I agree that Hawkings was just making a (feeble) joke, from the tone of what he said. I think that some UFO forums jump on any mention of alien life by anyone & twist the intention behind their words to push for disclosure. I too wish for disclosure, but am not too hopeful any more. If you read the literature from back in 1960 or thereabouts, everyone was buzzing with hope & it still hasn't happened (officially)