What did the declassified documents reveal?

Stargate Collection: Hal Puthoff Responds to James Randi’s Book “The Magic of Uri Geller” Released 2023-04-02, The Black Vault entry: https://www.theblackvault.com/documentarchive/stargate-collection-hal-puthoff-responds-to-james-randis-book-the-magic-of-uri-geller/ This document, part of the CIA's Stargate program collection, is an undated rebuttal to James Randi's book, "The Magic of Uri Geller." Dr. Hal Puthoff presents a fact sheet to correct misconceptions and errors put forth by Randi in his book, shedding light on the world of the Stargate program. The document begins with a response to Randi's preface, where he claims Uri Geller convinced executives and researchers at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) that he could distort solid metallic objects. However, Puthoff cites a Nature publication from 1974, stating that while metal bending by Geller was observed, it was not supported by controlled experiments. The publication reads, "It has been widely reported that Geller has demonstrated the ability to bend metal by paranormal means. Although metal bending by Geller has been observed in our laboratory, we have not been able to combine such observations with adequately controlled experiments to obtain data sufficient to support the paranormal hypothesis." Puthoff also addresses Randi's claim that few Geller experiments include the fact that Shipi Strang, Geller's cousin and brother, was present during the SRI experimentation. Puthoff states that during the SRI experimentation, neither Shipi nor any other potential confederate was permitted in the target area, a pre-condition for experimentation adopted on the basis of advice by project consulting magicians. The document continues to refute Randi's claims, citing the involvement of magicians in the project, including a Bay Area magician who specializes in exposing fraudulent poltergeist activity. Puthoff also addresses Randi's claim that he was not given the courtesy of a reply after offering his services to the SRI project. Puthoff notes that Randi's letter was dated September 6, 1973, months after the completion of the SRI work with Geller. Puthoff also addresses Randi's claim that the vast majority of scientists have no interest in psychic phenomena. However, Puthoff cites a recent survey reported by Chris Evans in New Scientist, which found that 67 percent of responding scientists considered ESP to be an established fact or a likely possibility, and 88 percent held the investigation of ESP to be a legitimate scientific undertaking. The document also addresses Randi's claim that Puthoff reprinted a Nature article without the page-and-a-half introduction, implying editing out of material unfavorable to the paper. Puthoff explains that the reprint is the standard Nature reprint sent to authors, and the introduction Randi refers to is an editorial at the front of the magazine, several pages earlier. Puthoff also addresses Randi's claim that he was not given access to the SRI film, and that…

Why was this case declassified?

This material entered the public record through the U.S. declassification and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process.

Stargate Collection: Hal Puthoff Responds To James Randi’s Book “the Magic Of Uri Geller”

◆ BLUF — The short version

" Dr. Hal Puthoff presents a fact sheet to correct misconceptions and errors put forth by Randi in his book, shedding light on the world of the Stargate program. The document begins with a response to Randi's preface, where he claims Uri Geller convinced executives and researchers at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) that he could distort solid metallic objects.

Date: JUL 6 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)

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Episode notes

Stargate Collection: Hal Puthoff Responds to James Randi’s Book “The Magic of Uri Geller” Released 2023-04-02, The Black Vault entry: https://www.theblackvault.com/documentarchive/stargate-collection-hal-puthoff-responds-to-james-randis-book-the-magic-of-uri-geller/ This document, part of the CIA's…

Questions about this case

What was Stargate Collection: Hal Puthoff Responds To James Randi’s Book “the Magic Of Uri Geller” about?: " Dr. Hal Puthoff presents a fact sheet to correct misconceptions and errors put forth by Randi in his book, shedding light on the world of the Stargate program. The document begins with a response to Randi's preface, where he claims Uri Geller convinced executives and researchers at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) that he could distort solid metallic objects.
Why was this case declassified?: This material entered the public record through the U.S. declassification and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. Storyflo narrates it directly from the public release.

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Stargate Collection: Hal Puthoff Responds To James Randi’s Book “the Magic Of Uri Geller”

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