1 - The Black Vault

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Loose
Minute
D lnfo(Exp)R/3/7/8
25 September 2000
DAS4a(Sec)
'UFOs' -Dr CLARKE'S REQUEST FOR ACCESS TO FILES
Reference: A. DR/3/7/8 dated 6 September 2000
B. D/Sec(AS)64/3 dated 11 September 2000, together with a letter from
Dr Clarke dated 4 September 2000
C. My email 14 September 2000 12.42
D. Dr Clarke's letter dated 1 August 2000
1. Dr Clarke's most recent communication (attached to Ref B) significantly refines
his early requests for access to files relating to "ufo" matters. I believe that I can now
update earlier advice to you (Refs A and C).
2. Dr Clarke identifies five files (or categories of files) he seeks access to:
(1) DSI/JTIC Report No 7, Unidentified Flying Objects (1952), plus related Intelligence
reports on UFOs, 1 951 - 1952.
That this report once existed is not disputed. It is documented in a number of pieces
at the Public Record Office, for example DEFE 10/496 & 497 (both released some
four years ago). In correspondence Dr C has identified a number of closed
intelligence files from the PRO catalogue that might contain the report- DEFE 21,
DEFE 31 /19 & 64 and DEFE 44/1. The closed files have been examined and although
we are not able to release complete files reviewers did look out for papers relating to
"ufos". First, the Report No.7 is not on any of these files; second, a few "ufo" related
papers have been identified. DEFE 31 I 19, out of 108 enclosures some six (dated
June 1967) concern "ufos". DEFE 44/1 one paper (only) refers to Report No. 7. These
pages are not sensitive and could be released.
I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE OPTION:
a. to advise Dr C that a review of the closed files identified by him none contained
the report he seeks, and
b. that as a consequence of earlier searches for, and failure to locate, this report we
conclude that it has not survive the passage of time, but