1 - The Black Vault

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From:
DAS 4a(Sec)
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Secretariat (Air Staff)
Room 8243, Main Building, Whitehall
LONDON SWIA 2HB
Telephone (Direct dial)
(Switchb~OOO
(Fax-
FAX MESSAGE
TO: Hd of AHB-
SUBJECT: Privileged access to files- Dr Clarke
DATE: 29 Sep 00
NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING THIS COVER: 4
Following my telephone call to your office, I attach a ''sample" letter from Dr Clarke who wishes to
gain access for research purposes to a range of files on Unidentified Flying Objects that are currently
closed to the public under the 30 year rule protecting confidentiality of personal details.
Earlier in the summer (F&S) Legal alerted this Directorate to the fact that there was a provision,
administered by yourselves, to award a special dispensation from disclosure practice to enable
privileged access to bona fide historical researchers (JSP 400 paragraph 3.23).
In advance of consulting with DOMD and DR I would be grateful for your advice concerning what you
would regard as bona fide historical research and whether you consider Dr Clarke might merit such
access, on the basis of the information available to us in the attached letter.