1 - The Black Vault

LOOSE MINUTE
D/DOMD/2/3
20 July 2000
Sec(AS)2
Copy to:
DRl
CODE REQUEST· ACCESS TO FILES
Reference: D/Sec(AS)/64/3 dated 20 July 2000
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on your proposed reply to Dr
Clarke's request to examine all MOD files containing information on UFOs.
2. I agree that Exemption 9 is a valid exemption in this case. In explaining
this to Dr Clarke, it might also be worth quoting Exemption 12 (privacy of an
individual).
3. If Dr Clarke suggests that he provide an undertaking that he would not
to submit a more focussed request, that would have no bearing on our position -
the duty on MOD is to not release the information. My understanding is that
allowing a third party to view personal information is as much releasing it as if
we gave them a copy. Subject to a change in the Public Records Act or the
Data Protection Act, the only way I can see MOD being able legally to grant
access to these records without anonymising them would be to ask every
person mentioned whether they were happy to have their data released.
4. It may be worth explaining this to Dr Clarke to help him formulate a
request which does not break these key principles.
(signed]
OMD/AD~
NH617 -