beginning to believe that UFOs were real. The NSC felt this public feeling could lead to nationwide panic. The United States was involved in several sensitive projects during this time period. It was felt that public awareness of these projects would have jeopardized the future space program of the United States. Therefore, MJ12 decided that an independent scientific study of the UFO phenomena would be needed to satisfy public curiosity. The study concluded that sufficient data did not exist that would indicate UFOs threatened the security of the United States. The final conclusion satisfied the government and allowed the Air Force to officially step out of the UFO investigating business.

Page 6 of 9 reads:

(TS/ORCON) When the Air Force officially closed Project Blue Book in Dec. 1969, Project Aquarius continued operation under control of NSC/MJ12. The NSC felt investigations of UFO sightings and incidents had to continue in secrecy without any public knowledge. The reasoning behind the decision was this: If the Air Force continued its investigation of UFOs, eventually some uncleared and unbriefed Air Force or Defense Department civilian officials would obtain the facts behind Project Aquarius. Obviously (for operational security reasons) this could not be allowed. In order to continue the investigation of UFO sightings and incidents in secrecy, investigators from CIA/DCD [Editor’s Note: One source indicated that DCD possibly refers to a domestic collection function within CIA, illegal under law.] and MJ12 were assigned to military and other governmental agencies with orders to investigate all legitimate UFO/IAC sightings and incidents. These agents are presently operating at various locations throughout the United States and Canada. All reports are filtered either directly or indirectly to MJ12. These agents are collecting reports of UFO/IAC sightings and incidents occurring on or near sensitive governmental installations. [Rmc’s note: AFOSI was also very deeply involved in this collection activity.]

NOTE: Aliens have been extremely interested in our nuclear weapons and nuclear research. Many reported military sightings and incidents occur over nuclear weapons bases. The Alien’s interest in our nuclear weapons can only be attributed to the future threat of a nuclear war on Earth. The Air Force have initiated measures to insure the security of the nuclear weapons from Alien theft or destruction. MJ12 feels confident the Aliens are on an exploration of our solar system for peaceful purposes. However, we must continue to observe and track the Aliens’ movements until it is determined that the Aliens’ future plans contain no threat to our national security or the civilization of Earth.

Page 7 of 9 reads:

(TS/ORCON) Most governmental documents pertaining to UFO sightings, incidents and governmental policies, including Project Blue Book, have been released to the public under FOIA or under various other release programs. MJ12 felt the remaining documents and information (not related to Project Aquarius) relating to technological facts regarding Aliens’ medical matters, the fact that an Alien was captured alive and survived for three years, can not be released to the public for fear the information would be obtained by SHIS [Editor’s note: This may be a reference to hostile foreign intelligence services.] There was other information obtained from EBE that was deemed sensitive and not releasable to the public. Notably, Project Aquarius Volume IX, which pertains to tracing the Aliens’ first visitation of Earth back some 5,000 years. EBE reported that 2,000 years ago his ancestors planted a human creature on Earth to assist the inhabitants of Earth in developing a civilization. This information was only vague and the exact identity or background information on this homo-sapien was not obtained. [Sic] Undoubtfully, if this information was released to the public, it would cause a worldwide religious panic. MJ3 [Editor’s note: Apparently a reference to a designated member of MJ12.] has developed a plan that will allow release of Project Aquarius, Volumes I thru III. The release program calls for a gradual release of information over a period of time in order to condition the public for future disclosures. Atch 5 of this briefing contains certain guidelines for future public releases.

Page 8 of 9 reads:

(TS/ORCON) In the 1976 MJ3 report (Atch 6), it was estimated the Aliens’ technology was many thousands of years ahead of United States technology. Our scientists speculate that until our technology develops to a level equal to the Aliens, we cannot understand the large volume of scientific information the United States has already gained from the Aliens. This advancement of United States technology may take many hundreds of years.

Page 9 of 9 reads:

SUB PROJECTS UNDER PROJECT AQUARIUS

(TS/ORCON) PROJECT BANDO: (PROWORD: RISK) Originally established in 1949. Its mission was to collect and evaluate medical information from the surviving Alien creature and the recovered Alien bodies. This Project medically examined EBE and provided United States medical researchers with certain answers to the evolution theory. (OPR: CIA) (Terminated in 1974)
(TS/ORCON) PROJECT SIGMA: (PROWORD: MIDNIGHT) Originally established as part of Project Gleem in 1954. Became a separate project in 1976. Its mission was to establish communication with Aliens. This Project met with positive success, when in 1959, the United States established primitive communications with the Aliens. On April 25, 1964, a USAF intelligence officer met two Aliens at a prearranged location in the desert of New Mexico [Editor’s note: This apparently refers to the Holloman AFB landing.]

[Rmc’s note: The exact date was April 24th, 1964 at a test site. Holloman was another incident.]

The contact lasted for approximately three hours. Based on the Alien’s language given to us by EBE, the Air Force officer managed to exchange basic information with the two Aliens (Atch 7). This project is continuing at an Air Force base in New Mexico. (OPR: MJ12/NSA).
(TS/ORCON) PROJECT SNOWBIRD: (PROWORD: CETUS) Originally established in 1972. Its mission was to test fly a recovered alien aircraft. This project is continuing in Nevada. (OPR: USAF/NSA/CIA/MJ12)
(TS/ORCON) PROJECT POUNCE: (PROWORD: DIXIE) Originally established in 1968. Its mission was to evaluate all UFO/IAC information pertaining to space technology. PROJECT POUNCE continues. (OPR: NASA/USAF)

This post presents the full transcript of the “Executive Briefing: Project Aquarius,” an alleged MJ-12 document reconstructed by researchers Robert M. Collins and Lee Graham. The briefing outlines the United States’ secret history with “Identified Alien Crafts” (IAC), beginning with the 1947 Roswell crash and the subsequent recovery of live extraterrestrial beings. It details the life and interrogation of “EBE,” a visitor from Zeta Reticuli who lived at a New Mexico base until 1952, providing vital data on space technology and exobiology. The document claims that while Project Blue Book was the public face of UFO investigations, the classified Project Aquarius (formerly Gleem) handled the truly sensitive contacts and scientific breakthroughs.

The summary also breaks down the four critical sub-projects listed in the briefing: Project BANDO (medical evaluation of alien remains), Project SIGMA (the mission to establish communication), Project SNOWBIRD (test-flying recovered craft), and Project POUNCE (evaluating space technology). A particularly controversial section of the briefing suggests that extraterrestrials have been visiting Earth for 5,000 years and may have influenced human religious history—a revelation so potent that MJ-12 feared it would cause “worldwide religious panic.” By analyzing the “ORCON” security markings and the specific dates of presidential meetings, this post provides the context needed to evaluate one of the most provocative documents in the history of UFO research.