Ministry of Defence File: Unidentified Flying Objects - Correspondence (Sec(AS)12/3)

This document is a compilation of correspondence and internal records from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Secretariat (Air Staff) 2a, covering the period from late 1989 through 1990. The file, designated Sec(AS)12/3, documents the MOD's interactions with members of the public, researchers, and other government departments regarding reports of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The correspondence reveals a consistent MOD policy: the department does not conduct in-depth investigations into UFO sightings, as its primary concern is limited to determining whether such phenomena pose a threat to the security of the United Kingdom. When reports are received, they are typically acknowledged, and the correspondents are informed that the MOD has no department dedicated to full-time UFO research. The file includes numerous letters from individuals reporting sightings, as well as inquiries from researchers and UFO societies seeking information on specific incidents, such as the Rendlesham Forest case and various sightings in the South Wales and Bristol areas. The MOD consistently directs these individuals to civilian organisations like the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) or Contact International (UK). Internal memoranda within the file discuss the handling of 'persistent' correspondents, with some discussions regarding the potential for 'blacklisting' individuals who repeatedly submit inquiries or make accusations of a 'cover-up.' The file also contains technical information regarding the CRRES (Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite) programme, which the MOD acknowledged might cause 'UFO scares' due to chemical releases in the upper atmosphere. Additionally, the file includes bizarre correspondence from individuals claiming to be 'secret envoys' or members of groups like the 'Cosmos Supreme Civilization Circle,' as well as documents related to the 'Outer Space Act 1986.' The overall tone of the MOD's responses is formal, dismissive of the UFO phenomenon as a security threat, and focused on maintaining administrative efficiency while managing public interest.