1 - The Black Vault

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Loose
Minute
DR/3/7 /8
8 August 2000
Sec(AS)2al -9 AUG :.:.000
Copy to:
AD/E&MG OMD
CODE REQUEST - PUBLIC CORRESPONDENCE
Reference: D/Sec(AS)64/3 dated 7 August 2000
1 . Thank you for your minute and for a copy of Dr Clarke's latest letter to you
clarifying further his request for information relating to MOD's interest in
"unidentified flying objects".
2. Before turning to the questions you have raised you will be interested to learn
that Dr Clarke sought to clarify his earlier request to this office concerning the rereview
of a large number of files closed in accordance with 53(4) of the Public
Records Act of 195 8 (Annex A). Originally thought to be in the region of 30 closed
files, subsequent research has identified a further 43. The latter being sensitive
extracts taken from the files to permit release at an earlier review. So far as his latest
letter is concerned I have simply acknowledged his letter and for thanked him for
clarification of his original request and that it is still my intention to provide him with
a progress report of our review of these files towards the end of September.
3. Now your minute:
Dr Clarke's Para 3
I endorse your comments. As your papers will reveal the earlier advice was taken
after obtaining Legal input and was based on the belief that the 30-year rule
removed from the department continuing obligations on confidentality. This was of
course, before the Data Protection legislation of 1998 came into force. It is my
understanding the recent change in Data Protection still provides for a duty of
confidentiality and that our position should be unchanged. AD/E&MG OMD may be
able to give further advice.
Para 6