1 - The Black Vault

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As for DEFE 44/1, although this file contains material more than 50 years old, it might
not be released until 2021 because it also contains material dating from 1991. In the case
of files held under class DEFE 21, these apparently contain files created by both the old
Directorate of Scientific Intelligence between 1950-1964, which should be open;
however, they also contain later material from the DSTI relating to the period 1964-1991,
which under the terms of the 1967 Act would remain closed until2021.
In these circumstances, would it not be possible to make ·an exception and allow access to
the reports and memoranda contained within those files which specifically relate to the
period 1946-1969, which would fall under the terms of the 30 year rule?
I understand that under the Freedom of Information Act all Government records - other
that those created by the Security and Special Services - should be made available for
public scrutiny unless it can be demonstrated their disclosure would clearly cause harm
to "national security, defence and international relations ... the internal discussion of
Government policy [and/or] personal privacy."
I understand from the FOI unit that individual departments do have the power to make
exceptions and allow access to 'closed' material for research purposes in certain
circumstances. In my case, I am researching the UK MOD's involvement in the study of
Unidentified Flying Objects, both in terms of the Air Staff and Defence and Scientific
Intelligence, within the context of a sociological study based in an established academic
department. The research is supported by the University of Sheffield, where I have an
Honorary Research Fellowship from the National Centre for English Cultural Tradition,
School of English.
I wish to apply for access to the files specified above under the Freedom of Information
Act, and I would appreciate any information you can provide with regards to their current
closure status under the current Access to Public Records Act, 1967.
I hope you are able to help and look forward to hearing from you,